Road Cycling Essentials

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Kimi said:
Its my first day back on the bike in 3 weeks tonight, looking forward to it but also scared to see how much ive dropped off!:D
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I had 3 weeks off over summer. First day back felt awesome and I was flying. After that it was sore and slow :(
Took about 4 weeks of hard work to get back to where I was pre-holiday.
 
physichull said:
So, National Cycle to Work Day today.

A few more cyclists out than normal, but that might have just been a coincidence (i.e. 2 more spotted in addition to the chap that I pass every single morning, at the same time, at the same place).
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I've had my road bike a couple of weeks now, the intention was to cycle to work so thought today was as good a day as any to get cracking.

I'd mapped it at approx 12 miles, I got a bit lost though, Strava clocked me at just over 14. Took around an hour and I wasn't too stinky on arrival either, result.
 
I think it's about time to start thinking about a new rear light for the winter. Recommendations?

Absolutely MUST have a decent mount, my current Smart Lunar R2 is nice and bright but the mount chatters away and drives me mad it's so flimsy. 2 AAA or USB is preferable, mega bright is good etc. Ability to go on multiple bikes is good too. Budget: flexible :)
 
physichull said:
So, National Cycle to Work Day today.

A few more cyclists out than normal, but that might have just been a coincidence (i.e. 2 more spotted in addition to the chap that I pass every single morning, at the same time, at the same place).
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Definitely more cyclists than usual here in Leeds. The lovely and wide (no sarcasm) 2 mile bike/bus lane into town was certainly busier than usual anyway.
 
Jonny69 said:
I think it's about time to start thinking about a new rear light for the winter. Recommendations?

Absolutely MUST have a decent mount, my current Smart Lunar R2 is nice and bright but the mount chatters away and drives me mad it's so flimsy. 2 AAA or USB is preferable, mega bright is good etc. Ability to go on multiple bikes is good too. Budget: flexible :)
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My knog rear light is great, 2 seconds to get on and off, lasts hours and usb rechargable.

No more cyclists on my route in today, but I didn't recognise the two I did see. One guy full rapha kit with sky top and bag. So I think he was trying to ride 2 work day.
 
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Jonny69 said:
I think it's about time to start thinking about a new rear light for the winter. Recommendations?

Absolutely MUST have a decent mount, my current Smart Lunar R2 is nice and bright but the mount chatters away and drives me mad it's so flimsy. 2 AAA or USB is preferable, mega bright is good etc. Ability to go on multiple bikes is good too. Budget: flexible :)
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http://www.wiggle.co.uk/knog-blinder-road-4-led-rear-light/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/knog-blinder-4v-rear-light/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/knog-blinder-4-gt-stripe-led-rear-light/

got the GT and it's been good! lasts me 4-5 days on normal use during summer(low/eco mode on all the time)

the first link one is mega bright tho!
 
I do like the knog blinders, but out of the 3 I've owned only one has survived.

They are prone to failure of the mounting and although completely waterproof, the USB connector on one of mine got corroded to the point where it wouldn't charge anymore.
 
Shamrock said:
I do like the knog blinders, but out of the 3 I've owned only one has survived.

They are prone to failure of the mounting and although completely waterproof, the USB connector on one of mine got corroded to the point where it wouldn't charge anymore.
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My strap failed, which was a pain, but sent it back on a Wednesday and had a new one by the Friday. Very easy pain free warranty.
 
Kimi said:
Id like a cyclocross bike to use to ride on paths, down the shops and pub.

Its my first day back on the bike in 3 weeks tonight, looking forward to it but also scared to see how much ive dropped off!:D
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I put 28mm knobbly tyres on my old road bike for off-road paths. It works ok, though obviously there's a limit to where you can take it. It's never going to cope with inches of mud. I get a bit of rubbing on my mudguards when turning fast, but overall it works ok. It's quite a different experience trying to climb on loose gravel...
 
Although i use the wifes Allez with crud roadracer mk2 on i keep looking at winter bikes and those with discs.
Genesis Equilibrium disc looks good, £450 for the frame and add what you want....Shimano 5800 doesnt appear to be out with discs as yet, not sure its mechanical or hydraulic even? Although i think you can use ST-R685 instead? As you can tell my disc road biek knowledge is pretty low! lol
 
grudas said:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/knog-blinder-road-4-led-rear-light/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/knog-blinder-4v-rear-light/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/knog-blinder-4-gt-stripe-led-rear-light/

got the GT and it's been good! lasts me 4-5 days on normal use during summer(low/eco mode on all the time)

the first link one is mega bright tho!
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I've got a Knog blinder front light and I like it in concept, but it rattles (which annoys me) and regularly comes undone on bumpy road. When I say bumpy road, I mean Surrey roads, which are an utter state and the mounting on my Smart Lunar can't cope with it unless you do the bolt up to ridiculous tight.

platypus said:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/exposure-blaze-mk1-rear-light/

you will not need another rear light.
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That's a beast. Don't know if I can stretch to £90, as tempted as I am...

Is the Exposure Flare still a force to be reckoned with?

Edit: I've just remembered I'll need to buy a new Fibre Flare this year too. My old one died. Expensive year :(
 
Best turbo trainer for under £150 (preferably from Wiggle) including their current discounts (some good prices atm!) guys? Any recommendations?
I keep going back to the Tacx... Might just be because the blue matches parts of my bike & outfits (tart) ;)

I'm a beginner really, looking to use it for some stamina/distance training without going out on the road (I never 'find' time, but with a trainer I can stop if needed and be at home not miles away!)...
 
Jonny69 said:
That's a beast. Don't know if I can stretch to £90, as tempted as I am...

Is the Exposure Flare still a force to be reckoned with?

Edit: I've just remembered I'll need to buy a new Fibre Flare this year too. My old one died. Expensive year :(
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You won't need a fibre flare, or anything else for that matter, any more if you get the Exposure MK Blaze.

Don't get me wrong I loved the Fibre Flares and advocated them a lot, but I had to found that I also had to replace them quite often, and at ~£25 a go. The Exposure has lasted 3 years I think so far, still amazing, no battery problems (a charge still lasts for weeks) and there is zero chance of a car not seeing you. Cost wise? I'd say its well worth it.
 
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