Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - The Historian Goes Roadie?

Well, not quite. I am setting up an appointment with Cadence in Philadelphia for a fitting on Roark. Cadence is a very high-end performance oriented store and training center, and I happen to have a certificate for a fitting and evaluation, courtesy Bicycle Club of Philadelphia. It was a special award as the club's most improved rider.

That said, however, I wonder if it's possible to transform me into a roadie. My meeting today with a roadie in full kit while out on a ride has prompted me to think about this. I actually found myself a little jealous of the guy. He was riding a beautiful red Cannondale, complete with clipless pedals and aero-bars, and wearing a matching kit. Every inch of him and his bike screamed "cyclist." And yet he confessed seven miles of the local hills wiped him out, and he had to walk one of them. I could trudge through those same hills, and in fact I have, and all that gets screamed is "fat guy on a hybrid."

I know going roadie is totally impractable for me. I like to tour and use the bike for utility purposes. But, like the sports car the middle aged guy buys to make himself feel younger.....

I'd have a lot of work to do to go roadie. First of all, I'm still far too Clydesdale - even when I was 30 pounds lighter last year, I was still too big. I'd need to be very carefully fitted. I'd need to find a clipless system that would work with my knocked knees. I'd need to develop my bike skills, and lose my fear of high rates of speed. I'd need to learn to ride drop bars.

Still, I think I need to get over my greatest fear - that I'd devote all that time, money, and effort, and still not feel I was a 'real cyclist.'

You need to get the old Raleigh rolling and see how you like the riding position before you think about pulling the trigger on a new road bike. I like riding my old Raleigh. It is not a "modern" road bike but has some of the same features.

I'd need to find a clipless system that would work with my knocked knees.

Really? I rode a very nice road bike for a year or two before I ever considered clipless pedals...


I'd need to develop my bike skills, and lose my fear of high rates of speed.

Why? There's nothing about owning a road bike that says you have to go fast. I frequently trail my rear brake going down hills in an effort to moderate my top speed. So what?


I'd need to learn to ride drop bars.

Really? I find that I rarely ride in the drops. I'm sure this means I'll never be able to win the Tour de France, but riding on the hoods doesn't really seem to be holding me back from anything...



Still, I think I need to get over my greatest fear - that I'd devote all that time, money, and effort, and still not feel I was a 'real cyclist.'

If you regularly ride on two wheels, you're a real cyclist. It sounds to me like you're more worried about being accepted other cyclists... which is a waste of time, if you ask me. If you think a road bike might be fun, buy one and enjoy it!

I'd have a lot of work to do to go roadie. First of all, I'm still far too Clydesdale - even when I was 30 pounds lighter last year, I was still too big. I'd need to be very carefully fitted. I'd need to find a clipless system that would work with my knocked knees. I'd need to develop my bike skills, and lose my fear of high rates of speed. I'd need to learn to ride drop bars.

Still, I think I need to get over my greatest fear - that I'd devote all that time, money, and effort, and still not feel I was a 'real cyclist.'

You're a real cyclist in anybody's books, man.

And remember, there's no law that says you have to use clipless pedals if you don't want. Whatever you're using on your current bike will work fine on a road bike. Anybody who laughs at it is probably someone you can smoke...

It sounds to me like you're more worried about being accepted other cyclists... which is a waste of time, if you ask me.

Perhaps.

+1 on the drops. A large percentage of ride time is spent on the hoods. Usually drops are used only for sprinting. I know a guy that is a roadie, he's hunchback (sorry I don't now the medical term) but he rides his roadie well. He's an excellent mechanic and works for the tandem company Santana. He wears jerseys and I don't and Im considered a roadie, I think!:D

Your avatar (which is quite cool) screams out 'roadie' to me! If I worried what other roadies thought of me, I wouldn't be riding. Last guy that laughed at my tye-dye t-shirt, and the last guy that laughed at the bell on my Cannondale.......isn't laughing anymore!:roflma2:

+1 on the drops. A large percentage of ride time is spent on the hoods. Usually drops are used only for sprinting. I know a guy that is a roadie, he's hunchback (sorry I don't now the medical term) but he rides his roadie well. He's an excellent mechanic and works for the tandem company Santana. He wears jerseys and I don't and Im considered a roadie, I think!:D

Your avatar (which is quite cool) screams out 'roadie' to me! If I worried what other roadies thought of me, I wouldn't be riding. Last guy that laughed at my tye-dye t-shirt, and the last guy that laughed at the bell on my Cannondale.......isn't laughing anymore!:roflma2:

Your friend probably has Kyphosis, a curvature of the upper spine that gives him the hump. Unless he also has a sideways curve, in which case he has kyphoscolisosis. However, whatever it's called, clearly he may have it, but it doesn't have him.

...He was riding a beautiful red Cannondale, complete with clipless pedals and aero-bars, and wearing a matching kit. Every inch of him and his bike screamed "cyclist." And yet he confessed seven miles of the local hills wiped him out, and he had to walk one of them.

First of all, aerobars does not a roadie make. My point is supported by the third sentence in the snipped quote. Every inch of him and his bike screams poseur to me.

Now, my friend, if you want to consider going roadie, then you need to do so in a way that fits you! And your weight has nothing to do with it. If you will remember, I am still hovering (if I could ever be said to do that!) at 245. I consider myself a roadie (however, minus the snooty attitude of poseurs using aerobars while walking hills...sheesh).

Yes, you do need to get over your fear of speed and get used to drop bars (that few extra inches of curly bar can really throw you for a loop!!). The only way to do that is to purchase a road bike and start riding it. I'll see you at Pawlings Road when you get one. You WILL be giving me a call, right? Right?

Aerobars?

Riding in the drops?

Too heavy for a road bike?

I don't know what I've been doing the past 9 years on my Lemond BA "roadie" cause I don't have aerobars, and I hardly ever ride in the drops, and along the way I blossomed to 245 (now at 215), and rode just fine.

So, I am not sure what I have been doing without my aerobar, and riding in the drops, but I thought I was doing road riding.

The cliplesss are not essential, but they sure make things nicer. But, I have one road bike with toe straps, and ride it also. It gets me there and back.

I ride with three Roadies that ride the roads on Touring Bikes.

Neil, aerobars are for Time Trial, ultramarathon racing, and Triathlons, mainly, although they are nice for touring as well once you get comfortable on them. There are also distinct disadvantages, though.

You are steering with your elbows, basically, and they DRASTICALLY affect the handling of your bike!:eek: It gets VERY twitchy and you're a long way from the brakes and shifters. They are great in a headwind though and are really quite a comfortable for long rides. Don't drop down a hill on the aerobars, though.....recipe for disaster. A little wobble at speed can crash you and you do drop down a lot faster......I've topped 50 MPH on Indiana's little hills on the aerobars.

I say bring it on! If you can afford - it add a bike to the collection! All i know is all the roadies I have met are incredible people- and happy to see fat woman on bike hanging in there. Today (another charity ride - I will post in the AM) were cheering me on as I schlepped up the gagillionth hill. ALmost there. So even though the roadies are all about making their centuries - they are very supportive of the newbie and even the fatty. They are happy to see another convert.

Looking forward to hearing about the fit. I think one thing I find for me - is I may need to do more work on my core as the road bike takes a lot out on my back - so more sit ups for me...so if you are in a different positon riding you may need to think about strenthening your abs to help support you - or maybe that is not an issue - and you already have a 6 pack. Me i have a case (:))

Fat guys can ride roadies :) I do and love it. No going back for me! Well, until I lose enough so I can safely try to kill myself going downhill.

I'd need to develop my bike skills?


Roadies don't have bike skills, trials guys have bike skills. You are slightly mistaken. Just kidding, but I have seen club rides split up because some riders were scared and had to walk their bikes across a few patches of gravel road. I'd never be able to get to my house!

Your as much of, if not more than, any cyclist out there. You've earned your Lycra.

If you want a road bike, then by all means follow your heart. There are several options that will work just as well as a dedicated roadie, but give you more options though. (This is where Neil cringes and goes, yea,yea, a touring bike, I heard ya the last time).

First, there is always a touring bike:D. It's a roadie, just has a little longer wheel base, and is built a bit more solid, with heavier duty wheels. You can even go with Brifters if you don't use a large bar bag.

A Cyclocross bike is another option. The right model can give you braze ons, eyelets and the ability to tour, and can also go all out roadie with slicks. It has the ability to take on trails and gravel roads as well.

It was mentioned you have an old Raleigh. They are nice bikes. Depending on how old it is, it might not have the gearing you might be looking for, but Steal Is Real, and you can change gearing.

I spend very little time in the drops on my road bikes or my touring bike. The flat part of the bar and the hoods work well. I do like to drop down on occasion though.

I've also abandoned my clip-less systems for the time being since I can't seem to find a happy compromise for the knee. I'm almost over the nagging issues, but find the platforms work just fine. I have SPD and Look, but I'm not sure which way I will go.

You need to get the old Raleigh rolling and see how you like the riding position before you think about pulling the trigger on a new road bike. I like riding my old Raleigh. It is not a "modern" road bike but has some of the same features.

The Raleigh is set to ride once I solve the problem of the rear wheel. Someone gave me a QR rear wheel for it, but it's just slightly too wide for the rear dropouts. I cannot get it on, nor can I get the wheel that came with it back on either. I would have worked on it some more, but I had a little tour to attend to...... :)

Is the rear cassette or freewheel the same speed on the new wheel as the old wheel?

You may have a spacing difference. If so, there are fixes for that too!

The QR wheel may just need the QR ends unscrewed a bit. I just went though that, a wheel that once fit suddenly didn't. It was quite frustrating for a bit.

First of all, aerobars does not a roadie make. My point is supported by the third sentence in the snipped quote. Every inch of him and his bike screams poseur to me.

Now, my friend, if you want to consider going roadie, then you need to do so in a way that fits you! And your weight has nothing to do with it. If you will remember, I am still hovering (if I could ever be said to do that!) at 245. I consider myself a roadie (however, minus the snooty attitude of poseurs using aerobars while walking hills...sheesh).

Yes, you do need to get over your fear of speed and get used to drop bars (that few extra inches of curly bar can really throw you for a loop!!). The only way to do that is to purchase a road bike and start riding it. I'll see you at Pawlings Road when you get one. You WILL be giving me a call, right? Right?

This fellow hardly seemed poseur at all, more innocent than anything. In fact, I think he'd be upset to know folks thought him a poseur. I'm certainly not going to call him one, if only because I might be riding with him on Saturday. (We exchanged email addresses.)

He's riding a SAECO/Team Cannondale Six13, and wearing matching team kit, "because it's good stuff and matches the bike." He didn't know what kind of pedals he was using, only that he was concerned about getting unclipped on a local hill if he couldn't climb it. (The pedals were SPDs under his carbon-fiber soled shoes.)

Once I get the 1980s Raleigh rolling, yes, you get to guide me through the early rides.

Is the rear cassette or freewheel the same speed on the new wheel as the old wheel?

You may have a spacing difference. If so, there are fixes for that too!

The QR wheel may just need the QR ends unscrewed a bit. I just went though that, a wheel that once fit suddenly didn't. It was quite frustrating for a bit.

I don't know. I merely ride the things, not wrench them. :)

I don't know. I merely ride the things, not wrench them. :)


Well, he's already gone Roadie on us, and PRO at that!:roflmao2:

You just need t count the number of cogs on the two wheels. If the original was only 5 and the replacement is 6 or 7, or more, there is a rear spacing difference with the drop outs for the wheel and the frame.

If you can find a comfortable riding position on road geometry, then I say go for it. To hell with what other people think.

Clipless pedals are optional: road bikes ride just fine with clips & straps in street shoes. Using the drops is optional: you'll spend most of your time on the hoods. Speed is optional: the real benefit of road geometry is efficiency. And I wouldn't worry too much about your weight - get a nice steel road frame and stay away from low spoke count wheels and you'll be fine.

-DR

Honest question Neil, how exactly do you define what a "real cyclist" is?

Neil...it ain't about what you look like, what you wear, the bike, the components on the bike or what other people think - it's about having fun. If you want a road bike, get a road bike. You disappoint me with all this 'real cyclist' BS, Curbhopper. ;)

Neil...it ain't about what you look like, what you wear, the bike, the components on the bike or what other people think - it's about having fun. If you want a road bike, get a road bike. You disappoint me with all this 'real cyclist' BS, Curbhopper. ;)

+1!

He's riding a SAECO/Team Cannondale Six13, and wearing matching team kit, "because it's good stuff and matches the bike." He didn't know what kind of pedals he was using, only that he was concerned about getting unclipped on a local hill if he couldn't climb it. (The pedals were SPDs under his carbon-fiber soled shoes.)


Whoa....Come on Neil....the guy didn't know what kind of pedals he had and was worried about walkin a hill. Sounds poseur-ish to me. I don't know what kind of hills they have in PA, but most snobby roadies can spin up hills no problem. Maybe he's a noob.

Whoa....Come on Neil....the guy didn't know what kind of pedals he had and was worried about walkin a hill. Sounds poseur-ish to me. I don't know what kind of hills they have in PA, but most snobby roadies can spin up hills no problem. Maybe he's a noob.

The gentleman in question is certainly a noob; in the Historian's other thread (Lost Clydesdale!), he explains a bit more about this rider in brand spankin' new gear. While I don't think the rider is a true poseur, he certainly decided to go all out in getting into this sport. I suppose that is better than going out and buying a Hummer; I'd rather see a guy blow his bank account on a bike and gear any day of the week. But maybe Neil will help him dial it back a bit! :D:D

Whoa....Come on Neil....the guy didn't know what kind of pedals he had and was worried about walkin a hill. Sounds poseur-ish to me. I don't know what kind of hills they have in PA, but most snobby roadies can spin up hills no problem. Maybe he's a noob.

Here's my horse show route from yesterday. That's typical of the region - I live in a river valley.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Horse-show

The gentleman in question is certainly a noob; in the Historian's other thread (Lost Clydesdale!), he explains a bit more about this rider in brand spankin' new gear. While I don't think the rider is a true poseur, he certainly decided to go all out in getting into this sport. I suppose that is better than going out and buying a Hummer; I'd rather see a guy blow his bank account on a bike and gear any day of the week. But maybe Neil will help him dial it back a bit! :D:D

Perhaps, but he does have some experience. He's done the MS Bike to the Bay in Delaware, but that was back when he got the bike, a few years ago.

I was just under 300 I think when I got my new to me road bike at the end of last year. It is a nice feeling flying up hills and around corners. I can't go for too long a ride on it because my body can't take it but it is good for a short social ride with the local group or to throw on a backpack and pickup a few items at the store rather then taking out the xtracycle.

We have folks in the local social bike club that ride all kinds of bikes and wear all kinds of clothes and shoes on them so you don't need anything special. I will say that putting on my Bacchetta Jersey while riding my Bacchetta is a bit different then when I wear my chain tatood peformance hi vis jersey. Part of that could be it took me a while to fit into a size they sold but I think the jersey just looks and for some reason makes me feel more cyclist. :o

Only 7 miles and had to walk up hills in that get up? Sounds poseur to me, but then again maybe he's just outta shape. I keep telling myself I am not old but just out of shape. Anyway, you will need to get used to going faster on a road bike. I made the switch from hybrid to road bike last fall and been enjoying rides way more this summer and feel much faster. That being said I don't feel comfortable taking my road bike on the rails to trails type bike paths and regress back to the hybrid. I have this fear of flatting on the road bike on a gravel path, plus you feel each and every bump with the skinny tires. I only ride in the drops when I don't have to pedal, otherwise my knees hit my gut and I get winded quickly. I went clipless on my hybrid before getting the road bike and it made a huge difference for me. They take some getting used to but are worth going throught the hassle to get used to them.

I'm going to buy a roadie when I hit the magical "300 lost" mark. Why? Well, I like going fast on a bike, and I kinda dig long highway rides. My LHT does great, but I find myself wanting just a little more when I'm powering up (or down!) hills on a highway. It's a fast bike on the straights, handles predictably, but it's also one big heavy sonofagun that's outfitted mainly for commuting. I find myself looking at skinnier tires, then going "well that's dumb, how are they going to do on the potholes?" - you know the tale.

Anyway, that's my plan. I'm going to add a roadie to the stable hopefully early next year, and use it for some road riding. Nothing fancy at all, I actually rode a Trek 1.2 this weekend and *really* liked it, just something with skinny tires and a lot less weight than the big blue monster :).

As far as clothing goes, those roadie kits are kinda cool, but I dunno if you'll ever catch me in one. I told my wife that next year my commuting garb is going to be cheap t-shirts and BDU shorts. Wicking stuff is awesome for longer rides, but expensive and weird looking for commuting. :)

Anyway, follow what YOU want. Do what makes YOU happy and enjoy this cycling thing even more.

Your as much of, if not more than, any cyclist out there. You've earned your Lycra.


Thank you.

Incidentally, I've already gotten hate-mail from a BCP member over the "uber-roadie" remark in my story of the ride yesterday. Supposedly I never have a good word to say for anyone faster than me. That would be everyone who rides. Hmm, even I'm not that much of a misanthrope. :)

+1 on touring bikes. Unless you intend to end up with a large stable of bikes, of course. (I personally think that a bike that can't carry stuff is pretty useless, but that's me.) Since you're a commuter and a touring cyclist, a touring bike sounds like a good fit for you.

Well, not quite. I am setting up an appointment with Cadence in Philadelphia for a fitting on Roark. Cadence is a very high-end performance oriented store and training center, and I happen to have a certificate for a fitting and evaluation, courtesy Bicycle Club of Philadelphia. It was a special award as the club's most improved rider.

That said, however, I wonder if it's possible to transform me into a roadie.

I have a nine AM fitting scheduled with Cadence in Philadelphia on Monday. If anyone can make me roadie, these folks can. The bike fitting will be two - three hours long.

Now, the big question - swap out my saddle now, or wait for Cadence to do it? They've assured me they almost always replace the saddle in such a fitting. Perhaps I should wear the gel shorts when I ride the rest of this week.

You're a real cyclist in anybody's books, man.

And remember, there's no law that says you have to use clipless pedals if you don't want. Whatever you're using on your current bike will work fine on a road bike. Anybody who laughs at it is probably someone you can smoke...

BTW, Cadence will evaluate me for clipless. I've already discussed my knocked knees and toe out problems.

While I still think clipless.... well, last time I posted about clipless, there was a flame war here. Let's just say that my views haven't changed. But there might be a benefit in that it might 'cure' me of bad pedaling habits I've picked up, such as pedaling with my arch instead of the ball of the foot.

I'm enjoying my toe clips and straps. I hear you don't get quite the gain in efficency you get with clipless. My LBS thinks they're downright dangerous, but I don't see that.

Perhaps, but he does have some experience. He's done the MS Bike to the Bay in Delaware, but that was back when he got the bike, a few years ago.

Okay, you didn't mention that he'd had the stuff a few years. That changes my mind again. And the Delaware ride is quite possibly even more flat than the CTS ride.

Only 7 miles and had to walk up hills in that get up? Sounds poseur to me, but then again maybe he's just outta shape.


I know some guys like this. They're generally pretty nice guys. They've got enough money that spending it on a nice bike and flashy kit isn't a big deal. That's what they see people riding in, that's what the bike store wants to sell them. You'll see the same thing in any other sport that has equipment in it.

Hi Historian,

First off, "You need a road bike!!

Why I say this??........Because you want one!!....

...that and the fact that road bikes are the 'formula 0ne' machines of the bicycling world. There is no other type of bike that is faster. Personally, I think you will make a great roadie. Getting off a hybrid bike, then straddling a road bike is like climbing into a Maserati. They're lighter, faster, and more aerodynamic than any other bike (except TT bikes) and you'll probably kick yourself for not getting one sooner. Before you go get your fitting be sure to write up a list of all your questions, just like some of us would if we were going to the doctor. Its important. No matter how lame you think the questions are, this is information you need to know. If you're concerned about being bent over too far on a road bike, then there are certainly ways around that, like with a higher stem to reduce weight on your hands and arms.

As far as clipless pedals, there is admittedly a slight learning curve to them, but soon you'll see the enormous benefits of being "one" with your bike. There is no more constant reshuffling or adjusting your feet when riding, and soon the act of "un-clipping" will simply be automatic. I've followed your posts and I think I know where you're at in your cycling development, so I say "go for it"!!

For me, I've rode road bikes all my life, and I'm not skinny either. I'm also 52 years old with a "tool shed" to cover my tools (if you know what I mean) :D

Need...shmeed. Just about everything that does not directly prevent my death or mental instability falls into the "want" category. I think that you WANT a road bike. If you can afford it, then I don't see a problem.

I was a roadie in my early 20s, I'm 45 now, and was glad when they started making wheel rims and bottom brackets that did not fall apart on me anymore. I don't like aerobars, or ride in the drops that often either. The only time that I like riding in the drops is in a serious head-wind situation, and going down bigger hills with curves over 35 mph (more control when stretched out for me). Sprinting? Nah.

I say ride lots of bikes, and get one that feels right. You can try lots of different bike shops first, and buy it online or by phone for less, if money is a consideration. Personally, I will pay a little bit more for a bike if the bike shop is great. Let's face it, I'm hard on equipment, and having a good relationship with a top-notch mechanic and ethical bike shop saves me lots of bother. Me not being bothered and also being able to ride with fewer interruptions to my riding due to mechanical issues is worth a little extra cash, to me.

As for clipless pedals...I think that you should take it slow, and get a bike with toe clips until you get used to and/or dial in your preferred riding position first. Your pedal style will determine what type of pedals you end up with. I like double-sided mountain spd pedals, because they have just enough float for my knees, and my foot does not pull out of them when I'm standing and pulling up a lot on a steeper hill.

Make sure it fits and feels good when you ride it. How it looks...well that is up to you. I can ride an ugly bike if I got a great deal on it, but otherwise I at least have to like how it looks.

Have fun!

Get a roadie - you'll love it from day one. It will be faster, smoother (turning and such), a little harder on the backside, but just a bunch of fun in the end. I think you'll want a roadie that is conducive to putting a rack on iit. That said, if its to be your road bike for single day riding, just get something with a nice relaxed fit. I find my OCR to fit that bill well.

If I were a betting man, I'd put money on a road bike followed by a touring/cross bike to fill out the stable. That way you have your current commuter bike (not that it hasn't served well for touring), a zippy road bike for day riding, and a cross/touring bike for your touring and Rail-trail adventures. Of course that would be a good two years away but I bet you get there.

Thank you.

Incidentally, I've already gotten hate-mail from a BCP member over the "uber-roadie" remark in my story of the ride yesterday. Supposedly I never have a good word to say for anyone faster than me. That would be everyone who rides. Hmm, even I'm not that much of a misanthrope. :)

:Shrugs: It's a cycling world carry over of Fred Vs Roadie. I think it's been going on since the Penny Farling first rolled out.

I'm kind of a genetic mutation, best classified as a Froadie.

Most Roadies I know don't really take the whole persona thing too seriously. Yes, they like their kit, and some of the bikes are out of this world, but they can afford it and makes them happy. In the end, they enjoy their bikes as much as anyone else and the alter ego is more for fun than anything else.

There are those that some how feel that their gear and ability have somehow elevated them into some different level of Royalty. There are also others who are militantly "Fred". It's way too complicated for me. At the end of the day, it's bicycle. It can be both a utilitarian tool and a great toy. Kind of the perfect machine.

I recently brought home an old Schwinn Heavy Duty cruiser, commonly used at industrial sites. I saved it from the scrap metal bin. When I get it spiffied up, I just might have to take it for a cruise in full kit, along with the wire basket grocery panniers I plan on putting on it, lol. Froadieism at it's finest.

If it feels right for you Neil, go for it. I think you're ready for one, but you are the best judge of yourself. Getting all the gear and bike might give you a psychological boost that might help you reach your goals faster.

V

If it feels right for you Neil, go for it. I think you're ready for one, but you are the best judge of yourself. Getting all the gear and bike might give you a psychological boost that might help you reach your goals faster.

V

I agree. I had a little fun describing the fellow I rode with on Monday, but I recall a complete novice to cycling, a fat guy on a Trek Navigator. This fellow, let's call him Neil for sake of argument, only learned to balance in January 2007. By early April he had gone clipless, owned multiple jerseys and bib shorts, and probably came across as a poseur to many folks. But all that was important in building a self-image of himself as a cyclist. Not essential, of course, but important.

Honest question Neil, how exactly do you define what a "real cyclist" is?

I honestly don't know. I'm at a disadvantage here, having learned to ride as an adult. Had I been a kid, I might have been less impressionable.

As I mentioned elsewhere, I was taught all but the basic stuff by BF poster "Uncadan", the Fat Cyclist forums, and the Clydesdale forum. Dan is a roadie and ultracyclist, and the two forums I've mentioned are chock-full of roadies and ultracyclists. (One can almost smell the mix of Lycra and testosterone here.) It took me eight months to realize that not all "serious" cyclists ride centuries. And perhaps I still think that way, wrong as it may be.

Hi Historian,

First off, "You need a road bike!!

Why I say this??........Because you want one!!....

...that and the fact that road bikes are the 'formula 0ne' machines of the bicycling world. There is no other type of bike that is faster. Personally, I think you will make a great roadie. Getting off a hybrid bike, then straddling a road bike is like climbing into a Maserati. They're lighter, faster, and more aerodynamic than any other bike (except TT bikes) and you'll probably kick yourself for not getting one sooner. Before you go get your fitting be sure to write up a list of all your questions, just like some of us would if we were going to the doctor. Its important. No matter how lame you think the questions are, this is information you need to know. If you're concerned about being bent over too far on a road bike, then there are certainly ways around that, like with a higher stem to reduce weight on your hands and arms.

As far as clipless pedals, there is admittedly a slight learning curve to them, but soon you'll see the enormous benefits of being "one" with your bike. There is no more constant reshuffling or adjusting your feet when riding, and soon the act of "un-clipping" will simply be automatic. I've followed your posts and I think I know where you're at in your cycling development, so I say "go for it"!!

For me, I've rode road bikes all my life, and I'm not skinny either. I'm also 52 years old with a "tool shed" to cover my tools (if you know what I mean) :D

Thanks. I will prepare a lot of questions. Here is what Cadence says they can do in a retro-fitting:

*********
The human body is very complex and as such there needs to be a fundamental and individualized process designed to optimize performance, efficiency, and injury prevention. This is where our experienced staff comes in. At Cadence we start with a 15-20 min interview to assess your background and goals and follow that up with a thorough analysis of your body measurements, range of motion, and body imbalances. This off the bike analysis can often diagnose problems felt on the bike.

On the bike our experts will systematically evaluate your riding habits and adjust your bike based on our tested fit methodology. Along the way you will be educated on why we are moving your position and how that will influence your overall performance.

During each fit you are assessed using our Dartfish video software and can demonstrate in real-time your proper and improper cycling form. After your fit you will also be provided with a copy of your measurements and a Fit Analysis CD, which is a video copy of your pre- and post- position. At the end of your fit a professional mechanic will check over your bike to make sure that any changes made are safe and in perfect condition.

Remember that your bike fit is a dynamic event. From year to year, and throughout a season, your fit may need to be refined. Weight loss, increased flexibility, increased experience, injuries, aging, and changes in your riding habits are all variables which must be taken into consideration during the fit process.

Cadence fits range from 1.5 hours to 3 hours depending on the number of changes and type of fit...
***********

I'm excited about this fit. My shop fitted me on Roark, my 7.5 fx hybrid, a year ago, and it was a good fit - the fitter now works for a professional bike team - but I'm sure these folks can do better, and perhaps even find a clipless system that works with my legs.

I'll see if they will allow me to take photographs of the process - this could be a good article in the making.

Pictures, or it won't have happened. :p


:Shrugs: It's a cycling world carry over of Fred Vs Roadie. I think it's been going on since the Penny Farling first rolled out.

I'm kind of a genetic mutation, best classified as a Froadie.

Most Roadies I know don't really take the whole persona thing too seriously. Yes, they like their kit, and some of the bikes are out of this world, but they can afford it and makes them happy. In the end, they enjoy their bikes as much as anyone else and the alter ego is more for fun than anything else.

There are those that some how feel that their gear and ability have somehow elevated them into some different level of Royalty. There are also others who are militantly "Fred". It's way too complicated for me. At the end of the day, it's bicycle. It can be both a utilitarian tool and a great toy. Kind of the perfect machine.

I recently brought home an old Schwinn Heavy Duty cruiser, commonly used at industrial sites. I saved it from the scrap metal bin. When I get it spiffied up, I just might have to take it for a cruise in full kit, along with the wire basket grocery panniers I plan on putting on it, lol. Froadieism at it's finest.

Get a roadie - you'll love it from day one. It will be faster, smoother (turning and such), a little harder on the backside, but just a bunch of fun in the end. I think you'll want a roadie that is conducive to putting a rack on iit. That said, if its to be your road bike for single day riding, just get something with a nice relaxed fit. I find my OCR to fit that bill well.

If I were a betting man, I'd put money on a road bike followed by a touring/cross bike to fill out the stable. That way you have your current commuter bike (not that it hasn't served well for touring), a zippy road bike for day riding, and a cross/touring bike for your touring and Rail-trail adventures. Of course that would be a good two years away but I bet you get there.

Not to mention the 1980's Raleigh road bike I'm restoring, and a 1970's Schwinn frame I have around here. Plus the Navigator in the basement.

Pictures, or it won't have happened. :p

Great, now I have to move the Heavy Duty up on the rehab roster:eek:

Not to mention the 1980's Raleigh road bike I'm restoring, and a 1970's Schwinn frame I have around here. Plus the Navigator in the basement.

No stable is complete without some Vintage Steel.

I really really want a Raleigh Gentleman's 3 speed. In fact, it's almost a physical need, but not as much as getting to sleep in the house...........the forces of nature have altered my formula to N+1-1.:cry:

Sigh