Road Cycling Essentials

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touch said:
Its a powertap hub.

Trubo trainer feels harder because of the heat (and sweat) that builds up. Its much easier to ride at a specific HR/power zone though. Hills make it very difficult, i need to crawl up them at walking pace to keep HR low enough and spin like crazy on the way back down to keep HR up.



I have the PlanetX XLS. Did my first CX race on it today, and its a nice bike. Comfortable over the rough stuff and quite stable through the corners.
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Cheers dude. Just spotted the Giant TCX SLR 2 at 999 and it looks amazing. Decisions decisions
 
hmm.. thinking about it.. should I just buy a new groupo for my bike?! I mean I like the frame, the wheelset is new.. just the groupo could do with replacement and that would be it..

but how much does 105 groupo retail for?! I can't seem to find much online, either just the crankset or buying it in bits which works out more than a bike with tiagra lol.
 
uniQ said:
£340 @ Merlin Cycles.

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-sh...ad-bike/shimano-105-5700-groupset-silver.html
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Disco Boy said:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/gsg/r...groupsets?sub=conf_GS_SHR&type=RIBMO&tmp=_CAR
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thanks, not sure how I missed those! :)

I guess its something to do over summer.. looking at bb the external cups, will my frame - 68mm english thread is compatible with those external cups?! how do I know if I can fit them or not?

sora to 105 would be a nice upgrade wouldn't it? I'd like to go for CX bike but I can't see my self selling my current bike tbh.. :o
 
I'm calling Spa Cycles tomorrow to cancel my order, which leaves me needing an alternate frame/fork for my winter business. I've already lost a month to the spa customer service debacle, so I want something in stock.

I need a road frame that clears 28c tyres with guards, budget up to about 400. Surly pacer seems to be the go-to choice, but am also considering thorn audax. Any other suggestions?
 
Saytan said:
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What happened with Spa?

The Surly pacer looks pretty solid but I don't much about frames in that area guess you're looking at tourers/audax and maybe cx frames - Have you looked at offerings from: Genesis, Kinesis, Ridgeback, possibly a Ritchey CX etc?
 
uniQ said:
What happened with Spa?

The Surly pacer looks pretty solid but I don't much about frames in that area guess you're looking at tourers/audax and maybe cx frames - Have you looked at offerings from: Genesis, Kinesis, Ridgeback, possibly a Ritchey CX etc?
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For a month now Spa have been telling me various fictions about when my frame will arrive. But that's only when I phone them. If I don't phone them, I hear nothing.

Today I find out on twitter that the container has arrived 4 days ago and doesn't have my size in it.

In fairness, they don't bill you until after dispatch, but still.

So far i'm looking at the Pacer, the Kinesis T2 and the Thorn Audax Mk3. all characterised by having fairly local shops - the first two being from Strada in Bedmo.

I'm looking at the audax end more than touring, it's fast commute/winter miles im after more than loaded carrying.
 
uniQ said:
Good timing after yesterdays tyre discussion :p
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Go on, ask about whether I should be buying tyres with coloured walls :D

I got out for 20 miles this evening. It was 5 degrees when I set off, and I thought I might jack it in, but I felt better once I got going. My thighs are absolutely burning now I'm home and showered.

Right, a question of arts and crafts... I'm wondering about the Planet X roubaix bib tights, but I'm not in a hurry to spend £25 on them right now. I've got a pair of bib tights from aldi from last year, which are pretty warm, but have a pretty naff pad in them, and the shoulder straps are getting stretched and loose. Would I be able to unpick the pad and use them as tights over my regular bib shorts or will they fall apart? I'm sure I've read of someone here doing that...
 
I think i'm going to get a kinesis T2

Who can give me a "click here and buy this" guide to which stupid headset it needs?

Edit: never mind, I found one.
 
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Rainagul said:
Can anyone recommend any 700c * 23 winter tyres. Preferably under £30 each.
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Personally I use 25mm marathons from November - February (or until my fingers stop freezing). I have had too many scary moments in the middle of nowhere in the dark at zero degrees and trying to fix punctures with frozen fingers is painful and frightening. Just not worth it for me.
 
Edinho said:
Personally I use 25mm marathons from November - February (or until my fingers stop freezing). I have had too many scary moments in the middle of nowhere in the dark at zero degrees and trying to fix punctures with frozen fingers is painful and frightening. Just not worth it for me.
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How does 2 extra millimeters prevent that? :o
 
touch said:
Its a powertap hub.

Trubo trainer feels harder because of the heat (and sweat) that builds up. Its much easier to ride at a specific HR/power zone though. Hills make it very difficult, i need to crawl up them at walking pace to keep HR low enough and spin like crazy on the way back down to keep HR up.
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Do you race on the same wheels or not? I know the powertap hubs aren't the lightest unless you start paying mega money.

Trying to work out what is better, a power meter or some wheel porn.

Or both... :eek:
 
grudas said:
How does 2 extra millimeters prevent that? :o
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The Marathons part was the relevant bit - they are bombproof. I still recommend the Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase for winter/commuting.

Bought a new winter frame on Friday (Ribble Audax) and sticking a cheap Shimano groupset on it so I can share wheels across my bikes. Quite pleased with it for the cash.
 
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