The Hybrid Thread

I see there's a MTB thread........ but what about a thread for those who don't ride a MTB? Normal bikes, I mean

I'm getting back into cycling after a long (20 year) break, going on a trip with 21 other "gentlemen of a certain age" from Barnstaple back to Cardiff at the end of this month. The Surfer's will smile when I say that we're starting at The Red Barn

Needed a new bike, so bought a Carrera Crossfire 2 a couple of weekends ago. Seems okay to me, but what do I know?

Anyway, desperately trying to get back up to speed so all advice and hints welcome (except "should have got a MTB", of course )

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Jabba

(except "should have got a MTB", of course )

Should have got a proper road bike

OK basics to think about...

Comfort - So look for some proper cycling shorts and a top, you dont have to go full lycra, if you get MTB style baggies you'll get the benefit from the padded insert without the tight fitting look. Tis much comfier on your bottom that way.

Hydration - what are you going to drink and how are you going to carry it

What pedals are you using, or are you just going to use normal flat pedals and trainers ? trainers is fine, but you'll find life a little easier with some proper cycling shoes and clipless pedals, ( google for SPD )

I take it you have a helmet, if not its IMHO a wise investment

Puncture repair kit and tyre levers and a small pump is also a good idea on a long ride, unless you have a support vehicle ?


www.wiggle.co.uk is a good place to look if you want to spend some hard earned on essentials...

HTH, enjoy the burger at the Red Barn

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Should have got a proper road bike

Man, was i tempted.... but a reality check stopped me!

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Tis much comfier on your bottom that way.

So you're saying that my ar$e isn't padded enough already? Thank you

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Hydration - what are you going to drink and how are you going to carry it

What pedals are you using, or are you just going to use normal flat pedals and trainers ? trainers is fine, but you'll find life a little easier with some proper cycling shoes and clipless pedals, ( google for SPD )

I take it you have a helmet, if not its IMHO a wise investment

Got a 600ml water bottle for the bike. There will be a support vehicle on the ride itself and a plentiful supply of Gatorade (13 bottles each for 4 days).

I'm okay on the pedals/footwear front and have a new lid.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Puncture repair kit and tyre levers and a small pump is also a good idea on a long ride, unless you have a support vehicle ?

Sorted!

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

www.wiggle.co.uk is a good place to look if you want to spend some hard earned on essentials...

HTH, enjoy the burger at the Red Barn

Cheers - good link

I think I still have the picture of the "Mogs Burger"......

Thanks for the advice

PS: I see that Halfords have increased the price of their Carrera bikes inn the last few days (10% in some cases).

[anna]

mmmmmmmmmmmm Red Barn Burgers mmmmmmmmmmmmm

opps sorry for derail

That Mogs Burger:

[Spiderman]

Only advice i can give after seeing that pic is to try and stay off the burgers for the next couple of weeks

[Jayneflakes]

The Crossfire is a great bike, suited to comfortable day long use and still light enough that you can do good mileage with out getting exhausted.

Don't forget to carry a spare tube or two, just in case you are the only guy running 700x35 tyres. Tyres should just pop off easily if you do get a flat. If you are covering a big distance over several days, check your bike gears and clean/oil your chain if it gets grimy/dry/claggy.

A frame mounted bottle is fine, other options are a camelback if you want to carry more fluids. If you are using energy drinks in your bottles or bladders, make sure you clean them well after every use. That stuff is a great medium for bacterial growth and food poisoning on a bike is nasty.

Cycle shorts are a great investment and prevent chaffing of your delicate parts. A small pot of lip balm or vaseline may be of use if you develop a sore spot. Trust Aunty Jayne, she knows what she talks about.

[dizzyblonde]

my other half had an old Saracen killi racer. He pulled it out a few months back after ten years in his parents garage.
He raided ebay and put on a set of Marozzochi forks, Pulstar wheels with Marvic rims, Middleburn cranks and few other bits n bobs. A retro classic lol. All in all he spent about 250 quid putting it back on the road. If he'd have bought it new it would probably be about 1500. You can make them better I suppose, if you know what to look for. And yes I know its an MTB, but I suppose you could do it with any.

Originally Posted by Jayneflakes

The Crossfire is a great bike, suited to comfortable day long use and still light enough that you can do good mileage with out getting exhausted.

That's what I concluded and why I bought it. Thanks for the reassurance

Originally Posted by Jayneflakes

Don't forget to carry a spare tube or two, just in case you are the only guy running 700x35 tyres. Tyres should just pop off easily if you do get a flat. If you are covering a big distance over several days, check your bike gears and clean/oil your chain if it gets grimy/dry/claggy.

Gonna put a pair of seal-sealing tubes in the support vehicle

Originally Posted by Jayneflakes

A frame mounted bottle is fine, other options are a camelback if you want to carry more fluids. If you are using energy drinks in your bottles or bladders, make sure you clean them well after every use. That stuff is a great medium for bacterial growth and food poisoning on a bike is nasty.

Good tip.

Originally Posted by Jayneflakes

Cycle shorts are a great investment and prevent chaffing of your delicate parts. A small pot of lip balm or vaseline may be of use if you develop a sore spot.

Some of the lads are taking a tube of Metanium. 'nuff said