Road Cycling

[Roady]

I've never really seen a point in paying for turbo/indoors training sessions. Just seems rather pointless to me.

They're an easy way to follow structure and a plan - without using the brain work to come up with your own... TR is great as there are specific X week plans to achieve certain things in a balanced way. If you only do intervals... You get good at doing intervals!

Embrace the moisturiser dude.

Seconded. I moisturise after shaving every morning and have started occasionally putting some on before bed when my skin is particularly dry (something I seem to suffer from).

I'm considering my options for a new front light. I've always used a SolarStorm X2 for my night time excursions but despite me rarely coming across traffic on my night jaunts I'm after something a bit more road focussed.

Budget/Lumens? I went from a Cateye VOLT100(£20-30) to a VOLT400(£50) and wish I'd got a VOLT800(£70-90). There is an overpriced Volt1200 but I've been looking at this deal for less money... Exposure Axis mk3 (1000 lumen) for £136. I'd probably go this route from my 400, rather than the 800.

Although I'm biased towards Cateye (used them almost exclusively for 4 years) until I recently got an Exposure rear... I'd also consider Leyzne, the helmet light of theirs I use has been good.

My creaking solved! Chain or chainring bolts were the cause, nice and quiet this morning changed the BB anyway but it was a touch rough and had a tiny bit of surface rust where the seals meet.

Great news! Give it a few weeks to be sure...!

Taken a rest day today. Injury from my pedal change is pretty much ok, but I've also picked up a saddle sore and a sore knee from the change too... Guessing I need a little saddle height, didn't really appreciate there would be much of a difference between SPD and SPD-SL, but it could be a combination of the new shoes too.

NFTO shop has a flash sale on team kit this friday/saturday, think it's only in store (not online).

 

[Saytan]

I'm considering my options for a new front light. I've always used a SolarStorm X2 for my night time excursions but despite me rarely coming across traffic on my night jaunts I'm after something a bit more road focussed.

Now I've been reading a lot of comments on going for a light with a proper beam like they use over in Germany land with many people saying the best place to get one from is a German supplier. Now this is where my daft question comes in... if they are designed to cast a proper beam pattern like a car, are they setup for riding on the right hand side? Or is the beam focussed but in a straight line rather than the L (or backwards L of a left hand drive) shaped beam that a car puts out?

Thanks and sorry for the probably completely daft question

my beam is a symmetrical shape, the shaping is about cutting off the "top" and reducing spill. I've been well pleased with my AXA greenline 50

 

[Vonhelmet]

I tried a different route to try to avoid some roadworks, queues, a dip and a hill... It added a mile to my journey and took me ten minutes longer. Fail.

 

[FrenchTart]

I tried a different route to try to avoid some roadworks, queues, a dip and a hill... It added a mile to my journey and took me ten minutes longer. Fail.

I set off after 8 today...big mistake. Super duper ultra slow.

 

[Roady]

NFTO shop has a flash sale on team kit this friday/saturday, think it's only in store (not online).

We’re planning on Friday the 29th of Jan – to have an exclusive deals evening from 6pm – 8pm and also run the same offer to club members on the Saturday, if they can’t make it Friday evening.
For those who can't make it to the shop or live to far away then we can post items free in the UK, if you spend more than £30 - contact the shop to place your orders.

Current Sale Prices Below – Super Exclusive Offers on the Night!!
Main Items

NFTO Castelli Gabba SS Jersey – Was £140 now £80
NFTO Castelli San Remo 3.0 Speedsuit – Was £230 Now £80
NFTO Castelli Body Paint 3.0 Speedsuit Was £200 Now £60
NFTO Castelli LS Thermal Jersey Was £95 Now £40
NFTO Castelli Aero Race Jersey Was £90 Now £35
NFTO Castelli Windstopper Gilet Was £100 Now £40
NFTO Castelli Windstopper Winter Jacket Was £160 Now £60
NFTO Castelli Thermal Bibtights (No Pad) Was £85 Now £40
NFTO Castelli (Replica) Team Jersey Was £80 Now £30
NFTO Castelli Race Day Track Jacket Was £100 Now £40
NFTO Castelli Volo (Replica) Bibshorts Was £90 Now £50
NFTO Castelli Free Aero Race Bibshorts Was £140 Now £70
NFTO Santini Kids Jersey Was £40 Now £25
NFTO Santini Kids Bibshorts Was £40 Now £25

