Newbie Here!
 

Im very new to riding and everything and I was just wondering how you guys think my crosslake (first bike) is looking and if I should change anything on it.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5201/...33ab0140_z.jpg
Winter by -TMPhotography-, on Flickr

Future plans: Buying some bullhorns with white bartape to balance out the rear wheel, new pedals and saddle ( any suggestions on either) thanks guys.

First and foremost, change the parts when your body contact the most. In another word, saddle, pedal and bars.

Saddles are very personal, one saddle might be good for his or her behind but maybe not yours. Here's a few to try out first.
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail.htm?stylepkey=21198
http://store.citygrounds.com/store/p...-Turbo-Saddle/
http://store.citygrounds.com/store/p...e-Bucket-Seat/

New stem.

be sure to keep your drop bars, when i got my chrome pista with bullhorns i liked it, prior to that i had used track drops, at first i liked the horns alot, but now i like the drops better since i got my green pista.

So alot of people have told me this. Sorry to be a newb but why is that?

Ill for sure keep the drops, love them

Easier said than done. Those Crosslake Sales bikes are 1 1/8" threaded. :eek:

If you've got a friend with bullhorns, try them first. Meaning more than just around the block... borrow his bike and ride for 20 miles. See if bullhorns are right for you.


I went out and got bullhorns with my first conversion because they look cool, and they weren't any fun.

I remember you telling me this and id have to get new forks right?

See what I did there?

Headset too, don't forget that!

Your best bet is swapping out your threaded fork & headset for a new threadless setup - if you plan on keeping the frame around for a while. That way, you'll have a multitude of stems at your disposal.

Could you show me a threadless setup, forks, stem I could buy soon? I Just dont want to be buying the wrong stuff you know

I'm sure if everyone here is joking with you, but you don't need a new stem. 1 1/8" threaded stems do exist, but they're pretty rare. You only need a new stem if you're unhappy with the handlebar positions offered by your current one. If you really want to have a bunch of stems on hand to swap out depending on your mood, your best bet is to get a new fork, headset (and stem!) to switch to 1 1/8" threadless. Personally I don't think this is terribly necessary. Once you find a stem/bar combination you're happy there's not much reason to change it.

If you're looking to upgrade, buy the stuff you'll appreciate the most. If your saddle is uncomfortable, get a different one. If you're not digging the drop bars, get different ones, etc. Do you ride with clipless pedals? If not, that's something to try. They're definitely worth it.

Don't go out and buy something just because we say so. Ride the bike for a few months. If you're happy with it, then don't change anything.

Alright thanks. Well right now im not happy with the positions of the drops, its not comfortable and not enjoyable. Ive always wanted bullhorns because I like the way they look and I think that they will make my rides alot more enjoyable. If that doesnt help Ill look into getting new stems etc. And YES, saddle is fine when Im riding one day but the next day i can barely even sit on it again because my butt is so sore.

I would just get a new bike if you're going to change your whole fork+stem+headset...but then, PricePoint is having a huge sale.

http://www.pricepoint.com/promos/eoy/bars.htm

The only thing I'd be concerned with if you plan on using bullhorns is that the stock 1 1/8" quill stem is a little noodly (I speak from experience because I had one of these bikes) and you may implode when riding with your hands out on the horns.