Cycling Thread

[kcin]

Any suggestions for a new rider to fully accessorize himself if spring and summer ever come back to Calgary? Got the hybrid bike but now I just need everything else and I'm a complete noobie.

Thanks in advance.

[Fuzz]

Don't go buy a bunch of stuff. Ride in, see what didn't work, then buy a few things at a time. I have a co-worker who went and bought all this crap, rode in half of one summer and didn't use most of what he bought.

Just make sure you have a bell and reflectors. It will be light enough in the spring to not need lights for now. Do you have a helmet? Good lock? That's probably all you need to start with. Figure out the clothes as you go.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by habernac

They're both rocking Ultegra, that's good stuff. Not sure on wheels, though.

Slightly misleading by the manufacturer. Front & Rear Mechs & Levers are Ultegra. Brakes are 105. But cranksets are cheap RS500 or non Shimano value parts....that's irritating.

Indeed the geezerly "comfort" geometry is what I'm after. It's clearly for the traffic related "heads up" benefits....not my bad back....

[habernac]

105 I like as well, bulletproof. As for the crankset, I knew there would be a trade off there with the price where it was.

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by kcin

Any suggestions for a new rider to fully accessorize himself if spring and summer ever come back to Calgary? Got the hybrid bike but now I just need everything else and I'm a complete noobie.

Thanks in advance.

Bell
Helmet
Patch kit or spare tubes - know how to replace each
Small pump or co2 cartridge, once again know how to use each
Tire levers help to get tire off rim
Under seat pack to o carry above noted items and k yes and emergency cash
Padded shorts
Sunglasses to kept crap out of eyes
Water bottle and bottle holder on bike

After you get into it, you can get gloves and more cycling clothing

[Wormius]

Allen keys. Don't forget your Allen keys.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

What pisses me off is my last ones lasted 18 years.

How many years ago did you start winter riding?

I'm guessing the answer isn't more than 2.

Winter destroyeth all that is bike.

[Fuzz]

LOL, yup. 2. And last year barely counted, as I am discovering.

[habernac]

Had to replace my wheels last year, the salt destroys them.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Soo... after an entire lifetime of riding MTB only I may take a venture into being a road weenie... Any thoughts other either one of these? They seem to be within a few hundred of each other. Any clear leaders in components, notably wheelsets?

Trek Domane 4.5


Specialized Roubaix Comp



https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bi...l4-comp/107115

Those bikes are matched up pretty well. I don't know much about the wheels, but they are probably pretty close. Granted if I knew nothing but the name I'd go with the Fulcrum over the Bontrager, mostly just because I would tend to favour an actual wheel manufacturer vs Trek's in house brand.

That being said, both bikes look close enough, I wouldn't worry about it. if I were you I'd go with whichever one feels better, and if all else is equal, go with the one you think looks cooler.

[pope04]

Originally Posted by kcin

Any suggestions for a new rider to fully accessorize himself if spring and summer ever come back to Calgary? Got the hybrid bike but now I just need everything else and I'm a complete noobie.

Thanks in advance.

A decent chain-breaker tool is handy. Don't forget we're going to DST next week, so a light for the AM commute is a must.

[Fuzz]

Well that was a slog...time for second breakfasts!

Had to bail coming down the bluff. Hit the switchback and the bike wasn't interested in making the corner. Fortunately I could just step out of it.

[kcin]

Thanks all for suggestions.

Edit: what's everyone's favorite neighborhood bike shop where I can pick up some of these gadgets?

[habernac]

Originally Posted by kcin

Thanks all for suggestions.

There's so much out there. I have a hard time making recommendations for newcomers as I am so far from being that myself. The same bike a newcomer might love would not work for me.

Go to a good shop. Ride a whole bunch of bikes. Find one you're comfortable with, make sure it fits. You won't ride a bike that doesn't fit well (learned this the hard way a long time ago). And have fun.

Cycling for me has always been my favourite activity, even ahead of hockey. The feeling of freedom is one I haven't been able to replicate in any other sport.

[Fuzz]

^He said he already has a bike, just needs accessories. I wouldn't bother with a light if you aren't riding for another month and leave after 7am. A chain break is good to have, but only if you know how to use it.

[worth]

yeah, indeed a slog this morning. side streets are so dangerous. took me 20 minutes more than normal.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

^The Trek looks cooler. That's all that really matters for road bikes, right?



I just give up and buy a new rear brake every year for $25. The Shimano ones I buy have a pivot internal to the brake itself that gets gummed up and I've never figured out how to fix it.

I'm not sure if there are more maintainable v-brakes out there, if there are, someone please chime in and I'll stop throwing them in the dump.

Got some oil in there, they work as good as new now. I might just add this to regular maintenance. A few drops of 3 in 1 on the bushing, and move it a bunch of times. The oil seeped in and they move fine now. Did the front too, just to be pro-active!

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by kcin

Thanks all for suggestions.

Edit: what's everyone's favorite neighborhood bike shop where I can pick up some of these gadgets?

My go to bike shop is Cyclepath on Macleod. I usually deal with callum.
Any of the folks there will hook you up.

[habernac]

Froze my ass this morning. Where's this warm front they keep telling me about?

[Bigtime]

Today is the snowpants in the morning and light pants in the afternoon kind of day. Was impressed with the shape the pathways were in, but I 'm betting things start to get sloppy this afternoon.