Well, aside from all the components on the bike, you've pretty much got it covered. As part of the emergency kit I'd consider at least one inner tube (some folks carry two), a patch kit, an inflation method (some folks carry a mini-pump while others--like me--carry a CO2 inflator. If you go with the latter, you'll want to carry 2-3 canisters of CO2 and the inflator), a tire boot (used to cover a gash in a tire to keep the inner tube from poking through), a tire lever or two, and some sort of mini-tool. There's no big penalty for having a second water bottle cage. Certainly having a second water bottle can mean having to stop less, and it's also a wise addition in the warm/hot months. A medium sized saddle bag can hold the emergency kit stuff and possibly keys, cash, credit card). I imagine you already carry something similar, but if you don't I'd recommend getting a Road ID bracelet so that EMS and the ER can have phone and computer access to any critical medical info of yours.MotownBikeBoy said:
What clipless pedals have you tried? There are some dead simple system out there that take very little coordination at all, and by very little I mean a vanishingly small amount. If I were I would see if there's an LBS that would let you try a few different option out on an indoor trainer in the store. Shimano, Look, and Speedplay all make great pedals as well as a variety of pedal types.MotownBikeBoy said:
I was totally frightened of clipless pedals... When I flipped my commuter in a gear deal on a shop I got a pair of Shimano 105's and some Shimano shoes. I wanted to get a pair of Look ones but the shop didnt have Look.
Actually you can get a bit of extra handlebar height on the Tarmac, similar to the Roubaix, if you use all the spacers under the stem and maybe if you change the stem to something with a bigger angle.
Alienator is trying to make you buy the Roubaix so he can be faster then you in his Look Super Rigid anyway...
FYI, Shimano 105 pedals are about the best bang for the buck going. They be had for $70-80 online. Note that sharing the same geometry does not mean the ride is the same, especially when you're talking about the differences between a CF frame and a metal frame. The tube sizes are different, and how the CF frame behaves is largely dependent on how the CF is laid up. The Roubaix certainly is not meant just for racing on cobbles. It's marketed to regular folks as an all-day ride worthy bike, a sportif bike, and a bike that handles well. Look for reviews online.MotownBikeBoy said:
One of my themes in life now is trying new things. So, checking into all of this is an educational experience that definitely broadens my horizons.alienator said:
