The Cycling Thread

[pookie]

I have some gel insets on the drops. +1 on the bontrager tape and decent mitts. I have wing bars bars and my creaking carcass barely gets over the bars ;)

On a plus note the new wheels span well today .. im not sure if I should be concerned that my avg heart rate over 1 hour is 93% of my max bpm. I blame all those mince pies over christmas

Planetx sale concludes tomorrow https://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/deals/stock-liquidation

you get 25% off using pxliquid25 on some stuff https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/HNH5RFP/high-5-race-faster-pack

Glulesss patches
Tubes
bar tape etc :)

[maviczap]

I was talking bartape a few posts back has anyone got any experience with gel inserts like these (http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/h-bar-tape-fizik-bar-gel-2-technogel-set-4pcs/fizihbtp212000000000)?
?

Rule 5 that's all i'm going to say

[carelesschucca]

Bar tape it is then... Thinner the better ;-)

[maviczap]

Nah, TBH I'd looked at them inserts, but only for my winter bike, as its got old 26mm bars.

They seem to transmit the road buzz more than my other bars, so I might get some.

In the summer my gel mitts are fine and I don't need any extra padding on my hands

[carelesschucca]

I'm wearing bog standard winter gloves (non cycling) at the moment so I'm feeling everything. The Triban isn't bad at all the bar tape must have twice the thickness of the Sensa.

I've read so many reviews on winter gloves, but haven't found a pair I really like trying pairs on. Well at a price I'm willing to pay. Why don't alpinestars do goretex cycling gloves...

[maviczap]

Aldi gel winter gloves, I can't fault them for the money

[carelesschucca]

Wish I'd bought a pair when they were there. I've been really impressed with the padded bib-tights I got from there. The winter jacket is actually too warm for me I've only worn it a couple of times.

[AJC]

After 5 years the only original bits on my Tifosi are frame, forks, seatpost and mudguards ....these things happen!

Haha yeah I guess it will over time. I just aint too wiling to change the SRAM groupset just now when it is pretty good. WIll probably happen a bit at a time, as I am due to change the chain and cassette.

He'll change it up soon. I mean he could sell the B'twin and almost pay for a groupset ;-)

I was talking bartape a few posts back has anyone got any experience with gel inserts like these (http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/h-bar-tape-fizik-bar-gel-2-technogel-set-4pcs/fizihbtp212000000000)?

Are they worth the money on top of buying better tape?

I bought Cinelli Gel cork bar tape just there. Really nice and soft and was easy to fit, take off then re-fit when I worked out what I was doing.


I've read so many reviews on winter gloves, but haven't found a pair I really like trying pairs on. Well at a price I'm willing to pay. Why don't alpinestars do goretex cycling gloves...

I just bought a pair of Sealskinz. Not sure they are actually waterproof (you can read tons on the non waterproofness of waterproof gloves, basically very few are actually waterproof as they are near impossible to seam seal) but the are warm and have gel bits so they are comfortable as well.

[Adam Ef]

I've got on well with Gore Windstopper Power gloves. Bought 2 sizes too big so I can wear liners under. Not waterproof at all but Windstopper material works well, not too bulky and inside material is very comfortable when worn on their own.

[garynortheast]

Belting day cycling with a mate in Coed y Brenin. Warmed up with the Minortaur, tea and flapjack back at the visitor centre, then a full circuit of Cyflym Coch. Very satisfying as I'd never done the whole of this trail before. Nearly binned it a couple of times before my mate suggested I should slow down a bit!
Biking on a budget - sixteen year old Halford Apollo, admittedly completely returned with new forks, brakes, pedals, cranks, front and rear gear change mech, chainring, rear cluster and chain. For an old budget bike it's a joy to ride and coped with today's trails brilliantly.
Budget riding kit too all from Lidl and Aldi. Aldi compression base layers (actually motorcycle base layers) and Lidl winter riding tights/trouser things, riding shirt and soft shell cycle jacket. Perfect combination, neither too hot or cold. I can also vouch for the Aldi gel gloves, very warm and comfy although I was wearing a pair of Halford fingerless gel gloves today.
Brilliant day and fabulous weather too. Going there again next week.

[maviczap]

It don't matter what you ride or wear,just enjoy the ride.

cool

[carelesschucca]

At least someone is doing it the sensible way, and not spending a fortune, I really don't want to add up how much I've spent since September... :)

Having said that the new Altura Podium Night Vision jacket turned up today (last of the Christmas money spent) and needed to be tested in the poor weather.

Report so far is yes its waterproof, yes its a really good fit I'm very impressed. Its fairly light, and packs up nice and small. I don't know how breathable it is, I have nothing to compare it too and I always come in a sweaty mess anyway, I certainly wasn't any worse than normal. It should be a pleasure to wear when I get the chance to start the commute to work at the end of March.

Oh I also bought a sealskinz waterproof cap today as I'd been looking at getting one since I first started riding... Hmmm, don't know what to make of it the sweat was dripping down my glasses at points and its soaking wet, but it was nice and warm and comfortable to wear, the really good point about it was the small peak made me lift my head more than I normally would and look way down the road.

Once again I'm a happy boy, and hey the odd flutter of snow and blinding rain ain't gonna stop me riding.

[carelesschucca]

Am I right in thinking that as a general rule if the fronts of your knees are sore your seat is too low, and if it's the backs of your knees it's too high?

I went out on the Sensa today (please don't shout at me too much Mavic) and the fronts of my knees were getting sore. It's a little weird because I set the seat height the same as the Triban (measured from pedal at the bottom of the stroke to seat)

[TheRamJam]

you're using different pedals on the new bike are you not?

the stack height may not be the same, hence why you have pain

[maviczap]

you're using different pedals on the new bike are you not?

the stack height may not be the same, hence why you have pain

Agreed, or the new bike has different crank lenths perhaps. Shouldn't have, as its a small frame so should have 170 cranks, check they aren't 172.5. It'll be on the reverse of the crank

[carelesschucca]

Hmm didn't think about pedals and shoes. Just been away and checked the soles of the shoes are way thicker than the mountain bike shoes. Now away to check crank length.

[maviczap]

Considering what we paid for those Superstar wheels, I'm glad I did after seeing these

Are they going to be much better? The Superstar ones are just as light, but 4 times cheaper

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40091&t=13060756

[carelesschucca]

How is everyone getting on with those wheels?

[maviczap]

Dunno, mine are still waiting to be used

[carelesschucca]

I really shouldn't ask, I don't need new wheels and I don't have the cash for them either...

talking cash I better go pay my money for this Sportive in April. I think 50 miles will be enough for me.

[TheRamJam]

£100 well spent in my eyes. Had them running on the Giant for 2 weeks now. Granted I've only done about 100 miles on them but they do feel tighter and more responsive compared to the OEM wheels and quicker to spin up to my relative average speed. Overall I lost a touch under 650 grams. Pedaling along a flat road you don't really notice the weight difference but my average speed has improved slightly, on average around 1.5mph quicker for relatively the same effort levels. The most noticeable difference is in the climbing, i've knocked off 10 seconds on my KOM segment, which is massive.

Looking forward to trying them over the route we've got planned for Sat :-)

[carelesschucca]

You do realise Colin that I've changed the route we're going along the canalside ;-)

[TheRamJam]

We not going up the crow to Fintry, up the B822, then right along the A811?

[carelesschucca]

I'm yanking yer chain. Crow is a defo, after that we can either go Kippen and along the Stirling Flats or stay up in the hills and climb some more.

I went to test a wee back road today but gave up after 150yards as there were huge patches of ice in the shade. It's another good climb for us to do in the summer.

I really need to get an assaver for the Sensa I was minging when I got in.... That or just be sensible and use the Triban.

[maviczap]

I really need to get an assaver for the Sensa I was minging when I got in.... That or just be sensible and use the Triban.

Do I have to put you over my knee and spank you!

Leave the Sensa at home you naughty boy :p

[TheRamJam]

No get the sense out to play. The first can be washed off

[carelesschucca]

Yes dad... It won't happen again, the boys are gonna have to wait to see the Sensa, TBH I still kinda prefer riding the Triban bar the brakes. It's taking me a while to get used to the new weapon.

I now have two bikes to wash this evening.

I do like this thread though, I ask silly questions and get answers that help me. The seat height thing yesterday is prime example, Colin mentioned pedals and when I went to check them I noticed the shoes sitting together under the bikes. That's when I clicked the Louis Garneau ones sit way above the Shimano's. I'd never have thought about it.

[maviczap]

Now you can see why newbies give up, because of these problems. At least you have us to help, despite the abuse ;)

But we still make mistakes, even me :confused:

[carelesschucca]

We not going up the crow to Fintry, up the B822, then right along the A811?

How about this (http://www.strava.com/routes/4221592) for a route?

I love the look of that profile. I know I'd probably be the only one doing the Tak back mind you.
I kinda fancy going round Kippen I think the drop down from the viewpoint into Kippen would be a giggle. I also want just blast along the Stirling Flats as a group. But hey we can make choices when we get to Fintry.

[carelesschucca]

Well that's the first time I've ridden close in behind someone, quite a strange sensation of being dragged along hardly pedaling.

That's a big yay from me. Bar being so close to AJC's lycra clad are.

While I'm here does anyone know a way to link three shorter rides together on Strava to give one result? Today's rides look kinda feeble split up

[AJC]

Well that's the first time I've ridden close in behind someone, quite a strange sensation of being dragged along hardly pedaling.

That's a big yay from me. Bar being so close to AJC's lycra clad are.


You were loving it! I even got a little wiggle on :)

As for the wheels, very good from what I can tell. Knocked another minute off my main climb time and avg speed seems to have gone up. New chain and cassette will help as well though.

[carelesschucca]

It was a great day, I do enjoy being out on the bike. I've contacted Strava themselves about linking up my three segments today to make one whole route.

[maviczap]

Pure porn at Icebike today. Wish I'd gone on Friday, as there were some right bargains in the stock clearance section

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1611/25233855872_32e7a9435b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ErQ7dy)2016-02-28_06-35-03 (https://flic.kr/p/ErQ7dy) by maviczap (https://www.flickr.com/photos/89416312@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1466/24984436029_57843555c4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/E4MLor)2016-02-28_06-33-58 (https://flic.kr/p/E4MLor) by maviczap (https://www.flickr.com/photos/89416312@N07/), on Flickr

[carelesschucca]

Pure porn at Icebike today. Wish I'd gone on Friday, as there were some right bargains in the stock clearance section

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1611/25233855872_32e7a9435b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ErQ7dy)2016-02-28_06-35-03 (https://flic.kr/p/ErQ7dy) by maviczap (https://www.flickr.com/photos/89416312@N07/), on Flickr

Is that not the bike Matt has?

[maviczap]

His is red

[carelesschucca]

I can't wait to see a few pictures of his, some lovely close ups of the niceness, I was hoping for a review by now. I suppose one will come soon enough.

[Dipper]

I've contacted Strava themselves about linking up my three segments today to make one whole route.

Useful linky... (https://www.fitfiletools.com/#/top)

[Dipper]

Useful linky... (https://www.fitfiletools.com/#/top)

Ahhhhh just noticed you use the Android app. You could try exporting to GPX of the two parts and then Google a tool to join them.

[carelesschucca]

LOL! I've just sent you a PM about it, dunno if I can justify buying a Garmin.

[maviczap]

Course you can

Dont buy new, all my Garmins have been 2nd hand. Dont buy a 200 though. Plenty of 500's going cheap and a good unit, you dont really need mapping, just data

[carelesschucca]

Hmm, I've just spent my allowance for this month, I've bought bar tape a chain catcher and I've finally got round to entering the St Andrews Sportive (http://standrewshospicefundraising.com/cyclesportive/), I've taken the 50 mile option, now wondering if I should go for a bit of sponsorship as its a worthy cause.

[maviczap]

It'll wait

[carelesschucca]

Oh look Mav, I've just noticed they named the wheels on that Lotus bike after you ;)

[maviczap]

No i made them, its what i used to do.

I also coached Boardman to his win

[carelesschucca]

Ah Mav your a devine talent, LOL!!!

Right as we're talking jokes I was passed today by a guy on a fat wheeled bike, for about 3 seconds I was impressed till I noticed he wasn't peddling at all, I thought hey ho what ever floats your boat...

Well, I get home and check my results on Veloviewer and sure enough there he his on my flyby going past me and then me going back past him... Now what cheek do I give him on Strava? Bar asking him if he's related to Femke Van den Driessche (which he obviously won't get :D)

[maviczap]

I can't believe, well no i can, being on Strava with an electric bike.

I'd be blunt and say "nice electric bike mate" or "your motorised bike isnt as fsst as my one human powerd bike"

Just be careful he wasnt disabled in some way. One of my daughters classmates Dad had a dodgy leg & rides an electric bike.

I know he's not on Strava though.

Still can't get my head round it.

[AJC]

Think I am gonna go on a club ride on Sunday with a view to joining. I'm scared!

[carelesschucca]

Which club you going with?

[AJC]

http://www.glasgowgreencycleclub.co.uk/default.aspx

This mob, meet point is literally 2 mins from my flat. Also have a group which averages 14-16mph over a 45 mile ride which I should be okay with.

Shame Falkirk is a bit far away eh? haha!

[maviczap]

Falkirk Wheelers ;)=D>

[maviczap]

Dam 2 seconds too late

[carelesschucca]

AJC you're too nice to wear that blue and white top.

[AJC]

Haha feeling the love for the Falkirks!

Now just gotta hope I am in for my helmet arriving in the next couple of days. Still no idea if the one I bought is any good but it looks okay!

[TheRamJam]

http://www.glasgowgreencycleclub.co.uk/default.aspx

This mob, meet point is literally 2 mins from my flat. Also have a group which averages 14-16mph over a 45 mile ride which I should be okay with.

Shame Falkirk is a bit far away eh? haha!

My mate Nicholas Bone rides with them. Heard good things about the club.

Hope Sundays ride is a good un for ya. Where you's headed :o

[AJC]

My mate Nicholas Bone rides with them. Heard good things about the club.

Hope Sundays ride is a good un for ya. Where you's headed :o

Ah good stuff. Dunno what the route would be for Sunday. Doesn't look like it has been posted on their site yet.

[carelesschucca]

I still don't think I'm ready for a club yet... Hope you have a good un on Sunday.

Well, I think I'm in for a torrid time tomorrow, Wattbike sent me a beginners guide and I'm going to do their three minute test.... 3 minutes he laughs, you need to do the 20 minute warm up first.

Once ive done that I'll have another read of the scary 150+ page think R0ddy posted for me...

[AJC]

I still don't think I'm ready for a club yet... Hope you have a good un on Sunday.

Be fine at a club I reckon. If I can you can!

[danf1234]

Whats are peoples thoughts on the Specialized Roubaix SL4 Comp Ultegra Di2 2016 Road Bike?

[maviczap]

Its a Specialized :smt037:smt037



























Only joking, the Roubaix is meant to be really comfortable to ride, and Ultegra Di2 is super.

Nowt wrong with it

[AJC]

Had a few specialized bikes and they were all good, no issues to report! Looks like it would be nice and comfortable too.

I am pretty cheap though so I would buy the 2015 version and save a good few quids. Also nice to see di2 on bikes starting to become 'affordable', kinda...

[AJC]

Got me looking at bikes! This is a long way off but, if you were looking at these two which one would you pick (ignoring colour choice!):

http://www.dalescycles.com/2016-giant-propel-advanced-0-black-blue-lime-p11513

http://www.dalescycles.com/2016-giant-propel-advanced-pro-1-composite-orange-grey-p11517

The one with Di2 or the one with better wheels?

[carelesschucca]

I'd go better wheels myself, 36/52 would scare the willies out of me around here, can you imagine the Crow Road using 36, I'd be a burst baw.

[AJC]

The orange one also has a better fork as well, I think.

I think a 36 with a 28 rear would be fine. Before changing cassette my lowest was a 25 and I rarely used the easiest gear. Would only worry me on really steep bits. That bit up to Stirling Castle I would struggle with heh. Would be more how little I would use the highest gears, I sit in the middle of the cassette most of the time so the highest 5/6 gears I would barely use...

[carelesschucca]

We need to get you up the Tak then, that'd change your gearing plans :) ... I've adjusted my route for tomorrow (https://www.strava.com/routes/4285096) I've taken out the eastern loop if your interested in coming along. I'm kinda desperate to do the bit down from the Queens view.

I'm hopefully heading out around 10, when it gets slightly warmer.

[AJC]

We need to get you up the Tak then, that'd change your gearing plans :) ...

Yeah that's a good point!

