cannondale?

[relaygirl]

Hi-I am new-like never been on a bike (well since high school anyway :) ). I am an ultra runner with a heel stress fracture so I am buying a bike! I have found a cannondale:

Cannondale CAAD 8 (T6061 aluminum frame) with a Shimano Sora Triple, 50/39/30 crankset and front derailleur and Shimano Tiagra shifters, brakes, and rear derailleur

it is on craigslist they say ridden just for 1 year, not a lot---any opinions of this bike for a beginner? I am going to give a try at a half ironman in September. I have been shopping and I am trying to find the best bike I can get for $500. I understand that the 105 is more preferable. I am not looking to win-just to be comfortable and not look like an idiot.

Thanks!

[channlluv]

I don't think you'd ever look like an idiot on a Cannondale. I think this is a good entry-level bike (better than most, actually), but I'm not an expert. Just married to a Cannondale fanatic. I ride a Specialized Ruby Comp myself, also bought on Craigslist at a huge discount from someone who was done with riding. (There was a guy involved. He broke her heart and she never really liked cycling anyway...win for me. She would have given me her Sidi shoes, too, if they'd fit me.) She had 104 miles on the bike, according to the computer she left attached to the handlebars.

You can get a really good deal buying used.

Check the bike for scratches, cracks in the frame, and stuff like that. If it's been in a bad wreck or generally mechanically abused (the owner didn't maintain the chain, crank, gears, and all that), it could cost you a lot of money to repair and negate any savings.

Good luck and welcome to TE!

Roxy

[relaygirl]

Thanks Roxy!!! I am on my way down to check it out. He doesn't have flat pedals for me to try it out with though and I don't think I can clip in right now. I guess it will work with my running shoes? I am so new, it is not even funny.

[relaygirl]

I bought it!!! It is really basic. I can't believe I have a bike. It just has flat pedals right now so I will have to get shoes and clips. I got it for $400-it was in good condition and well cared for. IT is definitely a beginner bike but I love it.

THanks!

[relaygirl]

muirenn-I don't feel comfortable going clipless with my foot being so messed up. I have to be able to get a foot on the ground very quickly so I don't slam down this left foot! So thank you for that reassurance. I am so scared to ride in traffic.

Do I need gloves? I have to get a helmet and bike shorts, I guess. Just trying to get the basics.

[Catrin]

muirenn-I don't feel comfortable going clipless with my foot being so messed up. I have to be able to get a foot on the ground very quickly so I don't slam down this left foot! So thank you for that reassurance. I am so scared to ride in traffic.

Do I need gloves? I have to get a helmet and bike shorts, I guess. Just trying to get the basics.

Yes, you do need gloves to protect your hands.

You absolutely do not have to go clipless right now - or ever if that is what you want! Do not allow anyone to tell you that you aren't a real cyclist if you do not clip in - I have actually had someone tell me this. It is your ride and you need to do what works for you. I ride quite long distances with BMX pedals - so far the furthest I've gone is 70 miles without clipping in. I've had foot surgery myself so I understand.

If you do decide to stick with platform pedals, you should probably look into better pedals than what came with your bike eventually. Personally I prefer BMX pedals because there are pins that give my shoes something to grip and my feet stay where they are supposed to, they don't bounce off yet I am not attached to the pedal.

Last summer I rode close to 500 miles clipped in, and while there are advantages to that, it isn't the only way to do it. I am currently back on my BMX pedals due to recovering from an injury.

Really all you need right now is a helmet and gloves. Bike shorts would certainly make your ride more comfortable - go with the most expensive that you can afford...it does matter where shorts are concerned. They should be the tightest that you can fit into - you don't want the padding to slide around when you are on the bike :eek:

Do you know how to change a tire? If not, see if one of your local bike stores might have a clinic where you can learn that. You will also need a small seat-bag in which to keep your tube and tire changing tools - there isn't much but it is important to have this on the bike at all times.

[channlluv]

Muirenn's right. Do not feel pressured to go clipless. I rode for two years before I tried it, and now, a year on, it still makes me nervous. All of my recent tipovers (and by all, I mean both -- I'm getting better) and near-crashes have been because I couldn't unclip quickly enough.

TE has a really nice couple of bike bags. I use two, one for tools that fits under my seat, and the second is a bento bag for my phone, keys, multi-tool (easier to get to in a hurry), and a gel or mini-Clif bar. http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodFB_840200.html - I have the large one. It holds my iPhone and my keys, plus a mini-Clif with no problem.

Also, if you're going any distance at all, you might consider a Road ID. Accidents happen. I have this one, with a woman riding a road bike on the front: http://www.roadid.com/Common/LearnMore.aspx?PID=1

I ride alone a lot, but even if I'm with someone, my main riding partner doesn't know my blood type, you know? And I don't know hers, now that I'm thinking of it. I need to pass this message on to her.

Post a picture of your new bike. We share pics of our new rides here.

Roxy

[warneral]

Congrats! I started on a similar-level bike last summer and soon upgraded :) The components are OK and will definitely give you an idea if you like a roadbike.

I would agree to wait on clipless. Get used to the bike itself before trying the clipless. I fell a LOT and was glad to fall on a used bike instead of a brand new perfect bike :)

[KnottedYet]

Another "don't worry about clipless" voice here.

I've been a bike nut for a long time. I rode with clips/cages mostly, but then switched to Speedplay Frogs... and then decided that was too much fuss and bother as well.

All 3 of my road bikes have BMX pedals.

There are some very sexy ones, that look really cool and racy, which might interest you. They are available through Rivendell, but can also be ordered from any bike shop. "Grip King" is the name used by Riv, pedals are made by MKS. http://www.rivbike.com/products/show/grip-king-pedal/14-053 Their generic name is "Lambda" pedals.

Big and grippy. They'll give a lot of support to your injured foot.

[Catrin]

...There are some very sexy ones, that look really cool and racy, which might interest you. They are available through Rivendell, but can also be ordered from any bike shop. "Grip King" is the name used by Riv, pedals are made by MKS. http://www.rivbike.com/products/show/grip-king-pedal/14-053 Their generic name is "Lambda" pedals.

Big and grippy. They'll give a lot of support to your injured foot.

Knotted - do these actually have pins? I can't really tell from the photo but it doesn't look like they do. Am currently deciding what pedals to have them order for my Gunnar, my current favorite are the Sun Ringle Zuzu (http://www.sun-ringle.com/mtb/accessories/zuzu-pedals/) pedals (currently on my LHT)

[Kerry1976]

I am totally interested in this because I'm not too keen on hitting traffic clipped in. Also, I feel like my Lake MTB shoes are bricks on my feet. I suppose I've been spoiled by my lightweight running shoes.

With the Rivendell pedals (or Sun, etc.), can they be installed in place of SPD pedals at home? My LBS is a nice place, but I'd much rather do something simple like this at home. Looks like I need a pedal wrench and some grease, correct? (MTA: I've placed an order via Amazon - this looks like a fun project)

Also, with these types of pedals, do you will need special cycling shoes or can you wear running shoes or something similar? (MTA: Found the answer to this question - can wear any shoes - YAY!)

[Catrin]

Certainly you may install them at home if you have a pedal wrench! You can also wear regular shoes but it does help to have stiffer shoes to help prevent foot pain. I wear hiking shoes/boots in the winter and Keen Commuter sandals in the summer. I have had foot surgery and ride long distances - and have found that regular running shoes do not provide enough support to ride comfortably. Of course your experience may vary.

[Kerry1976]

Certainly you may install them at home if you have a pedal wrench! You can also wear regular shoes but it does help to have stiffer shoes to help prevent foot pain. I wear hiking shoes/boots in the winter and Keen Commuter sandals in the summer. I have had foot surgery and ride long distances - and have found that regular running shoes do not provide enough support to ride comfortably. Of course your experience may vary.

I might have a solution to this - I have to wear prescription orthotics - 3/4 length and hard plastic. But if that doesn't work, I at least have good shoe options from which to choose. Regardless, I like this idea more than SPDs.

[relaygirl]

Wow, thanks for all the info!!!

I am waiting for my MRI to see if I can ride. I am 99% sure it is a stress fracture in my heel as my ortho/friend said but I want to make sure it is not a big tear in my peroneal.

Question-eventually for a triahlon-do I ride the bike in what I swim in? Is that a stupid question?

I am swimming the part of a half ironman in June as a relay.

[channlluv]

With tri, yes, you ride in what you swim in, unless you're wearing a wetsuit, in which case you peel that off as you exit the water. Some people will slip on a dry jersey/shirt for warmth. It depends on the season.

And there are no stupid questions here. There are lots of great threads on what to do in a tri. What to wear, how to train, how to improve your transition time, all of that. Just use the search tool.

I've done one tri myself as part of a relay team. I did the bike leg. It was great fun.

Roxy

[blackhillsbiker]

+1 for the Grip Kings (aka MKS Lambda pedals). I have them on all 3 of my bikes (even the roadie). I injured my foot in an accident. They are supportive, and I've never had any issues with slipping off of them. I ride in trail-running shoes most of the time, since the sole is stiffer. I have also ridden in sneakers and hiking boots.

Deb