Another Bike

JCL · #1 05-09-2006, 01:13 AM

Not a Kestrel, I am not in Sanguru's league.

I am getting back into road cycling after some years out. I trained for several months on my Trek mountain bike, with street tires, but the weight of the bike was killing me, apart from the very upright riding position.

My new toy is a Trek 5200. OCLV Carbon, full Shimano Ultegra (triple), Bontrager Race carbon fork, Bontrager Race wheels, Bzzzkill harmonic dampers, 2006 model in Anthracite Duotone. I really like the frame; given that I need a 62 cm model stiffness is important. See the photos for the gussets. What I can't believe is how comfortable it is. Tracks beautifully, climbs very nicely, and generally is a joy to ride. I added a very simple Sigma computer, while I figure out whether I need (want) a Garmin Edge 305. The other treat was a set of Nike Lance II shoes, with Ultegra SPD-SL pedals. Full carbon fibre sole. Comfortable, and highly recommended, albeit after only a few hours riding time.

Photos attached for those wondering what this is all about.

Suggestions/tuning ideas accepted gladly from those who are already there.

Apologies in advance for the quality of the photos, but my DSLR is in for service, so I am using an older point and shoot. The camera is fine, the flash is weak.

Jeff

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BruinMan · #2 05-09-2006, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

Suggestions/tuning ideas accepted gladly from those who are already there.

I think you need a motor on the bike.

PersonaNonGrata · #3 05-09-2006, 01:48 AM

Very nice Jeff. That is one sexy looking bike. I saw a show on how Trek started and how they build those OCLV Carbon frames. Very impressive!

An interesting read about the history of Trek

SANguru · #4 05-09-2006, 02:08 AM

very nice bike Jeff! my wife has a very similar bike - Trek 5000 OCLV (Ultegras triple with very similar setup) and she trains with me.. OCLV's are great frames and you got great components for the price there! have fun!

E61Silver · #5 05-09-2006, 06:05 AM

I would get on of these Shimano Flightdeck Computer Heads

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...m_cat=datafeed

They show your gear postion and have many other features.
The head unit is black and will look better on your bike.

I would also sugest using White Lighting on your chain.

Where did you purchase it?

JCL · #6 05-09-2006, 03:52 PM

Looked at the Flightdeck, but it really didn't do a lot more than the Sigma, just cadence. I am not at all concerned with colour of the case, just readability of the display in sunlight. Also, the wireless link is reported to be problematic. I got the Sigma just to have something while I think about the Edge. The Sigma has lots of functions more me. Anyone use the Edge? If so, do you use it with the wireless cadence sender?

Got the bike at a local shop in Vancouver (Caps), mainly due to the club rides they hold, and the fitting exercise that they offer. They did the computer measurement before ordering it, and after the bike was set up they had me ride on rollers while they fine tuned it. We swapped out the stem, etc, all included.

GUINNESS · #7 05-09-2006, 04:32 PM

I want to buy a road bike, but don't want to spend too much... actually, I want buy two. One for me, one for Nicole. They don't have to be anything super fancy, I just rather not get mountain bikes cause I want to do distance stuff. I'm not into the rugged thing like I used to be and don't want the weight or upright position. The main purpose will be working out, etc... don't think either of us will be entering any type of competitions.

So, any suggestions what I should be looking at, companies, price expected, etc??? Thanks.... Oh, and really sweet looking bike you picked up

E61Silver · #8 05-09-2006, 07:23 PM

With bike the two key items are frame material and grears.

I would suggest getting an full Shimano Ultegra gear set.

here a few suggestions:

http://www.gtbicycles.com/pavement/c...usa&brand=pave

http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/...ail.php?id=602

http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/bikes/index.asp?ID=39

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...s+Bike+05.aspx

http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...id=1407000&f=2

JCL · #9 05-09-2006, 07:26 PM

Guiness:

I like Trek. There are lots of good names out there, but I figure Trek got to be so successful for a reason. Also, you have different brands available in the US than we do here in BC. Trek is well-represented here.

Trek has a good web site, you can do a fair bit of research right there. www.trekbikes.com. I would start in the road section of the site, and see what the differences are between the ranges. MSRP is shown. There are also bike review sites, but you need to sort through the fanatical comments to decide which ones apply to you.

Shimano is pretty much the standard for components. Dura Ace group for the real racers, Ultegra is a step right below that, and then they go down from there, through 105, etc.

There are a wide variety of styles/riding positions available. The tri athletes tend to use frames with a dropped top tube (towards the rear), and those are available in several different lines, while classic road bikes have a top tube parallel to the road. Several companies are now putting upright bars on high-end frames, but I don't really see the point, myself. Trek calls theirs the Pilot. Having said that, I changed to a different stem (rise and reach) and brought the bars in closer so that I am not dropped quite as much (see the photos). If you want, you can add suspension (rear triangle, seat post, etc) but that adds weight and reduces pedaling efficiency. Just buy good riding shorts.

One of the big choices to make will be frame material. Chrome moly tube is classic. Aluminum, titanium, carbon, or combinations of the above are all available. I like the idea of a carbon frame without lugs (joins) since I think it is stiffer. You want lots of stiffness in the main triangle (so that you aren't expending energy flexing the frame each pedal stroke) but some compliance in the rear stays really helps with the comfort factor. A full carbon frame like this lets the designer work towards both objectives. All it costs is money, but there are so many variations available that it is really about how much you want to spend.

My last suggestion is to find a good bike shop. A reasonable bike probably doesn't come from a discount chain store. Also, a cheap bike that fits will perform better than an expensive bike that doesn't fit, as a rule of thumb. A good bike shop will fit you, and work with you to make sure your riding position is optimized. That is worth the premium over the mail order houses, IMO.

Good luck.

Jeff

SANguru · #10 05-10-2006, 12:39 AM

I have the Garmin Edge 305 with the heart rate monitor and it's not bad. A little pricey for what it is but still better than most out there. Size is still a factor as the watch is a little big for my wrist. Otherwise on practice transitions, I do like it better than having to swap between legs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

Looked at the Flightdeck, but it really didn't do a lot more than the Sigma, just cadence. I am not at all concerned with colour of the case, just readability of the display in sunlight. Also, the wireless link is reported to be problematic. I got the Sigma just to have something while I think about the Edge. The Sigma has lots of functions more me. Anyone use the Edge? If so, do you use it with the wireless cadence sender?

Got the bike at a local shop in Vancouver (Caps), mainly due to the club rides they hold, and the fitting exercise that they offer. They did the computer measurement before ordering it, and after the bike was set up they had me ride on rollers while they fine tuned it. We swapped out the stem, etc, all included.

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