Road Cycling Essentials

[londonbairn]

Shame you're having problems with the Fulcrums.

I use the 5s on the commuter and I think they're the most solid built wheels ever. They've had all sorts thrown at them and they are still true as the day I got them. Also tried commuting in Pro3s, both tyres got cut up badly. Back on Gp 4000 which seem awesome on London roads.

 

[Siliconslave]

tried the shuttvr arm warmers out this morning, they weren't all that warm, but better than nothing by a long way!

Felt a little silly with a gilet and arm warmers though

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

Back on Gp 4000 which seem awesome on London roads.

Oddly, I've just dumped my GP4000S'. About 3000 miles on them and they are cutting up badly with four punctures in two weeks being the final straw. Have moved to Durano S, with the added benefit of them being red and black and so match my bike, helmet and commuting kit.

Not that I'm a tart or anything.

 

[platypus]

Ok guys, I'm in need of some winter clothing, something thin but warm to go under my helmet, a good set of gloves, and winter tyres.

 

[willhub]

Vittoria Rubino Pro are good, they're not "winter" tyres, but are good training tyres and do for winter.

As for clothes I'm not sure, I just use cycling stuff from Aldi to keep me warm.

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

Schwalbe Durano S for winter tyres. I've currently got them on the Cervelo and their hardcore sibling, the Durano Plus, on the fixed.

Basically they are Schwalbe Marathons but for road bikes.

For the head, I have a Buff (from the buffshop.co.uk) which you can wear round your neck, face or head. I've also got a Gore Windstopper skull cap. I find the skull cap too warm and so I rarely wear it, but you're thinnner than me and probably need the extra insulation.

Gloves; dunno, something I also need to ivestigate for this year.

 

[platypus]

Just ordered me a buff, and I'm looking at some Gore undergloves until it gets really cold.

 

[#Chri5#]

Headwear - I like a headband, though I've got several of the Aldi versions which are about £10 cheaper. Perfect for winter for me - keep the ears warm but still let the helmet vents work.

 

[Kazz]

I was also thinking of getting a headband this year. Nothing worse for me than cold ears . Had my eye of this one.

For gloves I used these last winter and I'd imagine they'd last a few more. Tried a lot of gloves but these were the best I came across, nice balance of warmth and flexibility.

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

Just ordered me a buff, and I'm looking at some Gore undergloves until it gets really cold.

I've got gore windstopper running gloves that I wear under my mits. really need something proper though.

Buffs are the best bit of winter kit you can get. I've gt a couple of merino wool ones and a windstopper one.

 

[oddjob62]

Vittoria Rubino Pro are good, they're not "winter" tyres, but are good training tyres and do for winter.

I found the Rub Pros cut up quite badly. Not had a single puncture since moving from them to 4 seasons, where previously i had been getting one every couple of weeks.

 

[willhub]

I found the Rub Pros cut up quite badly. Not had a single puncture since moving from them to 4 seasons, where previously i had been getting one every couple of weeks.

Did you have the Rubino "PRO 3's", with 150TPi.

My last set are still fine, well apart from one large cut in the tyre, apart from that I've had no cuts, it's all swings and roundabouts, I don't like 4 seasons, found them to cut up quite badly in my experience.

 

[Nexus]

I personally either use a Nike running headband, so it covers my ears and keeps my hair out the way.

Or I use a Ronhill running skullcap/beanie.
It's very lightweight and so doesn't get too hot.

 

[#Chri5#]

Nipped out on the road bike yesterday afternoon and clocked up 75km. The previously mentioned ShuttVR bibs were spot-on for comfort.

 

[apeZ]

Guys, I'm considering getting a road bike to get out a bit more and do some day trips and maybe a bit of light touring. I haven't used a road bike before, only a MTB/hybrid - just bikes from Halfords over the years. Would something like the Specialized Allez be a good idea? Currently £450 on Evans Cycles and has fantastic reviews. The alternative might be a winter/audax bike like the Dolan Prefissio which is a bit expensive, but can be found for £550 or so with an entry level gearset. My budget is around £500 for the bike, and I'm allowing a bit more for accessories etc.

Also... this may be a bit of a newbie question, but what are the limits of road bikes? Am I expected to stick exclusively to roads/cycle paths? I don't know exactly what the bike/tyres can withstand and there are a few cycle paths that aren't actually pathed around my area, gravel rather than tarmac.

Bike will probably get very frequent use, as I'll be taking it on the short commute to university as well as some longer days out or trips to nearby towns/cities. Any help/advice would be appreciated!

 

[One More Solo]

Went out for a spin with my other half and got to Regents Park before she got a pinch flat on both tyres front and back. Will teach me not to check pressures before we leave!

 

[One More Solo]

Does anyone know what could be causing a strange grinding sound from around my rear derailleur? The sound comes whether I'm pushing harder or just spinning a gear and doesn't seem to vary much with change in chainline. I've dismantled and cleaned the whole lot, indexed my gears and checked all the cables. Don't know what it is but it's really irritating. Any ideas? I'm wondering if it's something to do with the derailleur hanger alignment so going to drop it off for a service I think.

 

[willhub]

Have you checked chain wear?

 

[Saundie]

Guys, I'm considering getting a road bike to get out a bit more and do some day trips and maybe a bit of light touring. I haven't used a road bike before, only a MTB/hybrid - just bikes from Halfords over the years. Would something like the Specialized Allez be a good idea? Currently £450 on Evans Cycles and has fantastic reviews. The alternative might be a winter/audax bike like the Dolan Prefissio which is a bit expensive, but can be found for £550 or so with an entry level gearset. My budget is around £500 for the bike, and I'm allowing a bit more for accessories etc.

I am also considering buying a new bike for roughly the same activities, and have roughly the same budget, so I'd be interested in seeing some suggestions.

 

[One More Solo]

Have you checked chain wear?

The chain, cassette and rear derailleur have probably less than 200 miles on them and still look brand new (no shark teeth and so on). I'm thinking it's a minor alignment issue but I don't have the kit to check that so I've booked it in for a service tomorrow afternoon.