Bicycle riders (road bikes)

[Culley22]

Alright...as in my Triathalon post, i'll be getting me a road bike for this event. Currently looking at the Giant Defy 1, Trek Madone 2.1, Specialized Allez, or a Scott (can't remember).

Just lookign for some input. Going with some Crank Brother's egg beater pedals.

Just looking for some input on the bikes. I could go carbon...but as my first bike I figured it's best to not get crazy just yet.

Also looking for suggestions on travel cases for it (since it'll be going with me).

[roadie1]

Evoc travel bag. I've used them all and it's by far the best. You can put a 29'r mtn bike in or a road bike.
As for a bike, I've used many and am now riding a Trek Madone 7 series with DI2 Shimano. Look pedals. I'm also a fan of sexy Colnago but not for the tri geek crowd.

[Culley22]

You like the soft Evoc over a hard sided case?

Anyone use/recommend a bike trainer?

[Snow-Dweller]

Giant Defy.....I sold mine and bought a Trwk Domane.....much preferred the Giant

[subtona]

Egg beaters are My choice of pedals for casual riding (all my bikes have them) but you might consider a larger platform style pedal for more foot comfort?

Are you looking at triathalete specific geometry or road bike?

How much importance is weight in a frame vs durability?

You may want to ask: How is a modern carbon frame expected to hold up to the challenges of competition & travel? (Pro riders use carbon but i suspect replace frequently.)

[roadie1]

Originally Posted by Culley22

You like the soft Evoc over a hard sided case?

Anyone use/recommend a bike trainer?

Yes I do. The Evoc has PvC support poles that slide into place of you want to store the case.
This was convenient last summer while riding in France. I could roll up the case in the rental car for transport to the next ride. You obviously can't do that with a hard sided case..
I've used it with my carbon trek as well as my Ti Moots frames with no problems.


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[roadie1]

Oh and I only use Shimano XTR Mtn bike pleads and Look road pedals.


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[Culley22]

Ended up putting $$ down on the Scott Speedster 20. I've been assured that if it doesn't "fit right" I'm not locked into buying it, but since it's winter up here the bike shop had to get it special ordered in, and because of that he wanted money down. I have a good friend with the Giant Defy 1, and he said he'd go with the Scott. However, the more i've read the Giant has gotten REALLY good reviews in comparision to similar range bikes.

I'm gong with Aluminum for my first bike. Lets see how I like this Triathalon stuff. Gives me an excuse to stay in shape, and travel to cool places to do these. I'm sticking with a road bike, as it can be better utilized for casual riding with the TT bikes are for racing only. Getting soem clip on aero bars for the races.

The Crank Brother Egg Beater 2s are what I got, and with a little bit more of a platform, not just the clip. Never used bike shoes...so this ought to be a fun learning experience. My buddy says to be prepared to tip over without getting the feet out. Getting used to them takes time he says.

I was concerned about the EVOC bag as it seems soft sided, but it's good to hear someone give it a positive reassurance. I was going to look at a hard sided case, or maybe Hen House Armored case. But I'll definitely put the EVOC on the list since I've actually heard of some first hand traveling experience with it.

[subtona]

Glad to here your going with a road style for comfort/practicality

Aluminum is Great all around bike, can take a beating w/o rust and invisible cracks.

I would add there are some amazing artisans making steel bikes, the ride of steel can be magic when done right, I would at least explore a bit.

My material breakdown.

Carbon comfortable/ fragile (many will disagree but just my experience)
Aluminum durable but uncomfortable stiff ride
Titanium more comfortable than aluminum a bit more flex due to tubing size.
Steel is generally a bit heavier (but so am I) aside from that it is my favorite ride and aesthetically the most beautiful & of course timeless

The crank brothers design is the most comfortable of the smaller type clip ins but a platform will give yo more support that may truly play a factor when shifting from run to bike (or vice versa)




Ps whatever you do or read, please do not underestimate the power of a 10 minute test ride!
You will be amazed at how quick you can form an opinion of a particular bike as it specifically pertains to you.

Pps the secret to better riding is
"To make perfect little circles with your feet"
Eddy Merckx