Bikes designed for road use only. Could be any road-only bike, but typically means bikes optimized for speed / racing / club rides with drop handlebars, narrow tires and a crouched-forward rider position.
0
votes
2answers
25 views
Good Quality Road Platform Pedals?
I am trying to find good quality but not exorbitantly expensive platform pedals for a road bike. I tried Shimano SPD, but ended up concluding that for me it was more of a deathtrap. I did end up ...
0
votes
0answers
11 views
Long Quill Stem?
I picked up a used mid 1990s Serotta Colorado CSI (lugged steel) bike. It is a size 54L which in Serottas from that era means it has a 54 seat tube but a 55 top tube. The size was not intentional, it ...
20
votes
5answers
5k views
How often should I lube my chain?
I ride less than 200 miles a week, and I'm at about the 200 mile mark on my new road bike. Most of my riding is done on the road in an urban city, so there is a lot of odd, unnatural debris. My LBS ...
5
votes
1answer
95 views
Number of gears for a racer
I am looking to upgrade my racer, I currently have a Bottecchia racer from the mid-80s and it has 14 gears. While looking around for newer racers I noticed that a number of them had 20 gears while ...
3
votes
2answers
215 views
What Shimano jockey wheels are compatible with my old Shimano 105 9-Speed Derailleur?
I'm in the process of getting my Cannondale CAAD serviced, which I reckon is from about 2006 (I got it second hand). I have had the rear cassette and chain replaced, like for like, but the bike shop ...
3
votes
2answers
146 views
Can a 10-speed mountain bike chain be used on a 10-speed road bike?
I would like to use a Shimano Deore XT Chain CN-HG94 on my road bike. Are there any differences between roadbike chains versus mountain bike chains that prohibit this?
Sample Road Bike Chains:
Dura ...
6
votes
2answers
126 views
Improving metabolic efficiency
I'm doing road cycling, on hills, over long distances.
Typically at the moment, I'll do two 30-40 mile evening rides in just under 2 hours. Generally either 50ft per mile climb or 100ft per mile ...
21
votes
4answers
2k views
Getting over a downhill phobia
I've been riding seriously/regularly for about a year now, although like the majority of the worlds population I've been on a bike since I was a kid.
When I was first starting out I had no real ...
1
vote
1answer
72 views
Allen Coggan Table - Formula for a best fit to time frames
I'm sure lots of people are familiar with the Allen Coggan Relative Power table that then relates your 'score' to what category rider you are.
My question is that given rides/segments/hill climbs are ...
36
votes
9answers
2k views
Protocol for downhill cyclist overtaking a car?
Last weekend, I was driving (yes in a car, something I rarely do) down a fairly steep and very curvy mountain road (thus with very poor sight lines/visibility ahead) when I noticed a cyclist in my ...
5
votes
4answers
10k views
How can I increase my speed on my hybrid bike?
I have a Specialized hybrid bike, and when I'm out biking with friends who are on road bikes, I'm always lagging behind. Besides just plain getting better at biking, which of the following would make ...
5
votes
5answers
209 views
Can fresh hot asphalt damage slicks?
Today I was riding with my road bike when I suddenly hit a patch of hot asphalt. The day before the one side of the road was already filled with a hard first load, so I didn't think much of riding ...
-1
votes
1answer
77 views
Where should I sell my H.R. Bates frame? [closed]
I've been told very good things about this bike frame and there are a few sites devoted to it like: http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/builders/bates.html
I have been intending to upgrade and give ...
2
votes
3answers
154 views
What is the difference between race/road and cx bikes?
The only differences I know is that road bikes are often lighter and uses different set of brakes. But what else are the main differences?
3
votes
1answer
77 views
Grand Tours - Total Ascent (By stage, particularly the giro)
I'm looking for information on stages of grand tours, particularly the upcoming Giro.
I can find details of total distance by stage, and the amount of ascent on the key climbs of a stage, but I'm ...
0
votes
2answers
89 views
Upgrading my cockpit- brakes, stem and bars for longer reach
I want to upgrade my cockpit so that I have a longer reach. I currently use it as my city bike. Its an old vintage HR bates frame. Currently the stem is a little short. I want to change the bars - ...
5
votes
5answers
1k views
Is my dream of finding a light/commuter/hauling bike a pipe dream?
