glad I got my bike when i did
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 702
Bikes: '23 Poseidon Redwood, '07 Specialized Roubaix Comp Triple, '12 Gravity Fixie, '21 Liv Rove 4, '06? Giant EB Spirit
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 345 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
151 Posts
glad I got my bike when i did
I have a 2007 Roubaix Comp Triple I bought new and love it.
Looking at bikes now recently I notice several things:
1) The prices seem to have increased
2) The Shimano groups have "downgraded" (although since they use a trickle down approach to their line I bet they are as good or better than the previous year's higher level group
3) Its almost impossible to find a non disc brake road bike
I am very impressed with the rim brakes (they are 105s) on my bike. I've never used disc brakes on a road bike but I'm pretty conservative when it comes to bike technology - I like to use whatever technology has matured or at least has been on the market for several years. Rim brake design for road bikes is just about perfected while disc brakes seem to be improving every year. While disc brakes have many advantages, I still prefer what I have as the performance is excellent (except in the wet - which I don't ride in), the weight is probably lower and the quick release system makes the bike easy to work on. Plus working on rim brakes is simple just like me.
So yeah, I'm glad I bought when I did
Looking at bikes now recently I notice several things:
1) The prices seem to have increased
2) The Shimano groups have "downgraded" (although since they use a trickle down approach to their line I bet they are as good or better than the previous year's higher level group
3) Its almost impossible to find a non disc brake road bike
I am very impressed with the rim brakes (they are 105s) on my bike. I've never used disc brakes on a road bike but I'm pretty conservative when it comes to bike technology - I like to use whatever technology has matured or at least has been on the market for several years. Rim brake design for road bikes is just about perfected while disc brakes seem to be improving every year. While disc brakes have many advantages, I still prefer what I have as the performance is excellent (except in the wet - which I don't ride in), the weight is probably lower and the quick release system makes the bike easy to work on. Plus working on rim brakes is simple just like me.
So yeah, I'm glad I bought when I did
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,379
Bikes: 1982 Bianchi Sport SX, Rayleigh Tamland 1, Rans V-Rex recumbent, Fuji MTB, 80's Cannondale MTB with BBSHD ebike motor
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 667 Post(s)
Liked 529 Times
in
355 Posts
I love all my bikes, old and newer. Own any bike long enough and you will grow an appreciation for it.
Too much bandwidth is devoted to rim vs disc brakes. In the end they are just brakes. Once you get on the bike you probably won't notice what kind they are. Unless, of course, the bike is out of adjustment.
Seems to me if more people owned both kids of bikes there would be a whole lot less speculation about them on the internet.
Too much bandwidth is devoted to rim vs disc brakes. In the end they are just brakes. Once you get on the bike you probably won't notice what kind they are. Unless, of course, the bike is out of adjustment.
Seems to me if more people owned both kids of bikes there would be a whole lot less speculation about them on the internet.
Likes For Pop N Wood:
#3
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,462
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3638 Post(s)
Liked 5,318 Times
in
2,703 Posts
I guess that's 10 speed which I really liked. The problem will be finding "enthusiast" level replacement components, especially for the triple stuff. Nevertheless, you should be able to get some more years from it.
Likes For shelbyfv:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,768
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6882 Post(s)
Liked 10,875 Times
in
4,639 Posts
I have a 2007 Roubaix Comp Triple I bought new and love it.
Looking at bikes now recently I notice several things:
1) The prices seem to have increased
2) The Shimano groups have "downgraded" (although since they use a trickle down approach to their line I bet they are as good or better than the previous year's higher level group
3) Its almost impossible to find a non disc brake road bike
I am very impressed with the rim brakes (they are 105s) on my bike. I've never used disc brakes on a road bike but I'm pretty conservative when it comes to bike technology - I like to use whatever technology has matured or at least has been on the market for several years. Rim brake design for road bikes is just about perfected while disc brakes seem to be improving every year. While disc brakes have many advantages, I still prefer what I have as the performance is excellent (except in the wet - which I don't ride in), the weight is probably lower and the quick release system makes the bike easy to work on. Plus working on rim brakes is simple just like me.
