The Cycling Thread

[EssexDave]

On the last Friday of September I was encouraged to go on a cycle ride by my flat mate.

I'm not even sure what it was in aid of but it's called Critical Mass in London.

Quite an interesting principle but can't say I agreed with it. I assume that it is to somehow promote cycling in London. It's a pretty cool idea, lots of people cycling around london, some people with trailers on their bikes with music playing and most of the pedestrians seemed to love it.

However, they do not stop at red light. We're not talking about one rogue cyclist here, we're talking about people blocking traffic at lights to allow the 2-400 train of cyclists to go past. The taxi drivers seemed very annoyed about this!

Anyway, it was quite an experience and I did feel like all of the drunk people on boris bikes were going to take me out and it was probably an average of 5-8mph so pretty boring.

As a side note, if anybody wants anything from wiggle - they are offering £40 off if you spend £200.

[maviczap]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_WOKQaNirIU/UHHWX2egfxI/AAAAAAAABOE/tbax00bveBY/s480/P1120204.JPG

[malks]

so I decided I wanted to join the road bike world, so started looking around and ended up buying a specialized roubaix for £1,000 in the sale. managed to sell my old specialized fsr xc for £350 on eBay within an hour so was quite chuffed! just need to get out on it and get some miles in! planning on doing to the etape caledonia next year (80 mile sportive on closed roads) I'm pretty sure I'll get the bug and start buying lots of stuff. anyway any ideas for food training and stuff to start me off with? http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/10/13/bu2e2a4u.jpg

[maviczap]

so I decided I wanted to join the road bike world, so started looking around and ended up buying a specialized roubaix for £1,000 in the sale. managed to sell my old specialized fsr xc for £350 on eBay within an hour so was quite chuffed! just need to get out on it and get some miles in! planning on doing to the etape caledonia next year (80 mile sportive on closed roads) I'm pretty sure I'll get the bug and start buying lots of stuff. anyway any ideas for food training and stuff to start me off with? http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/10/13/bu2e2a4u.jpg

Welcome to the club, that's one nice Specialized and a great price too.

Food, what for, during the ride?

Miles, miles and more miles. Build it up, although at this time of the year I'm just doing small rides, just to keep ticking over

[Jackie_Black]

Thats a nice bike, the roubaix is on my list and i'd love to know what they are like to ride once you've done some miles, get some SPD's on it and get out there!!

[malks]

sorry that was meant to say 'good' not 'food'. but yeah I'm planning on just getting out and getting some miles in the saddle.

I have spd's for it, I'm just using my mountain bike spd's and shoes to start with, I had a bit of bother with my knees getting them set up on my full sus bike, so don't want to start giving myself problems changing if I don't need too.

the price was the main reason I bought this bike, I was ideally looking at spending 5/800 but when I seen the shop had this at 1k because its last years model and the last one they had left of 2012 roubaixs, I thought why not!!

not the ideal time of year to start riding, but I'm just trying to think how fast I'll be by the time summer comes round! ha

[EssexDave]

A lot of people use the winter to get their base mileage up so if you want to be doing 80 milers regularly, I'd suggested doing slow(ish) paced longer than 80 mile rides.

There's a lot of theory behind training slower to go faster and it's because you have different energy systems (e.g. aerobic and anaerobic). Interval training is generally seen as a great way to increase endurance to a certain level, and performance at the top end (e.g. sprint training)

However, to increase overall average speed you need to work on aerobic system - specifically around zone 2-3 work which they say the best way to train is to go out for long steady rides!

I have no idea how true this is but read it in several places. Maybe some of the more experienced guys could shed some light?

[maviczap]

A lot of people use the winter to get their base mileage up so if you want to be doing 80 milers regularly, I'd suggested doing slow(ish) paced longer than 80 mile rides.

There's a lot of theory behind training slower to go faster and it's because you have different energy systems (e.g. aerobic and anaerobic). Interval training is generally seen as a great way to increase endurance to a certain level, and performance at the top end (e.g. sprint training)

However, to increase overall average speed you need to work on aerobic system - specifically around zone 2-3 work which they say the best way to train is to go out for long steady rides!

I have no idea how true this is but read it in several places. Maybe some of the more experienced guys could shed some light?

Yes, lots of people do their base miles in the off season.

If you training too hard, by the time the better weather comes, you'll be burnt out.

[Jackie_Black]

Well my ride was completely ruined today by super rain which soaked me completely and made me return home as it was freezing. I'm looking at waterproof overcoats form wiggle which fit in jersey pockets but is there anything similar to keep the legs dry! Not going to let the weather stop me training again!

[maviczap]

Oh for hevens sake! man up or stay at home





















Only kidding :thumleft:

Difficult to buy something for your legs that fits in the back pocket, as well as the jacket too.

