what do you guys ride?

theunixman

I have a Specialized Crossroads from around '97 or '98 with all stock components, except tires. I used to ride mountain trails with Specialized's Crossroads tires, but since I mainly ride streets now, I have a wider (700x38c) road tire.

Since the bike is probably 7 years old (and the rear shifter ratchet mechanism no longer works), I'm considering upgrading the components a bit.

Cyclist14

Why use a 700x38c for roads, I use a 700x23c and might upgrade to a 700x20c in the future. I think you should get a new bike all together, you don't need anything fancy though. You can get a good beginer road bike for about $300.00. This is probably what you would spend on new components. I once tried to upgrade a older road bike but it seemed that when i replaced one part another would break.

good luck and consider what I have said, Cyclist 14

theunixman

This does seem to be the first thing people recommend I do. However, after trying several different bikes both on and off road (I've done quite a bit of both trails and streets), including full, seat, and rear-only suspension, I really like this bike.

The tires I'm still experimenting with. I got these because they were kevlar-lined and Los Angeles has pretty bad streets, while the other narrower tire options available at the bike shop weren't, and I've found that kevlar lining really does seem to reduce the time between tube fixes or changes.

I certainly would spend more than $300 and a lot of time on a new bike if I were to buy one, since it would likely take a lot to get a new bike feeling right enough for me to want to ride it, and it's far more convenient to spend quite a bit less on an expensive frame I won't like when I can buy the components on that frame and put them on a frame I do like.

Cyclist14

BE WARNED!!!!! I was given a Firenze GL 5000 in about the same condition and I invested $200.00+ in some new tires, a rear derailluer, Wheel truing and brake adjustment. I replace it on Thursday with a Nishiki Century that had Aero Rims, Shimano STI and a lot of other specialties. Its best to just get a new bike.

clarko

right now i have a windsor with 105. but will be getting our team bike next year, full carbon "blue" with DA. www.rideblue.com

Roberto badgio

It wasn't actually as bad as I thought, the tyres and inner tubes were fine, it was just my pump, I've only needed to get a new seatpost, coz it was really small, and a new water bottle cage. I must have spent £7.50. It rides pretty well.

ganderctr

I've got a circa-1994 Cannondale touring bike. All Deore LX gadgets except the crankset (it's a 50/36/24, definitely not MTB). Sawed off flat handlebar with drop bar ends.

I'm going to have a Trek 2300 on order in January.

ryan_velo

I have a new 2004 specalized allez.

andrerag

I ride a 1994 Specialized Allez upgraded to 9 speed Dura-ace/Ultegra. I built it myself and it is a 60cm and weights just under 19.5lbs. I dont have any plans to do anything else to this bike but I just bought myself a Peugeot off of the touring company were I work. It was the first bike I built it has 7 speed Sora with a 9 speed triple Ultegra crank. I hope to upgrade it to 9 speed Ultegra or 105 at least.

I also have a mid 70's Rickshaw from Thailand a "Golden Bird" with the ordimental metal work and wood work.

And I have about 10 other bikes but they are mostly beaters

Another bike that I want to buy it a Orbea Volata with 9 speed Campy Mirage. It isnt a 5900 but rides almost as good if not better in my mind.

samul

Not sure if you guys ride fixed wheel tt bikes, but here is a picture of mine in the process, just need to put my new profile brakes and dura ace brakes.
Over here in NZ all our time trials tend to be dead flat, so fixed wheels like mine are pretty common. In the summer i use it for a pursuit bike, and then its my tt bike in the winter.
Its XL, but the seat is still sky high, given at 17years old im 6'4"

http://onfinite.com/libraries/254402/4af.jpg

Virenque

Now I know why Heath Blackgrove was riding fixed wheel tt bike at Athens OG! I didn`t get an idea till now..

samul

Yea,
I didnt realise Heath rode it in Athens, they arent to flash when there are big hills, because you end up having to brake heavily down hills to stop yourself spinning like crazy.
Heath is a very good rider though , NZ champ in both road and time trial.

Bluey_27

WHOA!!! nice garden...

Cyclist14

I also now have a Mountainsmith Cairn with DEORE XT and dual suspension.

Also it has Hayes HX-1 disc brakes.

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Ciocc 7005 with Colnago Carbon Fork and Ultegra 10