Accessories

(NFTO Branded)
NFTO Caps Was £20 Now £9
NFTO Castelli Arm Warmers Was £30 Now £10
NFTO Castelli Headband £10
NFTO Kask Bambino TT Helmet Was £300 Now £100

(Unbranded)
Kask Infinity Helmet Black/Red Was £220 Now £176
Kask Protone Helmet Black/Red Was £195 Now £156
Castelli Diluvio Gloves Was £35 Now £20
Castelli Diluvio Overshoes Was £35 Now £20
Castelli Belgian Booties Overshoe Was £20 Now £10
Castelli Nano Aero Shoe Covers Was £35 Now £15

I'm going to swing by on my way home from work, have my eye on the Castelli LS Thermal jersey, possibly the windstopper jacket (not ordered the DHB ASV yet...), Race Jersey, Cap and maybe arm/leg warmers at £10, especially if they're nanoflex...! Half hoping I can snag a deal on some Oakley glasses too!

Just a heads up - I know someone from here ordered something online from them before (before website & shop revamp/change) and had problems with stock. Disclaimer and all that

Deal on an OnGuard Gold secure D lock, bit of an unknown brand but very well reviewed - £25 on Tredz.

 

[ShiWarrior]

I have finally started doing Pilates, doing 3 sessions, then its half term, so ill do the 16 week (I think) block as well

I am still looking positive about getting back on the bike!!

 

[xdcx]

NFTO deals.

Some cheap deals on that Roady!

Castelli Nano Aero Shoe Covers Was £35 Now £15

Those, they say to "call to order" on the site. If you are physically visiting the store and they have these, could you grab me a set and I will pay you for them and postage man? The only colour on the site is black and they are one size I believe. Doubt they will have them, but if they do would really appreciate it and send you the pennies

 

[lordrobs]

Budget/Lumens? I went from a Cateye VOLT100(£20-30) to a VOLT400(£50) and wish I'd got a VOLT800(£70-90). There is an overpriced Volt1200 but I've been looking at this deal for less money... Exposure Axis mk3 (1000 lumen) for £136. I'd probably go this route from my 400, rather than the 800.

Although I'm biased towards Cateye (used them almost exclusively for 4 years) until I recently got an Exposure rear... I'd also consider Leyzne, the helmet light of theirs I use has been good.

I've been looking at Lux ratings rather than Lumens as I've been after something a little more focussed in terms of a beam pattern. 40 > 50 Lux should do it I think. As for my budget... not much, I don't really want to spend more than about £50.

my beam is a symmetrical shape, the shaping is about cutting off the "top" and reducing spill. I've been well pleased with my AXA greenline 50

Great suggestion, thanks. Also considering a B+M Ixon. Great that the German sites have a lot of options that use regular AA NIMH cells as I can stock up on those and swap them out rather than being a slave to an internal battery.

I might keep my Solarstorm on there and fire it up for the really dark sections if it is needed. Use it like a high beam on the car to just flood the lanes with light. Full to off is just a single press and I'd still have another light putting out 40 (non dazzling) Lux. Might be overkill but it would put my mind at rest the first few times I headed out with it.

 

[Liefrich]

I'm going to swing by on my way home from work, have my eye on the Castelli

Just a heads up - I know someone from here ordered something online from them before (before website & shop revamp/change) and had problems with stock. Disclaimer and all that

Deal on an OnGuard Gold secure D lock, bit of an unknown brand but very well reviewed - £25 on Tredz.

Good find Roady. I am also interested in the thermal jersey. I am a bit of a Castelli novice so do these deals represent bargains or has there been some uplift on the team kits prices?

 

[xdcx]

Good find Roady. I am also interested in the thermal jersey. I am a bit of a Castelli novice so do these deals represent bargains or has there been some uplift on the team kits prices?

Those prices for Castelli gear is VERY cheap
Just a shame it has NFTO plastered all over it, but it's Castelli none the less just with sponsorship logo's all over.

 

[Liefrich]

Those prices for Castelli gear is VERY cheap
Just a shame it has NFTO plastered all over it, but it's Castelli none the less just with sponsorship logo's all over.

Cheers - I was just slightly concerned that perhaps it wasn't their top tier stuff (albeit this was only from a very quick Google).

I do occasionally cycle around Hereford so I too am not sure I really want the NTFO logo plastered all over me especially given I am a novice .

 

[xdcx]

Cheers - I was just slightly concerned that perhaps it wasn't their top tier stuff (albeit this was only from a very quick Google).

I do occasionally cycle around Hereford so I too am not sure I really want the NTFO logo plastered all over me especially given I am a novice .

Rule # 17
Team kit is for members of the team.

Wearing Pro team kit is also questionable if you’re not paid to wear it. If you must fly the colors of Pro teams, all garments should match perfectly, i.e no Mapei jersey with Kelme shorts and Telekom socks.

 

[Roady]

could you grab me a set and I will pay you for them and postage man? The only colour on the site is black and they are one size I believe. Doubt they will have them, but if they do would really appreciate it and send you the pennies

Of course mate, I'll have a look for the Nano Aero covers! I'm trying to figure out if they're open before 6pm as they normally close at 5pm... Don't want to lock my bike up on the street as the bike racks are not near the shop! If they're open I can take my bike inside for security!

Good find Roady. I am also interested in the thermal jersey. I am a bit of a Castelli novice so do these deals represent bargains or has there been some uplift on the team kits prices?

Not 100% sure if exactly the same jersey, but £72 on Wiggle, maybe as low as £50 other places in limited sizes. So £40 is pretty darn good!

Those prices for Castelli gear is VERY cheap
Just a shame it has NFTO plastered all over it, but it's Castelli none the less just with sponsorship logo's all over.

Yeah, it's also 2015 kit so slightly different to current, don't think many of the sponsors have changed though. Not the main ones (Cotswold BMW & AAM) and the colours are retained.

I'm quite used to the colours but it's not exactly 'ugly', just quite loud with the sponsorship decals.

Spoiler

I do occasionally cycle around Hereford so I too am not sure I really want the NTFO logo plastered all over me especially given I am a novice .

Know what you mean about that, although the couple of local sportives I've done I've probably overtaken just as many 'NFTO branded' riders than have overtaken me and I'm certainly novice too!

The guys I know who regularly ride around here with every club (and are seen as 'NFTO members') don't generally wear their NFTO kit except for organised club rides (and they'll be quite happily seen in any clubs 'colours' on any clubs ride!). The guys who ride less you see wearing it every time they're out...! Once a week lol

Me personally I want to support the local clubs/groups I am a fan of - NFTO is one of those (and I want to build up to club rides with them), equally Climb on Bikes (local shop I social ride with) have branded kit and I would more than happily wear... Just none of this quality team kit (Castelli & Santini) is usually the same price/cheaper as the unbranded!

EDIT: Just went to hunt down the NFTO club ride from last Sunday and saw several of the guys (3) I'd locally call 'great riders' got dropped by the group! Think this guy was to blame lol, 100 miles @19mph with close to 5000ft climbing!

 

[FrenchTart]

The wind today. Seriously :/ It's actually worse than yesterday.

 

[Vonhelmet]

The wind today. Seriously :/ It's actually worse than yesterday.

On my way into work I come past the Hilton on Deansgate and head down under the metrolink line and it's an absolute wind tunnel. I was giving it all I could to do 8mph.

 

[Jonny69]

Wind behind me all the way in this morning. Noticed my cadence was 135rpm on the flat while on the tops of the bars

Not looking forward to the slog home

 

[xdcx]

Of course mate, I'll have a look for the Nano Aero covers! I'm trying to figure out if they're open before 6pm as they normally close at 5pm... Don't want to lock my bike up on the street as the bike racks are not near the shop! If they're open I can take my bike inside for security!