However in France I bought a pair of Sportful 'No Rain' leg warmers as we were heading out into some rain (I'd left mine at home) and we dashed into the bike local bike shop to grab some wet weather stuff.

We rode a further 12 miles in really heavy rain (read curtain rods :() and my legs were completely dry underneath the leg warmers, although my feet & shoes and bib short were wet trough. You could see the water running off them.

TBH I couldn't wear any flappy over trousers, so I would highly recommend anything under the 'No rain' banner

http://www.probikekit.com/uk/sportful-no-rain-cycling-bib-tights.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=google_base_gbp&gclid=CI6sy6iGgbMCFWXJtAodCR0A9w

Pricey, but worth it IMHO

I bought one of these after trying one on in Evans, and will fit in a rear pocket, bone dry underneath, no sweating. I bought it about £20 cheaper on Wiggle

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-oxygen-goretex-active-shell-jacket-2012/

Hardest thing to keep really dry is your feet, and probaby the best & cheapest way is some Sealskinz socks. I have seen them used as an overshoe, with a hole cut in the sock for the cleat

[Jackie_Black]

Cheers,

I would have manned up but i'm at the end of a man flu so decided not to risk making myself proper ill. I'm going to need mudguards too how can I check if i can fit them? is there meant to be eyelets on forks and chainstays?

[maviczap]

If you have't got mudguard fixings, then you'll have to fit some P brackets to the chain stays and forks.

But not elegant and you might not have sufficient clearance for full mudguards

The best solution is to fit some Crud Guard roadracer guards, which will fit on all but the closest clearance frames, and give excellent protection to you.

They don't rattle about and don't look out of place on a race bike, my only complaint was they are flimsy and my front one smashed after the fork stay bolt undid.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/crud-roadracer-mk2-mudguard-set/

[Dipper]

AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!

I haven't been able to get out for 3 weeks and its driving me nuts:mad:

I've got a chest infection, on second course of antibiotics and it just isn't shifting.

Anyone else get withdrawal symptoms?

[EssexDave]

To get in there early, if anybody would like to join me I plan to do the London to Southend and London to Brighton rides (British Heart Foundation) and the Cyclone Sandown Sportive.

Let me know :)

[madnlooney]

well after alot of tooing and throwing my bike should be here soon, i went for the trek 1.5 and wanna get some miles done. Although this will be my 1st road bike.

[Dipper]

well after alot of tooing and throwing my bike should be here soon, i went for the trek 1.5 and wanna get some miles done. Although this will be my 1st road bike.

Good choice, looks as though it's got mudgaurd mounts, useful this time of year. Enjoy, can become very addictive:D:D:D

[maviczap]

Anyone else get withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, I'm missing empty French roads, big climbs, stunning sceanery and most of all warm weather :(

Plus being away from work

[Scoobs]

Anyone got a set of rollers (not for my hair) that they no longer need and want to sell? Looking for something like this:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/ff4/06d/d5c/43720/product_page/tacx-antares-rollers.jpg

[maviczap]

Wiggle have got 25% off home trainers Scoobs

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/turbo-trainers/

[madnlooney]

got mine yesterday


Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

[maviczap]

Perfect timing for the lovely weather outside :p

That's what the American guy had as a hire bike in our Alpes tour, enjoy!

[maviczap]

Anyone got a set of rollers (not for my hair) that they no longer need and want to sell? Looking for something like this:

On Gumtree today

Get him to parcel them up and get Parcelmonkey to collect and deliver to you

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/tacx-antares-rollers/1002267990

[Scoobs]

Cheers Mav. I've actually managed to source some from a guy at work. Thanks for the effort.

[maviczap]

Cheers Mav. I've actually managed to source some from a guy at work. Thanks for the effort.

Cool, just remember don't fall off them, kinda embarassing :D

[Scoobs]

Cool, just remember don't fall off them, kinda embarassing :D

It's in my nature to fall off bikes....unfortunately. :)

[fizzwheel]

Good luck on the rollers Scoobs, plenty of videos on youtube about how not to do it :-D

Switched my lights, pedals and guards onto the single speed tonight. Roll on winter... Going to try and keep my milleage reasonable over the winter. So I can pick the milleage up in the spring when the clocks change again.

Havent quite racked up the money for the Cross bike yet...

[maviczap]

Same here, guards fitted to my winter bike, although I don't ride much in the dark I've got a LED on the seat post.

Picked up this yesterday for the start of the build of my new project bike

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/shimano-crankset-ultegra-sl-fc-6601-g-5339/aid:228217

Its a lovely looking crankset, I've got this groupset on my Wilier, its better looking than the new Ultegra IMHO

In fact once I've got a bit more cash, I'll be buying the rest of the parts from Rose, as their prices are even cheaper than Merlin cycles and the delivery is super quick.

[fizzwheel]

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/shimano-crankset-ultegra-sl-fc-6601-g-5339/aid:228217

Nice !

Thats one of the reasons I stayed with 105 on my LOOK, I dont like the look of the new Ultegra either.

[maviczap]

Nice !

Thats one of the reasons I stayed with 105 on my LOOK, I dont like the look of the new Ultegra either.

At that price I couldn't resist it :mrgreen:

Yes, both Campag & Shimano have lost the plot when it comes to looks, they have both concentrated on the function rather than the form.

I used to drool over 90's Campag C record or Dura Ace components and still do, lovely polished alloy everywhere :takeabow:

I missed out on these older spec Dura Ace components, still 10 speed, but still nice, and an nicer price!

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/shimano-dura-ace-7800-7801-groupset-no-front-mech-or-chain-amazing-price/1002005207

No response to my emails via Gumtree and no contact number. :(

[pookie]

This may just be the most expensive claim on a driver ever... sorry I didnt see you walking. Should have plenty of cctv , no wonder she is helping the police with all their inquiries.
GWS soon wiggo..I'd get on the blower to those accident claims hotline :) you could get millions for this

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/20246940

[krhall]

Thinking of buying spare wheels as I have a buckle in mine (again) and nobody can do it until next week...not ideal as a commuter.

Was looking at these:

http://www.probikekit.com/uk/fulcrum-2013-racing-7-wheelset.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=google_base_gbp

I have a tiagra cassette at the moment so would get the same for these.

Would these come fully laced? What else would I need other than tyres and cassette?

[pookie]

Normally I consider wheelsets as complete ready to go..might be worth giving them a call. Have you had a look at planet x / on one for wheels.

[MarkB852]

Thinking of buying spare wheels as I have a buckle in mine (again) and nobody can do it until next week...not ideal as a commuter.

Was looking at these:

http://www.probikekit.com/uk/fulcrum-2013-racing-7-wheelset.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=google_base_gbp

I have a tiagra cassette at the moment so would get the same for these.

Would these come fully laced? What else would I need other than tyres and cassette?

They'd be ready to go once you fitted your rear cassette.

I've got some old Protons in the shed somewhere...

Mark

[maviczap]

Thinking of buying spare wheels as I have a buckle in mine (again) and nobody can do it until next week...not ideal as a commuter.

Was looking at these:

http://www.probikekit.com/uk/fulcrum-2013-racing-7-wheelset.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=google_base_gbp

I have a tiagra cassette at the moment so would get the same for these.

Would these come fully laced? What else would I need other than tyres and cassette?


The only thing you might need is rim tape, but my Mavic wheelset had them included

[maviczap]

I don't know much about the Fulcum wheels

Shimano wheels are cheaper for the basic ones, I doun't know how bombproof they are, although my Ultegra's have been, although I'm only 66kgs and not using them everyday like you.

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/wheels/road-wheels/factory-road-wheels/shimano-r501-wheels.html

For a more bombproof wheel, I'd be opting for a handbuilt wheelset using 32 spokes per wheel and a good sturdy rim, but that then bumps up the cost

[krhall]

Got home, after a right struggle, pulled the wheel off and it is another bust spoke! I'm not that heavy really!

So stay away from those I suggested then??

[Dipper]

I've done a couple of thousand miles on Campag Khamsins http://www.wiggle.co.uk/campagnolo-khamsin-redblack-clincher-wheelset/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=uk&gclid=COjX9dCcwLMCFbDItAod6zQAJQ they've taken a fair hammering well so far. They also come in White/Black.

[maviczap]

How about these then, handbuilt on good quality rims

Not lightweight, but ideal for communting.

You may need rim tapes

But for £99?

http://www.davehinde.com/road-bikes/wheels/touring-wheels-tiagra-hubs-handbuilt-on-mavic-a319-rims.html

[krhall]

So much choice! Might see if they will build me the wheels put the cassette, tyres and tubes on for a deal.

Why are the spokes popping on me?

[Dipper]

Why are the spokes popping on me?
Legs like a carthorse?;)

Do you keep an eye on the tension?

[Dipper]

There's a bit in this http://sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html about tensioning

[krhall]

Legs like a cart horse - Check!

Tensions - no check!

The good thing to come out if all this is I have just found a bike maintenance course locally, which will help me to do the basics that I am currently scared to do.

[Dipper]

Legs like a cart horse - Check!

Tensions - no check!

The good thing to come out if all this is I have just found a bike maintenance course locally, which will help me to do the basics that I am currently scared to do.

lol, it's the best thing you can do, there's nothing worse than being miles from home with a broken bike without a clue how to fix it.

[maviczap]

Just ordered some new bits from Rose bikes for the replacement bike for the Colnago I sold

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/content/about-rose/rose-versand

They are loads cheaper than any other retailer & they've got an extra 10% off everything (except bikes) until tomorrow.

I've saved nearly £100 on the Shimano bits I ordered

[pookie]

I've been riding on and off for a while now with more road riding this year. With the garmin I record the stats of each ride. I have a max bpm of 190 and avg bpm 160 on pretty much anything over 18miles. With the exception of when I went to 240 bpm. According to garmin I spend a lot of the ride in zone 4 and 5.

Am I going to kark it?

[maviczap]

I've been riding on and off for a while now with more road riding this year. With the garmin I record the stats of each ride. I have a max bpm of 190 and avg bpm 160 on pretty much anything over 18miles. With the exception of when I went to 240 bpm. According to garmin I spend a lot of the ride in zone 4 and 5.

Am I going to kark it?

No, you're probably like me and ride like you're in an Olympic time trial every day.

My max BPM was 193 this year, and I'm 51

You just have a well trained heart muscle :D and its down to your genetic's.

Ignore the 240 BPM, its a glitch

[pookie]

could well be true regarding the genetics... I only wish I was as fast as an olympian :)There doesnt seem to be a half way house with my riding. Next stop the cadence sensor to see if I'm treating each ride as a spinning class.

Been riding with a fellow orger and our stats are quite different on the bpm but avg speed is the same. Clearly I've eaten too many pies and had a bit too much salt on my chips ;) .
Cheers for the info been doing a bit of night riding on and off road which as they say is night and day in terms of riding :) but quite enjoyable nonetheless.

[maviczap]

Been riding with a fellow orger and our stats are quite different on the bpm but avg speed is the same.

That is quite normal, you'd find it in any group of riders

I had a training book, where I was supposed to do a road session at a target HR, which I could never do on the road, I can do it on the turbo, its easier to control.

There is an old adage that says ride slower to go faster, I think?

Means to do lots of long miles, but at a low HR. My mate went on a spring training camp in the Canaries, and the whole first week is long slow rides and you get bollocked for tearing off too fast

[Luckypants]

There is a lot of truth in the ride slower to go faster, basically training your muscles to metabolise more fat. Once they can do that then the point at which you need to burn carbohydrate is higher in your effort (HR) range so you can sustain higher effort for longer = faster. (this is rather a potted version!)

The only way to find your proper training zones is to do a max heart rate test under medical supervision (in case you DO cark it!). Everyone is different and it looks like you are like Mav, with a naturally higher maxHR than most. My maxHR is 182 at age 50, higher than the formula suggests but still not as high as you guys. Without your trye maxHR you may well be training to hard or too lightly....

[EssexDave]

The go slower to go faster thing was explained to me as training zones 1-3 where you can keep going all day. Whereas, if you ride in zones 4/5 all the time you're not training the proper long distance stuff.

The training guide I read on it was basically saying, to slow to and if you need to, walk up hills to start so that you can train the zone 1-3 and increase your zone 1-3 speed.

[maviczap]

There is a lot of truth in the ride slower to go faster, basically training your muscles to metabolise more fat. .

I don't seem to have any to metabolise after my Alps trip :-D

Only in 1995 did i go too deeply,and at the end of the season where I'd lost so much weight I looked like skeletor :confused:

[maviczap]

So I won't need to take my passport to see it in 2014 :smt098

http://www.letour.fr/le-tour/2013/us/pre-race/news/ahc/yorkshire-2014-grand-depart-london-to-host-a-stage.html

But its going to be Uber busy on the interesting bits

[EssexDave]

What a lovely few days it's been for cycling!
So far done just under 100 miles in the last three days and about to pop out with Dipper for some more cycling fun.

Getting a new road bike in a week or two and thinking of the Felt F85 - anyone have any experience of it? I was looking at Allez sport - but Felt has Tiagra rather than Sora which (as tiagra is now 10spd) means I can use my American Classic wheels on it :D

[maviczap]

Well I've managed to get out for a couple of short rides, including New Years Day, which was lovely. Apart from one back lane, which was mud strewn & covered in horse & cow poo

I went out yesterday, before the sun appeared. Once the kids are back at school It'll be easy for longer rides.

Go for the Felt if it means comparability with your other stuff, as it saves money in the long run.

I've tried to convince a colleague to do similar, who wants a new bike to buy a £299 Carrera from Halfords because its on a deal & he's got £300 worth of Halfrauds vouchers to spend. But its only 7 speed Shimano, and I already upgraded his crappy bike with 9 speed at couple of years ago.

There's another Carrera for £499 with 9 speed, with a better frame too. All his current 9 speed stuff would work with his new bike.

But money is extremely tight for him. False economy is my view to buy the cheaper one.

[fizzwheel]

Difficult isnt it. I had similar conversation with my colleagues, They bought mountain bikes because they were cheap, then they bought hybrids because they "Didnt like drop bars" both are now on full roadies and have admited to me they should have bought roadies in the first place, except they've shelled out more money on 3 bikes than I did on my VN Roadie when I got it first.

Then they've upgraded wheels and stuff because they only bought cheap wheels, whereas when I spec'd my Look I went for decent stuff, and havent replaced it...

So far this week 50 miles done and 7 miles of running as well. Toying with the idea of a Tri this year, but its going to be hard to fit the swim training in with running and cycling.

Liz has also signed me up for the Great South Run in October...

[Dipper]

Typical progression Fizz, when people start out they don't get it. Mind you I've used my road modded steel mtb for over 24 years and probably 50k miles so that doesn't owe me much, it still puts a grin on my face.

90 this week all on the Tifosi of course:p

[maviczap]

Yes, it is difficult

He's also been to Halfrauds and got ripped off big style because he took his bike in for a 'service'

They fitted real bad tyres because they said his were worn out, plus they were expensive

They changed his chain and that cost him £21

They said his cassette was worn out, but I'd fitted that about 6 months before

Plus some other stuff, incl a BB, but that was knackered..

All because he hasn't got the tools or know how. I was mad at him, because I could have done it for him.

Similar issue with tyres he bought some Shwalbe puncture proof tyres, but still kept getting punctures because they weren't great, and getting stranded miles from home, because he couldn't change a tyre.

I'd said get some Gatorskins, but too expensive for him

I feel sorry for him, trapped in a high interest rate mortgage and a wife who spends too much

[EssexDave]

Just completed my 146th mile in the last four days.
I AM going to race this year and I am NOT going to come last :D

Looking forward to a couple of days of rest and getting back on it again, just hope the weather stays nice!

Mavi - The thing is, I did like the look of the Allez because 2013 Sora have the proper shifters rather than the crappy positioning they had before (where you can't get to it if you're on the drops) - the Felt retails at £800 but with discount is £709, the Allez with discount is about £650. Doesn't seem like much more to pay to go from Sora --> Tiagra.

A guy in a cycle shop (who confessed to being a MTB rider and with little knowledge of roadie stuff) came out and said the American Classic wheels I have (58cm deep section carbon) are rubbish because despite being light they are too flexible and was saying that the shimano wheels on the Allez are better because they're more rigid. I'm not sure how much truth was in that, any idea?

Also if you're bored and have 2 minutes, check this out made me chuckle at least... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMCkuqL9IcM

[maviczap]

Difficult isnt it. I had similar conversation with my colleagues, They bought mountain bikes because they were cheap, then they bought hybrids because they "Didnt like drop bars" both are now on full roadies and have admited to me they should have bought roadies in the first place, except they've shelled out more money on 3 bikes than I did on my VN Roadie when I got it first.

Then they've upgraded wheels and stuff because they only bought cheap wheels, whereas when I spec'd my Look I went for decent stuff, and haven't replaced it...

.

Typical progression Fizz, when people start out they don't get it. Mind you I've used my road modded steel mtb for over 24 years and probably 50k miles so that doesn't owe me much, it still puts a grin on my face.


I am a tart when it comes to my stuff, and luckily I can afford it, but I have to say the only parts that have failed, have been cheap parts

[Dipper]

I am a tart when it comes to my stuff

I'm just anal about maintenance, I'm daft to leave it 22 years to buy a road bike I know but I still love my mtb. I 'spose I ought to try something racy and carbon next summer.

[Jackie_Black]

I plan to do my first 50 of the year tomorrow on what has now become my winter bike (used to be my summer bike but now has mudguards).

From what I have read, as I now have a winter bike i'm allowed to purchase a (very expensive) summer bike.

My budget is about £1500 and I have narrowed it down to.

Van Nicholas Ventus
Specialized ROubaix
Giant Defy Advanced
or maybe a ribble

My requirements are basic. It must be comfortable, it must have 20 speeds and a very wide range double chainset. i hope to buy in about April. Had this discussion a while ago on here and was advised to ride more first. Done that now and definitely sticking with it and plan to do some big rides this year, so surely I deserve a new bike!! what do you reckon OMO? have I missed any amazing bikes?

[maviczap]

Just completed my 146th mile in the last four days.
I AM going to race this year and I am NOT going to come last :D

Looking forward to a couple of days of rest and getting back on it again, just hope the weather stays nice!

Mavi - The thing is, I did like the look of the Allez because 2013 Sora have the proper shifters rather than the crappy positioning they had before (where you can't get to it if you're on the drops) - the Felt retails at £800 but with discount is £709, the Allez with discount is about £650. Doesn't seem like much more to pay to go from Sora --> Tiagra.

A guy in a cycle shop (who confessed to being a MTB rider and with little knowledge of roadie stuff) came out and said the American Classic wheels I have (58cm deep section carbon) are rubbish because despite being light they are too flexible and was saying that the shimano wheels on the Allez are better because they're more rigid. I'm not sure how much truth was in that, any idea?

Also if you're bored and have 2 minutes, check this out made me chuckle at least... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMCkuqL9IcM

Yes, but how much to upgrade from the Sora to a 10 speed set up, so that you can swap wheels around if you need or want to?

Factor in shifters, and a casstte comes to more than the difference between the 2 bikes. Although the Allez is £550 at most of the online shops

H'mm having looked at the spec for the 2013 Allez, I'd disagree with him about the wheels. Yes they might be stiffer, but that's because they look like 32 or 36 spoke wheels. However your deep section wheels will mean that the spokes are shorter and this'll mean less flex and a stiffer wheel, or a just as stiffer wheel.

Plus being lighter they'll accelerate quicker and being deep section they'll be much faster than the crappy OEM on the Allez. The ones on the Allez will feel dead compared to yours.

From what I've read about American Classic wheels they have a very good reputation

[maviczap]

I ought to try something racy and carbon next summer.

Yes, go for it

[EssexDave]

From what I've read about American Classic wheels they have a very good reputation


Well it's a good job you know what you're talking about, and on the basis that they are £1,000 for the wheelset, they must be good right!!

And I completely agree about Sora--> Tiagra cost if you were to purchase parts. I know the next spec Specialized (the Comp or Elite whatever they call it) is £900 and has Tiagra and so with discount is still around £80 more than the Felt. I don't think there's much difference between the frames.

[maviczap]

I plan to do my first 50 of the year tomorrow on what has now become my winter bike (used to be my summer bike but now has mudguards).

From what I have read, as I now have a winter bike i'm allowed to purchase a (very expensive) summer bike.

My budget is about £1500 and I have narrowed it down to.

Van Nicholas Ventus
Specialized ROubaix
Giant Defy Advanced
or maybe a ribble

My requirements are basic. It must be comfortable, it must have 20 speeds and a very wide range double chainset. i hope to buy in about April. Had this discussion a while ago on here and was advised to ride more first. Done that now and definitely sticking with it and plan to do some big rides this year, so surely I deserve a new bike!! what do you reckon OMO? have I missed any amazing bikes?

What ever you do, the heart of a good bike is the frame and wheels, everything else can be upgraded if need be.

So the Van Nich would be a good choice, Ti doesn't corrode, is comfy and should last a lifetime

[maviczap]

Well it's a good job you know what you're talking about, and on the basis that they are £1,000 for the wheelset, they must be good right!!

And I completely agree about Sora--> Tiagra cost if you were to purchase parts. I know the next spec Specialized (the Comp or Elite whatever they call it) is £900 and has Tiagra and so with discount is still around £80 more than the Felt. I don't think there's much difference between the frames.

Yes, a £1000 wheel set compared to a £90 machine built wheel set, I know what I'd rather have

[EssexDave]

Out of interest, anyone planning on the London to Southend this year? (Or any other rides for that matter)

[Dipper]

Yes, go for it

Dave tells me I need to spend £10k and buy it in his size:confused:

[EssexDave]

Dave tells me I need to spend £10k and buy it in his size:confused:

The Pinarello Dogma 65.1 is a gorgeous looking bike, and you're even welcome to watch me ride it if you like.

[mattSV]

I plan to do my first 50 of the year tomorrow on what has now become my winter bike (used to be my summer bike but now has mudguards).

From what I have read, as I now have a winter bike i'm allowed to purchase a (very expensive) summer bike.

My budget is about £1500 and I have narrowed it down to.

Van Nicholas Ventus
Specialized ROubaix
Giant Defy Advanced
or maybe a ribble

My requirements are basic. It must be comfortable, it must have 20 speeds and a very wide range double chainset. i hope to buy in about April. Had this discussion a while ago on here and was advised to ride more first. Done that now and definitely sticking with it and plan to do some big rides this year, so surely I deserve a new bike!! what do you reckon OMO? have I missed any amazing bikes?

Have a look at Planet X bikes as well - well built, well specced and good prices.

[maviczap]

Out of interest, anyone planning on the London to Southend this year? (Or any other rides for that matter)

I can't remember all the Sportives that are on my weekends off

But 2 are the Suffolk Sunrise & Suffolk Coastal events, there is one more I think.

Other than that I would like to climb the Ventoux this year or go back to the Alps or Pyrenee's to do some of the climbs I haven't done yet. But its no further than thinking about it, as I'm already busy in May, June & July with other stuff

[Jackie_Black]

What ever you do, the heart of a good bike is the frame and wheels, everything else can be upgraded if need be.

So the Van Nich would be a good choice, Ti doesn't corrode, is comfy and should last a lifetime

To be honest I always come back to the Van Nick, every single time. I think its the one. Plus I can get it on 0% over 3 years, so I may as well. Only problem now is frame size. I'm 6'2" so i'm torn between the 58 and the 60. I think a 60 will be better as the seat will be a little lower and the bike should feel even more comfy. Decisions, decisions. :)

[fizzwheel]

The only way you'll know is to try both frames and see how they feel or if the shop do it, get bike fit.

As I understand it and certainly in my experience, its better to go small i.e. the 58 in your case and you can tweak it up, whereas theres not alot you can do if the frame is to big.

You wont be disappointed with the VN, but I have a mate who has a VN Euro's and one of the Ribble Carbon Frames. He rates them both, but I get the impression and he has said as much that he was left feeling underwhelmed by the VN, but it was never something he could put his finger on.

IMO with the Ribble you get alot of bang for your buck, dont rule it out.

[maviczap]

Yes, but don't forget that the top tube will be that bit longer on the 60, which might mean that you could be too stretched out, which could give you neck pain and discomfort on a long ride.

But if you're spending that much money, then your LBS should give you proper advice about the correct size for you.

But I agree you don't want a too smaller frame and be supporting all your weight on your arms because your seatpost is extended way above the handlebars.

[maviczap]

Oh yes, can someone tell me where my special Shimano crank cap tool is?

The one tool I can never find when I want to

[Jackie_Black]

Think i'll get edinburgh cycles to get both sizes in and ride them both, it is a lot of cash and i have an 80mm stem on my large specialized allez which is a 58 I think, so a long reach could be problematic.

[pookie]

i used my needle nose pliers opened out to undo the crank cap

[maviczap]

Think i'll get edinburgh cycles to get both sizes in and ride them both, it is a lot of cash and i have an 80mm stem on my large specialized allez which is a 58 I think, so a long reach could be problematic.

Yes, an 80mm stem is quite a short stem, but at least Edinburgh cycles should be experienced enough to get it right?

Although a proper bike fit might pay dividends before buying. They'll stick you on a bike jig and work out your sizing.

There's a few dealers that do this, noteably Specialized dealers, although I'm not sure if you have to take your own bike?

[maviczap]

i used my needle nose pliers opened out to undo the crank cap

Yep, could have done that, but difficult to do up properly with pliers.

[Jackie_Black]

Yes, an 80mm stem is quite a short stem, but at least Edinburgh cycles should be experienced enough to get it right?

Although a proper bike fit might pay dividends before buying. They'll stick you on a bike jig and work out your sizing.

There's a few dealers that do this, noteably Specialized dealers, although I'm not sure if you have to take your own bike?

In my experience edinburgh cycles don't offer much of a bike fitting service. They will happily sell you pretty much anything. I have a friend who owns a bike shop and I use them as my LBS and they can do fittings but they only sell Giants and modas which are a funny size. I could get a decent deal on a carbon Giant but I know nothing about them and wanted a something a little more bespoke than a specialised or a giant.

[maviczap]

In my experience edinburgh cycles don't offer much of a bike fitting service. They will happily sell you pretty much anything. I have a friend who owns a bike shop and I use them as my LBS and they can do fittings but they only sell Giants and modas which are a funny size. I could get a decent deal on a carbon Giant but I know nothing about them and wanted a something a little more bespoke than a specialised or a giant.

Tricky one, as your friend owns a shop, can't he order you the Van Nich?

Not sure how far Saltburn is from you?

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=16796194

Wheelbase also in the North, they also do a fitting service.

As do http://www.breezebikes.co.uk/fit.php who are in Northumberland

[Jackie_Black]

The one in saltburn sounds awesome, I'd have to get a bike first by the look of things then get the fitting done though, from what I have read a 3d fitting can make an incredible difference in performance. Just had a look at my friends site and he could probably do me a giant Defy 2 for around £1650-£1700 quid. Thats not bad for a bike with ultegra on it. SO that's another bike for the posh summer bike list!!

[maviczap]

Breezebike website says they'll do a bike fit if you're buying a new bike and don't know what size you want

A phone call to each would be cheaper than buying the wrong sized bike before going for a fitting.

Obviously each will try and sell you one of their bikes :p

You could take your current bike

[Jackie_Black]

Certainly plenty to think about now like. Nothing I like more than making a very slow and well informed choice :). Need a few months of serious research and bike shop visits now! I'll try those shops too, never visited either of them.

[fizzwheel]

Certainly plenty to think about now like. Nothing I like more than making a very slow and well informed choice :). Need a few months of serious research and bike shop visits now!

I'd been looking at my LOOK for a good 14 months before I bought it... I think you have the right approach, take your time and do your homework thoroughly before purchasing.

I had a bike fit when I bought my LOOK, it cost me £150 to get it done and I had to have it as it has an integrated seat post which means the cut the frame to set the seat height, my LBS did it for me and they took the £150 for the bike fit off the price of the bike when I placed my order. So thats something to see if you can negotiate on as well.

In your shoes, I'd be looking at the VN over the Giant, nothing wrong with the Giant, they are fantastic bikes, Its just there's so many of them and I like to stand out a little from the crowd.

[maviczap]

Yep, bit like the old builders mantra

Measure twice, cut once

My old steel Colnago was a 57cm which I now know was far to big for me in the top tube, and all my other bikes were a similar size when I first started.

All my fleet are 54cm size, with 11cm stem and I can tell if I've put a different sized stem on.

After 120km ride in the Alpes on my Wilier I was still comfortable enough to carry on for more miles, a combination of the carbon frame & a good fit.

Its taken a lot of years to get to this stage

[Jackie_Black]

Well I know after 45 miles on my Allez tomorrow I will have mild back pain, numb balls of the feet and a sore A*** even with decent bib longs and cut away saddle. Still it's miles better than it was with the longer stem that was flipped down.

[Jackie_Black]

Extended my ride a bit. Managed 54 miles in 3hrs 49mins.
I found the last 5 miles awful but i've set myself a new distance record, never ridden that far in one go. Great first ride of the year!!

[maviczap]

Well done, next time it won't be so hard mentally.

Even if I had been free today and not shackled with child care, what started out as a lovely sunny morning, quickly changed to a foggy pea souper of a day

[Jackie_Black]

It was a pea souper at 8am when I went out, then the sun came out for a bit and it was lovely so I extended my ride, but the coast was freezing and miserable and that made the final miles killer, think i needed a bit more nutrition too as i was pretty much broken when i got home, felt sick and dizzy until I ate.

[maviczap]

Yep, burning extra fuel just trying to keep warm I guess

[Jackie_Black]

Also noticed when I was inflating the tyres before I went out the side walls are coming away on my relatively new continental tyres, they seem to be perishing a bit and falling to bits. I intend to replace them soon and as this is my winter bike now will 700 x 25s offer more comfort than the 700 x 23's I have fitted without killing my speed?

[maviczap]

Also noticed when I was inflating the tyres before I went out the side walls are coming away on my relatively new continental tyres, they seem to be perishing a bit and falling to bits. I intend to replace them soon and as this is my winter bike now will 700 x 25s offer more comfort than the 700 x 23's I have fitted without killing my speed?

Yes, I've not noticed much difference between the 23's & 25's at this time of year

Unusual for Continentals to do this?

[Jackie_Black]

Yeah I was a little surprised to be honest. It's only the rear tyre that is failing but still a bit of a worry. I'm not put off though and will buy them again as they stick incredibly well. I wonder if Gatorskin 28's would slow me down much.

[maviczap]

Could put a 28 just on the back, if there's enough clearance, that'd give you a bit more comfort.

Not sure if I'd put one on the front, 25 is sufficient in my book

[Jayneflakes]

Also noticed when I was inflating the tyres before I went out the side walls are coming away on my relatively new continental tyres, they seem to be perishing a bit and falling to bits.

Yesterday I opened the boxes of some brand new unused Continental Inner tubes that I bought as part of my spares pack a couple of years ago. They have been carefully stored in the dark and in the dry yet both tubes had rotted through and had numerous splits in them. The rubber felt like it had just fallen apart in places. I have never had a problem like this before despite being a cyclist since 1988! I am wondering if Continental have had production problems in the last couple of years? :(

I should add that the Kenda one that was stored with them was totally fine. Hmm... troubling.

[maviczap]

Yesterday I opened the boxes of some brand new unused Continental Inner tubes that I bought as part of my spares pack a couple of years ago. They have been carefully stored in the dark and in the dry yet both tubes had rotted through and had numerous splits in them. The rubber felt like it had just fallen apart in places. I have never had a problem like this before despite being a cyclist since 1988! I am wondering if Continental have had production problems in the last couple of years? :(

I should add that the Kenda one that was stored with them was totally fine. Hmm... troubling.

Maybe the formula that Conti used is different to Kenda Jayne, ie more silica or carbon black causing them to degrade quicker?

[maviczap]

For those of you who like or use For Goodness shakes this is a good deal I think

http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/national-deal/Athlete-Store/15602099?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_1_0_0_7&a=1664

25 pre mixed bottles, either banana or vanilla for £25

A 1.4kg tub of the powder at Wiggle is £28, and that's only 20 servings.

Lucky for me I like the banana one

[krhall]

Stupid question, but will these fit my road bike? I have 23x700c tyres, but this says something about ETRTO rims?

http://www.innertubeshop.com/products/road-700-x-18-25c-presta-42mm-also-fits-some-27-10-bundle

[maviczap]

Yes they will, I can't remember what ETRTO stands for, but these will be fine