It looks like you are using an ad blocker. That's okay. Who doesn't? But without advertising revenue, we can't keep making this site awesome. Click the link below for instructions on disabling adblock.
Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post.
Register to become a member today!
I've been itching to do some road riding, but ice and fixed gear dont mix too well. This summer if I can scrape together the funds I'm planning on picking up a caad 9 or 10 and swapping all of the drivetrain onto my steel torelli and putting all of the fixed gear parts on the Caad frame. Obviously the most logical thing to do lol
just snagged a 2014 Specialized Allez Race frame for stupid cheap. beyond stoked, and so ready to start my build. right now i'm leaning towards a mostly full 105 groupo, maybe an ultegra rear, or mostly full SRAM rival. no need for the nicest/newest stuff, and i'm trying to do mostly used parts
quick question: i got a set of Campy Chorus Skeleton brake calipers; from a quick search it looks like pretty much any caliper will work with pretty much any shifter (excluding the new shimano design). do any of you guys have experience running a Campy caliper on a shimano/sram shifter?
saskskierNot sure if there are compatibility issues, but don't expect to get any compliments running Campy and Shimano together.
oh i'm fully aware of compatibility limitations and all that fun stuff. but from my limited understanding, brakes have a little more leeway because they don't need to worry about actuation ratios in the same way as a shifter/derailleur combo? the brake levers might be a tad squishy, or firm, but i don't need them to be race-level responsive. and i know a great bike mechanic, so as long as there aren't any glaring, unavoidable issues i think he'll be able to take care of it
Ended up making a pretty spur the moment purchase today. Was looked for something for coffee/grocery runs (not exactly pumped on using the Merckx or Santa Cruz for that purpose).
Found a great deal on a local Volume Cutter with Sugino cranks and Velocity rims laced up to Phil Woods hubs. The wheelset alone is almost worth what I paid for the whole thing.
saskskier
Ended up making a pretty spur the moment purchase today. Was looked for something for coffee/grocery runs (not exactly pumped on using the Merckx or Santa Cruz for that purpose).
Found a great deal on a local Volume Cutter with Sugino cranks and Velocity rims laced up to Phil Woods hubs. The wheelset alone is almost worth what I paid for the whole thing.
(Crappy picture. Will post a better one before long)
It's done! 2014 Specialized Allez Race, custom build. So stoked on this, can't wait for the weather to clear up. The full build took about a month to find all the parts and put it together. Managed to do it for about a third of the cost of the retail complete bike. Went for mostly longevity over weight and performance, but it still weighs in at 19.2 pounds.
Ultegra 2x10 drivetrain, FSA Gossamer crank, Campy Chorus brakes (bring the hate), Shimano RS10 wheels, carbon seatpost/saddle, Power Cordz cables
I have to say, Di2 is the fucking greatest. It's so worth the $$$. Never have to worry about having to anything with shifter cables, you can shift under load, it is so nice and quiet, and best of all, smooth.
saskskier
Ended up making a pretty spur the moment purchase today. Was looked for something for coffee/grocery runs (not exactly pumped on using the Merckx or Santa Cruz for that purpose).
Found a great deal on a local Volume Cutter with Sugino cranks and Velocity rims laced up to Phil Woods hubs. The wheelset alone is almost worth what I paid for the whole thing.
Nice frame and hubs but shame about the hypebeast colours
Hey guys I need some guidance. I have been riding for the last few years and this year I want to step it up and get clipless pedels and bike shoes. I don't know where to start looking though. I will eventually check my local bike shop but not sure what type/brand/price I am looking for.
I ride 2-3 times a week anywhere from 10-20mi and it is pretty hilly. I was thinking of getting a touring or mtn bike shoe to be more comfortable. Any suggestions on brands or websites to check them out?
louie.miragsHey guys I need some guidance. I have been riding for the last few years and this year I want to step it up and get clipless pedels and bike shoes. I don't know where to start looking though. I will eventually check my local bike shop but not sure what type/brand/price I am looking for.
I ride 2-3 times a week anywhere from 10-20mi and it is pretty hilly. I was thinking of getting a touring or mtn bike shoe to be more comfortable. Any suggestions on brands or websites to check them out?
Unless you plan on walking around in the shoe, it doesn't matter what kind you get. Price really depends on what you're looking for (i.e. stiffer carbon sole, lighter shoe, etc.) so you can go anywhere from sub-$100 (I believe) to $300+. In regards to pedals, it's a similar story where weight and style dictate price.
road.cc has a lot of reviews that you may find useful for shoes and pedals.
