The Cycling Thread

[maviczap]

I lost a fight with a section of the boardwalk on the black run there. Took me at least 6 weeks to get over it.

I'm too old for stuff like that, give me a Alpine climb anyday.

[MisterTommyH]

Wow!

Now I'm as much as a Team Sky fan as you can get for a non-cyclist..... And personally I believe that their ethics are strong..... But Froomey has just beat Armstrongs record for climbing the Ventoux by something like 40 seconds - hasn't he?

Surely that's going to be to the start of a lot of questions! Absolutely phenomenal if its been done clean (let's not forget Quintana also beat the record). I think all we can do is just hope they're as honest as they say.

[Ch00]

TFL are running a traffic free cycle event in central London on the 3rd August. 8 mile course.

Free to sign up and they are running guided rides to the event. Also a cycling show at the Excel (free admission)

http://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/

[Owenski]

Which bit of the timber stuff did you bin it on Mav? Road a fair bit of it yesterday but I've never been a fan.

[maviczap]

Very start of the black run down, I'd done some of the other parts no problem.

But I wasn't confident about getting onto it & went over the edge, not once but twice

It hurt a lot

[Owenski]

Ah I think I know where you mean, the bit where you approach the start of it from the right and then turn 90 to drop into it. My main concern with it is
a, who built it and did they know what they were doing?
b, who maintains it and do they know what they're doing?

Knowing the downhill lads I used to track build with... I worry about the answers to the above questions quite a bit :)

[maviczap]

yep that's it.

The first bit is the worst & you have to get it right, otherwise the drop off the boards is big.

Even though I had a soft landing, it still knocked the wind out of me and I hurt my ribs, which is what took ages to get better

[maviczap]

Finally I get to ride my Wilier for the first time this year after installing the upgrades.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xk55FUkvR6E/Ue1Dm280EwI/AAAAAAAAB2I/Oo9JuGdE9bM/w516-h685-no/IMAG0313.jpg

It was bleedy hot today, suffered a bit of a Froomey on the way home from my 55 mile jaunt.

Still it was good to test myself in the heat

[Owenski]

"Bit of a Froomey" love it.

Kudos on the ride pal.

[maviczap]

Thanks

With a bit of luck, we'll be following Froomey's wheel tracks in September.

Today was getting my body used to riding in high temps :smt107

[Luckypants]

Blimey, a week away and the Giro is coming to Northern Ireland! Next year will be fantastic for bike racing in the UK.

Sent from my phone.

[maviczap]

I keep meaning to go and see it, perhaps I'll fly over?

Although I'd prefer to go and see it on its home roads

I predict the UK TDF stages will be absolutely mental

[Owenski]

UK TDF stages are on my doorstep, pretty sure I'll be able to play host for a TDF BBQ weekend give you guys a better chance of viewing some of the riding. :thumbsup:

Is there a way I can separate out my strava ride? I'd like to see how long it took me to do my first 10miles.

[Owenski]

Nevermind, I made a segment: LINK (http://app.strava.com/activities/69072307#1339927465)

Bummer! Its taken my overall time including stops :( its taken it as 00:31:45 to do the 10mile route. From the info page I can see that includes 6 sets of lights and slowing for a roundabout so I'm pretty sure I'd be sub 30min on the 10mile uninterrupted, which I think is fairly decent considering the 387ft gain... tempting for a time trial hmmmmm.

[Luckypants]

Finally back on here after a busy two weeks :)

I'd just like to say what a great mate and all-round decent chap Maviczap is! You may remember this postDoes anyone know (or indeed have) a touring type bike I can borrow / hire? I need a bike for a charity ride that has come up at short notice.

Well Richard stepped up to the plate and sent me his bike set up to take my wheels and complete with rack. He then donated the cost of the shipping to my son's JOGLE fund raising on behalf of Parkinson's UK (www.justgiving.com/joglejon). While talking about other stuff it transpired Richard would be in Cardiff for a concert that I was also going to, so he arranged to pick up the bike from then, thoroughly at my convenience.

So Richard (Maviczap) Thank you very much for the loan and great night out in Cardiff. You are a top bloke.

[maviczap]

No probs mate, it was a pleasure, thoroughly impressed with yours and Jons ride. :thumbsup:

It was a great night, although not as good as the following night in Leeds :p

This close

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H5I99LtpYI4/UfKtph-h1qI/AAAAAAAAB7o/sL53HVkza_Q/w852-h642-no/IMAG0326.jpg

Booked my flight to Lyon last night for this years trip, as it was £100 cheaper than going by Eurostar, which is the opposite of last year.

