Introduction to the Road Cycling Forum
04-29-09, 04:56 AM
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Welcome to the Road Cycling Forum!
This is a thread to ask all those questions that you're not sure are too simple or too complicated (trouble changing tires, what certain terminology means, etc...). In here there are no stupid questions though being really clear and posting pictures will get you better answers. Questions like "Shimano, Sram, or Campagnolo?", "Bibs or Shorts?", "What's the best saddle?", however are asked often - you'll probably find the answers you need by taking advantage of the search function (top right) first for an answer. We'll also maintain a list of quick reference links below - feel free to post others.
For veteran users this thread will be modded a bit heavier to ensure all responses are respectful to our newer members as per the forum guidelines. Any users that violate or attempt to push those guidelines will be issued infractions without warning, as well as responses that don't attempt to answer the question (eg., "use the search") though links to relevant threads are appreciated. OT discussion will be trimmed as needed.
After you've gotten comfortable and want to post more, let me fill you in a bit on the culture in the Road Cycling world.
Road Cyclists are in general highly competitive athletes, and can be a bit rough in their humor. Sarcasm and insults can and do occur, so you're going to need a bit of a thick skin in here. They aren't meant in malice (generally). It's just their aggressive, cutting humor, often with a razors edge. Think of them as an athletic versions of George Carlin, Billy Connolly, or Chris Rock. Just like riding with a new group of cyclists, it may be a good idea to sit in the back, to get a feel for the group, before you jump into the thick of things.
Now that you've been warned about the average road cyclist, enjoy the fun, grab the gems of information here, and always remember to keep a good hold on your sense of humor. They might yell at you from time to time, but they really do generally mean it to be constructive. If you see a bit of bantering back and forth between members, it's their way of hashing out differing opinions and is usually settled with a cyber handshake.
The above does not mean the guidelines aren't in force, because in point of fact, they are, and they are posted here (and at the top right of your screen).
Please review them to be familiar with them.
=======================================================================
Bike Reference:
https://sheldonbrown.com/ - Anything you need to know about bicycles
https://www.parktool.com/repair/ - Excellent mechanics site, how to on just about everything
Bike Forum Questions:
https://www.bikeforums.net/faq.php?faq=forum_guidelines - Forum Guidelines
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=329316 - Posting Pictures
https://www.bikeforums.net/news-announcements/ - BF News
https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-suggestions-user-assistance/ - Forum Suggestions
Road Cycling Stickies:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/491589-what-s-deal-sticky-s.html - What happened to the other stickies (they're here)
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/30599-what-road-bike-do-you-have.html - What bike do you have?
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=158981 - For Trade, NO SELLING, NO MONEY
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/385194-r-i-p-sheldon-brown.html - RIP Sheldon Brown
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/491560-199-41-thread-about-nothing-all.html - Thread About Nothing
Bike Buying and Materials:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/435374-how-buy-good-road-bike.html - How to buy a good bike
https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdales-athenas-200-lb-91-kg/228851-clydesdale-athena-index-thread-read-before-posting-all-old-stickies-linked.html - For heavier riders (otherwise known as Clydesdales or Athenas)
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=69273 - Road Bikes under $700
https://www.damonrinard.com/EFBe/frame_fatigue_test.htm - Fatigue test of Carbon Fiber vs Aluminum vs Steel
General Differences between Cyclocross / Touring / Hybrid / Road / Mtn Bikes:
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=257497 - Hybrid discussion
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=144243
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=44379
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=63027
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=9683
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_cn-z.html
https://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=68702
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/29%22er
https://omerandbobs.com/bikes.html
https://faughnan.com/touringbike.html
https://bgcycles.com/bruce.html
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=241478 - Touring Bikes vs Racing Road Bikes (great comparisons here)
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=180433 - Newbie guide to touring
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=241679 - Triple vs Double vs Compact
Fitting your bike
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=295925 - Wrist pain
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=242143 - Specialized Seat Bone measurer
https://www.roadcycling.com/training/kneepain.shtml - Knee pain
https://wrenchscience.com/WS1/default.asp - Fit Calculator
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO - Another Fit Calculator
https://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/
https://www.stlbiking.com/Bike_Fits.htm
https://sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html
https://www.bike-manual.com/om/trekbi...g_the_bike.htm
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
Mechanical Issues:
https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdales-athenas-200-lb-91-kg/421026-sliding-seatpost.html - Sliding seat post
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=388349 - Truing bladed spoked wheels
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=319094 - Biodegradable degreasers
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=301139 - Pumps?
