The Cycling Thread

[Luckypants]

Aldi (http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/25791.htm) and Lidl are your friend when it comes to cycling kit usually their shorts are poor though, dhb from Wiggle (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cycle/shorts/) are good value.I got a gilet from Lidl yesterday for a tenner. Ideal for spring conditions.

Our little cycling group has just had a 'club kit' delivered and our first ride of the season on summer bikes is coming up. There is a three line whip to wear CRAPI clothing so pictures after the weekend of us all in our finery. :cool:

[EssexDave]

Talking of such...
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/25791.htm

[Roberrrrt]

Talking of such...
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/25791.htm

MUST try to remember!!

[Owenski]

I was of the impression bert that the eyelets were all the same dia/guage. It may well be that your threads have now crud'd up, in which case just a quick tap of the holes will fix it. Can run it by mind at somepoint and we'll sort it.

FYI, I've taken mine off again now. Not due to the weather, but because I ran over my front guard.
As I set off from some lights my toe caught the guard and it was carried over the top of the wheel.
I rescued it at the time but I've been really fed up of getting off all the time to adjust them to stop them rubbing the tyres.

Hence removed.

[maviczap]

Yes, Aldi & Lidl for tops and jersey's. Plus Aldi gel mitts are good, a bit on the small side, so best to try on first.

I got a Lidl gillet a couple of seasons ago, comes in handy as its red, so I get seen a bit better. There's too many black cycling tops about, Sky aren't helping here.

Decathlon also sell semi decent windproof jackets, and some of their shorts have good looking pads in them, but NOT the cheap ones.

Wiggle DHB shorts are good for the money, I've got a couple of pairs

[Jabba]

I have been considering something like Mavic Ksyrium Elites though....

Pro-Lite Braccianos....... lighter and cheaper. Made a heck of a difference to my bike. Just saying........ ;-)

[EssexDave]

Yes I know I'm a gigantic tit but I've only heard good things about their gear so thought I'd try some...

Wiggle stocks some, and I got http://www.bobshop.de/en/Pro-Teams/Pro-Team-Clothing/Movistar/2013/Set-MOVISTAR-TEAM-2013-2-pieces.html (from wiggle though) and after my first ride out in it today - highly recommended. So comfortable and not a bad price either (I don't think) considering I had been looking at Castelli bib shorts in Evans for £200 :S

[maviczap]

Ooh cheers Dave, just seen a kit that I was looking for, the UK sites only had last years version

[Luckypants]

My riding group in our new kit

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/318742_10151436937138214_1995617524_n.jpg

[maviczap]

Looks nice kit Mike, as does the weather. Too many pale legs though :p

[Luckypants]

It was 1.5C at the start, so impressed there were any legs on show at all! Today's sun has started my bike tan lines again :cool:

[maviczap]

Yes, I went out for a stomp round after work tonight, although with my skinny arms & legs I opted for long legs & arms, but I probably could have got away with wearing less

[fizzwheel]

Nice Kit Mike, I like that nice and subtle.

Liz and I are doing our first sportive of the year tomorrow.

http://www.pendragonsports.com/Circle_Sportive

We are doing the 53 mile route. Looking forward to it especially if this nice weather from today holds.

[maviczap]

Enjoy the ride Fizz & Liz, I hope the weather is as nice as it was today.

I'll be stuck at work :(

[Luckypants]

Enjoy the ride Fizz (and Liz), it should be fun if the sun comes out.

[EssexDave]

Which kit you going for mavi?

[maviczap]

I quite like Colombia Coldeportes kit, as they ride Wiliers bikes, so it goes with my steed

http://www.bobshop.de/en/Pro-Teams/Pro-Team-Clothing/Colombia-Coldeportes/

It's a bit black, like too many team kits.

Quite like the Garmin Sharp kit too.

[fizzwheel]

Thoroughly enjoyable ride. Not to windy, bit of sun. But lots of climbing. Good training ride for me and thats the longest and hardest ride Liz has done since she started cycling. Really well organised sportive.

http://app.strava.com/activities/49897063

[maviczap]

Chapau Liz, and well done Fizz, I would have enjoyed riding that route, although I could do with a few more miles in my legs to do something like that.

Went for another stomp tonight after work, I didn't wear any overshoes, but its still cold enough to give me cold toes after 13 miles, hands were warm enough & I wore my bib knicks, so it is getting warmer. Just not quite warm enough.

Still suns out & the roads are dry and pretty clear of mud

[fizzwheel]

I did enjoy it and it breaks up the monotony of riding the same roads in my local area all the time.

[maviczap]

Yes, that's my problem, although I do have quite a nice variety of routes to ride, but only one way out of my town

[Luckypants]

Nice one both, looks pretty bumpy.

I know what you mean about monotony of the same roads, the worst for me is the hill back to the village - I ride and drive this road everytime I have to go anywhere, the same 4 miles over and over....... I find the rides organised by my riding buddies keeps me fresh as we rarely cover the same route twice in the summer. Even yesterday's ride which is our traditional summer opener had a different last quarter with another hill thrown in for good measure! Now I just need the legs to keep up!

Perhaps joining a club would help provide some different routes?

Sent from my phone.

[Dipper]

Perhaps joining a club would help provide some different routes?

.....or perhaps start a facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/331864903577380/). Started this last November simply getting people together for rides and chat. New faces, new routes, no club fees or politics.

[Owenski]

ohhhhh you're John D!!!
Freaked me out a little when I had Kudos from someone I didnt know/follow :) panic over.

3rd week of it now, times quicker now but the pain is no less :)

[ClunkintheUK]

3rd week of it now, times quicker now but the pain is no less :)

Good man. As it should be.

Went for a ride on saturday. Haven't managed to get out and ride over the winter, so it was tough work, but we managed around 50 miles and got up box hill OK. My mate whose only been back on the bike for 7 weeks after several years off is relentless. Hills just don't seem to effect him. I however was knackered. Nearly put my summer bike to shame :(

[Dipper]

ohhhhh you're John D!!!
Freaked me out a little when I had Kudos from someone I didnt know/follow :) panic over.

3rd week of it now, times quicker now but the pain is no less :)

lol, anyone brave enough to do 42mph on a road bike after only a few outings deserves much Kudos.

[fizzwheel]

Perhaps joining a club would help provide some different routes?

Dunno the Yeovil club stick to pretty much the same routes for their Sunday club runs I've been out with them before and it was OK. Perhaps time to try again maybe.

Other news, If I have got my head around how the circle sportive results page works and sorted it correctly, Liz was 2nd overall on yesterdays 53 mile route which is damn good going.

[maviczap]

Blimey a good result,

[fizzwheel]

Sorry I wrote that wrong. 2nd Female overall on the 53 mile route. Still a fine result.

[maviczap]

Thats how I read your post

[fizzwheel]

:cool:

[maviczap]

It must be summer, I was eating bugs on my ride out this evening

Also first ride out in short sleeves & shorts tonight Yaaaay :D

[fizzwheel]

Bib Shorts & Jersey for me today as well. Happy days. Long may it last.

[Geodude]

My friend has recently opened a cycle shop, giant etc sales and repair and as i was in the area i thought i'd pop in and say hello ( pie shop next door got a visit first ;) ) and have a nose about. Nice looking pedal bikes i said until i noticed the price tags :smt103 i could buy a brand new sv for less, maybe ive been locked in a cupboard for too long but i didn't realise that they cost that much. Then he showed me his bike and handed it to me and the whole bike weighed less than my crash helmet, and it had no pedals as they were part of his shoes??? I didnt know how flash the tech had got on pedal bikes and the prices were alot more than i expected so you guys must really love your sport.

Anyway hope i haven't bored you with my story of shock and learning. Oh and i havent rode a pedal bike (cant now as knees are shot) since my raleigh grifter :cool:.

