The Bicycling Thread

[Brent.ff]

Place I'm at has a shower, and I've been saying for years that if I work somewhere with a shower, I'm going to cycle to work. Now, that comes with a caveat, I've never cycled to work.

I have a mediocre mountain bike (hardtail) that I hardly ever use, but don't think it'll be adequate (unless I'm told otherwise).

Trip will be about 10-12 km one way, 99% Bow River Pathway, pretty level except one hill right by my place.

What do I need to know? I've done some minor research, but nothing too crazy. Bike types (new vs used), equipment I need to carry daily, etc, i'll take all advice for it, or links to good information. Maybe a bit strange to ask on a car forum...

[lilmira]

Get a tune-up, get some smoother road tires on and try it our first?

[mo_money2supe]

When I first started biking into work, I too had a mediocre, mid-90s model hardtail that I bought when I was in Jr. High. It took me a few hours of maintenance (all self taught via youtube) and after a few times of biking in, I eventually updated all the components on the bike to make it worth easily twice as much (original retail price that is) as what I bought it for! That ultimately led to my wife's displeasure of me now owning 3 bikes: the aforementioned hardtail, a road bike, along with a recent addition, a new full-susp bike. By the way, you don't need smooth road tires for your rig just yet; your standard mountain bike tires are sufficient until you want to improve your times.

Anyway, my ride into work was similar to yours. About 12 km one way from home into downtown, 99% Bow River Pathway, and just one small hill at the beginning of my ride. My first ride 3 years ago took me about 1.5 hrs! I eventually lowered that time to about 45 mins consistently and could have done it in just over 30 mins on the road bike if there's limited other cyclists on the road and little wind gusts.

For daily carry, at the very least have a patch kit/spare tube, a tire pump, a bike lock, and basic bike tools (buy one of those multi-tools from MEC for ~$40). If you're planning on commuting in all weather types, be sure to bring some rain gear with you. Don't forget your water! I'd also consider a pannier rack and decent waterproof pannier packs to pack your work clothes and tools in. Otherwise, have fun and try not to piss off too many beyonders while riding on the bike lanes!

[D'z Nutz]

I think you're overthinking this. It's just 10-12km on a paved path with plenty of traffic, not some backroads in the middle of nowhere. I just pack my lunch, a change of clothes and a towel, some tunes, sunglasses, and if I'm going anywhere after work, a lock.

[birdman86]

Definitely overthinking it. Tuck your laces into your shoes and hit the road. If I'm bringing a lunch I'll throw it in a messenger bag. Leave the lock chained to your office bike rack so you don't need to carry that. If you're worried about flats just throw a spare tire tube and co2 air pump into one of those seatpost bags.

I never needed to worry about showering/change of clothes because I live close, and you shouldn't be going crazy fast on the pathway anyway. 12km might be a bit different than my 3 though haha

[blitz]

Buys some really cheap tires and put them on your mountain bike to get started. Unless you want a new bike anyway, then just buy a new bike :)

Cheap Front and rear lights from MEC, along with a bell. Extra Tube + tire levers and CO2 or Pump. $12 multitool from Mec.

I usually end up driving in one day a week, I bring the weeks supply of clothes in on that day and take the last weeks home. If you don't want to drive, just use a backpack to start.

I started at the beginning of last summer, I've lost a ton of weight. Haven't really saved any money on parking since I've bought a Carbon Road Bike, Cross bike and a Fatbike in the last year :rofl:

[04_dc5]

Make sure you take some time to get a proper saddle height..

Really easy way to get a long term knee injury, especially if you're just getting back into it after a while.

Also download Strava! I found keeping track of your rides gives you motivation after a long week of biking, since you always want to keep your weekly pace up.

[CLiVE]

Just ride what you've got to start.

Simple hard-tail mountain bike is perfect for now. First season I bike commuted, I did so on a simple old hard-tail and drove part was to Edworthy. Then extended the distance to bike all the way from home and invested in a better all-season commuter.

I take a back pack with a change of clothes, and shower/change when I get in. Lock stays at work, dress shoes stay at work. Keep an extra set of clothes at work as you will forget something eventually.

Have rain gear / sunscreen / toiletries in the pack. Sunglasses, and clear lenses for rainy/overcast days.

It gets easier as it becomes routine, and faster as your fitness improves. ~40-45 mins door-to-door for me from the far NW over Nose Hill (Symons Valley).

Bike will need front and rear lights, fenders, and a tool kit / spare tube / pump or CO2. Might want a back pack cover for rainy days.

[benyl]

Just ride what you have.

I started with a 10 year old MB with a tune-up. Realized I could go faster on my road bike (which happened to be a carbon race bike that was 8 years old).

I've ridden 5,500 kms since I started riding to work.

Try it for a week or two before you go and spend money only to have your new bike sit in the garage.

Also, unless you sweat just standing, you won't need to shower at work unless you are trying to get a workout. I "coast" into work and then the real work is on the way home (I live in Aspen and have to climb broadcast hill).

I've been slacking this year, but I still ride 2-3 day a week.

https://www.strava.com/athletes/1040767

[Brent.ff]

thanks guys..any reccs on a tuneup shop in south calgary, I'm in deer ridge

[lilmira]

Cyclepath, Pedalhead..... or just do it yourself. Unless your bike is in really bad shape, it shouldn't be that difficult. Check your derailleurs, brakes, condition of cables, clean and lube.....might as well change out the tubes too if they are old.

[Pacman]

Originally posted by benyl
I "coast" into work and then the real work is on the way home (I live in Aspen and have to climb broadcast hill).



Which way do you take home?

I live in the west part of Strathcona and agree, biking to downtown is quite nice as it's downhill.

Coming home is rough. I usually go on the bike path along Princess Island Park, through Edworthy Park, up the Edworthy park hill which pops me out at Sarcee and Bow. Finally up Broadcast hill via the bike path. By the time I get home, I'm wiped.

My bike is only a 7 speed, but if there is an easier way to go, I'd like to hear it.

[benyl]

I used to go up edworthy, but that basically makes the second half of the ride home all up hill.

I go up the trail beside the shag golf course. This breaks up the climb and allows me to recover on Spruce Drive.

https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/51.0488534,-114.2105821/51.0479933,-114.0603888/@51.0542815,-114.1362607,13.83z/data=!4m34!4m33!1m30!3m4!1m2!1d-114.1957726!2d51.0513972!3s0x53716e79073e2701:0x64771f871b36eed2!3m4!1m2!1d-114.1914156!2d51.0499191!3s0x53716e79fd39b763:0x6e99396f7b6430aa!3m4!1m2!1d-114.1708326!2d51.0497465!3s0x53716e6938b1cabf:0x5bfcc17549019045!3m4!1m2!1d-114.1626111!2d51.0525411!3s0x53716e425894dd81:0x8818d3d14e83f9cb!3m4!1m2!1d-114.133157!2d51.049738!3s0x53716e359976663b:0x5cdd0e650d05890d!3m4!1m2!1d-114.0606408!2d51.0516296!3s0x53716ff8ebbdd919:0x6238c39701d038e0!1m0!3e1

[lilmira]

Do you take that unpaved path regularly on your road bike? I did that once on my skinny tires, kinda sketchy lol.

[silvercivicsir]

Wow, my normal commute from home to work is 25kms each way. Evanston to downtown is a pretty nice ride..

But yes, ride what you have before you go spending on a new bike.

[benyl]

Originally posted by lilmira
Do you take that unpaved path regularly on your road bike? I did that once on my skinny tires, kinda sketchy lol.

Yes. With the rain we had, the path is all f'd up, but you can still find the hard pack parts.

[birdman86]

I ride a $600 Jamis bike and it works fine. It's no cadillac so if I was doing long haul rides every day I'd probably be watching pinkbike for an upgrade, but as it is the pedals turn the wheels and that's all you really need.

[Brent.ff]

Well, first bike ride done today (only 6 months later!)

11 km, 33:41. We'll see how the big ass hill goes on way home

[blitz]

Good luck on the way home, the big ass hills are great training.

I'm going to give up my parking spot May 1st and fully commit to cycling again.

[lilmira]

I'm gonna try riding my bike to work this summer, may be once a week.
24k each way, I'll fart on my way to contribute my share of carbon foot print.

[bigbadboss101]

I am giving up my spot in the Bow/EnCana. Will drive and bus, drive and ride I think. From Creekside is a long ride to DT especially for someone who doesn't ride regularly.

[pheoxs]

I'm looking at moving closer to downtown once I sell my house, I'll have a 8k bike ride along memorial and really excited about not having to drive daily.

[Brent.ff]

Dropped a minute on the way in today.. Not bad. Already have the desire to get faster bike...

[CLiVE]

Originally posted by Brent.ff
Dropped a minute on the way in today.. Not bad. Already have the desire to get faster bike...

The 'best' for our climate and poor pathway/road conditions IMO is a do-everything Cyclocross bike with Disc brakes. Tough to beat for commuting. :thumbsup: Kona Jake, or similar. :thumbsup:

[Brent.ff]

I got passed on the only section of the ride that is on the road by a guy on cyclocross....jealously raged

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by CLiVE


The 'best' for our climate and poor pathway/road conditions IMO is a do-everything Cyclocross bike with Disc brakes. Tough to beat for commuting. :thumbsup: Kona Jake, or similar. :thumbsup:

I love my Kona Jake.

I just sold my 2008 on Monday and ordered a 2015 yesterday. Can't wait for it to arrive!

[CLiVE]

Alternatively - I built up a disc cyclocross bike using a cheap nashbar frame.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_560195____

Great commuter. However I had most of the parts in my parts bin already.

[rage2]

Originally posted by Brent.ff
Dropped a minute on the way in today.. Not bad. Already have the desire to get faster bike...

Originally posted by Brent.ff
I got passed on the only section of the ride that is on the road by a guy on cyclocross....jealously raged
Give it a month, you'll be surprised at how much time you'll drop. I remember my first year riding to work, 19km, all downhill, started off at 40 mins on a hardtail mountain bike. A month later, same bike I'm at work in 25 mins, almost as fast as driving.

I set a goal to not get passed on the paths, and yea, didn't take long where I was passing guys on road bikes on my hardtail.

I miss riding to work, kinda tough when I have to take kids to daycare in my building everyday.

[bigbadboss101]

Hard tail with Double Chariot!

[bigbadboss101]

Scott Comp CX, Kona Jake, Trek Crossrip Elite. You guys have opinions on these? Yes I am searching for reviews and opinions on web, mtbr, bikeradar etc.

The other question is would it be feasible to pull a chariot with cyclocross or best with a non-fancy commuter?

[benyl]

Originally posted by rage2

I miss riding to work, kinda tough when I have to take kids to daycare in my building everyday.

Two options. Front or back.

http://www.whycycle.co.uk/cms-files/0babyseats.jpg

[roopi]

Originally posted by benyl


Two options. Front or back.

http://www.whycycle.co.uk/cms-files/0babyseats.jpg

This is more his style:
https://www.bikeshophub.com/cart/images/1326/chariot-caddie-bike-trailer-red-stock.jpg

[lilmira]

So it took me about an hour 10min to get to work, now I just need more day light.

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by roopi


This is more his style:


FTFY

http://i.imgur.com/8MbaQqi.jpg



Originally posted by Brent.ff
Dropped a minute on the way in today.. Not bad. Already have the desire to get faster bike...

Like Rage said, it'll drop. I started out 1:10, settled to around 45min.

Going home still sucks as I need to tackle both home road and hill up Edgemont.

[Brent.ff]

Down another 2 minutes. Goal is to break the 30 minute mark. Total ride is 10.8 k, so pretty good pace for a old-hardtail. Had my first wicked headwind last week on the way home and got my ass kicked. Also had to take my laptop home so my backpack was a big ol' sail.

Question for you all. How much time would be saved if i upgraded my pedals to clipless, and got street/skinny tires?

[lilmira]

You'll definitely feel the smooth tires with less rolling resistance. Time should improve. Clipless will make your pedaling more efficient. It'll help but not as much as tires. Over a 10k ride, a little tailwind will go a long way.

[soupey]

anyone in the NW willing to tune up or show me how to tune up my bike? i think i messed it up by trying myself. hardtail MB that I picked up a while ago. I think I have new road tires for it somewhere too, just havent taken it out because i cant get it to stop clicking on certain gears. PM me!

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by Brent.ff
Question for you all. How much time would be saved if i upgraded my pedals to clipless, and got street/skinny tires?

Realistically? None.

I mean if you were to test this in ideal conditions where all other variables were constant you'd probably shave off a minute or two at best, but in real life scenarios there are other factors that have more impact on your commute time: wind, how much energy you have, traffic on the paths, etc. Sure, the tires and pedals will make more efficient use of your energy, but it's not going to magically shave 5-10 minutes off your commute.

Just for fun, I rode my big, clunky 3-speed beach cruiser to work to see how much of a difference it was compared to my 24-speed cyclocross. To my surprise, my commute time was actually better with the cruiser on some days by a few minutes and worse on others by the same amount, but overall pretty comparable.

benyl posted a good article a while back. For commuting, the biggest factor is a person's endurance and weight when it comes to saving time:

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/383661/bike-weight-doesnt-matter-for-commuters/

[Strider]

Originally posted by soupey
anyone in the NW willing to tune up or show me how to tune up my bike? i think i messed it up by trying myself. hardtail MB that I picked up a while ago. I think I have new road tires for it somewhere too, just havent taken it out because i cant get it to stop clicking on certain gears. PM me!
The University of Calgary outdoor centre and Bow Cycle both do maintenance classes.

That said, if you find an enthusiast willing to do it privately, I might be interested in tagging along. Can't seem to get the disc brake on my front wheel to stop rubbing.

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by soupey
anyone in the NW willing to tune up or show me how to tune up my bike? i think i messed it up by trying myself. hardtail MB that I picked up a while ago. I think I have new road tires for it somewhere too, just havent taken it out because i cant get it to stop clicking on certain gears. PM me!

Sounds to me it's just a simple matter of correcting cable tension or replacing them completely. There's some good videos on Youtube showing you how to adjust your derailleurs.

[sneek]

Originally posted by Brent.ff
Question for you all. How much time would be saved if i upgraded my pedals to clipless, and got street/skinny tires?

Not a lot, but if you were to only do one, I would consider doing tires.

I started biking to work a couple of years ago and I can't believe how slow I used to be! According to Stava the "Home Road Hump" used to take me 2-3 minutes to get up. Now I am down to 50 seconds (but still 300th). One thing I struggled with was Thursday/Friday rides home. It was only a 200M elevation over 7K but I felt like death after the last hills.

[msommers]

I'd say clipless because they help tremendously on hills and also on the flats as you're pushing/pulling vs. mashing.

[lilmira]

Originally posted by soupey
anyone in the NW willing to tune up or show me how to tune up my bike? i think i messed it up by trying myself. hardtail MB that I picked up a while ago. I think I have new road tires for it somewhere too, just havent taken it out because i cant get it to stop clicking on certain gears. PM me!

I can show you how to do it. You should learn to do it on your own as this is something that you may have to adjust quite often.

[Brent.ff]

Thoughts?

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/calgary/new-takara-genkai-cyclocross-700c-mens-bike-for-sale/1150053922?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

edit: kinda shitty reviews on it

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by lilmira


I can show you how to do it. You should learn to do it on your own as this is something that you may have to adjust quite often.

If you gotta replace the cables, may as well take the opportunity to put on barrel adjusters while you're at it. They're cheap and will save you some time later on.

[lilmira]

Originally posted by Brent.ff
Thoughts?

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/calgary/new-takara-genkai-cyclocross-700c-mens-bike-for-sale/1150053922?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

edit: kinda shitty reviews on it

8spd sora? I have a set of 105 5700 10spd shifters, deraileurs, chain, cassette and FSA cranks kicking around if anyone wants to build. I'll let them go for next to nothing good price.

[bigbadboss101]

Buy that Jake for $750!

[Brent.ff]

Originally posted by bigbadboss101
Buy that Jake for $750!

Looking at that $650 one tonight

[Penguin_Racecar]

Originally posted by Brent.ff


Looking at that $650 one tonight

That Takara looks awful. I've owned a Jake the Snake since 2011 and love it. It's my most ridden bike (last year it saw ~5000km) and has been raced hard and never skipped a beat. The only thing I dislike about it is the BB30 pressfit bottom bracket.

[soupey]

Originally posted by Strider

The University of Calgary outdoor centre and Bow Cycle both do maintenance classes.

That said, if you find an enthusiast willing to do it privately, I might be interested in tagging along. Can't seem to get the disc brake on my front wheel to stop rubbing.



Originally posted by D'z Nutz


Sounds to me it's just a simple matter of correcting cable tension or replacing them completely. There's some good videos on Youtube showing you how to adjust your derailleurs.

I kept playing with the cable tension, at one point I took off the cable connected to the derailleur because i was convinced that it was too loose....then went through the steps of setting the limits and tension...i just never could get it 100% right...or if i change the front gears it would work with well one but not the others. I'm just not sure what the proper process should be to get it all working..


with my luck, it probably needs new cables too. i purchased it used last year. also, not sure if it makes a difference...its a Marin bike with shimano azura rear derailleur on it.


I have to borrow a car to move the bike around long distance...cant throw a bike on my car :(. that's mainly why i'd prefer to learn with someone else who knows what they're doing to get it working back up to normal again.

anyhoo again, if anyone is willing to help me out, shoot me a PM, if Strider wants to come out too that's cool with me as well.

[lilmira]

Could very well be your cable/housing, old plastic and lack of lubricant can throw off the shifting. Were you able to set it working fine initially then it started to go off after a few rounds of shifting? If you have external cables, it should be pretty easy to change, internal gets trickier. I have cable cutter and tensioner if you need the tools.

[soupey]

^felt like it was working fine while i was adjusting it all with the bike upside down shifting through gears...but the second i start riding it or switching between front gears...clicketly click.

[lilmira]

How's the condition of the cable end? It may become frayed from taking it off and on. Sounds like it's at least few years old, just get some new cable/housing, start fresh.

