The Road Bike Thread

[*N_Wist*]

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.

I came from mountain biking as well, were there any good hills in the loop? I find climbing rewarding simply for the fact that I can go flying down after. I always felt that road bikes are more stable the faster you go. Plus that feeling on being crouched in the drops feels like piloting something!

 

[saskskier]

I came from mountain biking as well, were there any good hills in the loop? I find climbing rewarding simply for the fact that I can go flying down after. I always felt that road bikes are more stable the faster you go. Plus that feeling on being crouched in the drops feels like piloting something!

There wasn't anything particularly large or steep, but I totally agree. I think the quickest we hit was 65-66 kmh/h, but felt so stable. Also working on getting my confidence up to hit corners at speed. Long ways to go, but getting there.

 

[saskskier]

What do you guys use for ear/headphones while biking? I dont want noise cancelling cuz im mostly in the town and want to hear some auto noises and the like. Mainly looking for something that will stay in when I'm getting sendy and will stay comfortable in the ears for a while

I don't trust drivers and want to be as aware of things going on around me as possible when I'm on my bike, so no earbuds/headphones.

Went for a 50km group ride the other night. Almost immediately realized my cycling shorts were awesome and ended up getting some pretty bad chafing. Took a couple days off, picked up some new shorts and life is good again.

 

[foodisfun]

What do you guys use for ear/headphones while biking? I dont want noise cancelling cuz im mostly in the town and want to hear some auto noises and the like. Mainly looking for something that will stay in when I'm getting sendy and will stay comfortable in the ears for a while

Plantronics BackBeat Fit

Just got these last week and I'm seriously impressed. I almost wrote my first Amazon review for them I like them so much, but I'll wait to see how they do long-term.

I wanted the same things you're asking for and they deliver. I was never an ear-bud/in-ear guy, but these fit my ears so well. I've worn them hiking and biking and forgot I was even wearing anything. Haven't tried anything super vigorous but they stay put doing jumping jacks and riding moderate singletrack. They also fit fine with a helmet and sunglasses on too. It took a little adjustment to get them to fit snug, but once they're in, they disappear.

Sweatproof, supposedly ~8 hours battery life, and better sound than I was expecting. They have a special eartip design which allows you to hear your surroundings, but somehow they still sound pretty great. They won't compare - in volume or quality - to earbuds that totally seal off ambient noise, but that's not the point.

I was hiking a few days ago and was able to clearly hear the bugs buzzing around my head with the headphones at about half volume. I would think hearing traffic, bells, other cyclists, etc. should be no problem unless you're at full blast.

I did notice the audio drops out once in a while, even with the phone in my pocket or backpack. Could be the music app you're using or internet connection, though, because on my ride this morning I didn't have any drops. Even so, when it does drop out it's for a second and isn't a major concern for me. I still highly recommend them.

It's important to note that these are the only bluetooth sports headphones I've ever used, so I have nothing to compare them to. Also, as I mentioned, I've only had them for a few days so I can't speak to their durability.

*Phew* wasn't expecting all that but there ya go. Read some other reviews for these for more insight and you'll also learn about other products people have tried that may be worth looking into.

 

[.MASSHOLE.]

What do you guys use for ear/headphones while biking? I dont want noise cancelling cuz im mostly in the town and want to hear some auto noises and the like. Mainly looking for something that will stay in when I'm getting sendy and will stay comfortable in the ears for a while

To be honest, I wouldn't ride with headphones in and around town, you want to be aware of EVERYTHING. If you are riding in a less populated place, i.e. random backroads, you can take your chances, but IMO its foolish.

I don't trust drivers and want to be as aware of things going on around me as possible when I'm on my bike, so no earbuds/headphones.

Went for a 50km group ride the other night. Almost immediately realized my cycling shorts were awesome and ended up getting some pretty bad chafing. Took a couple days off, picked up some new shorts and life is good again.

Mtb or road ride? Bibs are a godsend for road biking.

And I have to admit, Ui2 shifting is AMAZING. So crisp, so fast.

 

[saskskier]

Mtb or road ride? Bibs are a godsend for road biking.

And I have to admit, Ui2 shifting is AMAZING. So crisp, so fast.

I've heard good things about Ui2.

It was a road ride. Road riding is so different from mtb, but awesome in it's own way. It's crazy the distance you can cover in the same time vs. mtbing.

At some point I'll probably pick up some bibs, but for now I've just got a pair of regular cycling shorts. I think my biggest issue with the pair I had on for the 50km was they were too big. They've made due while mtbing under a pair of baggy shorts, but not for the distance/intensity of the road ride. Finding stuff that fits half decently is tough being a big dude, especially tops. I know stuff is supposed to fit a bit snugger, but XXL that fits like a L just isn't cool. Ha ha. I've found few things here and there, but not a ton.

 

[will_powder]

I've heard good things about Ui2.

It was a road ride. Road riding is so different from mtb, but awesome in it's own way. It's crazy the distance you can cover in the same time vs. mtbing.

At some point I'll probably pick up some bibs, but for now I've just got a pair of regular cycling shorts. I think my biggest issue with the pair I had on for the 50km was they were too big. They've made due while mtbing under a pair of baggy shorts, but not for the distance/intensity of the road ride. Finding stuff that fits half decently is tough being a big dude, especially tops. I know stuff is supposed to fit a bit snugger, but XXL that fits like a L just isn't cool. Ha ha. I've found few things here and there, but not a ton.

Chammy cream and bibs is happy times until about 200kms, then you just get numbness.

 

[theBearJew]

Was in my local shop today and saw a Felt Z5 that I could maybe get for $1400, $1500 for sure. Full carbon, 105 components. Anyone ride one of those? Is it a good deal? This will be my first road bike, have a single speed beater bike and a mt bike.

 

[.MASSHOLE.]

Was in my local shop today and saw a Felt Z5 that I could maybe get for $1400, $1500 for sure. Full carbon, 105 components. Anyone ride one of those? Is it a good deal? This will be my first road bike, have a single speed beater bike and a mt bike.

Not bad if you could get $1400 as they discontinued it for the new year. Is it full 105 or is it just shifters+cassette+derailleurs w/ budget crank, brakes, and chain?

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2016/Bikes/road/endurance/Z/z5.aspx

If that is the bike, go for it. Good for basic distance riding, nothing you'd race a crit on, but it could handle anything you throw at it on-road.

 

[theBearJew]

Not bad if you could get $1400 as they discontinued it for the new year. Is it full 105 or is it just shifters+cassette+derailleurs w/ budget crank, brakes, and chain?

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2016/Bikes/road/endurance/Z/z5.aspx

If that is the bike, go for it. Good for basic distance riding, nothing you'd race a crit on, but it could handle anything you throw at it on-road.

Yup, its that one. I'm just trying to decide if I really need the full carbon, I'm just getting into road biking and wondering if I should be buying an expensive bike like this for my first one.

 

[.MASSHOLE.]

Yup, its that one. I'm just trying to decide if I really need the full carbon, I'm just getting into road biking and wondering if I should be buying an expensive bike like this for my first one.

I would recommend nothing less than 105 for components, and most aluminum bikes will run you 1200-1400 minimum. Getting a full carbon w/ full 105 is a steal compared to what you will find in comp. aluminum level bikes.

 

[theBearJew]

Finally pulled the trigger and got a road bike. Looking into getting some shorts and shoes. Friend gave me pedals to clip into. Qny suggestions?

 

[DayMan]

Finally pulled the trigger and got a road bike. Looking into getting some shorts and shoes. Friend gave me pedals to clip into. Qny suggestions?

Let's ride when I get back home next summer! I rode a lot this summer, nothing too long, but a lot of 20ish mile rides to Deerfield/Boca, with the occasional longer ride up to Delray if it it's not too damn hot, which is a rare occasion hahah.

 

[theBearJew]

Let's ride when I get back home next summer! I rode a lot this summer, nothing too long, but a lot of 20ish mile rides to Deerfield/Boca, with the occasional longer ride up to Delray if it it's not too damn hot, which is a rare occasion hahah.

Im down man. Im actually doing. Dolphins Cancer Challenge in February. Doing the 54 mile ride, super stoked. Hope I can do it lol. Let me know when you get back down here.

 

[.MASSHOLE.]

Finally pulled the trigger and got a road bike. Looking into getting some shorts and shoes. Friend gave me pedals to clip into. Qny suggestions?

What kind of pedals? SPD? SPD-SL? Crank Bros?

Shorts? I love Castelli, but really whatever fits. Don't skimp on $$$ though. Padding makes a difference.

 

[taylornicky]

Finally pulled the trigger and got a road bike. Looking into getting some shorts and shoes. Friend gave me pedals to clip into. Qny suggestions?

You'll wanna throw down on some nice shoes because the pressure point from the pedal on your foot can get numb during long rides. I have women's shoes now so I can contribute to your search of the brand. As for bike shorts, the gel padding is better than foam padding.

 

[.MASSHOLE.]

You'll wanna throw down on some nice shoes because the pressure point from the pedal on your foot can get numb during long rides. I have women's shoes now so I can contribute to your search of the brand. As for bike shorts, the gel padding is better than foam padding.

Pedal positioning matters more than shoes, it affects pressure points and knee issues.

In regards to bike shorts, go bibs and try on gel vs. foam. I found gel can bunch in places and cause issues. Foam, not so much.

And really important, if you feel ANY sort of pressure or tingling in the privates after a ride, adjust the saddle. You don't wanna fuck around with that.

 

[taylornicky]

Pedal positioning matters more than shoes, it affects pressure points and knee issues.

In regards to bike shorts, go bibs and try on gel vs. foam. I found gel can bunch in places and cause issues. Foam, not so much.

And really important, if you feel ANY sort of pressure or tingling in the privates after a ride, adjust the saddle. You don't wanna fuck around with that.

which i guess brings me to the point of getting your bike fitted. don't just adjust seat height and call it good. a professional bike fitting is important.

 

[.MASSHOLE.]

which i guess brings me to the point of getting your bike fitted. don't just adjust seat height and call it good. a professional bike fitting is important.

Well yeah, but those can be $$$. If he can afford it, definitely do that ASAP.

 

[theBearJew]

Well yeah, but those can be $$$. If he can afford it, definitely do that ASAP.

The shop I bought it from owes me a fitting. One of their promises when you buy the bike. So after I get shoes they said to come back and do it.

 

[theBearJew]

What kind of pedals? SPD? SPD-SL? Crank Bros?

Shorts? I love Castelli, but really whatever fits. Don't skimp on $$$ though. Padding makes a difference.

No idea the type of pedals. These are them though.

 

[Hugh_Conway_jr]

No idea the type of pedals. These are them though.

They are shimano PD-M840 pedals.

 

[Hugh_Conway_jr]

PD-M540 .. my bad. fat fingers.

 

[Hugh_Conway_jr]

I believe you can run two different cleat options, depending on how you want them to release.

I would go with the multiple releases mode SM-SH56 cleat.

but the single release SM-SH51 would also be compatible.

 

[theBearJew]

I believe you can run two different cleat options, depending on how you want them to release.

I would go with the multiple releases mode SM-SH56 cleat.

but the single release SM-SH51 would also be compatible.

How were you able to see them? The images don't show up for me.

I'll look into those.

 

[*TURBONERD*]

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.

Bumping this now that I'm spending time on NS again. For that price, that's a damn solid bike. That said, an aero bike wouldn't be what I'd recommend as a first road bike because you only start to see the areodynamics really pay off upwards of 20 mph. I could be wrong, but most people don't start out that quick. They also generally have a relatively unforgiving ride. The Sram Red alone is worth a decent amount of money, though.

Pics will come when it's in, but waiting on the shop to finish my SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod build. Very excited.

 

[foodisfun]

Bumping this now that I'm spending time on NS again. For that price, that's a damn solid bike. That said, an aero bike wouldn't be what I'd recommend as a first road bike because you only start to see the areodynamics really pay off upwards of 20 mph. I could be wrong, but most people don't start out that quick. They also generally have a relatively unforgiving ride. The Sram Red alone is worth a decent amount of money, though.

Pics will come when it's in, but waiting on the shop to finish my SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod build. Very excited.

Appreciate the advice but too late now haha.

Not sure if I ever posted again this thread but I bought it and absolutely love it (although I would probably love any first bike I bought). I was a beginner road biker but have mtb and other sport backgrounds, so I did start out pretty quick. Definitely don't average over 20mph but I sprint a lot and crush uphills.

I don't notice how unforgiving the ride is since I haven't ridden any other road bike. How it feels is totally fine and how I assumed a road bike would feel. I've done 4 or 5 40+ mile rides and have never been uncomfortable. Maybe if I I was doing 75+ miles it could be a factor but I have no complaints

Never thought I'd be a bib shorts and jersey guy but now I'm the one convincing others of its worth haha

 

[*TURBONERD*]

Appreciate the advice but too late now haha.

Not sure if I ever posted again this thread but I bought it and absolutely love it (although I would probably love any first bike I bought). I was a beginner road biker but have mtb and other sport backgrounds, so I did start out pretty quick. Definitely don't average over 20mph but I sprint a lot and crush uphills.

I don't notice how unforgiving the ride is since I haven't ridden any other road bike. How it feels is totally fine and how I assumed a road bike would feel. I've done 4 or 5 40+ mile rides and have never been uncomfortable. Maybe if I I was doing 75+ miles it could be a factor but I have no complaints

Never thought I'd be a bib shorts and jersey guy but now I'm the one convincing others of its worth haha

I know the feeling. I started riding road bikes to rehab my first torn ACL, and now I ride road more often than XC. CX is amazing too, though.

 

[Ricky420]

We have one of these rotting in our backyard. My dad got it after college and hasn't used it since I came along... I'm thinking about restoring it for when I go off to school, but have no idea where to start. The chain and gears are all rusted, and it needs a new saddle. Any advice?

Go talk to a local shop, it will give you an idea of what a restoration will cost compaired to buying a new bike. And of course the price depends on how much of the new stuff you wish to put on in place of the old.

 

[.CJ.]

I know absolutely nothing about road biking except that I know its a good workout. Should I just read through this thread to find information on a cheap bike to get me started?

 

[Ricky420]

I know absolutely nothing about road biking except that I know its a good workout. Should I just read through this thread to find information on a cheap bike to get me started?

Sure but do other research to figure out what you want in a road bike

 

[saskskier]

Should be picking up some deep carbon tubular wheels this week. Should fit the Merckx a bit better than the entry level Shimano's I've got now.

Starting to get stoked for the upcoming season. I didn't get a full season on my road bike last year, so definitely looking to get out lots.

 

[saskskier]

New wheels (generic, 88mm carbon tubular's), new seat (Ergon SR3) and playing around with different bar tape (hence the two colours). Even though the wheels are super deep, it's crazy how much lighter they are than the crappy Shimano wheelset that were on the bike.

Still need road pedals to replace the mountain bike spd's I threw on last season and will probably look at some wider bars before too long.

Love skiing, but I'm ready for summer.

[img=]858039[/img]

 

[.MASSHOLE.]

New wheels (generic, 88mm carbon tubular's), new seat (Ergon SR3) and playing around with different bar tape (hence the two colours). Even though the wheels are super deep, it's crazy how much lighter they are than the crappy Shimano wheelset that were on the bike.

Still need road pedals to replace the mountain bike spd's I threw on last season and will probably look at some wider bars before too long.

Love skiing, but I'm ready for summer.

[img=]858039[/img]

That is a good looking bike.

 

[saskskier]

That is a good looking bike.

Thanks man. Super stoked on it.

 

[theBearJew]

When you guys are riding 20+ miles or so, whats your average speed? Im still new to this sport and wondering if I'm slow or not.

Usually average about 14-17 mph.

 

[.MASSHOLE.]

When you guys are riding 20+ miles or so, whats your average speed? Im still new to this sport and wondering if I'm slow or not.

Usually average about 14-17 mph.

Groups are 24-25 or so. Solo, it depends on the route. A hilly one, maybe high 18s low 19s. Flat? High 19s to low 20.

But seriously, don't focus on speed. Power is where it's at. That is comparable across routes.

 

[theBearJew]

Groups are 24-25 or so. Solo, it depends on the route. A hilly one, maybe high 18s low 19s. Flat? High 19s to low 20.

But seriously, don't focus on speed. Power is where it's at. That is comparable across routes.

...How does one measure... POWER?

 

[will_powder]

...How does one measure... POWER?

Power meter. Or heart rate monitor for cheaper alternative

 

[No.Quarter]

I've been itching to do some road riding, but ice and fixed gear dont mix too well. This summer if I can scrape together the funds I'm planning on picking up a caad 9 or 10 and swapping all of the drivetrain onto my steel torelli and putting all of the fixed gear parts on the Caad frame. Obviously the most logical thing to do lol

 

[treebeard]

just snagged a 2014 Specialized Allez Race frame for stupid cheap. beyond stoked, and so ready to start my build. right now i'm leaning towards a mostly full 105 groupo, maybe an ultegra rear, or mostly full SRAM rival. no need for the nicest/newest stuff, and i'm trying to do mostly used parts

quick question: i got a set of Campy Chorus Skeleton brake calipers; from a quick search it looks like pretty much any caliper will work with pretty much any shifter (excluding the new shimano design). do any of you guys have experience running a Campy caliper on a shimano/sram shifter?

 

[saskskier]

Not sure if there are compatibility issues, but don't expect to get any compliments running Campy and Shimano together.

The road biking world is cruel and unforgiving.

 

[.MASSHOLE.]

Not sure if there are compatibility issues, but don't expect to get any compliments running Campy and Shimano together.

The road biking world is cruel and unforgiving.

This. You should be fine though

 

[treebeard]

Not sure if there are compatibility issues, but don't expect to get any compliments running Campy and Shimano together.

oh i'm fully aware of compatibility limitations and all that fun stuff. but from my limited understanding, brakes have a little more leeway because they don't need to worry about actuation ratios in the same way as a shifter/derailleur combo? the brake levers might be a tad squishy, or firm, but i don't need them to be race-level responsive. and i know a great bike mechanic, so as long as there aren't any glaring, unavoidable issues i think he'll be able to take care of it

 

[saskskier]

[img=]863713[/img]

Ended up making a pretty spur the moment purchase today. Was looked for something for coffee/grocery runs (not exactly pumped on using the Merckx or Santa Cruz for that purpose).

Found a great deal on a local Volume Cutter with Sugino cranks and Velocity rims laced up to Phil Woods hubs. The wheelset alone is almost worth what I paid for the whole thing.

 

[saskskier]

[img=]863713[/img]

Ended up making a pretty spur the moment purchase today. Was looked for something for coffee/grocery runs (not exactly pumped on using the Merckx or Santa Cruz for that purpose).

Found a great deal on a local Volume Cutter with Sugino cranks and Velocity rims laced up to Phil Woods hubs. The wheelset alone is almost worth what I paid for the whole thing.

(Crappy picture. Will post a better one before long)

 

[treebeard]

It's done! 2014 Specialized Allez Race, custom build. So stoked on this, can't wait for the weather to clear up. The full build took about a month to find all the parts and put it together. Managed to do it for about a third of the cost of the retail complete bike. Went for mostly longevity over weight and performance, but it still weighs in at 19.2 pounds.

Ultegra 2x10 drivetrain, FSA Gossamer crank, Campy Chorus brakes (bring the hate), Shimano RS10 wheels, carbon seatpost/saddle, Power Cordz cables

 

[.MASSHOLE.]

Finally got a few rides in over the weekend.

I have to say, Di2 is the fucking greatest. It's so worth the $$$. Never have to worry about having to anything with shifter cables, you can shift under load, it is so nice and quiet, and best of all, smooth.

 

[will_powder]

[img=]863713[/img]

Ended up making a pretty spur the moment purchase today. Was looked for something for coffee/grocery runs (not exactly pumped on using the Merckx or Santa Cruz for that purpose).

Found a great deal on a local Volume Cutter with Sugino cranks and Velocity rims laced up to Phil Woods hubs. The wheelset alone is almost worth what I paid for the whole thing.

Nice frame and hubs but shame about the hypebeast colours

 

[saskskier]

Nice frame and hubs but shame about the hypebeast colours

I agree completely. It's super ugly, but the price for the parts it has was too good to pass up.

I'm hoping I break the chain soon so have a legit excuse to get rid of this one. Hate coloured chains. I also took off the top tube pad.

Eventually I'll work on replacing everything green with black stuff.