Bicycle Brahs Part 3 - Riding is our leg day (literally bicycle)

[Payton1221]

Managed an hour ride last night in 50F weather. Felt good! And we're getting back to enough daylight to rush home and squeeze a quick ride in if I can just leave when I'm supposed to

[FitnessJake]

Rode 43 mi. yesterday, got dehydrated towards the end, almost passed out when I got inside the house.

Drank 3 bottles of gatorade, and a bottle of water, immediately.

Other than that, it was a great ride, lol.

Anyone got any saddle upgrade suggestions? the stock one on the Roubaix Comp kills me.

[KRANE]

By the time you get back home you should feel energized and refreshed, not exhausted (unless you're racing). If you're going to continue, riding should be fun.

[SkepticalOne]

Anyone got any saddle upgrade suggestions? the stock one on the Roubaix Comp kills me.

Specialized Power Pro Saddle. One of my most effective upgrades.

[depaulhifi]

Anyone got any saddle upgrade suggestions? the stock one on the Roubaix Comp kills me.

What don't you like about your current saddle and what would you like from a new one?

[ChaseW]

Dudes, it looks like SRAM has a MTB version of eTap in the works. I stumbled across this post on Insta last night:

No doubt this is strictly for people with way bigger balls and deeper pockets than I have. My MTB derailleur looks like its been to war, aint no way I could drop that kind of cash for something im slamming into trees and shiit.

[ErikTheElectric]

No doubt this is strictly for people with way bigger balls and deeper pockets than I have. My MTB derailleur looks like its been to war, aint no way I could drop that kind of cash for something im slamming into trees and shiit.

This x 10. The few times I did MTB, I could never imagine putting my Etap on a MTB. lmao

[FitnessJake]

By the time you get back home you should feel energized and refreshed, not exhausted (unless you're racing). If you're going to continue, riding should be fun.

And I usually do, it was still fun, regardless.

It’s just that I only brought enough water for >25 mi., I would’ve been fine if I brought my camelbak, or drank more beforehand.

[KRANE]

And I usually do, it was still fun, regardless.

It’s just that I only brought enough water for >25 mi., I would’ve been fine if I brought my camelbak, or drank more beforehand.

If you say so. But being dehydrated doesn't see like much fun to me. Anyway, because of last weeks ride, I've resolved to cycle more often, even if its just a short jaunt. Just got to watch the timing and wear the right gear for the weather.

[Cadet4life]

was driving home today and a roadie swerved out in front, not even directly out in front but into the lane next too me. then proceeds to cut in front of the car behind me to hug the right side of the lane.... to top it off she runs the stop the sign.

suks theres people in this sport that make everyone else who comply to the rules look bad. her actions baffled me.

anyways... ive been talkin to a guy who has a 17 spech enduro for sale. i was going to pull the trigger but i think i can squeeze one more season out of my 14 giant trance. as much as a i want a new bike, i think saving my money is the wiser decision. plus my trance still runs fine

[Nocturnal310]

what essentials do i need to buy along with a new bicycle?

how much budget should i keep for that?

also..do lot of entry level commuter bikes come with comfy enough seats?

bump

looking at these models currently:
- Giant Escape 2 2018
- Giant Escape 3 2018 (bout $90 cheaper than 2)
- Trek FX1
- Cannondale Quick 8
- Specialized Sirrus Alloy 2018 (not available at my LBS but at another in city)

i wanna spend around $500 on my first bike..max$600

[John4789]

Sup bicycle brehs.

Been out of the loop for a while, had to have some minor surgery which has prevented me from getting in the saddle at all (have been able to walk/run - veeeeery slowly). This week marks me getting back into the gym and starting to get moving a bit, and I was hoping to get out on the bike soon.

Then it freaking snows. Y u do dis.

Hopefully it clears up by the weekend. Glad I spent some money on winter gear this year.

In other news - had to replace the press fit BB on my MTB, what a PITA that is - and what a minefield buying a new one is with so many different specs out there.

Now have an XTR BB and the appropriate tool to press the new one in. Wish me luck.

[KRANE]

bump

looking at these models currently:
- Giant Escape 2 2018
- Giant Escape 3 2018 (bout $90 cheaper than 2)
- Trek FX1
- Cannondale Quick 8
- Specialized Sirrus Alloy 2018 (not available at my LBS but at another in city)

i wanna spend around $500 on my first bike..max$600

I see you have focused in on hybrids. All are good companies so you should do well no matter which one you pick. Still, you'll need to test ride each one to determine the riding characteristics and any quirks or peculiarity each might have.

I was in the same boat a few years ago and chose Cannondale because at 6'4 they offered the largest frame available at the time. The components have changed a bit in the past 3 years, but they still offer a great deal for the price. I can't comment on the Trek because I didn't look at that company at all when I was bike shopping.

In any event, regardless of recommendations, you have to ride it to determine which one fits you the best.

[depaulhifi]

This x 10. The few times I did MTB, I could never imagine putting my Etap on a MTB. lmao

If memory serves, I think you've had your eTap for about a year now. What are your thoughts on its durability? Is it a "thumper" that you can flog the chit out of without so much as a hiccup like I/you can with Force1, or is it more of a "race only" or perhaps even "delicate" groupset like Dura-Ace claims to be? Like if you were to get out of the saddle and start cranking out 1200W and flying through the gears as fast as you can grab them, would it put up with it?

bump

looking at these models currently:
- Giant Escape 2 2018
- Giant Escape 3 2018 (bout $90 cheaper than 2)
- Trek FX1
- Cannondale Quick 8
- Specialized Sirrus Alloy 2018 (not available at my LBS but at another in city)

i wanna spend around $500 on my first bike..max$600

The Spesh gets my vote for sure. I have a 2017 Sirrus Sport as my daily driver and you get a helluva lot of bike for the money ($750 at the time).

I just checked and the $560 "base" 2018 disc model comes with hydraulic discs, whereas last year the entry level disc model came with mechanical discs. I'm not familiar with the specific brand of discs on this model, but I'm sure they're fine.

You may also find a/your LBS trying to clear out any 2017 models they may have left over. If that's the case, check out the 2017 Sirrus Sport, which comes with Shimano hydraulic discs, which are actually really good for stock brakes.

I see you have focused in on hybrids. All are good companies so you should do well no matter which one you pick. Still, you'll need to test ride each one to determine the riding characteristics and any quirks or peculiarity each might have.

I was in the same boat a few years ago and chose Cannondale because at 6'4 they offered the largest frame available at the time. The components have changed a bit in the past 3 years, but they still offer a great deal for the price. I can't comment on the Trek because I didn't look at that company at all when I was bike shopping.

In any event, regardless of recommendations, you have to ride it to determine which one fits you the best.

^^ yup, all of this, every word of it. The best bike is the one that fits you the best so you can ride it the most.

[kethnaab]

Specialized Power Pro Saddle. One of my most effective upgrades.

does this relieve the "numb dick" issue that sometimes strikes the poor and unsuspecting?

[Nocturnal310]

I see you have focused in on hybrids. All are good companies so you should do well no matter which one you pick. Still, you'll need to test ride each one to determine the riding characteristics and any quirks or peculiarity each might have.

I was in the same boat a few years ago and chose Cannondale because at 6'4 they offered the largest frame available at the time. The components have changed a bit in the past 3 years, but they still offer a great deal for the price. I can't comment on the Trek because I didn't look at that company at all when I was bike shopping.

In any event, regardless of recommendations, you have to ride it to determine which one fits you the best.

i went to local bike shop and tried sitting on many bikes...Giant has great reviews & supposed to ride fast but they look super cheap to me ...trek was good but it lacked sitting comfort on seats.
i didnt even consider Specialized Sirrus as lot of reviews said its heavier, sluggish and slower compared to other sub $500 hybrids..and thats a big no no for me as i like

cannondale quick 8 is what i really loved...it has amazing design...very sleek welding and smooth matte finish and riding posture was better and seats were comfy and its got Shimano acera on rear which is better than tourney imo. (yet to properly test ride it on nyc streets tho)

bike guy told me to wait a week as he had newer 2018 giant escapes coming ...giant supposed to ride 'fastest' so i thought of waiting but i just wanna get on the road.


