New to cycling

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by ratter

either is 300 rwkw in our cars, but we still want it

That made me LOL. So dam true though. We as humans always want more. Never content.

As for your choice fordomatic, I would highly recommend going to a local bike shop to be fitted up, seeing what size bike will suit you, seeing what is available in stock, test riding a few and then making a decision. Sometimes you can even bargain with them which is what I did. Can save you some dough.

[TZENU]

And who said road bikes weren't versatile

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z1fSpZNXhU

[TATT2]

I used to ride Road bikes, (Giant), then have just recently gone back to a Giant Talon MTB and loving the bush riding

[Fled74]

Just picked up this beast yesterday (crappy phone pic).

[blueoval]

haha. That's pimpin. Like a ratrod.

Interesting rear derailleur. Any specs on it Fled?

[Fled74]

All I know is it's a Shimano 7-speed.

[blueoval]

Cool. So it should get up and move good for a cruiser.

[TZENU]

Looks tough Fled... !!

[Fled74]

I test-rode it yesterday and it's nice and smooth. The bike is massive, too. I'm a big guy and this is the only bike I've ridden that doesn't look tiny under me.
Frame is aluminium and much lighter than it looks.

Worth AU$400, but I won it on eBay for $180. Ridden only once.
The seller had several bikes in his garage, and a half-built V8 dune buggy.

[blueoval]

And you didnt take the dune buggy????

Nah the cruisers are becoming more and more popular. Especially cruising down the beach.

[Fled74]

Cruisers are a great way to get people to see cycling as not just a sport for the lycra warriors.

My dream cruiser: http://locolowriders.com.au/prod_des...m.html?sno=298

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Fled74

Cruisers are a great way to get people to see cycling as not just a sport for the lycra warriors.

My dream cruiser: http://locolowriders.com.au/prod_des...m.html?sno=298

too true mate. Still I personally want a road bike to keep up with my local club members a bit better. My hybrid is good but has no where near the top end a road bike has and weighs twice as much as the others.

[HLC]

Nice cruiser!! They do look like a lot of fun just to roll around on!! But it has funny gears and wheels :P :P That is my only gripe with my current bike. You just cant roll around on it no worries, its get on, lean forward, go fast

Bought a new GoPro HD Hero2 today.. so except some lunatic footage come the new year

[Simple6]

So I've had a change,

I'd just bought this bike when this thread started and posted it in the first page. However someone has decided they needed it more than me and so its gone....incredibly frustrating!!! Reported to the police of course but chances are low of a return. So if anyone see's this bike around (stolen from Hornsby Train Station - Northern tip of Sydney), let me know!


So now I've pulled dad's old bike out (circa late 80's/early 90's) which is an Apollo Vitesse 14 speed. All the gear on it is Shimano and even after not being ridden for 15 years the gear changes are quick and smooth and rides very freely. Threw some new tyres+tubes in it and lubed it up and I'm back on the road so to say!

Only downside is that it's not light, but it'll do until I can get something else more suitable for the station run.

Pretty disappointed that someone can steal something from you, but totally out of our control when they have the tools!

[HLC]

The old roadie couldnt be too much heavier than the MTB!!!

Invest in a good lock! Have yet to see anyone cut through a Kryptonite Evolution Mini-D lock and cable. Money well spent!

Good luck and I hope your bike shows up! Make sure you trawl through eBay and Gumtree!

[XR6_661]

Just a casual table on my friends Giant Glory…Nothing to see here. Now doesn’t that look more fun than a cruiser haha

[HLC]

Originally Posted by XR6_661

Now doesn’t that look more fun than a cruiser haha

[]

No i can't see any traffic/pedestrians?

[blueoval]

Doing a mini race with some friends this Saturday. From O'Sullivan Beach boat ramp to Moana Beach. Not a long distance (about 15km of some hills and flat streches) but some of the guys doing this aren't regular riders and will be riding older mountain bikes and cruisers with in hub gears. Reckon I have a good chance with my 24speed hybrid?

[HLC]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Doing a mini race with some friends this Saturday. From O'Sullivan Beach boat ramp to Moana Beach. Not a long distance (about 15km of some hills and flat streches) but some of the guys doing this aren't regular riders and will be riding older mountain bikes and cruisers with in hub gears. Reckon I have a good chance with my 24speed hybrid?

more of a chance than anyone one a internal-geared hub cruised lol! Especially if youve got some slicks on there.

Remember - Small ring for training, Big ring for racing!

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by HLC

more of a chance than anyone one a internal-geared hub cruised lol! Especially if youve got some slicks on there.

Remember - Small ring for training, Big ring for racing!

Thanks Henri. I do have semi slick skinny tires on my bike. I tend to use a big gear regardless of what work I do. I didn't end up riding that day. The weather was pouring with rain and I didn't want to risk an accident considering im off on holidays next week. I postponed the rematch for early in Jan when I get back from holidays.

I have a question for equipment guru's out there.

What do you rate more, Shimano groupset or SRAM groupsets? What the benefits between either if there are any?

Also, is it worth going for a full carbon bike with say a 105 groupset as opposed to a alloy/carbon fork option with say Ultegra/Dura ace groupset?

How important is the frame choice and would be better off spending more on better frame with the intention of upgrading my groupset at a later stage?

[HLC]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Thanks Henri. I do have semi slick skinny tires on my bike. I tend to use a big gear regardless of what work I do. I didn't end up riding that day. The weather was pouring with rain and I didn't want to risk an accident considering im off on holidays next week. I postponed the rematch for early in Jan when I get back from holidays.

I have a question for equipment guru's out there.

What do you rate more, Shimano groupset or SRAM groupsets? What the benefits between either if there are any?

Also, is it worth going for a full carbon bike with say a 105 groupset as opposed to a alloy/carbon fork option with say Ultegra/Dura ace groupset?

How important is the frame choice and would be better off spending more on better frame with the intention of upgrading my groupset at a later stage?

Let us know how you go! But racing in the wet is good fun!

In terms of groupsets, the general consensus is that SRAM is pretty noisy and clunky unless you go RED which IIRC is top of the line.

Shmano stuff is much better. Or if you can stretch, get some passionate Italian gear. Campagnolo Super Record 11! Mmmmmmm

Ive got 3 mates each with a carbon roadie each, 2 trek's and a Giant. One has 105, 1 has Ultegra and one has Dura Ace.

The trek with 105 was around 1500 and is nice, although my mate just put a set of Campagnolo Shamal Ultra's on there for $800 and it goes real well. then next up was the trek with Ultegra, that was about 3200. The Giant with DA and Mavic Ksyriums SL wheels was like 5500 or something ridiculous.

In all honesty, for someone getting into road riding, the trek with 105 and a nice set of wheels would be fine. And still cheaper than the trek with Ultegra.

In saying that, I found the Ultegra shifted niced than the 105, however the notice between DA and Ultegra was negligible. I believe the DA is a slightly lighter groupset. Dura Ace Di2 on the other hand would be a completely different kettle of fish.

So in summary, if it was me, I would stretch the budget to a carbon frame/Ultegra set up, it may be overkill at first but you will 'grow' into it. However, I would be just as happy with carbon/105 and a nice set of wheels!

Keep In mind, carbon can/will fatigue over years and one crash can kill it all! So think about longevity and how long you are planning on keeping these things as an upgrade to a better groupset may be futile. There is always bikesure though!!!

Cheers

[sgt_doofey]

Haven't signed up for the TDU yet Shav? I think you have until the 6th Jan.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by HLC

Let us know how you go! But racing in the wet is good fun!

In terms of groupsets, the general consensus is that SRAM is pretty noisy and clunky unless you go RED which IIRC is top of the line.

Shmano stuff is much better. Or if you can stretch, get some passionate Italian gear. Campagnolo Super Record 11! Mmmmmmm

Ive got 3 mates each with a carbon roadie each, 2 trek's and a Giant. One has 105, 1 has Ultegra and one has Dura Ace.

The trek with 105 was around 1500 and is nice, although my mate just put a set of Campagnolo Shamal Ultra's on there for $800 and it goes real well. then next up was the trek with Ultegra, that was about 3200. The Giant with DA and Mavic Ksyriums SL wheels was like 5500 or something ridiculous.

In all honesty, for someone getting into road riding, the trek with 105 and a nice set of wheels would be fine. And still cheaper than the trek with Ultegra.

In saying that, I found the Ultegra shifted niced than the 105, however the notice between DA and Ultegra was negligible. I believe the DA is a slightly lighter groupset. Dura Ace Di2 on the other hand would be a completely different kettle of fish.

