Cycling Thread

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

Got a Giant Fastroad Comax: http://www.ridleys.com/product/giant...c-264168-1.htm

So my Giant Cypress DX will become my winter/inclement weather ride and this one becomes the nice weather bike.

Enjoy this rig. I have the same rig, just mine is two years older

[Mass_nerder]

I'm considering getting a cheap fixie to commute to work (~5m one way) because I'm cheap. Anyone have brand recommendations (around $400 max)?

[Fuzz]

You aren't going to find anything new for $400. Look used, or up your budget. Mec has one for $550.

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5041-905/Skyway-Bicycle

[Fuzz]

I stand corrected:
http://thebikeshop.com/product/evo-slay-275550-1.htm

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by Mass_nerder

I'm considering getting a cheap fixie to commute to work (~5m one way) because I'm cheap. Anyone have brand recommendations (around $400 max)?

Fixies are for the track or for riding to your local non-GMO, locally sourced, gluten free, vegan friendly, non-conflict coffee stand, not for commuting.

Single speeds are just fine, fixies are not.

[Mass_nerder]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

Fixies are for the track or for riding to your local non-GMO, locally sourced, gluten free, vegan friendly, non-conflict coffee stand, not for commuting.

Single speeds are just fine, fixies are not.

Hahaha.
But track stands are so much easier!

[worth]

There's this company selling SS/Fixies for $400 on Kijiji:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/cal...ing/1146800256

You can find Felt, Soma or Cinelli Single Speed bikes for <$1000.

[Coys1882]

I have a carbon giant defy advanced road bike and use it to commute - I know it's hard on the bike but damnit that's what it's for!!

[squiggs96]

Originally Posted by Mass_nerder

I'm considering getting a cheap fixie to commute to work (~5m one way) because I'm cheap. Anyone have brand recommendations (around $400 max)?

If you are only going 5 metres, it's probably easier to just walk.

[habernac]

Originally Posted by Coys1882

I have a carbon giant defy advanced road bike and use it to commute - I know it's hard on the bike but damnit that's what it's for!!

My Cervelo RS agrees! I'll have to dust it off and get it out there, so much more fun to ride!

[Bigtime]

Oh wow, I've never had a bike like this new one before. It's going to take some getting used to just how slick it feels, especially coming off the winter riding with the 35mm studded tires.

[cracher]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

Fixies are for the track or for riding to your local non-GMO, locally sourced, gluten free, vegan friendly, non-conflict coffee stand, not for commuting.

Single speeds are just fine, fixies are not.

I am poaching this quote to use on fb. Have a friend asking the same question and your wording has captured the essence of what I want to express.

[tete]

While cycling into work today, I saw a man on the 5th St. cycletrack wearing what looked like a quilted brown snuggie, with armholes and flaps to keep his hands warm on the handlebars. It was impressive and ridiculous at the same time.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

Got a Giant Fastroad Comax: http://www.ridleys.com/product/giant...c-264168-1.htm

Funny I was just looking at this bike the other day. How are you liking it so far?

Any other bikes you were looking at in that range? I just started looking for bike for myself for the first time in about two decades (my current bike is a Specialized Rockhopper from the mid 90s, which I still quite like) and am not particularly sure what to look for. I want a road/fitness type bike that will get 90% street/path time. Something agile and light weight, but not particularly fussy.

I was looking at an Opus Allegro 2, which I think had a nicer ride than the Comax (but also more $$) although I think I prefer the flat bars over the drop downs. Is that a big deal to swap out?

I tried an aluminum frame Felt, but the frame seemed to have very little in terms of absorbing any shock. I'm not sure I've ever really tried an aluminum bike that I've liked that much.

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

Fixies are for the track or for riding to your local non-GMO, locally sourced, gluten free, vegan friendly, non-conflict coffee stand, not for commuting.

Single speeds are just fine, fixies are not.

Completely disagree. A fixie without brakes is not suitable for commuting, but I have road, single track and touring bikes each for their respective purposes and I so prefer the experience of riding fixed gear in the city. My fixie has been my main commuter for a couple of years and it is the most enjoyable experience of feeling totally tuned in and in control of a bike.

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by Mass_nerder

I'm considering getting a cheap fixie to commute to work (~5m one way) because I'm cheap. Anyone have brand recommendations (around $400 max)?

I wouldn't focus on going with a cheap fixie. Think rather of value for money. One of the best things about fixies is you can make all your key components higher end for relatively low cost as compared to more complicated bikes with more parts. Also, if it's your regular commuter, that adds up to a lot of time on that bike which you would be better off enjoying the experience of. You're more likely to stick to commuting if you enjoy the riding experience.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Funny I was just looking at this bike the other day. How are you liking it so far?

Any other bikes you were looking at in that range? I just started looking for bike for myself for the first time in about two decades (my current bike is a Specialized Rockhopper from the mid 90s, which I still quite like) and am not particularly sure what to look for. I want a road/fitness type bike that will get 90% street/path time. Something agile and light weight, but not particularly fussy.

I was looking at an Opus Allegro 2, which I think had a nicer ride than the Comax (but also more $$) although I think I prefer the flat bars over the drop downs. Is that a big deal to swap out?

I tried an aluminum frame Felt, but the frame seemed to have very little in terms of absorbing any shock. I'm not sure I've ever really tried an aluminum bike that I've liked that much.

Well today was the first day commuting on it. I definitely need to adjust to the different stance and the harder seat (must buy more gel pants/shorts ), but I was really impressed with the ride. The bike just seemed to want to go with minimal input from me. Hard not to enjoy that, especially after slogging through this winter.

This is also my first go with more of a road bike, and it is definitely not as smooth a ride over the bumps and such as my trusty old hybrid was. So I did find myself navigating the paths slightly different to take the smoothest path that was apparent to me. I'm going to commute the rest of this week on it and see how I'm feeling afterwards and if I need to adjust anything like seat height or handle distances. But so far so good!

[Fuzz]

Don't think that just because a bike came with a firm saddle, you need to keep it. Unless you are doing 100km rides you will probably be more comfortable on something else. But first get good padded shorts, they make all the difference.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Don't think that just because a bike came with a firm saddle, you need to keep it. Unless you are doing 100km rides you will probably be more comfortable on something else. But first get good padded shorts, they make all the difference.

Definitely, it's not rock hard but firmer than the seat I've been using. Rode in today with my padded shorts on (overtop pants) and it was much better. I'll see how it all feels by next week and go from there.

[Fuzz]

Padded shorts over pants? Oh my! I go padded shorts, long tight-ish pants, baggy shorts.