Road Cycling Essentials

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I don't mind a bad on my back. I don't buy the sweaty back argument; what are you doing if you aren't breaking sweat in the first place?

Currently using a courier bag.

I've used panniers in the past and I have those ortleibs and racks on two of my bikes but I'm not a big fan of the weight distribution; especially on the Civia which has an Alfine hub and is bleedin' heavy at the back anyway.
 
I just don't fancy a large rucksack, especially in summer. I sweat loads as it is lol!

I would be cycling for about an hour each way, and I've been told the extra weight on your back isn't that great for you.
 
Shadowness said:
I just don't fancy a large rucksack, especially in summer. I sweat loads as it is lol!

I would be cycling for about an hour each way, and I've been told the extra weight on your back isn't that great for you.
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Bs.. i carry my lock and spare clothes plus pump tools puncture repair kits and a tube every day and its fine.. i cycle for ~1 hrs each way - total 23 miles and theres hardly any sweat on my back:-)
 
Darryl_1983 said:
I'm looking into getting a road bike, possible through one of the cycle to work schemes (though nothing is setup at the moment). But i know nothing about road bikes at present, so would like a little advise from some people in the know.

I've been looking at the Ribble bikes (the winter trainer and the alloy sportive), which i've read are very good. However i'm not sure if i'd be better of going for a special build with 9 speed tiagra, but with only 2 options for the wheels. Or going for the more custom built option with 10 speed Sora but having a lot more options with wheels.

I think i'd prefer to get the tiagra levers over the lower spec Sora, but would i be limiting myself with the old tech 9 speed equipment.

It can actually work out cheaper to go for the standard 9 speed tiagra and buying a second set of wheels from the list from Ribble, over just specing the custom build with 10sp Tiagra and the upgraded wheels. So this might be a good option for me as i could have a commuter wheel and a weekend wheel.

Basically i'm only looking to spend around £500 - £700 max, i want to get the most for my money, so that if i do get into road riding i'm not going to be wanting to upgrade everything on the bike. I also need to get something that's going to last me. I don't mind upgrading in the future, but want to have a good base. I'm assuming this would mean getting the best frame and forks i can now and not worrying too much about the drivetrain, as i can upgrade this if/when needed.

Uses will be for commuting 15 miles each way to work several times a week, some evening riding for training, and the some longer weekend rides when i don't fancy getting muddy or driving miles to find something decent to ride.

I've also seen a Caad 8 with Sora for £600 in my size which is tempting me too.

I've never riden a road bike, though i have been fitted for a Caad at my local Evan cycles and was advised to take a 56cm in the Caad but a 58cm in anything else. Which also seems to match the size guide on the riddle website (i come in at 57.95cm). Going by website guides does worry my slightly though.
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If you are looking to buy with your own cash rather than through the Cycle to work scheme seriously consider buying on the second hand market.

For example my Boardman Team Carbon with SRAM Rival (105/Ultegra equivalent) came in under your budget.

I live near Ribble and i would buy a bike from them though.
 
Castelli Estremo glove if you have the cash flows :P

I'm still using my Altura night visions but they are bulky compared to the Castelli ones.

Overshoes don't seem to protect my lake shoes sadly :( had to basically de rust the boa system :(
 
Shadowness said:
^?!

Guys I'm in need of some help with panniers and racks. As I'll be moving out very soon, and can't rely on my Dad to bring my clothes etc to work (work at the same place), I'll need something to bring all that gear to work. I initially wanted a back pack, but I don't fancy the slight discomfort and also sweaty backs in summer!

I've seen these bags, which seem to have rave reviews: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ortlieb-back-roller-classic-panniers/

I just need some advice on the rack itself really. Will anyone fit any bike (within reason)?
I made the mistake last time of buying mud guards for a bike with eyelets which mine doesnt have, so I don't want to make another mistake.

How do they fit to the bike?

Again, from scouting Wiggle.....this seems to have good reviews: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tubus-logo-rear-rack/
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You can get a decent pannier setup for much less than those 2, about the cost of the rack alone!

54L fully waterproof pannier bags (pair of 27L each):

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s74p762

30kg rated rack:

http://www.parker-international.co.uk/9989/MPart-Madison-Summit-Rear-Pannier-Rack.html

You can use p-clips to fit mudguards and racks to your frame if it doesn't have bolt mounts.
 
Shadowness said:
^?!

Guys I'm in need of some help with panniers and racks.
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I was going to put this in the GD thread 'What do you not regret buying' because they were a bit expensive however the pair have proved to be weatherproof, rugged and hold a lot of stuff and I would definitely buy it if I had to start over again.
I also have to carry all my food & clothes to work and the bag is way roomier than it looks,

http://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/MTXTrunkBagDXP

I bought the child carrier rack because it was way cheaper for some reason but does the same job.

http://www.topeak.com/products/Child-Carrier/babyseat_rack
 
Shadowness said:
I just don't fancy a large rucksack, especially in summer. I sweat loads as it is lol!

I would be cycling for about an hour each way, and I've been told the extra weight on your back isn't that great for you.
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I run hot. It was 3c yesterday and I was sweating wearing a l/s jersey and a softshell. I do just over 19 miles each way which takes about 1hr 10.

If I was carrying a 2kg laptop in and out every day then I would use panniers but I only bring in watch, phone, wallet, underwear and shirt. I leave shoes, trousers and a towel at work and change them once a week. It's not a lot of weight at all.
 
[DOD]Asprilla;23271745 said:
I only bring in watch, phone, wallet, underwear and shirt. I leave shoes, trousers and a towel at work and change them once a week. It's not a lot of weight at all.
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That's exactly what I do. Kudos for doing 19m each way though. I only do 13.5.
 
I do around 10 miles... but take in shirts, pants, socks, trousers to leave in my changing room locker at work.

The only thing I have is my phone, oyster card, debit card and office pass! All fits into a jersey pocket :)
 
I find in current temps with wearing the following I don't really get wet unless I batter it.

Shorts, thermal layer, leggings (bib), arm warmers, Winter thermal top, neck warmer, head warmer, then a thermal gilet, could have done with an extra layer last night actually. Need to think carefully if I'm going on a training ride, or a ride where it might be hilly and a cafe stop, I'll need a further extra layer due to getting cold after the cafe stop.
 
I commute 15 miles each way with a backpack and haven't had any issues.

Its not even a cycling specific one, just a cheap sports direct one. I carry pump, tubes, lunch and clothes with me. I do have a locker at work though and dont have to carry my shoes or lock with me every day.
 
daveski said:
I commute 15 miles each way with a backpack and haven't had any issues.

Its not even a cycling specific one, just a cheap sports direct one. I carry pump, tubes, lunch and clothes with me. I do have a locker at work though and dont have to carry my shoes or lock with me every day.
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same here :) except that i have multi tool in it too.. its around 2-4kg and i can't feel it really!
 
daveski said:
I commute 15 miles each way with a backpack and haven't had any issues.

Its not even a cycling specific one, just a cheap sports direct one. I carry pump, tubes, lunch and clothes with me. I do have a locker at work though and dont have to carry my shoes or lock with me every day.
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Yeh I would try to carry everything I would need for the week in on Monday, then carry just the bare essentials like lunch etc for the rest of the week, and carry everything home on Friday. So based on that, it would only be two days where I would be carrying more weight.

It would certainly be a lot more convenient than a pannier. Just not as pleasant in summer ;)
 
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