View Full Version : The Cycling Thread
Quiff Wichard
05-06-10, 09:28 PM
oi that is £110 worth of Halfords bike that is..
soz for derail
get all serious again
Quiff Wichard
05-06-10, 09:29 PM
and the photos are up from Saturday, this is me plodding up Cheddar Gorge, picture doesnt really describe just how awful the weather was...
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/TOW.jpg
you look like you is on a paper round thouughhhhh
7755matt
05-06-10, 10:06 PM
I did 45 miles on mOnday and an extra 25 on wednesday. I'm planning n at least 10 miles every day this week
oi that is £110 worth of Halfords bike that is..
There is a MTB thread ;-)
I'm back, ride completed. Possibly the hardest sporting thing I have ever done.
My stats:
Miles = 81
Riding time = 6h 29min
Total time = 7hr 14min (approx)
Ave riding speed = 12.5mph
Height gained = 2300m (7600ft) approx. Will confirm later :thumbsup:
Weight at 6:00am = 12st 11lbs
Weight at 6:00pm = 12st 10lbs
I finished 4th out of the nine of us I did it with.
To paraphrase Sir Stephen Redgrave: "If you ever see me on the starting line for the Dragon Ride again you have my permission to shoot me" :lol:
PS:
Quiff - it was absolutely freeking boiling out there. Climbs done Wiggins-stylee with shirt open to waist :lol:
fizzwheel
06-06-10, 06:34 PM
Well done Jabba, given your lack of ride training due to illness thats a fantastic effort :cool:
Well done Jabba, given your lack of ride training due to illness thats a fantastic effort :cool:
Cheers mate. I've nearly died twice this year - January and today :lol:
Not going to touch the bike for week other than to clean it ;-)
There is a MTB thread ;-)
I'm back, ride completed. Possibly the hardest sporting thing I have ever done.
My stats:
Miles = 81
Riding time = 6h 29min
Total time = 7hr 14min (approx)
Ave riding speed = 12.5mph
Height gained = 2300m (7600ft) approx. Will confirm later :thumbsup:
Weight at 6:00am = 12st 11lbs
Weight at 6:00pm = 12st 10lbs
I finished 4th out of the nine of us I did it with.
To paraphrase Sir Stephen Redgrave: "If you ever see me on the starting line for the Dragon Ride again you have my permission to shoot me" :lol:
PS:
Quiff - it was absolutely freeking boiling out there. Climbs done Wiggins-stylee with shirt open to waist :lol:
Bloody good show :salut::salut::salut:
Quiff Wichard
06-06-10, 07:04 PM
BRILLIANT JABBA have a beer..
thats ace goin mate - be proud.
you done better than my lil fat mate in Southampton could do..
BRILLIANT JABBA have a beer..
thats ace goin mate - be proud.
you done better than my lil fat mate in Southampton could do..
Oi - I told you earlier - **** off out of my thread :smt097
:kiss:
maviczap
06-06-10, 07:10 PM
Well done mate.
Feet up and get a lovely massage now
Feet up and get a lovely massage now
Today feels like I have a hangover.... slightly sick-in-gut feeling. Probably a bit dehydrated.
Glad I booked the day off :lol:
Thanks to everyone for their kind words - much appreciated :thumbsup:
Oi, Lycra clad hooligans. I have a Cannondale Badboy hybrid running 26" rims with discs, can i put 700 rims on there? If so, can i get away with buying just rims, or do i need a whole wheel? Trying to do it fairly cheaply.
ta in advance
Oi, Lycra clad hooligans.
I believe the correct term is "Lycra Louts" ;-)
I have a Cannondale Badboy hybrid running 26" rims with discs, can i put 700 rims on there? If so, can i get away with buying just rims, or do i need a whole wheel?
My guess is that to do it cheaply you'll need rims and spokes. Keep the hubs, brakes, cassette and mechs. A good LBS will be able to supply and build for you.
One question (for which you probably already know the answer) - will your frame take the larger diameter wheel? Front and back?
Youre no good, i dont want to have to check i just though that someone would know! Pah..I will wander up to the bike shop at the weekend and get them to have a look. I have been looking at new bikes, but i have such expensive taste so thats out. Quite take by the Scott Sub10 Solution
http://www.wheelies.co.uk/Images/Products/full28843.jpg
Quite take by the Scott Sub10 Solution
I know enough to know that rims+spokes+build shouldn't cost 900 squiddlies :lol:
Height gained = 2300m (7600ft) approx. Will confirm later :thumbsup:
From this source (http://www.livestrong.com/loops/pencoed_dragon_ride_medio_forno-go3zKnAilW/) over yesterday's route:
Elevation gained = 2371m (7779ft)
Mt Snowdon is 1,085m (3,560 ft). No wonder I'm knackered today :lol:
I know enough to know that rims+spokes+build shouldn't cost 900 squiddlies :lol:
Yeah but i need something to run around on whilst the rims are being built :lol:
I havet even got the money to change to 700 rims let along a scott sub10!
maviczap
07-06-10, 07:29 PM
Oi, Lycra clad hooligans. I have a Cannondale Badboy hybrid running 26" rims with discs, can i put 700 rims on there? If so, can i get away with buying just rims, or do i need a whole wheel? Trying to do it fairly cheaply.
ta in advance
H'mm not sure if this is a good idea, as you might have clearance issues with the bigger rims. Borrow a set of 700c wheels and see if nothing fouls.
You might get a pair of 700c wheels cheap enough from somewhere like Merlin Cycles, but with disc hubs?
Then you've got to buy rim tape, tyres, inner tubes and a cassette.
Having the rims changed to 700c isn't going to be cheap either and it might affect the steering geometry too
I might be getting back in the saddle again...........:D
fizzwheel
07-06-10, 07:59 PM
Oi, Lycra clad hooligans. I have a Cannondale Badboy hybrid running 26" rims with discs, can i put 700 rims on there? If so, can i get away with buying just rims, or do i need a whole wheel? Trying to do it fairly cheaply.
ta in advance
Mate at work has the Badboy with the 700C rims, I dont think its hugely different to the one you have.
I reckon it'd be cheaper just to get another set of wheels and swap the whole lot over rather than getting yours rebuilt with a different rim.
What do you want to achieve by doing it. I guess go faster for less effort ?
maviczap
07-06-10, 08:15 PM
Same effect could probably be obtained by using super skinny Continental 26in tyres, if they still do them.
I had some 1in continental tryes for 26in wheels
Most 26" MTBs will take road wheels. What your gaining in rim size your losing in tyre depth, but overall 700c wheels are bigger obviously.
maviczap
07-06-10, 08:46 PM
MTB 26in wheel = 650c wheel or near enough
Mate at work has the Badboy with the 700C rims, I dont think its hugely different to the one you have.
I reckon it'd be cheaper just to get another set of wheels and swap the whole lot over rather than getting yours rebuilt with a different rim.
What do you want to achieve by doing it. I guess go faster for less effort ?Yes.
Ah, but they do a bad boy with 700c rims and looking at the spec the forks are different. I think i will wander up to bromley bike over the weekend to have a chat. I need to think about getting it serviced now anyway as i have done a 1000 miles, or there abouts!!
Tomorrow I'm off on a long weekend jolly in West Wales with 23 "gentleman" of a similar age. Will be at holiday pace, with long lunches etc.
We're doing the Celtic Trail west, so:
Friday: Train to Carmarthen, then over the Elvis (Presceli :-)) hills to Fishguard.
Saturday: Fishguard to Tenby via the coast toute through St Davids
Sunday: Tenby to The Gower
Monday: Gower to The Plough (our local booxer)
Around 250 miles in 4 days..... just right :-D
I'm looking at road bikes at the moment. I used to have a roadie about 13-14 years ago when I was a teenager but havent been back on one since. I only sold an MTB a couple of months back (Rockhopper) due to lack of use and not getting on with the bike.
