Road Cycling Essentials

[DOD]Asprilla · 14 Jun 2013 at 15:14

I've done one TT; Kingston to Worthing. 50 Miles.

That was two years ago and I've not done ones since.

Shamrock · 14 Jun 2013 at 15:18

Hmm it does seem like a bit of a faff getting a tri bike or fitting aero bars for something I probably wouldn't do that often. I'm not far from Herne Hill though so I intend to go for a beginners track riding session soon.

[DOD]Asprilla · 14 Jun 2013 at 15:20

If you want to try it then get a cheap pair of clip-on tri bars and see how you get on.

When I was going sprint Triathlons I started with these: http://www.profile-design.com/profi...robars/aluminum-aerobars/zbs-stryke-bend.html

But then got these: http://www.profile-design.com/profile-design/products/aerobars/aluminum-aerobars/century.html

touch · 14 Jun 2013 at 15:30

Shamrock said:
Hmm it does seem like a bit of a faff getting a tri bike or fitting aero bars for something I probably wouldn't do that often. I'm not far from Herne Hill though so I intend to go for a beginners track riding session soon.

You dont need anything fancy. Just turn up on your bike and pedal as fast as you can

[Damien] · 14 Jun 2013 at 15:35

Canyon have redeemed themselves in my book for their dodgy delivery times. I returned a stem to them, and the 40cm handlebar from swapping it for a 42cm one. They did say I'd have to return the handlebar at my own cost but they've refunded the lot, including postage.

[DOD]Asprilla · 14 Jun 2013 at 15:37

[Damien];24454708 said:
Canyon have redeemed themselves in my book for their dodgy delivery times. I returned a stem to them, and the 40cm handlebar from swapping it for a 42cm one. They did say I'd have to return the handlebar at my own cost but they've refunded the lot, including postage.

Wait until you get a debt collection letter....

[Damien] · 14 Jun 2013 at 15:39

[DOD]Asprilla;24454720 said:
Wait until you get a debt collection letter....

They can kiss my rather plump behind tbh. When I sent them the tracking number they asked for proof of cost so they can return the postage. I sent them a pic of the receipt.

Bloody 45 quid the shipping cost me. It's just as well.

daveski · 14 Jun 2013 at 16:09

I've done a few TT's (10 miles) and I enjoy it.

No need for anything fancy, I do them on the same bike I cycle to work on.

Shamrock · 14 Jun 2013 at 16:12

But TT/tri bikes look cool and fast!

ShiWarrior · 14 Jun 2013 at 16:34

Thanks guys to everyone who replied, enjoyed reading it, and what you all do and what tips you have given me, I ride a lot, but I just find that when im out with the club I feel that im not up to scratch, I want to get fitter so I can keep up with them

longest ride ive done is 75 miles (50 mile club course with miles to get to it and back home again)

and yes I did do a threshold test a while back

ShiWarrior · 14 Jun 2013 at 16:44

sigma sport are currently doing up to 50% on clothing
http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/clearance/cycle-clothing#/

uniQ · 14 Jun 2013 at 17:00

Finally a hill climbing challenge on Strava. Rapha Rising 14-21st July 24k ft. Awesome

helpimcrap · 14 Jun 2013 at 17:22

Treated myself to some 700x23 GP4000S from Ribble. After back tyre went to carcass a few weeks ago i figured front can't be far off and I only have 3 weeks until my charity ride!

Time to start prepping with travel insurance, passport etc for it!
Got the shorts, top, 2x new innertubes, F&R lights, Blackburn pump, now to figure out what else i need to take.

touch · 14 Jun 2013 at 17:49

I would take a couple more tubes. They are not that expensive and they wont go to waste (assuming you're not going to chuck your bike in a bin when you finish

). It wouldnt be that unusual to get 2 punctures over that sort of distance. Especially if you only have a small hand pump with you and cant get a proper pressure in, then you're much more likely to get some pinch punctures as well.

Guerrilla · 14 Jun 2013 at 18:18

The ride home was much more comfortable *touch wood* it'll remain that way and I'll get used to the other stuff... Thanks again for the help and advice

grudas said:
http://i.imgur.com/upiehDu.jpg

this is how my bars sit on my used-to-be triban3 your hoods look to low/bars to low so rotate them, i find that comfortable

That looks fantastic, did you do all that yourself?... Can't even recognise it any more.

grudas · 14 Jun 2013 at 19:03

Guerrilla said:
That looks fantastic, did you do all that yourself?... Can't even recognise it any more.

i did yeah, had A LOT of problems with bottom bracket removal - actually surprised my frame is still in tact lol

was meant to be a weekend project that turned into ~20hrs of hair loss and sweating.. but in the end its here and it works like its meant to and i love it! no one would know its a triban 3 lol - well whats left of it..

wheels
chainset
seat
bb
cables

etc are new..

oddjob62 · 14 Jun 2013 at 19:10

uniQ said:
Finally a hill climbing challenge on Strava. Rapha Rising 14-21st July 24k ft. Awesome

Haha... not going anywhere near that

[Damien] · 14 Jun 2013 at 19:35

uniQ said:
Finally a hill climbing challenge on Strava. Rapha Rising 14-21st July 24k ft. Awesome

Bring it

Busy few weekends around then. I've got the Great Manchester Cycle on the 30th June, then the Cheshire Cat on the 7th July, then this challenge starts the weekend after.

Edit: Just noticed it starts on the Sun. That sucks. I'm busy the weekend after so unless I can book time off in the week I'll only have that first Sunday.

Guerrilla · 14 Jun 2013 at 19:41

grudas said:
i did yeah, had A LOT of problems with bottom bracket removal - actually surprised my frame is still in tact lol was meant to be a weekend project that turned into ~20hrs of hair loss and sweating.. but in the end its here and it works like its meant to and i love it! no one would know its a triban 3 lol - well whats left of it..

wheels
chainset
seat
bb
cables

etc are new..

You really would never tell, I'm still not convinced even

Very nice work though mate.

Amps · 14 Jun 2013 at 21:57

I am looking for an upgrade..
I currently ride a Specialized Allez 16 with Mavic Aksium wheels. I like the look and spec of the Canyon bikes, currently considering the roadlite AL 6.0 and the Ultimate AL 7.0 Is it worth the additional £340 for the ultimate?