Bicycle Brahs Part 2 - The Lance Armstrong Ball (literally bicycle)

[ctg23]

what is a drop bar model?

[SkepticalOne]

what is a drop bar model?

Something like this - drop-bars refers to the configuration of the handle-bars. They offer more variations of hand position which come in handy when cruising, sprinting, or climbing. More precisely, I would recommend an endurance road-bike. Every major brand (including Cannondale: Synapse) has their own version.

I just think this offers you a lot more options down the road

[ctg23]

right, i see what your saying. thanks for the tip, hadn't even thought of that!

That Giant Defy is mighty nice! was looking at it the other day

[ErikTheElectric]

^ Just started getting the new Defy 1's in at the shop. They look SICK!

[MizzouCocoa]

right, i see what your saying. thanks for the tip, hadn't even thought of that!

That Giant Defy is mighty nice! was looking at it the other day

Was about 20 seconds away from pulling the trigger on the Defy 1 as my first bike, but was more comfortable on the Trek 1.1, so ended up with that.


How tf do you guys ride like 75 miles lmao. Im just horrible at hills. Did 9 miles today and avg pace @ 12.5mph. 9 miles 585 feet of elevation gained. pathetic lols.

[gamblor21]

Was about 20 seconds away from pulling the trigger on the Defy 1 as my first bike, but was more comfortable on the Trek 1.1, so ended up with that.


How tf do you guys ride like 75 miles lmao. Im just horrible at hills. Did 9 miles today and avg pace @ 12.5mph. 9 miles 585 feet of elevation gained. pathetic lols.

You dont just start out riding 75 miles, When i first got back into biking i think my first ride was 12-14 miles at like 13mph avg. The hills killed me, but the more i rode the faster i got and the further i could go. Just gotta build up

[MizzouCocoa]

You dont just start out riding 75 miles, When i first got back into biking i think my first ride was 12-14 miles at like 13mph avg. The hills killed me, but the more i rode the faster i got and the further i could go. Just gotta build up

I know it comes with time. Just like seeing a guy squat 315 for the first time in the gym when i was a newb. Less than 2 years later I'm beating that lift and weigh lighter than him by 100lbs.

It's inspiring to see "average" joes ride the distances that I perceive as a lot.

[Auxe]

Was about 20 seconds away from pulling the trigger on the Defy 1 as my first bike, but was more comfortable on the Trek 1.1, so ended up with that.


How tf do you guys ride like 75 miles lmao. Im just horrible at hills. Did 9 miles today and avg pace @ 12.5mph. 9 miles 585 feet of elevation gained. pathetic lols.

Trek 1.2 here

right, i see what your saying. thanks for the tip, hadn't even thought of that!

That Giant Defy is mighty nice! was looking at it the other day

Giant Defy is a great starter bike, the Defy is affordable as well.

[MizzouCocoa]

Trek 1.2 here

How do you like it breh?

[Auxe]

How do you like it breh?

I've hit 10,000 miles on it and I've nearly replaced everything on it.

[MizzouCocoa]

I've hit 10,000 miles on it and I've nearly replaced everything on it.

Because stuff broke, or because you don't like the components? I haven't put even 1000 on my 1.1 yet

[Auxe]

Because stuff broke, or because you don't like the components? I haven't put even 1000 on my 1.1 yet

Wear and tear. Your stock rear wheel, the sora, chain, and the shifters go at around 2000-3000. Depends on if you're biking in salt/winter. The bike is dramatically durable. My white/red/black is now a dirty grey/red. The white refuses to stay clean

[MizzouCocoa]

I probably wont ever replace the derailleurs or anything. Ill convert to a single speed and buy a 2nd bike probably.

[BabyOilBrah]

single speed ftw, though I kinda want to change my gearing because all I do is climb hills and I'm on 46/16 which is difficult AF.

