qmsdc15

BS87, Camelback back packs are kinda small.

I use a Chrome backpack. Two straps distribute the load better than a single strap messenger bag. The only advantages to a messenger bag vs. backpack is the ability to access the contents without taking the bag off and the fact that you can put a Xerox box in a large messenger bag.

AdelaaR

As long as it's not too heavy you should be fine, but still ... weight on your bike is hardly noticable while weight on your back ... even a few kilo's ... can become irritating after some time.
That ... and the fact that a backpack will also reduce your back's sweating and venting capacity ... this is only important if you ride hard and sweat hard ... for casual commuting for a few miles it doesn't matter and a backpack is handier for those occasions because you do not have to pack and unpack it from your bike all the time.
So basicly it all depends on how much weight and for how long.

BS87

Would really only be 1 to 3 pounds (+ the weight of the pack), and I don't sweat a lot (never have). I would be doing everything from short trips to day trips, but no one distance consistently.

Sixty Fiver

Am not sure how this bike could ever be anything except what it is... should be pretty nice once it is all built up.

LesterOfPuppets

I ride with a backpack almost everyday. I like the ones with suspended mesh backs. Sternum straps are really nice to have as well.

I've a backpack, panniers and a trailer. I've used all three at once before but typically just the pack to work and back and plenty of other rides.

Backpacks suck because your back gets sweaty. Cheap/lame backpacks suffer from lots of other problems. Ones with straight straps are uncomfortable on the shoulders and are sometimes difficult to keep on your shoulders while walking. Ones without suspended backs are less comfy too.

Panniers suck because they make bikes harder to get through doors, up stairwells, onto hooks, etc. While riding they make unweighting your rear wheel and bunnyhopping futile exercises.

Trailers suck because they're hard to park at the bike racks sometimes and pretty much impossible to take on public transportation. For most trailers, you can pretty much add all the pannier suckage to the trailer suckage too.

AdelaaR

I could still put an acera MTB group on it and call it a hybrid

No seriously ... it's a TT-bike alright

I did search for a TT-forum but I couldn't find one on this site.
I found the "triathlon" forum, but I don't feel at home there since they speak about triathlon races, swimming, running, etc ...
Also triathlon is an endurance long distance sport whereas timetrial is just one very long sprint.
If you don't mind I'll stay here

AdelaaR

3 pounds is superlight so it should be fine i guess.
Sweating depends on the intensity of the biking aswell as on the person doing the biking

Sixty Fiver

If I am travelling light (rarely) or riding on the trails I have a MEC rock climbing bag with a 1.5 litre reservoir which has been serving me well for many years, have 4 sets of panniers ranging from some small 20 litre units to the 40 and 43 litre touring bags.

Trailer is great when I am picking up a cart load of groceries and really bulky stuff.

And for winter hauling I use my extra bike which has fixed bags and is too big to carry up a flight of stairs.

LesterOfPuppets

The Road Cycling forum would love to see pics of that bike. Not those pics, though. Those guys are kinda snobs, so bike needs to be photographed in front of a white garage door, or in a multi-million dollar condo or in front of a very expensive sports car.

Sixty Fiver

Before doing that I'd slap some riser bars on it and add a rack and panniers.

Fiery

Don't forget some fenders too.


AdelaaR - beautiful bike, looking forward to a ride report.

fatsoforgotso

Yeah, just do it and post the photos on the Road Cycling Forum. It's a very beautiful evening, I'd just love to see the westward sky light up with flames.
Maybe you could even outdo the World's Greatest Madone: https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wb8bAl1P-N.../s1600-h/world

Very nice TT bike, congrats.

qmsdc15

I'd ride that. Why not? It's sick! Swap the risers for Ti flat bars and the mirrors for long barends and you're set!

Sweet ride! Congrats!

qmsdc15

Toys for boys.

irclean

Congrats on the new bikes, and the newly-adopted cycling lifestyle. Keep at it... you'll be surprised how quickly that stamina builds up. It's nice that you two can ride together. I love riding with my family, and I try to do it as often as possible.

giantcfr1

Looks great and it'll be interesting to see your new times over the 10 k's.

giantcfr1

My tyres had worn through and ready to blow. I was waiting for some replacement 23mm to come into stock so had to put my old 28mm (which I had in the cupboard) on this morning. I kind of like the change.

As you know it:



And as of now:

AdelaaR

Yes I'm anxious to be able to see the difference aswell ... it'll take time though since the dura ace bar end 10sp shifters are out of stock and i'll have to wait for a few weeks to get my hands on them.

AdelaaR

I like it too.
I have never been too fond of the colored tyres myself.
The red dots come out more this way.

Sirrus Rider

Just updated my '07 Sirrus to drop bar configuration.

BS87

Nice! All new components and $$$ or did you get stuff used/had it laying around?

giantcfr1

Very nicely put together and looks like you maintain it well too.

nine9six

This is my first bike that I just picked up from craigslist. I know absolutely nothing about bicycles at this moment and maybe you can tell me more about this. It is an Ironhorse "urban" 7 speed. Previous owner said he upgraded the wheels (fronts are Weinmann Zac and rear are something I cannot remember) and put on Specialized Armarillo Nimbus tires. I weight the bike and it is 27lbs. So do I have a decent bike or is this a generic junker?

jbchybridrider 

Dont know anything about Ironhorse bikes mate other than there possibly made in the UK. It looks like a good find too, the frame looks nice and over time as you get into cycling more would be worth upgrading.
Just ride lots for now though

AdelaaR

Well ... It's something in between but definately not junk.
As jbc said the most important thing if you're new to biking is to ride a lot and get the hang of it.
Do not change too much or buy too much until you have some milage on ... once you know your riding style, speed, comfort level, preferred terrain etc ... then you'll know if you want to upgrade and what to upgrade to.
Welcome to the forum