Please help picking 1st road bike
06-30-23, 02:27 PM
#26
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Also, you shouldn't be putting a lot of weight on your hands. It might take some time but you should be able to ride with a light touch on the bar, supporting yourself with your core muscles. Don't lock your elbows, practice riding with your elbows bent.
Above all, have fun!
Above all, have fun!
I just joined my local club; was going to join the group ride tomorrow, but I just found out it's 60 miles. I haven't done anything close to that in years, so I'm going to back out on that and ease into it a bit more. I made plans for a ~40 mile gravel ride with a friend Sunday, so if I DID do the ride tomorrow, I'd be worn out for the Sunday ride and that'd be kind of a crappy thing to do to him.
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06-30-23, 02:35 PM
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I still use 25s on the road bike. I tried a 28 but it was too tight. I also run 100 psi with a very stiff frame so get hammered a bit on bad roads. Also, I'm 200 pounds.
06-30-23, 02:35 PM
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Rear drivetrain close-up:
06-30-23, 02:44 PM
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I was referring more to the whole side of the bike (the opposite side from your previous pic). That said, some folks enjoy close-ups. Also, the "drivetrain" includes the crankset, too. 
I like the color scheme of your bike. I'm glad to see people picking colorful machines instead of the all-black "stealth" look that has been popular.
I like the color scheme of your bike. I'm glad to see people picking colorful machines instead of the all-black "stealth" look that has been popular.
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06-30-23, 02:48 PM
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What size are the tires? Larger tires on modern bikes can run lower pressures than older bikes with narrow tires. This might help your comfort even more.
Also, you shouldn't be putting a lot of weight on your hands. It might take some time but you should be able to ride with a light touch on the bar, supporting yourself with your core muscles. Don't lock your elbows, practice riding with your elbows bent.
Above all, have fun!
Also, you shouldn't be putting a lot of weight on your hands. It might take some time but you should be able to ride with a light touch on the bar, supporting yourself with your core muscles. Don't lock your elbows, practice riding with your elbows bent.
Above all, have fun!
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06-30-23, 03:37 PM
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Just a note of warning: as of today, the moderators have apparently had enough of overt insults of other posters, regardless of how justified the poster feels in writing the insulting post. Conversations are likely to be much more civilized around here, for the next several weeks or so at least.
Last edited by Trakhak; 06-30-23 at 03:40 PM.
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06-30-23, 03:39 PM
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Lots of good advice in this thread, thanks so much everyone!
Re. charging the bike, I agree it is not the best financial decision, but I did it anyway. I'll pay for half from savings. I have a camera system I'm not using any more that can probably raise the other half. I might also sell my wife's acoustic bike, as she only rode it twice in a year and 0 times since I got her the eBike. FWIW, I have just that bit of CC debt, mortgage and a car payment. $40k saved so far for my daughter's college. (she wants to be a vet, so it's going to be $PENDY)
I went back to the shop and bought the Trek Domane AL3 Disc.
The test ride at the LBS was convincing. Service there was excellent, so I was happy to pay new retail to support that shop, (Zion Cyclery, in Zion, IL) even though I paid 2% more tax than I would have just over the border where I live in WI. The salesman educated the heck out of me on everything: shoes, pedals, groupsets, frame materials brakes... I was planning on holding off if they only had the black one, but they had it in my favorite color, blue. It was a sign from above. I left them a glowing review on Google.
The 8 mile shakedown ride last night was great. It doesn't beat me up as much as I thought it would on our crappy roads here in town. My hand muscles are going to have to get in shape; I'm not used to having so much weight on them. Maybe thick grip tape will be my first mod. I already have nice padded fingerless gloves. I need to pick up a couple bottle cages from the LBS after work.
I'll go slow on the additions, but I did add interchangeable battery front & rear lights. (I don't like the built-in obsolescence of USB-charged lights) I might add a couple small bags and a GPS or phone mount at some point. It has holes in the crosstube for a bag there.
I'm probably going to buy another bike tomorrow, an old Schwinn Varsity. Don't worry, I'll pay cash for that one.
Nostalgia bike, maybe a winter project, depending on what all it needs. (brake pads and seat at a minimum, I think...)
Tomorrow, there's a group ride that looks to be about 40 miles, then Sunday a gravel ride (probably on the hybrid bike) for that much again.
Again, thanks all. The advice I DIDN'T take wound up being just as useful as the advice that I did, as it helped me to see this from all angles.
Re. charging the bike, I agree it is not the best financial decision, but I did it anyway. I'll pay for half from savings. I have a camera system I'm not using any more that can probably raise the other half. I might also sell my wife's acoustic bike, as she only rode it twice in a year and 0 times since I got her the eBike. FWIW, I have just that bit of CC debt, mortgage and a car payment. $40k saved so far for my daughter's college. (she wants to be a vet, so it's going to be $PENDY)
I went back to the shop and bought the Trek Domane AL3 Disc.
The test ride at the LBS was convincing. Service there was excellent, so I was happy to pay new retail to support that shop, (Zion Cyclery, in Zion, IL) even though I paid 2% more tax than I would have just over the border where I live in WI. The salesman educated the heck out of me on everything: shoes, pedals, groupsets, frame materials brakes... I was planning on holding off if they only had the black one, but they had it in my favorite color, blue. It was a sign from above. I left them a glowing review on Google.
The 8 mile shakedown ride last night was great. It doesn't beat me up as much as I thought it would on our crappy roads here in town. My hand muscles are going to have to get in shape; I'm not used to having so much weight on them. Maybe thick grip tape will be my first mod. I already have nice padded fingerless gloves. I need to pick up a couple bottle cages from the LBS after work.
I'll go slow on the additions, but I did add interchangeable battery front & rear lights. (I don't like the built-in obsolescence of USB-charged lights) I might add a couple small bags and a GPS or phone mount at some point. It has holes in the crosstube for a bag there.
I'm probably going to buy another bike tomorrow, an old Schwinn Varsity. Don't worry, I'll pay cash for that one.
Nostalgia bike, maybe a winter project, depending on what all it needs. (brake pads and seat at a minimum, I think...)Tomorrow, there's a group ride that looks to be about 40 miles, then Sunday a gravel ride (probably on the hybrid bike) for that much again.
Again, thanks all. The advice I DIDN'T take wound up being just as useful as the advice that I did, as it helped me to see this from all angles.
06-30-23, 03:58 PM
#33
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Just a note of warning: as of today, the moderators have apparently had enough of overt insults of other posters, regardless of how justified the poster feels in writing the insulting post. Conversations are likely to be much more civilized around here, for the next several weeks or so at least.
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06-30-23, 07:56 PM
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Buying things on credit is not "reckless" if one is in control of their finances and their impulses. It is not up to you or me to decide how people spend their money.
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06-30-23, 08:31 PM
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Maybe you have put yourself deep in debt in the past and had trouble digging yourself out. Whenever I have financed something I have just made the payments until the loan was paid. Bank loans, private loans, whatever. Just pay them off. Many of us can do that. It's the American way.
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06-30-23, 10:31 PM
#36
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https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/p...%20TdF_6957069
The seat is the right height to get proper leg extension without swivel-hipping or hyper-extending.
The frame is the right size. Any shorter and my knees would be right at my wrists when on the drops.
The seat is flat, and feels good. I'm not getting racked by the nose piece nor sliding forward. I could tilt it back a bit and see if that'll take some weight off the hands?
I could slide it forward or back a bit in the clamps.
Any specific recommendations?
06-30-23, 11:07 PM
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07-01-23, 12:48 AM
#38
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Trek is doing a good job there. I got an email from them today previewing some of their upcoming paint jobs; pretty fantastic, I think:
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/p...%20TdF_6957069
The stem is up as high as it will go. Lowering it would only make it worse.
The seat is the right height to get proper leg extension without swivel-hipping or hyper-extending.
The frame is the right size. Any shorter and my knees would be right at my wrists when on the drops.
The seat is flat, and feels good. I'm not getting racked by the nose piece nor sliding forward. I could tilt it back a bit and see if that'll take some weight off the hands?
I could slide it forward or back a bit in the clamps.
Any specific recommendations?
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/p...%20TdF_6957069
The stem is up as high as it will go. Lowering it would only make it worse.
The seat is the right height to get proper leg extension without swivel-hipping or hyper-extending.
The frame is the right size. Any shorter and my knees would be right at my wrists when on the drops.
The seat is flat, and feels good. I'm not getting racked by the nose piece nor sliding forward. I could tilt it back a bit and see if that'll take some weight off the hands?
I could slide it forward or back a bit in the clamps.
Any specific recommendations?
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"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
07-01-23, 05:19 AM
#39
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The issue is where the weight is supported ..... over time riders learn to hold themselves up mostly wit their legs, and not "sit" on the saddle heavily, with the core supporting the upper body. This takes training. And particularly when your legs and core get tired, you will tend to lean forward.
It is just a matter of developing the muscles and the habit of using them in a certain way. It is completely normal for one to lean on one's hand and sit hard on the saddle when starting out (or re-starting--I am about to try riding again after several months lost to illness, and I know from experience how it will feel ... ugh.) Just keep riding and keep in mind that your legs should be doing most of the work.
On a more serious note .... if you want to fit in around here, you Really need to change.
First off, the preferred format is "I just bought this bike. Is it the right one?" Asking for advice first is frowned upon.
