From Hybrid to Giant CRX Fitness Road

[Thistle]

Ok, i've been treadling along on my trusty Giant Hybrid Elwood for a year now, and am thinking of moving up a step. I am too nervous to go straight to a road bike, but when I was in the bike shop tonight picking up DH mountain bike after repairs, I think i fell in love with a Giant CRX4 :p . And the really nice dude there was all about building one the way i want it! like the more upright handlebars, cos i dont think i want to be leaning down too far.. i'm nervous enough about going on skinnier tyres.

So, my question is, I dont think the front fork has any suspension...and this is probably normal for these sort of bikes. But given my little hybrid does have that, am I going to be ok without it?

Can anyone give me any feedback? Has anyone else made this (tiny) leap and not looked back? I am slightly obsessed with the CRX 4 tonight...it truly was love at first sight ;) . ANd i was so impressed with the way the guy was more than happy to build it to suit me! Gunna have sweet dreams tonight :D

Any feedback would be welcome.

Thea

[mimitabby]

if you aren't jumping your bike; you won't need those shocks!

[Thistle]

he he he... me jump, now that's funny:) not even close. i dont even get off the bike paths.

so you really think i dont need them? i'm still excited about the thought of the crx!

[7rider]

he he he... me jump, now that's funny:) not even close. i dont even get off the bike paths.

so you really think i dont need them? i'm still excited about the thought of the crx!

I agree. If you aren't jumping, you don't need 'em.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Most shocks are just there so guys who used to do skateboard stunts as teenagers can feel "cool"- another marketing ploy. Unless you are hurtling down mountains or leaping over cliffs, all they do is add dead weight. (or so my wise DH says) Sort of like when suburban guys buy pickups when all they do is ride to the office on a highway.

It's great that the guy is willing to help build a bike to your specs- but make sure the frame is the exact right size for you to begin with, BEFORE he starts swapping stuff out and tweaking it to "fit" you. Be wary of buying a bike that is not your perfect size just because it's there in the shop and then depending on him to change stuff around so it fits better.

[KnottedYet]

I agree, I don't think you'll miss the shocks. You might even like the feel of control and surface awareness you get by being more "in touch" with your front wheel.

My DPITA rides a Trek with suspension. I took it for a little ride and just hated the mushy feel.

If you can, take the CRX4 for a really long test ride. If it's true love, you'll still be feeling the love even more!

[Kano]

I have those shocks on my fork too -- I don't think I'll miss them, but I have this funny feeling that even though I'd get used to not having it after a while, I'd miss the one on my seat post!

Karen in Boise

[KnottedYet]

You can buy seatposts with suspension and put them on any bike you want.

A quick look at my dog-eared Nashbar catalog shows one for $25.

(or, you could buy a lovely Brooks saddle with springs....)

[7rider]

I had a suspension seatpost on my commuter. I called it the Power Hog. It sucked too much of my pedaling energy in bouncing up and down - especially on the hills. I replaced it with a carbon post - my LBS made me an offer I couldn't refuse, I had no intention of putting such a fancy post on this bike. I love it. It doesn't beat me up and, in fact, I find the ride smoother and more comfortable now.

[Thistle]

It's great that the guy is willing to help build a bike to your specs- but make sure the frame is the exact right size for you to begin with, BEFORE he starts swapping stuff out and tweaking it to "fit" you. Be wary of buying a bike that is not your perfect size just because it's there in the shop and then depending on him to change stuff around so it fits better.

Thanks for all the advice - it's great :) . now a dumb question, when you say make sure the frame is the right size, is that just a height question? So if i'm 5ft5 is there a right size, or is it more about "trying it on" so to speak? any advice is welcome, the more i know before i buy it, the happier i'll be.

DH is kinda surprised i'm happy to let go of the suspension in the front fork, but after reading all the comments here, i think it's not the big deal i've made it out to be.

[Trekhawk]

Thanks for all the advice - it's great :) . now a dumb question, when you say make sure the frame is the right size, is that just a height question? So if i'm 5ft5 is there a right size, or is it more about "trying it on" so to speak? any advice is welcome, the more i know before i buy it, the happier i'll be.

DH is kinda surprised i'm happy to let go of the suspension in the front fork, but after reading all the comments here, i think it's not the big deal i've made it out to be.

Hey theav - I imagine there are some pretty good cycling shops in Canberra what with the amount of cyclists and all so Im sure you will have no problem getting a bike fit. I would also suggest that you read up a bit on bike fitting so you can go in prepared. If it looks like they are not taking the fit seriously just glancing and saying yep that should fit you will know to try somewhere else. Google bike fit . Also checking out books like the one by Andy Pruitt would be a good idea.

Here is a site to get you started on your bike fit learning quest.
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/

Happy bike buying.:)

[7rider]

Theav, Will the shop fit the bike to you?
Provided the frame fits generally, with standover and reach, will they dial it in for you at no extra cost - say swapping out a long stem for a shorter one or one with more rise? Will they work with you on saddle height and placement and other elements of fit?
While you can't always make a silk purse from a sow's ear, a bike that isn't "perfect" off the rack, but is in the ballpark, can be dialed in with minimal effort.