View Full Version : The Cycling Thread
Never mind... I floated the idea on a local group and got a whole bunch of useful replies. Direct drive middle gear, 25% increments in low range and 10% increments in the high range is the consensus.
It's been a busy week and was trying to get my head around what you were trying to achieve, I've never even considered the idea of a geared fixie ...interesting.
I've been working on my 20" folder just upgraded the 8 speed 11-32 to Sram Dual Drive 3 speed hub with 10 speed 11-25 cassette, this should give a similar range of gearing as 700c with a compact. Looking forward to giving it a proper test soon...
MattCollins
19-12-15, 01:56 PM
It's been a busy week and was trying to get my head around what you were trying to achieve, I've never even considered the idea of a geared fixie ...interesting.
I've been working on my 20" folder just upgraded the 8 speed 11-32 to Sram Dual Drive 3 speed hub with 10 speed 11-25 cassette, this should give a similar range of gearing as 700c with a compact. Looking forward to giving it a proper test soon...
It is just to make it more rideable through the hills and more flexible on the flat.
I'm a bit of a purist at heart and mine is a single speed, but even I get its shortcomings on the road. TBH I'd ride mine a lot more if it was better suited to the roads I'm riding.
MattCollins
19-12-15, 02:04 PM
Ah Matt I was joking :-(
There is so much I'm learning the now it's all good but a little bewildering.
No worries... I was yanking your chain a little. :D A couple of the guys who I would have liked to have heard from took a pass, that's fine, but I figured it wasn't for this forum... Besides, the post looked like something my dog had killed and torn to pieces! It was gruesome! :D
carelesschucca
19-12-15, 03:29 PM
Oh shame I'm still not ready for really technical stuff.
Well today's ride was a success made it up Crow Road, it took me twice the time of the KOM, but I don't care it's another first for me, was mental though coming back down I almost came to a stop because of the wind.
The Ultegra brake blocks are brilliant compared to the standard ones. Also got to see a Ribble Sportive Racing with the Ultegra groupset. It's a bonny bike in its understated black
MattCollins
20-12-15, 11:44 AM
Dean, with a few thousand miles it becomes clearer.
This morning's ride attracted nearly 30 riders of varying abilities and we split off into two groups. Those going over the hump and those not... the latter group also got a route that was about 17km shorter. We were to meet somewhere near the coast and it turned it into a good chase...
The first climb (https://goo.gl/maps/xaGGXtW4Bn92) is only 6km and a very consistent 5%. The first 2km started off fairly casually then it is every person for themselves for the next 4km. It's a legs and lungs screaming sprint to the line. What follows is 3.5km of gentle down hill to recover then a 6.5km 2-2.5% climb (https://goo.gl/maps/Vv9uzive5x32) to the summit.
Everyone was working well together and the pace was consistently around 60kph from the top of the climb to the coast (https://goo.gl/maps/35HojoVQTX12)... There's 22km of downhill and I'm pretty sure we were all snapped by a speed camera at about 72kph just as we got back into the city. We caught the other group in the last couple of kilometres and the rest was a social ride.
Lunch was much bigger than I expected. About 80 adults and what seemed like 300 screaming kids to rattle my nerves. The ladies did a smashing job of the catering and everyone had a great time.
Starlet_gt
20-12-15, 02:12 PM
November and December have been shocking for my cycling this year. I've ended up doing 5-7 hours per week on the rollers. Since Nov 22nd I've done 2 rides outside!
Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk
maviczap
20-12-15, 07:41 PM
Same here :-(
carelesschucca
20-12-15, 08:11 PM
Is it just me that's daft then? I know I don't get far on each ride but I've done 205km since the start of December (which is more than I managed in the first two months. :-))
Weathers been great for this time of year I'm gonna use it.
Today was mostly spent looking at wheelsets and tyres, chances are I won't be buying mind you.
Starlet_gt
20-12-15, 08:14 PM
Is it just me that's daft then? I know I don't get far on each ride but I've done 205km since the start of December (which is more than I managed in the first two months. :-))
Weathers been great for this time of year I'm gonna use it.
Today was mostly spent looking at wheelsets and tyres, chances are I won't be buying mind you.
I've done about 300 miles this month. That's mainly indoors though. I've spent too many winters riding around in the rain lol
Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk
November and December have been shocking for my cycling this year. I've ended up doing 5-7 hours per week on the rollers. Since Nov 22nd I've done 2 rides outside!
Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk
We've been very lucky with the weather in Essex this December, it's been warm with plenty of dry days ...more like October.
Reckon I have done around 200 miles this month but, less than quarter of that will have been outdoors. Howling wind and torrential rain does not fun riding conditions make.
To clarify, yeah Dean, only you, you crazy fool!...
TheRamJam
20-12-15, 10:43 PM
i think i'm in love
https://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/road-bikes/ec-130e-aero-road
carelesschucca
21-12-15, 11:19 AM
Stop that Colin stop that now... :-)
I need to stop looking I've got 240 quid of wheels and tyres and cassettes in the Ribble basket and a Lezyne light in the SportPursuit basket.
TheRamJam
21-12-15, 11:26 AM
Stop that Colin stop that now... :-)
I need to stop looking I've got 240 quid of wheels and tyres and cassettes in the Ribble basket and a Lezyne light in the SportPursuit basket.
hahah you still not bought them lights yet :p
I tried my new cycling computer out in the commute to work this morning. So far I have mixed reviews on it. To be fair I haven't paired it up with an sensors yet its just bluetoothed to my phone where it receives speed/altitude/GPS data. Not sure how accurate it is. Will order up some sensors soon?
Does anyone use a HRM and is it worth it?
carelesschucca
21-12-15, 11:38 AM
hahah you still not bought them lights yet :p
I'm being sadly sensible and waiting till the Christmas bills come in on the credit card and managing money.
Once I know the money I have I'll decided what I'm actually getting...
didnt know this thread existed,
havent managed as many miles as i would have hoped for this year, this is my summer bike..
maviczap
21-12-15, 04:04 PM
Does anyone use a HRM and is it worth it?
Used to when i raced, but as i don't do that any more, then i don't use it as much. I do on the turbo, as i keep in the right zone. Best use for it was in the high mountains, when i could use the heart rate as a guide to make sure i kept below a certain rate. Too high, meant out of breath and going in to the red zone, just below meant i didn't blow.
Didn't use one this year, and found it difficult to avoid going too hard, and suffered as a result.
Im I'm planning on getting an ant+ dongle and trying out Zwift or Trainer Road, so HR is going to be handly with my Garmin paired to the ant+.
But I'm waiting on a powermeter to arrive, as training by power is supposed to be more effective than by HR.
maviczap
21-12-15, 04:06 PM
didnt know this thread existed,
havent managed as many miles as i would have hoped for this year, this is my summer bike..
Welcome!
Thats nice, i'd prefer those wheels to be de stickerd, to make it more stealthy, but thats my taste. Nice colour though :cool:
hahah you still not bought them lights yet :p
I tried my new cycling computer out in the commute to work this morning. So far I have mixed reviews on it. To be fair I haven't paired it up with an sensors yet its just bluetoothed to my phone where it receives speed/altitude/GPS data. Not sure how accurate it is. Will order up some sensors soon?
Does anyone use a HRM and is it worth it?
I've used a HRM in training before & they are useful depends what you want from your ride.
I've also used one in conjunction with a PM before & it does add a dimension to the data you can evaluate & help you push/train harder.
But having said that, i find using a computer & other bits can sometimes distract from actually enjoying the ride so will every now and again leave the garmin at home.
carelesschucca
21-12-15, 04:20 PM
I was advised to have a look into getting a HRM to so I could structure rides. ATM I feel there are way better things for me to be spending my hard* earned on.
*ish.
Starlet_gt
21-12-15, 04:22 PM
I'd rather use a power meter than hrm. I've found a power meter has made a massive difference to.my training.
Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk
maviczap
21-12-15, 04:29 PM
I was advised to have a look into getting a HRM to so I could structure rides. ATM I feel there are way better things for me to be spending my hard* earned on.
*ish.
Yes, you don't really need one right now, although they aren't that expensive.
I was useless at keeping in the right zone on the road and never really did any structured training when I was racing. ;)
But I'm hoping that training using a Power meter will improve my training, as I don't like being left behind by a 56 year old on a climb :( Although losing a about 5kg would be helpful & cheaper. Must stay of the cakes & crisps :)
Get a garmin with hrm and cadence sensor. It is great for keeping a record of your rides and useful for post ride analysis. I usually ride alone so it helps kick me up the backside when I'm slacking. Also useful to monitor anomolies especially when you reach 250 bpm ;)
fizzwheel
21-12-15, 07:06 PM
Does anyone use a HRM and is it worth it?
I do yes, is it worth it, yes but only if you understand how to interpret the data you get from it.
I use it when doing intervals or training for something to make sure I am not slacking off. But like I said if you dont understand what its telling you there isnt any point in having one.
maviczap
23-12-15, 08:16 AM
https://www.thebikerooms.com/pinarello-auction?p=1
just to tempt carelesschucca :-)
carelesschucca
23-12-15, 09:13 AM
You're a horror Mav :-)
And yes I'm searching the offers.
maviczap
23-12-15, 05:21 PM
I know :geek::D:smt036:razz:
Good job you didnt come with me today, as I popped into Fat Birds cycles in Hunstanton today.
80% of their stock is titanium bikes. £4000 for a lovely Enigma :smt100
maviczap
23-12-15, 08:30 PM
I'm in love now
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WILIER-TRIESTINA-GLADIO-2006-Racing-Frameset-SIZE-L/261982349681?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D33843%26meid%3Daa26beb4f5f940d68e0c1fe1c722 ec8b%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D2622 03649777
carelesschucca
23-12-15, 08:40 PM
It looks lovely, the rear end is exquisite :)
Go for it ;)
maviczap
23-12-15, 08:55 PM
It looks lovely, the rear end is exquisite :)
Go for it ;)
Dear Santa. Please could I have.......:D
Fortunately its a large, otherwise .................. :plod::plod::plod:
carelesschucca
23-12-15, 10:18 PM
Ah well shame.
Good news for today is the gaffer has come in from delivering Christmas presents and I've been given a green light to go out for a few hours on Christmas Day. Let's hope the weather is semi decent.
MattCollins
27-12-15, 09:07 AM
My GF bought me a new bike for Christmas...
carelesschucca
27-12-15, 10:20 AM
That's a gift and a half :-)
fizzwheel
27-12-15, 10:49 AM
My GF bought me a new bike for Christmas...
Oh nice :-)
Going to get myself a new rear light with the wiggle vouchers I got.
So going to get myself one of these as my current rear light doesnt hold its charge for very long.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/garmin-varia-radar-rear-light/
Reviews look good and coupled with the little mirror on my cycling helmet should give me a good level of warning of vehicles approaching from behind
MattCollins
27-12-15, 11:27 AM
Sorry, there was supposed to be a link attached to my last post.
It is certainly that...
Christmas around here is not about the gifts. Saying that, I always get her something nice just to remind her that she is on my mind.
I knew she was looking at bikes... I thought it was going to be a Trek Emonda for her in the new year and it was a complete surprise to me.
It's a white Pinarello Dogma F8 (http://www.pinarello.com/en/bike-2016/road/dogma-f8/686) with Dura Ace Di2 group.
