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

[camaleom]

Dis da troof mane.

Dat feel when blowing by people on bikes that costs 2-3x more than mine.

some people call that "envy" but if u ain't riding fast a 10k bike then u looking like a moron...

[KRANE]

some people call that "envy" but if u ain't riding fast a 10k bike then u looking like a moron...

So are you saying because my bike cost 10 Gs (not mine, of course), I can't take it out for a leisurely ride? The envy is strong here.

But really. I know a few guys who have 20-30k worth of TT bikes they take out "a few times a year"

Expensive hobby, never got into that

The difference between men and boys. Nevertheless, there are equally expensive hobbies where you generate zero energy.

[ThundaHorz]

Yeah some could say that, but I've got my gear envy/lust in check and think it's a combination of a few things.

One being location, around here a 5K bike is considered "entry level" for the gooby's who will never race (think hipster carbon track bikes on pavement/Colnago's as commuters) or if they do, try to dive into the corners on you wrecking people.
Two I'd rather take my "modest" bikeS and ride through bavaria (last year) and the alps (this year) as opposed to furrowing my brow and doing "wicked fast 12mph laps of CP" on MadFibers.
Three, the elderly hardman in me feels like what the point of entering a race and acting all agro if you dont actually have the "arsenal" to really drop the hammer. Das ist streng verboten!

It actually reminds me of when I used to play Rugby. When I was living in Sydney (and then Boston) high level Rugby was very competitive and still (mostly) civil. When I got older and wanted to keep playing here, there were guys who just learned the game and wanted to take out their frustration on people. They took it more seriously than they should have or could have ever been capable of playing in their prime. It just felt inauthentic and was flat out dangerous. So in the interest of health and sanity I retired.
/Rant

back to a soon to be sunny bike season!

[KRANE]

back to a soon to be sunny bike season!

It has been that here all winter. In fact, its sunny and 81 right now. Envy?

[ThundaHorz]

LULz nah the overcast winter was good to my Ice Climbing season.

[XterX]

haha thanks fellas!

I've been on both sides, the poor collegiate racer who had all the time in the world to train, and now I'm the full time worker who has the money but not the time to train lol. I am not CEO'ing 10k/day, I just have different priorities in my life than most people. I can't speak for those who aren't elite riders and have 10K+ bikes, but for me, having a nice bike compensates for not having the time to ride. I hardly get to train nowadays. I'd be lucky to even get 10 hours per a week on the bike so I absolutely try to make the best out of all my rides. I am sure most people will envy me for my bike, but a nice bike is all I have going for me. I don't have the luxury of spending endless amounts of time on my bike although I would love to. I certainly agree with Thundahorz, I too would take a modest bike and be able to ride it a lot than having a nice bike and not be able to ride as much or as fast.

some people call that "envy" but if u ain't riding fast a 10k bike then u looking like a moron...

If I hit a sub 53min 40km TT this year, will I redeem myself?

[SelleItalia]

Fukkin kunt walks out in front of a bus onto the cycle lane, my word I was so close to knocking him down..good thing I upgraded my brakes or we'd both be in hospital right now!

[Reef58]

haha thanks fellas!

I've been on both sides, the poor collegiate racer who had all the time in the world to train, and now I'm the full time worker who has the money but not the time to train lol. I am not CEO'ing 10k/day, I just have different priorities in my life than most people. I can't speak for those who aren't elite riders and have 10K+ bikes, but for me, having a nice bike compensates for not having the time to ride. I hardly get to train nowadays. I'd be lucky to even get 10 hours per a week on the bike so I absolutely try to make the best out of all my rides. I am sure most people will envy me for my bike, but a nice bike is all I have going for me. I don't have the luxury of spending endless amounts of time on my bike although I would love to. I certainly agree with Thundahorz, I too would take a modest bike and be able to ride it a lot than having a nice bike and not be able to ride as much or as fast.


If I hit a sub 53min 40km TT this year, will I redeem myself?

That is strong as hell.

[Auxe]

One being location, around here a 5K bike is considered "entry level" for the gooby's who will never race (think hipster carbon track bikes on pavement/Colnago's as commuters)

I'm on around $2.5k of bike/gear fine in cat5 rides - I'm amazed at that 5k is an "Entry bike"

[jkeithc82]

Can anyone recommend a good camelpack that doesn't cost $100+?

[MtnJax]

Can anyone recommend a good camelpack that doesn't cost $100+?

i use this one when mtn biking. solely for hydration, but it does have one small pocket on the side

http://www.backcountry.com/camelbak-...XQ3MTEwMDAyMzA

depending on what you'll be using it for, most backpacks these days have a slot for a hydration reservoir, so you could just go buy one of those

[hugeaiden]

Damn I can't believe that 5k is entry level haha. My roadie is a 1k cannondale and that is something I consider entry level haha. I can't see my self ever spending over 3k on a bike unless I'm racing, I just cant justify it hahah

[KRANE]

I can't see myself ever spending over 3k on a bike unless I'm racing, I just cant justify it hahah

This.

