Road Cycling Essentials

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VeNT said:
I'd say really if a frames a little small it's less of an issue than if a frames a little too big
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This. Always better to have a frame that's slightly too small as you can just put a longer stem on it and enhance the handling, whereas a larger frame may necessitate a shorter stem which completely borks the handling :(
 
Dimple said:
5' 6"
Inside leg up to my crotch = 30" or in French, 760mm
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My boss is that height and rides a 51cm that comes up around 53cm horizontal top tube. I'd be looking to try the 51cm Forme as the HTT on that is also 53cm.

It should give you a little more clearance for your balls and not feel quite as long a reach.

Without seeing you it's hard since you might have some weird proportions. You can always get your saddle height perfect within a couple of frame sizes and you can tweak the reach by using a longer or shorter stem to get it perfect.
 
[DOD]Asprilla;22083760 said:
Can't say; competitor.

However, it's the base pack so no HR band, no cadence monitor and no maps. I've already got the first two and I'm going to use Open Street Maps from TalkyToaster.
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A competitor to OCUK? Since when do they sell cycling stuff? E-mail me in Trust then. Or give me a clue. Or something...:p
 
[DOD]Asprilla;22083760 said:
Can't say; competitor.

However, it's the base pack so no HR band, no cadence monitor and no maps. I've already got the first two and I'm going to use Open Street Maps from TalkyToaster.
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You can download the maps from Torrent.
 
George Hincapie said:
You can download the maps from Torrent.
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I know a man who knows a man who has a copy. Still going to use the OSM maps though.

It's from an electronics store. If you go a Google Shopping search for Garmin Edge 800 then it's the lowest priced one that has feedback (there are two cheaper, but I think they are ex-UK and so there will be VAT and Duty payable on top). £245.99 plus delivery.
 
[DOD]Asprilla;22083913 said:
I know a man who knows a man who has a copy. Still going to use the OSM maps though.

It's from an electronics store. If you go a Google Shopping search for Garmin Edge 800 then it's the lowest priced one that has feedback (there are two cheaper, but I think they are ex-UK and so there will be VAT and Duty payable on top). £245.99 plus delivery.
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Merci!
 
Can anyone recommend me some good chain/component lube?

I initially bougt some Fenwicks for dry conditions, as I only intended to cycle to work when the weather was nice, but I've been commuting to work in every imaginable weather this year!

What I'm after is the best all around lube for all conditions, I'll keep the Fenwicks to my weekend/good weather bike!
 
Rusty_Noob said:
Can anyone recommend me some good chain/component lube?

I initially bougt some Fenwicks for dry conditions, as I only intended to cycle to work when the weather was nice, but I've been commuting to work in every imaginable weather this year!

What I'm after is the best all around lube for all conditions, I'll keep the Fenwicks to my weekend/good weather bike!
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I use Finish Line Dry Lube. Works for me - I'm the fastest MAMIL in my street ;)
 
I went out today with the intention of doing 50 miles. I got to the top of Eaglesham 10 miles or so in at 18mph average and thought **** this I'm not ready for this.

Ended up just turning back home but going via country lanes and finishing on 25miles in 1h 30...I stopped to check my brakes weren't rubbing,hub wasn't too tight and my tyre pressure was correct. That's how bad I felt due to the wind :(

I use finish line dry and apply it lots or use finish line wet and just put up with how dirty the chain will look once it's on.
 
touch said:
Try this bike fit calculator.
Dont rush through it, take your time and get all the measurements properly, it can take 20-30 mins to work through them all. Get somebody to help you out if you can.

It will never be as good as an experienced fitter looking at you in person, but it might help steer you in the right direction.
Also, the geometry of the bike can make a difference as well. My last bike was about 5cm "too short" in the seat tube because it had a long top tube.
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I still don't know which one I'm looking at but I reckon it's 51?

Thank you for visiting competitivecyclist.com, and for making use of our Fit Calculator.

Below are the measurements you entered, followed by our calculations for proper frame size and component positioning. You can refer to these numbers when choosing your frame and component package on-line, and you can keep them handy if you'd like to place an order over the phone.

Measurements
-------------------------------------------
Inseam: 763
Trunk: 660
Forearm: 300
Arm: 590
Thigh: 575
Lower Leg: 512
Sternal Notch: 1400
Total Body Height: 1670


The Competitive Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 495.7 - 496.2
Seat tube range c-t: 511.0 - 511.5
Top tube length: 367.2 - 367.6
Stem Length: 121.2 - 121.8
BB-Saddle Position: 669.4 - 671.4
Saddle-Handlebar: 565.6 - 566.2
Saddle Setback: 213.9 - 214.3


The Eddy Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 496.9 - 497.4
Seat tube range c-t: 512.2 - 512.7
Top tube length: 367.2 - 367.6
Stem Length: 120.1 - 120.7
BB-Saddle Position: 668.6 - 670.6
Saddle-Handlebar: 566.4 - 567.0
Saddle Setback: 215.1 - 215.5


The French Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 498.6 - 499.1
Seat tube range c-t: 513.9 - 514.4
Top tube length: 368.4 - 368.8
Stem Length: 120.3 - 120.9
BB-Saddle Position: 666.9 - 668.9
Saddle-Handlebar: 568.1 - 568.7
Saddle Setback: 214.6 - 215.0
 
You need to look up the geometry of the frame and find which size matches closest to the output of the calculator. Dont worry if there's one or two which are a bit out, you get some adjustment by choosing a longer stem/moving seatpost/etc.

The "Seat tube range c-t" is often what manufactuers use for frame size. So a 51cm is likely to be the one you need.

I'm not sure what the different fits mean. I'm sure it will be explained somewhere on that site. Decide which one best suits what you want the bike for. "Competitive Fit" sounds like it would be for somebody who want to race. (It will be long and low). I dont know what the other ones are, but im sure there will be one which is aimed more at comfort than speed.
 
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gah! riding to work today in the wind and the rain I've never been more tempted to buy a steel/chromo tourer or something like a Dawes Galaxy with mudguards!
been looking at old steel rodies but none of them have the room for mud guards I'd expect!
 
VeNT said:
gah! riding to work today in the wind and the rain I've never been more tempted to buy a steel/chromo tourer or something like a Dawes Galaxy with mudguards!
been looking at old steel rodies but none of them have the room for mud guards I'd expect!
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Have you tried the Crud Roadracer mudguards?
 
They are excellent if you can't fit traditional mudguards, I leave mine on all year round as they aren't at all intrusive and you can't trust the weather in this country!

If you can fit a 5 mm Allen (Hex) key between your brakes and the tops of your front and rear tyres, and between the rear tyre and your seat tube, then the Road racers will fit your bike too. [PS I've since read that some people have struggled with the width of 28 mm tyres. I know that tyres up to 25 mm wide are definitely okay if your bike passed the clearance test]
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They are a little fiddly to set up, but once they are installed they stay put. I haven't had to adjust mine in the almost two years I've had them.
 
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