The Cycling Thread [Archive] - Page 8 - SV650.org

maviczap

13-01-11, 08:16 PM

Despite the forecast saying heavy rain all day, the day dawned sunny & 12deg

So went out for a great ride, purposely choosing a harder route than Monday, which also was better as it was better that I had a tail wind home, which is not always the case. :smt023

So much so, I was able to ride 50t big ring all the way home. Compared to last year, I'm out on the road earlier, and I'm as fit. So once the warmer weather gets here I'll be well ahead compared to last year. :D

I wasn't cold today either, which does help. Plenty of puddles and mud, my overshoes were covered in mud spatter after my 2 hour ride :p

Beats sitting on the turbo in the garage

metalmonkey

13-01-11, 11:16 PM

Well I went to the cycle show today in London, part of the international boat show...

Well they wasn't much on sale at all, I was after a track pump for sale price nothing, not many bargins at all! Wasn't very busy either oh well I had a fun:D Though I decided the bike for £8000 there abouts was a bit much!

Yes Wiggle is evil, must hide credit card! Its meant to rain for the best part of the next days alot joy!

Luckypants

13-01-11, 11:20 PM

metalmonkey

13-01-11, 11:53 PM

Our local pate company was there (I get their FaceBook feed...) Patchwork Pate, I hope you sampled it cos its delicious. Not much doing on the bike front though by the sound of it.

Weather for next few days not looking good, got two rides at the weekend as well :( Well at least I'll get a chance to try out my latest wiggle purchases. :smt023

Nope I didn't find them, however I did find enough samples to keep me going through the day:smt033 which was nice. Yes I felt the show was missing something, there didn't seem a be a great deal going on. Myself I wanted to see boats, bikes and kit aimed at regular people what I would imagine using day to day and on a trip.

There were too many stands trying to selling hoildays, useless products the crazy girl on Blacks stand needs a mention she looked a like a disturibued clown, I ran!

Thought I did try out stand up paddle boards which was a fun.

However the rain won't bother me too much from tomorrow till Monday I'm gonna be flat out.

rob13

20-01-11, 12:04 AM

Well had a big issue with getting air into my tyres. Bought a Pocket Rocket mini pump and Ive struggled to get more than 60-70psi in it. Every time it seems to reach that point, it seems to become very sensitive with the position I'm holding it and lets air out of the valve. I've tried moving about but with no luck. Not sure if its a faulty pump but i'm not too confident in case of a puncture.

Bought a track pump, loaded 100psi into each tyre and set out today for the maiden voyage. As it was gone 3pm, I only managed 15 miles at just under 15mph before darkness set in. Provided that measly mileage doesnt cause me any muscle tiredness tomorrow, I should be good to go for a 30 miler. I plan to work on my distance until I can confidently do 60 miles (hoping to have this under my belt by end of April)

Luckypants

20-01-11, 12:07 AM

Bought a Pocket Rocket mini pump and Ive struggled to get more than 60-70psi in it.

Thats pretty much all you will get in with a small hand-pump. It's enough to let you complete your ride, but extra effort needed due to a softer tyre. Not sure if those CO2 canisters are any better, but lots of the guys I ride with use them.

fizzwheel

20-01-11, 08:32 AM

maviczap

20-01-11, 08:34 AM

And worse case scenario is you go out without any means of inflating your tyres :p

rob13

20-01-11, 09:37 AM

Agree with Mike, 60 - 70psi is all you'll get with a hand pump, but its enough to get you home / complete your ride and thats all its intended for. The canisters are better, but if you use them all up and then get another puncture then you are screwed unless you have a pump as well.

Thats why I didnt get a Co2 system. I figured that punctures seem to be regular features of road riding which would mean having to buy canisters on a regular basis.

Luckypants

20-01-11, 10:03 AM

You can reduce the number of punctures by your tyre choice. I was advised to get Continental Ultra Gatorskin tyres by my riding friends when I started, the whole group use them. In over 1K miles last year I only witnessed one puncture (last week), apart from the pinch puncture I got from riding over a big rock, which I could have avoided by paying attention. I'm sure there are other 'strong' tyres about, but these seem to work well.

fizzwheel

20-01-11, 10:19 AM

I havent had a puncture in well over 1500 miles of cycling.. heres a few tips, ( though saying that I bet I get one now ! )

As Mike says, use a decent tyre. I'm on Continental GP4000S which is a lightweight race tyre, again had no trouble.

Decent inner tubes, again I run continentals

Make sure the rim tape on your wheels is in good condition

Keep your tyres pumped up at the correct pressures.

Check them regularly, first sign of wear or tear or they look like they are getting near to the end of their life then replace them.

Watch where you ride, i.e. dont ride in the gutter / close to the kerb where all the rubbish collects as thats where things hide that will puncture your tyres.

Reeder

20-01-11, 10:47 AM

You guys are making me want to buy a bike ready for summer :(

Luckypants

20-01-11, 10:49 AM

Check them regularly, first sign of wear or tear or they look like they are getting near to the end of their life then replace them.

Ooops, guess what I forgot to order from CRC this week! The rear is nicely squared off so is probably thin in the centre - sound familiar?

EDIT: Just ordered another Conti Ultra Gatorskin http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-ultra-gatorskin-road-tyre/

northwind

20-01-11, 11:56 AM

Some portable pumps will get you up to 100, but they're usually pretty bulky, something like a Lezyne HP Drive maybe.

My shock pump would get you up to 400psi but it'd take a while :D

rob13

20-01-11, 01:55 PM

Well I have continental ultra sports on mine at present. One thing you do notice is the state of the roads on a road bike. Blimey, there are some poor surfaces out there at present and I cant see them improving much this year..

maviczap

20-01-11, 11:13 PM

Yep, another Continental fan here, got the same Gatorskins as LP, same price too

Although I've been riding around on some Hutchinson's, only one puncture last summer on these and good grip rain or shine

maviczap

21-01-11, 07:00 PM

Here's a site that was recommended in Micromart this week. Don't know how good it is but for whats its worth

http://www.cptips.com/

Plus another one I'd recommended to Paul the 6th in his other thread

http://www.mapmyride.com/

Feeling a bit sad, as one of my old club rivals passed away the other day. When I was in my prime in my 30's he was still competative in his late 50s early 60's, certainly at 25mile distance. He didn't let me win my club's 25 championship easily, so it all added to the spice of TT's and gave me times to chase.

He must have been in his 70's, but I still saw him out on the roads last October. RIP JT

Tim in Belgium

21-01-11, 08:40 PM

Anybody had any experience of Ribble Carbon bikes?

Their packages look great value and I'm tempted over a large non-UK brand...

Anything to be aware of?

maviczap

21-01-11, 08:48 PM

One of my contacts has their Sportive model and rates it very highly.

I would have probrably bought one, if I hadn't picked up my Wilier dirt cheap

Luckypants

22-01-11, 12:05 AM

A riding mate got one at the back end of the summer (Gran fondo I think) with all the bells and whistles. It's a lovely looking bike and he says it rides very well. He is the only person I know with one of their carbon bikes, I know several with metal framed bikes - they are happy with their purchases. At their current prices they are very good value.

mattSV

22-01-11, 10:42 AM

Anybody had any experience of Ribble Carbon bikes?

Their packages look great value and I'm tempted over a large non-UK brand...

Anything to be aware of?

Ribble have always had good rep - another one to consider is Planet X (http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/bikes)

You get a lot of bike for £1k:-

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/imgs/products/440x380_constWH/CBPXSLPSP_P3.jpg

I bought one three years ago - carbon frame/forks, Ultegra groupset, bladed spokes etc. Weighs about 7kg, I think the new 'nanolights' are even less!

Jabba

22-01-11, 01:29 PM

I'm on Continental GP4000S which is a lightweight race tyre, again had no trouble.

Decent inner tubes, again I run continentals

Ditto on both counts. No punctures since swapping to them from Ultra Sports. Fabulous tyres, last well, grip well and roll well too. Highly recommended (by me at least) - I'm highly unlikely to swap to a different tyre now.

fizzwheel

22-01-11, 01:48 PM

I'm highly unlikely to swap to a different tyre now.

I tried some Ultremo's last year, which rolled alot better than the Continentals did, but they didnt last as long.

I want to try some Vittoria Open Pave Evo CG's next just to see if they live up to the hype they get...

Paul the 6th

22-01-11, 02:51 PM

hiya guys, cycling thread noob here - just wondering how long it takes for saddle sore to stop showing up when you first get into riding properly?

I went out on thursday and covered about 7ish miles on my hardtail (specialized hardrock sport disc '09) with the standard seat - looks cool, but my oh my, my arsh hurt afterwards:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c5nU_S1VtbY/TTrt8lKkpFI/AAAAAAAAESI/ZhUwh3MWvec/s720/photo.JPG

Then yesterday I cycled to the bike shop and home again on standard seat (2.5 miles), before remembering the gel seat donated by a friend was in the garage. Having arrived back at home I switched the two seats over and headed off up the river into the middle of nowhere (googlemaps is showing 10.5ish miles roundtrip) on the gel seat... My backside still hurts though - thinking it's because I've done the damage on the hard seat, and then going out immediately after on a gel seat isn't going to make much difference? I know it doesn't look half as good, but I don't want destroyed body bits putting me off at an early stage :)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c5nU_S1VtbY/TTrt_DrZI0I/AAAAAAAAESQ/2uBhOypmkBI/s720/photo.JPG

maviczap

22-01-11, 03:46 PM

Paul,
Get yourself some proper shorts, or liners with a padded insert for a start, that'll help.