Anyways for tomorrow I will be up in time for this club run and see how I feel. If I ain't feeling tip top I might give you a holler to come sit on your wheel and slow you down some :)

[maviczap]

Di2 has a reputation for being really reliable, so i would go for that, but its minimal between the groupset.

i wouldn't have those deep section wheels for everyday riding, they're just too susceptible to side winds, they are only for still calm days. A deep rear is fine, but for me, nothing deeper than 30mm on the front.

[pookie]

I still havent forgiven Specialized for the Stratos episode.
As for wheels v Di2 I'd go for Di2, you'll never worry about whether you are in gear again :)

I've a set of these to go on those wheels I bought for the summer :)
http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/Images/Original/130013_1_Zoom.jpg

and n+1 has stuck with a folder ;)

[AJC]

Di2 has a reputation for being really reliable, so i would go for that, but its minimal between the groupset.

i wouldn't have those deep section wheels for everyday riding, they're just too susceptible to side winds, they are only for still calm days. A deep rear is fine, but for me, nothing deeper than 30mm on the front.

Yeah a bike like that for me would be coming out on the nicest of days only, the Boardman I have is capable of anything else. Saying that I would consider other wheels for dry breezy days, especially along the coast roads.

I still havent forgiven Specialized for the Stratos episode.
As for wheels v Di2 I'd go for Di2, you'll never worry about whether you are in gear again :)

I've a set of these to go on those wheels I bought for the summer :)
http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/Images/Original/130013_1_Zoom.jpg

and n+1 has stuck with a folder ;)

Di2 sounds like a winner then. Also seen you can get Cube bikes around the same price point with Dura Ace, choices!

Those tyres are awesome, dunno if they would match my gold wheels!

In other news I didn't even make it out cycling today, on such a lovely day as well. Spent half the night coughing so best rest up and get back on it through the week. So frustrating as right now I am enjoying cycling as much as i even have in my life I reckon.

[carelesschucca]

Todays question.

Bar Tape - Figure of 8 round the clamps or not?

[maviczap]

Todays question.

Bar Tape - Figure of 8 round the clamps or not?

It can give better coverage, making less chance of a gap, but then just a straight run can also work. It depends on the stretchiness of the tape.

Its something that I never get quite right, no matter how often I do it :rant:

[danf1234]

Pro Lite Bracciano A42 SE Alloy Clincher Wheelset--- any good?

[carelesschucca]

AJC and TheRamJam told me to go straight with the tape as I had the extra bit in there. I went with that option. its not perfect but its on there. On a 100 yard ride I can already feel the difference. Happy days...

It really is a lottery half the videos say go 8 and the other say use the extra bit. I suppose everything in cycling is like that.

I do have to say it took me ages to do because I was trying to watch Cav and Wiggo at the world championships while I was doing it.

[maviczap]

The reviews are good, but they are a heavy wheel set, depends on what you're going to use them for.

Only a few mm lower in profile & £30 more (depending on where you buy the Prolites from), but 170 grms lighter.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-rs81-c35-carbon-clincher-wheelset/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=5360597743&ci_src=18615224&ci_sku=5360597743uk&utm_source=google&utm_term&utm_campaign=UK_PLA_Components&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid%7csC7OUZ9wK_dc%7cpcrid%7c7171470 5102%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cprd%7c5360597743uk

I've thought about these before, 30mm rear, 24mm front

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/fulcrum-racing-3-2-way-fit-tubeless-wheelset/

But quite few of us bought these wheels. 30mm rim depth, good reviews, but limited colour choice

But for £99?

http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/clearance-icon-ultra-11speed-wheelsets-2024.htm

[maviczap]

I've a set of these to go on those wheels I bought for the summer :)
http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/Images/Original/130013_1_Zoom.jpg

and n+1 has stuck with a folder ;)

If we ever do a ride together, I'm going to need some dark glasses :D

[maviczap]

AJC and TheRamJam told me to go straight with the tape as I had the extra bit in there. I went with that option. its not perfect but its on there. On a 100 yard ride I can already feel the difference. Happy days...

It really is a lottery half the videos say go 8 and the other say use the extra bit. I suppose everything in cycling is like that.

I do have to say it took me ages to do because I was trying to watch Cav and Wiggo at the world championships while I was doing it.

Yes, it can be made easier by cutting a short section off and covering the shifter bracket, unless there was a piece in the kit, there usually is. Even if I'm doing figure 8 I use that extra bit on the shifter bracket.