[MizzouCocoa]

single speed ftw, though I kinda want to change my gearing because all I do is climb hills and I'm on 46/16 which is difficult AF.

Didn't know you were cycling, thought you'sa runner bruh.

I want to get better at climbing hills using my gears before I go to a single speed. I'll wear out the parts on my Trek 1.1, buy a conversion kit, and buy a new bike that's suited for handling more miles. I decided to go "low end" because I didn't know how much I'd enjoy riding, or if I'd even keep with it at all.

It'll be a great bike for a few years, though. Really like the fit.

[Drhunglow]

That Giant Defy is mighty nice! was looking at it the other day

I'm real happy with my Defy 2. My friends went with cyclecross and hybrid bikes and they're all jelly of the speed, even though they are still faster than me with their bikes.

You dont just start out riding 75 miles, When i first got back into biking i think my first ride was 12-14 miles at like 13mph avg. The hills killed me, but the more i rode the faster i got and the further i could go. Just gotta build up

Yea first ride one of my friends cramped out after 15miles took the train home. End of the summer he was doing centurys(in km )

single speed ftw, though I kinda want to change my gearing because all I do is climb hills and I'm on 46/16 which is difficult AF.

I've done the local mountains and I think you single speed climbers are insane. I'm in the easiest gear and before I reach the top, I'm having trouble moving the pedals. I mean both my muscles and joints hurt. I don't even want to roll back down, I want to call the north shore rescue to bring a heli. (ok I'm on a road so they can drive but I want out ASAP )

[ErikTheElectric]

single speed ftw, though I kinda want to change my gearing because all I do is climb hills and I'm on 46/16 which is difficult AF.

Switched to a 38 on my SS and it made a huge difference. Was able to hit 9k on my last big climbing session.

Single speed life!

[Auxe]

I've decided that running is stupid. So is the stairmaster. That gazelle thing is cancer.

Basically all cardio sucks except cycling.

[RockyIV]

I've got a single speed/fixie that I like to ride around on the local bike paths for fun but fuark climbing anything serious with it.

I supposed I could start using it for hill training and make me a better climber

[KRANE]

I'm real happy with my Defy 2. My friends went with cyclecross and hybrid bikes and they're all jelly of the speed, even though they are still faster than me with their bikes.

I believe the Defy is a hybrid in that it proposes to move away from traditional road bike geometries in pursuit of greater compliance and comfort; however, the speed thing is chiefly due to how its option. With a few basic upgrades, even a mountain bikes speed can be greatly improved if speed is what you desire.

Still, many manufacturers are moving to optioning their hybrid towards road cycling with each generation. My last three hybrids have been faster with every update.

My current Cannondale is pretty "Quick" even with all the heavy nightrider gear I have attached to it.

Yea first ride one of my friends cramped out after 15miles took the train home. End of the summer he was doing centurys(in km )

That all has to do with setting goals and training. When you think about it, its the same with any sport.

I've done the local mountains and I think you single speed climbers are insane. I'm in the easiest gear and before I reach the top, I'm having trouble moving the pedals. I mean both my muscles and joints hurt. I don't even want to roll back down, I want to call the north shore rescue to bring a heli. (ok I'm on a road so they can drive but I want out ASAP )

There is nothing magical about a single speed other than it forces you to take the "long way home" is pursuit of your goal. By not having any alternatives, it makes the gear choice simpler.

[ErikTheElectric]

I've decided that running is stupid. So is the stairmaster. That gazelle thing is cancer.

Basically all cardio sucks except cycling.

I like my joints too much to run.

[MizzouCocoa]

True^

I could just leave my bike in a tough gear and ride it that way through the hills. But having the gears makes it enticing to use them (which is what they're for anyway...)

[MizzouCocoa]

I like my joints too much to run.

