Road Cycling Essentials

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I've just been out for a shakedown run of 24 miles and the bike is amazing; so smooth and stable.
One thing I noticed though is the 12-25 cassette and 50 front ring is not enough. I think I need a 11-25 and 53 crank. The route wasn't very hilly but I was maxing cadence at high speed with no more gears left.
 
SDK^ said:
I've just been out for a shakedown run of 24 miles and the bike is amazing; so smooth and stable.
One thing I noticed though is the 12-25 cassette and 50 front ring is not enough. I think I need a 11-25 and 53 crank. The route wasn't very hilly but I was maxing cadence at high speed with no more gears left.
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50*12 would be 32.5mph at 100rpm for spinning on the flat...Just how fast do you want to cruise at? :D

Good gear calc here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~mike.sherman/shift.html
 
6thElement said:
50*12 would be 32.5mph at 100rpm for spinning on the flat...Just how fast do you want to cruise at? :D

Good gear calc here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~mike.sherman/shift.html
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link :)
I was thinking if I'm nearly at the max speed on a gradual slope then i'm going to held back when going down a proper hill.

VeNT said:
looks lot more like the Secteur than they used to? where did you get it from in the end?
I've been cut up between the Secteur, Allez and something like the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Xenon
I'm not sure what to get really, need something for commuting/exercise/getting into sportives
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I found a store that was offering 20% off 2011 Specialized kit in the first week of January so ordered it then.
There is a lot choice out there and coming to a decision isn't easy.

Compared to the Allez the Secteur has a slighter longer wheel base, a longer head tube and a slacker head tube angle creating a more relaxed upright riding position. + the Zertz inserts for vibration damping.
 
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My bike still hasn't arrived :(

Was scheduled to fly on 19th Jan, apparently was a problem with the customs entry in Heathrow. Then rescheduled to fly London > Abu Dhabi on 22nd Jan, Abu Dhabi > Kuala Lumpur tomorrow - was going to go tomorrow to collect it, but now seems its been booked on Monday's flight instead :(
 
SDK^ said:
I've just been out for a shakedown run of 24 miles and the bike is amazing; so smooth and stable.
Click to expand...
It's a very nice looking bike indeed, I especially like the red tyres. One question though; if it's your winter bike, where are the mudguards, rack and panniers? ;)
 
A 60 mile training ride completed today.
Thinking I should have bought a road bike much sooner - it's awesome !!!

Managed to hit 38mph at around 108 cadence - pretty happy with that; 40mph should be doable without pedalling like a crazy monkey :)


UltimateBadger said:
Well today I made baby Jesus cry and bought myself a Boardman Hybrid Comp.
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Get some pics up !!!
 
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Hi All,

First time poster in here.

I've been cycling to work for about 6 months now. I managed almost every single work day between June and when the snow fell in December 2010, and I'm just getting back into it now.

Cycle from Bromley to Westminster on a route that is circa 12 miles each way, bike is a Trek FX 7.3

Recently (christmas) got some Shimano cycle shoes (M183's) with some Crank Bros Egg Beater pedals for super easy clipping in.

Currently taking me about 50 minutes each way after restarting riding, target is to regularly do it in 40 minutes each way by the end of the year :)

Bike hasn't got any upgrades other than the pedals and the shoes so far, however I'd appreciate knowing what brake pads you guys would recommend :)
 
SDK^ said:
Get some pics up !!!
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Wilco.

Went out for my first ride today only for 30 mins or so but I already love my bike. Very smooth ride (if a little hard for my unpracticed backside) with a great gear change. Looking forward to putting some more miles on her.

Got to get some saddle time under my belt so I don't get left for dead when I do the duathlon.
 
SDK^ said:
A 60 mile training ride completed today.
Thinking I should have bought a road bike much sooner - it's awesome !!!

Managed to hit 38mph at around 108 cadence - pretty happy with that; 40mph should be doable without pedalling like a crazy monkey :)



Get some pics up !!!
Click to expand...

Pedal faster, I've doubled the speed limit :eek:
 
Managed to collect my bike from the cargo terminal here today - all seems well and will assemble tomorrow, hopefully nothing got damaged in transit.

Spent over 2 hours in the cargo terminal though , bit of a pain in the ass. At least the import charges were less than expected! Total costs (terminal fee, document fee, FCZ fee, customs declaration) came to around £12 only :)
 
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