Reaper0Bot0

Yep, I took out my 2006 Specialized Allez Triple for it's first real ride today. I just clocked in 50 miles, from Cuyahoga Falls (Ohio) to Canton (OH) and back. First, the bike:



Okay, I've been riding progressively harder and harder since May or so. I'd been riding my Trek 7.3 FX, which I bought as a commuter, but I got into longer and longer rides. I've gotten up to 72 miles on it in one ride, up the Towpath to Cleveland. The more riding I did the more I realized two things:

1) The bike, while totally awesome as a commuter, really wasn't ideal for long-distance road riding.
2) I was putting miles on my commuter I didn't need to, and was exposing it to wear and tear it didn't need.

So I picked up the Allez on Craigslist for $350 and I just had my LBS do a tuneup and install a Trek computer, the most basic one (which is what I've got on my 7.3 FX, so I'm used to it). I resisted the urge to put a seatbag or framebag on it, having read what you guys say about extra weight hereabouts. I installed my clipless pedals (basic Shimano mountain bike pedals, but they're all I've got and I cannot afford new road ones for awhile) and migrated my frame pump over.

Yes, I wore my camelbak, and no I'm not going to take any crap for it. I drink a LOT when I ride, and I need it. I've got some nasal problems that tend to make me mouth-breathe more than I'd like when I'm riding. The water is necessary. Anyway, I travelled lighter than I ever had before.

Now I'm going to gradually work my way to a century, by the end of September hopefully. I've got some Cannondale padded shorts and a jersey (yes, just the one), and a good Trek helmet. I added a small mirror that attaches to the left drop on the handle bar because I didn't care for the helmet mirror and I'd rather be Fred than Dead, if you know what I mean.

I'm learning that this hobby is a moneypit the likes of which I've never seen. Interestingly, despite the fact that this ride was not my longest it kicked my ass in a way I've not felt in awhile. Due to the clipless pedals and being on a roadbike I'm pushing myself MUCH harder up hills (and I'm in better shape after a few months of cycling, of course). I can see why folks prefer roadbikes, though I have to say I feel like a ragdoll on crappy pavement. My wrists and palms hurt like hell from putting much more weight on them than I do on the 7.3 FX. I'll adjust, I'm sure, just as my ass did after a month of riding.

My neck hurts a bit, too. I hope that goes away, but I suspect it may not. Oh well, it was a glorious day and a glorious ride. Now I can put the commuter back to what it's for, and do my recreational riding on the Allez. Any wagers on how long until I start upgrading it and otherwise bankrupting myself?

Motman320

Nice!

I looooooove my allez.

TeddyKGB

Welcome man! I recently joined the club and I'm glad I did. The Allez was one of my choices but decided to opt for something else. Nonetheless, it is a great bike and I have heard nothing but good things. Enjoy!

Beaker

Awesome because, firstly

Everyone else with a handwringing, "how do I get into this for $500 or less" questions should learn -- nice looking ride.

and also secondly, your astute observation of:

I'm still getting over that. Hopefully you actually felt faster for the extra discomfort? When I switched from hybrid to road bike at the start of the year, I found myself pushing much harder (because it paid off), but also got into some fit/knee issues that were never an issue before, because I wasn't pushing quite as hard. Hopefully you'll get some good advice to avoid that.

Nice work!