The Cycling Thread

[Luckypants]

You'll be right on that lad, Ventoux is not massively steep. I got up ok on a compact with 27 rear. The way you spin a gear you will sail up. Have fun and enjoy!

Sent from my phone.

[maviczap]

Thanks mate, I'll post up some boring tales of climbing mountains :)

[Dipper]

Thanks mate, I'll post up some boring tales of climbing mountains :)

...I'll be interested can't wait, other folks effort and suffering is always good to see ;)

[Owenski]

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

No worries pal, sorry for the blunt reply it was rushed I wasn't been short.

We're spoilt for bike shops around here, check out edinborough cycle co op out at meanwood in Leeds as another good place to sit on and discuss buying a brile from bikers as opposed to sales men :-)

[Mark_h]

Any Bianchi specialists out there?

I've had a Bianchi road bike for years. I got it from a friend about 10 years ago but I've lost touch with him and failed to track him down. Anyhow... I've just started riding it again and was out with someone today who pointed out he's never seen one in those colours before and asked if it was one of the specials.

Did a bit of googling and it looks like it may be a 1998 Marco Pantani replica and possibly worth a bit!

Does anyone know of a good way of reaching any Bianchi specialists? Web searching does not seem to turn up any kind of register or specialist forum and it seems Bianchi themselves do not keep records to trace it by frame number. Thought this may be a good place to start. Or could you recommend a decent bike forum?

Even if it's worth nothing it's still a damn good looking bike with a nice full Chorus groupset on it.

[maviczap]

I'll give you 50p & a cream egg :D

Some pics might help, but if its got Chorus, then it was a well spec'd bike.

What tubing is the frame Colombus SLX? there should be a sticker somewhere.

The Chorus would sell for good money by its self on EBAY, a whole bike, prob £300 - £500, maybe even more if it is a Ltd edition Pantani? There are some crazy fans out there who'll pay silly money

[maviczap]

No ride report for today, as its been ****ing down all morning, although we might get out this afternoon, as it might clear up.

Arrived into Lyon in a thunderstorm & there were thunderstorms all around last night too.

So we've chilled out with a couple of coffee's this morning.

The rest of the week looks good on the forecast.

[fizzwheel]

if it is a Ltd edition Pantani? There are some crazy fans out there who'll pay silly money

IIRC the easy well to tell this is by what saddle is has, if it still has the orginal saddle, it should be a caricature of Pantani in Pirate style, the saddle's base colour is Yellow.

Even the saddles were going for £150 and above on ebay a while ago...

Pics man, we need pic

( Fizz, the crazy Pantani fan, but with no spare cash ! )

[Mark_h]

Well.....

It didn't have the fancy saddle when I got it and doesn't have his name on the frame but not sure if the replicas had that anyway.

Here's a few pics. Unfortunately it's a bit grubby after it's outing yesterday in the wet but maybe this will help.

Overall bike :-
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_eCDRk5GcRA/Uix0LxyYpcI/AAAAAAAACwo/bxYwD3WMmLE/w974-h649-no/IMG_9852.JPG

Mega Pro and team stickers with tidy wealds in the region of the Campag Chorus crank set. It had celeste colour matched look pedals when I got it but I ride with SPDs so replaced them with the SPDs.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m_acXAI79ZI/Uix0N6n3OgI/AAAAAAAACw4/xBYtAOOMuQ8/w974-h649-no/IMG_9855.JPG

7005 Exclusive set sticker and more pro-team stickerage around the sunburst Orange area
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ooo4t7j1z-E/Uix0OUEMfjI/AAAAAAAACxA/sXFA0SQuMng/w974-h649-no/IMG_9857.JPG

Even more stickerage on the other side. I added the pump after I got it.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wpZR4v45iYc/Uix0RTHXlMI/AAAAAAAACxU/PZmozVw0fVc/w974-h649-no/IMG_9859.JPG

