Road Cycling Essentials

Thomas. PLease. · 8 Jul 2013 at 22:47

Vonhelmet said:
If you're using 52/25 and cruising at, say 18mph, then your cadence must be about 110, which sounds unlikely.

Although, thinking about it, that might be why it's "slightly too much" to sustain. If you moved up a couple of sprockets you could maintain the same speed at a lower cadence, which you might find easier.

If you need the range on the hills, change the cassette and move up to a 28 at the back. I think that will help you more than moving to a compact.

It's not good to be cross chaining though. Much better to have a smaller big ring at the front and need less teeth at the back IMO. Also the capacity of your derailliuer will limit you, most short cages can't handle much more than 25 teeth.

I ride with a 11-25 most of the time with a compact up front, rarely spin out and seem to be able to hold my own on the hills.

Russinating · 8 Jul 2013 at 22:57

So 20 miles into a 25 mile route to test my new pedals and shoes and BANG!

Managed to limp home with a new tube at about 30psi. New tyre time

. And just found out the new Michelin Pro's don't come in yellow. Double

.

Wasn't a terrible pace until the blow out either: http://app.strava.com/activities/65676787. Had to stop/slow a few times for my friend who was still suffering with a cold.

Vonhelmet · 8 Jul 2013 at 22:58

Thomas. PLease. said:
It's not good to be cross chaining though. Much better to have a smaller big ring at the front and need less teeth at the back IMO.

You're right, but that's why I raised the issue of cadence. If he's cruising at 28-31km/h, that's 17-19mph. Run the numbers here and it says that to manage 18mph in 52x25 gears - he said he's cruising in the easiest sprocket on the big ring - then you've got to be pedalling at a cadence of 110 or so, which is pretty high by most standards. Hence my suggestion that if he wants to ride at 18mph, maybe he should move up a couple of sprockets. In 52x21 that drops to 93; in 52x19 it drops to 84. Those would be more manageable cadences, and might not wear him out so.

Thomas. PLease. said:
Also the capacity of your derailliuer will limit you, most short cages can't handle much more than 25 teeth.

My mech (2300, maybe Sora - rubbish) can manage a 28 at the back.

Thomas. PLease. said:
I ride with a 11-25 most of the time with a compact up front, rarely spin out and seem to be able to hold my own on the hills.

Sure, but what cadence are you pedalling at?

Vonhelmet · 8 Jul 2013 at 22:59

Russinating said:
So 20 miles into a 25 mile route to test my new pedals and shoes and BANG!

Managed to limp home with a new tube at about 30psi. New tyre time . And just found out the new Michelin Pro's don't come in yellow. Double .

Wasn't a terrible pace until the blow out either: http://app.strava.com/activities/65676787. Had to stop/slow a few times for my friend who was still suffering with a cold.

Lithion 2s come in yellow. Not as fancy as the Pro's, though.

Russinating · 8 Jul 2013 at 23:06

Looking at the Michelin Pro 4s or the Schwalbe Ultremo. The blown tyre is a Shwalbe (though a Lugano) which doesn't fill me with much brand confidence but based on the way it got ruptured I don't think much would've stopped it bar touring tyres.

helpimcrap · 8 Jul 2013 at 23:22

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18495851&highlight=paris+charity

will update when i quite know what to make of it. Was the toughest weekend i have ever chosen to do! 25+c i think in day and still mid teens at night in France.

Very surreal experience that I can't quite believe i've just done it....

Only ever cycled 70miles max in a day... I just did 75miles in 1 go(missed rest stop after a 45mile stage to be 5miles into a 30mile stage before i found out... so i carried on a caught the fast group up somehow) after already cycling 180+miles in previous 18hrs.

Very weird weekend and apart from the pain in my legs, arms and back i can't decide what I've just done...

Vonhelmet · 8 Jul 2013 at 23:32

helpimcrap said:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18495851&highlight=paris+charity

will update when i quite know what to make of it. Was the toughest weekend i have ever chosen to do! 25+c i think in day and still mid teens at night in France.

Very surreal experience that I can't quite believe i've just done it....

Only ever cycled 70miles max in a day... I just did 75miles in 1 go(missed rest stop after a 45mile stage to be 5miles into a 30mile stage before i found out... so i carried on a caught the fast group up somehow) after already cycling 180+miles in previous 18hrs.

Very weird weekend and apart from the pain in my legs, arms and back i can't decide what I've just done...

Something most of us would struggle to do, I think!

arknor · 8 Jul 2013 at 23:44

deleting every post I ever made in this thread

touch · 9 Jul 2013 at 00:04

arknor said:
is that even legal on UK roads

Why wouldnt it be?
It's legal to tow a car...

Vonhelmet · 9 Jul 2013 at 00:16

touch said:
Why wouldnt it be?
It's legal to tow a car...

Provided you put an "On tow" sign on the vehicle being towed, sure

To be honest, I think it looks like a liability.

Vonhelmet · 9 Jul 2013 at 00:19

Instant segment times for Strava Premium users on Android/iPhone.

Sounds like hell, frankly. The last thing I'd want is everyone digging out their phone at the top of a climb to bicker over who was quickest. Perhaps you can give instant kudos as well, so you don't have to go to the trouble of saying "Well done" to someone's face.

platypus · 9 Jul 2013 at 07:04

touch said:
No, you should try going faster on the flats

uniQ said:
^

.

platypus · 9 Jul 2013 at 07:05

grudas said:
got a couple of pairs of those aldi 2.99 sunglasses on offer quite nice tbh.. there's a sale going too so don't miss out, nice starters tool kit for 19.99. - can be had for pretty much the same price on amazon tho.

Are they UV A/B?

platypus · 9 Jul 2013 at 07:06

Thomas. PLease. said:
Anyone have any recommendations for sunglasses. Lost one pair on a sportive, and only have a crummy set now. Want something that looks decent with changeable lenses. Ideally shorter arms on them as well so they don't interfere with my helmet straps.

Any ideas anyone?

Do you need prescription lenses?

platypus · 9 Jul 2013 at 07:26

Anyone recommend some super padded bar tape? Looking to replace mine and I use some Deda stuff at present but I've really been feeling the road lately and I'm not sure if its because the tape is old or if its just not padded enough.

arknor · 9 Jul 2013 at 07:53

deleting every post I ever made in this thread

helpimcrap · 9 Jul 2013 at 08:14

Vonhelmet said:
Something most of us would struggle to do, I think!

I've never willingly pushed myself so hard and so close to the point of collapse as what I did in those24hrs. I might have doneit in under 24 but i doubt it. I got to the Eiffel tower in 24hrs but didn't cross the finish line in 24 i don't think as it was 1/2 a mile away down a side street andi was on my own, severely dehydrated and delerious apparently.

Vonhelmet · 9 Jul 2013 at 08:47

I've just been having a look at the details of this year's Tour of Britain. There's a stage in the Lakes, which is within reach, but that's the wife's birthday, so I don't think that'd go over too well. However, the next day there's a 10 mile individual time trial around Knowsley, which is only 20 miles away. I think I'll see if I can get along to that.

daveski · 9 Jul 2013 at 08:48

Got some PR's on this morning's long commute http://app.strava.com/activities/65775786

Well done helpimcrap, impressive achievement

Saundie · 9 Jul 2013 at 08:52

arknor said:
is that even legal on UK roads

I would expect so. I assume that's why they show it being used off-road.

arknor said:
http://www.schwalbe.com/gbl/en/produkte/race/produkt/?ID_Einsatzbereich=11&showAllProducts=true

Interesting link, thanks for sharing. I am leaning towards the Ultremo DD in 700x25 now, but I think I'll give the Continental Grand Prix I have spare a try first.

platypus said:
Anyone recommend some super padded bar tape? Looking to replace mine and I use some Deda stuff at present but I've really been feeling the road lately and I'm not sure if its because the tape is old or if its just not padded enough.

Are you thinking of something like this; http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bontrager/double-gel-bar-tape-ec037843? I've not tried it myself, admittedly.