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saskskierDid the seller include pictures or information saying the frame was wrinkled like that? If not, I would have asked for my money back. There are sometimes the carbon layup isn't perfect and (from what I've heard), it's often cosmetic. That said, I don't think I've seen any as bad as that. Also, with it being on the top tube and always visible, it would always be nagging in the back of my mind, even if I knew it was purely cosmetic.
Bring it to a shop and see what they have to say.
He did not mention or show the wrinkles, but has gotten back to me and said that's just how carbon fiber looks with a clear coat. He said it came like that and has seen it on other bikes, but I'll definitely bring it into a shop. Guy seemed totally legit when I met up with him so I don't think he's trying to pull one over on me but I'm still a little worried.
Didn't take the bike in for an inspection/tune up yet cause I didn't wanna miss a day of riding. Needless to say I dig it. Also already hooked on strava haha
will_powderThat's hilarious, I was emailing this guy too.
Seriously? Sorry man. It sounds like I was the first guy to contact him by a few minutes. I was surprised he was willing to wait for me to drive up there from Calgary, but I'm pretty pumped. Super nice guy.
Do any of you guys ride a gravel/adventure road bike? I am looking for a go anywhere type of bike that is a road bike first but can handle taking it off the road if I have to.
I'm looking at the Jamis Renegade Expat, Felt V100, or any other suggestions.
theBearJewDo any of you guys ride a gravel/adventure road bike? I am looking for a go anywhere type of bike that is a road bike first but can handle taking it off the road if I have to.
I'm looking at the Jamis Renegade Expat, Felt V100, or any other suggestions.
theBearJewDo any of you guys ride a gravel/adventure road bike? I am looking for a go anywhere type of bike that is a road bike first but can handle taking it off the road if I have to.
I'm looking at the Jamis Renegade Expat, Felt V100, or any other suggestions.
I am hoping to snag a Niner RLT 9 steel in the next few weeks; pretty much every review has raved about its gravel/touring abilities http://www.ninerbikes.com/rlt9steel
Specialized also just reintroduced their Sequoia which is supposed to be awesome as well. I think both come in a few different package options depending on your budget.
Prefer to be under 1000. If its a Jamis or Felt I can probably knock off a few hundred bucks due to some help Ive provided to a local shop.
shotvetI am hoping to snag a Niner RLT 9 steel in the next few weeks; pretty much every review has raved about its gravel/touring abilities http://www.ninerbikes.com/rlt9steel
Specialized also just reintroduced their Sequoia which is supposed to be awesome as well. I think both come in a few different package options depending on your budget.
That sequioia looks really nice. Does it have the flaired out drop bars? Pretty sure thats not a technical term, but ive seem them and wonder what people think of them. Why is that better than the traditional drop bars?
theBearJewPrefer to be under 1000. If its a Jamis or Felt I can probably knock off a few hundred bucks due to some help Ive provided to a local shop.
That sequioia looks really nice. Does it have the flaired out drop bars? Pretty sure thats not a technical term, but ive seem them and wonder what people think of them. Why is that better than the traditional drop bars?
Can you go used? If so, that will open up a lot more options. Almost any older CX bike can work then.
If not, the Sequioia is a good recommendation, it is new so you won't find much info on it. For Jamis, check out their adventure line or CX. For Felt, look at their FX series (Cyclocross) or V series (Adventure).
The biggest thing you are going to want is tire clearance with gearing a distant 2nd. Most bikes that are geared towards "adventure" are going to offer up to 40mm tires, but the gearing will differ compared to a pure CX bike, meaning it will be better for on road usage.
theBearJewThat sequioia looks really nice. Does it have the flaired out drop bars? Pretty sure thats not a technical term, but ive seem them and wonder what people think of them. Why is that better than the traditional drop bars?
I'm not sure if it comes with them, but if not you could swap them out for about $50. I have never personally ridden dirt drops, but my friend has the Salsa Woodchippers on his CX/gravel bike and loves them. I think the flair allows for a little wider grip than a traditional drop giving you more control on gravel/mellow single track.
So I've had the Merckx up and running for a couple of weeks now, but have only made it out for a few rides, dialling things in. There is a super quick 17km loop that I've done a bunch, but today was the first legit road ride I went on, even though it was only 30km. Went pretty easy, but I felt like I could have gone way, way longer. SO much different than mountain biking, but still super fun.
saskskierSo I've had the Merckx up and running for a couple of weeks now but have only made it out for a few rides, dialling things in. There is a super quick 17km loop that I've done a bunch, but today was the first legit road ride I went on, even though it was only 30km. Went pretty easy, but I felt like I could have gone way, way longer. SO much different than mountain biking, but still super fun.