For after ride soothing, go buy some Sudocream. Its for babies bums, but it has a local anesthetic which will ease the pain.

But you've probrably bruised you're sit bones, or around that area, so its going to hurt for a while until the bruising subsides.

I did this last year, after returning to cycling after a 10 year gap. I rode on what I thought was the most comfy of saddles, but my **** had forgotton what it was all about.

I the long term your standard saddle might be more comfy, but they take a while to break in, but its a very personal thing, some saddles suit some folk, some don't.

Some saddles are never going to be comfy.

As you bought a Specialized go back to the Specialized dealer and find out if they do the sit bone measurement, as Specialized do saddles in various widths.

But as a starter get the Sudocream and wack it on and give your **** a couple of days off

Paul the 6th

22-01-11, 04:01 PM

nice one zap cheers mate - will go whack a bit of sudocrem on now actually.

It's not that bad, just about 2 inches either side of the gooch (for want of a better word - perenium iirc?) the skin is sore and the tissue underneath feels bruised.

Cycling shorts are next on the list - will pop round to evans york tomorra if I can :)

will report back as to how I get on.

maviczap

22-01-11, 04:35 PM

It's not that bad, just about 2 inches either side of the gooch (for want of a better word - perenium iirc?) the skin is sore and the tissue underneath feels bruised. .

Yep thats where your sit bones are, mine were a bit sore last week after my first rideout since November.

Was out this afternoon, cold toes, nothing worse

maviczap

22-01-11, 04:40 PM

Cycling shorts are next on the list - will pop round to evans york tomorra if I can :)

Evans should have the device for measuring the distance between your sit bones.

You'd think this saddle was like sitting on a razor blade, but its all day comfy really. Hardly any padding, but Titanium rails, Carbon seatpost & a carbon frame take all the sting out of the road

http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=501&pictureid=4524

fizzwheel

22-01-11, 04:52 PM

Saddles are a really personal thing where comfort is concerned, it does take time to break a new one in as well.

Decent Quality cycling shorts plus chamois creme will make a big different to your personal comfort.

Quiff Wichard

28-01-11, 11:43 AM

aye up you leg shaving Lycra clad boys ... !

well. I had the Sigma cycling team in the hotel last night and had a good chat to them at breakfast .. Boy they can eat some porridge and fresh fruit and cereal them boys.. then they went and got changed and got their bikes.. they took them in to their rooms with them they are so precious.. I got a good few pics will pop them up soon..

they are training at mo-- just a small ride from Crewe here to Aberystwth (sp) in mid wales .small !!!! 105 miles !!!!! . then to llandudno Tommorow 90 miles ! through snowdonia national park... then back here ..(a mere 70 miles llandudno to crewe) then Tuscany next week.. oh what a life they have .

really nice lads.. at breaky in their jeans n stuff.. but then when they appeared in the lycra thermal suits and hats n glasses and gloves n shoes etc with the bikes.. Athletes for sure..

I asked if I could take some pics they said no prob.. I said not for me I dont know who any of you are .. you mean nothing to me but some of my mates might be impressed.. .. (oops no one laughed) ..

but all good.. nice sunny but nippy and dry day today so they should have a good ride to aber.

Luckypants

28-01-11, 11:50 AM

aye up you leg shaving Lycra clad boys ...

does anyone on here actually do this? :D

Waiting for pics Quiff.

fizzwheel

28-01-11, 11:53 AM

does anyone on here actually do this? :D

And if they do will they admit to it :D

Quiff Wichard

28-01-11, 11:57 AM

pics uploading..

i dont know any of them.. nice vans n cars though ,, names on themm and names on the bikes.. and funny pink liquid in the drinking bottles.. and they all had fruit and double portion porridge and cereals.. and orange juice not an egg or bacon bap in sight.. the main man was in at 6 preparing some sandwiches for a quick lay by stop he said .. and they took a flask of coffee and one of hot water .. so not a lot for 100 mile ride.. maybe they have energy bars..

they might come near yours Mike.. they set off from here at 9.30 .. they prob nearly at aber now.. !!?? na be about another hour wont they

maviczap

28-01-11, 12:02 PM

does anyone on here actually do this? :D

Waiting for pics Quiff.

Used to :D when I deadly serious about my racing, as made applying and removing embrocation easier. Plus you were frowned upon by the club elders if you didn't :p. Not now
http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=501&pictureid=5227

Nice legs :) 4th in this 25 mile TT

http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=501&pictureid=5228

Quiff Wichard

28-01-11, 12:51 PM

ok.. no doubt these will mean something to you lot.. jsut a bunch of blokes to me,,

6am on the car park

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1125.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1126.jpg

after breakfast all the bikes came out of the rooms in to reception.. still locked together..

no doubt chains n cogs n stuff all very interesting to you all.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1127.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1128.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1129.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1130.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1131.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1132.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1133.jpg

Quiff Wichard

28-01-11, 12:53 PM

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1134.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1135.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1136.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1138.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1139.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1140.jpg

Quiff Wichard

28-01-11, 12:58 PM

this about ten past nine now they set off at 9.30

all had brand new helmets as they took them out of the boxes and left the boxes here for us to chuck ..

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1141.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1142.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1144.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1146.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1148.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1150.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1152.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1155.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1156.jpg

maviczap

28-01-11, 01:13 PM

Yep thats Matt Stephens, classy rider

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/sigourneysbeaver/cycling%20team/IMG_1156.jpg

Quiff Wichard

28-01-11, 01:18 PM

ah- I asked if I could take pics over near the van... one of the riders asked this man.. he said yea it ok cos I goin over there.. .. so I took me pics but grabbed one of him on way back maybe he dont like his pic taken.. he looked older than the others.. no offence to him they all look about 19

maviczap

28-01-11, 01:22 PM

Yep, Matt's one of the elder statesmen of the sport, he's been around for ages. I didn't think he was still racing.

I know he joined the Police! Not sure if he still is?

Quiff Wichard

28-01-11, 01:24 PM

ah my general manager said one of them is a copper and lives in.. said his address.. and it my estate .. so is he from Crewe?

maviczap

28-01-11, 01:25 PM

Yep, pretty sure he's from up your way

Quiff Wichard

28-01-11, 01:27 PM

wiki says he is 40

Quiff Wichard

28-01-11, 01:28 PM

aha yes he is..

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Cycling-Stephens-targets-Tour-Britain/article-1678679-detail/article.html

maviczap

28-01-11, 01:33 PM

wiki says he is 40

Old for a Pro cyclist, although he's semi pro.

Lance Armstrong will be 40 this year and he retired once, and he's just retired again

rob13

28-01-11, 01:55 PM

maviczap

28-01-11, 03:53 PM

Maviczap, maybe you could tell me this - in TT photos, why do the riders always seem to be at the front of their saddles, and they always seem to have the saddle lower? It looks like the leg is still quite bent at bottom of the pedal stroke. I know you're not there in either of those photos but couple of others I've seen look like theyre perched right forward?

Rob, I always had my saddle set at the same height on my road & TT lo pro, as having different saddle heights could give you back problems.

Well that was the thinking, but I learnt recently that a TT bike should have the saddle set lower & further back? Probably something to do with using the big muscles in your behind to push a bigger gear and its better for a flat back and aero dynamics.

I found that in short distance TT's I would creep forward on the saddle as I got over the gear, probrably because I ride with a higher cadence and I can't roll out a big gear.

My saddle height was set using the 0.885 x my inside leg in cm. Which I've always found to be a comfortable height. I'm not helped by having one leg shorter than the other.

I've never ridden with a straight leg at the bottom of the pedal stroke, it think you should always have some bend in the leg or you'll hurt your knees & ligaments.

. I know you're not there in either of those photos ?

It is me:)

rob13

29-01-11, 12:16 AM

Rob, I always had my saddle set at the same height on my road & TT lo pro, as having different saddle heights could give you back problems.

Well that was the thinking, but I learnt recently that a TT bike should have the saddle set lower & further back? Probably something to do with using the big muscles in your behind to push a bigger gear and its better for a flat back and aero dynamics.

I found that in short distance TT's I would creep forward on the saddle as I got over the gear, probrably because I ride with a higher cadence and I can't roll out a big gear.

My saddle height was set using the 0.885 x my inside leg in cm. Which I've always found to be a comfortable height. I'm not helped by having one leg shorter than the other.

I've never ridden with a straight leg at the bottom of the pedal stroke, it think you should always have some bend in the leg or you'll hurt your knees & ligaments.

It is me:)

I meant the pedal stroke :D I'll have to try that calculation to see how accurate I am to my stroke. I need the ice to clear before I'll head out again

maviczap

29-01-11, 09:13 AM

I meant the pedal stroke :D I'll have to try that calculation to see how accurate I am to my stroke. I need the ice to clear before I'll head out again

Ah, I see Rob. No, I don't straighten my leg.

When you do the calculation the seat height is measured from the centre of the crank, not from the pedal

So mine is always 75.5cm

Quiff Wichard

29-01-11, 09:01 PM

just watchin question of sport .. Hugh Dennis the comedian on.. they say he finished the Tour de France once ??

maviczap

29-01-11, 09:44 PM

Just one stage of the Tour Quiff, the Etape du Tour, its usually run the day before the race runs through the stage. But its a feckin hard event, my mate has done 3 and spends 6 months training for it.

Its well organised, closed roads, food stops and transport for you if you give up.

Here's the article about Hugh's preparation

http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2007/03/18/5140/dennis_on_tour_(de_france)

Quiff Wichard

29-01-11, 10:09 PM

aha - ta .. interesting

metalmonkey

30-01-11, 04:47 PM

Went for a ride today did about 20 miles, did a few laps around Richmond Park which was busy.

I got about 2 hours out, came home when it started to get colder, I got cold feet! I have managed to get myself quite a nasty cold, which isn't helping my breathing how do you all manage that?

Off swiming in a few minutes, hopefully the steam room will be working:D I thought it was fault it was closed after having a nose bleed was quite a bit of blood! Turns out it was just broken, phew not my fault.

maviczap

30-01-11, 09:56 PM

I got about 2 hours out, came home when it started to get colder, I got cold feet! I have managed to get myself quite a nasty cold, which isn't helping my breathing how do you all manage that?.

Have you got some windproof shoe covers, that can help stop getting cold feet. Even a plastic bag over your toes can help, as its mostley your toes getting cold.

Neoprene or windproof covers are the best, but even I get cold feet in these.

Make sure your shoes (or straps) aren't too tight.

My golden rule is not to cycle with a cold, unless I feel well enough :p

If you feel its above the neck, then you should be fine, but I read somewhere that if its in the neck or below then you should not exercise until its gone. Something to do with with the virus getting into the heart muscles. Could be bunkum, but I can't see the point of trying to exercise if you're that i'll, you do more harm than good

metalmonkey

30-01-11, 10:05 PM

I feel okay just bunged up some of time more than anything, fever and headaches are long gone. But I'm a little concered about the regular nose bleeds, its never happened before. I'm to the doctor, hopefully they will be a bit more insightful than the last one I saw.

Yeah its the end of toes that were cold, just need covers I think. I need to expand my cycling gear I don't have much of it, but its not cheap for anything that is useful.

rob13

30-01-11, 10:10 PM

Praying for some decent weather later this week as I'm off Thurs- Sun. Been far too icy for me to attempt getting out on the roads these last few days so I'm still only one ride down. I want to be able to put a 30-40miler in to see how I react to it.

Luckypants

30-01-11, 10:47 PM

Was cold but dry yesterday, a lovely ride except that our water bottles froze. Cold is not a problem with decent gear and I'm lucky I have some experienced cyclists to guide me in that regard.

metalmonkey

30-01-11, 10:53 PM

Was cold but dry yesterday, a lovely ride except that our water bottles froze. Cold is not a problem with decent gear and I'm lucky I have some experienced cyclists to guide me in that regard.

What clothing is good for this weather? I just find it all cost so much, need to find a happy balance between the two of them.

Luckypants

30-01-11, 11:04 PM

maviczap

31-01-11, 08:38 AM

OK for warmth yesterday I wore..

Aldi thermal base layer - £7.50
Aldi longsleeve jersey - £10.00
Aldi winter jacket - £15.00
Unbranded thermal socks - £2.00??
Endura thermalite bib tights - £45.00 (and now even more expensive at about £70!!)
Endura neoprene overshoes - £15.00 (now £22.00)
Porelle winter gloves - £25 IIRC
Endura thermalite headband - £8

So when you add it up it is quite a bit, but it does last a while. The Aldi stuff I got when they had their special sale before this winter, but the rest of it I got when I started back cycling about this time last year. All of it is good for several years yet I would say.

Decathlon branded windproof thermal jacket £20
long or short sleeved cycling jersey £20
Berghaus long sleeved thermal top £15
Wiggle branded DHB thermal bib tights £39
Aldi under helment cap & windproof shoe covers £3.99
Thermal socks
Aldi windproof thermal gloves £3.99

When its really cold I'll use a pair of neoprene overshoes, but I've got a couple of Aldi thermal jackets for when the weather warms up at bit.

The Aldi & Lidl cycling stuff will be out on sale soon I guess, as it tends to be punted out every spring. I can't fault it for the money

fizzwheel

31-01-11, 09:44 AM

Mate of mine is selling his Giant SCR 3. Will upload a pic and spec's if anybody is interested...

