Road Cycling - Just brought my first Road Bike!!!!

Hello again. I just got myself a 2002 (54cm) Fuji Roubaix! Does anyone know much about this bike? I'm not too crazy about the graphics, but I think I got a good deal for it (US$1,000 with SPD-515 pedals). It's such a light bike. I'll try to post up some pics later.

Here's a pic from Fuji's website.

Did you score that off Ebay - I noticed that there are a ton of new Fuji road bikes on their cycle category. What grupo is on the new ride?

Cadd,
Did you trade in your Sirrus? I know you were unhappy with the fit so I thougt maybe you traded it.

I just bought a new road bike as well a Lemond Zurich. Well it is new to me, it was actually a dealer demo bike. I did keep the Sirrus for the time being anyway. I enjoy riding the Zurich so much I don't know if I will ride the Sirrus much.

Cadd,
Just checked the specs on it and it looks good. It is hard to go wrong with Shimano 105 gruppo. Have fun with it.

I'm also keeping the Sirrus for the time being. Not sure what to do with it yet. The Roubaix was a spur of the moment purchase. I actually went back to the LBS today for fine tuning adjustments and after the 30 minute adjustment, I decided to look at the road bikes. The LBS actually told me not to buy anything. He said it would be a waste of my money and that I should give the Sirrus a chance after the adjustments. I looked at several Bianchis (one was the Giro) and the Specialized Allez and the Giant OCRs (the two lower end models). Then he said he has a Fuji and that it was my size. He showed me it and it had a price tag of $1,100 on it. He said that he'll take $200 off it just for me since I was unhappy with my Sirrus. I had to get pedals and got SPD 515s ($25) and tax was about $75. He made it $1,000 even.

While I was looking, there was an Lemond Zurich there....looked stunning....but I didn't even want to know how much it was. He also had a beautiful Litespeed that was SOOOOO eye catching. So I settled for the Fuji.

I only rode it for 10 miles though. I noticed that the rear deraileur was jumping into a higher gear (smaller ring) and some gears (4, 5 and 6) made funny noise. I guess I have to get it readjusted huh?

And the front wheel isn't trued :eek: (I think). Every time I put pressure on the wheel and spin it, it'll make a funny creeking noise. When there isn't any weight on it, it'll be fine. I then used my fingers to squeeze the spokes together and they were loose!

I guess I gotta get that fixed too huh?

Other than that, it feels fine and fast. I can't wait until I put some miles on it!

Gabiker, how's the Zurich treating you? Was it a 2002? How much did it cost you? Was it heavily discounted? It's an awesome bike!

nikos, nope didn't get it from ebay, got it from the LBS.

Cadd - I just got my better half a Allez (her first roadie). It fit her like a glove and took to it like a duck to water. She couldn't believe the difference. It seems like a great bike. I looked at those Fuji's, and used to own a Team Fuji. I never had a lick of trouble with mine and it flat out flew. Good luck. And my two cents is keep the Sirrus, you'll ride it.

I'm keeping my hybrid when I pick up my new C'dale on Tues it will be put on the back burner, but I know I'll use from time to time.

Cadd,
My Zurich is a 2002. It was a dealer demo so it had about 1000 miles on it, but I picked it up for $1350 which is about $650 off of retail so I am pleased. I did find a spot under the top tube that the paint has been worn off from the brake cable, but even when I touch it up no on will know it is there but me.

The Zurich and I have bonded. I absolutely love riding her, even though I have only put about 125 miles on her I can't wait until the next ride. She is full Ultegra, shifts like a dream and just glides down the road or path. What they say is true: Steel is Real.

At 18.5lbs she is not much heavier than the ti bikes but I beleive rides smoother.

Have fun with your new bike. :beer:

Tourist,
I was looking at the new Allez comp which is also a sweet bike. The only thing I don't like and it doesn't mean a thing except my preference is the compact geometry.

I am tall and with the sloping top tube it makes it look like the seat is to far out of the seat tube. Other than that I loved the bike. For your wife it is probably just right.

gabiker - You're exactly right. I'm 6'4" I didn't like the compact geo either, but for her it really is perfect. I also really dislike the Sora shifters, but she hasn't had much road experience so we'll wait and see. Good luck with the Zurich

This is a very nice bike. Fuji's are good bang for the buck and have a good reputation for making solid bikes. I doubt you'll be unhappy with your purchase once you get your adjustments made.

