Bicycle Guys! (4 Viewers)

[Dickies]

Couldn’t get the shifting to work properly on the bike despite spending hours playing with the shifter cable tensions. Took it to the bike shop since I feared it might be something beyond adjustments. They diagnosed it and fixed it in under 10 minutes.    

I’ve built a car from the ground up, yet can’t get a derailleur to shift properly for the life of me. My pride has taken a few hits in this ordeal, but the reality is that it was the best $15 I have spent recently. 

 

[Kao-Lin]

Couldn’t get the shifting to work properly on the bike despite spending hours playing with the shifter cable tensions. Took it to the bike shop since I feared it might be something beyond adjustments. They diagnosed it and fixed it in under 10 minutes.    

I’ve built a car from the ground up, yet can’t get a derailleur to shift properly for the life of me. My pride has taken a few hits in this ordeal, but the reality is that it was the best $15 I have spent recently. 

I'm laughing with you.  Getting smooth shifting up and down a cassette is an art.  I suck at art.

 

[Dickies]

I'm laughing with you.  Getting smooth shifting up and down a cassette is an art.  I suck at art.

Yea, I watched a few YouTube videos and it looked easy enough.  I then tried it myself for maybe an hour with no luck.  Headed back a YouTube for another hour or so, then failed in my next attempt.  It was like WebMD, but instead of learning that my headache might be cancer, YouTube was sending me into a dark place getting me thinking my whole drivetrain is ####ed.

I had dollar signs flashing through my mind when I brought the bike in, thinking they were going to find a bunch of broken parts.  Dude put the bike on the rack, started playing with the cable, which I knew in my mind wasn't the issue, and then minutes later he's pulling the bike down and telling me to go test ride it around the parking lot.

 

[Kao-Lin]

Yea, I watched a few YouTube videos and it looked easy enough.  I then tried it myself for maybe an hour with no luck.  Headed back a YouTube for another hour or so, then failed in my next attempt.  It was like WebMD, but instead of learning that my headache might be cancer, YouTube was sending me into a dark place getting me thinking my whole drivetrain is ####ed.

I had dollar signs flashing through my mind when I brought the bike in, thinking they were going to find a bunch of broken parts.  Dude put the bike on the rack, started playing with the cable, which I knew in my mind wasn't the issue, and then minutes later he's pulling the bike down and telling me to go test ride it around the parking lot.

You weren't adjusting the Johnson rod properly.

 

[beer 30]

Couldn’t get the shifting to work properly on the bike despite spending hours playing with the shifter cable tensions. Took it to the bike shop since I feared it might be something beyond adjustments. They diagnosed it and fixed it in under 10 minutes.    

I’ve built a car from the ground up, yet can’t get a derailleur to shift properly for the life of me. My pride has taken a few hits in this ordeal, but the reality is that it was the best $15 I have spent recently. 

I'm laughing with you.  Getting smooth shifting up and down a cassette is an art.  I suck at art.

 We should start a club. About as detailed as I get is a new chain and cassette. Adjusting anything goes to the bike shop.

The week I got my Domane, assembled it, was jazzed to take it out but the one of the cables either wasn't tightened at the shop it came from or worked loose in transport. I grabbed it redneck style with my pliers, popped the little nub they put on the top of the cables to keep them from unravelling and off to the bike shop I went. Couldn't really hide that with all the wires spread all over hell. I showed him, he nodded, picked it up a day later, never to be mentioned again.

 

[Dickies]

Thanks for the therapy session gentlemen.

 

[The Commish]

What do you guys do with phones and the like?  Mount them or put them in a bag?

 

[Brony]

What do you guys do with phones and the like?  Mount them or put them in a bag?

While a lot of people do this, mounting a bike on the handlebars is really rough on a phones innards such as camera lens. 

Pocket is preferable. Bag is probably OK too 

 

[Kao-Lin]

What do you guys do with phones and the like?  Mount them or put them in a bag?

In ziplock in back shirt pocket.  That along with a credit card and a bit of cash.

 

[Dickies]

What do you guys do with phones and the like?  Mount them or put them in a bag?

Pocket for me, but if the shorts I’m wearing have small pockets I will put the phone in my saddlebag

 

[beer 30]

What do you guys do with phones and the like?  Mount them or put them in a bag?

Have it mounted on my handlebars. Plenty of different types of mounts out there.

If you’re doing some smooth riding (road) this ok. Anything else (trails or gravel) then I’d put it in a pocket in the back of a cycling jersey or if you have space in a under seat bag.

 

[the moops]

Mount mine on my handlebars so I don't get lost. Unless I want to get lost.

Just picked up this Kona Woo

Super stoked to get out in the snow with it

 

[Sand]

Mount mine on my handlebars so I don't get lost. Unless I want to get lost.

Just picked up this Kona Woo

Super stoked to get out in the snow with it

That's purty.  

 

[The Commish]

Went for it. it was on sale for 699....figured if the components are crap, they can be replaced over time

Well, this went over like a wet fart...as soon as I put the order in, my CC company sent me a notification that it was likely a scam site.  They were monitoring and asked when I expected to get the bike.  So I told them and they told me to let them know if I got it.  It's ####### 2020, of course I didn't get it!!  So they blocked the transaction...back to square one

I'm really thinking of just going to ****'s and getting one off the rack.  In the other trustable brands, what would be comparable to the FX4 Disc from Trek?  This is exhausting  

 

[beer 30]

Well, this went over like a wet fart...as soon as I put the order in, my CC company sent me a notification that it was likely a scam site.  They were monitoring and asked when I expected to get the bike.  So I told them and they told me to let them know if I got it.  It's ####### 2020, of course I didn't get it!!  So they blocked the transaction...back to square one

I'm really thinking of just going to ****'s and getting one off the rack.  In the other trustable brands, what would be comparable to the FX4 Disc from Trek?  This is exhausting  

Oh man, sorry to hear that bud. Just seeing this, that absolutely sucks.

Something like this is comparable although the componentry is cheaper but for what you’re wanting to do, this will work fine. Finding it in your size is going to be the challenge, if I remember, you’re well over 6’, correct? Go there and check it out, hopefully they have someone that knows bikes that can help. Try REI as well if there is one close.

 https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/schwinn-signature-mens-super-sport-hybrid-bike-18hjlm700msprsprtdsba/18hjlm700msprsprtdsba

 

[The Commish]

Oh man, sorry to hear that bud. Just seeing this, that absolutely sucks.

Something like this is comparable although the componentry is cheaper but for what you’re wanting to do, this will work fine. Finding it in your size is going to be the challenge, if I remember, you’re well over 6’, correct? Go there and check it out, hopefully they have someone that knows bikes that can help. Try REI as well if there is one close.

 https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/schwinn-signature-mens-super-sport-hybrid-bike-18hjlm700msprsprtdsba/18hjlm700msprsprtdsba

Yeah...6' 5"

I'm in the XL range, which is the problem....

 

[The Commish]

They DO have mountain bikes in the XL size.....just don't know if that makes sense...again, going to be in the neighborhood, light trails, boardwalk at the beach etc.  

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/gt-mens-aggressor-pro-mountain-bike-17gtxmggrssrprxxxprf/17gtxmggrssrprxxxprf?color=Cyan Blue

 

[Captain Cranks]

They DO have mountain bikes in the XL size.....just don't know if that makes sense...again, going to be in the neighborhood, light trails, boardwalk at the beach etc.  

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/gt-mens-aggressor-pro-mountain-bike-17gtxmggrssrprxxxprf/17gtxmggrssrprxxxprf?color=Cyan Blue

Have you looked at the Trek Dual Sport?  Dual Sport  

Even if you never go on trails, you'll appreciate a bike with front suspension.  However, a mountain bike like the one posted won't be as comfortable a ride as a hybrid. 

 

[The Commish]

Have you looked at the Trek Dual Sport?  Dual Sport  

Even if you never go on trails, you'll appreciate a bike with front suspension.  However, a mountain bike like the one posted won't be as comfortable a ride as a hybrid. 

Yeah....cant find any of these around me and ive wondered about the differences between this and the fx bikes

 

[Captain Cranks]

Yeah....cant find any of these around me and ive wondered about the differences between this and the fx bikes

You would prefer the Dual Sport to the FX if you do happen to go on trails or on bumpy roads/sidewalks; the key difference being the front suspension on the DS.  Without it, any sort of non-flat surface is going to make for a harsh ride at times.  I wouldn't want to take an FX on any sort of trails with roots.  It's more like a road bike with a more relaxed geometry whereas the DS gives you more off-road options.

 

[The Commish]

You would prefer the Dual Sport to the FX if you do happen to go on trails or on bumpy roads/sidewalks; the key difference being the front suspension on the DS.  Without it, any sort of non-flat surface is going to make for a harsh ride at times.  I wouldn't want to take an FX on any sort of trails with roots.  It's more like a road bike with a more relaxed geometry whereas the DS gives you more off-road options.

And for someone 6f 5in its an option?  Most of the trails around here are paved but i am sure its only a matter of time before my 13 year old wants to go "off road"  

Im mostly doing this to lose weight (for now)  down 30 lbs, but lacking motivation to go running/walking day after day....need to switch it up. So i do want to be able to do some distance-ish rides from time to time

 

[Captain Cranks]

And for someone 6f 5in its an option?  Most of the trails around here are paved but i am sure its only a matter of time before my 13 year old wants to go "off road"  

Im mostly doing this to lose weight (for now)  down 30 lbs, but lacking motivation to go running/walking day after day....need to switch it up. So i do want to be able to do some distance-ish rides from time to time

Then perhaps an FX-type hybrid bike is a good fit for now and if your kid pushes you to do more off road stuff you can pick up a used mountain bike.  I bought a 2005 Trek 3700 a few months ago for $150.  That thing is built solid and works fine for the moderately difficult trails at Balm Boyette near me.    

 

[The Commish]

Then perhaps an FX-type hybrid bike is a good fit for now and if your kid pushes you to do more off road stuff you can pick up a used mountain bike.  I bought a 2005 Trek 3700 a few months ago for $150.  That thing is built solid and works fine for the moderately difficult trails at Balm Boyette near me.    

I can get my hands on this one:

https://www.trekbikesflorida.com/product/trek-dual-sport-4-340704-1.htm?variations=355614,356452

and I called to verify they are legit .  That's a couple hundred bucks more than the aluminum FX4 I was eyeing and less than the $1700 carbon fiber FX4 I could get my hands on.  If it rides like the FX4 (assuming the forks can lock) I could change the tires to more fitness like tires and be good, no?  They look incredibly similar...handlebars are different, tires are different...drive train, brakes etc all the same.  Seat is different.

 

[The Commish]

Then perhaps an FX-type hybrid bike is a good fit for now and if your kid pushes you to do more off road stuff you can pick up a used mountain bike.  I bought a 2005 Trek 3700 a few months ago for $150.  That thing is built solid and works fine for the moderately difficult trails at Balm Boyette near me.    

I can get my hands on this one:

https://www.trekbikesflorida.com/product/trek-dual-sport-4-340704-1.htm?variations=355614,356452

and I called to verify they are legit .  That's a couple hundred bucks more than the aluminum FX4 I was eyeing and less than the $1700 carbon fiber FX4 I could get my hands on.  If it rides like the FX4 (assuming the forks can lock) I could change the tires to more fitness like tires and be good, no?  They look incredibly similar...handlebars are different, tires are different...drive train, brakes etc all the same.  Seat is different.

Nevermind...it's gone  

 

[beer 30]

Side note, if anyone is looking for cost effective cycling shorts, these are great. Buddy recommended them so I got a pair for Christmas, ordered 3 more after the 1st ride. Can’t beat the cost.

https://www.amazon.com/Sportneer-Cycling-Anti-Slip-Breathable-Absorbent/dp/B01N21AMHO/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&hvadid=78134099567419&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=sportneer+bike+shorts&qid=1609644886&sr=8-3&tag=mh0b-20

 

[NutterButter]

Side note, if anyone is looking for cost effective cycling shorts, these are great. Buddy recommended them so I got a pair for Christmas, ordered 3 more after the 1st ride. Can’t beat the cost.

https://www.amazon.com/Sportneer-Cycling-Anti-Slip-Breathable-Absorbent/dp/B01N21AMHO/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&hvadid=78134099567419&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=sportneer+bike+shorts&qid=1609644886&sr=8-3&tag=mh0b-20

Will give those a shot.   Wish they didnt have the white threading.  Bought another cheapo pair on amazon and they kept riding up my thighs.  Love my pearl izumi shorts but a lot more expensive.   

 

[beer 30]

Will give those a shot.   Wish they didnt have the white threading.  Bought another cheapo pair on amazon and they kept riding up my thighs.  Love my pearl izumi shorts but a lot more expensive.   

So far so good, have about a dozen rides in them and no issues. For $20, grab a pair and if they don’t work for you it doesn’t hurt too much. I have 6 pairs of Bontrager’s but thanks to losing my ###, they no longer fit the way they need to so had to replace them with something.

 

[The Commish]

Then perhaps an FX-type hybrid bike is a good fit for now and if your kid pushes you to do more off road stuff you can pick up a used mountain bike.  I bought a 2005 Trek 3700 a few months ago for $150.  That thing is built solid and works fine for the moderately difficult trails at Balm Boyette near me.    

I can get my hands on this one:

https://www.trekbikesflorida.com/product/trek-dual-sport-4-340704-1.htm?variations=355614,356452

and I called to verify they are legit .  That's a couple hundred bucks more than the aluminum FX4 I was eyeing and less than the $1700 carbon fiber FX4 I could get my hands on.  If it rides like the FX4 (assuming the forks can lock) I could change the tires to more fitness like tires and be good, no?  They look incredibly similar...handlebars are different, tires are different...drive train, brakes etc all the same.  Seat is different.

Nevermind...it's gone  

But back to this discussion and the comparison between the two bikes....I figure IF I can extend the model to 2-3 different ones I might have a better shot landing one.  Would the dual sport be comparable?  It seems like it would but I want to make sure I'm not missing something.  And what are peoples' thoughts on Cannondale?  Beer mentioned going to REI....I have one about 15 miles from me, which is no problem, but it's a completely different company of bikes.

 

[Captain Cranks]

But back to this discussion and the comparison between the two bikes....I figure IF I can extend the model to 2-3 different ones I might have a better shot landing one.  Would the dual sport be comparable?  It seems like it would but I want to make sure I'm not missing something.  And what are peoples' thoughts on Cannondale?  Beer mentioned going to REI....I have one about 15 miles from me, which is no problem, but it's a completely different company of bikes.

Cannondale and Trek are of similar quality/price.  Raleigh, Marin, and Giant make good bikes too.   

Cannondale Quick CX3

Giant Roam

Raleigh

Have you checked out the used market on Facebook Marketplace?  Here's a Cannondale Quick in Brooksville.  I'm not sure what size it is.  FB post

ETA - It looks like REI has the Cannondale Quick CX3 that can be shipped to the store. 

 

[The Commish]

Cannondale and Trek are of similar quality/price.  Raleigh, Marin, and Giant make good bikes too.   

Cannondale Quick CX3

Giant Roam

Raleigh

Have you checked out the used market on Facebook Marketplace?  Here's a Cannondale Quick in Brooksville.  I'm not sure what size it is.  FB post

ETA - It looks like REI has the Cannondale Quick CX3 that can be shipped to the store. 

I've been avoiding it, but was going to take a look starting today   

 

[the moops]

Cannondale and Trek are of similar quality/price.  Raleigh, Marin, and Giant make good bikes too.   

Cannondale Quick CX3

Giant Roam

Raleigh

Have you checked out the used market on Facebook Marketplace?  Here's a Cannondale Quick in Brooksville.  I'm not sure what size it is.  FB post

ETA - It looks like REI has the Cannondale Quick CX3 that can be shipped to the store. 

I've been avoiding it, but was going to take a look starting today   

I would recommend not getting too locked into a Trek or Cannondale or whatever. Find the things you want in a bike and expand your search. And defintely don't buy something off the shelf from ****'s. That bike has pretty terrible components and there is zero reason to have a 3x7 gear setup.

I have noticed more and more bikes popping up on craigslist and facebook these days as people realize that they sort of wasted 1000+ dollars in the spring

 

[Captain Cranks]

I would recommend not getting too locked into a Trek or Cannondale or whatever. Find the things you want in a bike and expand your search. And defintely don't buy something off the shelf from ****'s. That bike has pretty terrible components and there is zero reason to have a 3x7 gear setup.

I have noticed more and more bikes popping up on craigslist and facebook these days as people realize that they sort of wasted 1000+ dollars in the spring

There's definitely more used inventory on FB lately.  I personally wouldn't buy a new bike, but I've also been researching for months now so I have a decent idea of what I want/what to look for.  

 

[The Commish]

I would recommend not getting too locked into a Trek or Cannondale or whatever. Find the things you want in a bike and expand your search. And defintely don't buy something off the shelf from ****'s. That bike has pretty terrible components and there is zero reason to have a 3x7 gear setup.

I have noticed more and more bikes popping up on craigslist and facebook these days as people realize that they sort of wasted 1000+ dollars in the spring

Oh, i'm not.....I know I want something that fits the bill of general neighborhood riding with the kids plus some distance when by myself as well as some trail riding (mostly paved...at worst hard packed dirt).  I am going to head up to a local GIANT/Cannondale place this afternoon and talk to them too...they know all the places I'm going to be.  I thought I had it all figured out until CC put the idea in my head that I might want something for the times where I hit less than ideal conditions on the trails etc    

 

[the moops]

But I do want to say good luck! There is not much that brings more joy to me than riding my bike with friends or my kids

 

[Captain Cranks]

Oh, i'm not.....I know I want something that fits the bill of general neighborhood riding with the kids plus some distance when by myself as well as some trail riding (mostly paved...at worst hard packed dirt).  I am going to head up to a local GIANT/Cannondale place this afternoon and talk to them too...they know all the places I'm going to be.  I thought I had it all figured out until CC put the idea in my head that I might want something for the times where I hit less than ideal conditions on the trails etc    

Sorry.  Didn't mean to get you off track.  As I mentioned before, I'd probably stick with something similar to the FX since it sounds like you're more inclined to do distance riding than be on trails where a front suspension is needed.  One of the newer trends in cycling are gravel bikes.    gravel bike guide

They're effectively road bikes but have wider forks so they can install tires wide enough to go off-road a bit.

Gravel bike vs MTB    

 

[The Commish]

Sorry.  Didn't mean to get you off track.  As I mentioned before, I'd probably stick with something similar to the FX since it sounds like you're more inclined to do distance riding than be on trails where a front suspension is needed.  One of the newer trends in cycling are gravel bikes.    gravel bike guide

They're effectively road bikes but have wider forks so they can install tires wide enough to go off-road a bit.

Gravel bike vs MTB    

To this point though, if it's "locked" then it's like having that suspension of an FX type of bike right?  Looking at the different hybrid bikes out there, the only one I see that doesn't have a front suspension like you pointed out is that FX series...their dual sports do though.  And almost everything else about their dual sport is exactly the same (sans handlebars and couple things like seat, stem).  So you have a very good point IMO.  

 

[Captain Cranks]

To this point though, if it's "locked" then it's like having that suspension of an FX type of bike right?  Looking at the different hybrid bikes out there, the only one I see that doesn't have a front suspension like you pointed out is that FX series...their dual sports do though.  And almost everything else about their dual sport is exactly the same (sans handlebars and couple things like seat, stem).  So you have a very good point IMO.  

Yup, you can lock the fork so it doesn't "travel".  You just have to make sure the fork has locking ability.  Not all FS forks have it.  

Here's a quick write-up on the different Trek hybrids.  Trek Hybrids

 

[The General]

Adding an eBike to the quiver.

Probably going to settle on the RadMission. It’s RadBikes newest and cheapest model. Super fun to cruise on when the ride is just a little longer (or hillier) than I want to deal with.

Going to get one in next week or 2 before Spring gets here.

Anyone riding these?

 

[beer 30]

Any Zwifters riding Haute Road this year? Starts tomorrow, 3 days of up, back-to-back-to-back. Last year was in France and kicked my ###. I expect a similar result this year 

 

[Redwes25]

I have really picked up on biking in the last year (combination of Peloton and actual biking).  I purchased a decent hybrid bike in late March (really best I could find at the time) and enjoyed it last year but as winter hit I basically been just on the Peloton since about November.

It hit about 50 degrees yesterday in NYC so going to start a search for a high quality road-bike.  Looking to spend around 2k but could spend a bit more.  Hopefully the bike situation has improved a bit from last year but I will find out soon enough.    

 

[beer 30]

I have really picked up on biking in the last year (combination of Peloton and actual biking).  I purchased a decent hybrid bike in late March (really best I could find at the time) and enjoyed it last year but as winter hit I basically been just on the Peloton since about November.

It hit about 50 degrees yesterday in NYC so going to start a search for a high quality road-bike.  Looking to spend around 2k but could spend a bit more.  Hopefully the bike situation has improved a bit from last year but I will find out soon enough.    

From what I've seen on Reddit, it seems like there is more availability but it still spotty. I work with a guy that is a salesman at the local Trek store and he said he's still out 8 months for new orders.

 

[brettdj]

Any Zwifters riding Haute Road this year? Starts tomorrow, 3 days of up, back-to-back-to-back. Last year was in France and kicked my ###. I expect a similar result this year 

Hoping to but have a football game tomorrow evening.  Should get Sat and Sun.  Looks rough.

 

[beer 30]

Hoping to but have a football game tomorrow evening.  Should get Sat and Sun.  Looks rough.

Yea, tomorrow is the ball buster for me. Signed up for the 5am ride. I just rode the full Mega Pretzel a few weeks ago and it was killer. Hoping to finish tomorrows ride in 2 hours or so.

 

[Redwes25]

From what I've seen on Reddit, it seems like there is more availability but it still spotty. I work with a guy that is a salesman at the local Trek store and he said he's still out 8 months for new orders.

ugh..  Being average size imagine slime pickings out there for new bikes if 8 months for new orders.  

 

[arrow1]

Yea, tomorrow is the ball buster for me. Signed up for the 5am ride. I just rode the full Mega Pretzel a few weeks ago and it was killer. Hoping to finish tomorrows ride in 2 hours or so.

Mega Pretzel is tough..well done!

 

[beer 30]

Yea, tomorrow is the ball buster for me. Signed up for the 5am ride. I just rode the full Mega Pretzel a few weeks ago and it was killer. Hoping to finish tomorrows ride in 2 hours or so.

Think I finished in 2:14 and was happy with it, that reverse Epic KOM is killer, one of my least favorite climbs in Zwift. On to Stage 2!

https://blog.hauteroute.org/en/haute-route-watopia-2021-stages-description

 

[brettdj]

Think I finished in 2:14 and was happy with it, that reverse Epic KOM is killer, one of my least favorite climbs in Zwift. On to Stage 2!

https://blog.hauteroute.org/en/haute-route-watopia-2021-stages-description

I am hoping to find 3 hours to attempt this.  But I don't think todays schedule will work.  Should get tomorrows ride in, but It will be tough.

 

[The General]

I picked up the eBike. Gotta say this is pretty awesome. Road to place about 5 miles away today. Ride back is pretty much all up hill, nothing crazy but a steady climb. 

Made it back in about 15 mins with a light sweat. Just charging up hills. 

Was like Lance Armstrong in the power EPO days.

 

[Apple Jack]

From what I've seen on Reddit, it seems like there is more availability but it still spotty. I work with a guy that is a salesman at the local Trek store and he said he's still out 8 months for new orders.

Yeah, it's still terrible. Such a bummer, because I've been trying to trade in my MTB for a gravel bike for over a year. Inventory wasn't great even before the pandemic. Obviously, now is insane.

 

[jrt103]

I picked up the eBike. Gotta say this is pretty awesome. Road to place about 5 miles away today. Ride back is pretty much all up hill, nothing crazy but a steady climb. 

Made it back in about 15 mins with a light sweat. Just charging up hills. 

Was like Lance Armstrong in the power EPO days.

Think there would be any issues for a tall person to ride?  (6'3")