theblackbullet

I don't eat the best. lots of cereal and turkey sandwiches lol, but I do take a multivitamin and use a protein supplement that has a good amount of vitamins.

carleton

I'm not sure what's up.

Sherblock

I always have to tell myself this. It's tempting to get a Thomson (moving from a 1 1/2 pound Kalin), but it's just really not worth it. I'll save the $100 for something else.

dk2ck

Dear Carleton,

I recently purchased some used Shimano Dura Ace SPD-SL pedals and was looking into clipless shoes. From my understanding, you've tried a lot of different pedals/shoe combinations. Are there any road shoe models you recommend for people on a budget? Sorry if this is too much of a personal-shopper question, it just seemed like you've had a lot of experience.

Thanks for the help!

hairnet

shimano covers the price range $100+ and is available everywhere. As stated many times before, try them on before buying them.

/personal shopper

carleton

Congrats on the pedals.

It is too much of a personal-shopper question.

Shimano makes some good shoes from inexpensive to expensive range.

dk2ck

Thank you (and Deputy Hairnet) for the brand recommendations!

mashtofu

I just want to add that some brands (Serfas, Bontrager) offer a return policy that allows you to try out the shoes risk-free for 30 days. I went with Serfas for this reason and I am very happy with my Pilot shoes (MSRP $130). I suggest going to your LBS to try on as many different shoes as you can. Comfort is most important. Also, get some cleat covers.

Cynikal 

Mavic has some really nice shoes in the $130 range.

Lilcphoto

Dear Carleton:

What is the most expensive article of clothing that you've purchased for cycling?

Jaytron

This x54830958230498234

carleton

Fizik R1

For me, they feel like custom shoes.

I got a nice discount, but still came out pricey. Worth every penny.

Jaytron

Carleton,

What do I need to measure in order to determine what size bars I need (width)? I'm assuming just armpit to armpit?

calv

Shoulder to shoulder

Scrodzilla

Belly button to butthole.

andrizzle

i lol'd

carleton

Unfortunately, there is no exact way to determine this. It's sort of like crank arm length...go with what feels right.

Go into a shop and sit on bikes with various width bars then buy from the bike shop. That's why they are there.

If you want to save money by buying online, then you must assume the risk of buying the wrong sized bar.

You have to decide if the money you save is worth the risk.

prooftheory

How often do you replace your shoes and why? Is it just the tops of the shoes stretching out or something else?

jpsawyer

Dear Carleton,
Can you do this on your rollers?

carleton

Yeah, usually it's because the uppers are stretched to death. Also, somehow the shoes just become more mushy in general. New shoes feel fresh and firm. You don't really notice it until you put on some new shoes and realize how soft your old ones had become.

Mr. Grey

Dear Carlton,

How much does weight play a part in the life span of rear hub threads? I've stripped threads 3 times just this summer. they're all-city standard track hubs and I am positive its not an installation issue. I'm pretty hefty at about 230, and I normally skid positioned over the seat. Any thoughts? thanks in advance.

hairnet

it's the skidding and not getting your cog super damn mother f-ing tight. I weight 200lbs and routinely carry my bag with plenty stuff in it. I stripped one hub because I didnt get the cog tight enough even though I thought I had. Scrod is also a heavy guy riding brakeless without issues ,on the same hubs, I believe.

evilcryalotmore

rota fix, and lock ring tool and then get some lock ring pliers and grip the lock ring tight, take a hammer, light tap. Make sure you dont apply too much heavy grease, use a light coat of a strong grease.

Mr. Grey

Hmm After it happened the first two times I've been trying to keep the cog tight by setting up against a wall and putting pressure down on the pedal, then tightening the lock ring. I did that about every other ride. should I rotafix it instead next time?

Thanks evilcryalotmore. just saw your reply

carleton

+1

-1



No. Don't rotafix anything.

Man, I'm over 230lbs and I put a hellish amount of torque on my hubs during standing starts and have never had a problem. I would guess that you need a higher quality hub. Higher quality stuff isn't just expensive because it's a name brand. Some of it is just straight up stronger. I suggest using a Dura Ace rear hub for your next build.