A couple of questions over new bicycle.

Ricitius

Hello everyone,
A beginner here trying to get started. I just got a used road bike and there are a couple things I'm wondering about it. I'm clueless to all of the cycling jargon so I'll state what I know about it. It's a Trek 7500FX. It consists of an aluminum frame, a cro-moly fork and Rolf Vector rims.
The bicycle is missing a seat and a seat post. I was wondering what is the best kind I can get? Also I do quite a lot of weight lifting and I jog about five miles a day. I'm 5'11 and weight approximately 237 lbs. I was wondering if it would be to my interest to buy a lighter fork for the road bike. Another concern on my mind is due to my large feet. My shoe size is a wide 13(US), so when I took the bicycle for a spin the small pedals felt a bit uncomfortable. Which kind should I look into getting? Thankyou for reading, any help will be greatly appreciated.

Ricitius

I've read around the forum about carbon fiber seats, any ideas?

martin_j001

The bike you are referring to, the 7500FX, is known as a "hybrid" and not a true "road" bike. The upright position and flat handlebar, as well as wider tires are what differentiate this bike from a true road bike--just FYI.

Seats are a very personal thing, so it is best if you can find a shop that will let you try some out or a shop that has a good return policy for things like seats. Its really going to depend on you and what fits your ass more than anything else. Brands like Fizik, Selle Italia, Selle San Marco, Specialized, Terry....should all be considered. At your size (pretty much the same height and weight as me) there is no good reason to get a saddle with carbon rails. I ride with the Fizik Arione and prefer it because it is very flat and long.

As far as forks go, my suggestion would be to stay away from the "full" carbon models and you should be alright--stick with an al or steel steerer tube.

For pedals, if you don't already have clipless then that is the way to go, as clipless pedals are a huge upgrade over regular platform pedals. This route will require pedals as well as cycling shoes. Your best bet is to visit your local bike shop to try on some shoes to see what fits best.

Hope this helps.

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my Gunnar Roadie
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For sale: Time Impact Mag pedals; Dura Ace 7700 crankset (172.5), front der. (braze), bottom bracket (109.5). PM or email martin_j001 at hotmail dot com

Ricitius

Hmm, so I'm guessing carbon made parts are weaker? Since this is a hybrid, is it still good for starting out and training? What are some good clipless pedals for me? Sorry to ask so many questions, I'm just trying to learn more. Thankyou kindly.

nun

I think an important point to consider is tyre size. I'm 215 lbs and I ride 700 x32 tyres. Skinnier tyres might be under a bit of "pressure" carrying 237lbs so I'd look for a bike that has room to take a fatter tyre that the normal road bike.

boudreaux

Don't waste your money,unless you need the bling points.

boudreaux

Don't waste your money.

Doctor Morbius

In all honesty it's going to be better if you lose a few pounds off your person than getting a lighter fork. It'll accomplish the same thing. There's no need to shave a few grams off your bike when you tip the scales at 237. Just so you know I'm not some skinny roadie giving you any crap, I weigh 245.


As an FYI, many CF saddles have weight limits. Check before you buy.

The only way to know if a saddle is going to work for you is to sit on it for several hours for a few weeks. It's trial and error. Nobody else can pick a good saddle for you. It's not like trying to find a pair socks that fit. If anyone suggests that Brand "X" saddle will work for you they are misleading you. It may work for them but that doesn't mean you will find it comfortable.

Ricitius

Thankyou all for the advice. I've been changing my weight lifting routine for strength instead of size. So I'll begin shaving off a couple of pounds.

What kind of clipless pedals should I look for?

Ricitius

Also, I was thinking if I could change the handelbar and the tires to make it a roadbike. What would I have to do? I would want it to train. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

I've also read an article concerning clipless pedals online at a site named chainreaction.com.

domaindomain

I suggest changing bits one by one and getting used to them and riding the bike generally.

Pedals and shoes will be a big change with a big impact. Have a look at the SPD style pedals with an appropriate shoe.

Most manufacturers do a decent range now. Talk with your lbs and investigate prices on the web and in magazines before you make a purchase.

Other things will make less of an impact but I'd go for shorts next!