So yeah, I'm glad I bought when I did
Looking at bikes now recently I notice several things:
1) The prices seem to have increased
2) The Shimano groups have "downgraded" (although since they use a trickle down approach to their line I bet they are as good or better than the previous year's higher level group
3) Its almost impossible to find a non disc brake road bike
I am very impressed with the rim brakes (they are 105s) on my bike. I've never used disc brakes on a road bike but I'm pretty conservative when it comes to bike technology - I like to use whatever technology has matured or at least has been on the market for several years. Rim brake design for road bikes is just about perfected while disc brakes seem to be improving every year. While disc brakes have many advantages, I still prefer what I have as the performance is excellent (except in the wet - which I don't ride in), the weight is probably lower and the quick release system makes the bike easy to work on. Plus working on rim brakes is simple just like me.
So yeah, I'm glad I bought when I did
2) Don't know how the Shimano groups have "downgraded." Comparing my 2008 Shimano groupset to my 2020 Shimano groupset, I prefer the newer one - more speeds, wider gearing range. (Though mine are doubles; your triple crankset is even better in that regard.)
3) It's not even close to "impossible" to find a rim-brake equipped road bike.
I'm glad you like your bike...I like my 12-year old bike, too. But don't make stuff up.
Last edited by Koyote; 10-08-20 at 06:49 AM.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,379
Bikes: 1982 Bianchi Sport SX, Rayleigh Tamland 1, Rans V-Rex recumbent, Fuji MTB, 80's Cannondale MTB with BBSHD ebike motor
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 667 Post(s)
Liked 529 Times
in
355 Posts
Damn. Tough crowd, LOL
Likes For Pop N Wood:
#7
-------
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Tejas
Posts: 12,637
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9532 Post(s)
Liked 6,273 Times
in
3,459 Posts
#8
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,538
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10902 Post(s)
Liked 7,393 Times
in
4,148 Posts
I have a 2007 Roubaix Comp Triple I bought new and love it.
Looking at bikes now recently I notice several things:
1) The prices seem to have increased
2) The Shimano groups have "downgraded" (although since they use a trickle down approach to their line I bet they are as good or better than the previous year's higher level group
3) Its almost impossible to find a non disc brake road bike
I am very impressed with the rim brakes (they are 105s) on my bike. I've never used disc brakes on a road bike but I'm pretty conservative when it comes to bike technology - I like to use whatever technology has matured or at least has been on the market for several years. Rim brake design for road bikes is just about perfected while disc brakes seem to be improving every year. While disc brakes have many advantages, I still prefer what I have as the performance is excellent (except in the wet - which I don't ride in), the weight is probably lower and the quick release system makes the bike easy to work on. Plus working on rim brakes is simple just like me.
So yeah, I'm glad I bought when I did
Looking at bikes now recently I notice several things:
1) The prices seem to have increased
2) The Shimano groups have "downgraded" (although since they use a trickle down approach to their line I bet they are as good or better than the previous year's higher level group
3) Its almost impossible to find a non disc brake road bike
I am very impressed with the rim brakes (they are 105s) on my bike. I've never used disc brakes on a road bike but I'm pretty conservative when it comes to bike technology - I like to use whatever technology has matured or at least has been on the market for several years. Rim brake design for road bikes is just about perfected while disc brakes seem to be improving every year. While disc brakes have many advantages, I still prefer what I have as the performance is excellent (except in the wet - which I don't ride in), the weight is probably lower and the quick release system makes the bike easy to work on. Plus working on rim brakes is simple just like me.
So yeah, I'm glad I bought when I did
No the groups havent downgraded. Not at all. Not in any way. What do you even mean? Every group has more features now than 13 years ago.
While buying a new road bike with rim brakes may not be easy, it isnt at all impossible. But its also moot since you love your bike so it doesnt matter what is on new bikes.
You seem to have the perfect bike for your wants and needs.
Your complaints list is weak.
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 702
Bikes: '23 Poseidon Redwood, '07 Specialized Roubaix Comp Triple, '12 Gravity Fixie, '21 Liv Rove 4, '06? Giant EB Spirit
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 345 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
151 Posts
1) Prices do tend to rise over time, and incomes tend to do the same. It's called "inflation."
2) Don't know how the Shimano groups have "downgraded." Comparing my 2008 Shimano groupset to my 2020 Shimano groupset, I prefer the newer one - more speeds, wider gearing range. (Though mine are doubles; your triple crankset is even better in that regard.)
3) It's not even close to "impossible" to find a rim-brake equipped road bike.
I'm glad you like your bike...I like my 12-year old bike, too. But don't make stuff up.
2) Don't know how the Shimano groups have "downgraded." Comparing my 2008 Shimano groupset to my 2020 Shimano groupset, I prefer the newer one - more speeds, wider gearing range. (Though mine are doubles; your triple crankset is even better in that regard.)
3) It's not even close to "impossible" to find a rim-brake equipped road bike.
I'm glad you like your bike...I like my 12-year old bike, too. But don't make stuff up.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 702
Bikes: '23 Poseidon Redwood, '07 Specialized Roubaix Comp Triple, '12 Gravity Fixie, '21 Liv Rove 4, '06? Giant EB Spirit
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 345 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
151 Posts
Yes prices have increased. Its sucks, but its reality. Look at the last 150 years for evidence that this is kinda sorta how our economy works.
No the groups havent downgraded. Not at all. Not in any way. What do you even mean? Every group has more features now than 13 years ago.
While buying a new road bike with rim brakes may not be easy, it isnt at all impossible. But its also moot since you love your bike so it doesnt matter what is on new bikes.
You seem to have the perfect bike for your wants and needs.
Your complaints list is weak.
No the groups havent downgraded. Not at all. Not in any way. What do you even mean? Every group has more features now than 13 years ago.
While buying a new road bike with rim brakes may not be easy, it isnt at all impossible. But its also moot since you love your bike so it doesnt matter what is on new bikes.
You seem to have the perfect bike for your wants and needs.
Your complaints list is weak.
Downgrading was probably the wrong turn. I was referring to what used to be Ultegras for a given price range of bike have now become 105s. However I have 105s which perform better than a previous generations (or two) Ultegras. The groups have all improved
Last edited by Symox; 10-08-20 at 10:06 AM.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 702
Bikes: '23 Poseidon Redwood, '07 Specialized Roubaix Comp Triple, '12 Gravity Fixie, '21 Liv Rove 4, '06? Giant EB Spirit
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 345 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
151 Posts
This pairs nicely with your other thread:
"I have never felt confident going downhill"
"I am riding the brakes that I'm on the verge of losing control."
"I get the sense that the brakes are about to chatter locking up after losing contact with the road momentarily."
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-c...road-help.html
"I have never felt confident going downhill"
"I am riding the brakes that I'm on the verge of losing control."
"I get the sense that the brakes are about to chatter locking up after losing contact with the road momentarily."
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-c...road-help.html
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,768
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6882 Post(s)
Liked 10,875 Times
in
4,639 Posts
Sure, I get it. Partly that is inflation, and partly - as you noted - all of those groupsets have gotten better. Current 105, for example, is great. I don't think it's as good as my 12-year old Ultegra, but it's pretty great nonetheless.
Likes For Koyote:
#14
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,067
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2512 Post(s)
Liked 5,430 Times
in
2,827 Posts
Likes For rsbob:
#15
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,538
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10902 Post(s)
Liked 7,393 Times
in
4,148 Posts
I wasn’t complaining, I was listing observations
Downgrading was probably the wrong turn. I was referring to what used to be Ultegras for a given price range of bike have now become 105s. However I have 105s which perform better than a previous generations (or two) Ultegras. The groups have all improved
Downgrading was probably the wrong turn. I was referring to what used to be Ultegras for a given price range of bike have now become 105s. However I have 105s which perform better than a previous generations (or two) Ultegras. The groups have all improved
Your bike had a $2200 msrp. carbon frame and fork, 9sp 105 drivetrain.
Current Specialized Roubaix with carbon frame and fork, hydraulic thru axle disc brakes, stem suspension, and 10sp Tiagra drivetrain for $2200 msrp.
So 13 years later for the same cost, you get the same material frame and fork plus hydraulic disc brakes, stem suspension technology, and an extra cog in the rear.
And if you go with any number of other brands, you will actually have more value than the current Roubaix.
Enjoy your bike, but if it breaks tomorrow you can replace it for the same cost with something that is not a downgrade.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Allen, TX
Posts: 2,624
Bikes: 2021 S-Works Turbo Creo SL, 2020 Specialized Roubaix Expert
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 762 Post(s)
Liked 3,982 Times
in
1,415 Posts
Disk brakes on bicycles have been around for about 20 years now. I think they're going to work out okay.
#17
-------
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Tejas
Posts: 12,637
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9532 Post(s)
Liked 6,273 Times
in
3,459 Posts
Likes For Mojo31:
#18
Senior Member
Relax: this is the Intraweb - it isn't real. You may have been piled-on by early-adopter types desperate to justify their most recent misguided purchases, but your current bike is better than what you can buy now.
First off, shifting performance hasn't improved. If you've ever run NOS Dura-Ace 7700 or 7800 - it is a revelation. Super crisp and clean shifting; better than my 11-speed gear. The reason why most folks cite older stuff having poor shifting is due to a simple lack of maintenance. Spending $20 per year on new cables and housing would fix this. Hell, I was riding on a steel Pinarello yesterday with 1995 Campagnolo Ergopower shifting. Amazing stuff; Campy got brifters right almost out of the gate.
As far as discs, they are heavy, fussy and unnecessary on a performance road bike. Ditto for 28mm+ tires. So take care of your old steed, as whatever you can buy now at the same inflation-adjusted dollars will be heavy and sluggish downgrade that will ride like a farm tractor.
And for all-round riding in hilly terrain, cherish your triple crankset. God only knows why the industry went to compact doubles and now 1 x.
I have been looking for a road bike lately, and you are correct, it is almost impossible to find a road bike that matches the performance of a elite-level 2010 vintage bike - at any price, anywhere. A local shop had a 2017 Giant TCX Pro rim-brake bike on their website. I contacted them hoping to scoop it up, but it was sold. So I then asked them to track something down with similar specs. They could not. Assuming that they did not have enough motivation, I indicated a budget of $15,000. They still could not; current technology will not allow a bike that is lighter and more responsive than several 10-year old bikes I already own.
#19
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,280
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4253 Post(s)
Liked 3,866 Times
in
2,579 Posts
Relax: this is the Intraweb - it isn't real. You may have been piled-on by early-adopter types desperate to justify their most recent misguided purchases, but your current bike is better than what you can buy now.
First off, shifting performance hasn't improved. If you've ever run NOS Dura-Ace 7700 or 7800 - it is a revelation. Super crisp and clean shifting; better than my 11-speed gear. The reason why most folks cite older stuff having poor shifting is due to a simple lack of maintenance. Spending $20 per year on new cables and housing would fix this. Hell, I was riding on a steel Pinarello yesterday with 1995 Campagnolo Ergopower shifting. Amazing stuff; Campy got brifters right almost out of the gate.
As far as discs, they are heavy, fussy and unnecessary on a performance road bike. Ditto for 28mm+ tires. So take care of your old steed, as whatever you can buy now at the same inflation-adjusted dollars will be heavy and sluggish downgrade that will ride like a farm tractor.
And for all-round riding in hilly terrain, cherish your triple crankset. God only knows why the industry went to compact doubles and now 1 x.
