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#11
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Considering a Road bike for commuting... good idea?
On Tue, 05 Aug 2003 01:10:22 GMT, Pete wrote:
"Rick Onanian" wrote Why are road bikes so much more expensive? More precision machining and workmanship, and exotic materials required? Image. Why do those of us who don't care and just want an efficient bike for pavement have to pay for that? I guess we pay for worse things... Pete -- Rick Onanian |
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#12
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Considering a Road bike for commuting... good idea?
Thats a good point, I'll definately look into it..
What is sort of getting to me with my sort of converted mountain bike is that the position is pretty high up, and wind REALLY gets to me. Also the straight bar (even with bar ends) don't have a lot of hand positions. From what I know about road bikes is that you can hold onto the tops, the hoods (is that what they are called) and lower on that curved surface. That seems like a lot of comfortable positions for distance riding. Mike http://mikebeauchamp.com "Preston Crawford" wrote in message ... "Gazoo" wrote in message . ca... or a cyclocross bike? Not a bad idea. I started without much funds so I bought an entry level road bike. Then I had it fit and they had to add a funky high stem to adjust the angle. Then I decided I wanted to add "suicide levers". Then I added a rack. Before you know it I had more or less some weird hybrid of a cyclecross and touring bike. I love it, though. It's right where I want to be so I won't change it. But yeah, first time around if you have the money this would be a good way to go. Thing with entry level road bikes is you can get one for $599 or less and then work with it. Preston |
#13
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Considering a Road bike for commuting... good idea?
Speaking of saddles, I'm using a Selle Italia Flight titanium (I forget the
exact spelling or model) But it's quite a narrow road seat.. it made sense when I bought it because I was doing so much offroad racing that I was barely in the saddle anyways. I'll consider getting something new, it should help the bum. My friend and I are planning a 120KM ride soon.. Mike http://mikebeauchamp.com "Steve McDonald" wrote in message ... I used road bikes with 1-inch or 1 1/8-inch high-pressure tires on all sorts of city streets and country roads for many years and thought nothing about discomfort or relative safety. But, several years ago, I got a very good, unsuspended mountain bike. I put on gears that give me 101 inches of travel in high. It has light but sturdy alloy rims and hubs and I've put Tioga City-Slicker smooth treads on it. I pump them to 65-70 lbs. (high-pressure for 1.95 tires) and get a great ride. I use a HyperPlush spring-loaded seat and the chronic saddle-sores from road-biking have disappeared. It's like sailing on a cloud, compared to riding a typical road bike. I will now use a narrow-tired road bike only on smooth, newer roads and bikepaths and never after dark, if I can help it. The wide tires give so much more safety in adverse conditions, last longer and resist punctures and sidewall breakdowns better. I can make this rig go pretty fast, for a mountain bike. If anyone passes me on a road bike, they have to work hard for it. Borrow a road bike and navigate your commuting route a few times and you'll have your answer about how much difference it makes to you. Steve McDonald |
#14
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Considering a Road bike for commuting... good idea?
That's exactly what I mean. A few extra KM/h feels more safe to me, and I
usually try to go as fast as possible in traffic because I prefer the cars to go past me slowly.. I don't think I could keep up with traffic (50-60KM/h) for more than a few seconds in the shape I'm in, unless it's downhill or something Mike http://mikebeauchamp.com "David Kerber" wrote in message ... In article , says... ... I'm just wondering if purchasing a road bike would be more appropriate than a mountain bike. I most certainly don't want to be one of those kids riding on the side of the road with a fully suspended downhill mountain bike with the seat all the way down bouncing up and down on each pedal stroke. I want something that can use my energy as efficiently as possible, and get me going as fast as possible. Like many commuters here I'm sure, it's definately more fun going nearly the speed of the cars instead of having them wizz past you. Is a road bike as fast as I think it is? Depends on how strong a rider you are, but you usually won't be keeping up with the cars unless traffic's pretty slow. It's nice to have them slowly catch and then pass you, rather than just blowing by you, though GGG. Here's my concern. Obviously a road bike is going to be a more harsh ride, with the small tires and the high air pressure, etc. Are small bumps in the road going to be as bad as I think they are? Is that why I don't see too Not in my experience. If you don't like it, you can put just slightly larger, lower-pressure tires and soften that up a lot. .... -- Dave Kerber Fight spam: remove the ns_ from the return address before replying! REAL programmers write self-modifying code. |
#15
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Considering a Road bike for commuting... good idea?
Thanks for the help... I think definately trying one out is in order!
Mike http://mikebeauchamp.com "Eric Murray" wrote in message ... In article , Mike Beauchamp wrote: I'm just wondering if purchasing a road bike would be more appropriate than a mountain bike. If you want to do only road riding, then yes. I find a real road bike both faster and more comfortable than a MTB on the road. The drop bars allow more hand positions. I want something that can use my energy as efficiently as possible, and get me going as fast as possible. Like many commuters here I'm sure, it's definately more fun going nearly the speed of the cars instead of having them wizz past you. Is a road bike as fast as I think it is? It's not like you're going to be keeping up with motorcycles or anything, but it will be a bit faster. Here's my concern. Obviously a road bike is going to be a more harsh ride, with the small tires and the high air pressure, etc. Are small bumps in the road going to be as bad as I think they are? It's hard to read your mind from here so I don't know exactly how hard you think its going to ride, but my guess is it wont be as bad as you think. Especially if you get a commuteable touring bike instead of a full-on racing bike. Touring or "sport" touring bikes have longer chainstays that leave room for fenders, slightly relaxed geometry, and larger tires. All of which will make the ride a little smoother and won't slow you appreciably from the full race bike. I'm going to go try a few road bikes out tomorrow, mainly for fun.. but I'm wondering what people think in here. Should I stick with a mountain bike? Another reason for wanting to get a road bike is that I can convert my mountain bike back to offroad and have two bicycles for whatever type of riding I want to do. An excellent reason. A 'sport' touring bike would be ideal for commuting. Fenders are a must unless it never rains where you live. Eric |
#16
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Considering a Road bike for commuting... good idea?
In rec.bicycles.misc Mike Beauchamp wrote:
Hey all, I'm considering purchasing a new bicycle (Maybe $800 CDN total) to replace my nearly 8 year old Mongoose IBOC Pro mountain bike. I used to use it mainy for offroad but a knee injury stopped that, and in the past few years I've used it purely for commuting (10K's to school and back, 30-40K rides on weekends, stuff like that). Consider a touring bike like the Bianchi Volpe. It has cantilever brakes which leaves plenty of room for fenders if you intend intend on riding in the rain. If your going to carry books, it will have the proper fittings for a rear rack. 700x28 tires are a good choice comfort wise and still have a low rolling resistance. Beware. Some road bikes don't have enough clearance to mount a 700x28 tire. A touring bike has enough clearance to mount cyclocross style knobby tires if you wish. A triple chainring is STRONGLY reccomended for those of us with bad knees. The gearing of a double chainring equipped bike is quite high compared to a typical mountain bike. --- Eric |
#17
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Considering a Road bike for commuting... good idea?
Hey thanks a lot Rick.. very convincing!!
Mike http://mikebeauchamp.com "Rick Onanian" wrote in message news On Mon, 4 Aug 2003 18:02:12 -0400, Mike Beauchamp wrote: I'm just wondering if purchasing a road bike would be more appropriate than a mountain bike. Absolutely. I most certainly don't want to be one of those kids on the side of the road with a fully suspended downhill mountain bike the seat all the way down bouncing up and down on each pedal stroke. I don't know how they do it, with their knees coming up above their chest...how do they develop any power that way? And usually pushing a heavy $65 Wal-mart FS "downhill" bike, at that. Funny note: I've acquired one such bike, and it says "DH" and "Downhill" and "Off-road" and such all over it; and buried in a little nook you can barely see, a label that says that it is NOT to be used for any off-road riding or conditions. It's got fat very knobby low pressure tires, excessively plush front and rear suspension... I want something that can use my energy as efficiently as possible, and me going as fast as possible. Like many commuters here I'm sure, it's definately more fun going nearly the speed of the cars instead of having them wizz past you. Is a road bike as fast as I think it is? It depends on the terrain, yourself, and the traffic. In urban traffic, with level land, you probably can get there just as fast as you would powered by gasoline. Here's my concern. Obviously a road bike is going to be a more harsh with the small tires and the high air pressure, etc. Are small bumps in road going to be as bad as I think they are? Possibly. However, I've found that my bike takes the edge off the bumps pretty well; this may be because of the long carbon fiber seatpost and the carbon fiber fork legs. At least, that is the conventional thought on carbon stuff. I've recently acquired an old steel Peugeot, and haven't ridden it much, but have been impressed by it's ride too. Is that why I don't see too many people riding around the streets on nice road bikes? No, that's because: -- They're expensive -- Most people don't realise that there's bikes beyond Wal-mart -- The ones who do, can't see spending $500 (let alone $1000) on a bike -- Road bikes, to such people, don't look manly enough, so guys are afraid to ride them; and women don't seem to ride as much, nor do they care as much what they ride. Disclaimer: That was an observation I've made locally. It may differ in other areas. It is not a judgement of the female gender. I'm going to go try a few road bikes out tomorrow, mainly for fun.. but wondering what people think in here. Should I stick with a mountain bike? No. You will be faster; you will be more comfortable for the road [after proper fit and break-in and so on]; and you will feel better after a pavement ride. You will also get in better shape -- a nice road bike makes you want to go faster and uses your muscles more efficiently. Mountain bikers have said to me about road biking: "It's like steroids for your mountain biking." I would add that they're complimentary; while road biking builds your pedalling ability, mountain biking enhances your bike-handling skill -- while you will never jump your road bike over a big log, in an emergency you might have to get up a curb, or for that matter...a big log that you suddenly realise is in front of you. Another reason for wanting to get a road bike is that I can convert my mountain bike back to offroad and have two bicycles for whatever type of riding I want to do. That is a very fun setup...and common in this newsfroup. Mike http://mikebeauchamp.com -- Rick Onanian |
#18
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Considering a Road bike for commuting... good idea?
