So many cyclists

[srbeards]

I'm fairly new to the forum, got my A3 last September. I bought it based on how great it will be for going to bike races in (and it's fun to drive). My fiancée and I have been racing for around 6 years now.

So, where and what do you all ride/race out there there?

I'm a Cat 1 Road and Track racer in Portland, but I get up to Seattle for some racing too.

I just picked up my new ride for this year. Thanks to my great sponsors. If you are ever in Portland, make sure to stop by Sellwood Cycle Repair.



I also picked up this bad boy last night from our PRO rep, can't wait to put in on

[TBomb]

That is an effing sick bike!

I'm a Cat 1 XC racer here in TX. Usually race all over TX, some in NM, LA, AL. I haven't had much time to train/race lately due to work and life though

I don't think I have any pictures of either of my bikes on this computer, but the MTB is a Titus Racer-X (from the CC days) that's pretty much decked out. Sram X.0 drivetrain w/XX cranks (running 2x9 because I can't give up grip shift), I9 Ultralights, Formula Oro Puro brakes, Syntace cockpit, etc. It's served me well through countless races

The training bike is an 06 Specialized Allez with Sram Rival, PT rear wheel and some random Easton front wheel. I used to race road back in college but lately it just sees training duty. It's still the bike I'm on 90% of the time though.

[srbeards]

The Addict is freaking amazing. I have raced a lot of bikes over the last few years, but this one takes the cake.

I got kind of hooked on mountain biking last year. My good friend raced for the Kona factory team for a long time and he sold me one of his old race bikes last year.

It's a Kona Hei Hei Supreme with full XTR and XTR wheels. Way more than I need right now, but it's a blast to race around. I did a few Super-D races last year and hope do to more this year. Between Road, Crits, Track and MTB, there are just too many races to choose from here in Oregon. Best cycling scene around, IMO.

My first Super-D race:

[guiltyblade]

Nice to see so many cyclist around here.

I do road racing (cat3), cyclocross, bmx, mtb, and fixie riding.

I started in bmx for a long time.

Cyclocross race a little bit ago in upstate NY


BMX trickry


Road trip in Mallorca spain....i miss riding there.

[brungold]

wow, nice setups, guys!

i'm just starting out with mine, and i love it! doing my first half-century in a few months.

Torelli Montefalco

[TBomb]

The Addict is freaking amazing. I have raced a lot of bikes over the last few years, but this one takes the cake.

I got kind of hooked on mountain biking last year. My good friend raced for the Kona factory team for a long time and he sold me one of his old race bikes last year.

It's a Kona Hei Hei Supreme with full XTR and XTR wheels. Way more than I need right now, but it's a blast to race around. I did a few Super-D races last year and hope do to more this year. Between Road, Crits, Track and MTB, there are just too many races to choose from here in Oregon. Best cycling scene around, IMO.

My first Super-D race:

Noiiiice! Like the goggles with the Atmos (or whatever helmet that is) . One of my buddies has a Hei Hei that's decked out as well. He seems to really like it but I just can't get over Kona's weird geometry. He actually lives in Santa Rosa, and I flew out back in October to go riding out there, and it is pretty freaking awesome. Not quite the same as the PNW, but still a pretty cool cycling scene and tons of great trails and roads to ride.

[srbeards]

Noiiiice! Like the goggles with the Atmos (or whatever helmet that is) . One of my buddies has a Hei Hei that's decked out as well. He seems to really like it but I just can't get over Kona's weird geometry. He actually lives in Santa Rosa, and I flew out back in October to go riding out there, and it is pretty freaking awesome. Not quite the same as the PNW, but still a pretty cool cycling scene and tons of great trails and roads to ride.

That was at the Oakridge Super-D last August. 12.5 miles of awesome.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/46859472

[tp.wannabe.s3]

mtb crew

[TBomb]

That was at the Oakridge Super-D last August. 12.5 miles of awesome.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/46859472

That's a long ass super D. And what's with the 882 ft of elevation gain? I thought it was super D That's some wicked drop though...over 4000 ft.

I wish I had a GPS profile from the Mountain States Cup race I did at Angel Fire a couple of years ago. That place is sick. 2200 feet of climbing each 9 mile lap, and base elevation is 8500 feet. 45 minutes of agonizing climbing, then 15 minutes of white knuckle descending. Then do it all over again

[avner]

I'm a 30lb overweight recreational cyclist. Did some mountain bike racing and was pretty bad at back when I was in college. My current stable:

2010 Salsa Vaya (stock) - it isn't fast, but god is it comfortable! Great for riding to work and for riding on everything from pavement to gravel trails.
2005 Spcialized Comp CrMo with a mix of parts (105 / Ultegra) - I'm old fashioned and love a steel frame and it's made all that much better with a carbon fork and seatpost with zerts
1994 Rocky Mountain Blizzard assigned to bike-along duty - my old race bike with thumb shifters and rigid fork (I used to have a Manitou 3 on it, but put the original rigid fork on when it was my commuter)

I wanna go for a ride...

