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Bicycle age
- Thread starter elrechazado
- Start date
Onikaan
Member
Quick snap of my FSR Comp '09. (Apologies for poor quality and forest muck)
I love this bike.
Throw it down anything and everything (unless I chicken out).
Unfortunately I've had to put my spare Fox RL 90mm fork on her, as I had a nasty off a few weeks back. Front tyre exploded and I blew a seal on my Rock Shox. So I'm looking for a new fork. Definitely want to go back to 120 travel, but I'm having a heck of a bother finding one. Plenty of forks around but none of them are compatible with my ride. Either the steerer tube is too fat, or they have this fangled new tapered thing going on.
I don't like buying on Ebay, but it looks like I have no choice.
I love this bike.
Throw it down anything and everything (unless I chicken out).
Unfortunately I've had to put my spare Fox RL 90mm fork on her, as I had a nasty off a few weeks back. Front tyre exploded and I blew a seal on my Rock Shox. So I'm looking for a new fork. Definitely want to go back to 120 travel, but I'm having a heck of a bother finding one. Plenty of forks around but none of them are compatible with my ride. Either the steerer tube is too fat, or they have this fangled new tapered thing going on.
I don't like buying on Ebay, but it looks like I have no choice.
Might be something as simple as a loose component or loose bolt. My cross trainer developed a creak/squeak that I couldn't isolate, and over time I stripped down and re-lubed all of the bearings trying to find it. Turned out to simply need a quarter turn of a bolt on some non-moving assembly joint.
UK-Gaf: just accidently stumbled on a Monday night programme on ITV4 HD called The Cycle Show. 8pm for one hour. Never heard of it before. Might be worth a look.
http://www.thecycleshow.co.uk/
Catch up: https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/the-cycle-show
Psychotext
Member
What size do you need?
I am having a lot more fun with club rides now that I am a bit more familiar with group riding techniques and bike handling skills. I'm getting faster and moving up in the weekly races. It's a great feeling to be so comfortable on your bike that you are completely focused on your riding instead of having this or that not feel right, something being out of tune etc.
Now that I have a cyclocross bike, I will also be doing some gravel/cx races come fall. Should be great!
Now that I have a cyclocross bike, I will also be doing some gravel/cx races come fall. Should be great!
I've never had a Zaskar either. Nearly bought one, but then the Lopes came up and i had to grab that instead. A friend of mine has a gorgeous Zaskar decked out with all manner of bike porn. I'll have it off him one day. Oddly enough I wanted a Trek Y Bike or a Marin Quake and I've ended up with an RTS!
Love that potted history. I've read it before but I found myself reading through it all over again.
Oh yeah, that's hot. Same size as mine by the look of it. I think I prefer your paint job though. Such a nice looking, great riding bike.Quick snap of my FSR Comp '09. (Apologies for poor quality and forest muck)
I love this bike.
Throw it down anything and everything (unless I chicken out).
Unfortunately I've had to put my spare Fox RL 90mm fork on her, as I had a nasty off a few weeks back. Front tyre exploded and I blew a seal on my Rock Shox. So I'm looking for a new fork. Definitely want to go back to 120 travel, but I'm having a heck of a bother finding one. Plenty of forks around but none of them are compatible with my ride. Either the steerer tube is too fat, or they have this fangled new tapered thing going on.
I don't like buying on Ebay, but it looks like I have no choice.
Your fork will have a 1 1/8th steerer. If you're in England, I can't recommend TFTuning enough. I sent a Recon to them with a blown seal and they returned it feeling like a brand new fork. Better than new to be honest as they tuned it to my weight and riding style, as well as the bike. Cost me about £120 all-in, including collection and delivery. The service was fantastic too.
Yeah, a friend of a friend had one of the first Zaskars, must have been around 1990 I guess. Man, I coveted that bike like a neighbour's ox. Full XTR and fuck knows what other trick bits. There was no expense spared. Legendary frame.
So anyway, after a low-speed topple off some rocks and a shoulder-first dive onto a fallen log (thankfully rotten, so it cushioned the blow) I decided to get some SPD combo pedals. I went for the Shimanos in the end, as the offset mech is supposed to ensure the pedals always hang one way and offer the same side on first engagement to make selecting cleat or non-cleat sides quick and intuitive. Jesus, it certainly feels weird not being locked to the bike at all times, and I didn't realise just how much I normally pull on the upstroke even when pedalling fairly slowly. Still, if it means my left foot can hit the ground before my shoulder does then I guess it's a compromise worth making. I'm sure I'll get used to them and I'll still be using the SPD side 99% of the time, just not over technical uphill terrain. Just wish my left ankle was strong enough to disengage quickly and without fail so I could stick with the much lighter, much easier full SPDs. Bah!
