My First Road Bike... any suggestions?
I'm a road bike newbie here. I'm shopping around for my first road bike and there are 3 models I'm looking at so far. The Specialized Dolce Elite, Trek 2.3 WSD and Cannondale Synapse feminine 5. My price range is around $1400-1600. I'm having troubles deciding between the 3 bikes as all dealers I talk to seem to be biased. I'm 5'3 with a longer torso and shorter legs. Not sure which bike manufacturer makes bikes that would fit my body type more. I feel like everytime I walk into a bike shop, the sales person keeps trying to up sell me on better frame, better components etc. I'm trying to understand which bikes are best suited for a beginner's level. But I'm finding dealers are trying to sell me on bikes that have Shimano 105 components and how it's much better than Shimano Tiagra. Also, would it make a huge difference if I bought a 9-speed bike vs. a 10-speed bike?
Everyone's biased about the bikes they ride, or sell. However, I'll try to give you honest advice.
Get a ten speed cassette, because the steps between gears will be slightly smaller, making it easier to find the right gear. As for double or triple chainring: if you are riding only here and without much baggage, double is enough; if you plan to take into mountains loaded for touring, get a triple. If you want to tour with it, get something long enough in the back to not kick your own panniers.
Tiagra is plenty good enough. 105 is better, sure. For non-professionals, that difference is not going to win or lose a race, if you race.
Since you looked at a bike with the word "feminine" in it, I am guessing you are a woman, but if you have "a longer torso and shorter legs" you should look at men's bikes.
At the price range of "$1400-1600" you are not getting a full carbon bike, but maybe a carbon fork: don't. Though statistically safe, they are not safe in the way that steel/alu is: you won't see carbon fail in a small way - it fails big and suddenly. Also, you can't put racks on any carbon, if you want racks.
Unless this is mainly to race, get steel not aluminium: steel rides smooth and is tough as hell. Most of us should lose the extra pound off our bodies, not our bikes. For your price range, take a look on-line at what Jamis, Fuji, Masi, Kona, Surly, Salsa, Raleigh and Trek are selling. If you are in Toronto, go to Sweetpetes, and Urbane. Lots of deals right now.
Good Hunting.
If you are going to subject this to commuting, or want to put racks or fenders on it, a proper road racing bike is going to be tricky: takes narrow tires only and neither room for fenders nor can you get the bags far enough back to not kick them. A touring or cyclocross bike takes care of all this, and is nearly as fast with narrow tires.
Thanks for your help. I did visit Sweet Pete's bike shop and just purchased a new Trek bike. I've been looking at the Trek 2.3 WSD and I tried it on there and it fit. The frame fits well and it comes with the 105 and Ultegra components. I know you said you can't put racks on carbon, but I don't think I'll be implementing any racks. Sweet Pete's also gave me an awesome deal on this bike so I am still within budget. I can't wait to ride it when spring comes. Thanks again!
Snow8all wrote:
"I can't wait to ride it when spring comes."
Kevin's question:
Why wait? I don't know what you're riding (or if you're using TTC) to do daily work/errands trips. I use a winter beater bike myself. But as long as you give the bike a good clean after taking it out on our salt-strewn roads it won't instantly turn into a pile of rust. Particularly the carbon bits which don't rust at all. I promise.
I only use a winter beater because it is too much work to properly clean a bike after every trip. I live 1.2 km from work and most other trips are less than 2 km. I would spend more time cleaning the bike than riding it. The only maintenance my beater bike gets is oiling the chain and adjusting tire pressure. Both happen about once per month. It only ever gets a wash when I'm riding it in the rain. :)
Yet I have had it for the last 33 years and it still works just fine.
Do not ride a road bike in the winter with a good component group on it. You cannot get all the salt out after every ride. The salt will play hell with everything. Even if you could clean it well enough, you'd spend more time cleaning than riding. The only things you should ride in winter are: fixed, singlespeed, internal hub or beater.
I agree absolutely. The WSD is basically a race bike, it's ill suited for winter utility riding -- unless that riding is on dry, bare asphalt. From what I can see at Trek's site, with its short reach brakes and lack of eyelets, the WSD doesn't even accept fenders.
Wait till Spring and use the bike as its designers intended.
I'll most likely wait. I'm not brave enough to commute to work on bike. My work is 20km from home and there are no bike trails with lots of highway exits along the way. Now that I have this new bike, I'd like to know what kind of tools or emergency things I should take with me when I ride in case I get a flat or something breaks down. What are some things I should carry with me on my rides that are lightweight?
Snow8all asked:
"Now that I have this new bike, I'd like to know what kind of tools or emergency things I should take with me when I ride in case I get a flat or something breaks down."
Kevin's answer:
I never carry any tools. On a properly made bicycle it is very rare to have a flat or breakdown. Over the last year I have only had one flat tire while riding in Toronto.
The TTC allows bicycles to be taken onto all TTC vehicles outside of peak hours, and onto busses with bicycle racks at all times. So my flat/breakdown strategy is to take the bike onto the TTC if I can. Otherwise I'll just lock up the bike wherever it is, get on the TTC to wherever I'm going and come back later with tools. In the really rare event (which has never happened to me in 42 years of bicycling) that something major breaks that I cannot fix myself, I'll take the bike on the TTC (if necessary during off-peak hours) to a bike shop to be fixed.
If you really, really want to avoid flats, it is possible to get special flat-resistant tires made with Kevlar. I don't have a job where it is The End of the World if I arrive late for one day of the year, so I don't bother.
From:
http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/map/transit_ferry.htm#ttc
Bicycles are permitted on TTC subway and RT trains, streetcars and buses during non-peak hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Vehicle operators and ticket collectors may prohibit bicycles in the event of crowding or emergencies.
Bike racks on TTC Buses
On designated TTC routes, cyclists can load their bikes onto a rack on the front of the bus. The TTC will have bike racks on all buses by 2010.
Does anyone else really wish they lived in California right about now?
le sigh my road bike has been put away for a couple weeks and the spinner at the gym is my only reprieve from cycling withdrawl.
I did go to the velodrome which was far...but very fun (i wish we had one in the city)
Snow8all wrote:
"My work is 20km from home"
Kevin's comment:
Yikes - That's quite a distance. I don't know where you live or work, but there are two basic strategies for incorporating a bicycle into such a long commute: These two strategies are the orthodox and the heretical.
The orthodox strategy is multi-modal. This works if your present commute is the classical one where you take a bus or streetcar to a subway/RT station to get to a downtown job. In this case, the multi-modal strategy is to ride your bike to the subway/RT station and then take the TTC the rest of the way.
The multi-modal strategy also works if you don't work downtown, but are currently taking two or more TTC routes to get to work. Depending upon schedules, transfers and whether private cars are obstructing other motorized traffic, it is possible that replacing the first TTC route with biking may save you some time.
The heretical strategy for such a long commute is to get a bicycle with electric assist. I note that the Dufferin Wal-Mart is currently selling a Raleigh commuter bike with electric assist for $600. This gets you a steel frame, bell, generator-powered front and rear lights, rear rack, internal hub gearing, fenders, and full chainguard. The last two items are really needed to keep you clean on Toronto's winter streets. And that price allows one to immediately classify it as a winter beater bike.
I am fully aware that suggesting either electric assist or a Wal-Mart purchase is heretical in certain circles around here. And that suggesting both immediately qualifies me to be burned at the stake. But it is an option for a long commute.
Or just don't do it every day. My commute is 20 km and I have been doing it 3 days a week for years now. There is no rule that says you must commute by bike either every day or not at all.
8sml wrote:
"Or just don't do it every day."
Kevin's comment:
True. If the roads are icy I don't bike. At my age I cannot take any risk of a fall. Today was OK, but I'm taking the general traffic lane on Wellesley until the City clears the snow out of the bike lanes.
Even then, if there is any chance whatsoever of patches of ice in the bike lanes I'm not going to use them. This is the first winter of having bike lanes on Wellesley, and I strongly suspect that I'm going to be in the centre of the general traffic lane until spring.
If there are patches of ice in the centre of the general traffic lane I'm not using that either. I'll walk or take the TTC.
Hi all,
Just wanted to share how great the riding was last night as 3-5 cm accumulated on the roads while I worked at Bay & Wellington. The new fresh snow was sharp and easy to get grip on as I rode up Bay, across Bloor, and into Leaside.
Admittedly I did fall, wiping out when I foolishly tried to stop for an amber at Danforth and Carlaw that I knew I was too late for. It was almost comical. In such snow conditions, it's sometimes better to roll thru an intersection in control than to put a vehicle into an uncontrolled skid. Many thanks to the nice lady in the Mazda who was driving very diligently with both hands on the wheel and staying a car length behind me, and then asked if I was okay. I was up right away and did a little Rocky Balboa to make everyone in traffic laugh.
There is absolutely no rule that says we have to ride every day, every way. I often take transit, like on days like these where the side roads are packed powder, and the arterials greasy slushfests.
I ride long distance often, my average commute is 7-9 km one way, and it's all about timing, conditions, and windspeed. If I've got an important gig to get to, I ride parallel to a major bus or TTC route, so if the riding's slow, or I do get a mechanical, I can get onto the Better Way and still make it in time. I've only had two flats this year, both from potholes I hit dead on while under full load of work boots, clothes, tools. I changed the tube once, and took 'er to Cyclepath Danforth the second time. I ride with Kevlar reinforced road tires on an 80's era Trek; but it's not the kevlar that protects, it's the air in the tires. Properly inflated tires will bear the brunt of most impacts. Always check your air, brakes, and chain (Drivetrain). in CAN-BIKE we call this ABC Quick Check.
Once this slush clears up, Snow8all, I suggest getting out for a ride on your new roadie. Wear cross country ski gear, and put a little extra lube on your drivetrain. Then, had wash her with a little warm water and a sponge with a dash of dish soap. Your bike will love you, and you will know her intimately after hand washing. I would have cautioned you against Carbon fiber, but you've made your choice, and great that it's a Trek, congratulations! May you enjoy each other long and comfortably!
Cheers,
brian
My commute is 32km from Port Credit to Cabbagetown, which I ride (home, one-way) two or three times a week in 70 to 90 minutes. 20km is not as far as you think. I do this on a road bike, fixie or singlespeed, depending on wind direction, weather or whim.
I always have the following tools and toys: puncture resistant tires, a CO2 inflator, a spare tube, a patch kit, tire levers, some zip-ties and a bike tool. Usually need none of them, have used all of them one time or another, takes less space than a water bottle.
Did not ride today, but will be back out soon. I have two winter bikes for any road conditions: a fixed gear with slick tires for dry pavement, and a singlespeed with studded tires for snowy/icy pavement. The latter grips better than cars can. Use a little less pressure for more traction, though it will be slower.
You can get away with only one of the above, but a spare tube is needed if you break the valve stem, and patching in the rain is tricky. If you get more than one flat obviously one spare tube is not sufficient (and sometimes happens if you miss the debris in the tire the first time, easy to do)
So the above will have you fixing a flat and on your way in no time! Assuming your wheels are quick release, if not add a small wrench of appropriate size. Practice changing tires at home first so you aren't frazzled when it happens on the road.
I also carry a small multi-tool which has the common sizes of allen keys (often something will get loose), and a screwdriver (in case of loose accessories) Zip ties are handy for holding things together in a pinch. (say that screw is not loose its missing)
You could carry a chain break tool and a couple spare links. However I've never broken my chain on the road (I'm sure I'm dooming myself now) My multitool includes a chain break tool.
Probably beyond the multi-tool and flat repair items with pump, I would carry a cellphone and/or ttc token and/or cab fare as an emergency backup, for a 20k commute. For multi-day touring I would add spare spokes and spoke wrench.
Oh and latex gloves can be handy to protect your hands from getting all greasy if your chain pops off or I find even changing a flat I get dirty.
That is very true, I could ride on some days an not others. However, I don't know what to do about the shower situation since there's no showers at my office. I live in Mississauga and I have a fear of riding on big roads like Hurontario or Erin MIlls Parkway especially where the 401 exits are located. However, I am looking forward to a couple of bike marathons that I've already signed up for in the upcoming season.
Snow8all asked:
"I don't know what to do about the shower situation since there's no showers at my office."
Kevin's answer:
Don't ride so hard that you work up a sweat. The amount of effort that you put in should be about the same as a brisk walk. If you want to go very fast at the same time, then I recommend a bicycle with electric assist.
Remember all those British films from the 1950's that would have a scene of the very proper Vicar in stiff clerical collar making a pastoral call on his bicycle? That is the riding style to aim for.
Snow8all,
I regularly commute from Mimico to Mississauga Road and the 401 (30km). It's not possible to ride 20km without working up a sweat at all, especially if you need to carry a backpack with your clothes in it. You would work up a sweat walking briskly for 45' in the summer wearing a backpack. So, you need to figure out somewhere to shower if you are going to ride that far. Maybe there's a gym near work that you could join and use their showers?
There are some decent secondary routes in Mississauga that you could take that would be much better than some of the major arteries. I take Mississauga road and the lakeshore or Britania/Terry Fox/Matheson/Centennial Park/Rathburn/Burnhamthorpe isn't bad if you need to get to Bloor. To get farther North I haven't come across a decent route and have just taken Eglinton after Matheson ended although there must be better routes if I had gone that way enough times to experiment.
Not carrying tools is not good advice because they are so easy to carry and because getting stranded in shoes that you can't walk well in is just not worth the risk. On average, I get flat tires every 1500km or so on my road bike which means that if you were to ride your bike to work every day for two months you should expect one flat which luckily you will be able to fix in 10 minutes if you have tools. At minimum I carry a pump, multi tool (allen keys, screw driver etc.), spare tube and patch kit. If my tire/rim combination is such that I can't get the tire off without tools then I also carry tire levers. I don't recommend mini-pumps because it's just too hard to get the pressure up to where it needs to be to prevent flats on road tires with them. I would recommend a full size frame pump like a Zefal HPX for your bike and a foot pump with a guage at home to top up your pressure weekly or so (tires at 120psi lose air quite quickly).
Good luck.
Derek.
A wet facecloth can work wonders. Let yourself cool off, then clean up with a facecloth and clean clothes. Check in our Guide for more details. If you have a 20 km ride, you'll probably need to clean up at least a little.
I agree that the highway exits may be the biggest challenge. Be alert and visible. Some intersections are better than others. The ones with "on-ramps" onto the arterial are the worst kind. Once you get across the highway, avoid the arterials. It'll be slower, but much more enjoyable.
~dj
-dj
Before I had a shower at work, I used the following strategy which worked pretty well.
Apparently, workout sweat in itself has no odor (unlike nervous sweat). But, bacteria breeds in it creating the smell. If you start out clean and wipe down before that happens, you won't have a problem.
It sounds a lot more complicated that it is. I used to ride in pretty hard (from Jane/St. Clair to the Union Station area, via the waterfront), lock up the bike, walked to the coffee shop to buy a coffee and buy the time I reached my desk, I had stopped sweating and was ready to get changed.
I ride 18-22k each way to work, three times a week. I started the longer commute this year, but have been bike commuting for slightly over 10 years. A nearby gym is the most convenient option, particularly if they rent out lockers. I view the monthly fee as something I would pay anyway.
I'm guessing that someone who bought a WSD bike is female and the wet naps may not cut it depending on Snow8all's hairstyle. For long hair, she will need to carry a hairdryer and hairspray. On hair that has been washed the night before that works fine.
Here's a photo of a modern example of how to ride. Lawyers leaving the City Courts in Copenhagen. I have a feeling that while wearing their suits and ties they are not going to be working up a muck sweat. But take a look for yourself at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16nine/2609887613/
Here's a photo of a modern example of how to ride. Lawyers leaving the City Courts in Copenhagen. I have a feeling that while wearing their suits and ties they are not going to be working up a muck sweat. But take a look for yourself at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16nine/2609887613/
Hi all,
Tone's point 3 is bang on : allow time to depressurize and stop sweating. This is key. Even if you jump into a shower, towel off, put on work clothes, and sit down at the desk, if your blood pressure hasn't dropped and you havn't gone from aerobic to anerobic, you will continue to sweat, and ruin the whole "make yourself presentable" process!
I ride almost every day, with kevlar-toe CSA-approved work boots, a full change of clothes, sometimes a hard hat, sometimes a full body harness, and always tools for my work : c-wrench, screwdrivers, tape measure, multitool, knives, etc. I also roll with a spare tube, Zefal MT pump, spare batteries for my lights, and a first aid kit containing nitrile gloves, same as paramedics use. They come in really handy when picking up cables covered in "rave goo", or when the rain soaks thru my riding gloves.
Choosing your route is also important. Heavy arterial traffic will induce that "nervous sweat", whereas a nice flowy ride thru off-road will have you arriving feeling fresh and ready for anything. If I know I've got a stressful day ahead, I'll go out of my way to take a relaxing, enjoyable ride, that will likely also be safer and less confrontational than dealing with traffic.
Hey all, really grateful for how positive and supportive this topic thread has been. It shows the best of Toronto's cycling community, thanks for contributing good ideas and thoughts.
Brian