.MASSHOLE.Unless you plan on walking around in the shoe, it doesn't matter what kind you get. Price really depends on what you're looking for (i.e. stiffer carbon sole, lighter shoe, etc.) so you can go anywhere from sub-$100 (I believe) to $300+. In regards to pedals, it's a similar story where weight and style dictate price.
road.cc has a lot of reviews that you may find useful for shoes and pedals.
.MASSHOLE.Unless you plan on walking around in the shoe, it doesn't matter what kind you get. Price really depends on what you're looking for (i.e. stiffer carbon sole, lighter shoe, etc.) so you can go anywhere from sub-$100 (I believe) to $300+. In regards to pedals, it's a similar story where weight and style dictate price.
road.cc has a lot of reviews that you may find useful for shoes and pedals.
If I buy these or something similar, is all I need to buy after is the bike shoes? Are they universal or should I also go with the same brand shoe as the pedals?
If I buy these or something similar, is all I need to buy after is the bike shoes? Are they universal or should I also go with the same brand shoe as the pedals?
So, that's a road clip in meaning it goes for a road shoe just as an FYI.
I BELIEVE that all road shoes are compatible with all road pedals because the pedals come with the correct cleats.
Never ride anymore but rode about 35 miles last weekend. Also got a free road bike somebody left. Doubt I'll keep it when I bounce but it's nice to have wheels.
50km on my fixie this afternoon. Stopped for lunch and coffee in the middle and a kept pretty easy pace, but holy crap, my quads were blowing up over the last few km's.
Nice to be out again after a couple of weeks of rain and snow.
I'll hop in on this thread. April has been a solid month for getting outside and off of the trainer, especially since there is still plenty of light left after work. Working on sharpening up those tan lines.
Any one here who turns their own wrenches, could you recommend a good bike stand and torque wrench?
.MASSHOLE.God damn the first hot ride of the season takes it out of you
Pretty much every ride is hot as hell in South Florida, it blows. Only way to avoid it is going out before the sun comes up but ain't nobody got time for that.
bstuck1I'll hop in on this thread. April has been a solid month for getting outside and off of the trainer, especially since there is still plenty of light left after work. Working on sharpening up those tan lines.
Any one here who turns their own wrenches, could you recommend a good bike stand and torque wrench?
Honestly, Parktools is the way to go for most bike tools and stands. The tools are expensive, but they're quality. The stands run about the same price as most other companies
So I'm trying to buy a bike that I can use for a couple of things:
-longer road biking. Ive gone on longer rides but really want to get into it
-touring and camping. Don't really need rack mounts, but want something I could use for this
-and around town
For these do you think I should focus on a more road-oriented bike that I can then use for some tours or get a CX or "adventure" bike and just be okay with the worse road performance?
DFJSo I'm trying to buy a bike that I can use for a couple of things:
-longer road biking. Ive gone on longer rides but really want to get into it
-touring and camping. Don't really need rack mounts, but want something I could use for this
-and around town
For these do you think I should focus on a more road-oriented bike that I can then use for some tours or get a CX or "adventure" bike and just be okay with the worse road performance?
I think I'd probably look at 'gravel' style bikes. Geo tends to be a bit more relaxed and there is more tire clearance, but you can still run normal tires and not really sacrifice much performance. You'll also probably be able to run disks, which is really one of the only things I don't like about my bike (not disk compatible).
DFJSo I'm trying to buy a bike that I can use for a couple of things:
-longer road biking. Ive gone on longer rides but really want to get into it
-touring and camping. Don't really need rack mounts, but want something I could use for this
-and around town
For these do you think I should focus on a more road-oriented bike that I can then use for some tours or get a CX or "adventure" bike and just be okay with the worse road performance?
If you're looking at touring/camping, I'm assuming that means 'off-road". If you plan on going off-road, you're going to want two things, tire clearance and disc brakes. Because you're doing longer rides, you're going to want a more relaxed geometry. As someone above suggested, look at gravel-style bikes. CX are more aggressive and may not be suited to longer rides.
Gravel bikes include Focus Parlane, Specialized Diverge, any Niner RLT model, any Norco Search model, Specialized Sequoia, Trek Crockett, Cannondale Slate, and a host of others.
If you're on a budget, look used CX then. If you have $$$, a ton of companies are coming out with Gravel-Bikes. Most should have fender mounts (important for wet weather), but double check on pannier mounts.
Thanks for the advice. That makes sense.
