June 15th, 2010, 02:39 PM | #1 |
Ride it like you stole it
Name: Jeremy
Location: Bama
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R, '04 R6(sold) Posts: 362
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Question for the bicycle gurus
I have been riding recreational Mtbs for some time now and have always wanted to get in to road riding. I have spent the past year looking for a nice used entry level bike to cut my teeth on. I don't have alot of extra money to drop on this, my wife would kill me.
Sooooo, to get to the point. A co-worker offers to trade me his mint condition 2009 Trek 1.2 (200 miles on it) for one of my Mt Bikes . He is basically wanting to unload it and knows how much I wanted one. The problem is, its a 54cm frame. Thats a little bit big for me based some measurements my LBS took last year when I was looking. I was in the 50-52cm area. For me, this is the deal of the century, its my ticket into road riding. I did ride it for 20+ miles on a test run and it feels fine . Should 2-4cm keep me away from this deal? Is fit that specific where 2-4cm is gonna ruin the ride? Even if I just ride it for a year or so to make sure I like the road vs. dirt. |
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June 15th, 2010, 02:43 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Andrew
Location: Vancouver, BC
Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 410
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My recommendation as someone who has been riding his whole life and in recent years has never rode better since only using properly fitted bikes - DON'T DO IT!
One of two things will happen: 1. You won't like the fit but will stick with it and have aches and pains 2. You will spend money to make it fit that will make the good deal not so good. Good fit = good riding |
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June 15th, 2010, 02:58 PM | #3 |
Livin' the Minimoto Life
Name: Mark
Location: Riding around in TX
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.
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Agreed. Stick with what you know.
If 50-52 is your ideal setup, stick with it. It may be possible to just drop in a shorter bar stem, as I went with a slightly longer one on my 1.5, but it really depends on you. I've seen the 1.2 go for $700 brand new. Not bad for an entry level bike. I didn't get it just because of the shifters on it. I prefer the Tiagra style shifters instead of the Sora. Your call though! I'm a believer in "fit the bike to you, don't try to fit yourself to the bike". Like Andrew said, that leads to aches and pains that you wouldn't have if it was fitted to you.
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June 15th, 2010, 04:08 PM | #4 |
Ride it like you stole it
Name: Jeremy
Location: Bama
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R, '04 R6(sold) Posts: 362
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Wow, so 2-4cm makes that much of a difference ?
here it is... |
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June 15th, 2010, 04:22 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org member
Name: LMG
Location: nyc
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja EX250J Posts: 177
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do not purchase a bike that doesn't fit you, you're liable to injure yourself. did you have any pain in your lower back or knees after the ride? did you notice if you placed more weight on your handlebars or your seat? did you try riding in the drops?
if you and your wife feel comfortable then make the trade, ebay the frame and replace it with one that fits. do you have a photo of your mountain bike? |
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June 15th, 2010, 04:41 PM | #6 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: don
Location: Port Elgin NB Canada
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 blue ninja 250R Posts: 742
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Thanks for the advice. I'm looking for a road bike to add to an old Peugot from the '80's. This reminds me to make sure whatever I get fits.
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June 17th, 2010, 07:23 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 and ZX-12R 2000 Posts: A lot.
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You can purchase a Cannondale frame/fork in your size and build your own bike for a lot less $$$$$$. You will then have a custom bike built to fit you. In the future, if you want to upgrade, Cannondale will take the frame/fork in trade.
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June 17th, 2010, 07:01 PM | #8 |
Ride it like you stole it
Name: Jeremy
Location: Bama
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R, '04 R6(sold) Posts: 362
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I went to the LBS today. They all agreed it was a bit too big for me. Hours later, I added a few dollars + the bike and ended up with a new Specialized Allez fits me just fine. Now I have to wait a week for my color to get here.
Last futzed with by JokerSeven; June 18th, 2010 at 12:41 PM. |
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June 18th, 2010, 05:06 AM | #9 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
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The Allez is a decent bike to start off with, nice purchase.
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June 18th, 2010, 07:57 AM | #10 |
Livin' the Minimoto Life
Name: Mark
Location: Riding around in TX
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.
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Specialized makes a good bike. Enjoy it!
Posted via Mobile Device |
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June 18th, 2010, 09:20 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Z
Location: Long Island, NY
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 356
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Pffff....throw some nobbies on that nancy bike and take it off road!
I too am thinking about picking up a road bike. 4 days a week is not enough riding....need....more....spinning..... |
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June 18th, 2010, 11:44 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matt
Location: Middle GA
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250 Posts: 184
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Specialized is a great bike... even the entry level stuff in my opinion is better than some mid level from other stuff... I think trek just became big strictly because Armstrong rode one.. I think you will be much happier with that fit properly allez...
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June 18th, 2010, 12:13 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Andrew
Location: Vancouver, BC
Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 410
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You have made a great choice not only for size but the Allez is and always has been a fantastic road bike. I echo what others say about Specialized, from low to high-end their bikes are well designed, built, and priced.
Which Allez did you end up going for? I love the look of the curved top tube and straight cables underneath, reminds me of a longbow (in a good way . |
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June 18th, 2010, 12:30 PM | #14 | |
Ride it like you stole it
Name: Jeremy
Location: Bama
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R, '04 R6(sold) Posts: 362
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Quote:
LOL I've been riding dirt for 20years. I'm tired of running into trees I have always wanted a road bike, so this is a big move for me. |
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June 18th, 2010, 12:33 PM | #15 | |
Ride it like you stole it
Name: Jeremy
Location: Bama
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R, '04 R6(sold) Posts: 362
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Quote:
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June 18th, 2010, 12:38 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Andrew
Location: Vancouver, BC
Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 410
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June 19th, 2010, 12:37 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Jeremy, I was going to echo the advice on the proper fit. You made an excellent choice with the Allez. You will be a better and safer cyclist as a result of that choice. 2 to 4mm is as good as a mile. You would have gone nuts trying to fit that bike. I will not sell an improperly fitting bike in my shop.
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June 19th, 2010, 08:37 PM | #18 |
Ride it like you stole it
Name: Jeremy
Location: Bama
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R, '04 R6(sold) Posts: 362
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Thanks Alex, I'm really excited about it. I have spent most of the day shopping for some road shoes and a new helmet.
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June 19th, 2010, 08:40 PM | #19 |
Ride it like you stole it
Name: Jeremy
Location: Bama
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R, '04 R6(sold) Posts: 362
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Mark, Is that a bp jersey in your avatar pic ? LOL
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June 20th, 2010, 05:51 AM | #20 |
Livin' the Minimoto Life
Name: Mark
Location: Riding around in TX
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.
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Why yes it is. Just remember, everything the media is saying isn't necessarily what is really going on...
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--- My IG Page --- My FB page! --- 2022 Honda Navi && 2018 Z-125 Pro |
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June 21st, 2010, 05:45 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Jeremy, When you have ridden the bike for about a month, you may consider getting a professional fitting. If your bike shop does not do them, they will know someone who does. I had my bike professionally fitted--it made a huge difference.
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June 21st, 2010, 09:40 PM | #22 |
Ride it like you stole it
Name: Jeremy
Location: Bama
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R, '04 R6(sold) Posts: 362
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Thanks Alex,
He told me that they would fit me when I picked it up and then double check everything on about a month when I bring it in for the break-in adjustments. |
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June 22nd, 2010, 01:24 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Jeremy, You not only chose a good bike---you chose a good shop as well. You are in good hands which will make all the difference in your riding enjoyment. That is the kind of stuff I like to hear. A fitting when you first get the bike and then another one to fine tune a month later. Two good reasons for shopping at a professional cyclery. Wal-Mart buying and getting a bike on the internet is not a bargain. You are also buying the service and good will. Welcome to the world of "Roadies"
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June 22nd, 2010, 04:02 PM | #24 |
Ride it like you stole it
Name: Jeremy
Location: Bama
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R, '04 R6(sold) Posts: 362
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June 22nd, 2010, 04:13 PM | #25 |
Livin' the Minimoto Life
Name: Mark
Location: Riding around in TX
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.
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I'd only do it if you become competitive. Much less painful to remove a bandage on a shaved leg versus a hairy one.
<--- still has hair. I've been called "caveman legs" before on a ride. lol
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--- My IG Page --- My FB page! --- 2022 Honda Navi && 2018 Z-125 Pro |
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June 22nd, 2010, 07:37 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Josh
Location: Richmond VA
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627
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Yep. You also have to wear one of those ridiculous spandex outfits, and ride smack in the middle of the road thinking you're a car. Crazy roadies.
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'08 Bonneville Black sold->'08 Ninja 250R | OES Swingarm Spools | EBC HH brake pads | reflector delete | no-cut brake light modulator | DIY fender eliminator |
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June 23rd, 2010, 03:28 PM | #27 |
Ride it like you stole it
Name: Jeremy
Location: Bama
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R, '04 R6(sold) Posts: 362
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June 23rd, 2010, 06:55 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Josh
Location: Richmond VA
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627
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aerodynamics? Same as the spandex outfits - unless you're an olympic-level athlete, no one should do either.
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'08 Bonneville Black sold->'08 Ninja 250R | OES Swingarm Spools | EBC HH brake pads | reflector delete | no-cut brake light modulator | DIY fender eliminator |
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June 23rd, 2010, 06:59 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Z
Location: Long Island, NY
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 356
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Its not for aerodynamics....its because road rash is real nasty when you're hairy.
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June 23rd, 2010, 08:26 PM | #30 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Josh
Location: Richmond VA
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627
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I always thought the real reason was because the spandex/no body hair crowd played for the other team.
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'08 Bonneville Black sold->'08 Ninja 250R | OES Swingarm Spools | EBC HH brake pads | reflector delete | no-cut brake light modulator | DIY fender eliminator |
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June 25th, 2010, 04:57 PM | #31 |
Ride it like you stole it
Name: Jeremy
Location: Bama
Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R, '04 R6(sold) Posts: 362
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Yes its a crappy picture, but dammit...its MINE !
That was one loooooong week of waiting. The guys at the bike shop did a great job of fitting me. It feels great. coming from MT Bikes, the brakes are gonna take gettig use to. |
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June 25th, 2010, 06:58 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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June 25th, 2010, 07:03 PM | #33 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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I don't know. Jeremy, that's a lot of bike--fast too. Watch yourself in the 25mi speed limit zones. You could get a ticket--ask me how I know?
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