Road Cycling Essentials

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Ok well on that basis definitely get the Garmin. As you do more riding you will definitely regret buying that bike, especially as it's a fixie too.

If you're going to be doing big proper rides where you need maps, then get a proper bike for the job.

(btw Im not bad mouthing fixies, I have nearly bought one myself a couple of times, but it sounds like he would be better off with a proper road bike)
 
mpledge52 said:
I've got a Specialized Allez that I ride a couple of times a week. I'm slowly building up my strength/stamina so my rides are getting longer, meaning I'm struggling to memorize the route in my head. Stopping to get my phone out is a PITA.

Other than the maps, I think the only other beneficial thing over using strava on my phone is the cadence and HR monitors. I've got strava on my phone so I can track my rides, and I've got a bog basic computer already so I can see my speed/time without faffing for my phone.
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one of the main reasons I got my 800.. and because I like to keep track of my rides :) get a garmin tbh you've got a good bike already.. tbh ride the allez more and forget the mtb ! :) no need for a new bike tbh
 
That bike I linked will be used soley for commuting. The Garmin would go on my road bike which I use on evenings and weekends. I don't want to use my road bike for commuting as it'll spend all day out in the rain, hence the need for 2 bikes.
 
Anyone use Rollers?

Used them for the first time this week. I have had them for about a year but have been put off. A bit tricky for the first 5 minutes or so but after about 15 minutes they were actually fun to ride. :D
 
Yeah i got a set recently for my birthday. Couldn't get a hang of it to start with at all, but after another go it was soon natural to ride. Great for recovery rides, and more enjoyable than the turbo.
 
Who do people recommend going with if going on cycling holidays on your own?

I prefer to be in a group or have set goals etc to work too. If I have to work I expect to work for it.

Cycling Mallorca recommended Andy Cook cycling.

Anyone else? Because of my injuries getting out cycling when it's wet and cold plays havoc with them and is simply not worth the pain and recovery time.
 
mpledge52 said:
That bike I linked will be used soley for commuting. The Garmin would go on my road bike which I use on evenings and weekends. I don't want to use my road bike for commuting as it'll spend all day out in the rain, hence the need for 2 bikes.
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I use mine is all weather.. rain, snow etc.. still going :) just general maintenance that needs doing.. and cleaning of course :) your bike simply won't fall apart if it touches water you know that? :D
 
touch said:
That's good going! I'm at 34% after today but I'm back to work tomorrow there's no chance of completing it so if given up on it.
Good luck with it.

I don't see you on the ocuk leaderboard for it? Group is here if you want to join.
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Thank you, I'm up to 60% now and hope to get the remainder of the challenge done over the weekend, if the weather holds out.

I was going to join the club a while ago but never got around to it.

grudas said:
thanks mate! :) how are you? haven't seen you around for months! still riding? :)
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Not bad, thanks for asking.

I'm still out on the bike most days, just doing less mileage lately.
 
Up to 76% on Festive 500 after 80 miles this morning. Much easier than yesterday but I am shattered. Not as fit as I was earlier in the year.
 
mpledge52 said:
I've got a Specialized Allez that I ride a couple of times a week. I'm slowly building up my strength/stamina so my rides are getting longer, meaning I'm struggling to memorize the route in my head. Stopping to get my phone out is a PITA.

Other than the maps, I think the only other beneficial thing over using strava on my phone is the cadence and HR monitors. I've got strava on my phone so I can track my rides, and I've got a bog basic computer already so I can see my speed/time without faffing for my phone.
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nothing better than loading up someone else's route and just following it without having to worry about where you are going or stopping to check a map on your phone.
http://ridewithgps.com is great for drawing your own map to import into a garmin as well

I don't think I ever saw my garmin go under 70% battery yet even after a 3-4hour ride

I've used mine in the car as well :D
 
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I don't understand how you can get lost on a ride. How far are we talking about? Just check maps before you go, look at street view to pick out some landmarks for turnings and so on, memorise some distances (25 miles, left at the black dog, 28 miles under a railway bridge, etc) and if you get lost, turn round and retrace your steps.

If the worst comes to the worst, you can have your phone and can check where you are and figure it out from there.
 
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I came back down to London a bit earlier than planned. Missed my bikes too much!:p

Fairly casual ride this morning, http://www.strava.com/activities/102327932

It started around 4C but warmed up through the ride. My feet still managed to get cold despite wearing Northwave Celsius Artic shoes with PX thicky merino socks! Might try wearing them with overshoes tomorrow just to see if it helps. It'll look like I have huge feet!

Hands were actually bearable as I pre-heated my gloves on the radiator but I'm still set on getting those heated liners.
 
Vonhelmet said:
I don't understand how you can get lost on a ride. How far are we talking about? Just check maps before you go, look at street view to pick out some landmarks for turnings and so on, memorise some distances (25 miles, left at the black dog, 28 miles under a railway bridge, etc) and if you get lost, turn round and retrace your steps.

If the worst comes to the worst, you can have your phone and can check where you are and figure it out from there.
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some of us get lost very easily.
I'd imagine a lot depends on where you live as well , around most city centres are like mazes , if you live in the suburbs like where I grew up you can just head in almost any direction and find it almost impossible to get lost.
 
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