The biking thread

[DustDriver]

I'm currently happy with half that amount per month and my bike costs €750, so I'm nicely on track

Did my first mtb tour in over 10 years yesterday.
40km mix of harder ground and sand.

The road tires held up nicely, only sliding away when I misjudged a couple of corners.
Made it up most of the hills, unless it was very sandy. But tires didn't make much of a difference looking at other cyclists.

 

[phillgt2002]

Getting ready for another 3 hour ride at 10AM

Edit: Damn. Isolated T-storms at a 30% chance and a high of 95 degrees. I took a break yesterday but I think I have to do some working out today. Hopefully it doesn't get extremely humid after it rains.

 

[ussr]

I ride bike marathons 60 km distance every two weeks, that takes me around 3 hours to finish one marathon, kind of slow but i don't care. I'm still the winner if i ride from start to finish in one piece.

 

[phillgt2002]

I'm still the winner if i ride from start to finish in one piece.

My ride was cut short about 1 hour. My shorts ripped from the zipper to my ass almost. Such an embarrassing ride back. And why does Hanes make boxers without buttons on the front?

 

[NocturnalPS]

I've found perfect wrench for me, it has 2nm to 24nm, i can use it only with small parts like seat posts and brakes also, those small force required.

Did you by change get the Sunlite Torque Bit Wrench Set? I found that this bad boy comes in real handy with all the carbon bits that I have.

I don't know how on earth I lived without one for so long.

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

So I've been looking at Human Powered Vehicles (HPVs) lately... and I want one!

As you've probably noticed, most are based on modified recumbent bikes

 

[W3H5]

I've been looking at them for years. They certainly are cool machines. In fact, I believe that recumbent bikes were banned from the Tour De France in the early days for being too fast!

 

[phillgt2002]

This one has a badass design. Definitely a cool way of transportation.

Also, I just ordered this.

 

[W3H5]

That finish line is good stuff. It's the same gear I use. One small bottle should last a few years depending on how often you lube. I clean and oil once every 3 months if I use the bike regularly.

 

[alpacaflip]

While downhilling today I ran over somebody's Santa Cruz on my bike, I have never done that before

 

[phillgt2002]

Well this sucks. I was heading home and I didn't notice a decent rock on the road until too late. I tried dodging it and I successfully did so, but I got hurt doing so. The only thing protecting my leg from the ground was the pedal, and I could hear the pedal scraping the ground. This wound is small but deep, I don't know what I hit. Well the bad part is that when I suprisingly recovered from the near crash I had nowhere else to veer off too besides a decently sized curb. I hit the curb going a decent speed and I know some people would ask why I just didn't brake and that's because I had no chance to.

The front wheel is bent, hopefully my bike shop can true wheels this bad.

 

[Greycap]

The do-it-all "when I grow up I want to be a Stumpjumper" Camber emerges from the workshop after another set of upgrades. Not far from being perfect to my needs now.

 

[Submerged]

I'll be sticking with the most basic stock parts but they are available in so many colours and such I'm lost on what to get.

Help!

Here are some of the combinations available, but bear in mind that I'm not looking for 'flashy' just utilitarian and minimal (so mostly black, white or grey).

You get the idea. The thing is, these bikes are going for ~500元 which is pretty much the cost of a new shirt. I don't care if the parts are crap since I can replace bit here and there and it'll only get smashed and abused in Thailand anyway since I won't be parking it indoors (unless I get really attached to it and it becomes a money pit).

Talking about that fixies, I've been thinking about getting one of those as a beater bike or for causal rides here (as its so flat and featureless in Shanghai!) and get a relatively average roadie for some longer, more fitness orientated rides.

Fixies, being in loud obnoxious colours (which is actually a plus, bizarrely enough for me) at 500 to 700 kuai (50 to 70 quid) sounds cheap enough for a punt, while getting a slightly more expensive road bike.

Thing is, there is a Giant bike shop near me that does have an entry level road bike, an OCR 3500 (I think) for 2,400 RMB (about 240 quid). Personally... its too new for my taste at the moment, but that price point was a bit surprising for me. I was hoping not to spend more than 1,500 RMB (150 quid) on a nearly new, used or just a new road bike that has very very average parts on it, but is good enough for 200 or so kilometres.

Decisions!

 

[TheYaShoe]

\It's an amazing little unit really and once uploading the info to Garmin Connect after a ride a lot of info is there to be looked at at any time you want.
\

New to this forum. Have you ever heard of..cough, strava, cough..(Google it!) You can compete against other people who ride their bikes in the same locations as you. There's timed segments, where you compete for a time against other people. Anyways, if you do ever end up trying it, (you have the perfect GPS(same as mine)) have fun with your addiction and say goodbye to any "Easy rides".

Sorry if it was already mentioned in this thread. I just found this thread 👍

 

[ExigeEvan]

So I've been looking at Human Powered Vehicles (HPVs) lately... and I want one!

The heat!? The blind spots? For soap box racing they'd be amazing, but you'd never, ever catch me in one on the open street.

 

[Shaun]

New to this forum. Have you ever heard of..cough, strava, cough..(Google it!) You can compete against other people who ride their bikes in the same locations as you. There's timed segments, where you compete for a time against other people. Anyways, if you do ever end up trying it, (you have the perfect GPS(same as mine)) have fun with your addiction and say goodbye to any "Easy rides".

Sorry if it was already mentioned in this thread. I just found this thread 👍

Yeah, I use Strava also.
As you would no the data can be uploaded straight from the Garmin to Strava.
In general I find Stava better than the software from Garmin but connect is handy for plotting courses then uploading them to the Edge.

Oh and welcome to GTPlanet. 👍
What do you ride?

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

you'd never, ever catch me.

... that's the point

I would never use one in a busy area, not in the U.K at least, even though some have crash-resistant shells and crumple zones that don't include your legs or face.

If I ever bought one I would buy one with all the bells and whistles. Electric assist motor to help with acceleration and climbing hills, solar panels (and better energy recovery systems when they become available) and a separate battery to run lights, rear-view camera, fans, etc.

There are a few videos on YouTube of people commuting in them, which I found interesting.

 

[TheYaShoe]

Yeah, I use Strava also.
As you would no the data can be uploaded straight from the Garmin to Strava.
In general I find Stava better than the software from Garmin but connect is handy for plotting courses then uploading them to the Edge.

Oh and welcome to GTPlanet. 👍
What do you ride?

I've been on GTP for a while, it's just I haven't seen this thread. I'm a mountain biker, pretty competitive. I ride a Scott Scale 900 RC. Stupidly good bike 👍

What do you ride?

 

[phillgt2002]

I ride a Scott Scale 900 RC. Stupidly good bike 👍

This?

That's a badass bike. I love road bikes but the freedom of the mountain bikes is just awesome.

 

[TheYaShoe]

This?



That's a badass bike. I love road bikes but the freedom of the mountain bikes is just awesome.

More of a this

I completely agree with you. I also have a road bike for training for more of a steady endurance ride, or if I need more specific interval training to be done that can't be done in a forest 👍 Honestly, I love riding both. The freedom of riding a bike at all is amazing. Doesn't matter whether your taking a nice easy ride on the road road with some nice scenery, or tearing up trails going your fastest on a mountain bike. It's so fun!

Edit: Forgot to mention. Mine is an all shimano drivetrain.

 

[ussr]

Riding a bike sometimes it's not all fun and sunshine. For people who ride their bikes in sport mode it's really hard work.

I love to be tired afterward and being unable to fully jump in the air lifting my legs up. 👍 That is where i know it was a good racing marathon / XC race

 

[Yukon]

I visited a bike shop this morning, as I wasn't keen on buying something I know not a lot about but want to get in to off the internet. Breathe.

Basically, I want to start Road Biking, so I was asking the man quite a few questions and absorbing all of the information I could remember. I'd be going with a 56cm frame, as I'm 5ft 10" - and he said that I wouldn't necessarily need to start off with a beginners bike. I don't particularly want too, either. He was showing me the differences with the gearing between certain bikes as-well as the differences in the frames and forks.

Now, since the only brands the shop stock are Trek and Specialized, I'm quite restricted on what to go for, unless you guys can recommend something else for someone who's just starting out. I'm quite interested in the following bikes and was wondering what you guys think. Good / Bad / Any personal experience with them?

Trek 1 Series 1.5

Trek Domane 2.0

Specialized Allez Elite

Personal preference is going towards the Specialized Bike, which is also available in Sport and costs nearly £200 less, but I quite like the White Frame, as-well as it being a 10 Speed and not a 9 Speed. However, I'm open to all advice and would love to hear what you guys have to say.

 

[TheYaShoe]

Riding a bike sometimes it's not all fun and sunshine. For people who ride their bikes in sport mode it's really hard work.

I love to be tired afterward and being unable to fully jump in the air lifting my legs up. 👍 That is where i know it was a good racing marathon / XC race

Well that is what I was saying. I love racing, that's why I do it. It's loving the pain during a race that splits people up from people who can take an hour and a half of pain and people who go out for fun rides. Winning and losing. But when your done, best feeling in the world... Especially if you finished well!

 

[Starciller]

Go for the Domane or the Allez, they are both excellent bikes but I would say Allez being a Specialized fan myself.

 

[TheYaShoe]

Go for the Domane or the Allez, they are both excellent bikes but I would say Allez being a Specialized fan myself.

I'd go for the Domane for the same reason you'd go for the specialized All 3 of them are good bikes 👍

 

[Starciller]

I have found a new enemy...

 

[Sprite]

Ok guys, I've been riding a GT Outpost with Kenda small block eight tires for the last year or so and I've got to a point where I don't ride enough of the rough stuff and more roads and cycle paths etc.

The Kenda tires are great for both a bit of scrub, gravel and light mud, but just as nice on tarmac. However I'm leaning towards a lighter bike and something with no suspension and back towards a road bike.

I've been looking at a few bikes and I saw the Kona Dew Deluxe the other day (2012 model) for £500 brand new, but then I've seen the spec of the 2013 Dr Dew model and it looks great. Do any of you guys have experience with hybrid bikes / commuter bikes and is the spec of the Kona a good choice. The 2013 incidentally is £900 but I cant decide. The 2013 Dew Deluxe looks horrendous.

2012 Kona Dew Deluxe

• Frame: Kona 7005 Aluminium Butted
• Fork: Kona Project Two Aluminium
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Alivio
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore SGS
• Number of Gears: 27
• Shifters: Shimano Alivio
• Chainset: FSA Alpha Drive
• Chainrings: 48/38/28
• Bottom Bracket: FSA
• Cassette: Shimano HG30 11-32 9-spd
• Chain: Shimano HG53
• Pedals: Wellgo LU-A9
• Brake Calipers: Shimano M445 Hydraulic Disc
• Brake Levers: Shimano M445 Hydraulic Disc
• Front Brake Rotor: Shimano 160mm
• Rear Brake Rotor: Shimano 160mm
• Handlebars: Kona Aluminium Riser
• Stem: Kona Control
• Headset: TH Internal
• Grips: Kona Race Light
• Rims: Alex DC-25
• Front Hub: Shimano Disc
• Rear Hub: Shimano Disc
• Spokes: Sandvik Stainless 15g fr / 14g rr
• Front Tyre: Continental CityRIDE 700×32C
• Rear Tyre: Continental CityRIDE 700×32C
• Saddle: Kona Comfort
• Seatpost: Kona Thumb
• Seat Binder: Kona QR
• Extra Features: Kona Bell

Dr Dew 2013

• Frame: Kona 6061 Aluminium Butted
• Fork: Kona Project Two Aluminium Disc
• Front Derailleur: Sram Via Centro
• Rear Derailleur: Sram Via Centro
• Number of Gears: 20
• Shifters: Sram Via Centro
• Chainset: Sram Via Centro
• Chainrings: 48/32 Tooth
• Bottom Bracket: Sram Powerspline
• Cassette: Sram PG1030 11-36t 10 spd
• Chain: Sram PC1031
• Pedals: VP 198
• Front Brake: Avid Elixir 3, HS1 160mm Rotor
• Rear Brake: Avid Elixir 3, HS1 160mm Rotor
• Brake Levers: Avid Elixir 3
• Handlebars: Kona Deluxe Energy
• Stem: Kona Commuter Deluxe
• Headset: TH ZST No.10
• Grips: Velo Ergo
• Rims: Freedom by WTB Ryder 21
• Front Hub: Formula
• Rear Hub: Shimano M475
• Spokes: Sandvik Stainless 15g fr / 14g rr
• Front Tyre: Continental CityRide 700×32C
• Rear Tyre: Continental CityRide 700×32C
• Saddle: Freedom by WTB Aon
• Seatpost: Kona Double Clamp w/Offset
• Seat Clamp: Kona Clamp
• Accessories: Kona Bell
• Extra Features: Lifetime Warranty
• Weight: Not Specified

Any thoughts or opinions?

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

I visited a bike shop this morning...

Find your size in the shop, buy bike from the internet, get the bike fitted to you and buy pedals, cleats and shoes in the shop.

Out of the bikes you posted, I wouldn't go with any of them, unless £900 is the absolute limit that you can afford. In that case I'd go for the Allez.

For just over £1000 you can get yourself a bike equipped with 105, which is a much better deal than £900 for Tiagra (plus you often get a better, branded finishing kit). Cannondale CAAD 8 105, Cube Peloton Race 105 (I have this bike and it is fantastic), you might even be able to find a beautiful Wilier 105 for a little bit more - I'm sure I'm missing some others too.

Look at this bike as an investment that will last many, many years. If you skimp and buy a bike with Tiagra you will always wish that you had spent a few hundred more and got a 105-equipped steed - and you will probably end up upgrading it. If you go with 105 and an alloy frame, you will never need to upgrade anything (the only thing that I would like to upgrade on my Cube is the wheelset, but that's through want rather than need).

EDIT: Sprite, I can't help you I'm afraid, as I have no experience with commuter bikes, but Kona bikes are often quite overpriced for what they are. Typing 'Best commuter bikes 2013' into Google and looking for reviews from sites like BikeRadar wouldn't be a bad idea, though.

 

[phillgt2002]

Personal preference is going towards the Specialized Bike, which is also available in Sport and costs nearly £200 less, but I quite like the White Frame, as-well as it being a 10 Speed and not a 9 Speed. However, I'm open to all advice and would love to hear what you guys have to say.

Okay. Don't take everything I say about this bike literally. The Schwinn Prelude is a killer bike for the price. I've seen and ridden one in person and it's fairly good.

I know the person at the bike shop said it's okay to start off with a nicer bike but I think that listening to people at those shops is just poison. The people at my shop were going to charge me $250 for repairing an old mountain bike that only needed like $70 in work. Get advice from them in terms of how to get your bike fitted and how to install things but other than that, most bike shops over charge their customers for nearly everything.. So.. go with something cheaper when you first start, not too cheap, but good enough to get you started and biking for a while.

 

[Shaun]

I've been on GTP for a while, it's just I haven't seen this thread. I'm a mountain biker, pretty competitive. I ride a Scott Scale 900 RC. Stupidly good bike 👍

What do you ride?

Currently this, but watch this space.

@ Yukon, I'd say go with the Specialized . But see if you can find a little more cash for something a bit up the tree more. As Marina said look at 105 gear and you will be happy. Trust me, been there done that.