[Brent.ff]

Went and tried out the blue Jake that is on kijiji. Nice bike, but the brakes were shit.

Definitely makes me feel slow when i rode in today on my hardtail..


Here's another question, since i have many and this seems to be my thread for questions. What is the significant difference between cyclocross and a hybrid? I rode my friends hybrid last night, and it felt just as quick as the Jake, sans the drop down bars. Are the drop downs really making a huge difference?

[ZeroGravity]

Originally posted by Brent.ff

Here's another question, since i have many and this seems to be my thread for questions. What is the significant difference between cyclocross and a hybrid? I rode my friends hybrid last night, and it felt just as quick as the Jake, sans the drop down bars. Are the drop downs really making a huge difference?

I'm a newbie as well :) but as far as I can understand, the geometry of the frame and components will be different between CX and hybrid.

CX has geometry or your sitting position closer to that of a road bike, but a bit more upright / comfortable. Components for the drive train are likely from the road bike line. Drop handle bars, etc.

Hybrid has geometry closer to the mountain bikes. Components are more likely from the mountain bike line. Some with front suspension.

[Brent.ff]

Pretty sold on upgrading my bike. I tell myself it'll be a 10 year purchase so it doesn't hurt as much..

sadly i calculated how much money i save biking in daily...good thing there is fitness, otherwise it's not much.

[Penguin_Racecar]

Originally posted by Brent.ff
Went and tried out the blue Jake that is on kijiji. Nice bike, but the brakes were shit.

Definitely makes me feel slow when i rode in today on my hardtail..


Here's another question, since i have many and this seems to be my thread for questions. What is the significant difference between cyclocross and a hybrid? I rode my friends hybrid last night, and it felt just as quick as the Jake, sans the drop down bars. Are the drop downs really making a huge difference?

Unfortunately cantilever brakes don't offer the best stopping power. You can dial them in and buy swissstop pads which will help. That said, they'll never be disc brakes.

ZeroGravity is pretty well bang on with the difference between cx and hybrid, though some hybrid bikes are just road bikes with flat bars. If your plan is to just commute a hybrid will fit your needs. If you think you might want to do a road ride or get some mud on the tires I'd look for a disc brake equipped CX bike.

Of note is that Bow Cycle is having their blue light sale - they'll post their crazy deals on the 28th I believe.

As for money savings - unless you pay for parking daily downtown there isn't much :D

[Brent.ff]

What's the deal with the blue light sale? I subscribed for the email alert for it, but what should be the expectation?

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by Brent.ff
What's the deal with the blue light sale? I subscribed for the email alert for it, but what should be the expectation?

With regards to bikes, they're really just clearing out last season's stuff so selection is kinda limited. You can get a good deal if you know what you want and it's in your size.

To me the big draw are the deals you can get on accessories and parts. They have hourly specials so you might be making multiple trips if you have a lot of things you want to buy haha

[bigbadboss101]

That blue Jake has been in there for a while. It's JTS, no? A higher model and I exchanged email with him. However I figure frame is large for my short legs. Good price though considering it's a higher model. How much would changing out the brakes cost? If you like the bike can you talk him down and upgrade the brakes.

How about the Trek 7.x series. These are flat bar, fitness/hybrid bikes. For me I think the more upright position would be more comfortable. CX I think would be lighter and the tires are thinner along with the drop down. Hybrids have different tires than mountain bikes and usually don't have suspension or have less travel ones.

Check out Ridleys. Their website shows some sales on Treks.

Regarding the blue light sale they just had a sale and looks like those prices are still valid. The BL sale you probably get a mail telling you at what hours what items are for sale. I wonder if you can't just go there this weekend and ask them what is the best price this bike will be in the next 3 months and walk out with a deal!?

[lilmira]

I would think that the geometry, weight and gearing of a cross bike will help you accelerate faster than a hybrid. The drops wouldn't matter much until you get to higher speed cruising. I only get to the drops when I hit mid-high 30k/h. I think riding in the drops on the bike path makes you either look like a huge dork (too slow) or asshole (too fast).

If there is a bike that you want, go look at it and try to get a deal now. Blue Light Sale is like boxing day, you go in, wait, grab and go. That's it.

[Penguin_Racecar]

Originally posted by lilmira
I would think that the geometry, weight and gearing of a cross bike will help you accelerate faster than a hybrid. The drops wouldn't matter much until you get to higher speed cruising. I only get to the drops when I hit mid-high 30k/h. I think riding in the drops on the bike path makes you either look like a huge dork (too slow) or asshole (too fast).

If there is a bike that you want, go look at it and try to get a deal now. Blue Light Sale is like boxing day, you go in, wait, grab and go. That's it.

You might be surprised - there are lots of companies that make carbon frame super high-end hybrids.

I ride in the drops on 2 occasions:
- strong head wind
- steep descent that requires extra braking power or bike handling

As such I spend 99.9% of the time on the hoods.

My favourite are people doing 20km/hr in the drops while spinning 110rpm :D


Back on topic - CX frame size:
Because frame geometry is different for CX bikes you will likely fit a smaller CX frame vs a road frame. I ride a 56cm Jake the Snake (cx), 54cm Ridley X-Fire (cx), but tend to fit best on a 58cm road frame.

Also, on the topic of brake upgrades - you can fit Avid Shorty brakes and sticky pads to help get better stopping power with cantilevers. Getting into the drops also gives you way better leverage than braking from the hoods.

A bike that is equipped with cantis is probably not worth upgrading to disc because the frame and fork probably don't support them and the wheels are likely non-disc hub also.

[Brent.ff]

Thanks guys. Kinda thinking i'm going to be looking at new. I've got a health spending account that can take a bit of the hit away, so hopefully can find something that's a past season and jump on it.

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by Penguin_Racecar
Also, on the topic of brake upgrades - you can fit Avid Shorty brakes and sticky pads to help get better stopping power with cantilevers. Getting into the drops also gives you way better leverage than braking from the hoods.

My 2008 Jake came with Avid Shorty brakes and they had plenty of stopping power. Actually, after I put in fresh pads, I almost launched myself over the handlebars because I underestimated how well they worked :rofl:

[Brent.ff]

thoughts on the Rove? hard to find the Jake (without the snake) in town

[Penguin_Racecar]

Originally posted by Brent.ff
thoughts on the Rove? hard to find the Jake (without the snake) in town

I love the idea behind the Rove. I think it comes in three versions now - Aluminum, Steel, Titanium. Rove is build with long gravel rides and comfort in mind, while a Jake/Jake the Snake is snappier and better on technical terrain.

I'd totally rock one as a DD/commuter. For riding technical stuff and as a "road bike" the Jake is probably a better choice.


edit: are you talking about the Kona Rove with drop bars, or the Kona Big Rove? The Big Rove is like a rigid mountain bike with slicks on it and hence a completely different beast from the regular Rove.

[lilmira]

Anyone tried the cannondale slate? Not sure if that thing is even categorized as cross bike with front suspension.

[Brent.ff]

Originally posted by Penguin_Racecar


I love the idea behind the Rove. I think it comes in three versions now - Aluminum, Steel, Titanium. Rove is build with long gravel rides and comfort in mind, while a Jake/Jake the Snake is snappier and better on technical terrain.

I'd totally rock one as a DD/commuter. For riding technical stuff and as a "road bike" the Jake is probably a better choice.


edit: are you talking about the Kona Rove with drop bars, or the Kona Big Rove? The Big Rove is like a rigid mountain bike with slicks on it and hence a completely different beast from the regular Rove.

Just the regular Rove AL

[Brent.ff]

Went down to Wheellife in Okotoks and picked up last year's Rove at a good price... How quickly these things happen!

Monday's gonna be quick!

[Penguin_Racecar]

Originally posted by Brent.ff
Went down to Wheellife in Okotoks and picked up last year's Rove at a good price... How quickly these things happen!

Monday's gonna be quick!

Beauty - should be a super fun ride!

[Brent.ff]

Well, wasn't super fun in that headwind. Still quick! Ride home is gonna be flying if that wind is still going

[blairtruck]

my wife bikes to work 365 day a year in Edmonton. +30 or -30 off she goes. and pulls the kids in the chariot trailer.

Its 7 kms to her work. she bikes with a chariot for 2km. drops kid and chariot off at daycare then finishes her trip.

she has 2 bikes a summer road bike and a winter hybrid. winter bike has studded tires. summer bike has Kevlar street tires. as she was having a lot of glass/flat tires living in the ghetto.

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by blairtruck
my wife bikes to work 365 day a year in Edmonton. +30 or -30 off she goes. and pulls the kids in the chariot trailer.

Its 7 kms to her work. she bikes with a chariot for 2km. drops kids and chariot off at daycare then finishes her trip.

she has 2 bikes a summer road bike and a winter hybrid. winter bike has studded tires. summer bike has Kevlar street tires. as she was having a lot of glass/flat tires living in the ghetto.

Your wife only gets days off on leap years? There's gotta be some kinda labour law against that.

That said, your wife must have a sweet body. Pics of wife? :rofl:

[Brent.ff]

Originally posted by D'z Nutz

That said, your wife must have a sweet body. Pics of wife? :rofl:

Beat me to it..knew it was coming

[bigbadboss101]

Hey now!!! Easy on other people's wives.

A bit off topic but when you guys go to a LBS for a bike purchase. What is a good amount of discount to ask for? When I buy a new car I ask for "cost" plus xxxx dollars. Would a 5-8% discount be reasonable on a bike that is not already discounted?

[blairtruck]

Originally posted by D'z Nutz


Your wife only gets days off on leap years? There's gotta be some kinda labour law against that.

That said, your wife must have a sweet body. Pics of wife? :rofl:
she earned that one day. i meant she never drives. bikes even in the worst.
she works at AHS and they have showers there.

[JVR1]

hey all,

planning on cycling to work hopefully a couple times a week starting in april. start location is evergreen and ending in downtown by the bow.

found this route off youtube and looking for suggestions on alternate (faster/safer) routes in case someone goes a similar direction

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zCTQhFb-fOd4.k0O1Sdu5HVnU&msa=0&dg=feature

[lasimmon]

How long would that ride be? 1.5 - 2 hours?? Jesus.

[JVR1]

stop trying to scare me man..
:rofl:

googlemaps has it as 1h 10min .. distance 21kms

[lilmira]

It's the stop and go that's gonna kill your time. It takes me a bit over an hour from Royal Oak to Manchester, 28k about 3/4 of it on pathway with little stops. If you don't have to stop for lights and stuff, 21k in an hour is very doable. It does look like you have to go through a lot of intersections though.

[Brent.ff]

Originally posted by Brent.ff
Well, wasn't super fun in that headwind. Still quick! Ride home is gonna be flying if that wind is still going

Kicked ass today. Tailwind is a gem! Was averaging ~32 home, did it in 24:4

[GreyFox]

Originally posted by lilmira
It's the stop and go that's gonna kill your time. It takes me a bit over an hour from Royal Oak to Manchester, 28k about 3/4 of it on pathway with little stops. If you don't have to stop for lights and stuff, 21k in an hour is very doable. It does look like you have to go through a lot of intersections though.

:werd:

I occasionally go from Auburn to 16 Ave/Edmonton Trail. It's about 29k and it takes me about 1 hour and 10 mins. I only have about 5 or 6 lights to go through at the very start of the ride, and that can easily add 5-10 mins if you hit all the reds. From there though, it's 100% pathways and smooth sailing.

Sometimes it might be worth it to tack on a few extra km's if it's on the pathway. Less stop and go and much less likely to get smoked by a car.

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by JVR1
hey all,

planning on cycling to work hopefully a couple times a week starting in april. start location is evergreen and ending in downtown by the bow.

found this route off youtube and looking for suggestions on alternate (faster/safer) routes in case someone goes a similar direction

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zCTQhFb-fOd4.k0O1Sdu5HVnU&msa=0&dg=feature

I pretty much do that same route a couple times each summer but to Bridlewood and it takes about 1.5 hours. It's a pretty easy ride, minus the incline at Elboya. If you want a slightly longer but funner ride, take a detour through Weaselhead.


Originally posted by lilmira
It's the stop and go that's gonna kill your time. It takes me a bit over an hour from Royal Oak to Manchester, 28k about 3/4 of it on pathway with little stops. If you don't have to stop for lights and stuff, 21k in an hour is very doable. It does look like you have to go through a lot of intersections though.

Yeah expect to be stopping at Heritage, Southland, and Anderson as well as every other intersection downtown.

[Penguin_Racecar]

Originally posted by JVR1
hey all,

planning on cycling to work hopefully a couple times a week starting in april. start location is evergreen and ending in downtown by the bow.

found this route off youtube and looking for suggestions on alternate (faster/safer) routes in case someone goes a similar direction

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zCTQhFb-fOd4.k0O1Sdu5HVnU&msa=0&dg=feature

Could do the scenic route also - Fishcreek to the bikepath along 37th Street. Cross Anderson and continue on the bikepath that goes North to Glenmore Reservoir. Go through Weaselhead (longer route) West or past Heritage Park East and then connect to the Elbow River Pathway. I'd certainly recommend going one of those routes on the way home for a scenic/relaxing bike commute after work!

ps: Weaselhead is pretty well clear of snow now even in the super shitty icy section.


edit: another nice route to bike home on is going east out of downtown through inglewood on the Bow River Pathway. Follow that all the way into Fish Creek Park and head west all the way to Evergreen.

[JVR1]

thanks everyone for the suggestions. already dreading the death by 1000 stoplights but i like the idea of weaselhead on the way home to unwind.

[Penguin_Racecar]

Originally posted by JVR1
thanks everyone for the suggestions. already dreading the death by 1000 stoplights but i like the idea of weaselhead on the way home to unwind.

You won't regret it. If it's clear you get a fantastic view of the mountains also.
Bow river pathway to Fish Creek is a sweet ride also. I would take that route if there isn't a lot of wind from the West due to not having as much shelter in the Fish Creek valley.

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by Penguin_Racecar
ps: Weaselhead is pretty well clear of snow now even in the super shitty icy section.

I rode it last week and there is a stretch that is still entirely covered in snow, between the sharp turn and the incline to/decline from South Glenmore Park. Everyone was getting off their bikes because it was so slippery.

https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/50.9861879,-114.1614937/50.9844784,-114.1535078/@50.9842949,-114.1566023,16z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e1

[Brent.ff]

Impressed with how much the new bike has helped (as well as fitness level). Dropped to 27.5 (down 3-5 minutes from the start of the month) on the way in this morning, no wind to speak of. Goal is a 25 minute average

[D'z Nutz]

Nice JTS at a good price just got posted if anyone's looking

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-other-bike/calgary/2011-kona-jake-the-snake-cyclocross/1153805499

[roopi]

Looking to get a bike to start riding to work. Just going to go with something used until I prove to myself that I will stick with it so need some advice. I'm 6'1" so I should be getting something in the 58-63 cm range?

What's a good starter brand/model I should be looking at?

Thoughts on this? I really have no idea what I should be looking for.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/calgary/2014-opus-sentiero-cyclocross-bike/1153530027

[Moonracer]

Originally posted by roopi
Looking to get a bike to start riding to work. Just going to go with something used until I prove to myself that I will stick with it so need some advice. I'm 6'1" so I should be getting something in the 58-63 cm range?

What's a good starter brand/model I should be looking at?

Thoughts on this? I really have no idea what I should be looking for.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/calgary/2014-opus-sentiero-cyclocross-bike/1153530027

Ya that's about the size range you'd be in. A 60 cm would probly be optimum and depending on the frame you could go a size up or down from there, so 58cm or 62cm. Also depends on your leg length for your height as well.

Stay away from the cheap brands like Infiniti, Kuwahara etc... just do some research on the potential bikes you're looking at first, obviously.

The one you posted is a perfect bike to start with it's very versatile. This bike says it's an XL which is pretty general so you might want to measure it for yourself by measuring from the top of the seat tube to the middle of the bottom bracket or the crank arm bolt.

[bigboom]

Originally posted by Moonracer


Ya that's about the size range you'd be in. A 60 cm would probly be optimum and depending on the frame you could go a size up or down from there, so 58cm or 62cm. Also depends on your leg length for your height as well.

Stay away from the cheap brands like Infiniti, Kuwahara etc... just do some research on the potential bikes you're looking at first, obviously.

The one you posted is a perfect bike to start with it's very versatile. This bike says it's an XL which is pretty general so you might want to measure it for yourself by measuring from the top of the seat tube to the middle of the bottom bracket or the crank arm bolt.

No way at 6'1" you should look at a 60cm. I'd recommend 56/58 and no bigger.

[CLiVE]

Originally posted by bigboom


No way at 6'1" you should look at a 60cm. I'd recommend 56/58 and no bigger.

:thumbsup: Agree. I'm 6'0 and ride a 56.

[roopi]

Originally posted by Moonracer


his bike says it's an XL which is pretty general so you might want to measure it for yourself by measuring from the top of the seat tube to the middle of the bottom bracket or the crank arm bolt.



Originally posted by bigboom


No way at 6'1" you should look at a 60cm. I'd recommend 56/58 and no bigger.



Originally posted by CLiVE


:thumbsup: Agree. I'm 6'0 and ride a 56.


Confirmed with seller that the bike is 58cm.

Thanks for the info. If any one sees a good starter for sale less then $800.00 please let me know.

[Moonracer]

Well like I said it varies. I'm 5'10" and generally best fit for me is a 56cm I have a couple 54cm and I also ride one that is a 58cm and it's a perfect fit.

[Brent.ff]

So i go out and buy a Rove..girlfriend gets bike envy and ends up with a Scott Contessa Speedster...now i have bike envy..

This could go poorly

[bigbadboss101]

Did she one up you? I think those are nice bikes.

[bigboom]

Roves are awesome do anything bikes. I have the ti one and it does everything, raced cx on it for a year, commute on it, gravel ride with it, bomb through bowmont on it. No need to have bike envy.

[Brent.ff]

The contessa is just a sweet bike. No worries bout the rove, really enjoy it

[bigbadboss101]

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/calgary/kona-jake-the-snake/1154612843?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

No pictures but might be worth checking into for one of you.