The Road Bike Thread

Hey guys I need some guidance. I have been riding for the last few years and this year I want to step it up and get clipless pedels and bike shoes. I don't know where to start looking though. I will eventually check my local bike shop but not sure what type/brand/price I am looking for.

I ride 2-3 times a week anywhere from 10-20mi and it is pretty hilly. I was thinking of getting a touring or mtn bike shoe to be more comfortable. Any suggestions on brands or websites to check them out?
 
13807891:louie.mirags said:
Hey guys I need some guidance. I have been riding for the last few years and this year I want to step it up and get clipless pedels and bike shoes. I don't know where to start looking though. I will eventually check my local bike shop but not sure what type/brand/price I am looking for.

I ride 2-3 times a week anywhere from 10-20mi and it is pretty hilly. I was thinking of getting a touring or mtn bike shoe to be more comfortable. Any suggestions on brands or websites to check them out?
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Unless you plan on walking around in the shoe, it doesn't matter what kind you get. Price really depends on what you're looking for (i.e. stiffer carbon sole, lighter shoe, etc.) so you can go anywhere from sub-$100 (I believe) to $300+. In regards to pedals, it's a similar story where weight and style dictate price.

road.cc has a lot of reviews that you may find useful for shoes and pedals.
 
13807909:.MASSHOLE. said:
Unless you plan on walking around in the shoe, it doesn't matter what kind you get. Price really depends on what you're looking for (i.e. stiffer carbon sole, lighter shoe, etc.) so you can go anywhere from sub-$100 (I believe) to $300+. In regards to pedals, it's a similar story where weight and style dictate price.

road.cc has a lot of reviews that you may find useful for shoes and pedals.
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thanks dude!
 
13807909:.MASSHOLE. said:
Unless you plan on walking around in the shoe, it doesn't matter what kind you get. Price really depends on what you're looking for (i.e. stiffer carbon sole, lighter shoe, etc.) so you can go anywhere from sub-$100 (I believe) to $300+. In regards to pedals, it's a similar story where weight and style dictate price.

road.cc has a lot of reviews that you may find useful for shoes and pedals.
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http://road.cc/content/review/63061-shimano-pd-5700-105-spd-sl-road-pedal

If I buy these or something similar, is all I need to buy after is the bike shoes? Are they universal or should I also go with the same brand shoe as the pedals?
 
13807922:louie.mirags said:
http://road.cc/content/review/63061-shimano-pd-5700-105-spd-sl-road-pedal

If I buy these or something similar, is all I need to buy after is the bike shoes? Are they universal or should I also go with the same brand shoe as the pedals?
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So, that's a road clip in meaning it goes for a road shoe just as an FYI.

I BELIEVE that all road shoes are compatible with all road pedals because the pedals come with the correct cleats.
 
13807932:.MASSHOLE. said:
So, that's a road clip in meaning it goes for a road shoe just as an FYI.

I BELIEVE that all road shoes are compatible with all road pedals because the pedals come with the correct cleats.
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awesome, thanks for the help man
 
was back on the bike without leggings, long sleeves, and gloves for the first time in months and it felt AMAZING.

kinda bummed I missed out on registration for the TD 5 borough bike tour though
 
Never ride anymore but rode about 35 miles last weekend. Also got a free road bike somebody left. Doubt I'll keep it when I bounce but it's nice to have wheels.
 
50km on my fixie this afternoon. Stopped for lunch and coffee in the middle and a kept pretty easy pace, but holy crap, my quads were blowing up over the last few km's.

Nice to be out again after a couple of weeks of rain and snow.
 
I'll hop in on this thread. April has been a solid month for getting outside and off of the trainer, especially since there is still plenty of light left after work. Working on sharpening up those tan lines.

Any one here who turns their own wrenches, could you recommend a good bike stand and torque wrench?
 
13809521:.MASSHOLE. said:
God damn the first hot ride of the season takes it out of you
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Pretty much every ride is hot as hell in South Florida, it blows. Only way to avoid it is going out before the sun comes up but ain't nobody got time for that.
 
13811205:bstuck1 said:
I'll hop in on this thread. April has been a solid month for getting outside and off of the trainer, especially since there is still plenty of light left after work. Working on sharpening up those tan lines.

Any one here who turns their own wrenches, could you recommend a good bike stand and torque wrench?
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Honestly, Parktools is the way to go for most bike tools and stands. The tools are expensive, but they're quality. The stands run about the same price as most other companies
 
So I'm trying to buy a bike that I can use for a couple of things:

-longer road biking. Ive gone on longer rides but really want to get into it

-touring and camping. Don't really need rack mounts, but want something I could use for this

-and around town

For these do you think I should focus on a more road-oriented bike that I can then use for some tours or get a CX or "adventure" bike and just be okay with the worse road performance?
 
13818796:DFJ said:
So I'm trying to buy a bike that I can use for a couple of things:

-longer road biking. Ive gone on longer rides but really want to get into it

-touring and camping. Don't really need rack mounts, but want something I could use for this

-and around town

For these do you think I should focus on a more road-oriented bike that I can then use for some tours or get a CX or "adventure" bike and just be okay with the worse road performance?
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I think I'd probably look at 'gravel' style bikes. Geo tends to be a bit more relaxed and there is more tire clearance, but you can still run normal tires and not really sacrifice much performance. You'll also probably be able to run disks, which is really one of the only things I don't like about my bike (not disk compatible).
 
13818796:DFJ said:
So I'm trying to buy a bike that I can use for a couple of things:

-longer road biking. Ive gone on longer rides but really want to get into it

-touring and camping. Don't really need rack mounts, but want something I could use for this

-and around town

For these do you think I should focus on a more road-oriented bike that I can then use for some tours or get a CX or "adventure" bike and just be okay with the worse road performance?
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If you're looking at touring/camping, I'm assuming that means 'off-road". If you plan on going off-road, you're going to want two things, tire clearance and disc brakes. Because you're doing longer rides, you're going to want a more relaxed geometry. As someone above suggested, look at gravel-style bikes. CX are more aggressive and may not be suited to longer rides.

Gravel bikes include Focus Parlane, Specialized Diverge, any Niner RLT model, any Norco Search model, Specialized Sequoia, Trek Crockett, Cannondale Slate, and a host of others.

If you're on a budget, look used CX then. If you have $$$, a ton of companies are coming out with Gravel-Bikes. Most should have fender mounts (important for wet weather), but double check on pannier mounts.
 


Thanks for the advice. That makes sense.

Unless I find a good deal on a gravel bike I might just get the best road bike I can afford and get into biking shape doing that (and mtb with a bike I already have) and then in 6 months or a year get a cool gravel or adventure bike just for long tours and exploring.

Honestly, Im just excited to go on some long rides and explore, which I could easily do with a road bike.
 
13818896:DFJ said:
Thanks for the advice. That makes sense.

Unless I find a good deal on a gravel bike I might just get the best road bike I can afford and get into biking shape doing that (and mtb with a bike I already have) and then in 6 months or a year get a cool gravel or adventure bike just for long tours and exploring.

Honestly, Im just excited to go on some long rides and explore, which I could easily do with a road bike.
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Go for it! There are budget options too for gravel bikes, you just have to look for them. They won't be big names like Trek, Specialized Focus, etc. but they'll make good bikes.
 
I've been looking at gravel/adventure/whatever bikes recently too. I got a new job that'll probably be more regular hours and I kinda want to start riding after work, more or less every night. The canonnondale quick cx4 or adventure, GT transeo and stuff like that seem affordable (to me at least) without dropping 1 grand on a decent hardtail mtb.

Will a road bike fold in half if I hit a pothole or jump up or down a curb? That's kinda why I want one of these adventure type bikes with front suspension. That and I'll probably end up in the woods or off the road at some point but I'm not going to be doing actual trail/mountain bike stuff.

Are these bikes "customizable?" By that I mean say I wanted to get lower or flatter bars or change out components? You can do that with these the same way you can with mountain bikes right? Like if I wanted those clip pedals, I could take the stock ones off and switch for clip ones, provided I got ones to fit the cranks and whatever. Or does it not work like that?
 
13818983:DrZoidberg said:
I've been looking at gravel/adventure/whatever bikes recently too. I got a new job that'll probably be more regular hours and I kinda want to start riding after work, more or less every night. The canonnondale quick cx4 or adventure, GT transeo and stuff like that seem affordable (to me at least) without dropping 1 grand on a decent hardtail mtb.

Will a road bike fold in half if I hit a pothole or jump up or down a curb? That's kinda why I want one of these adventure type bikes with front suspension. That and I'll probably end up in the woods or off the road at some point but I'm not going to be doing actual trail/mountain bike stuff.

Are these bikes "customizable?" By that I mean say I wanted to get lower or flatter bars or change out components? You can do that with these the same way you can with mountain bikes right? Like if I wanted those clip pedals, I could take the stock ones off and switch for clip ones, provided I got ones to fit the cranks and whatever. Or does it not work like that?
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Watch this if you're concerned about road bike durability.


They can hold up to a lot. I'd reckon that the bikes you listed couldn't do half the stuff they do in that video without breaking.

So the Cannondale Quick and Adventure series aren't a MTB series, they're a fitness/commuter series.They can handle off-road stuff, but they're not going to be too much fun if you want to ride long distance.

If you're going "off-road" like a hard-packed dirt road, gravel, etc. than any bike with 32mm+ tires should suffice. Since you're on a budget (bikes aren't cheap), your best bet is a used CX bike. That can be used for off-road (google cyclocross races if you want to see what they can go through) as well as on-road with minimal performance loss.

You can customize bikes, but changing a road bike with drop bars to flat bars and vice versa messes with the geometry. You can easily change pedals, saddles, cranks, gearing, etc. just check to make sure it's compatible (can't throw 11 speed shifters with 10 speed gearing, 38mm tires on a frame that can only fit 32mm etc.
 
13818990:.MASSHOLE. said:
Watch this if you're concerned about road bike durability.

So the Cannondale Quick and Adventure series aren't a MTB series, they're a fitness/commuter series.They can handle off-road stuff, but they're not going to be too much fun if you want to ride long distance.

If you're going "off-road" like a hard-packed dirt road, gravel, etc. than any bike with 32mm+ tires should suffice. Since you're on a budget (bikes aren't cheap), your best bet is a used CX bike. That can be used for off-road (google cyclocross races if you want to see what they can go through) as well as on-road with minimal performance loss.

You can customize bikes, but changing a road bike with drop bars to flat bars and vice versa messes with the geometry. You can easily change pedals, saddles, cranks, gearing, etc. just check to make sure it's compatible (can't throw 11 speed shifters with 10 speed gearing, 38mm tires on a frame that can only fit 32mm etc.
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Okay that makes sense.

A: damn they're expensive new.

B: So are those drop type bars uncomfortable for longer rides or is that normal? I surf a lot so my back isn't bad or anything. There's a bike store I can go to so I'll probably see what they have that I can sit on. I'm really short so I'd imagine I need a small bike, but I also won't have to hunch over as much as a tall guy to grab those low bars.
 
13807891:louie.mirags said:
Hey guys I need some guidance. I have been riding for the last few years and this year I want to step it up and get clipless pedels and bike shoes. I don't know where to start looking though. I will eventually check my local bike shop but not sure what type/brand/price I am looking for.

I ride 2-3 times a week anywhere from 10-20mi and it is pretty hilly. I was thinking of getting a touring or mtn bike shoe to be more comfortable. Any suggestions on brands or websites to check them out?
Click to expand...

If youre still on the hunt for good pedsls check out Crankbrothers. They make great pedals that are super lightweight. They have a host of models too that you can pick from to suit your needs. They are more of a MTB pedal but myself as well as my buddies use them on our CX bikes. Just be sure the shoes you get can mount the Crankbrothers cleat, because its different than a standard shimano cleat.
 
13818998:DrZoidberg said:
Okay that makes sense.

A: damn they're expensive new.

B: So are those drop type bars uncomfortable for longer rides or is that normal? I surf a lot so my back isn't bad or anything. There's a bike store I can go to so I'll probably see what they have that I can sit on. I'm really short so I'd imagine I need a small bike, but I also won't have to hunch over as much as a tall guy to grab those low bars.
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Biking isn't cheap, but you can find used bikes at a good price on craigslist.

Dropbars are better. You have three positions. 1. The drops. 2. Hoods (straight parts above drops). 3. Flat-style.
 
Those questioning how durable road bikes are

[video]https://www.facebook.com/redbull/videos/10158875924325352/[/video]
 
13819016:.MASSHOLE. said:
Those questioning how durable road bikes are

[video]https://www.facebook.com/redbull/videos/10158875924325352/[/video]
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That man has nerves of steel to do that

But yeah bikes are stronger than you'd imagine
 
Looking at either a Specialized Allez for about $750 or a Cannondale Synapse Sora for like $875 (last years model). The Allez has Shimano Claris instead of Sora. Other than those components, do you guys have suggestions or ideas about which is better? They felt pretty similar. The Allez maybe a little more comfortable.
 
13819199:DFJ said:
Looking at either a Specialized Allez for about $750 or a Cannondale Synapse Sora for like $875 (last years model). The Allez has Shimano Claris instead of Sora. Other than those components, do you guys have suggestions or ideas about which is better? They felt pretty similar. The Allez maybe a little more comfortable.
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What year are the bikes and components? Sora is 9 speed, Claris is 8 if they're current year. 9 is better than 8. 10 is better than 9. 11 is better than 10. Di2 is better than mech :D. But I digress.

The bikes are rather different geometry. The Synapse is much more of an endurance frame vs. the Allez which is more of a race frame (and very aggressive if you get the Sprint version). But material-wise, they're about the same. Choose which you like more, you can always upgrade to 105 rather easily.
 
13819209:.MASSHOLE. said:
What year are the bikes and components? Sora is 9 speed, Claris is 8 if they're current year. 9 is better than 8. 10 is better than 9. 11 is better than 10. Di2 is better than mech :D. But I digress.

The bikes are rather different geometry. The Synapse is much more of an endurance frame vs. the Allez which is more of a race frame (and very aggressive if you get the Sprint version). But material-wise, they're about the same. Choose which you like more, you can always upgrade to 105 rather easily.
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Interesting. The Allez actually felt a little less aggressive, but I also need to try them out again. I feel like either way I'll have a nice starter road bike.
 
13819254:DFJ said:
Interesting. The Allez actually felt a little less aggressive, but I also need to try them out again. I feel like either way I'll have a nice starter road bike.
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It could be a lot of things, but if you were to compare a slammed stem on both, the Synapse would be a more relaxed position.

But you can't go wrong with either.

On another note, getting REALLY close to pushing 21mph as an average speed for a 22 mile ride. Hit 20.9 tonight :|
 
13819254:DFJ said:
Interesting. The Allez actually felt a little less aggressive, but I also need to try them out again. I feel like either way I'll have a nice starter road bike.
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Have you looked at the Giant Contend. I feel like Giant is better at speccing out better components across the board than any other brand out there. You tend to get more bike for the buck with them.
 
13819326:Session said:
Have you looked at the Giant Contend. I feel like Giant is better at speccing out better components across the board than any other brand out there. You tend to get more bike for the buck with them.
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Oh my god. I completely forgot about that line.

Seriously, Giant offers perhaps the BEST entry level bikes for their cost.
 
I went to the bike store today and rode a few different bikes. I actually don't think I'm a fan of the drop bars, relative to the flat bars. I rode a giant anyroad and a roam 2. Seems like a lot of people hate on hybrids, but it seems like a good idea for me if I'll only have one bike for everything. I went and looked at the areas I used to ride through (on a front suspension bike years ago) and they're still not quite paved, flat, or gravel roads. They're more like just regular woods floor with roots, bumps, dirt and such. All the shortcuts through the woods to various parts of town still exist more or less, which is nice to see. The roam 2 has lockout on the fork so that'll help on roads. I'll have to think about it.

Also the difference between sizes is quite big and I totally had the wrong size bike for my entire life. I have to reach too far forward on the mediums but the small has a much more comfy reach. I had no idea there was such a difference.
 
Went out riding for the first time in many months yesterday and holy shit I'm out of shape. Definitely gonna take a while to get back into it. Felt so good getting back out on my bike though.
 
Knocked out a solid 100km today, feels great. Bike tan is coming in now though, need it to warm up so I can even it out before it gets too bad.

Oh, and the n+1 desire is real. Thinking of snagging a Scott Addict Team Issue frame for $1400
 
13820147:.MASSHOLE. said:
Knocked out a solid 100km today, feels great. Bike tan is coming in now though, need it to warm up so I can even it out before it gets too bad.

Oh, and the n+1 desire is real. Thinking of snagging a Scott Addict Team Issue frame for $1400
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Scott makes some unreal bikes, I just picked up my Devinci hatchet and already want a gambler
 
13820182:Bdoobz said:
Scott makes some unreal bikes, I just picked up my Devinci hatchet and already want a gambler
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The Addict Team Issue frame also goes for like $4000 normally, $1500 is a steal.

It's really hard not to buy it.
 
13820191:.MASSHOLE. said:
The Addict Team Issue frame also goes for like $4000 normally, $1500 is a steal.

It's really hard not to buy it.
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Its a great bike. Trying to not buy more bikes/gear is super hard. I should probably look into a car but theres something about bikes
 
About to purchase a Scott Addict Team Issue frame for $1500.

Was also told the store would work with me on lightly-used demo UDi2 gruppo. If it's under $530 for the FD, RD, and shifters, I'm so interested. That's what they're going for online these days given that they're about to come out with the next-gen Ultegra.

Now to find Rotor 3d cranks, a p2m powermeter, some wheels, and then a cockpit set up I like. Still going to have about $1500 in expenses after dropping close to $2100. Woof.

N+1 is real.
 
13820743:.MASSHOLE. said:
About to purchase a Scott Addict Team Issue frame for $1500.

Was also told the store would work with me on lightly-used demo UDi2 gruppo. If it's under $530 for the FD, RD, and shifters, I'm so interested. That's what they're going for online these days given that they're about to come out with the next-gen Ultegra.

Now to find Rotor 3d cranks, a p2m powermeter, some wheels, and then a cockpit set up I like. Still going to have about $1500 in expenses after dropping close to $2100. Woof.

N+1 is real.
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Sounds like an unreal build, if you go for it post some pics!
 
13820771:Bdoobz said:
Sounds like an unreal build, if you go for it post some pics!
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Will do. Frame is all but purchased. Been emailing with the shop, hoping I can get that UDi2 down to sub-$530 for the parts I need given that online and new is cheaper. I'd love to give them my business but I'm going to pinch pennies where I can so I can afford some nice rims.

Dream wheels are some ENVE 3.4s....But that $2700 price tag is not attractive when you can get Reynolds, Boyds, etc. for half that.
 
13820781:.MASSHOLE. said:
Will do. Frame is all but purchased. Been emailing with the shop, hoping I can get that UDi2 down to sub-$530 for the parts I need given that online and new is cheaper. I'd love to give them my business but I'm going to pinch pennies where I can so I can afford some nice rims.

Dream wheels are some ENVE 3.4s....But that $2700 price tag is not attractive when you can get Reynolds, Boyds, etc. for half that.
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ENVE stuff is great, wish i could afford for my CX bike. That'll be an unreal rig if you get it all set up
 
Picked up the frame.

That mother fucker is LIGHT. ~1100 grams for fork+frame.

I've got my UDi2 on the way, Ritchey stem and Superlogic II bars, just waiting on wheels. Can't make up my mind there.

Could spend $750 on some Mavic's, DT Swiss, or Fulcrums. Bah.

So far I'm only in for ~$2700 for a bike that should run me $8000+ new.
 
13822292:.MASSHOLE. said:
Picked up the frame.

That mother fucker is LIGHT. ~1100 grams for fork+frame.

I've got my UDi2 on the way, Ritchey stem and Superlogic II bars, just waiting on wheels. Can't make up my mind there.

Could spend $750 on some Mavic's, DT Swiss, or Fulcrums. Bah.

So far I'm only in for ~$2700 for a bike that should run me $8000+ new.
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Damn, sounds great so far!
 
Just did my first longer road ride. Felt awesome! I'm hoping to do a century by the end of the summer.

Also, how do you guys find good long routes to ride? Do you just link together random country roads or look online and maps?
 
I haven't ridden my road bike in like a month. Broke some spokes on my rear wheel last month and it's been in the shop since. They had to order spokes, but I think I need to bug those guys. I should probably pick up a second set of wheels though...
 
13822307:DFJ said:
Also, how do you guys find good long routes to ride? Do you just link together random country roads or look online and maps?
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I've checked strava before to see what other people are doing and found some cool stuff. Also just used google maps street view to see if the road looks bike friendly. Randomly exploring is also fun for me, but the rides tend to be shorter/slower cause I'm stopping every few miles to see where I am
 
13822307:DFJ said:
Just did my first longer road ride. Felt awesome! I'm hoping to do a century by the end of the summer.

Also, how do you guys find good long routes to ride? Do you just link together random country roads or look online and maps?
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I use google maps primarily but also have just noticed where I've seen bikers when driving.

You can also go to local shops and ask what they recommend.
 
13822307:DFJ said:
Just did my first longer road ride. Felt awesome! I'm hoping to do a century by the end of the summer.

Also, how do you guys find good long routes to ride? Do you just link together random country roads or look online and maps?
Click to expand...

I've found a lot of good routes just by googling "road biking routes in (whatever city you live in)"
 
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