Road Cycling Essentials

[FrenchTart]

No thats on a P2M, yeah, will see how they go in a race this weekend, if they're ok can't see myself going back to 23's. Want to try latex tubes as well, see if there is anything to gain there.

Ah, fair enough

Latex tubes are on my list for my new bike. I'm also going full-on gimmick and trying these: http://veloplug.com/ May as well bling it up

The thought with the crankset is because a couple of the teeth on the middle cog were a bit worn and as FrenchTart says, its only 20quid! I'll check out the alternatives too. Thanks

It's quite possible given the cheapness and lack of maintenance that the teeth on your front cogs have worn at a much faster rate than any of us would expect with our experiences of slightly higher-end parts. The main thing though, as you say, is that it's £20. So...may as well

Suprised everyone missed this... But 'Bergers Roo Burgers' has a ring to it!

Lolz

GIEF!

None of the pro4 E's, SC's or SC Grip's now listed on Wiggle in 25mm

To be honest CRC is the go-to place for these. There's another UK store that is slightly cheaper but CRC is often my next choice after trying Wiggle.

Ride in to work this morning I felt strong after a rest day yesterday, did a semi 100 cadence drill on the latter slightly uphill part and got a great average speed - 16.5 mph.

Ride home this evening I still felt strong and there must have been a little tail wind. Cooler than earlier so I went 'TT mode' on a piece of my commute that is usually clogged with traffic (was clear) and has a nice fresh tarmac'd surface. Raced/left behind MTB redlight jumper who was an ass (I'm stopped at a cross roads waiting for a light change, he pulls up in front of me, blocking me) and another great average speed - 16.4mph.

Ride home took 15 mins - around the same time it takes me on a good day in the car. Result!

Sounds like you're still making strides with your speeds. It's not all down to tail winds and probably a good portion of it is you not having as much confidence in your own abilities as you should. I often find that I think there's no way I can maintain a speed until someone annoys me by RLJing and I find myself chasing them down at a far faster speed than I thought I could do comfortably

 

[FrenchTart]

I'm pretty sure I've read some articles comparing 23's and 25's and the 25's seemed to roll better, plus I think all the pro's are using 25's now as well as standard.

Yup. That's a thing definitely. There was also a recent article posted to on here that basically suggested 28s had even better rolling resistance and aero properties too but as I've moaned about before, I find 28s quite annoying to ride on.

 

[Derek W]

Doesn't look that bad to me, you may find a damn good scrub just how pristine a rusted chain can look! Teeth don't look that bad to me either as you said you'd done around 1000km and never cleaned it?! Looks very dry too... When did you last lube?

Erm, never! Like i said, I've just really gone out on the bike and that's it. The odd wipe with a damp cloth when it was clogged with dirt but thats about it!

Ok set and price, but if you have a brush to use pickup a chain cleaner (cheaper than buying brushes for the hell of it) and some degreaser for using in the chain cleaner... Other people use lots of different things, some even use their own degreasers (WD40! general consensus is if you're using it to degrease you should also grease/lube with it after every ride) and cleaning products (washing up liquid - careful it contains salt, causes rust!).

I remember years ago (when i was a kid) my dad used WD40 on the chain / gears and that was fine.

 

[Vonhelmet]

Noooooooo not wd40. It's a water displacer, but it's too light to hang around and do any lasting good. At the least you want gt85, and you really want proper lube.

 

[FrenchTart]

GT85 is great for cleaning but as above it (and even more so WD40) are not lubes for continued use.

 

[lordrobs]

That Triban just looks like it needs a good clean up and chain lube rather than new parts.

 

[tedmaul]

I'd agree. None of that needs replaced. Just a thorough clean and re-lube. Not with wd40.

 

[Vonhelmet]

I'd replace the chain, but the rest looks like it should scrub up OK.

 

[grudas]

That bike just needs some lube.. And you should never let it get to that stage, metal on metal will never end up well! Lube costs like 3-5 quid and that'll last you a year.

 

[Derek W]

I've ordered some chain degreaser and lube as well as a replacement chain and crankset. As mentioned above, some of the teeth are well worn so a replacement at 20quid is no hardship.

 

[Roady]

Ride in to work this morning I felt strong after a rest day yesterday, did a semi 100 cadence drill on the latter slightly uphill part and got a great average speed - 16.5 mph.

Ride home this evening I still felt strong and there must have been a little tail wind. Cooler than earlier so I went 'TT mode' on a piece of my commute that is usually clogged with traffic (was clear) and has a nice fresh tarmac'd surface. Raced/left behind MTB redlight jumper who was an ass (I'm stopped at a cross roads waiting for a light change, he pulls up in front of me, blocking me) and another great average speed - 16.4mph.

Added missed link for evening ride. up to 26mph on my speedy bit!

To be honest CRC is the go-to place for these. There's another UK store that is slightly cheaper but CRC is often my next choice after trying Wiggle.

Sounds like you're still making strides with your speeds. It's not all down to tail winds and probably a good portion of it is you not having as much confidence in your own abilities as you should. I often find that I think there's no way I can maintain a speed until someone annoys me by RLJing and I find myself chasing them down at a far faster speed than I thought I could do comfortably

Thanks for the CRC hint!