I was seriously considering the carbon edition to my bike which just scrapes the 3k mark, but after close inspection and careful consideration I decided against it. (Besides it only came in an XL and I really needed the Jumbo.)

Of course, if money was no object, I likely would have grabbed it up anyway. But since I'm just a working class stiff, I can't afford a bike I couldn't afford to replace if it were totaled, or stolen. Both places I've already been too many times already.

On a side note, once you hit the 3k mark, you're about against the wall in functionality anyway. Anything after that likely would register very little for anyone south of an elite athlete. Not that I'm putting down expensive exotic materials. I'll take all the gm savings I can get, if I could afford them.

[cyrtekz]

even if u race there is no point in buying a 10k bike. Of course the feel of riding a pinarello/campa/colnago is nice but you can win tour de france on a 1.5k alu frame and lots of pro riders actually prefer those(though are forced over to newer frames).

before even thinking about buying 2000$ wheels get yourself a powermeter.

[KRANE]

even if u race there is no point in buying a 10k bike. Of course the feel of riding a pinarello/campa/colnago is nice but you can win tour de france on a 1.5k alu frame and lots of pro riders actually prefer those(though are forced over to newer frames).

before even thinking about buying 2000$ wheels get yourself a powermeter.

A well built frame and solid components means you'll have a smoother riding experience, and if that helps you mentally, it could equate to more confidence which in turn would help you push to limits you might not have achieved normally. That's true of almost any sports.

I've had (and I'm sure you and others have as well) many riding experience where I've held back significantly because I wasn't sure if the bike I was riding would hold up under the stress.

Of course, in the end you are corrects: when it comes down to it, its the engine that matters most in sports like cycling. And no amount of space age material is going to make a winner out of an also-ran.

[jkeithc82]

i use this one when mtn biking. solely for hydration, but it does have one small pocket on the side

http://www.backcountry.com/camelbak-...XQ3MTEwMDAyMzA

depending on what you'll be using it for, most backpacks these days have a slot for a hydration reservoir, so you could just go buy one of those

Hydration but also to keep a spare tube or two, wallet, keys, etc.

[MtnJax]

Hydration but also to keep a spare tube or two, wallet, keys, etc.

gotcha. the one i posted which is almost exactly like mine only has room for like 1 thing. i usually put my keys or multi-tool in there. I'd still check that site out. they have lots of different sized packs for under $100. when i first started biking, i would use my North Face backpack and i bought a reservoir to put in it, but it was too big

[Gentlemans]

I dont have any shorts yet. Will I look like a clown riding around in regular clothes and Mavic (yellow) shoes? Gonna do it anyway.

[Rollog]

I dont have any shorts yet. Will I look like a clown riding around in regular clothes and Mavic (yellow) shoes? Gonna do it anyway.

We were all beginners at one point.

[Gentlemans]

Anyone test ridden the Fuji Sportif 1.1? I'm in the market for an enduro style bike and I'm liking the look of those brakes etc... local fuji dealer has acute case of headinarse and has none in stock to test ride though >_<

Bike looks porn, not sure on those chunky tires though... guess they can always be changed though





Really need something less beater than current MTB for my commute, it's killing me.

Curios. What type of clothing do you wear if your commuting to work?

[phoenixr2]

I dont have any shorts yet. Will I look like a clown riding around in regular clothes and Mavic (yellow) shoes? Gonna do it anyway.

who cares...


Got the bike ready to go, cant wait for warmer mornings so I can start riding to work again.

[Gentlemans]

who cares...


Got the bike ready to go, cant wait for warmer mornings so I can start riding to work again.

OK. I'm riding to work anyway. When I start doing longer rides I'll get proper clothing.

[phoenixr2]

after some longer rides and you cant walk right for a few days youll be out looking for some shorts. Check your LBS for sales, mine are clearing out a lot of old model stuff getting ready for summer

[KRANE]

I dont have any shorts yet. Will I look like a clown riding around in regular clothes and Mavic (yellow) shoes? Gonna do it anyway.

I actually ordered my shorts/chamois months before I got my bike. But that's because I been cycling for most of my life and already know this was something I'd need.

If you're just a casual rider, you probably don't need a lot of special gear. But if you ride for more than a few miles/day you will need to be better equipped.

Think about it, how may sports out there don't require some type of special uniform or dress? Street cloths are just not made for cycling. Not for long anyway.

