-->





Ridazz Roulette!




Recent gallery...

Something Else The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time #84 - All City Toy Ride V Fry-Day NIGHT #33 - Swarm the Pier Hot Box Parties Bela Speed Star Bela Speed Star Bela Speed Star Taco Tuesdays data center Handicapped Canines #27 - Safety Ride The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time Fixie Goons Fixie Goons Fixie Goons Fixie Goons CRANK MOB . X . The Memorial CRANK MOB . X . The Memorial CRANK MOB . X . The Memorial CRANK MOB . X . The Memorial


The Days of Our Ridazz.


NOTE: All timestamps are in the future because WE are in the future. The care takers of Midnight Ridazz.com reserves the right to remove, edit, move or delete anything for any reason. None of the opinions expressed on these boards represent the Midnight Ridazz nor can anyone purport to speak on behalf of Midnight Ridazz.



Topic Box:
 
   18751 - 19000 of 19041 Topics

cbs radio vs. cyclis...   10
Century Saturday. . ...   2
Gold Line Station?   3
Anarchy.....are we t...   0
daFLUFFA is coming   3
Eastside Party - Spo...   1
Graffiti ART RIDE - ...   14
Drag Race   4
Bicyclist safety com...   2
Bike Games and new b...   8
BikeWinter LA 2007   13
bicycle lift   7
Banning's Bikes Gran...   2
Midnight Roadiezz   1
Drivers Ed   4
Mural ART RIDE - IDE...   1
SB RIDAZZ   11
Cupcakes...coffee......   4
big tires to avoid b...   14
Ride-Arc Tonight (Fe...   2
WE(s)T SIDE WATERGUN...   6
Bike winter   6
The Burrito Project   3
Slow'n Low Pedal Scr...   0
Tour de Gap   4
Your word is spreadi...   0
Ridazz Doc 1 Year   5
NELA Reunion Ride   30
Media section?   14
Ride speed.   1
Can we bite your sty...   7
Routes to Work   28
feb ridazz ride   2
IAAL•MAF Inviation...   17
Las Vegas Weekly - B...   2
IDEAS on a GRAFFITI ...   17
Mt. Washington to Br...   0
THE LADIE'S RIDE !!!...   31
acura la marathon bi...   79
HyperBike   5
January 26th ride - ...   2
Shangri La Showdown ...   60
Party Friday Thrown ...   0
Ridazz on KCET   6
Midnight Ridazz Seat...   1
looking for 1" threa...   5
Beautiful TIME LAPSE...   19
East End Ridazz: The...   61
Cyclist rights Echo ...   37
NEED 2 borrow bikes ...   1
Australia's Bike Boo...   0
PHP Programmerzz   0
World Cup Classic @ ...   11
Looking for 62cm roa...   2
The UFO Ride   118
Democracy Bike   0
Ride length?   0
Happy Birthday Chuyk...   5
Who's going-Las Vega...   15
Midnight Rides, Vanc...   6
Sunday - Under Da Su...   32
bikes on the street   5
Dream Ride   14
Pedal: Trailer   3
UFO Ride Crash?   27
READ the Freakin Rul...   2
Midnight Ridazz Reso...   1
Derailer Bicycle Col...   0
Danger on Sunset   1
Accident Spotted   1
Too bad it won't be ...   0
Bicycle FIlm Fest ne...   0
2006 Allez triple 4 ...   15
UFO Ride Song Reques...   21
ART RIDE - Feb   0
cycling in LA, gener...   4
ridazz looking for a...   0
Bikeway Projects?   4
single speed convers...   7
las vegas   2
Midnight Ridazz - LV...   9
Anyone good with ele...   19
SAVE GRIFFITH PARK   40
100 Mile Training Ri...   5
EXTREMELY important ...   18
sc_nomad   1
boom   9
Need help spoking up...   8
the dude ride??   7
Calling all Artistzz   25
Chapter in Las Vegas...   3
Huell encounter?   6
pbs lookin for opini...   1
East End Ridazz   5
Jan 12th Theme Idea   5
Ridazz in the LA Tim...   6
Solstice Ride - Holl...   33
New York Times Cycli...   8
beach cruiser.   0
PUNK ROCK RIDE!!!   80
HAPPY NEW YEAR!   1
To deesimple   0
New Year's Eve's Eve...   8
Pimp My Car - Ridazz...   7
NELA Code 415G Ride   20
Dingo's Ride of Chao...   18
Video of us acrossin...   2
Photo Gallery help!   5
Solstice Ride Goodie...   19
YouTube Vidclip - Al...   11
Midnight Ridazz - Se...   3
rat race afterparty   4
POWDER COATERS?   22
Weird flat   16
newbie   8
Shangri-La Showdown ...   66
TRANSNATIONAL CRITIC...   3
Photo Gallery Help!...   7
saddle sores   23
Thanks for letting m...   2
THANKS   15
The joy of riding or...   6
Armadillos Alley Rat...   6
Shirts...Mr. Raymond...   2
Santa Season   5
UPDATE - LONG BEACH ...   0
West Siddazz?   9
Freestyle Fixie   0
Ridazz on MTVU.com   2
Bicycling Mag--Need ...   2
kill a cyclist get p...   25
stolen bike   1
Wish Us Luck Ridazz ...   6
Volume Bikes Video P...   0
Pedal 'n Pub Crawl   3
la noche crash victi...   21
ridazz haikus   8
rainy weather fixed ...   1
?'s for the bike mes...   5
Laminator?   3
Alt-Car Expo   4
question re: ticket   8
HUELL HOWSER   12
6th Annual CRANKSGIV...   19
what bike?   1
Undercover Ridazz   32
Naked Ride?   8
cycling across US, w...   2
Midnight Ridazz: La ...   178
KRAMER! RACIST?!   3
hooray for bike lane...   19
Can I borrow a bike?   3
wat up   0
NYC?   4
Dem Bones -- Bicicli...   5
THE 50's RIDE !!!!!   34
LADWP LIGHT FESTIVAL...   3
Fixed Gear Bike Shop   5
Weekday Ridazz?   12
Midnight Ridazz the ...   8
IAAL•MAF Takes Bac...   33
frog town art   0
Whats up with Ridazz...   77
CRUISER - How much i...   3
Hey Thanks!   3
Monday Madness Ride   16
Bikeboom Error Save ...   3
THE GOTH RIDE!!!   3
Why don't the Midnig...   8
Toy Ride idea   5
How Has Ridazz Chang...   7
"Why are you doing t...   22
Where is Fern Dell!?   2
a new booty here   2
Got Mine... Go Get Y...   40
spoke'n art ride and...   7
first time riding   0
Who voted?   15
Cyclist Community   0
nov. Ride-arc   14
TXTMOB   3
Bicycle Laws for the...   3
rent a bike in LA?   8
Save Griffith Park M...   4
Venice Blvd Ridazz   1
black flag and free ...   5
Ragnor Ride   4
world record bike ri...   9
Demand Later Trains!...   5
scouting ride   0
terrible   0
Horror Ride   55
rides north of the 3...   31
Cool/Interesting Rid...   4
Werewolf RIDAZZ!   3
Magic Laminator?   10
T H E M E L V I N S   4
Ridazz Roulette!   7
New Cold Storage Rid...   4
location   8
Top Ten US Bike Rou...   0
muralzzz   11
Indiana Midnight Rid...   6
LB crit mass   7
JC/DC Ridezz again!   0
Midnight Ridazz:Visi...   41
We're so Po' we can'...   5
Burning Man Decom Pa...   0
Organizing a Ride   6
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY...   9
The Time Machine Rid...   24
Newbie!   0
Cold Storage Ride   12
Los Angeles Bike Rid...   4
SITE CRITIQUE   26
Cross-town route rec...   4
Pub Crawl   3
The Almighty Colon C...   15
Critical West Side S...   0
REMINDER: Solar Home...   0
Big Bike Bloc   1
LA Weakly Detour Fes...   4
Life Can Be So Car F...   1
photographerzz   14
Whirly Girls   3
Nelson's Birtday   5
Going CAR-less   16
Spills, Chills, and ...   7
careful with those r...   62
Ilia Pankin story   2
We stayed up till 2a...   7
CHOPPERCABRAS   6
Strip Ride 2 & Frida...   2
iila pankin funeral ...   4
ilia funeral service   0
East LA and Back   14
Pajama Party!   46
New Member in KTown   0
Santa Clarita Ridazz...   0
destination?   0
new member   3
Covina Ridazz???   1
HEY NOW   0
It's good to be back...   0
STOLEN BIKE - sky bl...   6
Electric Bikes   1
SWARM THE PIER RIDE   11
Swarming the Pier   10
lindarella   2
How Many Miles?   10



Thread Box:
Road Bike Questions
Thread started by cured1 at 06.8.07 - 9:51 am

I've decided that I need a good commuter bike with gears. Now I really don't know anything about road bikes. What I do know is that my singles speed mt bike and my 7 speed beach cruiser just don't cut it for commuting. I'd also like to do rides like cubcamp but I need a bike.

Now I found a bike that I think is really pretty effin sweet. The Cannondale Bad Boy. It's a mt bike frame but you can switch out 26 wheels and tires with 700 size wheels and tires. It's a mt bike frame with the head shock which I think would be nice for urban assault. The thing is I'm not sure I want to spend a grand or more for another bike.

