Don
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well, ive tried to increase speed when i hit "the wall" and its bloody hard to do, its possible, but not without hurting!
Road Cycling Essentials
- Thread starter Matutu
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I know what you're trying to say, but i think 'proper' training more widespread that you're suggesting. Certainly, for cat 1/2 guys, training is very serious but most cyclists who are competing (cat 3/4 and sportife riders) will have some sort of structured training program, and quite a few will have a PT/coach also.
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Don
- Joined
- 20 Oct 2002
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- Oxfordshire / Bucks
from Evans Cycles i would suggest the Felt Z85 if you want a Sportive / Endurance bike
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/z85-2013-road-bike-ec046333#features
has 105 gearing
What's the deal with sloping top tubes, and in particular with curved top tubes? I know nothing about frame shapes, so can anyone clue me in?
Good advice, that.
BikeRadar Best bikes under £1k:-
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/best-road-bikes-under-1000-29719/
Out of that lot the Boardman Team would be my recommendation.
Or see how the bike builder on the Ribble website pans out for you. Take your pick from this lot:-
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/?type=RIBMO
All absolute stonkers.
Sloping top tubes are a neat idea IMO as they supposedly make frame stiffer as triangles are smaller etc but what I really dig is that you can expose more seatpost. It genuinely makes a difference.
As for a cool bike, the Giant Defy 1 looks slick as hell. I have no experience with it, but, "saw one at a shop" and the tubes were sooo thin I was really impressed. Also has actual mudguard mounts which are really useful. All the components are well balanced too - 105 and wheels with sealed bearings. Do note that a £500 bike that fits perfectly is in a different league to some £6k superbike that does not. Make sure it feels right.
One of the most well received bikes around this price (or probably full stop) is the Cannondale CAAD8 - don't think I've read one bad thing about it.
Try a few bikes you like the look of - Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, etc etc and if anywhere around Sheffield there is a company called planet x which have some really good value bikes.
Evans £800-£1000 road bikes
As for a cool bike, the Giant Defy 1 looks slick as hell. I have no experience with it, but, "saw one at a shop" and the tubes were sooo thin I was really impressed. Also has actual mudguard mounts which are really useful. All the components are well balanced too - 105 and wheels with sealed bearings. Do note that a £500 bike that fits perfectly is in a different league to some £6k superbike that does not. Make sure it feels right.
One of the most well received bikes around this price (or probably full stop) is the Cannondale CAAD8 - don't think I've read one bad thing about it.
Try a few bikes you like the look of - Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, etc etc and if anywhere around Sheffield there is a company called planet x which have some really good value bikes.
Evans £800-£1000 road bikes
![[Damien]](/styles/overclockers/avatars/4.png){kind=avatar}
Soldato
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If you want to get better then, no, it doesn't make sense. In Wiggins' book he talks about how he and the team began to realise that racing was actually hindering his training rather than helping it because on a flat stage it's easy to sit in the bunch and not do a lot of work. The level might be different but I think the point remains valid - if all your riding is club runs then you'll be spending limited time with your nose in the wind and even less at a high intensity. I'd obviously still ride with a group on the weekend if you can but don't rely on it for all your training needs or consider it your hardest session of the week if you're doing more structured training.
On the same topic, I haven't gotten home before 9pm for the last two weeks so my riding has gone out the window. Hoping things will settle down soon and I can crack on.
the ribbles are always nice, but if you're looking for a commuter make sure you get mudguards, you're going to need them.
I dunno, depends on personal preference I reckon. I've been commuting on a Pinarello since 2008 and only occasionally using a rear guard.
going to go nuts stuck at home with the kids next week 
Soldato
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Bar. Gain.
I know I seem to bum Rose/Canyon but they do offer a lot more value for money than other brands if you can get over the not being able to test ride and if their aesthetic works for you.
The Ribbles are nice but you will not get the same level of components on their bikes for a similar price.
The Ribbles are nice but you will not get the same level of components on their bikes for a similar price.
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