Road Bike Questions
Thread started by
cured1 at 06.8.07 - 9:51 am
I've decided that I need a good commuter bike with gears. Now I really don't know anything about road bikes. What I do know is that my singles speed mt bike and my 7 speed beach cruiser just don't cut it for commuting. I'd also like to do rides like cubcamp but I need a bike.
Now I found a bike that I think is really pretty effin sweet. The Cannondale Bad Boy. It's a mt bike frame but you can switch out 26 wheels and tires with 700 size wheels and tires. It's a mt bike frame with the head shock which I think would be nice for urban assault. The thing is I'm not sure I want to spend a grand or more for another bike.
Does anyone have any experience with the bad boy or know of a good bike that is similar? or could I find a good used bike on craigslist or something that will fit the bill?
I really don't know what to look for in a road bike and I don't understand how they are sized. I'm 6'2" 195lbs with 34 inseam. What size should I be looking for in a road bike?
Thanks ridazz.
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Whatever it is make sure you love riding it. That is obvious, but often overlooked. You can feel if it is too big or small, but the maker usually say what height you are corresponding to different sizes.
I thought the Badboy was a pretty nifty looking bike, then I road it and didn't like the ride at all.
I would suggest not to rush to buy something right alway, before you try a bunch of different bikes. It takes a little time to shop around to see what you like, but if your going to put some money into something, it is worth it to try as many bikes as you can and then make your decision.
Helens is having it 4th of july sale soon, so check them out, they try to get rid of all of last years models during that sale.
You can try my bike out, and I suggest that you ask other people that are willing to let you try their bikes, that way you can find what you like. You might find an older model of something, that you will fall in love with, and it won't cost you so much.
If somebody think this is too much information, go to hell and don't read it.
sexy06.8.07 - 10:14 am
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I’ve seen some bikes that fit the description of the bad boy. Like… the 700c wheels and switching them out kind of deal. And that’s cool if you’re going to ride both mtb and road. I try to commute to work a couple days out of the week and I have an Ibex Classic which cost under $500 that I’m completely happy with. The thing is… thinking about it… I would’ve rather bought an older 80’s steel frame bike which can fit wider tires for urban riding at more than half the price of the Ibex. On my Aluminum frame… I feel everything. Also… I’ve seen some great geared road bikes that people bought off craigslist for a cheap price. You’ll feel a lot better leaving your bike locked up to a meter if it didn’t cost that much. Plus… the nicer the bike… the more attention it draws. Man… people that do cubcamp have older bikes with shifters on the downtube, nothing fancy, and they kick ass!!
Like sexy mentioned… wait and take your time in buying a bike and ride as many bikes as you can. Also… just see what others are riding and you’ll notice that the older models are pretty sweet.
Bottom line. If using to commute… I would choose something not too expensive… that draws little attention… and something you’re comfortable on. Oh… and see if it’s got the eyelets so you can attach a rack if you’re gonna need one. Hope this helps and good luck!
digablesoul06.8.07 - 11:06 am
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i'd say to ride different bikes before u choose one u really like. I like road bikes because they can go really fast and climb hills pretty well. but they're not for tore up roads and dirt. 80's steel lugged road bikes are cool if it's in good shape still. u can get a newer aluminum frame too if u like. whatever fits ur style of riding. everyone's got a different style.
t.bone06.8.07 - 11:16 am
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thanks for the suggestions guys. I was also thinking maybe something along the lines as a cyclocross bike. I want something that will keep pace and climb hills but I also dwant to be too worried about road conditions. I'll probably end up going with an older bike from craigslist or something. I'll take the advice and try some different bikes before I buy though. I'm not in too much of a hurry so that's a good thing.
cured106.8.07 - 11:43 am
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you will want to look for a frame thats between 60 and 63.
ruinedbyidiots06.8.07 - 11:46 am
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Go with steel, for sure. You aren't racing, and a lower-end aluminum or carbon bike isn't going to be that much better for a commute. Steel bikes are just more durable and comfortable.
A new steel cyclocross bike would make a great commuter. The gears are slightly lower and you got more clearance and can fit fatter tires.
Right now there's several nice, reasonably priced steel frames from the likes of Surly, Soma, Salsa, and Kogswell that would be perfect for you. Google those and check them out!
1980s lugged steel road bikes are great and can be really cheap too. If you go mid-80s and earlier the clearances are generally higher and you can get bigger tires on it. Be sure to get something that was midrange or high end, since you won't really be paying that much more for them. Branded tubesets, forged dropouts, and higher-level components are the marks of a better bike.
cabhauler06.8.07 - 1:00 pm
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Don't forget to check the tire clearance. Fat tires do wonders to take the edge off a stiff ride.
420LaHaRR06.8.07 - 1:31 pm
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I know a few pints of Fat Tire takes the edge off for me.
What's a lugged steel frame?
cured106.8.07 - 2:25 pm
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Fat Tire is good beer, and fat tires are kind to your tush.
A lugged steel frame has steel tubes joined together using lugs, which basically just sockets for the tubes. It was the way most high-quality bicycle frames were made up until the early 90s.
For more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lug_%28bicycle_part%29
(Most of the new frames I recommended are not lugged, they are TIG welded.)
cabhauler06.8.07 - 2:51 pm
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Another option would be to put some slicks and an appropriate gear ratio on your single-speed MTB. A street-modified MTB can work out really well as a commuter, as it can take a lot of the abuse that the LA infrastructure dishes out. If you pick some good tires, it can also go a lot faster than you might think.
I also put a Brooks saddle and some cut-down bars on my bike, and it was pretty much perfect for my daily job run. If I do become gainfully employed again, I know how I'll be getting there.
angle06.8.07 - 3:54 pm
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I have some Specialized Hemisphere Armadillos on my Mt Bike and I just put a new front sprocket on it so it's a little more road friendly. I also have some bmx bars on it so it has amore upright riding postion. When I got it, it was geared to go up hills 16, 32 and uphills it went. Now I have 16,36 the hills are a little tougher but it's definately better on the flats and downhills. My tires might be a little fat though. I think they are 1.85's.
It's fine for now but I'd like some gears.
cured106.8.07 - 4:05 pm
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A single-speed MTB with slicks is fine, depending on the distance of your commute and what kind of hills you have to face. A stiff fork would be better since you don't need suspension on roads.
My commute is like 17 miles each way, so I like jetting along at 50x13 with 700Cx32mm tires on the flats, but I can get down to 34x34 if I need to haul crap up to my place in Silver Lake.
cabhauler06.8.07 - 7:16 pm
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So much for trying out a bunch of bikes. I picked up a bike off of craigslist yesterday. It's an old Azuki, my guess is it's from the 70's but I'm not sure. It's pretty heavy but I like it. I'm going to get some new tires today and maybe take it for a spin.
cured106.10.07 - 9:15 am
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ok now that I got my bike, I'd like to give it a tune up and make sure it's in good working order. i don't know much so I'll be going to a co-op. bikerowave or bike oven that is my question. Are these both co-ops or is the bike oven just a work space?
cured106.11.07 - 11:49 am
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Wow you acted fast. I was going to direct you to 80s Universal Japanese Bike (Bridgestone, Miyata, Centurion, Univega, Lotus, Nishiki). These bikes are cheap and are often great values.
As for this bike the cottered cranks and (probably) steel rims are going to cramp your style. Don't spend too much time or money upgrading, it would be like putting lipstick on a pig.
But whatever. Bike snobbery is lame lame lame, and besides your commuter doesn't need to be your best bike. Just make sure it fits you, put some toe clips on those pedals, ditch the reflectors and get good lights, lose the dork disk and the suicide levers, and ride the crap out of it. When you get something better this can be your barhopper.
cabhauler06.11.07 - 1:07 pm
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I don't plan on upgrading it too much. I just bought some specialized armadillos for it which cost more than the bike itself but I love these tires and it's the first thing I buy when I get a bike. I kind of like the retro looking reflectors but I will be putting some lights on and getting rid of the dork disk.
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and advice.
I road the bike to work today and it will do me fine until i decide I need another bike. hopefully that's not too soon. I went from one bike in November to 3 in less than a year.
cured106.11.07 - 1:21 pm
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Awesome, keep riding!
Sorry if my comments came across snotty at all.
cabhauler06.11.07 - 1:34 pm
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snotty? not at all. the rims are definately steel, they are spotted with rust as most of the unfinished metal bits are. i guess I'll be putting some time in with the steel wool.
Why would cottered cranks and steel rims cramp my style? weight issues?
cured106.11.07 - 1:38 pm
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Two Wheels: Point A to Point B. = You're stylin'
Joe Borfo06.11.07 - 1:40 pm
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Yeah, it's a weight thing. I'm not a weight weenie at all, I ride a heavy-ish touring bike. That said alloy components are a proven and cost-effective way to save weight.
I try to save weight where I can. I just don't believe in dropping hundreds of dollars on carbon this and carbon that to shave a few grams, at least not for the kind of riding I do. There's always a point of diminishing returns and I try to find that.
cabhauler06.11.07 - 1:53 pm
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yeah so maybe this won't be the bike for cubcamp. i might have to get another one for that.
I don't think I could do a cubcamp now anyway. Since I started commuting my legs are shot. When I'm riding my thighs are bulging through my jeans. I was fine when I was doing two rides a week at most. Now my legs feel like they are at the point of exhaustion as soon as I hop on my bike. I know this will go away the more I ride.
cured106.11.07 - 2:45 pm
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You'll be ready in no time. With all that riding... you'll do just fine the way it its. You should show up after you've tuned it up and stuff. You'll get hooked. Great choice on the bike. Ride on!!
Al
digablesoul06.11.07 - 4:45 pm
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