Southern California - Got a road bike for b-day. Now what?

Hi, my name is Jan (say Yaaaan) and I live in San Diego (Rancho Bernardo)

For my b-day (today turning 34) I got myself a used road bike. (also because I need to lose some weight (6'4" 240lb) and want to get in shape). The bike is 2006 61cm Specialized S-Works with Ultegra setup. It has 53/39 crank and 11-25 cassette (maybe a compact crank?).

Well, because I never had a rode bike, I'm somewhat lost. I have been lurking around this forum for a while but still have tons of stupid questions regarding this world.

First step I decided to do is to take my bike to the LBS to check everything. Well, there is one in Mira Mesa (Black Mt Bicycles) however I'm not feeling like going there as I did not like the pushy sales guy that was trying to sell me a bike I did not want. Can anyone recommend a good shop for every day maintenance and tune ups?

I have some cycling cloth and some basic equipment such as computer and HRM from my old MTB days.

What should be my next step? (shave and start riding huh?).

Thanks for help!

You might want to get a fitting as well. It's well worth the investment.

I'm sure some of the SD people will chime in about a LBS down there.

BTW, a 53/39 is a standard double, not a compact. A compact is 50/34, which might be a good investment for you if you plan on doing much climbing.

Happy riding -- and happy birthday.

Hi, my name is Jan (say Yaaaan) and I live in San Diego (Rancho Bernardo)

For my b-day (today turning 34) I got myself a used road bike. (also because I need to lose some weight (6'4" 240lb) and want to get in shape). The bike is 2006 61cm Specialized S-Works with Ultegra setup. It has 53/39 crank and 11-25 cassette (maybe a compact crank?).

Well, because I never had a rode bike, I'm somewhat lost. I have been lurking around this forum for a while but still have tons of stupid questions regarding this world.

First step I decided to do is to take my bike to the LBS to check everything. Well, there is one in Mira Mesa (Black Mt Bicycles) however I'm not feeling like going there as I did not like the pushy sales guy that was trying to sell me a bike I did not want. Can anyone recommend a good shop for every day maintenance and tune ups?

I have some cycling cloth and some basic equipment such as computer and HRM from my old MTB days.

What should be my next step? (shave and start riding huh?).

Thanks for help!

Welcome! Sounds like you found a very nice bike. 53/39 is a standard road double, not a compact crank. If you're struggling on hills you can easily go to an 11-27 cassette to give you one lower gear without changing anything else. Switching to a compact crank would give you even lower gears but it will be more expensive.

I don't much like Black Mountain Cycles either. I don't know if there are better shops close to RB, but Hi-Tech Bikes in Kearney Mesa and UC Cyclery in UTC are reasonable shops.

BTW, it is possible to ride a bike without shaving your legs.

You might want to get a fitting as well. It's well worth the investment.

I'm sure some of the SD people will chime in about a LBS down there.

BTW, a 53/39 is a standard double, not a compact. A compact is 50/34, which might be a good investment for you if you plan on doing much climbing.

Happy riding -- and happy birthday.

+1 on the fitting. I had a fitting done on my existing bike at Hi-Tech and it was more than worth it.

Welcome! Sounds like you found a very nice bike. 53/39 is a standard road double, not a compact crank. If you're struggling on hills you can easily go to an 11-27 cassette to give you one lower gear without changing anything else. Switching to a compact crank would give you even lower gears but it will be more expensive.

I don't much like Black Mountain Cycles either. I don't know if there are better shops close to RB, but Hi-Tech Bikes in Kearney Mesa and UC Cyclery in UTC are reasonable shops.

BTW, it is possible to ride a bike without shaving your legs.
Yeah, but the chicks dig em. ;)

there is a perfomance bike shop in Sorrento, I avoid Blk Mt Bikes like it's black plague!!!

Congrats on the new bike, get some road shoes, pedals and a good lid. Might want to get some arm and leg warmers since it's our cold season.

Check out the Canari Clothing sale thread coming up in 2 weeks. Stock up on discounted shorts and jerseys for cheap.

BTW, it is possible to ride a bike without shaving your legs.

Oh now you tell me !!!

Compact Crank: I meant if I should switch to a compact crank.
Fitting: Anyone can sugest a good place for fitting?
12-27 cassette: The 12-27 is a good idea. How about SRAM 12-28?
Shoes and pedals: Just bought them :-)
Shorts and Jersey: need more... will check out the Canari sale
Shaving legs: really?

Thanks all for your feedback!

BTW, it is possible to ride a bike without shaving your legs.

Liar! Liar! Pants on fire.




Yeah, but the chicks dig em. ;)

Listen to the lady. She understands :D;)

im done with leg shaving for now......

im done with leg shaving for now......

Meaning you just got outta the tub? ;)

Compact Crank: I meant if I should switch to a compact crank.
Fitting: Anyone can sugest a good place for fitting?
12-27 cassette: The 12-27 is a good idea. How about SRAM 12-28?
Shoes and pedals: Just bought them :-)
Shorts and Jersey: need more... will check out the Canari sale
Shaving legs: really?

Thanks all for your feedback!

Places you will hear recommended for fitting in SD county include, Nytro in Encinitas, Hi-Tech Bikes in Kearney Mesa, and B&L Sports in Solana Beach.

You live in a hilly area, and if you are just getting back into shape you may very well prefer to have a compact. Hell, even after you get into shape you may prefer it. :rolleyes: If you decide go compact get a Shimano R700. As for cassettes the SRAM would be a good choice. I think it's an 11-28 in ten speeds not 12-28.

Liar! Liar! Pants on fire.


Listen to the lady. She understands :D;)

Since we've dispensed with all the entirely bogus supposedly utilitarian reasons for men to shave their legs and cut to the real "chicks dig it" thing, here's a question.