I have been looking for a road bike lately, and you are correct, it is almost impossible to find a road bike that matches the performance of a elite-level 2010 vintage bike - at any price, anywhere. A local shop had a 2017 Giant TCX Pro rim-brake bike on their website. I contacted them hoping to scoop it up, but it was sold. So I then asked them to track something down with similar specs. They could not. Assuming that they did not have enough motivation, I indicated a budget of $15,000. They still could not; current technology will not allow a bike that is lighter and more responsive than several 10-year old bikes I already own.
First off, shifting performance hasn't improved. If you've ever run NOS Dura-Ace 7700 or 7800 - it is a revelation. Super crisp and clean shifting; better than my 11-speed gear. The reason why most folks cite older stuff having poor shifting is due to a simple lack of maintenance. Spending $20 per year on new cables and housing would fix this. Hell, I was riding on a steel Pinarello yesterday with 1995 Campagnolo Ergopower shifting. Amazing stuff; Campy got brifters right almost out of the gate.
As far as discs, they are heavy, fussy and unnecessary on a performance road bike. Ditto for 28mm+ tires. So take care of your old steed, as whatever you can buy now at the same inflation-adjusted dollars will be heavy and sluggish downgrade that will ride like a farm tractor.
And for all-round riding in hilly terrain, cherish your triple crankset. God only knows why the industry went to compact doubles and now 1 x.
I have been looking for a road bike lately, and you are correct, it is almost impossible to find a road bike that matches the performance of a elite-level 2010 vintage bike - at any price, anywhere. A local shop had a 2017 Giant TCX Pro rim-brake bike on their website. I contacted them hoping to scoop it up, but it was sold. So I then asked them to track something down with similar specs. They could not. Assuming that they did not have enough motivation, I indicated a budget of $15,000. They still could not; current technology will not allow a bike that is lighter and more responsive than several 10-year old bikes I already own.
I am all for vintage bikes, I love them and have a bunch of great ones but saying modern bikes are like riding a heavy clunky tractor is absolutely ridiculous. I am not going to wade into the disc vs rim debate because it has been done to death and I love both and have both but to say technology magically stopped with older groupsets however nice and desirable they might be is silly. My Di2 road bike rides way better than any of my vintage bikes especially shifting wise but also for the fact I can run 28mm tires without rubbing and I am sorry but skinny tires aren't so nice.
In terms of material debates I ride titanium and steel so the new carbon stuff doesn't excite me much but the technology has come along a great deal.
Give me the 15k and I will put it to good use building up some nice modern bikes that will shift like a champ and brake like they should and can be super light (though I am not a lightweight rider so I tend to avoid super light stuff)
#20
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Hudson Valley, NY
Posts: 32,902
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene '04; Bridgestone RB-1 '92
Mentioned: 325 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11894 Post(s)
Liked 6,492 Times
in
3,418 Posts
Don't worry about it, your thread is fine. It's not your problem, THEY are the ones with the problem. Some guys get hung up in a thread that doesn't interest them and instead of leaving quietly they hang around and criticize . . . because they got nothing better to do. They forget that at one time they were new to the cycling culture too, and knew probably even less.
__________________
See, this is why we can't have nice things. - - smarkinson
Where else but the internet can a bunch of cyclists go and be the tough guy? - - jdon
Likes For BillyD:
#21
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Hudson Valley, NY
Posts: 32,902
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene '04; Bridgestone RB-1 '92
Mentioned: 325 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11894 Post(s)
Liked 6,492 Times
in
3,418 Posts
__________________
See, this is why we can't have nice things. - - smarkinson
Where else but the internet can a bunch of cyclists go and be the tough guy? - - jdon
Likes For BillyD:
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 702
Bikes: '23 Poseidon Redwood, '07 Specialized Roubaix Comp Triple, '12 Gravity Fixie, '21 Liv Rove 4, '06? Giant EB Spirit
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 345 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
151 Posts
Gotcha. Yes it costs more for the same level components now compared to 13 years ago. Thats basically what you said in the first point- stuff costs more now.
