The Cycling Thread

[Luckypants]

I'm thinking of trying a couple of informal time trials next summer, mainly because my mates do them. I don't see it as being a lot different from beating your time on a regular training route - except perhaps the TT course will be shorter so you go loads harder for the whole way.

[mattSV]

Just waiting for my new C2W scheme voucher to come through - managed to get in just before the new rules apply for our company :D

So, I have got £1k to blow on a bike. Already got a hardtail (Scott XC Competition) and roadbike (Planet X carbon) so fancy a full sussie this time.

Got to order something from Halfwits so I think I will go for one of these, currently on offer for £900 so I will have £100 to spend on some bling:-

http://www.thebikelist.co.uk/imagecache/file/width/800/images/models/Boardman/2010/MTB-FS-Team_10/Main.jpg

Full spec here - clicky (http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtbfs/fs_team.html)

I will change the pedals and tyres, however any other thoughts from the wisdom of the org?

[maviczap]

I'm thinking of trying a couple of informal time trials next summer, mainly because my mates do them. I don't see it as being a lot different from beating your time on a regular training route - except perhaps the TT course will be shorter so you go loads harder for the whole way.

This how I started. Mid week club TT's good fun, but nowadays you get the serious one with the full disc wheel, carbon this & that, aero hat, the full monty. :rolleyes:

But who don't race in open events that count.:confused:

Still good fun to ride TT's on warm summer nights, then ride home.

Good trainig too, as you ca never train as hard as you race.:smt079

[Drew Carey]

Just waiting for my new C2W scheme voucher to come through - managed to get in just before the new rules apply for our company :D


Nice bike Matt......what new rules? Is this an internal company thing or general? As I thought the system had changed for everyone whether already an existing participant or new members - IE that the residual value calc has gone up.

Just interested....but nice none the less.

[mattSV]

The company I work for has not passed on any residual value charges at the end of the 3 year contracts in the past.

They also agreed with HMR&C that any orders received for vouchers before 4th September 2010 could be dealt with as per previous years - they only announced this on 3rd September (ie one day's notice!), which was the day after my confirmation that the previous deal for the Planet X had rolled off with nothing more to pay.

I therefore got straight on the phone and ordered another £1k voucher, which should arrive any day now. 15% discount (used to be 25% :-() and tax/NI savings means it will actually cost me about £16.50 per month over 3 years ;-)

[Drew Carey]

Good skills!!! :D

[mattSV]

Hmmm - just found out that Halfwits have this on offer for £999 - about a pound heavier than the Boardman but 5" travel and better spec:-

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2009/05/15/1242380374806-1r22ah4iot9ny-500-90-500-70.jpg

It gets better all the time :p

[Filipe M.]

I am now transferring my hate for TLW to you... =;

[Tim in Belgium]

This week I am mostly liking the following bicycles:

http://www.cycleexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/fyxomatosis-bianchi-conversion-13.jpg

http://www.cycleexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/keith-anderson-custom-8.jpg

http://www.cycleexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/gt-bravado-1.jpg

[fizzwheel]

I'm liking the top one. I really like singlespeeds / fixie's something pure and simple about it. I love the clean uncluttered lines of them.

[maviczap]

I'm liking the top one. I really like singlespeeds / fixie's something pure and simple about it. I love the clean uncluttered lines of them.

Yep, plus lovely and light too

But very challenging to ride on the road :)

[fizzwheel]

But very challenging to ride on the road :)

Single speed isnt so bad, Fixed is a little more tricky, especially when on the cycle path with junctions etc etc.

I've got it down so I can stop now when riding with fixed without using the brakes, but I'm still riding with flats, not had the courage to go clipless yet !

[maviczap]

Yep, I was reffering to Fixed wheel.

Tried it clipless once feck me :p

[Luckypants]

What is the point of having a fixed sprocket? Serious question.

[fizzwheel]

What is the point of having a fixed sprocket? Serious question.

I dont think there is one. It has lots of disadvantages, single gear, hill climbing is a bitch, descending is well heart stoppping to say the least.

What I have found is that it makes me think about my pedalling technique and applying equal pressure on upward and downward pedal strokes. Also when you get the gear spinning, the rear wheel acts like a flywheel and pushes you along on the flat so you get the benefit from that to.

I think though its more of a fashion thing.

[maviczap]

I dont think there is one. It has lots of disadvantages, single gear, hill climbing is a bitch, descending is well heart stoppping to say the least.

What I have found is that it makes me think about my pedalling technique and applying equal pressure on upward and downward pedal strokes. Also when you get the gear spinning, the rear wheel acts like a flywheel and pushes you along on the flat so you get the benefit from that to.

I think though its more of a fashion thing.

Fizz is nearly there.

Riding fixed is supposed to smooth out your pedalling. So instead of pedalling in squares, you pedal for the whole rotation of the crank.

Edit: Teaches your legs to ride small gears, which should keep your leg muscles supple. The French term is 'Souplese' I think.

Armstrong learnt to use smaller gears after his cancer, so his cadence was higher, but keeping the same road speed. Compare him and Ulrich in the mountains, Ulrich always trying to mash a big gear up the mountains. Armstrong dacing along in a much smaller gear. Same in the time trials.

Most hill climb competions are riden on fixed, as you power up the climb, plus you save so much weight by junking the gears. Although fixed won't be used for long hill climb races.

[Triton]

Just found this thread - am in training for the 'Nicolas Jalabert' (http://www.artek.fr/jalabert2009/la-jalabert.asp#) next summer, 88kms - so far am up to 30k's @ av of 26 km/h (route along the side of a mountain - so up s and downs)

Cannondale road bike

[Jabba]

What is the point of having a fixed sprocket? Serious question.

There is a fitness angle, i.e. your legs move all the time so no rests. More so if you set-up the bike with low gearing.

Single-speeds are lighter than geared bikes with a comparable frame. There's less maintenance and less to go wrong. Ideal ride-to-work or ride-at-work steeds, especially if your route is flat.

Not sure what to get? Try both (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip-flop_hub) ;-)

I'm considering a single-speed (with flop-flop hub) for my next bike, especially as mooted changes at work might mean that I can ride in every day.

[fizzwheel]

I'm considering a single-speed (with flop-flop hub)

Thats what I have

[Jabba]

Thats what I have

:cool:

[Tim in Belgium]

I'm considering a single-speed (with flop-flop hub) for my next bike, especially as mooted changes at work might mean that I can ride in every day.

What's a flip flop hub? Something that breaks when you try to run? Or fixed one way and frewwheel when mounted the other?

Edit: just read the link, apologies.

[maviczap]

I remember seeing a hub that had a locking mechanism. A gear lever on the downtube locked the hub via a cable and turned it into a fixed wheel hub. A flip of the lever unlocked the hub and then you could freewheel on it.

Handy for town sections

Went out for an hour and half today, shorts and short sleeved jersey, its October!!! :p Twas nice though :smt079

[EssexDave]

I had my first proper cycle on my new bike yesterday.

26 miles, not sure how long, was too busy enjoying myself. Hit 30.4mph on a moderately downhill section.

Cycled to work this morning (8 miles) and was fairly happy, got to work and had a wipe down, got changed and was ok for the rest of the day. A bit fresh when I first left the house at 6:30am but was warm by the time I got down the road.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

[maviczap]

Anyone watch the epic Tour of Lombardy yesterday? Best one I'd seen since Furlan won it a few years back

No road cycling on the TV until next spring :(

If you didn't it might be on ITV4 soon, as Paris Tours was on the other day, which was a suprise to me:rolleyes:

[Tim in Belgium]

More niceness I've been gazing at:

http://cycleexif.exifmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/townsend-grass-track-8.jpg

http://cycleexif.exifmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/townsend-grass-track-1.jpg

I like.

[maviczap]

Just bought this frame off Ebay for my winter training, as my Litespeed has no clearance for mudguards, not even those superthin crud guard road ones

Cost me £55 plus £10 P&P.Price included a Sora chainset, BB & seatclamp, plus a SRAM chain.

All brand new & unused.

The price on the box of the SRAM chain was £47.95!! Don't think it was the chain I got, but if it was then the frame cost me £8! It was still a bargain with the Sora chainset & BB.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ueELOJn5yrvgmM:http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz270/leeroy72/DSCF0851.jpg&t=1

[Drew Carey]

If anyone is interested chainreaction appears to be having quite a decent sale on at the moment.

[Tim in Belgium]

For the cyclists on here in case you don't venture into idle banter that often :

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=159689 (http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=159689)

[Bluepete]

I have a Tacx Cycleforce one turbo trainer for sale.

£75 plus P&P or local collect.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110622610994

Pete ;)


Mods, if in wrong placce, please remove and PM me to let me know!

Thanks.

Pete ;)

[Tim in Belgium]

Is there a .org discount? ;)

And I feel sorry that you don't get to "ride" anymore ;)

[rob13]

What cycle events are available to enter in the frozen wastelands of the north in 2011? I'm considering buying a roadie in the New Year but need something to aim for to push me to get out and use it. I'm interested in any sportives or mass participation stuff

[maviczap]

Cycling weekly published a list a couple of weeks ago

2011's will be on the website soon I guess

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/events/cyclosportives/racing-calendar/2142/cyclo-sportives.html

[rob13]

Spotted the Boardman comp reduced from £700 to £560 which is a great saving. Only issue is I'd need all clothing to go with it.
What kit would I need? I've got helmet and cycling jacket but no shoes, tights or jerseys

[maviczap]

Spotted the Boardman comp reduced from £700 to £560 which is a great saving. Only issue is I'd need all clothing to go with it.
What kit would I need? I've got helmet and cycling jacket but no shoes, tights or jerseys

You could get away with thermals under your jacket, but I'd say you'd certainly need tights before the weather warms up.

I'm also not in favour of riding without proper cycling shoes or clipless pedals now.

Ok if you can't afford them, but cycling in trainers and cycling in proper cycling shoes are two different worlds.

For good value for money either buy the DHB kit from Wiggle or Decathlon cycling stuff. The DHB stuff including shoes gets good write ups.

In fact I'll probrably buy a pair of DHB carbon road shoes this spring at £70, compared to over £200 for Sidi's :confused:

I bought a couple of jackets from Aldi and they're good too, but you'll have to wait for the next special offer.

But if you can afford the Boardman then you can afford to buy the shoes & other kit you need?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/default.aspx?cat=cycle&ReferID=googwig

[rob13]

Well, I have an Altura Jacket, and I have Aldi Thermals, both tops and bottoms but I know I will need tights. I have looked at DHB clipless shoes previously and to be honest, I'd probably try those out having never been a clipless rider before.

I can afford the Boardman but its easy to buy a bike and then forget about the kit you actually need to ride the bike. I'd also need a seat bag with bits in to get me home in case of punctures. A couple of cages & bottles also.

[maviczap]

Get Halfords to include a pump, tyre levers, spare inner tube etc

You should get £20 for accessories shouldn't you?

I'm just about to get a Boardman MTB, hopefully on our cycle to work scheme

[maviczap]

I bought these bib tights for my winter riding

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-pace-roubaix-bib-tight-with-pad-2011/

Roubaix weight fabric because I'm a soft southerner :rolleyes:

[rob13]

Its not on the C2W scheme as my employer isnt doing it. They saw no benefit in doing so.

I've got levers, will need co2 pump and inner tube at least. Could get away with the rest.

I'm also thinking of joining a local club (there are 2) but not sure which to go with.

[rob13]

So a pair of clipless shoes, some socks, bib tights and then combine with Aldi thermal Tee and perhaps a Berghaus long sleeve tech T and jacket with buff under the helmet and some full finger gloves should see me through winter?

[maviczap]

In Winter a windproof top is a good idea, even if it just protects the chest. I bought an Edura nylon gillet as a windproof layer.

But you said you have an Altura jacket, so you should be ok.

You'll find out soon enough if you need more protection :D

[rob13]

Very True :D

I've got an EDZ windproof for the motorbike but not sure if that would be any good with regards to breathability.

[metalmonkey]

These are my shoes;

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/bg-comp-mtb-shoes-ec017522

I got them from them but they were price matched, I think they were about that price worth looking around to get the best deal. I got these shoes as I have mtb and the cleats are reacsed (as in not exposed when you walk in the shoe, so don't wear down) Also the negative side to the shoe is casue they are vented, so when its cold you get cold feet or wet feet. I need some overshoes!

You do have to remeber to unclip when you get them! They do make a differene.

With a road bike you will need a good pump to take the pressure in the tyres to around 12opsi, which I run mine at, too little pressure isn't good run the risk of a pinch puncture. Its a bitch with a crap pump to make that as well!

[maviczap]

These are my shoes;

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/bg-comp-mtb-shoes-ec017522

I got them from them but they were price matched, I think they were about that price worth looking around to get the best deal. I got these shoes as I have mtb and the cleats are reacsed (as in not exposed when you walk in the shoe, so don't wear down) Also the negative side to the shoe is casue they are vented, so when its cold you get cold feet or wet feet. I need some overshoes!

