Road Cycling Essentials

[Saundie]

Long sleeves?

I used a periscope.

Indeed, I had the full set of waterproofs on today, and was grateful for them by the time I got to work. Stopped next to a poor bloke in a jersey and shorts, he was absolutely drenched. I couldn't help but feel a bit smug

As a result of the weather, I got to try out my Montane Velocity DT 2.0 jacket this morning and I am pleased to be able to report that I remained dry. I did collect a bit of condensation, but nowhere near as much as if I'd worn my winter jacket. Most importantly, I was much drier and more comfortable than if I hadn't worn the jacket. I'll be happy to wear the jacket off the bike, as although it definitely cut for cycling in (long sleeves, dropped back) it doesn't look too bad, which is a bonus to me.

 

[platypus]

Worth noting that Ribble have a 10% offer on Prorace tyres at the moment..

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

If it's punctures that car causing you problems rather than grip then I'm not sure you should be looking at Prorace 3s. Not used them personally, but most reviews say they are an out and out race tyre for use on 'best bike' weekends rather than general usage.

I'm going to push the Durano / Durano S again. You won't notice the weight and grip difference, but you will notice the puncture protection.

 

[Robzere31]

As above, Pro 3s are the best tyre I've used. As for tubes, I just use whichever are cheapest at the time I buy in bulk (usually packs of 10-20).

Glad to hear this, as I've just bought two
Fitting them tonight.

 

[Dup]

Ugh, so much choice! Even when I look at Pro3s there's race & grip variants.

I just want something that will cope with a bit of wet road. I do ride country lanes and I rode for 9 months with no punctures. The tyres that are on there are Continental Ultra Sport so I just want an equivalent or better I suppose, but yellow would be nice

 

[Russinating]

Just got reminded how much of a ***** tyres are to fit. At least for a novice. Still, worth it .

 

[olv]

I've been happy with my Continental Grand Prix 4 season tyres over the winter. I did suffer from 2 punctures but I thought that wasn't too bad for all weather commuting throughout winter. They are quite expensive though and the second puncture I got made such a hole a had to replace the rear tyre. It's quite amazing the amount of glass/stones/crap I dig out of my tyres that get embedded though.

 

[Russinating]

Before the yellows I had a standard black pair of Conti Sports that came with the Boardman. I've had them since Christmas before last and have commuted almost every day on them, plus a few longer rides, and haven't had a single puncture. Hence touchwood why I figured I may as well stick with them. The older ones aren't in bad condition at all either, I just didn't want to take any risks with a tour ahead.

 

[platypus]

Just got reminded how much of a ***** tyres are to fit. At least for a novice. Still, worth it .

Reeeeeally easy with good tyre levers .

 

[Russinating]

Reeeeeally easy with good tyre levers .

I managed to snap one, so safe to say mine aren't good .

 

[UltimateBadger]

Schwalbe Lugano's are great all round tyres - only £10 each too! And they come in multiple colours.

If you want puncture protection then stay away from the Ultremo's. I fitted some last weekend and within 10 miles I had a puncture, a hole in the tyre and another couple of smaller chunks out of the rubber. They have been removed!
They were nice and quick though.

 

[Jonny69]

Pro 3's have been great for puncture protection, right up until they resurfaced the road and left debris everywhere and they got shredded. But then I picked up punctures in my cheapo 27's as well. Don't worry about the 'grip' version they've brought out if you choose the Miche's, just stick with the normal Pro 3 Race or whatever it's called. Should be about £47-£48 for the pair, delivered.

Edit: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Michelin-Pro-3-Race-Road-Bike-Tyres-Pro3-700x23-Yellow-/150609133149

 

[Russinating]

What's the advantage of bibs over shorts?

 

[Participant]

Bibs don't need to be tight around the waist to stay in place and can therefore be more comfortable. Peeing being the obvious problem.

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

Bibs don't need to be tight around the waist to stay in place and can therefore be more comfortable. Peeing being the obvious problem.

If you need to pee then you aren't going quick enough.

 

[platypus]

Bibs don't need to be tight around the waist to stay in place and can therefore be more comfortable. Peeing being the obvious problem.

Plus they enhance your definition so make topless cycling a better proposition in the hot .

 

[apeZ]

If you need to pee then you aren't going quick enough.

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

Any of you London based cyclists doing the TFL Cycle challenge?

https://cyclechallenge.tfl.gov.uk/

It's supposed to encourage people to cycle to and from work by getting the join a team, log their mileage and win prizes? If not, then fancy joining the Bike Radar Silly Commuter Racers? All you need to do is join the team and then log your miles between 15th June and 18th July.

We won our group last year and donated the prize to a very small London based cycling charity that teaches homeless people the skills needed to fix bicycles, and gets them off the streets with something constructive to do.

It's not a massive amount of effort, just 2 minutes a day to log how many miles you are doing, couldn't be easier so why not give it a go?

Cheers,

Asprilla

 

[Vegeta]

whats the difference between a folding tyre and a non folding tyre?

 

[One More Solo]

whats the difference between a folding tyre and a non folding tyre?

The difference is that folding tyres fold and non-folding tyres don't. So a folding tyre can be folded up into a smaller package for carrying on the road etc.