Cycling Thread

[itchyfingers]

Welcome back andvari7! Was it the Tour de France that inspired you?

This morning I did an FTP test after about a month off and lost 10 watts. Not bad, all things considered. Starting a 6-week Sweet Spot Base training program. It's low volume, 3 interval rides per week. That way I can mix in a few rides with friends the rest of the week and not be completely gassed.

[andvari7]

No, it was a free weekend that got me out on two wheels. I did Zwift the week before, and while I was hurting after the ride, it wasn't the same as saddle time out on the trails of Madison, WI. My problem is that I'm not home as often as I'd like to be, and when I am, I have other priorities.

[emin]

Cool thread. Glad it's still up after this long.

I recently decided to start biking so I can do less running, but still stay fit. Nearly had a heart attack when I went to the bike shop and found out how much bikes cost!!

Didn't think it was a good idea to spend so much since I'm not sure I'll keep at it. So I went really cheap and picked up a mountain bike from Walmart a few weeks ago. (Did I mention I went really cheap?) I figured I could see how I like it and If I'd keep it up, then get something better.

Been having a blast so far. If I'm still riding regularly next summer, I'll upgrade. So far I've been riding 3 or 4 times a week. Hoping the weather stops being stupid, so I can get in some longer rides this weekend.

[BroSlinger]

I got the cycling bug again after the TDF.

I never got around to totally fixing some of my bikes that suffered in the fire of 2014.

Rebuilt my '87 Cannondale SR400 the other day. Rode it. Something didn't seem right. Took it apart again, and the Bottom Bracket is making noise. Now it's disassembled again and hanging out at the mechanic's shop. (no way am I going to do BB work.) I'm going to bring this back to its former glory and put pink brake housing back on it. White bar tape. Nitto drop bars. Nitto stem. Going with fluorescent yellow Elite race cages. pink Odyssey flat pedals. (I truly don't need clipless anymore. Why the fuck do I have so many pairs???!)

I think I'm a Fred. I am stuck on using simple(old and cheap) shit that I know how to fix.

I'm getting rid of my Deda bullhorns, and going to flat bars on a couple of other bikes. I was really uncomfortable riding them the other day. (doesn't help that I haven't been out much in the last couple summers.)

Got the Burly Trailer set up for my 2 year old. It's fucking slick. expensive as hell. the 2yo kind of hated it. Refuses to wear a helmet.

Finally getting around to maintaining my Brooks saddles. Probably ruined them since they are like delicate orchids. I fucked up my flyer when it got wet on a 70 mile ride. Finally got around to stitching the bottom so it doesn't flare out. It worked well, but it's still kind of saggy. I might try getting it wet again and reforming it with paper and rubber bands. It sounds like this is a better plan than turning the dreaded bolt of doom.

I was thinking about getting compact cranks, but I just feel a bit too overwhelmed with all the bike shit I'm doing right now.

I was looking at Canyon bikes of Germany. I put in my measurements, and the auto robot fit feature was like, "Our bikes can't fit you. Given your height, are you sure your legs are that short?"

Well shit. I guess I don't need a modern bike after all.

BTW, anybody else realize how shitty and wild west-like online bike retailers are?? I'm used to the professionalism of sweetwater/MF/CoastSonic/Prymaxe/etc. I'm used to places having actual inventory. I can't find a nice jersey to save myself. Let alone one in my size. There's a killer Nalini jersey, but nobody has it in stock.

I would buy from Wiggle UK, but last time I had to pay import tax. fucking bullshit.

FLoyd Landis sells weed now. He says it saved him from Opioid addiction. I want one of his jerseys. It says THC instead of BMC. or THC instead of SKY. Pretty cool. BUT.......If I have a 50 inch chest, it says I need a 50" waist. I'm not that fat. (luckily)

[itchyfingers]

Stoked to see you guys getting into cycling, emin and Gene! I'm at the point where I seem to be collecting a bike of every kind - MTN, road, cross/gravel. I don't care what people ride, even the dreaded e-bikes or the dockless rentals, just good to see people riding.

I hear you about how expensive bikes are, emin. One of the guys I ride with bought an S-Works Tarmac, paid north of $11,000. FOR A BIKE! You know what though? He bought himself some watts, he is fast as shit on that thing.

Embrace the Fred, Gene.

We have a Canyon showroom in North County. I imagine its what it must feel like walking into Chicago Music Exchange, so much cool (expensive) shit hanging on the walls. I've got a goal to get out of credit card debt by the time 2019 rolls around, and will then reward myself around tax return time with a new Canyon EndurAce - going to pimp it out with a power meter, electronic shifting, disc brakes.

[TurboPablo]

I've been pricing out a rebuild of my old Litespeed hardtail. It needs a new drivetrain and brakes. I have everything pretty much spec'd out. Just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I'm going for a 9 speed setup with bar end shifter converted to top mounts. It's always been a ripping fast trail bike. Rides real light and springy, almost like it's trying to help you go forward. Once it's done and the weather breaks, I want to get out and do some XC/trail riding. I miss it.

On the other side, I need to trade my road frame in for something a bit bigger.

[BroSlinger]

I've been pricing out a rebuild of my old Litespeed hardtail. It needs a new drivetrain and brakes. I have everything pretty much spec'd out. Just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I'm going for a 9 speed setup with bar end shifter converted to top mounts. It's always been a ripping fast trail bike. Rides real light and springy, almost like it's trying to help you go forward. Once it's done and the weather breaks, I want to get out and do some XC/trail riding. I miss it.

On the other side, I need to trade my road frame in for something a bit bigger.

I hear you on Litespeed stuff. I have a Basso Titanium road frame(I guess LS built these?). Light, fast, and comfortable. However, I've never been 100% happy with how I've had it built up. There's always some kind of tick sound. I forget if it's in the BB, or the freewheel, or the spokes, or the seatpost, or the crankset, or etc etc. I should put some proper shifters on it. I think I have some Campy downtube shifters on it right now.

[SuperFlyinMonke]

Gene, what's wrong with turning the bold on a Brooks? That's what it's for. Does it ruin all the break-in?

I haven't been riding much in the last 2 weeks. There is a lot of wildfire smoke that's fucking shit up. I may have to cancel my camping trip too. I did ride 600 km in July, which seems decent for only commuting.

I like jersey shopping too, but I wish they made louder guys jerseys. The girls get all the cool ones. I also have big arms, big chest and small-ish (in proportion to a cyclist fit) and prefer a tighter fitting jersey. They're tough to find. Craft and Garneau get close. Craft ones are just super stretchy, so if you don't mind it looking painted on, it's all good.

[BroSlinger]

Cool thread. Glad it's still up after this long.

I recently decided to start biking so I can do less running, but still stay fit. Nearly had a heart attack when I went to the bike shop and found out how much bikes cost!!

Didn't think it was a good idea to spend so much since I'm not sure I'll keep at it. So I went really cheap and picked up a mountain bike from Walmart a few weeks ago. (Did I mention I went really cheap?) I figured I could see how I like it and If I'd keep it up, then get something better.

Been having a blast so far. If I'm still riding regularly next summer, I'll upgrade. So far I've been riding 3 or 4 times a week. Hoping the weather stops being stupid, so I can get in some longer rides this weekend.

Dude, the day you try a bike with skinny tires, you will be hooked. The speed and freedom out on the road is just exhilarating.

yeah, running fucking sucks. I'd rather be fat and having fun on a bike than running.

When you get a pricier bike, are you deadset on a mountain bike?? Personally, I really like bikes that blur the lines. cyclocross bikes, touring bikes, urban/city/commuting bikes, etc.

[BroSlinger]

Gene, what's wrong with turning the bold on a Brooks? That's what it's for. Does it ruin all the break-in?

I haven't been riding much in the last 2 weeks. There is a lot of wildfire smoke that's fucking shit up. I may have to cancel my camping trip too. I did ride 600 km in July, which seems decent for only commuting.

I like jersey shopping too, but I wish they made louder guys jerseys. The girls get all the cool ones. I also have big arms, big chest and small-ish (in proportion to a cyclist fit) and prefer a tighter fitting jersey. They're tough to find. Craft and Garneau get close. Craft ones are just super stretchy, so if you don't mind it looking painted on, it's all good.

