Road Cycling Essentials

Status
Not open for further replies.
My cleaning kit consists of:

babywipes
rags made from old t-shirts
finish line degreaser
finish line grunge brush
finish line dry teflon lube

I inflate the tyres and wipe down/lube the chain once a week on my commuter. Full chain clean maybe once a month. Not fussed about the bike itself being dirty as it gets ridden in all conditions.

On My Rose I'm going to do it before each planned ride.
 
Last edited:
Kimi said:
Thanks kiteloopy
I see your in Notts / Reading, i dont suppose you were riding through Windsor on Sunday on a black Canyon were you?

Also, about cleaning bikes, i bought a chain cleaner the other week and cant recommend them highly enough. the whole running gear comes up brand new
Click to expand...

Nope, not me.

I got one of those cleaners...useless.
 
I've got the Park Tools chain cleaner and it's awesome too, add a little degreaser and run the chain through it for a few revolutions and it's like a brand new chain.

Clean the rest of the bike with Muc Off and water with a selection of brushes.
 
touch said:
I usually ride at between 80-90rpm, which means that i top out about 26-27mph on a standard 46/36 cyclocross chainset. If your riding in a group with a couple of fast guys, that could be cruising speed, you'll struggle to keep up even on the slightest downhills.
Click to expand...

You could get up to 110rpm though without looking too crazy. And if it's his first bike I don't think he'll be cruising at 26-27mph. If he does, then I need to train a lot more! :)

touch said:
I didnt say buy both, i said decide on one or the other, because there is nothing suitable for both.
Click to expand...

I know, but if he genuinely wants to do both (I find most people who say there'll be some off roading never actually go off road) then the cheapest option is a cross bike. But yeah, in an ideal world you'd stick to one discipline or buy two bikes. :)
 
Russinating said:
I just use a bucket of hot water and fairy liquid when it's visibly dirty, although that's probably terrible :p.
Click to expand...

That's ok for the commuter but the weekender I use a crystal bowl filled with Thor Hushovd's tears at a constant temperature of 36c. I also use a cleaning mitt made from Induran's knitted leg hair shavings.

Or alternately I use some degreaser, some muc-off, a sponge and some warm water. I also use an Allen key to take things like chainrings off so I can occasionally clean both sides.
 
Doing my Bristol to London ride this Sunday. Thanks to R0B75 and Von for your sponsorship, much appreciated.

I'm also going to a family party (other half's family too) that evening so that should be interesting! At least I've got the Monday to recover from both legs and alcohol. Look out for my Strava log at some point! :)
 
I might have the possibility of getting some Giant wheels at near cost price. Does anyone know if any wheels in the Giant range would be comparible to Mavic Ksyrium SL's that retail around £600?

I'm quite a heavy rider at over 14st and my Ksyrium SL's spokes have corroded and set in to the rim so I'm looking to replace.
 
Russinating said:
So would something like this be suitable? http://www.diy.com/nav/build/motori...rq-35Pc-Pocket-Socket-Set-11377934?icamp=recs

Doesn't seem like a huge range of hex sizes and a load of other stuff that I'd never use. Where can I get just the 10mm socket and hex bits?
Click to expand...

Bit slow to reply as was involved in a car accident away from home, had busy few days.

Here are the ones I have.

The one on the left is a 10mm socket, adaptor and then the bit.

The one on the right came in a 1/4" socket set I had and takes the bits and directly fits to a 1/4" wrench.

The others are 3/8" and 1/2" direct fit ones.

IMAG0106.jpg


IMAG0107.jpg
 
Saundie said:
That's ominously vague; are you okay?
Click to expand...

Physically fine minor cuts and bruising, completely written off company vehicle from a head on collision at a combined speed of ~100mph.

I was the innocent party, have been cleared by police, blood and urine samples taken, witnesses on scene etc etc no further investigation needed at this time unless circumstances change but not a very nice experience.

Had to stay overnight then get a taxi and two flights to get home as I was working away at the time.
 
Well, that sucks. Good thing you were in a big metal box, rather than on your bike at the time. Glad to hear you suffered only minor injuries.
 
kiteloopy said:
Pretty accurate I think. They use UPS for delivery and that has real time updates.

Mine was shipped last wednesday and aimed for delivery on friday afternoon, got it at 3pm.
Click to expand...

I ve not heard anything from Canyon for a week, hope to get a dispatch email today so i have it for the bank holiday weekend.
 
Tickets are open for the cycling world cup in november..check ticket master. All the ring side ones are pre-taken so only unreserved seats only.

First time teamGB will be out since olympics. I got a pair all day sat and sun tickets...now to find someone who will go with me.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom