Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New Here and NEED SOME HELP PLEASE

Hello. I am a new member to this website and it seems VERY nice. a quick question for you guys out there. I am looking for a GOOD road bike in the 1000-1300 dollar range that is GREAT at excelleration/uphill battles.

Ok let me introduce myself. My name is Steve. I am a 34 year old New Yorker that had in the past a really nice 2005 Specialized Allez 54 road bike. I was NEVER into riding bikes as an adult but I needed to get into shape for the NY Correction Officer job back in 2005. I was a little overweight (5'11" 198lbs at the time) and I decided riding a road bike would be a great idea to get into shape. I went down to the local Bicycle store and they advised me on a Specialized Allez Road Bike. I was a little shocked that bicycles went for that much money but I needed the job so I bought it. I LOVED IT. It was so easy to pedal, so easy to get it in motion and STAY in motion. After the first week of use, I was going over 10 miles per day. I LOVED IT. After I made it into the Academy, I let the bicycle sit in the garage for years. I never used it. So one day when I was in a pickle, I sold the bike to get quick cash. WRONG IDEA.

Fast forward to this year. I got hurt at work and have been out on Workmans Compension. I ballooned to 245 pounds and I wanted to get back into shape. I decided to give the Bicycle world another try. I did some quick research and seemed like the Trek 1.2 Triple Road Bike would be a good fit for me. There was two knocks on the bike that I came across on the internet. 1)- The brakes were very spongey and 2)- the bike is a slug off the line.

I decided to go against these reviews and purchase the bike. I got it today and took it out immediately. Where I live NOW, there are hills all over the place. Especially around my house. So there I was. Trying to pedal uphill after years of not bicycling. BAD IDEA. LOL. The bike was INDEED A SLUG. I got over the hills and on the straighaways the bike seemed slow and hard to pedal. And this is with the gears in the easiest gear ratio. I understand your legs pedal much faster making you tire quickly, but I NEEDED to be in that gear ratio just to get the bike to MOVE. I was very dissapointed in my new investment.

I called the Cycle Store and they said to bring it in and I can get a different bicycle no problem. I was VERY happy to hear this. But I dont know WHICH bicycle to get. On their website there was a bunch of different models and had blurbs about them. The quickest bicycles seemed to be:

Cannondale CAAD8 6 Triple $1069.99

Fuji Newest 1.0 $1099.99

Fuji Roubaix 2.0 $1199.99

Fuji Roubaix 1.0 $1249.99

Cannondale Synapse 5 Triple $1299.99

Ok. I dont know site rules just yet so I wont say what the cycle companies name is or give their website in fear I will be breaking site rules. Unsure if you have sponsors on here and since this company is not a sponsor, I dont want to cause a ruckus.

Now, the bicycles I just mentioned are not set in stone as the only ones I will consider. I really would like to hear from you guys. The seasoned vet's. The ones in the trenches. What bike would be good for my terrain. All paved roads. No potholes. (yes, even in NY you can find a place without Potholes lol!) but VERY HILLY area's. I HATE the hills. I need a bike that will be GREAT for standing starts and extreme uphill bicycles.

What would you suggest. I am a modestly paid person. So 1 thousand dollars to no more than lets say 1300 dollars.

I really appreciate ALL the help/advice you can give. I know I am a Newbie to this website. I dont want to seem like I am trolling or anything. I want to become part of your community here and begin to bask in the bicycle word. Fitness world. I am trying. Please, just steer me in the right direction (no pun intended lol).

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Steve G.

Ride what you have. It is a good bike.
Change the cassette to a 11-34.
Change the granny gear to a 24.

It will take you a good while to get in shape.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/50-39-24/5-39-24001-1.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/50-39-24/5-39-24002.jpg

2nd the above, gearing will make a big difference. after that it's all about the motor.

Why not get another Specialized Allez if you loved it? Usually the things that change with bikes from year to year are the components (usually the same quality level as previous years) and color schemes.

What about test rides now that you know what you are looking for?

thanks guys. I really appreciate the advice, heads up. As for test rides. You are ABSOLUTELY correct. I should have tested it. I thought to myself that if my Older Specialized was such a good road bike and I never road any other bikes, that a Trek would be a good idea. And it does seem nice. Just the gearing is HORRIBLE FOR ME.

I do understand I am out of shape. Thats first and foremost. But I was out of shape the last time and as soon as I put my foot to the pedal, that thing LAUNCHED. Understandable that I have more hills here, but I did ride hills in the past right off the bat and it was like cutting butter with a hot chainsaw!

