Road Cycling Essentials

touch · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:19

George Hincapie said:
Without PEDs cycling would be less exciting, I can't think of any other way to explain it. Not only would the racing be miles slower, you just wouldn't see the quantity or quality of attacks.

I disagree.
The only difference between a race where everyone is on PEDs and a clean race would be the overall pace.
A slower race doesnt mean less attacking, or less exciting racing.

uniQ · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:23

George Hincapie said:
We are Angels compared to him. Running a red light or parking in a space we shouldn't really doesn't compare does it?

Hey George check out my new ride

tbh I assume anyone who rides faster than me is on the juice.. especially Shadowness

George Hincapie · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:28

One More Solo said:
Undoubtedly, but there are still clean riders in the peloton that manage to complete the Tour.

Yes, the Lantern Rouge

If everyone was clean then the pace may drop a little (though you only have to compare recent ascent times of Alpe d'Huez vs the likes of Armstrong and Pantani to see this is already happening) but the competition would remain the same.

The pace hasn't fallen that much. Look here. The result on that I'm most impressed with is Greg Lemond. Everyone knows Pantani was doped to the eyeballs, and Lemond was a massive 10 mins behind him - just goes to show the difference PEDs make.

The competition would remain the same, but the performance wouldn't. Obviously. Which was the point I'm trying to make. People need to decide what it is they want to see. If you want clean racing, then fine, let's have it. Just don't moan that it's not exciting.

George Hincapie · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:29

uniQ said:
Hey George check out my new ride

tbh I assume anyone who rides faster than me is on the juice.. especially Shadowness

I can't believe I'm posting this, but I actually like that! Looks amazing

What's it ride like?

Vonhelmet · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:31

You're moaning about us all moaning when we're not moaning

uniQ · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:32

It's not really I was just trolling you

George Hincapie · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:33

touch said:
A slower race doesnt mean less attacking, or less exciting racing.

Race speed in itself doesn't strictly mean fewer attacks, no. However, the use of PEDs = longer attacks, less recovery time between attacks, so more attacks.

It's a pointless argument though, because until we see a World Tour race that's completely clean, we won't know.

George Hincapie · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:34

uniQ said:
It's not really I was just trolling you

That may have backfired!

George Hincapie · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:35

Vonhelmet said:
You're moaning about us all moaning when we're not moaning

Ha! I'm not moaning, just posting in general terms and struggling to articulate my arguments today it seems. Perhaps I should go and do some work!

uniQ · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:36

Lovely day if a bit cold today. Managed to get out for a 45mi first ride of the year as work has been absolutely flat out. Also first ride on the new wheelset.

Wasn't expecting to notice much going from 2013 Zonda's (effectively Fulcrum 3's w/ diff spoke pattern). But wow the C24's absolutely transformed the ride. The most significant difference was how incredibly comfy they are. The only way I can think to describe it when riding on nice Tarmac roads was what I imagine being on a magic carpet would feel like. Pretty surreal legs were spinning but felt like I was floating over the ground.

They spin up fast, ascend, descend and maintain speed on flats effortlessly. Definitely a good upgrade

George Hincapie · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:41

uniQ said:
Lovely day if a bit cold today. Managed to get out for a 45mi first ride of the year as work has been absolutely flat out. Also first ride on the new wheelset.

Wasn't expecting to notice much going from 2013 Zonda's (effectively Fulcrum 3's w/ diff spoke pattern). But wow the C24's absolutely transformed the ride. The most significant difference was how incredibly comfy they are. The only way I can think to describe it when riding on nice Tarmac roads was what I imagine being on a magic carpet would feel like. Pretty surreal legs were spinning but felt like I was floating over the ground.

They spin up fast, ascend, descend and maintain speed on flats effortlessly. Definitely a good upgrade

Clinchers or Tubs?

[Damien] · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:45

On the subject of wheels, if I was going to replace the DT Axis 1.0 set that came with my bike (this one) then what would you lot suggest?

I've not got the cash for silly stuff that costs £300+ a set but anything below that's reasonable if it's worth it. The wheels I've got now aren't too bad (although I don't really have much to compare them to) but the 24 spoke front one isn't ideal for someone my weight. I've had to true it a few times.

George Hincapie · 9 Jan 2013 at 14:55

[Damien];23524624 said:
On the subject of wheels, if I was going to replace the DT Axis 1.0 set that came with my bike (this one) then what would you lot suggest?

I've not got the cash for silly stuff that costs £300+ a set but anything below that's reasonable if it's worth it. The wheels I've got now aren't too bad (although I don't really have much to compare them to) but the 24 spoke front one isn't ideal for someone my weight. I've had to true it a few times.

Mavic Kysrium Equippes are nice. Not too expensive, fairly light weight, fairly robust, roll well.

[Damien] · 9 Jan 2013 at 15:13

George Hincapie said:
Mavic Kysrium Equippes are nice. Not too expensive, fairly light weight, fairly robust, roll well.

Just had a look at those, thanks. They look pretty good. My fun bike is also my commuter so I'm not after spending silly money on it with the abuse it gets. I'll probably look at getting a set once the weather picks up a bit.

George Hincapie · 9 Jan 2013 at 15:14

[Damien];23524819 said:
Just had a look at those, thanks. They look pretty good. My fun bike is also my commuter so I'm not after spending silly money on it with the abuse it gets. I'll probably look at getting a set once the weather picks up a bit.

Have a look on eBay then or BR Forums. People often sell decent condition ones second hand.

If you live near or in Buckinghamshire I have a set on my Winter bike you're welcome to try.

uniQ · 9 Jan 2013 at 15:17

George Hincapie said:
Clinchers or Tubs?

Clinchers

[Damien];23524624 said:
On the subject of wheels, if I was going to replace the DT Axis 1.0 set that came with my bike (this one) then what would you lot suggest?

I've not got the cash for silly stuff that costs £300+ a set but anything below that's reasonable if it's worth it. The wheels I've got now aren't too bad (although I don't really have much to compare them to) but the 24 spoke front one isn't ideal for someone my weight. I've had to true it a few times.

I can recommend the 2013 Zonda's I just upgraded from. Got them from bike24.com for £275inc delivery but think they're about £265 delivered now with current GBP/EUR conversion.

http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;menu=1000,4,123,30;product=35268

I don't think you can find the 2012 models on the sale in the UK for less than these.

Edit; they're a bit flashy looking for commuting unless you have secure storage imo. P-X had some lovely handbuilt Ambrosio's on 105 hub for £170 but they've sold out.

[Damien] · 9 Jan 2013 at 15:31

George Hincapie said:
Have a look on eBay then or BR Forums. People often sell decent condition ones second hand.

If you live near or in Buckinghamshire I have a set on my Winter bike you're welcome to try.

It's a bit far from Manchester but thanks for the offer

uniQ said:
an recommend the 2013 Zonda's I just upgraded from. Got them from bike24.com for £275inc delivery but think they're about £265 delivered now with current GBP/EUR conversion.

Edit; they're a bit flashy looking for commuting unless you have secure storage imo. P-X had some lovely handbuilt Ambrosio's on 105 hub for £170 but they've sold out.

They're nice looking wheels. I keep my bike in the house/in the office so it's never stored outside. The do look a bit fragile though. How much do you weigh?

uniQ · 9 Jan 2013 at 15:37

They're bullet proof. Weight limit is around 240lb iirc

I'm pretty light but have a look around plenty of solid reviews and recommendations from riders of all sizes

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=71524
http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/wheels/wheelsets/campagnolo/zonda/prd_287114_2490crx.aspx
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/campagnolo-zonda-clincher-road-bike-wheelset-2012/

These are all older or 2012 models the 2013 revision has a few nice changes.

George Hincapie · 9 Jan 2013 at 15:56

uniQ said:
Clinchers

Nice

I'd love some Tub carbon rims but I'd be too scared to go out on them

[Damien] · 9 Jan 2013 at 16:12

uniQ said:
They're bullet proof. Weight limit is around 240lb iirc

I'm pretty light but have a look around plenty of solid reviews and recommendations from riders of all sizes

Good to know, thanks. While I'm picking everyone's brains, I'm currently kicking about on 32mm tyres (Marathon Plus) but I'm curious if sticking narrower tyres on would give improved performance worth sacrificing the comfyness of my 32's for.

I mainly use my bike for commuting (some dodgy sections of road but nothing major) and semi-regular weekend rides, so I want something that can handle daily use and still be comfortable, yet still have a bit of go if I decide to go for it on a segment or two.

Edit: I've got a feeling the answer is going to be using my current stock wheels with thick puncture proof tyres in the week then swap to a shinier wheelset with racier tyres at the weekend. Feel free to enlighten me though.