Need Some HELP
05-04-09, 05:30 PM
#1
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Need Some HELP
ok. so i'm totally new to road bikes and I want to start competing....
1st i'm 15 so you can imagine money will be hard to come by on my own but I'm not really worried because I have been to road races and the guys there (mostly under 18) use the entry level bikes
First question am I a bit too old to start cycling to win at a regional level (caribbean)?
Second which bike would bike would be best....Trek 1.2, Flet F95 ( looks the best to me), Socct S60, Giant defy 3, OCR 3......? Oh and the bike shop wont let me "test ride"... I am not too sure if they even have real road bikes.
Third can someone explain the various brand of components (shamino etc) I am at a complete loss
Finally what exactly would I need to start racing?...tights, shoes, pedals, helmet (rule), cammel back or bottle...etc
c'mon guys help a dude out
tnx
1st i'm 15 so you can imagine money will be hard to come by on my own but I'm not really worried because I have been to road races and the guys there (mostly under 18) use the entry level bikes
First question am I a bit too old to start cycling to win at a regional level (caribbean)?
Second which bike would bike would be best....Trek 1.2, Flet F95 ( looks the best to me), Socct S60, Giant defy 3, OCR 3......? Oh and the bike shop wont let me "test ride"... I am not too sure if they even have real road bikes.
Third can someone explain the various brand of components (shamino etc) I am at a complete loss
Finally what exactly would I need to start racing?...tights, shoes, pedals, helmet (rule), cammel back or bottle...etc
c'mon guys help a dude out
tnx
05-04-09, 05:40 PM
#2
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Most people start in there late teens to early 20's training (quite a lot) for racing. So you are not too old. And, you are never too old to get your rump on a bike.
NO NO NO camelbak!
The Felt F95 is ok. But, the F35 kicks some serious rear end!
Shimano is my favorite for the price and quality. The best is campy (campagnolo).
Dura-ace
Ultegra (600)
105
Tigara
Sora
good luck
NO NO NO camelbak!
The Felt F95 is ok. But, the F35 kicks some serious rear end!
Shimano is my favorite for the price and quality. The best is campy (campagnolo).
Dura-ace
Ultegra (600)
105
Tigara
Sora
good luck
Last edited by mushwars; 05-04-09 at 05:44 PM.
05-04-09, 06:30 PM
#3
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At 15 you'll have started younger than all but a few dozen riders in your region.
Are there any local clubs that take on juniors? That's definitely the best place to start if you're looking to race.
There are several 'what basic gear do I need to get started?' threads around BF - do a search.
But briefly, when just starting out: Helmet, shorts, sunglasses, spare tube, tire levers, patch kit, some sort of saddle bag to hold tire change stuff, mini pump.
Eventually you'll want to graduate from toe clips (which will presumably come with all the bikes you've listed) to clipless, but wait until you're comfortable with the bike - you'll need proper cycling shoes to use clipless too. Before long you'll want a proper cycling jersey too, but if you've joined a club you may be able to get one off them for less than a generic one on the open market - And you'll have that club identity. You'll likely want gloves before too long as well.
Are there any local clubs that take on juniors? That's definitely the best place to start if you're looking to race.
There are several 'what basic gear do I need to get started?' threads around BF - do a search.
But briefly, when just starting out: Helmet, shorts, sunglasses, spare tube, tire levers, patch kit, some sort of saddle bag to hold tire change stuff, mini pump.
Eventually you'll want to graduate from toe clips (which will presumably come with all the bikes you've listed) to clipless, but wait until you're comfortable with the bike - you'll need proper cycling shoes to use clipless too. Before long you'll want a proper cycling jersey too, but if you've joined a club you may be able to get one off them for less than a generic one on the open market - And you'll have that club identity. You'll likely want gloves before too long as well.
05-04-09, 06:41 PM
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Bring a parent when you go to look at bikes so they can leave a credit card and ID then you'll be able to test ride.
05-04-09, 06:52 PM
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05-04-09, 07:07 PM
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hey neither am I. I commute and wear a backpack, some times I don't even change into my cycling shorts, and instead wear pants with a rubber band around the ankle. I don't claim to be a roadie, But I hope to be one once I graduate College.
05-04-09, 07:16 PM
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ok guys thanks for the replies
there arent really any culbs its jus the general cycling association and yes they do have juniora both under 15 and under 19
dont think the 1 and only real bike shop has road bikes only bmx and mountain
there arent really any culbs its jus the general cycling association and yes they do have juniora both under 15 and under 19
dont think the 1 and only real bike shop has road bikes only bmx and mountain
