The Road Bike Thread

13648865:JAHpow said:
Anyone been out yet this year?

I got a quick ride in last weekend when the temps hit high 50s low 60s.

Can't wait to get out more frequently!
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Rode to work for the first time this season the other day. Forgot to pack underwear. Free balled it all day at work. I now keep extra "essentials" in a file cabinet.
 
Thats exactly what I was thinking. I read some of the comments and apparently its the same carbon used on the previous pinarello dogmas, dont know the accuracy of it though.
 
13662408:User1 said:
Yeah ultegra is so smooth compared to the 105 on my cx bike. Also that speedx looks pretty awesome but at that low of a price I would question the quality
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Finally got around to doing some research, they do in fact use the same carbon company as pinarello.
 
thinking about buying a road bike off www.bikesdirect.com...seems to have some really good value buys.

Anyone know anything about this website? Seems like for 1200 or so I can get myself on a solid road bike for an intermediate bike rider for like 10-20 miles rides
 
13664749:KravtZ said:
thinking about buying a road bike off www.bikesdirect.com...seems to have some really good value buys.

Anyone know anything about this website? Seems like for 1200 or so I can get myself on a solid road bike for an intermediate bike rider for like 10-20 miles rides
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I'd go look at your local bike store, chances are you can find some 2015 or even 2014 models on sale as they try to clear inventory for the new season.

That being said, Bikesdirect isn't bad, but I believe you have to put them together?
 
13664749:KravtZ said:
thinking about buying a road bike off www.bikesdirect.com...seems to have some really good value buys.

Anyone know anything about this website? Seems like for 1200 or so I can get myself on a solid road bike for an intermediate bike rider for like 10-20 miles rides
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Bikes direct is fine, but the quality of the builds aren't always 100% awesome because they're put together and boxed haphazardly in Taiwan, so they haven't always gone through the ringer of a shop build.

Bikes Direct bikes are all built by the same folks that build Diamondback, Felt, GT, Raleigh and Kona... so generally the quality is pretty good when it comes to the actual welds and everything. The components aren't always incredible in the cheap stuff - especially the mountain bikes and hybrids, but if you spend a bit more you'll be getting pretty decent stuff.

For example, the Mercier Kilo TT is probably the best starting Trackbike/Fixed Gear bike you can buy for the money - to build what they give you from bikes direct would cost like 700$ in parts, and it only costs like 400$. Same goes for most things at and over the 400-500$ range and above.
 
That said, if you have 1200$ in your budget, forget about bikesdirect... you can get a fucking BANGER bike for 1200$ or less.

shit, for that money I'd build up something with a pristine Colombus SLX/Reynolds 853 frame, and go full Campagnolo Super Record or C-record and call it a day with a sexy steel machine...

Either that or go full modern with something Carbon mixed with Ultegra 10 or 11spd (Di2 and EPS are dumb)
 
decided to look into a road bike instead of upgrading my mountain bike. no major elevation changes around here and I like to ride fast, but I'd also like to be able to join friends on an occasional tour.

budget is around $800 and I'm looking for something used. what else should I know/look for besides 105/force groupset or better?
 
13706963:foodisfun said:
decided to look into a road bike instead of upgrading my mountain bike. no major elevation changes around here and I like to ride fast, but I'd also like to be able to join friends on an occasional tour.

budget is around $800 and I'm looking for something used. what else should I know/look for besides 105/force groupset or better?
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Frankly, beyond that, nothing. Just peruse Craigslist, test ride a few bikes that fit you, and obviously inspect for damage on any carbon frame.

And FYI, the new Tiagra 4700 is very similar to the old 105 5700 group set as both are 10 speed.
 
13706965:.MASSHOLE. said:
Frankly, beyond that, nothing. Just peruse Craigslist, test ride a few bikes that fit you, and obviously inspect for damage on any carbon frame.

And FYI, the new Tiagra 4700 is very similar to the old 105 5700 group set as both are 10 speed.
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good to know, thanks for the info
 
So... I have the opportunity to pick up a 2009 Merckx EX-3 frame/fork with Ultegra 6600 components. Only thing it's missing is cranks and wheels. The seller is asking $600cdn. Seems like an insane deal. I spoke with the guy and he said it was raced the first year, ridden a bit the second year and it's been sitting in storage since 2011.

I'm going to go take a look on Sunday (it's in another city and I work tomorrow), but seems almost too good to be true. I'm thinking at the very least, I could throw some cranks and wheels on and sell the whole thing for $2k (or more) if I don't like it. Anything I should be watching out for (besides a cracked frame)?

Thoughts?
 
I know this is a long shot but does anyone on here do RAGBRAI? I believe its the target supported ride in the US and Im there every year an NS hookup at a beer garden would be chyll
 
13708070:saskskier said:
So... I have the opportunity to pick up a 2009 Merckx EX-3 frame/fork with Ultegra 6600 components. Only thing it's missing is cranks and wheels. The seller is asking $600cdn. Seems like an insane deal. I spoke with the guy and he said it was raced the first year, ridden a bit the second year and it's been sitting in storage since 2011.

I'm going to go take a look on Sunday (it's in another city and I work tomorrow), but seems almost too good to be true. I'm thinking at the very least, I could throw some cranks and wheels on and sell the whole thing for $2k (or more) if I don't like it. Anything I should be watching out for (besides a cracked frame)?

Thoughts?
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Only other thing to look out for is if it is stolen. Obviously if the guy knows very little about bikes, it should raise a red flag. You can check the serial number and there are a bunch of websites you can search it on, such as

https://bikeindex.org/stolen. Not sure if people use it in Canada, but they do in the US.

That being said, I would be shocked if you could sell it for $2k. I imagine the most you could sell it for would be $800-$1,200 as the frame is ~7 years old, and the Ultegra groupo is a 10speed.
 
My riding buddy recently got an '01 Cannondale caad with ultegra and dura ace, and God damn do I want a nice stiff race bike now. Riding a fixed gear that is a couple sizes too small is getting pretty hard on my knees and back.
 
13708143:.MASSHOLE. said:
Only other thing to look out for is if it is stolen. Obviously if the guy knows very little about bikes, it should raise a red flag. You can check the serial number and there are a bunch of websites you can search it on, such as

https://bikeindex.org/stolen. Not sure if people use it in Canada, but they do in the US.

That being said, I would be shocked if you could sell it for $2k. I imagine the most you could sell it for would be $800-$1,200 as the frame is ~7 years old, and the Ultegra groupo is a 10speed.
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So as it turns out, the guy was just looking to give a fellow cyclist a deal on a set-up he doesn't use.

I picked it up from his place which was an apartment with three complete bikes, frames and stickered up tool boxes full of park tools. He's been riding high-end steel frames for a while, but figured he'd try carbon when got a super good deal from a friend who raced semi-pro in Europe. Didn't like it and wanted to pass the deal on. Just need to find some wheels and cranks and I'm golden.

Regardless, if I decide to sell (not planning on it right now), I'll make money.
 
13708421:saskskier said:
So as it turns out, the guy was just looking to give a fellow cyclist a deal on a set-up he doesn't use.

I picked it up from his place which was an apartment with three complete bikes, frames and stickered up tool boxes full of park tools. He's been riding high-end steel frames for a while, but figured he'd try carbon when got a super good deal from a friend who raced semi-pro in Europe. Didn't like it and wanted to pass the deal on. Just need to find some wheels and cranks and I'm golden.

Regardless, if I decide to sell (not planning on it right now), I'll make money.
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p5pb13772218.jpg
 
I miss my bikes back home... 8 bikes on two sides of the pacific ocean, and of course I miss the ones I don't have...
 
Planning on getting a new bike this winter as my current ride has ~5,000 miles and will have another 2,000 by December if not more, looking at something with a disc option and Ui2. I can't wait.

On another note, how often do people replace helmets? I imagine the constant salt from sweating must have a degrading effect on it.
 
13708552:.MASSHOLE. said:
On another note, how often do people replace helmets? I imagine the constant salt from sweating must have a degrading effect on it.
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I believe they have a lifespan of 3-5 years... but if you take a good spill and there's a chance you hit your head then it should be replaced. (similar to ski helmets)

I'm a former mechanic and it really pains me when I have to take my bike into the shop for things I should be able to do myself but can't because I don't have a stand :(
 
13708612:*N_Wist* said:
I believe they have a lifespan of 3-5 years... but if you take a good spill and there's a chance you hit your head then it should be replaced. (similar to ski helmets)

I'm a former mechanic and it really pains me when I have to take my bike into the shop for things I should be able to do myself but can't because I don't have a stand :(
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Good to know about intended lifespan. I've had mine for ~2 years but sweat a lot so I wasn't sure.

I need to start building up my tool kit so I can do more work at home for mine. Save me a lot of $$.
 
13708612:*N_Wist* said:
I'm a former mechanic and it really pains me when I have to take my bike into the shop for things I should be able to do myself but can't because I don't have a stand :(
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Amen to that. Multiple bikes, some tools, no stand. Priorities are priorities, but still... Ha ha.
 
13708639:saskskier said:
Amen to that. Multiple bikes, some tools, no stand. Priorities are priorities, but still... Ha ha.
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I think I'm just going to bite the bullet soon and buy a stand plus all the tools I need...

we used to have one of these at the shop I worked at, it was more for portability/ a spare kind of annoying because it wasn't heavy enough so if you had to crank down on something it would move around
 
Did something I thought I wouldn't do and bought a bike on ebay before seeing it in person. Seemed like a good enough deal and I'm local to pick it up. It's a 2014 Blue AC1 with sram red and I paid 950.

Didn't know anything about Blue, but the few reviews I saw of this bike and the brand in general were pretty positive. Maybe too aggressive going for an aero bike as my first real road bike? but I basically just want to ride fast anyway.

s-l1600.jpg
 
I was going to one of my local shops yesterday and didn't realize they were hosting a crit. race. The course was set up a few blocks around the shop and I caught about the last 10 laps or so.

Holy crap.

I'd heard of crit racing before, but didn't really realize what it was and man. Way more intense than I anticipated. The speed those guys hit corners at are crazy. Looks like a ton of fun.
 
13709028:foodisfun said:
Did something I thought I wouldn't do and bought a bike on ebay before seeing it in person. Seemed like a good enough deal and I'm local to pick it up. It's a 2014 Blue AC1 with sram red and I paid 950.

Didn't know anything about Blue, but the few reviews I saw of this bike and the brand in general were pretty positive. Maybe too aggressive going for an aero bike as my first real road bike? but I basically just want to ride fast anyway.

s-l1600.jpg
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Looks like a sweet bike. Nice find. Aero is not a problem, you see some guys on the TdF and other grand tours who use aero bikes for every stage.

I do recommend a basic bike fit, especially if you feel pressure in your groin area or get numb hands/feet. Usually indicative of a poor fit but can be remedied pretty easily. Ignoring the groin pressure and the numb hands and feet for too long can result in some nerve damage.

13709088:saskskier said:
I was going to one of my local shops yesterday and didn't realize they were hosting a crit. race. The course was set up a few blocks around the shop and I caught about the last 10 laps or so.

Holy crap.

I'd heard of crit racing before, but didn't really realize what it was and man. Way more intense than I anticipated. The speed those guys hit corners at are crazy. Looks like a ton of fun.
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It is insane! They hold one at UVM then the GMSR in Burlington with some semi-pro teams and it is crazy how fast they go. And the crashes can be ridiculous.
 
13709120:.MASSHOLE. said:
Looks like a sweet bike. Nice find. Aero is not a problem, you see some guys on the TdF and other grand tours who use aero bikes for every stage.

I do recommend a basic bike fit, especially if you feel pressure in your groin area or get numb hands/feet. Usually indicative of a poor fit but can be remedied pretty easily. Ignoring the groin pressure and the numb hands and feet for too long can result in some nerve damage.
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Thanks dude, good stuff to know for sure. Should be meeting up with the guy tomorrow to pick it up. I'm pumped.
 
13708656:*N_Wist* said:
I think I'm just going to bite the bullet soon and buy a stand plus all the tools I need...

we used to have one of these at the shop I worked at, it was more for portability/ a spare kind of annoying because it wasn't heavy enough so if you had to crank down on something it would move around
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If you're going to get an inexpensive portable stand, get the Park PCS-10. It has locking legs, a shop quality handle with quick release function, and the ability to mount Park's tool caddy accessory. It's a massive upgrade over the PCS-9 and anyone looking for a stand should just skip right over the PCS-9.

If you have the money though, Feedback's stands are awesome.
 
Brought home the new ride yesterday. Super light and feels pretty good on the short ride I did. Will definitely bring it in for a tune up and inspection soon for peace of mind.

I'm worried about the frame, though. No cracks or damage you can feel, but there's wrinkles throughout the frame and fork. This isn't normal is it?

 
13709845:foodisfun said:
Brought home the new ride yesterday. Super light and feels pretty good on the short ride I did. Will definitely bring it in for a tune up and inspection soon for peace of mind.

I'm worried about the frame, though. No cracks or damage you can feel, but there's wrinkles throughout the frame and fork. This isn't normal is it?

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Did the seller include pictures or information saying the frame was wrinkled like that? If not, I would have asked for my money back. There are sometimes the carbon layup isn't perfect and (from what I've heard), it's often cosmetic. That said, I don't think I've seen any as bad as that. Also, with it being on the top tube and always visible, it would always be nagging in the back of my mind, even if I knew it was purely cosmetic.

Bring it to a shop and see what they have to say.
 
13709884:saskskier said:
Did the seller include pictures or information saying the frame was wrinkled like that? If not, I would have asked for my money back. There are sometimes the carbon layup isn't perfect and (from what I've heard), it's often cosmetic. That said, I don't think I've seen any as bad as that. Also, with it being on the top tube and always visible, it would always be nagging in the back of my mind, even if I knew it was purely cosmetic.

Bring it to a shop and see what they have to say.
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He did not mention or show the wrinkles, but has gotten back to me and said that's just how carbon fiber looks with a clear coat. He said it came like that and has seen it on other bikes, but I'll definitely bring it into a shop. Guy seemed totally legit when I met up with him so I don't think he's trying to pull one over on me but I'm still a little worried.
 
Didn't take the bike in for an inspection/tune up yet cause I didn't wanna miss a day of riding. Needless to say I dig it. Also already hooked on strava haha
 
Days are getting almost too short to bike after work...get home at 6:45, sun sets at 7:54. Guess I'll have to get faster to get my 20 miles in :|
 
13711458:will_powder said:
That's hilarious, I was emailing this guy too.
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Seriously? Sorry man. It sounds like I was the first guy to contact him by a few minutes. I was surprised he was willing to wait for me to drive up there from Calgary, but I'm pretty pumped. Super nice guy.
 
13712329:theBearJew said:
Do any of you guys ride a gravel/adventure road bike? I am looking for a go anywhere type of bike that is a road bike first but can handle taking it off the road if I have to.

I'm looking at the Jamis Renegade Expat, Felt V100, or any other suggestions.
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/renegadeexpat.html
http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2016/Bikes/road/adventure/V100.aspx
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I am hoping to snag a Niner RLT 9 steel in the next few weeks; pretty much every review has raved about its gravel/touring abilities http://www.ninerbikes.com/rlt9steel

Specialized also just reintroduced their Sequoia which is supposed to be awesome as well. I think both come in a few different package options depending on your budget.
 
13712330:.MASSHOLE. said:
What is your price range?
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Prefer to be under 1000. If its a Jamis or Felt I can probably knock off a few hundred bucks due to some help Ive provided to a local shop.

13712366:shotvet said:
I am hoping to snag a Niner RLT 9 steel in the next few weeks; pretty much every review has raved about its gravel/touring abilities http://www.ninerbikes.com/rlt9steel

Specialized also just reintroduced their Sequoia which is supposed to be awesome as well. I think both come in a few different package options depending on your budget.
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That sequioia looks really nice. Does it have the flaired out drop bars? Pretty sure thats not a technical term, but ive seem them and wonder what people think of them. Why is that better than the traditional drop bars?
 
13712376:theBearJew said:
Prefer to be under 1000. If its a Jamis or Felt I can probably knock off a few hundred bucks due to some help Ive provided to a local shop.

That sequioia looks really nice. Does it have the flaired out drop bars? Pretty sure thats not a technical term, but ive seem them and wonder what people think of them. Why is that better than the traditional drop bars?
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Can you go used? If so, that will open up a lot more options. Almost any older CX bike can work then.

If not, the Sequioia is a good recommendation, it is new so you won't find much info on it. For Jamis, check out their adventure line or CX. For Felt, look at their FX series (Cyclocross) or V series (Adventure).

The biggest thing you are going to want is tire clearance with gearing a distant 2nd. Most bikes that are geared towards "adventure" are going to offer up to 40mm tires, but the gearing will differ compared to a pure CX bike, meaning it will be better for on road usage.
 
13712376:theBearJew said:
That sequioia looks really nice. Does it have the flaired out drop bars? Pretty sure thats not a technical term, but ive seem them and wonder what people think of them. Why is that better than the traditional drop bars?
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I'm not sure if it comes with them, but if not you could swap them out for about $50. I have never personally ridden dirt drops, but my friend has the Salsa Woodchippers on his CX/gravel bike and loves them. I think the flair allows for a little wider grip than a traditional drop giving you more control on gravel/mellow single track.
 
So I've had the Merckx up and running for a couple of weeks now, but have only made it out for a few rides, dialling things in. There is a super quick 17km loop that I've done a bunch, but today was the first legit road ride I went on, even though it was only 30km. Went pretty easy, but I felt like I could have gone way, way longer. SO much different than mountain biking, but still super fun.
 
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