I came from mountain biking as well, were there any good hills in the loop? I find climbing rewarding simply for the fact that I can go flying down after. I always felt that road bikes are more stable the faster you go. Plus that feeling on being crouched in the drops feels like piloting something!
*N_Wist*I came from mountain biking as well, were there any good hills in the loop? I find climbing rewarding simply for the fact that I can go flying down after. I always felt that road bikes are more stable the faster you go. Plus that feeling on being crouched in the drops feels like piloting something!
There wasn't anything particularly large or steep, but I totally agree. I think the quickest we hit was 65-66 kmh/h, but felt so stable. Also working on getting my confidence up to hit corners at speed. Long ways to go, but getting there.
I don't trust drivers and want to be as aware of things going on around me as possible when I'm on my bike, so no earbuds/headphones.
Went for a 50km group ride the other night. Almost immediately realized my cycling shorts were awesome and ended up getting some pretty bad chafing. Took a couple days off, picked up some new shorts and life is good again.
Just got these last week and I'm seriously impressed. I almost wrote my first Amazon review for them I like them so much, but I'll wait to see how they do long-term.
I wanted the same things you're asking for and they deliver. I was never an ear-bud/in-ear guy, but these fit my ears so well. I've worn them hiking and biking and forgot I was even wearing anything. Haven't tried anything super vigorous but they stay put doing jumping jacks and riding moderate singletrack. They also fit fine with a helmet and sunglasses on too. It took a little adjustment to get them to fit snug, but once they're in, they disappear.
Sweatproof, supposedly ~8 hours battery life, and better sound than I was expecting. They have a special eartip design which allows you to hear your surroundings, but somehow they still sound pretty great. They won't compare - in volume or quality - to earbuds that totally seal off ambient noise, but that's not the point.
I was hiking a few days ago and was able to clearly hear the bugs buzzing around my head with the headphones at about half volume. I would think hearing traffic, bells, other cyclists, etc. should be no problem unless you're at full blast.
I did notice the audio drops out once in a while, even with the phone in my pocket or backpack. Could be the music app you're using or internet connection, though, because on my ride this morning I didn't have any drops. Even so, when it does drop out it's for a second and isn't a major concern for me. I still highly recommend them.
It's important to note that these are the only bluetooth sports headphones I've ever used, so I have nothing to compare them to. Also, as I mentioned, I've only had them for a few days so I can't speak to their durability.
*Phew* wasn't expecting all that but there ya go. Read some other reviews for these for more insight and you'll also learn about other products people have tried that may be worth looking into.
To be honest, I wouldn't ride with headphones in and around town, you want to be aware of EVERYTHING. If you are riding in a less populated place, i.e. random backroads, you can take your chances, but IMO its foolish.
saskskierI don't trust drivers and want to be as aware of things going on around me as possible when I'm on my bike, so no earbuds/headphones.
Went for a 50km group ride the other night. Almost immediately realized my cycling shorts were awesome and ended up getting some pretty bad chafing. Took a couple days off, picked up some new shorts and life is good again.
Mtb or road ride? Bibs are a godsend for road biking.
And I have to admit, Ui2 shifting is AMAZING. So crisp, so fast.
.MASSHOLE.Mtb or road ride? Bibs are a godsend for road biking.
And I have to admit, Ui2 shifting is AMAZING. So crisp, so fast.
I've heard good things about Ui2.
It was a road ride. Road riding is so different from mtb, but awesome in it's own way. It's crazy the distance you can cover in the same time vs. mtbing.
At some point I'll probably pick up some bibs, but for now I've just got a pair of regular cycling shorts. I think my biggest issue with the pair I had on for the 50km was they were too big. They've made due while mtbing under a pair of baggy shorts, but not for the distance/intensity of the road ride. Finding stuff that fits half decently is tough being a big dude, especially tops. I know stuff is supposed to fit a bit snugger, but XXL that fits like a L just isn't cool. Ha ha. I've found few things here and there, but not a ton.
It was a road ride. Road riding is so different from mtb, but awesome in it's own way. It's crazy the distance you can cover in the same time vs. mtbing.
