Road Cycling

[Roady]

Not bad, did taper off quite a bit when the bad weather came and weekend riding happened less and less. Good mileage (hit my yearly goal/target of 5000mi/8000km) along with a bunch of consistent racing pushing the same numbers various points of the year and a bunch of FTP increases various points.

Regained some fitness fast when Zwift racing more - around when ZRL started (mid-September), but I had been fairly level and consistently good through the whole year. Didn't get any real massive all day adventures or imperials done, but lots of 50-60 mile club runs and 1 local 'sportive'. Want to do more of the same in 2026, retaining the consistency and mileage... But again want to cross off some events! May get into CX...

Goggins is a legend. If you want a laugh. Ex Navy SEAL, lots of ho-hoo, motivational stuff and silly challenges like 4x4x48 - 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours.

We had a week in Gent & Bruges earlier in the month. Had to remember that you need to drink slower when you're on triples and Christmas ales at 11 and 12%

Loves Bruges, got Zwift friends who live not far away so need to get back there with my bike! One of them actually owns a chocolate shop/hot chocolate thing in one of the open markets which could be pretty dangerous... One of the others (Fred) is quite high up in the Belgian Navy and likes his strong beers and loves to wind me up about my choices... Think that would be even more dangerous!

Yeah, i always favour DIPAs which are around the 8-9% mark and it's amazing the effect it has vs just a normal beer

Haha yeah, have to admit when a box of 10x 500ml Buds or Stellas is more than £10-11 in my local shop I'm going for single (large) bottles of things like 'Old Crafty Hen' & 'Mc Ewans Champion' (around 6-7%) as can get 3x 560ml for £6.50

The boxed cans/bottles I'll generally have 2 of them, but the bigger bottles will only have 1. So they probably do work out cheaper!

Same. I haven't got the kit for -2 temps and the fear on all the country roads I frequent having ice is too much. Just not worth it.

-2 on my head unit yesterday (with my weather app saying -4), but as my commute is short and it was in the house it likely was a bit below that. -6 windchill according to Strava, certainly felt like it! Just got into a good tempo and didn't stop - or go very quick downhill as a sure fire way to feel colder (without enough of a ride first to warm up!). Avoided any painted lines like the plague, zero consideration of using anything away from where cars had been to clear it. Riding unclipped around my estate and the drive at work. It was crunchy but more a really hard frost than any real ice around. Thankfully. Sun has been glorious but ambient has stayed 0 so hope things stayed frozen as that'll stop the ice...! Thankfully have the dentist today so drove in, but think tomorrow could be the worst day as today looks like it might thaw a bit before freezing later!

 

[Roady]

Been premium on Strava for a few years and can't see me ever leaving. It's $99 a year, a pint here is $18. A whole year of exploring my data, comparing to others and to past efforts, planning and finding routes, social interaction with friends in a positive way without having to be particularly sociable all for the price of 5 pints is a total no brainer for me. Each to their own though, I do feel it's a little sneaky to hide what we used to get for free behind a sub.

Pretty much same as me... Although I agree with every Pro+Con points from everyone above... I don't sub to many things, but Zwift, Whoop, Strava Premium and Veloviewer. If I needed something else and had to justify it, first I'd drop is Strava Premium as most of the stuff I use on it is available on the free one. None of my other subs can I do things for free.

But Strava is my 'main' for all the other apps and devices to sync into just down to ease and it looking nice. Probably my main 'social network' these days too. I don't really use any of the other similar things to Strava for anything other than recording individual sets of data, to then export/sync to Stava with all the others. I'm not a Garmin fan, as 1 by 1 devices died and very underwhelmed by everything they do & others gladly pay for. I'd probably use Wahoo (as majority of Garmin hardware got replaced by theirs) if they had a 'Feed' with various data from Friends and a social bit.

Really feel Strava is only the 'main' one IMO because they do a bit of 'everything'. It's a big collaboration of various people doing lots of stuff and you 'seeing' the data in an easy to digest format. Much of it for free. As soon as another platform is doing that, they'll kill Strava. Like Wahoo should be doing to Garmin with trainers and head units. Like RGT should have done to Zwift. Like Android should be doing to Apple. Like X (and now Insta?) did/doing to Facebook. Like Teams should be doing to WhatsApp. Lots of bad comparisons there - but all examples how competitors are fighting within different spaces, with much of my opinion thrown in

 

[baritonejohann]

The air hurts my face and my snood steams up my glasses that I need to stop the same air from making me blind with tears. what a conundrum. cold face it is I guess.

 

[Junglist]

Some decent sales on at the moment. If you've got your Strava (i think) account linked with Le Col you've probably got a few 30% off vouchers. Got two new jerseys (in the super masculine colours of grape and orchid) from them for £108 when they should've been £140 each. using the discount already in place and then the additional 30% off. Sadly, it's being delivered by Evri so who knows if I'll ever see it. They've got some of their £200 shorts for £88 at the moment before the additional 30% but they're in obscure sizes otherwise I would've grabbed a few pairs as well, even if they end up falling apart like my last ones

 

[AndyCr15]

Don't Le Col give away £50 every month through a Strava Challenge? (I've stopped noticing what challenges I sign up to tbh)

**EDIT** After a quick look, maybe not?

 

[Junglist]

Don't Le Col give away £50 every month through a Strava Challenge? (I've stopped noticing what challenges I sign up to tbh)

**EDIT** After a quick look, maybe not?

Used to but I haven't noticed them in a while. I don't usually like their branding and the bib shorts I had of theirs fell apart after a year so I often skip their stuff (I do like my overshoes from them though) but I needed some new bits so took advantage. My bright pink Rapha jersey broke the other day so I wanted some colourful ones to replace it.

Though they've just dropped in price by another £14 so I'm tempted to return and re-order. Yes, I'm cheap!

Edit: they’ve just refunded me £48. I don’t think they accounted for my additional discount. Means I just paid £58 for £280 worth of jerseys at full price. Oooph.

Tempted to order some new arm warmers now

 

[AndyCr15]

so I wanted some colourful ones to replace it.

Have you got any Stolen Goat? They do some very colourful stuff and I much prefer their comfort and fit.

 

[Junglist]

Have you got any Stolen Goat? They do some very colourful stuff and I much prefer their comfort and fit.

I haven't, i have bookmarked them as I know you mentioned them quite a while back and they did have some really cool designs so I'll probably grab something from them for the summer.

 

[AndyCr15]

Yesterday, I spent a little time prepping my SL8 for it's next trip. It had a flat rear tyre, replaced, checked brake pads, connected E-Tube and updated Di2 firmware. I didn't realise I could update my shifters without a £200 device. Apparently, you just need some spare Di2 cable and way to connect them to power. The recommended method is to your Front Derailleur with a connecting box. I order them on Amazong last night and did the update this morning.

To get better access to my Front Derailleur I turned the bike upside down and removed the rear wheel. When I put everything back togother, I noticed this tiny bolt (postage stamp for scale) on the floor, about where the Front Derailleur had been.

Everything seems fixed and sturdy and everything works. Any ideas where this tiny bolt has come from? (It is of course possible it was there before the Di2 operations)

 

[Junglist]

See, this is why I don't bother with Di2...............

 

[Martynt74]

So go Sram AXS, no hassles at all and all updates are OTA

 

[grudas]

So go Sram AXS, no hassles at all and all updates are OTA

SRAM is so far ahead of shimano when it comes to wireless shifting that it's insane. Shimano shifts nice and works well.. when it works but it's overly complicated and clunky in many ways. I'm a bit of a fan of sram AXS I'm not going to lie so may be biased but they're good. Previously the ergonomics of hoods were a bit meh but the new 13spd 1x is actually very good and imo as good/better than shimano ergo wise.

 

[Martynt74]

Yeah. I have both the 12 and 13sp versions on 2 bikes an agree the 13 is a huge leap forward.

 

[AndyCr15]

I think the mystery has been solved. Someone on Reddit just pointed out it looks more like something from a seatpost clamp or similar. I think about a month ago, I was changing the battery in my MotoTag holder, which clamps under the seat. I have a vague recollection of losing a tiny nut then!

 

[Roady]

The air hurts my face and my snood steams up my glasses that I need to stop the same air from making me blind with tears. what a conundrum. cold face it is I guess.

3 snoods for me & 2 hats yesterday. Glasses (Oakley Jawbreaker) have good vents so kinda ok, when they do fog, only tends to be at the bottom so fine when riding. When I want them unfogged generally pull snood from nose for a couple of mouth breaths while moving and they'll unfog in a second or two. Stationary takes more like 5s. This morning (air around 0 not sub zero) just 2 normal buffs. I'm overdressed because I have a short commute (6-10min) and with no warm up I'm generally dressed to keep residual heat in without any consideration of any I generate myself.

So I wear 1st snood over skullcap to cover chin (not mouth/nose). Windproof hat over top to keep it in place. Next snood covers mouth and below nose but there to be pulled up over nose. Only in these cold snaps of sub zero do I wear a 3rd snood and it's a windproof one from DHB which has a vent over the nose and is fantastic! https://www.dhbsport.com/products/dhb-windslam-neck-tube

The times I've tried more sold/complete windproof face covers find them absolutely useless. Instant fogging as they cover so much & too tight, being barely adjustable... Then the nose openings on them almost channel cold air into where you want it least!

