What road bike do you have?
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 353
Bikes: '84 Paramount, '89 Schwinn 754, '13 Specialized RockHopper, Trek Domane 4.3
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I posted these before but I've done some upgrades:
Trek Domane 2.0. Only thing left stock is the frame & fork. Upgraded to SRAM Rival. Vuelta Corser SLR rims among other things (pic taken at a SAG stop on an organized ride in Hope, Indiana over the weekend):

'84 Paramount with new FSA Omega rims & Fizik bar tape (can't really see the tape in the pic, sorry)
Trek Domane 2.0. Only thing left stock is the frame & fork. Upgraded to SRAM Rival. Vuelta Corser SLR rims among other things (pic taken at a SAG stop on an organized ride in Hope, Indiana over the weekend):

'84 Paramount with new FSA Omega rims & Fizik bar tape (can't really see the tape in the pic, sorry)

Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: MI
Posts: 265
Bikes: '14 Trek Madone 2.1
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I'm guessing at some point you switched to a carbon seatpost? Did you notice a big difference? I currently have the Madone 2.1 and am considering that for my first major upgrade. Any advice would be appreciate.
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Location: Portland, ME
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From my experiences, carbon seatposts on aluminum frames makes a small difference. But I couldn't feel the difference between an aluminum or carbon seatpost in the carbon bikes I've ridden. My theory is that the carbon stays already do the duty. Carbon stems and/or handlebars matter far more for comfort, even with the carbon forks. (But they're WAY more $$$)
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 353
Bikes: '84 Paramount, '89 Schwinn 754, '13 Specialized RockHopper, Trek Domane 4.3
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From my experiences, carbon seatposts on aluminum frames makes a small difference. But I couldn't feel the difference between an aluminum or carbon seatpost in the carbon bikes I've ridden. My theory is that the carbon stays already do the duty. Carbon stems and/or handlebars matter far more for comfort, even with the carbon forks. (But they're WAY more $$$)
I did notice quite a difference when I went to carbon fiber handle bars though. Still using an aluminum stem. I have a carbon stem on another bike and other than looking cool has no advantage over an aluminum stem the same size.
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: MI
Posts: 265
Bikes: '14 Trek Madone 2.1
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Thanks for the update bres dad. Somehow when I read your post, I thought Madone 2.0 in my head, not Domane. I should have noticed form the picture the difference as well. Sorry about that - but I do appreciate your feedback. Either way - very nice set of bikes you have there.
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Central Texas, USA
Posts: 18
Bikes: 2015 Specialized Roubaix SL4
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Did you totally replace the stem to get the bars so low or just flip the stem over? I just got a Roubaix too and it came with a 12 degree uprise stem, a little too upright for me, curious how you got the much more aggressive stance on the bike.
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Here's my 2009 Fuji CCR2. Upgraded with Thompson post, Reynolds stem, FSA winged bars, 105/Ultagra, H Plus Son wheels.

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Join Date: Sep 2014
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Looking to buy a bike.
Hello. I'm looking to buy a bike. Haven't rode much since my teens and I'm mid 40's. I want to work my way up to long distance riding and wondered what type of bike I should start with. I don't mind spending some extra if it means that I will be good with the bike for many years. Any brand advice and models would be appreciated. I am thinking Giant or Trek or if you have one that you'd like to refer to me that would be great. Thanks for all your advice and help.
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Go to a LBS ( local bike shop) and try a few before you decide on one..
Depends on what your looking for... always go a little beyond a beginner bike... say an intermediate... mostt you'll feel you'll grow into it.. fast .. if you get into the sport...
Trek and Specialized are two brand i recommend.. had both..
I am more partial to the Specialized ( geometry and looks mostly)
Depends on what your looking for... always go a little beyond a beginner bike... say an intermediate... mostt you'll feel you'll grow into it.. fast .. if you get into the sport...
Trek and Specialized are two brand i recommend.. had both..
I am more partial to the Specialized ( geometry and looks mostly)
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Join Date: Jun 2013
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Bikes: One with square wheels
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Sudan
Posts: 7
Bikes: Scott Venture 10, Giant OCR 3 C2 Composite, Norco Monterey SL
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If you are looking at long distance riding, check out the choices here:
Review: 12 of the best 2014 endurance road bikes
I like the Giant Defy. Consistently well reviewed.
Review: 12 of the best 2014 endurance road bikes
I like the Giant Defy. Consistently well reviewed.
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2012 Trek Madone 5.2...upgraded Bontrager XXX stem, RXL bars, and TT saddle.


I need to take some better photos...
I need to take some better photos...
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Utah
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1999 (1998?) Litespeed
Picked this bike up from Craigslist for a steal, and just finished doing some updating.
Ultegra 6700 compact crank and BB
Removed all decals except Linskey's decal signature on the chain stay as well as the head tube badge
Repainted the original Look carbon fork matte black
Converted quill stem to threadless; new stem and handlebars
Updated to 6700 wheels
A conversion to 10-speed is in my future, but I'll hold tight until those 6501 shifters bite the dust
My first Ti bike, and I love it. Very smooth compared to my Evo.
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2014 Ridley Helium, Ultegra 6800, Campy Eurus Tubeless. These bikes fit big, the frame is an XS.