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=297423 - Caged vs Loose Balls
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=223413 - Hub overhaul
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=354190 - Grease
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=351563 - Pinned Chainrings
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=358032 - Lube
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=360017 - Rack and Fender installation
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=360334 - Measuring a bottom bracket
YouTube - 9 - Front Derailleur Adjustment - Front DR adjustment
YouTube - Bicycle Rear Wheel Installation - Easy way to put on a rear wheel
Random bike stuff:
https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...rash-care.html - Road Rash Aid
https://www.instructables.com/id/Very...-Your-Bike-12/ - Build a cadence monitor for <$12
https://www.bikeforums.net/electronics-lighting-gadgets/417897-batteries-replace-recharge.html - Rechargable battery for GPS
https://www.bikeforums.net/electronics-lighting-gadgets/359977-best-rechargeable-batteries.html - More on rechargables
https://flickr.com/photos/mrwright/se...7594124441383/ - DIY Custom Frame Kit
https://www.calfeedesign.com/forksymmetry.htm - Physics of forks
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=198693 - Riding tips
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=352068 - Flat fix by tying a knot in the tube
https://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/rust/rust.html - dealing with rust
https://stupidhurts.org/2007/06/court...g-handle-bars/ - Wrapping Bar Tape
Tom Stormcrowe
Forum Administrator and all the Bike Forums Staff
This is a thread to ask all those questions that you're not sure are too simple or too complicated (trouble changing tires, what certain terminology means, etc...). In here there are no stupid questions though being really clear and posting pictures will get you better answers. Questions like "Shimano, Sram, or Campagnolo?", "Bibs or Shorts?", "What's the best saddle?", however are asked often - you'll probably find the answers you need by taking advantage of the search function (top right) first for an answer. We'll also maintain a list of quick reference links below - feel free to post others.
For veteran users this thread will be modded a bit heavier to ensure all responses are respectful to our newer members as per the forum guidelines. Any users that violate or attempt to push those guidelines will be issued infractions without warning, as well as responses that don't attempt to answer the question (eg., "use the search") though links to relevant threads are appreciated. OT discussion will be trimmed as needed.
After you've gotten comfortable and want to post more, let me fill you in a bit on the culture in the Road Cycling world.
Road Cyclists are in general highly competitive athletes, and can be a bit rough in their humor. Sarcasm and insults can and do occur, so you're going to need a bit of a thick skin in here. They aren't meant in malice (generally). It's just their aggressive, cutting humor, often with a razors edge. Think of them as an athletic versions of George Carlin, Billy Connolly, or Chris Rock. Just like riding with a new group of cyclists, it may be a good idea to sit in the back, to get a feel for the group, before you jump into the thick of things.
Now that you've been warned about the average road cyclist, enjoy the fun, grab the gems of information here, and always remember to keep a good hold on your sense of humor. They might yell at you from time to time, but they really do generally mean it to be constructive. If you see a bit of bantering back and forth between members, it's their way of hashing out differing opinions and is usually settled with a cyber handshake.
The above does not mean the guidelines aren't in force, because in point of fact, they are, and they are posted here (and at the top right of your screen).
Please review them to be familiar with them.
=======================================================================
Bike Reference:
https://sheldonbrown.com/ - Anything you need to know about bicycles
https://www.parktool.com/repair/ - Excellent mechanics site, how to on just about everything
Bike Forum Questions:
https://www.bikeforums.net/faq.php?faq=forum_guidelines - Forum Guidelines
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=329316 - Posting Pictures
https://www.bikeforums.net/news-announcements/ - BF News
https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-suggestions-user-assistance/ - Forum Suggestions
Road Cycling Stickies:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/491589-what-s-deal-sticky-s.html - What happened to the other stickies (they're here)
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/30599-what-road-bike-do-you-have.html - What bike do you have?