In article , "Mike says...
Is a road bike as fast as I think it is? No. I have done the experiment. On a paved bike trail with several required stops for street crossings, a fair simulation of commuting, my average speed measured by computer was: road bike 14.1 mph, mountain bike 14.3 mph. The road bike was however felt faster and was more fun to ride because of the more lively steering. Notes: Both rides were in ideal weather, cool, no wind, approximately 16 miles. The mountain bike had no suspension. The mountain bike had 1.5 slicks the road bike 25mm tires. The mountain bike ride was slightly later in the season so I might have been in slightly better condition. The mountain bike was steel, the road bike aluminum, considerable lighter. The trail was flat so gearing made no difference. Most importantly the mountain bike had a Jan Ullrich model racing saddle while the road bike had a heavy leather Brooks-like saddle (actually Belt.) |
#19
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Considering a Road bike for commuting... good idea?
"Mike Beauchamp" wrote in message
... Hey all, I'm considering purchasing a new bicycle (Maybe $800 CDN total) to replace my nearly 8 year old Mongoose IBOC Pro mountain bike. I used to use it mainy for offroad but a knee injury stopped that, and in the past few years I've used it purely for commuting (10K's to school and back, 30-40K rides on weekends, stuff like that). I'm just wondering if purchasing a road bike would be more appropriate than a mountain bike. I most certainly don't want to be one of those kids riding on the side of the road with a fully suspended downhill mountain bike with the seat all the way down bouncing up and down on each pedal stroke. As has been stated before, much of this choice has to do with the roads you are riding. While most of the roads I ride are smooth, the rough sections are rough enough and long enough to warrant something with a bit more cushion than my road bike offers. I personally wouldn't ride anything without fenders for my commute. Even though it doesn't rain every day, there are plenty of puddles from poorly aimed lawn sprinklers every morning. I used a full-suspension mountain bike with slicks for years on my commute. Suspension movement due to pedalling is good sign that your suspension is set too soft and your pedalling technique needs a lot of work. I would still be riding that setup if my commute wasn't now a combination of driving and riding. The beater bike is less likely to be stolen out of my truck if I have to make a stop or two on the way home. Many folks around here split the difference and either equip a mountain bike for road duty or get a hybrid. I find that typical commuting obstacles (curbs and potholes) are easier to deal with if you have a flat bar. The more upright position also helps with traffic awareness. If I were in the market for a new bike (instead of more diapers for the new baby), I would seriously consider the Specialized Sirrus or Cannondale's Bad Boy or Road Warrior. Flat bars, 700c wheels, room for fenders... these are great commuting machines. I built one similar to these out of an old Schwinn but found that the toe overlap was a bit too much. Once I find a new frame and some time to fix it up, I'll be rebuilding it. Good luck in your search. -Buck |
#20
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Considering a Road bike for commuting... good idea?
My favorite commuting bike is my favorite road bike (Waterford RS-22). My
second favorite commuting bike is my second favorite road bike (Cannondale T1000) Depending on the situation, I prefer one or the other. -- Robin Hubert "Mike Beauchamp" wrote in message ... Hey all, I'm considering purchasing a new bicycle (Maybe $800 CDN total) to replace my nearly 8 year old Mongoose IBOC Pro mountain bike. I used to use it mainy for offroad but a knee injury stopped that, and in the past few years I've used it purely for commuting (10K's to school and back, 30-40K rides on weekends, stuff like that). I'm just wondering if purchasing a road bike would be more appropriate than a mountain bike. I most certainly don't want to be one of those kids riding on the side of the road with a fully suspended downhill mountain bike with the seat all the way down bouncing up and down on each pedal stroke. I want something that can use my energy as efficiently as possible, and get me going as fast as possible. Like many commuters here I'm sure, it's definately more fun going nearly the speed of the cars instead of having them wizz past you. Is a road bike as fast as I think it is? In the past few years, I've added slicks to my mountain bike, etc. All in the name of a smoother and more efficient ride on pavement. Here's my concern. Obviously a road bike is going to be a more harsh ride, with the small tires and the high air pressure, etc. Are small bumps in the road going to be as bad as I think they are? Is that why I don't see too many people riding around the streets on nice road bikes? I'm going to go try a few road bikes out tomorrow, mainly for fun.. but I'm wondering what people think in here. Should I stick with a mountain bike? Another reason for wanting to get a road bike is that I can convert my mountain bike back to offroad and have two bicycles for whatever type of riding I want to do. Mike http://mikebeauchamp.com |
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