The cycling thread

[Booth11]

Blimey, so many questions. 

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 

Quite a nice thing to plan out a cycling trip, routes, climbs etc.

[dubber36]

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?

[Booth11]

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 

I have to deal face to face with the public enough in the day job.  In my own time I choose to ignore them 

[Booth11]

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 

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   

[Booth11]

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   

Here it is

[dubber36]

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.

[Booth11]

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? 

[dubber36]

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.

[Booth11]

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?

[Booth11]

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.