Second, if you do make the gaffe of asking for advice, you need to reject all the advice and argue vehemently with whoever gave you the advice .... relying heavily on no facts or wrong facts.
The, you should make a fake account and support your won wrong arguments.
This rational investigation where one gathers advice, assesses it, and makes a wise decision ... it is just not done around here.
Really nice bike, though.
It is just a matter of developing the muscles and the habit of using them in a certain way. It is completely normal for one to lean on one's hand and sit hard on the saddle when starting out (or re-starting--I am about to try riding again after several months lost to illness, and I know from experience how it will feel ... ugh.) Just keep riding and keep in mind that your legs should be doing most of the work.
On a more serious note .... if you want to fit in around here, you Really need to change.
First off, the preferred format is "I just bought this bike. Is it the right one?" Asking for advice first is frowned upon.
Second, if you do make the gaffe of asking for advice, you need to reject all the advice and argue vehemently with whoever gave you the advice .... relying heavily on no facts or wrong facts.
The, you should make a fake account and support your won wrong arguments.
This rational investigation where one gathers advice, assesses it, and makes a wise decision ... it is just not done around here.
Really nice bike, though.
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07-01-23, 07:14 AM
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Trek is doing a good job there. I got an email from them today previewing some of their upcoming paint jobs; pretty fantastic, I think:
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/p...%20TdF_6957069
The stem is up as high as it will go. Lowering it would only make it worse.
The seat is the right height to get proper leg extension without swivel-hipping or hyper-extending.
The frame is the right size. Any shorter and my knees would be right at my wrists when on the drops.
The seat is flat, and feels good. I'm not getting racked by the nose piece nor sliding forward. I could tilt it back a bit and see if that'll take some weight off the hands?
I could slide it forward or back a bit in the clamps.
Any specific recommendations?
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/p...%20TdF_6957069
The stem is up as high as it will go. Lowering it would only make it worse.
The seat is the right height to get proper leg extension without swivel-hipping or hyper-extending.
The frame is the right size. Any shorter and my knees would be right at my wrists when on the drops.
The seat is flat, and feels good. I'm not getting racked by the nose piece nor sliding forward. I could tilt it back a bit and see if that'll take some weight off the hands?
I could slide it forward or back a bit in the clamps.
Any specific recommendations?
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07-01-23, 07:49 AM
#41
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Ok guys, enough of the financial bickering.
smaug1, really nice bike. The blue color looks great.
smaug1, really nice bike. The blue color looks great.
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07-01-23, 02:19 PM
#43
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Welcome back! First post is a helpful one. I'll consider that if I feel like the ride is too harsh.
Will I be able to keep up with the others who are running 100 psi in the 25-size tires?
Will I be able to keep up with the others who are running 100 psi in the 25-size tires?
07-01-23, 06:41 PM
#44
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And I'm sure you know the engine makes the biggest difference.
07-01-23, 07:43 PM
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My first road bike was a Jamis ventura comp. A touch over 800 bucks.. Now about 1300. It does have disc brakes which the first one did not. You can also get a Specialized Allez for 1200 bucks. I bought a new bike because I knew nothing about bicycles and did not want to take a chance on getting someone else's problems. Peace of mind was priceless.
My 2nd road bike is a Specialized Roubaix Elite for 2800 bucks. sold my Jamis for 700, so not too bad of a jump in my opinion. Went to a bike shop and they took all afternoon to get me fitted and answered all my questions. They have been there since 2014 and well worth the extra money I may have spent to get started.
My 2nd road bike is a Specialized Roubaix Elite for 2800 bucks. sold my Jamis for 700, so not too bad of a jump in my opinion. Went to a bike shop and they took all afternoon to get me fitted and answered all my questions. They have been there since 2014 and well worth the extra money I may have spent to get started.
07-01-23, 07:50 PM
#46
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Congrats, you will like that bike. I've had a couple of Domane's and currently have one that is in a regular rotation along with my 2016 Trek Emonda ALR.
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07-02-23, 08:48 AM
#47
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I would find a reputable bike shop and work with them.
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07-31-23, 08:31 AM
#48
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If interested, check my update from today in the original thread.
Thanks for all the tips, guys & gals!
Thanks for all the tips, guys & gals!
07-31-23, 12:30 PM
#49
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Given your budget I'd suggest Canyon or Rose who sell direct to customer at cheaper prices. Or, you could try The Pro's Closet. I have bought 2 bikes there and been very pleased.
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08-04-23, 07:39 PM
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The next thing I'll hear is how you bought 1,000s of used CF bikes and never had an issue, and that may be true, but like I said there is a risk. I don't know about you, but when I am riding at 20 or coming down a steep grade, I'm not sure if I would want to find out that the bike was compromised before I bought it and it took a while for it rear its ugly head as I land on mine!