i guess go ahead with Cannondale?

i wanna invest enough in a bike that lasts me a year...and then if i am still serious cyclist then get a proper road bike

[Nocturnal310]

If memory serves, I think you've had your eTap for about a year now. What are your thoughts on its durability? Is it a "thumper" that you can flog the chit out of without so much as a hiccup like I/you can with Force1, or is it more of a "race only" or perhaps even "delicate" groupset like Dura-Ace claims to be? Like if you were to get out of the saddle and start cranking out 1200W and flying through the gears as fast as you can grab them, would it put up with it?



The Spesh gets my vote for sure. I have a 2017 Sirrus Sport as my daily driver and you get a helluva lot of bike for the money ($750 at the time).

I just checked and the $560 "base" 2018 disc model comes with hydraulic discs, whereas last year the entry level disc model came with mechanical discs. I'm not familiar with the specific brand of discs on this model, but I'm sure they're fine.

You may also find a/your LBS trying to clear out any 2017 models they may have left over. If that's the case, check out the 2017 Sirrus Sport, which comes with Shimano hydraulic discs, which are actually really good for stock brakes.



^^ yup, all of this, every word of it. The best bike is the one that fits you the best so you can ride it the most.

my lbs 5 mins from my house doesnt carry specialized..its other side of city for me..which is another concern as regular servicing will be an issue.

also..my budget is under $500 for bike minus accessories..so a good sirrus sport is out of my budget.

i did check closeout sales but they are mainly Giants....my only concern with giants like i said is i dont like their poor weld metal on corners and their color schemes.

[skier!]

bump

looking at these models currently:
- Giant Escape 2 2018
- Giant Escape 3 2018 (bout $90 cheaper than 2)
- Trek FX1
- Cannondale Quick 8
- Specialized Sirrus Alloy 2018 (not available at my LBS but at another in city)

i wanna spend around $500 on my first bike..max$600

I have an Escape. I'll take it out 20-30 miles, but I have upgraded everything but the crank and derailleurs. With Continental tires and Mavic wheels, it is fairly fast for metal framed bike. Stock, I would not be comfortable doing any sort of distance.

[Idioteque]

If memory serves, I think you've had your eTap for about a year now. What are your thoughts on its durability? Is it a "thumper" that you can flog the chit out of without so much as a hiccup like I/you can with Force1, or is it more of a "race only" or perhaps even "delicate" groupset like Dura-Ace claims to be? Like if you were to get out of the saddle and start cranking out 1200W and flying through the gears as fast as you can grab them, would it put up with it?

I've had etap for >1yr and love it. Never had an issue with durability or gears shifting sluggishly. It does its job 100% of the time for me. I wouldn't want to slide out or slam my bike down and potentially damange it more for the $ cost vs. the risk of actually hurting it. It seems very solid. Battery life is above and beyond my expectations. I've put down 800-1k watts on it and never had an issue shifting under pressure or high cadence.

Agree with Eric though...I wouldn't want to have it on my Cross Bike or a MTB. YOu fall off way too much. Not worth risking 1.5k gropo for that type of riding or terrain.

does this relieve the "numb dick" issue that sometimes strikes the poor and unsuspecting?

It gets good reviews for alleviating that problem. I use the Selle Italia Max Flow SLR. I think it looks a bit less 'squatty'/square and does an excellent job of keeping my bits flowing on the trainer and outside.

[SkepticalOne]

does this relieve the "numb dick" issue that sometimes strikes the poor and unsuspecting?

Yes it does but as important, it provides an optimal platform for my sit bones where they aren't sloping off in either direction - very stable and uniform contact.

As important as your saddle selection will be its setup (bike fit).

[depaulhifi]

I've had etap for >1yr and love it. Never had an issue with durability or gears shifting sluggishly. It does its job 100% of the time for me. I wouldn't want to slide out or slam my bike down and potentially damange it more for the $ cost vs. the risk of actually hurting it. It seems very solid. Battery life is above and beyond my expectations. I've put down 800-1k watts on it and never had an issue shifting under pressure or high cadence.