[tyrone.minton]

I ride as much as possible! Mostly just to get back into shape. Current rig is a 2010 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe, Fox RL/RP20, X9 throughout.

[srbeards]

I'm a 30lb overweight recreational cyclist. Did some mountain bike racing and was pretty bad at back when I was in college. My current stable:

2010 Salsa Vaya (stock) - it isn't fast, but god is it comfortable! Great for riding to work and for riding on everything from pavement to gravel trails.
2005 Spcialized Comp CrMo with a mix of parts (105 / Ultegra) - I'm old fashioned and love a steel frame and it's made all that much better with a carbon fork and seatpost with zerts
1994 Rocky Mountain Blizzard assigned to bike-along duty - my old race bike with thumb shifters and rigid fork (I used to have a Manitou 3 on it, but put the original rigid fork on when it was my commuter)

I wanna go for a ride...

I love the feel of a good steel frame too!

My daily commuter is not my A3 (the fiancée drives that and somehow I got stuck making the payments ), but rather my steel Kona Paddy Wagon fixed gear. Most of my training gets done on my full fendered (it rains a lot in Portland) Kona Honky Tonk. They both ride so nice and smooth.

[avner]

As you can see my collection is all steel too. Maybe because when I was buying bikes Al was awful and I couldn't afford carbon. Now I just stick to steel because it's fun to be different.

[VWAddict]

I've been riding for almost 4 months now... lost almost 65lbs over the last 6 months and the bike has really helped control the loss of muscle mass in my lower half, at least!

So far I've been riding an old steel frame Specialized, which I picked up just to try and get in the game... -Didn't want to invest a pile o' bills and risk losing interest, making the whole thing a waste.

But I'm jonesing for a carbon frame, although I'm REALLY a bit spoiled in terms of the hardware... I didn't realize how lovely the like Dura-Ace etc. feels in operation... so it's hard for me to go too far down-market, so I'm going to wat a little longer and save for something a little less humble... which means banging on a bit longer with my steelie, I suppose!

Last 2 weekends have been 50-milers... weather is fan-tastic right at the moment, and there's LOADS of nice trails right on my doorstep.

[tiptronic]

Im now only joining in the fray of road biking- always had MTB or converted MTB with slicks and managed to compete on numerous mini triathalons and bike tours.

Should i be concerned that my first road bike would only have 16 gears? The new bike will be for fitness, weekend rides, occasional light competitions, occasional rides with friends who have far more sophisticated/expensive bikes.

Im looking into the 2011 GT series4 roadbike. I like the feel (although i tried a 2010) and the current 2011's paint scheme. Pricewise was well within my planned budget... I also plan to convert this from a drop bar to tri/aero set up at most affordable means =)
Or a 2010 Fuji N Roubaix?

e

[LWNY]

I use to be in the collegate cycling team. Never raced in USCF much, just mostly the spring series in NYC as cat 4.

I had more than my share of crashes and hospitalization in races/training or just plain riding. I still have around my Colnago SL(Mexico?) w/bb cutout/Campy SR, Colnago SL w/bb cutout/Campy SR, Rossini/Campy Record, Zeus track bike, and something like a hundred tubulars because I get flats faster than I can repair them when riding in the NYC parks filled with potholes/broken glass.

[VWAddict]

Should i be concerned that my first road bike would only have 16 gears? The new bike will be for fitness, weekend rides, occasional light competitions, occasional rides with friends who have far more sophisticated/expensive bikes.

My current bike has only 12 gears: 2 on the front, six on the back.

Didn't keep me form losing a PILE of weight, and doesn't stop me from hanging out with some buddies on the local trails, although the vibe is 'relaxed' rather than competitive. -The weekend before last I ran 50 miles in 3:09. -Not earth-shattering by any means, but I enjoyed the HELL out of it!

Go for it, LED, A3, and bike brutha!

[MisterJJ]

FWIW, my first road bike was a Schwinn LeTour.

[srbeards]

I've been riding for almost 4 months now... lost almost 65lbs over the last 6 months and the bike has really helped control the loss of muscle mass in my lower half, at least!

So far I've been riding an old steel frame Specialized, which I picked up just to try and get in the game... -Didn't want to invest a pile o' bills and risk losing interest, making the whole thing a waste.

But I'm jonesing for a carbon frame, although I'm REALLY a bit spoiled in terms of the hardware... I didn't realize how lovely the like Dura-Ace etc. feels in operation... so it's hard for me to go too far down-market, so I'm going to wat a little longer and save for something a little less humble... which means banging on a bit longer with my steelie, I suppose!

Last 2 weekends have been 50-milers... weather is fan-tastic right at the moment, and there's LOADS of nice trails right on my doorstep.

Oh man, that's awesome, nice work.

If you look, you should be able to find some nice lightly used Dura-Ace 7800 series stuff for cheap. They came out with the 7900 series two years ago, but is is all 10 speed stuff and it all works great. Even the 10 speed Ultegra stuff is really good and last forever.

Don't expect too much amazing out of a carbon frame. It will be light, stiff and responsive, but it won't be as comfortable on the long rides as your steel bike.

[VWAddict]

...but it won't be as comfortable on the long rides as your steel bike.

Wow... You know, I keep hearing people talking about how they like 'the feel o' steel', but as for right now, I just don't appreciate it. -I suppose I have toe experience it to have that epiphany.

[dj age one]

[LWNY]

Wow... You know, I keep hearing people talking about how they like 'the feel o' steel', but as for right now, I just don't appreciate it. -I suppose I have toe experience it to have that epiphany.

waddadeal with not liking steel frame? You got thunder thighs where you twist the stays during a sprint?

Funny thing, that's what they said about the thin tube aluminum frames when they first came out, less fatigue, more comfortable, etc. But with those bikes, you can here when somebody is struggling or starting up their sprint behind you from the creaking due to irregular cadence or chainstay rubbing.

[tp.wannabe.s3]

my bottom bracket creeks when i pedal hard on the uphills

[TBomb]

waddadeal with not liking steel frame? You got thunder thighs where you twist the stays during a sprint?

Funny thing, that's what they said about the thin tube aluminum frames when they first came out, less fatigue, more comfortable, etc. But with those bikes, you can here when somebody is struggling or starting up their sprint behind you from the creaking due to irregular cadence or chainstay rubbing.

Yeah I'm pretty sure aluminum gives the harshest ride of any frame material these days. They make good crit bikes though One of my buddies just got a brand new Litespeed Archon built up with Sram Red, and it is so bad ass! I'd love to try a nice Ti frame like that one of these days when I stop buying car parts

[srbeards]

Ya, that's my town, and unfortunately i have to deal with "those" guys too.

[tiptronic]

Help! from the experts-

Im now looking into a '10 CannondaleCAAD8 6 Compact or a 2011 Cannondale Synapse 7 both under $800 (the '10 CAAD8 6 is 699, while the Synapse 7 is 799)

I know it seem like a no brainer- but im looking for feedback from the experts

e

[guiltyblade]

Is the synase with sora and the caad 8 with tiagra. That alone justifies the difference. The difference in shift quality at the lower end is very significant. Sora->tiagra->105 are leaps above each other. At the ultegra -> dura the differences are much smaller. A synapse I think has compact geometry, which makes it a little more laid back, hence a little more comfortable. The Caad is more of a classic racer geometry. Far forward, built for speed. Also a compact crank is nice, but a triple will give you a ton more gears, if you have a ton of trouble on hills a triple may be nice. I've always had a straight double but I have friends who swear by their compact cranks.

Depends on what you want really.

[tiptronic]

Thank You for your feedback. I looked around further, I think I found a better option -

2010 CAAD9 6. Same price as 2011 Synapse. And perfect color scheme too (white/black)


Can't wait to go riding again

[Bezor]

For years I had a steelie. I went through 3 bottom brackets in about 5K miles. I sold it nearly for as much as I paid for it....yeah DickHeads. Have to say though it was extremely clean, never crashed too hard if only for a few flop overs that new tape wouldn't fix.

The first 5 miles I put on my Trek 1.2 (yeah, I'm a badass rock star) alum/carb fork and I was totally sold. Plus I got a three ring crank set, something I couldn't upgrade with my old frame.

The reviews I've read on the 1.2 bag on the brakes. yeah, for some reason (compound?) they are weak. Not too big a deal though. The seat gets solid thumbs down and I can see why. Its not a training/muscle tone issue, it just plain sucks. I'm in for a custom fit Specialized saddle.

[SilverSquirrel]

The seat gets solid thumbs down and I can see why. Its not a training/muscle tone issue, it just plain sucks. .

u got A3 sport seat on there?

[VWAddict]

waddadeal with not liking steel frame? You got thunder thighs where you twist the stays during a sprint?

Naaaah... nuthin like that!

It's just the bone-shaking, teeth-rattling, and jarring jolts every time I roll over a small bump. -All of the carbon frames I've ridden have been S-O-O-O-O- much more forgiving.

(hafta look after the 'family jewels', ya dig?)

[LWNY]

Naaaah... nuthin like that!

It's just the bone-shaking, teeth-rattling, and jarring jolts every time I roll over a small bump. -All of the carbon frames I've ridden have been S-O-O-O-O- much more forgiving.

(hafta look after the 'family jewels', ya dig?)

You must not be riding a butted frame. the jewels must be long gone, for all riders, especially if they ride alot of rollers or trainers.

[VWAddict]

Lugged frame... -OLD school!

[VWAddict]

The Addict is freaking amazing.

Thank you... thank you...

You're too kind!!!

[Bezor]

u got A3 sport seat on there?

I heard TP was looking for one for his mountain bike.