New to cycling

[Captain Stubing]

Awesome, Shav! You'll be surprised the difference a nice frame makes!

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by swanny

Awesome, Shav! You'll be surprised the difference a nice frame makes!

Thanks bloke, that what my mate reckons too. Can't wait to get my hands on this thing.

[Batmobile]

Originally Posted by blueoval

So it looks like I've come to a decision. Decided not to build my next bike due to being offered a ripper deal by a mate who works at a bike store. It just worked out cheaper to get a complete bike thru my mate considering the specs. Looks like I'll tinker with my Focus and look at rebuilding that for fun and experience instead. I don't mind. But this next bike is SICK as far as Im concerned and it ticks all the boxes I was looking for.

Basic Specs are:
Cervelo S5 VPW frame
Dura Ace Mechanical groupset
Mavic Cosmic Wheels

Actual frame color below.
image

Will it make me faster? Possibly, but not necessarily. Will I look like a pompous twat? Possibly, but not necessarily. Will I love it and enjoy riding it? Absafrickenlutely!

I have a few friends that have come through the range - all swear it is the fastest frame on the market
I love the look especially in the black with those odd looking rotor chainrings
The boys ride theirs with the headstem basicallyon the headtube and like them with that set up you look like a pro looking for a contract
Bravo !!

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Batmobile

I have a few friends that have come through the range - all swear it is the fastest frame on the market
I love the look especially in the black with those odd looking rotor chainrings
The boys ride theirs with the headstem basicallyon the headtube and like them with that set up you look like a pro looking for a contract
Bravo !!

Thanks, Yep, speed on the flats is what it is all about. I need as much help as I can get. haha. But it's been a big dream to own something like this and Im just stoked Im in a position to own something like this.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by blueoval

So it looks like I've come to a decision. Decided not to build my next bike due to being offered a ripper deal by a mate who works at a bike store. It just worked out cheaper to get a complete bike thru my mate considering the specs. Looks like I'll tinker with my Focus and look at rebuilding that for fun and experience instead. I don't mind. But this next bike is SICK as far as Im concerned and it ticks all the boxes I was looking for.

Basic Specs are:
Cervelo S5 VPW frame
Dura Ace Mechanical groupset
Mavic Cosmic Wheels

Actual frame color below.
image

Will it make me faster? Possibly, but not necessarily. Will I look like a pompous twat? Possibly, but not necessarily. Will I love it and enjoy riding it? Absafrickenlutely!

Nice choice. At the end of the day how you feel about it is all that matters. My Merckx is not a new bike, it is not the lightest, it is not the fastest but I love riding it and it puts a smile on my face every time I look at it.

Having said that I am tempted by the new Trek Madone 9, just wish I could get it with Campag record for a tolerable price.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by swanny

Awesome, Shav! You'll be surprised the difference a nice frame makes!

I believe you owe some pics of the finished product and a bit of a write up, unless I missed something.

[DBourne]

That's *** mad, Shav!!!! I was lusting after the Cervelo S5 and S3 before I discovered the Propel. So needless to say I'm a wee bit jealous.

Congrats buddy.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by DBourne

That's *** mad, Shav!!!! I was lusting after the Cervelo S5 and S3 before I discovered the Propel. So needless to say I'm a wee bit jealous.

Congrats buddy.

Appreciate it mate. You wouldnt believe the deal Im getting for this bro. Its pretty sick. I'll PM you.

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Nice choice. At the end of the day how you feel about it is all that matters. My Merckx is not a new bike, it is not the lightest, it is not the fastest but I love riding it and it puts a smile on my face every time I look at it.

Having said that I am tempted by the new Trek Madone 9, just wish I could get it with Campag record for a tolerable price.

That's it. It's the way you feel about it that makes it special. Everyone has their own cryptonite. That said, N+1 bro. haha

[geckoGT]

Thats right, I do need another bike but the issue is I have to get the minister of war and finance to agree.

[GTpilot]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Thats right, I do need another bike but the issue is I have to get the minister of war and finance to agree.

she'll forgive you.

[Captain Stubing]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

I believe you owe some pics of the finished product and a bit of a write up, unless I missed something.

Okay, since you asked so nicely...

Picked up the Merckx from the LBS on Thursday evening, after dropping it in to sort out the derailleur adjustments. I didn't get a chance to try it out until Sunday morning, when I rode in the 100km Brissie to the Bay ride for MS.
The weather forecast was really poor, and a lot of people probably bailed on the ride, but as I'd raised nearly $1500, mostly from the FF family, I felt obligated to do the ride.

View from the start...




I got to start in the first 30, and was taking it easy, as it had just stopped showering. Going up the first hill (Vulture St) the Merckx felt so much lighter than my Avanti Cadent, and I was cruising past everyone with no effort.

I didn't stop till I'd reach the 60km mark, and had started to feel some cramping in the calves. After a 10 minute break I pushed on. The last 40km seemed harder than last year, the last 10km agony with cramps popping up in the quads. I've never had muscle cramps before... don't want them again.

After I finished, that's when it started to rain again. When I downloaded the Strava data, I found I'd knocked 27mins from last year's effort and I managed an average speed of 27.5km/hr.

I saw one bloke slip and fall on a corner, but the GP4000 tyres didn't slip once.


Anyway, here's the finished bike...










I'm not happy with the saddle, first I think it's set-back is wrong which probably caused the cramps, second it's not as comfortable as my last bike on the derriere.

[geckoGT]

Came up really well, quite an impressive machine.

I just had the Specialised fit thing done for a saddle and the recommendation for me was a Romin Evo in 143mm size. Not the plushest looking saddle but it is comfortable and the cutout seems to relieve a lot of the pressure on long rides.

27 mins off a 100km ride that is impressive and certainly not just because of a new bike, you have certainly come a long way in 12 months.

[GTpilot]

Originally Posted by blueoval

So it looks like I've come to a decision. Decided not to build my next bike due to being offered a ripper deal by a mate who works at a bike store. It just worked out cheaper to get a complete bike thru my mate considering the specs. Looks like I'll tinker with my Focus and look at rebuilding that for fun and experience instead. I don't mind. But this next bike is SICK as far as Im concerned and it ticks all the boxes I was looking for.

Basic Specs are:
Cervelo S5 VPW frame
Dura Ace Mechanical groupset
Mavic Cosmic Wheels

Actual frame color below.
image

Will it make me faster? Possibly, but not necessarily. Will I look like a pompous twat? Possibly, but not necessarily. Will I love it and enjoy riding it? Absafrickenlutely!

Sweet ride Shav. My brother has the exact same one, he loves it.

[Captain Stubing]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Came up really well, quite an impressive machine.

I just had the Specialised fit thing done for a saddle and the recommendation for me was a Romin Evo in 143mm size. Not the plushest looking saddle but it is comfortable and the cutout seems to relieve a lot of the pressure on long rides.

27 mins off a 100km ride that is impressive and certainly not just because of a new bike, you have certainly come a long way in 12 months.

Thanks Gecko, though the Merckx does seem easier to hold at a higher speed. I have changed to semi-compact 170mm crank, going from 175mm. I've read that shorter cranks can reduce fatigue in the hips, with no noticeable difference when riding.

The saddle on the Avanti is a Zero Zelix Pro, which has a cutout, so I should look for a similar style.

[prydey]

Well done on your MS ride swanny. Very impressive improvement over last year and decent ave speed also.

I'd like a shiny new toy as well but alas, the funds just aren't there. My trusty 3yr old aluminium Cannondale will have to last quite a bit longer. Mind you it does the job required pretty well. It's more the engine that's not too flash. Motivation has gone missing as well

[Captain Stubing]

That's got to be my next upgrade, Prydey... the engine!

[Batmobile]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Came up really well, quite an impressive machine.

I just had the Specialised fit thing done for a saddle and the recommendation for me was a Romin Evo in 143mm size. Not the plushest looking saddle but it is comfortable and the cutout seems to relieve a lot of the pressure on long rides.

27 mins off a 100km ride that is impressive and certainly not just because of a new bike, you have certainly come a long way in 12 months.

