Nothing wrong with your bike mate, it IS a proper one. The only sure-fire things you get if you pay more is perhaps less weight, and a brand name. The first makes things very slightly easier, the second makes no difference at all. Ride it, enjoy it, and don't listen to the bike snobs. Upgrade when you're ready, not when someone else tells you you should.
Road Cycling Essentials
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Nothing wrong with your bike mate, it IS a proper one. The only sure-fire things you get if you pay more is perhaps less weight, and a brand name. The first makes things very slightly easier, the second makes no difference at all. Ride it, enjoy it, and don't listen to the bike snobs. Upgrade when you're ready, not when someone else tells you you should.
Well actually more expensive bikes can last longer and are more reliable.
Soldato
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I'm just going to ride it to death while I save up for a better one
Mine cost me very little money - the RRP is about £400 or so but I wouldn't have been up for paying that, but... I didn't and for what I paid it was a complete steal. I've put a couple of bits on it to make it suit me better (sensible shaped bars, 60mm stem and clip less pedals) and now it fits me spot on - I just know that various bits on it aren't going to last forever. As long as it lasts til I can save £600 or so for a new bike though, that's good enough
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I'm just going to ride it to death while I save up for a better one
As long as it lasts til I can save £600 or so for a new bike though, that's good enough
I won't mention smoking again after this, promise.
Buy yourself something nice with the money you save from quitting smoking, something like, oh I dunno.....a new BIKE?
Associate
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They may well need adjusting. I'm a novice to using drops, but the guys in the shop fitted me and even after asking about the stem etc they said it was perfect for me. Suppose it's my short torso. Having them tilted up is probably a more comfortable position, and down is more a racing position?
Also, can anyone recommend decent sun glasses for cycling that won't break the bank? Not looking for Oakleys!
I've been reticent with shaving recently, not sure why. They're usually smoothomg your a roady with hairy legs
I hope its not too much pain and you get better soon.
.And cheers all!
Hmm, from my experience I'd disagree there. In a lot of cases cheap bikes get less maintenance, or are abused outright, which doesn't help the perception, but I've had more trouble with upper/mid range kit than with any of my Sora/Chinese stuff. Also I've found better-spec wheels need a lot more attention to keep them running sweet and straight. I commuted on a pair of dirt-cheap Alex rims for years, never had to touch a single spoke and they're still going strong. I do try to maintain my cheap kit the same way I do my expensive kit though.
Everyone's mileage varies I guess though. Every component is 100% reliable right up until the point it breaks!
Soldato
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I've been reticent with shaving recently, not sure why. They're usually smooth
And cheers all!
Make sure you get some physio on it, I did my knee 10 weeks ago playing football, went to the doctor three times and told each time it was healing OK and not to worry too much. I asked for a scan etc but wasn't give one. Weekend before last I'm having a gentle kickabout in the park and it goes in exactly the same way except this time the recovery period could be double.
The only bonus is it's not keeping me off the bike but any dynamic exercise is off the agenda.
Also, is the Cube Agree meant to be the polite person's Giant Defy?
I've been reticent with shaving recently, not sure why. They're usually smooth
And cheers all!
I never shave, I thought the only reason the pros do it is so that when they crash, dressings adhere properly and it reduces the risk of infection.
Soldato
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Soldato
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And it makes you look and feel like a girl.
I'll never shave as long as I have balls.
I'll never shave as long as I have balls.
But a shaven scrotum feels so great!
I usually shave because it helps getting into a wetsuit, and yes during accidents it helps dressings adhere.
And it makes you 50% faster.
But makes you feel 50% gayer...
I'm not saying never, I just don't fancy it right now.... and the other big question, where do you stop shaving?! If I shaved just my legs, I'd be wearing hairpants....
Soldato
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Well I use Shimano 105/Ultegra groupset, Mavic Aksium, Shimano R550 and Ambrosio Evolution wheels, and I sometimes do around 300 miles per week, and the wheels are bomb proof better than uber cheap wheels.
Over the years I've noticed cheap stuff fail more than quality stuff.
Soldato
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Agreed, my bike came with Alex rims and they were made of cheese, within a year the rear was rubbing on the chain stays. I replaced them with Fulcrum Racing 7s which are budget for proper wheels and they are still true over a year on.
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