Sheldon Brown says:

Most leather saddles have a tension-adjusting nut located under the nose of the saddle. Fortunately, this nut usually requires a special wrench, so most people leave it alone. In almost every case that I know of where someone has tried to adjust the tension with this nut, the saddle has been ruined. My advice is to leave it alone.

If a leather saddle gradually becomes too soft and too wide after many thousands of miles, it is sometimes useful to punch a few holes in the bottoms of the side flaps and lace them together under the saddle frame. This allows the width and firmness of the saddle to be adjusted to the rider's taste. Some models come with a row of holes along the lower edge of the side flaps, for this very purpose.


IME:

When I tightened the bolt on my Flyer, it changed the shape of the nose. It not as comfortable, and it still didn't fix the sag. It just stretched the middle, not the sit bone portion. I laced it, and it helped, but it still sucks. I'm prepared to soak it, but I need to let the balistol settle in a bit>

It sounds crazy, but lots of people say "soak the saddle in water, then stuff it with newspaper to reshape it. Wrap it in cloth and rubberbands. Let it dry naturally for a week. DON'T HEAT IT."

[emin]

Dude, the day you try a bike with skinny tires, you will be hooked. The speed and freedom out on the road is just exhilarating.

yeah, running fucking sucks. I'd rather be fat and having fun on a bike than running.

When you get a pricier bike, are you deadset on a mountain bike?? Personally, I really like bikes that blur the lines. cyclocross bikes, touring bikes, urban/city/commuting bikes, etc.

I am not dead set on a mountain bike. I had originally planned on getting a road bike but mountain bikes were cheaper, more available, and I know of more places to go mountain biking. You guys know how it goes, I'll end up with one of everything eventually.

After I get in better riding shape, I might get a road bike and look into joining a biking club in this area. I'll have to think about that though, as I tend to be a bit anti-social.

It's funny how little I know about bicycles these days. I was surprised to see disc brakes on a bicycle! Oh, and quick release wheels and seats!

[BroSlinger]

Dude, the day you try a bike with skinny tires, you will be hooked. The speed and freedom out on the road is just exhilarating.

yeah, running fucking sucks. I'd rather be fat and having fun on a bike than running.

When you get a pricier bike, are you deadset on a mountain bike?? Personally, I really like bikes that blur the lines. cyclocross bikes, touring bikes, urban/city/commuting bikes, etc.

I am not dead set on a mountain bike. I had originally planned on getting a road bike but mountain bikes were cheaper, more available, and I know of more places to go mountain biking. You guys know how it goes, I'll end up with one of everything eventually.

After I get in better riding shape, I might get a road bike and look into joining a biking club in this area. I'll have to think about that though, as I tend to be a bit anti-social.

It's funny how little I know about bicycles these days. I was surprised to see disc brakes on a bicycle! Oh, and quick release wheels and seats!

Don't get your hopes up on a cycling club. They're can be very exclusionary. They're also full of extremist/activists (whatever their persuasion may be. trees/beer/marx/guns/whatever/gay/gauges ). mostly douchy freds and their demon wives.

I ride nearly 100% alone. It's nice to get away and be alone with my thoughts out on the open road.

[itchyfingers]

Dude, the day you try a bike with skinny tires, you will be hooked. The speed and freedom out on the road is just exhilarating.

yeah, running fucking sucks. I'd rather be fat and having fun on a bike than running.

When you get a pricier bike, are you deadset on a mountain bike?? Personally, I really like bikes that blur the lines. cyclocross bikes, touring bikes, urban/city/commuting bikes, etc.

I am not dead set on a mountain bike. I had originally planned on getting a road bike but mountain bikes were cheaper, more available, and I know of more places to go mountain biking. You guys know how it goes, I'll end up with one of everything eventually.

After I get in better riding shape, I might get a road bike and look into joining a biking club in this area. I'll have to think about that though, as I tend to be a bit anti-social.

It's funny how little I know about bicycles these days. I was surprised to see disc brakes on a bicycle! Oh, and quick release wheels and seats!

Don't get your hopes up on a cycling club. They're can be very exclusionary. They're also full of extremist/activists (whatever their persuasion may be. trees/beer/marx/guns/whatever/gay/gauges ). mostly douchy freds and their demon wives.

I ride nearly 100% alone. It's nice to get away and be alone with my thoughts out on the open road.