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=158981 - For Trade, NO SELLING, NO MONEY
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/385194-r-i-p-sheldon-brown.html - RIP Sheldon Brown
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/491560-199-41-thread-about-nothing-all.html - Thread About Nothing
Bike Buying and Materials:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/435374-how-buy-good-road-bike.html - How to buy a good bike
https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdales-athenas-200-lb-91-kg/228851-clydesdale-athena-index-thread-read-before-posting-all-old-stickies-linked.html - For heavier riders (otherwise known as Clydesdales or Athenas)
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=69273 - Road Bikes under $700
https://www.damonrinard.com/EFBe/frame_fatigue_test.htm - Fatigue test of Carbon Fiber vs Aluminum vs Steel
General Differences between Cyclocross / Touring / Hybrid / Road / Mtn Bikes:
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=257497 - Hybrid discussion
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=144243
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=44379
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=63027
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=9683
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_cn-z.html
https://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=68702
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/29%22er
https://omerandbobs.com/bikes.html
https://faughnan.com/touringbike.html
https://bgcycles.com/bruce.html
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=241478 - Touring Bikes vs Racing Road Bikes (great comparisons here)
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=180433 - Newbie guide to touring
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=241679 - Triple vs Double vs Compact
Fitting your bike
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=295925 - Wrist pain
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=242143 - Specialized Seat Bone measurer
https://www.roadcycling.com/training/kneepain.shtml - Knee pain
https://wrenchscience.com/WS1/default.asp - Fit Calculator
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO - Another Fit Calculator
https://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/
https://www.stlbiking.com/Bike_Fits.htm
https://sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html
https://www.bike-manual.com/om/trekbi...g_the_bike.htm
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
Mechanical Issues:
https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdales-athenas-200-lb-91-kg/421026-sliding-seatpost.html - Sliding seat post
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=388349 - Truing bladed spoked wheels
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=319094 - Biodegradable degreasers
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=301139 - Pumps?
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=297423 - Caged vs Loose Balls
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=223413 - Hub overhaul
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=354190 - Grease
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=351563 - Pinned Chainrings
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=358032 - Lube
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=360017 - Rack and Fender installation
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=360334 - Measuring a bottom bracket
YouTube - 9 - Front Derailleur Adjustment - Front DR adjustment
YouTube - Bicycle Rear Wheel Installation - Easy way to put on a rear wheel
Random bike stuff:
https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...rash-care.html - Road Rash Aid
https://www.instructables.com/id/Very...-Your-Bike-12/ - Build a cadence monitor for <$12
https://www.bikeforums.net/electronics-lighting-gadgets/417897-batteries-replace-recharge.html - Rechargable battery for GPS
https://www.bikeforums.net/electronics-lighting-gadgets/359977-best-rechargeable-batteries.html - More on rechargables
https://flickr.com/photos/mrwright/se...7594124441383/ - DIY Custom Frame Kit
https://www.calfeedesign.com/forksymmetry.htm - Physics of forks
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=198693 - Riding tips
https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=352068 - Flat fix by tying a knot in the tube
https://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/rust/rust.html - dealing with rust
https://stupidhurts.org/2007/06/court...g-handle-bars/ - Wrapping Bar Tape
Tom Stormcrowe
Forum Administrator and all the Bike Forums Staff
05-05-09, 03:13 PM
#27
Pokemon Master
soooo... in the picture to the right of the michelin man, what does the second guy have on his arm/ leg, and what does it do?
https://www.michelinbicycletire.com/m...=pro3race.view
https://www.michelinbicycletire.com/m...=pro3race.view
05-05-09, 04:04 PM
#28
Schleckaholic
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Carteret Co., NC, USA
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It appears to be a medical wrap of some sort to keep dressings in place. If you look at his knee and arm you will see the gauze there.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
05-05-09, 04:19 PM
#29
Carpe Diem
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149
Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1
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They're mesh overs to keep dressings in place. This is preferred to ACE or other type bandages because it allows better ventilation of the wound.
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
05-13-09, 09:37 AM
#30
Pokemon Master
cool. i thought that thing on his knee was an icyhot patch or something. thanks.
05-22-09, 02:27 PM
#31
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Lubbock
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I am just starting out, and I know this is a newb question, but here it goes. I have had a bike for just about 2 weeks and have had about 5 rides. All of them were between 5-10 miles. I know that isnt long, but I am getting my body use to the bike and learning things on each trip. I have been averaging 14-15 mph, which I thought seemed like a good speed, but a lot of things I see posted make me think that is no good. I ride in West Texas so most of the roads are flat but WINDY.
I feel like I am somewhat in shape, but not enough to pump the amount it takes to ride at 20 mph with the current bike, equipment, etc that I have. What are the first steps to take to start increasing speed / distance dramatically?
Maybe a few pieces of info will help. I have a Felt F-80, and use some clip-in biking shoes. I have been riding in normal shorts and a t-shirt. I have some turns in my course as most of my riding has been done in semi-residentail areas. I am about 5'11" 154.
I feel like I am somewhat in shape, but not enough to pump the amount it takes to ride at 20 mph with the current bike, equipment, etc that I have. What are the first steps to take to start increasing speed / distance dramatically?
Maybe a few pieces of info will help. I have a Felt F-80, and use some clip-in biking shoes. I have been riding in normal shorts and a t-shirt. I have some turns in my course as most of my riding has been done in semi-residentail areas. I am about 5'11" 154.
05-22-09, 02:30 PM
#32
Carpe Diem
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149
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Ride every chance you get: to the grocery store, to rent/return a DVD, to your friend's house...
If it's feasible, commuting to work by bike is also a great way to get in more miles.
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
05-23-09, 03:15 PM
#33
Newbie
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Newbie Question, Any Advice Appreciated
Please bear through this very newbie question. I plan on buying a road bike for my friend but really can't afford to buy new. As such, I have resorted to Craigslist (please let me know if this is already a questionable move). She is 5'9 and only needs the bike for short commuting purposes (<6 miles) and is by no means an "experienced" rider. Essentially, she will want to go to and from school and work (~5 miles). Here are the most realistic options I have thus seen:
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1185536710.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1184791365.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1183043232.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1181886288.html
Do any of these seem like reasonable offers? Please reply on this forum or my email at muradianibrahim1@yahoo.com. Any advice at all is greatly appreciated, and thank you for bearing through this excruciatingly newbie question.
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1185536710.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1184791365.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1183043232.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1181886288.html
Do any of these seem like reasonable offers? Please reply on this forum or my email at muradianibrahim1@yahoo.com. Any advice at all is greatly appreciated, and thank you for bearing through this excruciatingly newbie question.
05-26-09, 12:10 AM
#34
shut up and ride
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first one: not great, you can do much better for the price. i bought a really, really clean nishiki road bike for $60 that was almost brand new and had proper gears + 700c wheels.
the size is about right for your friend
second, third and fourth listings all deleted by the time i looked
the size is about right for your friend
second, third and fourth listings all deleted by the time i looked
05-28-09, 10:58 AM
#35
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Okay here it goes...
1) Does anyone have any experience with Argon 18? I was looking at the 2009 Radon frameset. Also, does anyone know an approximate MSRP for the Radon? I am having trouble finding one.
2) Is it more budget conscious to purchase a 2009 CAAD9 frameset and build up with SRAM Rival, or buy the lowest complete bike and eventually switch out the Tiagra/Sora (and sell them) to SRAM Rival. I would also try to switch out the wheelset eventually.
3) I am almost 17, just about 6'2", and between 135 and 145 lbs. Does a 58 or 60cm frame soiund about right for me?
Thank you for your help.
Nick
1) Does anyone have any experience with Argon 18? I was looking at the 2009 Radon frameset. Also, does anyone know an approximate MSRP for the Radon? I am having trouble finding one.