You do have to remeber to unclip when you get them! They do make a differene.

With a road bike you will need a good pump to take the pressure in the tyres to around 12opsi, which I run mine at, too little pressure isn't good run the risk of a pinch puncture. Its a bitch with a crap pump to make that as well!

Yes, it is true that road shoes will make your feet cold because of the vents, but you can only use these shoes with 2 point fixing SPD pedal systems and none of the 3 bolt systems such as Look.

And there in lies another debate, what pedal system do you go for :rolleyes:

I've always used Look pedals, because they were the first clipless system around when I started cycling. So I use neoprene overshoes on my road shoes.

I got some windproof thermal overshoes from Aldi, which also came with a under helmet cap, and they are good for the money I paid for them

[fizzwheel]

Road shoes with endura neoprene over shoes, couple that with some decent merino wool socks, never had cold feet. Even on The Exmoor Beast ride a few years ago ( 80 miles around Exmoor in the p*ssing rain last weekend of October was freezing )

the thing with keeping warm is thin layers, and dont wear to many otherwise you sweat like a pig.

Was an avid Look user till I started getting a bit of knee pain, changed for Time and they have more float even than the red look cleats, and knee pain has gone again now and I'm much more comfy on the bike and the Time pedals are a little easier to clip into as well.

[metalmonkey]

This pump is very good, for use at home;

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/joe-blow-sport-ii-ec018394

Its a little expensive at that price but worth shopping around for. It makes so much easier to pump up to the required pressure I need to get one.

Thought any suggestions on a good pump to take with you on a ride would be good, my pump is a bit too big to clip onto the bike.

Oh my last was fulled by JD and Coke:santa:

[fizzwheel]

I have that Joe Blow pump, it really is worth paying the money for as it is very decent.

I have something similar to this

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-master-blaster-pocket-rocket-pump/

Which I take on a ride, its good, but not as good as a track pump is, its good enough to get pressure up into the tyre to get me home again.

If you are really wanting to travel light, then something like this might be worth looking at.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/innovations-microflate-nano-pump/

But you'll need the gas canisters to go with it as well.

[maviczap]

Road shoes with endura neoprene over shoes, couple that with some decent merino wool socks, never had cold feet. Even on The Exmoor Beast ride a few years ago ( 80 miles around Exmoor in the p*ssing rain last weekend of October was freezing .

Gonna buy me some Woollie Boollie socks soon :santa:

[rob13]

Well I've reserved a Boardman at the local Halfords. Getting it with a set of Shimano SPD SLs and some Crud Raceguards for the grand total of £570.

Now I need to use it. Going to find out which is the best club to join up to, but need to buy some Bib shorts & Leggings and those DHB road shoes off Wiggle.

[maviczap]

Cool

Crud race guards are a good addition to a great bike

[rob13]

Well it was an extra £34 for a set of raceguards and some pedals so more discount which I would ultimately have to pay for anyway.

Im going to try and hold off buying any more clothing until Go Outdoors has its 50% discount day on the 7th to see if I can get some shorts/leggings in the sale. They might also have some shoes cheap.

[rob13]

Anyone have experience with Polaris Clothing? Local Go Outdoors has it in (sadly no bib shorts) but its 50% off this Friday so worth a look?

I'm looking at Bib Shorts and a set of leggings to go over the top rather than having padded leggings and shorts. Trying to keep costs down to start so I can recover from the hit from buying the bike etc.

Also looking to see which Sportives are worth doing in and around local area.

[maviczap]

Yep, worth a look at 50% off. I have a Polaris winter jacket, bit old and ghastly colour, but very warm and well made.

Check out Wiggle for bib shorts. Doesn't pay to buy cheap bib shorts IMHO, pads and inserts are too thin to give you the comfort you need. False economy. Their DHB ones are ok for the money, certainly much better than the cheapo Decathlon ones I bought.

Finished off my building my Winter bike yesterday, Crud race guards fitted, so getting some miles in soon.

[rob13]

Yeah I cant wait to get going now, I just need to get some kit before I can! I reckon i'll get the DHB Bib shorts then as I was looking at those originally. I'll get them with the DHB Shoes.

[Luckypants]

Been out twice this week (last 4 days) and thoroughly enjoyed both. Rode up to the POonderosa yesterday and met with Pete and Lissa in their new cage. Poor Pete is still not quite well enough to ride the Ducatti. Was a good to see them and the cage is nice :D Ride home was chuffing freezing though, but made me go for it, so 22 mph average to Ruthin (mostly downhill to there) and was knackered by the time I got in.

Have to say my Aldi winter riding jacket is great. Might need some inner gloves for my (non-Aldi) winter gloves though, fingers were in some pain.

[rob13]

Could do with an Aldi bike sale but it probably wont have one now until March/April time.

[stewie]

Hi Guys, mind if I pick yer brains ? ;) I want to convert my old mtb for road riding, I'm only looking at changing the tyres in the short term and so just need to get some mtb slicks, continental and schwalbe both have anti puncture technology which I'll need cos its a 20 + mile commute to work, any reccomendations ? btw I have asked this before but cant find your answers, sorry :)
Cheers
Stew

[Luckypants]

Stewie I have some Specialised City Slickers in the garage you can have for free. They are in good nick last time I looked. They are a bit heavy, but the upside is strong build and puncture resistance.

[stewie]

Stewie I have some Specialised City Slickers in the garage you can have for free. They are in good nick last time I looked. They are a bit heavy, but the upside is strong build and puncture resistance.
Thats very kind of you Mike, thanks a lot, sure you dont want anything for them ?

[Luckypants]

Thats very kind of you Mike, thanks a lot, sure you dont want anything for them ?Just the garage space ;)

[stewie]

Cool, right, let me sort my shift pattern out and I can pop over the ponderosa if thats conveneient

[Luckypants]

Stewie I have some Specialised City Slickers in the garage you can have for free.

They are actually Nokian city Runners and the tread still has the bobbles on! There are some age cracks but they look sound. Will text/call to arrange getting them to you.

[stewie]

Thats great, thanks again Mike :D

[Drew Carey]

I've just bought these in the sale and must admit very impressed with them. Good strong tyre and reviews are quite good on the whole.

I got the 1.85 reflex which has a very visible reflective strip on them. Plus 50% off at the mo. (although I don't believe that was the original price!!!).

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=26231

[maviczap]

I've just bought these in the sale and must admit very impressed with them. Good strong tyre and reviews are quite good on the whole.

I got the 1.85 reflex which has a very visible reflective strip on them. Plus 50% off at the mo. (although I don't believe that was the original price!!!).

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=26231

Yep-, got the older version on my old MTB, although not used it much.

But the rolling resistance is so low compared to knobblies, I use a road ratio cassestte on the back, 8 speed 12 - 21 tooth I think, but no hills round here :rolleyes:

[rob13]

I bought a set of Schwalbe City Jets and they have been marvellous on my old MTB! No puncture issues and fairly decent rolling resistance.

[Tim in Belgium]

Ok, a quick question wrt gearing on road bikes, has anyone here ridden yp the Hard Knott and Wrynose passes on a road bike? What gearing did you use? what maximum gradient do these reach? I'm trying to compare to some roads I've ridden in the Eifel region of Germany.

[rob13]

Tim
Wrynose and Hardknott are around 30% maximum gradients.

Wrynose has an average of 9.4% and is 3k long, Hardknott an average of 8.8% and is 2k long.

Pinched some of the info here: http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?Col=Hard-Knott-Pass&qryMountainID=7381

I would say steep personally.

On a separate note, anyone go to the one day cycling sale at Go Outdoors today? I did, and saved a bit, but spent a bit too. Still short of shorts, shoes and leg warmers but getting there... Its almost as expensive as riding a motorbike to get going!

[maviczap]

On a separate note, anyone go to the one day cycling sale at Go Outdoors today? I did, and saved a bit, but spent a bit too. Still short of shorts, shoes and leg warmers but getting there... Its almost as expensive as riding a motorbike to get going!

No but I ordered some Wollie Boolie socks from Wiggle last night, so hopefully these will turn up soon.

I also picked up a fixed wheel frame for free today, quite old, but its in good nick, was advertised on our local Freecycle site.

Not quite sure what steel tubing its made from, but lug work is quite fancy & wrap around seat stays, so its not a mass produced frame.

Don't know how long before I build it up, but not bad for free

[mattSV]

Planet X are having a clearance sale with a few bargains - might be worth a look

CLICKY (http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/news/planet-x-news/q/date/2010/12/20/clearance-sale)

[maviczap]

Really good prices on Look Keo carbon pedals, so tempted

Plus a Ti frame for £599

[rob13]

Can anyone tell me if the DHB Earnley shorts & leg warmers should be warm enough to get going once this icy snap is out of the way. Dont fancy starting my riding in minus figures but dont mind clear or crisp winter days to get out.

[maviczap]

Depends how much you feel the cold

Leg warmers will probably be fine, but shorts?

I know I wouldn't be warm enough, your manhood will not be happy :smt119

Which is why I bought Roubaix weight bib tights

But I'm a skinny 70kgs, so there's not much insulation on me :rolleyes:

[rob13]

Well do the Roubaix ones protect the groin area? I'm pretty much spent up at present which is why I was going to get shorts & leg warmers rather than tights. When do the shorts wearers come back out to play?

[Tim in Belgium]

Rob, try some shorts with cheap running tights over the top, I used this combo for the first half of last winter fine. Running tights can be had for about 15 quid, and when it gets warm you've still got the shorts.

[maviczap]

Rob, try some shorts with cheap running tights over the top, I used this combo for the first half of last winter fine. Running tights can be had for about 15 quid, and when it gets warm you've still got the shorts.

Yep, I normally wear an unpadded pair of tights over the top of my normal shorts. This was before I bought these roubaix ones

I have worn long normal lycra tights with a seat insert, so you didn't need to wear a pair of shorts, but I can tell you that a cold October 25 mile TT was bloody freezing on my parts and ruins you're concentration :smt119

Adding an extra layer helps, otherwise a quick rub with some Deep Heat on your parts before you set off.

Stings a bit mind ;)

[rob13]

Yup will do that. Have an pair of tights for running/walking already so will use those.

Do I get the leg warmers too?

[maviczap]

Personally I wouldn't

Unless they are good legwarmers you'll find they slip down and then you get irritated by having to pull them up all the time.

Buy them later when you've got some dosh, if you really need them

[rob13]

Personally I wouldn't

Unless they are good legwarmers you'll find they slip down and then you get irritated by having to pull them up all the time.

Buy them later when you've got some dosh, if you really need them

Nice one cheers.

[maviczap]

If you find the running tights aren't warm enough, then at least you won't have wasted your money on leg warmers.

I could race in early spring TT's in a long sleeved skin suit with normal short length, but I used extra warm embrocation on my exposed legs. It kept working after I'd finished my ride :smt119

[rob13]

Well thats a fortune spent in the last fortnight. First the bike then a complete outfit including shoes, a bag and stuff to go in in case of punctures/problems. Now once the stuff arrives (ordered some stuff off Wiggle), I need to get use of it. I think I'll be waiting until its about 6-7 degrees before I bother as I dont fancy trying a new bike with clipless pedals on any black ice.

Need to get a BCF membership too so I can join in with the local club.

[Luckypants]

Can anyone tell me if the DHB Earnley shorts & leg warmers should be warm enough to get going once this icy snap is out of the way. Dont fancy starting my riding in minus figures but dont mind clear or crisp winter days to get out.

Depends on what riding you are doing, it's the descents that chill you in this weather. I wore Endura thermalite bib tights last weekend with a winter jersey and jacket, thermal vest, winter gloves etc was ok for the most part on the flat bits, cooked nicely up the Horseshoe Pass then froze my butt off on the descent. I'm out with the lads on a nice flat one tomorrow, so I reckon that get up will be fine, but maybe ditch the jacket if it's 'warm' when we set off.

Mavic - embrocation? now there's a blast from the past!

[maviczap]

Mavic - embrocation? now there's a blast from the past!

LP, well that's what us oldies call it, but vasaline with warming stuff in it.

Deep Heat but better smelling, I've still got some Sportsbalm in my cycling kit. Its orange coloured from whats in it, which used to help give your legs that lovely suntanned look :cool:

[rob13]

LP, well that's what us oldies call it

Isn't that embalming? :)

[maviczap]

LP, well that's what us oldies call it, but vasaline with warming stuff in it.

Perhaps I should have said experienced riders :D

Top tip, embrocation rubbed onto your toes can stop them getting cold, if you're not wearing overshoes

[Luckypants]

I prefer just to have good clothing these days. DeepHeat, wintergreen, etc just warms the skin IMHO. Just need to find a way to keep fingers warm on long descents :(

Nice 50 miler yesterday with the Crappi Wheelers, no problem keeping warm on the flat.