Onikaan
Member
Just had a look at the website. Really good prices! I've seen some horrific quotes for suspension servicing. Will definitely bookmark this for the future. I'm just north of the border but I'm sure that won't be an issue.
Square Triangle
Member
Picked up a 2014 Secteur Specialized, so far loving it, but my balls aren't. That ghetto rig on the handlebars would be painter's tape (no sticky residue) and a PDP $2 3DS case that is PERFECT for my Galaxy S3.
I've been riding with some 600 cyclist in downtown Detroit. They pick a route every Monday and meet at a pub, its a fascinating experience to take control of the roads with such a large crowd.
Also bought this beast of a lock. I'm convinced it weighs more than the bike itself.
I've been riding with some 600 cyclist in downtown Detroit. They pick a route every Monday and meet at a pub, its a fascinating experience to take control of the roads with such a large crowd.
Also bought this beast of a lock. I'm convinced it weighs more than the bike itself.
Hmm, alright. Thanks.
New ride, my first road bike: an used cervelo s1 2010, with mavic ksyrium sl-wheels, which are almost as valuable as the bike itself. Got it fitted and it's in service now just to make sure it couldn't break down on the first ride. Even if the bike wasn't that expensive all the extra equipment is pitting a strain on my wallet
Psychotext
Member
Certainly looks expensive.
I think whoever built this ramp in the woods didn't quite think things through - it's utterly unusable by man, beast or machine, and would send anyone daft enough to try right into the low branches of a tree. A good 'A' for effort, though. It must have taken some building.
(again, apologies for the shitty Galaxy Y phone pics)
(again, apologies for the shitty Galaxy Y phone pics)
Psychotext
Member
Maybe they plan on building it up with mud and more sticks... just for those willing to jumpduck.
I think it's for catching bears. They just haven't dug the pit yet.
There are a lot of weird DIY projects in these woods.
And that's the most important thing!
Hey guys, my brother's bike got stolen while he was in class during the summer and I'm trying to find him a new(used for $180 max) one. So far this is the only thing that looks appealing on craigslist.
http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/bik/3968260434.html
Any thoughts? It says it has a new wheel set but the treads look pretty worn down, unless a wheel set is something else?
http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/bik/3968260434.html
Any thoughts? It says it has a new wheel set but the treads look pretty worn down, unless a wheel set is something else?
i've been finding that the longer i ride the longer it takes my body to warm up. for example, this morning i rode 40 miles but the first 12-15 miles i felt like i was spinning in quicksand. in fact, i did much better time wise on my last 12 miles (uphill) than i did the 12 miles downhill that preceded it. anyone else have this issue? i think i really need to get a bike trainer to warm up the legs before i set off..
joevigilante
Neo Member
Even the pros have adopted doing 45 mins to an hour on a trainer before heading out on a 200km race and then another 45 minute cool down after the race. I usually treat the first 45 mins as a warm up especially as I'm biking to a meet up spot. I find i'm more likely cramp up much faster if i'm pushing a bit harder than normal during that time
Square Triangle
Member
I really hate walkers at the park. I politely say "Behind" and they look back and don't get on their side. Just because I'm on a bike doesn't mean I'm going to go in the grass. Especially since its a road bike
Jzero
Member
That's probably what drivers feel on the road with cyclists.
Square Triangle
Member
Maybe so but I don't ride in the road unless it's an organized event =) So get your and your ugly poodle's ass out of my way in the park!
GalacticSushiman
Member
I chose the park I ride in for this specifically: two different 3 kms rings, one bicycle track, and one hiking/running track on the side.
It's ok to insult the runner on the bicycle track then
- and our running friends don't hesitate to do the same with us getting in their lane .
Square Triangle
Member
I chose the park I ride in for this specifically: two different 3 kms rings, one bicycle track, and one hiking/running track on the side.
It's ok to insult the runner on the bicycle track then
Yeah the bike path is on the right side, so it's automatic for someone to want to go on that side. It just irks me.
