The Cycling Thread

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I would think it probably is the pads TBH.

Best braking increase I ever got was by replacing the standard 105 pads with Koolstops and then again with Swissstops.

105 with swisstops is enough to lock the front wheel if I am hamfisted with the brakes so I never felt I needed anymore braking power TBH.

Don't forget the wheels themselves also make one heck of a difference, I still remember changing from normal braking surface wheels to Mavics with machined braking surfaces on my MTB and it completely changed the braking characteristics, even though I didn't touch anything else.

Of course, then changing the levers from the normal Shimano thingies to Avid SD3.0 took care of the rest...

Of course now I'm lusting over disc brakes, but can't justify the investment.

[maviczap]

There's a big difference between the Ultegra brakes and the Tiagra's. Ultegra have a definite bite to them, with more feel to them.

The Tiagra feeling is more wooden, and certainly less initial bite than the Ultegras.

But its also down to the rim suface as well, my Ultegra brakes are biting on Ultegra wheels, with machined brake surfaces.

The Tiagra are braking on Mavic hard anodised rims, so a bit smoother.

Plus I got some lube or WD40 on the rear which doesn't assist the stopping power, quite the opposite

Talking of brakes I went out with my dad's club last night, then on a reasonable down hill I noticed the back brake lever was coming back to the bar...one of the brake pads had dropped out!!! Managed to stop though (eventually) but it was a bit of a hairy moment...

[maviczap]

Cycling stuff next week at Aldi

I've got a couple of the soft shell jerseys and they're really good for the money

http://uk.aldi.com/uk/html/offers/of...?WT.z_src=main

[Luckypants]

Got a few good rides in over the break and am really enjoying it at the moment. Did a 70 miler that included a climb over Long Mynd, a real tough climb at 20% for over a mile, I was really pleased with how we went (17.5 average) and how I felt afterwards. I paid for it on Saturday though, the climb up The Beast of LLansilin (my first time) finished me and I struggled all the rest of the ride, hiding in the pack from the wind. Got found out on the sprint into Oswestry and threw up on the bike! This cycling lark is hard!

It fascinates me how one day you are on top form then the next you struggle badly, it's not just about being fit it seems but also how you feel.

[fizzwheel]

I've puked on the bike before, not nice...

But I'm picking up my new bike tomorrow, got 1/2 day off work, cant wait.

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

But I'm picking up my new bike tomorrow, got 1/2 day off work, cant wait.

We expect bike porn photos....

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Got found out on the sprint into Oswestry and threw up on the bike! This cycling lark is hard!

It fascinates me how one day you are on top form then the next you struggle badly, it's not just about being fit it seems but also how you feel.

Glad to see you're training hard , yes I've done this, once at the end of a 25, once after a crazy tandem ride in Holland, which was part of an its a knockout type competition. We rode on a typical Dutch sit up and beg bike.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

But I'm picking up my new bike tomorrow, got 1/2 day off work, cant wait.

Yay, yes bike porn required

Went for a ride Saturday, nearly got mown down by a mum in a Zafira who didn't stop at a roundabout.

Went for another ride today, did 45miles, headwind out, mostly tail/side home. But man was it cold, when I got back, my feet were black with frostbite, despite the sun. It may be 14deg, but with the wind chill its much colder.

But I tried my new Fizik saddle and I was very impressed, better than my Specialized, even after nearly 3 hrs in the saddle hardly a grumble, although my cold feet had distracted my mind somewhat



Saw some with the same Ribble as you LP, looked very nice

I bought a new bike today, its for my 4 mile (each way) commute. Its not my only bike but I bought it as its a proper old man bike that i can ride in work clothes.


I've had it decked out with mudguards too, reminds me of the old Raleigh grifter.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by maviczap

Went for a ride Saturday, nearly got mown down by a mum in a Zafira who didn't stop at a roundabout.

Glad that was almost and not a was. If that makes sense.

Oh there will be pictures a plenty. Got my final bike fit booked for 3pm so hopefully will be out of the LBS quite quickly and away for its first spin.