Bike Lust!!! — Share in My New Addiction and Ask Me Anything

[prolesunited]

I bought a new bike yesterday. Isn't it awesome?!?!?

I did a couple of centuries last season on my hybrid and my fellow cyclers said I really needed a road bike if I was going to get serious. And I am. This summer, I'm planning on doing RAGBRAI. Well, I'm registering and hoping I get picked in the lottery.

Anyway, I bought it at Village Cycle Center in Chicago, which has a huge inventory. The salesman really took his time in sizing me — the women specific design is great since I'm pretty compact — and even custom-fitted the stem and handlebars. If you're in the area, I would highly recommend buying from them.

To top it off, I got an great deal. The owner was in and actually remembered me from when I bought my other bike at the end of July. He let me have the bike for $500 off the MSRP and $300 off the sale price! I figured they would want to deal since it's the last few days before closing the books on the new year.



COLOR:
Georgia Blue

FRAME:
ZR 9000 Alloy. Women's Specific Design. Double butted, large diameter, thin-wall, seamless drawn tubing. Custom butted 1-1/8" head tube. T-Back seat stay. Stiff, powerful elliptical chainstays. Cold forged replaceable derailleur hanger. WSD geometry. Handmade in the USA. 2.71 lb.

FORK:
ICON OCLV Carbon Air Rail OD 1-1/8"

WHEELS:
Bontrager Race Lite: 23mm semi-deep front rim provides excellent aero; 21mm rear rim w/OSB improves lateral rigidity, prolongs wheel life; Fully serviceable Swiss-made rear hub w/cartridge and needle bearings; Cro-mo skewers; Stiff, 14G bladed spokes; 740g, 20h front/1020g, 24h rear

TIRES:
Bontrager Race X-Lite, folding, 650/700x23c front and rear

SADDLE:
Bontrager FS 2000 WSD w/gel, Cro-Moly rails, leather

SEATPOST:
Bontrager Race

HANDLEBARS:
Bontrager Race

STEM:
Bontrager Race, reversible 7°

HEADSET:
Cane Creek Internal

SHIFTERS:
Shimano Ultegra STI

FRONT DERAILLEUR:
Shimano Ultegra T

REAR DERAILLEUR:
Shimano Ultegra GS

CRANKSET:
Shimano Ultegra 52/42/30

CASSETTE:
Shimano Ultegra 12-25, 9spd

BRAKESET:
Shimano Ultegra w/Shimano Ultegra STI levers

[BlueEyedSon]

1. Great Xmas self -gift!

Enjoy & ride safe.

[prolesunited]

14. Hey, if I don't take care of myself

who will? :D

[LincolnMcGrath]

2. Sweet Ride

my latest

[prolesunited]

5. Ooooh

That's pretty, too. :loveya:

I'm more of a roadie myself. I've done some wooded trails on my hybrid, but nothing too rugged. I'm keeping both bikes so I can ride wherever the spirit moves me. The hybrid is definitely more leisure/commuter friendly.

Where do you ride?

[LincolnMcGrath]

6. I`ve done it all

Flatland freestyler in the 80s, Dirt/Ramp Jumping BMXer back in the day as well. (before pads and helmets were mandatory) Had a touring Schwinn to train for biathlons a decade ago. This is my first bouncy bike. I can take it to the trails, or pull the safety first 2 seater.

Many sweet places to trail ride around here. lots of good paved places to, like the Hennipen canal.

[KG]

19. now THAT'S a bike!

no thin wheel dweebery!

manly! macho! arg! arg!


:)

[LincolnMcGrath]

38. WHOOOOOOOO

RAAAAAAAAAAAHHH
Have a Nice New Year KG

[madrchsod]

3. nice bike

800 off is a good deal..you going to take it out along the lake before the weather turns to crap next week? that bike really looks like it`s a nice smooth ride...

[prolesunited]

7. I guess I didn't state it right

I got a TOTAL of $500 off the MSRP, which was $2k. They had it tagged for $1,800, but let me have it for $1,500, which is excellent based on the components.

And yes, I'm riding today. In fact, I went for a quick spin last night after I bought it. It was windy and frightfully cold, but I didn't mind. :silly:

It is soooo light and fast! I'm still adjusting to the new riding position and the shifting, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. I threw it up on my trainer last night and practiced running through the gears a bit.