Agree with Eric though...I wouldn't want to have it on my Cross Bike or a MTB. YOu fall off way too much. Not worth risking 1.5k gropo for that type of riding or terrain.

Thanks for the insight brah, it's good to know, because sometimes I treat my RD like an ex that owes me money. I guess now all there is to do is wait, and hope and pray that SRAM makes the new eTap trigger shifter cross-compatible with road eTap.

[KRANE]

For many years I was a nightrider due to work, but now I prefer days in the afternoon.

What about your? What's your favorite day/time to ride? Weekday? Weekends? Mornings, mid-day, evenings?

[Nocturnal310]

For many years I was a nightrider due to work, but now I prefer days in the afternoon.

What about your? What's your favorite day/time to ride? Weekday? Weekends? Mornings, mid-day, evenings?

late nights for me when i used to bike.

my dads a morning guy so he does early morning.

it depends on temperature and traffic conditions for me...i get hot quick

[SkepticalOne]

For many years I was a nightrider due to work, but now I prefer days in the afternoon.

What about your? What's your favorite day/time to ride? Weekday? Weekends? Mornings, mid-day, evenings?

I enjoy leaving the house at 4AM and getting 120km in the bag before 9AM meetings start. I get to ride under the stars and enjoy the sunrise.

[Joska]

For many years I was a nightrider due to work, but now I prefer days in the afternoon.

What about your? What's your favorite day/time to ride? Weekday? Weekends? Mornings, mid-day, evenings?

I definitely have more energy during late runs/rides. But an early morning run/ride keeps me pumped for the whole day.

[kethnaab]

...giant supposed to ride 'fastest' so i thought of waiting but i just wanna get on the road.

don't believe the hype. If there was truly an advantage to one bike over the other, then everybody in the pros would be riding that same type of bike. Speed is all about the engine (you)

I enjoy leaving the house at 4AM and getting 120km in the bag before 9AM meetings start. I get to ride under the stars and enjoy the sunrise.

100% This ^^^^

favorite time is to start riding at about 0430 on a Saturday morning (or even better, a 'holiday Monday' like Labor Day, etc) when NOBODY is on the road

[depaulhifi]

I enjoy leaving the house at 4AM and getting 120km in the bag before 9AM meetings start. I get to ride under the stars and enjoy the sunrise.

Mirin' all of that pretty hard brah, including the RT99 rotors you're sportin' in the 2nd pic. Due to work, I can only get "good" rides in at night and on the weekends. This season I'm aiming to get in a "trail" (North Branch for any fellow Chicagobrahs) ride in every weekend, and 3x ~35 mi. bike path rides in during the week. This should put me just over the 600 mi./month mark before adding in commute riding, which is 8 mi. round trip.

Also, my new wheels are scheduled to arrive tomorrow, I can't freaking wait to see these things man!

[camaleom]

does this relieve the "numb dick" issue that sometimes strikes the poor and unsuspecting?

no saddle will save your numbness if u stay seated for the whole ride.

btw: I have the same saddle and no issues; one of my fav for sure.

[IIIII]

Whats up misc! New rider here, been riding on a Diamond Back Insight for the past 2 years. I am getting more serious about cycling and im about to pull the trigger on something a lil better. I was thinking about the Tommaso Imola for $600.00, do you guys have any other suggestions that is a better bike and still under 600? Im a real noob still, rode for fun last year and logged 1200 miles, this year i want to do 2000 miles and get faster/stronger on my rides. Anyway, any suggestions on a budget road bike that is under $600?

[KRANE]

Are you referring to a new road bike for that price? If so, I got nothing. They may exist and you may find one but even if you do my guess is that it won't give you the best riding experience and you will have to start upgrading almost immediate. That's provided you at least get a decent frame.

From my research a decent road bike starts at around $1000 and rises from there. Others may feel differently, but my advice is to save a bit more or look for a deal on a good used road bike for around the price of your budget.