The Cycling Thread

[fizzwheel]

I reckon it is, look at the brick courses and where each wheel comes up to. Front is definately smaller.

[maviczap]

Is it me, or are the front and rear wheels different sizes ?

No, they do look like different, maybe 700c rear & 650c front?

Perhaps its just an illusion ?

[fizzwheel]

Awh buggeration, I had forgotten that the track world championships start this weekend, missed some of it already ****..

[maviczap]

Awh buggeration, I had forgotten that the track world championships start this weekend, missed some of it already ****..
We've not done that well, 3rd in mens sprint & 3rd in mens team pursuit?

Not sure about anything else

But to remind you, as I've just set Sky+

Saturday - Criterium International (highlights)

Sun - Crit Inter (Live & highlights)

Mon - Ghent Wevelgem

Wed - Three days D'Panne

[maviczap]

Have recorded some of Tour of Catalonya but not watched it yet.

Need two Sky+ boxes & more time to watch it all :p

[Luckypants]

What channels is the cycling on? I am constantly derided on the rides for not watching the Classics etc... :(

[fizzwheel]

Eurosport, sometimes ITV4 show stuff, but its normally only the TDF.

You might find BBC2 show the track cycling as well.

One of the reasons we got sky...

[maviczap]

ITV4 will be showing some of the classic's, but which ones & when I don't know. There is a campain to get ITV4 to show more cycling, Ned Boulting said to bombard ITV4 with emails requesting more cycling.

If not CyclingTv
http://www.cycling.tv/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=20300&ATCLID=205121108&&ref=P_T_Other_GoogleAds_032211&utm_source=GoogleAds&utm_medium=PaidAdv&utm_content=CTV_2011_Q2_EVENT_EN_WW_DDV&utm_campaign=Other_CTV_2011_Q2_EVENT_EN_WW_DDV-032211&gclid=CLuE19Dc6acCFQEhfAodPRkZcg

My broadband isn't fast enough to stream it, otherwise I'd renew my subscription, as they cover the semi classics as well as the main ones

[mattSV]

Just been out this morning and done my first road ride for 12 months - 17.7 miles in 1:08, average 15.5mph which was not too bad - just need to start getting a few miles in regularly now.

[Quiff Wichard]

Yea Matt well done .. Just eat less pies now and u be fine ... Ha



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[maviczap]

Just an update for Quiff. The Sigma sport team rider Matt Stephens who stayed at your hotel was hurt badly in a race, after crashing into a metal post, following a crash in the race. Broken leg, ribs etc. Not good, but he's ok just a bit broken

[metalmonkey]

Ouch the poor guy!

Well I got the inner tubes I ordered from Evans, which is great I hope not too need them. Though my housemate was cycling last week, ended going through some glass he had 6 seperate holes in the inner tube!

I also got myself a paid of Scott bib shorts, I tried then out on Friday they worked really good I had good ride the weather was lush, I was thinking of getting another pair. Then that would give me x2 bib shorts, x1 tights and various cycling jerseys I was thinking maybe a gilliet? I can't think of anything else I would need. I'll get a co2 pump for on the road, I have good track pump now so I think thats it.

I was watching some cycling on Eurosport last week, it seems to be on there a fair bit. Though thats the only sports channels I get, I got it for WSB ect I'm happy with that.

[maviczap]

Yep, gillet is a good idea and a rain cape of some sort, just in case you get caught out

[Luckypants]

Well yesterdays ride was a bit of an adventure. Pace was pretty brisk from the start and the CRAPI peloton was going full tilt heading to St. Asaph at 25mph when two riders missed a pot-hole signal. Carbon wheels make a hell of racket hitting pot-holes. Luckily I managed to hop the front wheel so only my back wheel took a hit. :( no damage to me or bike and Mark got away with a puncture - was not happy though! After this the road pointed upwards and the speeds dropped... 800m of climbing in total, a hard day out. My mate Craig got the energy bonk after 25 miles and needed a tow home, so I felt I should do the honours and let the lads have their head.. Craig has been quite ill and lost 10lbs through his ass last week, so just ran out of energy....

