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Any road bikers here?


MrDoctor
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Just curious.

 

I picked up the sport semi-recently and am HOOKED!

 

My buddy talked me into buying an entry level Allez a little over 1 year ago, and I catch myself eating and breathing biking now.

 

I know my bike inside/out. I perform all my work, upgrades, fitting, etc.

 

No better feeling that doing a hard climb and riding the drop.

 

Anyone else feel the same way?

 

This has been god sent for me. My cardio was lacking due to a bad back, and cycling has kept me in pretty good shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Paging Roleur. He's one step down from being a pro. I was a Lance effect rider and used to do 120-200 miles every weekend. Now that I have kids I lack time for 2-3 hour rides.

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Paging Roleur. He's one step down from being a pro. I was a Lance effect rider and used to do 120-200 miles every weekend. Now that I have kids I lack time for 2-3 hour rides.

 

:icon_super:

 

The best rides take the longest time. I was supposed to go on a 4 hour ride this weekend, but it's always the decision of how to allocate your time, which is the hardest.

 

Still since it's my health, I make is a point to at least get out there for a difficult 1-2 hour ride every other day.

 

 

There's a couple roadies on here, myself included. Topcarbon rides professionally but I haven't seen him postv lately.

 

Very nice :icon_super: .

 

TC! Would love for him to check in.

 

 

 

What's everyone's favorite ride?

 

Locally, I ride Mt. Hamilton and Metcalf road.

 

I try to get out of what I'm familiar with in my area and ride something new when I get the time.

 

My Allez came with some crap stock wheels, they aren't spinning true anymore, just bough some Shimano RS-81 C24's from Jenson...

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I lived in Sacramento so I did long flat rides but climbing seperates the men from the boys. I need to get my bike serviced. I got a comfort bike, more relaxed geometry. I didn't like full race stretched out. I have a specialized roubaix comp. if I get back into riding I want a Venge.

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I lived in Sacramento so I did long flat rides but climbing seperates the men from the boys. I need to get my bike serviced. I got a comfort bike, more relaxed geometry. I didn't like full race stretched out. I have a specialized roubaix comp. if I get back into riding I want a Venge.

 

A Roubaix is a nice frame geometry! Good for long rides, we're not pro/racing so I'm sure you could keep up quite nicely.

 

I've been wanting to take my bike to Sacramento to ride the American river trail.

 

What do you need done to your bike?

 

I did my own tune up using google/youtube and saved a ton of $.

 

 

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A Roubaix is a nice frame geometry! Good for long rides, we're not pro/racing so I'm sure you could keep up quite nicely.

 

I've been wanting to take my bike to Sacramento to ride the American river trail.

 

What do you need done to your bike?

 

I did my own tune up using google/youtube and saved a ton of $.

 

It's been collecting dust so it needs a tune up. Probably new cables, lube, new tubes, maybe new tires.

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It's been collecting dust so it needs a tune up. Probably new cables, lube, new tubes, maybe new tires.

 

If I make it down there for some riding anytime soon, free tune up on me :icon_thumleft:

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I've done my fair share of road riding, but highest I got was a cat 3 crit racer. Haven't done it seriously in about 10 years, roads here are just getting more dangerous it seems.

 

But I did enjoy it a lot and still love the bikes. Once you start looking at the high end stuff it will be like a drug, you can smoke $10k on a bike in the blink of an eye.

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I got into cycling 3 years ago and sprung for a Cannondale supersix EVO with a bunch of upgrades. I love cycling! The benefits are real: cardio, endurance, low impact on the joints, the people... and I hate running.

 

The only thing I regretted when I bought my bike was to not spring for the actual model that I wanted. I ended up spending the same amount or more with the labor. I essentially changed the whole drivetrain, brakes and cranks! Anyway, now I'm getting into mountain biking as well and getting the S-works stumpy FSR from the get-go.

 

The last thing I would recommend for road biking is clipless pedals/shoes when you buy your bike. The benefits are worth it.

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Im a cat 3 Road and cat 3 Track. haven't raced in a very long time. I ride about 40-50miles aday. I worked(sometimes pick a few shifts to help friend) as a bike courier. here in LA, I have worked in every major city in the west cost. Cycling has been my life since I was 13years old(26now) It is so tiredsum, and very costly

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I've done my fair share of road riding, but highest I got was a cat 3 crit racer. Haven't done it seriously in about 10 years, roads here are just getting more dangerous it seems.

 

But I did enjoy it a lot and still love the bikes. Once you start looking at the high end stuff it will be like a drug, you can smoke $10k on a bike in the blink of an eye.

 

:icon_super:

 

I just spent $550 on wheels this weekend, I feel the pain.

 

But, it's one of the few sports that makes me happy, so it was worth it.

 

The newer stuff that's coming out is just crazy. My bike, which is a 2014, is already way behind in tech 1 year later.

 

 

I got into cycling 3 years ago and sprung for a Cannondale supersix EVO with a bunch of upgrades. I love cycling! The benefits are real: cardio, endurance, low impact on the joints, the people... and I hate running.

 

The only thing I regretted when I bought my bike was to not spring for the actual model that I wanted. I ended up spending the same amount or more with the labor. I essentially changed the whole drivetrain, brakes and cranks! Anyway, now I'm getting into mountain biking as well and getting the S-works stumpy FSR from the get-go.

 

The last thing I would recommend for road biking is clipless pedals/shoes when you buy your bike. The benefits are worth it.

 

Cannondale makes a very good frame! That's a solid bike to work with.

 

Same here. I initially bought the entry level model because I wasn't sure how I would like it, if I would stick with it, etc. So, the more I rode it, the more I began to upgrade, the more money I spent, the more I thought to myself that I was better off buying the most bike I could afford at the time. Now I know. When I outgrow my current bike, that's what I'll do.

 

If you master Mt. biking the road will be a breeze...I'm too scared of mt. biking.

 

Pedals, tires, a good bike fit, best upgrades you can do IMO.

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I used to do crits and other rides. I grew up a few miles away from Hincapie and ran in to him a lot.

 

I used to ride 50-60m a day then go to work, until i got skin cancer. It drove me nuts, so addicting. Now I have a really blown knee from trying to ride again, meniscus is done for, as are my riding days.

 

These days I block for riders going up my canyon, encourage them to push through, I used to carry a cowbell too. I guess I drive the meat wagon now, not fit enough to be a domestique.

20150927_133811_1_.jpg

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I used to do crits and other rides. I grew up a few miles away from Hincapie and ran in to him a lot.

 

I used to ride 50-60m a day then go to work, until i got skin cancer. It drove me nuts, so addicting. Now I have a really blown knee from trying to ride again, meniscus is done for, as are my riding days.

 

These days I block for riders going up my canyon, encourage them to push through, I used to carry a cowbell too. I guess I drive the meat wagon now, not fit enough to be a domestique.

post-15154-1443386340_thumb.jpg

 

Didn't campy make wheels for the Lambo C?

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Didn't campy make wheels for the Lambo C?

Campy made lots of wheels. My Pantera had magnesium wheels.

 

Probably the most famous Lambo wheels: IMG_0394_7UAt_5.jpg

Ferrari made this one famous: 4803945866_c0c0b3fa67.jpg

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I took the year off this year. Ton of life shit going on. First year I have not raced in a long time. I will start doing some base miles before Thanksgiving. Just messing around now. The thing that makes cycling great is that you can do it forever, whatever level you wish to attain. There is still an 80+ category at Masters Nationals, my buddy's Dad wins it almost every year. Wont wear out your knees or your back. I like to run a bit, but it hurts my knees pretty badly.

 

I went up and rode the base of the mountains with a kid that I have been friends with for many years. He was on the Hot Tubes Development team and this year signed his first pro contract riding for Axeon Cycling. Next year he moves up to riding the Tour of California, Tour of Utah and the USA Pro Challenge. I ride with him on the days that his coach says "below 200 watts, ride with a buddy". Come February I will be 35 pounds lighter and able to do what I want again. Such is life.

 

Glad you picked it up Doc. You will do it for the rest of your life. I am 28 years deep into it and it is one of the only things that keeps me sane. If any of you know anyone who is short and looking for a killer deal on a bike, send them my way. I bought a new bike to race this year, and when I didn't race, it hardly got used. I don't need it anymore and want to get rid of it.

 

Let me know if you guys ever need anything or have questions, I am always happy to help if I can.

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I won't call myself a roady but I do bike. Come from a running background and got into triathlon last year. The biking is very addicting and has become my favorite of the 3 events. You can usually find me in the aero position.

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I took the year off this year. Ton of life shit going on. First year I have not raced in a long time. I will start doing some base miles before Thanksgiving. Just messing around now. The thing that makes cycling great is that you can do it forever, whatever level you wish to attain. There is still an 80+ category at Masters Nationals, my buddy's Dad wins it almost every year. Wont wear out your knees or your back. I like to run a bit, but it hurts my knees pretty badly.

 

I went up and rode the base of the mountains with a kid that I have been friends with for many years. He was on the Hot Tubes Development team and this year signed his first pro contract riding for Axeon Cycling. Next year he moves up to riding the Tour of California, Tour of Utah and the USA Pro Challenge. I ride with him on the days that his coach says "below 200 watts, ride with a buddy". Come February I will be 35 pounds lighter and able to do what I want again. Such is life.

 

Glad you picked it up Doc. You will do it for the rest of your life. I am 28 years deep into it and it is one of the only things that keeps me sane. If any of you know anyone who is short and looking for a killer deal on a bike, send them my way. I bought a new bike to race this year, and when I didn't race, it hardly got used. I don't need it anymore and want to get rid of it.

 

Let me know if you guys ever need anything or have questions, I am always happy to help if I can.

 

:icon_super:

 

 

I won't call myself a roady but I do bike. Come from a running background and got into triathlon last year. The biking is very addicting and has become my favorite of the 3 events. You can usually find me in the aero position.

 

I used to love to run. Now, I love to bike :D

 

That old age is creeping up on me!

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  • 10 months later...

So, I've been running an 2014 Allez Elite for the past 1.5 years.

 

No matter what, I could never get the bike fit right. Turns out, I've been riding a frame with not so good geometry for my size. Wrong size. Wish I knew more before I got into it. Plus, frame is iffy. The year I bought my Spec, specialized really went cheap on the frame.

 

Time to upgrade!

 

What does everyone think of road vs endurance geometries?

 

As soon as I get home, going to buy a new bike.

 

So far, going to try out a Roubaix/Synapse and CAAD12/Allez DSW Comp. Just to see what the differences are. Tarmac/SuperSix is also another option, but I'm a fan of the new alloys.

 

I do a lot of climbing so might stick to a road geometry, but I heard that a Synapse/Roubaix gives you comfort and performance, so curious to try those out. Not pro by all means, so IDK what the differences really will be. Have to try them out.

 

I am partial to Specialized because everyone hates them and plus, company started right down the road from me.

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Let me know if you guys ever need anything or have questions, I am always happy to help if I can.

 

Ok, I'm about to hold you to this!

 

Basically, the first road bike I bought, bought it off a LBS recommendation. I'm about 180cm in height w/o shoes with a 30-31 in inseam. At first, guy said I looked liked a 56, then they didn't have a 56...so he put me on a 54, and it was surprisingly perfect for me....

 

I bought a 54CM bike and it does not fit right. Might be too small. My body geometry is little odd, however, so who knows. I'll chalk it up to getting ripped off.

 

When I get home in 2 days, I'm going to figure out what frame size I need. Going to take my measurements, input to the calculator on competitive cyclist.

 

I'll post results/frame geometries of bikes i'm considering.

 

In the meantime, hope you got back into it like you said you would :icon_thumleft:

 

Def. a fun sport, watching the Pantani movie right now on Netflix. Never followed the sport, but I bet the Lance Armstrong drama was some interesting stuff to watch unfold. Just found out about it this week :D .

 

Also following GCN on youtube now :icon_thumleft:

 

Can't wait to get back to CA. New bike time and some good climbs. I'm homesick :crybaby2:

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Ok, I'm about to hold you to this!

 

Basically, the first road bike I bought, bought it off a LBS recommendation. I'm about 180cm in height w/o shoes with a 30-31 in inseam. At first, guy said I looked liked a 56, then they didn't have a 56...so he put me on a 54, and it was surprisingly perfect for me....

 

I bought a 54CM bike and it does not fit right. Might be too small. My body geometry is little odd, however, so who knows. I'll chalk it up to getting ripped off.

 

When I get home in 2 days, I'm going to figure out what frame size I need. Going to take my measurements, input to the calculator on competitive cyclist.

 

I'll post results/frame geometries of bikes i'm considering.

 

In the meantime, hope you got back into it like you said you would :icon_thumleft:

 

Def. a fun sport, watching the Pantani movie right now on Netflix. Never followed the sport, but I bet the Lance Armstrong drama was some interesting stuff to watch unfold. Just found out about it this week :D .

 

Also following GCN on youtube now :icon_thumleft:

 

Can't wait to get back to CA. New bike time and some good climbs. I'm homesick :crybaby2:

 

 

Happy to help. Jason is a wealth of information too. I have a 31 inch inseam, and I ride a 52 cm bike. That said, I like a lot of saddle to bar drop and I use a long stem. I could easily ride a 54. I hate to mention a professional bike fit, but it might be a help this time. That way you can figure out what you need for size, and then shop accordingly. I don't know that a 56 would be a great fit for you, unless you want a taller head tube (higher stack height) and want to sit up more. I would be very interested to see a picture of your current bike and how it is set up.

 

If you need anything from the following manufacturers, I can likely get you a good price... (Cannondale, Seven Titanium, Parlee Cycles, Ridley, Fuji, Pinarello.) If you like MTB, add Santa Cruz and Yeti to the list.

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Plus one on professional fitting. I got mine and rode with the fitting scheduled a week later. After the fitting my knee and neck and back pain went away.

 

I'm you and Chris's size. I ride a 54.

 

Chris, hit me up if you have a deal on a wheelset you're tired of.

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here is my thought on frame size

Since I go with a more aggressive and compact stance on the bike, I go for the smallest frame size I can get away with.

I love my Cannondale evo six. I have an inseam of 34 and my frame size is 56. I adjust the stem and seat post accordingly.

Basically What I can adjust to the "almost extreme" I do.

I am a big rider in comparison to most of the guys I ride with(short Mexican riders who climb like antelopes)so I try and cheat gravity by lowering rotational weight. If it spins, Its light. I pay close attention to wheels, cranks, bottom bracket and delailure pulleys.

by going with a slightly smaller frame, it sheds a little weight.

 

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I'm here if you have questions too

you live in my old training area

geometry of the road frame has changed so much over the years.

 

 

Thanks J!

 

Happy to help. Jason is a wealth of information too. I have a 31 inch inseam, and I ride a 52 cm bike. That said, I like a lot of saddle to bar drop and I use a long stem. I could easily ride a 54. I hate to mention a professional bike fit, but it might be a help this time. That way you can figure out what you need for size, and then shop accordingly. I don't know that a 56 would be a great fit for you, unless you want a taller head tube (higher stack height) and want to sit up more. I would be very interested to see a picture of your current bike and how it is set up.

 

If you need anything from the following manufacturers, I can likely get you a good price... (Cannondale, Seven Titanium, Parlee Cycles, Ridley, Fuji, Pinarello.) If you like MTB, add Santa Cruz and Yeti to the list.

 

I will try to get a picture of my bike tomorrow. I'm honestly not a huge fan of more aggressive positions because my flexibility isn't there and sometimes it just makes the ride too un-enjoyable. I'm not racing pro, it's more for leisure/fun/exercise, so I would rather lose a couple of seconds for a more comfortable fit (not too slow though).

 

I might check out a pro fit.

 

I will def. hit you up once I figure out what bike is good for me, thank you for the offer :icon_thumleft:

 

 

Plus one on professional fitting. I got mine and rode with the fitting scheduled a week later. After the fitting my knee and neck and back pain went away.

 

I'm you and Chris's size. I ride a 54.

 

Chris, hit me up if you have a deal on a wheelset you're tired of.

 

Nice! I have knee pain as well :( I've tried everything. Really thinking about that pro bike fit now...

 

here is my thought on frame size

Since I go with a more aggressive and compact stance on the bike, I go for the smallest frame size I can get away with.

I love my Cannondale evo six. I have an inseam of 34 and my frame size is 56. I adjust the stem and seat post accordingly.

Basically What I can adjust to the "almost extreme" I do.

I am a big rider in comparison to most of the guys I ride with(short Mexican riders who climb like antelopes)so I try and cheat gravity by lowering rotational weight. If it spins, Its light. I pay close attention to wheels, cranks, bottom bracket and delailure pulleys.

by going with a slightly smaller frame, it sheds a little weight.

 

Nice bike, supersix is awesome! That's some top carbon right there :D.

 

When I first got a pair of lightweight wheels, I thought I was cheating. It was so much easier. It was amazing. It's all about the weight with climbing.

 

 

 

I took my measurements and here they are:

 

Actual Inseam 83.2 Cm

Trunk 62.5 Cm

Forearm 34.75 Cm

Arm 70.25 Cm

Thigh 62 Cm

Lower Leg 54.7 Cm

Sternal Notch 148 Cm

Total Height 177 Cm

 

On competitive cyclist, they recommend different ranges for different riding styles. They have an Eddy fit, competitive fit, and and a french fit. Eddy being smallest bike possible and most aggressive, competitive is the balanced position, while the French fit is of course more relaxed.

 

Competitive.png

 

Eddy.png

 

French.png

 

 

 

 

 

I'm guessing, according to this, I am a 55cm effective top tube length :eusa_think: ? I have no idea what to do with these measurements now that I have them :lol2:

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