Road Cycling
- Thread starter FrenchTart
- Start date
Yeah it was actually fairly tough. Pretty tame for mtb terrain though
Segment:
https://www.strava.com/activities/386263190/segments/9239523927
The descent was pretty sketchy as the brakes on the hire bike I had weren't the best, especially on rough terrain.
I take it you didn't take the silly diversion up to this viewpoint like I did then
https://goo.gl/maps/bscCx8eJjRH2
Roads were far from smooth up there!
It's worth going up there for the view though...and the hilarity of trying to climb the metal ladder on the tower in cleats
(I cheated and did it in my socks
)Ahh. I didn't do that. I remember reaching the top and being surprised at the lack of anyone around... it was then I realised there was no lighthouse in sight either
But yes great view.. I think you could see the beach lower down and I later went and stopped there for an ice cream.
But yes great view.. I think you could see the beach lower down and I later went and stopped there for an ice cream.
Ahh. I didn't do that. I remember reaching the top and being surprised at the lack of anyone around... it was then I realised there was no lighthouse in sight either
ahhaha.
I usually don't step foot outside of the MTB thread but decided to get outside of my comfort zone and try a road bike so here I am.
Looking at this for £560:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-road-comp-bike
Seems a decent bike for the money, anything else I should be looking at for the same sort of budget? I cba buying 2nd hand, I know there's amazing deals to be had but I have no patience whatsoever, I just want to be able to walk a bike straight back into the shop if it gives me any bother.
Looking at this for £560:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-road-comp-bike
Seems a decent bike for the money, anything else I should be looking at for the same sort of budget? I cba buying 2nd hand, I know there's amazing deals to be had but I have no patience whatsoever, I just want to be able to walk a bike straight back into the shop if it gives me any bother.
Cheers. Hundred miles and 5000ft of climbing in the middle of it. It'll be hard work (for me!) but it should be good. The weather is looking good - cloudy but warm - so that certainly won't hurt.
- Joined
- 16 May 2005
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That doesn't look like too bad a buy. There are probably better deals (which I'm sure someone will pipe up with) but Spyres are decent for mech disc brakes (worse than hydraulics of course). Sora on a £500+ bike is a bit blah however. Shame it's not Tiagra at least.
Yeah it was actually fairly tough. Pretty tame for mtb terrain though
Segment:
https://www.strava.com/activities/386263190/segments/9239523927
The descent was pretty sketchy as the brakes on the hire bike I had weren't the best, especially on rough terrain.
View from the top is amazing.
https://www.strava.com/activities/500410109#12014147972
Gabba was the wrong jersey today! Worried about a bit of moisture, but just ended up sweating. Luckily was only running around grabbing bits and pieces for tomorrow.
Tom that looks amazing. I'm planning di2 this winter for mine if I can get the cash! You not got the fairing for the front brake?
15th to 22nd October if you fancy some company
Did you/have you used the Cycle Shuttle at all? Day 2 I'm heading down to Andtrax and will be riding all along the north coast (Puig Major) too. Will save Sa Calobra for an early morning start as by the time I reach it it'll be too late and too many tourists/coaches going up and down.
And also because I'll probably be somewhat tired and wouldn't mind trying to put in a half respectable time
15th to 22nd October if you fancy some company
Did you/have you used the Cycle Shuttle at all? Day 2 I'm heading down to Andtrax and will be riding all along the north coast (Puig Major) too. Will save Sa Calobra for an early morning start as by the time I reach it it'll be too late and too many tourists/coaches going up and down.
And also because I'll probably be somewhat tired and wouldn't mind trying to put in a half respectable time
I just might take you up on that offer! But im unfit.
No, havent seen or heard of the cycle shuttle. I'll have a google. I agree with you about Sa Calobra. I havent seen it yet but if it looks as good as the photos I wouldnt want to have a coach behind or infront of me, clear roads are a must!
You wont have any problems with midges when you're cycling. It's only when you stop that they can get you. They fly about 4-5mph so they cant chase you and even a slight breeze will keep them away. Rain doesn't effect them much though, you need wind.
Soldato
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- 29 Dec 2004
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- Shepley
Does anyone live near Birmingham and could recommend some decent riding near there? I'm going to be staying very central with work for a week in early October and could use a couple of training loops if possible.
Soldato
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- 17 Aug 2012
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- Tamworth, UK
I can recommend routes, what type of loop do you want?
South is best, lickey hills and the surrounding area is good for hill training, Rose Hill being a favourite. Problem is, getting to decent lanes/roads is very difficult from the city centre (I face it every day) as it's a good 30 minutes to get somewhere decent to ride, unless you enjoy busy roads?!
Soldato
- Joined
- 29 Dec 2004
- Posts
- 17,115
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- Shepley
I can recommend routes, what type of loop do you want?
South is best, lickey hills and the surrounding area is good for hill training, Rose Hill being a favourite. Problem is, getting to decent lanes/roads is very difficult from the city centre (I face it every day) as it's a good 30 minutes to get somewhere decent to ride, unless you enjoy busy roads?!
30 minutes could be worse, but I was expecting the ride out of the city to not be great. Hilly loops would be good - anything up to 60km including getting in and out of town I guess.
I thoughts about boot gaiters, like hikers use, they'd fit just below the knee so rain would run over the overshoe/shoe join. But to be honest the hassle/expense and how hot you'd get with them over-overshoes is probably not worth it. Especially as I have winter boots! Overshoes over them = almost perfect protection but really only for winter.
2 pairs of shoes? Defo something I'm considering in the winter months with my 4 commutes a day...
BBB 'Heavyduty' overshoes I have are not as thick as the basic DHB overshoes so provide less coverage. False advertising!
Hahaha, really funny, especially his response lol
Shoes covered in road grime/gravy and you're worried about other peoples funk?! Take some fabreeze to spray your shoes with?!
30 minutes could be worse, but I was expecting the ride out of the city to not be great. Hilly loops would be good - anything up to 60km including getting in and out of town I guess.
Get onto the A456 to head southwest out of the city then hit up Romsley and Clent.
A456 is a very busy road, although it'd soon lead you away from traffic. Once you crossed the M5 I imagine very easy to find routes from Halesowen/Stourport like merlin says. Especially if you're heading south as the majority of traffic would be on the motorway heading that direction. Around here most of the traffic is concentrated around the A roads, as soon as you get off them things are really quiet! The other option would be to jump on a bus/train to Kidderminster, depending on ease there's certainly lots of better riding around there.30 minutes could be worse, but I was expecting the ride out of the city to not be great. Hilly loops would be good - anything up to 60km including getting in and out of town I guess.
If you were able to head north, you'd need to get out to Sutton Coldfield to get some better (less busy) roads and the further out you could get the better. Lots of good riding out towards Cannock/Rugeley/Tamworth (have family in Cannock & sister lives near Perry Barr). I don't know much of the east/south of Birmingham, I have family/friends around the various others places mentioned so kinda know the areas (even though I've not ridden them).
Much of Birmingham is concentrated around inside the motorway networks, as soon as you cross out of these the roads are better/quieter.
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