Active Community : Thread List - Equipment and Gear

Just starting

TCameli — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:36:20 GMT

I'm looking at getting into cycling to help get myself into shape. I am on a limited budget around and don't know where to begin. When I do searches for road bikes on the internet I find bikes for about $700 or more. I would love to get one of those bikes but its out of my current budget. I don't want to sit on my tail and wait til I can afford something better but I don't want to buy something that won't be servicable after a year. Does anyone have any suggestions of a bike for begginers who plans on upgrading in a year or two?

Indoor Trainer

CTSColo — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:36:53 GMT

Can anyone recommend a good quality indoor trainer? Thank you!

Scott or Giant?

Misha99 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:04:28 GMT

I'm looking at two bike brands, Scott and Giant. The Scott bike I'm looking at is the CR1 Team and the Giant Defy Advanced 3 and Avail Advanced 2. Based on the specs of all three bikes it looks as though the Scott CR1 Team comes out on top. They all contain roughly the same components (shimono 105) are around the same price. I've tested all three bikes and they all feel good to me. I know that Giant has a great reputation, but I haven't heard much about Scott and am having trouble finding information / reviews on the CR1 Team. Can anybody help me out with this decision. Any input would be much appreciated!

Thanks! Michelle

powertap sl

merckx72 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:46:53 GMT

Can you upload powertap files to activetrainer?

What is the best chain lubricant?

bcherney1 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:20:08 GMT

An earlier discussion about chain replacement was really informative. But what is the best for lubrication? I tried some kind of bike lube, liquid wax thing, that you need to shake up before use. It is suppose to cut down on gunk build up. But was it lubricating right? I couldn't tell. I also don't know how often it should be applied. So I cleaned everything with WD-40, It looked brand new. Until I went for a ride. Got back and the cassette had all kinds of gunk in it. So I dosed it again with WD-40. That can get very messy and wasteful.

So what is best?

Newbie cheap bike Commuter upgrade recommendations?

AlisonSpencer70 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:59:34 GMT

I am now about 4 months into my initially half-a$$ed decision to convert from skate/transit to bike/transit commuting in SanDiego ( see http://virtualroadkillsandiego.blogspot.com ) As I have no ambitions for racing or "serious biking"--whether road or mountain--equipment has been based primarily on convenience. Boyfriend's bike purchase--which in retrospect was a clear dodge at introducing me to bikes after a 20yr bikephobia followed by a skating roadrash facial--was a Diamondback Topanga 16in mountain bike bought "off the rack" at a bigbox sporting goods retailer. Less than half price on sale and coupon-discounted but yes, I know you get what you pay for.

While I appreciate the front suspension of said bike, both due to newbie butt and SD potholes, I knew that even as the Happy Gilmore of bikers I needed to make some changes. So I switched out the giant knobby off-the rack tires for a lighter, smaller, Kevlar-clad, not-quite-full-slicks set that works great although it makes my wideframe "Babe the Blue Ox" bike look like a transvestite linebacker in stiletto heels. I also added seatpost-mounted rack and huge pannier bags to save me from the daily backpack-related shoulder injury...back blinky light and front basic headlight to be seen in traffic...highpowered rechargeable headlight to actually see where I'm going in dark trail commute...bike "computer" because I love knowing just how slowly I'm ascending that hill...handlebar-end-mounted mirror because I want a clear view of whoever will be killing me in a gory traffic mishap.

I know the current "FrankenBike" will only last me so long, and while I have no interest in going to the pricey racing level I am thinking I may have to go to a "real" road bike within the next 6 months or so. Any suggestions for a very cheap and resistant newbie?

Could you build your own TT bike for cheaper than factory built?

roadwise — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:09:13 GMT

I'm looking to buy my own frame and put my wheels and other components since there isn't as much variety and selection to picking your own components when buying a new bike.

Does anyone have comments on if it's possible to build your own bike and have it look professional (as I am kind of picky on the way it might look in the end). I'm not that picky on

wheel weight but would like to have some high quality shifter components such as SRAM RED with some carbon aero bars, handlebars, seat with some good quality lightweight aluminum wheels.

Let me know if you have any experience building your own bike. I'd like to hear from non-roadies as well. Ride safe.

Bike Recommendations - Newbie racer...Plz help

scholl734 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:32:43 GMT

Ok...I'm a newbie Triathloner.

This summer I did two Tri's a mountain tri and sprint tri...I'm working up to an Olympic next summer and I need to get a good road bike.

I'm looking for some recommendations on a good entry level road/triathlon/racing bike. I'm not rich, so I'm really interested in getting good value and building up to better equipment...

Your recommendations are greatly appreciated...

Mike S

PS...check out my training blog at http://plainyellowmustard.blogspot.com

Winter riding clothes.

biglumo — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 02:04:13 GMT

I live in Wisconsin (Milwaukee Area) and want to ride to work throughout the winter. I have clothing for everything but my legs. Wind will be an issue. Any suggestion?

Ceramic BB Sets

Silky__4 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:21:59 GMT

I will be building up a new TT bike this winter. Does anyone have an opinion on getting a BB set with ceramic bearings? Is there any significant difference in performance are there any drawbacks?

Any advise is appreciated.

Thanks

Best Road Bike Tires for combination of performance and no flats

artgould — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:59:35 GMT

I ride between 80 and 120 miles per week. Mostly flat with some hills (function of where I live). I'm looking for recommendations on tires to buy and where to buy them that are at the intersection of good riding tires (smoothness and handling) and good protection against flats, and where to buy them online.

thanks