Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Which group would you put on a clyde roadie?

So I a building up a road bike this winter to ride some centuries and fast paced stuff next year. I'll still be just north of 200lbs (forever) so I am looking at this build from a different perspective than those in the road section i.e. skinny little *****es with twig legs and no junk in the trunk.

What would you put on your roadie keeping in mind strength of driveline along with weight, ergo's, bling, and maintenance required?

This will most likely be on a Reynolds 953 frame if all goes according to plan (the wife doesn't need to know right?) Anyone guess who is using that material?

In all honesty, if you don't race, Tiagra, 105, or Ultegra will do. I personally use 105 just because that's what I'm used to. In the 23 years I've been riding, I've used mostly 105 components. When I was racing Juniors (back when I was a teen in the late 80's), I raced on Paramount frames. My rig was always outfitted with 105. Granted it was the best that I could afford at the time, but 105 has never let me down. My personal bikes (except for the '05 Felt F80 and '03 Trek 5200 I used to own) have all been 105 equipped. I'm 210 lbs now though. A friend of mine is 6' 4", 250 lbs and rides an '89 63 cm Klein with over 30,000 miles on it and running 8 speed Dura Ace group with downtube shifters. His wattage is around 1800 and he rides up hills like he's 160 lbs. He amazes racers. With the abuse he dishes out, can you believe that he's still running the original grouppo on it? The only thing that has been replaced are the chain, cassette and cables. When he climbs, you can seriously hear those components screaming, but they keep going without a hitch. For that reason, I would say go Dura Ace if this is a life long investment or you are a rider dishing out major power. Other than that, most Clydes would be okay with a workhorse grouppo like 105. It's proven, dependable, and it is decently-priced. I've seen the more posh Ultegra groups online going for almost what you can buy a 105 group for at times. Just keep your eyes opened on that one. It'll be a worthwhile investment too. I don't recommend Campy unless you think you absolutely need it. Without a doubt, they make great components but, comparable groups cost a bit more than Shimanos and their parts aren't as abundant as Shimano. SRAM is new and to me, it would take a few more years before I consider them. Still many people love them for what they offer and for their functionality. Prices are a steeper on those as well. In the end, 105 or Ultegra will do you fine. Tiagra is even cheaper and pretty good too but they are 9 speed systems. Still you can't go worng with them either.

So I a building up a road bike this winter to ride some centuries and fast paced stuff next year. I'll still be just north of 200lbs (forever) so I am looking at this build from a different perspective than those in the road section i.e. skinny little *****es with twig legs and no junk in the trunk.

What would you put on your roadie keeping in mind strength of driveline along with weight, ergo's, bling, and maintenance required?

This will most likely be on a Reynolds 953 frame if all goes according to plan (the wife doesn't need to know right?) Anyone guess who is using that material?

Probably a mix and match, one of the problems is that nobody makes a touring oriented group, which would be made for reliability and strength, so you need to mix and match, grabbing components from various places. For example 10 speeds in the rear has a great bling factor, but the ultra-narrow cogs and chains, simply don't have the strength of 8 or 9 speed.

Hey Enthalpic, you ever heard of Sir Mix A-Lot, my remark is about as serious as his music. You should lighten up a bit, I was poking fun at my own size.


As far as 105, I have that on my current bike and it gets the job done but this will be a lifetime investment, I plan on riding this bike for a long time in an area with significant inclines so I am going for a group that will last.

I wouldn't say I am a fast rider but I do apply above average power for below average lengths of time than the average 30 year old with limited time to train.

I chose Red but agree that unless your racing, your options might be over kill. I would look at the Sram Force and you should get an excellent bang for your buck.

Campy Chorus, with a triple up front. That'll give you gears for hills. And I'm just a big fan of Campy.

OK, glad I read your post before voting so I understood this is about want. I fully support "want" if you are in a position to go for it and that 's the goal:thumb:

There can be no doubt here. Chorus. Did you really have to ask? That being said, from your list the best bang for the buck will probably be Red. The SRAM prices just rock compared to the other choices.

2008 Chorus, heck even left over 2007, should start to be a good deal as the '09 11 sp starts coming out since '09 Chorus, Record, and Super Record will be 11 sp.

As for 953, my guess is Waterford.

Definitely a want bike, pretty much a dream bike. But even dream bikes need to be limited and these groups all cost about the same. The campy and dura-ace are going to be 3rd level by spring and the sram stuff is right on the same price level.

I read a few concerns about crankset strength from the "lighter" riders and figured I pose the question.


Waterford is a good guess, definitely my choice if I was looking for a lugged steel frame. I'm shooting for putting in an order with IF for one of these before X-Mas.

http://www.ifbikes.com/frames2/953.shtml

All good choices and all will work save for mix and match, just use 36 spoke wheels. Remember, Campy won't honor their warranty if you weigh over 177 pounds.