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General => General discussion => Topic started by: dubber36 on 04 February 2015, 08:28
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I know this is a car forum, but I'm sure many of us like to cycle too. Whether it be road, trail, commuting or leisure. Rather than the chat taking over other peoples threads, I thought we ought to have our own place to discuss carbon and lycra.
I started riding again about a year ago, going out on the road on my mountain bike with skinny tyres. This soon got tiresome, so I bought a road bike. I didn't want to go mad, so bought a Giant Defy 2. 3000 miles later and I'm loving it. I was back in the shop yesterday looking for a 'best' bike for summer rides and sportives. I'm pretty sure I'll go for the Specialized Rouabix in a few weeks time. I don't want it just yet as I will be tempted to take it out on crappy roads, and I'm sure my wife won't let me keep it in the living room.
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Nice one dubber. Who doesn't like a bit of cycling :wink:
As you know already, my cycling history is the other way round to yours. Brought up on a diet of Yorkshire cycling as my dad used to race nearly every week (he still gets out on the bike every week aged 78). Family camping holidays were arranged following the Tour de France around. As a child was fortunate to see the great Eddy Merckx take the yellow jersey twice on the Champs Elysee. In my youth I participated in time trialling (mainly 25 milers), and my hero was Bernard (The Badger) Hinault. But now many years later I'm more into Golf GTi's.
But you never lose that love of the two wheels. Current bikes (shared with partner) include carbon fibre Felt F2 road bike, Felt hybrid bike, my trusty Marin Palisades Trail mountain bike and a mid range Orbea road bike which is the workhorse permenantly shackled to a turbo trainer. My partner has really got into cycling over the last few years which kinda rekindled my interest too, and he needs guidance on what's what :laugh: At the moment most of my cycling is weekend family leisure cycling, mountain bike trails etc but like to take it out for a blast to a nearby outdoor track every now and then.
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Hallo everyone I'm new to cycling I've got 2 bikes. A 2012 carve comp and a specialized diverge. I say new I've been doing it for a couple of years and decided after my 3rd back op and being a stay at home pop it was time to get fit. Looking forward to hearing all the tips from you guys who know the ins and outs of this most enjoyable past time allez allez :laugh:
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Has anyone got any events lined up for this year? There are more and more been organised around my neck of the woods.
I did the Ludlow Tors 100K last year, so will do that again. I've also signed up for the Shropshire Hills Challenge in June which is another 100K and will probably have a go at the Welsh Raider in October.
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Not as yet dubber early days but I'm sure I will be doing something this year watch this space. :shocked:
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No plans for any organised events, but never say never.
In the last three years I was 'nearly' persuaded, by my cycling friend, to join her on the John o'Groats - Lands End cycle, and last year the London to Nice cycle, but recognising my fitness shortcomings for such underatakings, common sense kicked in and I declined.
Tbh I'm still more attracted by shorter distances and improving speed rather than epic distances.
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I live right on the box hill Olympic course which was a good ride until the Olympics.
Now its stuffed with ipod posers riding three abreast :cry:
Going to get out in the warmer weather with my brother on our fausto's now I'm down to only a couple of migraines a week
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Has anyone got any events lined up for this year? There are more and more been organised around my neck of the woods.
I did the Ludlow Tors 100K last year, so will do that again. I've also signed up for the Shropshire Hills Challenge in June which is another 100K and will probably have a go at the Welsh Raider in October.
Out of interest, what type of training are you doing, typical distance, duration etc. Any interval training? How often do you manage to get out?
I live right on the box hill Olympic course which was a good ride until the Olympics.
Now its stuffed with ipod posers riding three abreast :cry:
Going to get out in the warmer weather with my brother on our fausto's now I'm down to only a couple of migraines a week
iPods whilst cycling.....Nooo!
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I haven't got any particular training regime, I'm just going out when I get time. Twice a week if possible. The problem with this is I keep upping the distance and climbing without doing quick, short rides in between. I'll be able to do more of this when we get lighter nights as I'll be able to fit in a couple of brisk 15-20 miles after work.
Today I did a 72km ride with 800m of climbing. I really ought to go for a short spin tomorrow, but we"re having the in laws round. Perhaps a turbo would be a worthwhile purchase.
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It sounds like you've got more of a regime going than you may think. Some people hate interval training but I always loved it, short intense bursts, rest, then go again. Change the intensity to suit your needs, fitness level etc. Good for in between the longer steady miles and very beneficial in terms of endurance and strength. Great prep for an event.
Turbo trainers are extremely worthwhile imo. Very convenient when you haven't got much time, it's too dark and/or the weather's really crap. Helps if you have a bike you can leave on it, then no faffing around taking rear wheel and spindle off (not that that's a great hardship), but less excuse not to use it. In winter set up your good summer bike on it, using winter bike for outdoor runs, and vice versa in spring/summer, switch over and stick your winter bike on it. We have mid range Tacx turbo, does the job. There's some decent turbo training dvd's around, hill climb ones etc. Helps you stay motivated and sometimes better than staring a the garage wall. Preferable to watching a film, never been one for watching TV whilst exercising.
I'm out on the mountain bike tommorow, with the family, down to a local country park with an active trail. They also have a 2 mile outdoor track and might take the F2 round the track a few times, if I can be bothered, though that's better saved for a solo visit, with no distractions.
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Looking into getting a garmin 200 what thoughts people :smiley:
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I've got a Garmin Edge 810 and it's really good, but it all depends what you want it to do.
As well as recording my rides and uploading them to Garmin Connect (similar to Strava I guess), it gives me navigation on pre-loaded routes. Basically you can plot a route on the Garmin Connect site by marking points on a map just like Google Maps, then upload it to your device. It will then give you turn by turn navigation instructions. The base maps are pretty rubbish, so it's well worth spending £30 on a UK mapping SD card.
I tried it in the woods last week having pre-loaded a route, but as it didn't recognise any of the tracks as roads, it didn't navigate me. I still recorded my ride tho' so it still got added to my monthly total.
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Cheers for the advice dubber I went out today and lost my ride on strava through accidentally pressing the delete button on my iPhone. Reading into it a bit on the web I might go for the 510 bundle with HR and cadence monitor so I can use it on my turbo. :undecided:
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Got Garmin Edge 500, with cadence. Excellent. They are highly customisable and pretty much does everything dubber says (except his is the fancier version). You can configure the device to show exactly what you want on a number of screens in sequence. Download the Garmin Connect software to your computer and when you've completed you training, run, whatever, it automatically uploads all the info and stats, analysis of your activity. Over time you build up your training history. Also you can disable the GPS and use static on a turbo.
As with a turbo trainer, imo it's a must if you are serious about your cycling.
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I use a basic 50 quid speedo.
Lost too much good stuff in tumbles and to thieves.
Got my holiday planned, pondering doing Ventoux as you can see it from the in laws kitchen. ......
Hire a bike take the day to puff up it a and coast back down or get pissed on Paul Ricard 51 in the sunshine.
:grin:
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I've got my beedy eye on either a garmin edge 510 or the 810 :whistle:
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You know you want the 810
www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Edge-810-Bike-Computer/dp/B00B06J194/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1423738863&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=garmin+edge+810
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Has anyone got any events lined up for this year? There are more and more been organised around my neck of the woods.
I did the Ludlow Tors 100K last year, so will do that again. I've also signed up for the Shropshire Hills Challenge in June which is another 100K and will probably have a go at the Welsh Raider in October.
I did the Shropshire Hills last year, really enjoyed it. We did the 70 mile Route but because my friend is abit crazy we cycled to and from the event, notching up 105 miles / 169km!
Think we are doing it this year but the 100 mile course, driving to and from the event.
Ive got a HOY Sa Calobra .004 11 Speed 2014 Road Bike, which i won in an SIS give away!! nothing fancy but does the job
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I thought the Shropshire Hills was just the one 100K route. There is another ride from Ludlow in October that has a choice of distances as that starts and finishes at the racecourse.
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Honest question here, what's the advantage of having a garmin doofler over a mobile running strava?
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Honest question here, what's the advantage of having a garmin doofler over a mobile running strava?
Not used Strava, so can't compare but reason we opted for Garmin Edge (apart from it having all the desired features) was we knew it would sync seemlessly with the garmin heart monitor we already had. It may have changed but there were difficulties using garmin heart monitor with Strava, I think there was an adaptor you could get but unreliable and the support was not continued, something like that? Plus we already owned the Garmin Forerunner 610 running/cycling watch and foot pod, so were already familiar with the interface. The Foreunner still useful for running but never use the cycling option since getting dedicated Edge cycle computer. It's just not as good, the touch screen is really awkward even for slim fingers. But the Edge is excellent.
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Honest question here, what's the advantage of having a garmin doofler over a mobile running strava?
it kills your mobile battery if you have strava running continually
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The garmin comes with heart monitor and cadence sensor, but the biggest draw its got a massive battery life compared to a smart phone. But if non of those are a concern then there is nothing wrong with just using the app :)
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I thought the Shropshire Hills was just the one 100K route. There is another ride from Ludlow in October that has a choice of distances as that starts and finishes at the racecourse.
I know theres 2 different ones with similar names, the one i refer to is run start to finish from Bridgenorth high town and there are 3 different routes :)
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When is that? I've not seen it on the British Cycling website.
I rode over to Bridgnorth last weekend then over Burwarton to Ludlow then back home.
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The garmin comes with heart monitor and cadence sensor, but the biggest draw its got a massive battery life compared to a smart phone. But if non of those are a concern then there is nothing wrong with just using the app :)
True, if those things are irrelevant and it does the job, then all well and good and money saved :cool:
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When is that? I've not seen it on the British Cycling website.
