Road Cycling Essentials

[DOD]Asprilla · 12 Apr 2011 at 11:47

Velo Rapide said:
I am 14.5 stone and fancy myself as a Geordie Mark Cavendish

Mark Cavendish: 175cm and 69kg, exactly my measurements so I think you'll find I'm the only Geordie Mark Cavendish here.......

The flex what what I was interested in; new bike is having Sram Force and a lot of reviews have mentioned that the new Ultegra crankset is about the best you can get for stiffness making front shifts stupidly crisp. I'm coming from 2009 Ultegra SL to Force to I'm hoping that I don't notice any difference.

I've noticed a couple of other builds using Force shifters, Dura Ace crankset and Record FD.

The Mad Rapper · 12 Apr 2011 at 11:56

[DOD]Asprilla;18884738 said:
Mark Cavendish: 175cm and 69kg, exactly my measurements so I think you'll find I'm the only Geordie Mark Cavendish here.......

I'll race you!

The flex what what I was interested in; new bike is having Sram Force and a lot of reviews have mentioned that the new Ultegra crankset is about the best you can get for stiffness making front shifts stupidly crisp. I'm coming from 2009 Ultegra SL to Force to I'm hoping that I don't notice any difference.

You don't live miles from me, if you really want to know then come up one weekend with your bike and I'll let you have a go. You break it, you replace it though!

platypus · 12 Apr 2011 at 13:18

Well the bike has arrived, and I'm not convinced its big enough. I'm between frame sizes and they recommended that if you are you take the smaller size. I'll set it up tonight and see how it rides with a reasonable seat stem height, but I'm sure I'll have to send it back

.

The Mad Rapper · 12 Apr 2011 at 13:52

platypus said:
Well the bike has arrived, and I'm not convinced its big enough. I'm between frame sizes and they recommended that if you are you take the smaller size. I'll set it up tonight and see how it rides with a reasonable seat stem height, but I'm sure I'll have to send it back .

Try not to ride it if possible - don't give them any excuse to refuse to exchange it.

On what basis do you suspect it's too small?

platypus · 12 Apr 2011 at 15:16

I stood over it and it feels too small!

The Mad Rapper · 12 Apr 2011 at 15:17

platypus said:
I stood over it and it feels too small!

Is it a horizontal frame, or something like the Gran Fondo?

platypus · 12 Apr 2011 at 15:27

It's exactly the Gran Fondo. I'm thinking it feels small because I'm used to a Triathlon bike.

The Mad Rapper · 12 Apr 2011 at 15:36

platypus said:
It's exactly the Gran Fondo. I'm thinking it feels small because I'm used to a Triathlon bike.

It will feel small because of the curved top tube as well. The fact that it has a more relaxed geometry will also add to that.

May I suggest that you adjust the seat post so that there's a slight bend in the knee when your foot is at the bottom of the stroke, hop on with someone holding the frame and lean forward to the hoods. How does it feel?

platypus · 12 Apr 2011 at 16:33

I'll have to give it a go tonight when I get it home, the saddle isn't installed!

6thElement · 12 Apr 2011 at 16:40

What is it?

My road bike is only a 55cm, in compact geometry though so lots of seatpost. Traditional road frame I'm normally a 58cm. I don't remember if I've ever posted a photo of my road bike in here...I should sort that

platypus · 12 Apr 2011 at 16:42

It's a medium frame size, 51cm.

SDK^ · 12 Apr 2011 at 17:31

platypus said:
It's a medium frame size, 51cm.

A medium is 51cm :eek:

that's on the small side of the scale on most other frames.

remy87 · 12 Apr 2011 at 19:28

Would I need to buy I new chain if I change the rear cog from 16t to 14t?

Might order soon
Dicta 14t BMX Bike Freewheel M3 flip flop Hub Drive Cog
though still not sure if it will fit my one which is Dicta LMA-7 (16T)
Any clues anyone?

The Mad Rapper · 12 Apr 2011 at 20:09

platypus said:
It's a medium frame size, 51cm.

What's your inside leg measurement? Mine is 32" and I went for a 56cm Winter Trainer.

6thElement · 12 Apr 2011 at 20:11

remy87 said:
Would I need to buy I new chain if I change the rear cog from 16t to 14t?

Might order soon
Dicta 14t BMX Bike Freewheel M3 flip flop Hub Drive Cog
though still not sure if it will fit my one which is Dicta LMA-7 (16T)
Any clues anyone?

No idea what your frame is, but if you've got track ends you'd just move the wheel back slightly to take up the couple of links of slack.

platypus · 12 Apr 2011 at 20:39

Ok well I've put it together now and it feels fine. I'll see how it rides in the morning. No pics yet as my phone has decided not to store the ones I took.

remy87 · 12 Apr 2011 at 20:42

6thElement said:
No idea what your frame is, but if you've got track ends you'd just move the wheel back slightly to take up the couple of links of slack.

ah yes it's exactly like this one

The Mad Rapper · 12 Apr 2011 at 20:45

platypus said:
Ok well I've put it together now and it feels fine. I'll see how it rides in the morning. No pics yet as my phone has decided not to store the ones I took.

I have to say that I do like the Gran Fondo very much. It was on my short list for a long time. Make sure the photos look good

oddjob62 · 12 Apr 2011 at 21:22

6thElement said:
No idea what your frame is, but if you've got track ends you'd just move the wheel back slightly to take up the couple of links of slack.

Also make sure you've got the correct freewheel removal tool

oddjob62 · 12 Apr 2011 at 21:23

BAH!!! my new FSA chainring arrived to complete my new carbon beauty.... but i realised i never replaced my chain braker!! So one more day before i can ride her