General Bike Thread (Desiderata, Questions, Pics)

[kronik]

Not specifically for BMX but any type of bikes. Not to mention, I figure people could ask for recommendations for bikes and such in one thread. This is also my selfish way of asking a few questions and posting pictures of my recent purchases..

Pedal recommendation for a newb? Shoe recommendation for a newb? I was looking at Sidi Ergo 2's because I found them at around half off with some Speedplay Zeros and then I thought to myself, I do not need to take the StyleForum approach to cycling and could probably get away with something nice but cheaper. It seems there are advocates for each pedal system so hearing some feedback from you guys would be great. Why would anyone spend money on Campy Super Record 11 vs. your Shimano Ultegra? It shaves off some weight and is Italian which.. at the end of the day, I doubt the 2 pounds are really what makes anyone into a world-class cyclist but I digress. I've wondered this because I've seen in a number of cases people say you wouldn't upgrade until your current parts are one with the fishes and even then, I don't see why me going with SRAM Red (cool as it looks) would ever be a good idea. I can ask these questions here without getting lambasted by the BF'ers. Appreciation to come later.

 

[Philosoph]

Are you looking to buy a (road) bike, or do you already have one and are just looking for pedal recs?

I agree that you do not need the ultra-high end stuff unless you're at least semi-seriously competing. BFers are a little crazy.... bt I guess we are here too. I've never tried Speedplays. I have Shimano SPDs and they work well enough for me.


My own question: Can anybody give me some good recommendations on where to ride in the DC area? I moved here from Texas and was spoiled by nice open country roads. Stoplights really piss me off.

 

[kronik]

Already have a road bike. DC area riding that I've done is W&OD Trail / GW Parkway + Mount Vernon. A shortage of lights on both (far more on W&OD but it depends on where on the trail you are). Capital Crescent/Rock Creek Parkway are also popular but I've never done either of them myself. In one thread over there, I said the way they treat people about department store bikes is identical to how we treat people about Stacy Adams/Kenneth Cole. All enthusiast forums have their things that they're asinine about. Want: Orbea Orca Frame

 

[Philosoph]

Thanks. I've done Mt. Vernon and a bit of Rock Creek Parkway. Both were pretty fun.

I've wondered if a mountain bike would actually be more useful in the area.

 

[kronik]

Originally Posted by Philosoph

Thanks. I've done Mt. Vernon and a bit of Rock Creek Parkway. Both were pretty fun.

I've wondered if a mountain bike would actually be more useful in the area.

If you want to do C&O, yes.

 

[Connemara]

I bet you think you're smart because you used "desiderata."

 

[dopey]

What is a good Bike Forum to look at while I anxiously wait for my bike to arrive?

 

[kronik]

I'm registered at BikeForums.net and the RoadBikeReviews forum.

 

[rjmaiorano]

Is there really a 2 lb difference in top end campy and ultegra? I doubt it.

Anyway, I've never ridden speedplays but the one knock I hear of them is the size, as in there is not a whole lot of space to really mash down on, especially if you have massive feet. The fix for this is to get a very very stiff shoe, likely with a carbon plate, but then it is not as comfortable. Weigh what's important to you, but ride the clip before you buy it.

 

[zippyh]

Road pedals?
SPD-SL. If my wife can use them, anyone can use them.
Plus you can sort of walk in them without killing yourself.

 

[kronik]

Strongly doubt it (that there's a 2 pound difference); exaggeration for effect. I'm leaning more and more toward the SPD-SLs. Pedals on eBay are 100 bucks, 160 at LBS.

 

[Philosoph]

Originally Posted by dopey

What is a good Bike Forum to look at while I anxiously wait for my bike to arrive?

bikeforums.net is like Styleforum for bikes. They even have their own version of vox.

 

[Biscotti]

Here is a pic of my old bike, the frame was made to my specifications by a small manufacturer in Poland:

Here is a video:

http://tv.isg.si/site/filebrowser/BenRuckerFilms (download short trials film)

Sadly I sold that bike and now only ride road; I have a vintage Eddy Mercx frame from the 80's that I built up.

Ciao! Time for bed...

 

[bbaquiran]

^ cool trials bike and video. what brakes are those?

 

[jaydc7]

my bike when I first built it this fall: