Roadie Type Advice:- Focus Cayo Triple

[ollietrex]

Any one know much about Focus bikes? and even better this bike?


http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360026044&N=Focus%20Cayo%20Triple%202007


Is this spec quite good for a road bike?

[Morgan]

The Focus bikes always get good reviews and are good VFM. That one is mostly Shimano 105 - think of it as LX-quality. It's a good price for a carbon frame and fork though. I notice it has a compact triple crankset - that'll make the the hills way too easy for you :P.

[ollietrex]

The current torture of climbing up into Wicklow from Rathfarnham on a double crank is just not fun so anything to make it easier :->

[Sean]

You won't need a triple chainset, unless you plan on climbing a wall on the bike. Especially with that 27T cassette too. Thats just plain rediculous, and heavy.

If you're really stuck for gears, go for a compact double (34 or 36T inner) or a larger range cassette on standard rings.


You'd be better served by this. (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360026005&N=Focus%20Cayo%202007)


Sean

[paddyobrien]

i doubt he'd be well served by either given one only comes as extra small while the other comes as extra small, and extra extra small!!


Can't see why the triple is an issue. the extra weight of one chainring won't make much difference (and is probably better training) and since both are probably 10 speed at the back, that'll mean a skinny chain and chainrings anyway so i'd imagine the wear would be the same on both.

[paddyobrien]

some cheap cube road bikes on CRC

[Sean]

Canyon have great deals on roadbikes too.

The Roadlite range is particularly good value - full Ultegra (XT level) for a grand.


There's really no need for triples here, unless you're a frequent visitor to the Alps. I run a 39T inner and a 29T sprocket (more for CX purposes...) and I've never not been able to spin up anything at 90ish rpm. Don't usually drop below the 26T (could really actually do with a 25T sprocket - Campag, are you listening?) unless I'm really grovelling. Most riding is done towards the middle of the cassette - you're not gaining a whole lot by having extreme gears at either end.

With triples, you're also probably going to increase the Q factor and disimprove(?) the chainline over a double setup.

[Richie]

Roadie lads, I've a question - is it possible to fit a double crank onto a frame which came with a triple?

[Morgan]

Yes, just swap it over and adjust the front mech.

[Martin]

lads all this roadie talk your upsetting fergal! so much he's not even made one comment!


cut it out

[ryan]

A double + a 25 on the back has always been enough for me. (And I started out slow too) so everyone should get away with a 27 on the back max on Irish roads. There are two things about going for a double over a triple.


- triples are for 'freds' (this is the silly reason). It is just not cool to have a triple on a road bike. It is like putting a big sign on yourself saying "I am a weak fool!". Well, that is how the 'proper' roadies would see it...


the other reason I think is a little better


- putting a triple onto the bike means that you probably will use it at times - so when going up that couple of minute hill that is pretty hard, you drop gears and crawl (comfortably) up it rather then going - feck, I'm in my lowest gear already, better stand a bit and push myself over the hill... Getting a better training experience from it. Don't underestimate this one!


Go for a double and pick up a SRAM 11-28 or 11-26. You'll be laughing (and not look like a fred!).

[Richie]

Cheers lads - if anyone has a double laying around gathering dust gimme a shout.

[ollietrex]

My new road bike is coming with a 12-25 on the back and 53/39 on the front so I wont be fred with a tripple.... Should I just stick with the 12-25 and work on the strength in the legs or get a bigger back cassette for the wicklow 200?


Looks like MAD is turning into a bit of a roadie club as another club member brought my old bike with mention of doing the wicklow 200 and the words 'training' but I wont mention names.

[paddyobrien]

was he recently pictured cycling into a canal in amsterdam? And did steve make a disturbing comment about him?

[ollietrex]

If I told you who it was I might put my life at risk... But I am sure he will be seen making an appearance soon with a mad jersey on a road bike.

[ryan]

Give the 25 on the rear a go. Do a couple of passes up Sally Gap etc.. and see how you fare. The Sram 11-28 is about 35e so it is not a biggie if you have to pick one up and have the 12-25 for when you get used to the climbing.


Remember - climbing should be hard (sometimes)

[Oisin]

The MAD rumour mill is going full speed. Yes I did buy the road bike, No I'm not turning into a roadie and about that canal in Amsterdam... well lets say that memories are generally hazy from weekends over there so I cannot confirm or deny it.