Cycle help needed about cycles: Specialized Viennas... | FerrariChat
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Cycle help needed about cycles: Specialized Viennas...

Discussion in 'Health & Fitness' started by Smiles, Jun 9, 2009.

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  1. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 20, 2003
    16,674
    Pittsburgh, PA
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    Matt F
    #1 Smiles, Jun 9, 2009
    Hi, all.

    I'm a long time F-chat poster, but I'm new to the world of bicycles and the Health & Fitness part of F-Chat.

    I want to bike to work; I want my commute to be healthier. The bike I have in mind is the Specialized Vienna 3. I like the look, I can easily straddle the bike at a stoplight, and it has the right components for me. Or so I think.

    I also might want to get the fenders and rear rack that a Vienna 3 Deluxe has later. (The Deluxe also has a weird internal 8-speed hub, headlight generator, and is a lot more expensive.) I assume it's easy to add these items. Is it?

    Does anyone have any thoughts for this bike, or against this bike, or pointing to other forums that would help a new rider decide?

    Thanks in advance,

    Matt
     
  2. tjacoby

    tjacoby F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    2,857
    Vancouver Canada
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    tj
    #2 tjacoby, Jun 9, 2009
    how far do you have to commute? The bike is reasonable, looks like it'd be a bit heavy for long commutes - but sturdy. I'd say it's a fair starting point if you're on asphalt the entire way and not going too far (10 mile limit maybe?).

    It's easy to add fenders and lights later - I'd suggest battery powered lights rather than generator stuff. Once you're comfortable riding in traffic and stuff, I'd also suggest clip-on pedals and shoes. Cycling clothing (breathable jackets/etc) can make a huge different to the quality of your ride. And always wear a helmet! I've killed a few - better them than me.

    You will wear out stuff and need adjustments once you get started, and getting it sized up properly is critical - find a bike shop you can work with for all this.
     
  3. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 5, 2001
    26,476
    Panther City, Texas
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    WJHMH
    #3 WJHMH, Jun 9, 2009
    I'm not a fan of those nexus internal drive hubs, they don't hold up well under a lot of torque.
     
  4. Scotty

    Scotty F1 World Champ
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    Oct 31, 2003
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    Scotty Ferrari
    #4 Scotty, Jun 10, 2009
    There are lots of choices in this "city bike" segment, so be sure to check other brands. (I like bikes by the big S, but others make excellent choices.)

    Some general thoughts:

    1) If it is flat where you'll ride, the Nexus hub will likely work fine. The gear range is limited, though, if you face any hills. And they are expensive to fix, and as mentioned don't like tons of torque.
    2) Having fenders included is nice, and a necessity if you will ride in the wet.
    3) I agree with battery lights.
    4) Make sure whatever you get has eyelets to attach racks to, if you plan on carrying anything.
     
  5. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
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    Nov 20, 2003
    16,674
    Pittsburgh, PA
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    Matt F
    #5 Smiles, Jun 13, 2009
    Thank you, everyone.

    I got the 24-speed version. I'll add fenders, battery lights and a rear rack and other things as I figure out how I'm going to use the bike.

    I found a great bike shop to work with, and it was definitely worth working with them.

    Matt
    Now slower and less stable than in the Ferrari...
     
  6. tjacoby

    tjacoby F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    2,857
    Vancouver Canada
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    tj
    #6 tjacoby, Jun 13, 2009
    Congrats, it's a great new world you've joined!

    You know you've got the cycling bug bad when you're doing more miles on the bike than in the Fcar.
     
  7. vipermann123

    vipermann123 Formula 3

    Jun 13, 2005
    1,786
    Irvine, Ca
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    Uzy Malik
    #7 vipermann123, Jul 27, 2009
    Don't recommend the clip on shoes and pedal setup. If not set up correctly, they can lead to injury because they force your legs to move in an unnatural circle. If not adjusted correctly, they will be hard to release from. The shoes are uncomfortable to walk in. And in traffic, you will find yourself riding unclipped a lot just in case of problems...so why bother with clips in the first place. They are good for racing and going uphill, where you want to transfer power to the pedals both when you push down on the pedals as well as when you pull up. Latest reasearch indicates it's still not a 50-50 power distribution, more like 65% on the push, 35% on the pull. So, all that hassle and expense and risk for a small gain... not worth it on a commute, especially if it's flat.
     

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