Your bike had a $2200 msrp. carbon frame and fork, 9sp 105 drivetrain.
Current Specialized Roubaix with carbon frame and fork, hydraulic thru axle disc brakes, stem suspension, and 10sp Tiagra drivetrain for $2200 msrp.
So 13 years later for the same cost, you get the same material frame and fork plus hydraulic disc brakes, stem suspension technology, and an extra cog in the rear.
And if you go with any number of other brands, you will actually have more value than the current Roubaix.
Enjoy your bike, but if it breaks tomorrow you can replace it for the same cost with something that is not a downgrade.
Your bike had a $2200 msrp. carbon frame and fork, 9sp 105 drivetrain.
Current Specialized Roubaix with carbon frame and fork, hydraulic thru axle disc brakes, stem suspension, and 10sp Tiagra drivetrain for $2200 msrp.
So 13 years later for the same cost, you get the same material frame and fork plus hydraulic disc brakes, stem suspension technology, and an extra cog in the rear.
And if you go with any number of other brands, you will actually have more value than the current Roubaix.
Enjoy your bike, but if it breaks tomorrow you can replace it for the same cost with something that is not a downgrade.
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 702
Bikes: '23 Poseidon Redwood, '07 Specialized Roubaix Comp Triple, '12 Gravity Fixie, '21 Liv Rove 4, '06? Giant EB Spirit
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 345 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
151 Posts
Relax: this is the Intraweb - it isn't real. You may have been piled-on by early-adopter types desperate to justify their most recent misguided purchases, but your current bike is better than what you can buy now.
First off, shifting performance hasn't improved. If you've ever run NOS Dura-Ace 7700 or 7800 - it is a revelation. Super crisp and clean shifting; better than my 11-speed gear. The reason why most folks cite older stuff having poor shifting is due to a simple lack of maintenance. Spending $20 per year on new cables and housing would fix this. Hell, I was riding on a steel Pinarello yesterday with 1995 Campagnolo Ergopower shifting. Amazing stuff; Campy got brifters right almost out of the gate.
As far as discs, they are heavy, fussy and unnecessary on a performance road bike. Ditto for 28mm+ tires. So take care of your old steed, as whatever you can buy now at the same inflation-adjusted dollars will be heavy and sluggish downgrade that will ride like a farm tractor.
And for all-round riding in hilly terrain, cherish your triple crankset. God only knows why the industry went to compact doubles and now 1 x.
I have been looking for a road bike lately, and you are correct, it is almost impossible to find a road bike that matches the performance of a elite-level 2010 vintage bike - at any price, anywhere. A local shop had a 2017 Giant TCX Pro rim-brake bike on their website. I contacted them hoping to scoop it up, but it was sold. So I then asked them to track something down with similar specs. They could not. Assuming that they did not have enough motivation, I indicated a budget of $15,000. They still could not; current technology will not allow a bike that is lighter and more responsive than several 10-year old bikes I already own.
First off, shifting performance hasn't improved. If you've ever run NOS Dura-Ace 7700 or 7800 - it is a revelation. Super crisp and clean shifting; better than my 11-speed gear. The reason why most folks cite older stuff having poor shifting is due to a simple lack of maintenance. Spending $20 per year on new cables and housing would fix this. Hell, I was riding on a steel Pinarello yesterday with 1995 Campagnolo Ergopower shifting. Amazing stuff; Campy got brifters right almost out of the gate.
As far as discs, they are heavy, fussy and unnecessary on a performance road bike. Ditto for 28mm+ tires. So take care of your old steed, as whatever you can buy now at the same inflation-adjusted dollars will be heavy and sluggish downgrade that will ride like a farm tractor.
And for all-round riding in hilly terrain, cherish your triple crankset. God only knows why the industry went to compact doubles and now 1 x.
I have been looking for a road bike lately, and you are correct, it is almost impossible to find a road bike that matches the performance of a elite-level 2010 vintage bike - at any price, anywhere. A local shop had a 2017 Giant TCX Pro rim-brake bike on their website. I contacted them hoping to scoop it up, but it was sold. So I then asked them to track something down with similar specs. They could not. Assuming that they did not have enough motivation, I indicated a budget of $15,000. They still could not; current technology will not allow a bike that is lighter and more responsive than several 10-year old bikes I already own.
I agree with maintaining the cables. I just did this for the brake and shift cables. Shifting has improved slightly I have to say. Can't say I noticed any change with the braking. I didn't change the housings but now you have me thinking I should give it a shot. It was fun working on it.
One change that I did improved the braking performance - replacing the pads with KoolStop blacks (I'm pretty sure I had Shimano pads that were 13 years old). I noticed better modulation and stopping performance.
Last edited by Symox; 10-08-20 at 03:57 PM. Reason: grammar
Likes For Symox:
#24
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,538
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10902 Post(s)
Liked 7,393 Times
in
4,148 Posts
Relax: this is the Intraweb - it isn't real. You may have been piled-on by early-adopter types desperate to justify their most recent misguided purchases, but your current bike is better than what you can buy now.
First off, shifting performance hasn't improved. If you've ever run NOS Dura-Ace 7700 or 7800 - it is a revelation. Super crisp and clean shifting; better than my 11-speed gear. The reason why most folks cite older stuff having poor shifting is due to a simple lack of maintenance. Spending $20 per year on new cables and housing would fix this. Hell, I was riding on a steel Pinarello yesterday with 1995 Campagnolo Ergopower shifting. Amazing stuff; Campy got brifters right almost out of the gate.
As far as discs, they are heavy, fussy and unnecessary on a performance road bike. Ditto for 28mm+ tires. So take care of your old steed, as whatever you can buy now at the same inflation-adjusted dollars will be heavy and sluggish downgrade that will ride like a farm tractor.
And for all-round riding in hilly terrain, cherish your triple crankset. God only knows why the industry went to compact doubles and now 1 x.
I have been looking for a road bike lately, and you are correct, it is almost impossible to find a road bike that matches the performance of a elite-level 2010 vintage bike - at any price, anywhere. A local shop had a 2017 Giant TCX Pro rim-brake bike on their website. I contacted them hoping to scoop it up, but it was sold. So I then asked them to track something down with similar specs. They could not. Assuming that they did not have enough motivation, I indicated a budget of $15,000. They still could not; current technology will not allow a bike that is lighter and more responsive than several 10-year old bikes I already own.
First off, shifting performance hasn't improved. If you've ever run NOS Dura-Ace 7700 or 7800 - it is a revelation. Super crisp and clean shifting; better than my 11-speed gear. The reason why most folks cite older stuff having poor shifting is due to a simple lack of maintenance. Spending $20 per year on new cables and housing would fix this. Hell, I was riding on a steel Pinarello yesterday with 1995 Campagnolo Ergopower shifting. Amazing stuff; Campy got brifters right almost out of the gate.
As far as discs, they are heavy, fussy and unnecessary on a performance road bike. Ditto for 28mm+ tires. So take care of your old steed, as whatever you can buy now at the same inflation-adjusted dollars will be heavy and sluggish downgrade that will ride like a farm tractor.
And for all-round riding in hilly terrain, cherish your triple crankset. God only knows why the industry went to compact doubles and now 1 x.
I have been looking for a road bike lately, and you are correct, it is almost impossible to find a road bike that matches the performance of a elite-level 2010 vintage bike - at any price, anywhere. A local shop had a 2017 Giant TCX Pro rim-brake bike on their website. I contacted them hoping to scoop it up, but it was sold. So I then asked them to track something down with similar specs. They could not. Assuming that they did not have enough motivation, I indicated a budget of $15,000. They still could not; current technology will not allow a bike that is lighter and more responsive than several 10-year old bikes I already own.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/de...nced-pro-0-red
for example
Trek, Specialized, Orbea, Bianchi, Cannondale, Canyon, BMC, and more all have road bikes with rim brakes.
i don't at all understand your issue with a 28 tire. My main road bike has 28s that measure 31mm. They are fast and comfortable. There is no downside compared to a 25mm tire.
Likes For mstateglfr:
#25
jj
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 331
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 140 Post(s)
Liked 110 Times
in
78 Posts
As a car design enthusiast, I can’t fathom justifying the current road & dirt trend even further from triples to 1x systems- literally moving weight from the middle of the bikes to the back. Insane. And creating a bunch of non-straight chainline friction? Idiotic. But idiots can’t work two shifters at once and tend to have more money than sense.
As a non-racer, I really don’t get any justification for more than seven cogs in the back, regardless of if you’ve a 2x or a 3x front.
I do really love 32mm tires. Anyone who thinks they’re too big probably has spectacularly smooth roads. I sorta envy you folks, but I think I might eventually find riding in your town daily to be a bit boring from what I’m used to.
I have a bike with one of Tektro’s first hydraulic disc systems from c.2010 (cheap, early tech) and one with a 105 rs550 hydraulic disc system from 2016 (evolved, not-cheap). Not much difference in performance between them, and neither are better than a well set up rim brake with KS salmon pads on alloy rims on sunny days. Disc brake screech on rainy days? No thanks. Salty winter days- rim brakes win by a long shot due to how salt packs into disc pads and renders them useless after a couple weeks of daily use.
I won’t further waste bandwidth elaborating on cloth & plastic in lieu of metal tubing for frames.
I’m pretty much a Rivendell customer with a Kona budget.
———
People who don’t bike much more than fifty miles a year, two years out of every twenty are the customers that bike shops sell most new bikes to.
Disc brakes, thru axles, motorcycle tires, seventeen cog rears, and dropper posts are how you sell someone a road bike that keeps up with what the Jones’ have strapped to the roof of their Mercedes in 2020.
It’s these sort of people that have kept the cycling industry afloat through the decades and made a bunch of nearly NOS frames from the 70s-80s available for me to put cartridge BB and fresh wheels on to hammer the heck out of.
I feel bad for people who’ll be in the used bike budget 20-30 years from now. They’ll be stuck with some weird tech stuff that’ll have room for real world tires but no mounts for fenders.
As a non-racer, I really don’t get any justification for more than seven cogs in the back, regardless of if you’ve a 2x or a 3x front.
I do really love 32mm tires. Anyone who thinks they’re too big probably has spectacularly smooth roads. I sorta envy you folks, but I think I might eventually find riding in your town daily to be a bit boring from what I’m used to.
I have a bike with one of Tektro’s first hydraulic disc systems from c.2010 (cheap, early tech) and one with a 105 rs550 hydraulic disc system from 2016 (evolved, not-cheap). Not much difference in performance between them, and neither are better than a well set up rim brake with KS salmon pads on alloy rims on sunny days. Disc brake screech on rainy days? No thanks. Salty winter days- rim brakes win by a long shot due to how salt packs into disc pads and renders them useless after a couple weeks of daily use.
I won’t further waste bandwidth elaborating on cloth & plastic in lieu of metal tubing for frames.
I’m pretty much a Rivendell customer with a Kona budget.
———
People who don’t bike much more than fifty miles a year, two years out of every twenty are the customers that bike shops sell most new bikes to.
Disc brakes, thru axles, motorcycle tires, seventeen cog rears, and dropper posts are how you sell someone a road bike that keeps up with what the Jones’ have strapped to the roof of their Mercedes in 2020.
It’s these sort of people that have kept the cycling industry afloat through the decades and made a bunch of nearly NOS frames from the 70s-80s available for me to put cartridge BB and fresh wheels on to hammer the heck out of.
I feel bad for people who’ll be in the used bike budget 20-30 years from now. They’ll be stuck with some weird tech stuff that’ll have room for real world tires but no mounts for fenders.
Last edited by hsuBM; 10-10-20 at 06:37 PM.