Finally chose my first road bike....story and photo inside!
08-02-09, 10:06 AM
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Finally chose my first road bike....story and photo inside!
Coming from a Capo I started to realize if I want to ride longer and start getting a bit serious I definitely need a proper road bike. I went to Trek, Cannondale, and Specialized websites to look at bikes in my price range and see what was out there. Besides the bike, I also needed a set of clipless pedals and shoes. I went to a lbs that was 20 minutes from me that sold Trek and Specialized, follewed by a shop that is an hour away and sold Trek, Cannondale, Cervelo, etc.
The first shop is a very large shop while the second shop is much smaller. At the first shop I tested a Trek 2.1 in a 58cm and really liked that. I was comfortable and shifted well. I also tried a Specialized Allez Elite and while it shifted smoother, I didn't really like the feel of it. I decided to put $100 down on the 2.1 so they would hold it while I went to the Cannondale dealer an hour away.
The second shop was a lot smaller, but even more friendly. They actually took some measurements (first shop, looked at me and the kid said I would probably need a 58cm), explained some of the differences between the Cdales and Treks, and gave their input on the different component packages at different price points. I found Cannondale to be almost unbeatable at the same price point as other brands. You almost always get a better frame and components. I was set to purchase a 2009 CAAD 9, but it would have to be ordered as my size wasn't in stock. He mentioned he had an '09 Cannondale Six 5 Compact on sale from $1700 to $1,399 and that it was a great bike, especially at that price. Full 105 components (I think rear derailleur is actually Ultegra), carbon fork, and what was pretty cool was the carbon rear triangle on the aluminum frame. He adjusted a few things, set the seat hight, tossed on some platforms and told me a nice route to test it out on and see how it felt.
Wow! Much nicer than the Trek 2.1 for only $200 more! It felt really smooth even on uneven roads and shifted just a bit nicer than the Trek. I knew this was it! When I got back, I also knew this was the time to go the clipless route so he sat down with me, measured my feet and gave me a few options as far as shoes/pedals. I went with some Shimano 105 5610 pedals. For shoes I chose to go with some good ones off the bat and purchased Shimano SH-R132L Road Bike Shoes. Full carbon bottoms, three straps, and sell for around $170. I figured it would be better for me to get good shoes now than have to get another pair down the road. They will get the bike set up, install the pedals, and i'll be ready to go on Saturday..with a bit of explaining on getting into/out of the pedals. Plus I got the shoes/pedals for 10% off as well as any other accessories I buy when I get the bike(even though I will feel funny, I am sure bike shorts are a good idea).
From the time I was there I could tell they were genuine and were really giving me options at different price points and not just telling me I need this and that.. Even the guy at the second shop said for the price the Cdales have better components than the Treks in the same price bracket. I didn't feel he was trying to push a brand on me.
Can't wait till next weekend so I can ride! Here is a photo I took of it on my Iphone before I left. I should mention that I am an impaitent person and I could have bought the Trek 2.1 and had it for tomorrow ready to go from the first store, but I knew I would be happier in the long run with the Cannondale. Plus my other Cannondale will have a brother, LOL.
Enjoy!
Coming from the Capo, I found the gears to be a huge plus all around. It only took me a few minutes to get familiar with shifting. Actually, when I got home and went out for a ride I wished I was still on the geared bike!
The first shop is a very large shop while the second shop is much smaller. At the first shop I tested a Trek 2.1 in a 58cm and really liked that. I was comfortable and shifted well. I also tried a Specialized Allez Elite and while it shifted smoother, I didn't really like the feel of it. I decided to put $100 down on the 2.1 so they would hold it while I went to the Cannondale dealer an hour away.
The second shop was a lot smaller, but even more friendly. They actually took some measurements (first shop, looked at me and the kid said I would probably need a 58cm), explained some of the differences between the Cdales and Treks, and gave their input on the different component packages at different price points. I found Cannondale to be almost unbeatable at the same price point as other brands. You almost always get a better frame and components. I was set to purchase a 2009 CAAD 9, but it would have to be ordered as my size wasn't in stock. He mentioned he had an '09 Cannondale Six 5 Compact on sale from $1700 to $1,399 and that it was a great bike, especially at that price. Full 105 components (I think rear derailleur is actually Ultegra), carbon fork, and what was pretty cool was the carbon rear triangle on the aluminum frame. He adjusted a few things, set the seat hight, tossed on some platforms and told me a nice route to test it out on and see how it felt.
Wow! Much nicer than the Trek 2.1 for only $200 more! It felt really smooth even on uneven roads and shifted just a bit nicer than the Trek. I knew this was it! When I got back, I also knew this was the time to go the clipless route so he sat down with me, measured my feet and gave me a few options as far as shoes/pedals. I went with some Shimano 105 5610 pedals. For shoes I chose to go with some good ones off the bat and purchased Shimano SH-R132L Road Bike Shoes. Full carbon bottoms, three straps, and sell for around $170. I figured it would be better for me to get good shoes now than have to get another pair down the road. They will get the bike set up, install the pedals, and i'll be ready to go on Saturday..with a bit of explaining on getting into/out of the pedals. Plus I got the shoes/pedals for 10% off as well as any other accessories I buy when I get the bike(even though I will feel funny, I am sure bike shorts are a good idea).
From the time I was there I could tell they were genuine and were really giving me options at different price points and not just telling me I need this and that.. Even the guy at the second shop said for the price the Cdales have better components than the Treks in the same price bracket. I didn't feel he was trying to push a brand on me.
Can't wait till next weekend so I can ride! Here is a photo I took of it on my Iphone before I left. I should mention that I am an impaitent person and I could have bought the Trek 2.1 and had it for tomorrow ready to go from the first store, but I knew I would be happier in the long run with the Cannondale. Plus my other Cannondale will have a brother, LOL.
Enjoy!
Coming from the Capo, I found the gears to be a huge plus all around. It only took me a few minutes to get familiar with shifting. Actually, when I got home and went out for a ride I wished I was still on the geared bike!
Last edited by jamesbernatchez; 08-02-09 at 10:18 AM.
08-02-09, 12:25 PM
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you're going to want to swap out that saddle. that thing is an ass hatchet. I couldn't sit on it for more than 1 hr at a time without having to get off to let my ass rest. I'd suggest asking them if you could upgrade the saddle for a discount
08-02-09, 12:45 PM
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I have two saddles at home to choose from. Actually from my ride, that saddle wasn't as bad as the one on my bike now.
I am just about 6 foot. I don't know my inseam. They took measurements of my inseam, shoulder to palm, shoulder width, and from my neck(just above my cheast) to the floor. It was put into their software they use and it came up exactly at 58.03 something.
I also like the black, but wouldn't have minded a more race inspired scheme. I do like the simple, sleak look of it though.
I guess if I get really into it, I could always swap in some nice carbon wheels such as ZIPPs or Reynolds. That, in my opinion, would just look bad ass!
I am just about 6 foot. I don't know my inseam. They took measurements of my inseam, shoulder to palm, shoulder width, and from my neck(just above my cheast) to the floor. It was put into their software they use and it came up exactly at 58.03 something.
I also like the black, but wouldn't have minded a more race inspired scheme. I do like the simple, sleak look of it though.
I guess if I get really into it, I could always swap in some nice carbon wheels such as ZIPPs or Reynolds. That, in my opinion, would just look bad ass!
08-02-09, 01:46 PM
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Give the saddle a chance first. I bought a Cannodale about 6 weeks ago with the dreaded Ponza seat. After all the threads I have read about how bad the Ponza is I figured it would be my first up grade. After my first 200-300 miles I find I don't notice the seat at all which I assume is the way it should be. I am finding the more I ride the more comfortable every aspect of the bike becomes. The first few weeks my ass hurt, my lower back hurt, and my hands hurt. No my ass is fine, back is not too much of an issue, and my hands still get tired but not so much. I have not been a a super long ride yet so my opinions may change. Typically I do a 21 mile ride on week days after work and a 30 mile ride on Sat. & Sun. I will give it another couple of months to see how it goes before I start spending money. Nice bike. I am sure you will love it.
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08-02-09, 02:43 PM
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Give the saddle a chance first. I bought a Cannodale about 6 weeks ago with the dreaded Ponza seat. After all the threads I have read about how bad the Ponza is I figured it would be my first up grade. After my first 200-300 miles I find I don't notice the seat at all which I assume is the way it should be. I am finding the more I ride the more comfortable every aspect of the bike becomes. The first few weeks my ass hurt, my lower back hurt, and my hands hurt. No my ass is fine, back is not too much of an issue, and my hands still get tired but not so much. I have not been a a super long ride yet so my opinions may change. Typically I do a 21 mile ride on week days after work and a 30 mile ride on Sat. & Sun. I will give it another couple of months to see how it goes before I start spending money. Nice bike. I am sure you will love it.
Brazos
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08-02-09, 06:37 PM
#13
Spin Meister
>even though I will feel funny, I am sure bike shorts are a good idea<
You wouldn't wear cut-offsp when playing tennis, particularly if you owned a sweet racket, nor jeans on the golf course, or cargo shorts in the pool. It's no different with bike clothing. I feel funny wearing street clothes when I'm on any of my own bikes.