At some point I'll probably pick up some bibs, but for now I've just got a pair of regular cycling shorts. I think my biggest issue with the pair I had on for the 50km was they were too big. They've made due while mtbing under a pair of baggy shorts, but not for the distance/intensity of the road ride. Finding stuff that fits half decently is tough being a big dude, especially tops. I know stuff is supposed to fit a bit snugger, but XXL that fits like a L just isn't cool. Ha ha. I've found few things here and there, but not a ton.
Chammy cream and bibs is happy times until about 200kms, then you just get numbness.
Was in my local shop today and saw a Felt Z5 that I could maybe get for $1400, $1500 for sure. Full carbon, 105 components. Anyone ride one of those? Is it a good deal? This will be my first road bike, have a single speed beater bike and a mt bike.
theBearJewWas in my local shop today and saw a Felt Z5 that I could maybe get for $1400, $1500 for sure. Full carbon, 105 components. Anyone ride one of those? Is it a good deal? This will be my first road bike, have a single speed beater bike and a mt bike.
Not bad if you could get $1400 as they discontinued it for the new year. Is it full 105 or is it just shifters+cassette+derailleurs w/ budget crank, brakes, and chain?
.MASSHOLE.Not bad if you could get $1400 as they discontinued it for the new year. Is it full 105 or is it just shifters+cassette+derailleurs w/ budget crank, brakes, and chain?
If that is the bike, go for it. Good for basic distance riding, nothing you'd race a crit on, but it could handle anything you throw at it on-road.
Yup, its that one. I'm just trying to decide if I really need the full carbon, I'm just getting into road biking and wondering if I should be buying an expensive bike like this for my first one.
theBearJewYup, its that one. I'm just trying to decide if I really need the full carbon, I'm just getting into road biking and wondering if I should be buying an expensive bike like this for my first one.
I would recommend nothing less than 105 for components, and most aluminum bikes will run you 1200-1400 minimum. Getting a full carbon w/ full 105 is a steal compared to what you will find in comp. aluminum level bikes.
theBearJewFinally pulled the trigger and got a road bike. Looking into getting some shorts and shoes. Friend gave me pedals to clip into. Qny suggestions?
Let's ride when I get back home next summer! I rode a lot this summer, nothing too long, but a lot of 20ish mile rides to Deerfield/Boca, with the occasional longer ride up to Delray if it it's not too damn hot, which is a rare occasion hahah.
DayManLet's ride when I get back home next summer! I rode a lot this summer, nothing too long, but a lot of 20ish mile rides to Deerfield/Boca, with the occasional longer ride up to Delray if it it's not too damn hot, which is a rare occasion hahah.
Im down man. Im actually doing. Dolphins Cancer Challenge in February. Doing the 54 mile ride, super stoked. Hope I can do it lol. Let me know when you get back down here.
theBearJewFinally pulled the trigger and got a road bike. Looking into getting some shorts and shoes. Friend gave me pedals to clip into. Qny suggestions?
What kind of pedals? SPD? SPD-SL? Crank Bros?
Shorts? I love Castelli, but really whatever fits. Don't skimp on $$$ though. Padding makes a difference.
theBearJewFinally pulled the trigger and got a road bike. Looking into getting some shorts and shoes. Friend gave me pedals to clip into. Qny suggestions?
You'll wanna throw down on some nice shoes because the pressure point from the pedal on your foot can get numb during long rides. I have women's shoes now so I can contribute to your search of the brand. As for bike shorts, the gel padding is better than foam padding.
taylornickyYou'll wanna throw down on some nice shoes because the pressure point from the pedal on your foot can get numb during long rides. I have women's shoes now so I can contribute to your search of the brand. As for bike shorts, the gel padding is better than foam padding.
Pedal positioning matters more than shoes, it affects pressure points and knee issues.
In regards to bike shorts, go bibs and try on gel vs. foam. I found gel can bunch in places and cause issues. Foam, not so much.
And really important, if you feel ANY sort of pressure or tingling in the privates after a ride, adjust the saddle. You don't wanna fuck around with that.
.MASSHOLE.Pedal positioning matters more than shoes, it affects pressure points and knee issues.
In regards to bike shorts, go bibs and try on gel vs. foam. I found gel can bunch in places and cause issues. Foam, not so much.
And really important, if you feel ANY sort of pressure or tingling in the privates after a ride, adjust the saddle. You don't wanna fuck around with that.
which i guess brings me to the point of getting your bike fitted. don't just adjust seat height and call it good. a professional bike fitting is important.
taylornickywhich i guess brings me to the point of getting your bike fitted. don't just adjust seat height and call it good. a professional bike fitting is important.
Well yeah, but those can be $$$. If he can afford it, definitely do that ASAP.
foodisfunDid something I thought I wouldn't do and bought a bike on ebay before seeing it in person. Seemed like a good enough deal and I'm local to pick it up. It's a 2014 Blue AC1 with sram red and I paid 950.
Didn't know anything about Blue, but the few reviews I saw of this bike and the brand in general were pretty positive. Maybe too aggressive going for an aero bike as my first real road bike? but I basically just want to ride fast anyway.
Bumping this now that I'm spending time on NS again. For that price, that's a damn solid bike. That said, an aero bike wouldn't be what I'd recommend as a first road bike because you only start to see the areodynamics really pay off upwards of 20 mph. I could be wrong, but most people don't start out that quick. They also generally have a relatively unforgiving ride. The Sram Red alone is worth a decent amount of money, though.
Pics will come when it's in, but waiting on the shop to finish my SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod build. Very excited.
*TURBONERD*Bumping this now that I'm spending time on NS again. For that price, that's a damn solid bike. That said, an aero bike wouldn't be what I'd recommend as a first road bike because you only start to see the areodynamics really pay off upwards of 20 mph. I could be wrong, but most people don't start out that quick. They also generally have a relatively unforgiving ride. The Sram Red alone is worth a decent amount of money, though.
Pics will come when it's in, but waiting on the shop to finish my SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod build. Very excited.
Appreciate the advice but too late now haha.
Not sure if I ever posted again this thread but I bought it and absolutely love it (although I would probably love any first bike I bought). I was a beginner road biker but have mtb and other sport backgrounds, so I did start out pretty quick. Definitely don't average over 20mph but I sprint a lot and crush uphills.
I don't notice how unforgiving the ride is since I haven't ridden any other road bike. How it feels is totally fine and how I assumed a road bike would feel. I've done 4 or 5 40+ mile rides and have never been uncomfortable. Maybe if I I was doing 75+ miles it could be a factor but I have no complaints
Never thought I'd be a bib shorts and jersey guy but now I'm the one convincing others of its worth haha
foodisfunAppreciate the advice but too late now haha.
Not sure if I ever posted again this thread but I bought it and absolutely love it (although I would probably love any first bike I bought). I was a beginner road biker but have mtb and other sport backgrounds, so I did start out pretty quick. Definitely don't average over 20mph but I sprint a lot and crush uphills.
I don't notice how unforgiving the ride is since I haven't ridden any other road bike. How it feels is totally fine and how I assumed a road bike would feel. I've done 4 or 5 40+ mile rides and have never been uncomfortable. Maybe if I I was doing 75+ miles it could be a factor but I have no complaints
Never thought I'd be a bib shorts and jersey guy but now I'm the one convincing others of its worth haha
I know the feeling. I started riding road bikes to rehab my first torn ACL, and now I ride road more often than XC. CX is amazing too, though.
We have one of these rotting in our backyard. My dad got it after college and hasn't used it since I came along... I'm thinking about restoring it for when I go off to school, but have no idea where to start. The chain and gears are all rusted, and it needs a new saddle. Any advice?
Go talk to a local shop, it will give you an idea of what a restoration will cost compaired to buying a new bike. And of course the price depends on how much of the new stuff you wish to put on in place of the old.
I know absolutely nothing about road biking except that I know its a good workout. Should I just read through this thread to find information on a cheap bike to get me started?
.CJ.I know absolutely nothing about road biking except that I know its a good workout. Should I just read through this thread to find information on a cheap bike to get me started?
Sure but do other research to figure out what you want in a road bike
New wheels (generic, 88mm carbon tubular's), new seat (Ergon SR3) and playing around with different bar tape (hence the two colours). Even though the wheels are super deep, it's crazy how much lighter they are than the crappy Shimano wheelset that were on the bike.
Still need road pedals to replace the mountain bike spd's I threw on last season and will probably look at some wider bars before too long.
saskskierNew wheels (generic, 88mm carbon tubular's), new seat (Ergon SR3) and playing around with different bar tape (hence the two colours). Even though the wheels are super deep, it's crazy how much lighter they are than the crappy Shimano wheelset that were on the bike.
Still need road pedals to replace the mountain bike spd's I threw on last season and will probably look at some wider bars before too long.