[MtnJax]

I dont have any shorts yet. Will I look like a clown riding around in regular clothes and Mavic (yellow) shoes? Gonna do it anyway.

your angus better be peppered. i learned the hard way my first few times mountain biking how much the shorts are needed.

there are a few people i see who ride their bikes to work and they wear cycling clothes and have their work clothes in a bag

[Reef58]

even if u race there is no point in buying a 10k bike. Of course the feel of riding a pinarello/campa/colnago is nice but you can win tour de france on a 1.5k alu frame and lots of pro riders actually prefer those(though are forced over to newer frames).

before even thinking about buying 2000$ wheels get yourself a powermeter.

True, but the most important thing regardless of cost is how does the bike fit. Agree 100% on the powermeter best thing I ever bought cycle related

[ciclista]

True, but the most important thing regardless of cost is how does the bike fit. Agree 100% on the powermeter best thing I ever bought cycle related

truth

my first race of the season is this weekend and my power numbers have been better than ever. i'm not even in peak condition yet at around 65kg. 3-5kg more and i'll be there.

i'm ready to kick some ass!

[scunny]

A lot of people going full potato in here. This guy has it nailed -

haha thanks fellas!

I've been on both sides, the poor collegiate racer who had all the time in the world to train, and now I'm the full time worker who has the money but not the time to train lol. I am not CEO'ing 10k/day, I just have different priorities in my life than most people. I can't speak for those who aren't elite riders and have 10K+ bikes, but for me, having a nice bike compensates for not having the time to ride. I hardly get to train nowadays. I'd be lucky to even get 10 hours per a week on the bike so I absolutely try to make the best out of all my rides. I am sure most people will envy me for my bike, but a nice bike is all I have going for me. I don't have the luxury of spending endless amounts of time on my bike although I would love to. I certainly agree with Thundahorz, I too would take a modest bike and be able to ride it a lot than having a nice bike and not be able to ride as much or as fast.


If I hit a sub 53min 40km TT this year, will I redeem myself?

Cycling's a hobby, most people enjoy spending money on a hobby. We all buy supp's/gym memberships, which is exactly the same as buying a new Sram Red 22 groupo 'just because'.

Jealous gonna jealous.

[KRANE]

New mountain bike i bought for $899 to do the Great Divide Trail from Banff Canada down to Antelope Springs New Mexico.





BOTTOM BRACKET: FSA, external bearing
BRAKES: Avid Elixir 1
CASSETTE: Shimano HG62, 10-speed
CHAIN: KMC X10
CRANKSET: Shimano Deore 38/24T FC-M615
FORK: RockShox Recon Silver TK Solo Air, 100mm travel, 29er
FRAME: Aluminum 29er hardtail frame, tapered head tube, external BB, replaceable rear derailleur hanger (Fuji made supposedly)
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore, clamp
HANDLEBAR: Alloy, Flat bar, 31.8mm clamp
HEADSET: Integrated
LEVERS: Avid Elixir 1
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore XT, 2x10
SADDLE: WTB Silverado Thinline
SHIFTERS: Shimano SLX SL-M670, 2x10
STEM: Alloy, 31.8mm clamp
TIRES: Kenda Small Block Eight, 29x2.1
WHEELSET: Stan's NOTUBES ZTR Arch EX, 29er, alloy hubs

I'm pretty sure i'm going to change the fork to a Ritchey Carbon since it will shave almost 3 pounds, still have some dampening, and be one less moving part that can break.

Sounds like a pretty good plan.

I'm also planning on going tubeless, possibly upgrading the brakes, aero bars, and maybe getting some kind of suspension seat.

Well you don't want to get too soft and cushy since it can take away a lot of the peddling efficiency. Then again you did say you were getting rid of the fork.

What are the date? Do you start in the cold and end up in the warmth?

Incidentally, how scenic is that route. Grand Canyon much? My geography isn't what it should be.

A lot of people going full potato in here. This guy has it nailed -



Cycling's a hobby, most people enjoy spending money on a hobby. We all buy supp's/gym memberships, which is exactly the same as buying a new Sram Red 22 groupo 'just because'.

Jealous gonna jealous.

Correction: its a hobby for you. For others it can be transportation as it is for most of the world. For others, it can be a way to stay healthy and fit, just like going to the gym. Still, for others, it can be a sport with competition and regularly scheduled athletic and social events. And last but not least, and occupation.

[Rawp0wer1O1]

I dont have any shorts yet. Will I look like a clown riding around in regular clothes and Mavic (yellow) shoes? Gonna do it anyway.

I planed to do a small 5 mile ride one day and it turned into a 62 mile trip on my MTB (with just compression shorts) and I felt like a rhino stuck his horn up my ass lmao


I went and bought the thickest padding shorts I could find after that looool