You wouldn't wear cut-offsp when playing tennis, particularly if you owned a sweet racket, nor jeans on the golf course, or cargo shorts in the pool. It's no different with bike clothing. I feel funny wearing street clothes when I'm on any of my own bikes.
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This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
08-02-09, 07:37 PM
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Nice bike. So you lost the $100 from the first shop?
08-02-09, 08:53 PM
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Nope, I made sure of that before I gave it to them. That if I chose to go with Cannondale or even if I just decided I didn't want the Trek I could get my money back. The only part that sucked was all the traffic I had to go through to go back to the first shop to get my money.
My gf thinks it is great I will be in such tight shorts, so she is more than willing to allow me to put them on her credit card.
In anticipation of riding this weekend I picked up Lance Armstrong's book, "It's Not About the Bike" to read. I'm sure by the end of the week I will be roaring to ride. My single speed will have to do for now while I sit and read the book and stare at the photo I took of my new bike in the shop.
My gf thinks it is great I will be in such tight shorts, so she is more than willing to allow me to put them on her credit card.
In anticipation of riding this weekend I picked up Lance Armstrong's book, "It's Not About the Bike" to read. I'm sure by the end of the week I will be roaring to ride. My single speed will have to do for now while I sit and read the book and stare at the photo I took of my new bike in the shop.
08-02-09, 09:15 PM
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B+ roadie I guess?
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Congrats on the new bike! I would've taken the Allez, but that's just because I have a lower grade of the Allez. I have the same pedals as you, they're great Great job on getting a good deal at a LBS that cares. Those are hard to come by
Great job on getting a good deal at a LBS that cares. Those are hard to come by
08-04-09, 10:38 AM
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I've been thinking about it and I would like to get a cyclometer that lets me know my mileage, cadance, and total time at the least. I started to get a list of stuff I should/would get when I go back on Saturday. It is getting bigger than I thought it would. Here it is so far:
cycling shorts & jesery or bib
saddle pack (large)
tire levers
patch kit
multi tool
cyclometer
cages/water bottles
small pump
I figure I will pick their brain on which cyclometer when I go back. I believe they had Cateyes as well as others, but I didn't take a good look at the last visit. I already have spare tubes from my Capo so those should be fine for now. On longer rides I will probably carry a small backpack so I can store some snacks and tools.
Anything I am missing that should be a given?
On a happy note I rode the Capo 8 miles yesterday and found that I didn't have that much trouble on the hills and was able to get up them while sitting down. I also found (after mapping the route in veloroutes) that it only took me about 28 minutes to complete so that would put me at an estimated average speed of around 17 mph. Not bad for a single speed I think. I found my legs didn't tire out as much as usual and I was able to pedal for most of the ride. I only have a total of about 120 miles on my Capo as I am a newbie to cycling. Two and a half months prior to that I hadn't been on a bike in many years. I think the Capo is going to make the Six 5 feel much easier, especially with the abilty to down shift for hills.
I'm hoping by using the Capo it will help my overall performance on the Six 5.
Judging from that ride I noted above, is that an average time to complete 8 miles on a single speed for a newbie? Worse? Better? I don't know what I can and should be expecting. I am sure the cyclometer will help me overall to see if I am getting any better.
cycling shorts & jesery or bib
saddle pack (large)
tire levers
patch kit
multi tool
cyclometer
cages/water bottles
small pump
I figure I will pick their brain on which cyclometer when I go back. I believe they had Cateyes as well as others, but I didn't take a good look at the last visit. I already have spare tubes from my Capo so those should be fine for now. On longer rides I will probably carry a small backpack so I can store some snacks and tools.
Anything I am missing that should be a given?
On a happy note I rode the Capo 8 miles yesterday and found that I didn't have that much trouble on the hills and was able to get up them while sitting down. I also found (after mapping the route in veloroutes) that it only took me about 28 minutes to complete so that would put me at an estimated average speed of around 17 mph. Not bad for a single speed I think. I found my legs didn't tire out as much as usual and I was able to pedal for most of the ride. I only have a total of about 120 miles on my Capo as I am a newbie to cycling. Two and a half months prior to that I hadn't been on a bike in many years. I think the Capo is going to make the Six 5 feel much easier, especially with the abilty to down shift for hills.
I'm hoping by using the Capo it will help my overall performance on the Six 5.
Judging from that ride I noted above, is that an average time to complete 8 miles on a single speed for a newbie? Worse? Better? I don't know what I can and should be expecting. I am sure the cyclometer will help me overall to see if I am getting any better.
Last edited by jamesbernatchez; 08-04-09 at 10:45 AM.
08-04-09, 10:42 AM
#20
stole your bike
+1
Nice bike, enjoy! Oh, and it's mandatory 'round these parts to tell people with stem erections to flip it but don't do it until you're comfortable doing so.