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/30434366

[fizzwheel]

Insurance company still f*cking me about. Now saying that I've been talking to the wrong department and have to go to another department and start again.

I have officially run out of patience and passed the whole lot over to a solicitor. Had a phone call back two minutes after loding the claim. Then another call after they have processedit all. So hopefully getting underway now. Looking for interim payment and also a personal injury claim.

So the new bike hopefully should be doable...

[454697819]

Right I can now join in this thread..

I have ordered this today for my commute to and from work.

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/ProductImages/fullsize/konadewdeluxe2010.jpg

Its a 2010 Kona Dew Dulxe pretty pleased with the price and it should be here before the weekend.

Now just need to dig out my old gear and get cycling again.

15kg to loose and it has to go.


Fizz.. I must have missed the story with ur bike!? whats happened?

[maviczap]

Right I can now join in this thread..

I have ordered this today for my commute to and from work.



Its a 2010 Kona Dew Dulxe pretty pleased with the price and it should be here before the weekend.

Now just need to dig out my old gear and get cycling again.

15kg to loose and it has to go.


Fizz.. I must have missed the story with ur bike!? whats happened?

Cool Alex, just in time for Spring & summer

See page 89 for Fizz's over the handlebar exploits

[fizzwheel]

Fizz.. I must have missed the story with ur bike!? whats happened?

To summarise, car turned right across my path and drove into me. I hit the wing and went over the bonnet and landed on my head. LBS have said bike is BER.

Had an email from the Solicitor looking after my case to say that the 3rd parties insurance company have admited liability so someting is finally happening.

[Luckypants]

Had an email from the Solicitor looking after my case to say that the 3rd parties insurance company have admited liability so someting is finally happening.

Good news. :cool:

[maviczap]

Well I went out for a brief leg spin this morning, as I'd not been on the bike all week. It was my intention of taking it easy, but.......

I'd just ridden up my local Kemmelberg at an easy pace, as I'd only left mine 5mins ago. So I was just warming up. This teenager comes out of a side road on his lovely white Specialized Allez, we come to a T junction and both turn right.

He's in the big ring & I'm twiddling away in the little one. He zooms off, tail wind behind us, but I can't be bothered to chase him.

But as we both cycle out of town, I'd noticed he wasn't pulling away & the distance was remaining, so I snick it into the big ring and start trying a bit harder.

I can see him in the distance and I'm not making much progress on him, although the distance between us is smaller.

I coasted down the hill and start climbing my local Bosberg, only to find my young friend has completely cooked it and is huffing and puffing up the other side of the hill in the little ring. I danced past him in the big ring and won the sprint to the line :p

I said 'alright' as I passed him, but he was out of breath and couldn't speak :D He might have been in a bit of shock too :)

Fortunately he turned off, as I couldn't have carried on a the same pace and I paid for it later into a headwind home.

But it did make me smile, as I still can't resist chasing anyone down, just like in a TT :cool:

[Stenno]

hehe Well my first ride out last summer on my fancy 'bike2work' Chris Boardman wheels, I went for a spin round Richmond Park and was getting overtaken by cyclist after cyclist. Eventually one guy came past, saying hello as he did, but he was only just edging past me. I thought to myself, 'yeah I'm not all that out of shape... go me!'. Then I looked down at him as he passed and saw he had one false leg :/ Damn'it.

Trying to ride to work at least once a week now the weather is better, a nice 12mile journey. Although now I've got a motorbike, this might suffer.

Found a few iPhone apps lately to report potholes etc. A handy tool after getting a puncture last week. Within two days the holes were sprayed up for repair. Not passed that way since so will be interesting to see if they've been fixed.

