Road Cycling

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My trainer had a specific pressure rating (6 bar) it wanted the tyre to be at, don't know how much of a difference it makes but it might be worth checking the manual. This trainer tyre is a different width to my normal tyres so I just use that anyway.
 
Very windy today, the commute in was a bit of a pain. Loads of people seemed to have gone for it today, though, the bike racks were pretty full.
 
First ride (111km) out in my new Altura jersey/jacket yesterday.

http://road.cc/content/review/111823-altura-race-line-windproof-jacket

It may read as if I didn't like the Raceline, but that's not the case. It's a good bit of kit that is comfortable to wear and has really good build quality; it's just that there are too many little niggles for it to justify its £119.99 price tag.
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However, yours for £35 from Cyclestore. IMHO, a great buy at that price. Windproof front is great on long descents but I didn't boil when climbing with a just thin base-T underneath. Middle back pocket fitted by CaddySack (M) fine, marmalade sandwich in the right pocket, other grub in the left. Perhaps 1 to 2 cm shorter in the arms would stop a bit of bunching but I'm chuffed with it at 35 quid.
 
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Jono said:
Ran out of gears, or just a pussy? ;)
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Both! :)

oli collett said:
We're going this weekend! More worried about the descents!
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The descents are nothing short of terrifying in parts. Coming down the steep bit of Honister with your brakes on full and your arse hanging over the back of the saddle to keep the weight back was mortifying.

Coming down Hardknott eastwards towards Wrynose was also terrifying, the final downhill switchback was sooooo steep and the surface was so loose that as I went over a bump my back wheel locked. I managed to keep the contents of my intestines inside though, so that was fortunate.

I'm just glad it was all dry roads. If its wet, I don't think I'd like going down there one bit!
 
saitrix said:
[...]
Annoyingly I am booked in to do a 100 mile sportive on 1st May, I can't see me being able to do that. :([...]
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Noting your location, is it the Derby Spring Classic? I'm booked in for the 100 miles also but woefully under prepared! Not had a free weekend where I'm staying with the bike and able to get in rides over 35-40 miles that I can do through the week, so thinking of doing the 50 miles instead!
 
I have a 28t, and I use it when things get above 15% or thereabouts, or if it's a lengthy climb.

The cat 3 I went up yesterday usually requires the 28t. One time last year I did it in the 25t. Yesterday I did it in my 23t, which surprised me. However, I didn't get a PR, which suggests there's work to be done in terms of cadence, optimal gearing for optimal power, etc. I need to get a power meter and then I can work out how to get the best out of myself.
 
Finally fixed up my hack bike today after another trip to get more spacers as the one I had was 1.5mm too thin :o Got there in the end but I managed to put the tyre on my new wheel and only after I'd finished did I spot the rim tape that I'd forgotten to fit. Then fitted the cassette and it was sliding about at 40Nm hence the extra spacers. Then I had to re index the gears slightly which I'd never done before but was actually pretty easy. It was only slightly out probably because I've gone from a 7 speed screw on hub to a 7 speed cassette on 8/9 speed hub with 4.5mm spacer. Also fitted flat pedals back onto it as it suits the usage it will get over the next few months better than SPDs.

More importantly it frees up my bike stand so I can do a service of my Dolomite and prep my old MTB ready to sell it.

Got the week off and was planning to do a 70 mile ride but I was kind of dreading the prospect so I've decided not to bother. TBH I'm pretty annoyed that I allowed myself to be talked into this 100 mile sportive when I wanted to do the 50. Trying to plan in long rides in preparation feels like a bit of a chore. 30 - 40 mile solo rides are great, time to clear my head and stretch the legs but anything more than that just feels like miles for the sake of it :(
 
Are there any places you fancy visiting 35-45 miles away? Go there and back to split up a longer ride, taking a break for a nice lunch or sight seeing.
 
Well I went out for a short recovery ride, and even that got cut short by a stuck chain link making the pedals jump every few turns. Gonna have to try and remember where I put the spares :p

I take reasonably good care of the chain, even though I've accepted that avoiding black chain gunk is literally impossible, figure a stone or something must have jumped in there and bent it.
 
PermaBanned said:
even though I've accepted that avoiding black chain gunk is literally impossible
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It depends on what lube you use, how much you use and how you clean it.

Since moving to dry teflon lube, and making sure I remove any excess after cleaning and re-applying, I've gone from horrible manky black chains and mechs to consta-shiny silver ones :)
 
uv said:
I had the Castelli toe covers, and they lasted just a few months before they fell apart. I've got the DHB ones turning up today to replace them, hopefully they'll fare better :)
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Roady said:
The DHB are loads better, they're thicker neoprene but don't quite stretch as much, but the sewing around the opening makes them loads tougher. My Castelli's had holes in the toes after only a couple of rides, the DHB's have probably done 10 rides and are only slightly marked on the left toe (which I unclip).
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What are you guys doing in them :D Mine after roughly 1200 miles and quite a bit of walking. (excuse the double layer overshoes, it was cold!)

bWd2Vmp.jpg
 
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