For as long as I can remember , I ve been on a Selle Italia , Selle Marco or Prolongo , never had a problem . Very recently I moved on to a very nice Fizik Arione . Ater each ride, I swear I been kicked in the crown jewels , so much so, the discomfort last for many hours after the ride
I spoke with my docttor, and after an examination , he and I are both of the opinion the discomfort has been caused by the change in seat . We both think it's due to the wider and longer nose of the Fizik seat
My doctor ,a rider as well , believes I should look at a Selle SMP Evolution - he swears by it . I not so sure ??? Ugly looking seat , so much so, I can't bring myself to believe it could help
Has anyone had a similar situation once they changed seats or had any
experience with a Selle SMP seat?

[Junkyard-Dog]

I crashed my bike for the first time since I was a teenager today. I was going around a corner and somehow the rear tyre came out behind me.

Road rash is bad.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Junkyard-Dog

I crashed my bike for the first time since I was a teenager today. I was going around a corner and somehow the rear tyre came out behind me.

Road rash is bad.

Sorry to hear. Was it wet? Stay away from painted lines, drain covers, man hole covers etc etc in the wet, and if you do have to cross them, try to do so in a straight line and no pedalling.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by GTpilot

Sweet ride Shav. My brother has the exact same one, he loves it.

Cheers mate. Just found out it's the vroonen white design. 2015/2016 model. Limited edition from what i hear. Does your brother know of any more info of this spec etc?

[Junkyard-Dog]

Originally Posted by prydey

Sorry to hear. Was it wet? Stay away from painted lines, drain covers, man hole covers etc etc in the wet, and if you do have to cross them, try to do so in a straight line and no pedalling.

Yes, it had been raining on and off most of the day. The roads were very slippery, maybe I should have let some air out the tyres before riding.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by Junkyard-Dog

Yes, it had been raining on and off most of the day. The roads were very slippery, maybe I should have let some air out the tyres before riding.

Sorry to hear you dropped it, hope the road rash heals well. A minor drop in pressure of about 10-15 psi is not a bad idea in the wet along with that good advice from Rob.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by Batmobile

For as long as I can remember , I ve been on a Selle Italia , Selle Marco or Prolongo , never had a problem . Very recently I moved on to a very nice Fizik Arione . Ater each ride, I swear I been kicked in the crown jewels , so much so, the discomfort last for many hours after the ride
I spoke with my docttor, and after an examination , he and I are both of the opinion the discomfort has been caused by the change in seat . We both think it's due to the wider and longer nose of the Fizik seat
My doctor ,a rider as well , believes I should look at a Selle SMP Evolution - he swears by it . I not so sure ??? Ugly looking seat , so much so, I can't bring myself to believe it could help
Has anyone had a similar situation once they changed seats or had any
experience with a Selle SMP seat?

I think that has to be one of the ugliest saddles on the market at this time.

Arione is a very flat saddle designed for riders with good flexibility and I have heard a lot of people have a lot of trouble with it. Antares is the more middle of the range saddle which has a bit of a kick up at the back and from what I have seen more people have good experience with this one.

The thing I like about the Specialized system is they get you to sit on some memory foam and measure the width of your sit bones which indicates what width saddle you need. Getting advice and reading reviews is very difficult for saddles as a saddle that is good for one person is anatomically a nightmare for others. Specialized having that anatomical measurement and selection of a saddle according to that is the only way to go. The other good thing with Specialized is they have a trial program where you can put down a deposit and use a trial seat to see if it works before you spend big money. Looking at the shape the Specialized Romin Evo I got is similar in specs to the Antares with a mild kick up at the rear and a bit shorter than saddles such as the Arione which are very long and flat.

[paule11]

I have had no problems with the Arione seat although I know 2 people who have one went to Selle and the other an ism saddle

[Batmobile]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

I think that has to be one of the ugliest saddles on the market at this time.

Arione is a very flat saddle designed for riders with good flexibility and I have heard a lot of people have a lot of trouble with it. Antares is the more middle of the range saddle which has a bit of a kick up at the back and from what I have seen more people have good experience with this one.

The thing I like about the Specialized system is they get you to sit on some memory foam and measure the width of your sit bones which indicates what width saddle you need. Getting advice and reading reviews is very difficult for saddles as a saddle that is good for one person is anatomically a nightmare for others. Specialized having that anatomical measurement and selection of a saddle according to that is the only way to go. The other good thing with Specialized is they have a trial program where you can put down a deposit and use a trial seat to see if it works before you spend big money. Looking at the shape the Specialized Romin Evo I got is similar in specs to the Antares with a mild kick up at the rear and a bit shorter than saddles such as the Arione which are very long and flat.

Sometime back , when I purchased my S-Works Epic , I completed a bike fit and with that come the opportunity to sit on the footprint if you will to determine the correct width seat I should be using . From memory , the number 143 was used
Agree , it provides you a start , but as you correctly stated , all matter of facts can determine whether one seat works or doesn't , with the consequences being disastrous
I agree the SMP looks like it create some damage , and I although I understand the concept , can not bring myself to part with my hard earned to see whether there is any merit in the design.
I have arranged with the bike shop to demo a few designs . It they fail , I will be retaining to what has worked in the past . I think some of the newer seats seem to be longer and broader in the nose piece which appears not to work for me .

[geckoGT]

Yes you are correct, width is only one issue and making the wrong choice can be expensive which is why I hate buying saddles and shoes.

[Batmobile]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Yes you are correct, width is only one issue and making the wrong choice can be expensive which is why I hate buying saddles and shoes.

I know exactly what you mean . I get all excited as i walk through the process , i then make a decision . Then i hold the item for what seems forever.
I still unsure why ??? You may uncovered a possible scenario. Fear after an exhaustive investigation that i may have got it wrong
Clearly , i got the seat wrong . However pleased i know its the problem and i can now recommence the process to discover its replacement

[GTpilot]

Originally Posted by Batmobile

For as long as I can remember , I ve been on a Selle Italia , Selle Marco or Prolongo , never had a problem . Very recently I moved on to a very nice Fizik Arione . Ater each ride, I swear I been kicked in the crown jewels , so much so, the discomfort last for many hours after the ride
I spoke with my docttor, and after an examination , he and I are both of the opinion the discomfort has been caused by the change in seat . We both think it's due to the wider and longer nose of the Fizik seat
My doctor ,a rider as well , believes I should look at a Selle SMP Evolution - he swears by it . I not so sure ??? Ugly looking seat , so much so, I can't bring myself to believe it could help
Has anyone had a similar situation once they changed seats or had any
experience with a Selle SMP seat?

I used an SMP hell on my old bike. Loved it. When I got my giant it came with the arione. I thought that was even better aside from the same issues. Sore nuts. Trying the same SMP on the Giant just didn't do it for me.
I bought an arione VS to give it a try as it has a shallow channel down the centre. (not VSX, deeper channel, but I hear it's not comfortable) I love it, sore nuts syndrome is gone and it feels better than the SMP hell.

I picked up an SMP drakon on sale to give it a try but I'm not happy with it. It's comfortable but not as much as the arione vs. I'm also not getting the power output either.
SMP saddles with their shape can be difficult to get right too. 1° out on angle and it's like sitting on the cross tube. They need to be setup for you perfect.

The Fizik are not that expensive either.
The basic rail version from merlin is just over $80
The k:Ium rail version from cycling express is about $140 or carbon rail from pushys for about $190.

I just bought two more. One for the CX bike and one for the old road bike.

I see a lot of folks using the Specialized seats these days, most of those off the back of having a BG fit done. Many also end up with a nice shiny set of Specialized shoes too.

[Batmobile]

I have a indoor session booked with my preferred cycling store where we are going to demo a few seats including the awkward looking SMP . I known the proprietor for over 30yrs and pleased to say i consider our relationship to be more family than customer
I will ride to work and then after work ride to shop so away from his customers we can set the bike up on the trainer with various seats, although a change back to what i had prior to the change should see a immediate fix
Shoes : Have tried most , but have been happy to stay with Sidi Ergo. Although after meeting Chris Froome earlier this year i might try the Sidi Wire Froome Edition

[Batmobile]

Some of the guys i ride with still have their S-Works Specialized shoes in the fluorescent green. Some have had to get sole inserts as they had hot spots after a long ride and others have had problems with the wire system
I "did" try them in the mountain bike version , but like the SMP seat , there was something about the dual wire system that i didnt like .
On that note - recently i purchased a new pair of Bontrager shoe covers and tried a pair of their road shoes similar to the S-Works and i must say i liked the fit and felt light.