Anyone here cycle?

[RiverRacerX]

So I have been riding my POS Target mountain bike on my local bike paths for a couple months now. And I am now doing about 20-25 miles per ride and have almost 300 miles on this POS crap bike. But I am enjoying the hell out of riding. It is quiet and a great way to clear your mind. But I really need a better bike!

I have been looking at a lot of bikes and am ready for a road bike. I am torn between the Giant Defy 1 and the Giant Defy Advanced 4.

Defy 1: Aluminum frame with 105 components all around
Advanced 4: Carbon frame and Tiagra components.

I know the 105 components are much better but I really want the sexiness of having a carbon frame.

Opinions.

And what other comparable bikes would you reco?

I have also looked at: Specialized, Trek and Cannondale
But I think the Giant is a better looking bike and a better bang for your buck.

Giant Defy1

Defy Advanced 4

 

[kgt]

going through this my self, i want a carbon bike, in my area sand, gravel roads etc are present, so i am looking at a cannondale superx sram rival cyclo-cross bike, its a carbon bike that can take wet weather and gravel, trails etc, its also a very respectable road bike, the issue is (for me) the price, its 3800 bucks.
in regards to the giant i have rode the defy 1 and its great, giant apparently is the worlds largest bike builder and they do make great products. The issue with carbon is crashes can break them, aluminum bikes frames can be repaired. some say alum rides better, carbon is stiff. Carbon is lighter than alum bikes but cost more.

 

[Luvnlife]

Hey RRX, you know you have to wear tight cycle shorts with that bike right? Not the cool mountain bike gear.

 

[locogringo]

When I was street racing road bikes, I had a carbon fiber Giant and loved it. The higher end Giants are nice ad long as you get good components on them.

I am not an expert on mountain bikes but if I were to get another one, I'd get a Felt mountain bike as I have ridden a few of them and they are REALLY nice and have GREAT components on them.

As you know, the components are a big part of the bike.

Good luck Chris, it's a great
Activity.

 

[spectra3279]

I hope your not one of those stupid yuppy idiots that like to ride down Live oak Canyon. those idiots act like they own the road in their gay little spandex with the gay little shoes. Plus they wont move out of your way. so I smoke em out with my diesel.:champagne::skull

 

[MMD]

Cycling is great - I used to be into road biking (but not racing) but I gave it up - too much time in the saddle wasn't good for the naughty bits. If you don't have issues with blood flow to your nether region or issues with your prostate after riding hour after hour that's a good thing :bowdown:

 

[Luvnlife]

I hope your not one of those stupid yuppy idiots that like to ride down Live oak Canyon. those idiots act like they own the road in their gay little spandex with the gay little shoes. Plus they wont move out of your way. so I smoke em out with my diesel.:champagne::skull

But isn't it funny when they have to come to a stop and can't get their shoes unclipped from the pedals Luvnlife rides with platform pedals and FiveTens:thumbsup

 

[spectra3279]

But isn't it funny when they have to come to a stop and can't get their shoes unclipped from the pedals Luvnlife rides with platform pedals and FiveTens:thumbsup

I never see it. I blot out the view with diesel smoke.

I slow down to about 5 mph behind them, then creep up next to them, then floor it and block out the sun for them. Its up hill so they are huffin and puffin all that lovely diesel in for about 30 feet.

 

[Nuvie]

Check out the Scattante at Performance Cycle.
They seem to be a pretty good piece, and alot of times they come with Ultegra components. If your having a hard time choosing, always go with the better components IMO.

 

[KENDOG689]

Love the guys that ride down Baseline in the morning side by side??Stay in your lane azzoles!

 

[Brian B]

I never see it. I blot out the view with diesel smoke.

I slow down to about 5 mph behind them, then creep up next to them, then floor it and block out the sun for them. Its up hill so they are huffin and puffin all that lovely diesel in for about 30 feet.

Thats a total dick move. Although I think roadies are faggots, thats still a dick move.

 

[fmo24]

For bike paths and local streets I would go with aluminum. Carbon is very rigid and as someone stated when you crash they are prone to damage

 

[KENDOG689]

Thats a total dick move. Although I think roadies are faggots, thats still a dick move.

Saw a dead guy here a month ago laying in the street.Car, cyclist don,t know,there is a white line to stay inside of and they just don,t get it.

 

[Flynryan]

I don't know, "cyclists" seem to be a different breed.

 

[Fltplan]

Nothing rides like a carbon frame. I've had em all. You can put in more miles on a carbon and not fatigue. Aluminum is the harshest ride out there. I split 7k miles in 2009 between a Cannondale CAAD 7 and a Trek Madone. Both bikes had Campy Record Carbon, so components are important but the carbon Madone is awesome.

As for the guys that get in the middle of the road and don't move, they are assholes. I only spent about 10% of my mileage with groups because of this. On the other hand I've had drivers do shit to me for no reason based on their experiences with other riders.

Funniest thing I saw was a group of cyclist I was with kick the shit out of some dick in a diesel at a light. You may not know it, but cyclist are in pretty good shape. This big, chubby guy got laid out in 2 punches by a guy that was about 6' tall and weighed in at about 180.

Are you guys that have these diesels sure you could kick anyone's ass without that truck? Just saying.

Anyway, best of luck on the cycling thing. Best shape of my life was my high mileage cycling days. I don't ride road anymore cause of dickheads in diesels and cell phones. True story. :thumbsup

 

[Gelcoater]

Thats a total dick move. Although I think roadies are faggots, thats still a dick move.

So is riding 3 wide on a 2 lane road and flipping off the driver of the 3.8 ton truck when he honks the horn to get the fuck out of the way. I have done it and will again and again when there's a lack of consideration of others on the road.

 

[Fltplan]

So is riding 3 wide on a 2 lane road and flipping off the driver of the 3.8 ton truck when he honks the horn to get the fuck out of the way. I have done it and will again and again when there's a lack of consideration of others on the road.

Agreed, they have to move over. I rode with these kinda guys and couldn't figure out why they do it. They just ignore the cars. They will end up dead one day I guess.

On the other hand, I wouldn't want to be driving a car that hit a cyclist. Juries would be pretty harsh on the driver I'm sure, no matter why.

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Get a fixie.... they look cool.

 

[Gelcoater]

Agreed, they have to move over. I rode with these kinda guys and couldn't figure out why they do it. They just ignore the cars. They will end up dead one day I guess.

On the other hand, I wouldn't want to be driving a car that hit a cyclist. Juries would be pretty harsh on the driver I'm sure, no matter why.

Agreed.Hitting a cyclist would not be good.

To rrX my apoligy for somewhat turning this thread sideways.
And this is not directed to Fltplan,just a question
So,here's a question....Why do street cyclists think they don't have to stop for stop signs? last year I damn near ran over a guy,I stopped for my stop sign at the 4 way stop,he was coming up on it. I started to go,thinking this guy will stop,he has a stop sign,he did not. He threw his hands up like WTF? I did the same. He almost crashed,I roll down my window and say "didn't you see your sign?" He starts to go all agro,so I stopped and got out of the truck,and pointed to the sign,"it's a STOP sign!" He goes on about how his feet are locked into the pedal,I say "thats not my fault,but why is it my problem?" "I have to obey the laws of the road so do you,keep that shit up and one day your going to die from "your problem". He rode on,pissed off at me for him not stopping at a sign. I fogged him

 

[RiverOtter]

I ride but usually just once a week. 35 to 60 miles / ride. I don't race. Racing road bikes is like golf. You only get better buy committing many many hours to the sport and I don't love it that much . It's a great calorie burn (1,500 to 4,500 for an average ride) and awesome for cardio training.

I bought a Bianchi 928 Full Carbon with Shamino 105. I think it was around $2,300 to $2,500 a few years ago when I bought it. I've been really pleased and the bike is basically the same as the day I rode it out of the store. My buddy's 928 is now about a $10,000 bike and he still can't out climb me .

And to whomever thinks it's a funny or good idea to hit a cyclists, really? Is it worth taking a life to arrive at you destination 3 seconds faster? This happened in my city. Guy driving a delivery truck thought it would be "funny" to do a close pass. He hit the bike and drug it under his back tires. Now there is a young widow and 2 kids that won't get a chance to spend anymore time with their dad unless they are standing at his grave.

 

[Heveron]

I have the Giant Defy. I have a couple of Century rides on it. Great bike for the buck. Replace the seat right away becouse it sucks. Not the best components but those will be upgraded soon.

 

[Chipster27]

Get a Ti frame

Buy the better frame. Components will wear out or be taken out by a crash. They do make a difference, but to the recreational rider it's not that big of a difference. You want to be comfortable on the frame, carbon will give you that. You're on the frame far longer that you are using the gears and at this stage you don't need lightning fast shifting or dropping grams for improvement.

I have bikes with Campy Record and Shimano Dura Ace. I've also raced MTN bikes with XT and XTR, high line components are nice, but it's nicer to enjoy the ride for hours and want to do it again instead of getting beat up by the frame and dread the ride.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[catman-do]

Ive riden the Giant4, and I liked it. Im not into road bikes, so Ive never purchased one. Ive got a specialized. Its a mountain bike though, as I ride on the roads and up Mills (trail in clairemont)

 

[Chipster27]

Ive riden the Giant4, and I liked it. Im not into road bikes, so Ive never purchased one. Ive got a specialized. Its a mountain bike though, as I ride on the roads and up Mills (trail in clairemont)

I used to not ride road, but needed something to augment my mtn bike racing. Once I started on road my racing improved. I was getting a more a consistent aerobic work out from road than I was on the mtn bike which translated in to a better performance on the mtn bike.

RRX, you want to get something really cool, get the Garmin Edge. I have a 705 and it's awesome. Tracks heart rate, cadence, miles, incline, total climb, etc. Then you can load it on your PC and click any part of your ride to see the telemetry. It also keeps a log of all your rides and you can set up a course and benchmark your rides against the "ghost" rider. I'm sure there's more you can do, but it's a fun gadget for the bike!

 

[YoPengo]

Get a Ti frame

Buy the better frame. Components will wear out or be taken out by a crash. They do make a difference, but to the recreational rider it's not that big of a difference. You want to be comfortable on the frame, carbon will give you that. You're on the frame far longer that you are using the gears and at this stage you don't need lightning fast shifting or dropping grams for improvement.

I have bikes with Campy Record and Shimano Dura Ace. I've also raced MTN bikes with XT and XTR, high line components are nice, but it's nicer to enjoy the ride for hours and want to do it again instead of getting beat up by the frame and dread the ride.

Just my 2 cents.

I've owned them all. Aluminum was too harsh. I did not like carbon... sold it quick. Steel is fun, forgiving and flexible but very heavy (some bitchen new school steel bikes out now).

I love the feel of Ti (when I actually dust it off and ride the damn thing). You only need to buy one Ti frame... components can be upgraded later.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

There are tons of barely used bikes on CL. Personally, I would only buy a carbon road bike. They ride so sweet, big difference from aluminum. I also favor SRAM components to Shimano.

 

[stspdr]

I ride a Fuji/Ultegra with aluminum frame and carbon seat and chain stays. Never ridden full carbon but mine is definitely smoother than all aluminum with the carbon in the rear. I felt it was a good price compromise over the full carbon. I could have gotten full carbon with 105 for slightly more but opted with the above with ultegra.

 

[Tom Brown]

To me, asking about carbon versus aluminum is like asking how lifted trucks with big rims and massive rubber compare to stock trucks.

The stock truck is a better truck, in terms of doing work.

The pimp mobile is a better truck, in terms of selling drugs to school children.

I'll take the Al frame. I don't even worry all that much about light components. I'm no weight weenie.

I laugh at the 250 pound guys who talk about how heavy Deore components are. Are you shitting me?

I just need a decent bike with good quality hubs, reasonable components, and I'd take a solid front fork over a cheap suspension fork but a good quality suspension fork is a treat.

Oh yeah, I'm hard tail all the way. .... because I'm cheap.

 

[Guest]

Oh yeah, I'm hard tail all the way. .... because I'm cheap.

No....It's because it reminds you of the pleasant times you had during that 10 year stretch you did in a Turkish prison...

 

[Tom Brown]

No....It's because it reminds you of the pleasant times you had during that 10 year stretch you did in a Turkish prison...

Turkish defense attorneys recommend taping a few dozen brillo pads to a broom handle to use as preparation for prison.

 

[rivergames]

If you consider riding my beach cruiser down the strand at the beach wearing board short with a cold beer and hoping to different bars....Then yes, I cycle :champagne:

 

[footer]

You said you're really enjoying riding the local bike paths on a POS MTB, and are now thinking about a high end road bike. That's a big jump sideways. At least consider a bike designed for the type of riding you're enjoying. Road bikes are the equivalent of crotch rocket motorcycles, making a lot of ride quality and comfort compromises in the pursuit of extreme performance. All the big brands make sweet high end bikes ideally suited to bike paths, like the Trek FX line. They're very high quality, with great components, and designed to do exactly what you're already enjoying.

And consider the shop you buy from, too. Bikes require a relatively high level of maintenance and repair, (higher than a car, obviously lower than a boat.) Its way more fun to work with great people at a great shop than buy a great bike from a less professional shop.

For what it's worth, I ride a lot, like 6-10 hours a week, and I stay off the roads whenever possible. Don't even own a road bike anymore, just a full suspension MTB. Paths, or better yet trails, are more fun and way safer. I may live with constant scabs from bouncing off rocks and trees, but the recovery from even a minor collision with a car is a big drag.

 

[The Doctor]

I ride a Motobecane 400DS 30-40 miles a week with my wife and grandkids. We are just cruisers.

 

[duner21]

Agreed.Hitting a cyclist would not be good.

To rrX my apoligy for somewhat turning this thread sideways.
And this is not directed to Fltplan,just a question
So,here's a question....Why do street cyclists think they don't have to stop for stop signs? last year I damn near ran over a guy,I stopped for my stop sign at the 4 way stop,he was coming up on it. I started to go,thinking this guy will stop,he has a stop sign,he did not. He threw his hands up like WTF? I did the same. He almost crashed,I roll down my window and say "didn't you see your sign?" He starts to go all agro,so I stopped and got out of the truck,and pointed to the sign,"it's a STOP sign!" He goes on about how his feet are locked into the pedal,I say "thats not my fault,but why is it my problem?" "I have to obey the laws of the road so do you,keep that shit up and one day your going to die from "your problem". He rode on,pissed off at me for him not stopping at a sign. I fogged him

I road ride and there is no way in hell i would blow a stop sign. A bike rider is going to lose the battle with the car everytime. We stay right and still get honked at form people which i just dont get. Unclipping from the pedal is easy and second nature that is no excuse at all. The people that come close and throw shit or smoke you out are just dicks plain and simple. It is not hard to ride and do the right thing. It is just as dangerous as being on a motorcycle it seems.

 

[duner21]

Oh and get a carbon frame it is lighter and rides way better. Go look at a trek madone 5.2 total ultegra spec on the bike and rides like a champ.

 

[RiverRacerX]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I ride on the paths in Valencia and there are miles of paths that are in great shape, smooth and recently paved. There are a lot of bikes of all kinds every weekend enjoying the paths.

I don't want a mountain bike, I don't want a 29'er and I don't want a cruiser. I get passed like I am standing still by old men on really nice bikes. I just want to be able to keep up. I also know several guys who run from Valencia out to Ventura on the 126 for lunch and back. This interests me.

I want to do this for the workout. I guess when I hit 40 I finally decided I would get in shape. I have been in the gym as often as possible at lunch at the company gym and been riding the bike on the weekends. I would love to ride the bike a couple of mornings before work as well.

I am in the best shape I have been in over 10 years and also the lowest weight. I feel much better and am less lethargic. I get disappointed when I miss a workout or a ride.

