Bicycles!

[choneofakind]

Jealous! I'm waiting for some rain to clear up here so I can take the Dawes out for a 30+ mile spin.

Still trying to figure out a way to buy myself a Madone as well. Buying a Yakima roof rack for my car and a 1-piece race suit for track ate into my bike budget a little. I don't want to stretch myself too thin and risk not being able to buy books/food next semester.

Dawes is a solid bike, just really basic.

[MattS91]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Jealous! I'm waiting for some rain to clear up here so I can take the Dawes out for a 30+ mile spin.

Still trying to figure out a way to buy myself a Madone as well. Buying a Yakima roof rack for my car and a 1-piece race suit for track ate into my bike budget a little. I don't want to stretch myself too thin and risk not being able to buy books/food next semester.

Dawes is a solid bike, just really basic.

Madone is an amazing bike, wish I could have one and keep my Cervelo. I bought the Cervelo thinking I would do more duathlons and get into triathlons but of course it didn't work out that way. Should've just bought a madone lol

[choneofakind]

I did my first Du in May (right after finals, literally) at Watkins Glen racetrack. Doing another one the first weekend of Aug in Cleveland. I was slow-ish because I dogged the running, but I out-climbed a bunch of people. Finished in 1:43 on a very hilly course, goal was 1:45. Goal for my next Du is 1:35. Gotta get more running into my biking workouts.

I love the madone. I test rode a whole bunch of bikes in the 1500-2000 price range, and the madone felt the best of all them for me. Fantastic frame.

[Jono]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Air fork is good! Why so picky on Hydraulic disks? Mechanicals are so much easier to adjust and maintain.

I guess I'm not too picky on the brakes. As long as the brakes are of good quality and stop better than my rim brakes. It just seems like most bikes in this price range come with hydraulic brakes. An I don't mind the extra maintenance. I have bled my motorcycles brakes and car brakes multiple times. It can't be any more difficult.

[headshrink]

Originally Posted by Jono

... I don't mind the extra maintenance. I have bled my motorcycles brakes and car brakes multiple times. It can't be any more difficult.

It's even easier

[MattS91]

What does everyone think about picking this frame up for a fixie?
http://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/3753564379.html
Crank is broken but does the bolt in that one picture look alright?

[choneofakind]

Jono, any pair of disk brakes from a reputable manufacturer are going to do better than your rim brakes, even the most basic ones that only clamp from one side. Personally I've only used mechanicals and have no reason to switch to hydraulics. I've read that it's hard to get hydraulics to stop dragging; nothing more annoying than your pads dragging and squealing/humming and resonating through the frame. Can't stand that.

Matt, I've no experience with fixies. If the frame looks good to you, go for it! My buddy did that with an old Schwinn 10-speed and it was a fun project for him.

[Apex]

Fixies are nice, but a pain at the same time.

I wish I had time to squeeze in a ride this week. So far things have been really busy. Funny considering I no longer have a job!

[choneofakind]

I did a nice ride Sunday. Then I got sick and I've been working extra hours to make up for missing tomorrow for a track day. And I've been doing a lot of fraternity stuff, and I've been sleeping a ton to get healthy again. And I've been slowly prepping for track day.

Basically, I haven't ridden since sunday either. I'm dying to get a bike ride in with all this perfect weather!! Sunny and blue sky all week.

[BRad704]

Originally Posted by Jono

Okay, so I am currently looking for a new mtn bike. I currently ride a Gary Fisher 'Trek' Tarpon. It's a good beginner bike but I am ready for a new ride.i budget is $1500 and under. I want a 29er hardtail with hydraulic disc brakes. And the best front fork in this price range.

Just got back from riding a Trek Mamba and it was alright. They didn't have one in a 19" frame which I currently ride. It didn't feel too big but I think it would be more difficult to ride on tight trails. I like my 19" frame. So this bike had a coil front fork. It was nice but not the best.

Then I went a rode a Giant XTC 29er. It felt nice and was a Large frame. Similar in size to my Tarpon. It had an air front fork. But it cost $400 more than the Trek. http://http://www.giant-bicycles.com.../#technologies

What do y'all think? Which bike would you get? I am sure I could order a 19" mamba if I decide on it.

What other bikes should I check out? I was going to test ride some Specialized bikes but they didn't have any bikes in my size. Told me 2014 models would be in end of this month. Going to check out some Scott's tomorrow.

Go to Victory Studio on Broad. Clark and Robert are good guys and it's a very cool shop. Check out the Orbea Alma 29er. It is exactly what you are looking for with budget, hardtail, disc, etc.

http://victorybicyclestudio.com/

[Jono]

Originally Posted by BRad704

Go to Victory Studio on Broad. Clark and Robert are good guys and it's a very cool shop. Check out the Orbea Alma 29er. It is exactly what you are looking for with budget, hardtail, disc, etc.

http://victorybicyclestudio.com/

Mmhm, another bike to try out. Just when I thought I narrowed it down to two choices. The Trek Cobia and the Scott Scale 960. Right now the Scott is winning. Have to wait a week to try out the Trek. Put some money down so they could send a Cobia to the store for me to try out.

I already ruled out the Giant. I may go take a look at these Orbea's. I've seen their road bikes around but I don't think I can say I've ever seen any Orbea mtn bikes.

[rojoracing53]

Just got done editing a cool MTB video from this weekend activities, should I post it here or go strait to the video section? It was my first ride in nearly a year so we were a bit slow but I think I may be hooked again because I can't wait to go back.

[rojoracing53]

This ride is from last Friday with @CycleCam303 and it was an interesting day with us riding through several micro climates along the way from intense heat to hail storms

Link to original page on YouTube.

[choneofakind]

Looks good Jason!! I didn't watch it all though, too long. nice wipeout

It's cool to see how different MTB trails are in different regions of the states. Mine are all tight and twisty and back and forth on themselves; Climbs are typically steep and short, downhill sections are typically long and so gradual that they go un-noticed; rock gardens are usually tons of rocks that range from softball-size to football-size; lots of roots and clay, all in the woods.

Yours are all open and flowy hardpack, the trees and rocks are much larger but more open.

Now I want to go MTB, but today is running day. It's also super rainy here, so all the trails are likely just mud-puddles. I've got to stick with road biking and running anyways, I've got another du in August and I took most of may/June off for MTB and ninja

[rojoracing53]

Watch the rest later because the trail, and weather pull a 180 and its a whole different ride plus there's another crash

[choneofakind]

I'll try to. got stuff's to do tonight. Might be checking out a ninjette for a buddy. or maybe that's tomorrow? Idk. gotta get mine street legal and do an oil change. and then sleep.

[Jono]

Got the Scott Scale 960!!! I love it. It was only new for a couple hours before I had to get it all dirty! Hit the trails with some friends and fell in love with mtn biking again. So I also got Shimano PD-M520 clipless pedals and shoes. First ride ever with these pedals was a success. Only fell over 2 times. Haha. But man do I love clipless pedals. I don't know why I waited soooo long to make the switch. I'll post up a pic of the bike at some point.

Sometime I'll have to make a riding video and share it here.

[choneofakind]

dude, just wait till you get better on the clipless. you'll start rolling/pedaling over things that you never realized you could. Unweighting the back is easier, flicking the rear through turns is easier, not to mention all that smooth power on climbs!!

You'll never understand how you ever lived without them.

[Apex]

I went from those SPD's to the eggbeater 3's...wow, what a difference.

Cleat sheds mud/grime better, as does the pedal.

I need to hit the trails soon myself.

[choneofakind]

meh, I've liked my experience with the SPD's, egg beaters look a little hard to use with sneakers for around town/goofing around in the yard.

[Apex]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

meh, I've liked my experience with the SPD's, egg beaters look a little hard to use with sneakers for around town/goofing around in the yard.

This is true. I went with some Crank Bros Mallet 3's for my main commuter. Easy to clip in if using MTB shoes, and also nice when you just want to wear sneakers.

[Apex]

42-mile ride today. 2,200 calories burned. Avg speed 14.5 (some nice headwind in some long sections). Avg heart rate was 172. The max my temp read was 101.4. Nice and warm. It was VERY humid outside, so I was really sweating.

Still, a great day for a ride!

[choneofakind]

Nice!!! Jealous. I sat at work all day. But I stopped at another storefront for the bike shop that sells trek (that I don't like) and I like the guys better in that store front. I'm told that the other manager was much more likely to negotiate on price with me and was given his hours.

I might just get that Madone yet without blowing the budget.

[Apex]

Well, any bike shop can work on any bike....so get the bike you want, and take it to the shop you like.

I'd love to test ride a Madone, but I know I'm not a huge roadie anymore. I do ride on the road a ton on the road, I just love the MTB. TOUGH CHOICES!

Heck, I doubt even my wife would let me get another bike. lol

[choneofakind]

Yeah, my parents are fine with the Madone, assuming I can get the price down a hair. But they told me pretty strongly that I need to get rid of a current bike if I get a new one.

Good thing I have a friend who's interested in the Dawes for a fair price. He'll get into road biking for cheap with a solid bicycle, I'll get rid of a bicycle; win-win situation.

[choneofakind]

Well, bad news. The shop won't work with me on price. They did, but it was literally only $50. I was hoping for $200. Weenies.

Guess I might have to move my search back to Aluminum bikes to fit into my 1200-1500 range and see which fits best.

Now the list is:
Cannondale CAAD 8
Trek 2.1
Giant Defy 1


Any stand-outs I should check into also while I'm looking? Scott? Felt?

[Jono]

@choneofakind Go check out some Scott's. I don't know much about road bikes, but if they make them as well as their Mtn bikes go ride a few. With mtn bikes in that same price range (which is what I was doing a few weeks ago) Scott had the best components for the price. And the bike just felt much better than the other manufacturers. Ride as many different bikes as you can. You'll know when you find the one for you.

[choneofakind]

Yeah good point, but see here's the thing. I've been really put out by Eddy's bike shop (anyone in NE OH, avoid them like the plague) because they're inconsistent and they suck. They carry Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, and Gary Fisher. I don't want to spend my money there, so I'm scratching the Trek's and Cannondales off my list.

The place I really like carries Raleigh, Giant, and a couple other brands. I'd much rather spend my money there because they've treated me so well for the past 7-ish years. I've no idea who sells Scott or Felt locally. I mention Felt as well because I've read good things about the bang:buck ratio for both those brands, but Giant does really well in that area as well. That's why I'm such a Giant fanboy. I like the way they equip their bikes for what you pay, and I have a great Giant dealer locally.

Right now, I guess I need to start all over, walk in with my price range and needs, and let them help me. I hate starting all over.

[choneofakind]

Meh, looking at Scott's online, can't really find anything that's equipped identically to the Giant, and they don't show their MSRP's so I'm really struggling to even know what to look at.

[rojoracing53]

What's your absolute Priceline and Ill find you something nice. We scored a badass full carbon road bike that's to die for for my mom for $2200 brand new.

[choneofakind]

Absolute max, 1700. Preferred, 1200-1400. Test ride before buying is mandatory. I won't buy before riding. Looking for something that's a little more comfortable but still climbs.

Still not sure on a full carbon bike. They ride so nice, but idk about caring for it if I wreck/ride on a salty winter road/whatever. I'd really rather not ruin an entire frame from one winter ride or one accident.

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Absolute max, 1700. Preferred, 1200-1400. Test ride before buying is mandatory. I won't buy before riding. Looking for something that's a little more comfortable but still climbs.

Still not sure on a full carbon bike. They ride so nice, but idk about caring for it if I wreck/ride on a salty winter road/whatever. I'd really rather not ruin an entire frame from one winter ride or one accident.

1700 that's going to be impossible for nice and new, but nice and used is doable. Do you know what size frame your looking at?

[massacremasses]

i need a cheap bike pump.


go.

[rojoracing53]

Compact crank for climbing
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/fuji/fuji_sl1.htm

Standard crank for us strong riders
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...road-bikes.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...road_force.htm

Titanium frame
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...heat_rival.htm


Just cruise around this site and find what you want in component level and a frame that looks good. A lot of these bikes can be found at your local bike or sporting goods stores so you can be an asshole and test there and buy here.

I have no experience with SRAM rival but SRAM force is great stuff. With shimano 105 works but its on the heavy side, ultegra is like force again great stuff.

SRAM red= shimano dura ace
Force= ultegra
Rival= 105

Stay rival and 105 or above if you want quality. Test both brands because shifting is done differnt on each. I like SRAM because the brake levers aren't used for shifting so they have a solid motorcycle feel to them.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

1700 that's going to be impossible for nice and new, but nice and used is doable. Do you know what size frame your looking at?

It's very possible for aluminum from name brand I thought I had it in carbon with the Madone 3.1, but meh, those dudes at that shop are a bunch of weenies. I swear, it's because I'm young and they think I'm still just a kid... I get a very different response when I go with a parent to anyplace to buy things. It's annoying.

I'm right around a 56cm. That's what my current ride is, that's what seems to fit me in most brands.

not really fond of bikes direct. Current roadie is from them. It works, but meh. I think I'd rather go with a new aluminum frame with moderate (105/tiagra combo) and trickle down stuff like oversized BB and tapered stems. I'm gonna shower up from my run and go talk with my prefered bike shop and see what they can hook me up with for a couple test rides before they close.

[choneofakind]

Well, I did some test riding tonight. Not fond of whatever Raleigh I test rode. I can't ever keep the names of those straight. It was solid, but the bars were too close to the seat, and the angle of the seat wasn't adjustable on the supplied post. Meh.

I test rode a Giant Defy 2 just to test the fit. The M/L fits me very well. I think I like that bike with an Aluminum frame just as well as I liked it with carbon. It fit me very well; the bars were comfy, the drops were a little more aggressive without being hard on my wrists like my Dawes. unfortunately, the run of 2013 bikes is over, and I can't get a Defy 1 until the batch of 2014's comes in. Here's to hoping they aren't ugly paint schemes!! The white/red/black is so pretty.

I definitely like bikes that have a more relaxed rider position. The shop is going to call me when the 2014's come in, then i can take a look at it and see what's been changed and if I'm still interested.

I still have time to play the waiting game and shop around a bit. I'm in no rush.

[Apex]

Just check all the big brands. Test away!

[rojoracing53]

anyone on here use strava?

[rojoracing53]

Link to original page on YouTube.

[choneofakind]

Getting to the edge of those tires too? Those canyons look like a great workout.

I switched it up from road biking and running, and instead I rode 9 miles of single-track today, then ran 2.5 miles. Not a bad combined day. Video later of a nice handlebar clip and save.