The Cycling Thread

[Tim in Belgium]

I may have a friend who's interested, I'll send her an email tomorrow.

[northwind]

How do turbo trainers compare to a cheap exercise bike? I've considered picking one of the two up but a TT would leave me training in the garage, staring at the wall while I could have an exercise bike in the house :smt115 which would make up for a lot of shortcomings!

[rob13]

Theyre definitely better than a cheap exercise bike. This one I have feels more like a spinning bike in that its heavily weighted and the harder you cycle, the more resistance it puts up. Ive found that theres very little slip from it and its an excellent piece of kit.

I wouldnt bother selling but with it not being used much (knobblies are back on the MTB) then I might as well see if there are any takers for it as I could use the cash elsewhere

[northwind]

Hmm. Cheers for that...

[Tim in Belgium]

My friends not interested in the tt, she's decided she's going to face the streets of London instead.....

[MCN_LiamM]

Just got back from the gym and cycled 10km in 18:51 (mins)

Just wondering if this is a rubbish time or not?

I suprised myself, since my mate who is fitter than me does it in about 26 mins

[northwind]

Dunno, it took me 3 hours to ride 12 miles at the weekend though :mrgreen:

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/100_4346-1.jpg

[rob13]

Just heading up that Ive still got the Turbo available for sale with Riser block & tyre (Continental turbo slick 26")

Its actually a Cycleops Fluid 2
http://www.google.co.uk/products?hl=en&safe=off&q=cycleops+fluid+2&scoring=p
and the Continental tyre http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/triathlon/10/Continental_Ultra_Sport_Home_Trainer_Folding_Tyre/5360017042/


£190 worth, its been used for less than 100 miles in all honesty but was great in helping me get back on my feet. Immaculate condition even still got the box and the Race Day DVD which goes with it.

£130 which is a canny saving on new.

[Rog]

Just got back from the gym and cycled 10km in 18:51 (mins)

Just wondering if this is a rubbish time or not?

I suprised myself, since my mate who is fitter than me does it in about 26 mins


dont know all depends on your heart rate and calories you burned (i.e. resistance) so if he is on a lot higher resistance and therefore has lower cadence (pedal RPM) he may actually be burning more calories and will have a longer period of sustained high heart rate. There is also your recovery time from that exercise. I would suggest that your friend recovers far quicker than you do at the moment, again a fair indicator of fitness.

To be honest I am a beginner as well, been on a bit if a fitness regime recently and I tend to have 4 days on bike 20 minnutes session each day covering 10k in 20mins mid reistance 350cal burn. then I have 2 days off. I have also recently bought a mountain bike to get myself out on the road again.

[dyzio]

Hello cycling people :)

I'm getting fat and thought about starting cycling to tackle this. Found some bikes in Halfords around £100, Argos £250... Thing is I don't know which one is worth buying.

Can you recommend a road bike? Low price, nothing fancy, will be used for riding after work or weekend or maybe a commute through town.

Cheers

[Viney]

Today i cycled to work :) That is all...

Ok maybe not. Dyz. Stay away form the cheap halfrauds bikes, they truly are a bag of doodoo! If anything, have a look round on Ebay for second hand bikes. Try to stick to some of the well know makes like Dawes, Raliegh, Scott etc. Will pay for themselves int he long run. I have a Hybrid, a road bike with flat bars. It does me for the kind of riding i do, and by the looks of it, what you want to do.

[fizzwheel]

The only things that Halfords sell that I'd recommend would be

Any of the Boardman bikes ( possibly out of your price range )

Carrerra Gryphon ( Mate had one loved it, used it in a couple of sportives )

Carrera Subway 2 ( I know a couple of people that have these and really rate them and they get very good reviews on the cycling websites )

These will all do what you want, and are good starter bikes.

I would stay away from Argos completely

Your other option is go to your local bike shop ( if you have one ) and have a look in there and see what they offer.

Dont for the love of christ buy anything with an Apollo badge on it...

[dyzio]

ok, cheers
Forgot everything about bikes, hence the Argos and Halfords ideas and haven't got the foggiest how much they go for.
I'll have a look on ebay and maybe pop into the local shop tomorrow.

[Jabba]

The only things that Halfords sell that I'd recommend would be

Carrera Subway 2 ( I know a couple of people that have these and really rate them and they get very good reviews on the cycling websites )

So very nearly bought one of these..... disc brakes, etc. Very nice indeed and cool-lookin', too

I went for the Carrera Crossfire 2 in the end... similar price but has larger 700c wheels and front suspension but v-brakes instead of the discs. For me it was the one to go for. I like it a lot.

They do cheaper versions of both.

Dont for the love of christ buy anything with an Apollo badge on it...

Seconded. Ask yourself why they are so cheap.

[V-twin]

I've completed a 100 mile race in 4.5hrs which is an average of................22mph.
And that was on a standard cannondale f700sl at the age of 19yrs!! out of the 1500 competitors I finished in the top 20. Then I thought that was a rather 'poor effort' but now looking back that was alright.

[Quiff Wichard]

Got a week off work, so thought I would make the most of it and get the pushbike out for a decent ride - normally only ride it 6 miles to work and back, with a rucksack on the back, so wanted to see what it could really do.

Wacked the tyres up to 120psi, cleaned and tightened my cleats to stop them creaking, checked and oiled the running gear and off I went.

Chose a 'hilly 25' route, which was actually 27.24 miles miles in total, including the bit to & from my house. Total time was 1:31:55, average 17.7 mph which I was quite please with, considering there were a couple of sets of lights I had to slow down & stop for.

Actually found the ride fairly easy, was out of the saddle on the hills on the way back, so next target is to get below 1:30, and then work towards getting my average to 20mph.

What sort of average speeds do you guys get?






not bad for a fat lad xxxxxxxx

[Quiff Wichard]

Stats from ride home tonight

58 mins 28 secs, 16.9 miles, Avg speed 17.4. That was an average hilly route. 3 decent climbs in it and not much descending. 348ft of climbing done.