Hopefully I will get a bike in the next few weeks. The 2012 bikes are landing now and I am hoping I can score an '11 for a few hundred off. I looked at used but if I can get a deal on new and get fitted properly it is worth it to me. I want the bike to fit me perfect and I want to make sure I have a good relationship with the LBS for tune ups and such.

Really leaning towards the Defy Advanced 4, if I can find one left over in my size.

 

[Tom Brown]

I get passed like I am standing still by old men on really nice bikes.

I have no doubt you're in solid shape but I would bet a steak dinner those old bastards on the fancy bikes could ride POS Target mountain bikes and you could ride a sleek road bike and they'd still pass you... although there would undoubtedly be less of a performance gap.

I'm not knocking you. I'm trying to urge caution against assuming too much of a performance gain with equipment change.

Don't assume you should be in better condition than someone, just because his face looks like a scrotum.

 

[rivermobster]

But I am enjoying the hell out of riding. It is quiet and a great way to clear your mind.

So why would you wanan get a street bike???

I love riding the trails above Glendora. No way I'd ride on the street.

 

[100dollarman]

Here is a different angle on "cycling"-

I am old and fat. I hadnt ridden bikes in years. I bought a couple of electric bicylcles for my GF and I. I liked them so much that I became a dealer and have been selling them!
Now we ride 2-3 per week, 1 to 30 miles-- no schedule. Its not as much excercise as a pedal bike, but at least we are out there riding now as opposed to not riding like before. I can pedal when I want to, or just use the motor, or pedal with elect assist. Its really enjoyable for us and I dont have a heart-attack pedaling up a hill.
And I have lost 20 lbs in the last 2 months- feeling pretty good.

Here are a few pics from a 15 mile ride we did in Big Bear last weekend---

 

[RiverRacerX]

Don't assume you should be in better condition than someone, just because his face looks like a scrotum.

Ha, all I am saying is that on a bike with the correct gearing I should be able to have a much quicker pace.

@ 100dollarman: I finally saw the bikes in the last pic you posted. (your beautiful wife was in all of the others). The electric thing looks pretty cool.

__

When I say a road bike, I mean the style. I will still stay on the bike paths as I can ride about 50 miles all over them. I like the Giant Defy because it is an endurance bike with a more relaxed position, not a race bike like their TCR. But it gives me the option to do longer rides if I am so inclined.

 

[RiverOtter]

I'll take the Al frame. I don't even worry all that much about light components. I'm no weight weenie.

I laugh at the 250 pound guys who talk about how heavy Deore components are. Are you shitting me?

LOL! Word up! My buddy bought $2,000 set of wheels to make himself faster instead of dropping 20 lbs.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I support your decision on the Defy Advanced... Great bikes..

 

[RiverRacerX]

Ok, another question. Anyone here cycle in SCV or San Fernando Valley area who want to ride?

Or for you cycle-phobes. Does anyone here wanna "ride bikes"?

 

[spectra3279]

I road ride and there is no way in hell i would blow a stop sign. A bike rider is going to lose the battle with the car everytime. We stay right and still get honked at form people which i just dont get. Unclipping from the pedal is easy and second nature that is no excuse at all. The people that come close and throw shit or smoke you out are just dicks plain and simple. It is not hard to ride and do the right thing. It is just as dangerous as being on a motorcycle it seems.

I only do it when you bikers are on Live oak Canyon Road. You should not be on it. The turns are sharp enough you can see your own tail lights going around them, there are no shoulders ( they consist of an oak tree, a telephone pole, or a drop off and no bike lane). the corners are blind. so you cant see if someone is coming to pass your slow ass. And most of the guys that ride it are like sail boters. they think they own the place.

 

[Fltplan]

I only do it when you bikers are on Live oak Canyon Road. You should not be on it. The turns are sharp enough you can see your own tail lights going around them, there are no shoulders ( they consist of an oak tree, a telephone pole, or a drop off and no bike lane). the corners are blind. so you cant see if someone is coming to pass your slow ass. And most of the guys that ride it are like sail boters. they think they own the place.