So now that the gears should be changed instead of getting a different bicycle. What exactly should I be targeting. I know NOTHING about gearing, accessories. I am a car guy. I race cars on the side but when it comes to bicycles, I AM LOST. You would think it would be the OTHER way around, right? Lol.

The store closes at 9pm tonight and I think I am gonna go and see whats up. Any advice? Any advice on a different bike?

If I can get a different bike that is already hooked up for a nother 1-200 dollars, it might offset the cost of new gears installed. And usually a better quality bike will have OTHER equipment that is better.

A different (wide range) cassette is only $30 and takes 5 minutes to install. The rear derailleur may be a problem. If it's a short cage, It may have a problem dealing with the bigger sprockets and may need a longer chain. I'm used to MTB componets and they are long cage.

A different (wide range) cassette is only $30 and takes 5 minutes to install. The rear derailleur may be a problem. If it's a short cage, It may have a problem dealing with the bigger sprockets and may need a longer chain. I'm used to MTB componets and they are long cage.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CS262B01-Shimano+Hg-30+9+Speed+Cassette.aspx

Thank you everyone. I brought the bile back and they had a deal going on for a RALEIGH bike. They said it had the better brakes and was basically a race bike. I took it for a good run and it was QUICK. I am unsure the model number, I'll Have to check the bike when I get home. It's matte black and like a line green. The tires are lime green. It's a nice bike. I really liked the look of the trek but in the end if the day, it's the performance that matters most.

Any thoughts on the company RALEIGH itself?

Are you a racer? If not, why do you need a race bike with lime green tires?

I don't know much of anything about the current crop of Raleighs. The only experiences I ever had with them were back in their English days. I'm sure they're completely different animals today.

No I dont race. But where I live I have huge hills and needed something that was good got dead stops and going uphill. I needed a bike that was fast so I don't give up on the sport right away because in frustratedat the lack of energy I have.

This bike goes quick. As for the lime green tires, they are also black as well.

Thank you everyone. I brought the bile back and they had a deal going on for a RALEIGH bike. They said it had the better brakes and was basically a race bike. I took it for a good run and it was QUICK. I am unsure the model number, I'll Have to check the bike when I get home. It's matte black and like a line green. The tires are lime green. It's a nice bike. I really liked the look of the trek but in the end if the day, it's the performance that matters most.

Any thoughts on the company RALEIGH itself?


Was it the Raleigh Reverino 3.0? - http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/revenio-30-11/
or Competiion?- http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/competition-11/

One of my LBS's sells Raleigh, along with Specialized, Bianchi, and Surly, and they've been really impressed with Raleigh's value and offerings the past 3-4 years with some very nice components(Brooks saddles, SKS fenders, Lezyne pumps on some of their steel road bikes). They have some great values, especially around the 105 level where other companies have a 105/Tiagra mix and the Raleigh is closer to full 105 components. I believe Raleigh will have promo pricing/buys on some models for their dealers, which can then pass the savings on to their customers. I know my local Raleigh dealer sold quite a few of the Reverino 3.0's this year with some promo pricing.

Yes sir. Reverino 3.0 is correct.

Its actually a nice bike. We have a bad rain storm going on right now through sunday so I will wait till Monday to REALLY give it a go-around. But so far, I have been impressed at its standstill launch ease. The Trek trying to go from a dead stop was like peddling a BMX bike for crying out loud. :(

Definitely a nice bike than the 1.2. I think you'll like the compact double. (Which is also available on the 1.2, but...)

Keep in mind that you were in better shape when you last rode your Allez. Until you start to gain some more fitness, it's possible that no bike is going to feel as lively as you remember that one feeling. You're carrying 50 more pounds up the hills now, so it is going to be harder no matter what bike you have.

I took the bike out today for a nice ride. That bike rides just like my Allez did. Such a difference between the Revino versus the Trek 1.2 Triple. That Trek STUNK! Atleast from a standstill and uphill battles. The Revino takes off very nicely. Speedy bike. Easy uphill challenges. I really enjoyed myself today. Took it for a 10+ mile ride today. Besides a car cutting me off and putting me into a sewer drain cover and throwing me for a nasty fall and popped my tire, I really enjoyed myself. I popped the tire not 3 blocks into my tour! :(

I found a place open on Easter! They fixed my tire for me and off I went. My hand is sprained, my leg is tore up and so is my palm. But that was not going to stop me from enjoying this beautiful day out and stopping me from a good excercise.

So the rest of the ride (besides the chain popping off TWICE! Dont understand why it popped off. But it was easy enough to put it back on) was really enjoyable. Just had to deal with my wrist hurting on each bump I came across. OUCH!

