Audax Specific Bikes

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Scoosh

Velocouchiste
Moderator
Location
Edinburgh
I reckon the most important thing in an Audax-type bike is the bike fitting.

I would really recommend getting a proper bike fitting, from someone like Paul Hewitt. He knows his stuff and has loads of experience in fitting people onto their bikes for whatever type of riding they want to do.

I had a fitting from him, got the measurements, then used them to get the bike I wanted (though perhaps not the bike I should have had :unsure:). With hindsight, I should have bought from him and had a fitting before I took the bike away.

I would say that the most important thing for an Audax bike is the fitting. If you are going to cycle long distances, you can only do it with any pleasure if you are comfortable (been there, done that ! :ohmy:).

IMHO, it is well worth the cost of getting a proper, experienced fitting, then buying a bike from the fitter, as that will virtually guarantee a 'proper' position. You may well be surprised at the suggestions - but come to appreciate them in the long run (or cycle ^_^).

Personally, I find a compact chain-ring (50/34) with a 11-32 10-speed cassette to be probably more than I need, which is a good thing. (I asked an experienced audaxer what gears I should have and his response was: '1 more than you need' ! :thumbsup: )

HTH
 

Noodley

Guest
...and a proper saddle, scoosh :tongue:
 

Ian H

Ancient randonneur
My 'audax-specific' bike is a custom built Ti equipped with motley bits of Campag, Shimano, 3ttt, etc. I've ridden SRs and PBP on it.
My 'other' bike is a 40yr old Holdsworth with replacement forks and a fixed gear. I've ridden SRs and PBP on it.

The positioning on both is pretty similar.
 

PpPete

Legendary Member
Location
Chandler's Ford
I think it would.

The chain gets dropped off the middle ring by a mech that is quite a long way above it and it sometimes misses. 10 speed chain, being lighter and narrower than 7/8 might be more likely to bounce off. I've got a 7-speed with a triple and don't recall ever having the chain come off on a downshift (although I don't use it on harder rides). It doesn't happen that often with my 9-speed but it was a problem when I had it on the 10-speed. Mick has either 10 or 11 (Campag).
Don't know why but i used to unship chain more often on the 9 speed. The newer 10 speed its very rare indeed.

Sent from my HTC Wildfire S A510e using Tapatalk 2
 
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pkeenan

pkeenan

Über Member
Location
Glasgow
My 'audax-specific' bike is a custom built Ti equipped with motley bits of Campag, Shimano, 3ttt, etc. I've ridden SRs and PBP on it.
My 'other' bike is a 40yr old Holdsworth with replacement forks and a fixed gear. I've ridden SRs and PBP on it.

The positioning on both is pretty similar.
Nice to hear both are up to the needs of your cycling! Impressive stuff, riding SRs and PBP on a fixed gear... :thumbsup:
 
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pkeenan

pkeenan

Über Member
Location
Glasgow
Some serious looking set-ups there... Thanks for the link!
As many have said, there's a bit of everything!
 

PpPete

Legendary Member
Location
Chandler's Ford
Just briefly going back to the title of this thread.....Not only are many kinds of bike suitable for audax... but a bike "specific" to only audax doesnt really exist, whereas a bike that's "ideal" for audax (in the mind of the owner) will likely also be pretty damn good as:
Lightweight tourer
Commuter
Winter training bike
Club runs (except the very quickest)
Sportives

In fact anything slower than a TT or Category race
and less "loaded" than touring with full camping kit
 
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pkeenan

pkeenan

Über Member
Location
Glasgow
Just briefly going back to the title of this thread.....Not only are many kinds of bike suitable for audax... but a bike "specific" to only audax doesnt really exist, whereas a bike that's "ideal" for audax (in the mind of the owner) will likely also be pretty damn good as:
Lightweight tourer
Commuter
Winter training bike
Club runs (except the very quickest)
Sportives

In fact anything slower than a TT or Category race
and less "loaded" than touring with full camping kit
Good point! I would have to say I agree with that.
Bad use of the word specific, though I feel so far the thread has addressed what I was after nonetheless!

And, without wanting to sound stupid... @PpPete - what do the crossed out words (Poor Student, Dean, National, Bryan Chapman after your SR breakdown mean?
 

Scoosh

Velocouchiste
Moderator
Location
Edinburgh
I think you'll find they are the names of the audax events he has ridden to complete his SR Series. Audax UK website give the names. http://www.aukweb.net/events/ [sorry - some gremlin is preventing me from getting providing a single-click link]
EDIT: beaten by mcshroom !
 
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