Cycling Thread

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Wow, good work CBC.
Way to announce a race that was announced 2 months ago.

[Julio]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

Wow, good work CBC.
Way to announce a race that was announced 2 months ago.

Alex Stedia was on CBC Radio promoting the race today...that's why the story is up.

[macker]

Originally Posted by #22

^^

Haven't been down there, but in the past I have run into unexpected deep snow there plenty of times. It is always the last section to melt, I'm guessing due to the shade of all the trees there, so my bet would be tough slogging. If you do go for it, let us know!

Lots of these freaks out and about this winter......some fo the peacefulness of the woods has been lost : http://fatbikes.com/ Until I try one I am not fully jealous

[shane_c]

I picked up this bike in August and have been pretty happy with it. My only complaints are:

1) the chain rubs when the front and rear are at opposite ends. They tell me this is normal?

2) the bike has front and rear disk brakes and they both make an awful squealing sound when I put them on. I've had the pads off a few times and sanded them down and cleaned them and the disks with rubbing alcohol but it hasn't made much difference.

[calumniate]

This may be a little off-topic but I'm looking for some advice regarding exercise bikes. I never hit up any gyms so was surprised to see recumbent style bikes becoming more popular. I like the idea in terms of using it in front of a tv or what have you.

Any recommendations for something that's quiet, not completely a monster, and that you can push pretty hard? Thanks!

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by shane_c

I picked up this bike in August and have been pretty happy with it. My only complaints are:

1) the chain rubs when the front and rear are at opposite ends. They tell me this is normal?

2) the bike has front and rear disk brakes and they both make an awful squealing sound when I put them on. I've had the pads off a few times and sanded them down and cleaned them and the disks with rubbing alcohol but it hasn't made much difference.

With respect to #1 that's normal.
You shouldn't be riding like that anyway as it puts a lot of stress on your chain. There is no need to be in the biggest chain ring in the front and the biggest cog in the back, or the smallest of both at the same time.

[KTrain]

I'm looking at upgrading my main road bike (the Trek from the first post) to a carbon this season. Any suggestions on a decent carbon fibre bike in the $2000 range?

[macker]

Originally Posted by KTrain

I'm looking at upgrading my main road bike (the Trek from the first post) to a carbon this season. Any suggestions on a decent carbon fibre bike in the $2000 range?

Frame from China? Everybody on mtbr and pink are doing it

[annasuave]

I'm thinking of cycling to work again. Its been about 10 years since I worked in the core and have been close enough to cycle. I'm coming from the north part of town and the ideal route into the core would be over the Peace bridge. But here's where I'm stumped. How the heck do I get across Memorial Drive? Is there a pedestrian light there? Even if there is a light there - am I risking road rage and mortal injury by trying to dodge and dash across Memorial drive in rush-hour traffic?

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by annasuave

I'm thinking of cycling to work again. Its been about 10 years since I worked in the core and have been close enough to cycle. I'm coming from the north part of town and the ideal route into the core would be over the Peace bridge. But here's where I'm stumped. How the heck to I get across Memorial Drive? Is there a pedestrian light there? Even if there is a light there - am I risking road rage and mortal injury by trying to dodge and dash across Memorial drive in rush-hour traffic?

There is a pedestrian bridge just near the Peace Bridge that crosses over Memorial - I think near the curling club. Otherwise 10th St should be a safe place to cross.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by annasuave

I'm thinking of cycling to work again. Its been about 10 years since I worked in the core and have been close enough to cycle. I'm coming from the north part of town and the ideal route into the core would be over the Peace bridge. But here's where I'm stumped. How the heck do I get across Memorial Drive? Is there a pedestrian light there? Even if there is a light there - am I risking road rage and mortal injury by trying to dodge and dash across Memorial drive in rush-hour traffic?

There is a pedestrian bridge just barely east (200 feet or so) off 10th parallel to 9a street that is bike friendly (It is the loop shaped thing in the photo.) it runs right next to the C-train line. I use it frequently. And when you come off it, you come can cross the river underneath the train line, as that is a double decker bridge. Nice thing too, is it is far less busy since the Peace bridge was built.

http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=google+...gl=ca&t=h&z=19

[habernac]

Originally Posted by KTrain

I'm looking at upgrading my main road bike (the Trek from the first post) to a carbon this season. Any suggestions on a decent carbon fibre bike in the $2000 range?

http://www.cervelo.com/en/bikes/r-series/r3.html

This one runs about $2600, you'll love it.

