The Official DMF Bicycle Thread

[cokey]

I remember asking before but don't wanna dig it up..  what's a good mile reader? I want to be able to save the miles ridden. Trying to putin 3 thousand this year..

[stateprez]

I remember asking before but don't wanna dig it up..  what's a good mile reader? I want to be able to save the miles ridden. Trying to putin 3 thousand this year..

I've been using the Garmin 405 the past couple of years. 

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=11039

My only complaint is the battery life- it won't make it through a 24 hour event (barely a 12) without a recharge.  It's great if you have multiple bikes, plus it downloads to googlemaps if you like to go out and wander.

[Monster Dave]

We'll it may be (slightly) premature to post this, but I'm too excited not to share the news!!

This past weekend we came across an amazing deal on a bike that I love and though I have yet to purchase it, it's on hold so that I can test ride it this week and if it's what I anticipate, I'm certain to buy it. I wasn't able to test ride it because of crappy weather, but I've already scheduled a tentative fitting for Friday!



It was one of those 'fated to happen' moments where I had given up on finding the F3, but when we just happened to enter an out of the way bike shop that had a single F5 (exact same frame, but different drive trains) on the floor, which just so happened to be my size, and was 25% off to boot, I knew I had to have it!!!

It's all High Modulus carbon fiber from front to back (including the seat stem) with the exception of the bars and stem, weighs in at a nice 16.5lbs w/o pedals. The quality of the frame and more aggressive geometry make it far more comparable to a Cannonadale Supersix than a 2011 Madone 4.5 or Tarmac SL2/3 which share similar but slightly higher price points but come out weighting more. I'm totally stoked!!

It's only draw down is what brings it into my price point range (but is hardly a detracting quality to me) is that its running a 105 drive train - that being said, coming off of an 8spd Shimano Sora drive train, 23lb aluminum frame bike, I doubt that I'll be jonesing for any upgrades for a long time!  

Thank goodness for tax refunds!!  

Anyway, does anyone have any good suggestions on good computers for HR, distance, speed, and cadence? I don't want to spend a fortune, so a power tap is out of my range. I'd like it to be no more than $125.

Also, what are peoples thoughts on carbon bars? I've always loved the look of the more 'flat' bars (like the FSA K-Wing) but haven't ridden at any length with one. Are there any reasons to not go to carbon bars?

Thanks!  

[fastwin]

Cool thing about Felt is he used to be a factory Honda race mechanic on their SX/MX teams.

[Monster Dave]

Cool thing about Felt is he used to be a factory Honda race mechanic on their SX/MX teams.

That's cool - I didn't know that! 

[Randimus Maximus]

Pending congrats on the new F5, MD.

I love my '09 F3.

[fastwin]

That's cool - I didn't know that!  

Yeah, just google anything about Jim Felt motocross, etc. He used to race MX and worked as a wrench for other teams too.

http://www.roadbikeaction.com/Tech-Features/content/67/3499/RBA-Mini-View-Jim-Felt-Talks-Bike-and-Aero-Tech.html

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2011/Inside-Felt/About-Felt/History.aspx

[Monster Dave]

Pending congrats on the new F5, MD.

I love my '09 F3.

Thanks Randy!  

I really had my eyes set on the F3, but it was ultimately too cost prohibitive. Finding this one was a very lucky break and I'm sure that I'll be VERY happy with it! I couldn't stop drooling over it in the store - as I'm sure that you know, the pics just don't do them justice.

[Randimus Maximus]

Thanks Randy!  

I really had my eyes set on the F3, but it was ultimately too cost prohibitive. Finding this one was a very lucky break and I'm sure that I'll be VERY happy with it! I couldn't stop drooling over it in the store - as I'm sure that you know, the pics just don't do them justice.

No offense, but I actually don't like the paint schemes they used in '10.

[Monster Dave]

No offense, but I actually don't like the paint schemes they used in '10.

None taken - to each their own! Oddly enough, I really don't like the 2011 model paint jobs.

[Randimus Maximus]

me likey the more subtle look:

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=1537.msg230646#msg230646

I also like the matte white finish Trek offers.

[Monster Dave]

I looked at a Specialized Tarmac SL2/3 that's raw carbon and the comparable Madone that was the matte blue and carbon, but I really wanted something loud. I have a matte scheme on the bike I rode at AMBBR, and it's cool, but now I want something that gets more 'in your face'.   I like yours.

Problem with those that are uniquely different color schemes like the Specialized SL2/3 and the matte blue Trek Madone is that they become the most popularized and are often sold at the price point that gets more of them into circulation. I really don't want a bike that everyone else has - yours is a rare one to see as well. It's rare that you see any Felts on the road around here at all - and though that didn't make my decision, it contributed to why I like it so much.

[triangleforge]

I just find myself liking these guys more & more...

Rusten met de broertjes Schleck

[eltristo]

I feel bad for Frank with his little folding chair.

[stateprez]

New rig- SS, wagon wheels: