The Cycling Thread

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

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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/event...sportives.html

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

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Originally Posted by robchester

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

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...eferID=googwig

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.

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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

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I bought these bib tights for my winter riding

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-pace-rou...with-pad-2011/

Roubaix weight fabric because I'm a soft southerner

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.

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?

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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