Sometimes if there is no room to pass they will get in the middle of the lane so no one tries it. It doesn't mean they shouldn't be there. It means you have to wait to pass. Im not familiar w this road but hopefully they are able to move at a decent speed.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[spectra3279]

Sometimes if there is no room to pass they will get in the middle of the lane so no one tries it. It doesn't mean they shouldn't be there. It means you have to wait to pass. Im not familiar w this road but hopefully they are able to move at a decent speed.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

only on the down hill lane. the up hill lane they are usually only doing about 5 mile an hour. The road claims motorcycles, cars, and just about anything on it. Riding in the middle of a blind turn is nuts. its asking to get hit. Thats the problem, you cant see them and there is no place to go. The road just isnt safe for bicycles. that is my beef. I have no problems with bicycles when there is a nice wide road, or a bike lane, or one that has visibility. Unless they are riding 5 abreast in the bike lane and taking up half the car lane. they do that on santiago canyon all the time. and they will and do blow threw stop signs and red lights. Almost hit one bastard on principle one time. I had to lock up my brakes to keep from hitting him. and he looked at me like I was in the wrong.

Damn OC yuppie metrosexual pukes.:swear

 

[Luvnlife]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I ride on the paths in Valencia and there are miles of paths that are in great shape, smooth and recently paved. There are a lot of bikes of all kinds every weekend enjoying the paths.

I don't want a mountain bike, I don't want a 29'er and I don't want a cruiser. I get passed like I am standing still by old men on really nice bikes. I just want to be able to keep up. I also know several guys who run from Valencia out to Ventura on the 126 for lunch and back. This interests me.

I want to do this for the workout. I guess when I hit 40 I finally decided I would get in shape. I have been in the gym as often as possible at lunch at the company gym and been riding the bike on the weekends. I would love to ride the bike a couple of mornings before work as well.

I am in the best shape I have been in over 10 years and also the lowest weight. I feel much better and am less lethargic. I get disappointed when I miss a workout or a ride.

Hopefully I will get a bike in the next few weeks. The 2012 bikes are landing now and I am hoping I can score an '11 for a few hundred off. I looked at used but if I can get a deal on new and get fitted properly it is worth it to me. I want the bike to fit me perfect and I want to make sure I have a good relationship with the LBS for tune ups and such.

Really leaning towards the Defy Advanced 4, if I can find one left over in my size.

This is your best bet, buy when the new models come out. I bought my Specialized Enduro for $1000 less because the new models year came out. Best thing was there were no new changes to the new model.:thumbsup Check Wheel World.com.

 

[Luvnlife]

Ok, another question. Anyone here cycle in SCV or San Fernando Valley area who want to ride?

Or for you cycle-phobes. Does anyone here wanna "ride bikes"?

I just busted out a ten miler in the hills above Hasley Cyn.:thumbsup All up and down

 

[Luvnlife]

I ride but usually just once a week. 35 to 60 miles / ride. I don't race. Racing road bikes is like golf. You only get better buy committing many many hours to the sport and I don't love it that much . It's a great calorie burn (1,500 to 4,500 for an average ride) and awesome for cardio training.

I bought a Bianchi 928 Full Carbon with Shamino 105. I think it was around $2,300 to $2,500 a few years ago when I bought it. I've been really pleased and the bike is basically the same as the day I rode it out of the store. My buddy's 928 is now about a $10,000 bike and he still can't out climb me .

And to whomever thinks it's a funny or good idea to hit a cyclists, really? Is it worth taking a life to arrive at you destination 3 seconds faster? This happened in my city. Guy driving a delivery truck thought it would be "funny" to do a close pass. He hit the bike and drug it under his back tires. Now there is a young widow and 2 kids that won't get a chance to spend anymore time with their dad unless they are standing at his grave.

I just had to add this. I don't think anyone really thinks it's funny or a good idea to hit cyclists. Carry on.

 

[callbob]

for some silly reason I figured skank would chime in about her cycle