Originally posted by oceanrider
This is a very nice bike. Fuji's are good bang for the buck and have a good reputation for making solid bikes. I doubt you'll be unhappy with your purchase once you get your adjustments made.
Thanks, I hope you're right :)

Originally posted by gabiker
Tourist,
I was looking at the new Allez comp which is also a sweet bike. The only thing I don't like and it doesn't mean a thing except my preference is the compact geometry.

I am tall and with the sloping top tube it makes it look like the seat is to far out of the seat tube. Other than that I loved the bike. For your wife it is probably just right.
How do you know if your bike has a compact geometry frame?

Does the Fuji have a compact geometry frame.

Here's the site with the geometry:

http://fujibikes.com/2002/usa/html/main/frameset.htm

Just click on geometry. I have a 54cm frame. Can someone please let me know. I know I felt a little tight (not enough stretch) on the Sirrus....I hope this isn't the case here.

Thx. :beer:

The quickest way is to see if the if the top tube slopes down as it goes to the seat tube. There are some manufacturers that have a sloped top tube, but aren't truly compact. Cannondale Road Warrior line is the only one I know for sure. The front tube is raised to give this look (and a bit more upright ride, but not to the extent of hybrid) I don't believe yours is.

I don't know what the advantages are to a compact geometry, but in the case of the Allez it fit a woman rider very well. Not sure that it would be a blanket statement to say compact geometry is for smaller riders.

What are the advantages anyway?

No the Fuji does not have a compact geometry frame. The only difference is the top tube on a compact geometry frame slants down toward the seat tube. Put your Sirrus next to your Fuji and you will see what I am talking about. With smaller frames and shorter riders it is not as noticeable.

It is great to have a new set of road wheels, ain't it? :D Picked up my Allez Sport last Monday and now have close to 80 miles on it and can't wait to get home and do some more...

One last thought on the compact geometry...I am 6'2", 235 lbs. Not exactly small. However, my legs are shorter versus my torso, so I found the extra few cm of clearance at the seat post over the top tube fit me great. I tried a Trek with conventional geometry and it just didn't give me the comfortable clearance.

Keep us informed on how the Fuji does...I looked long and hard at them on-line, but no LBS carried them and I was afraid to spend the $$$ without a test ride...

:beer:

LegalIce,
That is actually why I like the Lemond because they have a longer top tube than most bikes. I am 6'2" also and my torso is long so the long top tube lets me stretch out a little more.

The thing I don't care for is on the Compact Geometry my seat looks so high it almost looks like a mountain bike. I know this isn't the case for some people and others don't care. On my Lemond the seat post is out about 5" on my Sirrus it is out about 10" just looks a little funny to me.

They do say that compact geometry bikes weigh a little less though.

I came home with this today. Not the greatest, not the worst - perfect first road bike (I hope!). Traded even-steven - didn't spend a dime!

Originally posted by tourist
The quickest way is to see if the if the top tube slopes down as it goes to the seat tube.
Yup...the Sirrus does have a compact geo.

Originally posted by gabiker
Put your Sirrus next to your Fuji and you will see what I am talking about. With smaller frames and shorter riders it is not as noticeable.
I noticed that the top tube of the Sirrus does slant down slightly...but not as much as other bikes I've seen. It looks less aggressive that way.

I just put both bikes side to side and WOW! What a difference between the top tube angle!

Originally posted by LegalIce
It is great to have a new set of road wheels, ain't it? :D Picked up my Allez Sport last Monday and now have close to 80 miles on it and can't wait to get home and do some more...

One last thought on the compact geometry...I am 6'2", 235 lbs. Not exactly small. However, my legs are shorter versus my torso, so I found the extra few cm of clearance at the seat post over the top tube fit me great. I tried a Trek with conventional geometry and it just didn't give me the comfortable clearance.

Keep us informed on how the Fuji does...I looked long and hard at them on-line, but no LBS carried them and I was afraid to spend the $$$ without a test ride...

:beer:
You got a great bike there! Is it full Tiagra w/105 in the back? Let me know how it goes....how's that BODY GEOMETRY saddle treating you? It took about 75 miles to get used to the Sirrus' saddle...you may have a better one though.

BTW, how much did you pay for it?

Originally posted by Bikes-N-Drums
I came home with this today. Not the greatest, not the worst - perfect first road bike (I hope!). Traded even-steven - didn't spend a dime!
Nice bike Drums! What gruppo is it? It looks nice! What did you trade for it? Well have fun riding!

I like not spending a dime. Don't get to do that much but I still like it when I do. You got a nice bike there too and it makes it even nicer when you didn't have to spend any money on it.

Have fun.

By the way I see your in Atlanta. Do you ever ride the Silver Comet trail?

Originally posted by Cadd

You got a great bike there! Is it full Tiagra w/105 in the back? Let me know how it goes....how's that BODY GEOMETRY saddle treating you? It took about 75 miles to get used to the Sirrus' saddle...you may have a better one though.

BTW, how much did you pay for it?

Cadd,

The LBS had it listed for 999.99, but I got it for 800. The saddle took a little getting used to, especially since I had been riding my mountain bike with a Serafas RX saddle. However with my newly purchased bike shorts, it's no longer a problem...

...but I do have more than 75 miles now... ;)

Yes, it's Tiagra with 105 rear...I ended up spending a few hundred more than I originally planned...but I felt it was worth it for the better components and carbon fork...

:beer:

LegalIce, looks like you got yourself a great deal!

Originally posted by gabiker
By the way I see your in Atlanta. Do you ever ride the Silver Comet trail?
I don't care what they say about MUP's, I love riding out there! If only they'd pave asphalt on those more remote parts. ;)

Well eventually it is suppose to run from Atlanta to Anniston AL. It will be nice when it is finished. I usually ride from Rockmart to Smyrna there where it cross's the 278 4 lane and then back. It is just to crowded on the other side of 278.

I agree - those first miles out of Smyrna are a little crowded. I usually go through that from Mavell out to Brushy Mtn tunnel & back. About 45 miles & a great way to spend the day. I'm going out there this weekend. Have to break in the new road bike. Maybe I'll see ya' there!

Won't be there this weekend. Going to meet a guy and ride the Chief Ladiga trail in Alabama. One of these days hopefully soon I can ride up to meet him instead of drive.

Maybe next weekend though.

Here's an update. The bike is FAST! But I don't think my body is used to being in such an aggressive position while riding.

My hands hurt when I'm on the hoods (and that's my favorite place to ride).

My front rims (those on the Fuji Team with Front24/Rear28 aero bladed spokes) seem to keep getting loose. The second I was riding, I heard a creaking noise from the front of the bike every time the wheels rolls with my body weight on the bike. I brought in and they fixed it (3 days ago)

Yesterday, I rode it for another 20 miles and the same thing happened during the last 2 miles. I hear the sound again and I squeezed the spokes and they seem loose. I brought it in again today and they fixed the problem. The LBS got pissed off and said if it happens again, he'll put a whole new set of rims in for me.

Other than that, only my hands been bothering me. I think I'm putting too much pressure on them. I have cheap Trek gloves. Should I invest in a good pair of leather gloves? Would that lighten the pain? Or should I talk to the LBS?

Cadd,

I bought a Roubaix-Pro not too long ago. At the time, I didn't even know Fuji made an aluminum Roubaix. It's a pound lighter than mine. Plus mine is a double and yours is a triple.

A double is fine where I live because there aren't many long hills.

It has taken me a few weeks to adjust to my bike. At first I thought the frame was too big. Then I started thinking it might be too small. Finally I accepted that it was just right. Where have I heard this story before? Three bears?

Anyway, I found that seat and handlebar adjustments made a huge difference. After you get all the kinks worked out, you'll probably enjoy the bike a lot. Have fun!

I've had problems with numbness in my hands. The problem has lessend with proper seat adjustment. You could always go with a higher rise stem or something. Ride it for awhile first. My suggestion.

condor