If I was going to buy a roadie, sub £400 would it be worth it or do I need to be looking at £500-600?
fizzwheel
18-06-10, 10:45 AM
If I was going to buy a roadie, sub £400 would it be worth it or do I need to be looking at £500-600?
Depends how much you are going to use it. If its infrequent use then sub £400 would more than likely do the job.
If you are going to use it a bit more regularly then I would suggest that spending a little more would be good.
There probably wouldnt be much difference in terms of what the frame is like. But the difference will be in the components ( gears, brakes, shifters, wheels etc ) So spending a little more will give you a bike that feels nicer to ride and shifts gears etc better, so you'll get more enjoyment out of it.
I have noticed the price of everything recently has sky rocketed, what was a £300 bike a couple of years ago is now a £500.
Shop around see what you can find on your budget I'd consider looking at 2nd hand to get more for your money. Or look for end of season bikes i.e. a 2009 model spec bike that the bike shop hasnt sold and have reduced the price of to get it shifted.
maviczap
18-06-10, 01:19 PM
Depends how much you are going to use it. If its infrequent use then sub £400 would more than likely do the job.
If you are going to use it a bit more regularly then I would suggest that spending a little more would be good.
There probably wouldnt be much difference in terms of what the frame is like. But the difference will be in the components ( gears, brakes, shifters, wheels etc ) So spending a little more will give you a bike that feels nicer to ride and shifts gears etc better, so you'll get more enjoyment out of it.
I have noticed the price of everything recently has sky rocketed, what was a £300 bike a couple of years ago is now a £500.
Shop around see what you can find on your budget I'd consider looking at 2nd hand to get more for your money. Or look for end of season bikes i.e. a 2009 model spec bike that the bike shop hasnt sold and have reduced the price of to get it shifted.
+1 for what Fizz said.
A colleague at work got a great buy of Ebay for peanuts. Ribble frame with Shimano 105 components, carbon forks. All I could say was it needed a new set of wheel rims
maviczap
18-06-10, 01:46 PM
Update on the Wilier. Due to time, weather, illness & work, I'd not got the chance to ride it after finishing off putting it together. Now the frame was an Ebay bargain & I'd sold (sob sob:smt085:smt009:smt089:smt089) my beautiful steel Colnago to offset the cost, as I couldn't justify having so many bikes.
I got a good price for the Colnago and I bought an Ultegra groupset & wheels to finish it off. I'd have preffered Campag on the Wilier, but the Ultegra groupset was at a bargain price, so it was a no brainer.
Conti Grand Prix Black Chilli tyres
I've never owned what I'd say was a top end bike, as I could never afford one, even the Colnago was only an SL tubing model, so to have a full carbon frame is something else.
Well, I rode it for the first time the other day and all I can say is WOW. Fast, comfy, the difference is astounding, I never believed a bike could be sooo good. Even compared to my Litespeed training bike, which is an alu frame with carbon seat stays and fork, it is so different.
Apart fromk a few niggles with the cables stretching after fitting, its a dream to ride.
http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=501&pictureid=4523
Specilized Phenom saddle withe Ti rails, surprisingly comfortable, despite the lack of any padding
http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=501&pictureid=4524
This isn't meant as a 'My bike's better than yours' post, I was just lucky enough to get it at a price I could afford.
Not to sure of the Ultegra wheels, as they are a bit prone to side winds, but it has been a bit windy here this week, although the forks could contribute to this.
Now bring on Alpe D'Heuz
http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=501&pictureid=4525
Tim in Belgium
18-06-10, 02:06 PM
Nice.
For the moment, just picked up a set of slicks for my old (15yrs old) Saracen MTB. Got a set of Schwalbe City Jets of eBay for only £20! Been out on a quick 6 mile shakedown just to test them out and theyre great! So much better than running around on knobblies.
I've worked out I can do my commute within 8 miles so thinking of going for it tomorrow. 16 mile round trip but these new tyres make it easy! Figure I can now post this in the cycling thread as my MTB has turned into Hybrid just by stripping it of the knobblies and going for the road tyres.
Tim in Belgium
25-06-10, 10:35 PM
Sounds good Rob.
For the moment, just picked up a set of slicks for my old (15yrs old) Saracen MTB. Got a set of Schwalbe City Jets of eBay for only £20! Been out on a quick 6 mile shakedown just to test them out and theyre great! So much better than running around on knobblies.
I've worked out I can do my commute within 8 miles so thinking of going for it tomorrow. 16 mile round trip but these new tyres make it easy! Figure I can now post this in the cycling thread as my MTB has turned into Hybrid just by stripping it of the knobblies and going for the road tyres.
Exactly the same as me - I fitted Schwalbe City Jets to my mountain bike for my 16 mile round trip commute - soooo much nicer to ride on the road with them on! Kevlar lined too so only 2 punctures in 1500 miles of back road road riding :)
maviczap
26-06-10, 07:50 AM
For the moment, just picked up a set of slicks for my old (15yrs old) Saracen MTB. Got a set of Schwalbe City Jets of eBay for only £20! Been out on a quick 6 mile shakedown just to test them out and theyre great! So much better than running around on knobblies.
I've worked out I can do my commute within 8 miles so thinking of going for it tomorrow. 16 mile round trip but these new tyres make it easy! Figure I can now post this in the cycling thread as my MTB has turned into Hybrid just by stripping it of the knobblies and going for the road tyres.
You will find that because you don't find you're pedalling against the resistance of the tyres that you can can change the rear sprocket selection to a road bike set. I run a 13 - 21 tooth cassette on my MTB wheel with slicks. Normal MTB cassettes would be 13 - 32 or similar
Plenty big enough range on a tripple front chain ring
Benefits of this are smaller gaps between the ratio's so instead of pedalling really hard and then pedalling like a maniac when you change up, its not quite such a big jump between the gears.
Easier to find a cadence that your legs like
Easier to find a cadence that your legs likeYeah i have one of them its called stationery :lol:
Tim in Belgium
26-06-10, 04:35 PM
Just been cycling round the Eifel today, there's some big hills, I went up Hohe Acht and a couple of other climbs. Felt good on the bike. Feel a bit washed out now though!
maviczap
26-06-10, 04:58 PM
Yeah i have one of them its called stationery :lol:
You need one of these then :p
http://www.electric-bicycle.net/LashOutBike4.jpg (http://www.electric-bicycle.net/largelashoutbike.htm)
Just been cycling round the Eifel today, there's some big hills, I went up Hohe Acht and a couple of other climbs. Felt good on the bike. Feel a bit washed out now though!
Christ, that must make the stuff we have around here feel like a bump in the road!
I dont intend on spending much more on this bike (possibly a set of replacement pedals) but I want to get use of it before I decide to go full road.
Did the commute today, 7.5 miles one way took 28 mins so it makes a world of difference on slicks.
Tomorrow I'm off on a long weekend jolly in West Wales with 23 "gentleman" of a similar age. Will be at holiday pace, with long lunches etc......
Around 250 miles in 4 days..... just right :-D
All done safely...... 237 miles in total. Fab scenery but some of the coastal terrain was tough going.
Bike fine save for a popped rear spoke on Sunday in Swansea. Rear wheel out of true but rode back to Cardiff anyway :-D
The "**** of the Tour" award went to one of the lads who fell off just before the initial team photo at 0.0 miles in :lol:
I'm ok except for two numb toes :-(
maviczap
27-06-10, 09:32 AM
Cool, makes my hour and a half ride this morning seem pretty tame
Still it was great to be out, warm sunny roads, hardly any traffic too.
Cycling sun tan is coming on nicely
237 miles in four days sounds good.
There was me worrying about the 60 mile ride back from Nottingham next week, all in on day mind. :)
fizzwheel
27-06-10, 11:37 AM
All done safely...... 237 miles in total. Fab scenery but some of the coastal terrain was tough going.
Good going Jabba, now sup a well earned beer and bask in the glow of a well done ride :cool:
fizzwheel
27-06-10, 11:47 AM
Liz's new steed, to replace the Canondale Synpase that she had that was miles to big for her.
