We found a nice little 1+1 1920's Craftsman house in Pasadena to rent, which should be better than our apartment for our dog, and it seems to be right up against some favorite canyons to ride. We'll be there in about a month, so I'll see you Pasadena and Altadena folk out on the roads soon!

Where's it at, what are the main cross streets?

Near Lake and Washington.

Near Lake and Washington.

Ok, you're just a few blocks up from me. Lot's of good riding around here.

Good to know. We'll have to ride some time!

Yup! Do you like hills?

I do but my knee complained after I climbed some 6,000' on a poorly fitted bike, so I'm working my way back up now that I got the right size frame. So far, I can do about 2000' over 30 miles.

Yup! Do you like hills?
You're obviously referring to areas north of Washington??

You'll definitely find some good riding in this area UK.

You're obviously referring to areas north of Washington??

You'll definitely find some good riding in this area UK.

Yup, just head North, or up! :D

Lake from Washington up is nice, but a little too much traffic until Mendocino?

That's what I'm looking forward to. I was raised in Agoura where there is very nice riding, but got married and moved to Encino where you have to ride through miles traffic to get anywhere (and it's hot!). Pasadena will be a nice place. Also, my wife is an interior architect, so she loves the Craftsman style!

edit: Lake is low traffic after living so close to Ventura Blvd, Burbank Blvd, and Victory Blvd.

Great, Brian. When the Oak Tree season starts up in October, I'll be spending more time out there. So hopefully I can go ride with you guys. And have a burrito at Chiquita Bonita, of course.

The hills just north of your place was where i once had a stupid accident that landed me in ICU for a week. Make sure to wear a helmet! Oh, and don't be a moron.

Congrats thought, Pasadena is an awesome area and you picked a great place to settle down.

Awesome, Brian! :beer: This means you can ride Chantry!

Cool......Brian's moving into our cycling barrio! :D

Yup, just head North, or up! :D
BTW, I was trying to find Chantry on a topo map last nite without success.:o What's the route John??

BTW, I was trying to find Chantry on a topo map last nite without success.:o What's the route John??

Chantry Flats. Look up Santa Anita Ave north of the 210. Just keep going north and it becomes Chantry Flats (also a popular trail head for hiking) to Stuvertant Falls.

Chantry Flats. Look up Santa Anita Ave north of the 210. Just keep going north and it becomes Chantry Flats (also a popular trail head for hiking) to Stuvertant Falls.
Oh, thanx. I wasn't looking that far east.:rolleyes: :o

Didn't mean to go off topic..but I plans to buy a bike at InCycle in Pasadena. From there do anyone know a good trial to test out the bike.
I'm having them order a Roubaix Comp(b/c that' the only one left on the factory of my size) and Orbea Onix TDF.

I also tried to get the Madone 5.0 but they said they can't sell it over there due to territory restriction.

Appreciate if anyone can give me input on the bike as well as streets to test out.
G

What type of roads are you looking for? Are you going to ride directly from the shop, or take it somewhere?

What type of roads are you looking for? Are you going to ride directly from the shop, or take it somewhere?

Thanks for your reply, jpconrad. I figure they(LBS) might just let me ride around the store for awhile. I plan to spend around few hours riding and testing. Now, I went there just this past wkend to ck out the place. It seems their are alot of traffic on Colorado and the back street of the store is a one way street. I'm not from there, so I need some help to take the bike(s) for a test.
I wanna to get a feel on the a slight incline as well as downhill speed. I'm not a racer, but I decided to pick up my cycling again after 10+yrs.
I live in the south bay area, near the Palos Verde roads...and do plan to join a culb ride once I pick up my pace.(BTW, that's another topic I need for help--looking for local bike ride on wkend)

Much appreciate for all the inputs you guys can give. Thanks.

See if they'll let you ride it around the Rose Bowl and back?