I always get shin splints when running. Just not worth it IMO. Plus I feel like a kid again when I'm on my bike.

brb riding on sidewalks
brb hopping curbs
brb good music
brb fresh air


I have no interest in being an elite cyclist, or ever racing/competing/whatever, ever. I just pick a place I want to ride and do it. Just keepin it fun

[HMFIC_BROWSIN]

Ran over a rabbit finally.

I've had so many close calls with these fukers it's a wonder that this is only the first time I've crushed one.

Not sure about his welfare as I kept riding after he got burried under my front tire.

Probably died later that day due to internal bleeding.

I honestly don't care. I have a 1200 lumen headlight there's no reason they should run toward that.

Cool to know that I don't necessarily crash from rolling over one, puts me at ease for future close calls.

[BabyOilBrah]

Didn't know you were cycling, thought you'sa runner bruh.

I want to get better at climbing hills using my gears before I go to a single speed. I'll wear out the parts on my Trek 1.1, buy a conversion kit, and buy a new bike that's suited for handling more miles. I decided to go "low end" because I didn't know how much I'd enjoy riding, or if I'd even keep with it at all.

It'll be a great bike for a few years, though. Really like the fit.

yeah just recently got into it. Bought a SS/FG mainly just for the leg training on hills. I don't do ridiculously long rides, just go more for elevation and difficulty. Like I said the gearing is making it tough.

I've done the local mountains and I think you single speed climbers are insane. I'm in the easiest gear and before I reach the top, I'm having trouble moving the pedals. I mean both my muscles and joints hurt. I don't even want to roll back down, I want to call the north shore rescue to bring a heli. (ok I'm on a road so they can drive but I want out ASAP )

There are times when I feel like I'm going to die, I don't mean it figuratively, I mean literally I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack and die because my HR is at max.

I noticed though since I've been doing it, it's had a big effect on my running. I can tackle hills on my legs now even better than before.

Switched to a 38 on my SS and it made a huge difference. Was able to hit 9k on my last big climbing session.

Single speed life!

9k is nuts, yeah I'll probably do a cog/crank change in the spring. Won't be hill climbing in the snow.

I've decided that running is stupid. So is the stairmaster. That gazelle thing is cancer.

Basically all cardio sucks except cycling.

Still like to run, but I agree cycling is pretty legit. I can now see why people get so into it. Expensive AF tho lol, running is cheap.

I've got a single speed/fixie that I like to ride around on the local bike paths for fun but fuark climbing anything serious with it.

I supposed I could start using it for hill training and make me a better climber

Das it, attack the hills with fury.

[MizzouCocoa]

Ran over a rabbit finally.

I've had so many close calls with these fukers it's a wonder that this is only the first time I've crushed one.

Not sure about his welfare as I kept riding after he got burried under my front tire.

Probably died later that day due to internal bleeding.

I honestly don't care. I have a 1200 lumen headlight there's no reason they should run toward that.

Cool to know that I don't necessarily crash from rolling over one, puts me at ease for future close calls.

I ran over a squirrel on my 2nd day riding back down a hill. Was on a left turn. Didnt attempt to avoid it. Riding street bikes, unless its a deer, car or something else large, I just hold my line. Worked out the same on a bicycle

[BabyOilBrah]

what's the highest speed you guys have hit on your bikes (top speed overall - so downhill)?

[HMFIC_BROWSIN]

I ran over a squirrel on my 2nd day riding back down a hill. Was on a left turn. Didnt attempt to avoid it. Riding street bikes, unless its a deer, car or something else large, I just hold my line. Worked out the same on a bicycle

I read in a bike forum some people break bones when said animal gets caught in front spokes and sends the rider over frontwards.

No thanks jeff seid.

[MizzouCocoa]

what's the highest speed you guys have hit on your bikes (top speed overall - so downhill)?

Strava says 27.1mph. If it's true, I know a hill near me that I could hit 35.

[BabyOilBrah]

Strava says 27.1mph. If it's true, I know a hill near me that I could hit 35.

Nice. I hit 41 and it was awesome.