[Owenski]

He must have shown you his elite range, you can still pick up a push iron for peanuts but if you want quality then you've got to pay. Simple as.
My bike was a £950 Allez Elite... they call that a budget bike. hA!¬

[Geodude]

These bikes were like six grand and had swing arms and air suspension and all sorts, i did laugh at his range of pricey cycling shorts that looked like they had tena ladies sewn into them ;)

[Owenski]

Yup, even 2nd hand those bikes fetch a pretty penny.
My downhill bike was just under 5k when I bought it new. Says a lot when you sell a push iron to put a deposit down on a house!

[Luckypants]

Can anyone point me at some cheap Sidi shoes? I need new road shoes and fancy Sidis but cannot justify the £200 price. :(

Any recommendations for cheaper brands that are well made and very stiff?

[maviczap]

I'd had the same problem, trying to find Sidi's at the right price & colour I wanted (you know what a tart I am :D)

Couldn't find any and no one does them cheap.

So I was going to get some Mavic's or Shimano carbon soled ones. I also looked Giro and Fizik's as they got good reviews in Cycling Plus reviews.

But none were in the colour I wanted.

All are cheaper than Sidi's and just as well spec'd

In the end I got a pair of new Bonts off Bikeradar for a great price from a local seller. I haven't tried them out yet, thanks to the weather

But I'd go a try some different brands on at your nearest shop, as all cycling shoes are notorious for sizing.

Carbon soles are stiff, but you can suffer from hot spots on your feet, but I don't know until I've tried mine yet

[Luckypants]

Any opinions on Wiggle's DHb carbon soled shoes?

[fizzwheel]

Any opinions on Wiggle's DHb carbon soled shoes?

I've not tried them personally. But in one of the cycling mags the other week, there was a review of shoes and IIRC the DHB ones came out top.

I'll see if I can find the magazine / article.

[maviczap]

Yes, they get good reviews and are a good price too. I nearly went for a pair.

The newer model has a ratchet closure for the main buckle, which is better than the old one with just velcro closures

I also saw some Decathlon brand carbon soled shoes which also looked pretty good at a similar price to the DHB shoes. Same spec

I got my Bonts for the same price as the DHB ones, but they are the basic model which are available at about £140 new I think.

That was the money I was looking to spend, I can't see how Sidi can justify their prices, when most of the competition are cheaper, for the same spec shoe.

[fizzwheel]

Righto found it.

Article is from Cycling Active 2013 April Edition.

DHC R2.0C Carbon Soled shoes £89.99 7/10 score, best on a budget.

Shimano R170 £149.99 were the test winner with score of 9/10

Bontrager RL Road £129.99 also score 9/10 and are "recommended"

I know what you mean about the Sidi's they are expensive for what they are.

HTH

[maviczap]

Think I was looking at the R170's

£125 on Paul Milnes ebay site. Plus as you have Shimano's already, you'll know what size you take

[Luckypants]

Righto found it.

Article is from Cycling Active 2013 April Edition.

DHC R2.0C Carbon Soled shoes £89.99 7/10 score, best on a budget.

Shimano R170 £149.99 were the test winner with score of 9/10

Bontrager RL Road £129.99 also score 9/10 and are "recommended"

I know what you mean about the Sidi's they are expensive for what they are.

HTHThanks Fizz, really helpful!
Hmmm shame they are only in white! £112 at Tweeks cycles which is not far, so I can try on. My current shimano shoes are too big, bought that way for the width and I see that these R170 come in a wide fitting, so they should be bob on. I'll call in to Tweeks after Saturday's ride which goes from Wrexham.

[Luckypants]

Thanks Fizz, really helpful!
Hmmm shame they are only in white! £112 at Tweeks cycles which is not far, so I can try on. My current shimano shoes are too big, bought that way for the width and I see that these R170 come in a wide fitting, so they should be bob on. I'll call in to Tweeks after Saturday's ride which goes from Wrexham.Saturday's ride is from Corwen to Vyrnwy up the Bwlch-y-Groes :pale:[-o<, so I went to Wrexham today :smt040. I have bought the Shimano R170 shoes in a 43 wide - really great fit in the wide shoes. My current shoes were a bit floppy as I had 44 for the width, so it's great that they do a wide fitting so they fit me all round. Seem very comfortable and stiff, I'll report back after Saturday.

I may have also bought a cheap Garmin 500... :cool:

[maviczap]

bout time you caught up with us in the garmin brigade you luddite ;)

[Luckypants]

That's because they are bally expensive!

Sent from my phone.

[maviczap]

aye, don't loose it on your first ride, like I did with my first wireless computer, no wires to keep it attached to the bike. :confused:

ask fizz he lost his 305 recently

[fizzwheel]

ask fizz he lost his 305 recently

and I'm still p*ssed off about it ! To be fair, the bracket on the 500 is much better than the 305 was.

[Owenski]

So this is a common occupancy! I feel less of a **** now for loosing my cateye comp the first week of riding. That was only a cheap bit of tat so god knows how u must have felt fizz.

[fizzwheel]

It wouldnt have been as bad if I had got to it a few seconds earlier. It was in one piece in the road and just as I spotted it and started to turn around to pick it up a car drove over it and that was the end of that.

I completed the Strava Spring Classics Challenge today. Feeling rather pleased with myself as thats the first strava challenge I've managed to complete.

[Luckypants]

I am now all Garmin'd up :cool: So how do I share the data? Can you see yesterday's ride at this URL? http://connect.garmin.com/activity/303931167

Quick question on Garmins, do you have height correction turned on and why?

[fizzwheel]

Yep can see your data OK.

No I dont have the elevation correction turned on. Mainly because I dont really understand what its does. :help:

[Luckypants]

Found this buried on the Garmin site...



What are Elevation Corrections? Elevation Corrections cross reference the horizontal position (latitude/longitude) provided by the GPS with elevation data that has been acquired by professional surveys. When corrections to elevation data are made, each trackpoint of your activity now contains the elevation from the web service, not the elevation provided by your GPS device.
Garmin Connect selectively applies corrections to depict a more realistic representation of your elevation experience. Activities recorded from devices without a barometric altimeter are enabled with Elevation Corrections by default. Alternatively, activities recorded by devices with a barometric altimeter generally contain accurate elevation data and therefore Elevation Corrections are disabled by default. For those users who are familiar with the MotionBased Gravity service, this is the same service.

[fizzwheel]

I think the 500 has a barometric altimeter so I dont think we need to switch on the elevation corrections...

[Luckypants]

I think the 500 has a barometric altimeter so I dont think we need to switch on the elevation corrections...Correct! :D

[maviczap]

Data overload LP :D

[Luckypants]

I don't think so... I can see how hard I work on the climbs using Strava / Garmin site, I have set up a little climbing screen on my Garmin so I can pace myself, you develop historical data to view your improvements etc.

All motivational stuff and I need it after a very poor winter, I'm seriously off the pace right now.


On another note, have your plans for a raid on Ventoux made any progress?

[maviczap]

All motivational stuff and I need it after a very poor winter, I'm seriously off the pace right now.

I think we're all in that boat, my pace on the flat is ok, despite the lack of miles, but up hill it's a different story


On another note, have your plans for a raid on Ventoux made any progress?

No, no plans made yet mate, some of it down to the lack of riding with my mate, to get him motivated for it, although when I saw him the other day, I'm not sure he's going to be up for it anyway.

Due to other commitments, September is really the only option again,once the kids are back to school, although late August would be possible, but its going to be bally hot then i think.

I have started the bike prep already, as the Litespeed has the triple fitted for any trip involving mountains. :p

[maviczap]

But I am up for any mountain trip, if I don't do Ventoux this year, I'll do it next year.

I still have Criox de Fer to do, as we abandoned last year, and I don't mind going to the Pyrenees again

[madnlooney]

I'm looking at getting an edge 800, need to get out on the bike again, did a little bit last Week but really need done proper padded shorts.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

[maviczap]

Buy your proper shorts before buying the 800, better to get good shorts than the computer

Any reason why you want the 800? Its a lot of dosh

[EssexDave]

I've got an 800, doesn't do much more (if anything?!) than the 705.

I was talking to Pookie the other day about how you can improve these units, and to be honest we didn't come up with much. I had the after thought that perhaps wifi to upload it via your phone instantly or something like that but almost defeats the point of these units as most phones will track nowadays anyway.

As mavi said - sort your shorts first before the computer. You can use your phone and get pretty much the same results (you can even buy bluetooth HRMs to use with your phone). Alternatively if you just want to log rides, look at the Garmin Forerunner 210 from Decathlon at the minute on special offer at £130 - not much good as a cycle computer or satnav, but will record rides so you can upload them. (Or perhaps the edge 210?)

[maviczap]

The newer Garmin's (810, 510) can pick up more satellites, according to the press blurb, they see Russian satellites that the older Garmins don't.

Which might mean they don't loose the signal in mountain valley roads, like my 305 does.

With these new ones, you can monitor the riders progress on a PC, which would be quite handy for my wife to get the kettle on as I'm heading home.

Would also have been very handy on our Alps tour last year, as our trip organisers could have seen where we were each day.

[fizzwheel]

Agree with above, spend the money on shorts before computer...

Liz has a 510 and I have a 500, Liz's 510 is much faster to startup and lock onto satellites than my 500 is.

[madnlooney]

yeah think i will grab some shorts first. i wanted the 800 for the gps, on the fly mapping, HRM and speed sensor.
i think the 500/510 needs a preset route before going?

[Luckypants]

Do you really need the mapping? How often do you need a map on a ride, 95% of the time you are on a route you know. I just bought a 500 because I don't need a map on my rides. If I ever got lost my phone has sat nav.....

Sent from my phone.

[EssexDave]

Do you really need the mapping? How often do you need a map on a ride, 95% of the time you are on a route you know. I just bought a 500 because I don't need a map on my rides. If I ever got lost my phone has sat nav.....

Sent from my phone.

This

[Jabba]

This

Ditto.

Another 500 user here. Very happy with it. Yesterday's ride - headwinds up (& down) the big hills were horrible and made them far worse:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/304706750

[EssexDave]

I've owned my 800 since June 2011 and have never once used the ability to map a ride 'on the fly'.

[Luckypants]

I hate it when this happens! Email from Amazon with my Garmin 500 £30 cheaper than I paid.... and I thought I had a good deal! If anyone is thinking of a 500, this is a new unit for the sort of money second hand ones are going for on Ebay.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002O0QBN4/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=electronics

[maviczap]

C'est la feckin vie, I know that feeling mate

[fizzwheel]

Thats the kind of thing that happens to me...

The GP4000s' on the Look are finished the rears nearly down to the wear markers and I keep picking up front and rear punctures. So time for replacement.

Gone for something different this time. Vittoria Open Corsa CX Pave ( yes I know what a Tart ) ordered them yesterday get an email from Wiggle today "30% off tyres sale"

I was annoyed until I realised that the Pave's werent in the sale !

On another matters - this week is hill training week...

[Dipper]

On another matters - this week is hill training week...

That was last week for us!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/304180492

a new experience for me, nothing bigger than 400ft here in Essex.

[maviczap]

Looks like a nice ride profile there Dipper :D

[Dipper]

Looks like a nice ride profile there Dipper :D

Pookie and I did that climb twice the second time nonstop, Dave did it three times. I can understand now how you like to climb some mountains every year, I'd go back tomorrow :D

[Dipper]

Just a reminder Aldi cycling offers (http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/offers_week18Thursday13.htm) this Thursday.

[Owenski]

I'm getting closer to been able to complete the Cat 4 on my commute using the top ring only.
If I cant do it by the end of May I'll be disapointed./

[fizzwheel]

One wheel in the LBS because its got a nasty buckle. Get home tonight strange rattle coming from back wheel. Took tyre off, had a look at it, nope still rattling. Dratt a broken spoke...

Gonna have a rest day tomorrow and go the LBS tomorrow and pick up the wheel I left with them at the weekend and then leave them with the bust spoke wheel. Its the wheel off my Cube which I havent had that long.

Stupid pot holed roads around here :-(

[maviczap]

There's loads of wheel killers in the lanes I ride, lucky I know most of them quite well.

