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maviczap
15-02-12, 05:02 PM
I swapped a few bits around the other day, spent the best part of the morning fitting a pair of 10 speed 105 levers to my Litespeed.

These are the new hidden cable ones, which were an Ebay purchase last year sometime. Came without instructions, man were they a pain to fit the gear cables to.

I'm thinking about a nice light pair of wheels for my Wilier, but no funds at present.

stewie
16-02-12, 06:47 AM
What would you regular bi cyclist's reckon would be the longest you would commute to work on your bikes ?

maviczap
16-02-12, 08:50 AM
What would you regular bi cyclist's reckon would be the longest you would commute to work on your bikes ?

Depends on if you work shifts and the kind of route you have to ride as well,plus most important, is the facilities at your work place to get showered after your ride in.

EssexDave
16-02-12, 08:57 AM
On occasion I ride 20 miles into work, give or take a few.

The short way is about 8 mile which is too short but as I work flexi time, it's better for me to rush in as I can leave earlier :D

8 miles takes on average about 24/25 minutes without going flat out. I would potentially do more than 20 but would need a day off inbetween for sure as my legs don't recover that fast yet!

As Mavi said, a lot of it comes down to you and your route. If you're reasonably fit and just starting cycling I'd say anywhere up to 15 miles would be okay - just be prepared to start slow.

One of my friends recently started commuting 15 miles each way. He started by cycling one way in and then getting the train home to build up his fitness. Now (after a few months) he cycles in and home 3 days a week and says he loves it.

Great way to destress before/after a days work I find.

maviczap
16-02-12, 09:04 AM
Also depends on your job, and how physical it is, I know there are some days I wouldn't like the idea of having to ride home,even though I only live 5 miles away. But I do 12hr shifts, so doesn't help my motivation to ride in.

Some of my colleagues do it once or twice a week in the summer but no more than that.

It would spoil my enjoyment of my cycling, if I rode into work everyday, but like Dave says it is a good way to de-stress

Dicky Ticker
16-02-12, 09:06 AM
Destress--------------surely you mean distress:)

EssexDave
16-02-12, 12:38 PM
It would spoil my enjoyment of my cycling, if I rode into work everyday, but like Dave says it is a good way to de-stress


I should point out that I rarely cycle to work everyday and normally I'll do 3 days a week in summer but tend to do some longer cycles home.

I can cycle into work faster than I can drive in the car, and marginally slower than the motorbike. It can be annoying when you're at work and the weather changes and it starts tipping with rain.

The bike you have will also make a huge difference - a mountain bike with full suspension and knobly tyres on will make the whole thing a lot harder over road, whereas a decent hybrid or road bike will make the ride a lot easier.

stewie
16-02-12, 01:14 PM
Cheers guys, thinking of buying a bike to help with my fitness and to give my knees a bit of a rest from running, I work approx 14 miles from home and was thinking of using the bike a couple of time's a week, I work perm nights on a 4 on and 4 off basis so was going to use it on night 2 and 4, well thats the plan anyway, just got to get the bike now, cheers :)

Luckypants
16-02-12, 01:25 PM
The Etape du Cymru...Well I wouldn't bother if it is organised by the same crowd as last year, all the tales of roads not closed, no food, no marshals, no directions etc. are true. If you want to do the route, come up for a weekend and ride it yourself.

I can recommend the Wild Wales sportive (http://www.wildwaleschallenge.com/) though, but it is a bally hard route this year! Luckily for me it is after the trip to the Alps, so maybe the climbs won't feel quite as bad!

454697819
16-02-12, 02:16 PM
I only do 6 miles a day each way, and its still well worth it, lost over a stone last year and now the weather is better I cycle everyday I don't need my car,

I shower before I leave and wash when I get there with no complaints yet.

any exercise is good exercise..

stewie
16-02-12, 02:25 PM
God, I thought choosing running shoes was hard enough, Im now trying to choose a bike, saw the article in cycling + the other day and quite fancy a Ribble sportive 7005 then I started looking round at alternatives, trek, cannondale, speciallized etc and now more confused than ever :) need something comfy for riding home after a 12 hr night shift so kinda heading towards a sportive bike (?) and something I could maybe do a duathlon on later in the year, byw did you guys use your local dealer to buy your bikes or go to the big boys like wiggle , chain reaction etc ? I know a good local dealer can set a bike up better than a mail order firm but just wondering
Cheers

maviczap
16-02-12, 02:33 PM
The Ribble is a fine bike, nothing wrong with them or your other choices.

