Road Cycling - First Bike, First Post, First Questions

Ok, So here is my bike: Cannondale R800 (triple). It's a 56cm job with 700X23 wheels and tires. I have been reading the forums since I got my bike a few weeks ago. I have put on about 150 miles so far and have a few things to ask. The first is about wheels are tires. I read that a lot of people get a lot of flats, and although I have not had one, I don't want one. My LBS told me the Gipiemme Grecal Parade wheel set I have is a great set and is worth about $500. Well, I don't know if I should be riding that set up around all the time, seems like it would be to nice for that. I am getting some armadillo tires and am wondering what a good cheap wheel set would be to use for them.

My next question is about my shoes. I have a cheap pair of specialized shoes with the cleats on the bottom. I rode for a couple weeks with the cleats in the wrong position, (I read up on some of the previous posts) I then moved the cleats back a bit because I left foot was getting kind of numb. The position change seemed to help a little, I feel better and can clip in easier, and the numbness in the ball of my foot only happens after 8 miles or so now. I don't think that should happen, but how do I fix it?

My final question for right now is about what to carry on my bike. As you can see I already have two water bottles. That is fine, I have enough water for my 20-25 miles rides. I just have a small pack under my seat though. I can't fit much in there at all. Mostly I just take my cell phone (I have a fear of getting a flat and being stranded) and maybe a powerbar. It seems like everybody else carries a work bench and kitchen with them when they ride,,,where do you guys put all the tubes and food and repair kits and pumps and all that? Doesn't it weigh as much as the bike to carry all that stuff? Should I have some kind of saddle bags or what?

Thanks for the help, I will figure this stuff out eventually.

hi, nice bike!

as far as your wheels, my personal opinion is that you should ride them. you didn't get a nice wheelset to keep it in a closet somewhere.

as far as how much stuff you carry, if going on long trips, you'd usually take a bike backpack or shoulder bag and put the rest of your stuff in there. i personally keep a pump on the bike, (nice side pump so i can have 2 water bottles and a pump) and a spare tube and the necessary tools to patch and change a tube in the saddle pouch. any additional things i need to carry i throw in my shoulder bag. as far as weight, it becomes less of an issue when you need to be self-sufficient on a long ride. you can't really get around needing food, water and basic tools.

Well I think you should never go out without being able to change a flat. I carry a spare tube, tire irons, and a pump. Patch kits are ok but the glue dries out and it always seems dry when you get it out. If you want to patch your tube, you can take it home and do it at your leisure (yeah right).

I have a little pack that looks like yours on the seat. I have a multi tool and a patch kit and tire tools in it. There is a little room left over if I needed something else. The tire pump mounts with the water bottle holder.

The only status symbol I allow myself is to not own a cell phone.

What are you saving the wheels for? You bought them - use them.

Joe

:beer:

Unless you are going to be racing ride the wheels you have. Avoid potholes.

There are several sizes of seat packs. You might consider a larger one. A tube, a pump and tire irons are all you really need for local rides. Don't be paranoid about breakdowns. They rarely happen if you maintain your bike between rides.

About your feet: Orthotic inserts from Dr. Scholl (at Drug stores or some shoe stores) should eliminate the problem.

Your LBS guy/gal should have fitted the shoes and cleats properly for you when you got the bike.

Mine did, and I have never had to change them.

Why save the wheels? You going to give them to your grandchildren when you die or something?

I am one of those "kitchen sink" kinds of guy, and I use a great big JanDD wedge, and also, if need be, carry a very small foldup backpack (it folds itself into a neat pouch) which i got at CampMor for $10.

For example, I went out for a ride early this am, and it weas cold and windy. Therefore, I was wearing a fair amount of clothing. I threw the backpack in so that I would have someplace to put the warm clothing when I took it off - jacket, gloves, long pants - as it was supposed to warm up fast (it didn't, and is still cold!!). But, anyway, that was my plan.

I carry extra tube or tubes depending on length of ride, no patch kit ( I have never successfully patched a tube on the road) and CO2 inflator instead of pump, an expired drivers liscense for identification, and $5.

Welcome to the forums. Nice bike. I have a c'dale R700 and I love it.

A frame pump will fit nicely under the top tube.

Wear a cycling jersey with back pockets to carry your cell phone, snacks, keys.

If your feet get numb, concentrate on pulling up on the pedals instead of just pushing down. This might help relieve some of the pressure on the balls of your feet.

As everyone has said, use the wheels that came with the bike.

Tire irons, by the way, are made from plastic so weigh very little. Your seat bag should be large enough to hold a spare tube, the tire irons, patch kit, multi-tool and miscellaneous other small items, including your cell phone, if you must have, and keys, etc. Don't forget to throw in a couple of paper towels. I suggest the blue automotive style from any car parts store. Much more durable than the kitchen variety. Don't forget to lube and wipe down your chain.

You can stuff several gel-packs or energy bars in the pockets on the back of your riding jersey. If you don't ride with one, may I suggest you get a couple of cheap ones. Check eBay. Then you will then have the pockets for the food. Need to eat a bite at least every hour.

