Need advice: Buying a bicycle - Page 2 - LotusTalk

steuspeed · 06-27-2009, 10:15 PM

Unfortunately, Trek has quit making their frames in the USA. Almost everyone has

Cannondale may be the last big manufacture that is not out sourced. The 2009s I don't know? High end Bianchi's are still Italy I believe. Being a Klein owner I would think you are looking for something a bit more upscale. I picked up this 2007 bike used on ebay last year. My local dealer (#1 bike shop in Portland) could not get me a 2008. This is quite the frame for a semi-mass produced bike. The seat rear stays are so soft they flex like a passive shock absorber system. Cannondale has been refining their aluminum tubing profiles for the last 20 years. The welds are near the quality of Klein. Of course Ti and carbon frames are said to be an even better ride. It's all how much you want to spend.

macdady2424 · 06-28-2009, 07:25 AM

As far as I know, trek did not completely stop making frames in the US. The lower end carbon frames are made overseas, I think China, but the higher end OLCV carbon frames are still made in the US.

fitfan · 06-28-2009, 02:02 PM

i don't think you want a 180 crank... especialy if you need a tripple. crank length will not make you and faster (or slower) on pace, but longer arms will make your ability to acelerate slower. longer arms can make a given rpm on climbing a little more faster - but again, that is not a factor if you need a tripple to climb with anyways...

Chococar · 06-29-2009, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fitfan

i don't think you want a 180 crank..

You're right. I want a 200mm crank

And I've found it! Lennard Zinn makes cranks up to 220 mm

It's always seemed silly to me that I am stuck with short stubby cranks (in comparison to my long legs). Lennard is a tall guy who makes and sells everything for the tall rider, including frames, clothes, etc. His web site is zinncycles (dot) com.

Yeah, I know I'll be taking some risk, but if I really don't like them, I'll put some "normal" size ones on instead.

Thanks again for all the advice, everyone!

Joe

tandemracer · 06-29-2009, 09:28 AM

Proper fit is everything when buying a bike. You are tall enough that there aren't many choices for production bikes that will fit you well. Make sure that your shop has plenty of experience with professional fitting tools such as a Serotta Size-Cycle so that they can get you set up properly before you sink your money into a mistake. You don't want to have to rig a stock size frame with such a long stem that it shifts too mcuh of your weight to the front wheel. You also need to be careful of putting really long cranks even if they fit you) on a bike that isn't designed for them because you will reduce the pedal clearance and may end up clipping pedals against the ground when turning.

Zinn has more expertise than anybody in the country in dealing with tall cyclists. It is worth talking with him for some advice or even springing for one of his custom frames. Serotta also does a good job with tall frames. Check with Craig Calfee if you are dead set on carbon.

PM me if you want more advice. I worked in the bike industry for 18 years selling and fitting high-end custom bikes, so I have a little experience with this subject.

Chococar · 07-03-2009, 06:04 AM

Thanks again everyone for your advice!

I ordered a 2010 (available beginning July 1) Trek Madone 5.2 OCLV carbon fiber frame (made in Waterloo, Wisconsin) with the new Ultegra 6700 group (cables under the handlebar tape) except:
180 mm DuraAce triple crank AND 200 mm Zinn triple crank (I'll experiment and decide which I prefer)
Velocity Deep V 32-spoke wheels, front & rear with 25 mm wide tires
Speedplay pedals (to clear the ground better with the long cranks)

I'll post my impressions after I get the bike and do some riding.

Thanks,

Joe

macdady2424 · 07-04-2009, 05:56 AM

That's a nice bike. See alot of them and people are happy with them. I would love one, but the geometry/position didn't seem right for me. Enjoy it!

Chococar · 10-10-2009, 07:14 PM

I love the bike, especially the super long 200m cranks! My climbing is dramatically improved and I can still spin at 90-100rpm easily.

Lancia · 10-11-2009, 07:29 AM

Hope the bike works for you.
You may want to look at Xtracycle for touring.
Their longtail adapters work for most frames.
Welcome | Xtracycle, Inc.
Xtracycle Products & Accessories | Xtracycle, Inc.

Worth looking at are the choices in hubgears, up to 14 usable speeds, with a wider range than most derailleurs.
And there is at least one combo hubgear/ derailleur with 27 speeds on the rear alone.
No chain twisting between front and rear.

And boron-aluminum is far superior to titanium.
I think there are boron frames too, only a third lighter than titanium.

06-27-2009, 10:15 PM	#21 (permalink)
steuspeed Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 902	Unfortunately, Trek has quit making their frames in the USA. Almost everyone has Cannondale may be the last big manufacture that is not out sourced. The 2009s I don't know? High end Bianchi's are still Italy I believe. Being a Klein owner I would think you are looking for something a bit more upscale. I picked up this 2007 bike used on ebay last year. My local dealer (#1 bike shop in Portland) could not get me a 2008. This is quite the frame for a semi-mass produced bike. The seat rear stays are so soft they flex like a passive shock absorber system. Cannondale has been refining their aluminum tubing profiles for the last 20 years. The welds are near the quality of Klein. Of course Ti and carbon frames are said to be an even better ride. It's all how much you want to spend. Attached Images

06-28-2009, 07:25 AM	#22 (permalink)
macdady2424 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 1,310	As far as I know, trek did not completely stop making frames in the US. The lower end carbon frames are made overseas, I think China, but the higher end OLCV carbon frames are still made in the US. __________________ 225 TTQC & 05 Elise

06-28-2009, 02:02 PM	#23 (permalink)
fitfan Regurgitated User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego! Posts: 4,083	i don't think you want a 180 crank... especialy if you need a tripple. crank length will not make you and faster (or slower) on pace, but longer arms will make your ability to acelerate slower. longer arms can make a given rpm on climbing a little more faster - but again, that is not a factor if you need a tripple to climb with anyways... __________________ Driving it around!

06-29-2009, 09:28 AM	#25 (permalink)
tandemracer Enemy of the State Join Date: May 2006 Location: Nashville Posts: 837	Proper fit is everything when buying a bike. You are tall enough that there aren't many choices for production bikes that will fit you well. Make sure that your shop has plenty of experience with professional fitting tools such as a Serotta Size-Cycle so that they can get you set up properly before you sink your money into a mistake. You don't want to have to rig a stock size frame with such a long stem that it shifts too mcuh of your weight to the front wheel. You also need to be careful of putting really long cranks even if they fit you) on a bike that isn't designed for them because you will reduce the pedal clearance and may end up clipping pedals against the ground when turning. Zinn has more expertise than anybody in the country in dealing with tall cyclists. It is worth talking with him for some advice or even springing for one of his custom frames. Serotta also does a good job with tall frames. Check with Craig Calfee if you are dead set on carbon. PM me if you want more advice. I worked in the bike industry for 18 years selling and fitting high-end custom bikes, so I have a little experience with this subject. __________________ 06 Elise, AW, Touring, Sport, Premium, Hardtop, Starshield -- S111 Harness bar, Schroth ASM 6 point Harnesses, Seat Grommets, Front Tow Hook, Rear Tow Hook, Halon fire extinguisher, Polk speakers, MicroMirror, Odyssey PC680, ekological HID kit, Pagid RS14 pads, SS brake lines,CF Center Console, CF AC Surround, urethane motor mounts, Titanium Dave's Sub Belt Bars, Heater Core Bypass , Craftsquare Mirrors, Carbon Splitter, LETSLA, DBW Pedals, Xtender

07-03-2009, 06:04 AM	#26 (permalink)
Chococar #334 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 1,536	Here's what I ordered Thanks again everyone for your advice! I ordered a 2010 (available beginning July 1) Trek Madone 5.2 OCLV carbon fiber frame (made in Waterloo, Wisconsin) with the new Ultegra 6700 group (cables under the handlebar tape) except: 180 mm DuraAce triple crank AND 200 mm Zinn triple crank (I'll experiment and decide which I prefer) Velocity Deep V 32-spoke wheels, front & rear with 25 mm wide tires Speedplay pedals (to clear the ground better with the long cranks) I'll post my impressions after I get the bike and do some riding. Thanks, Joe

07-04-2009, 05:56 AM	#27 (permalink)
macdady2424 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 1,310	That's a nice bike. See alot of them and people are happy with them. I would love one, but the geometry/position didn't seem right for me. Enjoy it! __________________ 225 TTQC & 05 Elise

10-10-2009, 07:14 PM	#28 (permalink)
Chococar #334 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 1,536	I love the bike, especially the super long 200m cranks! My climbing is dramatically improved and I can still spin at 90-100rpm easily.

10-11-2009, 07:29 AM	#29 (permalink)
Lancia Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,543	Hope the bike works for you. You may want to look at Xtracycle for touring. Their longtail adapters work for most frames. Welcome \| Xtracycle, Inc. Xtracycle Products & Accessories \| Xtracycle, Inc. Worth looking at are the choices in hubgears, up to 14 usable speeds, with a wider range than most derailleurs. And there is at least one combo hubgear/ derailleur with 27 speeds on the rear alone. No chain twisting between front and rear. And boron-aluminum is far superior to titanium. I think there are boron frames too, only a third lighter than titanium.

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