. . . . I plan to spend around few hours riding and testing. Now, I went there just this past wkend to ck out the place. It seems their are alot of traffic on Colorado and the back street of the store is a one way street.
. . . .
I wanna to get a feel on the a slight incline as well as downhill speed. . . .
If you park behind the store you will go out the parking lot onto Green St.. Make a left to Hill St., left again on Hill and north to Mountain, left on Mountain to Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl. The street around the Rose Bowl (JP probably knows the name) provides a slight uphill grade and downhill grade, and is 3.1 miles around. No traffic other than the cyclists, joggers, skaters & walkers.

It's scary, but I do know the street names around the Rosebowl, on the east it's Rosemont, north side is Washington, south side is Seco, and the west side is aptly named West.

The Rosebowl is about as good a place to try it out, and there are plenty of little hills in and out of it to test out the bike on some climbs, too.

There are some nice roads south through Pasadena and San Marino, but you'd run a greater risk of getting lost.

The guys at Incycle may have some advice as to where to try it out, too.

See if they'll let you ride it around the Rose Bowl and back?

Did the mapquest...frist, I'm not sure if they will let me go that far...secondly, I'm afraid I will ran out of steam when I return for the second bike test. :o

More improtantly, how to ride to Rose Bowl without the cars& traffic?

You can go left on Green, right on Hill, then when it dead ends ride around a bit. There's some nice streets down there with minimal traffic.

I got previous post late. But thanks guys for sharing.
BTW, have anyone of you dealt with InCycle in Pasadena before?
I choice them b/c I thought they have good selections and service.
The mnger I talked w/ said they will make I'm happy w/ the bike...even if it means I can return the bike after I took it home. (granted I will exchange for another one instead)
sound like a good deal...considering I'm just gett'n back inthe game.

I tried to ask for similar deal at my LBS ...no such luck.
Again, for all the inputs...just want to see if you guys have any opinions on InCycle. Thanks

I got previous post late. But thanks guys for sharing.
BTW, have anyone of you dealt with InCycle in Pasadena before?
I choice them b/c I thought they have good selections and service.
The mnger I talked w/ said they will make I'm happy w/ the bike...even if it means I can return the bike after I took it home. (granted I will exchange for another one instead)
sound like a good deal...considering I'm just gett'n back inthe game.

I tried to ask for similar deal at my LBS ...no such luck.
Again, for all the inputs...just want to see if you guys have any opinions on InCycle. Thanks
I've had good luck with them. Both of my road bikes came from there, and both actually are Incycle team frames (see below).

Actually, I'm there quite frequently, I very well may be there when you go in for a test ride.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1412/828643897_bf13d1b609_o.jpg

jp,
Thanks. Awesome bike(s).
I figured you must be a veteran cyclist, wonder if you wouldn't mind giving ur opinion on the choices that I have narrow down.

Scott CR1 Team w/ 105' compo

Orbea Onix TDF w/ Ultegra and believed to be better crankset.

Specialized Roubiax Comp w/ 105 instead w/ Ultegra b/c they dont have my size (54cm)

Trek Madone 5.0..dont seem to know much..


The Scott and Trek was the two bikes that Helen's @ MH beach trying to sell to me. In fact, they are trying to get ride of Scott (Plan to discontinue to carry that line). Anyway, by word, they said they can let go the CR1 for $1700. Madone5.0, though, was going for $2400 or more.

Orbea and Specialized, Iplan to test it out @ Incycle.

Personally, I like the Orbea looks and gears & price. However, i have been doing some searchs and Orbea maybe a little too aggressive for my "recreation" usage.

Currently, I've been riding on my old 93" speacialized Allez-Epic Carbon tubes w/ Al lugs. I upgrade the comp w/ used DuraAce 9' speeds and set of used Mavic Open Pro wheels w/ Ultegra hubs. The bike runs fine at least for me, personally; I thought about just changing my fork and handlebar, etc...but I been told it probably not worth it to do all the upgrades. Besides, after 10+yrs or so, I think it about time to get myself a new shinny bike. Got to support the LBS, right.
I plan to get in to the riding as much as my work and family allow me to. I've been riding on wkend by myself...though it seems to get pretty dual for now, was hoping I can find a group that I can keep pace with later on....(maybe after my new purchase :) )

Here is my bike before the upgrades that I have mentioned before:
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=49853&stc=1&d=1184648510

I am hardly a veteran cyclist and haven't ridden any of them, so I don't really have much of an opinion except from what I've read, and so far I haven't read any posts from owners of those bikes not being happy with them.

I probably would want at least Ultegra level, though.

Didn't mean to go off topic..but I plans to buy a bike at InCycle in Pasadena. From there do anyone know a good trial to test out the bike.
I'm having them order a Roubaix Comp(b/c that' the only one left on the factory of my size) and Orbea Onix TDF.

I also tried to get the Madone 5.0 but they said they can't sell it over there due to territory restriction.

Appreciate if anyone can give me input on the bike as well as streets to test out.
G


When I was looking for my first road bike last summer, the person I dealt with at Incycle specifically limited me to the parking lot, which is narrow and full of speed bumps. I was kinda disappointed at that as I couldn't even get the bike up to speed, but it wasn't something that I was going to plead and beg about given that I was a brand-new road cyclist. If I had a chance to take it out more, going on Green, then down Hill, and left on San Pasqual would have been my route of choice there. No love lost, though - I still frequent Incycle for equipment/gear needs due to their selection.

If you want to test out the Madone, try Pasadena Cyclery on Walnut/Bonnie. They carry a wide selection of Treks. And I agree with what jpconrad said - if you're going to spend upwards of $1500+, then you should be able to find something with Ultegra (although 105 isn't shabby in its own right, it's more of a matter of getting the most for your pricepoint).

Good luck!

Thanks guys.
I just got a dissappointed call. They couldn't get a Orbea Onix of my size due to out of stock.
They try to tell me that I will be happy w/ the Specialized Roubaix Comp just as much.
However, I'm not sure. I sure want to compare on the spot b/w the two if not more.
Although, I'm no expert...but I just thought having an experience to test out several bikes before I make a commitment on such $$ is a good thing.

Anymore suggestion? Thanks.
:(

Thanks guys.
I just got a dissappointed call. They couldn't get a Orbea Onix of my size due to out of stock.
They try to tell me that I will be happy w/ the Specialized Roubaix Comp just as much.
However, I'm not sure. I sure want to compare on the spot b/w the two if not more.
Although, I'm no expert...but I just thought having an experience to test out several bikes before I make a commitment on such $$ is a good thing.

Anymore suggestion? Thanks.
:(
IMO the probability is that you aren't going to be able to tell the difference performance wise between any given group of bikes in a comparable price range. You will find some frame materials offer more comfort over longer distances and with varying loads. Your primary focus should be fit and drive train. Frame geometry can be compared from the specs available online, and most are fairly similar, despite differences between compact frames and standard frames, unless you are looking for a TT or crit frame. With variance of stem length, handlebar drop & width, seat adjustment, fit can be pretty well accomplished. Drive train componant quality will provide durability and smoother shifting.

Thanks guys.
I just got a dissappointed call. They couldn't get a Orbea Onix of my size due to out of stock.
They try to tell me that I will be happy w/ the Specialized Roubaix Comp just as much.
However, I'm not sure. I sure want to compare on the spot b/w the two if not more.
Although, I'm no expert...but I just thought having an experience to test out several bikes before I make a commitment on such $$ is a good thing.

Anymore suggestion? Thanks.
:(

Incycle has more than just Specialized and Orbea, they also have Cannondale, Scott, Pinarello, Cervelo, and some other brands. I'm sure they have other 54's in stock.