So in summary, if it was me, I would stretch the budget to a carbon frame/Ultegra set up, it may be overkill at first but you will 'grow' into it. However, I would be just as happy with carbon/105 and a nice set of wheels!

Keep In mind, carbon can/will fatigue over years and one crash can kill it all! So think about longevity and how long you are planning on keeping these things as an upgrade to a better groupset may be futile. There is always bikesure though!!!

Cheers

Great post mate, thanks for your advice.

I am thinking of going a full entry level carbon frame with maybe a set of 105's with the option of upgrading later. Although the thought of the frame fatiguing within a few years sounds concerning since you are paying more $ for it in the first place. I am not adverse to getting a alloy frame with carbon forks, better wheels and Ultegra components either if it means I get to keep the bike a few more years than I would over a carbon.

I love the thought of light weight framed bikes and from what I have been told makes a difference over alloy when climbing, but what what are talking about here in the difference of weight? 1-2kg or more and an increase of a minimum of $500+ to go carbon?

Currently my hybrid weighs in at a hefty 13kg plus accessories. So more than likely over 14kg plus water etc. I have seen alloy/carbon components and 105s weigh in at about 9kgs. To some shaving weight is crucial and are willing to pay extra for the privilege. The carbon bike kit probably weighs in at 5,6,7 kgs?

In the end, I'm not a pro cyclist and never will be, but I still want to have the best gear I can for what I do that in turn will last me. I ride 50km a week total, which isn't a lot compared to some, but I intend on increasing that mileage over time. I want the bike or the bike frame to last me say about 5 years? So in saying that, it sounds like I would be better off sticking with a alloy/carbon fork bike setup (in case I crash it), pay extra for better wheels and tires and the Ultegra's and enjoy the longevity of the bike that way.

Thoughts?

Also, I heard its possibly worth paying good money for kevlar tires to avoid punctures. I hate the thought of being stranded changing a tire at night. I have done my basic bike course and know how to change a tire, but if I can avoid having to do so I will. So do you think its worth going the bit extra for kevlar tires matched with real good light weight rims in the long run?

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

Haven't signed up for the TDU yet Shav? I think you have until the 6th Jan.

Hey Sam,

No not yet, but I am thinking of getting a group of mates together for the ride. If I have till the 6th to register, that should be enough time. Still 50/50 though

[HLC]

5 years at low use is nothing for carbon Shav! Just don't leave it lying in the sun somewhere ha ha

5 years at 400+ Kms per week and it'll probably start to get a bit flexy lol

You'll do fine with carbon/105! Save your coins for the future for when you want to (need to) buy something real nicer!

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by HLC

5 years at low use is nothing for carbon Shav! Just don't leave it lying in the sun somewhere ha ha

5 years at 400+ Kms per week and it'll probably start to get a bit flexy lol

You'll do fine with carbon/105! Save your coins for the future for when you want to (need to) buy something real nicer!

Killer. So you reckon a carbon bike after 5-10yo, not dropped with minimum Shimano 105s would do the job nicely over that level of time? If I could, I'd rather up grade parts over time rather than ditch the bike after a few years to upgrade to a newer one. Again, Im no pro, but if I can make it enjoyable for longer, then I think its a win/win situation.

Thanks again Henri

[HLC]

Bingo!

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

Haven't signed up for the TDU yet Shav? I think you have until the 6th Jan.

I think I am going to give this years TDU a miss. Reason being, I want to get a better bike before tackling bigger rides like this. I hope to get a better one by mid this year and be able to tackle the 65km leg of the Amy's ride this year. I will however be checking out one or 2 of the legs of this years TDU though. I'll probably take off half the day for the Norwood leg, and another day for the McLaren Vale leg.

But yeah, just prefer to get a proper road bike before I tackle the TDU Bupa tour rather than rely on the FBR/hybrid bike.

[HLC]

New Wheel Day! Again!!!

H+Son TB14's to Suzue Pro Max NJS Hubs Fixed/Fixed with Hoshi Spokes and Sapim Nips. Bonus DA NJS 15t sprocket and Suntour NJS lockring. Sweet!






Also got a new GoPro HD Hero2 off the Lady for xmas, so expect some sweet footage soon!

[blueoval]

awesome looking wheels Henri.