Calling All Cyclists! Post Pics Of Your Machine, Or An Event You've Participated In!

[S3RI35]

Originally Posted by Nedim

Thanks for your input. I want to have a bike for road riding / exercise.

Sounds great. If you're doing purely road, then a road bike will do fine. Depending on brand, there are usually two types of geometries: racing (aggressive/low) and sport (comfort/upright). For example, Cannondale has their Synapse frame, which is less aggressive than their Supersix and EVO frames that are raced competitively on. Also (depending on manufacturer again), there will be aluminum and carbon fiber frame variants of each type - carbon fiber usually costing at least 2X more.

If pure road is not for you, there is usually a "hybrid" line, which is a cross between mountain and road frame geometries. Some like this if they find any of the road geometries uncomfortable for cycling. Usually you get road bike components with a much more upright stance. The handlebars are usually taken from mountain bikes and usually suits those who don't like the geometry of a (curved and more compact) road handlebar.

As a beginner cyclist, I'd suggest a more upright geometry so it's not too taxing on your back when you're just getting acquainted. That's the basics of the frame.

As far as components go, there is a range of brands (e.g. Shimano, Sram, Campagnolo) each has a range of models that go from entry level (Al/steel mix) to high end (full carbon fiber and lightweight alloys). These also dictate the overall cost of the bike. As a starter, I'd do something between entry level and mid-range so at least it's dependable in the long run.

Finally, wheels are the rotating mass on the bike and probably are the biggest mod you can make to a bike after you buy one. The heavier they get, the more effort you will end up putting in on longer rides (which isn't really a bad thing). The lighter they get, the more expensive they are! Usually, you get what comes with the bike and upgrade later on depending on your needs. In today's market, most wheels are dependable. For lower end bikes, I'd stick to the true and tried brands, which include Mavic, Fulcrum, Shimano, Campagnolo, FSA and DT Swiss.

Again, speak to someone at a local bike shop. Big stores are good to check out for the overall picture. Indy shops are also good because the guys usually give personal advice that the bigger stores may not.

Keep in mind that the bike is only part of the investment. Helmets, cycling clothes, shoes and other gear can also rack up quite a bill. If I find gear that I really like and want new, usually I size it at the shop and purchase it on eBay for a lot less. Good luck!!

[sn0pea]

Not a road bike, but I just picked it up and can't wait to get it on the hills and cruise around college. Not an avid mountain biker currently, but I want to get in it with this bike! (previous bike was sized for my 10 year old self, I've grown a little since then)
Love the matte black. It will look stunning atop my car

[S3RI35]

Originally Posted by sn0pea

Not a road bike, but I just picked it up and can't wait to get it on the hills and cruise around college. Not an avid mountain biker currently, but I want to get in it with this bike! (previous bike was sized for my 10 year old self, I've grown a little since then)
Love the matte black. It will look stunning atop my car

Matte black finishes on bikes are awesome

Other than their stealthy looks, they hold up to the elements much better than regular clear-coat finishes.

Post a pic of the bike mounted on the car when you get it!!

[NomadM3]

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

2012 Focus black forest 2.0 29er I just purchased.

sick ride! you guys have a lot of trails out in FL?

[Andrew@ActiveAutowerke]

Originally Posted by NomadM3

sick ride! you guys have a lot of trails out in FL?

Oh yeah! I have one literally 5 min from my house and 3 others within 20 min.

Anyone have the alltrails iphone app? http://alltrails.com/ Its like facebook for trails.

[NomadM3]

My ride

[NomadM3]

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

Oh yeah! I have one literally 5 min from my house and 3 others within 20 min.

Anyone have the alltrails iphone app? http://alltrails.com/ Its like facebook for trails.

just signed up!

[Andrew@ActiveAutowerke]

Originally Posted by NomadM3

My ride

Nice! Have you ridden a 29er yet? They kick ass on the trails and street

[NomadM3]

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

Nice! Have you ridden a 29er yet? They kick ass on the trails and street

I'm thinking about selling my other bike (Santa Cruz Chameleon) and picking up a 29er. I havent ridden one yet, but I hear they're awesome

[Andrew@ActiveAutowerke]

Originally Posted by NomadM3

I'm thinking about selling my other bike (Santa Cruz Chameleon) and picking up a 29er. I havent ridden one yet, but I hear they're awesome

Santa cruz highball has my heart! But when I found a German made frame I had to buy it Haha.

[panicos81]

hey guys, i´m looking into single speed road bikes (or fixed speed). i wont do any hill climb just straight roads for exersice. any suggestions, reccomendations, things that i should look for before i buy one. just for the record i´m 1.81m 96kg, so i will need a big bike!!

[Andrew@ActiveAutowerke]

Originally Posted by panicos81

hey guys, i´m looking into single speed road bikes (or fixed speed). i wont do any hill climb just straight roads for exersice. any suggestions, reccomendations, things that i should look for before i buy one. just for the record i´m 1.81m 96kg, so i will need a big bike!!

Number 1 question when it comes to bikes... How much do you want to spend?

This would be my choice http://www.focus-bikes.com/int/en/bi...net-tr-40.html

[Red Bread]

Someone said fad wagon?


Off for a ride in the nice 106 degree heat this afternoon.

[NomadM3]

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

Santa cruz highball has my heart! But when I found a German made frame I had to buy it Haha.

highball is definitely a sick bike....but at this point, i'd rather spend the coin on an exhaust!

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by panicos81

hey guys, i´m looking into single speed road bikes (or fixed speed). i wont do any hill climb just straight roads for exersice. any suggestions, reccomendations, things that i should look for before i buy one. just for the record i´m 1.81m 96kg, so i will need a big bike!!

I commute on a single speed road bike. My knees are wrecked from years of soccer and I can't run fixed, but a freewheel is fine. I have a cheap, steel bike that's chromed, has racks and fenders and weighs way too much. But it's fun, cost about a 10th of my actual race bike and is really fun. I take it out on group rides occasionally and it's pretty fun even in a relatively fast pack.

Since you're in Cypress, you have access to lots of cool, older steel Italian frames that tend to have long, horizontal dropouts that make converting a geared bike to single speed really easy.

[Andrew@ActiveAutowerke]

Originally Posted by NomadM3

highball is definitely a sick bike....but at this point, i'd rather spend the coin on an exhaust!

Understandable the m3 begs to be heard


Any pedal recommendations? I tried clipless but lets just say it did not go so well.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

Any pedal recommendations? I tried clipless but lets just say it did not go so well.

What did you try? What did you not like? I run Speedplays on the road, Times off road.

[Andrew@ActiveAutowerke]

I have the shimano clipless pedals. Its just not my thing I fell a couple times do to being stuck.

I just need some good platforms for my type of riding.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

I have the shimano clipless pedals. Its just not my thing I fell a couple times do to being stuck.

I just need some good platforms for my type of riding.

I'd recommend you stick with them. They're more efficient, lead to fewer bleeding shins and also allow for no-talent bunny hops. Just practice on a low risk trail, around your neighborhood, or around your dining room. You'll get to where you don't even think about.

I've been riding clipless for about twenty years now and can't imagine going back. I commute on flat pedals with toe clips, but I wear flip flops and I'm not really going for efficiency.

Oh, and if you're not falling, you're not learning.

[S3RI35]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

What did you try? What did you not like? I run Speedplays on the road, Times off road.

+1 on Speedplays. Shimano SPDs work fine on the trail... except when it gets muddy.

[Andrew@ActiveAutowerke]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

I'd recommend you stick with them. They're more efficient, lead to fewer bleeding shins and also allow for no-talent bunny hops. Just practice on a low risk trail, around your neighborhood, or around your dining room. You'll get to where you don't even think about.

I've been riding clipless for about twenty years now and can't imagine going back. I commute on flat pedals with toe clips, but I wear flip flops and I'm not really going for efficiency.

Oh, and if you're not falling, you're not learning.

I make way to many mistakes I've only been serious about it for a few months now.

Any of you guys have critical mass rides in your states?

[NomadM3]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

I'd recommend you stick with them. They're more efficient, lead to fewer bleeding shins and also allow for no-talent bunny hops. Just practice on a low risk trail, around your neighborhood, or around your dining room. You'll get to where you don't even think about.

I've been riding clipless for about twenty years now and can't imagine going back. I commute on flat pedals with toe clips, but I wear flip flops and I'm not really going for efficiency.

Oh, and if you're not falling, you're not learning.

+1

definitely stick with them. once you get used to them, theres no going back

i run crank bros candy sl's