Cyclists might have the largest population of douchebags compared with any other pasttime, it's true. But riding in a group is a good skill to learn, the older guys in clubs are usually the ones that will provide helpful tips, you can usualyy find one or two cool people to ride with outside the club, and best of all - when you get a peloton going, you barely do any work unless you are up front and even then, take a pull and rotate back to the slipstream again.

[BroSlinger]

I agree riding in a a giant group is a thrill. SOOOOO fast. If you're lucky, there might be a mass start event in your area. The Fort Wayne "Fort 4 Fitness Spring Cycle" event starts this way. My wife hated the mass start. I LOVED it.

[emin]

Don't get your hopes up on a cycling club. They're can be very exclusionary. They're also full of extremist/activists (whatever their persuasion may be. trees/beer/marx/guns/whatever/gay/gauges ). mostly douchy freds and their demon wives.

I ride nearly 100% alone. It's nice to get away and be alone with my thoughts out on the open road.

Cyclists might have the largest population of douchebags compared with any other pasttime, it's true. But riding in a group is a good skill to learn, the older guys in clubs are usually the ones that will provide helpful tips, you can usualyy find one or two cool people to ride with outside the club, and best of all - when you get a peloton going, you barely do any work unless you are up front and even then, take a pull and rotate back to the slipstream again.

I was thinking that may be the case with cycling clubs. I'll still consider looking into it, but I'm fine on my own.

In addition to playing guitar, one of my other time-consuming, money-sucking hobbies is motorcycles. I do that mostly alone. I do have a couple of friends that I'll sometimes ride with, but I don't enjoy it much. Most of them are very brand-specific elitists (Harley), and though I have a Harley, I like all bikes and have a couple other makes.

As for the old guys in the cycling clubs. . . I'd be one of them, just not one who knows anything.

And I had to look up peloton!

[BroSlinger]

I'm pretty sure every bike frame is made at one of two Chinese factories.

I really love my "authentic" bikes made in Italy/USA from the 80's.

However, it never stops me from looking at modern bikes for sale. Amazon used to sell Kona bikes. There were good deals to be had. no longer. All I see are these bike brands that pop up out of nowhere that are just rebranded fujis or giants made in China. Or, they are names that have been bought and sold, and no longer mean the same thing (motobecane, raleigh, etc)

Dammit. Guitar gear is so much easier to buy and work on.

[TurboPablo]

I've been pricing out a rebuild of my old Litespeed hardtail. It needs a new drivetrain and brakes. I have everything pretty much spec'd out. Just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I'm going for a 9 speed setup with bar end shifter converted to top mounts. It's always been a ripping fast trail bike. Rides real light and springy, almost like it's trying to help you go forward. Once it's done and the weather breaks, I want to get out and do some XC/trail riding. I miss it.

On the other side, I need to trade my road frame in for something a bit bigger.

I hear you on Litespeed stuff. I have a Basso Titanium road frame(I guess LS built these?). Light, fast, and comfortable. However, I've never been 100% happy with how I've had it built up. There's always some kind of tick sound. I forget if it's in the BB, or the freewheel, or the spokes, or the seatpost, or the crankset, or etc etc. I should put some proper shifters on it. I think I have some Campy downtube shifters on it right now.

I already bought the conversion mounts for the bar end shifters. I've always preferred top mounts over the other stuff. Nothing can sweep a whole cog like a good old thumbshifter.

[BroSlinger]

I've been pricing out a rebuild of my old Litespeed hardtail. It needs a new drivetrain and brakes. I have everything pretty much spec'd out. Just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I'm going for a 9 speed setup with bar end shifter converted to top mounts. It's always been a ripping fast trail bike. Rides real light and springy, almost like it's trying to help you go forward. Once it's done and the weather breaks, I want to get out and do some XC/trail riding. I miss it.

On the other side, I need to trade my road frame in for something a bit bigger.

I hear you on Litespeed stuff. I have a Basso Titanium road frame(I guess LS built these?). Light, fast, and comfortable. However, I've never been 100% happy with how I've had it built up. There's always some kind of tick sound. I forget if it's in the BB, or the freewheel, or the spokes, or the seatpost, or the crankset, or etc etc. I should put some proper shifters on it. I think I have some Campy downtube shifters on it right now.

I already bought the conversion mounts for the bar end shifters. I've always preferred top mounts over the other stuff. Nothing can sweep a whole cog like a good old thumbshifter.

Yep. I've always wanted to try bar end shifters.

Down tube shifters are by my ankles , and Brifters are too new for me. Anything decent is MUCH $$$$

BTW, I need to check my frames when I get home to see if I need flat or concave shifter bosses.

[TurboPablo]

Any of you guys have experience with road gearing on a XC MTB? I'm leaning to wards a 46/34 pair of rings on the front. But I am up in the air on what I want to do for a cassette. The derailleurrs are old but work fine. So I could easily just do a MTB setup. But, road gears are intriguing.

[itchyfingers]

The hot ticket around these parts for MTB these days is running a 1x? setup. I have a 32 in the front and 11-46 in the back - I top out at around 24mph doing ~100rpm. Honestly though, the bike is so heavy and the full suspension so squishy (even locked out) that I don't ever see myself trying to go that fast on the road. The SRAM Eagle has a 50 in the back - looks like a toothed dinner plate!!! The benefits of the one-by setup are that it is damn near impossible to lose the chain, and the fact that without needing a front derailleur shifter, now you have that bar real estate for a dropper post control.

If you are looking for a nice mix of road and offroad, Pablo - you might wanna build or look into Cyclocross and Gravel bikes.

[TurboPablo]

Nah. I'm leaning towards a 2x9 setup on my Litespeed hardtail. I want to use it as the trail bike it is. I hqve my road bike for the real speed.

[newholland]

Any of you guys have experience with road gearing on a XC MTB? I'm leaning to wards a 46/34 pair of rings on the front. But I am up in the air on what I want to do for a cassette. The derailleurrs are old but work fine. So I could easily just do a MTB setup. But, road gears are intriguing.

hm.. i guess it depends on terrain! around here a 46/34 would probably be a tall order-- particularly with something like an 11-27 cassette.

i run a 22 x36 with an 11-36 around here on my mtb.. so an 11-27 is totally feasible for mtb-- but i'd def drop your rings lower up front. hell-- i run a 44/28 road for my rando bike with and 12-27. a 34/27 is a totally doable big gear if you're a masher.. but i have no idea when you'd ever need a 46/12... you'd never use your small cogs on that cassette unless you're just an unbelievable badass. i'm not casting doubts as to your unbelievable badass-ness, btw... but practically speaking... i dunno man i know some monster cyclists and i dunno anybody using a 46 for a big gear. a 34/12 is a big gear for single speeders-- a 46/12 hell thats a 106 inch gear, which is also equivalent to a 52/14 (!) which is full stop peloton gearing. a 34/27 is about 35 inches-- equivalent to a 42/28- which ain't bad for a racing bikes granny... but you're gonna work on long groindaaahz.

how many gears you lookin' at? i actually converted my old on one to a 1x 8 with a 32 on the front and something like a 12-27 with an ancient mountain LX derailleur, and i seldom feel like i'm dyin OR undergeared. i ultimately swapped it out for a cheapie SRAM jobby, which just upped the ante, but it runs like a champ!

[TurboPablo]

I used to pull a 44/11 like it was nothing. But I am old now. So I should probably stick with 44/32 up front and a 11-34 out back.

The terrain around here is pretty flat but technical.

[newholland]

I used to pull a 44/11 like it was nothing. But I am old now. So I should probably stick with 44/32 up front and a 11-34 out back.

The terrain around here is pretty flat but technical.

yeah.. when i was younger i had no pain receptors and remember pulling a racing bike with a 42/52 with a 15-19 straight block up and down mountains..

old me laughs at young me, and cries a little bit too.. there musta been smoke coming off the cartilage in my knees.

also know, my gearing choices on the mountain bike are based on really rocky terrain and 3" tires too, not to mention my generally not-awesomeness at said terrain and growing up a roadie.

[Harry_Manback]

I've been rockin' the 1x12 SRAM GX group for about 5 months and love it. Best $600 upgrade ever. My terrain is pretty much climb/descend though and moderately technical, so I'm getting good use of the full range. Plus, I'm old and appreciate the bail-out granny on the super steep stuff.

Got 20,000 feet of climbing in last month.

SRAM also just released the NX 1x12 group at $300.