Big Bike Thread

Streeteh · 4 Oct 2011 at 18:46

Gribs said:
My money would go on a cross bike eg.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_777735_langId_-1_categoryId_165710#dtab

More variety of hand positions on the road and much better off road too. The ones you've linked to are really just flat barred road bikes.

See i do prefer that type of handle from my limited experience. I shall certainly look into this as it seems like a very good idea. What's the disadvantages? Not quite as nippy i assume? I'd rather have versatility than uber speed.

[EDIT] Reviews seem to certainly sway in the CX's favour, i think you've sold me. Now i just need to get measured up etc and make my employer hurry up and sign up!

Gribs · 4 Oct 2011 at 19:21

The narrower slick tyres on the hybrids will be slightly faster then the bigger treaded ones on the cx bike but I woundn't imagine there'd be much in it. The cx will probably offer better puncture protection too. Drop bars are imo much better for a road based bike but some people want a more upright position that a flat bar gives. You can still ride a drop barred bike in the same way but you need to move your hands to brake.

booyaka · 4 Oct 2011 at 19:22

Red Bull Foxhunt in Wicklow, Ireland.

Streeteh · 4 Oct 2011 at 20:21

Gribs said:
The narrower slick tyres on the hybrids will be slightly faster then the bigger treaded ones on the cx bike but I woundn't imagine there'd be much in it. The cx will probably offer better puncture protection too. Drop bars are imo much better for a road based bike but some people want a more upright position that a flat bar gives. You can still ride a drop barred bike in the same way but you need to move your hands to brake.

That sounds spot on for me, punctures annoy the heck out of me and i overlooked the added protection. I hate the upright position also.

So yeah, you've picked my next bike, thanks!

dazz25 · 4 Oct 2011 at 21:24

What do people use for navigating routes? I was looking at some of the routes around the Clwyds the other day but wouldn't have a clue how to get around without somekind of map directing me!

I've got an android phone so don't know if theres any apps anybody knows of which I can upload routes to and it'll direct me. I'm really wanting to do some longer routes in different areas but don't want to get lost in the middle of nowhere!

TheBrooder · 4 Oct 2011 at 21:42

I use the sun, moss growing on trees and my sense of smell

rhysduck · 4 Oct 2011 at 21:52

Ca

Can you use a shimano 10spd cassette (SLX) with a 9speed Mech and a 10speed shifter? :confused:

janesssssy · 4 Oct 2011 at 22:27

Jonny ///M · 4 Oct 2011 at 22:31

rhysduck said:
Can you use a shimano 10spd cassette (SLX) with a 9speed Mech and a 10speed shifter?

No as the mtb ten speed has it's own unique cable pull as far as I'm aware. It was possible to use a 7/8/9 speed mech with any shimano shifter before but not now.

Gribs · 4 Oct 2011 at 23:01

dazz25 said:
What do people use for navigating routes? I was looking at some of the routes around the Clwyds the other day but wouldn't have a clue how to get around without somekind of map directing me!

I've got an android phone so don't know if theres any apps anybody knows of which I can upload routes to and it'll direct me. I'm really wanting to do some longer routes in different areas but don't want to get lost in the middle of nowhere!

I use an old Dell Axim pda loaded with memory map software and a cf card gps receiver. I have mm tracker on my Android phone that does basically the same job but the axim is tougher, cheaper and I don't really care if I break it. It's a great system but to aquire maps legally is expensive, well at 1:25k at least.

touch · 4 Oct 2011 at 23:08

Gribs said:
It's a great system but to aquire maps legally is expensive, well at 1:25k at least.

I thought ordnance survey had been open sourced? (or at least free for personal use?)

edit: it seems not, open source is for use on websites only. Still need to pay for digital downloads.
If only there was some kind of app that could rip the OS data from bing maps and save it in an appropriate format

Armadillo · 5 Oct 2011 at 04:23

Just wondering if anyone has used cebe cinetik glasses and what they thought of them?

What mountain bike 127 gave them a decent review and they seem to fit what I want (cheapish and changeable lenses), but I can't seem to find any one who has used them.

Otherwise I'm just going to have to go by their review and get a set, unless anyone has any other suggestions? Have to have changeable lenses (and come with them) and not be too expensive (£40 max really) as I'm on a budget with them

.

Richie · 5 Oct 2011 at 06:33

A lot of people recommend the Endura Stingrays which allow you to change the lenses but I think you have to buy them separately. The Endura Swords come with 4 interchangeable lenses - http://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx?dept_id=138&prod_id=345

Supercow · 5 Oct 2011 at 09:31

dazz25 said:
What do people use for navigating routes? I was looking at some of the routes around the Clwyds the other day but wouldn't have a clue how to get around without somekind of map directing me!

I've got an android phone so don't know if theres any apps anybody knows of which I can upload routes to and it'll direct me. I'm really wanting to do some longer routes in different areas but don't want to get lost in the middle of nowhere!

I look at the track and follow it to the end. When I get to the end, Ip ush my bike around the footpath to the top again.

Rinse and repeat that a few times, or wait for the truck to come pick me up.

touch · 5 Oct 2011 at 09:53

dazz25 said:
What do people use for navigating routes? I was looking at some of the routes around the Clwyds the other day but wouldn't have a clue how to get around without somekind of map directing me!

I've got an android phone so don't know if theres any apps anybody knows of which I can upload routes to and it'll direct me. I'm really wanting to do some longer routes in different areas but don't want to get lost in the middle of nowhere!

When i get to a junction in the paths, i find a big stick and throw it as high as i can. Whichever way it points when it lands again is the right way to go

Supercow · 5 Oct 2011 at 10:03

Don't know if any of you have seen or can recall a MTB video that was going around a while ago, of some very young kid in whistler (riding in the car parks and skate areas), riding one of those bikes with no cranks/pedals?

Well, he's now a big boy @7 years old and have gotten a real bike now

6thElement · 5 Oct 2011 at 13:52

Looks like the GLC drop at the bottom of the mountain

Supercow · 5 Oct 2011 at 14:58

6thElement said:
Looks like the GLC drop at the bottom of the mountain

It is

Big Chris · 5 Oct 2011 at 15:44

Gribs said:
I'm 5'10 and have a medium AM6 and I'd be amazed that a large would be big enough for you.

6thElement said:
6'4" on a large is approaching monkey humping a football territory.

hehe well my current hardtail is a 19" and it's bang on for me. My previous bike was a 20.5" and felt like I was a kid riding my Dad's bike, far too big and cumbersome.

I tested a Trek Fuel EX8 a while ago too and felt right at home on the 19.5" so I guess I'm just weird :cool:

Faded · 5 Oct 2011 at 16:11

Is the CycleScheme still worth doing? I don't really know a great deal about it but I assumed that the 12 monthly payments would cover the cost of the bike and have now realised there is a final payment based on the 'Fair value' price of your bike.
I've had a look around and seen people quoting that a £500 bike will cost you around £410 with the CycleScheme where it previously used to cost somewhere in the £300 region before the 'Fair value' payment. Is that correct?

Would it be a better idea just to buy a bike on an interest free credit card and own it outright rather than loaning it from the scheme?

Thanks for any advice.