Luckypants

31-01-11, 09:45 AM

I am looking for a new summer bike Fizz, so I'll take a peek :D

fizzwheel

31-01-11, 10:01 AM

This is the bike, its a Giant SCR2 not a 3 sorry...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/fizzwheel/DSCF5603.jpg

This is the spec

Medium Frame SCR 2

Shifters: Sora 9sp STI
Brakes: Tektro Dual Calliper
Chainset: Tiagra Hollow Tech Compact 50/34
Cassette: SRAM PG950
BB: 105 BB Cups
Wheels: Brand New Pro-Lite Cromo with new tyres.
Forks: Giant Carbon Forks will ALU Stearer.
SeatPost: Ritchey COMP 31.6
Saddle: Charge Spoon cromo rails.
Frame: Giant SCR2

The paint is chipped / scraped on the top tube. Otherwise the bike is in really good condition, the chap that owns it is completely an*l about keeping it clean and maintaining it, it is in tip top condition apart from the scrape on the top tube

He wants £300 for it, but I think he'd negotiate a little on the price.

Luckypants

31-01-11, 10:10 AM

That would be a great first bike. I'm looking for something a bit more exotic though really. Looking for at least 105 groupset but would like Ultegra (still looking in the sales :D ). That's a similar price I paid for my current bike (Trek 1000SL) and similar spec.

fizzwheel

31-01-11, 07:40 PM

Yep that'd make a good first bike for anybody thats after one. He's certainly no slouch on it and it is proof that you dont need the latest thing in carbon bling in order to make good progress !

But my goodness it was bl**dy freezing here today. Cycled to work this morning, then home and back at lunchtime to let the pups out. Then the long way home.

Clocked just under 19 miles today. Hoping to do that all week. Best start to the cycling season I've had all year, hopefully I can keep it up.

rob13

31-01-11, 09:57 PM

Fizz are you doing your mileage in the dark? I'm reluctant to at the moment, particularly with the temperatures so I'm not getting the mileage in like I wanted to.

fizzwheel

31-01-11, 10:05 PM

Fizz are you doing your mileage in the dark? I'm reluctant to at the moment, particularly with the temperatures so I'm not getting the mileage in like I wanted to.

Yep

I have to. I'm commuting on my pusher at the moment. Its fine, I'm cycling along quiet country roads. I have a good front light and two good rear lights and my winter jacket has reflective strips all over it, so do my shoes and cycling tights. I've been reliably informed I do a good impression of a christmas tree in a set of car headlights. Only thing to watch for is pot holes / ice. I'm not doing any great speed just getting some milleage into my legs.

Was bl**dy cold tonight on the way home though...

fizzwheel

31-01-11, 10:09 PM

My front light

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cateye-hl-el610-led-single-shot-plus-front-light/

Then I have an older version of this set to solid on the rear

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/smart-lunar-r1-rear-light/

and one of these that I set to flash

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/blackburn-mars-30-led-safety-rear-light/

I like to have two rear lights just in case one packs up. The smart is verging on offensively bright to car drivers. Its probably a bit to much so I have it angled down a little so I dont dazzle them with it.

Luckypants

31-01-11, 10:43 PM

Anyone know anything about Ribble's Carbon frames? Looking at the Grand Fondo or Sportive. How do they hang together? Well made?

Any experiences would be welcome.

rob13

31-01-11, 11:08 PM

If I was to do darkness, all of my route is well lit by streetlights so I dont need something to see with, but something for others to see me. I might look at the mid range cateye stuff.

fizzwheel

01-02-11, 08:33 AM

Anyone know anything about Ribble's Carbon frames? Looking at the Grand Fondo or Sportive. How do they hang together? Well made?

Any experiences would be welcome.

The chap that is selling his SCR 2 has just bought a Grand Fondo. Had a look at it yesterday and it looks very nice, Frame looks good, he says it rides alot better than his SCR does. He's only had it a few days so no long term opinion yet.

Seem to get a favourable response on the bike radar forum. Although been a few reports that the customer service leaves a little to be desired...

Luckypants

01-02-11, 10:21 AM

Yeah I seen the comments about customer service, but they are close enough to go bang on the desk if it came to that. Their actual bikes seem to be well built and I have seen nothing about problems on that score, the service issue seems to be with the general bike shop and I'd just use wiggle/CRC for mail order.

One of the guys I ride with has a Gran Fondo, but again has only done a few miles (they are on winter bikes now), well specced up with Campag Record and Mavic Carbon Cosmic's. Another guy has the Sportive, which I have not even seen yet. both are very enthusiastic about them, but I wonder how much of that is 'new bike' syndrome?