For the bike & me £109 return to Lyon from Stansted, although I opted to put my suitcase in the hold for a bit more baggage allowance.

What also swayed it in favour of the plane is that Eurostar have changed their rules about carrying bikes

http://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-information/travel-preparation/baggage/bikes-on-trains#.UfY8btLVDaA

So you now have to book and pay for the bike, although its not an anti bike policy, its just them having problems with passengers with too much baggage

The flight's at a nice time too.

I'll probably have to get a hire car now, but I'll put what I've saved on Eurostar toward that, although I could get the TGV from Lyon to Valance.

But having a car, will give added flexiblty.

But it struck me that I could do a relatively cheap long weekend to the Alps next year, if the prices stayed the same, my flight was £55 incl taxes

You could do it without taking your own bike, as there's places in Bourg d'Osains that hire decent enough bikes.

Then you'd be able to get the bus from Lyon to Bourg

Food for thought?

This is where we're staying this year

http://www.velovercors.com/index.html

[krhall]

Does anyone fancy a swap with me bikewise?

Carbon Fibre Focus Cayo road bike, 52 size (medium)...looking for a decent mountain bike.

Otherwise I might put it on ebay.

[Luckypants]

Pretty pleased with myself after today's ride with the lads. I made the break and stuck with the fast boys for the 30 miles back to home, 82 miles and I thought 17.5 average, but Garmin clicked down to 17.4 on the warm-down :rolleyes:. So just sharing (showing off!) because the miles are finally paying off after my lazy winter and just in time for Wild Wales :cool:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/352694602

[maviczap]

Nice work mate

[Dipper]

Pretty pleased with myself after today's ride with the lads. I made the break and stuck with the fast boys for the 30 miles back to home, 82 miles and I thought 17.5 average, but Garmin clicked down to 17.4 on the warm-down :rolleyes:. So just sharing (showing off!) because the miles are finally paying off after my lazy winter and just in time for Wild Wales :cool:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/352694602

Good effort Mike, nothing wrong with showing off we all know the work it takes to build up the fitness....

I checked it out on Strava as the Garmin link doesn't seem work.

[Jackie_Black]

17.5 mph average over 82 miles is very good. Best i usually manage on big rides is 14mph and i thought i was doing well! Must try harder.

[Dipper]

17.5 mph average over 82 miles is very good. Best i usually manage on big rides is 14mph and i thought i was doing well! Must try harder.

I started a Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/331864903577380/) last November, met other cyclists that put me to shame and thought OK let's see what I can do. If you want to have a go get out with stronger cyclists and try to hang on you'll soon get faster. At the start of the year I was nearly 2 stone heavier and was a commuter and leisure cyclist, my average speeds were in the 15's and was cycling about 60 miles a week. Now I'm disappointed with averages below 18, have done my first 10 mile TT at over 20mph and cycle at least 150 miles a week.

I'm not trying to show off, just point out that you really do get out of it what you put in and that is so so satisfying, be warned it becomes very addictive...

[maviczap]

That's my problem, 99% of my cycling is done on my own, just the occasional ride out with the old boys on a Thursday, which is always a gentle bimble.

So I seem to get stuck at about 17mph.

I have to fit my rides in when I can, so difficult to meet up with a group.

I got overtaken by someone last night, and he was doing a good 2 mph faster than me.

But hey ho

[Dipper]

I got overtaken by someone last night, and he was doing a good 2 mph faster than me.

Perfect opportunity Mav, a few weeks ago I was warming up on my commute home and this chap flew past, I jumped straight on his tail and asked if it was ok for a tow while I was warming up, he said "fine", we got chatting and now ride home together a couple of times a month, he's one of the strongest cyclists in the area but is happy to have a bit of company and encourage a relative newbie, oh and boy does he make me work...

Worst they can do say is feck off!!

[maviczap]

Trouble was he came past me so fast I couldn't jump on his wheel, and he went straight on, when I went right on at the roundabout after half a mile. :p

I was feeling a bit pooped yesterday to try any of that mularky :)

Plus he didn't even say hello when he past me, so obviously not the social type :smt072:twisted:

[Luckypants]

I checked it out on Strava as the Garmin link doesn't seem work.Turns out it was private to me and my Garmin buddies, so made it public.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/352694602

and on Strava

http://app.strava.com/activities/71878459

[Luckypants]

If you want to have a go get out with stronger cyclists and try to hang on you'll soon get faster.

This. Without the faster lads in our group I wouldn't be trying hard to keep up and get faster. It feels great to be 'up there' with the best of your peers. I was second home yesterday, with only one of our best climbers beating me after he attacked on a hill. The undulating ride home and big hill in the middle sapped the legs and lowered the average, but my average after lunch was about 18.3. Perhaps I'll start taking laps at the cafe halt...

[maviczap]

H'mm its one way, but I also managed to increase my speed by racing, not in mass starts, but by riding TT's.

I've never had the opportunity to ride with faster riders or as part of a fast group, as I was often working.

My biggest gain came after riding for quite a few seasons at the same level, I rode my first 50 mile TT.

A few weeks after that I rode my fastest ever 10, albeit on a really good night.

Intervals also work, but bloody hard, and I don't have the need or commitment to batter myself doing those

[EssexDave]

I am very very jealous of you all having broken my foot and barely done 100 miles in the last 2 months.

:(:(:(

[Owenski]

Thought you'd been a little quiet lately Dave.

i'll be back on the bike this week after a 2 week layoff having been on my jollys.

[Dipper]

The Canyon's due for delivery tomorrow....

I've not felt this excited about getting a new bike since getting a Special Edition Sliver Chopper in 1977 :D

[maviczap]

Pictures, we will want pictures

[Luckypants]

The Canyon's due for delivery tomorrow....That took a while didn't it? Enjoy! (and yes, we want pictures!)

[Dipper]

That took a while didn't it? Enjoy! (and yes, we want pictures!)

Yes it did, I've heard very good things about the bike so hopefully it'll be worth the wait, of course there will be pictures I'm such a big show off at heart :)

[Dipper]

Strava heat map (http://engineering.strava.com/saturday-heatmap/) - this was posted on our group's Facebook page, it does look as though us Brits are truly addicted to Strava.

[maviczap]

What about yesterdays London 100 ride, I bet that would look white hot!

[ClunkintheUK]

I reckon there is a cycling route map to be made out of that data. Particularly if you get speeds out of it too. Would probably be more effective then google maps.

[FG1]

Hi everyone. I am thinking of getting a road bike for commuting and trying to get a bit fitter.
Can anyone recommend something around £500 that will stand the test of time and not need upgrading too soon.
I have seen this:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ridley-aedon-601b-road-bike/rp-prod104651
Any comments ?????

[ClunkintheUK]

Most of the £500 quid bikes are pretty good these days. There are 4 which look half decent on www.wiggle.co.uk too for under 500.

If you can go and try a couple out, see which fit/ you like the look of. Also depending on wether you are commuting through winter, consider getting one with mud guards like this:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbd/road-track-bike/ribble-7005-audax-winter-training?part=BB13RIB7005AUDAXWINT&sub=conf_BBRW&bike=1 I've got one of these for winter training (with a campag groupset admittedly) and its been good as gold.

[maviczap]

Wouldn't go for the one you'd found, there's no need for a triple chainset. Nothing wrong with Ridley bikes though

The Ribble that Clunk suggested is a better option, as he says you can fit mudguards, which are nice if its wet

[Dipper]

http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u624/John_Diaper/IMG_0876_zps5b164508.jpg

[Dipper]

Unwrapped...

http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u624/John_Diaper/IMG_0877_zps9f042a4c.jpg

[maviczap]

Disgusting, I don't like it one bit :smt118:smt053





















Nice :smt038

[Roberrrrt]

Drool.

You know what I've discovered? White saddles & bar tape doesn't stay white for long!

[Dipper]

Drool.

You know what I've discovered? White saddles & bar tape doesn't stay white for long!

I ordered the bike in Black but would have had to wait another 4 weeks for it, they are sending me a black saddle and tape free of charge :D

[Roberrrrt]

Laughing :)

[Luckypants]

Wow that looks good. Dura-ace too, flash so and so! How much does that weigh? She looks proper light and pretty racy.

[Dipper]

6.5kg, cannot wait to get out on it tonight, that chainguard's coming off though!

[krhall]

Anyone want to buy my little focus cayo...?

[maviczap]

Anyone want to buy my little focus cayo...?

Stick it on Bikeradar - for sale section

It'll go, better than Ebay, no selling fee's

[maviczap]

6.5kg, cannot wait to get out on it tonight, that chainguard's coming off though!

Nah keep it, it'll slow you down :)

I would recommend getting a chain catcher for the front, it should stop the chain dropping between the chainset & chainstay, which could have dire consequences for the frame.

[Dipper]

Nah keep it, it'll slow you down :)

I would recommend getting a chain catcher for the front, it should stop the chain dropping between the chainset & chainstay, which could have dire consequences for the frame.

What do they look like Mav?

[maviczap]

Something like this

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/token-tk375-chain-drop-catcher-for-front-road-mechs/

There's various types & prices.

I've a K Edge one on the Wilier & a Deda dogfang on the Planet X (although doesn't really need it)

Tried to fit the Dog fang on the Wilier, but the tube is the wrong shape, so opted for the K Edge, which mounts on the front mech. But depends if what type of mech you have braze on or band on

[Dipper]

Thanks Mav, all new to me this carbon bike business.

[Dipper]

I would advise selling your car, family members organs, bank robbery, prostitution, drug dealing or whatever else it takes otherwise to get a decent carbon bike.

......but I'm sure most of you already know that :)

[maviczap]

When you rode it for the first time, did you instantly love it?

[Dipper]

Yes, the fit was perfect, it soaks up rough roads and it's fast, I was cautious cornering to start off with but always am on a new bike.

Last night's ride (http://www.strava.com/activities/72976945) wasn't a fast pace, we went out to concentrate on hills but everything I had a go at was a PR :)

[pookie]

looks like a missile.. you're breaking all those records already :)

[Luckypants]

Cool, nice stats. Congratulations on the KOM.

Sent from my phone.

[Dipper]

Cool, nice stats. Congratulations on the KOM.

I'm good at downhill KOM's :rolleyes:

With Alex Dowsett pounding our lanes attainable KOMs are few and far between.

[maviczap]

Yes, his Strava figures are in another league

[Dipper]

Yes, his Strava figures are in another league

Indeed, top bloke, always got time for people and will flag his ride if he's been out motorpacing.

[maviczap]

Its been a bit quiet in here lately, I hope its because everyone's been out on their bikes :p

Anyway, usual Lidl cycling offers have come around again, although the selection looks to be better this time round

Under helmet caps, arm & leg warmers

The tights also look good, with bib options this time and I noticed that they have windproof panels at the front, which will be good.

I don't expect the pad to be much cop, but worn over the top of shorts they should be ok. For £9.99 they'll do for autumn rides won't they?

[Owenski]

That sounds worth the pop!
When are they up Mavi?

[maviczap]

Next week, 29th

[Dipper]

Its been a bit quiet in here lately, I hope its because everyone's been out on their bikes :p

Anyway, usual Lidl cycling offers have come around again, although the selection looks to be better this time round

Under helmet caps, arm & leg warmers

The tights also look good, with bib options this time and I noticed that they have windproof panels at the front, which will be good.

I don't expect the pad to be much cop, but worn over the top of shorts they should be ok. For £9.99 they'll do for autumn rides won't they?

Cheers for the tip Mav, I bought a couple of their better quality jerseys earlier this year and have been really pleased with them.

[maviczap]

I've got a couple of Aldi jersey/jackets and they've been blooming good too.

I expect Aldi will also have some Autumn cycling stuff on offer soon

When you look at the packaging from both brands, I suspect they are made in the same factory.

[Luckypants]

I had a big day out yesterday on the Wild Wales Challenge. 82 miles with over 9000 feet of climbing, including some 20% climbs and many at 15+%. Here is my strava activity for the day... http://www.strava.com/activities/77650348

I also managed to fall off at about 20mph on a flat section and headbutt the floor / rock wall. :( Helmet did it's job and is now in the bin, minor cuts and bruises. Front tyre torn and rear tyre de-laminated (bit of a mystery) so front tyre repaired with a gel wrapper and then a bit old old tyre scavenged from a mobile mechanic. The rear held together on a wing and a prayer. I rode the last 30 miles bumped and scrapped with dodgy tyres and a wobbly front wheel. Average of 12.5 for the ride, we were all knackered at the end.

Muddy face after face-plant :smt075

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1239928_10151655014068214_673816133_n.jpg

Cut knee

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1185349_10151655014088214_1635379473_n.jpg

Grazed shoulder

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/1236095_10151655013573214_589724104_n.jpg

Comedy helmet shaped bruising to head :smt043

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1186003_10151655013583214_858122937_n.jpg

Dinted helmet

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1012510_10151655030418214_1040861379_n.jpg

Gel-wrapper fix about before more 'permanent' bit of tyre fix

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1236872_10151655014058214_1884046328_n.jpg

Team jersey with war wounds...

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1005359_10151655013593214_1253465029_n.jpg

[Geodude]

You're hardcore LP :) ouchie ouch.

[Luckypants]

You're hardcore LP :) ouchie ouch.Nope, just a numpty! I was looking at my computer and wandered towards the left, where a bush grabbed my bars and tipped me off.

I must remember Sid's sage advice, DO NOT CRASH. :smt011

[Dipper]

Epic LP, chapeau!

[maviczap]

You silly chump, fancy falling off like that ;)

Mind you I nearly did the same the other week.

Great ride

Tyre delamination? Could that be down to the Lands End ride, with all that extra weight from the panniers or the speeds you've been hitting?

Interesting

Less than 2 weeks to go

[Jackie_Black]

I had some conti GP tyres that did a similar looking thing to that, luckily I noticed whilst at home not out on the road.

[Luckypants]

Tyre delamination? Could that be down to the Lands End ride, with all that extra weight from the panniers or the speeds you've been hitting?

Different tyres matey. There were fresh skid marks on the tyre by the bits that were missing rubber, but no idea how those got there.



Sent from my phone.

[maviczap]

H'mm odd then?
Rogue batch?

Send them back to Conti to ask why?

[Luckypants]

I suspect the skid marks were caused by the tyre piling into the rock wall by the road, but that is entirely speculation. Either way, damage to tyres caused in a crash is hardly a problem for the manufacturer don't you think? I reckon I've had 2000+ miles out of these tyres, I think it's fair I just buy replacements :-#

[maviczap]

Ah, that's fair enough, that's a fair milage

[Owenski]

Nice off mike, good effort.

Took the wife and little lad even the dog out for a ride today. Nate was in the kangoo bike seat on my mountain bike the wife rode on a fold up with the dog along side on the nidderdale green way.

The wife doesnt have a bike and has seen half her life go past since she last rode one. She didn't struggle too much with the pedaling but when we decided to run the dog on the lead she struggled so we swapped bikes and I handled the dog. It was floorless until she went to stop and missed the floor with her foot. She and Nate fell to the deck all be it in a slow and staggered fall so his impact was near laid down as opposed to a tumble. I was as supportive as we're programmed to be but we decided its prob best if she got back on the foldy.

Altogether a nice little jaunt, might have to see if the misses want to ride a little more.

[EssexDave]

2,000 miles to a set of tyres? I'm sure the Kendas on the Moda did nearly twice that before punctures forced a replacement.

I have no idea what sort of mileage I should be looking at before replacement of a tyre in any case?

[Luckypants]

2,000 miles to a set of tyres? Thinking about it Dave, it will be more than that as I fitted those tyres about a year ago! I've already done over 3k miles on them this year alone....

[Dipper]

Now this is cool.... Strava Athlete Heatmap (http://x.raceshape.com/heatmap/)

[tactcom7]

O.k so without reading 319 pages of thread, I am after a bit of advice.

Seriously looking to take the plunge and get a road bike. I've been told that i'll need to spend around £600 and no less if I want something decent (new). Looked at a few makes, Jamis and Trek and also Pinnacle.

I understand i'll need a helmet and some padded shorts as well. And also possibly some kind of attitude adjustment ;) Does anyone have any pointers for a newbie buying his first roadbike?

Much appreciated

Si

[fizzwheel]

Is the £600 budget to include helmet, shorts et all ?

My advice would be, to go into your local bike shop and see what they have on offer and see what you like the look of. Talk to one of the sales people and start from there.

Dont rush into it, take your time. Have you ridden a road bike before ? Are you coming from a MTB onto a road bike, if so the road bike is going to feel very strange for the first time you sit on it.

First thing is fit, is the bike the right size for you, get this bit wrong and it'll never ever feel right, hence why I suggested you go to a local bike shop, a proper shop not a Halfords, they'll give you some options an also advise you on what size frame you need.

At the price point you are looking at everything is going to be roughly the same in terms of spec etc etc.

You wont go wrong with a trek or specialised, Giant would be the other manufacturer's bikes I'd recommend you look at to.

This fits your buget and leaves you a bit left over to spend on helmet and shorts

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/giant-defy-5-compact-road-bike-id73798.html?gclid=CIO0hqeCsLkCFVMPtAodvgoARA

[maviczap]

As all the above

Although I'd go for something like this, as its 10 speed, and one groupset above Shimano 2300. Nothing wrong with 2300 mind

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/road-track-bike/ribble-7005-sportive-shimano-tiagra-equipped?part=SE13SSRIBSP7005SHIMT&sub=conf_SERA

But its coming to the end of the season, so the dealers will be looking to offload 2013 bikes fairly soon, so it may pay to wait.

Once you know your frame size, then you can pick up some bloomin bargains on Bike Radar classifieds , but you need to know what you're buying, and there's no after sales service or returns.

[Owenski]

That ribble is a hell of a lot bike for the money, Tiagra doesn't generally come in until around the £800 marker.
Or that's certainly what I found at least when I shopped about earlier this year so it may well have changed a little by now.

Si are you still living up Gomersal? If so there is a bike shop on Bradford Road just before you get into Dewsbury (about half mile after Padgets) on your right called Bill Hargreaves, get in there and have a chat. You cant go far wrong in there pal...

Take a print out of that ribble though, present that and ask if they can better it.

[Luckypants]

Found this on Youtube, some footage of the Wild Wales Challenge a couple of weeks ago where I crashed. It gives an idea of the stunning scenery and hideous climbs of this ride. Highly recommended to you all! :p

8DPsaXxMRf0

[Luckypants]

As all the above

Although I'd go for something like this, as its 10 speed, and one groupset above Shimano 2300. Nothing wrong with 2300 mind

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/road-track-bike/ribble-7005-sportive-shimano-tiagra-equipped?part=SE13SSRIBSP7005SHIMT&sub=conf_SERA

Just a heads up, I got an email from Ribble this morning that this week is the 'last chance' to buy at these prices.

[shiftin_gear98]

Just my two cents - never buy a bike online unless you have sat on it first!
All bikes have differing geometry, it makes a vast difference in road bikes.
Try as many as you can, ones in shops - go for a test ride.
Try any friends who'll let you too.
Make sure you get sized correctly too, as a bike too big is a barge and one too small is wrong.
I'm 6'2" and I ride a 58cm.

Quick Sizing Guide
Sit on bike, heal of foot on lowest pedal, your leg should be comfortable straight not stretched. Your seat is now at the correct height.
Get someone to hold the bike, put both feet on the pedals, hold the "hoods" of the shifter, not the drops.
Look for the hub of the front wheel, it should be obscured by the handle bar. If it is behind, bike too long, infront too short. Hidden perfect.

Unfortunately bikes are like everything in life, you do indeed get what you pay for.
But don't waste your money on all the bells and whistles, if it's your first road bike, an entry level will do. Find out if you like it first!!!
But yes £600 odd quid would be realistic.
Remember the big brands have more buying power from the likes of Shimano etc so tend to have a better all round package.
Trek, Specialized etc etc.
Once you've found one then look for it cheaper ;) Last years model etc, now is a great time as the bike year is SEPTEMBER to September (want to make sure new years stock is all in for Christmas). Grab a last years bargin.
(Spent 8 1/2 years of my life in the cycle trade - including being a store manager)

[Owenski]

Found this on Youtube,
8DPsaXxMRf0

Is that you parked up having a breather at 39 seconds Mike?

[Luckypants]

No it is not you cheeky ****! That was a stinging climb but short, I nearly stalled out when the rear spun up on sheep-poo just before that bend. :smt103 I didn't stop on any climb but was forced to walk the last 50 meters of the climb to Cwm Ystradlyn - that was better than my last attempt where I walked most of the first 500 meters!

[punyXpress]

Are you fit enough?
Skoda are hosting 10 lucky riders to go with Rapha Condor pros 30 to 35 miles based in Sheffield.
This > > > http://www.raphacondor.cc/home MIGHT work or can forward email

[Owenski]

No it is not you cheeky ****! That was a stinging climb but short, I nearly stalled out when the rear spun up on sheep-poo just before that bend. :smt103 I didn't stop on any climb but was forced to walk the last 50 meters of the climb to Cwm Ystradlyn - that was better than my last attempt where I walked most of the first 500 meters!

lol, I just saw the black and red jersey and thought it might have been you. Some of those climbs look impossible.

[maviczap]

Its ready for the mountains, but is its owner :confused:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fu0uE31Y-sM/Uii8nA8mLKI/AAAAAAAACSg/tsDiPFVBYG8/w910-h685-no/IMAG0417.jpg

[Dipper]

Bon Voyage Mav, can't wait to see the photo's...

[tactcom7]

Is the £600 budget to include helmet, shorts et all ?

My advice would be, to go into your local bike shop and see what they have on offer and see what you like the look of. Talk to one of the sales people and start from there.

Dont rush into it, take your time. Have you ridden a road bike before ? Are you coming from a MTB onto a road bike, if so the road bike is going to feel very strange for the first time you sit on it.

First thing is fit, is the bike the right size for you, get this bit wrong and it'll never ever feel right, hence why I suggested you go to a local bike shop, a proper shop not a Halfords, they'll give you some options an also advise you on what size frame you need.

At the price point you are looking at everything is going to be roughly the same in terms of spec etc etc.

You wont go wrong with a trek or specialised, Giant would be the other manufacturer's bikes I'd recommend you look at to.

This fits your buget and leaves you a bit left over to spend on helmet and shorts

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/giant-defy-5-compact-road-bike-id73798.html?gclid=CIO0hqeCsLkCFVMPtAodvgoARA

As all the above

Although I'd go for something like this, as its 10 speed, and one groupset above Shimano 2300. Nothing wrong with 2300 mind

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/road-track-bike/ribble-7005-sportive-shimano-tiagra-equipped?part=SE13SSRIBSP7005SHIMT&sub=conf_SERA

But its coming to the end of the season, so the dealers will be looking to offload 2013 bikes fairly soon, so it may pay to wait.

Once you know your frame size, then you can pick up some bloomin bargains on Bike Radar classifieds , but you need to know what you're buying, and there's no after sales service or returns.

That ribble is a hell of a lot bike for the money, Tiagra doesn't generally come in until around the £800 marker.
Or that's certainly what I found at least when I shopped about earlier this year so it may well have changed a little by now.

Si are you still living up Gomersal? If so there is a bike shop on Bradford Road just before you get into Dewsbury (about half mile after Padgets) on your right called Bill Hargreaves, get in there and have a chat. You cant go far wrong in there pal...

Take a print out of that ribble though, present that and ask if they can better it.

Thanks for all the advice guys, i'm coming straight from riding no bikes at all really, not ridden in years besides doing spinning a few times not that that counts i know.

The £600 was purely for the bike, from what people have said on here I am guessing padded shorts are a must. Sat on a trek and jamis in evans in leeds and i had a sore **** after about 4 minutes! Been told i would need a 54cm top tube from someone and a 56 by someone else so I guess like you all said its a matter of trial and error.

Matt i'm not in gomersal anymore, went to Woodrups bike shop on Kirkgate rd in Leeds yesterday, nearly ended up walking away with a £750 Cube peloton but managed to find some self control from somewhere, it looks AWESOME! It came with Soarer gearset, am I right in thinking it goes soarer then tiagra in terms of quality?

[Owenski]

In ascending order its:
Claris, Sora, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace

Have a mooch on here: http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/

[tactcom7]

Cheers Matt that's a big help. Didn't realise there was so much bloody choice!

[maviczap]

Bon Voyage Mav, can't wait to see the photo's...

Thanks mate, too late for anymore training. :D

I think we'll start off with some mid sized ones before the Giant of Provence

Just need the weather to be ok for the day we do that

[Dipper]

Thanks mate, too late for anymore training. :D

I think we'll start off with some mid sized ones before the Giant of Provence

Just need the weather to be ok for the day we do that

Looks like you've got a triple and a 28 on the back, that'll get you up anything, you'll be fine once the legs get into the zone - enjoy :)

[maviczap]

Spot on, although I did try and fit the Tiagra 30t cassette, but the rear mech didn't like it, even though I used it on the compact set up last year?

I suspect its too many teeth difference, as I would need an MTB mech to make it all work smoothly.

Still like you say I should get up pretty much anything, just need a easyish climbing day to remind my legs how to do it. :D