For a while now I have been trying to find the perfect bike. One that is fast and allows me to ride 20 mph for 50 mi. One that I can load stuff on and has braze-ons for racks, fenders, etc. A bike ...
-2
votes
0answers
194 views
What components do I need for a road bike that will endure touring on bad roads [closed]
I want to put together a road bike. However, what is the different between a standard road bike and one that will endure more rough conditions, further distances, etc that would be required for ...
5
votes
5answers
355 views
Hybrid or Road Bike?
I was given a Raleigh Venture comfort bike as a gift a few months ago, and took to riding very well. I am overweight, but dropping quickly. I started at 275 and sit around 250 now after two months of ...
5
votes
4answers
577 views
Is it better to get an entry-level carbon bike or a similarly priced aluminum bike?
I am going to buy my first proper road bike, and I have been comparing entry-level carbon frames with top-level aluminum frames in the same series (Giant Defy). What are the benefits of carbon vs. ...
3
votes
3answers
164 views
What factors determine stem length ?
Recently I went to a local bike shop to get a bike fitting advice. After taking body measurements, I was given a frame size recommendation. According to that, seat tube size, top tube size and stem ...
6
votes
4answers
230 views
Is it worth time to rebuild an old steel frame?
I found an old Favorit racing bike. I didn't weigh it without all the parts but I find it pretty light, and it has a nice classic look. It is however really rusty (superficial damage only). Right now ...
2
votes
1answer
46 views
Turbo trainer compared to road / air resistence - Magneto Classic
For reasons I won't bore you with I have been confined to the garage for my training for the last six-seven months.
I have been using my road bike on a Cycleops magnetto classic (see: Here)
What I ...
1
vote
1answer
97 views
What could cause a screeching noise when going downhill without brakes?
Going downhill on my road bike with aero bars without applying brakes results in a terrible screeching coming from what seems to be the front wheel. Are the bearings going out?
20
votes
5answers
2k views
what makes a good entry level road bike?
I've been riding a mountain bike for years, but I prefer to go longer distances on paved ground, so I think a road bike would be better. When I ask what is a good bike, I don't need brands/models - ...
7
votes
6answers
854 views
Is it possible to estimate road grade while riding?
It would be nice to be able to estimate the grade of a road while riding, even if the estimate is not completely accurate. With a GPS, in theory it should be possible in theory to ride a short ...
11
votes
7answers
2k views
What is the simplest way to lower the gearing on my touring bike?
I have a 2004 Jamis Aurora with a 52/42/30 triple and an 11-32 cassette in the back. 30x32 (25.3 gear inches) being the lowest gear is frustrating for the hilly terrain where I live (e.g., 7% grade ...
2
votes
2answers
107 views
How can I tell what frame model/year this bicycle is? [closed]
There is a bicycle that is locally owned that I want to buy and the only information I have about the bicycle frame from the dealer is that it's just a OCLV 110. With a couple of zoom-ins and ...
0
votes
5answers
2k views
Fast touring bike / Roadbike with touring capabilities
I am looking for a bike as primary transportation in the South Bay area.
My commute is 5 mi, I like to do overnight trips on weekends and use
the bike for shopping, which will involve occasional trips ...
-5
votes
1answer
76 views
Speed On a Road Bike [closed]
My old (But freakin' awesome) french road bike goes fast, considering that the only times im racing is pretty much against my friends who all have mountain bikes. Needless to say I always win. But I ...
-1
votes
2answers
188 views
Looking for the right bike
I have been needing a new bike and I need some help with what kind of bike I should purchase. I plan on riding on mainly paved side walks but when traffic is bad I need it to endure riding over curbs ...
2
votes
1answer
86 views
Derailleur Hanger replacement for GTS R5 road bike frame
I'm looking for an online site where I can buy a derailleur hanger replacement for my GTS R5 road frame.
The frame is the one in the picture ...
3
votes
3answers
165 views
Sizing guide for road bikes vs mountain bikes
i usually take a 21 inch size in mountain bike, but I want to buy a road bike. I'm 6'2'' and have a 34 inch inner leg. How do the sizes translate from mountain bike to road bike?
Thanks
1
vote
1answer
148 views
Straight or Drop handlebars?