The Ribbles appeal for the higher front end and longer head tube on these framesets, it's a bike to last me till retirement from cycling so comfort needs to be there. It's also very good value for money, a complete bike starting at £899 but the sky is the limit with the 'bike builder' to allow you to customise your bike.

Any one else got any feedback on these frames?

fizzwheel

01-02-11, 02:05 PM

He's put the Giant up onto Ebay if anybody is interested

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Giant-SCR-Road-Racing-bike-/180619829163?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2a0dc7dfab

maviczap

01-02-11, 03:02 PM

Anyone know anything about Ribble's Carbon frames? Looking at the Grand Fondo or Sportive. How do they hang together? Well made?

Any experiences would be welcome.

Someone I know has got the Sportive and rates it very highly.

I was thinking about one before I got my Wilier

EssexDave

03-02-11, 01:18 PM

Went out for my first ride of the new year yesterday.
Did about 18 miles all in all. (I only started biking and I am a very casual rider at the minute.

It was broken up by a stop in at my dads, but wasn't too cold at all.
thoroughly enjoyed it, however today my rear is a wee bit sore. Was worse this morning but has gotten significantly better now.

Looking forward to getting out some more. Only downside is I now have a puncture to sort out, as 300m from my front door the rear tyre went. :(

maviczap

03-02-11, 08:28 PM

Anyone know anything about Ribble's Carbon frames? Looking at the Grand Fondo or Sportive. How do they hang together? Well made?

Any experiences would be welcome.

There's review of the Ribble Sportive Bianco in this weeks Cycling weekly LP.

It got 10/10

Luckypants

03-02-11, 11:22 PM

Ta will buy the mag, they look good in the white too! :D

Triton

04-02-11, 09:41 AM

woo hoo - new bikes arrived today (http://www.cycle-heaven.co.uk/userfiles/Image/bikes/extra_large/20101022101549_caad-10-105.jpg)- just gotta build em

Weahter ****e though :(

maviczap

04-02-11, 05:40 PM

Sweet :cool:

fizzwheel

04-02-11, 06:04 PM

Gah, all this talk of new bikes is making me want a new one to... I have 4 already... yet I find myself still wanting to upgrade my best bike.

STOP IT WILL YOU !

maviczap

04-02-11, 06:10 PM

Gah, all this talk of new bikes is making me want a new one to... I have 4 already... yet I find myself still wanting to upgrade my best bike.

STOP IT WILL YOU !

Sorry no, because after you posted up your print out from your Garmin, I had to go and buy one :p

fizzwheel

04-02-11, 06:19 PM

I had to go and buy one :p

:D OK you are excused, but can the rest of you stop it please.

What Garmin did you go for ?

maviczap

04-02-11, 06:25 PM

Same as yours, an EBAY purchase, but typically, as soon as I won mine, a 500 sold for £16 more.

But mine came with HR strap, and 2 bike mounts for £100, which was £100 cheaper than new.

I'll test it this week

fizzwheel

04-02-11, 06:51 PM

Thats a good price. Nice one.

EssexDave

08-02-11, 02:04 PM

I'm in need of some advice from you more serious cyclists.

I'm looking at doing both the London to Brighton and London to southend bike rides this year for the british heart foundation, which are at about 52 and 53 miles.

the furthest I have cycled so far in one go is about 26 miles. I'm not unfit, but also not the most healthy person going.

I've got a good idea at what sort of training regime I will follow, but am interested in criticism/advice how to improve on this.

The majority involves: cycling at least 3 days a week to work (8 miles each way)
Once a week do a longer ride, probably starting at aroudn 20-30miles and then trying to build up to the 50 odd mile run.

I'm not great at climbs, as, being only a casual cyclist, I've never really focused on this. My plan is to cycle to the gym - as there is a monumental climb on my way home, and do this at least twice a week.

Is there anything else I should be looking at?
I'd be especially interested to hear if anyone has done something similiar to myself and how they trained.

Luckypants

08-02-11, 02:35 PM

Looks pretty reasonable to me (not a serious cyclist though). I would concentrate on building aerobic fitness first by doing your rides to work and weekends at an easy/moderate pace and build up the miles. 50 miles is relatively easy to achieve. Time in the saddle will give a good a base and build from there. Aim to go over the 50 mile distance when you have built up to it, then start looking to go faster.

Hills can be a sufferfest, but to try to avoid that make sure you use your gears so that you keep the legs spinning rather than trying to horse it up the climb in a big gear. Climbing seated is actually more efficient than standing. If you find that hills are not getting easier with the training you are doing, look into doing a spin class, it made a massive difference to my climbing ability.

fizzwheel

08-02-11, 02:46 PM

I've done a few sportives now. Longest was 106 miles last year.

Your plan is a good one.

Ramp up the milleage by no more than 10% per week. Till you can do roughly 80% of the total distance. If you can do that much you'll do the entire lot.

I like to a week or so before do a practice run that involves doing the entire distance, just so that in my head I know I can do it, but thats a personal thing.

Your plan for hill climbing is correct, the more you ride up hills, the better you'll be at climbing them. I have a route that involves two big climbs in them that I was riding every day in the two months or so before I did my sportive.

Basically it was

Monday to Friday - Ride to work, then cycle long way home in the evenings 25 miles or so each night.

Then big ride on a Saturday, i.e 60 miles then I'd increase that gradually till I was doing 80 or 90 miles. In a day at a good pace for me.

Then I'd take Sunday as a rest day.

I'd vary the tempo of my rides so one day I would spin along at a gentle pace, and then on other days I'd push myself along hard.

Remember taking a rest is just as important as doing the actual training, you'll need to build in recovery / rest time to your schedule. As in your diet and hydration. All this is important when training just as it is during the ride itself.

With regard to climbing. Get yourself into a gear at the bottom that you can use all the way up the climb. Also make sure you bike is geared suitably, if you are pushing a big gear you may find your hurt / damage your knees. Not good. Dont attack the bottom of the climb hard, you will run out of puff halfway up and then you'll be suffering, set a steady pace and maintain it.

On the sportive itself, dont get sucked into riding at your limit right at the start. Remember there will be fitter people than you in the field and if you push to hard to early, you'll suffer for it later. Trust me I know because I've made that mistake myself.

HTH

Luckypants

08-02-11, 02:54 PM

:smt077

This is porn...

http://s.wiggle.co.uk/images/pinarello-fp3-c-2010-zoom.jpg

Also a very good price, but still out of my league :makelurve:

Looks like the Pino is out :( I had a sit and basically the riding position is too sporty for me. This is a race frame geometry and too extreme for the social rides / sportives (possibly!) I'll be doing.

So I'm off up to Ribble cycles on Saturday to get measured and have a sit on their New Sportive and Gran Fondo bikes. Think the order is going in then, I have my spec written out ready! :D

maviczap

08-02-11, 02:55 PM

Your base miles look a bit low at the moment, just build them up gradually, maybe have a longer ride at the weekend to build up your base. You don't neccessarily have to reach 50miles in training, but it'll teach you body how to suffer if you can.

I rarely managed 50 miles in my training, when I was racing, but I still manage to do a 50 mile TT (once!).

To build up your climbing ability do the climb on your route home more than once, but only once you've built up some fitness. If you feel good do it three times!

Don't forget rest is also good, so if you've done a hard session, then have an easy session the day after, or even a day off.

I know there's some steep climbs on the London to Brighton, so when you do the ride, just set your own pace, don't follow the fast guys, as you'll only suffer on the next climb.

maviczap

08-02-11, 03:54 PM

Oh and thanks to Fizz, because I had to go and buy a Garmin after one of his posts, here's todays ride. No HR info, as I'd forgotten to put a new battery in the HR chest strap.

It wasn't a good day, as I did most of the ride using one leg, thanks to a tight hamstring in my left leg, and I found my seatpost had slipped. I knew it had once I got going, but distracted by my leg I carried on.

Still spring is nearly here as the snowdrops are out already, as are a few flies!

Nice aroma of 'land luft' as well

http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=501&pictureid=5261

fizzwheel

08-02-11, 04:05 PM

Sign up for the Garmin Connect website and upload the data off your garmin to that, its much much better in terms of info than the Training Centre software that the garmin comes with in the box.

maviczap

08-02-11, 04:09 PM

Thanks Fizz, mine didn't come with the software, I downloaded the TC software from the site.

Still its facinating stuff.

Hopefully I'll upload a training ride up Alpe d'Huez, its one of my ambitions to do

Luckypants

08-02-11, 04:13 PM

Hopefully I'll upload a training ride up Alpe d'Huez, its one of my ambitions to do

Jeez, us mere mortals train just to ride up Alpe d'Huez! :(

maviczap

08-02-11, 04:20 PM

Jeez, us mere mortals train just to ride up Alpe d'Huez! :(

Well thats what I meant, just ride up it. :D

The climb isn't as tough as some of the others. The first bit is steep, then levels out a bit.
My neighbour did it with his son, when he was 65, and he's quite chunky compared to me. So if he can, anyone should be able to do it.

Might need a triple front to do it though :p