The Cycling Thread

[EssexDave]

Anybody else itching to get out for a decent ride with some sun?

I'm hoping the weekend of 24/25th March is nice as I'm at Snetterton for BEMSEE meet and weather permitting will do a few laps myself after all the racing Saturday. Lovely road surface to cycle on, shame all the roads are quite like that!

[maviczap]

Anybody else itching to get out for a decent ride with some sun?

Could have done that yesterday, still waiting for the fecking courier!

[Luckypants]

Anybody else itching to get out for a decent ride with some sun?Managed to dodge the showers last Saturday for a hilly 53 miler, so plenty of sun but wet roads, my bike was minging when we got back.

[EssexDave]

Could have done that yesterday, still waiting for the fecking courier!

Whilst you're waiting read my PM :P

[maviczap]

Whilst you're waiting read my PM :P

Have done, just thinking about it, whilst its hammering down outside

[EssexDave]

Haha no rush - I won't be selling them for a while anyway so let me know if you can't find anything else.

[Venom]

Anybody else itching to get out for a decent ride with some sun?

I'm hoping the weekend of 24/25th March is nice as I'm at Snetterton for BEMSEE meet and weather permitting will do a few laps myself after all the racing Saturday. Lovely road surface to cycle on, shame all the roads are quite like that!

Yes, I haven't ridden my new bike yet even though I got it weeks ago. Actually it's over 100 miles away so even if the sun did come out I couldn't test out the local road surfaces.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/issues/Attempt.jpg

[ravingdavis]

I'm finally getting my backside back on the road bike after a few years off. Got my Madone out of the garage and serviced it, just got some new tyres to put on and them I'm good to go, plan to get back from work at a decent time on Friday and do a nice steady few miles.

[EssexDave]

That is a nice cube

[maviczap]

That is a nice cube

+1

[maviczap]

Me. I've cycled about 20 miles since Jul 17th last year. I fell off whilst making my way down some slippery rock steps on the moors above Haworth and the problem was........I then had to pedal about 15 miles back to the motor by which time I was in some considerable pain. Lot's of expensive chiropractor visits (my chiropractor also looks after Vettel/Webber during the F1 season) have got me back on the motorbike and, as I'm self-employed, I've had to keep on working but no pedalling as yet.
I've a Pashley Guv'nor gathering dust in the garage, as well as a Specialised Langster Fixie, a Wilier Triestina Lavaredo and a Marin hardtail all leaning forlornly in the cellar.
I've been given a load of Pilates exercises to strengthen the core muscles around the midriff and they certainly seem to be making a difference to the mobility. Maybe I'll try a few miles on the roadie, typing this seems to have motivated me.:)

Well that's 2 Wilier owners in this thread.

Having taken a tumble the other weekend on my MTB I feel your pain, as my aches & pains have only just gone so I can sleep at night.

Back to the road for me too

[Small Clanger]

Well, I rather enjoyed that. 10 miles over the bypass and back with a couple of long inclines. No serious aches, legs OK. Should soon get back into it.
Just before my accident I'd done the Acorn 100k and I'd been doing about 250/300k per week before that so I was probably fitter than I'd ever been.
My motivation is to get some fitness back before my track day at Snetterton with the SV.

[maviczap]

You look as old as me SC!

http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=501&pictureid=6107

[Small Clanger]

You look as old as me SC!

http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=501&pictureid=6107
I'm around the same age as that Chevy in your avatar. :)

[maviczap]

Older than me then, not by much :D

[maviczap]

Well I was totally baffled last night. Walking around Temple Meads station in Bristol last night, I spied a rider on a nice Principa bike, not just any bike, but a TT bike, tri bars with gear leavers on the ends of the bars. Lo profile handlebars, Spinnergy wheels front and rear, he had full Star Bucks coffee team kit on with leg & arm warmers.:confused:

Now I'm sure the RTTC don't run evening TT's in the middle of Bristols in March. It was bizzare, he didn't help himself by not having any lights, as it was dark when I saw him. WTF :confused:

[stewie]

