Road Bike Racing - Equipment question

Long Version: (Pcad version is below)

Ok so I am going to get into racing next year (going to train this year and I am going to make my self sign up next year). I was thinking about college racing but my school doesn't have a team and I know that there are like no kids interested in it so I figure I will just do 'regular' races and not 'college' races. That doesn't bother me.

So, I am looking around at bikes (again), checked out a Cervélo soloist team (aluminum) today and I liked that a lot. Also checked out a Cdale CAAD9. Liked both, remembered my test ride on both (a few months ago) and I like the soloist a lot (and I know you will all have comments about how the cdale is crit rocket) but I am planning on getting the soloist since it felt right and I like it.

On that note, I am planning on getting the soloist with ultegra grouppo, so I am either going to order just the frame from Competitive cyclist and then get the grouppo separately or just buy the 'stock' soloist from competitive cyclist and then just swap out the wheels (training wheels...will worry about race wheels when I cat up)

So down to the actual questions!

**~~Pcad friendly version~~**

1. Recommend me a good training/racing (explanation later) wheelset (want to build up with PT)...I weight 220 currently and am working on that...I want something that will hold up in both crits (yep) and road races...don't care about weight, only durability it's all about the engine right?

2. Is the wireless PT worth it?

3. Any racing teams up in NH? (will check the US cycling site, just curious)

4. Should I even worry about a PT now?

5. I should HTFU!

I think that covers it all...thought the road racing forum was the place to put this

So.....being in college, I'm assuming that the funds aren't exactly "flying in" left and right.....unless of course you happen to sell drugs or something. In that case, I could use a new Madone (hint, hint).

When I built up my race bike last year....which has now turned into my "do everything" bike....I bought a NOS Trek 2500 frame (circa 1999) off eBay for $75, and built around that. If I crash and kill it....who friggin' cares. My Chris King headset cost more than my frame LOL.

www.bikereg.com

Don't worry about a PT right now, just get some hours in your legs and work on dropping weight if you need to. I don't know how tall you are, but lugging around 220 pounds in New Hampshire is gonna friggin' blow.

1. Whatever comes on your Cervelo w/Ultegra groupo will be fine to start. If not that, Ultegra hubs with Open Pro rims (32 holes) or some flavor of Ksyriums are really popular.
2. I have no idea.
3. I have no idea.
4. My opinion is no, don't worry about it. Race a few times first to see if you like it, them think about a power meter.
5. Absolutely. Why are you waiting until next year to try racing? Get out there and give it a shot.

Have fun.

lugging around 220 pounds in New Hampshire is gonna friggin' blow.

Yep


Absolutely. Why are you waiting until next year to try racing? Get out there and give it a shot.


Been off the bike for a long time, need to get back into shape, just moved...bleh

Yeah I probably should just go with a cheap bike for now but I got the funds so I am embracing my inner Pcad need to spend money

Where in NH are you???

I almost guarantee you can find the frame or complete bike cheaper than Competitive Cyclists. Take some time and look around on ebay and other online stores. CC isn't exactly known for their stellar deals.

join a club too... here are some links


Granite State Wheelmen (www.granitestatewheelmen.org)- rec club that runs group rides all over NH. These are pretty good size. Wed rides in Concord would reach ~150ish on a nice day.

NorEast (http://www.noreastcycling.com) - Seacoast area

NHCC- (http://www.nhcyclingclub.com)- Concord area race team

Sunapee / S&W (http://www.bownet.org/cnaimie/ssw/index.htm)- Sunapee area


Dont wait to race. Just jump on the bike and start racing, even if you get shelled you will still learn a lot at the races.

I would probably suggest more group rides with a club this year rather than racing, especially if you don't have much experience riding with a group. A race isn't really the place to hone your group riding ability :).

Get the bike you like; this way you won't regret it. CAADs are cheap enough to pick it up later if necessary.

Don't buy from CC if you haven't looked around-- there's deals to be had on Cervelos (not much tho)

No, PT is not worth it at this point.. ride, ride, ride. And wireless PT is NEVER worth it.. (I have owned both, cudn't care less either way).

Hey all thanks for the replies, will have to look into the groups/clubs listed...will also look for a better deal on the cervelo!

I live in Manchester NH about 15 mins or so from Concord (by car).

I am good in the group riding department just need to train and lose some weight and work the legs up a bit more before I go for a race, well thats what I think at least.

If you have the time and the resources on campus, I would consider starting a team. Doesn't cost anything the first year and collegiate races are generally cheaper than USCF sanctioned races. If you're just looking for races to do and not with having teammates in the races with you, then this would be an alternative. Kit orders might be a little expensive but hey, sell the extras to alumni until you get enough money and big enough interest. Just a thought.

1. PT Pro 32h 3x to Velocity Fusion
2. no.
3.
4. that's a personal decision.

Depending on size of bike eBay or some blow out deals of 08, 07, or whatever model years might be worth it. Just get 10s so you can use new/good wheels later. I got my bike like that and paid probably $4k less than it was worth (new, from shop, off eBay, "early 08" model sold in late 07).

Riding is all I'd worry about. Okay, get a HRM. No PT. Ride with a group. If it's a decent group you'll end up racing before the summer ends.

Also drop by a race and watch it. It's very inspiring. Fitchburg is a bit crazy but it's good. Go to www.ne-bra.org for New England info.

Good luck
cdr

Collegiate>normal races

Try and form a team.

As for the bike, buy it from a local shop unless you know what you are doing. The bike does not have to be special. I think a Cervelo is probably overkill. Even a run of the mill bike will carry you to glory if you have what it takes.

Thanks for the replies all, lots of good info!

It is definitely worth trying to get a collegiate team together. Collegiate bike racing is awesome. The ECCC is a really great conference with really great races and (mostly) really great people. So... it's all really great. Got it? Also, we have the USA Cycling president. That's gotta count for something, right?

As for the equipment, do whatever you like. Racing is still 99% legs, but nice equipment is sweet. I am of the "race poor" school. There are more important things than a fancy bike. I should know!

Don't worry about a PT right now, just get some hours in your legs and work on dropping weight if you need to. I don't know how tall you are, but lugging around 220 pounds in New Hampshire is gonna friggin' blow.

Hey, I race and weight 220lbs(5'10). I wanted to wait until I weighed 200lbs. Figured what the hell I"ll just get out there and have some fun. Just have to avoid road races until the weight comes down.

I am good in the group riding department just need to train and lose some weight and work the legs up a bit more before I go for a race, well thats what I think at least.

You should head up to the NHIS Track Series (http://www.nhcyclingclub.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108&Itemid=61)that NHCC runs on Thursdays. It's a short drive from where you are. They run four groups, from beginner on up. It's a great way to go from group riding to racing in a great environment.

To echo what people have said, don't worry about the PT yet.

In addition, I'd like to add that one of the reasons I considered cannondale so highly is because they have a really good replacement program if you ruin a frame (like 400 bucks for a caad9 if you ruin the one you bought). That made them a good buy for me because I can't afford to spend that much on a bike again in a season if something were to happen.

CAAD 9. I think it's a nicer frame. And it's made in the US, if that means anything to you.

Go ride the Soloist on a rough road, and listen to the frame.

ok so I went to the LBS today and checked out some of cdales offerings and I actually test rode a Six13 and a CAAD9 and I must say I like the Six13 a lot better. I also took the soloist out for a ride and I am leaning toward the Six13 because of two things...1. I like the bikes feel (during ride) and handling better and 2. the local cervelo dealer is a bad place. And yes I know the second one doesn't make a difference but it does!

So now I am waiting for the LBS to get in the six13 with Ultegra (what I want) shipped in from cdale (letting me test ride the actual bike I want to purchase before I actually buy it!)...so we will see what happens from there. Will take a few days to get it in and I am still deciding on if to get it or not (most chances are yes)...

So chances are I will be the proud owner of a cdale six13...

Question...it comes with Mavic Aksium wheels....are those a possible good race wheel for someone who weighs 220# or should I just sell them? I plan on picking up some kind of 'training' wheel anyways...but was curious on that!

+ 1 on the CAAD 9. I received mine, 105/ultegra RD, a year and a half ago. 7k miles and a new, nicer wheelset later, I'm psyched about upgrading to rival. The frame is rock-solid, and has taught me everything I know so far about racing. I'm sure the Six13 is a great bike as well, but with all the other costs associated with the sport, its important to save were you can. Especially for us college people.

Way more importantly though, start a team at your school. The ECCC is a great place to race- like grolby said, the people (tons of people- 400+ at some events) are supportive and its just plain fun. Race fees are also way cheaper and there are far more naked people on bikes. Depending on what sort of school you go to (ie, one with a big club sports program or not) talk to others in the area, like UNH or a small lib arts college to see how they started and run their team.

I was the promoter for the road race event at the Beanpot (Boston schools) ECCC weekend. We did our best to get word out to smaller schools in NE which had cyclists but perhaps not a team. Facebook, emails, flyers, etc. If we get just a couple of people from a place like yours out, word spreads, and collegiate cycling (and USAC in general) will grow exponentially. We've seen it happen (go Stevens!) and its one of the things that makes grass-roots racing so great.

Thanks for the reply javashane...the info about ECCC is very much appreciated. I would love to get a team started at my uni...will have to see what is what when I start in september. Hopefully I can get something going!

Six13 is a great bike. Get it, enjoy it, and start training :)

If I may ask what uni do you attend? I used to work at SNHU in undergraduate admissions before moving to NY to take a coaching job.

I will be attending SNHU, seems like a good school!