I rode over to Bridgnorth last weekend then over Burwarton to Ludlow then back home.
organised by these guys
http://www.mamilcycling.co.uk/ (http://www.mamilcycling.co.uk/)
July 5th :smiley:
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This is me on strava https://app.strava.com/athletes/2840484 (https://app.strava.com/athletes/2840484) Could always do with a few buddies, make my activity feed look a little less empty :grin:
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The garmin comes with heart monitor and cadence sensor, but the biggest draw its got a massive battery life compared to a smart phone. But if non of those are a concern then there is nothing wrong with just using the app :)
True, if those things are irrelevant and it does the job, then all well and good and money saved :cool:
Ah, I run a Galaxy note 2 so can quite happily run Strava for 6 hours and still have 50% battery - guess I'm taking this for granted. Would be interesting to monitor cadence but probally not worth £100 to do so :grin:
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Do you need a data connection to run Strava?
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Do you need a data connection to run Strava?
Nope, just GPS. Even when you don't have a great GPS signal (rarely in the UK) it seems to do a good job of making that bit up. It only needs to connect to the web when you upload your data. :smiley:
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Strava currently has premium for free, you do have to enter card details, but once you've done it go to account and choose to not renew or whatever the option is.
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Ah cheers for the heads up Dolly, you have a new follower too. :smiley:
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Ye I'm following as well dolly :laugh:
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Well garmin 510 arrived today fitted speed and cadence monitors to bike just got to figure how it all works :laugh:
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Making sure you increase your distances each month will become addictive.
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Making sure you increase your distances each month will become addictive.
Or your times :wink:
Congrats on your purchase charlie, enjoy :smiley:
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I haven't been on the bikes for a couple of days because of a sore neck so if it's good in the morning I shall have a go on the turbo :laugh:
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Making sure you increase your distances each month will become addictive.
Or your times :wink:
I know that one. I was out yesterday and realised after 37KM that I stood a change of beating my fastest 40KM, so I pushed much harder than someone my age really should and beat it...by 2 seconds.
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Or your times :wink:
I know that one. I was out yesterday and realised after 37KM that I stood a change of beating my fastest 40KM, so I pushed much harder than someone my age really should and beat it...by 2 seconds.
Hey, 2 secs is 2 secs. It all counts. Congrats on your new best 40k time :grin:
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Making sure you increase your distances each month will become addictive.
Or your times :wink:
I know that one. I was out yesterday and realised after 37KM that I stood a change of beating my fastest 40KM, so I pushed much harder than someone my age really should and beat it...by 2 seconds.
quality dubber I'm in between using my mountain bike outside and road bike on the turbo inside so I'm just trying to get my mileage up if my broken down body will start to let me :grin:
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I've been into my favorite shop and ordered this today.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t264/dubber36/Rouabix_zpsceom4vqy.jpg) (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/dubber36/media/Rouabix_zpsceom4vqy.jpg.html)
I'll pick it up next week when I can make time to have a fitting.
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^^
Very nice :cool: Hope your not going to keep that in your garage :grin: Our best road bike still live indoors :whistle:
What's the weight?
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I don't know what the weight is. It will be interesting to put it on the scales. Picking it up, it feels much lighter than my alloy Giant.
I won't be allowed to keep it in the house, so I'm going to make room for it in my office.
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I don't know what the weight is. It will be interesting to put it on the scales. Picking it up, it feels much lighter than my alloy Giant.
I won't be allowed to keep it in the house, so I'm going to make room for it in my office.
It has to pass the one finger test. If you can lift it with one finger from the top tube, then it's light enough :wink:
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I've been into my favorite shop and ordered this today.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t264/dubber36/Rouabix_zpsceom4vqy.jpg) (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/dubber36/media/Rouabix_zpsceom4vqy.jpg.html)
I'll pick it up next week when I can make time to have a fitting.
Me likey lots :laugh:
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I picked up my new bike this morning :smiley: Hopefully I'm going to make a couple of hours to give it a proper test tomorrow...and Saturday...and Sunday. The demo I rode was a 54cm (mine is a 58cm) Even tho' it was a bit on the small side, it felt good, so being on a bike that's the right size should be even better.
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I picked up my new bike this morning :smiley: Hopefully I'm going to make a couple of hours to give it a proper test tomorrow...and Saturday...and Sunday. The demo I rode was a 54cm (mine is a 58cm) Even tho' it was a bit on the small side, it felt good, so being on a bike that's the right size should be even better.
Exciting, hope you like it and as you had it all measured properly it should be the right fit. Though it's interesting how trends change with bike fitment. Years ago the trend was for slightly bigger frames and very short seat posts, now it's more towards smaller frames with a lot of seat post exposed.
Let us know how it rides :smiley:
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My height comes from having long legs, so if I'm on a larger frame, the standover height is fine and the seat post doesn't have to be that far out, but I struggle reaching the hoods. Fit a shorter stem to bring the bars closer but the steering gets too twitchy.
I've got a lot of seat post out on the new bike and it looks even more due to the sloping top tube and relatively short seat tube.
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My height comes from having long legs, so if I'm on a larger frame, the standover height is fine and the seat post doesn't have to be that far out, but I struggle reaching the hoods. Fit a shorter stem to bring the bars closer but the steering gets too twitchy.
I've got a lot of seat post out on the new bike and it looks even more due to the sloping top tube and relatively short seat tube.
Seat tubes tend to be very short on modern road bikes. Aesthetically I prefer more seat post showing but as you say it's the reach and fit that counts. And that's before you get started on saddle adjustments :laugh:
I like the sloping top tube. Mine (our) bike has a relatively straight top tube by comparison, lovely stiff frame though, and lightweight - see pic. Still like to know the weight of yours, think you should hop on the scales with it.
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8645/16105697024_c54ba13a5d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qxcUBs)
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Right, it weighs 9.6kg with a wedge bag, tube, levers and a multitool and a mini pump strapped to the frame. Add another 1.5kg to that when both water bottles are full.
I went out for a good long ride this morning. The ride comfort is superb, those damping inserts in the forks and seat stays really do work. It was much easier to ride that the Giant, it seemed to just flow along with little effort. Well I say little effort. The wind seemed to be blowing from 3 different directions.
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Right, it weighs 9.6kg with a wedge bag, tube, levers and a multitool and a mini pump strapped to the frame. Add another 1.5kg to that when both water bottles are full.
I went out for a good long ride this morning. The ride comfort is superb, those damping inserts in the forks and seat stays really do work. It was much easier to ride that the Giant, it seemed to just flow along with little effort. Well I say little effort. The wind seemed to be blowing from 3 different directions.
Pretty lightweight then. That, combined with a rigid frame make a huge difference to the handling don't you think? A decent bike is well worth the money. The damper inserts sound useful, especially on our woeful roads. Went through loads inner tubes in last couple of years, got a shelf full of them in the bike shed.
The poor roads are what led my other half to buy a hybrid bike (Felt QX75) a few years back - less hard work than a mountain bike (on road) but a bit tougher than a dedicated road bike. Though it's a lovely bike, I've never really liked it, it's neither one thing or the other to me. I prefer the proper road bike and just have to suffer the punctures. The Felt F3 road bike is a dream to ride by comparison, that weighs in just under 7kg and as with yours, just flows along. And for off road, well that's what a mountain bike is for.
Sounds like you're going to be putting it through it's paces this weekend. Now, are you sure 2 full water bottles weigh 1.5kg, maybe you should get them on the scales to be sure :grin: :laugh:
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Now, are you sure 2 full water bottles weigh 1.5kg, maybe you should get them on the scales to be sure :grin: :laugh:
When I went to school, a litre of water weighed 1kg.
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Now, are you sure 2 full water bottles weigh 1.5kg, maybe you should get them on the scales to be sure :grin: :laugh:
When I went to school, a litre of water weighed 1kg.
When I went to school......."litres, kilos, what are these new measurements you speak of?" :grin:
At least I can guess how big your water bottles are now :wink:
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Been using the turbo more than going outside but it's ideal when weathers no good and your looking after a child. Been up to the hr mark a few times but struggle to do longer. Boredom sets in and that is with using a training programme on the iPad :cool:
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Now, are you sure 2 full water bottles weigh 1.5kg, maybe you should get them on the scales to be sure :grin: :laugh:
When I went to school, a litre of water weighed 1kg.
When I went to school......."litres, kilos, what are these new measurements you speak of?" :grin:
At least I can guess how big your water bottles are now :wink:
When you went to school I imagine you zeroed in the beaker, here we need to account for it! :grin:
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I forgot to tell you about my new bike. Well, I say new, it's a late 70's, early 80's Raleigh Europa in need of restoration.
I saw it in the loft of a house I was surveying before Christmas. I went back there last week to do some more work and thought I really couldn't leave it there, so made an offer and bought it for £20. The tyres are perished, but the tubes hold air, so I have been able to ride it up and down the road and am pleased to say that after 35 years in a loft, everything still works.
Pics to follow.
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Here it is
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t264/dubber36/SAM_1033_zpse3w2r3ct.jpg) (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/dubber36/media/SAM_1033_zpse3w2r3ct.jpg.html)
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t264/dubber36/SAM_1035_zpsqebfontc.jpg) (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/dubber36/media/SAM_1035_zpsqebfontc.jpg.html)
How the hell did we used to climb with these gear ratios?
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t264/dubber36/SAM_1034_zpscxhzrpjl.jpg) (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/dubber36/media/SAM_1034_zpscxhzrpjl.jpg.html)
Bikes have moved on a little.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t264/dubber36/SAM_1036_zpsjj09rrft.jpg) (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/dubber36/media/SAM_1036_zpsjj09rrft.jpg.html)
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They have indeed moved on! So what are your plans for it?
