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

[IIIII]

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.

I've never been on a bike thats been over $400 so i cant compare what kind of experience i am missing out on on a bike that costs $1,000, lol.

What things would need to be upgraded immediately?

[SkepticalOne]

I've never been on a bike thats been over $400 so i cant compare what kind of experience i am missing out on on a bike that costs $1,000, lol.

What things would need to be upgraded immediately?

My best suggestion is to find a bicycle shop in your area and begin to size yourself and roll around a bit on the bikes they have in stock. You need to see some of the characteristics that cause a bike to be more or less expensive in person. Then you will be able to find the sweet spot on what is worth paying for in your particular case. Don't rush this decision in pursuit of a deal. 2,000 miles is a lot and your choice WILL make a difference over that kind of distance.

[FitnessJake]

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.

That sounds cool. Wish I was a morning person.

[Payton1221]

Just finished a ride where a passenger in a car that passed me and sincerely said "much respect" as I pedaled up a hyooge hill ironically called DooLITTLE hill

[Nocturnal310]

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.

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.

so i test rode some bicycles today and i am lil confused.

- I wasnt super impressed with hybrid bikes in sub $500 range...cannondale quick 8, trek FX1 they all rode decent, reasonably lightweight and had quality frame..trek had smoother gear shifts & less vibrations on handlebar. Cannondale was more comfy seating & riding position but i could not imagine doing good speed on either of them. I also did not felt reassured with the rim brakes....they just lack the bite of disc brakes and their gears felt poor quality...not reassuring.

overall i felt like i was not satisfied with quality of their performance as a full road bike...or a full mountain bike...as they lacked suspensions for nyc bumpy roads...and gearing did not seem like it would let me cruise at higher speeds such as road bikes.

-now i am wondering if i need to ride more expensive lighter hybrid bikes or should i consider road bikes?

- what budget should i keep? i can maybe stretch to $700
- def need to look for 8 or 9 speed on rear.

[KRANE]

Just finished a ride where a passenger in a car that passed me and sincerely said "much respect" as I pedaled up a hyooge hill ironically called DooLITTLE hill

Next time take a picture. We have to see it to know what you're saying.

-now i am wondering if i need to ride more expensive lighter hybrid bikes or should i consider road bikes?

- what budget should i keep? i can maybe stretch to $700
- def need to look for 8 or 9 speed on rear.

Bikes tend to increase in $500 increments. So you'll have to double your budget to make any significant difference. To be honest a $500 bike isn't bad but they tend to be heavy with entry level components. Buy now and upgrade in a year or so. If you're serious about riding you will outgrow it in about that time.

[Nocturnal310]

Next time take a picture. We have to see it to know what you're saying.Bikes tend to increase in $500 increments. So you'll have to double your budget to make any significant difference. To be honest a $500 bike isn't bad but they tend to be heavy with entry level components. Buy now and upgrade in a year or so. If you're serious about riding you will outgrow it in about that time.

i m considering looking into road bike also as an alternative.
i think i will find the efficiency of distance travelled with lesser input more rewarding but my main concern is durability of modern road bikes?..can they handle small potholes & occasional gravel of nyc? the tyres were thinner than my thumb,

a decent used road bike on craigslist can be had for under $700 which retails for over $1000 brand new. but for same money i could get a better hybrid model brand new also i guess?

[Payton1221]

Next time take a picture. We have to see it to know what you're saying.

Not a problem as it and several other good hills are located near my house, but I'm not sure how much of the hill can be appreciated in a 2D photo. It is listed as one of the toughest hills in the area, and one biking club lists it as:

Doolittle Hill Rd
0.67 mi
450 ft
12.8%
Doolittle Hill Rd South of Bridgeport and Caesars casino. The switchback above the start is fear-inspiring at 18-20%. The top section eases up somewhat, but the entire hill between SR 111 and Lotticks Corner Rd still ranks as one of the toughest locally.

All figures are shown in a table without headings, but I think .67 is its total length, 450' is the change in elevation, and 12.8% is the average grade.