I've been thinking about it and I would like to get a cyclometer that lets me know my mileage, cadance, and total time at the least. I started to get a list of stuff I should/would get when I go back on Saturday. It is getting bigger than I thought it would. Here it is so far:
cycling shorts & jesery or bib - Bibs, you'll thank me later
saddle pack (large) - If your shop will let you try one out then make sure it doesn't eat up your shorts, the strap that attaches to the seatpost can be an issue.
tire levers - yep
patch kit - yep
multi tool - There are plenty of nice small ones that have the most commonly used allen key sizes; I have a small light one from Crank Brothers that does the job nicely.
cyclometer - Plenty out there that do the job nicely but I recommend the Sigma BC1606L. I have the wireless model with cadence and like it so much I got the spare sensors and use it on my second bike.
cages/water bottles - Tacx Tao cages are nice and pretty light, but there's scores of choices.
small pump - Topeak Mini Morph. It's small and has a hose so you don't have to deal with awkward inflating positions, plus it has a little foot at the bottom and the handle extends horizontally so you can use it as a tiny floor pump.
I figure I will pick their brain on which cyclometer when I go back. I believe they had Cateyes as well as others, but I didn't take a good look at the last visit. I already have spare tubes from my Capo so those should be fine for now. On longer rides I will probably carry a small backpack so I can store some snacks and tools.
Anything I am missing that should be a given?
On a happy note I rode the Capo 8 miles yesterday and found that I didn't have that much trouble on the hills and was able to get up them while sitting down. I also found (after mapping the route in veloroutes) that it only took me about 28 minutes to complete so that would put me at an estimated average speed of around 17 mph. Not bad for a single speed I think. I found my legs didn't tire out as much as usual and I was able to pedal for most of the ride. I only have a total of about 120 miles on my Capo as I am a newb to cycling. Two and a half months prior to that I hadn't been on a bike in many years. I think the Capo is going to make the Six 5 feel much easier, especially with the abilty to down shift for hills.
cycling shorts & jesery or bib - Bibs, you'll thank me later
saddle pack (large) - If your shop will let you try one out then make sure it doesn't eat up your shorts, the strap that attaches to the seatpost can be an issue.
tire levers - yep
patch kit - yep
multi tool - There are plenty of nice small ones that have the most commonly used allen key sizes; I have a small light one from Crank Brothers that does the job nicely.
cyclometer - Plenty out there that do the job nicely but I recommend the Sigma BC1606L. I have the wireless model with cadence and like it so much I got the spare sensors and use it on my second bike.
cages/water bottles - Tacx Tao cages are nice and pretty light, but there's scores of choices.
small pump - Topeak Mini Morph. It's small and has a hose so you don't have to deal with awkward inflating positions, plus it has a little foot at the bottom and the handle extends horizontally so you can use it as a tiny floor pump.
I figure I will pick their brain on which cyclometer when I go back. I believe they had Cateyes as well as others, but I didn't take a good look at the last visit. I already have spare tubes from my Capo so those should be fine for now. On longer rides I will probably carry a small backpack so I can store some snacks and tools.
Anything I am missing that should be a given?
On a happy note I rode the Capo 8 miles yesterday and found that I didn't have that much trouble on the hills and was able to get up them while sitting down. I also found (after mapping the route in veloroutes) that it only took me about 28 minutes to complete so that would put me at an estimated average speed of around 17 mph. Not bad for a single speed I think. I found my legs didn't tire out as much as usual and I was able to pedal for most of the ride. I only have a total of about 120 miles on my Capo as I am a newb to cycling. Two and a half months prior to that I hadn't been on a bike in many years. I think the Capo is going to make the Six 5 feel much easier, especially with the abilty to down shift for hills.
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Last edited by roadiejorge; 08-04-09 at 10:55 AM.
08-04-09, 10:44 AM
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Flip it? When I hear that I think "sell it". What is this "flip it" you speak of?
EDIT: Wait a sec, I think I got it! Are we talking about the stem, to put the bars lower?
EDIT: Wait a sec, I think I got it! Are we talking about the stem, to put the bars lower?
Last edited by jamesbernatchez; 08-04-09 at 10:50 AM.
08-04-09, 10:53 AM
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The stem holding your handlebars, essentially changing your riding position to a more aggressive one.
08-04-09, 12:08 PM
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That is what others say, but if I do need to swap it I will swap it for the seat I put on my Capo. It is pretty comfortable. I'll test it first before I switch out.
08-04-09, 06:30 PM
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Ok so maybe not. I have fallen in love with the Cervelo S1. Calling tomorrow to see if I could switch my depost off the Cannondale and pick up the S1 instead. Hopefully there isn't any issues with that.