After years of reluctance, Tracie has now expressed an interest in trying a road bike. :D She has always insisted on upright and comfy, and now rides a cruiser-styled city bike with spring seat, riser bars and a suspension seatpost. It seems to weight about 85 lbs :rolleyes: and is a dog on hills of any kind despite having mtb gearing. More recently, I think she has come to realize that having a road bike might make riding together more practical.
In any case, last weekend she tried a Specialized Sequoia (same basic geometry as the Roubaix) at the LBS and seemed to like it. She wasn't put off by the riding position, although long term comfort is hard to judge on a short ride. She did notice how much easier it was to make the bike move. ;)
Given that this is an experiment, she is not up for a brand new bike, nor does she want to drop much $ into it. I am starting to look for good deal on a used 52-54cm bike with non-agressive geometry, hopefully with Tiagra/105 level components. Depending on the geometry, a women -specific model may or may not be appropriate. She is 5'6" and the Sequioa she tried was a Medium (54.8 Virtual TT). I thought it was a hair too big for her and at least needed a shorter stem but she thought it felt OK.
I am combing Craigslist and other sources, but please let me know if you come across a likely candidate. This should be fun. ;)
tprevost
05-02-07, 12:26 PM
After years of reluctance, Tracie has now expressed an interest in trying a road bike. :D She has always insisted on upright and comfy, and now rides a cruiser-styled city bike with spring seat, riser bars and a suspension seatpost. It seems to weight about 85 lbs :rolleyes: and is a dog on hills of any kind despite having mtb gearing. More recently, I think she has come to realize that having a road bike might make riding together more practical.
In any case, last weekend she tried a Specialized Sequoia (same basic geometry as the Roubaix) at the LBS and seemed to like it. She wasn't put off by the riding position, although long term comfort is hard to judge on a short ride. She did notice how much easier it was to make the bike move. ;)
Given that this is an experiment, she is not up for a brand new bike, nor does she want to drop much $ into it. I am starting to look for good deal on a used 52-54cm bike with non-agressive geometry, hopefully with Tiagra/105 level components. Depending on the geometry, a women -specific model may or may not be appropriate. She is 5'6" and the Sequioa she tried was a Medium (54.8 Virtual TT). I thought it was a hair too big for her and at least needed a shorter stem but she thought it felt OK.
I am combing Craigslist and other sources, but please let me know if you come across a likely candidate. This should be fun. ;)
That is SO awesome!!!!!! :D She is such a cutie, that would be great if you two could ride together!!!! :p
jschen
05-02-07, 12:31 PM
If she wants to borrow a 54 cm road bike to see whether getting a road bike is really for her, she can borrow my Allez (Tiagra triple drivetrain, the bike I rode at the 200k brevet) and give it a try. Not as comfy as a Roubaix (and presumably the Sequoia), but it should give her a good idea whether she actually wants a road bike. Currently has a 120 mm stem, so you might want to swap in a shorter stem.
Happytime
05-02-07, 12:33 PM
Make sure you have a new saddle on that Allez, Jason! :D
It’s public knowledge that I often wear nothing but my cycling shoes (no cleats in the soles of my feet), glasses (gotta be able to watch TV), and watch (no need to be a weight weenie) when on my trainer. I don’t think you really want a pic.
I believe he rides his Specialized on the trainer. He wears “protection” when he rides Vivian, so all is good. I think.
Indolent58
05-02-07, 12:40 PM
Make sure you have a new saddle on that Allez, Jason! :D
Shouldn't be a problem. I'll call a few friends I know.
http://www.emergency.unsw.edu.au/hazmat.jpg
Chucklehead
05-02-07, 12:54 PM
Make sure you have a new saddle on that Allez, Jason! :D
:eek:
i didn't notice the absence of the word "shorts" in that list when he originally posted it! poor allez:(
tprevost
05-02-07, 01:12 PM
I might be willing to part w/my Roubaix... don't know what your budget is but its a 54 (I am also 5'6") with ultegra/dura-ace components, triple w/28/39/50 up front and a 12-27 in the back
here's a pic but the ES's don't go w/the bike... it has ksyrium equppes on it now...
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/tprevost/Roubaix.jpg
Indolent58
05-02-07, 01:23 PM
I might be willing to part w/my Roubaix... don't know what your budget is but its a 54 (I am also 5'6") with ultegra/dura-ace components, triple w/28/39/50 up front and a 12-27 in the back
here's a pic but the ES's don't go w/the bike... it has ksyrium equppes on it now...
She can't have a bike better than mine! :eek:
Seriously your Roubaix would be way over our budget. I am essentially looking for a used example of a "one step up from entry level" bike. Most $700 new road bikes come with Sora and are pretty heavy, while going up to $1000-1200 gets into Tiagra/105 components and a noticeablly better bike. I'm sure Tracie would be OK with Sora, but I'm not:rolleyes:
I saw an '02 Giant OCR1 with 105 components on Craigslist last night for $375. It sold instantly :mad:
BigSean
05-02-07, 01:26 PM
I might be willing to part w/my Roubaix... don't know what your budget is but its a 54 (I am also 5'6") with ultegra/dura-ace components, triple w/28/39/50 up front and a 12-27 in the back
here's a pic but the ES's don't go w/the bike... it has ksyrium equppes on it now...
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/tprevost/Roubaix.jpg
Ill take it. Oh wait, it might be a bit small for me.:rolleyes:
tprevost
05-02-07, 01:33 PM
Ill take it. Oh wait, it might be a bit small for me.:rolleyes:
dang it! I may park it at your shop and put it on craigslist then :rolleyes:
Grumpy Pig
05-02-07, 01:35 PM
After years of reluctance, Tracie has now expressed an interest in trying a road bike. :D She has always insisted on upright and comfy, and now rides a cruiser-styled city bike with spring seat, riser bars and a suspension seatpost. It seems to weight about 85 lbs :rolleyes: and is a dog on hills of any kind despite having mtb gearing. More recently, I think she has come to realize that having a road bike might make riding together more practical.
In any case, last weekend she tried a Specialized Sequoia (same basic geometry as the Roubaix) at the LBS and seemed to like it. She wasn't put off by the riding position, although long term comfort is hard to judge on a short ride. She did notice how much easier it was to make the bike move. ;)
Given that this is an experiment, she is not up for a brand new bike, nor does she want to drop much $ into it. I am starting to look for good deal on a used 52-54cm bike with non-agressive geometry, hopefully with Tiagra/105 level components. Depending on the geometry, a women -specific model may or may not be appropriate. She is 5'6" and the Sequioa she tried was a Medium (54.8 Virtual TT). I thought it was a hair too big for her and at least needed a shorter stem but she thought it felt OK.
I am combing Craigslist and other sources, but please let me know if you come across a likely candidate. This should be fun. ;)
Weird....
Tiffanie
05-02-07, 01:36 PM
dang it! I may park it at your shop and put it on craigslist then :rolleyes:
Me!!! Oh me, oh me, pick me!!!! :p :p :roflmao:
tprevost
05-02-07, 01:37 PM
Me!!! Oh me, oh me, pick me!!!! :p :p :roflmao:
I don't think it would be much better than what you already have :p and what are you doing on BF ... they not giving you enough work today? :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
Tiffanie
05-02-07, 01:40 PM
I don't think it would be much better than what you already have :p and what are you doing on BF ... they not giving you enough work today? :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
How much does it weigh.... cause mine's a tank. :lol:
Been very busy since my first day here! :eek: I'm on my lunch break. :p :D
tprevost
05-02-07, 01:45 PM
How much does it weigh.... cause mine's a tank. :lol:
Been very busy since my first day here! :eek: I'm on my lunch break. :p :D
:p My guess is around 20.5; I don't consider it a tank and it could be lightened up more w/some upgrades but its not that much less than yours ;)
BigSean
05-02-07, 01:46 PM
Me!!! Oh me, oh me, pick me!!!! :p :p :roflmao:
Your too funny girl.:p
Vireo
05-03-07, 02:32 AM
Given that this is an experiment, she is not up for a brand new bike, nor does she want to drop much $ into it. I am starting to look for good deal on a used 52-54cm bike with non-agressive geometry, hopefully with Tiagra/105 level components. Depending on the geometry, a women -specific model may or may not be appropriate. She is 5'6" and the Sequioa she tried was a Medium (54.8 Virtual TT). I thought it was a hair too big for her and at least needed a shorter stem but she thought it felt OK.
I am combing Craigslist and other sources, but please let me know if you come across a likely candidate. This should be fun. ;)
That is fantastic news.
I have a Felt F55 54cm that I would like to move to buy another toy. Looks like this only with yellow accents. Lots of Dura Ace parts really new and maybe more than you are looking for but it just sits (hangs) in my garage.
socalrider
05-03-07, 04:16 AM
here is one is san diego
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/bik/322058978.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/bik/322670746.html
nesdog
05-03-07, 07:30 AM
She can't have a bike better than mine! :eek:
Sora and are pretty heavy, while going up to $1000-1200 gets into Tiagra/105 components and a noticeablly better bike. I'm sure Tracie would be OK with Sora, but I'm not:rolleyes:
I saw an '02 Giant OCR1 with 105 components on Craigslist last night for $375. It sold instantly :mad:
We bought my wife a Giant OCR3 a few years ago. Actually when she tested several bikes, she preferred the Sora. It was much more comfortable for her to shift, given hand size and position. It's been a good bike for her at a reasonable price.
As to weight, I've got an OCR2...no featherweight...thing probably weighs about 23 unloaded with the medium sized frame. Vicki's OCR3 is a size small and easier to pick up (darn, I'm jealous). Either way, both bikes ride very well.
Sheldon
Seamus
05-04-07, 03:32 PM
I found my wife an Iron Horse Victory with Ultegra on ebay for $550. It had been damaged in shipping (wheel and a few scratches), so they replaced the wheel and sold it for half retail. Definitely keep an eye on the Bay.
Jim
ronjon10
05-04-07, 03:50 PM
She can't have a bike better than mine! :eek:
Seriously your Roubaix would be way over our budget. I am essentially looking for a used example of a "one step up from entry level" bike. Most $700 new road bikes come with Sora and are pretty heavy, while going up to $1000-1200 gets into Tiagra/105 components and a noticeablly better bike. I'm sure Tracie would be OK with Sora, but I'm not:rolleyes:
I saw an '02 Giant OCR1 with 105 components on Craigslist last night for $375. It sold instantly :mad:
Sounds like you BOTH need new bikes then :D
Indolent58
05-04-07, 04:22 PM
I do need/want a new bike, but life is about choices. I have a new car coming in two weeks and can't have all new toys at the same time.
In any case, I think I have a line on another Giant OCR on Craigslist. Going to check it out tonight :D
spingineer
05-04-07, 04:37 PM
Life is all about priorities ... some are more out of whack than others
Indolent58
05-04-07, 04:48 PM
I have a Felt F55 54cm that I would like to move to buy another toy. Looks like this only with yellow accents. Lots of Dura Ace parts really new and maybe more than you are looking for but it just sits (hangs) in my garage.
Sorry, I didn't notice this post. :eek: Thanks, but for a first road bike I think Tracie will be more comfortable on a relaxed geometry bike with a triple. Hell, I would be more comfortable on one too. :D
Indolent58
05-04-07, 10:13 PM
Success! :D We picked up a 2005 Giant OCR3 off of Craigslist tonight for $300. It's in essentially new condition - only 50 miles on the odometer and no real signs of use. It had a stuck link from sitting unlubed for 1.5 years but that's about it.
Interestingly the woman we bought it from was insistent that it had been upgraded by the LBS when she purchased it. She seemed to think that the "gears", tires and seat had been changed to a higher level. In reality the bike is bone stock. I am not sure if I prefer to think that the LBS cheated her or that she has a rich fantasy life. :rolleyes:
It's now lubed, and tuned and ready for a test ride tomorrow AM. :)
tprevost
05-04-07, 10:28 PM
Success! :D We picked up a 2005 Giant OCR3 off of Craigslist tonight for $300. It's in essentially new condition - only 50 miles on the odometer and no real signs of use. It had a stuck link from sitting unlubed for 1.5 years but that's about it.
Interestingly the woman we bought it from was insistent that it had been upgraded by the LBS when she purchased it. She seemed to think that the "gears", tires and seat had been changed to a higher level. In reality the bike is bone stock. I am not sure if I prefer to think that the LBS cheated her or that she has a rich fantasy life. :rolleyes:
It's now lubed, and tuned and ready for a test ride tomorrow AM. :)
Whooo Hoooo!!!!! Congratulations! Now... which BF ride is she going on first? :p
Indolent58
05-04-07, 10:37 PM
Whooo Hoooo!!!!! Congratulations! Now... which BF ride is she going on first? :p
Let's see - there's the Tour de Femmes that ME was going to - :eek: Oh Wait! She never DID actually arrange that did she? So I guess it won't be that one. She did create a women's thread where the girls can discuss feminine bodily functions in relative privacy, but that's not really a ride as such.
So I guess we'll wait and see. :rolleyes:
jschen
05-04-07, 10:37 PM
Cool. :)
Luwin1026
05-05-07, 01:19 AM
Congrats on the find!! I've recently suckered my wife into joining me as well, and just picked up a 90mm stem to slap on my 56cm Allez for the time being - taking her down to the OC for a coastal ride tomorrow morning. Happy riding for you and your wife!!! (I'm referring to BIKES, in case any of the gutter minds jump in . . .) ;)
efficiency
05-05-07, 11:55 AM
Excellent. I hope to see Tracie out on a future ride.
Indolent58
05-06-07, 06:51 PM
So Tracie and I went out on a test ride yesterday. When we ride together we typically do a 30 mile round trip to Encinitas, but yesterday morning she had one of those hideous Bikram Yoga classes where they try to cook you alive so she was feeling a little sapped. She didn't want to go North, thinking that Torrey Pines would be too much for her so we headed south. Before starting off we spent some time experimenting with seat position and seemed to have gotten it right.
It took her a bit of time to get used to the STI levers, but by the end of the ride she was fine. The bike came with an adjustable stem which was already cranked way up so her bars are above her seat - which suited her just fine. Ironically, even though she wanted to avoid Torrey Pines she ended up picking a route with some decent hills more climbing overall (1200ft) than if we had just gone North. This was good since I wanted to see if the standard road-triple gearing was going to work for her. Her comfort bike has MTB gearing with a 28-32 low vs 30-26. It turned out to be fine as she said that her aerobic conditioning was the limiting factor rather than her legs. I asked if she thought lower gearing would help and she said that for now she was OK - even if she does still completely despise hills. :rolleyes:
Her verdict on the bike was overall positive. She definitely appreciated how much lighter/faster it is than her old bike and felt fairly comfortable. She did have some numbness issues with the seat by the end of the 18 mile ride, so we may be experimenting there.