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.MASSHOLE.Heard good things about them. Why disc brakes though? Live in a wet area?
I live in Washington state, yeah, we get a little wet here.
I mountain bike year round and plan to ride road year round as well once I find a bike. Disc brakes will give me a little more comfort on wet pavement.
division.bellI live in Washington state, yeah, we get a little wet here.
I mountain bike year round and plan to ride road year round as well once I find a bike. Disc brakes will give me a little more comfort on wet pavement.
Makes sense then. If I lived in a wet area I would do the same. If you can find a good deal I would definitely go for it.
How much would it really cost to build this into a decent single speed bike? I know Walmart bikes are crap, that's why for $91 I feel like it might be worth picking up for the frame and some other parts. Thoughts?
How much would it really cost to build this into a decent single speed bike? I know Walmart bikes are crap, that's why for $91 I feel like it might be worth picking up for the frame and some other parts. Thoughts?
No idea on cost, but check craigslist for old frames. Better quality frames there.
How much would it really cost to build this into a decent single speed bike? I know Walmart bikes are crap, that's why for $91 I feel like it might be worth picking up for the frame and some other parts. Thoughts?
If your really buying it for just the frame, scope some Aventon frames:
Is that a good deal for a bike for 150? Also is 53cm a good size, im bout 6 ft. And Id like my gf to be able to ride it. Shes 5'9ish
It's hard to tell size solely from height, but I'd venture that might be a bit small. Unles your GF has a long torso and you a short one, one bike won't fit both of you very well.
*CUMMINGS*It's hard to tell size solely from height, but I'd venture that might be a bit small. Unles your GF has a long torso and you a short one, one bike won't fit both of you very well.
Right now I ride on a 19" frame for my mountain bike.
Winter cycling question. I have single layer bib tights for fall weather but they aren't cutting it for those cold days. Thoughts on getting NO pad bib tights to put over my bib shorts?
Tough to keep going during the winter. And yes I ski.
will_powderWinter cycling question. I have single layer bib tights for fall weather but they aren't cutting it for those cold days. Thoughts on getting NO pad bib tights to put over my bib shorts?
Tough to keep going during the winter. And yes I ski.
Thought meaning do other people do it? Yes, I do it. I have not had any issues with chafing or anything. Just feels like you are wearing your bibs, but its warmer.
will_powderWinter cycling question. I have single layer bib tights for fall weather but they aren't cutting it for those cold days. Thoughts on getting NO pad bib tights to put over my bib shorts?
Tough to keep going during the winter. And yes I ski.
Unnecessary layers are unnecessary, especially when you are talking about wearing bibs over bibs Redundancy much? Why would you wear unpadded bib tights over bib shorts when you can just buy padded insulated tights/bib tights and call it good?
s-handThought meaning do other people do it? Yes, I do it. I have not had any issues with chafing or anything. Just feels like you are wearing your bibs, but its warmer.
Yeah I went for it. So worth it. Way warmer than just one layer bib tights ^ @divisionbell
Anyone use this light? Seems like the most highly rated one on alot of websites. Decent price, I've heard there are problems with the mounting bracket, but thats it.
Anyone use this light? Seems like the most highly rated one on alot of websites. Decent price, I've heard there are problems with the mounting bracket, but thats it.
Used a cygo recently, was a nice light, mount worked fine, it wouldn't turn off though and you just had to run down the battery after the ride and recharge it for the next time you wanted to use it.
Finally going to be picking up a road bike in the next few weeks and I couldn't be more stoked. Pictures and details once I have something worth showing.
However, I have run into a dilemma regarding pedals and was curious what the road cyclists of NS are running on their own bikes.
So what's your preference? And why do you run the pedals you do, if you have a reason.
division.bellFinally going to be picking up a road bike in the next few weeks and I couldn't be more stoked. Pictures and details once I have something worth showing.
However, I have run into a dilemma regarding pedals and was curious what the road cyclists of NS are running on their own bikes.
So what's your preference? And why do you run the pedals you do, if you have a reason.
Shimano?
Look?
Speed play?
Time?
Other?
I was always a fan of shimano, metal lasts forever, rebuildable, I was less than impressed with the new composites that replaced the 105's but ultegra level is still bomb. I know a ton of great cyclists that swear by speedplay.
I've meet too many people with creaky looks to ever be interested
ghosthopI was always a fan of shimano, metal lasts forever, rebuildable, I was less than impressed with the new composites that replaced the 105's but ultegra level is still bomb. I know a ton of great cyclists that swear by speedplay.
I've meet too many people with creaky looks to ever be interested
Thanks for the input. I was originally looking at the Ultegras since I'll be going with an Ultegra drivetrain most likely on the bike I buy. Shimano is the only brand I trust for my mountain bike pedals but I have no experience with their road pedals.
I know a few guys on speed plays that don't have a bad word to say about them. Again, no experience here on them either.
division.bellFinally going to be picking up a road bike in the next few weeks and I couldn't be more stoked. Pictures and details once I have something worth showing.
However, I have run into a dilemma regarding pedals and was curious what the road cyclists of NS are running on their own bikes.
So what's your preference? And why do you run the pedals you do, if you have a reason.
Shimano?
Look?
Speed play?
Time?
Other?
I run a set of older Look ARCs. Love em, never had a problem. I use them because they were cheap, bomber construction, and have a bit of float (nice for the longer rides and my knees). I borrowed a set of Keo classics for awhile too and they felt basically the same.
Guys in my group swear by shimano and speedplay, most shit talk Time pedals but honestly everything is pretty good once you get to a certain quality level.
JAHpowAny of you guys use indoor trainers? I'm looking into getting one to use over the winter.
There's a used Kinetic I can get for $140 in great shape. Thoughts?
What do you use? And are they worth it?
I have a Kinetic, use it regularly (and more often when I was rehabbing my knee and wasn't cleared to ride outside yet), and recommend it. No problems to report.
I'm going into my third cycling season, I love it. I'm going to start racing casually this year and hopefully seriously for 2016. Unfortunately my busy season (at work) is January-March, which hinders gym time.
Does anybody else race?
Regardless, here are my bikes...they're my babies:
This bike is on the trainer and I use it for commuting. Giant TCR Comp, Ultegra groupset:
This is my aggressive bike, Focus Cayo Evo with Ultegra Di2:
And here is a generic of my new race wheels..Zipp 404 Firecrest tubulars, w/ powertap:
I live in downtown Montreal if anyone ever wants to bang out some laps in the spring!
loridaI'm going into my third cycling season, I love it. I'm going to start racing casually this year and hopefully seriously for 2016. Unfortunately my busy season (at work) is January-March, which hinders gym time.
Does anybody else race?
Regardless, here are my bikes...they're my babies:
This bike is on the trainer and I use it for commuting. Giant TCR Comp, Ultegra groupset:
This is my aggressive bike, Focus Cayo Evo with Ultegra Di2:
And here is a generic of my new race wheels..Zipp 404 Firecrest tubulars, w/ powertap:
I live in downtown Montreal if anyone ever wants to bang out some laps in the spring!
I do collegiate racing. I don't know what your situation is but I know that you can get involved with it as a graduate or undergrad student, and ECCC, which is the division you'd fall under and the one I compete in, is super rad. I'm a mid-B level XC, upper-B STXC, and upper-C in climbs, crits, and road races.
Makes sense. I was gonna say it might be a little crazy to use tubulars as a daily setup because of the work involved. But when it comes down to performance they're hard to beat.
^Indeed. I'd be nervous using them everyday - they're a bit "luxurious". However, I got a crazy deal on them, which makes it easier to justify!
*TURBONERD*I do collegiate racing. I don't know what your situation is but I know that you can get involved with it as a graduate or undergrad student, and ECCC, which is the division you'd fall under and the one I compete in, is super rad. I'm a mid-B level XC, upper-B STXC, and upper-C in climbs, crits, and road races.
Seems like a great organization - I like that everyone is around the same age.
In Quebec, everything goes through the "Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes". It's very well organized, I'm looking forward to it.
I've been considering a cycling trip through New England - I'll reach out if I do!
Durability and performance versus a comparable quality group but with a traditional shift cable? How long have you had it? How many times have you charged and calibrated the system?