Incycle has more than just Specialized and Orbea, they also have Cannondale, Scott, Pinarello, Cervelo, and some other brands. I'm sure they have other 54's in stock.
Unfortunately, not at this time of year...I guess.
Their weren't much in store. The Cannondale they have is only onSynapse ( I think, but one one bike from cannondale for sure), Cervelo is only set for TT, and Specialized the one w/in my price range is not even available--> that 's why he has to order supposely.
BTW, JB--I have been speaking with Sam....I think he knows who you are.. Hope you dont mind me dropping ur name out during our disccussion. :eek:

OH P.S.S.- they dont carry Scott or Orbea anymore...go figure.

sorry JP ....(sp) not JB

Unfortunately, not at this time of year...I guess.
Their weren't much in store. The Cannondale they have is only onSynapse ( I think, but one one bike from cannondale for sure), Cervelo is only set for TT, and Specialized the one w/in my price range is not even available--> that 's why he has to order supposely.
BTW, JB--I have been speaking with Sam....I think he knows who you are.. Hope you dont mind me dropping ur name out during our disccussion. :eek:

OH P.S.S.- they dont carry Scott or Orbea anymore...go figure.

For Scott try Richard at Diamond Bar Bicylcle.

IMO the probability is that you aren't going to be able to tell the difference performance wise between any given group of bikes in a comparable price range. You will find some frame materials offer more comfort over longer distances and with varying loads. Your primary focus should be fit and drive train. Frame geometry can be compared from the specs available online, and most are fairly similar, despite differences between compact frames and standard frames, unless you are looking for a TT or crit frame. With variance of stem length, handlebar drop & width, seat adjustment, fit can be pretty well accomplished. Drive train componant quality will provide durability and smoother shifting.

Thank you for ur input...you're probably is right too that I can't tell the difference. However, I did have my eyes on the Orbea...dont know I just think it more suit for me ...the colors, style...:rolleyes:

BTW< I just found a store that still carries Orbea 54cm Onix...but it is TDE with SRAM compo...
What do you guys think of SRAM vs. Ultegera VS. 105?
Much appreciate for the help.

For Scott try Richard at Diamond Bar Bicylcle.

Thanks Raiderdave, but that would really be out of my area. I'm already driving from Torrance to Pasadena

Unfortunately, not at this time of year...I guess.
Their weren't much in store. The Cannondale they have is only onSynapse ( I think, but one one bike from cannondale for sure), Cervelo is only set for TT, and Specialized the one w/in my price range is not even available--> that 's why he has to order supposely.
BTW, JB--I have been speaking with Sam....I think he knows who you are.. Hope you dont mind me dropping ur name out during our disccussion. :eek:

OH P.S.S.- they dont carry Scott or Orbea anymore...go figure.

Have you checked out the Synapse? ;) I think they have a System Six, and I know they have the new Super 6, but it's not in your price range.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1421/828643479_66f871eae3_o.jpg

Thank you for ur input...you're probably is right too that I can't tell the difference. However, I did have my eyes on the Orbea...dont know I just think it more suit for me ...the colors, style...:rolleyes:

BTW< I just found a store that still carries Orbea 54cm Onix...but it is TDE with SRAM compo...
What do you guys think of SRAM vs. Ultegera VS. 105?
Much appreciate for the help.



I've heard good things about SRAM, and test rode a bike equipped with the Force group when deciding on a new bike, and found it to be quite intuitive and smooth. I understand what you mean when you feel that you had your eyes on the Orbea and feels that it suits you - at the end of the day, it's the bike you have to live with/see/ride every day yourself, and beyond specs and objective stuff on paper, get the bike that sits well with your gut and heart and that you'll love!

Please realize I was only talking about differentiating "performance", NOT asthetics. No argument with Luwin's observation from the standpoint of asthetics, and if you're particularly interested in Orbea, which is a nice looking bike, try Budget Pro Bicycles in Eagle Rock (just west of Pasadena on Colorado Blvd. where the 2 and 134 fwys. cross), and talk to Oscar or Dave.