Road Cycling Essentials

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Hmm, my right knee is feeling a bit sore in the same way that prompted my bike fit last year. I must not have my new bike set up quite right yet.
 
Attempted my biggest climbing ride ever (3500ft over 39mi) today and pretty disappointed with how it went... Thought I'd be able to get up some of the hills without stopping as I've achieved a few good PR's recently. http://www.strava.com/activities/129849663

Really struggled about 15 miles in and legs completely went after about 22 miles, ended up having to walk up a rather steep bit (24% at one point :O ) and legs were starting to cramp even doing that.

Can't work out if I was just under-fuelled or over-estimated my current fitness level. Had porridge for breakfast at 9.30 (set off at noon) a banana after 15 miles and some flapjack at about 20 miles plus High5 energy source drink.

Any thoughts/opinions on what might have gone wrong or what I could have done better?
 
Slobbo said:
Altura Progel are comfortable with decent pads and reassuring strappage.

£32 on Wiggle
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Thanks for this, I'll check them out.

On another note, my Michelin Krylions need replacing as they are wearing out. One puncture in two years, and even that was a slow puncture so I still limped home; I also loved them for their looks and longevity, but they're not made any more :(.

Any reason then to look beyond the Continental GP 4000S as replacements? Apart from the fact that they're dull and only available in black of course :p.
 
Participant said:
Thanks for this, I'll check them out.

On another note, my Michelin Krylions need replacing as they are wearing out. One puncture in two years, and even that was a slow puncture so I still limped home; I also loved them for their looks and longevity, but they're not made any more :(.

Any reason then to look beyond the Continental GP 4000S as replacements? Apart from the fact that they're dull and only available in black of course :p.
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My Yksion Pros are needing replaced as well. Currently riding some cheapo Zaffiros - interested to see how puncture proof they are.

Yksions were awesome because I could remove and replace them without using tyre levers, but a bit pricey so gonna go cheap and work my way up.

Don't think you can go wrong with GPs - pretty much everyone who uses them would recommend them.
 
K13LCC said:
Attempted my biggest climbing ride ever (3500ft over 39mi) today and pretty disappointed with how it went... Thought I'd be able to get up some of the hills without stopping as I've achieved a few good PR's recently. http://www.strava.com/activities/129849663

Really struggled about 15 miles in and legs completely went after about 22 miles, ended up having to walk up a rather steep bit (24% at one point :O ) and legs were starting to cramp even doing that.

Can't work out if I was just under-fuelled or over-estimated my current fitness level. Had porridge for breakfast at 9.30 (set off at noon) a banana after 15 miles and some flapjack at about 20 miles plus High5 energy source drink.

Any thoughts/opinions on what might have gone wrong or what I could have done better?
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Fitness without a doubt.
 
What do you want in a wheel? If it's aero then it's carbon tubulars all the way for me. I've just bought my first set of tubs and I'm delighted with them so far. You could get a set of 50mm tubs off eBay for half the price of the Mavics and they would be lighter, stiffer and nicer to ride then equivalent clinchers.

If it's lightweight then you have both carbon tub and alloy clincher options. I'd either go Novatec or DT Swiss hubs (depending on budget) and 38mm chinese carbon tub rims or DT Swiss RR415 clinchers.
 
Well since I''m 85 KG I can't imagine saving a few grams for the climbs is going to help me hence the aero route.

Besides if we were all being honest everyone loves the look the of Carbon wheels:p

I don't really want tubulars for practicality reasons.
 
I have cosmic carbones on my good bike. I really like them. They're not light but once you get up to speed, they're fast.

Mine came with my bike but i probably wouldnt have chosen them if not. PlanetX do something similar (alloy rim with carbon fairing) for a couple of hundred less.

If it's for a race bike or special occasion bike that only gets used once or twice a month, full carbon tubulars would be the best choice.
I wouldnt want tubular tyres or carbon braking surfaces for a daily-use bike though.
 
When i come yo get new wheels im thinking of American classics, one up from the victory with the wider rim or if i go carbon then ffwd F4R with the alloy brake track. Weight the same as dura ace c50s but £1060 instead of £1400 for the da.

Either that or mavic ksyrium equipe or elite.
 
Yep its a daily use bike , hence why I ended up looking at carbones, planet X have had some bad reviews on here and on the web so I'm dubious about going with them.
 
New cycling cafe opened up in Harrogate called Prologue, along the line of Rapha in Soho. Awesome coffee and cake and thoroughly enjoyed watching Paris Roubaix there this afternoon. Anyone coming to Harrogate for the Tour should pop in!

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K13LCC said:
Attempted my biggest climbing ride ever (3500ft over 39mi) today and pretty disappointed with how it went... Thought I'd be able to get up some of the hills without stopping as I've achieved a few good PR's recently. http://www.strava.com/activities/129849663

Really struggled about 15 miles in and legs completely went after about 22 miles, ended up having to walk up a rather steep bit (24% at one point :O ) and legs were starting to cramp even doing that.

Can't work out if I was just under-fuelled or over-estimated my current fitness level. Had porridge for breakfast at 9.30 (set off at noon) a banana after 15 miles and some flapjack at about 20 miles plus High5 energy source drink.

Any thoughts/opinions on what might have gone wrong or what I could have done better?
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What gear ratios are you running?

You want 34/28 ideally for the Peak District.
 
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