I've got some Hot Chili's long underwear and a balaclava for Christmas this year. I'm ready to hit the lakefront trail today! It's even sunny! :D

And I've definitely been taking advantage of the weather lately. That's when you know you're addicted, when any day above freezing is a good day for riding. :P I have a Kurt Kinetic trainer in my basement for when the weather really turns, but it's not nearly as much fun.

[happyslug]

9. If you do any winter riding, think about new tires

If you are riding in bad weather you may consider studded tires. Peter White Cycles has them for sale $50.00 a piece. You will notice a huge increase in road resistance (yes I am using them) but since I installed them I have not slipped on the ice and snow we have had over the last month or so.

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/

He also sells Schmidt Nabendynamo which is a generator that replaces the front axle. Schmidt claims it is just a little less resistant than a Shimano XTR front hub, but when switched out my XTR for the Schmidt I could not feel the difference. You may on your road bike, but I did not on my Cannondale CAAD 3 bike.

The Schmidt is an expensive system, but you have light all night long (Through I still recommend a backup battery light system for it, but I always recommend two lighting systems front and back for night riding).

[prolesunited]

12. I'm not that much of a diehard

If there is snow and ice on the ground, I'm back in the basement on my Kurt Kinetic trainer. :P

[Snow]

30. Oh, c'mon - winter biking is great!

The bike keeps you warm, most of the time there's not that much crud on the streets - go for it. When I was in college I used to winter bike all the time, even in a coupla inches of snow, riding the very first Schwinn Stingrays. Banana seat, ape-hanger handle bars, and really knobby tires. And fenders. Gotta have fenders. Watch out for the salt, too. Almost forgot about that. You in the Twin CIties? They don't use as much salt as most places, and they're better at clearing the streets quickly.

[DS1]

4. Nice shifters!

.

[happyslug]

8. The more I read about Woman and Biking

The more I lean to Woman riding recumbents instead of regular bikes.

The Main reason is where a woman's center of gravity is. In a man the center of gravity is in the middle of his chest, thus when he leans over a bike his center of gravity is between the handlebars and his seat. I can than move the bike with my body as I see fit and with ease.

Woman's center of Gravity is about two inches below her belly button (I am trying to be nice). The strongest muscle in the human body is the muscle to push a baby out of the womb doing birth. None of the muscles we male have is as strong (Males have more TOTAL muscles, but that muscle is the SINGLE STRONGEST MUSCLE).

Fat takes up four times the space as does the same weight in Muscle. The neutrinos in the Brain are relatively lightweight (Most of your head weight is the bone to protect the brain not the brain itself). Thus it is this muscle that makes a woman "bottom heavy" and why a lot of woman dislike biking.

Because woman are so "heavy bottomed", when woman ride a bike woman have a tendency NOT to put their seat up high enough so that their legs fully extend when pedaling. This is the main cause for woman to complain of knee pain during and after biking. It is the failure to fully extend the leg that causes most knee problems from biking. You have to fully extend the leg every time you pedal, and you can only do that if the seat is high enough for your leg to fully extend (Given males's center of gravity ie. the chest, not generally a problems for males).

Woman's center of gravity makes this high seat feel awkward (and it is), but it is the only way to fully extend the legs. Many woman do not like this high a seat do to here their center of gravity is, but given woman's center of gravity something has to give. My advice, make sure your leg fully extend, even if it means having a seat higher than you find comfortable. Also when you do have the seat that high REMEMBER where your center of Gravity is (i.e. Just ABOVE THE SEAT).

In a recumbent you are sitting down and your leg are pedaling upward, a woman's center of gravity is thus below her, not above her. I believe that may be a more comfortable position for most woman (But you have to accept a recumbents downsides, you are lower on the road compared to cars on the road, a serious traffic safety concern, AND increase problems going up hills, and the price Cannondales is $2000 a pop).

[prolesunited]

11. Interesting theories

I've never tried a recumbent, but I don't think it would be suitable for the kind of riding that I'm interested in.

The Women's Specific Design address many of these issues, especially for me since I'm only 5'2". The design addresses many issues:
Short top tube and short stem lets you better reach handlebars
Handlebars are narrower and shifters smaller for littler shoulders and hands
Hips are over crank for more power generation
Decreased head angle pushes center of gravity toward back of bike

Perhaps your generalizations are more appropriate for recreational riders. I think a lot of the comfort issue can be addressed through proper sizing and adjustments. I tried a couple of different manufacturers and frame sizes before arriving at my selection. Then we through the bike up on a trainer and adjusted the seat height and angle as well as handlebars to make sure I had textbook-perfect form.