Just set your budget.

The big online places usually beat local dealers on price, but some locals will do a price match, which is how Luckypants got his MTB I think.

With mail order you'll have to do the setting up yourself, but not too difficult.

Halfords Boardman range are also well specc'd so don't discount them either + you can get 3% back via Qudco

stewie
16-02-12, 02:42 PM
Thanks mate, just waiting for a cheque to drop through the letterbox and I'm away, happy days :)

pookie
16-02-12, 02:43 PM
You could also check if your employer does a cycle to work scheme. It may be a cost effective option of buying a bike.

Luckypants
16-02-12, 02:43 PM
which is how Luckypants got his MTB I thinkNot quite, small bike shop near London had a blinding deal on it so I drove down to get one.... what I should have done is get local Evans bike shop to price match! LOL

I have a Ribble Gran Fondo Stewie. They are a very good bike and the sportive should be all day comfy. They will set it up for you if you pick it up from the shop (sorry factory outlet) and they are only up the road from you in Preston...

stewie
16-02-12, 02:47 PM
You could also check if your employer does a cycle to work scheme. It may be a cost effective option of buying a bike.
I dont know if they do tbh, I'm in the process of being taken back in house by Matalan as wincanton logistics are being booted of the contract atm, will have to check it out as soon as we know whats happening :)

stewie
16-02-12, 02:48 PM
Not quite, small bike shop near London had a blinding deal on it so I drove down to get one.... what I should have done is get local Evans bike shop to price match! LOL

I have a Ribble Gran Fondo Stewie. They are a very good bike and the sportive should be all day comfy. They will set it up for you if you pick it up from the shop (sorry factory outlet) and they are only up the road from you in Preston...
Didnt realise Evans were local, will have to check em out next week while Im off, cheers Mike :)
Edit: Evans ? where did that come from ?;)

Luckypants
16-02-12, 02:53 PM
I think the closest Evans is Manchester Stewie. Ribble are in Preston. Both have good websites to choose and order before going to pick up to save P&P and get bike set up.

stewie
16-02-12, 02:55 PM
I think the closest Evans is Manchester Stewie. Ribble are in Preston. Both have good websites to choose and order before going to pick up to save P&P and get bike set up.
Sorry, Ive got every cycling website in the uk tabbed atm and confusing myself there a bit, no change there then, think ribble may be the way forward tbh

Dipper
16-02-12, 03:30 PM
Another one to consider is the Tifosi CK7, had mine since August and been really really pleased, very comfortable on all day rides etc.

maviczap
16-02-12, 03:40 PM
Any of these bikes that are specc'd for Sportive rides should have sufficient clearance to fit mudguards and this time of year I wouldn't be them, so consider this when making a purchase.

Carbon forks & seatpost might seem a bit OTT, but they do take the buzz out of the road = more comfort + slightly lighter bike

If your bike has clearance for mudguards, then you can fit bigger tyres = more comfort.

But don't expect the plush ride of a Rolls Royce :D

Dipper
16-02-12, 03:52 PM
+1 for mudguards, even if you don't ride in the rain the roads are often wet this time of year and they'll save your drivetrain from a load of crud.

If you've got stuff to carry you may want to consider whether you want a rack, lots of bikes dont have mounts, some people are happy with a backpack and some prefer the load on the bike.

maviczap
16-02-12, 03:58 PM
+1 for mudguards, even if you don't ride in the rain the roads are often wet this time of year and they'll save your drivetrain from a load of crud.

If you've got stuff to carry you may want to consider whether you want a rack, lots of bikes dont have mounts, some people are happy with a backpack and some prefer the load on the bike.

Another point in favour of a sportive frame, it will usually have rack mounts brazed on the rear triangle.

stewie
16-02-12, 04:02 PM
Tbh I normally carried a rucksack when I was on the SV/ Daytona etc but always had it in the back of my mind the damage caused in an off so may have to look into a rack

fizzwheel
16-02-12, 04:22 PM
I use a rucksack on my commute.

My mobile phone and keys go in it, along with my socks, boxers and T-shirt or work short and thats pretty much it.

Heavy awkward stuff I leave under my desk. i.e. Shoes and Jeans so that I dont have to carry them in and out each day so I keep the weight down thats on my back.

Dipper
16-02-12, 04:47 PM
Heavy awkward stuff I leave under my desk. i.e. Shoes and Jeans so that I dont have to carry them in and out each day
Same for me I carry very little, my commute is 11 miles and found that my back would get really sweaty with even a light pack, which I found uncomfortable. As soon as I got the rack I found I was pushing harder on the ride in, enjoying it more and was more comfortable, it really is a matter of preference.

EssexDave
17-02-12, 10:02 AM
If you're not having a shower when you get to work and just a quick wash - get a rack.

A backpack will make your back sweaty (but I use one as I have a shower at work).

EssexDave
17-02-12, 10:04 AM
Oh and if anybody would like to join me signing up for the Wild Wales Challenge.

maviczap
17-02-12, 11:51 AM
I can recommend the Wild Wales sportive (http://www.wildwaleschallenge.com/) though, but it is a bally hard route this year! Luckily for me it is after the trip to the Alps, so maybe the climbs won't feel quite as bad!

Join Mike on it, I can't because I'm working that weekend and I can't book any holiday during the Olympics & Paralympics period.

EssexDave
17-02-12, 02:09 PM
Join Mike on it, I can't because I'm working that weekend and I can't book any holiday during the Olympics & Paralympics period.


That's a shame. It looks like an epic ride and as a major hill sufferer I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Dipper
17-02-12, 04:33 PM
That's a shame. It looks like an epic ride and as a major hill sufferer I'm looking forward to the challenge.

.......I'll start looking for a compact and an MTB cassette.

fizzwheel
18-02-12, 03:02 PM
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/a7828015.jpg

maviczap
18-02-12, 03:39 PM
Ha Ha excellent Fizz

fizzwheel
18-02-12, 04:15 PM
Found it on bike radar... but it did make me chuckle.

Dont forget track cycling this weekend from London at the Olympic Velodrome.

Tonight on BBC2 from 7pm...

maviczap
18-02-12, 04:30 PM
Yep saw some last night, missed the World records being broken, its a fast track for sure.

I nearly went, as I got an email from Ticketmaster with tickets for sale, but when I went to the site they hadn't been released, so I forgot about it.

Still they'll be more events in the future

mattSV
19-02-12, 11:26 AM
My brother was there last night - git.

Luckypants
20-02-12, 10:18 AM
Oh and if anybody would like to join me signing up for the Wild Wales Challenge.Already booked on with my riding buddies. If you sign up and want someone to ride with you are very welcome to join us.

.......I'll start looking for a compact and an MTB cassette.

Not a bad idea, Church Hill will have almost everyone walking and with the final challenge being Bwlch-y-Groes with close to 75 hard miles in your legs, it will be a bitch. I struggled last year on compact with 25-13 cassette.

EssexDave
20-02-12, 10:19 AM
Already booked on with my riding buddies. If you sign up and want someone to ride with you are very welcome to join us.

Would be nice. I'll probably get a hotel the night before.

(Read hotel as cardboard box by the startpoint).

Luckypants
20-02-12, 10:24 AM
Can probably help out with somewhere to stay too.... ;)

Put your club down as CRAPI Wheelers then :D (that's Chris, Ron, Al, Paul and Ian our founding fathers...)

maviczap
20-02-12, 10:43 AM
I struggled last year on compact with 25-13 cassette.

It will be different this year after the Alps, storming up there like Armstrong :D

EssexDave
20-02-12, 12:39 PM
Can probably help out with somewhere to stay too.... ;)

Put your club down as CRAPI Wheelers then :D (that's Chris, Ron, Al, Paul and Ian our founding fathers...)


Will do ty.

Will also PM you nearer the time about accomodation. If it comes to it I'll get a cheap B&B.

Luckypants
20-02-12, 01:26 PM
It will be different this year after the Alps, storming up there like Armstrong :DCheck out the route profile mate, it will be tough. Also Bwlch-y-Groes is a killer, the real climb starting with a 25% on a hairpin, easing to 20% for the next 1.5km and then 25% for the last 500m.... never done it from that side, so will have to have a do for practice. ;)

stewie
20-02-12, 01:43 PM
Not quite, small bike shop near London had a blinding deal on it so I drove down to get one.... what I should have done is get local Evans bike shop to price match! LOL

I have a Ribble Gran Fondo Stewie. They are a very good bike and the sportive should be all day comfy. They will set it up for you if you pick it up from the shop (sorry factory outlet) and they are only up the road from you in Preston...
Just been loking at the gran fondo Mike, but a bit out of my price range unforunately, the only thing im concerned about is the pedals, Ive never used the clip in ones, used the old ratcatcher style and still always kept one slighlty looser than the other, not sure whether to bite the bullet, seems a shame to spend money on a bike and then not be able to get the most out of it, I believe some pedals are more novice friendly than others , any ideas guys ?

fizzwheel
20-02-12, 02:26 PM
I believe some pedals are more novice friendly than others , any ideas guys ?

Look for SPD's these are generally in my experience, much easier to clip in and out of than a normal / traditional road shoe / pedal combination.

I wouldnt get to hung about going clipless, it sounds more daunting than it is, just takes a bit of forward planning and some practise and then clipping in / clipping out will become 2nd nature and you wont think about it anymore.

SPD's have the advantage that you can walk about in them as well.

If the gran fondo is out of your price range, I ride with a mate who has a Evo Carbon from Ribble, well spec'd for the budget and he really likes his...

stewie
20-02-12, 02:32 PM
spd's ? I'll go check em out, I'm probably worrying about nothing tbh, btw this is the bike I was looking at http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bikebuilder.asp?action=GenerateConstructor&part=BB12RIBSPORTIVE7005&sub=conf_BBRA&bike=1

Luckypants
20-02-12, 02:34 PM
Make sure you look at SPD-SL road pedals, not SPD MTB pedals :D

maviczap
20-02-12, 02:37 PM
Check out the route profile mate, it will be tough. Also Bwlch-y-Groes is a killer, the real climb starting with a 25% on a hairpin, easing to 20% for the next 1.5km and then 25% for the last 500m.... never done it from that side, so will have to have a do for practice. ;)

Never mind a compact chainset, get a dinner plate sized sprocket on the cassette and a triple up the front :D

Dipper
20-02-12, 02:38 PM
I believe some pedals are more novice friendly than others , any ideas guys ?
+1 on spd's, you can set the release tension too, on my commuter it's set low so I can get my feet unclipped with a good pull, while you're getting used to them this is the best way to have them and you shouldn't have too many embaressing moments;)

Dipper
20-02-12, 02:39 PM
Never mind a compact chainset, get a dinner plate sized sprocket on the cassette and a triple up the front :D
...... plus a 14 speed Rolhoff hub for good measure;)

krhall
23-02-12, 06:09 PM
well i have my bike back ready to ride...just not sure I can be bothered anymore after a month on the train!

maviczap
23-02-12, 06:17 PM
Went out today, I was too hot with my winter stuff on.

Think of the nice weather that's just round the corner

Dipper
23-02-12, 09:47 PM
Went out today, I was too hot with my winter stuff on.

Think of the nice weather that's just round the corner
Weather looks good for the weekend can't wait to get out, even looks dry in Wales Mavi:)

maviczap
23-02-12, 10:01 PM
Yep :smt040

krhall
24-02-12, 04:13 PM
can anyone recommend me a turbo trainer type thingy!

Jabba
24-02-12, 07:23 PM
can anyone recommend me a turbo trainer type thingy!

Depends on yer budget :thumbsup:

fizzwheel
24-02-12, 07:34 PM
can anyone recommend me a turbo trainer type thingy!

I've got a Cyclops Fluid 2, its quiet ish and works OK, It feels reasonably like riding on the road and I've had 5 years trouble free use out of it. It wasnt cheap though.

Any of the Tacx ones would do the job, if you want cheaper, then look for a magnetic one.

Personally... spring is on the way and it was only really getting properly dark tonight here at 6:30 ish coupled with the fact that whilst the Turbo is OK, its not as good training wise as riding on the road with. At this time of the year I;'d not bother with it...

mattSV
24-02-12, 08:30 PM
I've got a tacx satori on offer at CRC at the moment for £145 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=2812&ModelID=15805&PartnerID=2812&awc=2698_1330115317_7cfbb60f37f3282993533006fb6795 b9)

Stable enough to get out of the saddle, 10 resistance levels, smooth and not too noisy - recommended

maviczap
26-02-12, 07:02 PM
I've got an Elite fluid turbo trainer, I had a magnetic one, but no where near as good as the fluid ones.

But I agree with Fizz, its the wrong time of year to be buying one, unless you pick up an end of season bargain

maviczap
27-02-12, 10:21 AM
I've been very naughty, but I didn't buy this too much work required :confused:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140712044261&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1123#ht_500wt_1361

stewie
27-02-12, 11:10 AM
Might sound like a daft question but is achilles tendonitis an injury that cyclists suffer from ? I already have it and its getting to the point that i'm seriously thinking of packing in running , just wondering if cycling might be kinder on my ankles ?
ta

maviczap
27-02-12, 11:14 AM
Might sound like a daft question but is achilles tendonitis an injury that cyclists suffer from ? I already have it and its getting to the point that i'm seriously thinking of packing in running , just wondering if cycling might be kinder on my ankles ?
ta

No, I haven't and in general cycling is a low impact sport, although not if you fall off!

Drew Carey
27-02-12, 11:23 AM
Might sound like a daft question but is achilles tendonitis an injury that cyclists suffer from ? I already have it and its getting to the point that i'm seriously thinking of packing in running , just wondering if cycling might be kinder on my ankles ?
ta

From my experience, most injuries in cycling tend to be pull's and twists from over extensions or ankles going the wrong way etc.......

So cycling should be better for you. Yes you may have a little discomfort to begin with but should help.

stewie
27-02-12, 11:44 AM
Cheers guys, the thing is the older you get the more injuries you pick up and the longer it takes to heal them, just waiting for the post to drop thru the letterbox now with a ppi claim cheque inside and I'm good to go, still fancy the ribble 7005 sportive so once im brewstered I'll be going to have a look :D

Luckypants
27-02-12, 12:01 PM
although not if you fall off!How are the ribs today? :reaper:

maviczap
27-02-12, 12:05 PM
Still sore mate, takes longer to heal as you get older :(

maviczap
27-02-12, 12:21 PM
Plus the rest of the family have a cold or flu, I don't know which although the youngest had a max temp of 39 deg yesterday and was hallucinating last night.

But she's much better today, everyone else is ill or bruised :(

pookie
27-02-12, 09:56 PM
Here is a pic of my cobbled together bike :) ..been doing some light road work.

The orange tape was an after thought that will prob change sometime.
http://sv650org.homeip.net/images/sv650/aeos1.jpg

Hopefully a rideout with Essexdave and Dipper :) once I shift a few lbs ;)

maviczap
27-02-12, 10:07 PM
Orange tape don't look bad, nice contrast.

Is it a Principa? Can't quite read the frame name?

Venom
27-02-12, 10:19 PM
Orange tape don't look bad, nice contrast.

Is it a Principa? Can't quite read the frame name?

Looks like Pinnacle to me

Dipper
27-02-12, 10:43 PM
The orange tape was an after thought that will prob change sometime.
Hopefully a rideout with Essexdave and Dipper :) once I shift a few lbs ;)

Orange is just so you, you could respray the frame to match;)

EssexDave
28-02-12, 11:08 AM
Orange is just so you, you could respray the frame to match;)


So all his bikesare orange....borrrrring.

You should come out this weekend :)

pookie
28-02-12, 11:32 AM
Yep you can see the running theme of orange but it makes it a bit loud. I bought the frame in the evans sale and its a pinnacle ( evans own brand) aeos carbon. Bolted a frankenstein mix of ultegra tiagra with 105 shifters.

Feels weird riding a road bike after 20 odd years and never fully appreciated how much a difference it would be after hauling a fs around.

stewie
28-02-12, 02:23 PM
Just been to my local bike shop and been £100 off a 2012 Felt F95, I can have it for £575, seems like a good deal and I believe Felt are a pretty good make, very tempted, anyone have any experience of Felt at all ?

http://www.feltbicycles.com/International/2012/Road/F-Series/F95.aspx

Jabba
28-02-12, 04:31 PM
I believe Felt are a pretty good make

Felt are an excellent make. Make some luvverly bikes.

Compare the weight/spec with others before you buy - loads of 2011 bikes in various sales online...

E.g: http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/specializedallez24roadbike2012-sale.aspx?&id=17137

Or the Compact version:
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/specializedallez16roadbike2012-sale.aspx?&id=17136

Really good frame so worth upgrading the components should the bug get you at a later date ;-)

stewie
28-02-12, 04:36 PM
Cheers mate, will have a look :D

Jabba
28-02-12, 04:43 PM
Cheers mate, will have a look :D

The Felt has slightly better spec/drivetrain, but the Allez probably has the better frame.

Nothing in it...... if you like the Felt then go for it :-)

Treacle
28-02-12, 08:10 PM
Just been to my local bike shop and been £100 off a 2012 Felt F95, I can have it for £575, seems like a good deal and I believe Felt are a pretty good make, very tempted, anyone have any experience of Felt at all ?

http://www.feltbicycles.com/International/2012/Road/F-Series/F95.aspx

Hay Stewie, I bagged myself a 2012 Felt Q520 about a month ago and it's been superb. Very light, very well built (even if it had a sticker saying made in Cambodia) and from the odd spill, pretty tough. Well recommended.

maviczap
28-02-12, 08:22 PM
If it were me, I'd go for the Specialized, but only because its got Shimano rather than Microshift gears.

Are Microshift ok, from what I've read, they're not as good. But I don't know much about them

fizzwheel
28-02-12, 08:25 PM
I'd buy the Felt, purely on the basis that whenever I go on a sportive, everybody has a Specialised or a Trek and Felts are a little less common and I dont like following the crowd.

Nothing wrong with the Specialised though, damn good bikes, theres a reason so many people have them.

fizzwheel
28-02-12, 09:20 PM
Upped my mileage, so now I have tired legs and also I'm starving hungry all the time.

Making the most of the dry weather, been a bit cold the last couple of days, but enjoying my cycling again and its helping me deal with high stress level at work, if I've had a bad day by the time I get home I've de-stressed.

maviczap
28-02-12, 10:02 PM
The good weather (meaning short sleeves) is just around the corner

Dipper
01-03-12, 06:02 PM
The good weather (meaning short sleeves) is just around the corner
Went out last night 32 miles, a perfect still, clear evening and 12 degrees .....heaven:D:D:D

maviczap
01-03-12, 06:56 PM
Yes, and the weekend weather forecast is rain & rain, although my battered body is still recovering from my fall last Saturday, so I'm not too bothered.

Lets hope the weathers good next week when I'm off

MR UKI (1)
01-03-12, 10:38 PM
I'd buy the Felt, purely on the basis that whenever I go on a sportive, everybody has a Specialised or a Trek and Felts are a little less common and I dont like following the crowd.

Nothing wrong with the Specialised though, damn good bikes, theres a reason so many people have them.

+1 on the Specialized, I got this one last year and loving it :D

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Allez-Sport-18-2011-Road-Bike_37624.htm

Luckypants
02-03-12, 10:28 AM
Yes, and the weekend weather forecast is rain & rain,
:D CRAPI ride called for Saturday, 50 miles of splashing through puddles on the faithful winter bike.... Gives me an extra week to sort out a service and new chain on the Fondo...

although my battered body is still recovering from my fall last Saturday, so I'm not too bothered.Still sore? Bugger! :( Hope its nowt more than bruises...


PS Mel's brother remembers your team....

Venom
02-03-12, 05:14 PM
Felt are an excellent make. Make some luvverly bikes.

Compare the weight/spec with others before you buy - loads of 2011 bikes in various sales online...



There's other makes like Tifosi and Raleigh on offer as well.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35559

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/raleigh-airlite-300-2011/

maviczap
02-03-12, 05:16 PM
Still sore? Bugger! :( Hope its nowt more than bruises...

A bit less sore today, but I had the mother of all days at work yesterday, just because I didn't have the flexibility to get into the places I normally have to get into. Its bad enough when I'm fully fit, so working with a sore back was unpleasant to say the least.

But a Radox bath, curry & a beer helped last night. :D

If it doesn't improve, its off to the quack or physio :(




PS Mel's brother remembers your team....

Ha Ha LOL

maviczap
02-03-12, 05:18 PM
There's other makes like Tifosi and Raleigh on offer as well.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35559

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/raleigh-airlite-300-2011/

The Tifosi have a good rep, if i remember and the frame is similar to my Raliegh which is quite a nice ride in 7005 tubing

maviczap
02-03-12, 06:19 PM
Another couple of entry level bikes

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Bikes/Road+Bikes/Merlin+Road+Bikes/Merlin+Maven+Road+Bike_MERLIN-MAVEN.htm

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Bikes/Road+Bikes/Merlin+Road+Bikes/Merlin+S2200+Road+Bike_MERLIN-S2200.htm

stewie
04-03-12, 11:08 AM
Hey guys, just wanted to say thanks for the advice offered on buying my first road bike, I'm picking up a Felt F95 with Shimano tora groupset on monday, it was a toss up between that and a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 but the Felt won out in the end, so cheers guys, much appreciated :)

MR UKI (1)
04-03-12, 11:18 AM
Hey guys, just wanted to say thanks for the advice offered on buying my first road bike, I'm picking up a Felt F95 with Shimano tora groupset on monday, it was a toss up between that and a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 but the Felt won out in the end, so cheers guys, much appreciated :)

Mmmmm Bianchi, I nearly opted for same one, but price difference was about £150 as I got some knocked off the Specialized. Good choice with the Felt, enjoy :D:D:D

stewie
04-03-12, 11:24 AM
yeah there was quite a difference in price between the Bianchi and the Felt and in fairness the shop was prepared to offer both bikes for the same price but overall the Felt was the better bet, looking forward to picking it up tomorrow, cosmetically the Bianchi looked the dogs as well.

fizzwheel
04-03-12, 11:25 AM
Enjoy your new bike, nothing beats that shiney new bike feeling :D

maviczap
04-03-12, 12:17 PM
Yep new bike lovely, enjoy once the weather improves :(

Venom
04-03-12, 12:36 PM
Enjoy the new shiny!

Jabba
04-03-12, 12:39 PM
Yep, nice bike indeed. Enjoy :-)

Luckypants
05-03-12, 09:56 AM
Nice one Stewie and it's a nice day for a maiden voyage....

stewie
07-03-12, 10:57 AM
Woo hoo, finally got out on the bike today, decided to have a short run out to get used to the gears etc, did 5.73 miles @ an average of 12.82 mph, not rapid of course but its a start I suppose, hoping to start commuting up to work soon (16.5 miles each way ) so need to get out and get a bit of proper riding in soon, its good fun though and for the first time in nearly 12 months my achilles isnt screaming at me :D happy days

maviczap
07-03-12, 11:03 AM
Lucky you, I stayed in all day yesterday, waiting for a fecking courier to collect something.

No wind, almost warm, occasional sunny spells, contrary to the weather forcast.

But of course he didn't call, even though I saw him dive past twice.

So I could have gone out for a ride.

So I'm waiting for him to call again today, at least the weather is foul today, like my mood

stewie
07-03-12, 11:35 AM
saying that I did managae to rip the ar$e out of my running tights when getting on for the first time, had em for years as well, better get the needle and thread out I suppose ;)