Road Cycling - Help-me get back uptospeed!!!

Hey guys,

I used to road race 12 years ago, kept all my equipment, but now that I am back-I am in a bit of a pickle as I am not very knowledgeable in grouppos and etc. To save myself hours at bike shops annoying the staff and diggin' in magazines-here are my questions and I'll make-em short and sweet and specific. I thank everyone in advance!!!

1. Ultegra 8 speed is what I was running when I quit. To run the 9sp. cassette, I need a new rear derailleur, STI levers, but-do I need a new rear hub? I have 8sp. Ultegra hubs right now.

2. When I quit-I was running a VEtta Lite saddle for weight-not comfort. Well-I am older now-whats a good saddle thats as light as the Vetta LIte, but more comfortable. I am talking racing saddles here. Has anyone tried the Terry TI saddle?

3. Has anything changed in terms of how we position ourselves on the bikes? Any studies showing we need to be lower, further back, etc. Again-when I was racing I ran a long top tube, long stem and now that I am coming back_i have trouble staying back on my saddle. I guess my position before was AERO-Baby!!!

4. What is this "Threadless" stem? They look heavy-but I see pros using them.

5. And last-I used to love the Michelin HD super (I think ) tires and pink latex tubes. Whats a great tire thats puncture resistant like the Michelins and still light and grippy? Can you still buy Vittoria Oscars? AFter 12 years my Oscars are still in perfect shape and the tubes still hold air (but only for a few days). The Michelins by comparison are dry rotted.

I cant' answer all of those, but I believe your hub should work fine with a 9sp cassette, but I'm not positive on that. You are correct on the rest though..

2. If you're previous saddle was comfortable I see no reason not to stick with it.. Saddles are a very personal item, you can check out brooks.. Selle Italia.. San Marco.. and Terry.

3. I don't know exactly how the position has changed so can't help you there, since you have not ridden in a while give your body time to get used to the position again.

4. Threadless, basicaly the quill stem is no more :) The stem clamps on to the steering tube itself rather then the Stem having a extension that goes down into the steering tube. And actualy it is lighter.

5. Specialized Armadillos are viewed as one of the most puncture resistent tires, slightly higher rolling resistance but not slow.

Welcome back to cycling!


Originally posted by Ray Huang
Has anyone tried the Terry TI saddle?
I have a Terry Ti Fly on my road bike and my commuter bike. :thumbup:


Again-when I was racing I ran a long top tube, long stem and now that I am coming back_i have trouble staying back on my saddle.
Try a shorter stem.


And last-I used to love the Michelin HD super (I think ) tires and pink latex tubes. Whats a great tire thats puncture resistant like the Michelins and still light and grippy?
I have Continental Grand Prix 3000 on my road bike. No flats after almost 2500 miles. :beer:
I have Vittoria Rubino Intrepid Pro Kevlar 3D Compound tires on my commuter. No flats yet. :beer:

Thank you both!!

Also-I have Time Pedals on both bikes. I am buying new shoes tomorrow (Sidi Genius 4). I just heard that they dont produce the Time cleats anymore and I seriousely doubt I can get the old ones off the old Time Shoes. I will soak them in WD40 and give-em a good whack with a hammer and punch to hopefully free them up before trying to unscrew them-but I doubt they are coming loose.

So-anyone know where I can buy Time cleats?

Having said that-if I dont find cleats and need to buy new racing pedals-whats hot now?

Hey all,

a lot has happened in two weeks!! I bought the Sidi genius 4 shoes, and am testing the Speedplay peddles (I used to use and still have my Time Mags).

I have a question before I plunk down the $$$ for the pedals. It is disconcerting how they have so much rotational freedom. I feel like if I stand up to sprint or climb out of the saddle, my ankles will be twisting and could possibly pop out. Am I paranoid, :confused: or is there a concern there? If yes-I am am going to stay with my Times.Also on a good note-Bike shorts have come a long way in 12 years it seems as my new Hinds are so comfy and protective.

Thanks in advance,
Ray

My wife has speedplays. The bike store owner warned her that the rotational freedom can be disconcerting. Most people get used to it. Because of the design, you won't pop out until you have turned your foot all the way to the release point.

lurker-Thanks. I am buying a Chromoly set for now. If I decide to race again-I may get a Ti set that has adjustable degrees of rotation. So far I like them as much as my tried and true Time Pedals.