Road Cycling

lordrobs · 3 Apr 2015 at 11:03

Wet and muddy out today so I looped back round the block and picked up my hybrid instead as that has mud guards. I haven't ridden it since I bought my road bike and I was expecting it to feel rubbish but it was ok actually. It is much harder work on any inclines and head winds have a much bigger effect but other than that it was quite enjoyable.

Uncomfortable after 12 miles though which I don't get on the road bike, I assume this is because of the more upright position. I do actually feel like I'm sat heavier in the saddle when I ride it now.

If I were allowed to commute in by bike it would certainly be my weapon of choice for the daily grind.

Oh and todays random thought... If saddle fit is so dependant on the exact shape and position of your sit bones why don't they make a saddle that has a high density memory foam padding to it? I'm sure the component manufacturers have considered it and regected the idea for good reason but in my simple brain it works in theory

SoliD · 3 Apr 2015 at 11:27

So it's raining, I think I may still be drunk, but I'm about to head out! what is wrong with me?

Saytan · 3 Apr 2015 at 11:34

lordrobs said:
Oh and todays random thought... If saddle fit is so dependant on the exact shape and position of your sit bones why don't they make a saddle that has a high density memory foam padding to it? I'm sure the component manufacturers have considered it and regected the idea for good reason but in my simple brain it works in theory

it'd move around a lot, and memory foam is horribly sweaty

the idea is sound though, it's what a brooks type leather saddle does, just takes a long time to bed in. My 3000 mile old brooks has distinct marks from my sitbones

lordrobs · 3 Apr 2015 at 11:47

Saytan said:
it'd move around a lot, and memory foam is horribly sweaty

the idea is sound though, it's what a brooks type leather saddle does, just takes a long time to bed in. My 3000 mile old brooks has distinct marks from my sitbones

I hadn't thought of that... and I really should have as that was my number one complaint when my wife decided we needed a cheap memory foam topper on our mattress!

I think a Brooks saddle might be the answer for my nice bike. Bit of an investment if my picky rear end doesn't get on with it though. Also the range is huge! I wouldn't know where to start.

booyaka · 3 Apr 2015 at 11:50

Pinarello Dogma K8-S rear-suspension road bike released

platypus · 3 Apr 2015 at 12:07

Looks lovely. I wish I got to ride custom made bikes that are designed for just one race

.

Saytan · 3 Apr 2015 at 12:24

if you're only going to suspend one end it should probably be the front

lordrobs · 3 Apr 2015 at 12:54

Saytan said:
if you're only going to suspend one end it should probably be the front

Depends what the intended outcome is. I doubt the goal here is rider comfort (unless this happened to result in better performance) and it is instead about making sure that maximum effort is transferred to forward momentum over the rough stuff.

Saytan · 3 Apr 2015 at 13:22

lordrobs said:
Depends what the intended outcome is. I doubt the goal here is rider comfort (unless this happened to result in better performance) and it is instead about making sure that maximum effort is transferred to forward momentum over the rough stuff.

Cross country mountain bikes are all about covering rough ground as fast as humanly possible and they're front or fully suspended.

Front suspension helps rein in your control surfaces, keeps the front wheel pointing where it's supposed to be and so on

lordrobs · 3 Apr 2015 at 14:49

I get what you are saying but I thought that was a requirement of the more technical nature of their use as opposed to the generally straight or long sweeping turns of road bike use.

Either way, that is quite a cool bike.

Edit - Looking at a few rides of mine and a few friends and it is quite clear that Strava elevation data is broken... badly! Cat 4 climb in Norwich, 15% gradient (apparently) and it is actually slightly downhill!

Doesn't stop it being a good tool for clocking routes and mileage but I'm going to completely ignore any elevation data on there from now on. Garmin Connect seems to have that element much more accurately.

arknor · 3 Apr 2015 at 15:25

lordrobs said:
Oh and todays random thought... If saddle fit is so dependant on the exact shape and position of your sit bones why don't they make a saddle that has a high density memory foam padding to it? I'm sure the component manufacturers have considered it and regected the idea for good reason but in my simple brain it works in theory

wouldn't the pressure just be elsewhere like with your scrotum pressed right against the saddle? saddle soars would probably be a nightmare as well with all the rubbing on every pedal stroke
the scrotum thing is the reason some seats have a hole/cut out area I'd imagine

Saytan · 3 Apr 2015 at 16:02

lordrobs said:
I hadn't thought of that... and I really should have as that was my number one complaint when my wife decided we needed a cheap memory foam topper on our mattress!

I think a Brooks saddle might be the answer for my nice bike. Bit of an investment if my picky rear end doesn't get on with it though. Also the range is huge! I wouldn't know where to start.

spa cycles do knockoff brooks for a lot less

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s204p0

Vonhelmet · 3 Apr 2015 at 16:36

No riding today, too wet and miserable. I think the extent of my bike related activity will be fixing a flat on my pompino this evening, exciting stuff.

Mates of mine are cycling up the Lakes for my neighbour's birthday party. It's about 80 miles or something, so quite an undertaking, and they had a route taking in the Trough of Bowland and Waddington Fell. Tough stuff, and probably not too much fun in this weather. I think I'll settle for a short ride tomorrow morning instead. I'm plotting a metric century ride for Monday. We're due to head up to the mother in law's for the day. It's about 20 miles, but I can go the loooong way round via Southport and whack it up to 60odd. The weather's looking good for it. Fingers crossed my Torm gear will arrive in the post tomorrow so I can try that out.

Calpol · 3 Apr 2015 at 17:43

lordrobs said:
I'm a bit paranoid about only having a CO2 inflator now for the road bike As far a I can see I've got 3 options;
1. I buy a bigger saddle bag, stick wit the inflator and just carry more CO2
2. I buy a combination CO2/Mini pump and attach it to the frame
3. I scrap the idea of CO2 on the road bike and buy a regular mini pump

I'm thinking option 2 makes the most sense for me but I'd appreciate your thoughts and recommendations of pumps to get or avoid please. These are my two current possibles - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bontrager/air-rush-road-mini-pump-co2-inflator-ec017728 and http://www.evanscycles.com/products/birzman/infinite-mini-co2-pump-ec050463

Do you get a lot of punctures?
All I carry is a co2 thing, one tube, multi tool and tyre levers. All in my jersey pocket normally. I do have a saddle bag (bike scrotum) but I only use it on long rides where carrying 2 tubes would be a requirement. I have had 2/3 punctures in the last two years or 7500miles. Seriously - how hard is it to carry a spare canister in your jersey pocket if you are worried about it.

In other news, managed a wet 50 miler today on my way back from hols in Yorkshire. Weather was cack while we were away so couldn't ride so bailed out the car and let the Mrs drive home while I got back in the saddle. Felt quite mediocre and ended up doing an hour in heavy rain but still managed 50 miles at 18mph so not too bad.

Thomas. PLease. · 3 Apr 2015 at 18:16

Cycled back to my parents in Swindon from central London today, weather was pretty grim most of the way, but somehow managed almost 20mph average for the 76 miles. Legs felt crap from the get go, so pretty happy with that.

Roady · 3 Apr 2015 at 18:23

Ummm'd and Arrrr'd about going out today, as the rain forecast was rubbish I almost set the turbo up in the conservatory earlier. Glad I didn't as the rain held off for a few hours and things looked good so I headed out.

I'm going snowboarding on sunday so half resting my legs saturday. My riding this long weekend was going to be today and monday. With things dodgy (weather wise) and not wanting 30+ miles in my legs before snowboarding I did some local hill repeats (something I need to do much more of).

https://www.strava.com/activities/278555648

The rain started again on my first ascent so stopped on the top to layer up (took off arm warmers & put on pocket rain jacket) also noshed some 'PowerBar Powergel shots' that Wiggle sent me a sample of. Very eatable energy sweets, wouldn't buy them but as easy to eat as Haribo 'hearts' and more of an energy boost. First descent was good, got a bit cool as the wind was getting colder.

Did my second climb and on one of the mini descents between the 2 climbs some idiot in a silver 4x4 was sat on my back wheel, he was behind me for 2 corners (ok...) and a straight (???) then proceeded to pass me on a blind corner (!) when I was doing close to 30mph. He gave me no room and I actually elbowed his rear quarter/mudguard he got that close! There was loads of room on the road, it was his choice to pass there!?!? :confused:

Had my VIRB on but memory card was full before then so haven't got it recorded :/

Other than that, I'm happy with my climbing. I'm progressing and getting better at pacing myself in and out of the saddle - I don't charge (and die half way up) hills much any more! Didn't blow up once (cool & wet may have helped with that) and stopped when I wanted to (top of the 2 climbs and once at the bottom between them) rather than having to. My HR is still all over the place but I find I can control my pace enough to bring it down if I find myself pushing a little too hard. Still dropped to granny gear a couple of times to spin it out sat down rather than pushing. My couple of longer rides and group rides are definitely improving my performance and power!