You're right about my riding, more and more now I'm pacing myself in 'endurance mode' when commuting rather than pushing myself all the way (unless there's a headwind!) All it takes is a piece of clear road, a RLJ, a car to cut me up (footage to follow) or even just a burst of energy and I'll surprise myself with my speed and capacity to maintain it

Erm, never! Like i said, I've just really gone out on the bike and that's it. The odd wipe with a damp cloth when it was clogged with dirt but thats about it!

I remember years ago (when i was a kid) my dad used WD40 on the chain / gears and that was fine.

You'll notice a huge difference to how easy a well oiled cassette and chain will make your riding!

GT85 is great for cleaning but as above it (and even more so WD40) are not lubes for continued use.

I think the general consensus should be - WD40 as a degreaser if you have nothing else and not actually for greasing/lubing (unless you're cleaning and relubing every day). Wet/dry lube is cheap and easy enough to not 'cut corners'!

I've ordered some chain degreaser and lube as well as a replacement chain and crankset. As mentioned above, some of the teeth are well worn so a replacement at 20quid is no hardship.

I think that hits the nail on the head, I'd like to think predominantly we're all fit, youngish and intelligent guys here. We all work and our time is valuable enough that several hours servicing our bikes is more valuable than the difference between £5 and £25. I know I'd rather spend the time once and £20 rather than the time twice!

Garmin won't upload again this morning but nothing to report... Except how bright it was! Had all my lights on but don't think there was much need - couldn't see my beams anywhere! Heeeeelllllllllllllllooooooo spring! (& it's friday woop woop!)

 

[SDK^]

that looks awesome.

Wow, the wheels are actually called "Ultra Mega" - that's amazing

Looks very nice though. How many minutes do you reckon before your bar tape isn't white any more?

Got to say that looks terrific , I really like the red/white combo

That does look awesome, I'm not a huge fan of red (and why I've never really looked at the Allez much) but with the white it looks superb! Love how good the tyres look and the wheels really compliment it too!

Thanks folks
First ride on it will be in a few hours and it's not raining !! \o/

My nitpicks
- white tape and saddle
- white conical spacer
- slam that stem!
- crank and valves not properly aligned for photo
- campag rims, shimano gruppo
- inconsistent tyre logo position

pffft, there is always one

Latex tubes are on my list for my new bike. I'm also going full-on gimmick and trying these: http://veloplug.com/ May as well bling it up

Rim tape - what's that
You want wheels without those silly spoke holes, MoMag : http://www.campagnolo.com/WW/en/Technologies/momag

 

[SoliD]

Rode the Pinnacle in to work this morning atfer applying Helicopter Tape last night.

Saddle too high, shifters tilted too far inwards! Doh! Gearshifts on the other hand, are incredible, it doesn't feel as though you've changed it is so smooth on the upshifts.

 

[topgun06]

So instead of WD40 or GT85 to lube derailleur and brake pivot points, what do people use?

I had the day off yesterday and had the chance to get out on the bike in the morning when it was very moist.

Very enjoyable actually: https://www.strava.com/activities/260059369

My Aldi waterproof socks were pretty good. My feet got cold, but at least they were dry.

 

[FrenchTart]

Ugh, Campag (I have nothing against Campag really but could never justify the extra expense to myself)

I've just ordered my dodgy Chinese frame, woot FLX-FR-602. Wheels next...

 

[SDK^]

Ugh, Campag (I have nothing against Campag really but could never justify the extra expense to myself)

Campag make good wheels and they have Shimano hubs
Fulcrum wheels are the same but with different branding and spoke layout.

 

[FrenchTart]

Campag make good wheels and they have Shimano hubs
Fulcrum wheels are the same but with different branding and spoke layout.

I'm going cheapo Chinese carbon for my new wheels. I'd like something like the Fulcrums or whatever but the options for nice wheels with discs are generally super expensive.

So instead of WD40 or GT85 to lube derailleur and brake pivot points, what do people use?

I had the day off yesterday and had the chance to get out on the bike in the morning when it was very moist.

Very enjoyable actually: https://www.strava.com/activities/260059369

My Aldi waterproof socks were pretty good. My feet got cold, but at least they were dry.

I tend to use GT85 on those bits tbh (as in, quick blast after I clean them). It's the chain that requires more regular care/attention/decent lube. If I took the time to take everything apart and really thoroughly clean it I'd probably look to use something a bit better though.

 

[grudas]

Campag make good wheels and they have Shimano hubs
Fulcrum wheels are the same but with different branding and spoke layout.

+1 to that! even my cheapo(cheapest campy sell afaik) khamsin have been epic! and I did over 6k miles on them, not a single spoke went poof, never trued and still as true as they were on day one! since my spoke went poof on my vision set(can't find a replacement unless I buy a set for £26 directly from manufacturer) I've been rolling with the khamsin on the front..

on that note I got shouted at by a *not so bright female specimen* today.. I was approaching a crossing, bam see it's amber(clearly been red for a while for pedestrians) and she starts crossing with her kid, and screams, calls me the C word etc.. why are people like that allowed to go outside? ;( - I'll see if I can get it from my virb haha!

 

[SoliD]

So instead of WD40 or GT85 to lube derailleur and brake pivot points, what do people use?

Usually quick blast of GT85 for those parts. give them a regrease every now and then.

 

[grudas]

Usually quick blast of GT85 for those parts. give them a regrease every now and then.

same here, I just use it more often than I would with say, thick lube..

what I do is give it a quick spray, wipe it off and do it again in a week or so - depends how much riding in wet I've done over that time because rear caliper gets a lot of muck on it.