u/parkerth

I’m currently playing around with the idea of getting my second bike, as my first bike (2013 Cannondale caad 8) is a little large for me. I’m 6’0, 34.25” inseam, my caad8 is a 58.

Would this allez frameset be a bad investment if I built it up how I’d like it? Basically is it dumb to buy an aluminum bike nowadays, or could this still compete with the carbon frames? I mostly ride by myself or with friends, but I’d like to sign up for some more races next year (or potentially triathlons), as I did one this year and it was a blast.

My biggest want in my next bike is literally just for it to be comfortable on longer-ish rides, able to go fast and compete with others, and look cool (this frame would be a perfect example of something that looks cool, because why spend thousands on something you don’t like to look at.) I’d also like it to last forever because I’m the type of person that would rather maintain something older than give it up for the latest and greatest tech.

The alternative would be to get a roubaix/tarmac/madone/domaine once I find a good deal on the used market

I’m in search of my second road bike, as I have been riding for almost 3 years now, and I’m looking to change out of the bike I currently have

I ride a 2013 Cannondale caad 8 58cm with shimano 105

I am 6ft even, 155lbs, 31.5inch inseam

And about a week ago I found out i probably should be on a 56cm bike, which I do feel a little stretched out on the 58

I’ve found a few facebook ads for roubaix sl8s that are within my budget (under or around $2000) but my current caad 8 weighs 20lb, and so do the roubaixs, would this be considered an upgrade even if it’s the same weight but I’m switching from aluminum to carbon?

Other questions; I found this tarmac s works sl4 frameset for sale at a decent price (the park tool stand is included) but I hear that it’s risky to buy old carbon fiber, is 2013-2014 (the years of sl4) too old?

Okay lastly. Would it be wise just to get either a used specialized Allez or even a brand new one and build it out with carbon wheels and other upgrades? Or is that useless just because it’s aluminum.

As you can tell I’m a little scatter brained and just want my next bike to be a good decision and last plenty of years, so feel free to critique me on anything, I’m all ears and won’t be offended.

Most of my riding is 20-50 miles, around 18 mph, and I did my first time trial race this summer but would like to maybe do more race events in the future once my skills improve (the engine is the best upgrade!)

Thank you for listening to my rant

I’m in search of my second road bike, as I have been riding for almost 3 years now, and I’m looking to change out of the bike I currently have

I ride a 2013 Cannondale caad 8 58cm with shimano 105

I am 6ft even, 155lbs, 31.5inch inseam

And about a week ago I found out i probably should be on a 56cm bike, which I do feel a little stretched out on the 58

I’ve found a few facebook ads for roubaix sl8s that are within my budget (under or around $2000) but my current caad 8 weighs 20lb, and so do the roubaixs, would this be considered an upgrade even if it’s the same weight but I’m switching from aluminum to carbon?

Other questions; I found this tarmac s works sl4 frameset for sale at a decent price (the park tool stand is included) but I hear that it’s risky to buy old carbon fiber, is 2013-2014 (the years of sl4) too old?

Okay lastly. Would it be wise just to get either a used specialized Allez or even a brand new one and build it out with carbon wheels and other upgrades? Or is that useless just because it’s aluminum.

As you can tell I’m a little scatter brained and just want my next bike to be a good decision and last plenty of years, so feel free to critique me on anything, I’m all ears and won’t be offended.

Most of my riding is 20-50 miles, around 18 mph, and I did my first time trial race this summer but would like to maybe do more race events in the future once my skills improve (the engine is the best upgrade!)

Thank you for listening to my rant

I bought this bike used two years ago from a friend, it’s a 2013 model, and I’m not sure the total amount of miles but I’ve put about 300-400 miles on it, and I’m wondering if this wear on the big chainring is normal? And how much longer i have with it, or if it’s a result of poor maintenance in the past.

Edit: my chain is not yet at .0075% wear, so it’s still good

Gonna be correcting some clear coat on my 2012 accord this weekend, this will be my first time, so I’m just wondering on any first timer tips, I understand the general process and am mechanically inclined and have dealt with wet sanding other things before.

Also, I wanted some advice on the accord badge shown in the last photo, since the car is more than a decade old, is it risky to remove the badge all together (paint coming with it) to make that clear coat repair easier? Or should I just mask off the badge really well

Thanks for the advice in advance!