Not Exactly Maintenance

[bcipam]

First of all am staying away from the Campy v. Shimano argument. It's like arguing "tastes great - less filling". Both manufacturers make low end products and very high end products. I don't think anyone can say anything bad about Dura Ace or Record. It's just a preference.

Alot of manufacturers sell the same frame but price break comes in the components and wheels. Never underestimate the value of good wheels. When someone is looking to upgrade their bike I always recommend new wheels first. Does that mean the wheels that come with the bike are bad? No. But it does mean good wheels can greatly improve a bike's (and rider's) performance).

triple v. double: This is another "tastes great - les filling" argument. People who don't need a triple cannot understand a triple's value. People, like me, who need and live by a triple understand it makes all the difference in the world. My speciality is fast flats - I'm a strong sprinter. My weakness is hills but with my triple I can climb anything, although slowly, I git-er-done.

The weight difference between a double and triple (which is the main argument I hear as to why have a double) is minimal - we are talking grams here. If you are racing and every gram counts then by all means do the double. For alot of us regular folks (who can stand to lose a few pounds or 50...), especially over the age of 40, a triple is a life saver.

Frame materials and styles: Here's where some argument is legit. To each her own. I prefer steel and Ti, others swear by carbon (which I will never ride) and or aluminum. They all have they pluses and minuses. You need to evaluate your riding style, intent and reasons and go from there. I like the flex of steel and Ti, don't like the "deadness" of carbon and hate the ping of aluminum. But that's just me.

As to frame styles, again depends on how you want to ride. You have choices ranging from a very compact, agressive stiff racing frame to a very laid out touring style geometry (think Cannondale Six13 CADD8 v. a Bruce Gordon touring bike). I prefer something in between. I like to ride hard and fast but also like to do centuries so I need a sortof agressive road bike with a good, comfortable, flexible, road feel material. Add some good, stiff wheels and I am good to ride!

[mimitabby]

triple v. double: This is another "tastes great - les filling" argument. People who don't need a triple cannot understand a triple's value. People, like me, who need and live by a triple understand it makes all the difference in the world. My speciality is fast flats - I'm a strong sprinter. My weakness is hills but with my triple I can climb anything, although slowly, I git-er-done.
!

Heck, I can't get off my block without a triple. I often try to imagine what life would be like to live somewhere where you didn't need a bunch of gears!!

and while we're at it, I use a Brooks B67 saddle. Most comfortable saddle in the world. But it is NOT light; and it doesn't resemble a pie spatula either!