[squiggs96]

Originally Posted by habernac

http://www.cervelo.com/en/bikes/r-series/r3.html

This one runs about $2600, you'll love it.

I was going to say that price seemed low, but with the 105s, that is the cost for the 2013 model. The 2012 R3 with the Rival set up has been lowered to the same price. If you went to the Ultegras this year, it's $3,900.

I bought the 2011 R3 last January when you could get $1,000 off each bike if you bought two. With the discount, and the Rival set up, it was $2,200. I think I would have upgraded to the Ultegras if I had to do it again, solely because I prefer the shifting of Shimano over the double clicking of SRAM.

After riding for the last year, the R3 is an amazing bike. It's great on a quick 45 minute ride and I still felt good after doing a 3.5 jaunt. I highly recommend it.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by squiggs96

I was going to say that price seemed low, but with the 105s, that is the cost for the 2013 model. The 2012 R3 with the Rival set up has been lowered to the same price. If you went to the Ultegras this year, it's $3,900.

I bought the 2011 R3 last January when you could get $1,000 off each bike if you bought two. With the discount, and the Rival set up, it was $2,200. I think I would have upgraded to the Ultegras if I had to do it again, solely because I prefer the shifting of Shimano over the double clicking of SRAM.

After riding for the last year, the R3 is an amazing bike. It's great on a quick 45 minute ride and I still felt good after doing a 3.5 jaunt. I highly recommend it.

I was skeptical about Double tap, until I used it last season. Once you get used to it, it is superior, IMO.

[squiggs96]

Originally Posted by pylon

I was skeptical about Double tap, until I used it last season. Once you get used to it, it is superior, IMO.

I had read earlier in the thread you liked them better. What is about them that you prefer? For me, I like have the separate sections and I can shift quicker. Every now and then with the SRAMs I'll go down a gear if I'm trying to go too quickly. Other times I'll be going up a hill thinking I'm in second gear, attempt to shift down to first, but realize I'm in first as I then shift up because I can't double tap.

I split my road bike time between my Kona (Shimano) and my Cervelo (SRAM) depending on the weather and/or distance. I prefer the shifting of the Kona, but the Cervelo is so much of a better everything else.

Any tips to make the SRAM shifting better?

[Redliner]

Originally Posted by squiggs96

Any tips to make the SRAM shifting better?

Swap it out for Shimano.

Seriously, I know lots of people who swear by SRAM, but the feel of the two really is quite different. I find SRAM to be a much more "positive" but at the same time clunkier shift than Shimano. When you change gears on a SRAM-equipped bike, you know it. I actually don't mind that on a mountain bike when you get rewarded with that unmistakeable "ka-chung"; it's kind of reassurring to know your bike is working properly when you have all the noise of rocks pinging everywhere and your chain clattering around back there.

Shimano is a little more vague-feeling but IMO also much more refined. I prefer the lighter action of Shimano shifting over SRAM but it in reality performance between the two is very similar. As long as your bike is adjusted properly, it really comes down to personal preference.

[pope04]

Not a mechanically-inclined rider here. I've got a lower-end Trek that's my winter beater. I had a brand-new cassette lying around for years. I finally decided this year to throw it on, then changed out the chain and a new set of cranks and chainring set. Then I decided to swap out my front a rear derailleurs. God bless youtube and the shop guys down at MEC!!!!

[#22]

Originally Posted by shane_c

I picked up this bike in August and have been pretty happy with it. My only complaints are:

1) the chain rubs when the front and rear are at opposite ends. They tell me this is normal?

2) the bike has front and rear disk brakes and they both make an awful squealing sound when I put them on. I've had the pads off a few times and sanded them down and cleaned them and the disks with rubbing alcohol but it hasn't made much difference.

Normally with disk brake squeal, it's the metal backing of the pad vibrating against the caliper. A light coating of synthtic grease (I use Superlube) on the back of the pad should help

[onetwo_threefour]

So, I'm riding the Ride to Conquer Cancer, then the Penticton Granfondo: http://www.granfondoaxelmerckx.com two weeks later. Anybody done the Penticton Ride? Just curious what to expect...

[cral12]

Anyone have this product?

Tacx Sirius Mag Trainer ($350)
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cyclin...ag-trainer.jsp

If so, how do you like it? Better alternatives?

I soon to have to have ACL surgery and thinking about rehab in advance.

Thanks