If its popping off while shifting you just need to have the derailluer adjusted. Take it in and tell them what its doing and its like a 2 minute fix.

Thank u

If it went down on the right side, the rear derailluer hanger may be bent. They are replaceable on most aluminum frames and can be straightened on steel ones.

The most important thing about the bike is that you like it and want to ride it. Just remember the old saying, "It's not about the bike." The motor is what makes you go, and it takes some tuning!

Thanks. I actually went down on my left side AND I THINK I broke my hand/ wrist. I'm going to the hospital now for xrays. UGH. I have NO luck :(

That's a nice looking bike. I'm surprised that the Trek was a triple and didn't feel like it had low enough gearing for you, but the compact double does. Oh well, heal up quick. Best wishes.

Waiting for results. Boy this is just my luck :(

Yowch!
As a bit of alas fourteenth hour advice, if you are going down, don't put your hands out to catch yourself. There's two ways to do it that won't hurt so much but for two different reasons.. first is to roll and take the landing on your back, if you're slung clear. You can contact with your arm to guide onto your back, but no hand.
Second, if you're not slung away from the bike, is to slam the end of the handlebars into the ground. That way the metal takes the worst of it, not you.
Anyways, hope you find a bike that works for you - as noted, it's not that hard to change the gearing out to whatever you need it to be, most bikes are very modular.

Thanks for the advice!!! Theta some good stuff right there!!

As for the bike, I decided on the Raleigh Revino 3.0. I really enjoyed it thoroughly! Just wish I could ride now. If the put a cast in, I'll try. If they just brace it, I'll be off the bike for awhile.
And to think, I rode 10+ miles with a potentially broken hand/wrist big THAT'S NOT DEDICATION, I dont know what is! LOL

Sorry to hear about your spill. Last time I was at the LBS, I was checking out that Revino 3.0. It's a very nice bike and priced quite well, glad to hear it has lived up to my assumptions. I suspect the difference you feel between the 1.2 and Revino 3 is mainly in the geometry and stiffness in the bottom bracket. Climb wise, the 1.2 has a marginally smaller gear inch ratio than the Revino so (on paper) it should be the better climber. Heal up and get back on her.


Don't let this one waste away in the garage.

Hope your wrist is ok. Let us know...

The Raleigh weighs 19.1 lbs and there is no weight listed for the Trek, but, given they are both aluminum I think the Trek is probably about the same weight. So, I am not sure why one would feel lightning fast and the other a slug. Seems weird to me. Also, I'm not sure why the "off the line" speed is so important if you have trouble going up hills. The Raleigh has better components but, I don't think that has an affect. Something is not right, here.

If it were me, I'd be on the one that fit me the best and I was most comfortable on. After an hour or two, the "off the line" speed would be a distant second in priority to the comfort.

I am not sure why one would feel lightning fast and the other a slug.

Placebo effect.

Yeah I'm not too sure WHY but I DEFINATELY felt The difference. Maybe THR placebo effect is right? Dunno but whatever it is the Revino TO ME felt like the better bike FOR ME

As for the wrist, they put me in a hard spika splint/cast. Kinda hard to grip the handlebars. I'm gonna have to do stationary biking but my speedo is front mounted so I will not know how far a ride I did. Kinda stinks that way.

Yeah I'm not too sure WHY but I DEFINATELY felt The difference. Maybe THR placebo effect is right? Dunno but whatever it is the Revino TO ME felt like the better bike FOR ME

As for the wrist, they put me in a hard spika splint/cast. Kinda hard to grip the handlebars. I'm gonna have to do stationary biking but my speedo is front mounted so I will not know how far a ride I did. Kinda stinks that way.

I suspect the difference you felt was likely the difference in geometry. The 1.2 has a less aggressive rider position than the Revino, which is probably pretty close to your old Allez that you were used to. What counts the most is that you are happy with your purchase, you seem to be so don't let anything get in the way of you enjoying that new bike.

Move the magnet and sensor to the rear wheel. You'll need a few wire tires. If it is a wired unit and the wire is too short, you can always leave the display laying on the floor while you ride. This way it won't get caught up in your spokes and you can keep track of your miles at the end of your work out.

I'd also advise buying a trainer tire, or the cheapest tire the LBS sells for it in the mean time. Trainers thrash tires.

BTW, I didn't notice if anyone answered your question about Raleighs. I've had two of them, a mountain bike and my first road bike. Both were 06s. They were great bikes and the only trouble I had was a defective bottom bracket on the road bike (Grand Sport) that was replaced under warranty. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one or recommend the brand.

I'd imagine it's just a question of better fit. Better fit leads to more comfort and more power transfer.

Cool. Thanks!