Road Cycling - What is a bike race like?

I've only been to a few criteriums before, so I vaguely know what the world of bike racing is like. However, I raced at three triathlons this summer, and I was surprised at how much fun they were! First of all, there are like 500+ competitors. Then, there are a ton of spectators as well. You get to see 500 people that have the same interest as you, all racing with you. People are cheering around the transition areas, and the finish, etc. Lots of people all over the whole site of the race. Volunteers give you water, take off your race chip at the end. Usually LOTS of fine women :) Easy to go up and just talk to anyone. Afterwards, there is even food for competitors! Then everyone talks for awhile, eats, waits for results, and then there is an awards ceremony. Obviously, lots of fun.

How does a bike race compare to this? Are there as many competitors, excitement, hype, comradery, spectators, etc etc? What's it like?

You never told us why you weren't happy with Shimano....

I get weird noises, I read about BB problems numerous times on the internet, don't like how the cabling looks. And I hear something about the cranks is odd, how it isn't tapered or something, whjich could be a reason for my noises.

Anyhow, what about bike races?

It depends on the race.

I've found, in the two races I've participated in, that your description of a triathalon is very similar to that of a race. Groups of people on the climbs cheering you on, tons of other bikers of all skill levels all around to chat with, just an all around good time. I absolutely had a ball at both of the races I've participated in, one in July and one in August, and my next is in September. I'm taking it easy this season, and hopefully will do quite a few more when next season rolls around. I can't wait!

I did mostly road races. In the city lots of people would turn out to cheer ya. Once you got into the country though it was pretty sparse. The occasional family standing by the road supporting ya was about it. The noise at the finish line was usually pretty good.

No hype out here in WY, no races either :lol:

I do a lot of road races too and you'll get spectators at the start/finish who are mostly friends and family of the riders. I did a crit in Reston Virginia a month or so ago and the cat 4 field was 100, that was a trip. There were also several hundred spectators around the course as there were nice restaurants, coffee shops, and park benchs as well as a beautiful day. As for comradery I see a lot of that in cyclocross racing. Thats a fun and interesting sport that brings hardly no crowd, who wants to stand outside in the rain and snow? but its pure fun and the misery brings out the good nature of everyone...

Criteriums are exciting. You would not belieeeeeeve how fast the time goes.

Think lots and lots of PAIN.........

then multiply it by too large a number;-)