This time of year I legitimately get cold sores. Other times I catch on my lips if I ride without a face covering so am nearly always covered, but this time of year with the freezing air I get them within my nose whatever I do. Pretty grim but with the cold air means I'm nearly always seeing blood when blowing my nose! Think I probably have a slightly deviated septum as a regular thing for me, just see it less during the warmer weather (nose gets dried out due to bad airflow so then bleeds easily). Meh, should go back to the Dr's as been a couple of years since I asked about it, but they never did anything before...

Some decent sales on at the moment. If you've got your Strava (i think) account linked with Le Col you've probably got a few 30% off vouchers. Got two new jerseys (in the super masculine colours of grape and orchid) from them for £108 when they should've been £140 each. using the discount already in place and then the additional 30% off. Sadly, it's being delivered by Evri so who knows if I'll ever see it. They've got some of their £200 shorts for £88 at the moment before the additional 30% but they're in obscure sizes otherwise I would've grabbed a few pairs as well, even if they end up falling apart like my last ones

Got one of these little 'Spatz Burnr' lights start of November on a whim with other stuff. For a £15 light it is superb. Made with a 'clip' type design but held together with magnets, so you can fit it over the top of an overshoe/sock or even jersey pocket. I have mine on a strap on my bag. USB-C and I charged it when I got it, only used it commuting and finally last night it was flat. With the winter flask on a deal again I'm grabbing another of these lights to carry as a spare, very versatile, inexpensive and just a neat little design with great battery life. You don't find much of that for low cost these days.

Got some of the £165 Sport Thermal shorts from Le Col in BF deal (£66 off) then another 20% off code. Think I paid £84 for them with delivery. They're nice thermal shorts and work well at that, but feel not really worth it even for that money as feel cheaply made and a poor design. They're far too stretchy material so barely gives any compression which means they tend to sag, even more so if they get damp. I'm wearing Large and find the arm straps are too slack (made for 6 foot+ riders) so makes things even worse, the rear of the pad really feeling unconnected and 'flappy' in my fairly sat up position on the turbo - which means will be even worse on the road. They're ok under tights and I'll use them for commuting, but won't be buying more - maybe would if they where £50-60 I'd try a Medium and used them as commute shorts. So I'm back to waiting for deals on Sportful Norain Pro/Fiandre which do seem to have been discontinued or really hard to get the last couple of seasons. Did come close to getting the Assos Equipe Spring/Fall S11 when they came as low as £115 but just couldn't quite do it.

Anyone tried any of the Enduro thermal shorts/tights?

 

[Junglist]

That light actually looks great and if I was actively cycling outside at the moment I'd get that.

I ended up ordering another pair of their 'Pro' bib shorts for £60 delivered. Not bad from £200. Remains to be seen how they are though. Also bought a pair of Rapha Pro Training ones as they were on sale too.

If money wasn't an issue I'd buy nothing but Assos as even my worn out Assos ones feel so damn superior to everything else, my jersey of theirs is my favourite (Not just cause it looks cool) and the jacket I have from them is glorious when it's cold out but it was hard to justify the cost when I've been able to buy 2 jerseys and bibs from Le Col and a jersey and bib from Rapha for significantly less than what I would've paid if I got even half of that from Assos.

 

[#Chri5#]

@Roady - I used to suffer from cold sores a lot but one thing I think that has helped me massively is using lip balm to stop my lips drying out. I get the 3 pack of Malibu ones from Amazon for £3.

On the thermal bib shorts front, I've got a pair of Giordana G-Shield which I've been very happy with. On first look I thought the raw cut legs might move a lot given there isn't a gripper (though I hate elastic grippers) but they stay put perfectly. Might be worth asking Giordana UK if anymore stock is coming as they are excellent value at £70 IMHO.

Giordana G-Shield Thermal Bib Short

Giordana G-Shield Thermal Bib Short The G-Shield bib short is designed to offer three-season protection against the elements and is constructed using new thermal fleece-lined fabric with Acqua Zero Eco™ water repellent treatment that fuses to the fibers in the fabric to provide a hydrophobic...

www.giordana.co.uk

I also have a pair of 3/4 Endura FS260 Pro Thermo and they have been good as well if I want more warmth but not full-on winter wear (see next recommendation).

For full winter tights, I would buy the updated version of the Galibier Mistral. I got mine back in 2019 and highly rate them when its filthy (yes, I'm looking at you We Ride Flanders!)

Mistral Winter Bib Tights – Galibier

 

[Roady]

Yesterday, I spent a little time prepping my SL8 for it's next trip. It had a flat rear tyre, replaced, checked brake pads, connected E-Tube and updated Di2 firmware. I didn't realise I could update my shifters without a £200 device. Apparently, you just need some spare Di2 cable and way to connect them to power. The recommended method is to your Front Derailleur with a connecting box. I order them on Amazong last night and did the update this morning.

