The R3V Bicycle Thread

[lowlightbw]

Since I don't have a chainwhip or lockring tool yet, I just had to take my bike down to the LBS to have it all re-tightened after riding for a bit. I had them put my bike on the scale, I wanted to find out what it weighed now after the new wheelset. Came in at 20.3 lbs. I was shocked, I was expecting around 22. :shock:

I bathroom scaled my old fuji track pro before i dissassmbled it. It weighed in at a hair under 15:o I could pick it up with one finger. On the flip side it was the most uncomfortable bike Ive ever ridden for more than 10 miles. FAST as lighting. it was built with alex "deep v's" laced to lo-pro miche hubs. carbon seat post, aluminum aero bars/stem, selle SLR saddle (knife in ass), sugino 75's, and a knog light for safety;)

[Jand3rson]

Yeah, they used the hanging scale at the bike shop. It's a steel track frame (formerly Windsor), Bontrager carbon fork, Felt carbon seatpost, Selle San Marco saddle, aluminum bullhorns Mavic CXP 30's with Miche Primato hubs. I think a better crankset (want to upgrade next) might dip me into the high 19's, and I've also got my eye on a white carbon Ritchey stem. :D

[Bavarian3]

$449 at Bikes Direct w/free shipping


$399 from BD


$739 from Swobo

You can prob. find a Giant Bowery for sub $500... there are many "options"...

[lowlightbw]

carbon seatpost FTW. also, steel FTW. both my rigs are steel now and i prob wont change unless its to a carbon frame :)

[scabzzzz]

http://www.bianchiusa.com/09-bicycles/09-d2-special/pista/09-d2-pista-fix.html

Man, they jumped up the price like over 100 dollars. Fuck..

Either way, when you buy decent stock track bikes, you wont have to change as much shit out. The Kilo comes with parts that rival Walmart bicycle quality...Same as the Dawes, and Motobecane, etc

[87e30]

With all of the hills in my area I'm not sure if I want something fixed. And having never ridden a fixed bike I don't want to jump in with an investment that locks me in on the fixed path. :/ The more I think the more gears seem appealing. Not a ton, just a couple options.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/bik/1285385806.html

How does that look? Frame geo looks better to me, the wheels are closer to the frame. And if I could get him down I'd still have some extra money.

I appreciate everyone's suggestions.

[87e30]

So that's what I'm borrowing from a friend. It's a little small for me but I just rode it for 20 minutes and I'm fucking tired. And I loved it. I think gears are probably a good idea for me b/c 1) I'm really out of shape and 2) if I start getting in shape it makes long distances a little better it seems.

[lowlightbw]

get a geared bike. you will like it for hills.

[87e30]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/bik/1285385806.html

Same link as above. Looking for input.

[Mastrcruse]

I needed some help from the mountain bikers here. I'm looking still at bikes and hopefully I'm going to check out more this weekend. I'm still stuck on the Marin and am looking at other things. So this might be an obvious questions but I'm looking at the Marin and it has hydraulic disc brake. The cannondale I'm looking at has the mechanical disc brake. Is there a reason to go with the hydraulic?

Marin hawk hill: keep in mind I'm going to get it for $100 off. Lets say $750

http://www.rei.com/product/776841

Cannondale F7 Lets say $650:

http://catalog.bonzaicyclewerx.com/itemdetails.cfm?action=specs&ID=415

[87e30]

Hydraulic brakes are much more sensitive and responsive. Similar to the brakes in the car, as you pull the lever slightly the pressure is built up in the line clamping down the piston with good force instantly. With a mechanical brake they take more effort and the cables can stretch etc so you're braking isn't as responsive. (should be holding the bar with full hand and braking with a single finger)

I'm not a biking pro by any means, but this is what I've been told and experienced a little.

[Mastrcruse]

Hydraulic brakes are much more sensitive and responsive. Similar to the brakes in the car, as you pull the lever slightly the pressure is built up in the line clamping down the piston with good force instantly. With a mechanical brake they take more effort and the cables can stretch etc so you're braking isn't as responsive. (should be holding the bar with full hand and braking with a single finger)

I'm not a biking pro by any means, but this is what I've been told and experienced a little.

No that definately helps. I'm just wondering if its a "new" technology for the bike world. Maybe the hydraulic will take more upkeep the the mechanical is really all I'm questioning. I think it might be worth the extra $100 to get the Marin.

[scabzzzz]

With all of the hills in my area I'm not sure if I want something fixed. And having never ridden a fixed bike I don't want to jump in with an investment that locks me in on the fixed path. :/ The more I think the more gears seem appealing. Not a ton, just a couple options.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/bik/1285385806.html

How does that look? Frame geo looks better to me, the wheels are closer to the frame. And if I could get him down I'd still have some extra money.

I appreciate everyone's suggestions.

Are you fat?

Hills arent that hard bro. You dont have to pump out hills at 30 mph like Lance Armstrong on Stage 15 of the Tour de France.
I ride hills every time I ride. It takes a few rides to get used to it. Ask Andy.
You dont have to ride a fixed rear cog, ride freewheel. You wont find yourself shifting that much for hills when you ride in a city.

[87e30]

Are you fat?

Hills arent that hard bro. You dont have to pump out hills at 30 mph like Lance Armstrong on Stage 15 of the Tour de France.
I ride hills every time I ride. It takes a few rides to get used to it. Ask Andy.
You dont have to ride a fixed rear cog, ride freewheel. You wont find yourself shifting that much for hills when you ride in a city.

I'm actually not at all. I'm like 5' 11" and 145 lbs. I'm only 19... but sitting on my ass for a year at college has seriously hurt me.


Yeah, I realize that you're right. And I rode my single gear mtn bike a lot. I just like the idea of trying out gears first in a road bike and introducing myself to the whole concept before I jump right into buying a new fixed gear. I figure I used road bike I could at least sell back if I decide it's not for me.

Any input on this bike, http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/bik/1285385806.html, would be awesome because I'm going to check it out today with a good possibility of purchase.

[87e30]

No that definately helps. I'm just wondering if its a "new" technology for the bike world. Maybe the hydraulic will take more upkeep the the mechanical is really all I'm questioning. I think it might be worth the extra $100 to get the Marin.

I'm really not sure on the upkeep or maintenance costs. My thinking would be that it can't be too bad, mechanical brakes wear out as well. I think hydraulic brakes would be awesome, but I've never actually owned a bike with them.