2) Is it more budget conscious to purchase a 2009 CAAD9 frameset and build up with SRAM Rival, or buy the lowest complete bike and eventually switch out the Tiagra/Sora (and sell them) to SRAM Rival. I would also try to switch out the wheelset eventually.
3) I am almost 17, just about 6'2", and between 135 and 145 lbs. Does a 58 or 60cm frame soiund about right for me?
Thank you for your help.
Nick
05-28-09, 01:35 PM
#36
Custom User Title
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I'll vouch for the argon, they are a terrific bike.
The I almost bought a radon, but I came across a very good deal on something else.
as far as size goes. do yourself a favor and go to a shop to try the bikes out.
The argons do use a fairly standard geometry so the 58 might be a bit better fit, but at 17 you may still grow a bit.
where are you from? (greatly affects MSRP)
The I almost bought a radon, but I came across a very good deal on something else.
as far as size goes. do yourself a favor and go to a shop to try the bikes out.
The argons do use a fairly standard geometry so the 58 might be a bit better fit, but at 17 you may still grow a bit.
where are you from? (greatly affects MSRP)
05-28-09, 02:22 PM
#37
Newbie
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From NE Ohio... I don't know any local dealers that carry Argon 18 so that would be an online buy. I do work at a shop that carries the CAAD9 however so I have the option og trying the size on that one.
05-28-09, 02:57 PM
#38
Gluteus Enormus
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It's interesting how much the Argon 18 Radon looks like this frame:
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=24249
Coincidence?
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=24249
Coincidence?
05-28-09, 10:39 PM
#39
mrs.brevity
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Info on bike accessories
My husband and I have just ordered our first road bikes. I ordered the Specialized Dolce Compact and my husband ordered the Allez Double. We are in our 30's and haven't ridden since we were kids. We are just wanting to get into biking to lose weight doing something we had enjoyed when we were younger. Anyways, we have been debating about what kind of bike rack we should get. We have two children so we will need a four bike hitch bike rack. I was wondering what you guys used. We have looked at Allen, Thule, Yakima, and Saris. The guy at the local LBS says we should get the Saris, but the model we looked at is +300$ above the cost of the Allen and Thule models that we originally looked at. The reviews on line were pretty good for both the Allen and Thule. Also, we are considering the Cateye bike computers. How important is cadence? The guy at our LBS, says that is what I really want.
I don't know anything, but to read reviews on line. My husband and I are not serious biker's just yet and are cautious about spending so much money initially, but then again I don't want to buy junk that we will just end up replacing later. I would appreciate your thoughts.
I don't know anything, but to read reviews on line. My husband and I are not serious biker's just yet and are cautious about spending so much money initially, but then again I don't want to buy junk that we will just end up replacing later. I would appreciate your thoughts.
06-16-09, 08:28 AM
#40
Mrs. DataJunkie
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I'm not sure if my new-to-me bike is the right size for me. I had to drop the seat to make it somewhat comfortable to ride. I find it uncomfortable to0 use the brakes, my arms aren't too short, the angle is weird. I'm going to take it to a shop today to see if they can adjust it for me, if its a hair too big I'm hosed, right?
06-18-09, 11:04 AM
#41
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Hi everyone.
New to this forum and new to the USA (from Holland). Where do you guys prefer to get your tubes? Online? Bikeshop? What are good brands here?
Thanks!
New to this forum and new to the USA (from Holland). Where do you guys prefer to get your tubes? Online? Bikeshop? What are good brands here?
Thanks!
06-18-09, 11:07 AM
#42
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"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
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"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
07-06-09, 01:13 AM
#43
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Specialized Allez Comp
I have a Specialized Allez comp. What does the "Comp" refer to in this bike's name?
Last edited by assiduous5; 07-13-09 at 01:30 PM. Reason: supplied missing info.
07-06-09, 08:07 AM
#44
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OK, I've got a newbie question. I've done some research and think I'm pretty up to speed on different types of frames, as well as different component groups. However, one critical area that I feel ignorant about is wheels and tires. What are the things to look for in the wheels, when I'm looking at bikes? Is there some hierarchy of quality levels that I can use as a shortcut, like there is with component groups? What trades (if any) are there between performance, comfort, and durability?
Any thoughts, advice, or pointers to websites with info on wheels and tires would be much appreciated.
Any thoughts, advice, or pointers to websites with info on wheels and tires would be much appreciated.
07-06-09, 02:16 PM
#45
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OK, I've got a newbie question. I've done some research and think I'm pretty up to speed on different types of frames, as well as different component groups. However, one critical area that I feel ignorant about is wheels and tires. What are the things to look for in the wheels, when I'm looking at bikes? Is there some hierarchy of quality levels that I can use as a shortcut, like there is with component groups? What trades (if any) are there between performance, comfort, and durability?
Any thoughts, advice, or pointers to websites with info on wheels and tires would be much appreciated.
Any thoughts, advice, or pointers to websites with info on wheels and tires would be much appreciated.
One thing to understand about wheels is that there are factory made wheels by one company, and then there are hand made wheels using rims, spokes, hubs and nipples available on the market. Shimano wheels might be terrible, but their hubs are wonderful and some of the best for their price. One of the better, cheap wheels you can buy are shimano ultegra/105 hub, mavic open pro rim, DT swiss spoke and nipple wheels that are very popular around here. again, there are different levels to hubs, rims and spokes that you just need to check up on each manufacturer.
comp is for 'competition', pretty sure. It's like what you see on sports cars with SX, LTD, GT, GTS, GTX and whatnot, to differentiate from vanilla, but add unneeded confusion as to which is better.
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
07-07-09, 07:50 PM
#46
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what's with the flurry of mechanics threads being started in road all of a sudden?
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
07-24-09, 07:02 PM
#48
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Where can I get a road bike that can sustain me on occasional 20-40 mile rides for $600 or under? I don't care about weight, I just want something that can go kinda fast and not look like a piece of crap. I'm also 6'5''.
I think it's possible, but when I get recommendations, googling gets me the bikes - but they're always more expensive than the recommendation stated. I also saw some 500-600 dollar bikes at Performance, but they were Schwinns, Fujis, and (Scrattoris**********) with sora components, which I hear is are no good. Maybe I'm asking to much...
I think it's possible, but when I get recommendations, googling gets me the bikes - but they're always more expensive than the recommendation stated. I also saw some 500-600 dollar bikes at Performance, but they were Schwinns, Fujis, and (Scrattoris**********) with sora components, which I hear is are no good. Maybe I'm asking to much...
07-24-09, 07:12 PM
#49
Senior Member
You are going to have a hard time finding a new roadbike at a shop in the $500 to $600 range. The cheapest road bike that we sell at my shop is around $800 to $900 and be made by Specialized. For the extra few hundred dollars you get a bike built by a professional bike mechanic with a full warranty.
In the sub $1,000 range you will find mostly Tiagra and Sora components. While I prefer 105 components or better the Sora stuff works fine when adjusted and installed correctly.
In the sub $1,000 range you will find mostly Tiagra and Sora components. While I prefer 105 components or better the Sora stuff works fine when adjusted and installed correctly.
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07-24-09, 09:39 PM
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Thanks for the quick response!
The reason I don't want to shell out is that I'm trying to avoid being the guy that spends $1200 and rides 10 miles. Basically, I'm really not sure I'll enjoy long term road biking.
BUT! Since posting, I think I may have found a solution. I FINALLY found a used bike store that repairs and rebuilds all kinds of bikes. They say most bikes sell for $150-$250 and have a pretty high level of quality. I'm going tomorrow, and if I can find a really tall frame, I might be in luck!
The reason I don't want to shell out is that I'm trying to avoid being the guy that spends $1200 and rides 10 miles. Basically, I'm really not sure I'll enjoy long term road biking.
BUT! Since posting, I think I may have found a solution. I FINALLY found a used bike store that repairs and rebuilds all kinds of bikes. They say most bikes sell for $150-$250 and have a pretty high level of quality. I'm going tomorrow, and if I can find a really tall frame, I might be in luck!
