Introductions - Fellow Bikers

How's everyone this fine day (at least it is here in NYC)? I'm new to the forum, own a '94 "Schwinn Crisscross" hybrid and just recently purchased, on Ebay, a "Peugeot" w/full ultegra, custom drawn chrome-moly powder-coated frame, Reynolds Ouzo carbon fiber fork, Ritchey Pro wheels and superlight Vittoria Kevlar bend tires. It should arrive tomorrow and, as you may gather, I'm all atwitter. Sort of like going from a Chevy Impala to a Corvette. Anyhow, found the need to have a more performance oriented machine to enhance getting back into optimum shape. I've also ordered Ultegra pd-6601 peds and Shimano SH-R122 shoes (I have MB clipless peds and use MB shoes on my Schwinn). I stumbled on this forum while searching for input on the Flight Deck computer, and read the string on this forum. I have an inexpensive, basic Performance computer on my other bike; but, now sense the need for cadence, hrm, and the other functions that maintaining a fitness schedule and log entail. Trust I'll receive some good advice and feedback here, as I'm most certain I'll need it. Hope my browser settings concur with the forum's and that I am posting this in the introductions area. Btw, thanks for the hearty welcome, Ron.

Welcome to the forums Othello. Good to have you here.

Carl

Welcome OTM!

Glad you found this site, there is always an abundance of information and opinions here. You need bike sounds nice, post a picture of her when you receive it.

Regarding the computers, I've been doing heart rate training vs cadence and it's increased my overall efficiency tremendously. I have a Cat Eye Wireless and a Sports Instruments EO4 Heart rate montior. I don't have a cadence function, but I don't worry about it as much, or just count revs in 6 seconds and multiply by 10.

Again, Welcome
L8R

Originally posted by OtheloTheMoor
just recently purchased, on Ebay, a "Peugeot" w/full ultegra, custom drawn chrome-moly powder-coated frame, Reynolds Ouzo carbon fiber fork, Ritchey Pro wheels and superlight Vittoria Kevlar bend tires.
Glad you found your way to the Introductions forum. ;)
When you get the bike we want to see some pix.

How does everyone find good deals on ebay? Every time I go there they have overpriced bikes or ones I'm not interested in. :(


I have an inexpensive, basic Performance computer on my other bike; but, now sense the need for cadence, hrm, and the other functions that maintaining a fitness schedule and log entail.
Like Vic, I have a Sports Instruments HRM. I got the ECG5 (http://www.sportsinstruments.com/products/ecg5.html) model. Really like it. :thumbup:

For a good computer, I'd have to recommend the Vetta RT77 (http://www.vetta.com/Product_RT77.html). I have two - one on my commuter and one on my Litespeed. :beer:

Yeah!!!!! Thanx, guys. This is what I'm talkin' 'bout; almost instant feedback. I've been torn between going the formulaic route; i.e., Shimano Flight Deck and the "common-sense", less expensive "non-integral" approach. Reminds me of the conundrum, for most folks, when confronted with the choice between Nikon lenses and generic lenses in photography when considering such for your Nikon camera (I have taken tens of thousands of photos and have never been able to discern the difference). Yet, with this new bike, I elected to purchase the ultegra peds (shimano pd-6601) and shimano shoes (SH-R122). Ha!!!!! Guess I'm basically a "snob" at heart, too.

Anyhoo; will definitely rev up the digital camera (like my old F2, personally) and publish a few shots of the new "chariot".

Thanx again

Btw, RonH, re: Ebay, I don't know what your experience there has been; but, this was my first bid/purchase there; and, I must say, that I feel I got a bargain, in that I think that a comparable bike on the open market would've cost at least $ 1500 (I got this one for $ 910 + $35 shipping) which, believe me, I don't consider an insignificant sum; but, before embarking on the bid cycle, I researched (via the net) what comparable bikes were going for). Hey look, just the fork is normally $ 300; figure in the premium steel frame, the full ultegra drivetrain, shifters, barkes, ders., the wheels, tires; hey, I got a bargain.

