Anyone into bicycles and bicycle racing?

If you don't mind spending the money, go ahead a get a new saddle. If you have a shop nearby w/a lot of choices, see if they will let you try out a few.

You will have to flip the typical road bike clipless pedals, too, but they will hang rear side down, so they are easier to get into than cages.

cages = clips

Lots of places online to get gear, but this is one I really like.
PricePoint

harddock wrote: I was never a big fan of clipless pedals until I tried a set of Speedplay Frogs. easy in and out and cleats can go on sandals, traditional bike shoes or MB hiking type shoes so you can walk around easily and still have the benefits of clipless.

Oh, cool. I should look into those as well. Just did some quick research, and it seems like they should be really easy to use.

So, I wound up buying the bike I linked too above. I've taken it on a handful of rides after work and last Saturday. The frame size seems to be a good fit. I can't believe how much lighter and faster shifting it is compared to my old bike.

Of course, now the bug to get gear to enhance the experience has already kicked in.

Two things. One, the seat, for my old bike I had bought one of those gel filled and man part relief channeled Serfas seats. I don't have my old one, but was going to buy a new one. The seat the bike came with is very hard. A friend who is an avid bike commuter says I'll eventually get accustomed to that, but his bike is little more commute friendly, so I'm not sure he fully understands the situation. So far, I haven't gotten used to it. Should I spring for the channeled deal again for $55 or will I eventuually become accustomed to the stock?

Also, clipless peddles: (still getting used to the fact that you clip-in to clip-less peddles, oh well). The PO threw in peddles with "cages" and they're ok but a little annoying to start from a stop in because I have to flip them around into position each time. I've done some research, and it seems like the SPD Mountain Bike style might be better for commuting, since you can walk around in them.

I also saw in a magazine article that the Look Keo "Easy" pedal might be a good choice for beginners, but I'm gathering you can't walk around in the compatible shoes. Any thoughts?

Definitely impressive. You guys aren't messing around.

Just got back into riding again after a 5 month hiatus from a lower back injury. First ride back Sunday was 40 miles at 19mph avg, felt great!
Typically will put in 100-120/week.

My steed:


My old one:

At 25.25 pounds that bike is no lightweight!
My old 04 Trek 5000 is not state of the art, but it still weighs only 18 pounds. ikes like it can be had used pretty cheap, and it comes with Shimano Ultegra components, a big step from the components on that bike. It is carbon fibre so that is part of the weight savings. The 5000 listed for about $2,200 new, but I see them on eBay for around $700 frequently. There are lots of other good makes as well, I am not married to Trek.

Reid, we just needed your HOT air in Kitty Hawk for lift

john b wrote: That LeMond appears to have a very large frame. Are you very tall?

I'm about 6'3", although I am a little concerned about the standover height. I've noticed a lot of the newer ones kind of curve down a bit, that one is just straight horizontal. I'll definitely have to make sure I have the proper clearance   

That LeMond appears to have a very large frame. Are you very tall?

I think that is a good entry level commuter bike, and it looks like the price is pretty reasonable compared to similar Tourmalets that are for sale.

One thing I noticed is that the bike has a triple crank but his description refers to a double.

Nice bike and that family hauler is one cool shot!

Bri892001 wrote: What do you guys think would be a reasonable distance to commute by bike? My commute would be about 25 miles each way, but about 18 of those miles would be on a nice trail, which would make it a little easier.

A 25 mile commute is not too bad if you are only doing it one direction and you don't have to get home in a hurry. Another option is to drive half-way and ride your bike the other half.

As the sun comes up earlier, I start adding miles to my morning commute.

We ride .... in the woods

Wow, nice bike Doug. I know Keith is a bike rider as well, although I think mountain biking. He posted a video on his CCF Youtube account.

It's probably more my naivete that has me considering it. But, I figured if I just rode the bike home, on a nice Friday, then I'd have the next day to kind of recover. It's the logistics of a one way ride I'm kind of stuck on. If I had any co-workers that lived near me, it would be easy to catch a ride in to work, so I could ride the bike home.