I've decided that I need to get back into shape... - cougarguard.com — unofficial BYU Cougars / LDS sports, football, basketball forum and message board

creekster · 10-19-2005, 04:37 AM

and we have all done this before, but here are my two, or few, bits:

I am a heavy guy and I have NEVER had a problem with an aluminum frame. IOW, I agree with Arch that Alum is best for heavier riders, but I disagree strongly with the idea aluminum breaks with hard use. I have several aluminium bikes which I have ridden very hard and I have never had a probelm with any of them, except when I was hit by a car (that's in another thread)

Whether you get Campy or Shimano and what model of each you get depends on budget and use. FOr example, if you want a long spread in your rear gear cluster you may need to get xtr even on a road bike (such as my rear derailleur on my touring frame).

in genreal, and assuming road racing type set-up, Campy is prettiest but typically more expensive. Campy STI levers are easier to repair when the internal spring breaks. Shimano's internal spring cannot be replaced. Doesn't happen often, but long distance tourers hate Shimano STI for this very reason.

As to Shimano, I hate to be a gear geek, but I agree with Arch that there is a perceptible difference between 105, ultegra nad dura ace. The biggest jump, I think, is between 105 and Ultegra. The difference between Ultegra and Dura Ace is very small and not at all worth the cost (although Dura Ace shure is purty). I think Ultegra is worth the $, but Dura Ace ain't.

Good luck and the main thing is to get a bike that feels good and that you like becasue then you will ride it and that is the main thing, after all.

10-19-2005, 04:37 AM	#11
creekster Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: the far corner of my mind Posts: 8,711	You guys covered it pretty well and we have all done this before, but here are my two, or few, bits: I am a heavy guy and I have NEVER had a problem with an aluminum frame. IOW, I agree with Arch that Alum is best for heavier riders, but I disagree strongly with the idea aluminum breaks with hard use. I have several aluminium bikes which I have ridden very hard and I have never had a probelm with any of them, except when I was hit by a car (that's in another thread) Whether you get Campy or Shimano and what model of each you get depends on budget and use. FOr example, if you want a long spread in your rear gear cluster you may need to get xtr even on a road bike (such as my rear derailleur on my touring frame). in genreal, and assuming road racing type set-up, Campy is prettiest but typically more expensive. Campy STI levers are easier to repair when the internal spring breaks. Shimano's internal spring cannot be replaced. Doesn't happen often, but long distance tourers hate Shimano STI for this very reason. As to Shimano, I hate to be a gear geek, but I agree with Arch that there is a perceptible difference between 105, ultegra nad dura ace. The biggest jump, I think, is between 105 and Ultegra. The difference between Ultegra and Dura Ace is very small and not at all worth the cost (although Dura Ace shure is purty). I think Ultegra is worth the $, but Dura Ace ain't. Good luck and the main thing is to get a bike that feels good and that you like becasue then you will ride it and that is the main thing, after all.