Giant Defy 3, first impressions, well the frame is decent, I can see why people now say that Giant make good frames and that they make a good base to upgrade from. Finishing kit at this price point is also rather good as well, looks a quality bike.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/DSC_0003-2.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/DSC_0005-2.jpg
Good going Jabba, now sup a well earned beer and bask in the glow of a well done ride :cool:
I've had a few since finishing the ride last Monday afternoon ;-)
237 miles in four days sounds good.
44 on Friday pm, Carmarthen to Fishguard
63 on Saturday to Tenby
75 on Sunday to The Gower
55 on Monday to Cardiff
We use the Sustrans "Celtic Trail West". Great scenery, but make sure your bike has some low gears :thumbsup:
Oh nice bike!!!
This cycling lark is more dangerous than motorbiking! Some pr1ck in a van turned left (no signals) across the bike lane which I was absolutely flying down, I grabbed as much brake as possible and skidded to a halt about an inch away, I consider myself a very lucky boy!
Planning to go out this afternoon, once I've fed and watered.
Do you lot tend to ride solo or in pairs/group?
How many miles did you put in before you decided to buy your road bike and then ultimately join a club?
How do you work out what size bike you need and what is the best value carbon bike out there?
...and do I need one?
How do you work out what size bike you need and what is the best value carbon bike out there?
...and do I need one?
Best value is the Boardman Carbon Team at a penny shy of £1k :thumbsup:
Do you need one? Unless you are racing competitively, no. Nice to have/own but not as strong/durable as a decent aluminium frame. go for aluminium frame with carbon forks. For £1k you'll get some decent kit on it.
Go for a well-known name (Trek, Scott, Specialized, Giant).
Basically the bike I have is probably ok then, unless I want some bling or to get competitive? It is a Giant SCR4 I think, a bit noisy/clunky.
fizzwheel
28-06-10, 11:51 AM
Rob - I tend to ride solo or with a mate. I dont like cycling in big groups I am not used to it and you have to have eyes in the back of your head. I have thought about joining a club, but havent done so yet, Not very confident about it really.
If theres a club locally you want to join, then go along and have a chat with them and ask them about the length of rides etc etc and see what you feel. Normally they'll let you tag along on the slower sunday club ride so you can try before you join sort of thing.
Kev - as for sizing, its a funny thing. Everybody is a different shape so theres no hard and fast rule. There are some sizing guides on the web that will give you a rough idea, but your best bet is to go to a bike shop and get measured. That Giant SC4 you have will have the same frame as the more expensive giants, its just its finishing kit / groupset wont be as as good. Keep the frame and upgrade the components with better stuff as and when it wears out. Wheels and tyres are a good place to start down the upgrade path.
As for which carbon, The boardman as Jabba says is very good for the money and gets very good reviews the other one to look for is the Planet X carbon frame, normally comes with Ultegra finishing kit and can be had for a grand or so.
Now I know the boardman / planet x are decent so I exclude these from the next statement. Sometimes cheap end of the price range carbon frames arent all that good, and you might find that an Aluminium / carbon or full aluminium frame gives a better ride than a cheap carbon frame does.
And Jabba I'd disagree with the not as strong as Aluminium argument. In the direction the force is designed to flow through the frame, you wont find anything strong, if the crash is hard enough to break a frame, it'll break an Aluminium one just as well as it'll break a carbon frame. IMHO.
It is a bit of an urban myth that carbon framed bikes are fragile and dont withstand everyday use well.
I may get my bike out agin this week as its sunnY! Pah these fair weather cyclists huh
So if you are off for a ride for a couple or few hours, what do you carry and how?
So if you are off for a ride for a couple or few hours, what do you carry and how?
In underseat saddle pack:
one spare tube + puncture repair kit
multi-tool
phone
small amount of cash
In rear pocket of cycling top:
energy bar/gel
On bike:
at least one drink bottle
mini-pump
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPSL/sl-pro-carbon-ultegra-sl
Look at the carbon on that! Work do a 0% loan too!
fizzwheel
28-06-10, 01:26 PM
So if you are off for a ride for a couple or few hours, what do you carry and how?
What Jabba said, but plus a spare gear cable.
If you look on wiggle, the Park Glueless patches that they sell work well and its less messing / messy than a traditional puncture repair kit.
Man the pull of that carbon fibre bike is very strong!
Yeah that looks like a nice bike. Would like to know what the combined weight is. I would suspect the wheels must be cheap for that price?
fizzwheel
28-06-10, 06:28 PM
I would suspect the wheels must be cheap for that price?
They are decent wheels though, those Model B's it comes with get excellent reviews on bikeradar, very good for the money.
That could be an expensive tip you've given me then?
Will the bike snobs at my dads club look down at me?
So wheres the catch? £1k for all that carbon looks cheap? What is the total weight of the bike?
Also my Altura Ascent long finger gels gloves are letting go so I need a replacement - any suggestions? Long finger preferred.
fizzwheel
28-06-10, 09:02 PM
Re the Planet X, I honestly dont believe there is a catch its a lot of bike for a reasonable price. The reason its cheap is because you arent paying for the brand name like you would do a Trek or a Specialised.
Oh and if I went to a cycling club where they looked down on me because of what bike I rode. I wouldnt go back and find a different club and I am self confessed gear snob.
I like the Orbea's as theyre different. Like the Cube's theyre a bit brash in their styling but I like that. I know that Specialized and Trek have bigger R&D labs, bigger buying power etc but its not to say that small companies cant produce good bikes.
I do like the Boardman's but they do seem to be quite common, and are regularly found 2nd hand on eBay. I think people tend to go to Halfords to look at them, buy one and then never use it rather than going to their LBS.
Plan to head out on the Hybrid again tomorrow providing its not raining.
maviczap
29-06-10, 08:01 AM
I do like the Boardman's but they do seem to be quite common, and are regularly found 2nd hand on eBay. I think people tend to go to Halfords to look at them, buy one and then never use it rather than going to their LBS
Agreed, but they are good bikes and you'll pick up a bargain if there are plenty of them about.
There's a bit too much brand snobbery about, I would have love a carbon Colnago, to replace my steel one. But list price new is way out of my reach and even second hand you can pay crazy money for them.
Plus like most manufacturers these days, all their carbon frames are made in the far east (not sure about Trek or Specialized). If you told a Colnagno enthusiast are few years ago his frame was made in Tiawan he'd have committed hari kari with his seatpost.
I was considering the Planet X carbon frame, because at £399 for the frame and fork, it was as cheap as one of my steel Colnago's from the 1990's.
Luckily I got the Wilier at a crazy price and sold my old steel Colnago for a crazy price too.
:p
I am self confessed gear snob.
So what would be your reaction to me if I rocked up on this?
I think I am a medium, but they only have that in a carbon, no paint.
My dads mate had a new Cube at this club when I went the other week and it was the nicest bike I have ever seen - it cost more than my CBR600RR too!!! Which is for sale by the way.
maviczap
29-06-10, 09:13 AM
Oh and if I went to a cycling club where they looked down on me because of what bike I rode. I wouldnt go back and find a different club and I am self confessed gear snob.
Cure for folk who look down on other folk because of the bike they ride, is to stick Wiggo on a cheapo steel halfords bike against their multi thousand £ bike and see who wins a 10TT
I love expensive carbon & exotic parts too, but I realise that other folk don't have as much disposable income as I do
fizzwheel
29-06-10, 12:21 PM
So what would be your reaction to me if I rocked up on this?
I'd not be bothered at all. I'd think you were being sensible and buying as much as you could for a reasonable budget. The finishing kit on that Planet X is really good and I know the frame has a good reputation. So the only people who would look down at you were those that didnt know what it was you were riding.
Like I said, if I went to a club where they were really snobby about this kinda thing then I'd find another club.
I've just trawled reviews and it gets very good ones, from everyone that has tried it.
Carbon fibre = Chav ;)
*Runs and hides*
Only fake carbon fibre, from my recollection of an old SV thread on here!
