A new road bike
Posted by: Justin on 07 June 2004
Of course this is the last thread that people want to read right now, but I had to post something.
Reading the accounts of Bob Edwards inspired me to spend the last week riding on the road through our Metroparks rather than the bike/walk trail. It has been instructive, and quite frankly, preferable to the trail. In that single week (from day one to day 7) my speed had improved from an average of 15 mph to 16.5 mph and I've dropped a genuine 4 pounds (NOT water weight, as I've been drinking plenty). The only part that sucked is that one two seperate occassions in a single week some asshole reached out of his car in hit me on the back. I got the plate number on the second one, and filed a complaint with the police. So, I'll let you all know how that goes. That's a battery involving an automobile, which I think may be a felony. Have to look that up.
Anyway, all these super fast guys passing me on their lycra and spandex had induced me to step once again into my bike shop. I tried the Specialized Allez and liked it ok (BTW, Bob, the saddle on that bike is NOT the one on the Sirrus - the Allez saddle is the most uncomfortable saddle I have ever sat on), but felt the Trek geometry was simply more to my taste.
The $1000 Specialize had 105 shifters, front and rear deraillers. The breakset was a 105 knockoff (reputed to be identical - though the salesperson could not confirm they were 105 OEM's). Fork and rear stays were carbon fiber. $1600 in a trek got you 105 brakes, but Ultegra rear and fronts (which are higher than 105, as I understand).
Anyway, I'm leaning towards whatever about $750 in a trek buys me, which is the 1200. uses Tiagra and Ultegra front and rear, with 105 shifters and the knockoff allow brakes. I can't see myself justifying more than this.
I was suprised to be told that the same money in a Cannondale does not buy a bike with the same quality of components. Apparently, because the fraims are made in the USA, the whole bike is a poorer value unless you really appreciate the fraim.
Bob, do you have a heart rate monitor?
Judd
Reading the accounts of Bob Edwards inspired me to spend the last week riding on the road through our Metroparks rather than the bike/walk trail. It has been instructive, and quite frankly, preferable to the trail. In that single week (from day one to day 7) my speed had improved from an average of 15 mph to 16.5 mph and I've dropped a genuine 4 pounds (NOT water weight, as I've been drinking plenty). The only part that sucked is that one two seperate occassions in a single week some asshole reached out of his car in hit me on the back. I got the plate number on the second one, and filed a complaint with the police. So, I'll let you all know how that goes. That's a battery involving an automobile, which I think may be a felony. Have to look that up.
Anyway, all these super fast guys passing me on their lycra and spandex had induced me to step once again into my bike shop. I tried the Specialized Allez and liked it ok (BTW, Bob, the saddle on that bike is NOT the one on the Sirrus - the Allez saddle is the most uncomfortable saddle I have ever sat on), but felt the Trek geometry was simply more to my taste.
The $1000 Specialize had 105 shifters, front and rear deraillers. The breakset was a 105 knockoff (reputed to be identical - though the salesperson could not confirm they were 105 OEM's). Fork and rear stays were carbon fiber. $1600 in a trek got you 105 brakes, but Ultegra rear and fronts (which are higher than 105, as I understand).
Anyway, I'm leaning towards whatever about $750 in a trek buys me, which is the 1200. uses Tiagra and Ultegra front and rear, with 105 shifters and the knockoff allow brakes. I can't see myself justifying more than this.
I was suprised to be told that the same money in a Cannondale does not buy a bike with the same quality of components. Apparently, because the fraims are made in the USA, the whole bike is a poorer value unless you really appreciate the fraim.
Bob, do you have a heart rate monitor?
Judd