Looking for a good training bike
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looking for a good training bike
Hi everyone, I am new to this forum. I guess you can call me a Clydesdale I am 6'4" 260. I had both my knees replaced 14 months ago and my weight shot up to 330 pounds. So I started riding to get my weight down.
I am looking for a good training bike that I can pound pretty good and not break it. I have been killing my good bikes. I ride a 2008 Obera Orca and a 2009 Ridley Noah. I ride 5-6 days a week and log over 200 miles a week. I have been looking at the BMC SLT01 Team and the BH G4.
Would love to hear what bikes have worked for the big guys!
Thanks
I am looking for a good training bike that I can pound pretty good and not break it. I have been killing my good bikes. I ride a 2008 Obera Orca and a 2009 Ridley Noah. I ride 5-6 days a week and log over 200 miles a week. I have been looking at the BMC SLT01 Team and the BH G4.
Would love to hear what bikes have worked for the big guys!
Thanks
#3
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Rebuilt knees? Killing bikes? Sounds more like you need to improve your riding style. I'm close to your 260 weight, done lots of hill and mountain rides and I don't kill my knees or thrash high quality bikes.
If you keep "POUNDING" your bikes, sounds like you are in for more trouble!
If you keep "POUNDING" your bikes, sounds like you are in for more trouble!
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: La Verne CA
Posts: 5,049
Bikes: Litespeed Liege, Motorola Team Issue Eddy Mercxk, Santana Noventa Tandem, Fisher Supercaliber Mtn. Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
7 Posts
Look for a local buy on Craigslist, an old school steel or aluminum frame.. 330 would be a little heavy for your lightweight carbon frames.. I have been lucky and found a couple nice older bikes like Merckx w/ Columbus steel / Campy Record 10 for right at 1000.00..
It is definitely a buyers market right now so some good deals can be had..
It is definitely a buyers market right now so some good deals can be had..
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The knees came from sports nothing to do with riding. I have pretty good riding skills. I don't fall over, well sometimes I do! I would just like to keep my bikes in good shape. The everyday riding puts a lot of wear on them. I would like to keep them for the longer rides. As for climbing, I would love to improve in that area. I did climb to Kaiser, Stonewall, and Copper along with a few other rides over 100+ miles with over 10,000 - 15,000 feet of climbing.
The knee pain is gone, now that I have new knees. I also switched over to the Rotor Rings for my front crank. To help keep my knees in good shape.
Now I am just looking for a good training bike.
Thanks for the reply
The knee pain is gone, now that I have new knees. I also switched over to the Rotor Rings for my front crank. To help keep my knees in good shape.
Now I am just looking for a good training bike.
Thanks for the reply
#7
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Gunner Sport or Fastlane with a road triple and a cadence meter.
https://www.gunnarbikes.com/models.php
or: https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...roraelite.html
https://www.gunnarbikes.com/models.php
or: https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...roraelite.html
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I love the bikes that I have. They are great riding bikes. I have one set up for flats with little to mild climbing and the other set up for the harder climbing.
It's not that I want to spend a lot of money on a training bike. But, I want to keep the bikes that I spent a good chunk of change on to stay in good shape.
It's not that I want to spend a lot of money on a training bike. But, I want to keep the bikes that I spent a good chunk of change on to stay in good shape.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 8,941
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12188 Post(s)
Liked 1,495 Times
in
1,107 Posts
The suggestions you've gotten have been very good. If you want more skinny tires,
a used Tuscany is hard to beat.
I have a Gunnar Sport. You can use larger tires and beefier rims on it. The larger tire will absorb a lot of the pounding, and the frame will take tons of abuse.
a used Tuscany is hard to beat.
I have a Gunnar Sport. You can use larger tires and beefier rims on it. The larger tire will absorb a lot of the pounding, and the frame will take tons of abuse.
#12
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Funny you can tell that I am new to bikes I have never heard of Gunnar. They look like a great bike.
Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond.
Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 8,941
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12188 Post(s)
Liked 1,495 Times
in
1,107 Posts
Ti can made into a buttery ride or something as stiff as any aluminum bike ever made.
The Tuscany was one of the world's best bikes several years ago. I was crazy with lust for it. Since Ti is really tough, it makes one of the best choices to buy used.
#14
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
I love the bikes that I have. They are great riding bikes. I have one set up for flats with little to mild climbing and the other set up for the harder climbing.
It's not that I want to spend a lot of money on a training bike. But, I want to keep the bikes that I spent a good chunk of change on to stay in good shape.
It's not that I want to spend a lot of money on a training bike. But, I want to keep the bikes that I spent a good chunk of change on to stay in good shape.
Well what do you mean by "killing your bikes"? You're killing them but they are in good shape?
Killing them is like the frame that I snapped on a climb. Your frames seem to be in good condition from what you are saying. If so, why not invest the money in a grouppo? Pick up a set of inexpensive shifters, cog, maybe crank then use one of the bikes as a trainer. You can swithc back and forth to either set up on one bike using it as a trainer if the frame isn't the problem. Then you can KILL the components and not have to worry about it. If you get another bike, you will KILL the wheels and components then end up spending more money after you KILL your training bike!
#15
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Wow, new to riding, bad knees/rebuilt knees, 260 lbs and you "COMPLETED" The Climb to Kaiser? That's amazing! And Homey told me that was a tough ride!
Does that have a lotto entry like The Death Ride?
Does that have a lotto entry like The Death Ride?
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Maumelle, AR
Posts: 1,075
Bikes: 2012 Scorpion FX trike, 2016 Catrike 700
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 93 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have two road bikes, 2009 Orbea Onix and a 2005 Trek 5500. I also have one set up for climbing with a compact crank and 11/28 cassette. The other has the 53/39 crank for flat riding or light hills.
The 3rd bike is what you are looking for. Mine is a Surly LHT.
When I want to try out a new road or if I know it is going to rain I take my Surly LHT. The steel frame and fenders are great for getting out there on tougher roads and bad weather. Also great for climbing when I am familiar with the road.
Also, the Surly is there for my two or three tour rides per year. Good bike for lots of different types of riding.
The 3rd bike is what you are looking for. Mine is a Surly LHT.
When I want to try out a new road or if I know it is going to rain I take my Surly LHT. The steel frame and fenders are great for getting out there on tougher roads and bad weather. Also great for climbing when I am familiar with the road.
Also, the Surly is there for my two or three tour rides per year. Good bike for lots of different types of riding.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: In Oregon looking for more hills to ride
Posts: 834
Bikes: 2016 Niner RLT Steel, 2015 GT Grade Carbon 105, 2014 NS Bikes Eccentric, 2013 Norco Sight Killer B-1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My training bike is a Kona Jake. Cheap at $900 or so new, plus is ready for things like racks and such if you want. I have yet to put real road tires on it, but it gets the job done as it is now. I might add that many of the cross bikes make a nice addition to any stable.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: La Verne CA
Posts: 5,049
Bikes: Litespeed Liege, Motorola Team Issue Eddy Mercxk, Santana Noventa Tandem, Fisher Supercaliber Mtn. Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
7 Posts
Yes they are, I also have a Litespeed Liege which has a blend of ti tubing.. If you are looking for max stiffness with a Ti bike, a Litespeed Classic would be a good choice..
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ontario
Posts: 60
Bikes: 2009 LHT, 2009 Kona Jake, 1992 Trek 850 Antelope
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My training bike is a Kona Jake. Cheap at $900 or so new, plus is ready for things like racks and such if you want. I have yet to put real road tires on it, but it gets the job done as it is now. I might add that many of the cross bikes make a nice addition to any stable.
#21
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I found a LeMond. That has pretty low usage. It is ti with 105 package. I think it may work.
thanks for all the input. This is a great forum.
thanks for all the input. This is a great forum.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: La Verne CA
Posts: 5,049
Bikes: Litespeed Liege, Motorola Team Issue Eddy Mercxk, Santana Noventa Tandem, Fisher Supercaliber Mtn. Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
7 Posts
If it is a brushed Ti frame the easiest way to clean it is with Lemon Pledge, just spray on and wipe down and it puts a nice coat on the frame that helps repel the dirt..
#23
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The early lemond Ti frames from the 90's were made by Clark kent which was a small manufacturer in Colorado.. They had an almost cult following for there MTB frames.. The ones in recent years were made by Litespeed, so either way it is a good frame..
If it is a brushed Ti frame the easiest way to clean it is with Lemon Pledge, just spray on and wipe down and it puts a nice coat on the frame that helps repel the dirt..
If it is a brushed Ti frame the easiest way to clean it is with Lemon Pledge, just spray on and wipe down and it puts a nice coat on the frame that helps repel the dirt..