Search
Notices
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Newbie Here!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-16-10 | 06:52 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX

Bikes: 1964 JC Higgins

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.


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.
TylerMcKenzie is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 06:59 PM
  #2  
GONE~
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,747
Likes: 0
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.
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail.htm?stylepkey=21198
https://store.citygrounds.com/store/p...-Turbo-Saddle/
https://store.citygrounds.com/store/p...e-Bucket-Seat/
Squirrelli is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 07:07 PM
  #3  
seau grateau's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9,948
Likes: 400
From: PHL

Bikes: Litespeed Catalyst, IRO Rob Roy, All City Big Block

New stem.
seau grateau is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 07:11 PM
  #4  
peach-picker's Avatar
packing shed cassanova
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: can be found with the traffic in the streets of fresno ca.

Bikes: 07 bianchi pista, 09 mercier kilo tt, 09 masi speciale fixed LTD, late 80s masi nuova strada, full campy gruppo, 89 centurion accordo, 88 peugeot versallies, 93 faggin 14 speed full shimano 105

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.
peach-picker is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 07:14 PM
  #5  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX

Bikes: 1964 JC Higgins

Originally Posted by seau grateau
New stem.
So alot of people have told me this. Sorry to be a newb but why is that?
TylerMcKenzie is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 07:16 PM
  #6  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX

Bikes: 1964 JC Higgins

Originally Posted by peach-picker
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.
Ill for sure keep the drops, love them
TylerMcKenzie is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 07:19 PM
  #7  
Scrodzilla's Avatar
Your cog is slipping.
Titanium Club Membership
Sheldon Brown Memorial - Titanium
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA

Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle

Originally Posted by seau grateau
New stem.
Easier said than done. Those Crosslake Sales bikes are 1 1/8" threaded.
Scrodzilla is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 07:19 PM
  #8  
dsh's Avatar
dsh
Oh, you know...
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,834
Likes: 0
From: DC

Bikes: '74 Schwinn Sports Tourer (Polo), S-Works E5 Team Festina (Chorus 11), Trek 2200 Bonded Carbon (Fixed), Trek 920 (7 speed IGH), Chesini Olimpiade SL (1x7)

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.
dsh is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 07:27 PM
  #9  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX

Bikes: 1964 JC Higgins

Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
Easier said than done. Those Crosslake Sales bikes are 1 1/8" threaded.
I remember you telling me this and id have to get new forks right?
TylerMcKenzie is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 07:35 PM
  #10  
seau grateau's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9,948
Likes: 400
From: PHL

Bikes: Litespeed Catalyst, IRO Rob Roy, All City Big Block

Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
Easier said than done. Those Crosslake Sales bikes are 1 1/8" threaded.
See what I did there?
seau grateau is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 07:49 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by TylerMcKenzie
I remember you telling me this and id have to get new forks right?
Headset too, don't forget that!
leed is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 07:51 PM
  #12  
Scrodzilla's Avatar
Your cog is slipping.
Titanium Club Membership
Sheldon Brown Memorial - Titanium
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA

Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle

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.
Scrodzilla is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 08:03 PM
  #13  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX

Bikes: 1964 JC Higgins

Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
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
TylerMcKenzie is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 08:19 PM
  #14  
FastJake's Avatar
Constant tinkerer
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 156
From: Madison, WI
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.
FastJake is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 08:25 PM
  #15  
storckm's Avatar
Cyclist
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 683
Likes: 48
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.
storckm is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 08:37 PM
  #16  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX

Bikes: 1964 JC Higgins

Originally Posted by FastJake
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.
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.
TylerMcKenzie is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 08:46 PM
  #17  
GONE~
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,747
Likes: 0
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.

https://www.pricepoint.com/promos/eoy/bars.htm
Squirrelli is offline  
Reply
Old 12-16-10 | 09:17 PM
  #18  
Scrodzilla's Avatar
Your cog is slipping.
Titanium Club Membership
Sheldon Brown Memorial - Titanium
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA

Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle

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.
Scrodzilla is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Squeezebox
Touring
30
05-09-17 06:09 PM
blukity
Hybrid Bicycles
7
07-20-15 10:15 PM
CNC2204
Road Cycling
73
05-13-15 08:09 AM
agmetal
Fitting Your Bike
17
12-26-14 02:25 PM
cpsqlrwn
Classic & Vintage
11
12-22-11 07:09 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.