I still have fond memories of my original hand built road bike which I stripped down with copious amounts of Nitromors (lethal stuff) and resprayed back in the 80's. I loved that bike with a passion until some theiving bugger nicked it from my student house :angry:
You'll be wanting to build a new fancy bike 'shed' now for your bike restoration project. Or will you evict the Mk2 to make way for this :wink:
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Plans are to strip it and clean it, but leave it with its current patina. It is in extremely good condition. I'm hoping all the new parts it will need will be tyres (tan walls ordered) and cables.
What I'll do with it, I'm not sure. It's just one of those things that's nice to have for nostalgic reasons.
I'd like a bike shed, put I prefer them in the integral garage, as that's part of the house and pretty secure. Space is getting a bit tight in there now, so the Mk2 might have to go and live in my parents garage.
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Plans are to strip it and clean it, but leave it with its current patina. It is in extremely good condition. I'm hoping all the new parts it will need will be tyres (tan walls ordered) and cables.
What I'll do with it, I'm not sure. It's just one of those things that's nice to have for nostalgic reasons.
I'd like a bike shed, put I prefer them in the integral garage, as that's part of the house and pretty secure. Space is getting a bit tight in there now, so the Mk2 might have to go and live in my parents garage.
Be sure to post some more pics up as it progresses.
If space is tight how about something like this, if you haven't already.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-dual-touch-bike-stand/
We've got our bikes on wall mounted brackets and it really does free up space, but could do with something a bit more dedicated so seriously considering this type of thing but sufficient for up to 6 bikes.
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Love the new old bike dubber. :laugh:
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Chain snapped first pedal off the drive, face plant, broken light, went inside opened beer.
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Have slowly got back on it after a break mainly thanks to food poisoning and work ect ect.
Went up the Long Mynd which is in Shropshire for those of you who don't know of a land north of Watford.
Its a road called the Burway and ranks 9/10 on the top 100 climbs (some book i have) According to strava people have done it in 11 minutes, it took me half an hour :laugh:
I mean Holy sh!t, I'm not sure if I ran out of talent or ran out of gears - I suspect the first.
Anyway since that assult the crank is now creaking on my bike so it looks like it needs stripping down and checking out - always good to be tinkering with something :grin:
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I've not riden up the Burway for years. I must try it again soon as it's only 6 miles from me.
I did a 90K ride this morning to get some miles in ready for next weekends Shropshire Highland Challenge. On the way round I passed a few riders on a road section of The Batch Burner. By the puffing and panting that was going on, I'd say their 45K was a lot harder than my jaunt.
As for these Strava times, I wonder how many are actually done in the car.
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Shropshire Highland Challenge all done and dusted yesterday. 104km and 1475m of climbing all done in 4hrs 40mins including stops. Right, what's next?
Oh, and its was also the first recent run out on my new Mavic Kysriums. What a difference a wheel makes. On a 2 mile steady decent that we rolled down without pedaling at around 40kph, I pulled away a good 200m on my mate who is about the same weight as me.
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Shropshire Highland Challenge all done and dusted yesterday. 104km and 1475m of climbing all done in 4hrs 40mins including stops. Right, what's next?
Oh, and its was also the first recent run out on my new Mavic Kysriums. What a difference a wheel makes. On a 2 mile steady decent that we rolled down without pedaling at around 40kph, I pulled away a good 200m on my mate who is about the same weight as me.
Well done Simon :smiley: It's amazing the speeds you can clock up going downhill! What tyres have you got on? So what is next for you?
Every year my work does a 3 day cycle tour abroad - Netherlands this year. Was tempted but work commitments put paid to that. Need to be fitter anyway.
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Well done Simon :smiley: It's amazing the speeds you can clock up going downhill! What tyres have you got on? So what is next for you?
They came as a wheel/tyre combo and have Mavic Yksion Pro's. They are front/rear specific with a very light directional tread pattern. Oddly the front tyre tread should face what looks like the wrong way round, but after much interneting, the rear goes on as we would fit directional tyres to our cars for traction, and the front goes the 'wrong' way to aid braking.
What's next? Well I have another 100K ride in September, but that doesn't seem much of a challenge now. I'm still going out 2-3 times a week to build up my climbing legs, so perhaps the Alps may beckon next year.
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Well done Simon :smiley: It's amazing the speeds you can clock up going downhill! What tyres have you got on? So what is next for you?
They came as a wheel/tyre combo and have Mavic Yksion Pro's. They are front/rear specific with a very light directional tread pattern. Oddly the front tyre tread should face what looks like the wrong way round, but after much interneting, the rear goes on as we would fit directional tyres to our cars for traction, and the front goes the 'wrong' way to aid braking.
What's next? Well I have another 100K ride in September, but that doesn't seem much of a challenge now. I'm still going out 2-3 times a week to build up my climbing legs, so perhaps the Alps may beckon next year.