BTW, I don't have a heavy bottom. I put in 1,600 miles since the end of July. That's certainly enough to cure any sort of heavy bottom. I'm reluctant to go into greater detail though. ;-)

[Snow]

31. Bents rock! Here's my second car.....

http://www.wheelworks.com/bikes/brands/bikee.htm

This is the one I have.



I've got the fairing, the fenders, and my shoulders and neck and crotch are much happier. I ride 5 miles to work most days, an easy ride because it's downhill. Then cardio-vascular workout going home, with severe need of a shower at the end. People smile, nod, yell out things like "Nice bicycleta!" (Angelenos like switching languages in the middle of words). And I don't need a second car.

[ikojo]

35. Snow...you had I have the EXACT same kind of

bike!!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Snow]

36. Excellent. It's the only way to travel....

well, except maybe a horse. But the building security gave me enough hassles about where to park the bike. And the only horse-like creature I have access to at the moment is Murray the Mule. Murray is kinda slow, and she doesn't like crossing, stepping into, or even looking at water. And it's almost as hard getting up a hill on Murray as it is on a bike. But I love her - it's the ears!

[ikojo]

33. Did you say recumbent? Here's a pic of my baby...

Except mine is blue...and I LOVE my recumbent!!!

[Fovea]

41. And a picture of my machine

This an Actionbent JetStream SWB.



Ok, I really like the USS bikes.
And I like my bents really laid back.

[KG]

10. pah!

it's got thin wheels. :(

[prolesunited]

13. But I WANTED

thin wheels. I've always got my hybrid for city and tame off-road riding.

:hi:

[happyslug]

20. Anything over 35mm is useless

I have used 26x 2, 26 x 1.95, 26 x 1.5, 26 x 1.25, 27 x 1 (an old Schwinn), 700 x 35, 700 x 23 and some other sizes.

My conclusion is that tires ovee 35mm are useless except on mud (and even in mud you better off walking the bike through the mess). At present I am using 26x1.5 Studded tires (For snow and ice) they give excellent traction (and you can feel the increase roll resistence over the slicks I had on during the Summer).

Unless you are racing through mud, stay with tires no more than 35 mm wide (about 1.25).

Remember the thinner the tire the easier it is design the tire to take higher tire pressure (and the higher the tire pressure the less chance of flats AND you get decreased roll resistance.)

[pmbryant]

15. That is one beautiful bike

I am quite jealous now.

:wow:

What's this about 'getting serious'? You were already doing centuries on a hybrid. That sounds pretty serious to me! ;-)

My road bike is pretty nice, considering it is 18 years old and has a seat post rusted into the frame; it still rides quite well when tuned up properly. But maybe I just think that because I haven't tried that fancy new bike of yours.

:wow: again

I thought I was finally going to get a new bike last summer. Did a lot of shopping for a new mountain bike, since much of the riding we do is on gravel roads, and the only non-road bike I had was a borrowed, very cheap department store model. Finally decided on getting a Specialized Rockhopper, but the stores near me were all sold out of that model in my size.

That was it. I lost my chance. ;-)

After all that shopping, my S.O. got the bug herself and bought a new Trek WSD 6700 hardtail. So instead, I got her old rigid frame Cannondale as a hand-me-down. Pretty good bike, definitely, but it just isn't the same as her new one. I'm thinking of putting some clipless pedals on it, though. She is already saying she could never go back to riding without them. So it may be my turn to take the plunge and quit riding in my sneakers.

I'm also thinking we'll need to buy her a road bike at some point in the near future. We do a fair amount of paved road riding as well, and even on my 18-yr-old rusty road bike, I think I have a significantly easier time of it than her on her brand new mountain bike. I'm afraid I may be left in the dust by her, though, if she gets a bike anything like the one you just got. :-)

Good luck with getting into RAGBRAI. My cycling-fanatic Dad has been riding that every year for over a decade, and always seems to have a blast. I may have to try it myself someday, if I can ever manage to build up my mileage.

:hi:

--Peter

[prolesunited]

21. :-)

I knew you would appreciate it. I say go buy a new bike! It's incredible what a HUGE difference it makes in the enjoyment of your ride. You'll also be able to comfortably go farther and faster.

Look at it as an investment in your health. Cheaper to buy a better bike now and ride than to let your body and heart get out of shape so you have to go to the doctor later. There's way worse things you could spend your money on. :-)

I can't emphasize enough that the difference is worth shelling out a few bucks for. Now would be the time to shop, too, since they just got in new inventories. If you wait too long, they'll be out of your size again. Anyway, couldn't they order one for you?

