Help me! Road Bike Part Grades for Dummies

[elk]

No...I know they're not the same, I just can't quite SEE the difference...I need to go find a picture...

[rij73]

Yes, here is how I would try to put it succinctly:

paddle-inside-the-brake-lever on Campy = Shimano full-brake-lever

Campy thumb-button = paddle-inside-the-brake-lever on Shimano

Campy
note the thumb button on the inside of each hood

Shimano

[Idealmuse]

Thanks for posting the pictures. I think I like the Thumb button concept better - less confusion that way, but we will see how I feel when the bike gets here.

They were supposed to ship it today and it's fairly local so it should be only a few days. I went with the Fara (This black and white one at the beginning of the thread) which is campy veloce.

On my MTB I have the old fashioned #'ed gear. (Don't know what those are called) so either road bike shifting is going to take some practice for me.

Any shifting tips?

[mimitabby]

you might go to Sheldon Brown's website for shifting tips.

But.... start off with easy gears. you're getting a triple.
on the lowest gear in the front (the little one) use only the big gears in the back.
on the middle gear in the front, you can use ALL gears in the back. On the big gear in the front, don't try to use the lower 3 gears (bigger 3 gears) on the back.

If this is all confusing, when you get the bike, turn it upside down and put it through its gears while you are watching (or put it on a work stand)

and expect to throw your chain a few times while you're getting used to it.

[mkidd]

Since you mention throwing the chain...would I be revealing exactly how much of a newbie I am if ask why this happens?

The bike portion of my first Tri, Danskin Webster (New England) is v. v. hilly. They say about 80% get off and walk.

I actually was thrilled to have made it through the hardest parts by using my granny gear when I needed it, but about mile 9 I lost my chain (on a decline actually) and this never haapened during training so not only did I have no idea how to get it back on, but I'm not really sure why it happened.

Luckily it was right at an intersection so there were race helpers there who helped me, but how do I avoid it for future?

[elk]

Yes, here is how I would try to put it succinctly:

paddle-inside-the-brake-lever on Campy = Shimano full-brake-lever

Campy thumb-button = paddle-inside-the-brake-lever on Shimano

Campy
note the thumb button on the inside of each hood

Shimano

Got it! That looks GOOOOD! And now Mimi's description makes perfect sense.

[Idealmuse]

Hi girls - The Javalin bike came. I need to get it assembled and I need some pedals. I want SPD with a platform... Will Crank Brothers Mallet C work? I found a deal that comes with the pedals and some shoes for $80.00. I already have SPD road shoes but they have no traction on the bottom - not so safe for riding around Chicago.

[mimitabby]

Since you mention throwing the chain...would I be revealing exactly how much of a newbie I am if ask why this happens?

I actually was thrilled to have made it through the hardest parts by using my granny gear when I needed it, but about mile 9 I lost my chain (on a decline actually) and this never haapened during training so not only did I have no idea how to get it back on, but I'm not really sure why it happened.

Luckily it was right at an intersection so there were race helpers there who helped me, but how do I avoid it for future?

Because as a newby (well, if you're like ME) you will not remember WHAT gear you're in when you are suddenly confronted with a hill, and you will try to drop down to the granny gear on one end but still have it in high gear on the other. The chain/chainrings are not designed for this, and often the chain will just pop off.

What happened to YOU seems odd, and I can't answer the question. You might have been in the wrong gear; but it usually happens to me on the uphill.

and did you learn how to put your chain on?

also, it helps to change gears BEFORE you are on that 10% grade, so thinking ahead is something that you will learn too.

[rij73]

Hi girls - The Javalin bike came. I need to get it assembled and I need some pedals. I want SPD with a platform... Will Crank Brothers Mallet C work? I found a deal that comes with the pedals and some shoes for $80.00. I already have SPD road shoes but they have no traction on the bottom - not so safe for riding around Chicago.

Wow, the bike came fast! Keep us posted on how it looks and rides... Shoes and pedals for $80 is cheap if the pedals are good and the shoes fit!

[Idealmuse]

Sorry I never updated. Love LOVE the Javelin Fara bike. It got me through both a Sprint and International Tri last summer, and I'm working on my second International this summer.

I need to take it in for a tune-up as I'm having some trouble shifting between the rings and it's about that time anyway (hence have been mostly riding on the large ring which in flat Chicago isn't a problem)

But thanks a million to everyone who helped me pick out the right one for me last year. It was a killer deal and I couldn't be more pleased. I had a proper bike fit done and while the frame is a weeeee bit too big, it hasn't been an issue. It's worlds more comfortable then my Hard Rock was. I used to suffer from constantly numb hands on that beast.

I also love how stupidly light the bike is. Someone offered to help me carry it up the El Steps (Elevated Subway) and I had to tell the guy no it was silly light.

Thanks again!