I always find a gap I hadn't seen, my lines are never as neat as factory taped bars and the bit inside the bar is never right. :scratch:

[Sir Trev]

Shamless plug in this thread for a donation plea for my daughter, doing the London to Paris ride later this year.

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?p=3040898#post3040898

I'm sure you chaps can appreciate how daunting and exciting the prospect is for her, especially as it turns out nobody else from her uni signed up so she's got to find another group to buddy up with or be Billy-no-mates.

[Ch00]

https://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/events/46/

For those that tried to get in to the 100 event they are now running a raffle for a new event 46 miler.

I have entered see if I get anywhere.

[MattCollins]

Yes, it can be made easier by cutting a short section off and covering the shifter bracket, unless there was a piece in the kit, there usually is. Even if I'm doing figure 8 I use that extra bit on the shifter bracket.

I always find a gap I hadn't seen, my lines are never as neat as factory taped bars and the bit inside the bar is never right. :scratch:

Figure 8's are always too bulky for my tastes and use too much tape from what seems to always be not enough to get a nice wrap with the edges up to the end of the taper if not used conservatively.

The trick to a single cross at the lever without gaps is to wrap right up onto the lever with the last turn about 1/2 on the lever before crossing then the same on the other side.

At the bar end try a little bit of heat from a hair dryer.


PS... still trundling along at about 2000km per month.

[maviczap]

I do both options, ive just done my summer bike with new tape, using the figure 8 method, no gaps!

How you do it, might depend on how the tape lays.

[MattCollins]

Mav, you've been at it for long enough I wouldn't presume to tell you how to do it. The quote was really to highlight possible solutions for Dean... I should have used something else or made that clear.

A bit of fun at the track the other week... I mentioned handlebar tape and whether it should be wrapped top down or bottom up and 8's vs straight. It was a provocative example of opinions and anatomy that saw one stupid discussion/debate derailed for something completely absurd and a few people get quite passionate about their preferred method. :p

[carelesschucca]

Oh, I did it staying straight and using the extra bit that you get to keep it neat and tidy...

On a track bike you'd only need half the tape. It's not as if you'll be using the top half of the bars in anger :)

Matt, hows that Christmas gift of yours, I'm loving mine she's lovely and light but can be a little harsh on rough roads, but the groupset is so nice, I love the brakes so much they are so strong and have plenty of feel.

[AJC]

I felt left out of the new bike club, so I kinda accidentally spent some money....

http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u472/fac83ajc/IMG_2550.jpg (http://s1069.photobucket.com/user/fac83ajc/media/IMG_2550.jpg.html)

http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u472/fac83ajc/IMG_2551.jpg (http://s1069.photobucket.com/user/fac83ajc/media/IMG_2551.jpg.html)

Ooops, oh and Di2 is awesome!

Yay!

[carelesschucca]

You're such a tart... GIES A SHOT MR!!!

Just out of interest how much more than the Blade did it cost.

[AJC]

Haha I can't resist the shiny shininess! I now need matching shoes and stuff. Luckily my helmet kinda matches the colour scheme so that can stay :)


You can have a go on the first warm dry day, so maybe one of two days in July...


It was cheaper than the Fireblade, just about!

[carelesschucca]

Aero frame means you gotta start taking wind resistance seriously... Get those legs shaved LOL!!!

Thank God both my bikes are black white and red. Makes clothing easier.

You're really working on the N+1 rule. How many have you got now!

[AJC]

It worries me your desire to see me with shaved legs! Both my bikes have black and yellow on them so it's all good.


Hmm, I currently own 4 bikes. Three road bikes and a mountain bike, all in our 1 bed flat. I fancy a cyclocross/adventure road bike sometime in the future as well so I may have to sell one or two (or be killed by Kirsty)...

[carelesschucca]

I fancy an adventure bike. I like the idea of riding up the Tak then going round the trails.

Since they've resurfaced the canalside path te urgency of doing it has dropped right off.

[pookie]

N+1 isnt funny more in our household. Into double digits ;) and that includes the mtb tandem :)

[AJC]

Yeah I also like the thought of going out for a road ride but being able to hit some of the tamer trails, or just not worry about going along canalways etc.

MTB tandem sounds awesome. If I had a shed or even a spare room it would be okay, but currently I have a road bike sitting either side of the TV cabinet in my lounge!

[maviczap]

Aldi bike stuff tomorrow, but better still you can now order it online, saves going there to find they've sold out

Garmin edge 25 for £79, that's £20 cheaper than anywhere on line! Only 8 left at this price!

https://www.aldi.co.uk/specialbuys/dates/sunday-10th-april/c/2016-04-10/?q=%3Apopular&page=0

[MattCollins]

The Edge 25 is a good one if only the basics are required. For things like speed, cadence and HR it works well. All of the other display features missing from the more expensive models can be done at home on the computer. It records the same data as the more expensive units, but with one notable exception. It doesn't have power meter compatibility.

If a power meter is on the horizon there are still a few new Edge 500 bundles around that are priced competitively with the Edge 25 by the time the S/C and HRM sensors are purchased for the latter.

Speaking of power meters. I've been riding with a Powertap hub for a few weeks. What it has done for me is helped to optimise my power, cadence and HR. I'd already worked up a profile on the trainer (which is much easier than on the road) to minimise heart rate for a given power by adjusting my cadence. The return is a increased power for longer and/or increased endurance and fatigue limits and better efficiency.
It was just a matter of applying it to the road better which was some guesswork and chasing my HR without the PM and that worked okay. With the PM I've removed the guesswork by sticking a little cheat sheet on my bars, riding the numbers and working the gears.

[AJC]

Haven't made my mind up which Garmin I want yet, and I am poor til payday after splurging on a new ride. I do however need a stand soon to make washing easier. Question that no-one might know the answer to, will a normal clamp stand (like the one in Aldi just now) hold onto my skinny carbon aero seatpost? Or do I start saving for one that the bike sits on the bottom bracket?

Also need to get me one of these:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Pedros-Chain-Keeper_77075.htm?sku=244914&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=AdwordsProductAds&utm_campaign=Adwords&gclid=CPzsyvWI-8sCFUefGwodCogC8A#

Looks like it will make chain cleaning etc muchly easier :)

[maviczap]

I'd save up for one of the bottom bracket ones, Aldi ones are fine for round posts, but i wouldn't trust it with an aero one like yours

[AJC]

Yep good shout, cheers Mav :)

[maviczap]

I'd save up for one of the bottom bracket ones, Aldi ones are fine for round posts, but i wouldn't trust it with an aero one like yours

Yep good shout, cheers Mav :)

A bit pricey, but I like this one. But there's other similar ones

http://www.probikekit.co.uk/bicycle-tools-and-maintenance-nc/feedback-sports-sprint-bicycle-repair-station-workstand/11048076.html?utm_source=googleprod&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=gp_cycling&affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&gclid=CjwKEAjwubK4BRC1xczKrZyj3mkSJAC6ntgr2cL065FK yK6PYB3ncePDLCLQf2mwS6Uz2bk4c6B44RoCJnjw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CJ2Muvz5iMwCFVa3Gwod1nkG2Q


http://www.wiggle.co.uk/workstands/

[maviczap]

N -1 :smt087 :smt087

Bye bye Ti Planet X

[carelesschucca]

Boo!!!

But also yay that makes space for a new project....

[maviczap]

Boo!!!

But also yay that makes space for a new project....

Indeed, and considering I had it for nearly 2 years, I almost got what I paid for it. :cool:

Gotta like Ti for its saleability, no rust or corrosion issues.

[pookie]

whats your views on Ti? Whats the replacement from the planet x? A new endurance bike :) forget gravel its ll about endurance ;)

[maviczap]

Not as comfy as carbon, but might be down to the big fat 31.6 carbon seatpost, gave me backache toward the end of longer rides. Not as nice as one of my steel frames with a 27.2 seatpost

Next? Maybe a custom steel or Ti frame, I've just discovered a frame builder in Harwich of all places. There's another guy in Norfolk who repaired a gear hanger as well.

But I've just built this up from an Ebay frame purchase, using those Superstar wheels which look like Campag Shamals

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1636/25790764924_2a89d3bfcf_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Fi3pSL)2016-04-12_09-41-24 (https://flic.kr/p/Fi3pSL) by maviczap (https://www.flickr.com/photos/89416312@N07/), on Flickr

It weighs the same as my carbon disc frame does, not bad for a 90's steel frame, not quite quite as light as my Ti frame, but its still got a steel seatpost!