9 Random Road Bike Thoughts
I'm writing this while there is a foot of snow on the ground and the temperature is -20. Please mama, take me some place warm. I need to ride. Road Bikes: an introduction.New road bikes are expensive. Old road bikes suck. Hence the need for a new bike. Here are some tips
Road Bike TechnologyGears: Road Bikes need gears - lotsa them. This is the key to keeping your cadence (pedalling speed) in that max output/min input mode. If you are new to road riding, ignore the purists and get a bike with a triple (3chainrings on the cranks). This is the only way you'll enjoy riding the hills. Modern road bikes have either 20, 24, 27 or 30 gears. The shifting is indexed, meaning your shifter clicks into each gear - when adjusted correctly (we are the only shop in the world that can do this) the shifting will be smooth, quiet and quick. These days, if you hear "10 speed", that refers to the number of sprockets on the rear wheel - resulting in up to 30 speeds (10X3). Frames & Forks: Carbon is light, strong and absorbs vibration. More carbon is generally good. A mix of carbon and aluminum can be an excellent combination of vibration damping and stiffnes. Roady TerminologyAttack A sudden attempt to get away from another rider Blocking When a rider tries to get in the way of other riders, usually done as part of a team strategy to slow down the main field when other team members are ahead in a breakaway Bonk Known as "hitting ht wall" in marathon running, this is when a rider completely runs out of energy Boink If you're lucky, you get this from your partner (and a massage) following each ride. If you're unlucky, you can't do this because you have been riding a bad saddle for too long. Breakaway When a rider or group of riders is attempting to reach a group farther ahead Breaking Away A classic cycling movie Bridge the Gap When a rider or group of riders is attempting to reach a group farther aheadChasers Riders who are attempting to "bridge the gap" to catch the lead group. Can also refer to whatever follows cheap tequila. Compact Cranks with only two, smaller sprockets than traditional. They provide a wider range of gears, especially lower gears. Criterium A multi-lap event on a course usually a mile or less in length and of medium total distance, usually 25-75 miles Derailleur The mechanism that moves the chain from one gear to another Director Sportif Pronounced "Director sporteef" this is the manager of the team Domestique A rider who sacrifices any individual honors to the team leader who is in contention to win Drafting Riding closely behind another rider, which creates a slipstream, or air pocket. The lead rider expends up to 30 percent more energy than the following rider does Drop To leave another rider or riders behind by attacking. Losing contact with the group in which they are riding will drop fatigued riders Echelon A line of riders taking orderly turns at the lead and staggered so that each rider will get maximum protection from the wind. Also called a "pace line" Feeding At some point during a long road race it is necessary for riders to replace expended energy. Riders are given a "musette," a small cloth bag, containing food and water bottles. Riders grab the bag from the team support personnel, remove the contents and put them in the pockets of their jerseys to eat when most convenient. They generally prefer high-energy foods that break down quickly. Field The main group of riders, also known as the "pack," "peloton," or "bunch". If you are riding in Banff and you pass Field you have gone too far. Field Sprint The final sprint between a group of riders, not necessarily for first place Force the Pace When one rider or team goes harder than the pack to increase the tempo Gap The distance between individuals or groups. The place you'd find clothing absolutely not suited for riding a road bike. Hammering Very steady, strenuous pedaling usually done with baggy -80s style pants, as in Hammer Time. Also called "jamming" Hanging On Barely keeping contact at the back of the pack Hook When one rider, either on purpose or by accident, uses his/her rear wheel to hit the front wheel of the rider behind him/her. Jump A sudden acceleration, often at the start of the sprint. Or a Van Halen tune, often at the front of 1984 album, as in hide - your buddies are coming over. Kick The final burst of speed in a sprint. If someone has "kick" it typically means they can accellerate where other riders are topped out for speed. Lead Out An intentional and often sacrificial move where one rider begins a sprint to give a head start to another rider (usually a teammate) on his rear wheel, who then comes around at an even faster speed to take the win. Musette The flimsy bag given to riders at feed stations. Often filled with bananas, water bottles, flat coke.... Also a cafe in Vancouver catering to cyclists. Neo-Pro Cycling's term for a rookie at the professional level Pace Line See "echelon" Pack See "field" Peloton See "field" Prime Pronounced "preem." A race-within-a-race where riders sprint for prizes on a designated lap or at a certain point in a race, i.e., the "sponsor" Teamwork Challenge. Also known as a the stupidest thing you will ever do for a free water bottle. Pull To take a turn at the front and break the wind for the other riders in the pack. Pull Off To move to one side so that another rider can take a turn at the front. Pull Through Move to the front of a pace line, from second spot, after the lead riders swings off to the front. Roadie Someone who rides a road bike. Also someone who is good with duct tape. Road Rash A term for the scabs and marks caused by a crash. Ouch! Sitting In When one rider refuses to take a pull and break the wind for the group in which he/she is riding. A derogatory term is "Wheel Sucker" Slipstream The pocket of air created by a moving rider, just as in automobile or motorcycle racing. See "drafting". Also see what is in your parent's driveway - the silver thing. Soigneur Pronounced "Swa-neur" Comparable to a trainer in other sports, this person gives massages and watches the physical health of the riders along with the team doctors Spinning Pedalling at a high cadence. Sprint A sudden burst of speed for the finish of a race involving more than one rider. Also a 1000-meter event on a bicycle track called a "velodrome." Stage Race A series of individual races- time trials, road races, circuit races or criteriums - grouped into one event that lasts several days. The rider who has the lowest accumulated time for all stages determines the winner. The most famous stage race in the world is the Tour de France, which spans 2,500 miles in 21 or 22 days. Take a Flyer When one rider goes off the front of the pack, usually alone. Time Trial An individual race against the clock, often called the "race of truth." Tri Bike A bike specifically designed for triathalon racing. Has steeper seat-tube and aero bars. These designs are forbidden in road racing because they do not follow the guidelines established to control bike design. The price tag will ensure you don't confuse with tri-cycle. Track Bike A bike designed for Velodrome racing. True track bikes have one fixed gear, are very light, have short cranks (so the pedals don't hit the steeply banked velodrome corners.) Triple A term for cranks with 3 gears or what you order after a bad race. Velodrome An oval banked track, usually 333.33 meters in length. In general, track riders and road riders compete in separate kinds of events. The difference in training and ability is similar to the difference between sprinters and long-distance runners. Wheel Sucker A derogatory term, referring to a rider who always sits in and never expends any energy by taking a pull at the front.
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Road Bikes
Road Bikes under $1000
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2011 Rocky Mountain Oxygen LADIES MODEL
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Marin Lucas Valley | |
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27 (3x9) Speed Shimano Tiagra |
Sale $959 was $1039 |
2013 Marin Fairfax SC3 | |
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24 (3x8) Speed Shimano Alivio |
$759 |
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2010 Giant Avail 4 (Ladies)
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2013 Giant Escape 1 | |
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27 Spd Shimano Alivio |
$639 |
Marin Ravenna (womans) | |
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24 Speed Shimano Sora with wide range of gears |
Sale $849 Was $935 |
2013 Giant Escape 0 | |
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30 Spd Shimano Deore/LX |
$799 |
2011 Giant Rapid 3
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Marin Fairfax | |
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Light alloy frame, carbon fork |
Sale $699 was $819 |
2013 Giant Escape RX2 | |
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27 Spd Shimano Sora |
$899 |
Road bikes priced below $1500 have, in the past, been a fairly obvious step down from those higher priced models. As things have evolved this pricepoint
has recently adopted much of the technology, especially shifting quality, from the high end bikes of a few years ago. So, shifting quality will be good, if not very good.
My suggestion for people looking in this price range (assuming you are new to road riding if you're shopping in this price range) is to cater to your fitness and comfort. For fitness,
I'm thinking about how broad the range of gears is. Make your introduction to road-riding a fun one and pay attention to the gears. I'm thinking more about how easy the easy gears get
than about how many speeds.
For comfort, I suggest starting into road riding with a fairly pronounced upright sitting position (how upright will depend on your core strength and perhaps how much time you have spent
on spin bikes at the gym). Positioning that is too aggressive (bent over, stretched out) may look racy but if you don't allow yourself to evolve into this position it can be a shock to
the system. Don't worry, we'll help get you started right...
2012 Marin Argenta 105 | |
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30 spd (3x10) huge range of gears |
Sale $1299 reg. $1529 |
2011 Marin Pasubio 10 | |
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30 spd (3x10) huge range of gears |
Sale $1350 reg. $1780 |
2013 Giant Escape RX1 | |
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30 Spd Shimano Tiagra |
$1059 |
2013 Marin Fairfax SC6 | |
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18 (2x9) Speed Shimano Sora simplifies shifting & keeps range of gears |
$1079 |
2013 Giant Defy 2 | |
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20 Speed Shimano Tiagra |
$1199 |
2013 Giant Defy 1 | |
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20 Speed Shimano 105 |
$1399 |
2013 Giant TCR 1 | |
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20 Speed Shimano 105 |
$1429 |
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Marin Venezia
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2011 Marin Venezia
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2012 Giant Avail 1 (ladies)
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2012 Giant Defy 1
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This is where we start seeing carbon frames. Carbon is the great vibration dampener and there is just something special about the ride quality of Carbon.
In this "entry into Carbon" level, the carbon is used primarily for rider comfort - something typically noticed on longer rides.
2013 Masi Premiare PC1 Bellisima (Ladies) | |
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18 Speed Shimano Sora with extra wide range of gears and new STI shifters |
$1579 |
2013 Masi Premiare PC3 Bellisima (Ladies) | |
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20 Speed Shimano 105 with extra wide range of gears |
$1999 |
2013 Masi Premiare PC3 | |
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20 Speed Shimano 105 with extra wide range of gears |
$1999 |
2013 Giant TCR Composite 2 | |
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20 Speed Shimano 105 |
$1899 |
2013 Giant Defy Composite 3 | |
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20 Speed Shimano Tiagra |
$1689 |
2013 Giant Defy Composite 3 | |
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20 Speed Shimano Tiagra |
$1689 |
2013 Giant Avail Composite 3 (Ladies) | |
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20 Speed Shimano Tiagra |
$1689 |
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2012 Giant Avail Composite 3 LADIES
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2012 Giant Defy Composite 3
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2012 Giant TCR Composite 2
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2011 Rocky Mountain Prestige 30 CR
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2011 Marin Verona 105 Carbon
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Once prices break the $2000 pricepoint, start looking at details. Two bikes may look very similar but a change in crank, wheels, handlebars or even tires can make one bike stand out for value. You can expect all the bikes above $2000 will perform incredibly well and that, for the most part, component upgrades have a lot to do with weight savings, stiffness or aerodynamics. At $2500 many bikes will weigh about 19 lbs, at $3500 - 16.5 lbs, while at $5000 weights will drop to about 15 lbs. This is called diminishing returns boys and girls - welcome to buying fancy stuff.
2012 Marin Verona Ultegra | |
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20 Speed Shimano Ultegra |
SALE $2999 Reg. $3979 |
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2011 Marin Stelvio
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2012 Giant TCR Advanced 3
high-end race geometry carbon frame, full Shimano 105 20 speed with 53/39 cranks |
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2012 Marin Stelvio T3 Apex
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2011 Marin Stelvio Ultegra
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You know you love road riding and you want to treat yourself to something that gets you even more excited to get out there for the daily 100km.
2013 Masi Evoluzione Ultegra | |
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20 Speed Shimano Ultegra |
$3599 |
2013 Giant TCR Composite 0 | |
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20 Speed Shimano Ultegra Di2 |
$3699 |
Cyclocross bikes have become very popular. The idea of a bike that appears at a glance to be a road bike but has a bad attitude and yearning for the rough stuff pretty much sums up a cyclocross bike. These bikes are used to race, commute, tour and road ride. So versatile, so sexy. These can be fabulous commuter bikes! Fast meets Efficient meets Tough.
2013 Giant TCX 1 | |
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20 Speed SRAM Rival |
$1799 |
2013 Marin Lombard | |
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27 Speed Shimano Sora |
$1139 |
2013 Marin Cortina | |
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20 Speed SRAM Rival X0 combo |
$2159 |
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Marin Cortina
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2011 Marin Four Corners
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2009 Giant TCX 0
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2012 Giant TCX 1
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Yes, it looks like we have a pile of previous years models. No, we don't have a bunch of left-overs. We bring these bikes in because they allow us to offer better prices to our customers. The bikes we bring in are legitimate, good deals. We may not have every bike in every size, but we should be able to set you up and save you money.
Many bike shops that concentrate on road bikes are so focused on the uber-athlete that they forget about the other 95% of us who love road riding but don't ride 800km per week. We like to think about fit. We make sure our entry level priced bikes are suitable for someone starting out. As the bikes increase in price, our focus becomes more about weight and performance. This just seems to make sense to us. What do you think? Do you want to deal with a shop that tries to anticipate your needs? I hope so.
Let us show you why Bike Bros continues to attract customers from all over Western Canada. Let us show you a great bike, great fit and great service,
There are no reasons to wear spandex if you aren't cycling. None.
"Riding is the new golf", is becoming a popular statement. There is something special about riding with someone else. Draft for added efficiency and speed. Be silent while riding together. This is sharing something special.
"Riding alone refreshes the mind while rewarding the body". How else do you relieve stress while getting an amazing, impact free, muscle mashing workout?
Carbon (from Latin: carbo "coal") is the chemical element with symbol C and atomic number 6. As a member of group 14 on the periodic table, it is nonmetallic and tetravalent—making four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds.
... Oh, sorry, started geeking out a bit.
When used in bikes, carbon is a broad term. Carbon frames and parts vary greatly in strength, weight and cost. There seems to be a void of information regarding the material as we know it in the bike world. So I'll try to offer the basics:
In general, carbon's selling features are that it can be engineering to offer incredible vibration damping (nice smooth ride) or can be incredibly stiff (for ultra powerful racer-types). At the entry prices, the focus is typically to
get a nice, smooth ride with weight not being a huge factor. As prices go up, the quality of carbon and intricacy of layup are used to achieve greater stiffness and reduced weight.
Ask anyone who has ridden a carbon bike and there is a certain something that just feels awesome.