Can someone explain to me the pros/cons of drop or straight? I've never used drops before and have never owned a good road bike (just cheap mountain bikes) - I am buying a decent single speed soon and ...
3
votes
1answer
109 views
Electronic bicycling ranking for the office cyclists?
in the office many of us cycle to work. We though it would be cool to have ranking of cyclists with different sorting (distance, avg. speed and such). We can track our trips with Android or iPhone ...
5
votes
2answers
359 views
Are road bikes durable for use on roads full of cracks and potholes?
I live in Reading UK and commute between home and workplace 5-6 days a week (round trip about 6-7 miles). I know that hybrids are good enough for pretty much anything, but I find road bikes really ...
8
votes
3answers
362 views
What cleaner and oil should I use on my bike chain
Hope everyone is well. I need to clean and oil my chain as its getting a little clunky when I’m changing gears. I have no idea what I should be cleaning it with and then what I should oil with. Any ...
25
votes
13answers
4k views
Do skilled cyclists really “use the front brake alone probably 95% of the time”?
Sheldon Brown's Braking and Turning Your Bicycle page states that:
Skilled cyclists use the front brake alone probably 95% of the time
and
"Generally I advise against using both brakes at ...
4
votes
6answers
446 views
How do I estimate how long it will take me to ride my commute?
How can a cyclist, new to commuting by bike and not all that experienced in riding, estimate how long a commute will take?
I have been riding for 4 days to and from work. 156km over over 4 days. I'd ...
2
votes
2answers
146 views
Uncomfortable road saddle, how to choose a saddle for my riding?
I have a selle royale laser saddle. Its pretty uncomfortable but not bad for pedalling. I would like to change my city road bike saddle. Does anyone have recommendations, and rules of thumb for ...
1
vote
2answers
231 views
I need help on how to make my bike faster [closed]
Hi Just wanted to ask how to make my bike faster.
Do I change the front chainring to a larger one, if so do I have to get a whole new drive train or can I just get another shimano large ring. Can I ...
1
vote
2answers
110 views
Road bike for a 10 day trip in the Pyrenees and French rivera and other questions
I am planning a 10 day trip covering roughly between 500 and 600 kilometers, starting in the Spanish Pyrenees and finishing in Nice.
What kind of bike do you recommend me for such a trip? Obviously ...
2
votes
4answers
345 views
What will happen to a roadbike when rode on broken tar?
I am planning to buy a bicycle (either road-bike or MTB). I personally prefer road-bike.
I have to travel on broken tar to reach a smooth tar road.
On an average I will cycle 200 km per week out of ...
19
votes
2answers
2k views
Does the chain direction make a difference?
Recently, I helped a friend install a new chain on her road bike, and for the first time read the instructions for installing one. It seems to claim that there's a forward direction, and that it ...
3
votes
4answers
209 views
Is a custom road frame worthwhile?
I've been riding a Marin San Anselmo hybrid for some 13 years and I'd guess I've done over 7000 miles on it almost exclusively on the road (and it's not my commuting bike).
I'm gradually doing more ...
4
votes
4answers
861 views
Road bike that is gentle on body, but can go in some dirt
I found out that a racing type road bike is hard to shift as hurts the arthritis in my fingers. And even the frame is harder on the hips. I need something more gentle, but fast enough to keep up with ...
1
vote
5answers
1k views
Clip-on to temporarily convert Look pedal to stand-on style?
I have a road bike with look style pedals, and I am looking for an attachment I can clip-in to the pedals (where my cleats clip in) to provide a platform so that I can temporarily use ordinary shoes ...
6
votes
6answers
366 views
What is the most efficient way to ride up or down hills, and into or away from wind?
I'm trying to work out how hard I should push myself when riding up or down a hill. Similarly, how hard should I push myself when riding into, or away from, or perpendicular to wind?
My aim is to ...
-2
votes
4answers
632 views
How many people use their mountain bikes for road riding? [closed]
In March 2012 I purchased a Cannondale Synapse Alloy 6 road bike. I put around 2100 miles on it during the year. This year I'd like to do a bit more mountain biking, but not any real hard-core ...
12
votes
12answers
26k views
Converting a MTB to a Road Bike
I just bought a new MTB and am planning to change my previous MTB into a Road Bike.
How do I do it? What kind of parts do I need to change or add or remove?
I am not looking to for a full ...