What if a guy who doesn't cycle or swim shaves his legs. Would that be "hot" or just plain creepy?

Meaning you just got outta the tub? ;)

i have a fine supply of leg hair right now....its been about a month or so now i think.....just dont wanna deal...

Places you will hear recommended for fitting in SD county include, Nytro in Encinitas, Hi-Tech Bikes in Kearney Mesa, and B&L Sports in Solana Beach.

You live in a hilly area, and if you are just getting back into shape you may very well prefer to have a compact. Hell, even after you get into shape you may prefer it. :rolleyes: If you decide go compact get a Shimano R700. As for cassettes the SRAM would be a good choice. I think it's an 11-28 in ten speeds not 12-28.

I guess I will try Hi-Tech bikes as it is on my way to work (downtown). Do they also offer tune ups?
For now I decided to keep the set up I have. At the first moment I will have to get off my bike due to my gear setup I will get the 12-27 or 11-28 cassette. If I have to get off my bike again with the 27/28 cassette I will get the compact crank. At the same time I was thinking about getting 180mm compact crank (currently have 175mm) but I couldnt fine any compact crankset in that size.

I guess I will try Hi-Tech bikes as it is on my way to work (downtown). Do they also offer tune ups?
For now I decided to keep the set up I have. At the first moment I will have to get off my bike due to my gear setup I will get the 12-27 or 11-28 cassette. If I have to get off my bike again with the 27/28 cassette I will get the compact crank. At the same time I was thinking about getting 180mm compact crank (currently have 175mm) but I couldnt fine any compact crankset in that size.

Hi-Tech does tune ups too. 180mm cranks are fairly uncommon. I would ask when you have you fitting if you really need them.

Congrats on your new bike!

With your 61cm frame though, the 180mm crank may match. I'm no bike fitting guy, but just think it may be ok.

My bro-in-law just got a bike at hi-tech. Seems like a bunch of very nice guy. If I remembered correctly, it's $50 for a 30min fitting, $100 for 60mins... something like that.

Post some pics of the bike!

What should be my next step? (shave and start riding huh?).


Forget the shaving for now. Just ride. Go out, have fun, find beautiful places and ride the bike.

BTW, don't forget to carry a mini-pump/or CO2 and a spare tube when you go out riding!

Post some pics of the bike!

Here you go.
(minus the pedals, I got ultegra)

http://i12.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/b5/0d/9ad6_3.JPG

BTW, don't forget to carry a mini-pump/or CO2 and a spare tube when you go out riding!

I need to get the CO2 and tubes. Thanks for the reminder :-)

Hmm. I bought two of my bikes at Black Mountain Bicycles. I like the place. I've always dealt with Brian when buying, and he was never pushy with me. I've had good experience with their service department too, except for the fact that it takes a few days. Bike was always ready when they said it would be though.

There's a shop in Poway called Bike Empire, on Poway Road. I've never been there, but I've ridden with a guy that works there. You can check them out. There is also a place at the end of Mira Mesa Boulevard called Action Cyclery. I've been there once. A small shop, so you might get more "personal" service.

Nice bike!

i have a fine supply of leg hair right now....its been about a month or so now i think.....just dont wanna deal...

I feel that way about the pits from time to time, too, Scoot. But really, you'll feel better with everything all smooth. :p

Welcome, Jan. :) Congrats on your bike. I say, before you do anything, make sure you have cleats on that bike. Don't start on clips (pedals with straps). Start having to "clip into" cleats as this will force you to learn that straight away. Then, get to riding. You need a helmet, gloves, padded shorts and shoes with cleats, sunscreen and you're good to go. The rest will come and there is so much to be gleaned from this website.


Good Luck!!!!

good looking bike!!

Congrats on your bike, it looks great. Both Nytro and B&L are great places for fittings. They may be out of your way but well worth it, especially B&L in Solona Beach.

Like others have said no need to shave your legs but definately get in the saddle and ride, ride, ride! Ride the standard crank you have for a month or two, you may not need a compact. If you notice you're struggling up hills after 1-2 months then you may want to go with the compact crank.

BTW, don't forget to carry a mini-pump/or CO2 and a spare tube when you go out riding!

He already has a "spare tube" that's why he bought a road bike...... jk

Happy B-day man, it will be easier for you lose weight at 34 rather than waiting till your 40 like me.

As far as shaving you legs, your going to be wearing "spandex" and you'll look funny to the rest of the non-cycling world so you might as well shave em.

As far as shaving you legs, your going to be wearing "spandex" and you'll look funny to the rest of the non-cycling world so you might as well shave em.

I generally only shave during the hot summer months, but I do keep my leg hair short during fall and winter.

but I do keep my leg hair short during fall and winter.That sounds more difficult than just shaving it. :lol:

Good looking S-works. (I think Luwin is missing his bike that I'm borrowing and is asking for photos of other S-Works) This was my first time on a compact and it certainly helps in the hills especially for those not used to climbing like myself. I'll agree that at least a basic $50 fitting is money WELL SPENT! You should really enjoy riding the Tarmac, and just wait for those pounds to start falling off. :)

Went to B&L in Solana Beach this morning. They were very helpful.
They tuned up the bike and did quick fitting adjustments.
Also bought some tubes and CO2. So now I have everything I need to get started (shorts, helmet, shoes, clipless pedals, computer, HRM, glasses, gloves, tools, tubes, CO2,)

Afternoon I did a quick 44 minutes (not too quick) 9.3 miles loop (http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=6045) in 4S Ranch area. So far I do like the bike very much and I didnt have any problems with my gear ratio setup.

I guess all I need now is time and energy :-)

Thanks all for the tips and I will see ya around!