Road Cycling Essentials

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Yes I have considered getting a set of lights. I probably will end up getting a set at some point. It it just more expense :p I just want to make sure all the progress Ive made this year won't go to waste over winter! :)
 
Unsure where to mount these aero bars. Read that it's better to start with them towards the outside to get used to them/for balance etc, but just tried to mount them over my bar tape and whilst they fit they restricted the gear cables so I couldn't change within a few (fortunately they work since I removed them so no damage).

Any further in and I can't see how I can get them under my cables, and they didn't come with rubber pads so they'll scratch the crap out of my bars (yes yes, more than they are already...).

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Dont put them over the top of the bar tape. Mount them somewhere on the bare bar near the middle (not outwards of the point where they start to taper). Use some electrical tape or something to stop your bars getting scratched.
 
Vonhelmet said:
Not the help you're looking for... But your wheel looks crooked, like it's off to the left.
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I thought that. What would be the cause and fix?

touch said:
Dont put them over the top of the bar tape. Mount them somewhere on the bare bar near the middle (not outwards of the point where they start to taper). Use some electrical tape or something to stop your bars getting scratched.
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Will do. Just went to buy some different bolts from Toolstation and the chap was extremely helpful, suggested using an old inner tube cut up to put under the clamps. Thought that was very clever!
 
Just went out, got about a mile away from home an it started raining heavy :(

I dont mind when its a little bit of rain. Looks like its gonna get a bit more difficult getting a decent ride in after work with the poor weather and it getting dark a lot sooner.
 
InsomniaCalls said:
Stem slightly off centre. Loosen the stem, line up the stem with the wheel, tighten stem. You might want to get it so it's tight-ish but still pliable so it doesn't just flop about all over the place when you're lining it up.
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This.
Make sure that you tighten the top bolt before you do up the stem bolts.
 
ShiWarrior said:
are you saying the Boarman Team Carbon one is crap compared to the ALU one? i.e. i should go with the ALU one or pay even more and get the 2nd carbon one?





Yeah, i'll be using Quidco to get discount on brittish Cycling and then using quidco again to use the halfords cashback as well, thought it was only 3% though, i'll double check it





what are the differences then? are shimano 105's better than Tektro? is the sadle better on the carbon one?


Thanks
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I think my question is being missed, as we are on a new page.

Im almost ready to order a bike now :)
 
Russinating said:
Just need to test it out now :p
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Good luck. The trick is to try not to make lots of small, quick adjustments to the steering. Let it go where it wants as much as you can and just make long, slow turns to keep it on track.

It's a lot easier said than done though, and takes quite a bit of practice. It's also scary trying to move between the aero bars and your normal bars. You always get that bit of hesitation when you go down a hill or something as you try and decide if its safer to just try and hold on at that speed, or try and move to the hoods and brake. Have fun :p
 
Thanks, my balance isn't great if I'm honest so should be interesting.

I'll only use it on this Top Gear track ride/TT that I've got this Sunday so no hills, cars or pedestrians to contend with. Can't imagine using it on many open roads for the reasons you've listed, plus the amount of times I've had to brake suddenly because of a stupid pedestrian don't really warrant their use.

Saw a few people using the mini clip on bars on my Bristol to London ride which I thought was a bit odd. The pros don't even use them for that!
 
I'm maybe being a little dramatic :p
They're not bad when you get used to them. Find some quiet roads and practice with them before sunday though.

They can be quite good for long distance riding, they are very comfortable for your hands/arms/shoulders but they will stretch your lower back more than usual. Obviously, the aero advantage also helps reduce fatigue on long rides. I wouldnt want to use them for riding in a group though.
 
kiteloopy said:
aero bars are the future.... :-)

love em...especially on the long straights.
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Agreed! Only had mine on for the past few weeks in preparation for london triathlon but am loving them already. Mind you I had to alter the fit of my bike a fair bit to get comfortable pedalling for a long time on the bars. Saddle up a little and a lot more forward than it had been before. Also found them a little unnerving at first, but am confident with them now.
 
Got an hour in on the trainer this evening. Was the first proper session I've had on a trainer and it seemed tougher than I had expected. I guess that's because you're on/off when cycling on the road which give you a chance to rest.

Will try and get out as much as possible over the coming months, got a few sportives planned... but it should get me through the winter. :)
 
ShiWarrior said:
what are the differences then? are shimano 105's better than Tektro? is the sadle better on the carbon one?


Thanks
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The extra bits on the Carbon are all of a superior quality to that of the Team but the main plus point is the carbon frame. It's superb to ride due to it's low weight and the way that carbon frames eliminate road buzz which makes the ride far more comfortable. It really is an awesome bike to ride.

The 105 Brakes are extremely good, you don't need any more power or precision in my opinion than 105 brakes - the lesser weight of Ultegra and Dura Ace are the only real benefit as far as I'm aware.

The Fizik Arione saddle is a £70 saddle, it really comfortable to spend hours sitting on compared to the cheaper saddles I've had in the past on my hybrid.
 
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