jacobxray wrote:
> I am looking into getting a new (and first) road bike. At the moment I only cycle to and from work
> and a few small rides on a 'commuter' style bike (SPECIALIZED SIRRUS A1). i am getting into the
> longer rides and this bike is probably no longer suitable (well it might be, not sure what i'll
> get out of a 'proper' road bike).
From what I've seen of the Sirrus range, it really ought to be fine so for the most part I'd save
your money, at least until it demonstrates clear failings.
> another possibility i guess would be improving the sirrus for longer rides.
How long is "longer"? I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be completely at home on 100 km, for
example. Easy ways to improve a bike for longer distances are (in no particular order):
- better pedals, clipless, like SPD, with purpose designed shoes that lock onto them, make life
rather easier over the long haul. The shoes, with a fairly stiff sole, are an important part of
the equation even if you don't have direct attachment. Trainers over long distances == loss of
power and sore feet too.
- mudguards and mudflaps, so you don't get a stream of cack over you if the road is wet/muddy,
enhance comfort considerably but are a non-issue if you'll only be headed out in fine weather with
dry roads.
- bar ends on the handlebars give you a choice of handlebar position which tends to reduce fatigue
over longer distances (not quite as good as drop bars in this respect, but a big improvement for
plain bars).
- some luggage carrying facility, either a pannier rack and bag(s) or something like an SQR pack. If
the bike frame takes the load rather than you c/o a rucksack then cycling becomes much, much, much
more comfortable, and as a consequence a whole load more enjoyable.
- bottle cage and bottle, if you haven't already got one you should have mounts on the frame. Easy
access to fluids can make a big difference, and Camelbaks and the like are pretty pointless on the
roads: just something else to carry and reduce your comfort while a bottle on the frame is cheap,
easy and works very well.
- good padded shorts (experiment with and without underpants, most people seem to find they work
better without but not everyone). If it's chilly for bare legs use them underneath
bikesters/tights or something else that moves with you to provide complete freedom of movement
with no chafing.
- gel padded mitts help take the ache out of your arms over a longer haul, fingerless ones for warm
weather (colder weather, the insulation in the gloves will do quite a bit of similar work).
- depending how you like the saddle, a new saddle. Some people love Speccy's Body Geometry saddles,
I can't stand them... saddles are personal things and all about your shape vs. theirs. If you
think yours is a pain-inducer over a longer ride try out some alternatives.
- some tools, as if you have a puncture in the middle of nowhere it can be a real bore not having
any! You don't need much, just a set of Allen keys, a puncture repair kit and/or a spare inner
tube and pump is usually more than enough.
The 'guards and rack would be useful on a commute bike in any case and the pedals will go on
anything, as will the clothes, so it's not as if you're wasting anything with the above. If you want
to get into longer distances still then something like a classic tourer (Dawes Galaxy or similar)
gives you drop bars for more hand positions and slightly better aero, and luggage lugging built in
to the design. An Audax style light tourer will give a better turn of speed without sacrificing all
creature comforts to the extent a racer does. But for now I'd be very surprised if the Sirrus is
really wanting for longish road rides. Looks to me like a nice bit of kit which has been sensibly
designed for road use rather than pandering to fashion. You'll note most of the above suggestions
are basically independent of the basic bike: it ain't broke, so no need to fix it!
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net
[email protected]
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/