I've been considering it myself on my first road bike (making the purchase in 12 days) but don't know many people running it yet.
*TURBONERD*Oregon this summer
NS Bend meet up with road and mountain bikes? I'll be back down at least 2 or 3 times this year and will finally have a road bike to enjoy the awesome roads down there.
division.bellNS Bend meet up with road and mountain bikes? I'll be back down at least 2 or 3 times this year and will finally have a road bike to enjoy the awesome roads down there.
That would be rad, although it might be a little difficult.
If all goes according to plan I'll have one 24-hour period off from work noon Saturday-Sunday every week (yay summer camp), but I'd be overjoyed if you showed me some riding near Portland that isn't Sandy Ridge, since that's where I take campers. Being a counselor without a car kind of leaves me with limited options, sadly.
I have mixed feelings towards electronic shifting.
Pros:
-perfect shifts, every time with no lag/hesitation.
-virtually Maintenance free. I'm up to 5000km with that bike and have only had to charge the system 6-7 times
Cons:
-weight. It adds an extra pound or so.
- The batteries don't lose power linearly.
Overall it's a great system. You click the shifter, and it shifts perfectly, every time. Doesn't matter if you're climbing or barely pedaling. The major trade off (for me) is charging the battery.
Last year during a fondo, the battery died on me, despite apparently having a 50% charge at the start line. That sucked,
If my next bike has it, great. If not, it isn't high on my priority list. It's a gadget more than anything else.
What are the advantages of having clip in pedals/shoes? I bought a road bike back in August and have been riding a few times a week with the stock pedals that came with my bike and just some average running shoes. When I bought my bike also the guy at the shop was like "are you really going to stick with those pedals?", I was like yeahh.. I have no reason not to. Is there something magical about clip ins that I'm missing out on?
I have mixed feelings towards electronic shifting.
Pros:
-perfect shifts, every time with no lag/hesitation.
-virtually Maintenance free. I'm up to 5000km with that bike and have only had to charge the system 6-7 times
Cons:
-weight. It adds an extra pound or so.
- The batteries don't lose power linearly.
Overall it's a great system. You click the shifter, and it shifts perfectly, every time. Doesn't matter if you're climbing or barely pedaling. The major trade off (for me) is charging the battery.
Last year during a fondo, the battery died on me, despite apparently having a 50% charge at the start line. That sucked,
If my next bike has it, great. If not, it isn't high on my priority list. It's a gadget more than anything else.
Thanks for the write up. I'm still intrigued by Di2 but went with a conventional group for my first road bike...which was finally ordered this morning.
I'm pretty fucking excited to finally have a road bike. So excited in fact that I ordered one for my wife as well. Pics to come once they show up.
RedPandaWhat are the advantages of having clip in pedals/shoes? I bought a road bike back in August and have been riding a few times a week with the stock pedals that came with my bike and just some average running shoes. When I bought my bike also the guy at the shop was like "are you really going to stick with those pedals?", I was like yeahh.. I have no reason not to. Is there something magical about clip ins that I'm missing out on?
With clipless your strokes are a lot more efficient and you'll gain more power from your strokes too. Also you can use different muscle groups when you're tired. And when you start pedaling really fast you'll lose control and footing on platform pedals but since you're clipped in with clipless pedals you don't lose that control. One more thing, not only can you push down on the front stroke but also pull up on the backstroke when clipped in.
I have Shimano A530, which are platform on one side and clipless on the other, on my bike cuz I thought I would just wear tennis shoes on short trips but that was a mistake. No matter how long the ride I will be clipped in now. It's just easier and more efficient. This spring I'm throwing a pair of straight clipless pedals on.
RedPandaWhat are the advantages of having clip in pedals/shoes?
Better power transfer and additional torque from your foot pulling up on the pedal as well as pushing down with the other foot. Its nice when it means you have a little extra in the tank on a long ride.
division.bellI'm still intrigued by Di2 but went with a conventional group for my first road bike...which was finally ordered this morning.
di2 is cool, but the price to play is so high. You're much better spending your money on fancy cranks or wheels. What bike did you end up going with?
for being a bunch of middle schoolers, you guys sure do have nice bikes
The biggest advantage with going to clipless pedals and road specific shoes in my opinion is the power transfer. Stiffer soles lead to more of your leg power being directly transmitted to the cranks. Softer soles (tennis shoes) and crappy plastic pedals will rob you of potential power and efficiency.
ghosthopWhat bike did you end up going with?