[maviczap]

Found a few iPhone apps lately to report potholes etc. A handy tool after getting a puncture last week. Within two days the holes were sprayed up for repair. Not passed that way since so will be interesting to see if they've been fixed.

I could do with that app, apart from I don't have an Iphone :rolleyes:

I rattle a couple of teeth going over a series of holes this morning

[Luckypants]

******* headwinds!

That is all :(

[krhall]

managed to get my sorry a s s on the bike to work this morning in the cool, crisp and sunny Kent-London weather!

Not getting my Dad's Orbea, so am going to start looking again at bikes.

[krhall]

Freaking nightmare on the way home last night, nearly got knocked off in work car-park, which obviously wasn't a good sign...then on the fast bit of my journey (a mile long down hill) a bus was behind me going at my speed about 30-34 mph, then decides to overtake me and immediately pull over and stop for the bus stop. Leaving me to grab the brakes and swerve out to avoid a very nasty accident!

[fizzwheel]

a bus was behind me going at my speed about 30-34 mph, then decides to overtake me and immediately pull over and stop for the bus stop. Leaving me to grab the brakes and swerve out to avoid a very nasty accident!

Nasty.

A little tip if you arent already, dont ride in close to the kerb in that situation in encourages idiots like the bus driver to push pass you and overtake, sit out wider. I tend to sit in the track that the left hand wheel of a car would take. If I am feeling really vulnerable I sit right out in the middle of the lane, or maybe even further in the same position I would on my GSXR.

If you want to exact revenge in that situation, wait for the bus to stop then pull up behind or to the side of it and pull the emergency stop lever. It'll kill the engine and then driver will have to get out to reset it.

[maviczap]

I agree with Fizz on this, as at 30 mph he's got to try very hard to get past you. However I have been a passenger on a bus when the driver has forced a cyclist off the road by intimidating him off the road. Buses are much bigger than you!

A lot of the engine kill buttons have been disabled for the reason Fizz suggested

[krhall]

As soon as she went past me I anticipated what she was doing so had reduced my speed enough to beable to go round her, but it was a ridiculous situation, she had to go round me so knew I was there, there pulled straight in on me...what was going through her mind?

I'm going to have to look at my riding and take the advice...thanks.

[454697819]

Woo Hoo Got out on the bike for the first time last night it felt good.

7k, 24 minutes,

How would I embed the Smartrunner URL?

[maviczap]

******* headwinds!

That is all :(

Yes, I had them on Saturday too, tomorrow looks good in my part of the world, 20 deg the weather man said. Might be able to get my short sleeve jersey & shorts out :D

[krhall]

bought some bib shorts last year, but they rub my nipples?

[maviczap]

bought some bib shorts last year, but they rub my nipples?

Then you need some of these :p

http://s.wiggle.co.uk/images/assos-af13sl-med.jpg (http://s.wiggle.co.uk/images/assos-af13sl-zoom.jpg)

I've not had this problem, but I always wear some sort of under vest or T shirt under the bib shorts

[krhall]

oh yes i really do need some of those!! do they come free with the shorts?

[krhall]

Seriously though i bought the bib as the tops of my shorts seemed to roll down, cheap shorts being the issue?

also need a couple of cycling tops, any recommendations that won't break the bank?

Still not sure what to do about a bike...

[454697819]

woo hoo managed another 6 miles last night..

Poxy head wind.

Dont feel so bad today.

[metalmonkey]

Seriously though i bought the bib as the tops of my shorts seemed to roll down, cheap shorts being the issue?

also need a couple of cycling tops, any recommendations that won't break the bank?

Still not sure what to do about a bike...

http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/

Have a look there, I got a top of them I will get more...

