I like to Ride my Bicycle...

[dat_steve]

going to take a run at squamish again this weekend. this time weather won't be a factor GRR

[604CEFIRO]

Where in west van are you getting on the highway?

[bcrdukes]

Damn, do you guys ride up Taylor Way?

[roastpuff]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

This is my own experience from what I saw on Craigslist recently (give or take a few bucks here and there)

1. Frame/fork - $600 (let's just say that's how much you get it for)
2. Wheels - something like Fulcrum Racing 7s - $160
3. 105 groupset - $500 (let's just use this number for now)
4. Cockpit - Uhh...let's say $300 (stem, handlebar, seatpost, saddle?) Maybe less or more. (I have a spare handlebar, stem and seat post!)
5. Misc - cable housing, bar tape, and what have you etc. $50

That in itself is already around $1500 and change. Nothing wrong with a 2011 model. The Specialized would come with a warranty and the geometry is VERY similar to the Scott CR1.

I'm biased having owned a Scott myself and quite enjoy the hunt of building a bike. On the other hand, I prefer SRAM over Shimano. Then again, not everybody is as ADHD as I am.

I'm going to go for a bike ride later today to see if I am comfortable on drop bars - I have never used them before. The shop that I am going to stocks both Scott and Specialized so hopefully I will be able to try out a Roubaix and a CR1 in the appropriate size for me!

Hmm, so if they are going to be similar in cost - the warranty might be the tipping points, as well as LBS support.

Originally Posted by tipy

hey roastpuff. i m also looking for a frame to build my own bike as well.
just in case if you are not going to buy it. would you be able to hook it up? do you know the frame size?
Fit Calculator - Competitive Cyclist
this site have a fit calculator for you if you need it

I'll ask, but no promises!

Originally Posted by OTG-ZR2

Consider buying a quality bike from the beginning. When I was in the market for my commuter/CX bike, I was looking at mid range models but ended up with something a little better. It was hard on the bank account to get over the initial cost (I blew my budget, big time) but I don't regret it one bit. I'm glad I went the route I did rather than settling for something that would just fit my needs.

I would recommend buying a complete bike for your first until you get comfortable with riding and enough experience to know exactly what you want in a build.

Thanks! Yes, probably better to get something that will last longer than something that I would want/need to replace in a year or two.

[bcrdukes]

If it's Obsession Bikes in North Van you're talking about, they're a good shop.

[roastpuff]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

If it's Obsession Bikes in North Van you're talking about, they're a good shop.

Dizzy on Broadway, actually. I bought my Trek MTB from them in 2003 before... a long long time ago, and had great service. My friend who is into road cycling goes to them very regularly and likes their service.

[bcrdukes]

Right. I forgot Dizzy sold Scott now.

[dat_steve]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

Damn, do you guys ride up Taylor Way?

yeah we do it's really not that bad! it's like prospect point but shorter and a bit steeper

Originally Posted by roastpuff

I'm going to go for a bike ride later today to see if I am comfortable on drop bars - I have never used them before.

i passed this lady yesterday riding a cervelo R5....with flat bars

[bcrdukes]

[azncreationz]

roastpuff: Perhaps you should buy everything from Outdoor Gear & Clothing: The North Face, Marmot, Patagonia & More Gear Brands | Backcountry.com then, especially if you're buying the latest set of skis every year. Lifetime returns. (minus $6.99 re-stocking fee, which you can consider a small 'rental' fee). They sell full bikes, gruppos, parts, etc as well. Use, abuse, return. Sure, you might be more ethical than that, but that is their policy.

* I have bought items from there before with no problems...and have yet to return anything.

[roastpuff]

Originally Posted by azncreationz

roastpuff: Perhaps you should buy everything from Outdoor Gear & Clothing: The North Face, Marmot, Patagonia & More Gear Brands | Backcountry.com then, especially if you're buying the latest set of skis every year. Lifetime returns. (minus $6.99 re-stocking fee, which you can consider a small 'rental' fee). They sell full bikes, gruppos, parts, etc as well. Use, abuse, return. Sure, you might be more ethical than that, but that is their policy.

* I have bought items from there before with no problems...and have yet to return anything.

Not quite the latest skis every year, but I buy stuff from Steep and Cheap all the time.

For a bike, I think a LBS will be the better choice in case something does go wrong...

[Ch28]

Department of Goods & Competitive Cyclists have the same kind of return policy as well.
Posted via RS Mobile

[kayceeee]

let me know if you need anything from my 105 5700 group if you end up building a bike. dont know what price its worth but i wouldnt mind lowering it for a revscene member.

