Had a good social ride on saturday with all but 1 of the usual gang out, plus 2 randoms/extras (so 7 of us). One of them a girl who'd only been riding a 'couple of weeks' and being of the larger persuasion she really struggled on the hills. Basically getting off and walking anything over 2-3%. Unfortunately for her she'd chosen one of the hilliest routes we've done for several months!
I waved the others on ahead but being the social group we are they waited several times to regroup, I rode alongside Helen trying to give her tips to keep her in the saddle, but found myself riding
@30-40rpm & 2-3mph (walking pace). Actually quite good training in core strength & balance (gotta keep yourself amused!).
As we reached Orcop we all put efforts into
a segment up to Orcop Hill, really pleased with mine (4th overall) as coming from well behind the group I caught and passed them all, even being able to kick a second time towards the summit to hold off Adam who nearly caught me. Chuffed, although my legs where pretty sore afterwards (being stood at the top probably didn't help). After there Helen had chosen to ride home, so we all rode to Wormelow and sent her on the easiest way back to town. She'd done 17 miles and would clock over 25 before home, her longest ride by far (and I'm pretty sure her hilliest!). Hopefully she'll get out and ride more before coming along next time, she was in good spirits and once I'd taught her how to change 'down' gears for hills (rather than change 'up'! wtf) she built up confidence quickly. Considering I'd done my dues, nailed a hilly segment and now had no reason to hold back the latter part of the ride I put the hammer down. Some approx
mile long sustained
power efforts. So even with the first half the ride being very slow/easy I still got a decent block of efforts in.
I'm using the mason x hunt 4 season disc wheels on the Mason Definition, really nice for the money with good seals. I've abused these things with some winter and gravel riding with no issues, suit gp4000s ii 25c really well.
https://www.huntbikewheels.com/coll...-disc-brake-road-bike-wheelset-tubeless-ready
Hunt have really increased in popularity the last 12 months or so, really good wheels for the money, just hope they keep up the good work!
Great ride and looks like great fun!
The trick is to let the core cool down after all the vigorous pumping so it doesn't bind to the pump head. I also keep one of these in all my saddle bags...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-valve-core-remover/
Good shout, well worth carrying one of these. I don't although I've never had a valve come undone, I do carry a small foldable set of pliers which would suffice (a multitool type).
What's the lowest pressure people are running 25mm's at? I'm 90/95psi (83kg rider weight), but would like to go a bit lower, especially on the front. Frank Berto pressure graph suggests as low at 80psi for the front. I'd probably be happy with 85.
What's your rim width and what tyres? I was running GP4000sii's on Shimano RS81 (20mm wide rim) at 80 front & 85 rear. I found any lower than 80 at the front they really lost pressure quickly and I'd be topping it up weekly (annoying)! Am now running 90 rear as towing a kid trailer but will be swapping the tyres for something heavier and more grippy (I've found the front is very skittish with the weight behind, even with aerobars fitted).
Now I carry a small multitool/pliers (circa 60g). Thing is the valve core key doesn't work on the threaded end
but is handy for tightening them before pumping.
That's been a gripe of mine. I've only had one jammed once in a friends pump and it seemed a stupid design - no way to remove it without pliers and probably knackering the thread!
I'm running 70/75 with 25c tyres on wide rims
Really recommend the Topeak Micro Rocket pump, tiny and works really well, just push it on the valve and pump up. No chance of taking valve cores out. I was using a Lezyne but it was well dodgy, would often take out the cores so chucked it in the bin last holiday
Really like my
Lezyne pressure drive and have not unscrewed a value yet. In probably 25+ uses, although only used it with co2 twice.
Guilty as charged.
Had it a year now, seriously thinking about a wheel upgrade to something lighter than the current ~1900g set and most importantly, a set that doesn't flex enough while I'm climbing out of the saddle to cause rotor rub. Been driving myself mad trying to pick the correct option under £400, thinking Alex CXD4 or Hunt x Mason 4 Season.
Really like the Shimano RS81 C24 I got in a Ribble sale & mess up (got them for £250 instead of £350!) 1500g. Carbon with an alu brake track so can use standard pads. Quite low spoke count but I had no issues with them commuting for 6 months (around 80kg loaded). Amazing wheels for the money if you can find them, even at ~£400-ish.
Another alternative would be
Campagnolo Zondas. A couple of years back they where the go-to wheelset around that price point. There will be a Fulcrum branded/labelled alternative but I'm not sure of the exact one.
Picking up my training after my accident/ jaw break. Managed nearly 300km this week. Am pleased with that, even had a nice ride round Bowland on Friday afternoon
Amazing progress, well done! Things getting easier with the recovery?
Good numbers, looks a great little climb!
Hayfever was ravaging him so solo'd it.
