Clydesdale Plus.....Also New

[bigben78]

Hi,

I am 6'4" and weigh about 315 LBS. (Down from 340!) I am comparing a few different bikes and need some help for a tie breaker. I will mention that I just returned a Specialized Cross Trail Sport because it was terrible on a 30 mile ride. That and my buddy blew me away on his 7.5 FX. So, I need more speed and am considering Giant FCR 1, Specialized Sirrus Sport, 7.5 FX and Jamis Allegro 3. (The Allegro 3 has to be way better because it costs alot more.)

I tested the Sirrus which was quick but the components seem week compared to FCR 1. I tested an FCR 1 that rode well but the bike was too small because they only had a large available. I have to order the XL and may require a 10% deposit.

Can you provide advice? Also, should upgrade the rear wheel?

Thanks.

[st0ut]

Is you buddy in the same physical condition as you?

Basically as every good engineer knows blame the equipment first.

[bigben78]

He is about 80 LBS lighter but has less physical strength. The bike I returned is more of a "Hybrid" and did not fit the bill. I have narrowed it down to these "Fitness" bikes to appease my need for speed.

Any ideas?

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Let me cut to the chase here......

Which bike makes your heart race and makes you feel like you just fell in lust? That's the bike to buy. You have to love your bike to want to ride it....it needs to be fun, so which do you like the best in the end?

If you buy the bike you don't like as much, it has a big chance of winding up a very expensive coatrack.

As to the rear wheel? Yeah, I'd go ahead and at least upgrade that at purchase, since it's always cheaper then when you can get tradeback on the stock wheel.

[wrk101]

I like my rigid mountain bike, for the street I installed slicks, 26 x 1.25. It is plenty fast. But nothing is faster for me than my road bike. My hybrid is the slowest. But tires can compensate for much of the difference (narrower, higher pressure, smoother tread = faster).

As far as speed, how many miles has your friend ridden versus you? There is being in shape and strong, and there is being in bicycle shape.

[Mazama]

Welcome! We're not, "Clyde Plus," We're, "Uber Clydes." ;)

I don't know anything about those particular bikes, but you will want to look into a beefy wheelset. I have 40 spoke Velocity deep-V's with Swiss DT spokes. A qualified LBS should be able to offer you a bike that will hold up under your weight and riding conditions.

[bautieri]

Physical strength doesn't matter much when it comes to biking. It's much more endurance than physical strength.

The 7.5FX is a pretty popular bike around here, it should serve you well.

[bigben78]

As far as speed, how many miles has your friend ridden versus you? There is being in shape and strong, and there is being in bicycle shape.[/QUOTE]


My buddy is probably in better shape than myself but i am not sure about "Riding Shape." I hit the gym about 4-5 times per week and do a 10 mile set on the stationary every time. (I know its different!) Anyway, I will be riding to the gym thats about 9 miles away and back.

I live i Chicago and the streets are not exactly perfectly paved. The roughest conditions (Except for these streets) should be cutting through the forest preserve or taking the north shore trail.

As far as liking the bike, the Sirrus and FCR are both fun but could not test ride an FCR in my size. I was hoping someone might have pros or cons that they have experienced?

[badgermac]

I've got an FCR in the household. The FCR3 comes with a higher spoke count and 32c wheels. The Sirrus is also a nice bike (rode one yesterday) - thinner 28c tires so keep that in mind (tire switch?) I come from Trek Country (WI) so I'll leave my bias out ;)

[dfritch]

I'm a Uber Clyde, and ride with a guy 80 pounds lighter. That is a big difference. I ride a better bike, and he has told me a number of times that he would rather ride a poor bike and 80 pounds less in the saddle than a great bike and the added weight, esp on hills and into the wind.

Remember, it never gets easier you just get faster!

[Bone Head]

Is you buddy in the same physical condition as you?

Basically as every good engineer knows blame the equipment first.

I ride a Giant OCR Limited -- Carbon frame, Ultegra components, 700x23 hi pressure tires, aero bars, etc, etc. It is a far better bike than this rider deserves. I average about 15-16 mph on a 20 to 100 mile ride -- well below most of the riders in my group. Recently on a century ride, @ mile 80 I was passed by a nice older lady on her Dahon Folding bike. :eek:
Like Tom said, "Which bike makes your heart race..........??" :love:I love my bike - that is why I love to ride. Yes I'm slow, but getting thinner, stronger & faster

Measure yourself against only yourself. Keep riding & you WILL get stronger & faster.

Ride Fast, Ride Safe & Have Fun

[WilsonZone]

Which bike makes your heart race and makes you feel like you just fell in lust?

What if that bike belongs to someone else? :p

I love black with red trim. I have to admit, when I saw a picture of your bike I had to have it. I know I shouldn't pick a bike based on color. :innocent: