Road Cycling Essentials

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[Damien];24165399 said:
If he's considering doing 100m on a MTB he's either a beast or just plain mental. Not even I'd attempt that one and I did all my road cycling on a hardtail MTB for years.
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That's what I'm worrying about! You have a total of 7 1/2 hours to do the 100 mile route, so allowing for stops you'll want to be maintaining 14mph, and ideally more like 15. Fortunately it's a very flat route - I did Liverpool to Chester last year, which is 25 miles and the total climbing is only 508 feet and it's not even appreciable climbing at all. There might be a bit more climbing out near Chester and Delamere, but even then it can't be much, and certainly nothing compared to what we're used to.

All that being said, 15mph average over 100 miles is going to be hard enough for me, but I can barely do more than 12mph average on flat roads on my mountain bike.

Hmm, my sister in law is telling me he rides a road bike, but I'm sure I've only ever seen a MTB round their place. Maybe it's a hybrid.
 
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Regarding the Alu vs Carbon debate in terms of comfort I can only add that in comparing my current Planet X carbon frame against my old Alu cyclocross frame the difference is significant. When riding round the rough city roads where I live the buzz from the alu frame was harsh, but riding the same roads on the carbon frame it is much more comfortable. I can't say I've noticed any major difference in speed though.

I've decided to bite the bullet and book a Retul bike fit. I'm booked in for Friday at Planet X and because I have Planet X bike its £90 for a level 2. I'm looking forward to knowing how incorrect my bike setup is, but not looking forward to seeing how much its going to cost putting it right with changes to crank, stem lengths, bar width etc. :D Obviously my wallet will be pleasantly surprised if I don't need to change any components. :p

I've decided to do it because now I'm fit enough to manage century rides it can only benefit me by having the bike setup properly.
 
[Damien];24166010 said:
Yeah it's pedalprecision. I'll do a bit of a review post afterwards if it'll help anyone considering having one.
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When are you booked in for? Depending on what time your fit is you may be able to watch the team gb cyclists training around the velodrome :cool:
 
R0B75 said:
I've decided to bite the bullet and book a Retul bike fit.
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Bring any different stem sizes, saddles or seat posts just in case they advise changing them. I doubt they would suggest changing cranks unless the arms are much too long and causing problems.

Speaking of cranks, you'll want these next:

IMG_20130420_160702.jpg


No its not a motor :p
 
platypus said:
Or maybe she just sees a bike as 'blue' and doesn't know the difference :p?
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Ha, how rude ;)

I have been rebuffed. The knackered MTB is hers. He has a road bike and has once cycled from Belgium to Romania. So I think it'll be me holding him up rather than the other way around!
 
Vonhelmet said:
Ha, how rude ;)

I have been rebuffed. The knackered MTB is hers. He has a road bike and has once cycled from Belgium to Romania. So I think it'll be me holding him up rather than the other way around!
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Haha, that's priceless. You'll be fine. Just draft him the entire way ;)

Btw who were those two who rode with us until Belmont on Sat? One used to play for Salford Wally said. I've forgot their names.
 
[DOD]Asprilla;24167732 said:
I like Endura Fs260 Aerogels. However, since moving to leather track mitts I'm not going back.
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I have some leather Rocye full finger & mitts. Lovely but I'm a snot factory in summer and need the thumb wipe lol.

Found some Spesh BG Gels on offer online so off to price match at Cycle Surgery before I have a go at the 'no prisoners chain gang tue' ride this evening which sounds pretty intense but should be some good race line practice:

http://app.strava.com/segments/1212693

Just hope I don't get dropped too early. I've heard people getting dropped after 2-3 miles.
 
I use Gore Retro Techs. Leather and have a wipe on the thumb.

Well, I say "use" but it hasn't been warm enough for summer gloves until today!:D
 
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Oh lord its got to be the nicest day of the year so far. Shame I'm scheduled in for run training rather than cycling.

I've booked a bike fit for a week saturday for my TT bike. Looking forward to see if I can get more comfortable/more aero.
 
I'm probably having a blast round Manchester Velodrome next month. The GF's work have arranged a day out there with bike hire etc and they're having trouble filling numbers, so they've opened it up to partners too.

Should be fun. I'm honour bound to destroy all competition though. I'll cry like a girl if I don't win. Time to put these thunder thighs to use...
 
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