bailcash09

Just got my Iron Horse Triumph from Nashbar yesterday. Sorry no pics, I can't figure out how to get them off my desktop...if anyone can help I'll edit and post 'em in.

The Frame is just a little big. Standover is allright though, and I'll just order a shorter stem (the one on there now is 130mm). I haven't had a chance to ride it yet because I don't have a presta pump. The bike was in pretty good condition, but the bearings on the pedals were ROUGH!! When I installed them last night I couln't get the axle to turn with just my thumb and pointer finger, so I broke out the pedal wrench. Other than that it went together great. Once I have a chance (maybe tonight) Ill fine-tune the adjustment of derailleurs and then I'll be set.

The bike cost $390 shipped. It was at $450, but I got it during the 20% sale. Cool thing is, I live in St. Louis and the warehouse is near Columbus, Ohio, so I got 2 - day shipping for the normal rate. One reason I was able to get it at this price is that is a 2006 model, but still brand new. Doesn't matter to me!

To do list:
1)Get a new stem
2)Get a presta valve pump
3)service pedal bearings
4)service wheel bearings
5)RIDE!!
6)grow an inch or two

I was planning on ordering the stem and pump from nashbar in a few days. I was also wondering if a carbon seatpost would be significantly more comfortable. Some say it is, but does it really help a lot? Also, does anyone think it would be a bad idea to order the nashbar threadless road stem? Should I go with a "better" brand or is this one OK? Any Advice on the pump? Thanks.

I also wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions the past few months while I searched for a bike. It was after hearing people's positive replies to my thread about this bike that I bought it in the first place. Thanks a lot!

bailcash09

This bike is replacing a 1984 centurion accordo that I fixed up and rode for 3 years. It was great to get me into road biking, but I wanted more bike and it's size 54, way too small. It will probably become my little brother's bike now.

halfspeed

If it really is too big, you might want to consider exchanging it for the right size. Nashbar is very good about doing exchanges.

bailcash09

It's just a little big - I'm between 58 and 60 and it's 61 - The biggest problem is the 130mm stem
Besides, I'm not near done growing yet and Nashbar is out of all but the 47cm frame size for this. I thought it would be a little big - I planned it that way.

pharmboyrx

130mm gives you plenty of room to work with as long as the saddle to pedal reach isn't too long for you.

Bike enthusiast

$390???? My crank costs more than that....

bailcash09

I'll probably be there in a few years..I'm enjoying cheapness while I can

bailcash09

I had a question about the pump I plan on getting for presta valve. Should I get a frame pump or a floor pump? I know floor pumps are easier to use but honestly another couple minutes would be worth it to me if I could take the frame with me if I wanted to. My only concern is that maybe a frame pump wouldn't stand up to more constant use so a floor pump might be a better investment? What do you guys use?

halfspeed

That's cool. I just wanted to make sure you know you aren't "stuck". Nashbar is also a great place to buy saddles. Buy it, try it for a while and if you hate it exchange it. Rinse, repeat until you find "the one".

NaBlade

Well for the longest time, I only had a frame pump so you can too. It did get annoying to be out of breath already before even getting on the saddle. I did get a floor pump later. It was a steel $19 Beto floor pump with gauge.

bailcash09

Another question - I assume that you buy your frame pump size to match you frame size? Or do the sizes not matter? Thanks

jjiggajouncer

since you are looking for the "better investment", i say go with a nice floor pump. spend a little bit of money on one (in the $40+ neighborhood) and it should last you a long time to come.

i pair a floor pump at home (~$40) with a planet bike CO2 inflater (~$10) and a couple cartridges which i take along with me on rides. i've been pretty happy with this combo so far.

jemoryl

Get a floor pump with a gauge. If you have 23c tires you will want 100 to 110 psi in your tires and that is a real bear with even the best frame pumps. Think of a frame pump as something that gets you home, but even then you might consider a CO2 inflator. Nashbar probably has a good deal on the latter but get a box of 12 g cartridges (one is good for about 90 psi on a road tire) from the airball section of a sporting goods or big box store.