Just got my new bike, what should I change?
Throlkim
Posts: 94
Picked up a Dawes Colorado Hybrid for £180 due to it being old stock, and I'd quite like to mess around with changing things. Haven't got any photos of mine yet, but here's the standard stock one:
And here are the specs:
# Frame: Lightweight Alloy Trekking Frame
# Fork: Rigid
# Cranks: Alloy Silver, 48/38/28T w/170mm Crank Arms
# Bottom Bracket: Sealed Cartridge Bearings
# Pedals: Resin Trekking Platform
# Front Derailleur: Shimano FTZ31
# Rear Derailleur: Shimano TX50
# Shifters: Shimano EZFire, 7-Speed
# Cassette: Shimano MF TZ37 14-34T MegaRange
# Chain: KMC Z50
# Front Hub: 36h Silver w/Quick-Release
# Rear Hub: 36h Silver w/Quick-Release
# Rims: 36h Alloy Single-Walled w/Machined Sidewalls
# Front Tyre: 700x38c, Trekking/City
# Rear Tyre: 700x38c, Trekking/City
# Front Brake: Alloy V-Brake
# Rear Brake: Alloy V-Brake w/Integrated Lock
# Brake Levers: Shimano EZFire 7-Speed
# Handlebar: Comfort Riser Bar, Satin Silver
# Headset: 1 1/8" Threaded, Silver
# Stem: 1 1/8th Adjustable Quill Stem, Silver
# Grips: Ergonomic Krayton Rubber
# Saddle: WTB Comfort
# Seat Post: Micro-Adjust Alloy, 27.2mm, Silver
# Integrated Rear Brake Lock
# Extras: Chromo Plastic Mudguards w/Stainless Safety Stays
# Extras: Dawes Alloy Tubular Touring Rack
# Extras: Kick Stand
I've already given up trying to attach the front mudguard, those plastic things won't stay straight and are driving me nuts, I'm hoping to replace them with some metal ones if I can pick some up cheaply.
I've also got my eye on changing the grips, not too sure about these ergonomic ones, it's like riding a desk. I'm also tempted to remove the chain guard, as when the chain came off today it wasn't half a pain to put back on with that thing in the way.
I think the gear change may need a little sharpening up, seemed a little off. And I've already lowered the handlebars and their angle to be more comfortable for me.
I'm going to be commuting about 12 miles a day on this thing, and though quite nice so far, I do feel there's some improvements to be made. Has anyone got any extra ideas?
Edit: Also planning on changing the pedals. I'm open to any recommendations.
And here are the specs:
# Frame: Lightweight Alloy Trekking Frame
# Fork: Rigid
# Cranks: Alloy Silver, 48/38/28T w/170mm Crank Arms
# Bottom Bracket: Sealed Cartridge Bearings
# Pedals: Resin Trekking Platform
# Front Derailleur: Shimano FTZ31
# Rear Derailleur: Shimano TX50
# Shifters: Shimano EZFire, 7-Speed
# Cassette: Shimano MF TZ37 14-34T MegaRange
# Chain: KMC Z50
# Front Hub: 36h Silver w/Quick-Release
# Rear Hub: 36h Silver w/Quick-Release
# Rims: 36h Alloy Single-Walled w/Machined Sidewalls
# Front Tyre: 700x38c, Trekking/City
# Rear Tyre: 700x38c, Trekking/City
# Front Brake: Alloy V-Brake
# Rear Brake: Alloy V-Brake w/Integrated Lock
# Brake Levers: Shimano EZFire 7-Speed
# Handlebar: Comfort Riser Bar, Satin Silver
# Headset: 1 1/8" Threaded, Silver
# Stem: 1 1/8th Adjustable Quill Stem, Silver
# Grips: Ergonomic Krayton Rubber
# Saddle: WTB Comfort
# Seat Post: Micro-Adjust Alloy, 27.2mm, Silver
# Integrated Rear Brake Lock
# Extras: Chromo Plastic Mudguards w/Stainless Safety Stays
# Extras: Dawes Alloy Tubular Touring Rack
# Extras: Kick Stand
I've already given up trying to attach the front mudguard, those plastic things won't stay straight and are driving me nuts, I'm hoping to replace them with some metal ones if I can pick some up cheaply.
I've also got my eye on changing the grips, not too sure about these ergonomic ones, it's like riding a desk. I'm also tempted to remove the chain guard, as when the chain came off today it wasn't half a pain to put back on with that thing in the way.
I think the gear change may need a little sharpening up, seemed a little off. And I've already lowered the handlebars and their angle to be more comfortable for me.
I'm going to be commuting about 12 miles a day on this thing, and though quite nice so far, I do feel there's some improvements to be made. Has anyone got any extra ideas?
Edit: Also planning on changing the pedals. I'm open to any recommendations.
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Comments
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I'm actually considering returning it and getting a Dawes Giro 200 instead - this bike is a bit slow. Not the end of the world, but I've found the giro for the same price.
Anyone know what it's like?0 -
Returning the bike, ignore this post 0
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Super record?
Also, changed mind again, fiddled with the bike and got it running smoother. Gonna keep it and save up for a decent road bike next year.
Soooooo, what's a super record? 0 -
Your mind, it seems
Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/34335188@N07/3336802663/0 -
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I agree, that is indeed a super record! 0
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Trollkim, I think you should have your frame resprayed luminous yellow so everyone can see you coming.0
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no need' From the sharks in the penthouse,
to the rats in the basement,
its not that far '0 -
Indeed, there is no need! For I emanate an aura of genteel, a whiff of class, and a touch of frost.
And then, when I put my leg through the spokes and squeal like a girl, they'll all turn and see me coming anyway. 0
