https://www.strava.com/activities/420159728/
Tactically 'missed' the shop ride on saturday (biblical rain) so went out yesterday instead. Was totally undecided what to do so went to check out a local hill climb that some of the semi-pro guys rode as part of a series a few months back. It was brutal! Mid part of the climb ramps up to 30%! As I hadn't ridden it before I tried to pace myself, but struggling up it in 36/11 I nearly came to a halt a couple of times! It has several false summits - which actually helped me to break the climb up and continue rather than totally ruining my morale! No stops, so chuffed is an understatement!
Although I'd stupidly (optimistically!) plotted a route to do it twice, once was more than enough! I'd extended the loop of my route to come home via another hill climb at Carey that I did as part of the 'Festival of Sport 90k' I did 5/6 weeks ago. Really enjoyed climbing that one, no huge steep sections and more of a paced constant climb. Road is a bit dodgy in places (grass in middle and covered in debris) but really good fun. May do repeats of it at some point!
Legs feel quite dead today
If you're intending on still being out in the winter a good jacket may be a better option than a windproof jersey (windproof & waterproof). A windproof gilet is a much cheaper and adjustable option than a windproof jersey as well, certainly for your use there - easy to unzip to regulate temps in climbs and then zip back up on descents. Make it one with some waterproofing (if you don't have a packable) and it'll have multiple uses.
Yesterday afternoon I went out in base, shorts, knee warmers, toe covers, 'normal' summer jersey and then a windproof jersey on top. My DHB windproof jersey is ok, but a lack of decent collar and no windproofing on the arms really limit it. I don't wear it in warmer weather as the windproof body can be 'boil in the bag', I find a better option is a normal jersey, arm warmers and then my gilet. The arm warmers protect the arms without cooking the body, body temps then easy to manage with zipping/unzipping jersey & gilet.
Premade, certainly when starting out with a fairly limited budget. Certainly when starting commuting you'll pickup knocks and bangs so consider it a 'starting' bike or just a method of transport. Decathlon or a Local Bike Shop (LBS) would be your way forwards - a local shop would deal in second hand bikes and should be able to spec what you need it for and fit it to you. Mudguards and waterproof gear are a must when commuting in the winter!
Tightened by a girl, chainrings should be 'grudas-tight'!
Tactically 'missed' the shop ride on saturday (biblical rain) so went out yesterday instead. Was totally undecided what to do so went to check out a local hill climb that some of the semi-pro guys rode as part of a series a few months back. It was brutal! Mid part of the climb ramps up to 30%! As I hadn't ridden it before I tried to pace myself, but struggling up it in 36/11 I nearly came to a halt a couple of times! It has several false summits - which actually helped me to break the climb up and continue rather than totally ruining my morale! No stops, so chuffed is an understatement!
Although I'd stupidly (optimistically!) plotted a route to do it twice, once was more than enough! I'd extended the loop of my route to come home via another hill climb at Carey that I did as part of the 'Festival of Sport 90k' I did 5/6 weeks ago. Really enjoyed climbing that one, no huge steep sections and more of a paced constant climb. Road is a bit dodgy in places (grass in middle and covered in debris) but really good fun. May do repeats of it at some point!
Legs feel quite dead today
If you're intending on still being out in the winter a good jacket may be a better option than a windproof jersey (windproof & waterproof). A windproof gilet is a much cheaper and adjustable option than a windproof jersey as well, certainly for your use there - easy to unzip to regulate temps in climbs and then zip back up on descents. Make it one with some waterproofing (if you don't have a packable) and it'll have multiple uses.
Yesterday afternoon I went out in base, shorts, knee warmers, toe covers, 'normal' summer jersey and then a windproof jersey on top. My DHB windproof jersey is ok, but a lack of decent collar and no windproofing on the arms really limit it. I don't wear it in warmer weather as the windproof body can be 'boil in the bag', I find a better option is a normal jersey, arm warmers and then my gilet. The arm warmers protect the arms without cooking the body, body temps then easy to manage with zipping/unzipping jersey & gilet.
Premade, certainly when starting out with a fairly limited budget. Certainly when starting commuting you'll pickup knocks and bangs so consider it a 'starting' bike or just a method of transport. Decathlon or a Local Bike Shop (LBS) would be your way forwards - a local shop would deal in second hand bikes and should be able to spec what you need it for and fit it to you. Mudguards and waterproof gear are a must when commuting in the winter!
Tightened by a girl, chainrings should be 'grudas-tight'!
!
as you start pedaling the mech moves towards the spokes a little bit and I guess it got pulled in..
