The Cycling Thread

[fizzwheel]

Does anyone use a power meter? If so, please relate your reasons for getting one, if it helps and how you use it. What benefits did you see, especially if you are non-competitive?

No, I don't really understand the science of it and without being able to interpret the numbers I'm not sure what benefit I'd get from it.

I ride with a guy who has stages one which he swears by and seems to spend alot of time watching his average power output on his garmin.

I think it might help going to hard on a long ride though as you can ride to a percentage of threshold so you dont go into the red...

Like I said not really sure how it works...

[7755matt]

I'm very tempted with a power meter. I use trainer road which has a virtual power meter using ant+ transmitted speed and cadence related to certain types of turbo trainer. I'd love a stages power meter and will save for one once I've moved house.

The indigogo one looks interesting but will alter what I believe is called Q factor which may affected along and bike fit.

I am led to believe training and riding to power is much more effective than training to heart rate

[Aldoo]

My brother has just got one on a dura ace crank. A few people have them in the group I ride with - they get told to p*** off if they start talking numbers or try change the group pace to suit their training though lol

[EssexDave]

I just purchased a power meter 2 weeks ago. I've wanted one for years. I'm coming back from injury and have put on over 5 stone. Since coming back my first ride was at around 14mph. I did a 50 mile ride at 13.7mph.

Straight away when I put the power meter in, I did an FTP test. (I assume you know what this is, but in case you don't, there's loads of good articles online, but essentially it is the power you can hold for 1 hour).

Having done that you set your training zones much as you would for heart rate, but there is of course no lag and you know exactly what effort you're putting out and when you're doing it.

The first ride with my power meter was this: https://www.strava.com/activities/304002141

16.4mph average. This was with a group, and it was quite fast, but I was able to pace myself a bit better on the efforts seeing the power figures.

Then came the following:

https://www.strava.com/activities/307463583 This was supposed to be an 81 mile ride (hence the average of 13.2mph) but I was feeling really good when I finished and was just picking the pace up. Given my longest ride in the last two years was about 52 miles, the power meter no doubt completely helped my pace myself, especially up hills because as 19 stone it can hurt! Unfortunately mechanical issues meant a £70 cab ride home.

https://www.strava.com/activities/310025757 This was again a group ride and could pace myself getting an average of 15.1mph, much improved on the early times.

https://www.strava.com/activities/311573143 This was the first ride where I was trying to train in 'power zones' properly. It hurt - a lot. The power meter really gave me a lot of motivation to push myself for the last few intervals and I think I got a lot out of the workout. Given that I had a headwind for a significant portion, the average speed on a solo ride of 16.7mph really shows how fast I have improved (as you'd expect), but also that the power meter really did spur me on.

In terms of long term benefits, I can't tell you, but I am right now really impressed with it. I'm also particularly impressed with the performance management charts you can access.

I'm using Golden Cheetah - free software for the Mac which isn't the most pretty interface but gives you lots of good information.

If you really want serious training tools - get a Wahoo Kikr as I hear they are absolutely fantastic. The idea of spending all that time inside riding just doesn't swing with me, so I got the hub power meter to help in my 'non-competitive' road training.

So far, its good, if you have any more questions, feel free to ping me a PM.

[pookie]

which one did you get EssexDave? Sounds like it makes training a bit more fun.

[maviczap]

Training & fun does not compute :D

[EssexDave]

I went for the Powertap rear wheel with the hub built it. It was £630. I was doing two things - buying motivation, and trying to give myself a training tool that would help me improve faster.

Of course, the power meter in itself does not in fact make you faster, its a tool that you have to use right. I like the numbers, I like the graphs and what you can do with it. I like knowing how hard my intervals need to be and see whether I'm getting there or not.

It also allows me to identify my weaknesses. So, my FTP of 234W is quite low for my weight, but my power to weight is so incredibly low (at 19 stone) that I struggle up hills. I have to put out between 600-950W to get up the medium hills we have here close to the back of my group. If I'm in my lowest gear turning the pedals over, I'm putting out 350-500W to get up them. That tells me, I will always really struggle to keep up on a hilly ride because I can't put out the power for long enough.

I don't know if the price tag is worth it, but I think it was a better purchase than £630 of upgrades on my bike.

The other thing to add is as a weight loss tool it is helpful. It provides a much better reading of calories burned because it calculates the figure from the watts produced and so is much more accurate as it ignores time spent not pedalling and makes an assessment of the energy spent turning the pedals.

The second use in weight loss is I want to ride quite a bit to burn off the lard, but I also don't want to burn myself out. It allows me to make sure my long slow rides are really easy enough to expend a few extra calories, without putting a huge strain on my body.

[pookie]

good stuff.. I'm all for buying motivation :) after all the figures dont lie!. I assume the powertap links with the garmin and it just records the data for later. Keep up the good work .. you'll get up those hills in no time!

