Hello From Tennessee!
03-21-14, 06:59 PM
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Hello From Tennessee!
Hello all! New to the forums, mostly lurking in the road cycling forums. My name is Greg, I am 18, and just recently got into road cycling. I bought my bike from a friend of a friend for $20, I'm making the best out of what I have seeing that I don't really have the funds to purchase a decent entry-level bike. My bike is a GMC Denali 57cm, I haven't been putting any money into the bike seeing that it just isn't worth any sorts of upgrades.
I did however buy quite a bit of gear for cycling. Shorts, jersey, bike computer, clipless pedals, shoes, cleats, saddle bag, water bottle cage. I'm definitely new to cycling but I'm learning fast. Currently my longest ride was 32 miles, but I plan to go much further. My fastest sprint speed with my 30 pound monster is 33mph. Unfortunately the gearing sucks. 28/38/48 up front and 14-28T in the rear.
During a sprint last week my 14T cog exploded. Luckily it was a freewheel so my local shop only charged $13 for a whole new set of rear gears. I know my bike is ****ty, but I'm just enjoying the ride. My least favorite part of my bike is probably the gripshift, really wish I had brifters.
Here is a picture of my bike as well as the shattered cog!
Just riding this POS for the time being! I'm leaving for basic training in August for the US Air Force. I haven't booked a job yet but all of my listed jobs are either vehicle or helicopter maintenance. After getting through basic, I plan on picking up a decent entry level road bike. Something along the lines of a Specialized Allez Sport!
So hello! I hope to continue gaining massive amounts of knowledge here about my new found sport that I am enjoying very much.
I did however buy quite a bit of gear for cycling. Shorts, jersey, bike computer, clipless pedals, shoes, cleats, saddle bag, water bottle cage. I'm definitely new to cycling but I'm learning fast. Currently my longest ride was 32 miles, but I plan to go much further. My fastest sprint speed with my 30 pound monster is 33mph. Unfortunately the gearing sucks. 28/38/48 up front and 14-28T in the rear.
During a sprint last week my 14T cog exploded. Luckily it was a freewheel so my local shop only charged $13 for a whole new set of rear gears. I know my bike is ****ty, but I'm just enjoying the ride. My least favorite part of my bike is probably the gripshift, really wish I had brifters.
Here is a picture of my bike as well as the shattered cog!
Just riding this POS for the time being! I'm leaving for basic training in August for the US Air Force. I haven't booked a job yet but all of my listed jobs are either vehicle or helicopter maintenance. After getting through basic, I plan on picking up a decent entry level road bike. Something along the lines of a Specialized Allez Sport!
So hello! I hope to continue gaining massive amounts of knowledge here about my new found sport that I am enjoying very much.
03-22-14, 09:51 AM
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impulsivegreg,
When you had the bike shop replace your gears did you consider a different gear set?...say 12 - 28 ratio? That may help you with your gearing issue. Some of us older folk are very happy with the gear ratio you have.
Thanks and good luck,
John S
When you had the bike shop replace your gears did you consider a different gear set?...say 12 - 28 ratio? That may help you with your gearing issue. Some of us older folk are very happy with the gear ratio you have.
Thanks and good luck,
John S
03-22-14, 05:39 PM
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Lacumo: Thank you!
Cycle Babble: I gave it a thought but I was concerned with fitment issues. I don't know all that much about derailleurs or chain length to gears.
Also, today I completed a 40.54 mile ride with a friend! I really enjoyed it overall. During this ride though I noticed some pains I hadn't previously experienced. (even on my 30 mile ride). First was pain coming from under my knee, meaning my saddle height was too low. Second was my right foot pain near the ball of my foot, due to improper cleat adjustment, fixed it so the ball of my toes all line up on the axle of the pedal. And third was pelvis pain, meaning my saddle's angle was pointed "up." Went home, cleaned up the bike, adjusted it, and re-lubricated it. Took it for a test ride and it seems that my adjustments have made a big difference.
Only thing to do now is buy some new bar tape from the LBS. My current bar tape is toast. Hope you all had a good day!
Cycle Babble: I gave it a thought but I was concerned with fitment issues. I don't know all that much about derailleurs or chain length to gears.
Also, today I completed a 40.54 mile ride with a friend! I really enjoyed it overall. During this ride though I noticed some pains I hadn't previously experienced. (even on my 30 mile ride). First was pain coming from under my knee, meaning my saddle height was too low. Second was my right foot pain near the ball of my foot, due to improper cleat adjustment, fixed it so the ball of my toes all line up on the axle of the pedal. And third was pelvis pain, meaning my saddle's angle was pointed "up." Went home, cleaned up the bike, adjusted it, and re-lubricated it. Took it for a test ride and it seems that my adjustments have made a big difference.
Only thing to do now is buy some new bar tape from the LBS. My current bar tape is toast. Hope you all had a good day!