Could combine Alps with family summer caravaning holiday? We did that many times when I was a kid (camping) so my dad and his mate could spend their days cycling. Good memories. Or do you fancy a dedicated cycling trip, no family in tow? Do you belong to a cycling club?
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Blimey, so many questions. :grin:
The plan is to have some solo cycling days as part of a family holiday.
I don't belong to a club. There are several local ones, but I haven't joined because I don't like other people.
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Blimey, so many questions. :grin:
The plan is to have some solo cycling days as part of a family holiday.
I don't belong to a club. There are several local ones, but I haven't joined because I don't like other people.
Haha, I'm with you on that one. I used to belong to a club (eons ago) but didn't like it because I'm fundamentally a very anti-social person.
Questions are good though :wink:
Quite a nice thing to plan out a cycling trip, routes, climbs etc.
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Haha, I'm with you on that one. I used to belong to a club (eons ago) but didn't like it because I'm fundamentally a very anti-social person.
Next time we are down in Kent, perhaps we could not meet up, cycle different routes on different days, then chat about them on over a virtual coffee on an internet forum afterwards?
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Haha, I'm with you on that one. I used to belong to a club (eons ago) but didn't like it because I'm fundamentally a very anti-social person.
Next time we are down in Kent, perhaps we could not meet up, cycle different routes on different days, then chat about them on over a virtual coffee on an internet forum afterwards?
Is there any other way :grin:
I have to deal face to face with the public enough in the day job. In my own time I choose to ignore them :laugh:
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I've got to dust off my hybrid bike tonight in prep for a work's team cycle outing tommorow afternoon. Section I work in covers Transport and cycle routes, so we have to lead by example. Do that in my car everyday :grin:
However what started out planned as a 30/40 mile run has turned into a 'let's bike to the nice pub along the river cycle way, have some grub and beers' affair. It's barely 3 miles! At this rate , by tommorow, it'll be a quick cycle turn round the pub car park then beer :laugh:
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Hoping to do a bit more mountain biking this year, so decided it was time to upgrade my old Marin MTB. Ordered a Canyon Grand Canyon AL 29er Hardtail, (very early Christmas present).
It's coming from Germany so maybe they can send it over in the boot of my R - though it's debatable if that'll make it here by Christmas :whistle:
Here it is
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/463/18344592623_5322713c10_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/tX3QgH)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3905/18777559610_86095a9d8f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uBiUgL)
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That looks useful. I prefer a hardtail as a full suspension bike is overkill for the sort of pootling round the forest tracks with the kids we do.
I could really do with a new MTB as my very old Trek 8000 is way too small for me.
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That looks useful. I prefer a hardtail as a full suspension bike is overkill for the sort of pootling round the forest tracks with the kids we do.
I could really do with a new MTB as my very old Trek 8000 is way too small for me.
Yeah, always preferred hard tail for the reasons you state. Full suspension is too bouncy for some scenarios.
I did quite a bit of research, looking at Trek, Vitus and a few others. Almost went for a Vitus Sentier VRS but it had rubbish forks. Toyed very briefly with this on a carbon fibre frame but overkill for my needs, and strangely the more mid range options had better Rock Shox forks. Plus didn't want to go mad with the budget, keeping it around the £900-£1k mark. This is good enough for my needs.
Have you suddenly got taller then Simon or was the Trek always too small, or, have you had it a very, very long time? :laugh:
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I've only got wider, not taller.
I bought the Trek secondhand as it was cheap, but since riding road bikes that I have been fitted for, the old MTB feels very uncomfortable.
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I've only got wider, not taller.
I bought the Trek secondhand as it was cheap, but since riding road bikes that I have been fitted for, the old MTB feels very uncomfortable.
Yes, it would feel very inferior compared to a bike you've been properly fitted for. I had to take a whole load of body measurements yesterday for the new MTB. There was a good video to follow so fingers crossed they are correct. I've done it before and not had any problems with fit.
Got anything particular in mind MTB-wise?
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Well my new Canyon Grand Canyon AL 29 MTB arrived in a big box from Koblenz today. Put on the front wheel, seat and post, handlebars, a set of Shimano clipless MTB pedals and pumped up the tyres, after getting home from work. Then took it out for a quick spin. It's not the prettiest bike I've ever had but first impressions are very good. Surprised how light it is. The gear changes are a dream, smooth and silent. The 29er wheels take a bit of getting used to after a lifetime of smaller MTB wheels but the manoeuvrability is excellent, turns in a tighter circle than I expected. Riding position is good. Need to get it out on some rough terrain very soon. Might post a couple pics up tommorow.
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What sort of gearing has it got? The modern trend seems to be having a pair of tiny front chain rings and a 10/11 speed cassette with a huge range of ratios.
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What sort of gearing has it got? The modern trend seems to be having a pair of tiny front chain rings and a 10/11 speed cassette with a huge range of ratios.