Good prep - that nut was TINY, looked at it first of all and figured it was from a mudguard or some kind of mount as looked stainless and has a plastic lock thread... Then re-looked when you mentioned the stamp. Wow, really micro!

What shifters to update and why not just use etube with them wireless? Only asking as figured that was the way... The R7170 on my SL7 I'm sure updated over it when I first got it (& about the only time I updated them), I probably need to check it actually - cleared the old sealant out the tyres this weekend, feels like a 'spring clean' type job as it's been sat on the wall gleaming clean talking to me the last few weeks "Warmer weather, dry roads and sunshine are coming soon! I'm ready!"

Actually looking forwards to riding zwift without toe warmers & thermals this week!

I ended up ordering another pair of their 'Pro' bib shorts for £60 delivered. Not bad from £200. Remains to be seen how they are though. Also bought a pair of Rapha Pro Training ones as they were on sale too.

Which Pro was that? Le Col? Link if still valid... For £60 think I'd try a medium!

@Roady - I used to suffer from cold sores a lot but one thing I think that has helped me massively is using lip balm to stop my lips drying out. I get the 3 pack of Malibu ones from Amazon for £3.

Oh I'm not 'suffering' as such regularly with them, if I stay covered. If I'm uncovered I'll get them pretty quick this time of year along with chapped lips/nose which is probably worse as super painful! Think I'm just too sensitive (!). Do tend to get them around/in my nose more than my lips in the cold weather. That makes lip balm a no-go!

I do pick up a cold sore when 'under the weather', but usually find when I'm ill and they come out they're a good sign I'm actually recovering - so treat them as a good sign to return to hard riding! If I get myself run down from a lot of extra riding/fatigue and ill... That's about the only time I'll get one even when riding with a buff. If I ride without one it it'll happen far more regularly! Basically I've figured out being in a buff from September - May when commuting in the mornings I get far less of them... Then when riding in sub-zero air, just get traces of blood when blowing my nose. Now things are over 3-4 degrees no sign of it.

On the thermal bib shorts front, I've got a pair of Giordana G-Shield which I've been very happy with. On first look I thought the raw cut legs might move a lot given there isn't a gripper (though I hate elastic grippers) but they stay put perfectly. Might be worth asking Giordana UK if anymore stock is coming as they are excellent value at £70 IMHO.

Giordana G-Shield Thermal Bib Short

Giordana G-Shield Thermal Bib Short The G-Shield bib short is designed to offer three-season protection against the elements and is constructed using new thermal fleece-lined fabric with Acqua Zero Eco™ water repellent treatment that fuses to the fibers in the fabric to provide a hydrophobic...

www.giordana.co.uk

Good shout, I wasn't aware of them doing a thermal short. Will keep an eye on them at that price! How do you find the pad? Would think the sizing usual and I'll be in a Large...

For full winter tights, I would buy the updated version of the Galibier Mistral.

I'm fairly set for tights. I find I don't wear them enough (got 3 pairs) - last few years have settled onto thermal shorts + knee warmers. I'm nearly always in Spatz overshoes when the weather is below 5-6 degrees and they're nearly all up to the knee. I wear padless tights over the top when it's sub zero (shorts+warmer+tights). Just find thermal shorts something I'm wearing 6-7 months of the year when commuting so do want good quality. I used to have 'weekend' and 'commuting' shorts but really no difference these days. I'm not wearing cheap shorts as really not worth it!

https://stolengoat.com/product/orkaan-weatherproof-bib-shorts-mens/ Stolen Goat Orkaan another which seems to still be around, anyone tried them? If they're in sales for £64 - like the Le Col above, then the 'usual' price of £125 is a total price gauge - as means even at £64 they're not losing money on them...

Or the Van Rysel https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Van-Rysel/Racer-Winter-Bib-Shorts-20/16ECR - just spotted they do a thermal as well, think someone here had some of their normal shorts and liked them? Normal price at £65 and not silly sales on them

Looks like we're through the freezing cold weather for a little while - was actually nice to commute this morning with zero danger of ice! Wind was gusty and very cooling and the next couple of weeks are going to mostly be rain... At the moment that sounds 'better' than what we just had!

 

[Junglist]

@Roady These are what I bought

I also had an additional 30% voucher to stack on stop of the existing discount to get it down to £56 or whatever it was before delivery

 

[#Chri5#]

Good shout, I wasn't aware of them doing a thermal short. Will keep an eye on them at that price! How do you find the pad? Would think the sizing usual and I'll be in a Large...

The pad looks simple but is very comfortable. I did my three hour Sunday morning Zwift in them for some extra warmth. FWIW, my pair is a L as well.