James07 said:
Thank you for that, but I might hold off until the big ride in Aug now and get some to take along just in case it rains!

Ill certainly look at the ones you've recommended though, which out of the three would be best?

Guards are a faff to fit and usually take a little tweaking to get right, you also need some miles in them before you settle so I wouldn't suggest leaving it to the last minute.

I'd read around the forums more and make a choice between the Chroms, RB Longs and Crud Roadracer's. I wouldn't recommend the Giant guards. My experience has only been with Crud RR's (ok) and the Giants. I guess shortly I'll have experience with the RB Longs too!

lordrobs said:
I'm a bit paranoid about only having a CO2 inflator now for the road bike As far a I can see I've got 3 options;
1. I buy a bigger saddle bag, stick wit the inflator and just carry more CO2
2. I buy a combination CO2/Mini pump and attach it to the frame

Option 2 - best of both worlds! No point ditching CO2 now you have canisters and pump

platypus said:
Ok the wife is (almost) now on board the Di2 train. "Maybe if you sell the current groupset off your broken bike".

Good work!

platypus said:
First Team Sky jersey I've ever tought I'd like to have!

Like it, but wonder if they'll do a Welsh coloured one for Geraint Thomas, I'll grab one if they do - don't see the point of wearing Belgian colours if you're not from there and never ridden there? Or is that just me?

Saytan said:
My 3000 mile old brooks has distinct marks from my sitbones

Buns of steel! :eek:

Roady · 3 Apr 2015 at 18:31

booyaka said:
Pinarello Dogma K8-S rear-suspension road bike released

Great looking bike and interesting to read that Jaguar actually helped them out with some of the planning/data analysis. Great to see a sponsor like that really getting involved with things!

lordrobs said:
Depends what the intended outcome is. I doubt the goal here is rider comfort (unless this happened to result in better performance) and it is instead about making sure that maximum effort is transferred to forward momentum over the rough stuff.

I think that's it, I'll allow the rear to absorb more of the shocks so the power output is more consistent rather than losing some grip due to the vibrations. Gives them quite an advantage over other riders to be honest and I'm surprised the UCI would let a team like Sky do it - they seem anal about some things and then totally lax about others. :rolleyes:

Calpol said:
In other news, managed a wet 50 miler today on my way back from hols in Yorkshire. Weather was cack while we were away so couldn't ride so bailed out the car and let the Mrs drive home while I got back in the saddle. Felt quite mediocre and ended up doing an hour in heavy rain but still managed 50 miles at 18mph so not too bad.

Good work! It probably felt mediocre due to you itching to get out all holiday!

Thomas. PLease. said:
Cycled back to my parents in Swindon from central London today, weather was pretty grim most of the way, but somehow managed almost 20mph average for the 76 miles. Legs felt crap from the get go, so pretty happy with that.

Saw that on Strava, good ride and great distance! Kudos! :cool:

Saytan · 3 Apr 2015 at 18:45

Steve Abraham is going to try and carry on, he'll be riding a recumbent trike one legged round Milton Keynes bowl to try and mitigate his losses a bit

Hardman.

uniQ · 3 Apr 2015 at 19:27

Took a trip to the new Rapha Archive store today. Was absolutely heaving (unsurprising as it was opening day) but some good deals to be had. Best thing about it is sale prices all year round

Roady · 3 Apr 2015 at 19:31

Totally insane! From what I read on Facebook (

https://www.facebook.com/stevenabraham2015/posts/1567401100175187

) he'll be looking at riding the recumbent one legged while his bad ankle recovers and I'm guessing will then continue two legged (unsure if at the bowl or on the roads again?).

Hillarious video of some MTBers following each other like sheep -

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=871345012922711

(apologies for the facebook link)

uniQ said:
Took a trip to the new Rapha Archive store today. Was absolutely heaving (unsurprising as it was opening day) but some good deals to be had. Best thing about it is sale prices all year round

What kinda prices and how near are you?