All Carbon Fibre is chav ;)
Titainium is the way to go
Been cycling to and from work the past few days. Rather enjoying it despite getting lost.
Day one. Coax young curious horse into getting it's **** out of the way, find stolen Bike, Find I'm heading the wrong way (who put the M25 in the way?) & repeat.
Day Two: Oh look, this bit of path has subsided into the river..... Brake....
Day Three: Bah they're only stingy nettles.
Day four: Damn those nettles I'm still in pain...
(some ancient cheap would be mountain bike with road tyres - Just starting to squeak after years of neglect.)
northwind
29-06-10, 06:20 PM
It is a bit of an urban myth that carbon framed bikes are fragile and dont withstand everyday use well.
Yup, built right carbon can be incredibly strong, it's only when it's intentionally underbuilt (ie for race kit) or just badly built that it's not.
maviczap
29-06-10, 06:23 PM
For all you bike snobs out there ;)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bike-Snob-Systematically-Mercilessly-Realigning/dp/0811869989/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_cart_f
Re the Planet X, I honestly dont believe there is a catch its a lot of bike for a reasonable price.
I read a report about it in a mag earlier this month and it didn't do so well. There was a fair bit of flex in the frame (bottom bracket area IIRC). Could be that it's a cheap frame and that's where the money has been saved.
If it were my money I'd go for the Boardman and get the LBS to give it the once-over before riding it. :thumbsup:
Well that's put me in a bit of a dilemma I was going to buy that this morning too - now I'm not so sure.
Not sure if it makes a difference, but I was likely going to get the small size one as I am only 5'8" would that reduce the flex?
Also what is flex exactly?
Would I just be wasting my money? and better off sticking to the bike my dad gave me?
Well that's put me in a bit of a dilemma I was going to buy that this morning too - now I'm not so sure.
Sorry fella - my bad. Read the report again last night and it was about a £2k+ Planet X bike and the flex was in the upper part of the frame. not the same frame as the one you are looking at.
I'd still go for the Boardman though ;-)
Just done 23 miles in 1hr30, flattish, with mainly gentle climbs. Couple of steep but short ones which just blew my legs and my lungs! Was getting hot out there though and I'm glad i'm back in now as the shade has gone and that sun is burning!
Help - should I do it or not?
Planet X Ultegra Carbon SL or old bike???
maviczap
30-06-10, 03:00 PM
Planet X go for it, it won't be that bad
maviczap
30-06-10, 03:04 PM
Picked the kids up from school, overtook a newbie who was out on his new specialized, full long tights & long sleeved fluro jacket!!!!!!!!!!
Temp here is about 26deg!!!!
I went out this morning, before it got too hot, short sleeves, no undervest & I was hot then.
Can't imagine what this guy felt like
Probably sweating like Fred Wests' paperboy
maviczap
30-06-10, 06:27 PM
He was a Strawberry blonde as well, might explain his dress
I got a Planet X SL Pro Uletgra 2 1/2 years ago on C2W - a great ride, frame is very stiff with no flex.
Weighs as much as one my farts, climbs really well.
A top bit of kit for the money - do it.
My C2W is up for renewal this year, so this time I am going to treat myself to the Boardman HT Pro Mountain Bike to replace my Scott Competition :cool:
MattSV - thanks for that.
I'm ready to do the deed but I just need to know which of these you cyclists would go for?
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/PBPXPCSRRI/sl-pro-carbon-road-sram-rival
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPSL/sl-pro-carbon-ultegra-sl
fizzwheel
02-07-10, 09:07 AM
Personally I'd go with the Ultegra as I am a Shimano man and have been for many many years, But the SRAM is also decent kit to.
Without looking closely I'd say there isnt much to choose between them.
maviczap
02-07-10, 09:26 AM
Personally I'd go with the Ultegra as I am a Shimano man and have been for many many years, But the SRAM is also decent kit to.
Without looking closely I'd say there isnt much to choose between them.
+1 on Ultegra which I have on my Wilier
Only thing that bugs me about Ultegra, is that you can't trim the front mech to stop it rubbing the chain in the biggest sprocket at the rear. With Campag you can.
But its a minor irritation. If you can do this with SRAM, I'd go with SRAM
It's not a full Ultegra groupset - the chainset is FSA. Also, the chainset is 53/39 teeth
The SRAM is full Rival (like on the Boardman) and is a compact 50/34
Both bikes have a 25-tooth largest rear sprocket, so the Ultegra option is higher-geared overall.
There's £100 difference in price, so you pays yer money....
Me? I'd go for the compact chainset.
or I could build a ribble, if I had any idea what I was doing.
fizzwheel
02-07-10, 01:00 PM
or I could build a ribble, if I had any idea what I was doing.
You could, but it'd probably work out more expensive. You are going to struggle to beat that Planet X for value for money IMHO.
Jabba makes a good point about the gearing though, if you live in a hilly area and are not very fit, the compact will help you get up the hills a little easier.
Just a quick "heads up" - ITV4 has the TdF live each day:
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/474874/tour-de-france-2010-tv-guide.html
Extended coverage is on Eurosport :thumbsup:
By a happy coincidence, ITV4's coverage today starts immediately after the Germany v Argies game. C'mon Cavs, c'mon Germans :-D
C'mon Wiggo!!!
maviczap
03-07-10, 07:27 PM
Sky+ is already set for the duration, especially as I'm working away tonight. But I caught the highlights on the news, typical that Wiggo got caught in the rain, when if he'd stayed in his original later slot, he'd have raced in the dry. Still the Schlecks are in the same time group
Good on Millar & Thomas for their rides
Got a Cavandish blue Colombia jersey from Wiggle the other day for £27, couldn't wear any of the white team jersey's and Team Sky ones are too much.
Its going to be interesting to see how Contador copes with the first few stages, which aren't his usual stomping ground.
Mind you didn't affect Big Mig in 1995 when I saw him in that years TDF. It was warm which suited him
Can anyone explain something they were talking about on eurosport for me? Why would blood transfusions be used to cheat?
For Sale:
Carrera Subway 8
Well used but in good condition.
Has mud guards on it (carbon look)
Bar end things
Cycle computer
Kevlar Lined tyres
SPD Pedals (not the ones shown in the picture, they are SL's)
Disc Brakes
8 gears
Hub geared
Suspension seat post (never knew how good this was until I got the road bike!)
Bottle carrier
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l286/krhall_2006/IMG_0126.jpg
Only thing I would say is that it could probably do with a service and a wash.
Only for sale as I am on a road bike now and don't have the room for this one too.
Make me an offer.
maviczap
05-07-10, 01:46 PM
Can anyone explain something they were talking about on eurosport for me? Why would blood transfusions be used to cheat?
Refreshers the parts that no other blood can do.
Simply. Take nice unused blood in off season, which has lots & lots of undamaged oxygen carrying red blood cells.
Take to race with you and when you've finished a day in the mountains and need to be at your peak the next day, have a transfusion of your own blood.
Hard racing damages the red blood cells which means they can't carry as much oxygen as un raced blood. So introducing fresh blood increases the riders blood to carry oxygen, which allows the muscles to function better than with knackered blood.
No drugs involved.
Used successfully by Landis, Vino, Ulrich, Basso etc.
Which is why they test the blood as well as pee these days
WOW - that is some serious ****! Taking your own blood then putting it back in when required!
maviczap
05-07-10, 02:38 PM
At least it was their own blood, early practice was to use any blood that was a match, male or female. Bit risky don't you think?
Cyclists weren't the only ones doing this, as it was alledged that many top sports stars from football & tennis were implicated in the Operation Puerto affair, which caught Ulrich, Basso etc.
Cycling banned these for 2 years, the other sports swept theirs under the carpet
Right I'm off for a quick transfusion before I have to cycle 10 miles home...
Andy Schleck might look thin and weedy but he has cajones the size of the footballs. Respect.
As for Cancellara organising that "no sprint" protest, what a :toss: Just coz his team-mate fell off. Not sure the whole peloton was in agreement. Cost him the yellow jersey, too.
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