As for bike, I'm sure there are plenty to choose from:D

Whilst your getting a bike, you can ask the dude in the shop about nip problem:smt037

[maviczap]

The DHB shorts from Wiggle are pretty good, not top end, but much better than the cheap ones I bought from Decathlon

Here's some others on Chain reaction's site

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=1523

The site that MM suggested for clothing was fine, those tops seemed like good value

[Luckypants]

I rate DHB kit from wiggle quite highly. Certainly good value for the money (well compared to other cycling kit!). I don't get nipple rub problems either, but always wear a base layer to wick away sweat...

[fizzwheel]

For the price, you cant go wrong with the DHB stuff. Only thing to watch is that after a lot of use the Lycra turns see through... no nice for the person following you... apparently... :oops:

[Luckypants]

All lycra goes see through after a lot of use though Fizz, it's not limited to DHB. The elastic fibres in it give way and the stretchy fabric goes see through. The only way to extend the life of lycra is to wash asap after use, on a gentle cycle and NEVER use fabric conditioner on it...

I have been that 'person behind' and sometimes it has benefits... At my second ever spin class I was sat behind a lady whose lycra had gone 'past it's best' :D I introduced myself to her at the end of the class and then told her about her 'problem' - she shot off red faced, but thanked me the next week sporting new lycra! Luckily we are friends now, but it was an awkward introduction...

[fizzwheel]

All lycra goes see through after a lot of use though Fizz, it's not limited to DHB.

True, but I've done more rides in my Nalini bib shorts that I did in the DHB's and the Nalini's are still opaque, where as the DHB's got binned a while ago.

Also the Nalini's are more comfortable to.

But then the Nalini's were 3 times the price of the DHB's...

[Luckypants]

Nalini seem like good shorts it has to be said, I've seen some right scruffy examples, but they are still opaque (a good thing!). It's like everything really, you pay for quality you tend to get better longevity.

[maviczap]

In the words of Johnny Cash/Nine inch nails

I hurt myself today
to see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
the only thing that's real

I knew it was going to be a nice warm day, but the SW wind still hadn't dropped and todays ride, I never seem to get any tailwind help apart from a couple of bits of my route. So it was pretty much headwind out and a stiff side wind everywhere else.:(

So much so, I completey cracked on the last little hill and grovelled the last 10m home. Wasn't helped as I'd dropped my jelly babies, I only had one energy gel and I'd finished my bottle :(

Too hot in a long sleeved jersey :)

As LP said, ****in headwinds

[Luckypants]

Wasn't helped as I'd dropped my jelly babies, I only had one energy gel and I'd finished my bottle :(

Spot the serious cyclist... un bidon Monsieur? :p typical TT riders :smt112

I always take two bottles as I sweat like a peado in mothercare on the bike. Longer rides I take gels and snacks, plus a satchet or two to make up extra bottles as needed.

[Luckypants]

On a more serious note, just agreed to enter this. http://www.etapehibernia.com/index.html

I will probs do a couple of sportives too.

[maviczap]

Spot the serious cyclist... un bidon Monsieur? :p typical TT riders :smt112

I always take two bottles as I sweat like a peado in mothercare on the bike. Longer rides I take gels and snacks, plus a satchet or two to make up extra bottles as needed.

There's nothing on me to sweat :) Its not usually a problem for me, fuel is, so I take gels & sweets. But there wasn't anywhere to stop and buy anything to replace the jelly babies :|

Plus if I'm on my own I don't have a cake stop, which might have helped today.

Garmin stats showed an average pulse of 170 with a max of 188.

Ride a TT with a bottle :confused: Sacre bleau Monsieur LP only in a 50 :D

[maviczap]

On a more serious note, just agreed to enter this. http://www.etapehibernia.com/index.html

I will probs do a couple of sportives too.

There's some good sources of iron in the local drink I understand :D

Nice time to go there, shouldn't rain too much ;)

[mattSV]

Spot the serious cyclist... un bidon Monsieur? :p typical TT riders :smt112

I always take two bottles as I sweat like a peado in mothercare on the bike. Longer rides I take gels and snacks, plus a satchet or two to make up extra bottles as needed.

When I went out last weekend, I remembered to put the bottle on the bike, however realised after 10 miles that I had forgotten to put anything in it :oops:
Luckily managed to stop at a pikey shop (motorhome dealer) who let me fill it from their nice cold water machine :)

[fizzwheel]

Booked in for a bike fit on the 14th... thats going to be an expensive visit to the bike shop. :cool:

Hopefully the Look will fit me / suit my body shape as thats what I really want. But I've been eyeing up the Cerevlo R3 just in case...

[maviczap]

Cool, I'm not envious one bit :^o:^o:^o:^o:^o

[fizzwheel]

Cant wait, getting a bit excited about it now.

Frames are about the same price. I know what wheels I want, ( Kysiruim SL's like I had before ) so its just finishing kit and group set I need to make my mind up about. Not sure if I want carbon bars or not, thinking might as well, that way its all carbon lovelyness.

[maviczap]

If the insurers are paying, why not.

[fizzwheel]

If the insurers are paying, why not.

My thoughts exactly.

[Luckypants]

Bike shopping, a recently discovered vice! Naughty pleasures of the first order :smt080

Enjoy oh Fizzy One.

[fizzwheel]

I'm hoping that my fitness wont have dropped to much, been doing around 60 miles per week on the single speed, which is a complete b1tch up hills due to the gearing.

My heart is set on the Look 586 thats what I really want. First ride of the year in proper shorts, no long's no 3/4's

Nice :cool:

[krhall]

On the bike again this morning, felt ok ish...traffic is a nightmare though. Took the riding more defensively advice on and worked a treat mainly.

Did the 11.4 miles in just over 37 mins...should've worn a HR strap to see how that compares to my running actually...might do that tomorrow if I remember.

[Luckypants]

First ride of the year in proper shorts, no long's no 3/4's

Nice :cool:

Was lovely yesterday, was in short sleeved shirt for the first time this year. Shorts came out two rides ago :D Very pleased with how I'm going currently...

I have a 30 mile loop from my house, up the Nant-y-Garth, Rhydtalog, LLanarmon-yn-Ial and back over the Clwyd Gate which took me 3 hours and 20 minutes to do for the first time back in Feb 2010! Last night I did it in 1 hour 45 mins and the Thursday before in 1 hour 47 mins. That's almost half the time of my first attempt! So I have gone from being passed by a bloke getting his paper to big ringing it up the Nant-y-Garth, so I'm well happy.

See HERE (http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/30729872)

[maviczap]

Last night I did it in 1 hour 45 mins and the Thursday before in 1 hour 47 mins.

Nice helpful tailwind both times then ;)

[Luckypants]

Nice helpful tailwind both times then ;):smt098 Royal PITA HEAD wind on the descents both times, had to peddle the entire time to maintain 30mph. Was standing on the peddles and in the 25 to get through the Clwyd Gate gap as the wind gets funnelled through into your face. :( Did manage big ring all the way round though.

Helpful on the drag up from Pen-y-Stryt to Rhydtalog though :D

[maviczap]

Well got the clothing wrong today, shorts were fine, but my bleedy arms were freezing.

Chased down a rider this morning, only to find out that it wasn't a 'He' but a 'She' and a very nice blonde PC out for a ride. Had a nice ride and chat with her before we went our seperate ways.

Damn, 25 years too late, a match made in heaven :smt112

Met my mate who was riding in the opposite direction, so I curtailed my ride and went for a social ride with him, ending up at one of the vets houses in my club for a coffee & a chat.

Cervelo TT bike with SRM power meter on one side of the kitchen, Look 585 on the other, turbo trainer in the living room, Zipp wheels scattered about the place, alright for these single vets :p

My heart is set on the Look 586 thats what I really want. First ride of the year in proper shorts, no long's no 3/4's
Nice :cool:

Yep I can agree, the vets Look 585 is a lovely machine, if I couldn't find a Colnago C40, then I'd have one

[fizzwheel]

Its been lovely here the last two days, was a bit cold this morning, but OK once I had warmed up. Long sleeve baselayer under my jersey and bib shorts. Was lovely coming home. I love the spring evenings. I've done 69 miles on the single speed this week my thighs cried enough on the way home tonight. But thats the most millege I've done in a week since before getting knocked off, although my nerves are a bit frayed as I almost got clobbered by a van overtaking me so closeley I could have moved my elbow out a bit and touched the side of the van with it.

That sort of thing used to never bother me, but it still does at the moment.

[maviczap]

I could have done with arm warmers this morning, until I'd warmed up and got away from the coast.

But no I thought I'd be fine in a short sleeved top :rolleyes:

[fizzwheel]

How effective are arm warmers, TBH I've been wearing the Long sleeve base layer for just that reason, jersey on its own it probably enough, but I dont lilke ending up with cold arms when its foggy / misty in the mornings like it is.

Wander if I should invest in a pair...

[maviczap]

For days like today fine, take them off when you get too warm.

They do have the habit of sliding down your arm, if they don't fit well.

If I'd had them on Wednesday, I could have slipped them off, but as I was wearing a long sleeved jersey, I felt too hot.

Decisions decisions

[Luckypants]

There was a test of arm warmers in the March edition of cycle active, they recommend that sticky stuff on both sides to grip your arm and your jersey. I was a little chilly on the descents last Wednesday so have ordered some, along with new mitts. :D

Forecast 19C tomorrow and we have an 70 miler on the cards, so will be shorts and short sleeved jersey with short sleeve base layer. Still wearing the warm overshoes though! Best get to bed with that in prospect....

[Luckypants]

80 miler, 3rd one back, 17mph average, gorgeous day - get in!


I remember why this cycling lark is so much fun. :D

[maviczap]

Blimey after those 2 sunny rides, I've already got the distinct tan line where my shorts end.

So sun is stronger than you think, beware you fair skinned folk

[fizzwheel]

Have got a slight tan line to on legs and arms.

Not going out today, went out yesterday and my ribs are sore again, I've done to much, so a morning of watching the F1 and now watching Paris - Roubaix on Eurosport.

[maviczap]

now watching Paris - Roubaix on Eurosport.

Do not say anything about the result,its on my Sky+ I hope

[Luckypants]

Do not say anything about the result,its on my Sky+ I hope

+1 - not had a chance to watch it yet.

[Luckypants]

Blimey after those 2 sunny rides, I've already got the distinct tan line where my shorts end.

So sun is stronger than you think, beware you fair skinned folk

Got slightly burned on a long ride on Saturday, it was proper blazing sunshine though. One or two had cramping issues as they were not fully hydrated - I got through 4 litres of fluid in about 4:40 hours.

Looks like sun screen and extra bottles needed as the weather warms up.

[Quiff Wichard]

Yesterday when walking the dog me and mand saw a cyclist.. all geared up in lycra like u lot-- and he had a helmet on with a rear view mirror on an extendable arm from the helmet..

you seen them?

made us giggle..

[Luckypants]

The boys on the Milltir Cerrig on Saturday, a 4 mile climb. Big Al and Chris, with Ronny in the distance. Pleased to say I was at the top at this point. :D

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5603619705_e3a2737452_z.jpg

The group at the top of the climb

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5603620349_1ed106ca33_z.jpg

We should get an org bike ride sorted at some point.

[fizzwheel]

We should get an org bike ride sorted at some point.

I'd be up for that. Would depend when and more importantly where. Be good to ride some different roads.

[maviczap]

We should get an org bike ride sorted at some point.

I'd be up for that. Would depend when and more importantly where. Be good to ride some different roads.

