Road Cycling

DanF · 26 Oct 2015 at 21:17

nice, maybe we could add an extra to the powermeter thread for the toaster challenge, how long can you keep 600-800 watts up

StriderX · 26 Oct 2015 at 21:30

With regards to road bike tyres, how do they fair in the wet?

FrenchTart · 26 Oct 2015 at 21:33

@DanF - I'm sure I could manage at least.... a few seconds

@StriderX - It depends on the tyre. Many are fine in the wet (4Seasons, GP4000s, Pro4s, others). Some should be avoided at all costs (Gatorskins).

Vonhelmet · 26 Oct 2015 at 21:35

Depends on the tyres, but it's all a trade off. Softer tyres means more grip but it also means more wear and potentially more punctures. There are tyres specifically designed to balance that, like the Michelin pro 4 grip and the continental 4 seasons. All that being said, I've never had issues with tyre grip in the wet. A much bigger problem when it's very wet is braking with rim brakes. Disc brakes get around that but you won't get those on a £500 bike. The best advice I can give you is to learn to manage that and ride to the conditions, but to be honest I can count on the fingers of one finger the number of times in three years of riding that that's been a problem.

Wet grids on corners can be an issue, but you just learn to dodge them.

xdcx · 26 Oct 2015 at 21:39

DanF said:
nice, maybe we could add an extra to the powermeter thread for the toaster challenge, how long can you keep 600-800 watts up

Removing FTP from everyones power profile right now!
We are now solely based on toasting based threshold. Real man talk.

That power he is putting out on that vid, dunno what fuss is about, I can EASILY output that power.... for 5 seconds

ShiWarrior · 26 Oct 2015 at 22:00

I've seen that video before DanF

without watching it again, is it that German Cyclist ?
Those Germans have HUGE quads

Thomas. PLease. · 26 Oct 2015 at 22:21

xdcx said:
Removing FTP from everyones power profile right now!
We are now solely based on toasting based threshold. Real man talk.

That power he is putting out on that vid, dunno what fuss is about, I can EASILY output that power.... for 5 seconds

I could last 60s, that's enough for a mild toasting surely :eek:

Looks so ridiculously steady putting out 700w its insane.

Jonny ///M · 26 Oct 2015 at 23:06

Soooo another session on the rollers.

Managed to total an electric clothes horse and bruise my muffin top! I must have slowed down to much on my easy minute lol.

Now a filling has fallen out too. Good day for me

DanF · 26 Oct 2015 at 23:13

He's got a genetic disorder that allows him to build huge muscles, apparently he does almost no upper body work. Reading up on that test it's only the power hitting the toaster so more like 1k+ at the pedals

StriderX · 27 Oct 2015 at 08:31

Vonhelmet said:
Depends on the tyres, but it's all a trade off. Softer tyres means more grip but it also means more wear and potentially more punctures. There are tyres specifically designed to balance that, like the Michelin pro 4 grip and the continental 4 seasons. All that being said, I've never had issues with tyre grip in the wet. A much bigger problem when it's very wet is braking with rim brakes. Disc brakes get around that but you won't get those on a £500 bike. The best advice I can give you is to learn to manage that and ride to the conditions, but to be honest I can count on the fingers of one finger the number of times in three years of riding that that's been a problem.

Wet grids on corners can be an issue, but you just learn to dodge them.

Fair enough, guess I'll just not worry too much.

Though can't I just modify the bike later with disk brakes?

FrenchTart · 27 Oct 2015 at 08:42

StriderX said:
Fair enough, guess I'll just not worry too much.

Though can't I just modify the bike later with disk brakes?

To be honest tyres are one of the first upgrades I would go for on a bike - especially a cheap one and especially as it's now winter. That's not to say you can't get by on whatever cheap tyres come with your bike but nicer tyres are an upgrade that is relatively cheap and makes a big difference.

#Chri5# · 27 Oct 2015 at 08:46

StriderX said:
Fair enough, guess I'll just not worry too much.

Though can't I just modify the bike later with disk brakes?

That's only straight forward if the frame / fork has disc brake mounts.

BennyC · 27 Oct 2015 at 08:55

StriderX said:
With regards to road bike tyres, how do they fair in the wet?

I was a little anxious how my Schawlbe One's would hold up on Sunday on some particularly steep descents which were still damp/wet in places and also with enough leaves about to cause concern.

Surprisingly, for a slick summer tyre, I was very impressed, not even a twitch.

I think you also just need to be sensible and as said, ride to the conditions. I've not long had FR3's on and I keep wanting to descend faster and faster, 6mph off 60mph :cool:

but doing it on a damp cold October morning on a windy descent isn't the time or place and I don't fancy road rash at those speeds :eek:

so I'll wait until the conditions permit

(Naturally you might stiffen up a bit but relaxing and riding normally will help.)

FrenchTart · 27 Oct 2015 at 08:56

Slicks are good for wet riding

More surface area in contact with the road yo.

StriderX · 27 Oct 2015 at 08:57

Ah I see, OK thanks, doesn't have to be amazing for a first road bike I guess

xdcx · 27 Oct 2015 at 09:13

Thomas. PLease. said:
I could last 60s, that's enough for a mild toasting surely

New criteria for the rules on proof before power profiles are updated =
1. Strava link. Strava or it didn't happen.
2. Picture. In the picture you must have taken a bite of said toasted slice, and you must have a tub of Flora balanced on your head for validation purposes.

FrenchTart · 27 Oct 2015 at 09:18

Flora?! Real butter fo'lyfe

xdcx · 27 Oct 2015 at 09:41

FrenchTart said:
Flora?! Real butter fo'lyfe

It tastes better, but man does it rip your bread slice to pieces due to you essentially spreading a solid brick onto it. I am a man, I have no time and/or ability to deal with this sandwich destroying nonsense.

I need to get myself one of them sandwich makers.

Thomas. PLease. · 27 Oct 2015 at 09:49

xdcx said:
New criteria for the rules on proof before power profiles are updated =
1. Strava link. Strava or it didn't happen.
2. Picture. In the picture you must have taken a bite of said toasted slice, and you must have a tub of Flora balanced on your head for validation purposes.

If I had a turbo, I'd be having a go at this. With Lurpak obvs.

Speaking of which, turbos, who has what?

Been looking at the Elite Muin as it seems to be the quietest around at the moment? Want something to get on zwift with really, for when the weather is too awful to ride, but don't want to make enemies of my housemates/neighbours.

FrenchTart · 27 Oct 2015 at 09:52

xdcx said:
It tastes better, but man does it rip your bread slice to pieces due to you essentially spreading a solid brick onto it. I am a man, I have no time and/or ability to deal with this sandwich destroying nonsense.

I need to get myself one of them sandwich makers.

Just leave the butter out, it's soft enough then. #lifehax

Thomas. PLease. said:
If I had a turbo, I'd be having a go at this. With Lurpak obvs.

Speaking of which, turbos, who has what?

Been looking at the Elite Muin as it seems to be the quietest around at the moment? Want something to get on zwift with really, for when the weather is too awful to ride, but don't want to make enemies of my housemates/neighbours.

I have a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine and though it's a really nice bit of kit it's pretty damn loud. One of the best things you can do is to get some cheap foam/gym mats and put those under the turbo to dampen the vibration travelling through your floors/walls.