Good tool for mapping out rides is www.mapmyride.com (http://www.mapmyride.com) you can draw the route you've done and show you elevation, climbs etc, the new version of it has a tool for working out calories burnt and that kind of stuff if you dont have a HRM.


or take the bus.




apologies.. this is a serious thread.

I have a lot of respect for you all serious.. we went to cornwall a few weeks ago in the car- did all the sights and honest lands end some cyclists were there we chatted,... real cyclists like you lot- then we went to lizard,, and no word of a lie within 15 mins they turned up !!.. fresh as a daisy.. awesome.. I will never be that fit again..I was once - honest

[fizzwheel]

Pushbike No 4 arrived on Sunday

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/DSC_0008-1.jpg

Got myself a Fixed wheel, not suire who else has one Scoobs I think.

Very strange and I've tried to freewheel on it a couple of times already, which needless to say had my feet of the pedals

Liking it so far though

[mattSV]

Pushbike No 4 arrived on Sunday

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/DSC_0008-1.jpg

Got myself a Fixed wheel, not suire who else has one Scoobs I think.

Very strange and I've tried to freewheel on it a couple of times already, which needless to say had my feet of the pedals

Liking it so far though

Just wait until you try and turn a quick corner whilst banked over :eek::smt003

[fizzwheel]

Just wait until you try and turn a quick corner whilst banked over :eek::smt003

#-o:pale:

[Tim in Belgium]

Cycled to work today, going to do this for the rest of the summer, only 9 miles each way, but a nice start to the day. I need to put in a few miles before August:

http://radamring.de/

We're doing the 24hr team event as a team of 4 again, although last year we had one of our team crash out due to a wasp, requiring stitches etc reducing our team to 3, which made it interesting.

I'm looking at getting some lighter wheels for my old 18 speed Specialized Allez, any hints on cheaper models/offers, it's just running the wheels that came with the bike, so doesn't need to be super fancy to improve.

[krhall]

afternoon all.

Can anyone help me with how to use the gears on my road bike? I used it for the first time today and it is great, but I have neve had gears that utilise the brake levers before. I have sort of got used to them but can't work out what to do when changing down the front cog, because when I do that I go directly from the lowest on the big cog to the lowest on the front cog, which is then far too low.

Does that make sense, how do I sort that out?

[maviczap]

What brand and model are they, sounds like Shimano?

When down changing from big to middle ring, you should only to click the lever once to change to the middle front chainring.

My shimano has a habit of changing down too far, when I only want to trim the front mech on the big ring to stop it rubbing on the chain in certain gear ratio's.

Sounds like it could do with a service, get a shop to take a look at the cable tension, if you don't know what you're doing.

Don't take it to halfrauds like my mate did

[fizzwheel]

look at the cable tension,

I'd suggest thats probably what it is. Quick question how many chain rings on the front 2 or 3 ? Sounds like probably 3...

Read the section on this page about adjusting the front derailier

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html

This might be useful to watch to

http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-front-derailer/

Its normally quite simple to sort out, just take your time over it and dont go making big changes to the limit stops / cable tension. Just try tweaking it first rather than go lumbering in with big changes.

If you get really stuck take it to a bike shop, but as above not a Halfords...

[krhall]

Fizz - is the pedal swap you suggested in another thread easy, is it as simple as undoing the bolt and then swapping and tightening?

Also, is it worth doing it just so I can use my Nike SPD MTB shoes on the road bike, or should I just go and buy a pair of proper SPD-SL shoes?

[fizzwheel]

Yep pedal swap is easy, just use the right size spanner or allen key and remember that the pedals are threaded different. The left hand pedal is left hand threaded so it undoes in the opposite way to normal...

I like to have the same pedals on my bikes so I can swap between them without having to own multiple pairs of shoes or faffing about swapping cleats over. Nothing wrong with using your SPD shoes on your road bike, plenty of people do it now. The only reason to go SPD-SL is that the shoes are often stiffer and theres a bigger platform / contact patch for your shoe which means you transfer more power across a bigger area which means your pedalling is more efficent and more comfortable.

[krhall]

Yep pedal swap is easy, just use the right size spanner or allen key and remember that the pedals are threaded different. The left hand pedal is left hand threaded so it undoes in the opposite way to normal...

I like to have the same pedals on my bikes so I can swap between them without having to own multiple pairs of shoes or faffing about swapping cleats over. Nothing wrong with using your SPD shoes on your road bike, plenty of people do it now. The only reason to go SPD-SL is that the shoes are often stiffer and theres a bigger platform / contact patch for your shoe which means you transfer more power across a bigger area which means your pedalling is more efficent and more comfortable.

Cool so they might do for now then, until I have decided whether it is going to be a long term thing or not.

[fizzwheel]

They'll be OK, chap I go cycling with uses MTB shoes and he doesnt like clipping in and out of road pedals. Makes sense to use what you already have if you are just starting out. Go for it.

[mattSV]

Same for me - I use SPDs on my road and mountain bikes.

Pedal swap is easy - just remember that the left one has a reverse thread (or is it the right one :rolleyes:)

[Jabba]

Same for me - I use SPDs on my road and mountain bikes.

Yep - and me :-) Cheapest pair of Shimano pedals (M520 type at around £20) on a bike whic cost over a grand. Ships and hap'orths of tar and all that!

I have two pairs of shoes, one which is a Shimano MTB/trainer type which takes SPD cleats and the other is a pair of roadbike shoes (Shimano SH-R076L) which takes both SPD and SPD-SL cleats (coz I will swap to SPD-SL pedals before too long!).

Nice thing about the SPD pedals/cleats with the MTB shoes it that one can walk about in them when off the bike. Great for cycling to work, etc. The Roadbike shoes are nicer to ride longer distances in, though :thumbsup:

[fizzwheel]

So last weekend before the Tour of Wessex next weekend...

102.4 miles, in 7hrs 4 minutes. 14.5mph average speed. I am given that I only really started ramping the miles up in March quite pleased with that.

