Colin Struggles With Bike Speak
Unlike running, you have to know a lot more than what shoe you should wear.
It looks like I'm going to have to pick up a whole new set of terminology if I start doing this cycling thing more seriously. I received the following detailed spec sheet from the guy who sold the bike to me. I guess that it's good to know something more than it has wheels and goes fast, but come on now. I have trouble talking about the innards of computers, and now I have to know gear types? Maybe this is the price of speed.
For those readers who care of such things, namely my brother, feel free to check out the spec sheet that follows after the link.
Fuji Opus IV Spec Sheet
| Frame: | Columbus brazed, 56cm |
| Fork: | Fuji Steel |
| Headset: | Shimano XTR threaded |
| Stem: | Bianchi Aluminum threaded |
| Handlebars: | Performance Ergo Pro 44cm |
| Tape/Grips: | Cinelli Cork |
| Front Brake: | Shimano Sante |
| Rear Brake: | Shimano Sante |
| Brake Levers: | Shimano STI, 7 speed |
| Front Derailleur: | Shimano Sante |
| Rear Deraulleur: | Shimano Sante |
| Cassette: | Shimano Uniglide, 7 speed, 11-24 |
| Chain: | Shimano HG |
| Chainrings: | 39-52 |
| Bottom Bracket: | Shimano HG |
| Pedals: | Wellgo SPD, Red |
| Rims: | Matrix and Sun, 32 hole |
| Spokes: | DT Swiss |
| Front Hub: | Shimano Sante |
| Rear Hub: | Shimano Sante, 7 speed |
| Tires: | Specialized Cipollini 700x23 (130psi) |
| Tubes: | Performance Ultralight |
| Saddle: | Specialized Body Geometry Pro, Cromo |
| Seat Post: | Avenir (Ritchey-style) Aluminum |
| Extras: | American Classic bottle cage | Planet Bike 9.0 cycling computer | Touch-up paint |
Comments
I am glad to see that it has STI levers. They make things alot more fun and work so much better than having to reach down.
looks like a nice spec for a beginning bike. You might want to get a 7-speed cassette with a tighter ratio of gears. There is really no need for a 24 tooth cog on the flat lands of NYC and turning over a 11 tooth cog can be too heavy. I had 11-19 (9-speed)and switched to a 12-23. With the 7-speed 11-24 cogset you are getting big jumps in the number of teeth with each shift making it harder to find the right feeling gear Considering you only have a 7-speed you should probably get something like a 12-18 or 12-21 cogset. I would ask around the bike shops to see if they have any. They shouldn't be too expensive probably $30-40 (if that, a 7-speed is outdated technology so it could be even cheaper). A tighter ratio of gears will allow you to us all of your gears. Get some real bike shoes, too. Your efficiency will increase probably by 10-15% no joke. You will be hammerin'
Posted by: harry allen | August 31, 2005 5:30 PM
A new cogset from performance bike shop (their the ones who always send catalogs) was only $22. So a used one may even be cheaper
Posted by: harry allen | September 10, 2005 12:23 PM