If I remember the previous owner said the replaced the forks but It's now got Time Stiletto carbon forks with ITM head and bars.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wpZR4v45iYc/Uix0RTHXlMI/AAAAAAAACxU/PZmozVw0fVc/w974-h649-no/IMG_9859.JPG

Dual pivot side-pull brakes.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c0QfZTzo2Cc/Uix0UFPoNqI/AAAAAAAACxs/MR8EOnC0DsI/w433-h649-no/IMG_9862.JPG

Ergo levers say Carbon on them but pretty sure they are not. Don't think there's any carbon apart from the front forks.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rLtHfqL8Ju4/Uix0UPO1N_I/AAAAAAAACx0/3MqG5y8A9ZQ/w433-h649-no/IMG_9863.JPG

Rear mech and hanger seem pretty normal but what do I know?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EwLnHRWzrF0/Uix0KPf--4I/AAAAAAAACwY/NJ2MGvoZLWM/w974-h649-no/IMG_9854.JPG



I got it from a mate who was emigrating about 12 years ago when he decided that the other dozen bikes he was taking with him were enough to be getting on with. The head bearings had a notch in them so I rotate it 90 degrees and it now works perfectly. Slight play on the rear wheel bearing which I hope I can adjust out on the cones unless there's some fancy Italian tech going on in there.

So just a nice old bike or a nice old bike that's worth a load of money being an uber-rare race rep? Either way, it rides really nicely.

[maviczap]

Its a nice old bike worth a few bob, but not loads of money, not an uber rare race rep, as the tubing is common or garden 7005, although in mega tubing size

The Ergo levers are carbon, but its just the lever body that is made from carbon, the shift levers are nice alloy ones.

I'd hang onto all the Chorus stuff, as its getting more collectable, as people want the alloy Campagnolo to fit to either old restored steel frames or new retro looking steel frames. To get the classic 80's & 90's look you need alloy components.

Now only Campag Anthena and below is available in alloy guise, which was (and still is) a groupset below Chorus.

[maviczap]

Here's a quick ride report from France

We managed to get out between torrential rain & thunderstorms for a quick 10 mile loop. It contained one 4th cat climb, which was more than enough to get the HR up!

On the descent I managed to get the bike sideways as I locked up on a wet patch of road, and according to my riding partner I showed great skill in recovering it. I didn't quite see it like that, but after that little episode I took the rest very cautiously, only to get a flat as I was slowing down at the end of the hill? Strange flat too, as it was on the inside of the inner tube, but I don't remember hitting any potholes to get a pinch flat.

Swapped to a new inner tube and pedalled off back to St Jean, when Gary Garmin decided to switch himself off, so only half the ride was recorded :twisted:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/372600562

Still I managed to make my riding partners legs hurt on the return to St Jean, which was a reversal of last year when he left me for dead on the climbs :)

The weather is meant to be much better tomorrow, so hopefully we'll get out a bit further than today.

[maviczap]

2nd overall on this Strava segment :cheers:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ET-Cm-PAldE/Ui3rXu62tNI/AAAAAAAACUM/tX6LiDKEy2A/s640/P9090208.JPG


Out of 2 that is.:rolleyes:

[Owenski]

Lol we've all got a couple of those Mavi, usually when the strava on my phone doesn't quite track me right.

Still 2nd, is 2nd... even when its last :)

[maviczap]

Blimey 103km today, and an unhelpful headwind on the last part of the ride.

Had an eagle follow us down the last descent, that was magnificent

The flat part

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/C7QnrCLSovWC2VDeS6_0actIDReqs1BZ8S8WfmiFqwI=w732-h209-p-no

The top of the not flat part

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/djhrjE7UjdYYjepF4s9Yuq9IWKxbUCAaSxVTcKM1t78=w279-h209-p-no

Garmin data

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/373613915

[Owenski]

Impressive profile!
I still feel like an imposter to the cycling world as I actively try to avoid doing hills.

[maviczap]

Here's Monday's Garmin activity data, which i hadn't posted the link.

Although today looks easier to some degree, the climb at the end of the ride was bleedy hard I can tell ya.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/373059653

Going up hills makes to effort worthwhile for the downhill bit

[maviczap]

After yesterdays big ride, we decided on a slightly easier day. However it was in distance, but not on the body.

After climbing up the Col de la Machine, it got very cold, where I put my race jacket on, just to keep the wind off.

After descending from the top of the Col de la Portette, which was pretty good, both of us were chilled to the bone by the time we go back to St Jean, my American friend more so, because he didn't have any race jacket. So the idea of riding any further was put in the bin.

Still not a bad day, just bloomin cold. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/374003319

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--x-fuvThFEM/UjBeMVvtlKI/AAAAAAAACYU/f8y2NmfSOgk/s512/001.JPG

If only you could feel the wind that is blowing in this picture!!! Appearances are deceiving!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6qD1bxSO7yE/UjBfcHnRKXI/AAAAAAAACYU/nKLoPgIlSFM/s640/009.JPG

[pookie]

wonderful scenery and great effort up those climbs..if it make you feel any better the weather is rubbish here.

[maviczap]

I know, I called home to be told the heating was on :)

[EssexDave]

Just purchased myself a new steed.

Moda Bolero for a winter bike. RRP £999.99 Cycles UK have them up for £599.99 with a friend's staff discount picked it up for £549.99 - having read reviews on it (and he has one) I'm very pleased with it.

Now just waiting to pick it up and hope my foot heals up soon so I can get out more!

Got a ride with Dulwich Paragon CC on the 5th October as I'm thinking of joining - so I expect that will be one of my first outings.

[Owenski]

Thats a stonking Saving Dave!

[maviczap]

Thats a stonking Saving Dave!

Its a good time of year to pick up bargains


Quick ride today, as it was raining most of the morning, which I was secretly glad of, as it curtailed any thoughts my American friend had of doing any mega miles, as we've got a big ride tomorrow.

So a pleasant afternoon ride, much warmer than yesterday!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/374521137

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UCO_J-2cwYg/UjHWAm_s8XI/AAAAAAAACZk/OjVLBdpuGSw/w513-h385-no/007.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-247ZrUcUllc/UjHWPHeVJDI/AAAAAAAACZ0/Oi4v6pwlToQ/w289-h385-no/012.JPG

[Nobbylad]

Apologies to intrude on this thread, I thought we had an MTB thread but can't seem to find it anywhere.

Anyhoo...I have a Carrera TDF that I bought cheap from Halfords last year. I've not been out on it much due to 2 x knee operations and I'm in the frame of mind where I think a mountain bike might be a good option to get me back in the saddle on the basis that it will be easier to ride initially (I'm 2 weeks post op at the mo, so need something forgiving) especially with winter coming, but then I can use take off road as my physical condition improves. I'll still use the TDF for road riding mostly, but as I can take advantage of the cycle to work scheme if I order a voucher in the next 7 days, it's a good way to get a decent bike for a good price. We're supposed to source the bikes from Halfords (the TDF is £249 at the moment!), however I 'think' we can use alternative suppliers (Wiggle etc).

So - any pointers on a suitable MTB? Ta

EDIT: Budget is upto £1k, although ideally I'd like to pay around £5-600

[Mark_h]

Anyone else on the Prince's trust Palace to Palace ride next weekend? Could declare it a .ORG ride-out if anyone else is going.

[Dipper]

Apologies to intrude on this thread, I thought we had an MTB thread but can't seem to find it anywhere.

Anyhoo...I have a Carrera TDF that I bought cheap from Halfords last year. I've not been out on it much due to 2 x knee operations and I'm in the frame of mind where I think a mountain bike might be a good option to get me back in the saddle on the basis that it will be easier to ride initially (I'm 2 weeks post op at the mo, so need something forgiving) especially with winter coming, but then I can use take off road as my physical condition improves. I'll still use the TDF for road riding mostly, but as I can take advantage of the cycle to work scheme if I order a voucher in the next 7 days, it's a good way to get a decent bike for a good price. We're supposed to source the bikes from Halfords (the TDF is £249 at the moment!), however I 'think' we can use alternative suppliers (Wiggle etc).

So - any pointers on a suitable MTB? Ta

EDIT: Budget is upto £1k, although ideally I'd like to pay around £5-600

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=119882&highlight=thread

[Nobbylad]

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=119882&highlight=thread

Danke

[maviczap]

Last days ride & what a ride, the weather gods were on our side on Friday, blue skies & no wind on our side.

I finally had good climbing legs, not brilliant, but ok

Another one off the list

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/375259633

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JH33Jv3D-E4/UjS2eufOwXI/AAAAAAAACao/reE2OiYk7fc/w514-h685-no/image.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P1ewHlFCjQQ/UjS3l5DetnI/AAAAAAAACbg/E2N_4qu2YpA/w514-h685-no/ventoux+018.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2MsosKqpjvU/UjS3-fzhgVI/AAAAAAAACbw/Ya4iQSwFs8E/w514-h685-no/ventoux+020.JPG

[Dipper]

Last days ride & what a ride, the weather gods were on our side on Friday, blue skies & no wind on our side.

I finally had good climbing legs, not brilliant, but ok

Another one off the list

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/375259633

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JH33Jv3D-E4/UjS2eufOwXI/AAAAAAAACao/reE2OiYk7fc/w514-h685-no/image.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P1ewHlFCjQQ/UjS3l5DetnI/AAAAAAAACbg/E2N_4qu2YpA/w514-h685-no/ventoux+018.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2MsosKqpjvU/UjS3-fzhgVI/AAAAAAAACbw/Ya4iQSwFs8E/w514-h685-no/ventoux+020.JPG



Nice...

[EssexDave]

Seriously jealous Mavi

[maviczap]

You've got plenty of time in you life to do all this mate, don't leave it until you're my age, as it doesn't get easier as you get older!

[Owenski]

The battle of Keeping Warm/Cool/Comfortable
I've ridden a day, not rode for a few days, ridden a day, then not rode for a few days. This has been going on for a few weeks now and its getting silly and its all down to been uncomfortable.

Basically as I've ridden in I've thought jeeez this is unpleasant I'm freezing!

Today I wore, mtb shoes, sports socks, full legs, upper baselayer, long sleave tshirt, wind breaker over jacket and a neck tube. By the top of the cat 4 (20min into my commute) I had to remove the long sleeve t and neck tube. I remained at a reasonable temp the remainder of the journey but my feet were freezing.

So what do you all use/wear? Do you prefer to set off warm and get hotter as you ride.
Do you set off cold and arrive cold kissed but ok
or like I did today do you ride and derobe as you go?

[maviczap]

Now is that tricky time of year when you don't know what to wear.

Yesterday I wore 3/4 bottoms, long sleeve undervest, longsleeve top, underhelmet cap & shoe covers.

I was cold when I went out, but was pretty comfortable once I got home. My feet were just starting to get cold, and I always have problems with cold feet.

If your feet are freezing, then get some windproof shoe covers for this time of year, once it gets really cold either get some winter shoes or neoprene shoe covers.

My hands are usually ok, but I have used neoprene gloves before to good effect. They just get a bit sweaty.

[maviczap]

Oh & I also wore a windproof gilet, but I could have done without that

[fizzwheel]

As Mav says, its a weird time of year for clothing.

My normal routine is

3/4's
Long Sleeve Base Layer
Then Jersey over the top
Woolie Boolie socks for keeping my feet warm.

I dont like wearing over shoes as I find I end up with sweaty feet.

I prefer to start out a little cold and then once I get a few miles down the road I know I'll be warmed up.

If I dont really know what the weather is going to be like, I always take my thin rain jacket with me, arm / leg warmers to.

[Dipper]

For a 10 mile commute like yours Matt I take the "Do you set off cold and arrive cold kissed but ok" approach as I tend to just blast it and soon warm up. For a longer ride that you need to settle into a bit I'll put a more on and take a thin windproof that can be taken off to keep the temperature right.

[Roberrrrt]

Just to continue the helpful nature of this thread mate, may I refer you to Rule #5...

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

...call yourself a tough mudder pfft ;)

[Dipper]

Aldi's winter stuff (https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/coming-soon/cycling/) is coming soon, the jacket is fantastic value and works as well as stuff 3-4 times the price...

[Owenski]

Just to continue the helpful nature of this thread mate, may I refer you to Rule #5...

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

...call yourself a tough mudder pfft ;)

How many miles you done since it chilled Bert? ;-)

Not just a mudder, I'm entering the tough guy 15k... that's gonna be cold!

[Owenski]

john, Im inclined to agree at least if I set of cold it'll encourage me to change my route and push harder so that I warm up quicker.

[maviczap]

Aldi's winter stuff (https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/coming-soon/cycling/) is coming soon, the jacket is fantastic value and works as well as stuff 3-4 times the price...

I picked up one in the recent Lidl cycling stuff, softshell jacket & windproof bib tights.

The jacket is excellent quality, and for £15, whats not to like.

I haven't tried the bibs on yet, but they were £10

Owenski, I've got a spare pair of windproof overshoes if you want them, depending on your shoe size. LMK

[Owenski]

I've bought some, I bought them the minute they were suggested :) thank you though.

[maviczap]

No probs

[Owenski]

Tried them for the first time today, arrived with nicely toasted tootsis cant complain at all.

I bought these if anyone else is after a pair: <LINK> (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130994081428)

[cheesypeeps]

I've just signed up to the cycle to work scheme. I currently have a specialised xc MTB. But fancied trying road biking. So I've went for the btwin triban 3. Something basic to get me started.
Order new lights for it etc thru the scheme.
But think ill need to invest in some over shoes as well! I dare my toes might get chilly on the road to work!

[Owenski]

I previously MTB"d quite a bit, I was astonished at how much road stuff I ended up needing to buy... and still M buying.

[apchara]

hey guys im NOT TOUTING FOR BUSINESS/TRADE
However im in the Cycle trade and will happily sort you cyclists out with any info or parts/bikes at a "reasonable rate" ,being mates rates, this will be at least 20-30% below rrp(doesnt apply to cyclescheme bike2 work as they charge a bomb on admin fees) We could even work out a deal in exchange for SV bits N pieces/ upgrades


checkout the shops site, we do ALOT more "general bike stuff" in store and more deals/ specialist kit online. PM me with anything you want or have questions about, can post it out to y'all if needed

http://www.fudgescyclestore.com

[cheesypeeps]

I previously MTB"d quite a bit, I was astonished at how much road stuff I ended up needing to buy... and still M buying.

What other sort of stuff have you bought? I was thinking new shoes n over shoes. Ive got the helmet and gloves already. Happy to use run keeper app on my phone instead of computer. Was just gonna use my usual hi vis top n I've got lyrca (sexy) trousers. Oh n I got some new lights to save having to transfer between bikes. :)

[maviczap]

hey guys im NOT TOUTING FOR BUSINESS/TRADE
However im in the Cycle trade and will happily sort you cyclists out with any info or parts/bikes at a "reasonable rate" ,being mates rates, this will be at least 20-30% below rrp(doesnt apply to cyclescheme bike2 work as they charge a bomb on admin fees) We could even work out a deal in exchange for SV bits N pieces/ upgrades


checkout the shops site, we do ALOT more "general bike stuff" in store and more deals/ specialist kit online. PM me with anything you want or have questions about, can post it out to y'all if needed

http://www.fudgescyclestore.com

Damn you, I'm trying to save money, now you've opened up pandora's box.

Do you do frames?

[Owenski]

Damn you, I'm trying to save money, now you've opened up pandora's box.

Do you do frames?
Tyres,
Brakes,
Gears,
Forks,
Wheels

I want bikes show me bits I neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedddddddddddd bike-ness

Corrected for you ;)

[Owenski]

What other sort of stuff have you bought? I was thinking new shoes n over shoes. Ive got the helmet and gloves already. Happy to use run keeper app on my phone instead of computer. Was just gonna use my usual hi vis top n I've got lyrca (sexy) trousers. Oh n I got some new lights to save having to transfer between bikes. :)

Pretty much the same as above only I've bought more of the sexy stuff as I was riding daily and needed clean stuff on a daily basis, at £30+ for the shorts it got expensive rapidly.

[apchara]

Check out of the website, I can get specialized, cannondale, charge, mongoose, look, norco and far too many others to list tell me what you want to spend and what style of riding (singletrack, road, commute, TT, dj, downhill, xc and ill post up a few links and prices

You will save money, as your not paying rrp!!!

[Littlepeahead]

This might be of interest to anyone who follows competitive cycling in its various forms and lives in or near London. Check out Sunday's schedule for the cycling focused events. I'll be there working all day.

www.londonsportswritingfestival.com

[cheesypeeps]

Apchara, I've PMd you :)

[maviczap]

This might be of interest to anyone who follows competitive cycling in its various forms and lives in or near London. Check out Sunday's schedule for the cycling focused events. I'll be there working all day.

www.londonsportswritingfestival.com

Wow, some good names there LPH, wish I could attend, but I'm working, LPH, I'd like to say hello to Rod Ellingworth, David Millar or Charlie Weglius.

[cheesypeeps]

What are the pros and cons of Lycra vs neoprene overshoes?

[apchara]

Both are more aerodynamic than nothing,
lycra is light weight and offers a bit of warmth with little to no wind protection and no waterproofing easy to put on, rips easy

Neoprene is wet suit material, offers warmth wind protection and stops some water getting in yet stays warm even when wet, yet is not as stretchy as lycra, so is harder to put on

If you want a bit of warmth go for neoprene or merino wool

[maviczap]

Lycra ones are only for time trial riders

Neoprene as above

Another option is a Sealskinz oversock

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sealskinz-cycle-over-socks/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=pla&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&kpid=5360593415

Nothing apart from wellies are going to keep your feet 100% dry

[maviczap]

Another option for warmer feet, depending on which pedal system you use.

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/apparel/shoes/shoes-road/shimano-rw80-gore-tex-spd-sl-shoes.html

You can also buy windproof overshoes, which do as they say, which won't keep your feet dry, but will keep them warmer by stopping wind chill.

As someone who really suffers from really cold feet whilst winter cycling I've yet to find anything I really like, that keeps my feet warm.

[apchara]

Or just buy a can of NEVERWET and treat your shoes with a coat of that

[cheesypeeps]

Have you used that NEVERWET?
Just did some looking online, looks impressive.

[apchara]

My boss uses it, on many things the one he gloats about is the fact he now never has to clean the toilet bowl......

[Luckypants]

Or just buy a can of NEVERWET and treat your shoes with a coat of that

Doesn't stop water ingress through the venting system though. Nor will it provide any wind protection. Neoprene overshoes do mean that you can use your summer shoes in all but the coldest weather. For me Lycra overshoes are basically dust covers ;).

I would be inclined to buy some winter shoes if you plan to be cycling regularly in the wind and rain, with come nice merino wool socks.

[EssexDave]

Northweave Farenheit or Celsius shoes.

Cannot use them below about 12 degrees - they're too hot.

they're near enough 100% waterproof or as close as you'll ever get. they're also really comfy.

I have used them for two winters, for commuting and long rides and they are absolutely fantastic.

However, being a bit of a girl's blouse, I have used them with overshoes before, which resulted in severely damp socks (from sweat) - so I can definitely recommend these shoes.

They are not cheap however!

[Owenski]

I wore 1 over shoe today during a 48mile charity thing. ****ing rain and horrid wind and muggins here forgot to pack one of his overshoes.

I can report my left foot (with overshoe) stayed dry until around 20miles. By this point my right had long since been saturated frozen fallen off and been eaten by rabbits.
By the end of the ride although my left had been wet a long time it was only when crunching my toes up did I realise they were in fact wet. Very impressed by the neoprene over shoe today.

See previous posts for my link to the ones I bought.

[pookie]

just sorted out the flow trainer and did my normal route via google earth. Do people swap routes or have any interesting routes for their vr trainers? I realised I could go anywhere on the planet :)
It was an interesting multitasking ride :)
http://anthill.dyndns.info/images/sv650/tacx1.jpg

[maviczap]

Think you're is a bit more advanced than I am with my Flow trainer

I've got the Ventoux VR ride on disc, plus the free Velodrome one. I've just bought the San Sebastian VR ride dvd.

Its something I need to look at in creating a routes for it, although mine is a old model flow so I don't know if I can do this?

[pookie]

i'm using tts3.10 . The 3.11 update adds a google earth license activation module. There is a real life training option on the left side and in the setup settings you can enable features. The software prompted google earth download.

I have the white usb head unit and I'm sure its just software that enables the functions.
The trainer was fun but vibrates more than a rampant rabbit. :)

[maviczap]

I'll have to have a look at what version TTS I'm using.

It would be cool to create VR routes from my Garmin data, using Google earth, it would also save a fortune by not having to buy the Tacx VR DVD's.

Although spending 6 hours on the turbo following some of this years French rides might be a bit excessive:p

[pookie]

I can confirm it is possible to import a tcx /gpx not sure which one to tts. Currently trying out prudential ride 100 :)

[maviczap]

Damn, then my Tourmalet circuit I did with Luckypants is a go'er and all the others saved in my Garmin account.

How to replicate the weather conditions is going to be tricky :D

[EssexDave]

What machines are you guys using exactly?

[pookie]

this is what i use http://www.tacx.com/en/products/trainers/i-flow with a steering frame. Its ok and helps my aversion to rain ;)

[maviczap]

Tacx I-Flow

Mines an older model, but still better than a normal turbo

It hooks up to a spare PC via USB, as the roads rises so does the difficulty and vice versa on the descents.

[maviczap]

Mine hasn't got the steering frame, which makes steering a bit weird :p

[maviczap]

If you wanted one & you've got the money Dave this is a bargain, as its got loads of VR DVD's to go with it

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40091&t=12945111

[AJC]

Considering selling my bike, which is this one I posted earlier...

http://forums.sv650.org/showpost.php?p=2880638&postcount=2981

I love it and its pretty much the road bike I always wanted but I live in the city centre of Glasgow and the roads are hilariously bad condition wise (potholes you could lose a small car in etc...). Basically I am scared to take it out and I have at least 6/7 miles of city centre cycling before I hit anything decent/enjoyable, also dont have a car to move it around in either.

Soo being quite poor I can't afford to keep it and buy a mountain bike which I will use pretty much every day. What do you guys reckon its worth? Carbon everything, Easton circuit wheels, Campag Chorus groupset, everything works as it should etc...

[maviczap]

Depends on the condition, sometimes the parts can go for more than a complete bike, certainly on Ebay.

Need a bit more detail & a pic, is it 10 or 11 speed Campag?

Go on ebay to see what items are selling for

[apchara]

between 3-500 spec dependent

[AJC]

Pics, taken with my phone quickly, bike not washed either :)

http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u472/fac83ajc/928-1.jpg (http://s1069.photobucket.com/user/fac83ajc/media/928-1.jpg.html)

http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u472/fac83ajc/928-2.jpg (http://s1069.photobucket.com/user/fac83ajc/media/928-2.jpg.html)

http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u472/fac83ajc/928-3.jpg (http://s1069.photobucket.com/user/fac83ajc/media/928-3.jpg.html)

Its basically a 2008 bike. Bianchi 928 TCube (Barloworld) carbon frame and forks. Campag Chorus 10sp groupset. FSA/Bianchi carbon chainset/crank. Mavic chain. Look titanium axle pedals. FSA carbon seatpost. ITM carbon handlebars and stem. Easton circuit wheels/hubs. Campag chorus brakes with carbon levers. Bianchi superlight bottle cages Schwalbe tyres.

Its all in good condition minus the usual rubs, oh and the saddle, which is knackered but still does its job.

Closest I could find on ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Bianchi-928-Carbon-T-Cube-Ultegra-55cm-NEW-White-B4P-/190934819695?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item2c749a236f

[AJC]

Oh and the cat isn't included...

[EssexDave]

Frame size?

[AJC]

Ah yeah, always forget that bit... Pretty sure its 55cm.

[apchara]

whack it on ebay reserve 400 collection only

[AJC]

Yeah likely to be along those lines, enough to get a decent MTB...

[EssexDave]

Mavi - thanks for sending the link unfortunately looks like I was a few hours too late!

I would have had that otherwise.

I'm considering looking at this...http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-flow-multiplayer-vr-trainer/

But I have to be honest, a lot of the information about the trainers tacx offer is rubbish.

It seems to say that the only difference between them is (a) software, and (b) the braking force - therefore the reality of going uphill.

Apparently the i-flow is only realistic to about 5% (although that should be plenty for what I'm after.

Are there many benefits to these units or should I save my money and just get a much cheaper trainer?

(Or just rule #5 and go out in the wet/cold)

[EssexDave]

What do we think of this...


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=231075933649&ssPageName=ADME:X:BOCOR:GB:1123


Been offered it for £230

[maviczap]

Yes, the one on wiggle is a great price, in fact I'm thinking of getting it, as its got the steering frame and of course its a bit more up to date than my I-Flow.

I found the VR ride of Ventoux to be pretty realistic, compared to the real McCoy, I had difficulty getting out of the wooded section on the VR ride because it was so hot in the garage and the resistance of the braking force

It was the same on the real slope, although cooler because of it being outside.

The cheaper trainers are boring now IMHO, having a course to follow that gets harder & easier as the road changes is much more fun. So are the other cartoon type rides.

Not perfect, but better than a normal turbo

[maviczap]

What do we think of this...


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=231075933649&ssPageName=ADME:X:BOCOR:GB:1123


Been offered it for £230

Good price I think

[EssexDave]

Does anybody fancy driving to Leicester for me and picking it up? :)

[maviczap]

Errr no :-D

[EssexDave]

Good spot on the Wiggle one having the steering frame, I think I may get that one instead.

Saying that, I did go out this morning and despite the headwind and rain it was still pretty fun!

[maviczap]

Yes, I'd rather go out on the road, but sometimes I haven't got the time to do what I want to do, so doing a quality short session on the turbo is better than none at all.

You can't replicate Alpine climbs on our flat roads, so the turbo is better, even though its not 100% realistic

[EssexDave]

Next question for you VR experts - Where do I purchase said alpine climbs?

[Dipper]

Dave stop being a pussy, apply Rules #5 and #9. :p

[EssexDave]

Winter is coming...

[Dipper]

...and?

[aaron020873]

He will get cold :rolleyes:

[pookie]

quick note to those with vr trainers..it is possible to import garmin gpx files into tacx tts. You need to convert them to tcx via http://www.gpsies.com/convert.do?language=en I set the option to add replace elevation.

you know you want to ;)

[Ch00]

Entered my first Sportive with Evans today at the Biggin Hill event.

Stats for the day...... Distance 54.5 miles, Climb 4434 ft, Avg speed 10.9 mph, Riding time 4 hours 58 mins. Max speed 33.9 mph.

Lots of climbs and hard going. Windy too. Quite please with my effort. Will look to improve on it next year......

[Dipper]

Entered my first Sportive with Evans today at the Biggin Hill event.

Stats for the day...... Distance 54.5 miles, Climb 4434 ft, Avg speed 10.9 mph, Riding time 4 hours 58 mins. Max speed 33.9 mph.

Lots of climbs and hard going. Windy too. Quite please with my effort. Will look to improve on it next year......

Good effort, that's a fair amount of climbing over that distance, we popped over to Kent last week, you've got some good hills there, I wish we had some proper hills over here in Essex..