The Cycling Thread

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by carelesschucca

Matt, I had a Pedal Spanner but it wasn't budging, my old man and I rounded the inside allen key trying to get it off and unfortunately my old man stripped some skin off his fingers.

Talking tools I have £30 left in my Christmas budget so was thinking about getting The Bike hand Shimano tool kit from the gaffer, but I don't know how much of it I'd use...

If I wasn't going to get the tool kit what would you guys get for £30???

There's a few things in it, you wont use, but for the price its got everything you'd need

Today was the first that I've given the fixie a decent run. About 80km out and back on flat roads spinning 74 gear-inches at 90-120rpm.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I bit off too much for the first ride and as a result I'm a little sore. Ultimately I don't want to be riding it that far either... but if I'm on the flat I won't have an excuse not to ride it either. It's main purpose is to improve my pedalling (fixed wheel highlights deficiencies in real time) and that can be done on shorter afternoon rides.

I'd post a pic, but it's probably not worth it after the last effort.

It's based on this... Mine's silver with a black SRAM group...


Image pilfered from here: http://www.llewellynbikes.com/HTML/L...nBicycles.html

Speaking of weather... I just got word that it's a 5am start and back by 9am tomorrow with temperatures expected to reach 42C.

[maviczap]

Feck off, its 10 deg here

[carelesschucca]

I'm starting to go off that Mattcollins fella. It's only 4 degree here blowing a gale and very wet. Thankfull I managed to get out on Thursday. dunno what's changed but I'm guessing I need to go searching for a new saddle. Two days later I can still feel the sore bones... It's weird I've been fine with it until now. There's been a whole lot of research done in the last two days.

Still hoping to get out tomorrow despite the derriere.

I was saying it was going to be too hot!!! It's actually fairly dangerous.

4C... 10C... that is quite pleasant when working hard. I'd give the gales and rain a miss though.

Dean, before buying a new saddle, try tweaking the angle a bit... about 1mm at a time at the nose.

[maviczap]

Yep, if youve got a spirit level make sure its level or slightly nose down.

Saddles are a very personal thing, one will suit one person, and won't suit another. Im using a Fizik Aliante versus on all my bikes, as I've found it pretty comfortable, not super comfortable, depends which bike im riding, as each bike has its own characteristics.

Some makes have test models available to test at dealers. Dont assume because it has lots of padding it will be super comfortable.

Also do you use chamios cream on your seat pad of your shorts? Makes a difference to soreness, post ride.

Also sudocream helps out post ride too, not kidding either.

Matt, agreed 42 would be dangerous, but setting out in mild temps in short sleves and shorts, is better than full winter kit and mudguards

[pookie]

The best seat I have is a £5 clearance from halfords. I have a max flow gel one and measured my sit bones and it was better than previous seats but still not as good as my favourite. Nice shorts helps a bit too.

I was hoping the gales may help with some KOMs but realistically i'm in hibernation / bike hunting

[carelesschucca]

I was wearing winter leggings with a decent gel pad. The seat is really quite soft at the back end but it's never caused issues before, weird it's like changing the pedals has brought on lots of new issues. I had to lift the seat about 10mm and my feet felt way closer together so I've moved the cleats toward the inside of the shoes. reading up on correct seat placement I need to move the saddle back as my knees are way ahead of the pedal axis.

This whole thing is so blooming complicated, but it's enjoyable doing some learning.

what is nice is there are a lot of people advising Fizik seats when I spent about an hour on their website last night playing with their custom seat designs.

[maviczap]

Think I've got a spare Aliante Versus if the Fizik site advises you its suitable for you.

Welcome to try it out on loan Careless

I've also got loads of Sudocream, as my missus bought a load for some unknown reason, as both kids are well beyond needing it for nappy rash