[fizzwheel]

So, my LBS has repaired my Easton FOC under warranty.
My Mavic K10 rear needs a new rim as its cracked in several places and looks like the spokes are pulling through.

£270 for a wheel rebuild. Using my exsting hub, but full set of new spokes and new rim

Still could be worse...

[Owenski]

I dont like the sound of those sorts of bills...
I'll have it all to come though no doubt.

I've made my target! Nearly a month ahead of when I thought i would WOOHOO ME LOL.
I've made the cat 4 climb on the big ring bottom to top. :) I actually did it on Wednesday, big ring at the front and 3 down on the back but wanted to see if I could do it again today so as to prove it wasn't a fluke.

FEEL THE BURN :)

[Dipper]

Ordered one of these (http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3092) yesterday, the three week wait is going to be hard.....



http://www.canyon.com/i/bikes/bikedetail/ultimate-cf-slx-8-es_c1024.png

[EssexDave]

Still so jealous, especially seeing as you bought the wrong size!

[Luckypants]

That is purdy! Pretty pricey but I guess that is what Dura-ace equipped bikes cost these days. Bet she will go like stink! Plenty of sexy pictures when you get your hands on her. :smt041

[maviczap]

you seen my PM yet Mike?

That's nice Dipper, Dura Ace yum yum

[Owenski]

Dipper... WOW!

[Dipper]

That's nice Dipper, Dura Ace yum yum

I hope I won't regret going Shimano, I prefer the noiseless, silky smoothness of Campy but it was the choice of ratios that won the day.

[maviczap]

Shimano is silent, in fact the shifters are much quieter than Campag ones I've heard, no one I know rides Sram, so I don't know abt them.

if the wheels are Mavic then the freehubs going to be the noisest part.

[EssexDave]

Had a good week this week! 403km total in the week and 202 miles this weekend!
109 miles yesterday, an 89 mile ride today at 18mph and then just a 4 mile bimble to make up the miles!

Happy days!

[maviczap]

Impressive mate, but then the weather has finally improved a bit.

I need to rack up some miles too, I'm a bit behind compared to this time last year and France is only 4 months away

[EssexDave]

Jealous of you going to France. I'm looking to start racing soon(ish) need to get on with some speedwork!

[maviczap]

Yes, but you've just comeback from Espagnol

Are you riding in Road Races or TT's?

[EssexDave]

Road races will be the plan. I'm nowhere near quick enough yet but hey what's the worst that can happen?

And it was only five days in Spain and certainly not enough!

[fizzwheel]

Had a good week this week! 403km total in the week and 202 miles this weekend!
109 miles yesterday, an 89 mile ride today at 18mph and then just a 4 mile bimble to make up the miles!

Happy days!

Respect :cool:

[EssexDave]

Fizz be nothing compared to your 560 mile trek you have soon! Best of luck for that - sure it'll be enjoyable :p

[maviczap]

Road races will be the plan. I'm nowhere near quick enough yet but hey what's the worst that can happen?

And it was only five days in Spain and certainly not enough!

5 days in Spain is better than 5 days here lately :(

You'll be alright in the Cat 4 races, just watch out for the super quick starts, as the better riders tend to try and loose the less experienced riders in the first few miles, especially if there's some Cat 1 or 2 riders returning to racing.

At those avg speeds enter a 25 TT you'll storm to a under the hour ride fairly quickly

[EssexDave]

I don't think I could crack 25mph for an hour - nowhere near.
One of my friends raced a cat 4 and won recently with an average speed of over 25mph. (That was anonly Cat 4 event too).

I'm just looking forward to the challenge and starting out on some circuit stuff so if worst comes to worst I can wait to be lapped then just sit in again and gain the experience!

[maviczap]

Aye do some circuit stuff, its good fun. I used to do some Crit races, which are similar

You'd be surprised how fast you can go once you've got some tri bars on your bike. I don't recall training at 18mph avg speeds and I've been under the hour 3 times in my heyday on my TT bike with tri bars

I didn't train with tri bars on my bike