I took the bike out for a longer spin yesterday, got about 4 miles in and got the worst cramp ever in my right calf, felt like I'd been shot, had 5 mins and set off again, 8 miles in it came back but this time in my left calf and almost fell off cos I couldnt get my foot out of the cage had another 5 mins and set off again only to get it in both calves at the same time at the 10 mile mark and had to kinda crash into someones fence cos I couldnt get either of my feet out :D what a plonker anyway got 11 miles in and really enjoyed it, onwards and upwards

[rob13]

I seem to have crushed nerves in my feet. Had problems with the right big toe, which would produce shooting pains if I rubbed the top of my foot, and now thats gone, have developed sharp pains down the outside of my right foot if I stretch out and twist my foot inwards. Not sure if its the cleat position or potentially the shoes being not right for me.

[Luckypants]

YAY! :smt041 Went out on my summer bike this weekend!

WOW! How different it feels to my winter bike, light, responsive fast.... :grin: My mate had his new Dogma out, what a machine that is! Unfortunately could not have a go since he has Look pedals and I ride Shimano...

A right hilly ride though, including the 'Roller Coaster' 20% for a mile.. wasn't as bad as feared and I made it up relatively easily. :cool:

Roll on the summer!

[EssexDave]

On my ModI currently have a triple which is just a pain in the bloody a$$.

It is very noisy and despite taking it to the LBS it never seems to be set up properly.

I don't really need the triple - I believe it's a 34/39/50 and on the rear is an 11-25.

I'd quite like to give a 34/50 compact a go with an 11-28 or 12-27(8?).

However, WOW is it expensive.

I know I can keep the triple levers but don't like the idea of the extra click doing nothing,. To buy the whole groupset of 105s is about £400, or if I just purchase the bits I need, it's about £380 which is still riddiculous.

Why oh why did I ask them to fit a triple... :S

Anyway, any ideas?

[fizzwheel]

You could always take off the triple and associated levers, flog it all on ebay and then put that money towards the compact.

My Van Nic had the extra click on the LHS shifter, TBH once I got used to it I never noticed it was there...

[Luckypants]

I know I can keep the triple levers but don't like the idea of the extra click doing nothing,.

Keep the triple lever, you soon get used to it. My winter bike was converted from a triple before I bought it, I never notice any problem.

[maviczap]

As the others have said, keep the triple levers, it'll give you the ability to trim the front mech for any gear combination.

I did the opposite on my Litespeed, when I used a double Sti gear lever to work a triple, only on weird gear combinations did I get any chain rub on the front mech. I'd changed the angle of the front mech by moving it round the hanger by a few degrees and then tightening it up.

This was always the problem with Shimano's method of indexing the front mech, with Campag you could trim the front mech using the gear lever as it didn't use the same one click to shift principal, and therefore much easier to trim the front mech.

[Jabba]

Haven't riden my bike yet this year because of this:

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/426134_284708564929723_100001717453532_759060_1630 511281_n.jpg

5.5 weeks ago....... might be able to give it a go this weekend :-)

New wheels, new shoes, new blake-blocks..... 8-)

[maviczap]

oops

[Jabba]

oops

Not exactly what I said when I did it :lol:

[maviczap]

I bet it was similar to what I said when I fell off my mountain bike 3 weeks ago

[krhall]

Cold and foggy this morning!

[Luckypants]

So I'll cheer you up with bike porn.....

My mate's new steed

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w111/luckypants_photos/P1010650.jpg

[fizzwheel]

So I'll cheer you up with bike porn.....

My mate's new steed

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w111/luckypants_photos/P1010650.jpg
Front half looks nice and I nearly bought set of HED wheels a while ago.

However rear triangle in my eyes is not aestheticly pleasing. Urgh and whats going on with his seat position.

I'm sure it lovely to ride, but not my cup of tea.

[Luckypants]

However rear triangle in my eyes is not aestheticly pleasing. I like those TT/Tri bike squashed up rear ends, some of the Quinta-Roo bikes are well sexy at the rear.

Urgh and whats going on with his seat position Set up by the shop for him, he had a full bike fit as well. They do look a bit different to a standard bike eh?

I'd like a go this weekend if I can borrow his shoes too, but weather not looking great so it may be back to winter bikes....

[fizzwheel]

Its the geometry of the rear triangle forcing the seat forward. I suspect on a frame with something a little less radical the seat would look OK, but with it like that the seat has to slide forward on the rails in order for it to be in the right position fit wise.

Just looks weird that's all...

[Jabba]

I like the tyres........ got a set of those on my steed at the moment :-)

[maviczap]

Yep it does look nice, but the saddle looks too far forward. Wouldn't be so bad if it had Tri bars on, which is what you said it would quickly convert to a TT bike?

So long as he's happy :p

[maviczap]

Lidl have got some cycling stuff next week.

http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/offerdate.htm?offerdate=29698

After landing on my bonce during the Feb MTB weekend I can testify that their crash helmets work, I may buy another one, as landing on it again might not be within its design parameters.

[pookie]

I wanted to canvass opinions on possible upgrade.
You've probably already seen further up my cobbled together ride. It currently has ultegra 6700 drive train with a bonty carbon chainset. I have a chance to upgrade it all to a 7800 dura ace setup.

I know the tech trickles down the range each year so am I taking a step backwards in changing the mechs, chainset, chain and cassette? I will swap out my shifters and calipers as they are 105/ tiagra.

[maviczap]

You'll probably not notice the difference, it'll look nice & have that wow factor of Dura Ace.

Buy it if its a bargain

However, with Dura Ace it will work as well if not better for longer than the cheaper group sets

[Jackie_Black]

Alright chaps,

I'm thinking of buying a new bike on the c2w scheme. I really fancy a giant Defy 1 as its right at the top of the price range and the geometry is more relaxed than my current specialised allez so it should be more comfortable. Does anyone on here have experience of giant bikes? the defy in particular because i've always had specialised up till now.

I mainly want it as a fitness tool and plan to do a lot of miles and really work on losing some weight this year, any thoughts?

[maviczap]

Can't comment about Giant bikes, but they've always had a good rep.

Here's a review of the Defy

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-giant-defy-1-12-45849

Its got some Shimano 105, so thats all good, although cost have been cut in the brake and wheel departments.

If you want something more relaxed then how about a Ribble Sportive?

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bikebuilder.asp?action=showframes&sub=conf_BBRA&type=RIBMO

Better still a Ribble Gran Fodo or Sportive in carbon

You can spec it to your budget

[Jackie_Black]

They look amazing!! I can always rely on this site to find me cooler things to spend money on. I wanted to go on the cycle to work scheme though and my employer will only deal with edinburgh cycles so i'm limited to what I can buy if I choose that route.

I read the bikeradar review and it does sound like a good bike to use as a base for upgrades. I've currently got a specialised allez and I quite like it but even with different bits on it, its still a little too focussed. The furthest I can ride it is about 60 miles and then I have to stop as my bike gets too tight.

[maviczap]

They look amazing!! I can always rely on this site to find me cooler things to spend money on. I wanted to go on the cycle to work scheme though and my employer will only deal with edinburgh cycles so i'm limited to what I can buy if I choose that route.

I read the bikeradar review and it does sound like a good bike to use as a base for upgrades. I've currently got a specialised allez and I quite like it but even with different bits on it, its still a little too focussed. The furthest I can ride it is about 60 miles and then I have to stop as my bike gets too tight.

That's a pity, as Ribble do the 'Cycle Scheme'

I have to stop as my bike gets too tight Don't understand this?

[Jackie_Black]

I meant to say my back, sorry.

I've noticed ribble do 0% and classic tick so maybe I'll take a look at one. Is the ribble sportive 7005 the kind of thing I should be looking at?

[maviczap]

Yes, its an Alu frame, similar as the Giant your were interested in. They're a more relaxed geometry for longer days in the saddle, slightly slower steering than a race frame. But you or I wouldn't notice this

If you buy Alu frame get a carbon seat post, as most Alu frames do give a harsher ride than steel frames. The carbon seat post takes the buzz out of the road.

Full carbon is the best IMHO, if you can afford it. But lifespan of a carbon frame can be less than a steel or alu frame.

A good compromise is an Alu frame with carbon forks & carbon seat stays

[stewie]

I meant to say my back, sorry.

I've noticed ribble do 0% and classic tick so maybe I'll take a look at one. Is the ribble sportive 7005 the kind of thing I should be looking at?
I was looking at a 7005 myself but ended up with a Felt F95 and very happy I am with it too, I'm nor sufficenetly expreienced anough to give you a definitive view but theres plenty on here who can point you in the right direction, this is what I got recently
http://www.feltbicycles.com/International/2012/Road/F-Series/F95.aspx

[Jackie_Black]

That's really nice too, are these companies british too? I quite like the curved ribble bike, looks great. When i spec them up though they come to 2100 QUid!! and for some reason it won't give me the total weight on the bike builder.
What are SRAM groupsets like? and am i right in thinking 34-50 on the front and 11-28 on the back will give me the most flexibility?

[maviczap]

Ribble are UK based, but source most of their frames in the Far East I think. Some of their frames are made in house. Give them a call and ask them.

Most carbon frames from every manufacturer are made in Taiwan, even the top end ones.

Felt are American, but again most of their stuff will be produced in the Far East

No experience of Sram, its good stuff, but their shifters work in a weird way compared to Shimano or Camag. But you'd get used to it

And those ratio's will be fine for your part of the world

[Jackie_Black]

They do a sportive carbon for under a grand!! Thats amazing, are carbon bikes for dry sunny days only (like a ducati) or could I use one for 3 seasons (except winter)?

[maviczap]

Well Fizz uses his Look with mudguards, so all year if you want.

For a grand a carbon bike is better than alu.

I've got an alu Ralieigh 7005 with mudguards for winter work, carbon seatpost & forks, its comfy. But not stiff or particularly harsh.

I have a Litespeed alu with full carbon forks and carbon seatstays, bit harsh over bumpy stuff, kicks in the tail for some reason, but on the smooth stuff its fast and handles well.

But when I jump on my Wilier Carbon its all day comfy, but also stiff, accelerates well, handles great. The best bike I've had so far

[maviczap]

Luckypants has got a Ribble Gran Fondo, its a great looking bike, I haven't ridden it, but he's very impressed with it.

I wouldn't hesitate in buying one.

A lot of the carbon frame are made in the same factory in Taiwan, just the moulds are different for each manufacturer. Even beautiful Colnago's are made in Taiwan these days, mostly to keep the cost down for production frames, but they do have the expertise to do this now.

[Jackie_Black]

Well this really has given me food for thought now. I was all set to get a giant defy but now it turns out I can get a carbon framed sportive for the same money. It looks like the bike will weigh under 19lbs too! Why is carbon more comfortable then is it because it naturally flexs more than aluminium.

[maviczap]

Something to do with the fibres absorbing the road buzz that alu transmits I think.

Carbon is actually stiffer than alu, depending on how the carbon is laid down on the frame, and that can be tuned around the areas it needs.

Alu needs big thin fat tubes to be stiff, early alu frames used similar tube dimensions to steel and were too flexi in the wrong places

[maviczap]

But Ti frames are supposed to be the best for all day comfort, and don't corrode or degrade like the other materials.

A good Ti frame will last a lifetime, but expensive, as the material is hard to work with.

[Jackie_Black]

I see, that makes sense then. I'm going to have a complete rethink now then. I always assumed carbon was for the mega rich, i looked at a specialized roubaix and it was 2k! I can spec one of those ribbles with a sram rival groupset for £1300, brilliant. My current roadbike makes my hands tingle and back hurt after a while so i know comfort can be improved a lot!

[maviczap]

My current roadbike makes my hands tingle and back hurt after a while so i know comfort can be improved a lot!

Mitts or gloves with gel can help with tingling hands, or gel bar tape.

But since I've had bikes with carbon forks, I don't have any problems with tingling hands.

Sore back can be down to your position, might pay to have a bike fit somewhere before you buy your new bike, some Specialized dealers have the full set up, but other independents do the same service.

[Jackie_Black]

Well, i have the BG gel mitts and a carbon seatpost and forks. I've changed the stem for a shorter one and have upgraded to a body geometry seat as well. I may have got a seat thats too wide though, went for a 155 on the advice of one shop and another measured me for a 145, so that's tweakble too.