It's got 3 chainring setup 22/30/40 and a 10 cassette at the rear, so plenty of gears for flat rural Kent :grin: You're right the current trend is for condensed chainrings.
https://www.canyon.com/en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3640
The wheels look massive compared to 26er's but I can already feel they will be well suited to more general off-road cycling and will munch the miles with ease. Will try and get out on it this Sunday down at a local mountain bike trail.
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We've just got back from what must be the flattest part of France. I did one 53KM ride that contained a whopping 40m of climbing. This didn't stop me falling off and ending up going to hospital with a dislocated finger tho'. It was the most comical topple over you could imagine. I'd slowed to walking pace, looked behind to see where my wife and kids were, veered to the side of the road and got my pedal wedged on a ridiculously high kerb and couldn't unclip in time to save me from falling over. At least the only damage the bike suffered was a tear in the bar tape.
Despite the still sore finger, I got out yesterday and rode some much missed hills. The descents were quite sedate as my right hand was struggling to brake with any force, but at least my legs can still turn the cranks.
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We've just got back from what must be the flattest part of France. I did one 53KM ride that contained a whopping 40m of climbing. This didn't stop me falling off and ending up going to hospital with a dislocated finger tho'. It was the most comical topple over you could imagine. I'd slowed to walking pace, looked behind to see where my wife and kids were, veered to the side of the road and got my pedal wedged on a ridiculously high kerb and couldn't unclip in time to save me from falling over. At least the only damage the bike suffered was a tear in the bar tape.
Despite the still sore finger, I got out yesterday and rode some much missed hills. The descents were quite sedate as my right hand was struggling to brake with any force, but at least my legs can still turn the cranks.
: D
Sorry, I've got to laugh!! That horrible moment when you realise you're not going to get your foot out in time, and then wait for the inevitable to happen. At least the bike is unharmed.
Seriously though, glad you are ok and hope your digit heals quickly. Trust you had your travel insurance in order. Hope you and the family enjoyed a good holiday.
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Bought myself a hybrid the other day for my relatively short work journey and so far I'm loving it. I mainly bought it as I use a ridiculous amount of petrol per month being lazy and just hopping in the car; sometimes it never even gets to temp which can't be good for it. I rent a garage behind my house so I can store it without clogging up my shed and having to haul it through the house twice a day
Anyways after borrowing my dads hybrid for a week I worked out that it was probably going to be the best route for me to take; I only ever used my old MTB on the road and I have no desire to go out through forests etc. I found a road bike to be a little harsh so the hybrid fitted the bill perfectly. I popped into my local Halfords and after much thought I ordered myself a Carrera Crossfire 2
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/WesRS/20150810_170421_zps24fh6drs.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/WesRS/media/20150810_170421_zps24fh6drs.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/WesRS/IMG_20150810_173813_zps3qe0h5by.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/WesRS/media/IMG_20150810_173813_zps3qe0h5by.jpg.html)
Got it for £269 which I didn't think was a bad deal.
I added the mudguards and lock and also bought myself a helmet on their 3 for 2 offer. I've also bought myself a day glow waterproof jacket and some waterproof trousers ready for the inevitable wet and cold, next up is a decent pair of lights and some toe clips
I'm actually enjoying the ride to and from work and it takes me the same amount of time!
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That looks like a very useful tool for the job you bought it for. I'd consider fitting a pair of more road orientated tyres to make the commute a little easier.
Have you been fitted for it? I see so many people making hard work of riding because their seats are too low. Many still think that if they can touch the ground on both sides with tip toes when seated that they are right, but really they need to be higher than that.
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Cheers, different tyres are on my list, these seem to be a mix of both which aren't as quick as the road tyres on my dad's old hybrid Marin.
I've got the saddle set so my legs are just under being fully extended when the pedal is at the lowest point and I can't touch the floor if I'm sat on the saddle, sound about right?
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Sounds pretty good. The next thing is the seat fore and aft. When your front foot is in the 3 o clock position, your knee should be directly above where your foot rests on the pedal.
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Awesome thanks mate, I'll have a look tomorrow when I'm on the way to work
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I went over the Longmynd in Shropshire today. It was the first time in about 20 years. I had to stop on the climb up from Asterton when a car came down towards me, then couldn't get started again. I had to walk about 30m until the gradient was a little shallower. Does that count as a fail? I bloody hope not.
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I was cycling to work every day to save money on fuel as have a little one on the way and paying for the house, cycling to work on a normal Wednesday morning, go across the road to get onto the cycle path, hop front wheel up, go to hop back wheel up, back wheel slides along the curb, put my foot down to steady myself, whoosh, I fall back and have a sharp pain coming from my lower leg and ankle, turns out I broke my ankle quite badly and fractured my leg in 3 places, with a total of 10 fractures, now have a plate and screws on both sides to support it, undergoing frequent trips to the hospital for scans and trips to physio, if you're a bit squeamish I'd skip these photos..