Yep me too, although LP is bound to give me a kicking on the hills :|

[Luckypants]

Yeah and I'll be avoiding the flat, for the same reason! ;)

[krhall]

Right cycling thread oracles, I am going to click the 'BUY' button tomorrow on a bike...i am still looking for a carbon bike around a grand and think I am set on the planet-x for no other reason than the groupset is supposed to be good (SRAM Rival) and all the reviews I have read are encouraging.

Before I do that though, should I reconsider anything else. I have looked at Focus Cayo and did try to look at Ribble, but got lost when selecting options...

[krhall]

Went out with my Dad's club tonight on a 25 mile blast and far from being at the back (as I expected) I managed to keep up with some of the faster group, much to my surprise!!! Had a great ride up and down the Kent countryside too really exhilarating, glad I didn't go for a run now!

[krhall]

Focus Cayo - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/focus-cayo-105-ltd-2011/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=products

Planet X - http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/news/products/q/date/2011/03/03/sl-pro-carbon-rival-999

Boardman 2010 - http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_50 2001_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

[fizzwheel]

Before I do that though, should I reconsider anything else. I have looked at Focus Cayo and did try to look at Ribble, but got lost when selecting options...

Ribble would be the only other option I've got experience off, both the guys I cycle with have them and really like them. But the website is confusing, if you dont know what you are looking for. You could always try giving them a ring.

But TBH I doubt theres much to choose between the planet x and the ribble. If you are happy with the planet x then go for that.

Oh and congrats on the club run good going and if you keep doing that you should see your fitness come on leaps and bounds.

[krhall]

I never thought I would spend that sort of money on a bike (peanuts compared to you lot I know) so I want to make sure it is right...

This looks ok too!http://www.wiggle.co.uk/focus-cayo-105-compact-2010/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=products

[maviczap]

The Boardman gets my vote, as its all Ritchey & SRAM

The others seem to have cut costs using wheels by manufacturers I don't recognise

The Planet X looks ugly with those white STi lever hoods, but thats an easy fix

But thee's not much between them

If you register your credit card your going to pay for it with Quidco, you'll get another 3% cashback at Halfords

But try again at Ribble because I know the Sportive is a good bike too

[krhall]

The ribble does look nice (aesthetically), but I simply get lost in the options list!

Not sure what lever hoods are, but when on the Planet x site I spec'd a red bike, blue bar tape, red tyres and blue lever hoods...

[fizzwheel]

The ribble does look nice (aesthetically), but I simply get lost in the options list!

Phone them. My friend wasnt sure what size he wanted, so he rang them and they took his order and sorted out what he wanted over the phone. He said they were really helpful.

[Luckypants]

Try the special edition bikes tab, rather than the bike builder tab on Ribble's website - there are a lot less choices on there and seems to be made up of kit they are overstocked on, this keeps the prices down. The Gran Fondo is a superb machine (I'm biased) and is ideal for club runs/longer rides and would not be out of place in a race. The Sportive is more upright again and is meant for comfort on longer rides. The other bikes are more focused on speed, so I didn't look at them and know little about them.

At the £1K price point, you seem to have the major players in your sights. The Planet-X bikes look to be excellent value, but IME SRAM is not as reliable as Shimano/Campag, hence why I went with Ribble (but my experience is from MTB world)

[fizzwheel]

Been for my bike fit. The Look I was after is a good fit for me. So I have placed my order, bike shop is busy so cant build it up till next Wednesday so hoping to pick it up next week some times.

Went for 105 in the end, didnt go for carbon bars, but have gone for a wheel upgrade over what I had, dont look as bling, but match the bike better.

Cost was less than I thought and I think I might have wangled a good discount as its a 2009 frame, got just over a £1000 off the retail price.

Happy days :cool:

[Luckypants]

Woo! Every cloud has a silver lining :D Hope you love the Look and have many happy miles on her.

[fizzwheel]

Me to.

I've had a letter from the Solicitor looking after my claim so thats progressing along nicely to.

[EssexDave]

I'm looking for a wee bit of advice.
I went for a 35 mile cycle yesterday (longest I've ever done in one day) and today my knee is pretty sore. (left knee only).

I think my seat may be 1 or 2mm too low, but it's so slight. I was wondering whether there is something that may be in my technique that could be causing the issue.

Any advice welcome :)

thanks

[maviczap]

Few things to consider first Dave.

What kind of shoes were you wearing, trainers or proper cycling shoes.

Clipless or toe clips

The way I've set my saddle height is to measure my inside leg (in cm) to the floor in socks and then times by 0.885

so for my inseam my saddle height is 75.5cm from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle following the line of the seat tube.

Everyone has their preferred method of working out their saddle height, but this worked for me.

If you're pushing a big gear that will make you knee hurt, so spin a smaller gear rather than push a gear thats too big. Its the most common thing I see when I pass cyclists

If one knee hurts, then maybe its not as strong as the other leg. Perhaps one leg is slightly longer than the other. My right is shorther than the left.

Get the saddle height set to the correct height first, its the most fundamental position on the bike.

[maviczap]

Been for my bike fit. The Look I was after is a good fit for me. So I have placed my order, bike shop is busy so cant build it up till next Wednesday so hoping to pick it up next week some times.

Went for 105 in the end, didnt go for carbon bars, but have gone for a wheel upgrade over what I had, dont look as bling, but match the bike better.

Cost was less than I thought and I think I might have wangled a good discount as its a 2009 frame, got just over a £1000 off the retail price.

Happy days :cool:

Cool, 105 is great. What wheels?

[fizzwheel]

Cool, 105 is great. What wheels?

Mavic K10, its the latest version of the Kysrium's, They dont make the Kysrium SL's that I had on the other bike anymore apparently.

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/tech/gear/128031/1/mavic-k10-wheel-and-tyre.html

[maviczap]

Mavic K10, its the latest version of the Kysrium's, They dont make the Kysrium SL's that I had on the other bike anymore apparently.

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/tech/gear/128031/1/mavic-k10-wheel-and-tyre.html

Money well spent, well not yours anyway :p

Better to have these than carbon bars, more benefit in the long term

[fizzwheel]

Thats what I thought, cut back a bit on the groupset and leave off the carbon bits and spend the money where it'll make a difference.

Still can't believe what a cracking deal they've done for me.

[maviczap]

Thats what I thought, cut back a bit on the groupset and leave off the carbon bits and spend the money where it'll make a difference.

Still can't believe what a cracking deal they've done for me.

Its a 2 year old frame, but in the real world does it really matter.

Only to cycling snobs with too much money

Shows you what the magins are on new frames if they can afford to knock a grand off the price ;)

[fizzwheel]

My thoughts exactly, I've got what I wanted and at a cracking price as well. I'm over the moon with it and I cant wait till they've built it up and I can go for a test ride on it.

Its the colour I wanted as well, unpainted carbon with white logos on it, the only other colour they could have done me a deal on was painted white / black with a gold stripe on it which looked horrid.

One of the mechanics asked me what I'd gone for. I told him and he said "nice and a proper colour as well" :-)

[maviczap]

Yep, that's the colour I like

Don't like white bikes (sorry LP) full stop

[fizzwheel]

Yep, black saddle and bar tape to, no whiteness !

It was nice to be able to spec what I wanted exactly down to what make and model of saddle and what bar tape its going on it.

[maviczap]

Saddles, hmm my biggest problem at the mo

I thought my Specialized Phenom was going to be fine, but I found it quite uncomfortable the other day. First ride out on it the other day, so it might improve.

My other Specialized Toupe is a bit better, as its got a bit more padding.

So what to go for

Fizik? Rolls?

[fizzwheel]

Fizik, I've got one of these, its really really comfortable. definately recommend it.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/fizik-arione-saddle-with-kium-rails-black/