Unless I find a good deal on a gravel bike I might just get the best road bike I can afford and get into biking shape doing that (and mtb with a bike I already have) and then in 6 months or a year get a cool gravel or adventure bike just for long tours and exploring.
Honestly, Im just excited to go on some long rides and explore, which I could easily do with a road bike.
DFJThanks for the advice. That makes sense.
Unless I find a good deal on a gravel bike I might just get the best road bike I can afford and get into biking shape doing that (and mtb with a bike I already have) and then in 6 months or a year get a cool gravel or adventure bike just for long tours and exploring.
Honestly, Im just excited to go on some long rides and explore, which I could easily do with a road bike.
Go for it! There are budget options too for gravel bikes, you just have to look for them. They won't be big names like Trek, Specialized Focus, etc. but they'll make good bikes.
I've been looking at gravel/adventure/whatever bikes recently too. I got a new job that'll probably be more regular hours and I kinda want to start riding after work, more or less every night. The canonnondale quick cx4 or adventure, GT transeo and stuff like that seem affordable (to me at least) without dropping 1 grand on a decent hardtail mtb.
Will a road bike fold in half if I hit a pothole or jump up or down a curb? That's kinda why I want one of these adventure type bikes with front suspension. That and I'll probably end up in the woods or off the road at some point but I'm not going to be doing actual trail/mountain bike stuff.
Are these bikes "customizable?" By that I mean say I wanted to get lower or flatter bars or change out components? You can do that with these the same way you can with mountain bikes right? Like if I wanted those clip pedals, I could take the stock ones off and switch for clip ones, provided I got ones to fit the cranks and whatever. Or does it not work like that?
DrZoidbergI've been looking at gravel/adventure/whatever bikes recently too. I got a new job that'll probably be more regular hours and I kinda want to start riding after work, more or less every night. The canonnondale quick cx4 or adventure, GT transeo and stuff like that seem affordable (to me at least) without dropping 1 grand on a decent hardtail mtb.
Will a road bike fold in half if I hit a pothole or jump up or down a curb? That's kinda why I want one of these adventure type bikes with front suspension. That and I'll probably end up in the woods or off the road at some point but I'm not going to be doing actual trail/mountain bike stuff.
Are these bikes "customizable?" By that I mean say I wanted to get lower or flatter bars or change out components? You can do that with these the same way you can with mountain bikes right? Like if I wanted those clip pedals, I could take the stock ones off and switch for clip ones, provided I got ones to fit the cranks and whatever. Or does it not work like that?
Watch this if you're concerned about road bike durability.
So the Cannondale Quick and Adventure series aren't a MTB series, they're a fitness/commuter series.They can handle off-road stuff, but they're not going to be too much fun if you want to ride long distance.
If you're going "off-road" like a hard-packed dirt road, gravel, etc. than any bike with 32mm+ tires should suffice. Since you're on a budget (bikes aren't cheap), your best bet is a used CX bike. That can be used for off-road (google cyclocross races if you want to see what they can go through) as well as on-road with minimal performance loss.
You can customize bikes, but changing a road bike with drop bars to flat bars and vice versa messes with the geometry. You can easily change pedals, saddles, cranks, gearing, etc. just check to make sure it's compatible (can't throw 11 speed shifters with 10 speed gearing, 38mm tires on a frame that can only fit 32mm etc.
.MASSHOLE.Watch this if you're concerned about road bike durability.
So the Cannondale Quick and Adventure series aren't a MTB series, they're a fitness/commuter series.They can handle off-road stuff, but they're not going to be too much fun if you want to ride long distance.
If you're going "off-road" like a hard-packed dirt road, gravel, etc. than any bike with 32mm+ tires should suffice. Since you're on a budget (bikes aren't cheap), your best bet is a used CX bike. That can be used for off-road (google cyclocross races if you want to see what they can go through) as well as on-road with minimal performance loss.
You can customize bikes, but changing a road bike with drop bars to flat bars and vice versa messes with the geometry. You can easily change pedals, saddles, cranks, gearing, etc. just check to make sure it's compatible (can't throw 11 speed shifters with 10 speed gearing, 38mm tires on a frame that can only fit 32mm etc.
Okay that makes sense.
A: damn they're expensive new.
B: So are those drop type bars uncomfortable for longer rides or is that normal? I surf a lot so my back isn't bad or anything. There's a bike store I can go to so I'll probably see what they have that I can sit on. I'm really short so I'd imagine I need a small bike, but I also won't have to hunch over as much as a tall guy to grab those low bars.
louie.miragsHey guys I need some guidance. I have been riding for the last few years and this year I want to step it up and get clipless pedels and bike shoes. I don't know where to start looking though. I will eventually check my local bike shop but not sure what type/brand/price I am looking for.