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/mannionion/Mobile%20Uploads/20150930_095147_zpsmzwbyqin.jpg) (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/mannionion/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150930_095147_zpsmzwbyqin.jpg.html)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/mannionion/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG-20151008-WA0000_zps6jtswcs9.jpg) (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/mannionion/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG-20151008-WA0000_zps6jtswcs9.jpg.html)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/mannionion/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG-20151008-WA0002_zpswoonaed2.jpg) (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/mannionion/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG-20151008-WA0002_zpswoonaed2.jpg.html)
Think I'll take the car next time
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:shocked: :shocked: :sick:
That's terrible. Must have fallen really awkwardly. All the best for full recovery. Are your cycling days over for good?
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:shocked: :shocked: :sick:
That's terrible. Must have fallen really awkwardly. All the best for full recovery. Are your cycling days over for good?
It was the way I placed my foot apparently, paramedic said it was just a sprain, but my foot was twisted to the right and forward, I'm hoping that I will eventually get back on one of my bikes, my consultant has said that it hasn't healed as well as it should for a 23 year old, I can stand up by myself now which is strange after using crutches to hold myself up for 8 weeks, hopefully be back walking just after Christmas if all goes well, just in time for the birth of my daughter, just glad that I'm on full pay from work
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:shocked: :shocked: :sick:
That's terrible. Must have fallen really awkwardly. All the best for full recovery. Are your cycling days over for good?
It was the way I placed my foot apparently, paramedic said it was just a sprain, but my foot was twisted to the right and forward, I'm hoping that I will eventually get back on one of my bikes, my consultant has said that it hasn't healed as well as it should for a 23 year old, I can stand up by myself now which is strange after using crutches to hold myself up for 8 weeks, hopefully be back walking just after Christmas if all goes well, just in time for the birth of my daughter, just glad that I'm on full pay from work
I hope that it continues to improve so you get your mobility back and might enjoy cycling once again, but more importantly ready for the impending birth of your daughter (congrats btw). :smiley:
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:shocked: :shocked: :sick:
That's terrible. Must have fallen really awkwardly. All the best for full recovery. Are your cycling days over for good?
It was the way I placed my foot apparently, paramedic said it was just a sprain, but my foot was twisted to the right and forward, I'm hoping that I will eventually get back on one of my bikes, my consultant has said that it hasn't healed as well as it should for a 23 year old, I can stand up by myself now which is strange after using crutches to hold myself up for 8 weeks, hopefully be back walking just after Christmas if all goes well, just in time for the birth of my daughter, just glad that I'm on full pay from work
I hope that it continues to improve so you get your mobility back and might enjoy cycling once again, but more importantly ready for the impending birth of your daughter (congrats btw). :smiley:
Hopefully sooner rather than later, there's only so much xbox and tv you can watch, been trawling ebay looking at cars, also found out I am quite a dab hand in the kitchen, others may disagree
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I was cycling to work every day to save money on fuel as have a little one on the way and paying for the house, cycling to work on a normal Wednesday morning, go across the road to get onto the cycle path, hop front wheel up, go to hop back wheel up, back wheel slides along the curb, put my foot down to steady myself, whoosh, I fall back and have a sharp pain coming from my lower leg and ankle, turns out I broke my ankle quite badly and fractured my leg in 3 places, with a total of 10 fractures, now have a plate and screws on both sides to support it, undergoing frequent trips to the hospital for scans and trips to physio, if you're a bit squeamish I'd skip these photos..
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/mannionion/Mobile%20Uploads/20150930_095147_zpsmzwbyqin.jpg) (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/mannionion/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150930_095147_zpsmzwbyqin.jpg.html)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/mannionion/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG-20151008-WA0000_zps6jtswcs9.jpg) (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/mannionion/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG-20151008-WA0000_zps6jtswcs9.jpg.html)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/mannionion/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG-20151008-WA0002_zpswoonaed2.jpg) (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/mannionion/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG-20151008-WA0002_zpswoonaed2.jpg.html)
Think I'll take the car next time
Bit of an update, had emergency keyhole surgery (had an epidural as anaesthetic doesn't like me), then whilst I was in surgery they had to go in and rebreak my ankle and put a bolt through to keep it together, so that adds a minimum of 6 weeks set back
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Blimey, I can't believe who long it's been since we last spoke on here.
I've been riding quite a bit. 7,000 miles last year. I've moved on from our local regular road club to the race team division of it to try and get a bit better. The last few weeks a few of us have been doing other clubs reliability rides. They are not supposed to, but often turn into a race. The last 3 weeks on flat (for Shropshire) courses, I have managed to average 21-22mph over the 60 odd miles. I'm quite chuffed with that seeing as I'm still riding my winter bike and I see Pinarellos and Rapha popping out the back of the groups when the going gets tough.
Anyone else managing to get out and ride?