Here is a recent question that we get a lot at the shop.  

I have a 2000 Specialized Expedition Sport I'd like to try and semi-convert into a beginner triathlon bike. About how much would I be looking to spend to get more appropriate rims/tires? Is there anything else I should look at having done? I don't want to spend a lot of money but would like to have a plan.


Jeff,

Great question, this is one we get a lot.  I would look at replacing just the tires, keep the same rims/wheels and just fit the narrowest tire on the rim you can.  This would most likely be a 700x28 or 700x32. This will give you some more speed, reduce your effort and help the bike roll faster.  Additionally from what i remember that model comes with a suspension seat post, i would swap that out for a rigid post , this will help you pedal more efficiently and generate more power. Other options would be clip less pedals to help increase efficiency, and perhaps stop by a local shop and have the bike re-adjusted fitwise to accommodate this new goal.  Having your position tweaked to cater a little more towards faster riding could help you waste less energy. 

Tires would run about $42 a piece for a good flat proof tire, plus install $13 a piece, you will also have to replace the inner tubes to accommodate the smaller tire, they are $7.99 a piece.   A new seat post is about $45. Pedals range in price and you may need shoes to work with them.  A fit is something that may be quick and cost very little or could cost upwards of $125.

If you really love triathlons after doing one or a few, take a road bike for a spin, i guarantee you will see the difference right away.

Hope that helps and thanks for the question

Tech Tip of the day

Mountain biking in Maryland is fantastic , but our soil is pretty harsh on suspension,   Fox Racing Shox designs and tests their dust wiper foam rings for 40 hours of use,  let them get dry and let your oil levels drop and you could be in for some extensive fork service.   A simple and quick way to keep stuff running smooth is to wipe your fork off after each ride, especially where the uppers enter the lowers.

Back

After a long hiatus from posting on this blog ( i still managed to answer your questions) i am planning on posting more frequently, so feel free to ask me a question and check back from time to time.

Thanks

Race Pace Wrench

Bikes from the Past

I recently had a reader ask me if they should fix up the bike they rode as a kid and start riding it again.

Here is my answer, let me know if you still remember the bike you rode as a kid.

" I myself have very fond memories of the bike i rode a kid so i can relate with you on wanting to swing a leg over your old steed again. I would have to see your bike to better answer your questions, but most older bikes can be resurrected and most certainly can have new brakes installed. My two bits of advice would be first to make sure the bike still fits you , as bike fit is crucial to your overall enjoyment while you are riding, secondly that the bike still fits the type of riding you want to do these days. You may find that there is a better type of bike that fits you better out there , and that bike might make riding a lot more fun for you. So bring your bike into a local shop and have them take a look at the bike and see if it will still suit your needs, if not there are plenty of reasonably priced bikes out there to fit every kind of riding, so test ride a few bikes and then make the decision."

Repair and maintenance clinics

Hi,

When is the next care\repair clinic?  I want to learn general maintenance and care for my Trek.  Would prefer the Columbia location but willing to go another location.




Ive had a lot of interest in  repair clinics we are currently running , so i thought i would put a little information out there and ask for some advice.


We are currently finishing up our annual repair clinic in all our locations.  But we do offer year round free tire change classes, you can check out our event calendar on our website at racepacebicycles.com.  Monday nights in Ellicott City and Thursday nights in Columbia, you can get the dates from the above link. 


Now, I am considering running a free hour long clinic once a month to cover basic maintenance, and was wondering what the TOP 5 things bike riders out there might like to learn . You can either post comments to this post or send me an email.  




Let me know, and in the meantime enjoy the cold but sunny weather.


Thanks
Nick

Like riding through a salt flavored Icee

After the ice/snow/rain/sleet mix we got yesterday, i thought id be set when i hopped on my bike and headed out the door without rain pants on .  Totally wrong, i got completely soaked riding through 3 inch deep slush.  But i did learn a good lesson, that maybe i knew already, it doesn't have to be raining to get wet.  I also realized that its time to put some fenders on my mountain bike, as its the best bike for icy snowy conditions.  So as i let my gear drip dry here at the shop, i can only hope the roads freeze up before i head home at 8.  

So if you are heading out today for a ride don't forget the fenders and rain pants.

Thanks
RacePaceWrench

School is in Session

Our yearly repair clinic is currently in session.  If you missed signing up and are interested in individual classes, we have room to sign up on a class by class basis, email me at racepacewrench@gmail.com if interested. The class offers a great opportunity to learn how to take care of your bike in the off season.
In other news our new store in downtown Baltimore is a done deal and is on schedule to open in March. Keep an eye on our website for more details.
Thanks for reading and again don't hesitate to ask me a question
RacePaceWrench