Big Bike Thread

R0B75 · 19 Jun 2011 at 23:15

That black part is where I mangled myself first time through it, second time I was ok. Easily catches you out though.

jaybee · 19 Jun 2011 at 23:21

Why are flat soled skate shoes preferred then? Over say a light weight set of running trainers with air cushion soles?

weescott · 19 Jun 2011 at 23:26

I would guess because they are more wear resistant and provide a level of protection that a running shoe can't.

Street · 19 Jun 2011 at 23:30

jaybee said:
Why are flat soled skate shoes preferred then? Over say a light weight set of running trainers with air cushion soles?

Because they're flat soled!

You'll be able to have more of your sole in contact with the pedal than with a pair of running trainers as the soles aren't flat. Means you'll have more grip with them.

SDK^ · 19 Jun 2011 at 23:47

I've just got back from a truly epic 2 days riding in the Peak District. Two amazing XC trails which are very testing on fitness, climbing & descending ability. Also some of most amazing scenery you'll ever see.

Garmin Logs

Hope Triple Eight
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/93568426

Jacobs Ladder
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/93568410

jaybee · 19 Jun 2011 at 23:47

Street said:
Because they're flat soled!

You'll be able to have more of your sole in contact with the pedal than with a pair of running trainers as the soles aren't flat. Means you'll have more grip with them.

Oh...so literally the soles are flat as in...not curved from toe to heel slightly? I see what you mean. Yeah...I guess. Hmm...ok that's cool because I prefer that type to running style on the basis that they are more multi purpose for going out and them looking good with more clothes. So skate shoes, are basically flat soled? That's all there is to it? Mainly?

robj20 · 20 Jun 2011 at 06:18

VaderDSL said:
I'll hopefully be moving to Stoneclough/Kearsley at some point Can't wait, shoud free up funds for me to buy a car and then I can actually get out to places I can't get to on the train.

Thats 3 of us that live round here then, get some proper rides going.

Berger · 20 Jun 2011 at 11:54

jaybee said:
Oh...so literally the soles are flat as in...not curved from toe to heel slightly? I see what you mean. Yeah...I guess. Hmm...ok that's cool because I prefer that type to running style on the basis that they are more multi purpose for going out and them looking good with more clothes. So skate shoes, are basically flat soled? That's all there is to it? Mainly?

The bottom of the shoe/sole is flat. You dont have 2" of air cushion or any other crap to walk on.

gettothechopper · 20 Jun 2011 at 14:36

rode swinley again on sunday - was not too wet the place is like esponja grande

liked the new bit - windy berm stuff

love the short downhill bit before the labyrinth could just ride that all day long

Redgie · 20 Jun 2011 at 14:48

Are running trainers going to cause me any great discomfort on a bumpy trail?

petriodet · 20 Jun 2011 at 14:55

Redgie said:
Are running trainers going to cause me any great discomfort on a bumpy trail?

no i don't think so, i think most of these guys are to picky i've worn normal trainers and the flat soled skater shoes, i find trainers are better in the wet, the skater shoes (for me) slipped much more, you'll find the skaters shoes will give you better ankle support. just wear whatever doesn't really make a huge difference as long as you comfortable with them.
just my opinion so don't flame me.

robj20 · 20 Jun 2011 at 15:02

I just wear cheap walking shoes the kind you get in Millets, they were £9.99 in Go Outdoors and serve me well.

andi · 20 Jun 2011 at 15:25

With a decent set of pedals you'll get better grip with a flat sole, especially with a waffle weave type tread pattern.

Have a look at proper mountain biking flat pedal shoes like five tens or shimano am40s and you'll see they have a nice flat sole.

robj20 · 20 Jun 2011 at 15:38

If your not slipping of the pedals though, how much more grip do you need, even wearing my boots to work i dont slip of the pedals even with the bit of offroading i do.

ichabod crane · 20 Jun 2011 at 15:52

Redgie said:
Are running trainers going to cause me any great discomfort on a bumpy trail?

Can't say they would be any less comfortable but you do have more chances of slipping off the pedals than with a flat soled trainer.

Street · 20 Jun 2011 at 15:54

Can anyone recommend me some elbow pads please?

ichabod crane · 20 Jun 2011 at 15:58

Street said:
Can anyone recommend me some elbow pads please?

Elbow pads

You are probably going to want to try some on, depending on the size of your arms. For instance I couldn't find any that fitted well as my arms are too skinny :eek:

So I decided MTFU and I don't need any

weescott · 20 Jun 2011 at 16:01

Off to buy some boots for £9.99 to cycle with my 200mm travel bike. brb, kerbs to drop off.

Supercow · 20 Jun 2011 at 16:23

If you are putting the hammers down, jumping, cornering etc and your feet do not slip, then fair play to you, the vast majority of serious mountainbikers can't do that.

I'm not saying that everyone needs to be wearing 5.10's, but a flat soled is just so much more comfortable and sturdy on the pedal.

Berger · 20 Jun 2011 at 16:57

Mine slip rarely, quite a bit worse in the wet.

Put this down to the standard pedals being average/meh rather than my shoes.

Would like some proper biking shoes so I don't get mingy feet if I have to put a foot down as its wet/boggy!