[babayaga]

Originally Posted by arun_josie

It could be an issue with saddle height. I faced a similar issue and it got fixed by adjusting the saddle height. If possible, get a bike fit done.

You were right. The issue seemed to be due to below two issue. I got it fixed with help of a experienced rider whom I met. For now all good. The bike fit rates quoted was 5K. I felt this was exorbitant price to pay. Not sure if this is the norm or just Bangalore rates ?

1. Slight twist to saddle which was barely noticeable. Centered it.
2. The handlebar had indeed turned a bit inwards along with the grippers being a bit off. This could have happened when I turned by bike upside down to fix a puncture.

[arun_josie]

Originally Posted by babayaga

You were right. The issue seemed to be due to below two issue. I got it fixed with help of a experienced rider whom I met. For now all good. The bike fit rates quoted was 5K. I felt this was exorbitant price to pay. Not sure if this is the norm or just Bangalore rates ?

1. Slight twist to saddle which was barely noticeable. Centered it.
2. The handlebar had indeed turned a bit inwards along with the grippers being a bit off. This could have happened when I turned by bike upside down to fix a puncture.

Good to hear that your issue is fixed.

I got my bike fit done at Cadence90 and they charged 850/-. You can find more details in my below post,

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/bicyc...ml#post5519236 (One Pedal at a time | My Cycling Journey with Firefox Road Runner Pro)

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by babayaga

The bike fit rates quoted was 5K. I felt this was exorbitant price to pay. Not sure if this is the norm or just Bangalore rates ?

No idea about the pricing for a standalone service, but usually a bike fit is offered along with a bike purchase so not usually charged. Also a bike fit has a much larger purpose than what you were intending to get out; so maybe the 5k is standard for a high end bike shop.

We jump into these exercises without sorting out the basics and then when problems occur, the cost and recuperation effort runs up pretty high. So compared to that, even 5k would have been fine. But good for you that you got the support without incurring it. A close friend is undergoing back treatment as a result of his ~2 years of intense cycling (and running); he's been told to stay off from both events for a few years; and instead focus on swimming and walking shorter distances.

[babayaga]

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

We jump into these exercises without sorting out the basics and then when problems occur, the cost and recuperation effort runs up pretty high. So compared to that, even 5k would have been fine.

Absolutely true. I do not mind paying if that is the charge which is the norm. I started back in 2019 with the attitude that it is cycle. How hard or complicated can it be. I have ridden a Atlas well above my size in childhood and nothing happened. All this sizing fit thing is just propaganda by brands to fill their pockets.

However, over time I realized that back in younger days the max ride was a leisurely 30 mins to 1 hour. Now when it stretches to hours every millimeter matters. I also spent a lot of time to understand that cycling is not a standalone hobby/sport but requires a change in lifestyle itself. Right S&C, nutrition, stretching and flexibility.

The only problem is, I am yet to establish a good relationship with a bike shop whom I can trust. With the limited interaction, I had from the stores near my place. It feels that they just want to push products or services without an explanation. Of course, it could be in my head. I am trying to expand and go to some of the farther shops in the city and see if they would help better. Also, I am trying to establish contact with network of experienced cyclist. Hoping I can learn more about the sport and also they could be a sounding board for some of my queries. Believe me this is a challenge for an introvert like me who hates group rides where a lot of time is spent on photoshoot than riding or conversing about cycling.

[ebonho]

5000 for a bike fit? Is there anything unique or special they offer that you cannot do on your own by trial and error and You Tube? I understand the thinking behind 5k being cheap in comparison to downtime. Or hospital/medical care. But really, its not that complicated. An allen key and tape measure and pen and paper ir your smart phone to capture key measurements is all you need.

Change one thing at a time. And then ride enough for your bidy to adapt to the new change. Before taking a call. To keep the change or maje a new one. Or do the next change somewhere else. Really, realistically, the seat and hands are the only two things you will be playing around with. Up. Down. Front. Back. Its not Chandrayaan science for sure.

As long as you blindly trust someone else, and not understand yourself whats going on between your bike and your body, and as long as you do not allow your body time and many many kilometres to adapt to a new position, you will not really be able to nail down what's the perfect position for you, or as close to it as possible.

[narayanang76]

Originally Posted by babayaga

The bike fit rates quoted was 5K. I felt this was exorbitant price to pay. Not sure if this is the norm or just Bangalore rates ?

I will start by saying that the quoted rate wasn't reasonable in this case, for the specific user requirements. I really don't know who offered this, without considering the user needs and requirements.

Like anything else, Bike Fit Process varies based on rider requirement, their level of riding, their goals, riding gears plus equipment used etc. These bike fit process objective and it's focus also varies.

1) For a beginner, who relatively spends less time on saddle, a simple saddle height adjustment and handlebar angle and reach adjustments (even without measuring tape) could be done.

2) For a rider who has more saddle time, or who like to take their cycling to next level the bike fit requirement would be totally different. These people may be using cleats and such aspects need to be included in bike fit with a proper measurements of saddle height, angle, reach and cleats positions - to be measured in millimeters and degrees. Objective here is: no injuries and get maximum outputs from their effort.

3) For a rider who is into competitive cycling, race participation etc, who may have aerobars and other kits, with high end bikes. Objective of such a bike fit would be to utilize all gains and benefits in addition to the benefits from point 2 above.

cheers
narayanang76

[ebonho]

Golden rule of setting up your bike is to measure, mark and document each setting. I use red color electrical tape on saddle rails and seat post. To mark my current setting. I also know how many spacers I have above and below my stem. Whether its flipped or not. The exact rotation of the handlebar (there are usually marking grids in the center of the bar. 8f not, use a white perma marker and make a line across the stem and handlebar, so that the next time you can line that mark up). Use the saddle tilt or any spirit level app on your smartphone to check and record the tilt of your saddle. Or the notch of the seat post clamp it is set to. Important measurements to note are height of top of saddle from the ground (or center of bottom bracket or top of pedal with crank in the lowest position in line with the seat tube), height of handlebar hand grip or top of hoods from the ground, and assuming you use the same saddle, distance of tip of saddle nose from the split line of the stem handlebar clamp. Keep a note of these three. And you can compare them across the bikes you have as well.

[HummerH]

Finally, I brought home the Blue Beauty Riverside 500 yesterday from Decathlon Whitefield.

I got real busy with my work for last few weeks and couldn't make the purchase during their sale days. But, I was watching stock on the app closely and it had come down to 3 or 4 items left for my size across their stores in Bangalore and there was not any at their Whitefield store which is very close to my location. I called them multiple times to confirm.

So, I had mentally prepared for the RS120 as an alternate and planned to buy at their store Yesterday.

As a sheer luck, the app started to show availability of 500 on yesterday morning in Whitefield store.
I went to store in the afternoon, straight to cycle section and asked for the 500 new piece, and sales guy got it for me and there it was!!! I couldn't believe as I had lost all hopes of getting the 500.
While I was getting the feel of the cycle, there was a gentleman who came looking for the 500 and was telling to the sales guy that he had called before coming.But, It was too late.
I had my hands on the last piece already. If I was late by just 5 min, I would have been that unlucky guy. It was my day I guess.

Assembly guy did a good job I believe. He took time to adjust the disc brakes/straighten the disc, derailleur setting, etc.
People opting for home delivery would definitely miss these adjustments if they are new to cycling.
Did not buy any accessories other then the Stand.

I cycled back home , approx 6 km via the Goshala road.

Front suspension did confirm its utility over the broken road stretch. Gear shifting was smooth. Liked that clicking sound of the drivetrain while freewheeling down sloping roads.
Felt like seat was moving horizontally while on rough patches. I need to get used to the suspension under the seat I think. Seat itself is more comfortable than the one on ST30.
I did notice today that the graduation markings are missing from the seat post. I had seen them on the trial pieces in store. Yet to explore the front suspension adjustment settings.

I have also registered for the weekend cycling watsapp group managed by decathlon people. Want to join small distance rides as a beginner.

Until then hoping to do more office runs and Practice for longer distances and improve speed!!

[babayaga]

My rotten streak to find the elusive road bike still continues. I hit a few more stores in Bangalore but seems lady luck is not on my side yet.

1. Shop A: Only had polygon strattos S5 or marin gestalt 1 available but would be procured on demand. No luck to try the bike. Remained bit non committal to share the pricing and sizing till I confirmed. Polygon India had mixed reviews and thought to give this a pass. Marin was in a plain white color which, just did not send the heartbeat racing. So a pass on the Marin too.

2. Shop B: Was pitched a Specialized Allez with Tiagra hydraulic brakes in size 56. It was bit pricey coming in at 1.4L . I reached out after 4 days to finalize this as no other options seemed to be available but it was sold out by then. Also, the owner was out next time I went. The sales guy tried to stick a size 54 to me. Honestly, pissed me off a bit. I left without more discussion. So close yet so far.

3. Shop C: Was suggested a Trek Domane where the parts would be swapped for a Tiagra group set mechanical disc. The other option was a Domane with Claris groupset. Downside, no ride and I would need to pay 30 percent upfront as booking price. I can ride the bike once in store. The money will not be refunded if I chose not to buy. It will be with the store and I can either use it to book another bike or buy stuff from the store. One of the shop floor assistant tried to suggest to go for a size 58 Domane which they would make it fit chopping off the stem etc. This did not make sense to me honestly, I thought better to get the right size in the first place.

Shop D: I might visit the shop after two weeks. I spoke to them over phone first as I was bit tried going across the city in various places to return disappointed. The chap on the other end seemed nice. He offered me to come to the store and try the Scott bike which he will set it up on a roller. I could try and then decide if I want to go ahead. He seemed open to work a price. I shared that Scott Speedster was not in my to-buy list as the geometry seemed little aggressive and I was more inclined for a bit relaxed geometry. Even after trying I might not buy so maybe it was not worth his time. However, he insisted that I drop by the shop to try it. So there is still some hope.

The first three shop when I asked about the new stock replied that there is no clarity on the next batch of stock incoming. Little internet research tell me in next three months we should see new stock coming in for India with demand in the west slowing down. I also got to know that trek could be giving some discounts in India in Nov. So thought to wait if I could steal a deal on the Trek bikes by that time.

[HummerH]

Could anyone please suggest me a loud cycle bell/horn for my Hybrid?
I have a decathlon elops120 75db bell on my son's cycle and it is not good in traffic noises.
Decathlon has a brass finish one and a rubber air horn type both with 80db sound.
.
I don't like the electronic one's available on Amazon,etc that make annoying siren type of sounds. Amazon also has this Rockbros kind of brands that make proper horn sound but are upwards of 3k which is way too much for my current need and budget.

I guess I need atleast 100db? to be heard in traffic. Appreciate any suggestions on a pocket friendly mechanical bell or a battery operated one with a proper honk honk or beep beep sound

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by HummerH

I guess I need atleast 100db? to be heard in traffic. Appreciate any suggestions on a pocket friendly mechanical bell or a battery operated one with a proper honk honk or beep beep sound

Mate,
On a realistic note, cycles are at the lowest level in a traffic filled city road (even pedestrians are at a higher level). The best instrument for handling traffic is you. I would not expect anyone to keep attention of a cycle bell. If they aren't paying attention to the cycle or the cyclist, they aren't going to change basis a bell, no matter how loud it is. Even if you get one of those sing-song horns that intercity buses use.

I chucked mine years ago. It was and will be useless in my frank opinion.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by HummerH

I guess I need atleast 100db? to be heard in traffic. Appreciate any suggestions on a pocket friendly mechanical bell or a battery operated one with a proper honk honk or beep beep sound

If you must, carry a whistle on a string around your neck. Many BRM riders do that. Scares/confuses dogs momentarily too. Personally I talk, cajole, bellow, and grunt loud enough for even bus drivers inside the city.

[amitoj]

FWIW I have the SpurCycle bell. I doubt anyone inside the car will hear it but it produces the sweetest tinning sound and kids love it!

https://www.spurcycle.com/

[ostrish]

Originally Posted by HummerH

Could anyone please suggest me a loud cycle bell/horn for my Hybrid?

I have a Hornit horn. Hits 140dB as per documentation. Probably have an unopened one as well somewhere in the parts bin, yours for a small price if around North Bangalore.

Sounds pretty annoying and gets some attention.

Since I mostly ride trails, I use a beautiful Crane bell for potential walkers/dogs. Also a tinkling bell on a full carbon MTB is a deliciously funny idea.

[babayaga]

Hello Everyone. Happy Saturday!

Finally seem to have some lady luck by my side. I seem to be able to lay my hands on a Specialized Allez 56 about 2 year old for around 46K. This is a rim break version with Claris groupset. Honestly, after a few rides around, I can appreciate a 105 but for a noob like me Claris felt more than enough. The bike should come to Bangalore over the weekend and post that happy days . Any tips or things I should specifically check ? Mileage on the cycle is around 2000 km.

Special shout to Velo Studio Bangalore. Off all the shops I went, these guys were the nicest and treated me well. They really did not encourage me to try the bikes and not upsell a costlier model. It is a shame that Scott just felt a little off for me. For Bangalore folks, do try them if you are on the lookout for a new cycle.

P.S. Are the groupset worth the hype for a casual cyclist? Personally biased to say Claris/Sora is more than enough based on limited recent experience unless maybe one is in racing or trying insane endurance rider of 1000+ km. or is it case of sour grapes ?