I ride 2-3 times a week anywhere from 10-20mi and it is pretty hilly. I was thinking of getting a touring or mtn bike shoe to be more comfortable. Any suggestions on brands or websites to check them out?
If youre still on the hunt for good pedsls check out Crankbrothers. They make great pedals that are super lightweight. They have a host of models too that you can pick from to suit your needs. They are more of a MTB pedal but myself as well as my buddies use them on our CX bikes. Just be sure the shoes you get can mount the Crankbrothers cleat, because its different than a standard shimano cleat.
A: damn they're expensive new.
B: So are those drop type bars uncomfortable for longer rides or is that normal? I surf a lot so my back isn't bad or anything. There's a bike store I can go to so I'll probably see what they have that I can sit on. I'm really short so I'd imagine I need a small bike, but I also won't have to hunch over as much as a tall guy to grab those low bars.
Biking isn't cheap, but you can find used bikes at a good price on craigslist.
Dropbars are better. You have three positions. 1. The drops. 2. Hoods (straight parts above drops). 3. Flat-style.
Looking at either a Specialized Allez for about $750 or a Cannondale Synapse Sora for like $875 (last years model). The Allez has Shimano Claris instead of Sora. Other than those components, do you guys have suggestions or ideas about which is better? They felt pretty similar. The Allez maybe a little more comfortable.
DFJLooking at either a Specialized Allez for about $750 or a Cannondale Synapse Sora for like $875 (last years model). The Allez has Shimano Claris instead of Sora. Other than those components, do you guys have suggestions or ideas about which is better? They felt pretty similar. The Allez maybe a little more comfortable.
What year are the bikes and components? Sora is 9 speed, Claris is 8 if they're current year. 9 is better than 8. 10 is better than 9. 11 is better than 10. Di2 is better than mech :D. But I digress.
The bikes are rather different geometry. The Synapse is much more of an endurance frame vs. the Allez which is more of a race frame (and very aggressive if you get the Sprint version). But material-wise, they're about the same. Choose which you like more, you can always upgrade to 105 rather easily.
.MASSHOLE.What year are the bikes and components? Sora is 9 speed, Claris is 8 if they're current year. 9 is better than 8. 10 is better than 9. 11 is better than 10. Di2 is better than mech :D. But I digress.
The bikes are rather different geometry. The Synapse is much more of an endurance frame vs. the Allez which is more of a race frame (and very aggressive if you get the Sprint version). But material-wise, they're about the same. Choose which you like more, you can always upgrade to 105 rather easily.
Interesting. The Allez actually felt a little less aggressive, but I also need to try them out again. I feel like either way I'll have a nice starter road bike.
DFJInteresting. The Allez actually felt a little less aggressive, but I also need to try them out again. I feel like either way I'll have a nice starter road bike.
It could be a lot of things, but if you were to compare a slammed stem on both, the Synapse would be a more relaxed position.
But you can't go wrong with either.
On another note, getting REALLY close to pushing 21mph as an average speed for a 22 mile ride. Hit 20.9 tonight :|
DFJInteresting. The Allez actually felt a little less aggressive, but I also need to try them out again. I feel like either way I'll have a nice starter road bike.
Have you looked at the Giant Contend. I feel like Giant is better at speccing out better components across the board than any other brand out there. You tend to get more bike for the buck with them.
SessionHave you looked at the Giant Contend. I feel like Giant is better at speccing out better components across the board than any other brand out there. You tend to get more bike for the buck with them.
Oh my god. I completely forgot about that line.
Seriously, Giant offers perhaps the BEST entry level bikes for their cost.
I went to the bike store today and rode a few different bikes. I actually don't think I'm a fan of the drop bars, relative to the flat bars. I rode a giant anyroad and a roam 2. Seems like a lot of people hate on hybrids, but it seems like a good idea for me if I'll only have one bike for everything. I went and looked at the areas I used to ride through (on a front suspension bike years ago) and they're still not quite paved, flat, or gravel roads. They're more like just regular woods floor with roots, bumps, dirt and such. All the shortcuts through the woods to various parts of town still exist more or less, which is nice to see. The roam 2 has lockout on the fork so that'll help on roads. I'll have to think about it.
Also the difference between sizes is quite big and I totally had the wrong size bike for my entire life. I have to reach too far forward on the mediums but the small has a much more comfy reach. I had no idea there was such a difference.