And, btw, the ultegra peds. were also via Ebay, $83.50 (+ $ 6.50 shipping; I saw them at Performance for $129.99, and more at other venues).

I would hypothesize that you can get screwed at Ebay; but, if you check out the rep of your seller and research what the item is selling for in other venues, you will definitely get some outlandish "bargains" (my seller has a rep of selling over 500 bikes a year, with very few complaints).

How's everyone this fine day (at least it is here in NYC)? I'm new to the forum, own a '94 "Schwinn Crisscross" hybrid and just recently purchased, on Ebay, a "Peugeot" w/full ultegra, custom drawn chrome-moly powder-coated frame, Reynolds Ouzo carbon fiber fork, Ritchey Pro wheels and superlight Vittoria Kevlar bend tires. It should arrive tomorrow and, as you may gather, I'm all atwitter. Sort of like going from a Chevy Impala to a Corvette. Anyhow, found the need to have a more performance oriented machine to enhance getting back into optimum shape. I've also ordered Ultegra pd-6601 peds and Shimano SH-R122 shoes (I have MB clipless peds and use MB shoes on my Schwinn). I stumbled on this forum while searching for input on the Flight Deck computer, and read the string on this forum. I have an inexpensive, basic Performance computer on my other bike; but, now sense the need for cadence, hrm, and the other functions that maintaining a fitness schedule and log entail. Trust I'll receive some good advice and feedback here, as I'm most certain I'll need it. Hope my browser settings concur with the forum's and that I am posting this in the introductions area. Btw, thanks for the hearty welcome, Ron.

How do like "THEM" SH-R122's?

Sorry for the delay in replying, BIGPAKO; but I haven't been reading my e-mail religiously of late.

Anyhow, the Shimano SH-R122's caused me hotfoot and other foot-related discomforts. So, within months of buying them I purchased a pair of Diadora Stratos, on sale at Performance. This was both in search of a more comfortable alternative to the 122's, and with the thought in mind that one should not wear the same shoe two days in a row (it needs to dry out and regain its shape).

Well, voila', EUREKA. They (the Diadoras) are so comfortable, and I've never had any of the problems I had with the Shimanos nor any problems of any kind. Note that my experience is totally anecdotal, and I don't know what to attribute it to; and, although I still use the Shimanos (usually on alternate days to give the Diadoras a rest), on long or difficult rides the well-worn Diadoras (three years) are what's on my feet.

Sorry for the delay in replying, BIGPAKO; but I haven't been reading my e-mail religiously of late.

Anyhow, the Shimano SH-R122's caused me hotfoot and other foot-related discomforts. So, within months of buying them I purchased a pair of Diadora Stratos, on sale at Performance. This was both in search of a more comfortable alternative to the 122's, and with the thought in mind that one should not wear the same shoe two days in a row (it needs to dry out and regain its shape).

Well, voila', EUREKA. They (the Diadoras) are so comfortable, and I've never had any of the problems I had with the Shimanos nor any problems of any kind. Note that my experience is totally anecdotal, and I don't know what to attribute it to; and, although I still use the Shimanos (usually on alternate days to give the Diadoras a rest), on long or difficult rides the well-worn Diadoras (three years) are what's on my feet.

I feel your pain brother! I too was experiencing hot foot and toe numbness. I even tried some SIDI's among other brands which didn't help much. After reading and asking around a came upon the Specialized Pro Carbon's and I must say these are truly awesome! The hot foot and numbness are gone and they are sooo comfortable, expensive, but comfortable.

I've concluded that, with most of us, this issue is a very personalized thing. I'm sure there are many people out there who swear by their Shimanos. I guess htat's why the prevailing wisdom is to never buy shoes by mail order. One should always try them on. However, it's been my experience (and, I'm speaking of shoes period, not just cycling shoes) that even then, when one wears them in the "real world" for an extended period, one can still encounter problems.

This is a good indication that maybe one should engender a relationship with a "local bike shop".