On a side note: I'm having trouble shifting my front derailleur, I don't know if there is something I can do or it needs to go to the shop.
Psychotext
Member
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xuw9yCLwslQ
That's a mountain bike, but assuming you don't have electronic shifting then most of it will be valid for a road bike too.
That's a mountain bike, but assuming you don't have electronic shifting then most of it will be valid for a road bike too.
I warm up an hour for a crit. Long road races typically need less warm up, unless they start hot. I use a trainer at races because I don't want any effort in a warm up (easy spin) saving every bit of glycogen for the race. I'm not sure why any sane person would warm up on a trainer for just a ride, just keep it in the small ring for twenty minutes. Trainers/Rollers are boring.
SUPARSTARX
Member
West side NYC today!
weekend_warrior
Banned
Why don't bikes come with kickstands anymore? I'm I just old fashioned?
So my POS budget bike that I bought two years ago is on the fritz. The front fork is done and not worth replacing. The rear suspension is messed as well, and that's really just the beginning.
Time for a new bike. And I'm actually hoping to buy one within the next couple days.
Hoping to get some help from you guys.
Experience: Novice/Intermediate (no experience with road bikes)
Budget: $800-$1000 (not married to this).
Usage: Fast commuting, hills, trails (example), leisure
Country: Canada
Type: Performance hybrid
Some choices in my local stores include Giant, Cannondale and Specialized.
What would you guys recommend? I hear the Giant Rapid is quite good for the price?
Also, what are the disadvantages of a hybrid compared to a road bike? Just efficiency?
Time for a new bike. And I'm actually hoping to buy one within the next couple days.
Hoping to get some help from you guys.
Experience: Novice/Intermediate (no experience with road bikes)
Budget: $800-$1000 (not married to this).
Usage: Fast commuting, hills, trails (example), leisure
Country: Canada
Type: Performance hybrid
Some choices in my local stores include Giant, Cannondale and Specialized.
What would you guys recommend? I hear the Giant Rapid is quite good for the price?
Also, what are the disadvantages of a hybrid compared to a road bike? Just efficiency?
Decided to read the last couple pages (might go back and read more) for some ideas and the Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc struck me as maybe the right bike for my needs. A couple people recommended it, as well. Sells for $850 at a local shop
Good value, yes? How would you explain what I'm gaining by getting the Sport Disc instead of the Sport? Or what I'm LACKING by getting the Sport Disc instead of the Elite Disc? It's all Greek to me. Shimano this, but Tektro Draco that. A1 Premium Aluminum this.... but E5 Aluminum that....
Alternatively looking at the Giant Rapid 2 and the Giant Roam XR2, but similarly can't understand the differences in parts.
Also, you guys have some beautiful bikes. Really impressed. You also find some beautiful spots. I'm hoping to make it out to Whistler next week if I get my bike in time.
Good value, yes? How would you explain what I'm gaining by getting the Sport Disc instead of the Sport? Or what I'm LACKING by getting the Sport Disc instead of the Elite Disc? It's all Greek to me. Shimano this, but Tektro Draco that. A1 Premium Aluminum this.... but E5 Aluminum that....
Alternatively looking at the Giant Rapid 2 and the Giant Roam XR2, but similarly can't understand the differences in parts.
Also, you guys have some beautiful bikes. Really impressed. You also find some beautiful spots. I'm hoping to make it out to Whistler next week if I get my bike in time.
I chose the park I ride in for this specifically: two different 3 kms rings, one bicycle track, and one hiking/running track on the side.
It's ok to insult the runner on the bicycle track then
My local route from the castle to the woods is mainly along a 10-foot wide paved path through a park, split down the middle with a designated and clearly-marked cycle lane on one side and pedestrian lane on the other. I can guarantee that every time I use it I'll have to dodge several brain-dead mouth-breathers, aimlessly straddling the white line that separates the lanes as if they are human slot-cars, pre-programmed to follow the white line all the way to some mythical cake shop.
A few weeks ago there were a couple of policemen standing talking to a bunch of kids on the path, blocking both sides. They all saw me approaching at reasonably high speed in plenty of time, yet made no attempt to move until the last second when they all scattered like startled rabbits to my shout of "cycle path!" as I zipped past. Not very civic-minded of me, I'll agree, but it might make them think twice about blocking it in the future. I just wish I could have heard what the coppers were shouting at me as they receded into the distance.