[SkepticalOne]

i m considering looking into road bike also as an alternative.
i think i will find the efficiency of distance travelled with lesser input more rewarding but my main concern is durability of modern road bikes?..can they handle small potholes & occasional gravel of nyc? the tyres were thinner than my thumb,

a decent used road bike on craigslist can be had for under $700 which retails for over $1000 brand new. but for same money i could get a better hybrid model brand new also i guess?

If you're near NYC then you have lots of great shops with huge inventory nearby for you to speak to a pro and try a variety of styles. Many new road bikes feature 'wider-than-thumb' tires to absorb the harshness of imperfect asphalt surfaces.

Piermont has a wonderful shop with loads of inventory if you're willing to make the drive: https://piermontbike.com . These guys have taken good care of me in the past.

I doubt you should be worried about durability, especially on the more entry-level stuff. Higher-end becomes lighter and arguably less resilient to rough roads. A disc-brake frame will accommodate larger tires such as 28c and 32c. These are plenty plush for what you'll encounter in NYC area. I've ridden all through Manhattan and up the Hudson on my 28C tires.

Do not leap onto a Craigslist bike without being VERY sure about the size of frame you need in that particular model. DO NOT settle for a frame size outside of your ideal.

[GivenToFly55]

Sold my Spec Tarmac (2012 Apex) yesterday. Going to be test riding the Domane and looking at getting the SL 6 disc.

[SkepticalOne]

Sold my Spec Tarmac (2012 Apex) yesterday. Going to be test riding the Domane and looking at getting the SL 6 disc.

SL6 disc is a wonderful package. I'm rolling on the Domane SLR6 disc.

[Nocturnal310]

If you're near NYC then you have lots of great shops with huge inventory nearby for you to speak to a pro and try a variety of styles. Many new road bikes feature 'wider-than-thumb' tires to absorb the harshness of imperfect asphalt surfaces.

Piermont has a wonderful shop with loads of inventory if you're willing to make the drive: https://piermontbike.com . These guys have taken good care of me in the past.

I doubt you should be worried about durability, especially on the more entry-level stuff. Higher-end becomes lighter and arguably less resilient to rough roads. A disc-brake frame will accommodate larger tires such as 28c and 32c. These are plenty plush for what you'll encounter in NYC area. I've ridden all through Manhattan and up the Hudson on my 28C tires.

Do not leap onto a Craigslist bike without being VERY sure about the size of frame you need in that particular model. DO NOT settle for a frame size outside of your ideal.

thanks.

that was very useful info.
i just need to test more bikes i guess.


noticed that bike shop has tallman park near there...is it good? u been there?

[SkepticalOne]

noticed that bike shop has tallman park near there...is it good? u been there?

I've never spent any time at tallman except a flyby. I'll be riding through the area again in May at the GFNY event which takes us from The George Washington Bridge up to Bear Mountain in Harriman State Park. Piermont is the first stop along the way.

[Cadet4life]

i am just over 2.5 years of mtbing. at the very minimum, i rode the weekends but overall id say i ride more than the average mtber. my local trails force you to climb if you descent and has everything in between from slow tech to rocky downhill (several well known downhill trails that people shuttle).

its incredible how much ive improved. its exciting to think about where ill be 5 years from now... (i am 27).

imo, the most underrated aspect is balance. everyone knows u gotta have good fitness, body positioning, ect. but having balance is the difference between a 1hr day to a 3-4hr day. being able to slowly crawl up big climbs conserves so much energy and allows you to ride further. i think this just comes with time in the saddle and doing climbs. but most importantly, being conscious of your body positioning.

just my 2 cents. very excited for this incoming warm weather

[SkepticalOne]

i am just over 2.5 years of mtbing. at the very minimum, i rode the weekends but overall id say i ride more than the average mtber. my local trails force you to climb if you descent and has everything in between from slow tech to rocky downhill (several well known downhill trails that people shuttle).

its incredible how much ive improved. its exciting to think about where ill be 5 years from now... (i am 27).

imo, the most underrated aspect is balance. everyone knows u gotta have good fitness, body positioning, ect. but having balance is the difference between a 1hr day to a 3-4hr day. being able to slowly crawl up big climbs conserves so much energy and allows you to ride further. i think this just comes with time in the saddle and doing climbs. but most importantly, being conscious of your body positioning.

just my 2 cents. very excited for this incoming warm weather

Here's a little extra inspiration from Emily Batty:

[ErikTheElectric]

^ Approval nod

Hope everyone is doing well. Just arrived back home from the arnold in Ohio. Over a week off the bike. Looking to get my ass back in the saddle soon.

[KRANE]

If you're near NYC then you have lots of great shops with huge inventory nearby for you to speak to a pro and try a variety of styles. Many new road bikes feature 'wider-than-thumb' tires to absorb the harshness of imperfect asphalt surfaces.

Piermont has a wonderful shop with loads of inventory if you're willing to make the drive: https://piermontbike.com . These guys have taken good care of me in the past.

I doubt you should be worried about durability, especially on the more entry-level stuff. Higher-end becomes lighter and arguably less resilient to rough roads. A disc-brake frame will accommodate larger tires such as 28c and 32c. These are plenty plush for what you'll encounter in NYC area. I've ridden all through Manhattan and up the Hudson on my 28C tires.

Do not leap onto a Craigslist bike without being VERY sure about the size of frame you need in that particular model. DO NOT settle for a frame size outside of your ideal.

Yep, 28s can handle just about anything the road can throw at them. You'll just need to adjust the pressure to tolerance. You only need consider something wider if you intend to go off roads.

i am just over 2.5 years of mtbing. at the very minimum, i rode the weekends but overall id say i ride more than the average mtber. my local trails force you to climb if you descent and has everything in between from slow tech to rocky downhill (several well known downhill trails that people shuttle).

its incredible how much ive improved. its exciting to think about where ill be 5 years from now... (i am 27).

imo, the most underrated aspect is balance. everyone knows u gotta have good fitness, body positioning, ect. but having balance is the difference between a 1hr day to a 3-4hr day. being able to slowly crawl up big climbs conserves so much energy and allows you to ride further. i think this just comes with time in the saddle and doing climbs. but most importantly, being conscious of your body positioning.

just my 2 cents. very excited for this incoming warm weather

Equally as much so for the extra daylight starting next week.

[HMFIC_BROWSIN]

I blew a spoke in my rear wheel on saturday. After a couple trips to the bike shop I was able to get a new one made and laced it back in. Hopefully this won't become a common theme for my back wheel; I think all those spokes are original (1991) and probably nearing the end of their life span.

[kethnaab]

i think i will find the efficiency of distance travelled with lesser input more rewarding but my main concern is durability of modern road bikes?..can they handle small potholes & occasional gravel of nyc? the tyres were thinner than my thumb,

a decent used road bike on craigslist can be had for under $700 which retails for over $1000 brand new. but for same money i could get a better hybrid model brand new also i guess?

just my opinion, not a fan of the bikes labeled by marketing terms as hybrids although the higher end ones are definitely spot on. At the lower end, they seem to be the worst of MTB's combined with the worst of road bikes.

My basic recommendation for a 'hybrid' is the class of bikes now termed "gravel bikes". They can typically handle 40c(ish) tires, have endurance geometry (a bit more relaxed) and are very stable. I'm a big fan of larger tires, but I've had so many injuries to my neck and shoulders that I'm a spoiled lil' beyotch. I'm to the point where, unless I'm racing a UCI CX race, I don't go beneath 38c

I've never been on a bike thats been over $400 so i cant compare what kind of experience i am missing out on on a bike that costs $1,000, lol.

if you do go to the dark side, be prepared to enjoy yourself immensely, while at the same time giving up any semblance of extra spending money

- I wasnt super impressed with hybrid bikes in sub $500 range

see above comments, re: "low-end hybrids"

I also did not felt reassured with the rim brakes....

3 reasons to use rim brakes:
1. You're a road racer and you require the absolute lightest rotational weight possible because (you feel) those extra few grams might be the difference between winning and first loser
2. You're buying a low-end bike, i.e. from k-mart
3. You think disc brakes are ugly

this isn't to say rim brakes are bad. Just that low-end rim brakes are pure garbage. Even low-end discs like BB5s (mechanical discs) will stop you as well as even high end rim brakes

Here's a little extra inspiration from Emily Batty

badass and hawt. Dangerous combo.

did a MTB race yesterday. 2:20+ of nothing but motherfukkin' technical climbing. Heavily rooted, twisty climbs with absolutely no opportunity to get speed at the bottom. Pure hell. About 3400 feet of climbing packed into a beastly 19-mile course. I knew something was up when the course designer said "this is the only race I'm not doing this season".

bloody hell....

[ChaseW]

^ Approval nod

Hope everyone is doing well. Just arrived back home from the arnold in Ohio. Over a week off the bike. Looking to get my ass back in the saddle soon.

Not sure where you are in your groupset quandary but I rode a 2018 Giant TCR Advanced Pro all weekend with the new Ultegra 8000 gruppo and it's truly unbelievable both for the price, and that mechanical can be that good. I have Dura Ace 9100 on my Merlin and this stuff just feels better, smoother, nicer fit and finish, the whole 9 yards. I can honestly say I won't buy Dura-Ace again, at least in mechanical. It's hard to believe mechanical can be this good.

To anyone else, highly recommend the Ultegra 8000 stuff if you can get your hands on it. Coming from the most recent generation of Dura Ace, I would recommend it to anyone.

[ErikTheElectric]

Not sure where you are in your groupset quandary

Good to hear this. I plan on "Downgrading" groupos, as I'm selling my TCR atm. I've liked to Etap, but it's definitely not something I need anymore considering I don't ride nearly as often as I used too. I'll definitely be checking out Ultegra.

[depaulhifi]

Bruhs, at long last, my new shoes hath arrived!! Well, not exactly arrived, because I had to schlep them home from the post office because the post office, but they're here!!



Chit pic doesn't do them justice, so I plan to get some good shots of the bike when it's finished. I think I nailed the green/purple color combo, as the green matches the accents on my bike pretty closely and I've always been a fan of purple. You can't really tell from the pic, but the nipples are bright green to match.

Onyx really ain't playin' when they talk about their zero engagement hubs either. You give the rear wheel a flick, and it just goes. Period. No fuss, no muss, no take-up, no nothing, it just hooks up and goes. And then it just keeps spinning like fuking friction hasn't been discovered yet. And when it spins, it's dead silent. The only thing you can hear is the sound of the spokes chopping through the air. It's creepy and cool as hell at the same time. I can't wait to get these things on the bike! Build recap:

Nox Falkor 36D rims
Onyx centerlock disc hubs with aluminum freehub body
24x Sapim CX-Ray spokes
24x Sapim Polyvax nipples

Measured weights are 695g front and 894g rear, for a total of 1589g for the set, including tubeless tape and valves.

[ChewYourFood]

Finally got some miles in for the first time this year. Had to dust off the mountain bike because my bike pump was having a tough time getting above 80 psi. In the process of buying a new pump - want to go the compressor route. Any suggestions?

Had a couple casual rides with the kids. Cant stop thinking about going for a long ride, but its snowing right now... Go home winter, you're drunk.

[KRANE]

Finally got some miles in for the first time this year. Had to dust off the mountain bike because my bike pump was having a tough time getting above 80 psi. In the process of buying a new pump - want to go the compressor route. Any suggestions?

Had a couple casual rides with the kids. Cant stop thinking about going for a long ride, but its snowing right now... Go home winter, you're drunk.

Yes, its overkill. Just get a good floor pump unless you have copious items that need high pressure air frequently.

[ChaseW]

Yes, its overkill. Just get a good floor pump unless you have copious items that need high pressure air frequently.

This x100, I have a $30 floor pump from Nashbar and it's awesome. 0 complaints. Pumps are very simple and often suffer from over-complications.

[Nocturnal310]

hey bros..update

so i tested some more hybrid bikes and came across cannondale quick 6 which is much more expensive than base end models...and rode much much better, frame much tougher....weighed much much lighter, gear shifts much smoother and overall felt like a quality bike. i loved it. 35 tires..optimum for speed and comfort.. shimano acera on rear and altus on front.

costs $600 and considering to buy this one now.



my only confusion....that giant escape city 2 is same price but offers fenders, disc brakes and rack....wouldnt it be better to get disc brakes and fenders at same price?...they dont have test models..but wouldnt it ride much heavier also?

i am usually a minimalist but i know nyc streets are bad so fender and disc brakes will be reassuring but then i like color and feel of cannondales...pls advice


how is giant able to add so many features at lower price?

specs:
http://www.cannondale.com/USA/bike/P...b-fb3d68623051

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/escape-2-city-disc

[eltoro24]

I blew a spoke in my rear wheel on saturday. After a couple trips to the bike shop I was able to get a new one made and laced it back in. Hopefully this won't become a common theme for my back wheel; I think all those spokes are original (1991) and probably nearing the end of their life span.

Meh I blew spokes out on a whistler trip. Just wrapped them around other spokes kept riding. Wheel was still straight months after and I never replaced the spokes lol. Those sun ringle mtx rims were bombproof.

So pumped for more daylight so I can ride after work. Fuk I hate winter time

[eltoro24]

hey bros..update

so i tested some more hybrid bikes and came across cannondale quick 6 which is much more expensive than base end models...and rode much much better, frame much tougher....weighed much much lighter, gear shifts much smoother and overall felt like a quality bike. i loved it. 35 tires..optimum for speed and comfort.. shimano acera on rear and altus on front.

costs $600 and considering to buy this one now.



my only confusion....that giant escape city 2 is same price but offers fenders, disc brakes and rack....wouldnt it be better to get disc brakes and fenders at same price?...they dont have test models..but wouldnt it ride much heavier also?

i am usually a minimalist but i know nyc streets are bad so fender and disc brakes will be reassuring but then i like color and feel of cannondales...pls advice


how is giant able to add so many features at lower price?

specs:
http://www.cannondale.com/USA/bike/?...b-fb3d68623051

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/u-2-city-disc

Giant is so big they probably get their oem parts kits for $15.

[KRANE]

hey bros..update

so i tested some more hybrid bikes and came across cannondale quick 6 which is much more expensive than base end models...and rode much much better, frame much tougher....weighed much much lighter, gear shifts much smoother and overall felt like a quality bike. i loved it. 35 tires..optimum for speed and comfort.. shimano acera on rear and altus on front.

costs $600 and considering to buy this one now.

[img]https://oldtownbicycle.com/images/library/zoom/cannondale-quick-6-277956-1.jpg[img]

my only confusion....that giant escape city 2 is same price but offers fenders, disc brakes and rack....wouldnt it be better to get disc brakes and fenders at same price?...they dont have test models..but wouldnt it ride much heavier also?

i am usually a minimalist but i know nyc streets are bad so fender and disc brakes will be reassuring but then i like color and feel of cannondales...pls advice
[img]https://i.imgur.com/YlosPTA.jpg[img]

Disc breaks give you all-weather consistency and reliability. My recommendation is to go with the Cannondale. Then again I'm a Cannondale owner so I'm biased.

Also, never buy a bike without riding it.

how is giant able to add so many features at lower price?

specs:
http://www.cannondale.com/USA/bike/P...b-fb3d68623051

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/escape-2-city-disc

The optimist would say volume, and Giant is the world leader. But the other truth is they can cut quality in other places. Components are easy to compare since they all come from the same place. Frames not so much, so you just have to go with the reputation of the manufactures. Cannondale is an innovator and leader in building aluminum frame bikes.

[ChewYourFood]

Yes, its overkill. Just get a good floor pump unless you have copious items that need high pressure air frequently.

I had a cheap compressor that has lasted a few years. Wanted something that was better. It still works for car tires / MTB tires but this year but it can't handle the high psi road tires.

If you guys ever had to top off 8 tires for a family bike, you'd understand the value of a compressor.