Any Cyclers out there?

Previous big runner, now with bad knees. Previous and current avid cyclist. Thoughts:

1) Cycling is more dangerous--fact of life.
2) Cycling is not weight bearing--so you still need something (impact aerobic, walking, etc.) to keep your bones happy.
3) Cycling seems to me to be less efficient (stop signs, traffic, coasting, etc.)--when running, you are either running or walking.
4) If you do any travel, a bike is harder to pack than a pair of running shoes.
5) Cycling can be hard on your knee, esp. chondromalacia patella that can flare from pushing to big a gear.

Of course, you know most of this. I cycle and supplement with gym workouts, including some short treadmill running. I have a spare bike on a fluid trainer in a spare room in my house--so if I get home late, the weather is lousy, etc. I can still get a workout in. I do both road and mountain (mountain tends to emphsize explosive strenght and balance, road endurance). Whatever you get, have a bike shop fit the bike to you--it can make a world of difference.

Good luck.

 

The Specialized Sirrus is a road bike bike, but it's not a "road" bike. It's designed as a commuter type bike, meaning it's supposed to be a comfortable road bike, kinda like a hybred. It's probably not a bad choice as a first bike. I personally don't like traditional road bikes. I like the Time Trial style bike so I have something to lean on when I get tired.

What ever bike you pick, make for sure the shop your buying the bike from fits you to a bike to make sure it fits your body type. Traditional road bikes come in lots of different sizes, and the same size from two different manufactures will fit differently. Sorta like when buying blue jeans. So you have to "try them all on".

 

as a ferrari guy, you likely enjoy lovely alloys, design details, and technology that makes the cars excitiing.

road bikes are similar to the extent that they are very cool, utilize some very precious metals and some of the most perfect carbon fiber work you will ever see. so beyond the suffering and and the hard work you will have on you hard rides and the hours of saddle time you will get on your long rides...the bikes are pretty cool and will keep you interested in the bike and you will ride it!!

good luck and have fun with a sport of a life time!!

best,

pcb
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Nice Pinarello. La mia bella bici: note the Ferrari decal.

I agree with Adon, you have to try out as many bikes as you can to see what feels good to you. Just like buying a car. You also need to find a bike shop where you trust the owner/staff and where they'll take care of you.

bonne route!
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i noticed the ram carbon bars. i have ram carbons on my "west coast" dogma. the one pictured is my east coast bike and identicle except for the bars.

the other exception is i have full record on my west coast dogma w/ the exception of the cranks...i have dura ace hollowtech they are much different than my record carbons but i am a sprinter so i love the stiffness of the dura ace and the magnesuim frame.

but it did take me a minute to notice the ram carbons...but i did notice!!

 

Thanks for noticing the bars. I'm not sure they're any better than normal bars but the cool factor is very high! I also have another Bianchi Ti bike, with 2007 Record, but no Ram. Cinelli is coming out with a new Ram for 2008, where the bar and stem are seperate and therefore adjustable, which is my only complaint about the old Ram. Might have to pick up a set.

How is the Mg frame to ride? Is it harsh? Do you have any concerns about the durability?

 

yes, the cool factor for the ram carbon is super high. the problem is being lucky enough to find the on-center and stem length that fits you.

the mag frame is unreal! i am an alloy guy and have not been too interested in the carbon frames but to compare w/ my other race frames...it is much more electric and because of the carbon seat stays and fork and steerer...the ride is really nice.

i understand your concerns on durability. thus far i am happy. my west coast bike is an early 2006 dogma and my east coast is a late 06 dogma fp (big bottom bracket). now...i can rot any frame composition w/ the exception of ti. mag is known to be HIGHLY corrosive but i have had zero problems w/ corrosion or paint bubbles in any of the typical areas. now i cannot speak to "work hardening" characteristics of mag but the bikes ride like no other bikes i have owned and i am very happy.

last point is that the $5k frame, fork and seat post price (can you believe we are talking about $10-12k complete bikes??) may not be justified as there are so many nice frames out there now that have a great ride but...i got my bikes from gita otherwise i dont think i would have spent the money.

but like the ram carbons, the cool factor of mag is way up there!

 

jamie,

i need to mention that i like your choice in pedals!