A pump is a great item. I used to use CO2, but is just as heavy as a pump and not as reliable in filling a tube. You only get one chance with the CO2. As many as you need with the pump. I use the RaceDay pump. It comes with plastic mounts that go underneath the bottle cage on the downtube. The pump snaps into these and is very secure. At least I haven't lost mine in the past three years. Search some older threads for more on these light-weight pumps. Are several other good ones out there.

Hope you are going with the Armadillo Lite. Regular full Armadillos will never (never say never) puncture, but also weigh a great deal more. I've never had a flat on an Armadillo. They are certainly not the last word in lightness nor adhesion, but they are bullet-proof.

I agree with above statements about your wheels. You have a very nice ride. Now your job is to get out there and wear it out so you can get an even nicer one in a couple of years. Have Fun!!

Originally posted by princebaal

My final question for right now is about what to carry on my bike. As you can see I already have two water bottles. That is fine, I have enough water for my 20-25 miles rides. I just have a small pack under my seat though. I can't fit much in there at all. Mostly I just take my cell phone (I have a fear of getting a flat and being stranded) and maybe a powerbar. It seems like everybody else carries a work bench and kitchen with them when they ride

first off nice ride :D

secondly, my friend used to not use a saddle bag and packed everything (tubes, co2, cell phone, wallet, keys, powerbar etc...) in his jersey. Although it wasn't very comfortable (IMO) he did it for a while... so a jersey with back pockets can help you carry your gear around :)

Regaurding your seat bag, for mine I just keep my spare tube and tire levers in their. I put the cell phone and power bar (gu for me) in a jersey pocket, and then have a frame pump that goes along the top tube, not interfering with your bottles.

-Matt-

Originally posted by stridercc
Regaurding your seat bag, for mine I just keep my spare tube and tire levers in their. I put the cell phone and power bar (gu for me) in a jersey pocket, and then have a frame pump that goes along the top tube, not interfering with your bottles.

-Matt-

I have the same configuration as well, except that my seat-pack has two pockets, so in the very small one I just pop in a few bucks in case I need them. You can never underestimate the power of jersey pockets though, they're great. However, if you look around, you can find all kinds of crazy stuff-holders for bikes. For instance, on touring bikes, lots of people mount a rear rack on to their bike and then carry three large containers that are almost luggage-sized, but that's not what you're looking for. Anyways, the way strider and I said is a very good and efficient setup to have.

Shane

Ditto on the wedge pack, although I suggest carrying patch kit as well as a tube, in the event you have two flats. Also carry a folding hex wrench set and it will fit almost any fastening on the bike. I have my pump under the top tube, a Topeak Road Morph, to my mind the best on the market!

Jersey pockets are great for the other stuff, I even carry a folding tire in mine, although it appears no one else does!

Are your pedals SPD's? I had the same trouble with my feet (hot foot), and changed to Look pedals and have never had a problem since.

By the way, beautiful bike!

you should carry multitools(you can get them at your lbs/hardwarestores), a patch kit or a spare tube, and a celfone and some cash(just in case).

In my rides(>40km), I don't even bring water with me.

i carry a spare, 3 plastic tire irons, a spoke wrench, my inhaler and an allen wrench in my pack. my cell, food and garage door opener in my jersey and 1 or 2 water bottles.
you never forget your first question, post or bike.

I am not sure what the difference is between SPD pedals and Look, but I am sure I have the SPD kind. But yes, my feet do get a bit hot and especially right in the balls of the feet,,,then they go a little numb. Pulling up more instead of pushing helps but I can't do it all the time. I actually just put some inserts in my shoes per the suggestion of somebody. The insets just make my shoes tighter, I don't think it helped cusion them much.

Have fun with your ride. I have the same bike, lovely on the hills. Except my front D was tiagra....getting that replaced as its a bit noisy no matter how adjusted. The wheels set is quite strong, and i am using them for training and racing. Some of the roads here have a tendency to break up at bridge and such, plus the use chains during the winter so the road gets chewed up in some places. If you are going to go from longer rides i would recommend a camelbak lobo, great for the extra tube and equipments, shorts or a shirt. I rarely notice it on my rides.


Luck!

Re the wheels: why not? If you've got 'em, ride 'em!

Re stuff: I carry a 75 seat pack with mini-tool, CO2 cartridges, Air Chuck, tire levers, patch kit, spare tube in it. Never touch the bag unless I would need it. Pump on the frame. Ihave a little handlebar bag (yeah, I know it's not cool) that I carry wallet, keys, cell phone, arm/leg warmers, gel packs, snack bar, etc. in. It is big enough that if I had to I could cram a light jacket into as well. I ride 20-30 mile rides usually. As I go further, I am thinking of getting one of those Topeak easy on/off seatpost racks with a bag. I don't care for jerseys and if I did I would not want all that stuff crammed in pockets riding on my rump. Same reason I don't use a Camelbak-feels restrictive. 2 bottle cages with big Polar bottles serve me well and if they run out I can stop at a mini-mart.

I use Speedplay Frogs and Shimano MTB shoes on my road bike. I have never had a hot spot or numbness, so I can't help you there. Maybe your shoes are too narrow or you could losen the clamps on your pedals to allow more float?

BTW, welcome to the club! Nice bike!

:beer: