Originally Posted by
REDMASTA
There should a char limit on replies to prevent diarrhea of the keyboard.
See, I don't consider long on-topic posts as an issue. Unrelated banter on the other hand, not so helpful.
Originally Posted by
ryan_rides
First off, to everyone who have advice, thanks.
I am 5'10 and I'm the heaviest I've ever been at roughly 185-190lbs.
I consider myself to be a strong rider. This bike is my only bike and it's my daily. I don't drive and I don't uber. South Florida is flat and boring. And every 40 year old roadie is surprised when I drop them in normal clothes (although I do get dropped hard but not often but I'm dead after and have to stop for Chik-Fl-A) Wind sucks here especially right now during hurricane season. The hurricane reservations are pretty booked right now. I do ride Clipless (look keo carbon blades). I'm pretty my stock cranks are 165mm. I'm not too I want to mess around with different crank arm length yet. I'm open to going up to 17t rear since it's basically just going up 2 teeth front and rear 48/15 ---->50/17. I think it would feel similar? And I think I can go up to 51t front maybe.
Wheels wise I cannot afford a disc wheel or carbon for that matter. I really can't spend more that $350 on wheels and I think that's a good price range to get decent wheels. Like I mentioned before hplus sons laced to gran comps from retrogression. In the future I would love to buy front and rear profile racing track hubs (with hed rims['Merica]. Also I carry a U lock everywhere I go unless I'm on an early morning ride so deep wheels just won't work for me right now. I hate riding anything skinnier than 25c tires. All the old heads still riding 23c blows my mind. I would love to strictly ride 28c but my forks won't allow. New bars will come eventually. Most likely after I get a new stem first. I want a longer reach. I probably will stay with the compact drop style although the classic track drops look nice on certain bikes. I could definitely benefit from a higher quality BB. I love the simplicity of the gxp BB that the sram omniums come with. Easy maintenance. There's a velodrome about an hour South of me. Haven't been yet.
This is my not track ready yet, daily. (S-works front tire was free, will ride until bald)
Currently riding an Izumi Super Toughness Track Chain
I remember riding everywhere and being sub 200. I hope to get back there some day - I feel you bro!
Dropping people riding a fixie has it's own special place in one's heart. Those that haven't done it can't completely understand. At a certain point, riding fixed almost feels like an unfair advantage.
Wind! Florida. Of course. Side wind, from what I understand, usually negates most areo benefits of most frames/ wheels. I think that if wind is consistently an issue, forget aero wheels and pay more attention to strength or lightness of a low rim wheel.
Double down on riding position (TT or drops) and sexy riding apparel. It looks stupid, but it works... mind you, I tend to save mine for rides or track days. Still not a huge fan of looking like a lycra billboard.
When I looked, it said the stock cranks are 170mm. Depending on what the case is, you might actually be able to go to 165mm or lower. At 5'10 and being strong, I have a feeling shorter cranks might be the secret sauce you're missing. I noticed huge differences at really high cadence (flying downhill) between 165, 167.5, and 170mm. I'd ride shorter cranks if I could make it up hills... I need the leverage for now.
If you can only fit 50/51 on the front, maybe skip my 17 rear suggestion. Start talking/ thinking in inches. It's a smaller metric and common in track cycling (at least in my area). Less than 80 gear inches is relatively easy. 100 gear inches is a lot. - https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gear-calc.html
Skinny tires make sense on wooden track, not much else.
Yes yes yes! To all of the stem, bars and BB's. These little changes can have huge benefits. With better fit generally comes more efficiency/ comfort/ power.
Dude, you're an hour away? Is it indoor or out?
I'd say wait on the wheel purchase and spend the money on the track courses, if you're interested. If you get hooked on track cycling, you may want track-only wheels/ tires. They typically don't allow road tires onto indoor tracks for fear of debris.
You'd probably stomp a lot of the new riders at the track. Probably not the experienced riders though. There's some fast old lycra dudes at the track.
If you're at all considering trying it go take a look. They won't let you try without paying insurance, but it's fun and scary as f*ck. Just remember, stay perpendicular to the track and ride fast... ride fast forever.