[EssexDave]

It does connect just straight to the garmin and you have a choice of what to display. Zones, % of FTP, pure power for that second, or an average over 3s, 10s, minute, lap etc.

Its surprising how much power varies over a short time.

[dannywride]

anyone recommend a reliable courier? just bought a specialized roubaix :D

Sent from my GT-I8160 using Tapatalk 2

[Dipper]

Does anyone use a power meter? If so, please relate your reasons for getting one, if it helps and how you use it. What benefits did you see, especially if you are non-competitive?

Consistent effort is key to doing long fast rides, I use heart rate at the moment and have seen great gains ...out with a group others will pass on the ascents but I know I'll be catching or passing them on the descents and there's no chance of me blowing up towards the end of a long ride. As Dave says a power meter takes this further giving instant readings and can only be a good thing if you want to get the most out of your training.

I've heard good things about the Stages power meter and is probably the most sensibly priced option at the moment.

[EssexDave]

The real thing with a power meter is you DO need to take the time to regularly test & interpret the figures, otherwise its not worth the cost and heart rate would be better.

[Luckypants]

Some great information folks, keep it coming

Consistent effort is key to doing long fast rides, I use heart rate at the moment and have seen great gains ...out with a group others will pass on the ascents but I know I'll be catching or passing them on the descents and there's no chance of me blowing up towards the end of a long ride. As Dave says a power meter takes this further giving instant readings and can only be a good thing if you want to get the most out of your training.

I've heard good things about the Stages power meter and is probably the most sensibly priced option at the moment.I've been using HR for ages and I am quite good at metering my effort. I recently went for Strava Premium (free trial) and using the HR zone displays on there told me I'm basically not trying hard enough compared to my compatriots! So I'm trying harder and saw a good improvement in speed the past couple of weeks. I still try to make a consistant effort, but at a higher HR than I would previously. Certainly putting more effort in on the hills.

The real thing with a power meter is you DO need to take the time to regularly test & interpret the figures, otherwise its not worth the cost and heart rate would be better.Hence my question, because the access to data I got from Strava Premium made me think about getting a power meter to really look. It's still seems too expensive for a gizmo for a recreational rider to me.

Dave, how did you do your FTP test?

[EssexDave]

My FTP test was a 20 minute effort, taking the average power and multiplying by 0.95 to work out the FTP.

I already had a ballpark figure to aim for from using a turbo with a power meter before. Obviously, devices will have differences between them, but it helped me to pace from the outset. I think my FTP may be a couple of watts low, but also the software will estimate it as you upload data.

I'm going to do another test in a couple of weeks, and all the time I'm learning more about myself and the device and how I can use it.

The real question is, as a recreational cyclist (which I would most definitely class myself as), do you care about riding faster enough to spend £5-700 on a device that will make you work harder?

I know many would say yes I would spend £500 on a lighter set of wheels because that makes me faster for no effort. The power meter is all about effort, and I think so far its already helped me.

[maviczap]

The real question is, as a recreational cyclist (which I would most definitely class myself as), do you care about riding faster enough to spend £5-700 on a device that will make you work harder?

I know many would say yes I would spend £500 on a lighter set of wheels because that makes me faster for no effort. The power meter is all about effort, and I think so far its already helped me.

That's why I went for the Limits power meter, I could justify the $130 (half price early bird deal) I paid and not loose any sleep over it. Even at $259 its still cheaper than the Stages or other options.

Ok, its not as pretty as some of the other options, but I think its a neat solutions, and easy to fit.

At the moment I'm just training on feel alone, giving it large on the hills.

I'm a firm believer in its cheaper to loose kgs from my body weight than buy ultralight bling for the bike, i'll go faster by loosing a few pounds

[Luckypants]

I'm a firm believer in its cheaper to loose kgs from my body weight than buy ultralight bling for the bike, i'll go faster by loosing a few poundsNo argument there, but I also want to get stronger and fitter, but real life limits training - so want to train smart. I'm exploring options and the power meter is one of them.

[Dipper]

No argument there, but I also want to get stronger and fitter, but real life limits training - so want to train smart. I'm exploring options and the power meter is one of them.

HIIT should give the best results if you're short of time, also is there any way you can commute all or part of you journey to work?

[maviczap]

Yes real life does limit what training you can do, my quality miles and training is done on my off duty week.

I find it difficult to get out on the road after a 12hour shift, although the lighter nights means i have the time to nip out and do a short intensive ride, which ive found has benefited my avg speed this year, plus i did quite a lot more winter riding this year.

im hoping that this power meter will improve my training, I do put the effot in when i go for a ride, perhaps too much sometimes.

it'd be good to go out with a group, but sorting out around real life is problematic.

[maviczap]

HIIT should give the best results if you're short of time, also is there any way you can commute all or part of you journey to work?

LP has a massive commute :p ;)

well he did in his last job as far as i know, not sure about his new job.

[Luckypants]

HIIT should give the best results if you're short of time, also is there any way you can commute all or part of you journey to work?

LP has a massive commute :p ;)

well he did in his last job as far as i know, not sure about his new job.It's about the same, 15 seconds to the home office.

I used to do spin classes which were high intensity, but they closed. Nearest one is 20 odd miles away, so the time spent driving there/back could be spent on my bike riding from home. I was planning to be out now on my hilly 30 mile route, but a meeting got moved and I'm listening to what changes I have to cover this weekend instead! :(

New job has made finding time harder. I'm thinking a power trainer with a power meter might be a way ahead but the cost of them is frightening!

[fizzwheel]

d I am quite good at metering my effort. I recently went for Strava Premium (free trial) and using the HR zone displays on there told me I'm basically not trying hard enough compared to my compatriots!

I found the same when I went with the Strava Premium I was spending to much time in Zone 1 / Zone 2 and then wondering why I got dropped on the weekly rides with the local bike shop.

I'm tempted by a Power Meter, but we really dont have any spare cash after shelling out for my new wheels in April.

I'm trying to shift some weight at the moment, seems to be working, my trousers now need a belt to keep them up !

[fizzwheel]

As some of you will have seen if you follow me on Strava I completed The Tour of Wessex over the weekend. I wrote a little write up about it, OK its not so little but here you go :

Tour of Wessex 2015

I've never done a multi day sportive. I have done individual stages of The Tour of Wessex before, but never all 3 days back to back.
Its something I have always wanted to do and 2015 was the year I was going to do it.

Also it would serve as a fantastic training ride in prepation for the 500 mile ride I was doing in July.

Day 1 - Cheddar Gorge, King Alfreds Tower 108.6 miles 6391 ft of climbing

https://www.strava.com/activities/310112928

I've done this day before. Liz drops me off at the start whilst I wait for Neil who I am riding all 3 days with to arrive. Yeovil was shrouded in thick fog when I left for the start at somerton and as I wait the sun is slowly trying to break through, its going to be a hot day.

Neil arrives and after a trip to the toilet caused by last minute nerves, we queue up in the start pen. I'm a little nervous and try and get myself calmed down and into the right frame of mind. We talk about pacing and have a bit of banter.

Listen to the rider brefing and then we are off, accompanied by beeps from multiple garmins, riders clipping in and making their way out onto the road.
We tap our way up the first few hills and then out onto the Somerset levels, I'm watching my heartrate monitor like a hawk wary of getting caught into the trap of pushing to hard and we settle in. We're tacked onto the back of a little group when there is a buzz of tyre on tyre and some shouting, few riders in front of us have touched wheels, nut everybody stays on a timely reminder of being wary of riding in a group with riders who might not be proficent in the art of group riding.

A few miles on we stop and take off arm warmers etc as the sun has come out now and burnt off the fog and its getting hot. Then onto Cheddar Gorge itself.

We both settle in and Neil finds a good pace and rides me off his wheel. I settle in for the climb and a comfortable pace and we re-group in the feed station at the top, its getting hot and I want to fill my bottle again so I have two full ones.

Then we are off again, over the rolling somerset hills, through Priddy, Wells, Evercreech and towards Bruton and the climb of King Alfreds Tower. I've only managed this climb once without having to get off and walk. I'm determined to get up it this time without walking. Taking it steady in the bottom and finding a good rhythm I tap my way up it, being overtaken by alot of riders who maybe dont know whats coming. We reach a little S bend by some cottages and then we are into the steep section. I'm having to stand now and seated climbing has me lifting the front wheel. Then it kicks up again, I'm switching now between sitting and standing and telling myself that I'm not getting off. Neil is a little way in front of me and as he see's the crest he puts in a massive kick and accelerates hard over the top. I stick to my method of standing then sitting in the saddle and I feel a great sense of satisfaction as I crest the climb myself.

The next section of the route should be a little easier now as we have climbed all the nasty lumps in the route. We stop at each feed station and fill out bottles and grab something to eat and before we know it we are setting a good pace and are on the flat section back towards the finish.

We hear the sound of sirens and a paramedic car overtakes us, we both hope its not for a rider on todays ride. A bit further on we find the paramedics attending to some riders who have hit the deck. We dont stop, as there is nothing we can do, but its not nice to see and again a reminder of the perils of riding in a group.

A bit further on towards the finish we find a group to sit in with and after sitting off the back and watching what they are doing they are riding well and sensibly because they are mostly from the same group so we sit on the back and and set a good pace all the way back through Ditcheat to Somerton and across the finish mat. Day 1 - Completed

Day 2 - Corfe Castle & the Jurassic Coast 116.3 miles 6175 ft of climbing

https://www.strava.com/activities/310897174

I've not done day before, but its the longest day mileage wise. I'm hoping we can find some groups to sit in with. I meet up with Neil again and the start and we queue up to set out on the road. Its cloudy and overcast today so not as hot.

I feel tired this morning and my calves are sore. I'm sure that I'll feel better after a few miles to warm up. Neil and I both think we rode to hard yesterday so we decide to keep the pace down a little more today.
We set out and tack onto the back of a group all the way to Mudford. I'm riding familiar roads now and we head out through Stoford, through Yetminster onto Leigh and past the Cerne Giant and onto the days first climb and boy what a Monster, I stick with my method of getting the bike into a gear I can climb in and the bottom of the climb and then riding up it at a steady pace. Inevitably this means i get passed by alot of riders at the bottom of each hill, but normally see's me overtake them again towards the stop when it gets steep and they suddenly find they have run out of gas. Seems to serve me well so I stick to it. Up we go !

A nice descent down the other side to the first feed of the day. Again we stop to fill our bottles and off we go.

We keep banging out the miles at what feels a comfortable pace, Neil asks to stop to put some ibuprofen gel on his shoulder as its starting to play him up. So we do that and then off we go again. We drop down into Lulworth and then out the other side and then up over the Army Range road which is another monster climb and I settle in for the slog up to the top.
Once down the other side we head towards Corfe and then onto Wareham and the next feed station.

The winds picked up a little and I can feel myself getting tired, I stop and wait for Neil at one point and he catches me up after he dropped his chain and got it jambed up. I cant seem to find a rhythm now and I can feel my mood begining to drop I'm getting more tired and yesterday ride is now begining to kick me hard in the legs. Neil reminds me to keep drinking as I havent been drinking that much and the temperatures dropped to. I cant really remember much about this section of the ride and its just a case of digging in and keeping going.

We get to the next feed and stop to fill bottles and I need to go the toilet. Just as we leave we begin to feel a few spots of rain. We're at Holwell now so past 2/3rds of the way into the ride and then it starts to rain. Fine drizzle that soaks you but its not cold so we keep going without stopping to put on waterproofs.

We nearly miss a turn in Milborne Port, but we manage to sort ourselves out without going off route. Its raining harder now and we come out on the long drag to Sparkford I can see a group behind us who arent catching us up so we wait a little for them to get on our wheel and maintain our speed. They say hello and apologise for sitting in but explain then are all knackered and just wanting to get back to the finish. I'm feeling better now and happy to ride with them. I'm happy on the front and they're pushing the wind into our backs, so even though they arent taking turns on the front, we're getting some benefit anyway.

We go on like this all the way back to Somerton and across the finish mat. Day 2 - Completed ! Longest ride I've ever done.

Day 3 - Climbing Day, The Quantock Hills & Exmoor 114.3 Miles and 8724 ft of climbing

https://www.strava.com/activities/311648673

Day 3 is the hardest day, lots and lots of climbing.

I meet up with Neil in the carpark and we sort ourselves out and roll down to the start line, albeit having to go back to Neils van as he forgot his stash of gels.

I'm hoping we can find some groups again to ride with as its a long old day and anything that gives us a bit of a respite is to be welcomed. We agree to keep our pace sensible and not push to hard in the morning.
I'm tired this morning and I can see Neil his to, my own nerves and tiredness I can see reflecting back at me in Neils facial expression.

And we're off, the roads to Bridgwater arent to hilly, but everybody this morning seems intent on going hell for leather so there is no chance of getting a group together, also the riding seems more aggresive this morning with people fighting for wheels and not being very courteous about it, which isnt nice.

We approach the first big climb of the morning over the cattle grid that marks the start of the steep section and up and up and up we go. I'm sticking with my tried and tested hill climbing technique which does me well, with some zig zagging on the steepest sections to take the pressure off of my knees, I'm over the top. I find a little layby to wait for Neil and he quickly catches me up and then we drop down the steep descent to the first feed station of the day. Bottles filled and snacks eaten we set off again.
This is the hardest section now from here to the next feed isnt to bad, but its hard to get a rhtymn and the average speed is now dropping down. Through the little lanes towards Watchet and then out on the A39 to Minehead and into the headwind. We ride together taking turns on the front so we both get some shelter from the wind. Through Minhead and then the long drag out of it and on towards Porlock.

The next feed is at the bottom of Porlock Hill, the route thankfully takes us up the Toll Road rather than the old road, which is easier to manage. Bottles filled and sandwiches eaten we settle in for the climb. I drop Neil at the bottom of it and he catches me again at the top as I start to get tired. The climbs come in quick succession now, one after another. Its like being punched in the face, and reeling from it and then bam, another punch and then another and another. I can feel the lactic acid building up in calves and my quads have gone dead. Just keep moving, dont stop dont stop.
I can see Neil is begining to suffer so I am sticking with him and just trying to keep him going. We go down one descent and the road surface is terrible, loose top dressing and its bumpy as hell and takes a lot of concentrating and effort. Neil stops at the bottom as his shoulder is giving him hell. He applies some Nurofen Gel to it and we set off again.

There is one more massive climb to come and I decide not to tell him about it as I am not sure its helping and just making it worse for him if he knows the climbs are still coming.

We're climbing still, and there is no downhill for a let up on, it just keeps going up and up. The last massive climb see's Neil really start to lag behind and I am starting to worry that we wont make the finish in the cut off time. I can see he is suffering and I decide to keep this worry to myself and not share my concern with him. He catches me up and I can see from how he is slumped over the bars, that he has cracked. I drag him on over the few climbs, but even a slight gradient see's him dropping off my wheel.
I am going to have to make a decision, stay with my mate and not make the cut off time or leave him. Not good.

The road flattens for a bit and I make it to the next feed a few minutes ahead of Neil. I can see he is suffering and he wants to stop and have a rest / refuel, but I know if I do this I am not going to make the finish and we still have more climbing to do. We have a chat and I say that I dont want to stop to long and he tells me to go on and he is dragging me down.

Our average speed is now 12.4 mph and the broom wagon travels the course at an average of 12.5mph so I know if I wait I will miss the cut off and be classified as a DNF. My heart drops and I realise I made the decision 10 miles ago that I would have to leave him I just havent come to terms with it yet.

I spot the guys who we rode with yesterday who he knows so I know I can leave him here and he has options of riding on on his own or with somebody else he knows or here he can get picked up by the broom wagon and I know there are people about and I am not abandoning him on his own.

Neil tells me to go on and I make sure he has gels and is eating something before I leave him and tell him I'll see him at the finish.

I'm starting to flap a little, it means so much to me to finish this, I have trained hard all last summer and over winter. I am not falling at the last hurdle. So off I go.

The road begins to descend and I stick it in the big ring and get the gear spun up. I'm riding on my own now, the sun is hot and I am not feeling to bad. The thrum of the deep section Enve's is music to my ears and I flying along at a good pace and begin to pick off rider after rider. I come across a group of riders who all look knackered, I overtake them and then they are straight pack passed me again. They arent really concentrating and their pace is erratic and they keep braking. I get shouted at by the guy leading the pack for braking, which i had to do or I would have hit his mate in the rear as I'm being half wheeled and have no room to go around. I leave it a few seconds and let them settle and then I'm back in the big chain ring and off again. Its flat now and there is a nice tail wind so I get a fair push along and I'm riding at a descent speed, my avearge speed is slowly climbing up now, 12.6, 12.8, 13 mph and I am ouf the danger zone but i cant afford to slack off.

I remind myself to keep drinking and keep pushing on again picking off rider after rider. Before know it I'm into langport. I know the finish line closes at 17:30 and its 17:10 I have 5 miles ish to go and put the hammer down.
Average speed is 13.6 mph now, almost there keep going.

Up over the last little climb to Somerton and then fly down the hill. Its 17:25 I have 1/2 mile to go. I've got the big gear wound up now, the ENVE's are thruming the Marshall at the finish line see's my coming and holds the traffic up for me I brake and turn in hop up over the kerb, its 17:27, but the finish line banner is down, my heart sinks.

I get to the finish mat itself and YES its still there and there are people manning the timing gear still. I cross the Mat and it beeps to register my time. Get in no DNF ! I dont even notice Liz at the finish I'm so elated I've done it. All that hard work all the training and I've done it.

I rollout down out of the finish line and then stop my garmin. I make sure I save my ride and ride back up to see Liz. Neil's wife and kids are there and they are asking where their Daddy is. I sheepishly explain I left him at the feed stop and Nicky looks worried.

As we are talking the organisers shut the finish and take up the timing mat. I was so close to missing the cutoff. I must have been the last rider across.

Liz takes me down to buy me a cup of tea and a slice of cake and we go back to the finish line to see if Neil is back and he is still not back. I see the group of riders I got mixed up with and I'm glad I didnt ride in with them as they've missed the cut off.

Neil arrives 40 minutes or so behind me, saying he felt OK when he left the feed and he had found somebody to ride the last section with, so I dont feel so bad.

I ride back to the carpark and put the bike away in the Truck and Neil turns up to put his bike away to. We have a bit of a chat and I am glad he got back OK and then we head our separate ways home for food.

A few days on

It was an incredible experience to push on and on and i pushed myself beyond what I thought I was capable of on some of the climbs and also the last 30 miles on the last day in the mad dash to the finish.

Thats one ticked of my bucket list and I really feel like I've achieved something massive.

Its hard when you get tired and its hard to start day 2 and day 3 with tired legs. I'm a lot stronger in my mind than I realised and thats where those long rides are won and lost. In the mind...

I'd like to do it again next year and would like to set a better time. We spent to long in the feed stations which is what robbed us of a descent time, but by day 2 I was more concerned about actually finishing the ride by then.