[krhall]

So as I am a newbie to road bikes, any advice on making it enjoyable, getting better at it?

I am reasonably fit (or is that fat?), but despite being the perfect distance from work to cycle, I never really stick with it.

[Jabba]

So last weekend before the Tour of Wessex next weekend...

102.4 miles, in 7hrs 4 minutes. 14.5mph average speed. I am given that I only really started ramping the miles up in March quite pleased with that.

Oooh..... I got the Dragon Ride in two weekends time. 81-mile route for me, but it has four big climbs inc two Cat A Tour of Britain ones. Very worried as have done nowehere near enough basic mileage to be confident. Done lots of hills, but the longest ride I've done this year was 40 miles last weekend. I was ill in January and that knocked the stuffing out of me, then had two chest infections since April. Not good for basic fitness :-(

Got two weeks to get fitter, but look at the weather!!

Good luck with your ride - that's a good time/speed and I'm sure you'll be fine :thumbsup:

[fizzwheel]

So as I am a newbie to road bikes, any advice on making it enjoyable, getting better at it?

Yes, just get out and ride, it really is that simple.

When you say "Get better" what do you mean ? Do you want to go faster, or do you want to get fitter and loose some weight ?

I find getting started again after a lay off difficult. But once you get started and over that you'll be fine. I find the more I ride, the more I enjoy it, the more I want to ride.

One of the guys I cycle with really struggles motivationally, he needs a goal or a task to focus on. So he signs up for sportives, where you ride alot of distance in one go. Its not like a race, its just the challenge of getting round the course, that means because he had entered he has to train for it which means he gets out on his bike.

You dont need to buy a better bike, or gadgets or bits and pieces, you need to work on you. Watch your diet, eat right, you'll loose weight and that makes a huge difference to your cycling performance which means you'll enjoy it more.

[fizzwheel]

Very worried as have done nowehere near enough basic mileage to be confident.

You'll be reet, just remember to pace yourself and not go flying off at the start, drink plenty of fluid, make sure you eat / get some carbs inside you have a decent breakfast before your ride to.

Two weeks is enough to get some more milleage, in but dont go nuts in the final week or you'll feel it when you come the ride itself.

[Jabba]

So as I am a newbie to road bikes, any advice on making it enjoyable, getting better at it?

It's much more fun with a few like-minded mates than doing it on your own.

If you have an MP3 player, fill it with high-tempo music. You'll be surprised how much that helps, especially if you are on your own.

Make sure that you are comfortable on the bike and that it is adjusted to suit you. Make sure that your kit is comfortable and doesn't chafe :lol:

Drink enough whilst riding.

[Jabba]

You'll be reet, just remember to pace yourself and not go flying off at the start, drink plenty of fluid, make sure you eat / get some carbs inside you have a decent breakfast before your ride to.

Two weeks is enough to get some more milleage, in but dont go nuts in the final week or you'll feel it when you come the ride itself.

There's about 13 miles before the first big climb, so plenty of time to warm up. I'll be with 8 other mates all about the same age/fitness level and I think the plan is to start early and pace ourselves. 8:00am start so will be up at 5:00am having breakie.

There's two feed-stations on the route to take on fuel/fluid, the first after two of the climbs which you'd recognise from The Welsh Way Round trips - The Bwlch (the one with the "keyhole" bend) and The Rhigos (which goes down past Tower Colliery). I'll be taking two 750ml bottles of energy drink plus a number of carbohydrate energy bars. I plan to use gels from about the 50 mile mark.

Will probably be going out every night this week and doing a ride on both Sat and Sun next weekend. Will do a short hill-hunt type of ride midweek before the ride.

Thankfully, the last 15 miles of the ride is all downhill (so they tell me!).

[fizzwheel]

I'll be taking two 750ml bottles of energy drink plus a number of carbohydrate energy bars. I plan to use gels from about the 50 mile mark.

That sounds OK, are you taking energy drink with you that you can make up with water at the feedstops ? That way if they dont have what you like or are used to, then you can just get some water and make up what you do like. Gels are a good idea, but I'd be inclined to have one before you start and then keep using them when you feel yourself flagging during the ride, you may find that by the time you get to the 50 mile mark its to late and you'll be running out of fuel...

[Jabba]

That sounds OK, are you taking energy drink with you that you can make up with water at the feedstops ?

Yep. I bought some ZV1 (ZipVit) fruit punch flavour stuff in sachets which is the right amount for 750ml bottles. Nice tasting, unlike some!

Gels are a good idea, but I'd be inclined to have one before you start and then keep using them when you feel yourself flagging during the ride, you may find that by the time you get to the 50 mile mark its to late and you'll be running out of fuel...

Hmmmm...... maybe I'll have one about 10mins before the start of each of the four big climbs.

Some of my mates did a 48-mile route last week which took in the four climbs. They all managed them okay and say that I will too. My problem is confidence. The illness in January really knocked the stuffing out of me and took until mid-May to recover from fully. Only now getting some fitness back. The upside is that there's now a stone less of fat carcass to get up the hills :lol:

I'll be okay once I'm there and moving. Basic speed is fine, but prolonged climbing is still hard and I tend to overheat. Still, with 3500 others on the ride there'll be planty of groups to latch on to :thumbsup:

[fizzwheel]

Oh christ, you can actually drink that Zipvit stuff :sick: I tried some I couldnt stomach it.

You'll be fine, keep a positive mental attitude and you will get round, just keep tapping away at the pedals, get yourself into a rhythm and the miles will fly by. Its so much better cycling with somebody to talk to or to keep you motivated.

[Jabba]

Oh christ, you can actually drink that Zipvit stuff :sick: I tried some I couldnt stomach it

Only the fruit punch flavour - the others are deffo :sick:

Finishing the supply of last year's Gatorade tomorrow - yippee!! That stuff makes my teeth feel like they are furry :lol:

[krhall]

Right another ride to work complete, will swap pedals over today if I get a chance.

So does anyone have any tips on technique/how-to cycle advice. It took me a full 2 minutes longer this morning (my chain did fall off), but the traffic was easier.

Also my ass is still sore from friday despite padded shorts? So what do I need to do?

[krhall]

I have my spd pedals off the hybrid, but cannot get the spd-sl's off of the road bike for love nor money - any advice?

[krhall]

I gave up and took the bike to the cycle shop a few mins from work, they loosened them off for me.

Thank-you The Cycle Warehouse - Greenwich, really friendly and helpful service!

[maviczap]

Also my ass is still sore from friday despite padded shorts? So what do I need to do?

Maybe a change of saddle, but give your ass time to get used to this new pain you're inflicting on it.

Sudo cream after the ride can help with post ride soreness

[maviczap]

Only the fruit punch flavour - the others are deffo :sick:
yep fruit punch flavouur is the only nice one. had one of their trial packs, man was the chocolate recovery drink vile. but protein bars were really nice after a ride

I use Hi 5 4:1 drink which has a good flavour, plus their energy gel satchets, bit sweet for some, but i like them that way.

But for your long rides in the near future, take some jelly babies or jelly beans in your jersey pocket, and eat regular small amounts to keep your energy levels topped up. These are cheaper that gel satchets and have loads of calories which is what you need

Best of luck:smt039

[fizzwheel]

Also my ass is still sore from friday despite padded shorts? So what do I need to do?

Ah... you need to give a little time for your butt to toughen up / get used to cycling. As said above the type of saddle / seating position can make a big difference, as everybody is a different shape.

If you are suffering get some chamois creme and put it on the chamois / pad on your shorts or on you in that region. It really does make a difference.

As for technique again everybody is different, you need to work out if you are a spinner or a grinder. I.e. do you push a low gear at a high RPM or a high gear at low RPM. Neither is wrong its just what about you feel comfortable with.

If you are just starting out I'd be concentrating on your base level fitness / endurance and then worry about the speed afterwards, dont pay to much attention to average speed either as it can be a little misleading.

Just do your commute for a couple of months and then if you can a longer ride at weekends and remember to take a day out to rest. Because recovery time is just as important as actually bike time is.

Dont try and do to much distance to soon or you'll knacker yourself out and if you are out in this hot weather, remember to drink plenty of fluids.

[maviczap]

Ah... you need to give a little time for your butt to toughen up / get used to cycling. As said above the type of saddle / seating position can make a big difference, as everybody is a different shape.

If you are suffering get some chamois creme and put it on the chamois / pad on your shorts or on you in that region. It really does make a difference.

Keep your padded shorts clean as well, as you could get saddle sores, not pleasant :rolleyes:

Pays to have at least 2 pairs of shorts if you're cycling regularly

If you bought cheap padded shorts then that could also be your problem. I had some old shorts that I used, but compared to more modern shorts they're crap.

The DHB brand sold by Wiggle get good reviews and aren't expensive. I bought 2 pairs and the pad is much better than a cheap pair I bought from Decathlon

[fizzwheel]

The DHB brand sold by Wiggle get good reviews and aren't expensive.

The pads go after a while, I have given up wiht my DHB Bibs as they arent comfy anymore. Also I was informed that the lycra has gone see transparent in bright sunlight :smt103

The 3/4 length Bibs seem better in that respect, but I agree, dont under estimate the value of good quality shorts.

[maviczap]

The pads go after a while, I have given up wiht my DHB Bibs as they arent comfy anymore. Also I was informed that the lycra has gone see transparent in bright sunlight :smt103

The 3/4 length Bibs seem better in that respect, but I agree, dont under estimate the value of good quality shorts.

Yes, I can see the pads starting to wear in certain places, but for the money they're fine. The one thing I don't like is the cut of the panels, so I'll be ordering something else at some point

[krhall]

Ah... you need to give a little time for your butt to toughen up / get used to cycling. As said above the type of saddle / seating position can make a big difference, as everybody is a different shape.

If you are suffering get some chamois creme and put it on the chamois / pad on your shorts or on you in that region. It really does make a difference.

If you are just starting out I'd be concentrating on your base level fitness / endurance and then worry about the speed afterwards, dont pay to much attention to average speed either as it can be a little misleading.

Dont try and do to much distance to soon or you'll knacker yourself out and if you are out in this hot weather, remember to drink plenty of fluids.

It feels more bruised than rubbing, but my dad has recommended Assos cream?

My base fitness is ok, having only just had 3 weeks off since the london marathon and I am a relatively regular runner.

Keep your padded shorts clean as well, as you could get saddle sores, not pleasant :rolleyes:

Pays to have at least 2 pairs of shorts if you're cycling regularly

If you bought cheap padded shorts then that could also be your problem. I had some old shorts that I used, but compared to more modern shorts they're crap.

The DHB brand sold by Wiggle get good reviews and aren't expensive. I bought 2 pairs and the pad is much better than a cheap pair I bought from Decathlon

Yes they are cheapo ones and I have done a couple of thousand miles in them (2 pairs) over the last few years. Gel ones or normal padded best?

My dad swears by bib ones, but for now shorts should be fine.

I got a wriggle on this afternoon with those pedals on!!

I am aiming at perhaps doing it Mon/Weds/Fri to work, see how that goes.

Thanks for all the advice. Kev

[krhall]

Oh one more thing gloves? I have some long finger Altura gel gloves, but they have seen better days and I think that the gel is not in the right place now on the road bike, so what are the recommended ones?

[fizzwheel]

It feels more bruised than rubbing, but my dad has recommended Assos cream?

I've tried a few different ones and the Assos is the stuff I find works best.

I am aiming at perhaps doing it Mon/Weds/Fri to work, see how that goes.

Sounds sensible, I had forgotten you were a runner to. So yep your base should be fine. 3 days a week sounds good, do that for a couple of weeks and then take it from there.

Re : gloves, I have a pair of Specialised Body Geometry ones, two nice big gel pads, nicely positioned for when riding on the tops of the bars. Have had them a couple of years and are standing up wheel to the milleage they have done. I had a pair of cannondale ones before that and the stitiching all came apart, but they were comfy to.

[Jabba]

Took my roadbike to LBS for it's first service/checkover today. Done about 200 miles on it and it was ready a once-over. Thought it would be a good thing before the Dragon Ride and the bike hols, too.

I advised them that the indexing on the rear gears seemed to be out. Had a call about half an hour later asking if I'd come off the bike as the rear derraileur hanger was bent :smt103

No, I hadn't come off it and nor had I given it a whack that I can remember. I'm careful about stuff like that. I can only think that the bike was supplied/delivered like that (not by the LBS, btw) as there's no way that would have happened on a bike rack.

LBS advised that they had a special tool to straighten it and had done so. They also tightened the head-bearings. I'll see the damage when I pick the bike up tomorrow.

Remember folks, always get a new bike checked over a few weeks after first taking it out.

[7755matt]

Im loving cycling. I've had my new roadbike for about 3-4 weeks, have managed a few hundred miles, 45 of them today up some big hills and a decent run over the plains.

Think I might have gone for a bit too much though, finishing with a ride over mow cop is a bit daft, so resorted to walkig the last half mile to the top hen cycling down.

I think part of it was just running out of steam. I really want ti be able to 50-60, I'd love to go for the Birmingham to Oxford sportive in a few weeks, it's 60 miles, but I have no ea home many hills are on the route

[maviczap]

Im loving cycling. I've had my new roadbike for about 3-4 weeks, have managed a few hundred miles, 45 of them today up some big hills and a decent run over the plains.

Think I might have gone for a bit too much though, finishing with a ride over mow cop is a bit daft, so resorted to walkig the last half mile to the top hen cycling down.

I think part of it was just running out of steam. I really want ti be able to 50-60, I'd love to go for the Birmingham to Oxford sportive in a few weeks, it's 60 miles, but I have no ea home many hills are on the route

Think you have 'bonked' :rolleyes: Matt ie run out of fuel in the tank, do you take any energy food or drink with you on these rides, even a bananna is better than nowt

[7755matt]

Yeah I do take energy drink and some food, but I underestimated the amount I need. Ive currently only got a small drinks bottle, so getting a larger one, and I will deffinitely take more food stuffs.

Drained pretty much a small camelbak equivalent of squashe. Thoroughly enjoyed myself, got up to 1350-1400 feet, massive climbs and although I stopped for a breather a couple of times I cycled them all. It was only after the tank emptied that I had to resort to walking

[maviczap]

Yep, on longer rides, you'll probably need 2 small bottles or 2 large depending on how hot it is.

Snacking regularly on the ride will help, sweets like jelly beans or jelly babies are good, although too many will make you sick

[Jabba]

I advised them that the indexing on the rear gears seemed to be out. Had a call about half an hour later asking if I'd come off the bike as the rear derraileur hanger was bent :smt103

Well........ #2 son confessed to having knocked my bike over :lol: and the hanger wasn't bent, just displaced. Bike shifting crisply and quietly again :-D

Or rather, it would be if the rear brake was releasing fully after application. It sticks part way open. I can open it fully with an audible click. Off to LBS tomorrow first thing. Meant that I couldn't get any miles in today before the biggie on Sunday :-(

[fizzwheel]

Tour of Wessex ride on Saturday just gone.

Checked the forecast on Friday, went to Halfrauds, purchased a set of crud rod racer mudguards, and spent Friday night fiddling with the darn things to get them to fit on my roadbike, 2nd set of guards I have got that dont fit properly but these are the best yet.

Sort out my stuff, off to bed. Saturday morning, mate picks me up, get to the start pen, and it starts to spit with rain, typical. A few miles later down the road is lashing it down and I am glad I fitted the mudguards !

Get caught and passed by a couple of big groups of club riders and get a little sucked into working to hard just to sit in the draft, so back off a little. Notice that barely a mile passes without seeing somebody at the side of the road mending a puncture and the rains not easing off. Settle into my rhythm and tap my way up Cheddar Gorge, feed station and top fill up with water and shiver in the cold and rain whilst my mate changes his punctured rear tyre.

Down a nasty descent into Wells that I know as I have climbed it before and another rider decides to overtake me on a blind bend in the rain, and then ends up on the wrong side of the road because they cant get passed as the roads to narrow and nearly collides head on with a car and then starts shouting at the car driver which had me cacking myself rain eases off, stop at next feedstop and fill up on energy bars. Then onto the killer climb of this ride, King Alfreds tower, which has a section of 1 in 4 gradient in it and always in the past has defeated me. Not today though, I'm well chuffed OK it wasnt easy but I get up it. Not so for a guy in front of me whose chain explodes on the steepest bit and he's lucky he doesnt end up on the floor.

After that it dries up nicely for an hour before slashing it down with rain again, keep slogging away nice undulating roads so you can carry a little momentum and nothing nasty to break the rhythm, then my mate notices he has another puncutre, I lend him my spare tube, which he mangles the valve on. So its then ride, put air in his tyre, ride put air in his tyre and repeat. I bonk badly at the 90 mile mark which coincides with another massive down pour I'm now cold wet, hungry and tired and riding into a headwind, shove another gel down my throat whilst he puts air into his tyre again and then I tow him the last 20 miles or so because he is in worse physical shape than I am !

The sun comes out for the last 10 miles and we drift into the finish line.

OK so it wasnt easy, but not as hard I was expecting, I got up every climb which I am very pleased with. Glad I was only doing 1 day though, plan for next year I think now is 2 days, and then to try for all three days in 2012.

Stats if anybody is interested

Ride time : 7hrs 26 mins
Average Speed : 14.4mph
Elevation Gain : 6,593 ft
Avg Heart Rate : 151bpm
Calories Burnt : 7,592 kcals

I think I prepared pretty well, I had the right amount of food and drink, and for me I had the right stuff to which meant I ate it. I should have eaten a little earlier in the last stage and then I wouldnt have bonked. Bike worked OK, no issues, no punctures either. Overall pretty pleased with myself.

Jabba, is it your ride next weekend ? If so good luck mate.

[maviczap]

Impressed Fizz - chapau

[maviczap]

Took my roadbike to LBS for it's first service/checkover today. Done about 200 miles on it and it was ready a once-over. Thought it would be a good thing before the Dragon Ride and the bike hols, too.

I advised them that the indexing on the rear gears seemed to be out. Had a call about half an hour later asking if I'd come off the bike as the rear derraileur hanger was bent :smt103

No, I hadn't come off it and nor had I given it a whack that I can remember. I'm careful about stuff like that. I can only think that the bike was supplied/delivered like that (not by the LBS, btw) as there's no way that would have happened on a bike rack.

LBS advised that they had a special tool to straighten it and had done so. They also tightened the head-bearings. I'll see the damage when I pick the bike up tomorrow.

Remember folks, always get a new bike checked over a few weeks after first taking it out.

Lucky it wasn't Halfrauds Jabba. A mate at work has a care policy with them

£12 a year and they look after your bike, he's a mechanical numpty, so pays monkeys to do his work. Does not include parts :rolleyes:

We'll he took his bike in for them to have a look at. Sharp intake of breath by bike mechanic. You'll need new chain, cassette & BB sir, oh you want some new tyres too Sir :---):---):---)

So some £100 lighter in the wallet my mate was well and truely stung.

I'd fitted the cassette in the summer to a new wheel for him, so no way was that worn out. Chain needed changing after the winter and I would have changed the BB to a better one.

He got some lovely unbranded Chinese rubber for £15 each, cassette was £40, new chain was £20, BB £30 I think.

I was so cross with him.'Why didn't you speak to me before you allowed them to do this work' 'Because you were on holiday' was his feeble reply.

I was only in Norfolk, not anywhere exotic. Give me strength :rolleyes:

His bike was a Halfrauds £199 Carrera :rolleyes:

[454697819]

Right then you lot, I would like some advice if possible? I am aiming to be back on a bike in about 4 weeks as I am so unfit its unreal...

I would like to ride to work a couple of days a week to start with so a road bike would be a good idea, however I am torn between that and buying a hard tail MTB and and some slicker rubber, as I live not far from some fantastic trails and out in the country side the odd field ride sounds good!

Any advice would be welcome, budget between £300 & £500 max

I am not a brand snob, I would just like a reliable sensible bike..

Many thanks

Alex

[Jabba]

Well done Fizz - top stuff :thumbsup:

Jabba, is it your ride next weekend ? If so good luck mate.

Yep - Sunday morning me and eight other fatties off into the Valleys with 3500 proper cyclists :lol:

Not had a lot of luck over the weekend..... punctured on Saturday in the wet (why is it always wet?) and popped two replacement tubes trying to mend it. Ended up phoning for the domestic "broom wagon". Just 10 miles ridden.

Yesterday noticed that my rear brake was sticking on so couldn't ride. New cable fitted this morning. Now its raining :-(

Will do light work this week - maybe 10-20 miles each evening until Friday - and have Saturday off.

My energy bars/gels/drinks and recovery bars arrived this morning..... one of the gels had leaked insode the box. As ian Holloway said, "With the luck I'm having I could fall into a barrel of boobs and come up sucking my thumb" :lol:

[maviczap]

Right then you lot, I would like some advice if possible? I am aiming to be back on a bike in about 4 weeks as I am so unfit its unreal...

I would like to ride to work a couple of days a week to start with so a road bike would be a good idea, however I am torn between that and buying a hard tail MTB and and some slicker rubber, as I live not far from some fantastic trails and out in the country side the odd field ride sounds good!

Any advice would be welcome, budget between £300 & £500 max

I am not a brand snob, I would just like a reliable sensible bike..

Many thanks

Alex

Halfrauds will sell you one of their Carrera MTB's models for that sort of money, you'll get a Kraken easy peassy.

Specs for their bikes will be ok

If not they'll have a GT for that sort of money too.

If you want a bike that'll do both, then buy another set of wheels and put some slick tyres for riding to work. The only problem you'll find after a while is that the mountain bike gearing will be a bit low. But if you're unfit, it'll be fine for a while

[mattSV]

Not had a lot of luck over the weekend..... punctured on Saturday in the wet (why is it always wet?) and popped two replacement tubes trying to mend it. Ended up phoning for the domestic "broom wagon". Just 10 miles ridden.



When it rains, it washes more crap off the hedges/fields (thorns etc) in to the roads. It also seems to lift all the small bits of grit/glass etc that are usually ingrained in the surface of the tarmac.

When I used to run 18mm slick tyres, they gripped even in the wet however I used to get 3 or 4 punctures each ride :rolleyes:

[mattSV]

Right then you lot, I would like some advice if possible? I am aiming to be back on a bike in about 4 weeks as I am so unfit its unreal...

I would like to ride to work a couple of days a week to start with so a road bike would be a good idea, however I am torn between that and buying a hard tail MTB and and some slicker rubber, as I live not far from some fantastic trails and out in the country side the odd field ride sounds good!

Any advice would be welcome, budget between £300 & £500 max

I am not a brand snob, I would just like a reliable sensible bike..

Many thanks

Alex

Can you possibly squeeze an extra £50 - the Boardman Hardtail Sport from Halfwits is a hell of a lot of bike for £550:-

Clicky (http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtbht/ht_sport.html)

I have an opportunity to go for a new bike this year under the Cycle to Work scheme so will be going for the Pro version in September.

[maviczap]

When it rains, it washes more crap off the hedges/fields (thorns etc) in to the roads. It also seems to lift all the small bits of grit/glass etc that are usually ingrained in the surface of the tarmac.

When I used to run 18mm slick tyres, they gripped even in the wet however I used to get 3 or 4 punctures each ride :rolleyes:

Get some Continental Gatorskin tyres, good grip & vgood puncture resistance. Nothing is puncture proof, only solid tyres:rolleyes: can be puncture proof

[454697819]

Can you possibly squeeze an extra £50 - the Boardman Hardtail Sport from Halfwits is a hell of a lot of bike for £550:-

Clicky (http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtbht/ht_sport.html)

I have an opportunity to go for a new bike this year under the Cycle to Work scheme so will be going for the Pro version in September.

looks good,

I have found a website that does Kona & GT on 0% interest, whislt not ideal would suit me down to the ground at the moment, Plus may be able to push the boat further and go full susp.. I did like my last full susp bike :-)

[mattSV]

looks good,

I have found a website that does Kona & GT on 0% interest, whislt not ideal would suit me down to the ground at the moment, Plus may be able to push the boat further and go full susp.. I did like my last full susp bike :-)

Unless you are spending £1k plus, my recommendation would be to go for the best hardtail you can afford hardtail. 'Budget' FS bikes usually put price over quality/performance - i.e. they are very much built down to a budget (a bit like an Korean SV ;))

[454697819]

Unless you are spending £1k plus, my recommendation would be to go for the best hardtail you can afford hardtail. 'Budget' FS bikes usually put price over quality/performance - i.e. they are very much built down to a budget (a bit like an Korean SV ;))

Agreed, I was looking at nearly triple my original budget but I dont think i will be that daft, if i was going to spend that sort of money I should really get a mtb and a road bike!

the reviews of the Halwits bike looks good, I just don't like the idea of buying a bike from them!!

[Luckypants]

I would like to ride to work a couple of days a week to start with so a road bike would be a good idea, however I am torn between that and buying a hard tail MTB and and some slicker rubber, as I live not far from some fantastic trails and out in the country side the odd field ride sounds good!

Does your work do the Cycle to Work Scheme introduced by the last government to encourage folks onto bikes? If they do it is a great way to get a good bike a lot cheaper than you think. Take a look here (http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/) to get an idea of how much you can save.

[maviczap]

If you don't want to buy from Halfwits, then how about Wiggle, you can try their bikes before you buy I think

Plus they do bikes on the Cycle to Work scheme. Here's the page. Good savings to be made

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/cycletowork

[454697819]

sadly my work do not do the cycle to work scheme, they seemed confused and weirded out by the fact I even asked!

[Luckypants]

Yep, on longer rides, you'll probably need 2 small bottles or 2 large depending on how hot it is.

Snacking regularly on the ride will help, sweets like jelly beans or jelly babies are good, although too many will make you sick

Plenty of water / energy drink is key. When working you need to be drinking at least 500ml an hour and some sports physiologists will recommend 1 litre an hour. I always take two 750ml bottles and go through one every hour more or less. I think the average cyclist is pretty poor on this, often the lads I ride with have one bottle for a 4 hour ride! They drink when they are thirsty, but that is too late.

It was hot yesterday, so was sweating a lot. I got through 3 bottles in 3 hours (topped up bottle at the top of the Horseshoe Pass - loads of motorbikes there!) even though the pace was not high. Always have plenty of fluids with you.

[maviczap]

Plenty of water / energy drink is key. When working you need to be drinking at least 500ml an hour and some sports physiologists will recommend 1 litre an hour. I always take two 750ml bottles and go through one every hour more or less. I think the average cyclist is pretty poor on this, often the lads I ride with have one bottle for a 4 hour ride! They drink when they are thirsty, but that is too late.

+1

[Viney]

looks good,

I have found a website that does Kona & GT on 0% interest, whislt not ideal would suit me down to the ground at the moment, Plus may be able to push the boat further and go full susp.. I did like my last full susp bike :-)
Depending on the type of riding, and mainly road, then dont get a full susp bike. you spend half your effort pushing the bike up and down.

I have Canonndale Badboy hybrid, which on london roads i wished had the front suspension of its bigger mono forked brother, but i got this off the insurance so can't really complain. Compared to my old MTB, its soooo much easier to ride, and i can quite happliy cruise along at about 18-20mph on the flat without too much effort.

[Jabba]

@Mr Numbers:

If you're considering a road-bike then this will probably hit the mark:
http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p27449/Specialized-Allez-24-2010.aspx

Big-name manufacturer with big-name guarantees on frame & forks, both of which are good quality at this price. People love their Allez bikes, never heard a bad word about them :thumbsup:

Edit:
There are some decent Scott bikes in your price-range too:
http://www.wheelies.co.uk/Catalogue.aspx?sPrice=450&ePrice=599.99&catid=1&cName=Bikes&MakeID=626

I have 2010 Scott Speedster S20 and it's a better bike that I am rider. They do a S50 in in that price-range, and an S50FB which is the same bike but with flat-bars.

HTH

[7755matt]

I've got the S50 and Im really liking it. I know it's an entry level bike but I'm an entry level rider. I'm sure it will last me a good while

[fizzwheel]

the reviews of the Halwits bike looks good, I just don't like the idea of buying a bike from them!!

I know what you mean, but if they sell Boardmans IIRC they have to have some reasonably trained spanner monkies. Although I am not sure if this is always the case.

What you could do is buy the bike from them and then take it your local bike shop for a once over / setup. I know it will cost a little, but everybody I have seen with halfords bikes they bikes have been OK but the problems have been with the setup / build up of the bike rather than the bike itself ( gears not working etc etc )

As for tyres, its difficult. I run 23mm Continental Gp4000S's with the super light contentinal tubes. I am not a light person and I very rarely get puncutures, and these are a racey tyre. I think the trick is to use a decent quality tyre and tube and then keep them inflated to the right pressure and then dont ride in the gutter where all the dust, grit and general road cack accumulates and then you dont pick it up.

[Jabba]

I run 23mm Continental Gp4000S's with the super light contentinal tubes.....

..... with chavvy yellow dust caps ;-)

I put 23mm Conti GP4000S tyres on my noble steed at the weekend. Haven't tried 'em yet but online feedback is good. The bike looks faster with 'em on, though :thumbsup:

Going to see how effective they are with std conti tubes at resisting punctures before trying the superlight tubes. Last thing I want is a puncture half-way up the Rhigos. Or half-way down the other side, come to think of it :shock:

[fizzwheel]

You wont go wrong with them. I am on my 2nd set of them. Rolling resistance is good, feel and grip in the wet is good to, very confidence inspiring.

