Cycling help

[kev211]

Riding shorts are mandatory for anyone riding daily. For years, I rode the same 20 mile route at lunch time. No way to do that without padded shorts. Not for my bum, anyway.

This is 100%. And it doesn’t need to be the chamois skin suit type. Most mtb shorts you can get with a “liner” chamois pad that works just as well.

 

[passedpawn]

This is 100%. And it doesn’t need to be the chamois skin suit type. Most mtb shorts you can get with a “liner” chamois pad that works just as well.

I have several sets of padded shorts, all the tight type, but I also have a set of bibs (look like a wresting outfit with straps over the shoulders). Finished a long ride with a friend, hit the bars, etc, things went sideways, ended up in a strip club wearing nothing but my nacho libre riding bibs. Funny, by the end of the night, everyone else was trashed and I was sober and drove them all home lol. Anyway, some discomfort going into Bare Assets wearing spandex.

 

[hilljack13]

I think a Peloton might be a good winter fill in but specifically for Hilljack13 sounds out.

Peloton out, yes. Winter riding in, yes. Lucky the winters here in AL are very much weather friendly. I sit in a tree stand hunting all day so riding here in winter shouldn't be a problem.

From what you're describing I would consider a gravel bike.

Currently looking at Trek FX Sport 4 or 5....until I can get a hands on. I expect my mind to change.

 

[bike2brew]

Former bike shop mech here (10 years shop experience, but have been in the industry for close to 20 years). From what you're describing I would consider a gravel bike. Gravel bikes are basically road bikes with a little more stouter (is that a word?) and sporty frame, wider tires (usually with some treads), and geared lower than a typical road bike. Theyre great on road and offer the option to ride some trails. Can you ride traditional mtb trails on them? I suppose so, but not like you could on a true mountain bike, but they are definitely the best of both worlds.

As far as brands, I would motion to stay away from the big names (Specialized, Trek, Giant, etc). Not due to quality, but price (I have multiple specialized and Trek bikes, so it has nothing to do with the brand). I've found that the direct to consumer brands are definitely your best bang for the buck. Look at either YT (YT Szepter gravel) or Canyon Bikes (Grizl). My money would be on the YT Szepter Core 3. Direct to consumer cuts out the middle man of the bike shop so keeps your cost down significantly. Compare the Szepter Core 3 to the Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon and the Specialized is ~$1,500 more and doesnt even match the components of the YT (i.e. Sram Apex on the Specialized vs Rival on the YT).

YT has a showroom in Arkansas and California, so not ideal for trying them out, but they also have road shows called the rolling circus that may be near you. They also have a great return policy so you could always buy and return if it doesnt fit, ride quite right, etc. P.S. I am in no way affiliated with YT, but I do own 3 of them and they are some of the best bikes I've ever owned. Plus, their customer service is world class, so thats a bonus.

I would also like to note that I dont necessarily agree with increased cost only reducing weight. While that is partially true, increased cost gets you increased performance. Things like carbon frame vs aluminum frame (carbon is slightly lighter, but is stiffer which results in better pedaling, but due to the fibers is actually a comfier ride). You will also go from 9 or 10 speed groupos to 12's. Shifters and derailleurs will work more effortlessly, and shift smoother. You will go from mechanical to hydraulic disc brakes, less maintenance and better overall performance and modulation. Many more to note, but those are just some of the benefits of increased cost. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck on your search!

REI offers a nice selection of reasonable price bikes with modern features. Generally knowledgeable staff who can help get you fitted on a correct size bike and not treat you like total newb. Good luck. Ride lots.

 

[kev211]

REI offers a nice selection of reasonable price bikes with modern features. Generally knowledgeable staff who can help get you fitted on a correct size bike and not treat you like total newb. Good luck. Ride lots.

Never purchased a bike from REI, but I agree on the staff as a whole. Especially considering that some (not all) bike shops can be super pretentious and treat newbs like idiots because they arent one of the "cool kids" who already bike, which frankly is a sh!tty business model, but thats for another day...

 

[D the Catastrophist]

I used to have a steel framed Bianchi Volpe. Was a road bike so had the skinny tires, but I loved that bike. It was a 'touring' bike so the geometry of the frame was different that a typical road bike that is designed solely for speed. The benefit of that was you weren't s hunched over so it was easier on your back. I would do 50+ mile rides between Denver and Golden (so lots of elevation gains), and it felt great.

 

[D the Catastrophist]

Riding shorts are mandatory for anyone riding daily. For years, I rode the same 20 mile route at lunch time. No way to do that without padded shorts. Not for my bum, anyway.

Yes. Padded seat and padded shorts are a requirement for long rides on a road bike. For a guy, the split seats help as well.

 

[passedpawn]

Yes. Padded seat and padded shorts are a requirement for long rides on a road bike. For a guy, the split seats help as well.

Also, for those that don't know, bike shops will actually fit your azz for a seat. They have a thing you sit on to measure where your bones are. If you're becoming an avid rider, this is a thing - do it.

 

[Pkrd]

LOL.
View attachment 852522

I have the Defy from the same year. Done about 30,000km all over NZ on it. Don't ride it as much as I used to because I have bikes with wider tyres and lower gearing now.

OP the Trek FX is a good choice for you right now.

 

[hilljack13]

OP the Trek FX is a good choice for you right now.

I went with the FX Sport 4. I thought about the 5, but I really like the lithium grey color.

 

[Kent88]

I'm late to the party, but I have had my Giant Sedona for about 13 years and I still really like it. I have been debating about a road bike, but I get maybe one ride a week without the kids so it wouldn't be worth it. If that bike fell apart tomorrow I'd probably look at a gravel bike, but what I have now is so similar to a gravel bike it makes me ask what the point would be.

Enjoy your Trek! And swing over to this thread some time. If you get to feeling like you want to do some bike touring, check this out.

 

[hilljack13]

Quick question...anyone know what the screw in the picture is? The shop didn't know, , so they just left it. Can't find any references online or Trek's website. There is on on both sides.

 

[tracer bullet]

Oh, interesting. I'd have guessed maybe a spot to run a cable, for a brake or some e-bike related thing. But it'd just have a plug. Also wondered about a mount for a rear rack? They usually go the other direction. (90 degrees twisted). Clearly it's got a jam nut to hold it aligned that way.

Is the bike new or used? Which model?

 

[hilljack13]

It is a new bike. Trek FX 4 Sport. You're right, the nut can adjust so that the hole faces any direction. It's on that way just because that is how I screwed it in.

 

[Pkrd]

I have those on my BMC cyclocross bike. Fender mounts I think.

 

[hilljack13]

I have those on my BMC cyclocross bike. Fender mounts I think.

I think you got it. I saw some pic of the fender bar that went down to where these mount to the bike and the fender screw attached to the one in the pic.

Thanks!

 

[Pkrd]

That lump beside it with the plug in is for the rack? Usually you can mount both to one point.

 

[Jonakr]

As someone mentioned earlier, don’t start out thinking you have to ride 25 miles. Start with just a few miles a day. If you find you enjoy it you will also find yourself riding more and soon you will be taking those longer rides like they are nothing. If you have a bike shop local take advantage of it so you can try different bikes and different saddles/seats to find one that is comfortable for you. Being comfortable on the bike is key.
Unless you are getting a high end bike builders like Trek/Specialized/Cannondale all have similar bike styles and frames and they all use the same components and to an extent wheels etc. just find a bike that is comfortable and ride it.
Warning though. Just like brewing, getting all the additional add on goodies as you is addicting and can get expensive. Hahahah. Happy riding.

Yeah, you'll most likely want gloves, padded shorts (or two), cycling jersey (or two), water bottles, and then emergency tools: spare tube and patch kit, some regular bike tools, an emergency $20, etc. Then consider maintenance and cleaning.

 

[bike2brew]

Check to see if the bolts don't snugup to the wheels. The may have a role with wheel adjustments in the rear dropouts. Interesting looks like Hole in the tab is threaded too.

 

[tracer bullet]

Fender mounts I think.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/...fork-fender-hardware/p/25458/?colorCode=black

Good guess.

 

[bike2brew]

Never purchased a bike from REI, but I agree on the staff as a whole. Especially considering that some (not all) bike shops can be super pretentious and treat newbs like idiots because they arent one of the "cool kids" who already bike, which frankly is a sh!tty business model, but thats for another day...

Seen that often. Too bad for industry dependent on new initiates