Question: The local time trial championship is coming up. I’m wondering if I should buy a TT bike or just use my road bike with aero bars. I don’t want to spend money needlessly, but I really want to do well in this event. — Julian O. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: The most important aspect…
Question: I own a hybrid bike but ride tours where everyone else has a road bike. I’ve never had a problem keeping up because I train hard during the week. But I wonder — if my average speed on a typical ride is 17 mph, how much would it increase if I got a road…
Question: I’m 5-foot-8 and 135 pounds. My bike shop wants to sell me a bike with “women’s geometry,” but it doesn’t fit right. The handlebar seems too close. Can’t a woman ride a man’s bike? — Celia P.
Question: I’m a first-year racer and bought my current bike a year ago from a friend for $400. It weighs 22 pounds and has a triple crankset. To lighten my bike, where would I get the best bang for my buck: wheels, fork, frame or drivetrain? Or do I need to bite the bullet and…
Question: I have an old Bridgestone steel frame and want to upgrade. Should I buy a new bike or get new components for my old one? I could afford to buy an aluminum-frame bike with mediocre parts or, for the same money, put higher-quality parts on my old frame. — Jim M. Coach Fred Matheny Replies:…
