Road Cycling Essentials

CGrieves · 30 Nov 2011 at 18:31

Shadowness said:
^That's not far off mine lol! If I've ran out of bananas I have nothing

It's all about what you're used to, and your metabolism. When I started commuting (26 miles each way) last year, I'd arrive at work ravenous and eat my bodyweight in carbs. These days I start without eating anything, drink juice on the way (water, bit of squash for taste and a bit of sugar), then a couple of pieces of toast when I'm at work. Normal light-ish lunch, then a dinner with some protein in it. I find my body adjusts really quickly. (Then I collapse on the sofa and wake up at 3am with a sore neck...)

I'm a mesomorph though and do find it easy to lose weight.

Jonny ///M · 30 Nov 2011 at 20:27

Looks like I might get my hands on(to build up)a Look 695 SR in the team colours(red/white/black).

70 days turnaround on a special order though as they are handmade, sent to a different factory for paint and then onto somewhere else for testing(or something like that).

The guy might also get zipp 404s if his gf allows.

All because his chain punctured a hole in the chainstay of his Felt AR4...

InsomniaCalls · 30 Nov 2011 at 20:41

Poor guy. I bet he's distraught!

Jonny ///M · 30 Nov 2011 at 20:49

Not as distraught as I'd be if I cut the seat mast too short :|

Still haven't cut a steerer too short in my life so should be fine - I hope.

[DOD]Asprilla · 30 Nov 2011 at 21:05

First time for everything......

Jonny ///M · 30 Nov 2011 at 21:09

This is true, me and my boss are the only ones not to cut a steerer too short in the time they have had the shops and out of all the staff that have come through.

As he says - his time will come when it's the £800 forks needed for somebodies race at the weekend!

Here is the Forme winter frame built up, not bad for £250 rrp frame + fork. The equivalent Kinesis(who make the forme says the rep) is £250 for the frame only + £60 for an alloy fork.

* Customer fitted tyres himself so I take no responsilbity for the gatorskin on the sidewall not being at the valve

platypus · 30 Nov 2011 at 21:54

Streeteh said:
Well, i now own a Boardman Team CX, unfortunately it's currently at my LBS getting built however!

Everyone seemed to think I was a little strange for paying to get it built outside of Halfords, but to me £50 extra for the peace of mind knowing that someone competent was putting it together made it well worth it.

Enjoy! Excellent bike.

touch · 30 Nov 2011 at 22:09

Nearly finished the birthday present for my brother:

When i heard him talking about a 2tone brown/beige colour scheme, i didnt think it would look that good but it's turned out a lot better than expected

(i hope he wasnt joking

)
Just waiting for the postie to bring me a freewheel now and it'l be finished.

edit: added bonus pic of the elaborate but poorly painted lugs.

One More Solo · 30 Nov 2011 at 22:14

Looks great!

Shadowness · 1 Dec 2011 at 08:47

Right...just analysing the data from my commute to work. Bit alarmed about my HR, assuming it's reading correctly!

Is it normal to be that high!?

Russinating · 1 Dec 2011 at 09:27

What's your resting?

[DOD]Asprilla · 1 Dec 2011 at 09:27

Depends how hard you are working and how fit you are. Doesn't look to be too out of the ordinary.

Saundie · 1 Dec 2011 at 09:59

It also depends on how old you are. If you're in your 60s, then you may have cause to be concerned.

George Hincapie · 1 Dec 2011 at 10:00

Shadowness said:
Is it normal to be that high!?

I've seen my heart rate recorded higher than that on a route with really challenging climbs. Don't worry, you won't die

Shadowness · 1 Dec 2011 at 12:07

Well I'm 24, and I am cycling pretty hard. Avg 19.3mph, so not hanging around.

From speaking to an experienced cyclist here at work, he says it's pretty normal.

Probably just highlighting that I work a bit harder than I realise.

Saundie · 1 Dec 2011 at 12:12

Sounds pretty normal to me, too. Despite what [DOD]Asprilla will no doubt tell you, averaging 19mph+ is no small feat considering the stop/start nature of commuting.

I average about 14mph, but I'm fat and in no real hurry

[DOD]Asprilla · 1 Dec 2011 at 13:05

Saundie said:
Sounds pretty normal to me, too. Despite what [DOD]Asprilla will no doubt tell you, averaging 19mph+ is no small feat considering the stop/start nature of commuting.

I average about 14mph, but I'm fat and in no real hurry

It's a massive achievement. My commuting average is about 17mph these days.

Shadowness · 1 Dec 2011 at 13:15

I'm gradually getting quicker as I ride to work more, nothing major, but definitely noticeable.

I'll see what I can manage this evening on my way back.

Jonny69 · 1 Dec 2011 at 13:24

touch said:
Nearly finished the birthday present for my brother:

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8514/cimg3050.jpg[img]

When i heard him talking about a 2tone brown/beige colour scheme, i didnt think it would look that good but it's turned out a lot better than expected :) (i hope he wasnt joking :p)
Just waiting for the postie to bring me a freewheel now and it'l be finished.

edit: added bonus pic of the elaborate but poorly painted lugs.
[img]http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg687/scaled.php?server=687&filename=cimg3051c.jpg&res=medium[img][/QUOTE]
Looks good. What are those handlebars and do you know what diameter they are at the stem?

Russinating · 1 Dec 2011 at 13:25

I wish I could improve my commute time; far too short and far too many lights/junctions for my speed/effort to have more of an effect than the luck of the lights.

Road Cycling Essentials

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