I did that ride at the weekend and had no punctures at all, the chap I was riding with has a Rubino Pro on the front and Michellin Pro Race 3 on the back and got 3 punctures in his rear tyre. Plenty of other people flatting left right and centre and I never had a problem. I dont know what the milleage is over the two sets, but I did the whole of 2008, 2009 and all of my training so far this year on them and I've only had two punctures, which is why I bought another set and I like the chavvy yellow dust caps on the continental tubes to :p

[fizzwheel]

and the photos are up from Saturday, this is me plodding up Cheddar Gorge, picture doesnt really describe just how awful the weather was...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/TOW.jpg

[maviczap]

+2 I fitted a pair to my Ultegra wheels the other week.

I've always had Conti's on my race bikes, never any punctures when racing, except for a front puncture on a Conti tub once

[maviczap]

and the photos are up from Saturday, this is me plodding up Cheddar Gorge, picture doesnt really describe just how awful the weather was...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/TOW.jpg

Yep looks downright awful, although nothing like stage 7 of the Giro

[fizzwheel]

Yep looks downright awful, although nothing like stage 7 of the Giro

Is that the stage with the mountain climb on what looked like white / brownish dirt or gravel and ended up with all the riders covered in mud. Looked worse that the cobbles on Paris Roubaix :cool:

[maviczap]

Is that the stage with the mountain climb on what looked like white / brownish dirt or gravel and ended up with all the riders covered in mud. Looked worse that the cobbles on Paris Roubaix :cool:

Yep, that's the one 6 & half hours in the pouring rain, the last 2 hours on the gravel tracks. The descriptions of how cold it was are quite scarey.

Only race I've seen worse muddy conditions was 1994 Paris - Roubaix.

Stage 11 was run in torrential rain from start to finish. Made it an interestiung Giro, except for the final outcome in Basso winning :smt099

[fizzwheel]

I dont normally watch the Giro, but I must admit I have really enjoyed this years coverage. Especially with Cuddles on the attack all the time. Really rode his heart out IMHO.

[maviczap]

Cuddles?

Cadel I'm your average friendly Aussie?

[fizzwheel]

Cuddles?

Cadel I'm your average friendly Aussie?

Yep thats the fellow. A thoroughly nice chap so I've heard as long as you dont touch his dog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fe79ZuDKfk&feature=related

or try and slow the bunch down when he's chasing a breakaway down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0R6CRJ1RtA&feature=related

[maviczap]

He was having fisty cuffs with one of the Lampre riders on the run in to one stage. Must have said something about the dog

[TazDaz]

If you don't want to buy from Halfwits, then how about Wiggle, you can try their bikes before you buy I think

Plus they do bikes on the Cycle to Work scheme. Here's the page. Good savings to be made

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/cycletowork

I got my Focus from wiggle about three years ago now and still haven't found a fault with it. The frame is suprisingly flexible at the rear, but in a good way, for a hardtail which helps take some of the edge off of the odd drop-off (single-track). Focus bikes always tend to come with a decent component set which is nice.

I'm doing Afan in Wales in a few months.

[Jabba]

Did 30 miles on Thursday night with a couple of long-ish hills and a very gentle 16 this morning just to loosen up and make sure the bike's okay.

Will check the bike over this afternoon, add 2nd water-bottle cage and lightweight pump and that's it. Bike being loaded this evening ready for super-early start tomorrow.

I have everything I need - energy bars, gels, drinks, spare tubes - kit washed and drying on line.

Breakfast sorted (Jordan's Super-Berry Granola and a couple of bananas). Am doing some carb-loading today and will be eating a bucket-full of kedgeree for tea. No alcohol until tomorrow night.

Have I forgotten anything? Other than to do more miles/hills in training, of course :lol:

Less than a day to go and absolutely bricking it :-(

[fizzwheel]

When you are checking your bike, just check all the bolts are tight and if you have one its quite handy to have a multi tool with you. I work on the assumption that if have it with me, Law of sod means I wont need to use it. Puncture repair kit can be handy to.

I reckon you have it all sorted. You'll be fine. When its gets hard or challenging those are the things that you remember afterwards. So just keep your head down and push through it.

Dont go to fast at the start, just take the first few miles at a sensible pace and dont get sucked into riding flat out. You will pay for it later. Drink little and often and make sure you remember to eat regularly before you do.

You'll be fine, good luck.

[Jabba]

Cheers Fizz :thumbsup:

Starting to feel a bit better about things now. Had a bit of a snooze this afternoon which has helped.

Have everything I need laid out ready for the morning. 2 tubes, two drink sachets, 4 energy bars, 4 gels, multi-tool, waterproof bag with some cash in, mobile. Bike and tyres given once-over.

81 miles awaits, must of it uphill. Will report in tomorrow evening. If I've finished by then :lol:

[maviczap]

Good luck from me too.

At least you've not been ill like I have, which would have put the scuppers on your ride.

Bloody sinus infection, following a cold. So haven't ridden my bike since 19th May, as I was away on a training course from the 22nd, then fell ill with the cold, followed by the other.:hackedoff:

Still on anti biotics :(

[Jabba]

At least you've not been ill like I have, which would have put the scuppers on your ride.

Not quite true, had a hospital trip in mid-January followed by 10 days off work and then two courses of antibiotics for chest infections in April/May. Still occasionally coughing up gunk but feel better now than I have done for about 6 months.

Hope you feel better soon - it's horrible being unwell.

Off to my pit now, hopefully for a good night's kip. Will post here tomorrow evening with what hopefully won't be a tale of woe :-D

[Quiff Wichard]

can I join this forum please.....

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/05062010044.jpg

[Quiff Wichard]

oh and good luck jabba ... hope it not too hot.

[mattSV]

can I join this forum please.....

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/05062010044.jpg

It is my thread, so NO, sod off ;)

ps - where is my phonecall :rolleyes: