Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Your century bicycle(s)

Are the drops jarring on rough jeep roads?

I used to run my ti rando bike with conti '28s' at 90 psi, Nitto Noodles, Campy Ergo levers, etc, on some pretty sketch gravel and even trail.
I'm likely not the best person to comment on this. ;)

(IF with 32s, for some dirt, road, singletrack, and bushwacking)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-879TujtFORU/TIQJUEjtByI/AAAAAAAAPmQ/vwETU5wr3es/s800/IMG_1166.JPG

The drops are really comfy. I added some gel pads to tops, just behind the hoods, and from the inside bend on the drops out to the end. Really nice when it gets rough. I move off the hoods, tuck into the hooks, and your hands can relax a bit as the snuggle into the bend. I've been experimenting with loosening up my grip and letting my hands float.

I have had some pinky numbness on a 30minute single track descent - rocky, roots, switchbacks - but I think it had more to do with poor setup (didn't know the SRAM levers had adjustable reach!).

Would I want to ride technical single track on my Fargo all day? Probably not, as I miss my Soma Juice 29r for a pure MTB (Soma Odin bars, single or tringle speed, lighter, etc.)

But - for mixed terrain, the Fargo is sweet!

Speaking of Voodoos, a riding partner and I did a 68 mile road, dirt road, single track loop this Sunday. He was on his Voodoo. Really nice setup - carbon fork, Formula brakes, Shimano 8spd IGH... he races it this way too, and is planning to go Alfine 11.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6066197706_f58a75fb3a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31827372@N00/6066197706/)
Fargo and Voodoo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31827372@N00/6066197706/) by mbeganyi (http://www.flickr.com/people/31827372@N00/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6066198648_90874eb4f3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31827372@N00/6066198648/)
Wil's Voodoo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31827372@N00/6066198648/) by mbeganyi (http://www.flickr.com/people/31827372@N00/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6065653731_e1d7b6219b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31827372@N00/6065653731/)
IMAG4125 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31827372@N00/6065653731/) by mbeganyi (http://www.flickr.com/people/31827372@N00/), on Flickr

We are both running WTB Vulpines, to put them through their paces. He's been getting back into racing, after destroying his collarbone coming down Smugglers notch on his road bike, and we are both aiming for Tour Divide in 013. The 29rs with the Vulpines roll surprisingly well on the road, and take the buzz out of the gravel and dirt. We hit some dirt that was smoother than the pavement, but quite a bit of it was washboard and loose. I descended a rough stretch at 38mph and felt really confident. He's been talking all about drops, and more so after this ride - but he likes his hydros for racing and power...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6066198648_90874eb4f3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31827372@N00/6066198648/)
Wil's Voodoo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31827372@N00/6066198648/) by mbeganyi (http://www.flickr.com/people/31827372@N00/), on Flickr

That is one nasty ride!!! I love the stance and everything. What's the weight on that rig?


I could never get used to riding a cross bike off-road. I had a Bianchi Volpe for about a year and didn't like the way it handled--even on dirt roads. I'm doing the D2R2 next week so I'm starting to think more about my current setup. As is, I'm riding my Raleigh M80 with 1.50 hybrid tires. While it may be slow, it works better than my Jamis road bike. If this ride goes well, I'd like to do more dirt road type rides.

That is one nasty ride!!! I love the stance and everything. What's the weight on that rig?


I could never get used to riding a cross bike off-road. I had a Bianchi Volpe for about a year and didn't like the way it handled--even on dirt roads. I'm doing the D2R2 next week so I'm starting to think more about my current setup. As is, I'm riding my Raleigh M80 with 1.50 hybrid tires. While it may be slow, it works better than my Jamis road bike. If this ride goes well, I'd like to do more dirt road type rides.

26 lbs, and it's for a big guy. Im 5'8 and can tip toe on the pedals.

D2R2 is a fun ride. I put on a paved, dirt, gravel 114k and 200k here in VT Oct. 1. Love the dirt roads.

Those vulpines roll as nicely as cross tires. If you can fit em, they'd likely roll better than a hybrid tire.

My Baby... got it in 1983 paid for from the lawsuit. I was hit by this... Beeech at "Butchers Corner" in Sunnyvale.

Did 10 Davis Double's and a whole lot of Centuries in the 80's and 90's. Bike just got repainted by Brian Baylis.

