Anyone into cycling?

JCL · #11 06-14-2010, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunyan

I don't know much about road bikes but would love to get into that as well. I can just imagine what I'd have to pour into that bike to make it "Clyde proof". I almost pulled the trigger on a TI Seven that has been sitting in my lbs for a while. It's just silly what they're asking for these bike now a days though.

I got back into road cycling after many years away, and wanted something that didn't flex when I stood on it. I am 6'4", 225 (I was closer to 250 in 2006). The Trek OCLV was stiff enough in the bottom bracket for me, and was compliant enough to be very comfortable. They have all come a lot further in the past few years, but you can now get a frame that can stand up. It is worth paying attention to the fork as well. Wheels continue to be something to watch, you just need to buy something that is designed with your power in mind.

When we built up a race tandem (30 lbs, plus pedals) for my wife and I, we got Rolf Vigor tandem wheels. 20/24 spoke count, 1850 grams for the set, twice the torque in to the drivetrain, 360 lb combined rider weight, and I didn't need to true them once in the first 5500 km. Tandem components take much more abuse than any single bike component. We got 5000 km out of the drive chain, and tires. So, it comes down to buying the right components.

I figured I wanted good wheels at 60 km/hr, and they do cost a bit more, but compared to other hobbies, cycling is still pretty cheap.