On Christmas Day I got a studio shot of the girls and the bike and I'll have to wait until I get back to town before I see it in the flesh.
Hers is a red one (http://www.pinarello.com/en/bike-2016/road/dogma-f8/681) with the same bits.
fizzwheel
27-12-15, 11:42 AM
Thats a lovely bike, enjoy :-)
MattCollins
27-12-15, 01:06 PM
Thanks... I think I will! \\:D/ ...once I get past the "it's too pretty to ride" phase. :D
I was just looking at a few reviews for the Garmin Varia Rear View radar. It could be a good fit for me with the Edge 1000 if I can hang it off my bum bag.
I'm not that keen on hanging stuff off my helmet. What I'd really like is a rear view camera with a Garmin Edge...
carelesschucca
27-12-15, 03:41 PM
Oh nice, if you fancy sending it around the globe I'm willing to give it a test ride for you.
I got out today and it was lovely. I did my longest ride yet (http://veloviewer.com/activities/457283408) and bl00ming heck some of the climbs are a tad steep when you don't have an engine helping you. I nearly became that biker too, I was just coming up to the last left on this short climb (http://veloviewer.com/segments/7158593/athlete/11435882) when a lovely young gent in a Land Rover pushed passed me clipping my elbow with his mirror, not even an apology. I went past it sitting in a lay-by about 3 miles later and I was so tempted to stop and let his tyres down, but whats the point.
Other than that I'm a happy camper yet again. I'll have a day of rest tomorrow and hopefully get out for a slightly shorter but hillier route on Tuesday.
carelesschucca
27-12-15, 03:47 PM
Oh as a note I think I might have to stop this cycling lark ;)
I've only lost 4lbs (down to 12st 4lbs) but my favourite jeans now fall off my hips, which is quite scary as I was hardly fat when I started in September.
Scary stuff when that happens Dean. I would have been very tempted to take his registration and report it as an accident from which he left the scene. Knowing full well nothing would come of it as it would be my word against there's, I would at least want them to have the panic of a police visit.
Matt, that bike is awesome. Feel sad knowing I will never own one like it, I could maybe afford it (some day) but couldn't subject the thing to my poor cycling, or our roads for that matter!
Anyways got my £150 quid BTwin out properly for the first time today. Cant show my route as MapMyRide went haywire again (must get Strava I guess). Said I did 69 miles when I actually did just over 32 in just under 2 hrs. So about 16mph average but half of that is through the city with traffic lights (which I actually stop at!). Also got myself up Crow Rd climb which is decent, Dean can maybe show a Strava thing for it. Did it in just over 25mins after starting way too fast and nearly killing myself!
The little bike is pretty good, shifts as well as and rolls nearly as well as my Bianchi 928 I used to have. Nowhere near as good climbing but it is like 3kg heavier. New wheels and a new bottom bracket and it will carry me through summer I reckon.
Soo, now back on my couch where I have lived for the last week. Time for more beer and munchies :)
carelesschucca
27-12-15, 04:41 PM
The Crow Road (http://veloviewer.com/segment/8194858/athlete/11435882) Its quite scary how close our times are for that climb. It was blowing a crazy headwind for the first part for me but after the bend it was blowing me up the hill.
Oh I also bought myself a pair of these (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/cycling-shoes/louis-garneau-revo-xr3) for £40 from Evans. I'd been looking at them a when I first started riding and was toldto wait by the salesman in Evans. If the description is correct there's a small rub on the side of the toe and no box. I can live with that.
Don't tell the gaffer but I started looking at road pedals last night, I was thinking either Keo Max 2's or Shimano R550's but won't be getting any till the weather picks up, so that'll be Julaugust then.
maviczap
27-12-15, 04:46 PM
Sorry, there was supposed to be a link attached to my last post.
It is certainly that...
Christmas around here is not about the gifts. Saying that, I always get her something nice just to remind her that she is on my mind.
I knew she was looking at bikes... I thought it was going to be a Trek Emonda for her in the new year and it was a complete surprise to me.
It's a white Pinarello Dogma F8 (http://www.pinarello.com/en/bike-2016/road/dogma-f8/686) with Dura Ace Di2 group.
On Christmas Day I got a studio shot of the girls and the bike and I'll have to wait until I get back to town before I see it in the flesh.
Hers is a red one (http://www.pinarello.com/en/bike-2016/road/dogma-f8/681) with the same bits.
So is your girlfriend related to the Rothschilds ;)
My best mates going to be buying me a bike too, and its not my wife!
My best mate is..............
ME :D
carelesschucca
27-12-15, 04:48 PM
Awh big Hugs Mav :)
maviczap
27-12-15, 04:50 PM
Oh nice :-)
Going to get myself a new rear light with the wiggle vouchers I got.
So going to get myself one of these as my current rear light doesnt hold its charge for very long.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/garmin-varia-radar-rear-light/
Reviews look good and coupled with the little mirror on my cycling helmet should give me a good level of warning of vehicles approaching from behind
Thanks... I think I will! \\:D/ ...once I get past the "it's too pretty to ride" phase. :D
I was just looking at a few reviews for the Garmin Varia Rear View radar. It could be a good fit for me with the Edge 1000 if I can hang it off my bum bag.
I'm not that keen on hanging stuff off my helmet. What I'd really like is a rear view camera with a Garmin Edge...
I like the idea of the Varia, and it'll integrate well with your Edge Fizz.
I like the idea of this, as the Varia may warn you of an incoming car, it won't tell you who hit you. This should
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cycliq-fly6-integrated-rear-light-with-action-camera/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=5360705472&ci_src=18615224&ci_sku=5360705472uk&utm_source=google&utm_term&utm_campaign=UK_PLA_Accessories&utm_medium=base&utm_content=swgESIE3u_dc%7cpcrid%7c67090793342%7cp kw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cprd%7c5360705472uk
maviczap
27-12-15, 04:56 PM
Don't tell the gaffer but I started looking at road pedals last night, I was thinking either Keo Max 2's or Shimano R550's but won't be getting any till the weather picks up, so that'll be Julaugust then.
Why wait? ;) :D :p
I won't tell
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/PEEXPR16C5/exustar-clipless-e-pr16-c5-pedals-without-cleats-compatible-with-look-keo-system
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/PERSKE/rsp-clipless-pedals-compatible-with-look-keo-system
I'm tempted to buy some, so I can make the change to the Keo system. These ones above would do for my winter hack. I'd buy some proper Look ones for the best bike(s)
Yeah we would be pretty matched up there by the looks of things. Might give it another go on Tuesday, depending on if my tent arrives or not. Only because I don't want to miss the delivery man.
I also need to change the pedals, I did that today on flat pedals. I have Giro cycling shoes, just haven't changed the pedals as I have only used the bike for my 6 mile commute so far. I suspect I will be cycling more come spring and will end up bike shopping toward summer :p Enjoyed that today more than I remember enjoying road cycling in many years!
MattCollins
28-12-15, 06:53 AM
So is your girlfriend related to the Rothschilds....
It was nothing she didn't earn the hard way.
TBH, I have no idea what they cost and I'm not about to ask. That's like someone asking how she paid for them, not that it is anyone's business and only debases the effort and sentiment.
maviczap
28-12-15, 07:05 AM
You missed the meaning of my emongi at the end of that statement Matt :rolleyes:;)
carelesschucca
28-12-15, 08:36 PM
Matt, you so need to make us all jealous and post some pictures of this beauty so we can ogle, and some of the bike ;)
Matt, you so need to make us all jealous and post some pictures of this beauty so we can ogle, and some of the bike ;)
Pervert!
No but really Matt, get with the pics! :)
MattCollins
29-12-15, 01:49 AM
Pervert!
No but really Matt, get with the pics! :smile:
As I said...
Monday I head home (https://goo.gl/maps/iEHNYCyxd9K2) with a group of other riders for our Christmas break and plan to be back on the 4th.
It's now looking like the end of next week.
It's a white Pinarello Dogma F8 (http://www.pinarello.com/en/bike-2016/road/dogma-f8/686) with Dura Ace Di2 group.
On Christmas Day I got a studio shot of the girl and the bike and I'll have to wait until I get back to town before I see it in the flesh.
I've only got a print at the moment... so you'll just have to make do with the link.
carelesschucca
29-12-15, 02:15 PM
Excellent, you are one lucky boy, I know for sure that I'll never own a bike that good. Can't wait to see it.
Well today's ride (Https://www.strava.com/activities/458644765) was great. still trying to understand how I can be over two minutes quicker up Tak-Ma-Doon Road when I felt as if I was taking it easier than the other times.
Whats even stranger is I feel as if I could raise the seat height another fraction and still be comfortable.
I could get into this cycling lark :-)
Much better ride than me that's for sure. You probably felt you were taking it easier because it just felt easier as you are getting better!
Well I managed to have 3 punctures in the end, and one crash (fine, bloody knee but most annoying put a hole in the elbow of my trusty Mountain Equipment softshell, grrrr). So a lot of stop starting, mucky hands and dodging pedestrians, and I waded through some knee deep floods as well, all good fun! Had a 45miler planned but after all that I bugged out and got the train home.
Soo boys and girls, what are the best puncture resistant tyres (700-23 size I think)? Weight isn't really an issue, and I can spend a bit but don't really want to spend lots on my skanky winter hack :p Tyres on it are shockingly worn. I kinda knew this so today was really my own fault, but not til I was handling them and looking so close did I notice how much the year of turbo training took out the rear. Just surprised there wasn't canvas showing!
carelesschucca
29-12-15, 04:54 PM
I had a bit of incentive going up The Tak, I came round a corner half way up and there was a guy on a flat bar bike treading water. I felt like a hero for that minute or so as I caught him up and went past and asked him how is day was going. I only got a grunt back...
Which of your stops on Strava was the crash? I'm guessing it was the one next the River Leven :) Bit of a PiTA about all the hassles.
From what I've read all the hip kids are going to 700/25c tyres now, but for actual tyres I don't have a clue.
We really need to get something sorted to get out together we can have a B'Twin party :)
maviczap
29-12-15, 05:09 PM
Soo boys and girls, what are the best puncture resistant tyres (700-23 size I think)? Weight isn't really an issue, and I can spend a bit but don't really want to spend lots on my skanky winter hack !
Like careless says, 25c are the new cool. A bit more comfort from the wider tyre. They roll better than a 23c
As for puncture resistant, then there's these to chose from
Continental Gatorskin - some of my mates reckon they don't grip as well as the GP4000's, but I've not found that. They are pretty much puncture proof in my experience
Continental GP4000s hasn't got the same puncture proof system as the Gatorskin, but they are almost as good. I've seen the sidewall sliced open by a flint, but punctures on the main tread are rare. I've never had one yet. Best grip
Vittoria Open Pave CG - good reputation for puncture resistance, better comfort and really good grip in the wet. I've got the Corsa CX tyres, and they have a nicer ride quality than the Continentals, less harsh.
None of the above are cheap, although Halfrauds had really good deals on the Gatorskins recently.
If you don't want to splash out that much, then go down Continental or Vittoria's range, as many of their tyres have puncture proof belts in the main tread
Which of your stops on Strava was the crash? I'm guessing it was the one next the River Leven :smile: Bit of a PiTA about all the hassles.
From what I've read all the hip kids are going to 700/25c tyres now, but for actual tyres I don't have a clue.
We really need to get something sorted to get out together we can have a B'Twin party :smile:
Yeah by the River Leven in the Renton to Alexandria segment, where you cut off a meander of the river. Hit some mud on a left hander and lost the front :)
Maybe get a meet up this coming weekend if I can get tyres from Halfrauds!
Like careless says, 25c are the new cool. A bit more comfort from the wider tyre. They roll better than a 23c
As for puncture resistant, then there's these to chose from
Continental Gatorskin - some of my mates reckon they don't grip as well as the GP4000's, but I've not found that. They are pretty much puncture proof in my experience
Continental GP4000s hasn't got the same puncture proof system as the Gatorskin, but they are almost as good. I've seen the sidewall sliced open by a flint, but punctures on the main tread are rare. I've never had one yet. Best grip
Vittoria Open Pave CG - good reputation for puncture resistance, better comfort and really good grip in the wet. I've got the Corsa CX tyres, and they have a nicer ride quality than the Continentals, less harsh.
None of the above are cheap, although Halfrauds had really good deals on the Gatorskins recently.
If you don't want to splash out that much, then go down Continental or Vittoria's range, as many of their tyres have puncture proof belts in the main tread
Thanks Mav, yeah fatter tyres sound a little better. Likely get either of the Continentals from Halfords as I get 20% off all cycle stuff there. One of the perks of getting a C2W bike from them!
On that note I can have more than one bike on C2W so I might get me a road bike in April :p
maviczap
29-12-15, 06:24 PM
Gatorskins still showing as £18 on their website, which is the best online price by a long way
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-tyres/continental-ultra-gatorskin-700-x-25-bike-tyre
Just reserved a couple of these:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-tyres/continental-ultra-gatorskin-700-x-25-bike-tyre
Seems a decent price!
Gatorskins still showing as £18 on their website, which is the best online price by a long way
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-tyres/continental-ultra-gatorskin-700-x-25-bike-tyre
Haha great minds! As per my post just above this one :)
carelesschucca
29-12-15, 06:45 PM
Mav you're a star yet again, I've just reserved some and I'm just heading up to the store to get them...
I don't know if I should put them on the bike straight away or just stick with the tyres I've got.
maviczap
29-12-15, 06:52 PM
Wear the old ones out first, keep the new ones in a cool dark place until you're ready to swap them.
Mav you're a star yet again, I've just reserved some and I'm just heading up to the store to get them...
I don't know if I should put them on the bike straight away or just stick with the tyres I've got.
Yeah if Mav hadn't suggested the gatorskins I wouldn't have seen em. Also heading over to the Halfords by us in 20mins or so. And I will be putting em on straight away!
Was just looking at that full Ultegra B'Twin again there Dean, very tempted! Could have that set up with the correct pedals etc and keep my little white one for commuting. And have 4 bikes kept in a one bedroom flat :)
Just to throw my 2p worth in, make sure you get folding tryes, wire beads are heavier and harder to get on ...not good when you've got a puncture at the side of the road. AJC if you're not worried about weight or rolling resistance too much the tyre that offers best puncture protection by far is the Schwalbe Durano Plus.
maviczap
29-12-15, 08:21 PM
Just to throw my 2p worth in, make sure you get folding tryes, wire beads are heavier and harder to get on ...not good when you've got a puncture at the side of the road. AJC if you're not worried about weight or rolling resistance too much the tyre that offers best puncture protection by far is the Schwalbe Durano Plus.
That's good advice, with Continentals being some of the hardest.
Unless you have one of these
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/koolstop-koolstop-tyre-mate-prod34684/
No more blistered thumbs
I find the wire beaded tyres are easier, once they're been on the rims for a while.
Another tip I read the other day, was to inject 50ml of tubeless tyre sealant into your inner tubes. Must be similar to the Slime inner tubes
carelesschucca
29-12-15, 08:28 PM
Right questions again.
How far do you guys get out of a chain?
I bought a chain wear tool this evening when I was picking up the tyres.
I've only done 623km and this is the result, and I'll be honest I'm not happy.
http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15567&d=1451420710
And yes the bike needs another wash after todays ride.
Cheers Dipper, but the Gatorskins have already been purchased and fitted. They took the 20% off the sale price as well so got em for £28.80 in the end. Also replaced my two tubes from today and got some pre-glued patches for emergencies.
I think they are the wire beaded ones but I got em on (then one of them off, then back on again) pretty quickly, with only minimal swearing and thumb flexing, so they are okay. Hopefully I don't need them off again too soon!
maviczap
29-12-15, 08:37 PM
Right questions again.
How far do you guys get out of a chain?
I bought a chain wear tool this evening when I was picking up the tyres.
I've only done 623km and this is the result, and I'll be honest I'm not happy.
http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15567&d=1451420710
And yes the bike needs another wash after todays ride.
Pass, usually a winter. I abuse mine until the spring, and then put a new one on, although I've usually swapped from the winter bike to the summer bike.
But cheaper to change a chain, than the front and rear cogs. I don't subscribe to the bike shop myth that you have to change the cassette, when you change the chain. I'm sure its just used to sell more stuff.
OK, the shifts will be back to super slick, but that's expensive.
__________________
Right questions again.
How far do you guys get out of a chain?
I bought a chain wear tool this evening when I was picking up the tyres.
I've only done 623km and this is the result, and I'll be honest I'm not happy.
http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15567&d=1451420710
And yes the bike needs another wash after todays ride.
In the winter around 1500 miles on a 11 speed 105 chain before it hits .75% wear then it gets changed. It gets a quick clean and sparing lube at 700-800 miles and that's it, I've tried cleaning and lubing more frequently and it makes no difference. Top tip always remove as much excess lube as possible, it's the internals that need the lube any on the outside just holds dirt and grit which gunks up derailleurs and causes wear.
But cheaper to change a chain, than the front and rear cogs. I don't subscribe to the bike shop myth that you have to change the cassette, when you change the chain. I'm sure its just used to sell more stuff.
OK, the shifts will be back to super slick, but that's expensive.
Spot on Mav, my current winter cassette has done 5000 miles, it's still shifting fine. I think the last one was changed at over 8000 miles when it stopped shifting nicely.
MattCollins
30-12-15, 12:41 AM
That's good advice, with Continentals being some of the hardest.
Unless you have one of these
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/koolstop-koolstop-tyre-mate-prod34684/
No more blistered thumbs
I find the wire beaded tyres are easier, once they're been on the rims for a while.
Another tip I read the other day, was to inject 50ml of tubeless tyre sealant into your inner tubes. Must be similar to the Slime inner tubes
I was getting 1 or 2 punctures every time I got on the bike over winter until I changed to Conti GPS4000S2 with very light Conti 50g tubes and Stans sealant... not a single puncture since. I've currently got Schwalbe One tubeless tyres on the bike with Stans sealant which looks even better.
To add to Mav's post...
30ml of sealant is all that is needed in a 25c tyre. 20ml is too little, 25ml is on the line... anything more than 30ml is pretty much wasted and only slows the tyres, but YMMV.
The only downside to Stans is that it needs to be replaced every 6-8 months because it goes off in the tyre. My tyres don't last that long so it is not a problem.
There's plenty of Youtube videos on how to get sealant past a presta valve... I use a 100ml hydroponics syringe with the supplied tubing which just goes onto the threads on a presta valve. Measure and squirt.
Slime... IME it has a high viscosity and can be hard to inject. With a presta valve the valve core needs to be completely out of the stem... If the core is just in the stem it is often enough to plug the stem (easy to clean). With the valve out hang onto it or it is going to be a fishing expedition to get it back.
And... if a tyre goes down overnight it was because it wasn't checked for debris before putting it away. All is not lost, pick the debris out, rotate the tyre to spread the sealant and re-inflate. 99% of the time it'll be fine. I've had plenty of experience doing this with my MTB in the briar patch I call home and tyres got so many thorns I never picked them out - there'd be quite literally thousands of thorns broken off in my tyres. With road tyres (which are not as tough) I think it is best to check them so that flint for example is not tearing the tyre and tube to pieces... it only takes a few seconds to check each wheel and give it a spin at the end of a ride.
MattCollins
30-12-15, 02:43 AM
Dean, I'd be curious to know what you're putting on your chain...
IMO, Teflon dry lubes like White Lightning shouldn't get anywhere near bicycle chains... and I would dump most other dry to the touch lubricants in the same rubbish bin.
The best is the factory lube... except that we can't buy that. Get what you can from that before putting anything else on the chain... I get about 400km, but winter mileage varies.
The best bottled lube IME, especially in winter is a synthetic oil that goes on wet and stays wet, but yes, dry weather too...
Two that I have recent experience with that I would recommend are Purple Extreme (http://www.wiggle.com.au/purple-extreme-synthetic-lubricant/) and Finish Line Cross Country (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/en/finish-line-cross-country-wet-lube-120ml/rp-prod1041)
My GF was religiously putting that awful WL teflon stuff on new 10 & 11 speed chains (which seem quite sensitive to lubrication and wear) and it was ruining them very quickly... noisy and horrible shifting within 1000km that would drive me nuts listening to it. "But this is what the bike shop recommended"... Gaah! Just because something is popular clearly doesn't make it good and here is the evidence! (Sweetly of course when I speak to her.)
She was lubing the chain before a ride too... The carrier solvent didn't have time to evaporate and the jockey wheels would turn into a couple of balls of teflon and grime... Wiping the chain down and oiling with actual oil(!) at the end of the ride solved all wear and noise problems.
I haven't had to drop the chain in kero by staying on top of the wiping and oiling. The cassette gets a nylon brush with long bristles to knock any sand out and is occasionally removed and soaked in a tin of kero for proper cleaning.
Maybe you're aware of this... If you have a chain breaker don't ever be tempted to use that to drop the chain for cleaning without a new joiner pin (don't push the existing joiner out either)... Without it there is a good chance of wrapping the chain and rear mech around the back of the frame. Noob mistake... Old 5, 6 & 7 speed chains could be broken without the pin, but I found out the hard way about newer chains when I did that to one of my 9spd mountain bikes many years ago. It's not pretty.
BTW, I notice some deep scoring in your rim. It pays to check the brake blocks regularly for embedded road metal and pick it out to save the rims. You should be able to hear it too.
While you're at it keep an eye on the hub bearings. Cone and cup hubs can nip up a hair during summer and loosen during winter due to differential expansion between the alloy body and steel axle (sealed cartridge hubs aren't immune either). More expensive C&C hubs have tool-less or "digital" adjustment for this reason...
And there I go again... Hopefully some of it is useful.
maviczap
30-12-15, 07:30 AM
Spot on Mav, my current winter cassette has done 5000 miles, it's still shifting fine. I think the last one was changed at over 8000 miles when it stopped shifting nicely.
Thanks John. This article is a good explanation of how chains wear. It also confirms mine and Dippers view about changing chains being cheaper in the long run and world tour teams do this, rather than replacing cassettes and chain ring's. Kinda expensive when you consider the price of something like a Dura Ace cassette. :p
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/bicycle-chain-wear-explained-46015/
Two that I have recent experience with that I would recommend are Purple Extreme (http://www.wiggle.com.au/purple-extreme-synthetic-lubricant/) and Finish Line Cross Country (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/en/finish-line-cross-country-wet-lube-120ml/rp-prod1041)
Agree with this, I think dry lubes are pretty poor. Never seemed to last and was noisy on my MTB, road bike and even motorbike chains.
I always used the green bottle of Finish Line lube for my MTB (for 3 yrs now anyways) and now use it on the road bike.
carelesschucca
30-12-15, 09:45 AM
Dean, I'd be curious to know what you're putting on your chain...
matt I've been using a Muc-off lube. But I do find it worrying that I've written off a chain so quickly. It's not as if I've been crosschaining, I have had a couple of times where I've dropped the chain off the outside of the 50 cog and I've been going pretty quick when it's happened. It certainly won't have helped.
The rims were done by the old brake blocks, this my biggest annoyance so far I should have stopped procrastinating. It didn't matter how much I cleaned the blocks and the rims the original blocks didn't stop the bike and squealed like a pig.
Now away to do some research and find out which Chain to buy.
maviczap
30-12-15, 09:45 AM
Cheap turbo's at Halfrauds ebay site
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Elite-Magnetic-Resistance-Bike-Cycle-Turbo-Trainer-For-Indoor-Home-Exercise-/191411115903?_trkparms=%26rpp_cid%3D51e7270f5d9bcc 4d8a85abad%26rpp_icid%3D51e725c45d9bcc4d8a85abab
maviczap
30-12-15, 09:56 AM
Now away to do some research and find out which Chain to buy.
I don't tend to do too much research into chains, I just buy cheap branded ones I know.
So long as its Sram, Shimano, KMC I don't mind. A new chain is so nice!
9 speed aren't you Dean?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SRAM-PC-951-9-Speed-MTB-Bike-Chain-PowerChain-II-Gold-Joint-Loose-Free-P-P-/131595055370?hash=item1ea3ad310a:g:XFQAAOSwNSxVVPb x
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SRAM-PC-951-PowerChain-II-9-Speed-Road-Mountain-Bike-Chain-PC951/360867920730?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3Dae8b322cc8724b48b9e 0307cfcbd463e%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26 mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D131595055370
As its for MTB's you might need to take a couple of links out, I've bought from the latter seller quite a few times and they are very good
Or there's Merlin
https://www.merlincycles.com/chains-chain-accessories-75287/?speed=9-speed
Buy a couple, so you've got a spare or rotate them so you can take it off and give it a proper clean.
Replacing (but first and foremost keeping clean) your chain regularly means the cassette and chainrings will last longer.
Bike shops usually recommend changing the whole lot (or at least the cassette and chain) because by the time people take them in it's usually gone too far.
Steel cassettes will last longer than a lot of people think, compared to alloy chainrings which can shark-tooth relatively quickly.
MattCollins
30-12-15, 05:28 PM
matt I've been using a Muc-off lube. But I do find it worrying that I've written off a chain so quickly. It's not as if I've been crosschaining, I have had a couple of times where I've dropped the chain off the outside of the 50 cog and I've been going pretty quick when it's happened. It certainly won't have helped.
The rims were done by the old brake blocks, this my biggest annoyance so far I should have stopped procrastinating. It didn't matter how much I cleaned the blocks and the rims the original blocks didn't stop the bike and squealed like a pig.
Now away to do some research and find out which Chain to buy.
Muc-off dry teflon lube?
If that is the case it could be part of the problem... As mentioned (at length!) my experience with that sort of lube has been entirely negative. Bin it and get a little more religious with a proper lube.
I didn't even know chain gauges existed until I saw your post and the linked article makes a lot of sense. I have only ever used verniers across the pins.
If you're dropping the chain of the outside the front mech might want a tweak.
When 9 speed was current Shimano chains were available in several more grades. Now there are two (that I can find) - HG-53 and HG-93. The HG-53 was at the bottom and that is likely what you've got.
I was using HG-73 chains on my mountain bikes which were roughly middle of the road and supplied with 9spd Ultegra (I also put 9spd Ultegra or 105 road cassettes on my MTBs). Most of the middle grades don't seem to be around any more.
The HG-93 was at or near the top of the line for XT chains... that'd be the one I'd buy and they're going for a rock bottom price of £12 at CRC right now, in fact I'd buy three at that price and it would still be less than the cost of just one HG-73 or half of one HG-93 purchased in Au 10 years ago.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-xt-hg93-9-speed-chain/rp-prod656
I consider chains to be disposable and buy cheap branded, the longer a chain lasts the more you'll have to clean and lube it, IMHO life is too short...
Oh and by the way the two questions never to ask in cycling world if you don't want a million different answers are tyre choice and chain maintenance :p
carelesschucca
30-12-15, 06:09 PM
It wasn't dry Matt it was wet lube in a squirty bottle.
My Louis Garneau XR3's turned up today so I've been in to pick them up 60% off because the sole had a slight rub and there's no box... I call that a win... Also ordered two chains from Wiggle.
Only thing I need to do now is sort my route for tomorrow. As the weather might be iffy I think I'm going for a short loop done twice.
MattCollins
30-12-15, 08:14 PM
No worries... sounds like you have it sorted.
Routes eh... You've been getting a lot of kudos and encouragement (plus followers) on Strava for the ride on the 29th. On the surface (because I can only use info from the net) it looks like a route I'd enjoy - it's got a bit of everything.
MattCollins
30-12-15, 08:21 PM
I consider chains to be disposable and buy cheap branded, the longer a chain lasts the more you'll have to clean and lube it, IMHO life is too short...
Oh and by the way the two questions never to ask in cycling world if you don't want a million different answers are tyre choice and chain maintenance :p
Haha... You're right there.
I'm usually looking for the middle ground between cost and quality... the sweet spot for want of a better description.