Are van nicholas bikes generally well thought of? they look lovely.

[maviczap]

Are van nicholas bikes generally well thought of? they look lovely.

Yes, bloody lovely

[Jackie_Black]

I'm just trying to work out which is their do it all road comfort bike, it may be the mistral. I love how i'm edging closer and closer to the 2k mark, :D

[maviczap]

As someone said to me, you wouldn't think twice about paying £2k for an old banger of a car, but a bike?

But they are worth it

[Jackie_Black]

Well, i could just steadily upgrade me allez, but.

I'd be better off getting something light that can be upgraded in the future. As upgrading the allez would be a waste of cash. I take it titanium frames just live forever, whereas carbon from what i've read wears a bit.

I best have an ebay clearout to raise some cash. got lots of bits to sell for me hornet that are brand new.

[stewie]

Theres a good test in cycling + this month, top 25 bikes up to 2.5K iirc, might be worth having a look

[maviczap]

Carbon can suffer from cracks, started off by something as simple as a stone chip.

Keep the Allez for a winter bike, fit some mudguards and slighty fatter tyres.

[Jackie_Black]

So in my budget (which is now £1500 ish thanks to maviczap). I can get a ribble carbon sportive with a good groupo etc or a van nicholas with lesser parts but in theory a much better frame that will last me for the rest of my life and can be upgraded to top spec over time.

[Jackie_Black]

and there's a van nicholas dealer round the corner from where I live!!

[maviczap]

So in my budget (which is now £1500 ish thanks to maviczap). I can get a ribble carbon sportive with a good groupo etc or a van nicholas with lesser parts but in theory a much better frame that will last me for the rest of my life and can be upgraded to top spec over time.

I'd probably go down the Van Nicholas route, but don't be confused, as they also do Alu framed models, which is why you can afford it! :mrgreen:

Fizz had one until a dozy driver pulled out on him.

Perhaps they have demo bike they can loan you?

[stewie]

I'm looking to get some pedals and clippy shoes, probably go down the rpd route, Ive been using the old nylon strap type thingies, sorry cant think what you call em :rolleyes: anyway my left foot keeps coming out far too often so wanna try someting a bit better, kinda know what pedals I'm going for just got to sort out the shoes now :)

[maviczap]

I'm looking to get some pedals and clippy shoes, probably go down the rpd route, Ive been using the old nylon strap type thingies, sorry cant think what you call em :rolleyes: anyway my left foot keeps coming out far too often so wanna try someting a bit better, kinda know what pedals I'm going for just got to sort out the shoes now :)

Yep, get rid of them toe straps, so dangerous now and no good

[Jackie_Black]

I'd probably go down the Van Nicholas route, but don't be confused, as they also do Alu framed models, which is why you can afford it! :mrgreen:

I thought they only did titanium! The mistral is the one i've been drooling over mostly, i think thats titanium.

[maviczap]

I thought they only did titanium! The mistral is the one i've been drooling over mostly, i think thats titanium.

It is Ti!

That's a good price!

Ti frames can crack, but at least it can be repaired, unlike carbon, which I wouldn't trust even if it was repaired.

Only real strange thing I've heard about Ti, is that it creaks.

Think you've got to be careful with steel - Ti corrosion, so everything needs to be greased well

[Jackie_Black]

hmm,i'll see if i can get a look at one this week. Sure i'll be impressed. Had all the bikes out of the shed today for a tune up. Then the sun came out so I had to abandon everything for a BBQ. Decided I may be tempted to fit an electric motor kit to my old man bike for commuting too.

[maviczap]

Adds Van Nicholas Mistral to Christmas list

[EssexDave]

In case anybody is interested, a friend from work and I will be doing http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/531529/sandown-cyclone-sportive-entries-now-open.html

22 April 2012 - Sandown Cyclone Sportive

[pookie]

nice... you doing the epic ?

[Jackie_Black]

Adds Van Nicholas Mistral to Christmas list

I went to the shop today, luckily, they don't have one in at the moment. But they took my number. It's the first time i've ventured into this bike shop and the lady is polish I think or russian perhaps. Anyhoo. They took my number and will give me a ring when a euros comes in to look at and ride about on. Apparently the mistral shares the same frame just the bits are worse, so i'll have a good idea of what is what. If i order one I have to be measured up for it so they know how to set it all up, brilliant.

[ravingdavis]

In case anybody is interested, a friend from work and I will be doing http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/531529/sandown-cyclone-sportive-entries-now-open.html

22 April 2012 - Sandown Cyclone Sportive

That looks cool, I'll join you for the epic if your going.

[maviczap]

In case anybody is interested, a friend from work and I will be doing http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/531529/sandown-cyclone-sportive-entries-now-open.html

22 April 2012 - Sandown Cyclone Sportive

Bloomin working, otherwise I might have been interested

Think about doing the Essex Castles ride & Suffolk 100 Dave later on this year, as I know I'm off

[maviczap]

I went to the shop today, luckily, they don't have one in at the moment. But they took my number. It's the first time i've ventured into this bike shop and the lady is polish I think or russian perhaps. Anyhoo. They took my number and will give me a ring when a euros comes in to look at and ride about on. Apparently the mistral shares the same frame just the bits are worse, so i'll have a good idea of what is what. If i order one I have to be measured up for it so they know how to set it all up, brilliant.

Cool

[Jackie_Black]

Of course on doing more research I have found that a yukon may be more suitable as its an audax bike and can take mudguards (not that i ever use them) but the geometry may be more relaxed. I'm sure my test drive will tell.

[maviczap]

Its a bit quiet in here, I hope its because everyone's out enjoying the warmer weather, although it wasn't that warm for my ride this morning

Been busy this afternoon putting this together :smt060

Bought the frame new off Ebay and put some parts I'd been buying over winter to fit to my Litespeed, but as I'd bought this, then most of the parts were nearly new.

Its all Shimano 105 of some description. Not a big budget bike, its the basic Colnago.

I'd just like some newer wheels, which I nearly bought some Mavic's in Decathlon the other day.

Its not as classy as my old Colnago was, but it'll do until I can get the C40, C50 or Master frameset I really desire.

I haven't chucked the Litespeed, as I will probably convert that to a TT bike at some point.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lX1awzFg_EE/T3iOi8DGHEI/AAAAAAAAA3w/9X28IO18jj8/s720/P4010089.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1W_LYBqyeWg/T3iONvPGpxI/AAAAAAAAA3o/YupR3uWvuy0/s512/P4010091.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SE4ejK-9Vw4/T3iOjnk7xLI/AAAAAAAAA34/arj5gJ6ojG8/s720/P4010093.JPG

[Jackie_Black]

looks nice that, i've spent the weekend converting my old man bike (specialized expidition sport) into an electric bike. It's hilarious. Perfect lazy shirt and tie commuter bike. Hoping to use it to get some fresh air on the way to work (4 miles each way). I'll stick a picture up later on.

[northwind]

I've come over all roadie!

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/Lots%20of%20bikes/IMG_0605.jpg

Well, technically it's a cross bike but it's getting used mostly on the road- quick after-work rides just to blow away the cobwebs and add a bit of fitness for the proper riding ;) Never had anything like it before so it's an eyeopener, the pace up hills is just ridiculous, could be quite addictive I reckon...

£400 it was- a 2010 model I think so slightly older 105 kit, Mavic Opensports, Truvativ Elita cranks and raceface finishing kit. Er, and flat mountain bike pedals as I hate being clipped in!

[Luckypants]

Its a bit quiet in here, I hope its because everyone's out enjoying the warmer weather, although it wasn't that warm for my ride this morning

Nope I've not been out due a very nasty cold :( Managed 25 miles on Saturday and coughed like a lifelong smoker the whole way!

New bike looks smart. Why does everyone else's red bar tape look red and mine looks peach?

[maviczap]

My bar tape doesn't look that red in real life, its similar to your tape colour.

Managed to pull a muscle behind my knee yesterday, bloomin sore, did the same last year.

[Venom]

Found this a bit late.
8-Hh0c0Z57g

[maviczap]

Goodun Venom

[stewie]

Paris - roubaix is on eurosport , currently battering over a load of cobbles, never saw this race before, looks fun :)

[MR UKI (1)]

Paris - roubaix is on eurosport , currently battering over a load of cobbles, never saw this race before, looks fun :)

Ace ride by Tom Boonen! Some going to make the break 50kms out and pull away :D and some nasty crashes :(

[stewie]

Ace ride by Tom Boonen! Some going to make the break 50kms out and pull away :D and some nasty crashes :(
It certainly was, really enjoyed that, I'm sure I heard one of the commentators saying something about cyclo cross frames ? I probably misheard him but those bikes must have special frames to withstand the shocks form cobbles and rough(ish) terrain in parts ?

[fizzwheel]

No you heard him right, some of the riders use a cyclocross frame, different geometry gives more stable handling over the cobbles.

Some use a standard road bike, but often they'll fit wider tyres do deal with the bumps as well.

[stewie]

No you heard him right, some of the riders use a cyclocross frame, different geometry gives more stable handling over the cobbles.

Some use a standard road bike, but often they'll fit wider tyres do deal with the bumps as well.
Cheers, never watched one of those before, now I cant run the same I'm getting more into my cycling, must get some spds's next and some padded gloves too, always end up with sore hands and never seem to get comfy and am constantly changing hand position, probably just need to get out there more and just get used to it.

[maviczap]

Ace ride by Tom Boonen! Some going to make the break 50kms out and pull away :D and some nasty crashes :(

Great I was at work and didn't know the result and was looking forward to watching it on Sky+ :(

Although I usually skip to the end first :D

It certainly was, really enjoyed that, I'm sure I heard one of the commentators saying something about cyclo cross frames ? I probably misheard him but those bikes must have special frames to withstand the shocks form cobbles and rough(ish) terrain in parts ?

No you heard him right, some of the riders use a cyclocross frame, different geometry gives more stable handling over the cobbles.

Some use a standard road bike, but often they'll fit wider tyres do deal with the bumps as well.

Yep wider tyres and double bar tape usually on their standard frames, although some will have Roubaix specific frames, relaxed steering geometry for more comfort.

The heavier riders do better on the cobbles, as they don' get bounced about like the lighter ones

[fizzwheel]

Here you go Stewie, a bit more info on the bikes used this year

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/bikes-of-paris-roubaix-part-1-33657/

and some stuff about how they've evolved over the years

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/paris-roubaix-bikes-how-theyve-evolved-33631/

[Mr Speirs]

Watch the race with about 100km to go. Was good to watch. Especially the last 30km!

[MR UKI (1)]

Here you go Stewie, a bit more info on the bikes used this year

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/bikes-of-paris-roubaix-part-1-33657/

and some stuff about how they've evolved over the years

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/paris-roubaix-bikes-how-theyve-evolved-33631/

Love the pic of Boonen's with the course info detailing the cobble sections and their length on the cross bar :D

[stewie]

Here you go Stewie, a bit more info on the bikes used this year

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/bikes-of-paris-roubaix-part-1-33657/

and some stuff about how they've evolved over the years

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/paris-roubaix-bikes-how-theyve-evolved-33631/
Thanks Fizz, interesting reading that :)

[Dipper]

Lidl have got some bike bits this week:D

http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/offerdate.htm?offerdate=30485

[maviczap]

Successful test ride of the Colnago in the sunshine today, amazing how a few degrees rise in temperature improves things.

[EssexDave]

Got the Sandown Cyclone Sportive tomorrow. 81 miles 1,500 of climbing.

Looking forward to it!

[maviczap]

Good luck, its bright sunshine here now, but not set to last

[Luckypants]

Got the Sandown Cyclone Sportive tomorrow. 81 miles 1,500 of climbing.

Looking forward to it!

Did 74 miles yesterday with 6000ft (1720m) climbing, I'm broken (again!)

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk 2

[EssexDave]

I've just got back, !,500m of climbing killed me, especially with some hills at 18 and 20% which I so wanted to walk up but just got on with it.

Was pretty tough, but glad it's over now!