Psychotext
Member
Link both of them and I'll be happy to explain the meaningful differences.
Unrelated, Whistler should be awesome.
basically because many of the bikes are so valuable that you dont need to prop one up for any length of time, because youre riding it, not going to the grocery store
not my opinion
Link both of them and I'll be happy to explain the meaningful differences.
Unrelated, Whistler should be awesome.
Comparison of the Crosstrail Sport Disc vs the Elite Disc vs the Sport
Victory Red
Member
So my girlfriend and I were looking to get some bikes just to take some weekend rides around town and a light trail here and there.
Budget is less than $150 so we went to Target and Walmart and they had a nice selection.
I wound up picking this up at Walmart. Kid that works there says its their best seller, great bike. I rode it home and it was very comfortable
HOWEVER, my friend is moving out west and he has a GIANT bike that I think I can get off him for about the same price. Its a mountain bike and exactly what I was looking for. Should I stretch and get the GIANT or since I'm not going to be doing anything crazy I should just stick with this puppy?
or in other words. Are GIANTs really that good or they are just another good solid bike. I know he spend like $300 on it a few years ago.
Budget is less than $150 so we went to Target and Walmart and they had a nice selection.
I wound up picking this up at Walmart. Kid that works there says its their best seller, great bike. I rode it home and it was very comfortable
HOWEVER, my friend is moving out west and he has a GIANT bike that I think I can get off him for about the same price. Its a mountain bike and exactly what I was looking for. Should I stretch and get the GIANT or since I'm not going to be doing anything crazy I should just stick with this puppy?
or in other words. Are GIANTs really that good or they are just another good solid bike. I know he spend like $300 on it a few years ago.
Psychotext
Member
Tektro Drako are a really, really low end brake. Just about as cheap a hydraulic disc brake as they could hope to put on there. Probably fine if you aren't going to be riding anything too harsh, but I wouldn't want to put them through their paces downhill in the wet. They're pretty heavy too.
The V brakes on the sport version should only really be considered if you don't plan on riding in the rain. I still have v brakes on one of my bikes and it's scarytastic when it's raining / muddy. You brake and just hope something happens.
Deore dérailleurs are a fair chunk better than Acera but it's mostly reliability / strength / weight. Acera will still change gear just fine.
The wheels (rims) on the disc models like they're going to be a fair bit lighter, but as there's no details there it's hard to judge.
Finally, the Shimano FC-M431 (Alvio) crankset is better than the SR Suntour one, but there's not really much to write home about there. The Shimano one is certainly prettier.
Personally I'd choose between the sport and the elite disc, and I'd only go for the sport if I wasn't going to be riding in the wet at all.
If you are going to lie your bike on the ground, lie it on the side without the derailleurs.
Kickstands don't work very well, can be a hazard, and need to be clamped to the frame. Most modern light frames aren't built to handle that sort of force. Carbon in particular is fairly easy to crush in a clamp.
Kickstands don't work very well, can be a hazard, and need to be clamped to the frame. Most modern light frames aren't built to handle that sort of force. Carbon in particular is fairly easy to crush in a clamp.
I'm not particularly qualified to comment, but I do know that the Giant is going to be much better than what you get from Walmart. Would be good to know which Giant, though, and what the condition is. But I'd guess the Walmart bike won't last very long.So my girlfriend and I were looking to get some bikes just to take some weekend rides around town and a light trail here and there.
Budget is less than $150 so we went to Target and Walmart and they had a nice selection.
I wound up picking this up at Walmart. Kid that works there says its their best seller, great bike. I rode it home and it was very comfortable
HOWEVER, my friend is moving out west and he has a GIANT bike that I think I can get off him for about the same price. Its a mountain bike and exactly what I was looking for. Should I stretch and get the GIANT or since I'm not going to be doing anything crazy I should just stick with this puppy?
or in other words. Are GIANTs really that good or they are just another good solid bike. I know he spend like $300 on it a few years ago.
Thanks a ton. How do you know this stuff? Just from following bikes for years or from doing research on a certain site?Tektro Drako are a really, really low end brake. Just about as cheap a hydraulic disc brake as they could hope to put on there. Probably fine if you aren't going to be riding anything too harsh, but I wouldn't want to put them through their paces downhill in the wet. They're pretty heavy too.
The V brakes on the sport version should only really be considered if you don't plan on riding in the rain. I still have v brakes on one of my bikes and it's scarytastic when it's raining / muddy. You brake and just hope something happens.
Deore dérailleurs are a fair chunk better than Acera but it's mostly reliability / strength / weight. Acera will still change gear just fine.
The wheels (rims) on the disc models like they're going to be a fair bit lighter, but as there's no details there it's hard to judge.
Finally, the Shimano FC-M431 (Alvio) crankset is better than the SR Suntour one, but there's not really much to write home about there. The Shimano one is certainly prettier.
Personally I'd choose between the sport and the elite disc, and I'd only go for the sport if I wasn't going to be riding in the wet at all.
I'll be riding in the rain, so I'll definitely avoid the Sport. Didn't even notice that it had v-brakes, but it's right in the name (lack thereof). The Elite is more expensive than the Sport Disc, but I'll take to heart how it has a number of superior parts. I want this bike to last me several years so I suppose it's worth spending an extra $200.
Could anyone compare the two Giants in my post above?
Victory Red
Member
Psychotext
Member
Just things you pick up over time. The "rankings" of certain types of gear are fairly well understood.
As for comparing the giant bikes you linked, there's one obvious difference... one has a fixed fork and v-brakes, the other has a suspension fork and discs.
(The roam xr2 uses mountain bike components, the rapid 2 uses road bike components. The rapid 2 is likely to be much lighter, but far less useful off-road.)
I'd say definitely go for the Giant, but you'll want a second opinion.Its a 2010 Giant Boulder SE
Condition is "great"
Only rid a dozen times.
Thanks! Even with your level of detail, though, I'm having trouble figuring out which has v-brakes and which has discs... :/ I'm guessing the Rapid 2 has v-brakes, which would be disappointing since I'm otherwise interested.Just things you pick up over time. The "rankings" of certain types of gear are fairly well understood.
As for comparing the giant bikes you linked, there's one obvious difference... one has a fixed fork and v-brakes, the other has a suspension fork and discs.
(The roam xr2 uses mountain bike components, the rapid 2 uses road bike components. The rapid 2 is likely to be much lighter, but far less useful off-road.)
Psychotext
Member
Discs are the big silver things you'll find in the middle of the wheels. They're heavier than v brakes but work far more consistently in the wet and when you have to brake for a long stretch.
They're by no means an absolute requirement (my main cross country mountain bike has v brakes), but it really depends on the climate you ride in.
They're by no means an absolute requirement (my main cross country mountain bike has v brakes), but it really depends on the climate you ride in.
Sorry, I do know what disc brakes are and what their advantage is. I just can't figure out if Tektro R385 (on the Rapid 2) is V or Disc. Seems to be V-brakes, especially looking at the picture.
And disc brakes are a make/break for me since I live in a rainy climate (upcoming months).
Psychotext
Member
They're v brakes, you can see them on the rim of the bike in the picture.
GalacticSushiman
Member
I loled.
Yes, we, cyclers, may not be the most 'civic-minded' in those cases, but I see it as a learning process, if I don't shout each time 'cycling track here!' then I can't really complain, right?
So, I shout again and again
I'm most likely wrong but isn't the v-brake the two rubber pads that grip along the rim of the tire itself as opposed to the metal disc in the center of the tire?
EDIT: Beaten on this.
Also, aside from the long socks that I've been using, is there any other equipment to help against getting the back of my leg chewed up by the pedals when I lose grip or am walking the bike?
weekend_warrior
Banned
Disc brakes are exactly like there counterparts on cars or motorcycles, there is a steel disc in the middle of the wheel that spins with it and when you use the brake level you press other steel pads into to which causes friction and slows you down.
V-brakes are the same thing that you had on your bike when you were 10 years old. It's a rubber pad that rubs against the inner wall of the wheel to cause friction. The rubber contact is much less reliable then steel and is more affected by water.
It's very easy to see what a bike has by looking at the inside of the wheels, either you'll see a disc or you won't. The Roam XR2 has disc brakes the Rapid 2 doesn't.
I don't think the Rapid 2 would be suitable if you plan on going on trails.
Yeah. Damn. Thanks for the help.
Anyone (Psychotext??) with thoughts on the Trek 8.4 DS? Seems to have fairly good parts for the price.
Psychotext
Member
Yeah, looks good for the price. Fairly similar to that elite disc one from the last page.
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