And definitely get out of the sneakers. With the SPDs, you involve your entire lower body in the pedaling action, not just your thighs. You use less energy, and again can go farther and faster. My thighs were always pretty cut, but I can't believe how much definition I gained in my calves since I switched.

I quickly noticed on my new bike that my abs certainly will be coming into play more as well.

So, don't be jealous. Just go buy a new bike. You'll love it!!!

BTW, if I do get tabbed for RAGBRAI, perhaps you could pass on a few questions to your dad or get pointers for me. I read the FAQs, but nothing compares to firsthand knowledge.

[pmbryant]

34. I think you've found your true calling

Bicycle salesperson! You make a very compelling case. :-)

Back in August, the Specialized dealers didn't offer to order a 2003 model for me, since they said they would be getting the new 2004 models in within six weeks or so. After October, it was always an option for me to go ahead and get my own new bike as well, but I've decided the Canondale is quite good, fits me well, and so I can get by with just adding the clipless pedals.

As for my road bike, it has sentimental value to me after all these years, but perhaps it will soon be time to retire it. Buying two brand new road bikes for us both, however, seems a bit steep at the moment. We'll probably start with getting her one, while I keep my rusty one; and then later, I'll upgrade. That is down the line, though. Right now, our main concern is getting my S.O.'s left arm muscles/ligaments healthy enough to resume frequent riding. She got a bit over-zealous in an advanced Yoga class back in October and is still paying the price.

:scared:

Only in the last couple weeks have we been able to do some brief rides.

And I am more than happy to pass along any RAGBRAI questions you may have, or just to get some general pointers. Knowing my Dad, I'm quite sure he will be eager to help out as well. Just let me know!

--Peter

[gttim]

16. NIce!

I am not a big Trek fan, but that is a nice bike. The Ultegra is great! I have been racing on Ultegra 9 speed since it first came out. Tens of thousands of miles on each bike. It will stand up to time. Skinny tires rule!

The women's geometry is great for small to average size women. Your shoulders and arms won't get so tired, and the bike should handle better.

Did you get the 650 wheels?

[prolesunited]

17. Yes, I have the 650 wheels

Like I stated, I'm small so it felt way better to me than the men's frames. Just based on my test ride last night, I have to get used to my body positioning and breaking, but I'm sure I'll pick it up quickly, but I do feel a little wobbly.

Sounds like you are a real serious rider. Where are you at and where do you ride? Do you do any events?

[BiggJawn]

18. Oh, MY! I'm in Lust!

That's awesome! and you got a great price, too!

I have a pix of a Trek "Madone" hanging on the mirror with the legend "You hit 205, you buy it for yourself" Since that represents 100 pounds of weight loss, I figure a $5300,14.7 Lb. bike is the perfect "reward"....

They have so many applicants to RAGBRAI that they have a lottery?
If you come to the Wabash Valley Century this year, look for the fat guy on the ancient green Fuji...

I still can't get up enough nerve to go ride in 40 degree weather...

That's a SWEET bike you have!

[happyslug]

22. I've bike in 20 depree weather

If you dress for it, it is not a bad ride. After about 10 miles I change my T-shirt for a dry one (you need to at that temperture) but after biking for an hour or so you can change even on the side of the Road.

I have not done it this year (no time) I will sometime (But I have to change back to the my slicks biking 20 miles on my studded tires is to much for me to look forward to (Did I Tell you the studded tires give great traction, and increased roll resistance?).

[BiggJawn]

24. When I was a LOT younger, I rode in the snow

Can't take the cold like I used to. I set up a bike as a "snow bike", knobbies, extra lights, non-clip pedals, but I haven't ventured outside. Thinking about putting the slicks back on so I can ride it on the rollers. (you ain't kidding about that "increased roll resisitance"!)

[prolesunited]

26. I know I got a great deal

I was surprised the owner remembered me considering the customer volume they get there. But then again, we had a really amusing interaction the last time I was in there. They were really busy so he waited on me. I'm new to this, so I had a lot of questions and he was really patient and helpful.

I was so impressed with the level of service, I asked his name and the name of the manager or owner so I could e-mail them to let them know what a great job he was doing. He got quite a chuckle when he told me that he was the owner and I felt a little silly. :P

However, by the time I bought SPD pedals, a cyclometer with cadence, blinking tail light, my savings somewhat dissipated. :-)

That sounds like an excellent gift to yourself and a great motivation tool! Can't wait until you post announcing that you got it and then I can be jealous of you.

Yes, RAGBRAI is one of the premier events. It's limited to 8,500 riders, but if you register before the first deadline, you usually can get in without the lottery. Here's the link if you're interested in learning more about it.

http://www.ragbrai.org/

I'm not sure what events I'll be doing this year, but I'll probably start with "Bike the Drive" in the spring.

As far as riding in the cold, it's not too bad if you're dressed appropriately — lots of thin absorbent layers topped by a windbreaker. In fact, sometimes, I get too warm and find myself unzipping and discarding layers.

[BiggJawn]

29. Got a link for "Bike the Drive"?

That sounds like fun, and Chicago's not that far. I am planning to ride the Wabash Valley Century this year, and hopefully, "The Hilly" in '05.

Spend some time leaning in a doorway getting used to those SPD's if you've not had them before. Remember how I sliced my leg open the first time I rode with them?

I saw my doctor in early November, and at that time I weighed 304. I have been doing very little trainer riding and NO "real" riding and I weighed in at 296 this AM. Progress! 91 more pounds to go....3 years ago I weighed 260, so something wasn't going right...

I took a ride in 58 degrees back in October, and the first mile was "intersting" until I got warmed up and didn't feel the wind through the spandex anymore....I need to get some cold-weather gear so I can get a jump on spring or play in the snow, if we ever get any...

[prolesunited]

40. Here's the link

for the Bike the Drive
http://www.bikethedrive.org/

It's May 30. Let me know if you can make it. I've never been to this event, but I went to the Boulevard Lakefront Tour and they put on a well-orchestrated event.

Keep up the good work! The fact that you didn't gain over the holidays is no small feat in and of itself.

As far as the SPDs, I've already broke them in and have the scars to prove it. ;-)

If it's above 35, I'm fine. You just have to dress for it. Bottom layers are long underwear, shorts, and spandex tights with pantyhose-type tights as a bottom layer if it's really cold along with two pairs of socks, wool ones on top. Top layer is moisture-wicking camisole, long underwear, long-sleeve jersey, lined wind breaker with a fleece tunic if it's really cold. Lined leather gloves and either a headsweat or balaclava if it's really cold.

I got one for Christmas. They look kind of weird, but it really keeps you warm. Make sure you get one that's designed to fit under helmets.


BTW, I did another 30 miles on my bike today and I'm becoming one with it. The positioning and lightness was really throwing me, but it's getting there.

[RainDog]

23. I have a fifteen-year-old Huffy three speed

with upright handlebars, skinny wheels, and wire baskets on the back sides, which seriously upsets my balance if they aren't both full.

HA! beat that!

:)

[prolesunited]

27. Hey, whatever gets you from point A to point B

I'm no cycling snob. Just enjoy the ride. :D

Hey, what are you doing tonight? Are you going to be online at all? I really need to get out of the house to enjoy the day, but perhaps I can catch up with you later. :hi:

[BiggJawn]

28. Ooops....Wrong thread!

I'm not in the habit of answering for others....:-)

[happyslug]

37. I had a releigh Three Speed in the 1970s

It was used but it ran. Rode all over the South Hills of Pittsburgh on that three speed. My older Brother was in College and I rode with him and my younger brother to the McKeesport Campus of Penns State. On the flats it was pretty good, but on the hills I ended up walking up and riding down.

Good bike, I like the old three Speed. Unlike the "ten Speed" type bike you can change gears while standing still at a red light. Every so often I get tempted to convert my bike to a "three Speed" type rear axle. Either a "Rohloff Speedhub 14-speed Internal-Gear Hubs" (See http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/rohloff.html at about $1100) or a Shimano Nexus 7-speed hub (See http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/shimano-nexus.html about $200)

As a General rule prices are to high for me at present but I do look.

[HuckleB]

25. Yup. Call me jealous.

[ikojo]

32. Do you do the Critical Mass ride

in Chicago?

There is one here in St Louis on the last Friday of the month. For those who don't know what Critical Mass is, it's a bike ride held monthly (usually the last Friday of the month) to show the car bound that bikes can be used for more than exercise. They can be used as transportation even in the US.

[BiggJawn]

39. Don't you also find out how many cage pilots are armed, too?

Sorry if it's not like that, but that's the connexion in my mind when I hear "Critical Mass": in-your-face bikers+pissed-off motorists=bad feelings, assaults, and arrests.....