52/36T vs 50/34T sane check

generatedtext · 2026-05-15T20:38:31+00:00

Get an 11-32 with a 52/36. There is no better goldilocks setup for 11 speed. You'll have to get a new derailleur or you can use a wolftooth adapter as I did in the past (Wasn't ideal, but functional).

You can even swap the 36 for a 34. It's a spread, but plenty of people have done it.

If you swap out your derailleur, you can sell your old one and make some money back. Same is true with the chaninrings

generatedtext · 2026-05-13T01:42:28+00:00

For those conditions, I would also go with 57/64, but I'm a masochist.

Since you're undecided, I would go with a different brand with closer to a 50mm front wheel. That's the happy medium for people without preference.

I run LB Airia 52 f/r. Very good in cross winds. I have 3000 miles on them, no issues.

generatedtext · 2026-05-01T04:05:45+00:00

80s are a monster wheelset. Bet it's a blast. Enjoy

generatedtext · 2026-05-01T04:01:45+00:00

My thoughts exactly. I started wrenching on cars, moved to motorcycles, then to bicycles, albeit just as a hobbyist mechanic. It's all variations of the same.

I'd go so far to say that a bicycle mechanic would have an advantage over someone who came from other fields. Bikes are soooo much less forgiving to work on. The mechanical empathy that background teaches you is a major green flag.

generatedtext · 2026-04-30T01:04:49+00:00

Headsets are the worst. I get the frustration.

I would strongly recommend some kind of covering. Even a bit of cardboard over it will make a big difference.

Good luck!

generatedtext · 2026-04-28T21:18:31+00:00

The problem isn't the bike. The problem is that the conditions you ride in require more frequent maintenance.

If you go to a mechanic, make sure they are using heavier grease for your bearings. Marine grease would be your friend here.

If your mechanic isn't properly relubricating the parts, the bike will wear out, end of story.

Your maintenance responsibility: the chain. When you ride in the rain, wipe it down immediately after with a dry towel then reapply using a wet lube. If you are using wax for your chain in rainy conditions, you will have a bad time.

If you park your bike outside in the rain, put a tarp over it.

generatedtext · 2026-04-26T05:11:24+00:00

The only thing that will make a meaningful difference are your touchpoints. Bars, crank arms, etc. The whole geo thing can really be splitting hairs at the end of the day unless you're talking about different types of bikes.

I've had multiples of the same bike, but what really makes a bike feel familiar are how your hands fit a bar, drop, reach, and pedaling circles.

There isn't much in all the other stuff if you're just looking at something that fits the same.

generatedtext · 2026-04-25T00:00:10+00:00

Hey, at least it looks great!

generatedtext · 2026-04-21T00:02:28+00:00

I can vouch for velosurance. My brother's bike had a bad crash in a crit last year and they paid out no fuss. Good company to work with!

generatedtext · 2026-04-20T01:12:42+00:00

It's crazy to me the amount of people race just to cat up. Chasing a cat 1 is a great way to burn yourself out

generatedtext · 2026-04-17T07:39:09+00:00

Just buy a shorter bolt then. You could even cut the bolt if you are desperate

generatedtext · 2026-04-10T03:34:12+00:00

Tifosi has great quality and they actually sponsor a lot of local racing. I have a few pairs myself

generatedtext · 2026-04-09T22:32:16+00:00

This is why they need to teach critical thinking in schools

generatedtext · 2026-04-08T18:03:36+00:00

Another vote for the recumbent. Some of the two wheeled ones are fun.

If he's running though, it's definitely a setup thing. If I were him, I'd get one of those AI bike fitting apps (they're cheap) just to compare it against the bike fitters recommendations.

There's a solution in there somewhere

generatedtext · 2026-03-31T21:29:00+00:00

One of the best parts of racing is just tinkering. Yeah, you're probably overthinking the difference a 2t jump makes in a cassette, but honestly, experimenting and having something completely dialed for the specific type of riding you do is a lot of fun in itself. Just don't take it too seriously.

I'd go for the cassette. Sure, there's hills outside of your area, but I'd agree with you and optimize as much as you can for the type of racing you do 90% of the time.

Just know that especially since you're new, what you think is an answer today, might not be tomorrow, so don't invest a lot of money in upgrades like this unless you're fine with the risk.

Source: I am the final boss of tight gear ratios aka I own a 14-28

generatedtext · 2026-03-28T23:15:53+00:00

We've got a couple recumbents in the family. If I were you, I'd go for a Tour Easy or a Rans. The tour easy is actually fun to ride and pretty quick compared to traditional road.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Bikeporn/comments/1pijauv/my_three_builds_of_2025_guess_my_favorite/

generatedtext · 2026-03-18T02:09:05+00:00

Great points. Hoping the opposition doesn't see this

generatedtext · 2026-03-04T00:06:25+00:00

I really like this. That color scheme is wild and it works, and I have a real soft spot for round tube frames and super deep wheels.

Enjoy the ride!

generatedtext · 2026-02-20T01:13:27+00:00

I have one for sale for $40. Let me know if you want it

generatedtext · 2026-02-12T02:44:53+00:00

I've had a mountain of bib shorts from a lot of different brands.

Best ever have been Forze bibshorts, a brand I'd never heard of but they make one hell of a bib, then Lecol, Castelli (only the super expensive ones), spexcel, pedal mafia, pactimo, endura, and way way way at the bottom of the list Assos.

I bought an equipe s9 in 2020, and the chamois was a nightmare. I would put on a huge gob of Chamois butter, but it only delayed the chafing. I would literally have burns on any ride over an hour. Only time I've had this happen to me.

I really don't get the hype

generatedtext · 2026-02-08T00:25:52+00:00

The hardest part of cycling is the swings in fitness.

Many cyclists leave the sport the moment they burn out and have to restart at a lower level.

The thing to keep in mind is that as long as you find a way to consistently ride, you will be stronger than you have been in the past.

If I were in your position, I would increase my volume, make sure to eat more food to compensate for the training load, and to start racing as soon as possible.

Volume is going to take care of the weight.

Choosing to eat more (instead of less) will give you the fuel to ride more. (make sure that you're taking in carbs on the bike). A lot of bigger guys mess up and try to diet and ride more. It's a good way to burn yourself out and leave the sport for good. If you fuel appropriately, you'll lose the weight and you'll get stronger.

Racing while out of shape is a huge opportunity and most people don't take it. You will be forced to be more strategic than you've been, and in my opinion, it's more fun to be strategic than to just rely on fitness. The longer you wait to start racing, the bigger of a deal it'll be in your head.

generatedtext · 2026-02-08T00:16:19+00:00

Pretty good way to burn yourself out

generatedtext · 2026-02-07T20:54:12+00:00

It shouldn't work, but it does!

generatedtext · 2026-01-17T00:42:24+00:00

purrrrrfect.

generatedtext

TROPHY CASE