Downgrade options after injuries
08-19-12, 09:17 AM
#26
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here's how i break my recreational purchases down in terms of value. if i buy a bike at lets say $6000. it gets ridden about 120 times a year ( i have other bikes in my stable that need attention). in 5 years, thats 600 rides @ $10/ride exclusive of maintenance and wear items. if i ride it ten years, thats $5/ride. buying something really good once, pays for itself over and over.
08-19-12, 10:12 AM
#27
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I rode a Trek Hybrid for about 5 years. 1 year ago I bought a CAAD 10 for riding longer distances for staying in shape and give my joints a break from high impact and stressful activities like running, boxing/martial arts and rock climbing. I also wanted a lighter bike and also because the CAAD 10 is just a plain fun bike. I also bought a Downtube folder for more casual riding.
Since last year, I've had two injuries, both related to biking on the CAAD10. First I developed stress in my wrist (despite trying to keep the weight off my wrists), which ended up being a painful hidden ganglion cyst and ligament issues, keeping me off biking and most of my activity for 2-3 months. Recently I had an accident (was distracted by aggressive bikers and stray pedestrians, dropped of an unexpected high 'curb' on a bike path suddenly, skidded into dirt and grass, unclipped from pedals, lost balance and went flying into the pavement crushing my elbow under the weight of my body) and dislocated my elbow, fracturing a bone and tearing all my ligaments, and some tendons, cartilage and some muscle. Recovery is going to be a b!@ch and will take 3-6 months if I heal properly.
Since last year, I've had two injuries, both related to biking on the CAAD10. First I developed stress in my wrist (despite trying to keep the weight off my wrists), which ended up being a painful hidden ganglion cyst and ligament issues, keeping me off biking and most of my activity for 2-3 months. Recently I had an accident (was distracted by aggressive bikers and stray pedestrians, dropped of an unexpected high 'curb' on a bike path suddenly, skidded into dirt and grass, unclipped from pedals, lost balance and went flying into the pavement crushing my elbow under the weight of my body) and dislocated my elbow, fracturing a bone and tearing all my ligaments, and some tendons, cartilage and some muscle. Recovery is going to be a b!@ch and will take 3-6 months if I heal properly.
08-19-12, 07:16 PM
#28
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I like that suggestion - thank you. It's hard to avoid all injuries, but I can see how Judo and Aikido help.
08-19-12, 08:48 PM
#29
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Thank you for reply. I laughed when I saw your reply as well. You are right - when I tried the Roubaix and Secteur along with maybe the C'dale Synapse and Giant Defy they seemed boring compared to the CAAD 10, and unlike other racing style bikes I was steered towards in LBSs. I chose a very race-oriented bike when in fact I had no intentions to race, do group rides, triathlons and no interest in general to go very fast. I hate to admit it, but the hype and marketing certainly got to me, as well as the thrill of riding the bike when testing it out, and the price was right as well. I ended up buying more bike than I need. I am certain my accident would have been more avoidable and less injurious for me had I been riding a different bike, but yes I still take responsibility for my carelessness even if it was for a split second. I have ridden the same path 100s of times and know it cold, and have been in far more precarious situations on my bike before but this time I mesed up.
Given the kind of riding I do and the terrain I bike on (uneven bike paths and rough roads with gravel and sometimes a little dirt/grass) I think I should get a bike with a longer wheelbase, thicker tires, higher bars, larger trail, cushier/less harsh ride (which is why I am looking at steel also). I'm just trying to narrow down options I will try out in an LBS. So far based on input form this forum I've got:
1. Road bike that is more relaxed geometry/endurance/comfort oriented with thicker tires (as opposed to race-oriented/aggressive) - like Specialized Secteur/Roubaix, Somafab bikes
2. Cyclocross - Specialized Tricross
3. Touring bikes like Surly LHT, Cross-check, Jamis Aurora, Somafab bikes
4. Hybrid/city/urban - Specialized Sirrus, Trek FX 7.3/7.4, 7.5,
5. Lightish Hardtail mountain bike - Montague Paratrooper, Specialized Rockhopper
I am also curious about steel frames, but have never owned one before. Any more input about specific bikes and modifications much appreciated.
Given the kind of riding I do and the terrain I bike on (uneven bike paths and rough roads with gravel and sometimes a little dirt/grass) I think I should get a bike with a longer wheelbase, thicker tires, higher bars, larger trail, cushier/less harsh ride (which is why I am looking at steel also). I'm just trying to narrow down options I will try out in an LBS. So far based on input form this forum I've got:
1. Road bike that is more relaxed geometry/endurance/comfort oriented with thicker tires (as opposed to race-oriented/aggressive) - like Specialized Secteur/Roubaix, Somafab bikes
2. Cyclocross - Specialized Tricross
3. Touring bikes like Surly LHT, Cross-check, Jamis Aurora, Somafab bikes
4. Hybrid/city/urban - Specialized Sirrus, Trek FX 7.3/7.4, 7.5,
5. Lightish Hardtail mountain bike - Montague Paratrooper, Specialized Rockhopper
I am also curious about steel frames, but have never owned one before. Any more input about specific bikes and modifications much appreciated.
The Specialiaed Roubaix is the best endurance racing bike in the world. I had to laugh when you wrote it didn't feel so good. I have owned 50 road bikes and the Roubaix feels the best and is taylor made for guys like you...and probably the vast majority that ride but instead choose a less comfortable bike.
Racing bikes tend to put a fair amount of weight on the wrists. Yes position is key to mitigate this but there is no substitute for a higher handlebar which btw will make the drops much more usable.
The twitchy steering you also write about the CAAD 10 is similar to many other race bikes. The Roubaix by contrast is rock steady. This maybe the 'feel' issue you have the Roubaix. Having owned many short wheelbase low trail quick handling bikes...the average rider will have greater control with a Roubaix because it tracks like a slot car.
Good luck in your recovery.
Racing bikes tend to put a fair amount of weight on the wrists. Yes position is key to mitigate this but there is no substitute for a higher handlebar which btw will make the drops much more usable.
The twitchy steering you also write about the CAAD 10 is similar to many other race bikes. The Roubaix by contrast is rock steady. This maybe the 'feel' issue you have the Roubaix. Having owned many short wheelbase low trail quick handling bikes...the average rider will have greater control with a Roubaix because it tracks like a slot car.
Good luck in your recovery.
08-19-12, 09:06 PM
#30
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I can guarantee you that you won't go any faster on your CAAD then you would on a Roubaix (or a Synapse or Domane for that matter)
You bought the hype hard......
You bought the hype hard......
08-19-12, 09:09 PM
#31
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Tell me something new! I already admitted to that my friend. Even if I could go faster, I don't really care at this point.
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