Does anyone have any experience with the bad boy or know of a good bike that is similar? or could I find a good used bike on craigslist or something that will fit the bill?

I really don't know what to look for in a road bike and I don't understand how they are sized. I'm 6'2" 195lbs with 34 inseam. What size should I be looking for in a road bike?

Thanks ridazz.

reply


Whatever it is make sure you love riding it. That is obvious, but often overlooked. You can feel if it is too big or small, but the maker usually say what height you are corresponding to different sizes.

I thought the Badboy was a pretty nifty looking bike, then I road it and didn't like the ride at all.

I would suggest not to rush to buy something right alway, before you try a bunch of different bikes. It takes a little time to shop around to see what you like, but if your going to put some money into something, it is worth it to try as many bikes as you can and then make your decision.

Helens is having it 4th of july sale soon, so check them out, they try to get rid of all of last years models during that sale.

You can try my bike out, and I suggest that you ask other people that are willing to let you try their bikes, that way you can find what you like. You might find an older model of something, that you will fall in love with, and it won't cost you so much.

If somebody think this is too much information, go to hell and don't read it.



sexy
06.8.07 - 10:14 am

reply


I’ve seen some bikes that fit the description of the bad boy. Like… the 700c wheels and switching them out kind of deal. And that’s cool if you’re going to ride both mtb and road. I try to commute to work a couple days out of the week and I have an Ibex Classic which cost under $500 that I’m completely happy with. The thing is… thinking about it… I would’ve rather bought an older 80’s steel frame bike which can fit wider tires for urban riding at more than half the price of the Ibex. On my Aluminum frame… I feel everything. Also… I’ve seen some great geared road bikes that people bought off craigslist for a cheap price. You’ll feel a lot better leaving your bike locked up to a meter if it didn’t cost that much. Plus… the nicer the bike… the more attention it draws. Man… people that do cubcamp have older bikes with shifters on the downtube, nothing fancy, and they kick ass!!

Like sexy mentioned… wait and take your time in buying a bike and ride as many bikes as you can. Also… just see what others are riding and you’ll notice that the older models are pretty sweet.

Bottom line. If using to commute… I would choose something not too expensive… that draws little attention… and something you’re comfortable on. Oh… and see if it’s got the eyelets so you can attach a rack if you’re gonna need one. Hope this helps and good luck!




digablesoul
06.8.07 - 11:06 am

reply


i'd say to ride different bikes before u choose one u really like. I like road bikes because they can go really fast and climb hills pretty well. but they're not for tore up roads and dirt. 80's steel lugged road bikes are cool if it's in good shape still. u can get a newer aluminum frame too if u like. whatever fits ur style of riding. everyone's got a different style.



t.bone
06.8.07 - 11:16 am

reply


thanks for the suggestions guys. I was also thinking maybe something along the lines as a cyclocross bike. I want something that will keep pace and climb hills but I also dwant to be too worried about road conditions. I'll probably end up going with an older bike from craigslist or something. I'll take the advice and try some different bikes before I buy though. I'm not in too much of a hurry so that's a good thing.



cured1
06.8.07 - 11:43 am

reply


you will want to look for a frame thats between 60 and 63.



ruinedbyidiots
06.8.07 - 11:46 am

reply


Go with steel, for sure. You aren't racing, and a lower-end aluminum or carbon bike isn't going to be that much better for a commute. Steel bikes are just more durable and comfortable.

A new steel cyclocross bike would make a great commuter. The gears are slightly lower and you got more clearance and can fit fatter tires.

Right now there's several nice, reasonably priced steel frames from the likes of Surly, Soma, Salsa, and Kogswell that would be perfect for you. Google those and check them out!

1980s lugged steel road bikes are great and can be really cheap too. If you go mid-80s and earlier the clearances are generally higher and you can get bigger tires on it. Be sure to get something that was midrange or high end, since you won't really be paying that much more for them. Branded tubesets, forged dropouts, and higher-level components are the marks of a better bike.



cabhauler
06.8.07 - 1:00 pm

reply


Don't forget to check the tire clearance. Fat tires do wonders to take the edge off a stiff ride.



420LaHaRR
06.8.07 - 1:31 pm

reply


I know a few pints of Fat Tire takes the edge off for me.

What's a lugged steel frame?



cured1
06.8.07 - 2:25 pm

reply


Fat Tire is good beer, and fat tires are kind to your tush.

A lugged steel frame has steel tubes joined together using lugs, which basically just sockets for the tubes. It was the way most high-quality bicycle frames were made up until the early 90s.

For more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lug_%28bicycle_part%29

(Most of the new frames I recommended are not lugged, they are TIG welded.)







cabhauler
06.8.07 - 2:51 pm

reply


Another option would be to put some slicks and an appropriate gear ratio on your single-speed MTB. A street-modified MTB can work out really well as a commuter, as it can take a lot of the abuse that the LA infrastructure dishes out. If you pick some good tires, it can also go a lot faster than you might think.

I also put a Brooks saddle and some cut-down bars on my bike, and it was pretty much perfect for my daily job run. If I do become gainfully employed again, I know how I'll be getting there.



angle
06.8.07 - 3:54 pm

reply


I have some Specialized Hemisphere Armadillos on my Mt Bike and I just put a new front sprocket on it so it's a little more road friendly. I also have some bmx bars on it so it has amore upright riding postion. When I got it, it was geared to go up hills 16, 32 and uphills it went. Now I have 16,36 the hills are a little tougher but it's definately better on the flats and downhills. My tires might be a little fat though. I think they are 1.85's.

It's fine for now but I'd like some gears.



cured1
06.8.07 - 4:05 pm

reply


A single-speed MTB with slicks is fine, depending on the distance of your commute and what kind of hills you have to face. A stiff fork would be better since you don't need suspension on roads.

My commute is like 17 miles each way, so I like jetting along at 50x13 with 700Cx32mm tires on the flats, but I can get down to 34x34 if I need to haul crap up to my place in Silver Lake.



cabhauler
06.8.07 - 7:16 pm

reply


So much for trying out a bunch of bikes. I picked up a bike off of craigslist yesterday. It's an old Azuki, my guess is it's from the 70's but I'm not sure. It's pretty heavy but I like it. I'm going to get some new tires today and maybe take it for a spin.



cured1
06.10.07 - 9:15 am

reply


ok now that I got my bike, I'd like to give it a tune up and make sure it's in good working order. i don't know much so I'll be going to a co-op. bikerowave or bike oven that is my question. Are these both co-ops or is the bike oven just a work space?



cured1
06.11.07 - 11:49 am

reply


Wow you acted fast. I was going to direct you to 80s Universal Japanese Bike (Bridgestone, Miyata, Centurion, Univega, Lotus, Nishiki). These bikes are cheap and are often great values.

As for this bike the cottered cranks and (probably) steel rims are going to cramp your style. Don't spend too much time or money upgrading, it would be like putting lipstick on a pig.

But whatever. Bike snobbery is lame lame lame, and besides your commuter doesn't need to be your best bike. Just make sure it fits you, put some toe clips on those pedals, ditch the reflectors and get good lights, lose the dork disk and the suicide levers, and ride the crap out of it. When you get something better this can be your barhopper.



cabhauler
06.11.07 - 1:07 pm

reply


I don't plan on upgrading it too much. I just bought some specialized armadillos for it which cost more than the bike itself but I love these tires and it's the first thing I buy when I get a bike. I kind of like the retro looking reflectors but I will be putting some lights on and getting rid of the dork disk.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and advice.

I road the bike to work today and it will do me fine until i decide I need another bike. hopefully that's not too soon. I went from one bike in November to 3 in less than a year.



cured1
06.11.07 - 1:21 pm

reply


Awesome, keep riding!

Sorry if my comments came across snotty at all.



cabhauler
06.11.07 - 1:34 pm

reply


snotty? not at all. the rims are definately steel, they are spotted with rust as most of the unfinished metal bits are. i guess I'll be putting some time in with the steel wool.

Why would cottered cranks and steel rims cramp my style? weight issues?



cured1
06.11.07 - 1:38 pm

reply



Two Wheels: Point A to Point B. = You're stylin'





Joe Borfo
06.11.07 - 1:40 pm

reply


Yeah, it's a weight thing. I'm not a weight weenie at all, I ride a heavy-ish touring bike. That said alloy components are a proven and cost-effective way to save weight.

I try to save weight where I can. I just don't believe in dropping hundreds of dollars on carbon this and carbon that to shave a few grams, at least not for the kind of riding I do. There's always a point of diminishing returns and I try to find that.



cabhauler
06.11.07 - 1:53 pm

reply


yeah so maybe this won't be the bike for cubcamp. i might have to get another one for that.

I don't think I could do a cubcamp now anyway. Since I started commuting my legs are shot. When I'm riding my thighs are bulging through my jeans. I was fine when I was doing two rides a week at most. Now my legs feel like they are at the point of exhaustion as soon as I hop on my bike. I know this will go away the more I ride.



cured1
06.11.07 - 2:45 pm

reply


You'll be ready in no time. With all that riding... you'll do just fine the way it its. You should show up after you've tuned it up and stuff. You'll get hooked. Great choice on the bike. Ride on!!

Al



digablesoul
06.11.07 - 4:45 pm

reply

Reply


Who's been here recently...




Upcoming Ridezz...

[ View all Rides ]