What makes a good Audax bike?

thebouldwhacker

A few questions on audax...
Reading up on it audax bikes are more of an art and personal choice than a science some say a road bike, others say a touring bike and more say a cross bike.... What do people use? do people change depending on distance?
What type of tyres are commonn?
Are saddle bags, seat post bags or rack and bag used or is it down to event?
What else?

Thanks...

TinyExplosions

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

A few questions on audax...
Reading up on it audax bikes are more of an art and personal choice than a science some say a road bike, others say a touring bike and more say a cross bike.... What do people use? do people change depending on distance?
What type of tyres are commonn?
Are saddle bags, seat post bags or rack and bag used or is it down to event?
What else?

Thanks...

It all depends... people use every sort of bike. I've used my Planet X Carbon on a 300, and was talking to someone who was seriously considering a Stealth TT bike for long runs (this is someone who's done PBP so has lots of experience!).

It all depends on the length of the event as to what you bring -I've only done up to 300, and all I used was a largeish saddlebag and my jersey pockets, whereas Rottenhat has been known (I believe) to pack everything bar the kitchen sink

If I was looking to get a bike purely for audax, I'd most likely go for something steel framed, with rack and mudguard eyelets, and a 'relaxed' geometry - but that's because I like that style of bike.... something like a Mercian or Bob Jackson would do me nicely. Stick a Brooks Swallow on it and a Carradice saddlebag and you'd be ready to go!

thebouldwhacker

A TT bike seems a tad OTT (see what I did there) I thought it was about the journey rather than the time....

TinyExplosions

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

A TT bike seems a tad OTT (see what I did there) I thought it was about the journey rather than the time....

I don't think it was really about the speed, just the comfort for the particular rider. Tri bars are quite popular amongst the long distance set, so I suspect it may have something to do with the individuals body shape etc (I suspect it wouldn't have been built up into a 'proper' tt bike, but would rather have drops etc on it

CramCycle

Comfort is all that matters, I have a nice relaxed geometry so I can sit up reasonably straight if I feel like it, every one is different, I have seen TT bikes (as mentioned above), race bikes, commuter bikes with drops and fully laden touring bikes.

My favourite bike is my fixed town bike as it has the perfect geometry for me but my knees are unsure they can last the really long distance like that. My other one is the Charge Juicer as it was the closest I could find geometry wise to my other.

The other important things you need are eyelets for mudguards (and then of course mudguards).

Also as Tiny said, Tri bars are liked by quite a few over in Audax UK for the added position or a long stretch in headwind. Only seen one guy over here though.

blorg

A lot of people just use standard road bikes. Whatever you are comfortable on. For me, I am most comfortable on my road bike, whatever the distance. Proper mudguards are nice, but race blades are OK.

Dromcarrig

It's all about comfort. Personally on the longer events (>300) I would use my Specialized Roubaix. On the shorter events I have also used a Specialised Tricross. Both of them have Zertz inserts to reduce vibration. As for tyres I used Specialized Armadillos as they are pretty bullet proof. Typically 28s on the Roubaix and 32s on the Tricross. Of course they are both fitted with Brooks saddles for even more comfort. As for bag I typically use a Carradice seat post bag. This has the advantage of also acting as a rear mudguard. On the downside it does make handling more difficult when pedalling out of the saddle. One of the other things to consider is what lighting system you plan to use and how easy will it be to fit/remove from the bike if its not dedicated to audax.

chakattack

I imagine when you're really tired it'd be nice to "have a bit of a lie down" over the tri bars

thebouldwhacker

road or mtb shoes?

I too have a tricross but find it a lot slower than the road bike yet far more comfortable (not that the road bike is uncomfortable). I have mudguards for the road bike so both are good to go.

I'd like to cycle a few events next year so just having a think about the whole thing really....

CramCycle

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

road or mtb shoes?

either are fine, i like road cleats because they're what I am used to, alot of people use MTB shoes, it makes no difference, just whatever is more comfortable to you.

I too have a tricross but find it a lot slower than the road bike yet far more comfortable (not that the road bike is uncomfortable). I have mudguards for the road bike so both are good to go.

I know nothing about cross bikes but I imagine if you put slicks on them they would be fine in terms of speed etc.

I'd like to cycle a few events next year so just having a think about the whole thing really....

A nice relaxing start might be the Dying Light in October. RottenHat provides Hot Ports afterwards and you get to chat to the more experienced crowd after the event.

thebouldwhacker

Thanks for that cram, just looking at autumn events, Any one got a route for dying sow/ cow from last year? Curious to.know what type it is. Looks like I'm free that weekend....

Dr_Colossus

Dying Sow 300 is as follows:
http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=78204

Taken from http://www.audaxireland.org/calendar-2/gazetteer/

Signal_ rabbit

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

Dying Sow 300 is as follows:
http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=78204

Taken from http://www.audaxireland.org/calendar-2/gazetteer/

looks interesting!;)

thebouldwhacker

wtf... are you still about? I thought you'd taken up running or swimming, maybe it was golf...... no I remember it was badminton was it?
I dont know one of those strange things anyway...

You thinking of giving this a go per chance? Perhaps titanium man may come along too if he remembers to eat breakfast....;)

Signal_ rabbit

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

wtf... are you still about? I thought you'd taken up running or swimming, maybe it was golf...... no I remember it was badminton was it?
I dont know one of those strange things anyway...

You thinking of giving this a go per chance? Perhaps titanium man may come along too if he remembers to eat breakfast....;)

Lol, my brief flirtation with triathlon has ceased! I might be up for this, (following in your footsteps once again [CI ref]), I will check my busy schedule, after the WC200 I was thinking of a longer distance and this may suit. Missed you at the ROK though, great day.......

Ti man has a new love these days so everyone and everything has taken a back seat!:rolleyes: