Road Cycling Essentials

[Participant]

Hmmm now that is interesting...£10-£15 cheaper, better battery life, and much brighter. How can I ignore that? Ok sold.

When you say you have a spare one, do you mean a spare handlebar mount or a spare torch? How much would you want for whichever it is you have? I think I'll leave my cheapy Cateye HL-EL135 as a blinker on the handlebars, put the lenser on my helmet, and see how that does me. Not sure I need a road lighting light fixed on the bars as well as on my helmet?

 

[platypus]

It depends entirely on your route. A lot of mine is unlit, and so I need a hell of a lot of lighting. I have two headlights, and a super bright helmet torch.

I have a spare handlebar mount that you can have. However its not straight, so won't fit a helmet. If you go down that route (which I suggest) you want something like this. But the P7 will certainly be enough on your handlebars, its just so valuable having the light exactly where you're looking.

 

[Russinating]

Few photos now up from the day too:

 

[encephalopathy]

looking for recommendations for

1)a better mount for my p7 ssc torch front light - my current twofish lockblock keeps coming loose

2)waterproof gloves - i have windproof ones from decathlon that keep the water out for around 30mins or so before becoming waterlogged

thanks for any ideas

 

[Jonny69]

Well last night's commute home proved that my front light is completely useless for lighting up the road. Oncoming traffic dazzled me to the point that I practically had to stop. So I'm looking at this:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cateye-hl-el530-led-front-light/

...the Cateye HL-EL530, and was wondering if anyone had any experience of this particular light, or any other recommendations for around £50?

Either what Platypus said or a Fenix torch like the £50 L2D or LD20 will be brighter than the Cateye. Running time for the L2D is just over an hour on two rechargeable AAs.

 

[platypus]

You don't look too happy there Russ(ell?).

 

[George Hincapie]

Goodness! He looks like a big lad behind you! I feel quite slim now!

Nice war face mate - I take it that was an uphill section?

 

[Jonny69]

Does anyone know anything about the 400km in 24 hrs race? Was talking to a bloke in the pub about it last night but I don't have his contact details. He did it last year around the west country sort of direction and I think he said you start it at 10pm and race through the night.

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

Does anyone know anything about the 400km in 24 hrs race? Was talking to a bloke in the pub about it last night but I don't have his contact details. He did it last year around the west country sort of direction and I think he said you start it at 10pm and race through the night.

Dunno about that, but it's worth a look.

I've been asked to do this next year: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vätternrundan

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

Not sure which one of these it will be, but here you go:

http://www.aukweb.net/events/?From=...Category=&Dist_min=300&Dist_max=&Aaa=&Region=

 

[touch]

Dunno about that, but it's worth a look.

I've been asked to do this next year: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vätternrundan

At the finish line participants are awarded a medal and a diploma

Awesome

 

[Jonny69]

Dunno about that, but it's worth a look.

I've been asked to do this next year: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vätternrundan

That looks awesome.

Not sure which one of these it will be, but here you go:

http://www.aukweb.net/events/?From=...Category=&Dist_min=300&Dist_max=&Aaa=&Region=

I reckon it's the one starting near Taunton. Cheers for that

 

[6thElement]

I need to look into some of these Somerset events, I could be tempted.

edit: Could be tempted by that Avalon Sunrise 400. Depends if I decide to attempt the Tour Divide again next year.

 

[Saundie]

Jonny69, it's time to sign up; http://www.hell.gb.com/

Also, as platypus isn't interested, do you want those mudguards?

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

Jonny69, it's time to sign up; http://www.hell.gb.com/

I'm thinking about it. Was looking today.

Going to speak to the Mrs about getting a pass.

 

[Mr Flibble]

That looks like a weird setup,what bike is it again?

Althrough it does look like it's lined with metal so I'd be trying to get coca cola into that seat tube via the bottom bracket and leave it for a day. I've not had to try it myself but I'm told it works well against aluminium corrosion.

It is an Orbea Onix that I bought in 2008. Shimano 105 components mostly. I'm guessing it's the phosphoric acid in the coke that does it - I might use something less sticky, possibly including diet coke... I'll look to giving it a try this weekend. Thanks.

 

[Saundie]

I don't think I'll be ready in time, unfortunately. I'd like to have a crack at it, but only when I feel confident that it won't finish me off.

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

I don't think I'll be ready in time, unfortunately. I'd like to have a crack at it, but only when I feel confident that it won't finish me off.

Cycling is like fighting a gorilla; you don't stop when you are tired.

 

[6thElement]

It is an Orbea Onix that I bought in 2008. Shimano 105 components mostly. I'm guessing it's the phosphoric acid in the coke that does it - I might use something less sticky, possibly including diet coke... I'll look to giving it a try this weekend. Thanks.

You can try cleaning products with ammonia in them, windex etc.

 

[Streeteh]

Either what Platypus said or a Fenix torch like the £50 L2D or LD20 will be brighter than the Cateye. Running time for the L2D is just over an hour on two rechargeable AAs.

That's what I've done, L2D and a pack of Eneloops with a charger has me sorted. Takes me to work and home on one charge so can charge the spares up during the day and swap em over in the evenings. Really decent light levels for urban commuting, not sure about countryside, also there's the bonus that you can, y'know, use it as a torch.