Bike Advice - Climbing Ability?

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2009-03-05 11:00 AM


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Subject: Bike Advice - Climbing Ability?
I'm currently in the market for a road bike. When I go to my LBS, the test ride routes are pretty much flat. How can I tell gauge the responsiveness and ability to climb from just riding on the flats? Rather, what can I look for on a test ride that makes one bike better at climbing than another? Thanks for any thoughts.

2009-03-05 11:07 AM
in reply to: #1999223

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Bike Advice - Climbing Ability?

Other than weight and maybe stiffness, and can't think there is any reason one bike would be better than another.  Climbing is more about the CLIMBER than the bike...

I wouldn't even use that as a consideration, to be honest.  Get the bike that fits the best (both your body and wallet).  I would also consider material, componenents, brand, and cosmetics and that's it.



Edited by Aikidoman 2009-03-05 11:08 AM
2009-03-05 11:09 AM
in reply to: #1999235

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Subject: RE: Bike Advice - Climbing Ability?

I would also consider . . . . cosmetics .

Jim, we aren't going down the stylist road again, are we????? 

To the OP, what he said (except for the guyliner part) ^^^^^^.  

2009-03-05 11:21 AM
in reply to: #1999244

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Bike Advice - Climbing Ability?
ChrisM - 2009-03-05 9:09 AM

I would also consider . . . . cosmetics .

Jim, we aren't going down the stylist road again, are we????? 

To the OP, what he said (except for the guyliner part) ^^^^^^.  

[hijack] 

A little lip gloss makes you faster...  Or could be disturbing enough to the other male racers to throw them off a bit...

[/hijack]

2009-03-05 11:42 AM
in reply to: #1999223

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Extreme Veteran
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Austin, TX
Subject: RE: Bike Advice - Climbing Ability?

Talk to the LBS guy and see if the two of you can load up a couple bikes and drive somewhere with hills.  That way you'll still be under the watchful eye of the LBS owner, and you'll also be able to try it out on some climbs.

Just my 2 cents.

-Joel

2009-03-05 12:54 PM
in reply to: #1999223

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Modesto, California
Subject: RE: Bike Advice - Climbing Ability?
What bikes are you planning on testing and maybe we can give some things to be aware of .

2009-03-05 1:51 PM
in reply to: #1999274

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Elite
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Gilbert, Az.
Subject: RE: Bike Advice - Climbing Ability?
Aikidoman - 2009-03-05 10:21 AM
ChrisM - 2009-03-05 9:09 AM

I would also consider . . . . cosmetics .

Jim, we aren't going down the stylist road again, are we?????

To the OP, what he said (except for the guyliner part) ^^^^^^.

[hijack]

A little lip gloss makes you faster... Or could be disturbing enough to the other male racers to throw them off a bit...

[/hijack]

You think that does it, try a few butt pats as you run by in transition... :D

John 

2009-03-05 2:12 PM
in reply to: #1999235


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Subject: RE: Bike Advice - Climbing Ability?
Aikidoman - 2009-03-05 9:07 AM

Other than weight and maybe stiffness, and can't think there is any reason one bike would be better than another.  Climbing is more about the CLIMBER than the bike...



I TOTALLY agree with you... about the climber part. But one of the bikes I've been looking into is the Orbea Onix, and I've been reading a LOT of reviews citing how great its climbing ability is. So I'm naturally wondering what makes it such a great climbing bike vs. some other carbon fiber bike.

And yes, I know that in the end it doesn't matter what others say, that it all comes down to what fits me best. But I'm looking ahead to the point where this bike and others could possibly fit me just as well.
2009-03-05 3:57 PM
in reply to: #1999223

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Modesto, California
Subject: RE: Bike Advice - Climbing Ability?
It is a good choice for stiff bikes per say, my partner during group rides has a 2008 Onix TDF and loves it for its responsiveness, he also has Mavic R rims so that helps too. Carbon bike frames are designed differently and beefed up in certain areas to increase stiffness giving a quicker response for acceleration, the downside is the added weight so there is sort of a trade off but I think its too hard to even notice a few hundred grams. I hope that others will chime in that can give opinion from owners prospective about the Onix. I would see if you could test out on some hills with the owner of the shop if you can, I would say get some stiff wheels for sure, but dont understand why hills are so important if you dont have any? For me I built up my engine for free, and keep up with my partner just fine.
2009-03-05 4:18 PM
in reply to: #1999223

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Subject: RE: Bike Advice - Climbing Ability?
if you really want to ride hills and plan on doing so often, definitely consider a bike with compact cranks.  the gear ratios on compact cranks will allow you to keep a higher cadence while climbing.
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