Wow, those are some good looking bikes. Puts my 85 lb Magna that I never ride to shame.
Thanks, I like them too.....even if they are tanks.(rockon)
Wow, those are some good looking bikes. Puts my 85 lb Magna that I never ride to shame.
First, we have just been having a little fun with your '28lb' mtn bike.
I know EXACTLY what I'm talking about when it comes to bikes. I've been cycling longer than most of these guys have been alive. I was also an alternate for the boycotted 1980 Olympic cycling team. And, if not for a degenerative neuro-muscular disorder, I'd be retired now from professional cycling.
Anyway.....I upgraded my Cannondale MTB from the frame up, saving weight on every component. 13lbs
I also know enough about bikes to know that unless you're a downhill racer, rear suspension is an absolute waste of weight and money. All it does is add weight to the bike, and absorb pedaling energy, wearing the rider out faster and eliminating a lot of technical routes that they simply can't handle. I'll shove a red hot BBQ fork in my eye before I waste my money on rear suspension. Spending a fortune on a bike because the salesman was good at BS doesn't make you an expert.
Now, my Cannondale road bike weighs a whopping 20lbs, but that's because its a 27 speed (3 up front, 9 in the back), 105 group (not Dura-Ace), pump, aero bars, integrated 2way radio system, computer, and rearview mirror.
My problem here is not passion for the factory rack. It's with you. You're not simply suggesting a stronger rack. Heck, even I have done that in the past, if someone needs more capacity. You are insisting it's junk and not good for anything useful, which is simply not true. People come here for real advice, not sweeping, biased opinions based on nothing real.
Finally, In case I didn't say so before, my setup is actually stronger than yours, because the Aero bars are stronger then the standard tubes.
Hence the extra weight. I went to a triple because of my physical degradation, making it easier for me to still climb and go fast. (Although I never was a masher like Greg LeMond)
And catman, as indicated before, my knowledge of bikes extends beyond what a salesman told me, or what I read in a sponsored magazine. Rear suspension isn't needed if you know how to ride. My hardtail billy goat will go places your rear shock bikes can only dream of. And it STILL weighs 13 lbs.
I can't even count the number of times I've been passed on a trail by some newbie thinking his shiny new expensive full suspension bike was better than my hardtail, only to catch up with them because they are either exhausted from all that extra pedaling, or can't make it up a technical rock face, or both. Rear shocks are for DOWNHILL racing only. Everything else is marketing BS, no matter what new tech they put into them.
Don't call people liars because you don't understand enough about the subject.
Has anyone seen the roof rack Mazda Austraila offers?
http://www.mazda.com.au/Models/Current models/CX-9/Accessories.aspx
I've seen them listed on ebay for about $200, seemed cheaper than having to buy the roof rack and crossbars, which I would need to do.
Did you personally design the OEM rack? Not sure why your so passionate about it. If its fine for you then what is the issue? What is the problem with suggesting a stronger alternative on a f'ing forum. Jesus! Did I suggest you throw away your stylish factory rack. Seriously man, no need for the diatribe, I get it. There's plenty of people like myself that may be looking for alternatives, that's why I posted mine up. No need to convince me otherwise, I think the factory rack was lacking and I did not like it. It's not necessary to change my mind man!
After mulling it over for a bit, I've decided to pick up a set of OE roof racks for our CX9. Interestingly enough, it is cheaper locally and my local dealer has 1 set in stock. I will then go w/ the Mont Blanc Aero bars as recommended by Sportowner, as a few seem to have good experience with this combo. Thanks all!
Has anyone seen the roof rack Mazda Austraila offers?
http://www.mazda.com.au/Models/Curre...cessories.aspx
I've seen them listed on ebay for about $200, seemed cheaper than having to buy the roof rack and crossbars, which I would need to do.
After having the roof racks on for a couple of days. I still think the CX9 looks better without them. But, I am starting to get used to the look with them on. So, for me, aesthetically, I still think our CX9 looks better without. But practically, with the limited cargo capacity when the 3rd row is up, having the roof racks (+cargo box) will make it easier for us to pack for road trips.
Any recommendation on cargo boxes?
After having the roof racks on for a couple of days. I still think the CX9 looks better without them. But, I am starting to get used to the look with them on. So, for me, aesthetically, I still think our CX9 looks better without. But practically, with the limited cargo capacity when the 3rd row is up, having the roof racks (+cargo box) will make it easier for us to pack for road trips.
Any recommendation on cargo boxes?