EDIT: Just went to hunt down the NFTO club ride from last Sunday and saw several of the guys (3) I'd locally call 'great riders' got dropped by the group! Think this guy was to blame lol, 100 miles @19mph with close to 5000ft climbing!

You are a good guy Roady, thanks very much Hope you get some good bargains for yourself either way!

Andy Turner bloke is decent 20 hour weeks he's doing now, surely works part time?!?! Is that NFTO club ride their actual semi pro guys or is this a NFTO club ride type thing that anyone can join? I'm clueless about this team, not sure if they are just a "pro team" or a normal club with an elite lot as well.

Didn't even realise they had a proper shop and stuff until you mentioned it haha.

 

[One More Solo]

You are a good guy Roady, thanks very much Hope you get some good bargains for yourself either way!

Andy Turner bloke is decent 20 hour weeks he's doing now, surely works part time?!?! Is that NFTO club ride their actual semi pro guys or is this a NFTO club ride type thing that anyone can join? I'm clueless about this team, not sure if they are just a "pro team" or a normal club with an elite lot as well.

Didn't even realise they had a proper shop and stuff until you mentioned it haha.

Roady probably knows more than me, but I think they're a club with the pro team attached. A guy I ride with at track is a club member. It's a good idea on their part because I assume anyone can join the club, get the kit and "feel" like a pro.

I think the club element also acts as a feeder for the pro team, so if you think you're good enough then it's a good way to get noticed I guess. Another guy from track called Alex Harvey has gone down that route this year on a sort-of internship basis.

 

[Roady]

You are a good guy Roady, thanks very much Hope you get some good bargains for yourself either way!

He is ain't he! Hadn't come across him before (he lives out of Hereford) but to see him clocking up those kinda miles no wonder he put the hurt on riders doing only a fraction of it! He must work half time as he's done 7 hours of riding already since monday morning...!

Is that NFTO club ride their actual semi pro guys or is this a NFTO club ride type thing that anyone can join? I'm clueless about this team, not sure if they are just a "pro team" or a normal club with an elite lot as well.

Didn't even realise they had a proper shop and stuff until you mentioned it haha.

OMS is spot on - NFTO started out as a local team sponsored and pushed forward by a guy who was 'stationed locally' (if you know the regiment I mean) who used his payouts/pension/savings to start a bike shop (The Shed) aimed at the higher end road market. It took off well and several of the great sponsorship deals (Oakley & Continental & Stages to name a few), meant they started their own national pro team. The pro team are a 'British UCI Continental' team and are aiming at becoming a 'UCI Professional Continental' team this year.

There's quite a following of riders around here on a club level, although they're one of the few that actually require a BC membership. Some of the 'club rides' occasionally have a pro rider come and ride - especially in the off season. Local hill climbs sometimes get them appearing too. Their 'club ride' is generally the non-pro guys, although there are a few 'local' NFTO riders who would be feeding through to the pro team if the opportunity arises like tank... That Andy Turner guy springs to mind - if he's putting the hurt on experienced club guys he should be racing!

They started their own series of closed road races last year (The Hitter Series) which I did as part of an open road Sportive in the morning.

Think of them as a small JLT Condor/IAM team - I'm guessing they came from their own grass roots teams?

Had some good riders on their squad the last few years: Adam Blythe (OGE & now Tinkoff), Jon Mould (JLT & OnePro), Russ Downing (JLT & CultE), IanBibby (Madison Genesis) & Steele Von Hoff (OnePro) who won the TDU stage 4 a few days ago.

 

[xdcx]

snip

Sounds like a great setup and I agree, top idea for having decent club guys have that aim of riding for the pro team.

snip

Cheers for all the info Roady.
Sounds pretty awesome, must be great having this setup on your doorstep, I would definitely be getting involved!

Andy T surely has to be part time, I am training twice a day around full time work and it involves getting up and training at 5am and then the second I get home at back of 4pm. And I cannot see how I would be able to log the hours on the bike he does..... Wish I didn't have to work and could concentrate on training as much as that