[maviczap]

Nice write up Fizz, i didnt realise it was an organised sportive. There's some monster miles in there, and something ive nevrr done is a century ride, so chapeau to you and your mate, as i dont know if i could do those sorts of milages. Ok he got a dnf, but in my view he finished and did the ride.

[Luckypants]

That is hell of an event Fizz, those sort of miles day after day really takes some doing. I can see you put in some big training days over the winter so you got your reward, well done fella!

The Wrong Way Back will be breeze now? :joker:


EDIT: Just looked at Strava of the last day, it clearly shows you had to beast yourself to make the cut-off, PR's on almost every segment! Chapeau mate, that took some doing after 300 hard miles.:notworthy::notworthy:

[pookie]

awesome effort .. well done and an epic achievement both of you. Those figures are frightening for one day let alone 3 in a row.

[maviczap]

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/sponsored-post-the-benefits-of-training-with-power-with-powertap-44392/ack to power meter talk

[Luckypants]

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/sponsored-post-the-benefits-of-training-with-power-with-powertap-44392/ack to power meter talk
Get a 404 page not found message....

[maviczap]

Dang,
I'll see if I can track it down when I get home

[maviczap]

Never did find that article. Back to power meters

Cheap (for brand new) Garmin Vector pedals

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40091&t=13030207

Most cheesed off, as I was too slow to get some tickets from a BikeRadar sale yesterday for Wiggo's hour record attempt tonight. Face value tickets & going in with the buyer, so not a scam

Its on live tonight on Sky2 & Pick, as well as Sky Sports

[mattSV]

My brother managed to get tickets (git).

I'll be watching it on Pick (or online).

Any bets on the outcome?

I'll pitch in with 54.64...

[maviczap]

The original tickets sold out in 7.min.

I hope there aren't loads of empty seats

55-10

[pookie]

I tried a di2 ride today and its slick. I'm a traditionalist but I couldnt resist the lure of tech. Not used to the lack of mechanical feel when changing gears and was fumbling like I was in the dark. The smell of bbqs spurred me on homeward :)

[maviczap]

The Sky rider Ben Swift say it's horrible when you go back to a normal bike after riding a Di2 machine.

I'm on the verge of buying the kit, maybe this winter, but it means going 11 speed, so new wheels.

Love me tech I do

Did you loan it from a shop Pookie?

[7755matt]

I'm moving house in the next few weeks, then I'll start saving. I'd really like a Di2 bike

[maviczap]

Any bets on the outcome?

I'll pitch in with 54.64...

pretty bang on there Matt!

He barely looks out of breath!

[mattSV]

That was pretty epic. I wonder what he could do with a superman bike...

[maviczap]

Nice that Big Mig is there to witness Brads WR, one of the worlds best riders against the clock.

[mattSV]

Big Mig, I remember reading a report in Cycling Weekly years ago that his resting pulse was 28 - and remember thinking WTF

[maviczap]

Yep, I saw him at the 1994 TDF in the individual TT, man he came past our position soo fast there was a pressure wave of air before him.

Amazing

[pookie]

A few cycling bits in aldi this sunday

https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/sun-28-june/

My favourite is the gt85 cologne, a bargain at £1.99 :)

[Luckypants]

I was drooling over new bikes and clicked a link to Fabian Cancellara's great decent on stage 7 of the 2009 TdF. Proper riding....

RxXqQqAc2pA

And then a link to Lance's ascent of Luz Ardiden.... a bit quicker than me and Maviczap! :cool:

GEqQW1-casM

It's nearly TdF time, cannot wait!

[maviczap]

Still it was a great day that Mike, and you and me are mere mortals, plus we're getting on a bit ;)

Wish I'd done those climbs when I was much younger, although I'm making up for lost opportunities

[fizzwheel]

Hello fellow cyclists, A month to go now before the Grande Depart for The Wrong Way Back.

I've stuck a thread in IB so excuse the link here

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=218057

But if you could chuck me a few quid that would be great....

[7755matt]

Flat out in the fens done. 112 miles ranging from damp to wet to very very blowy. 10 minutes quicker than a couple of years ago. Average 19.5 mph until the third feed station and dropped to 16 by the finish. Shows how windy it was for the last 30 miles

[maviczap]

Nice one

[maviczap]

Time to enter this if you haven't already, two days to go

http://www.velogames.com/

Whoo hooo

[EssexDave]

Time to enter this if you haven't already, two days to go

http://www.velogames.com/

Whoo hooo

Is there a league or something?

[maviczap]

There are various leagues, but I've just entered the main game.

Suppose we could have an Org league?

[pookie]

Just created a league

sv650 tdf 2015
Code 02111542

[maviczap]

Cool

[EssexDave]

I'm in :)

[phi-dan]

Me too!
Team Cold Spaghetti (name courtesy of 8yr old daughter!)

[Luckypants]

I'm in :D

[maviczap]

I'm in

[maviczap]

Well with the Lars Boom farce going on today, with him blaming his asthma inhaler for his low cortisol level, it really is time they stopped all the pro's using them full stop.

If any pro rider suffers from asthma, I'm a monkey's unlce

[pookie]

i think this video captures why we love riding ..check out the smiles ..truly an inspiration.

kX_hn3Xf90g

[pookie]

power meter on sale at merlin heads up from hotukdeals

http://www.merlincycles.com/stages-power-shimano-ultegra-6700-power-meter-85003.html?utm_source=Merlin%20Cycles&utm_campaign=0dac55aa91-Week_28_Monday_Mega_Deals&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_efec82f678-0dac55aa91-260835929&mc_cid=0dac55aa91&mc_eid=618c24fff4&source=aw&awc=3361_1436217326_e93362aae44883aa4e5c2903f5bb47 24

As a comfort rider I think I need all the motivation I can get .. onward and upward as they say!

[7755matt]

That's a very good price. Shame i'm so broke. Anyone need a kidney?

[garynortheast]

i think this video captures why we love riding ..check out the smiles ..truly an inspiration.

kX_hn3Xf90g


Amazing video, made me laugh and cry!

[maviczap]

Pretty impressive watching today's descent of the Tourmalet and seeing them fly past at 50mph where Luckypants and me stayed in Barèges.

Good to see it in good shape after the flood damage Mike sent me pics of

[pookie]

yes agree the tdf in the mountains are a spectacle.. its on my bucket list to do :) Not sure I'll be in any shape to go up let alone down.
Tomorrow will be a bundle of laughs :)

[maviczap]

Yes, tomorrow is pretty nasty.

If an old duffer like me can get up them climbs, then you can Pookie, just requires doing plenty of riding before, and a dustbin lid sized rear cog to help :p

This year I'll be using a 32T rear and a 33t front chainring, as I ain't no Froome.

Just take my advice, do it before you get to my age, I wish I'd done it in my 20s & 30s

[pookie]

I'm saving up for an electric road bike and I dont mean a di2 model.. yes you have me thinking now about what I need to do to get to france. I am in awe and very envious of those that can get up those hills :)

I need to get out more ...

[maviczap]

The up bits, are worth it for the down bits, especially with weather like today's.

Wish the roads were closed for us mere mortals :-)

Its so accessible with cheap flights or direct Eurostar to Lyon now

6 weeks to go :sunny:\\:D/

[pookie]

you lucky chap.. enjoy the roads.. judging by the views today it looks fabulous. I would be interested in your itinerary.. I bet those 6 weeks cant come soon enough

[maviczap]

Well I need to do a bit more specific hill work, but just not too much, I over did it a bit last week mileage wise and I got a sore throat & I was a bit run down. When you get older, recovery takes a bit longer, well that's my excuse.

4 nights in Bourg d'Osains, 3 nights in the Vecors.

Galibier, Croix de Fer are on the list, although the Galibier isn't open all the way to the top because of a landslide in April

[maviczap]

I'm saving up for an electric road bike and I dont mean a di2 model.. yes you have me thinking now about what I need to do to get to france. I am in awe and very envious of those that can get up those hills :)

I need to get out more ...

You asked they delivered :p Instant Froome legs

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/what-is-mechanical-doping-44811/

[STRAMASHER]

Well thats Montvernier getting checked out on the (moto) bike in any future treks to that side of the Alps. Stunner. Always to busy bagging the famous ones before.

Love to see Geraint Thomas on the podium and if not him the man Sagen. Even just for the great interviews we will get off those too. Proper characters there.

[maviczap]

Well thats Montvernier getting checked out on the (moto) bike in any future treks to that side of the Alps. Stunner. Always to busy bagging the famous ones before.

Love to see Geraint Thomas on the podium and if not him the man Sagen. Even just for the great interviews we will get off those too. Proper characters there.

I'll be checking it out in September on a bike, with one human power

I think it should be Sir Geraint or Sir G

[pookie]

super stage today.. the question will remain.. did he see him or not? And does it make any difference? .. looking forward to the 12 pm kick off tomorrow

[maviczap]

Yes and yes, because Essex Dave's fantasy TDF team has leapfrogged both mine and Luckypants teams with the cheating italian winning today's stage ;)

Both the top 4 placings and our league result are going down to the wire, its been a great tour, although today was a bit nerve racking with Froomey getting dropped and Sky only having Wault Poels supporting him.

[EssexDave]

I don't expect to hold it today. Shame we can't do transfers!

[Luckypants]

super stage today.. the question will remain.. did he see him or not? And does it make any difference? Yes he did, the helicopter replay shows him clearly doing a double take to make sure Froome had a mechanical. Normally the French press would be up in arms about how "unsporting" it was to attack then (as they did when Contador attacked Andy Schleck on Stage 15 of the 2010 tour) but as it is against the 'hated' Froome, al is fair.

It won't make a difference to the result I think but I haven't seen the results from yesterday so do not know!

[EssexDave]

I think that might be a bit hard on Nibali. I haven't seen the replay but if he started to attack, looked back and saw Froome had had a mechanical, then I think that's okay. I don't think he was really attacking Froome as much as hoping to take back some time to get a decent GC finish.

[AJC]

I reckon it was pretty blatant by Nibali, but Karma got him at the start of Alpe D'Huez the next day anyways...

[maviczap]

I think that might be a bit hard on Nibali. I haven't seen the replay but if he started to attack, looked back and saw Froome had had a mechanical, then I think that's okay. I don't think he was really attacking Froome as much as hoping to take back some time to get a decent GC finish.

Watch the replay, he looked not once but twice, and attacking a rival when they have a mechanical is against the riders code of sportsmanship.

Wiggo could have made loads of time on Cadel Evans when the tacks were thrown down on the road causing Evans to puncture, but Wiggo stopped everyone from racing until Evans rejoined.

Contador was booed by the crowd after he attacked Schleck when his chain jammed and he only looked once before attacking.

so watch the replay and see what you think

[Luckypants]

It's pretty moot now anyway. Congrats to Froome and team Sky - without his team on the last day in the Alps Froome could have lost his jumper to Quintana on the Croix de Fer.

[maviczap]

Anyway, what am I going to watch now between 7 & 8 of a night, great tour this year.

Quintana will win it one year, he's got youth on his side.

[EssexDave]

Vuelta a España starts on the 22nd August so fantasy cycling league has been set up over on road.cc - ID number is 76454 which the website has assured me is all you need.

[maviczap]

YAY!

[EssexDave]

Looks set to me a cracker too! My money is on Quintana and Aru to give a good showing.

[maviczap]

And the Itv4 commentary team includes David Millar, so we'll get beter insight into whats going on in the race. I like his style of commentary, back up with his years as a pro rider.

[Kenzie]

Skyride at the weekend mav

Sent from my Kindle Fire

[maviczap]

Working mate, otherwise I would have :-(

[EssexDave]

Last call for Fantasy teams on fantasy.road.cc - league pin is 76454.

Vuelta starts tomorrow with a sandy beach team time trial - I have a feeling it might be very near a piece of road Mr Dipper and I road down a few years ago, although with a different purpose (refreshments).

[maviczap]

Bugger may have missed this :-(

[carelesschucca]

Can someone please stop me watching things like Giro D'italia, the Tour de France and the Vuelta.

It's making me think about buying a bit of push iron and I can't afford it, but some of the roads near me are great for riding bike.

[maviczap]

Sorry you're infected, and there's no known cure :smt043

[carelesschucca]

I don't suit Lyrca, I'll need to buy extra socks!!!

[maviczap]

I don't suit Lyrca, I'll need to buy extra socks!!!

How do you know, I guess you've tried it on in the past? :p

Is there something you want to tell us? ;)

You don't need to wear Lycra, but you'll get fed up with flappy shorts slowing you down, due to their non aerodynamic properties.

[carelesschucca]

I think I've finally done it Mav. I've shouted the guy thats selling the Boardman CX and I'm gonna go over on Thursday to check the bike out. If I fit it and its all legitimate I'll be giving myself heart attacks trying to cycle up Tak Ma Doon road.

[pookie]

just in time winter cycling gear at aldi https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/thur-24-sep/
You know you want to try some lycra!

[carelesschucca]

hmm might pop into the one near work before I start on Thursday.

[maviczap]

just in time winter cycling gear at aldi https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/thur-24-sep/
You know you want to try some lycra!

They've got Garmin 500's for £79! Bargain, if you can get one.

[maviczap]

hmm might pop into the one near work before I start on Thursday.

The jackets are pretty good, I've got a couple

[maviczap]

Here's a vid from France, not the original 1080p recording, but ok. The speed & course overlay are courtesy of the Virb editing software which syncs with the GPS data from the camera.

Couldn't top more than 40mph due to a downhill headwind. :confused:

This is the Col du Telegraph descent, its also a nice climb.

G1IfnoxG_3c&feature=em-upload_owner

[carelesschucca]

http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15460&d=1443469886

So much for expensive hard luggage for the Street. After much researching I plumped for a B'Twin 520 which seemed to be getting good reviews for its price. It'll certainly be better than me.

Gaffer has even relented and the other new girl is getting to live in the house and not in the damp shed... Already been warned I'm not allowed to buy another bike...

[pookie]

n+1 my friend .. its a slippery slope :)

[maviczap]

n+1 my friend .. its a slippery slope :)

Indeed, n+1

Well done

[carelesschucca]

You guys are a bad influence.... So downhill mountain bike or a chopper, I'm more a budgie man myself its only bike I've even been able to wheelie.