Calling 02 cylclist need advise!

[TTyMiller]

I used to ride and now that I'm getting older I need to get back into it for exercise.

Here are the bikes I'm considering from the sportymomabikes.com site.

I like the ultgra and the carbon cranks, but are they worth it?

Ichecked out some carbon frames and they are crazy light. However I'm old school and you give up components at this site for thelight frame, don't know about that.

Oh and I was almost a CAT 3 thus the choice of bikes, can't ride a bike from Walmart; it's beneath me!

It's a long post, thanks for looking.

Sprint 995.00

FRAME: High Modulus Carbon Fiber SeatStays, Kinesis Double-Butted 7005 Aluminum, 2xH2O bosses, replaceable derailleur hanger

FORK: Aero Kinesis Carbon Fiber TaperBlade with 1.125 inch threadless steerer

DERAILLEURS RR/FR: Shimano Ultegra 6600 Triple front and rear for 30 speed

SHIFTERS: Shimano Ultegra 6600 STI 30 speed

BRAKES: TEKTRO R530 Black Polished Aluminum Dual-Pivot Calipers / Shimano Ultegra 6600 STI Levers

HUBS: Vuelta XRP PRO Precision sealed bearings, Black Anodized Aluminum w/QR

RIMS: Vuelta XRP PRO Black Anodized Aluminum, Double wall, Aero Rim/Spokes

CRANK: Truvativ Elita Triple 52/39/30T Integrated / Truvativ GXP External BB

CASSETTE: Shimano 105 5600 10 Speed 12-25T

CHAIN: Shimano CN5600 (30 gears)

SADDLE: Velo Racing Turbo with comfort slot

SEATPOST: Ritchey Comp 280mmx27.2mm Aluminum

STEM: Ritchey Comp Threadless Aluminum 26.0 clamp 1.125 Steerer

HANDLEBARS: Ritchey Biomax Comp Butted Aluminum Ergo Bar

PEDALS: SPD compatible Road Clipless Pedals

TIRES: Kenda K196 Kontender 700X23c (high pressure) / Presta valve tubes

COLORS: SILVER OR INKA

Century Comp 995.00

FRAME: 2.8 Pound Monocoque High Modulus Carbon Fiber Semi-Compact frame with replaceable derailleur hanger, 2x H2O bosses

FORK: AeroCarbon SL High Modulus Monocoque Carbon Fiber with Carbon Crown+Aluminum Steerer 1.125 inch

DERAILLEURS RR/FR: FRONT: Shimano Tiagra 9 Speed (27 spd total) REAR: Shimano 105 5600

SHIFTERS: Shimano Tiagra 9 Speed STI (27 speed total)

BRAKES: Black Anodized Tektro Aluminum calipers

HUBS: Shimano WH-R500 Sealed Bearing Black Anodized

RIMS: Shimano WH-R500 with CNC sides, Black Spokes

CRANK: FSA Vero Aluminum Triple 50/39/30T with Sealed Bearing Bottom Bracket

CASSETTE: Shimano HG 9 Speed 11-25T

CHAIN: Z9000 9 spd Chain

SADDLE: Road Racing

SEATPOST: FSA Carbon Fiber FR270, 27.2mm

STEM: Ritchey Comp Aluminum 1.125 inch steerer, 26.0 clamp

HANDLEBARS: Ritchey Comp SingleButted 6061 Aluminum Ergo Bar

PEDALS: Superlight Clipless Pedals with Cleats included

TIRES: Kenda Kontender 700x23c, Presta valve tubes

COLORS: CarbonBlack

Sprinttour 1195.00

FRAME: High Modulus CarbonFiber Mono-SeatStay, Kinesis Handmade Double-Butted 7005 Aluminum Main Frame with replaceable derailleur hanger and 2xH2O brazeons

FORK: Aero Kinesis Pro High Modulus Carbon Fiber with 1.125 inch aluminum steerer tube

DERAILLEURS RR/FR: Shimano NEW Ultegra 6600 30spd front and rear

SHIFTERS: NEW Ultegra 6600 30spd STI

BRAKES: NEW CANE CREEK SCR3 Black Polished Aluminum Calipers

HUBS: Vuelta XRP PRO SuperLite Wheelset

RIMS: Vuelta XRP PRO SuperLite Wheelset

CRANK: FSA SL-K Lite MegaEXO Hollow Carbon Fiber Triple Crankset 52/39/30T

CASSETTE: NEW Shimano 5600 10spd 12-25 T

CHAIN: NEW Shimano CN-5600 20spd

SADDLE: M-Wings Systeme Racing V-cut

SEATPOST: Ritchey Comp Road Aluminum 27.2x300mm blk

STEM:

HANDLEBARS: Ritchey BIOMAX II Aluminum

PEDALS: Clipless Road pedals (fits two-bolt sole pattern shoes)

TIRES: Kenda Kaliente Road Race Kevlar 700X23c 125 psi / presta valve tubes

COLORS: TEAM BLUE

Grand Sprint 1195

FRAME: High Modulus CarbonFiber Mono-SeatStay, Kinesis Handmade Double-Butted 7005 Aluminum Main Frame with replaceable derailleur hanger and 2xH2O brazeons

FORK: Aero Kinesis Pro Carbon Fiber with 1.125 inch aluminum steerer tube

DERAILLEURS RR/FR: Shimano NEW Ultegra 6600 20spd front and rear

SHIFTERS: NEW Ultegra 6610 20spd STI (integrated brake+shift levers)

BRAKES: NEW CANE CREEK SCR Polished Aluminum Calipers

HUBS: Vuelta XRP Pro SL wheelset

RIMS: Vuelta XRP Pro SL wheelset

CRANK: FSA SLK-Lite MegaEXO Hollow Carbon Fiber Crankset 53/39T

CASSETTE: NEW Shimano 5600 10spd 12-25 T

CHAIN: NEW Shimano CN-5600 20spd

SADDLE: M-Wings Systeme Racing V-cut

SEATPOST: Ritchey Comp Road Aluminum 27.2x300mm blk

STEM:

HANDLEBARS: Ritchey BIOMAX II Aluminum

PEDALS: spd compatible CLIPLESS ROAD PEDALS

TIRES: Kenda Kaliente Road Race Kevlar 700X23c 125 psi / presta valve tubes

COLORS: silver

Immortal Pro 1295.00

FRAME: 2.7 Pound Monocoque High Modulus Carbon Fiber with replaceable derailleur hanger, 2x H2O bosses

FORK: AeroCarbon SL High Modulus Monocoque Carbon Fiber with Carbon Crown+Aluminum Steerer 1.125 inch

DERAILLEURS RR/FR: FRONT: Shimano 5600 105 10 Speed (20 Spd total) REAR: Shimano Ultegra 6600

SHIFTERS: Shimano 5600 105 10 Speed STI (20 Speed total)

BRAKES: Cane Creek SCR3 aluminum calipers

HUBS: Shimano Sealed Bearing Black Anodized

RIMS: Shimano WH-R500 with CNC sides, Aero Bladed Spokes 20/24

CRANK: FSA CarbonPro Carbon Fiber (carbon wrap) Compact 50/34T integrated with MEGAEXO External Bearing Bottom Bracket (

CASSETTE: Shimano 105 10 Speed 11-25T

CHAIN: Shimano CN5600 105 10spd Chain

SADDLE: Road Racing

SEATPOST: FSA Carbon Fiber FR270, 27.2mm (carbon wrap)

STEM: Ritchey Comp Aluminum 1.125 inch steerer, 26.0 clamp

HANDLEBARS: Ritchey Comp SingleButted 6061 Aluminum Ergo Bar

PEDALS: Superlight Clipless Pedals with Cleats included

TIRES: Kenda Kaliente IronCloak Kevlar 700x23c, Presta valve tubes

COLORS: BLACK CARBON, YELLOW

LE CHAMPION TI 1699.00 a little rich but if it's worth it, OK!FRAME: Butted 3/2.5 Titanium with replaceable derailleur hanger, 2x H2O bosses

FORK: AeroCarbon SL High Modulus Monocoque 3K Carbon Fiber with 1.125 inch Steerer

DERAILLEURS RR/FR: Shimano Ultegra 10 Speed (20 Spd total) front and rear

SHIFTERS: Shimano Ultegra 10 Speed STI (20 Speed total)

BRAKES: Cane Creek SCR3 dual pivot aluminum calipers

HUBS: Ritchey PRO sealed bearings

RIMS: Ritchey PRO OCR technology

CRANK: FSA Energy 50/34T

CASSETTE: Shimano 5600 10 Speed 12-27T

CHAIN: Shimano CN HG5600 10spd Chain

SADDLE: Road Racing

SEATPOST: Ritchey PRO Aluminum 27.2mm x 300mm

STEM: Ritchey PRO Aluminum 1.125 inch steerer, 26.0 clamp

HANDLEBARS: Ritchey PRO Butted Aluminum Ergo Bar 26.0mm

PEDALS: PD-5610 Road Clipless Pedals included

TIRES: Kenda Kaliente IronCloak Kevlar or Vittoria Rubino (No Choice) 700x23c, Presta valve tubes

COLORS: Brushed Titanium

[cj]

If you can buy the top-of-the-line, buy it. Otherwise you'll be replacing components on the lower versions with componnets from the higher end bike.

Pay now or pay later, later will come out to be more money spent!

Good luck bud and happy cycling!

Cris

[Armond]

hey Terry.Get the compact carbon frame like the Giant OCR. I also suggest you get measured by your LBS to make sure you get the right size frame.

the Mavic Ksyrium rims alson with Ultegra components and drive train. you can get a good deal from this site:

http://www.roadbikereview.com/

or just look on CL. I bought a Santa Cruz roadster with Campy Record components and mavic ksyriums on CL for 1200. These bikes went for 3.5K when new.

hey Cris: have you sold your monkey bike yet? you going back to tricycles?

[TTyMiller]

Thanks my brothers. So you guys like the carbon frames? I was kinda thinking along CJ train of thought get the best components.

Armond what is CL?

[Armond]

Thanks my brothers. So you guys like the carbon frames? I was kinda thinking along CJ train of thought get the best components.

Armone what is CL?

CL means craigslist

LBS means Local Bike Shop

[TTyMiller]

I was on the LBS you got me on the craigs list though. thanks!

I didn't know you rode. I'm getting the wife one too a Motobecane Gigi retails around new 1800 and found one new for 550. She's going to be my new team i'm going to draft off of her she just does not know it; until I get my legs back LOL. Just kidding about the drafting.

[Armond]

I was on the LBS you got me on the craigs list though. thanks!

I didn't know you rode. I'm getting the wife one too a Motobecane Gigi retails around new 1800 and found one new for 550. She's going to be my new team i'm going to draft off of her she just does not know it; until I get my legs back LOL. Just kidding about the drafting.

I paddle my outrigger (4x a week) more than I ride now Terry which sucks cuz I'm surrounded with beautiful back roads. I just dont have the time anymore. Perhaps I should keep off the Politics forum.

[TTyMiller]

I was on the LBS you got me on the craigs list though. thanks!

I didn't know you rode. I'm getting the wife one too a Motobecane Gigi retails around new 1800 and found one new for 550. She's going to be my new team i'm going to draft off of her she just does not know it; until I get my legs back LOL. Just kidding about the drafting.

I paddle my outrigger (4x a week) more than I ride now Terry which sucks cuz I'm surrounded with beautiful back roads. I just dont have the time anymore. Perhaps I should keep off the Politics forum.

My Man getting back on the bike has been calling me for a good while, so I'm jumping all in because only good can come from it. I'm going to restore my old Italian Meile for the hell of it because we rode so many miles together; and kicked some ass.

[Armond]

I was on the LBS you got me on the craigs list though. thanks!

I didn't know you rode. I'm getting the wife one too a Motobecane Gigi retails around new 1800 and found one new for 550. She's going to be my new team i'm going to draft off of her she just does not know it; until I get my legs back LOL. Just kidding about the drafting.

I paddle my outrigger (4x a week) more than I ride now Terry which sucks cuz I'm surrounded with beautiful back roads. I just dont have the time anymore. Perhaps I should keep off the Politics forum.

My Man getting back on the bike has been calling me for a good while, so I'm jumping all in because only good can come from it. I'm going to restore my old Italian Meile for the hell of it because we rode so many miles together; and kicked some ass.

there you go. there is nothing wrong about restoring something that worked. I have an old Santa Cruz Superlite MTB that I cant get rid off for the same reason. I used to bomb those hills and kicked butt.

[Grover]

This is probably stating the obvious, but I'd highly recommend trying to ride the bikes if possible. Frame geometry will vary considerably between manufacturers. At the very least, you could sample carbon vs. steel as they will ride quite differently. As you probably know, most manufacturers put the "higher end" parts in the most visible places (rear derailleur, crank) and then get back their margins by putting on cheaper hubs, headset, bottom bracket, and various other places that aren't so obvious. So don't get wooed by just an Ultegra rear derailleur (as that's pretty easy to change), rather, make sure you are comfortable with all the components as a whole. Whatever you do, make sure you get sized first or you'll never get totally comfortable on the bike, the right stem length, angle, and seat to crank distance/angle are key. Good luck.

I haven't looked at it in a while, but here's a link to a friend of mines retail site where they have a good bike fit tool. I don't think they have anything in your price range, but just to narrow in on fit it might be worth a try. http://www.wrenchscience.com/road

[cj]

Whatever you do, make sure you get sized first or you'll never get totally comfortable on the bike, the right stem length, angle, and seat to crank distance/angle are key. Good luck.

+1. This man knows!

[Armond]

Whatever you do, make sure you get sized first or you'll never get totally comfortable on the bike, the right stem length, angle, and seat to crank distance/angle are key. Good luck.

+1. This man knows!

look at you kissing Tom's ass as usual.

I said the same thing..

Big man wrote

I also suggest you get measured by your LBS to make sure you get the right size frame.

[SteveJ]

Terry,

Where are you at?

First off, when were you racing? How long have you been out of the cycling scene? A quick way to check- how many gears did your last racing bike have? 10? 12? Downtube shifters? What plans do you have? Gonna re-instate the competition license?

I see your wife is getting a bike as well. What is her riding experience? What type of riding does she want to do?

The reason I ask, is that you should maybe look at a tandem. My wife bought a single bike to "go ride with me". It ended up I was much faster and felt I had to wait up for her. She felt she had to try and keep up with me. I wanted to teach her all about bike control and shifting and such, she just wanted to ride for fun. After she took a slow speed spill, she was done with the single. A few months later, a friend loaned us a tandem to try out. She was hooked.

The tandem rides are more social. However, if you are a speed-freak, just wait until you motor a tandem past a whole paceline of single bikes. Fun! Some downsides to consider: She will always be right behind you- you can't drop her in a sprint. You'll probably end up spending less time on the single bike. And now when you go into the bike shop, she'll leave with new shorts and jersey, you'll leave with an inner tube.

Check the Santana Tandems website for some good info and a fun test you two can take.

If you do go for single bikes, the ones from Sportymama/bikes direct/ etc...are all OK. (I picked up one of the $200 single speed Motobecanes for my rainy-day beater) From what I've heard, most of the sub-$2500 carbon fiber bikes out there are virtually the same. Basic frames that are usually fab'd in Taiwan and then spec'd with varying levels of components to make the price points. Just cause they are mass produced in Taiwan does not make them poor bikes. Most of the bigger names Low to mid bikes are all produced there as well- Specialized, etc... Back in the day, it was Italian steel frames that were mass produced and then stickered up with various brands.

As you have heard, in many different situations, SIZE MATTERS. If you raced, you probably had a pretty good handle on what fit you. There are some pretty good sizing tools on line that will give you a baseline to work with. Wrenchscience.com is one.

***Now, some much needed 02 content for this thread***

Look for an older Yakima rack for cars with rain gutters. The Yakima/Thule argument is the same as paper and plastic, etc...Bicycle swap meets or Craigslist are all good sources. If you do end up with a tandem, the ATOC tandem topper is the best bet for a roof top. If you have an SUV, the draft master is cool.

PS: the compact drivetrains (50/34) are a godsend for us older farts. I'm waiting for my 12-29 cassette to come in so I can finish the upgrade of my DeRosa. I'm not quite ready for a triple...yet.

[TTyMiller]

Steve thanks for the info. I have not rode for at least ten years. My last bike was a meile with down shifters. I was a decent rider never first but upper 35% finisher. I'm still looking. I can't do the tandem thing not my style she has her own cars Mustangs and she will need her own bike. She works out all the time and is in better shape than I She has the pulse rate of an pro athlete and low blood pressure to boot, runs four miles at lunch three four times a week so I don't worry about her; I worry about me!

So I have raised the bar on what I'm looking to purchase.

All advise is appreciated.

Frame

2.7 Pound Monocoque High Modulus Carbon Fiber with replaceable derailleur hanger, 2x H2O bosses

Fork

AeroCarbon SL High Modulus Monocoque Carbon Fiber with Carbon Crown+Steerer 1.125 inch

Headset

Cane Creek IS2 Sealed Bearing Threadless 1.125 inch

Derailleurs

Shimano Ultegra 6700 10 Speed (20 Spd total) front and rear

Shifters/Levers

Shimano Ultegra 6700 10 Speed STI (20 Speed total)

Brakes

Shimano Ultegra 6700 aluminum calipers

Hubs

Mavic Ksyrium Equipe sealed bearings

Rims

Mavic Ksyrium Equipe with UB Control rim surface

Crank/BottomBracket

Ultegra 6700 53/39T integrated with External Bearing Bottom Bracket

Cassette/Chain

Shimano 6700 Ultegra 10 Speed 11-28T, Shimano CN HG6700 Ultegra 10spd Chain

Saddle

Ritchey PRO Streem, Road Racing, hollow CrMo rails

Seatpost

Ritchey PRO Carbon Fiber 27.2mm

Stem

Ritchey WCS Aluminum 1.125 inch steerer, 31.8mm clamp

Handlebars

Ritchey Logic II WCS Butted Aluminum Ergo Bar

SPECIAL DEAL click HERE for near wholesale pricing on Super Light Full Carbon Fiber handlebars

Pedals

+BONUS Road Clipless Pedals included (worth up to $75) due to promotional contracts, we cannot publish this brand name

Tires Vittoria Rubino PRO Kevlar 700x23c, Presta valve tubes

Color BlackCarbon

Retail $3395.00

Frame

2.7 Pound Monocoque High Modulus Carbon Fiber with replaceable derailleur hanger, 2x H2O bosses CLICK HERE if you want to order just the frameset (frame+fork)

Fork

AeroCarbon SL High Modulus Monocoque Carbon Fiber with Carbon Crown+Steerer, 1.125 inch

Headset

FSA IS2 Sealed Bearing, Threadless 1.125 inch

Derailleurs

Shimano 6700 Ultegra 10 Speed (20 Spd total) front and rear

Shifters/Levers

Shimano 6700 Ultegra 10 Speed STI (20 Speed total)

Brakes

Cane Creek SCR6 aluminum calipers

Hubs

Ritchey PRO Sealed Precision Bearing Black Anodized

Free Upgrade to Mavic Aksium Race with QRM Bearings (as shown)

Rims

Ritchey PRO with CNC sides

Free Upgrade to Mavic Aksium Race (as shown)

Crank/BottomBracket

FSA SL-K Light, Hollow Carbon Fiber arms, 50/34T Machined AL Rings

(50-53cm=170mm, 56cm=172.5mm, 59- 62cm=175mm)

integrated with MEGAEXO External Bearing Bottom Bracket

Cassette/Chain

Shimano 6700 10 Speed 11-28T, Shimano CN6700 10spd Chain

Saddle

Ritchey Streem Road Racing (Turbo style)

Seatpost

FSA FR270 Carbon Fiber Wrap, 27.2mm

Stem

Ritchey Pro Aluminum 1.125 inch steerer, 31.8mm clamp

(50-53cm=90mm, 56cm=100mm, 59-62cm=110mm)

Handlebars

Ritchey Pro Butted Aluminum BioMax Ergo Bar, 31.8mm

(50-53cm=40, 56cm=42, 59-62cm=44)

SPECIAL DEAL click HERE for near wholesale price on Super Light Full Carbon Fiber handlebars

Pedals

+BONUS FREE Superlight Clipless Pedals

(these fit shoes with a two-bolt "spd-type" sole, not "spd-sl")

Tires Vittoria Rubino PRO 700x23c (folding bead), Presta valve tubes

Color WhitePearl More White Pics or BlackCarbon Black Pics Gallery

(frames have visible carbon weave in mid-section of major tubes)

The Black frames have blue decals as shown, the White frames have red or blue (no choice, most have red decals

retail $3195

I like the first because it's full Ultrega

What do you think? Because I got to get on the road!

Thnaks in advance Gents.

[Armond]

is this a motobecane frame?the carbon frame is the way to go. get the first pick if it fits right.