[maviczap]

Out tomorrow, if the suns out

Ever tried Neoprene sailing/diving gloves. My hands never got cold in the ones I bought. Full neoprene, not part

[maviczap]

Went out for a short spin today, not too far, as my legs have forgotten what they're supposed to do, and I was riding my freshly built winter steed. Plus it was blooming cold :rolleyes:

But I was pleased that my EBAY purchase rode quite nicely, and I didn't even have to jump off anywhere and tinker with the gears.

Just a slight bit of play in the bottom bracket, but I didn't fit that, so I'll tweak it tomorrow.

Happy with my DHB Roubaix bib tights.

I was warm, except my toes, even with overshoes on :(

Glad I bought the crud race guards too, as the little lane that is the start of ever ride was covered in mud & cow poo. I thought I was in Belgium :p

Half way round, I realised I'd fogotton my pump, managed to get home without mishap though :D

[fizzwheel]

and I'm off started my training again today.

Goal Day 1 & Day 3 of The Tour of Wessex so thats

160 Km on Saturday 28th May, then a rest day and then 171km on Monday 30th May.

[rob13]

Well it ****ed down today and the wind was howling. Still awaiting the last bits of kit to get me on it but hopefully should turn up tomorrow

Incidentally, I bought myself one of those pocket rocket pumps so I can use it roadside but thought that I would inflate them at home with my car compressor, until I realised I dont have a presta attachment for it!

How do you guys know what pressure you're running when pumping it up after a puncture by the roadside? Is it just on finger pressure?

[fizzwheel]

How do you guys know what pressure you're running when pumping it up after a puncture by the roadside?

I dont !

I pump it up as hard as I can get it with the little hand pump and then ride home on whatever pressure it has in it. As long as the tyres not squirming around on the rim then that'll do me to get me home.

[maviczap]

I dont !

I pump it up as hard as I can get it with the little hand pump and then ride home on whatever pressure it has in it. As long as the tyres not squirming around on the rim then that'll do me to get me home.

+1 and I usually head straight home, as I've only got one spare inner tube

[Luckypants]

I dont !

I pump it up as hard as I can get it with the little hand pump and then ride home on whatever pressure it has in it. As long as the tyres not squirming around on the rim then that'll do me to get me home.

Same, a little double action Blackburn will only get about 80psi in it any way. A lot of the lads carry those CO2 canisters to inflate the tyre after a puncture. Ron had his done in about 5 minutes on Saturday.

[Luckypants]

Gotta love Wiggle, ordered yesterday lunchtime, delivered 10:00 am today with the post. :D

[northwind]

How do you guys know what pressure you're running when pumping it up after a puncture by the roadside? Is it just on finger pressure?

Yup, highly calibrated thumbs. I don't worry about it too much generally though, as long as it feels alright.

[maviczap]

Gotta love Wiggle, ordered yesterday lunchtime, delivered 10:00 am today with the post. :D

Yep, although one minor complaint, where have the free packets of Haribo bears gone. Haven't had any with my recent orders :(

[Jabba]

Yep, although one minor complaint, where have the free packets of Haribo bears gone. Haven't had any with my recent orders :(

the recession has driven them into the woods :thumbsup:

[fizzwheel]

I've had all sorts of Haribo from them and very welcome it was to.

An order I placed a while ago had some "For Goodness Shakes" recovery drink satchet inside the box.

Wiggle's delivery sounds like its back to where it should be, went off par a little while ago.

*Must not look at wiggle website, must not look at wiggle website, must not look at wiggle website*

[northwind]

They sent me tangfastics once, I felt like complaining

[maviczap]

I've had all sorts of Haribo from them and very welcome it was to.

An order I placed a while ago had some "For Goodness Shakes" recovery drink satchet inside the box.

Wiggle's delivery sounds like its back to where it should be, went off par a little while ago.

*Must not look at wiggle website, must not look at wiggle website, must not look at wiggle website*

Me too, must have been a promotional gimic from 'for Goodness shakes'

Worked cos I bought a box of strawberry ones :rolleyes:

Are Haribo bears the new secret energy snack :p

[fizzwheel]

I looked at the wiggle website. They have the Mavic shoes in stock that I want to replace my battered Northwaves... I shouldnt have looked...

:-(