[tipy]

Originally Posted by roastpuff

I'm going to go for a bike ride later today to see if I am comfortable on drop bars - I have never used them before. The shop that I am going to stocks both Scott and Specialized so hopefully I will be able to try out a Roubaix and a CR1 in the appropriate size for me!

Hmm, so if they are going to be similar in cost - the warranty might be the tipping points, as well as LBS support.

I'll ask, but no promises!

Thanks! Yes, probably better to get something that will last longer than something that I would want/need to replace in a year or two.

thank you, you can pm me if anything come up

[azncreationz]

Originally Posted by Ch28

Department of Goods & Competitive Cyclists have the same kind of return policy as well.
Posted via RS Mobile

Department of Goods is only 30 days return policy now.

[bcrdukes]

Here's a spin on things for the jerseys - Cima Coppi - Wool Cycling Clothing Handmade in Canada | Home

Merino wool jerseys. Eat that, Rapha!

Made in East Van, too!

[dat_steve]

neat! i've never tried merino wool jersies. pros/cons compared to your standard material?

[bcrdukes]

I think 604Cefiro has a Rapha one?

These guys offer a lifetime warranty!
Posted via RS Mobile

[604CEFIRO]

Merino wool? There aren't any con's... Way better than lycra lol

Doesn't stink, keeps warm when wet. Durable.

The only con would be i probably wouldnt wear it in 28* heat.

I dont own anything but merino

[edit]
torm.cc - i have a few pieces from them
and yea rapha ones

[Alphamale]

Bike Ride Profile | Holy Jesus Bonked near Burnaby | Times and Records | Strava

Haha @ the top speed. 157km/h. Yeah right.

Man, the wind killed me today. Just took everything out of me. I'm pretty sure I bonked around the 41st/UBC highway junction and I just wanted to die.

It took me 6 hrs cuz I stopped and had lunch with a friend.

Pics from today's ride:

Visited a Italian Bike sale on Kent Ave. There wasn't much.


After my battle with the headwind going into Iona. Riding back was a breeze though.


Gary Point. Two hot bitches walked by but paid no attention to my get-up.


And finally at Jericho. One fine-ass fob walked by me. DAT ASS (thank goodness for reflective lenses!) .

[azncreationz]

pix of the 2 hot bitches and the fine-ass FOB or ban!

[Alphamale]

I don't want to get arrested.

But man, everyday I'm thinking about your Kona King Zing or whatever. IT LOOKS SO FREAKING GOOD. SO JELLY.

I need to see it in person.

[bcrdukes]

Originally Posted by 604CEFIRO

Merino wool? There aren't any con's... Way better than lycra lol

Doesn't stink, keeps warm when wet. Durable.

The only con would be i probably wouldnt wear it in 28* heat.

I dont own anything but merino

[edit]
torm.cc - i have a few pieces from them
and yea rapha ones

If that's the case, this route might be a better option.

[604CEFIRO]

You'd have my vote for the cima coppi jerseys.

I have a few pieces of cycling specific jerseys that are made of synthetic / lycra materials. The main issue I have with that type of material is the smell over time. Almost immediately after wearing that material, and sweating into it a few times, the material starts to stink like shit. And I've found no way to actually make it smell any better. You can wash it, soak it, do whatever, and the nasty smell just won't leave.

Merino wool jerseys however, do not retain smell... as much. it depends on the blend of merino. I could wear a jersey a few times, like 2-3 maybe even 4 times and not wash it, and it would still smell okay as long as I hang dry it.

Most merino jerseys are usually a mix of fabrics, so it's probably not pure merino wool. It's usually Sports Wool, 40% merino 60% poly.

Smell is the main benefit. Second, warmth. MUCH MUCH warmer than lycra obviously. Merino stays warm against your skin even when it's wet from sweat, or rain. Merino also dries easily.

In cold weather, it keeps you warm. In warm weather, it allows your skin to breathe and sweat, keeping you cool.

But, in HOT weather, i would say its too warm. Anything over 20*ish i would say.

So, if you were to get a merino jersey right now, I would say get a short sleeve jersey since springs here, summers coming up.

My merino jerseys are the most versatile pieces I have. I wore a merino base layer and a short sleeve merino jersey throughout winter. I am still wearing the same combination in the current weather.

[Rapha Specific]: Rapha is sportwool, 40% merino 60% poly. They use that in most of the regular jerseys ( club jersey, classic, brevets etc). The lightweight ones use a bit of a different knit of merino, while the superlights are made of 100% poly, so it's like a mesh..

[hud 91gt]

Merino sounds prime for Vancouver. I think this is how 604 still is able to ride in the rain. it all makes sense now, it's the wool