Pics will do better than words. I'll have something in a few days.
I read an interesting article awhile ago about clipless vs flats. saying that over long distances, having the ability to move your foot around and it being in different positions all the time is easier on your legs, thus can be better for endurance. so over long distances can actually have a power advantage over clips. he had some data to back it up too.
not sure how much i buy that, longest ive gone is 170 miles in a day and i dont feel like i lost strength in any way related to foot positioning. but i've never gone 170 miles on flats so who knows.
I could see the advantages more for multi day rides.
efficiency aside i'd love to have a cross style bike with flats, just for hauling ass and gettin cray town.
I don't really road bike but I raced cyclocross for 3 years in like a backyard weeknight deal we had going on, that was a blast. Now I just commute, on this sketchy bike I got off the internet and pieced together, it has kind of upright geometry (for a road bike) flat bars, 'cross tires and only back brakes. It sounds a little retarded but it's so much fun to blast around on. I have beefy rims so I can jump it, actually ride it at the skatepark or on the mountain once in a while when I start to miss mountain biking too much.
I'm contemplating picking up a cheap trailer and riding from Moscow to Hood (317ish miles) with my skis just for the heck of it. Probably take my time and do like 2.5 days or so . Does anyone have any experience doing this kind of touring? Any ideas on what's a realistic distance to cover in a day?
Well, my road bikes arrived today, way ahead of my expectations. I'll build them up tomorrow and have some pictures to share for certain. Can't wait to get out on my first ride.
Now I need to get off my ass and track down/purchase pedals and shoes. I'll likely be rolling on my mountain bike pedals and shoes for the first ride or two.
cydwhitI don't really road bike but I raced cyclocross for 3 years in like a backyard weeknight deal we had going on, that was a blast. Now I just commute, on this sketchy bike I got off the internet and pieced together, it has kind of upright geometry (for a road bike) flat bars, 'cross tires and only back brakes. It sounds a little retarded but it's so much fun to blast around on. I have beefy rims so I can jump it, actually ride it at the skatepark or on the mountain once in a while when I start to miss mountain biking too much.
I'm contemplating picking up a cheap trailer and riding from Moscow to Hood (317ish miles) with my skis just for the heck of it. Probably take my time and do like 2.5 days or so . Does anyone have any experience doing this kind of touring? Any ideas on what's a realistic distance to cover in a day?
I did 170 miles last summer with a shit ton of elevation change over 2 big ass mountain passes and a terrible head wind for 70 miles in a day. took me about 11-12 hours. I think I could have gone another 50 if I had to.
200 miles a day would be a breeze if it were flat terrain. throw in much elevation and it makes it rough.
Id say 300 miles with a load over 3 days would be doable at a very easy pace. you'd be able to chill for awhile when you stop and not be rushed. 2 days with a load would be a pain.
I'd highly recommend it though, going long distances under your own power like that is one of the coolest feelings you can get, shits addicting.
XtRemE11I did 170 miles last summer with a shit ton of elevation change over 2 big ass mountain passes and a terrible head wind for 70 miles in a day. took me about 11-12 hours. I think I could have gone another 50 if I had to.
200 miles a day would be a breeze if it were flat terrain. throw in much elevation and it makes it rough.
Id say 300 miles with a load over 3 days would be doable at a very easy pace. you'd be able to chill for awhile when you stop and not be rushed. 2 days with a load would be a pain.
I'd highly recommend it though, going long distances under your own power like that is one of the coolest feelings you can get, shits addicting.
Thanks! Yeah, there is definitely some elevation change (looks like (15627 up and 12267 down), and I'll probably be on a single speed so I'll probably take it pretty easy. I know one of my buddies' dads rides 130ish miles from his home town to Moscow for home-coming and he is ancient with both knees and shoulders replaced so I ought to be able to do a solid 130 a day at the very least. Probably going to take it really easy and shoot a lot though. Did you use any kind of trailer?