OMO I need some mudguards for a 700 x 28c tyre. They don't need to be super dooper just not fall apart and not cost of the earth.
I have looked at a load of reviews and they all seem to moan about them all.
What are my options?
maviczap
01-01-16, 06:47 PM
H'mm not cost the earth? I use SKS long Raceblades but a bit pricey maybe
This time of year, full length mudguards are a must really
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sks-blumels-road-mudguard-set/rp-prod84326
or these are on offer
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/blackburn-cloudburst-mudguards/rp-prod141217
I was going to buy these Blackburn ones the other day, but I stumbled across some Halfords own brand mudguards for £10 instore. For £10, what's not to like.
Unless you're going to buy metal mudguards, then the plastic ones will eventually split.
Excellent thanks Mav. I had some of the halfords £10 ones while they seemed decent for the money I couldn't for the life of me get them to fit.
Will try those blackburn ones
maviczap
01-01-16, 06:58 PM
They are all a bit of a faff to fit, I found the Raceblade Longs are amongst the easiest.
I went with the SKS ones as I liked the 2 spoke attachment so they should be stronger if more troublesome to fit.
Found them on Wiggle for £16.60!
maviczap
01-01-16, 08:06 PM
Bargain!
carelesschucca
02-01-16, 07:45 PM
I know a lot of you guys use Strava but do any of you pay for Veloviewer? I'll be honest I had been enjoying it not knowing that once I'd got 25 rides in it would stop and want me to pay, I suppose its only £20 a year for the PRO+
maviczap
02-01-16, 08:07 PM
Blimey, you've found something I didn't know about!
I like it :p
I wouldn't pay for Pro+, but for £10 the Pro suits me.
carelesschucca
02-01-16, 09:16 PM
Blimey, you've found something I didn't know about!
I like it :p
I wouldn't pay for Pro+, but for £10 the Pro suits me.
I really like the 3D mapping of your routes that it does, but Its nice the way it builds a good picture of what your doing...
Gotta say when I was out today if my feet hadn't been so cold I'd have done the extra 15 miles of going round the Crow Road. I felt like I could have kept going at the pace I was doing for a good while longer. Probably for the best that it didn't.
maviczap
02-01-16, 09:35 PM
Yep, cold feet can really hurt. Its my biggest isue in the winter
MattCollins
03-01-16, 06:54 AM
It is cold hands for me...
These online apps are not the sort of thing I'd ever pay for... they make their money from data harvesting and social networking and even that price can be a bit stiff. The TAC is always an interesting read.
Software... Last night I cancelled my Strava account... it was only ever going to be temporary. I get what I need from Golden Cheetah (http://www.goldencheetah.org/)... For those who want to upload their rides it can do that. About the only thing it doesn't do is route planning. For that I crank up Basecamp with OpenCycleMap and export the route to the Edge...
Anyway, I'm on my way home on Tuesday... it's looking like 5 days on the road going the long/slow way around. I'm looking forward to getting back on the treadly and I don't care which one at the moment... it's addictive and I need my fix!
About the only thing it doesn't do is route planning. For that I crank up Basecamp with OpenCycleMap and export the route to the Edge...
Perhaps in your part of the world this isn't so important but for the UK with it's network of lanes Strava is without a doubt the best route planning tool available as it routes using ride data history. I've used it to plan motorcycle trips too :cool:
Another great set of tools if you use Chrome is StravistiX (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/stravistix-for-strava/dhiaggccakkgdfcadnklkbljcgicpckn?hl=en).
carelesschucca
03-01-16, 11:40 AM
I like using Bikehike (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php), it's very simple to build a route quickly and it gives you elevation details while your at it. Admittedly some of the functions are a footer but it's not bad. Google is carp the timings are completely wack.. It's about 15/20% slow in timings.
Luckypants
03-01-16, 11:48 AM
Blimey, you've found something I didn't know about!
Veloviewer is what they used to show the climb profiles on this year's TDF coverage.
carelesschucca
03-01-16, 12:01 PM
Veloviewer is what they used to show the climb profiles on this year's TDF coverage.
That's why it looks so familiar to me. :)
I like using Bikehike (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php), it's very simple to build a route quickly and it gives you elevation details while your at it. Admittedly some of the functions are a footer but it's not bad. Google is carp the timings are completely wack.. It's about 15/20% slow in timings.
Interesting, I've not used that before and like the layout with the OS mapping. I just tried planning a route though and it's tending to favour major single and dual carriageway A roads :( Perhaps Strava is most useful in our busy corner of the country, Essex has some of the busiest roads and yet has hundreds of miles of quiet single track country lanes, it's very good at keeping routes away from busier roads.
MattCollins
03-01-16, 02:02 PM
Perhaps in your part of the world this isn't so important but for the UK with it's network of lanes Strava is without a doubt the best route planning tool available as it routes using ride data history. I've used it to plan motorcycle trips too :cool:
Another great set of tools if you use Chrome is StravistiX (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/stravistix-for-strava/dhiaggccakkgdfcadnklkbljcgicpckn?hl=en).
I gave you a hint as to why I don't use Strava.
Yes, the routing engine is a stand out feature however, it is only a minor inconvenience to use a few extra shaping points when creating the occasional route.
TheRamJam
03-01-16, 05:14 PM
Guys what do you guys use for a waterproof jacket?
Currently I use an UnderArmour baselayer with my DHB Momentum Jacket on top. The jacket is more like a jersey really, and is not windproof or waterproof. So at the end of each commute its still wet for the return leg. I have a Sportful Refelx 2 rain layer but on the the occasions I did use it the zipp kept sticking and didn't do a great job of keeping me dry underneath neither.
Hoping to spend under £100 if I can
Cheers
vBulletin® , Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.