Road Cycling Essentials

Jonny69 · 26 Dec 2011 at 16:09

Mr Flibble said:
I found these and thought of you. After I bought some for me. I realise they're not cheap, but they were the ones I had before my spill and I missed them so and hadn't found them anywhere else. I do note one of the feedback says "product advertised turned out not to be available" so hope that doesn't turn out to be the case.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005KR16CO

Cheers for that. You're actually not the first person to point me towards them, so I think they must be pretty good gloves

Liquid_Entity said:
Hey everyone,

Just after some advice on my Wiggle shopping basket... is all this stuff ok for starting out on the commute to work. Live in Purley and cycle to Croydon and I've seen some terrible driving (and riding from cyclists) in the past so hoping the lighting I have will be sufficient for now.

http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/ad149/mat-lock2010/cycling.jpg[IMG][/QUOTE]
You should be able to get the Fibre Flare shorty for £24 delivered from eBay. I've seen both versions and I think the full length one is better, so unless you specifically want the shorty, my recommendation is to get the full length one :)

Also, for your front light, I haven't used one, but the guys on Retro Bike really like these: [url]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5w-LED-Mountain-Bike-Bicycle-Cycle-Lights-Rear-Light-/330661690956[/url]

Liquid_Entity · 26 Dec 2011 at 16:16

Jonny69 said:
You should be able to get the Fibre Flare shorty for £24 delivered from eBay. I've seen both versions and I think the full length one is better, so unless you specifically want the shorty, my recommendation is to get the full length one

Thanks, I read a few reviews from Wiggle and they said that they didn't fit properly with the full length ones, I just based it on that, plus I can't afford to get the longer ones.

Also, for your front light, I haven't used one, but the guys on Retro Bike really like these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5w-LED-Mountain-Bike-Bicycle-Cycle-Lights-Rear-Light-/330661690956

Got a link to the discussions about these lights. If I can save on the lights then perhaps can afford the other bits

On the inner tubes, my tyre states this on the rim: 37-622 128 x 1.40 - 700 x 35 ci hs 377 I presume then I need 700 x 35 inner tubes. Any good cheap ones you can recommend.

Apologies for the beginner questions.

Indigo · 26 Dec 2011 at 16:21

Thats quite a nice bike Liquid. I do love my GT's.

If it's just a 3 mile commute I think you'll be fine anyway without padded shorts. My commute is the same on an MTB (front forks locked out) and I do absolutely fine with normal shorts / tracksuit bottoms on, never had any saddle sore or anything.

Nice list from Wiggle there as well, is some of that in the sale as I see the pump and base layers are half price. Or do you have voucher codes for these?

Liquid_Entity · 26 Dec 2011 at 16:24

IndigoGorilla said:
Thats quite a nice bike Liquid. I do love my GT's.

If it's just a 3 mile commute I think you'll be fine anyway without padded shorts. My commute is the same on an MTB (front forks locked out) and I do absolutely fine with normal shorts / tracksuit bottoms on, never had any saddle sore or anything.

Nice list from Wiggle there as well, is some of that in the sale as I see the pump and base layers are half price. Or do you have voucher codes for these?

They've got up to 50% off on most stuff and then there's a 10% off £50 and 20% off £100 code floating about. 20-Off is one I used.

encephalopathy · 26 Dec 2011 at 17:59

i would recommend as extra rear lights something like these
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/v100-pink-rear-id_8138644.html

ok, mine aren't pink but decathlon have a range of colours in store
this fits onto the rear of my helmet through one of the vents and it very very visible to traffic behind you in its flashing mode. i also have a couple more on my frame attached above where the rear axle is locked in

Jonny69 · 26 Dec 2011 at 18:02

Liquid_Entity said:
Got a link to the discussions about these lights. If I can save on the lights then perhaps can afford the other bits

On the inner tubes, my tyre states this on the rim: 37-622 128 x 1.40 - 700 x 35 ci hs 377 I presume then I need 700 x 35 inner tubes. Any good cheap ones you can recommend.

The lights crop up every time someone asks about front lights, but the original thread on bike lights is well buried because Retro Bike use a really old forum software with a pretty poor search function. As for tubes, Raleigh ones should be £3.50-£5 depending where you get them and have good valves that hold the air in well. Cheaper tubes have a habit of going down quickly.

Liquid_Entity said:
Apologies for the beginner questions.

No problemo dude, you got to learn about it somewhere

touch · 26 Dec 2011 at 19:30

Liquid_Entity said:
I presume then I need 700 x 35 inner tubes.

Correct.
Nutrak tubes are a good price on Chainreactioncycles just now.
(schrader valves are the same as car valves if you're unsure. I think your bike has presta valves, but they are hidden in the picture)

I would also replace the alloy tyre levers in your basket with plastic ones. Its easier to break a plastic lever, but its harder to damage your rim with it. A lever is much cheaper to replace than a gouged rim.

InsomniaCalls · 26 Dec 2011 at 19:36

I have these levers which offer the best of both. Snapped/bent countless levers before getting these and they've been bulletproof so far. Only slight downside is that the hook on the end is a little shallow so if you're no careful they can slip. Easily fixed by being careful or supplementing with a crap lever.

PardonTheWait · 26 Dec 2011 at 23:02

Liquid_Entity said:
Doh ! How could I forget inner tubes, my mate told me to get the tubes, need to check what size I got as only used the bike once since got it. Got a helmet and a Berghaus rain jacket but really have not got a lot of money at the moment so was just going for essentials, it is only a 3 mile commute so not thinking the bum will get too destroyed for a month until next payday.

This my bike... ps the saddle has been adjusted since I took this pic.

Two things....

Thanks for pointing out those base layers, I've been looking for some cheapish ones. Ordered one long and one short sleeved

Also, have you been out on that Traffic yet? My dad's looking for a bike, and while he wasn't sure about my road bike, he's thinking about a hybrid and they look quite good for the money they're going for on Wiggle.

Do you like it?

Liquid_Entity · 26 Dec 2011 at 23:09

PardonTheWait said:
Two things....

Thanks for pointing out those base layers, ordered one long and one short sleeved

Also, have you been out on that Traffic yet? My dad's looking for a bike, and while he wasn't sure about my road bike, he's thinking about a hybrid and they look quite good for the money they're going for on Wiggle.

Do you like it?

I've only ridden it once since I got it due to having no lights and no other equipment as yet. I got it delivered to work and then put it together and rode it home. It's only 3 miles but it was effortless. Smooth gear changes, extremely agile. I got home and didn't feel like I'd put any effort in and I haven't ridden a bike in years.

I got mine when they had the 50% off and then the extra 15% off, but now they are doing 50% off and using that 20-Off code, will get 20% off.

Only medium and small size left...I am medium frame as I am 5'7" or 8"

Skepticx · 28 Dec 2011 at 09:30

Hi,

Might be buying a new bike soon to replace a lump of metal with rubber sellotaped on.

Have been looking at the Cannondale CAAD 8 Tiagra Compact 2011.

Stupid question, what is the difference between a "standard" frame and a "compact" frame??

PardonTheWait · 28 Dec 2011 at 10:02

Skepticx said:
Hi,

Might be buying a new bike soon to replace a lump of metal with rubber sellotaped on.

Have been looking at the Cannondale CAAD 8 Tiagra Compact 2011.

Stupid question, what is the difference between a "standard" frame and a "compact" frame??

Compact in this case refers to the chainset, not the frame - most bikes come with a compact these days. Triple is three front rings, double is two, and compact is two slightly smaller fronts

Thomas. PLease. · 28 Dec 2011 at 11:13

Mine's a compact, fresh after a clean. The muck it picks up in the wet is ridiculous.

Fuzz · 28 Dec 2011 at 14:01

Report out on road cycle safety research.
Makes an interesting read.
Based in Netherlands which has one of the highest cycling populations in the world.
Results should filter back to us in coming years no doubt.

http://www.swov.nl/rapport/Ss_RA/RA47.pdf

Hamster · 28 Dec 2011 at 17:53

Looking for a seatpack to go on the back of a Charge Spoon. I was thinking about getting this Lezyne pack in black or black/grey to go with my other Lezyne stuff but they get some bad reviews for durability:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=24783

I want a large one as far as seatpacks go but not too bulky. I want to fit in a multitool, tyre levers, small CO2 pump+2 cartridges, spare tube, phone, cash/cards and it must have a decent strap/mount at the back to fit a rear light (RSP Astrum). Also I don't want something too wide that i'm going to feel it on rides.

willhub · 28 Dec 2011 at 18:14

Russinating said:
Doesn't look particularly level either.

Saddle does not need to be level really, mine is slightly tilted down.

touch · 28 Dec 2011 at 18:31

willhub said:
Saddle does not need to be level really

Not unless you're a pro

InsomniaCalls · 28 Dec 2011 at 18:37

Hamster said:
Looking for a seatpack to go on the back of a Charge Spoon. I was thinking about getting this Lezyne pack in black or black/grey to go with my other Lezyne stuff but they get some bad reviews for durability:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=24783

I want a large one as far as seatpacks go but not too bulky. I want to fit in a multitool, tyre levers, small CO2 pump+2 cartridges, spare tube, phone, cash/cards and it must have a decent strap/mount at the back to fit a rear light (RSP Astrum). Also I don't want something too wide that i'm going to feel it on rides.

I have this one (in large). For my commute it fits 2 x tube, 2 x CO2 cartridges + pump, phone, wallet, 2 x sandwiches (4 slices), tyre levers, spare gear cable and multitool. Has a loop for hooking on a light at the back which is pretty good quality - currently using with a Topeak light but will be fitting an RSP Atrum when mine arrives.

It's not quite as wide as my seat so it's relatively low profile (although it doesn't stop my ride mates from taking the **** out of my strap-on suitcase) and doesn't impact on my ride at all.

InsomniaCalls · 28 Dec 2011 at 18:37

touch said:
Not unless you're a pro

Now now, you get 3 degrees leeway...

Hamster · 28 Dec 2011 at 18:41

InsomniaCalls said:
I have this one (in large). For my commute it fits 2 x tube, 2 x CO2 cartridges + pump, phone, wallet, 2 x sandwiches (4 slices), tyre levers, spare gear cable and multitool. Has a loop for hooking on a light at the back which is pretty good quality - currently using with a Topeak light but will be fitting an RSP Atrum when mine arrives.

It's not quite as wide as my seat so it's relatively low profile (although it doesn't stop my ride mates from taking the **** out of my strap-on suitcase) and doesn't impact on my ride at all.

Thanks for the review

I had been looking at Topeak as they seem to get good reviews for build quality. Is it fairly waterproof?