215852

Just rode my first century two days ago so I guess I can now qualify for a picture here :D

My Trek 460.....
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h88/RevRyp/7568a4bd.jpg

26 lbs, and it's for a big guy. Im 5'8 and can tip toe on the pedals.

D2R2 is a fun ride. I put on a paved, dirt, gravel 114k and 200k here in VT Oct. 1. Love the dirt roads.

Those vulpines roll as nicely as cross tires. If you can fit em, they'd likely roll better than a hybrid tire.

I'll keep that in mind. Depending how D2R2 goes I'd love to do other rides. Does your Oct. 1 ride have any website or any other info?

149 km with Kona Sutra and Alfine 8.(39T-18T)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ObSvTziZa3o/Tlonl6TBN8I/AAAAAAAAFaA/tjSIqMRzWnY/s640/%2525E0%2525B9%252582%2525E0%2525B8%252581%2525E0%2525B9%252589%2525E0%2525B8%252587%2525E0%2525B9%2 52582%2525E0%2525B8%252584%2525E0%2525B9%252589%2525E0%2525B8%252587%25252009.JPG

Heavy rain and hot like hell weather, but very fun! :D

216877216876216875

This year we have done our first SR serie. Made an attempt at PBP Audax, and at PBP Randonneur - which both failed. We will concentrate on 200, 300, 400 and 600 in the nearest time, but with more hills than we did on our SR serie this year.

We have two Ibis Touche from 1994 - bought second hand, and a Comotion Speedster Copilot from 2011. We also have an old Motobecane tandem I still dream to make into a double singlespeed wintertrainer...
We used standard tyres on PBP Audax (Continental Gatorskin 28 mm) and learned that we have to use 32 mm or larger to make them last through French towns in rainy nights over disturbed tarmac... I even think about building 650B wheels with disc brakes to use fx 40 mm tyres, for a winter project.
Carsten & Dorte
Helsingør - Denmark

http://home.iprimus.com.au/reueladhikari/green_cc.JPG

Did 154km last weekend & 160km yesterday. The 1.65kg U-lock was left at home. :-)

This is my current ride. Cannondale Synapse alloy.
Currently at 6 100+ mile rides. Had a rear flat and in putting in new tube noticed the tire getting awful thin. Tire lasted about 1800 miles. Really need to find another saddle. Brooks pro. Have another I may cut a slot down the middle.

nice looking bike !

nice looking bike !

Cool looking bike !

nice looking bike !

Century Ti
218306

Fantom Cross
218307

Pedal Force CG2

I’m a self-admitted Gear Geek who is guilty of overanalyzing his cycling equipment. I’m also cheap and independent, never too concerned with what the trends are today. I do like contemporary cycling technology and understand that today’s gear offers a lot of performance. I’ll visit a retail cycling showroom and find almost nothing for me. I’m not super-tall at 6’, but due to a lanky build and a preference for a more stretched-out “French-fit,” I never seem find a bike that meets my requirements in stock.

Most of my riding is longer distance fitness riding. I ride solo about 50% of the time. My fitness level has progressed to the point that I can ride in the faster groups with younger riders, some of whom race. I don’t dominate the pull, but I can hang-on. I have a need for speed and want to improve my hill climbing skills. So I’ve been looking at sourcing the items needed for a complete road-bike that would fit this kind of riding better than my do-it-all CX bike.

The availability of an advanced, second generation, road bike frame from Pedal Force caught my interest. The CG2 frame is available with a virtual top-tube size of 590mm with a head-tube length of 210mm. I also wanted a very stiff head-tube, down-tube and chain-stay design. The asymmetrical head-tube with a 1 1/8 upper headset bearing and a 1 ¼ lower headset bearing would improve stiffness compared to a symmetrical 1 1/8 headset head-tube. The fork was all carbon fiber, including the steering tube. The frame featured internal cabling for the derailleurs and rear brake. A BB30 bottom bracket shell is included.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/CG2001-1.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/CG2003-2.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/CG2004-2.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/CG2005-1.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/CG2007-1.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/CG2014-1.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/CG2016-1.jpg


Test results: Fit, Ride, handling and acceleration.

Even though it is a little difficult to remain perfectly objective during the honeymoon period with a new bike, some impressions are forming.

First impression is that this bike is different from other bikes I have owned. It fits more like a sports bike than my prior road bikes. The taller head-tube and the size 60cm seat-tube keeps the handlebar and saddle a moderate distance from the top tube. My prior road bikes had that short-wheelbase feel and always needed a well extended seat-post and an angled stem with a few spacers to fit well. I always felt that distance between me and the frame and never got adjusted to that kind of fit. I feel perfectly balanced on the new bike and I like the sports bike fit far more than the road-race fit. The second impression is that the bike feels a little unexciting at lower speeds but becomes much more veracious as speed and effort increases. My prior bikes felt very good at moderate speeds and were good partners on century rides, but were a little unsupportive of faster, high-effort cycling. The CG2 is going to be my fast fitness bike for group rides and will be asked to help me stay below 6 hours while completing century rides. I continue to think that it will do very well in that role.

Let’s talk about handling, ride and acceleration. It will be a while before I can comment on climbing and descending, I’ll have to write a post-script after some hill work with the bike.

Like the fit, he handling is more sports bike than road-race bike. There is nothing on the geometry sheet to indicate relaxed handling, but that is my impression at this point. It might be the longer wheelbase that comes with a size 60cm frame, or the geometry of the fork, but the bike has on-rails stability at all speeds. At speeds below 15 mph it doesn’t feel very lively. It doesn’t do anything bad at lower speeds or in tight spaces. However this is not a criterium racer or an agile city streets bike. It will make any turn at any reasonable speed, but it would rather go straight and fast and is less responsive feeling in tighter spaces and lower speeds than my CX bike or prior road bikes.

The ride quality is what I expected, firm but never jarring. One of the advantages of a bike that fits well and has comfortable contact points (seat, handlebar and shoes) is that a firmer ride can be comfortable. It also helps to have large enough tires at moderate air pressure. Finally, the wheel-set can improve the ride, my 32 spoke Velocity A23 wheel-set is comfort oriented and the ride benefits from a 23mm wide rim. I’m using 700x23 front and 700x25 rear tires at 100 and 110 psi. The tires are Continental Gatorskins which are stiffer than some tires in this size.

The frame has a firmer ride quality than my steel and prior titanium bikes. Steel bikes do feel supple and springy, in a way that can be good, but is also unwanted at times. The Titanium bike feels very supple and extra plush, but a bigger rider on a large frame will feel some unwanted flex too. The CG2 feels firmer than steel or titanium, with no unwanted flex. There is filtered road feel that is busier than steel or titanium, but this does not cause me any discomfort. The bike felt supple enough on the badly cratered and insufficiently repaired streets that are everywhere in my area. Sharper surface features, like frost heaves or broken concrete are felt, but the worst of it is filtered. Stiff riding, but filtered, is the best way for me to summarize the ride quality.

I will add that the sounds coming off the frame are more prominent than with my prior bikes. The sounds are all normal, including gear shifts and some rattling from the chain & cables. No groaning or creaking. The BB30 shell and adapter are silent, this was a worry.

Acceleration has been thrilling. Part of this is without-a-doubt a placebo effect, new bikes are great for motivation. However, part of my improved ability to accelerate and hold speed is the frame. Yesterday I rode with my speed oriented riding friend. He is a 25 year old Ironman participant on a Look TT bike. He never drops below 19 mph on our pancake flat route and can hold 23 mph for hours without drafting. I normally stay on his wheel and hang on for dear life. He was very complimentary of the improvements. He said my cadence looked smoother, faster and that my power output was more efficient. At one point he said “Now we are side by side holding a conversation at 20 mph, normally we you would be behind me…”

The bike does provide a better response to my effort. I used to hold a narrow cadence range from 90 to 100 rpm, shift often and lose and gain speed with any change in slope. Now I find myself holding speed, shifting less and feeling better power output at higher or lower cadence.

I’m beginning to wonder if I’ll ever go back to steel or titanium.

Pedal Force CG2
...I’m beginning to wonder if I’ll ever go back to steel or titanium.

Probably ought to wait till you do your first really long ride before your decide. ;) You're the first person that I know of who has bought a Pedal Force. I'm looking forward to a long term report. Sounds like you have yourself a very nice ride so far!

http://home.comcast.net/~adrian_spidle/tc-fall.jpg

After yesterday's 100-miler; pudgier tires, fenders, lights, and gears all added since July's century.

My first century was this spring on The Silver Comet.
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/Rod_Smith/M2M11/DSC01004.jpg

Since then I've done four more century rides, the longest was 198 miles on this Cannondale hybrid.
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/Rod_Smith/bike/DSC02624-1.jpg

I did a century that included 85 miles on the C&O Canal towpath on Orca, a 35 pound hardtail killer whale.
http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/Rod_Smith/bike/DSC03455.jpg

Wildcat, great pics, sweet ride! I haven't read the text yet, long post, short attention span. :D Telerod ;)

Wildcat, great pics, sweet ride! I haven't read the text yet, long post, short attention span. :D Telerod ;)

It is a bit of a ramble. I need a CliffsNotes summary for my skiing friends. ;-)

I'm not seeing too many carbon racing bikes on here, are those not good for long distances? Because I'm considering purchasing a high end one but would also like to do centuries at some point (longest as of now was a half century, no break).

I'm not seeing too many carbon racing bikes on here, are those not good for long distances? Because I'm considering purchasing a high end one but would also like to do centuries at some point (longest as of now was a half century, no break).

You can absolutely do long distances on a carbon bike. I prefer them, especially for ultra distance racing. If you go to any 500+ mile long race nearly everyone is on a CF bike. Most importantly, buy something that fits and will meet the needs of what you want to do with it. If that's a high end carbon bike go for it!

Every July a couple of hundred folks get together in France and do three weeks of back-to-back centuries on carbon race bikes. Seems to work for them...

But recreational centuries are a great place for other kinds of bikes too, which is why you see such variety on this thread.

Here is my brand new Waterford RS-14. So far, I have completed a Metric Century on this bike. Later this month, I will complete my R-12. Next Spring, I will try for a Series.

https://picasaweb.google.com/111092054012465891623/October82011#5661119589003337714

pretty bike, nice set-up

]I ride a Marin Four Corners, a traditional touring bike. It rides smooth, fast and handles superbly. I like to push on rides and this bike knows how to push back.

229515

4130 Cromoly, Triple Butted Edge Shaped Top and Down Tubes with, Cantilever Brakes, Shimano Xt, Shimano HG30, 11-32, 9 Speed, etc

I was reading an earlier post that commented on an oversize frame was comfortable (2manybikes Post #25). Serendipitously i found out he was correct. I basically took the bike out of the box and did a 100 mile ride on it. I have since added fenders an a adjustable stem. Next steps are a rear rack and panniers227874http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/gran_turismo.htm
To see how it is equipped
It's a 64 cm frame with a 34 inch stand over height

I only have one road bike. Do all my centuries on my 09 CAAD9-4 bbq. Running Williams 38 clinchers, latex tubes, and veloflex tires. That combo running at 110psi make for a super smooth comfy ride. Going for a 200k next weekend, if my knee feels up for it.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rR2GJ26FFwU/TmNqYTR0RWI/AAAAAAAAA3E/WIy2czNIf_M/s800/Phone%25252C%2525204%252520September%2525202011%252520275.jpg
Mine's the one on the right. :)
IRO Jamie Roy.
Phil Wood hubs laced to Velocity Deep Vs with DT Swiss 14-guage spokes. Brass nipples, of course.
Sugino 75 cranks
In this photo, it's set up 48x18, fixed.

In this configuration (although with different gearing) the bike's done 3, 1200Ks, a 1000K, two full brevet series and skads of centuries. This photo was taken in Sault, France, mid-way through climbing (and descending) all four routes up Mont Ventoux in a day -- that's 19,000 feet over 116 miles.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rR2GJ26FFwU/TmNqYTR0RWI/AAAAAAAAA3E/WIy2czNIf_M/s800/Phone%25252C%2525204%252520September%2525202011%252520275.jpg
Mine's the one on the right. :)
IRO Jamie Roy.
Phil Wood hubs laced to Velocity Deep Vs with DT Swiss 14-guage spokes. Brass nipples, of course.
Sugino 75 cranks
In this photo, it's set up 48x18, fixed.

In this configuration (although with different gearing) the bike's done 3, 1200Ks, a 1000K, two full brevet series and skads of centuries. This photo was taken in Sault, France, mid-way through climbing (and descending) all four routes up Mont Ventoux in a day -- that's 19,000 feet over 116 miles.

Sorry for jacking the thread, but are you this guy (http://www.thebicyclestory.com/2011/11/paul-rozelles-24-hour-pre-pbp-fixed-gear-mont-ventoux-rides/)?

are you this guy (http://www.thebicyclestory.com/2011/11/paul-rozelles-24-hour-pre-pbp-fixed-gear-mont-ventoux-rides/)?
Yep. That's the Eight-legged one himself.

Yep. That's the Eight-legged one himself.

You sir are BAD-A$$. Everytime I get called out for being crazy (doing climbs on a fixed gear), I almost always point them to your article. You are definitely an inspiration to me and my riding buddies. Cheers!

Everytime I get called out for being crazy (doing climbs on a fixed gear), I almost always point them to your article. You are definitely an inspiration to me and my riding buddies. Cheers!
Thanks, man. I appreciate hearing stuff like that. It gets me all pumped up to plan my next (completely ridiculous!) adventure. :D

Starting in 2003, in order:
1. Lemond Tourlemet
2. Litespeed Solano
3. Bianchi Volpe
4. Moots Vamoots
5. Univega SuperStrada
6. Salsa Casseroll - Fixed
7. Salsa Casseroll - Triple

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a101/Noel3006/IMG_0844.jpg

Yet another attempt at an early racing bicycle. This one is copied from the mid-30s racing bikes; pretty much the apogee of the derailleurless designs. Lightweight steel tubing, some aluminum parts (as opposed to steel everything just a few years prior), and a relatively wide range of gears. (I'm using a 42 chainring with a 24 cog on one side of the hub and a 15-18-21 freewheel on the other; typical of gears used in the Alps and Pyrenees.) I had to make the rear dropouts myself, as there aren't any commercially available ones long enough to handle a nine tooth difference. Getting the angle right, so that the brake pads hit the rim regardless of hub position, took quite a bit of trial and error.

Unlike the 1910-style bike I posted a few pages ago, this one is pretty useful and enjoyable, even in the mountains. And using the same rules for fitting that were in use during the 1930s, my position on the bike is comfortable and reasonably efficient for even very long distances - though I haven't quite made it to the 400 kilometer days that were common in the Tour de France at the time!

I rode my first century in October on this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/indyman/IMG_20110914_115727.jpg

This year I plan on riding it on a couple more centuries then riding RAIN.

This was the bike I rode on my first fixed 200k.
235567
Ryan

Whatcha got there? Kogswell?

Whatcha got there? Kogswell?

Yup!

Ryan

I finally got over a century today (101.7 miles), i took the picture shortly before getting home.
http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y308/alexaschwanden/IMG_0728.jpg

When I'm on Long Island I ride centuries on this early 70's Lambert, which is set up as a three speed:

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6191/6041687486_659d29c769_b.jpg

or on this Counterpoint Presto! recumbent:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5073/5876404985_89581e78fe_b.jpg

The recumbent is a bit faster.

In New Jersey I've been riding a 1948 Raleigh Record Ace, which is set up with a Sturmey Archer 5 speed hub from the 60's. I'll have to find a photo....

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n591/seedsbelize/world%201/worldshots12.jpg

Newly built Gunnar Fastlane. Shimano 105 5700 grouppo all around. Chris King NoThreadset headset. Ritchey Classic handlebar, stem, and seat post. Mavic A319 wheels, hand-built with DT double butted spokes and XT hubs. Conti Top Contact 700x32. Brooks B17 Special in honey with matching bar tape. Jandd Mountaineering rear rack. SKS P45 fenders with attached leather mud flaps. Short distance, long distance, all weather, all around adventure bike. On the road and off the road.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54505107@N05/6899570305/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54505107@N05/6899571091/in/photostream/lightbox/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54505107@N05/6899571483/in/photostream/lightbox/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54505107@N05/6899572175/in/photostream/lightbox/

237965

Did my inaugural ride on the the new bike today (Co-Motion Primera)- did a 200k in the rain.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6191/6041687486_659d29c769_b.jpg

Thumbs up to this one.

Hello all,
here are my non-touring century bicycles.
The first is a 1983 Lotus Legend Compe http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6655281451_ca8679cee9_b.jpg

and my 1984 Trek 660 650b conversion
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6819380755_84543cb345_b.jpg

I've ridden multiple 200km and 300km brevets on the Xootr Swift. Also a couple 400km OTL and a 600km attempt where I quit at 320km.

238278238279

I've softened the ride with some plush 406-50 tires, a Rido saddle, and a Cane Creek Thudbuster suspension seatpost.

^That's awesome! very impressive.

So far I've ridden a metric century, I'm working up toward my goal of a 200k Brevet this summer.

http://velospace.org/files/Rando1.jpg