Road Cycling Gear Thread - what to buy, steal, borrow

Calpol

Calpol

Calpol

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Road Cycling Gear Thread - buying advice

Further cleansing of the main thread. Post all bike purchase related enquiries or requests for advice in here.

What bike should I buy?
What wheels are a good upgrade?
Will my ass look big in these shorts?
Are sleeveless jerseys only for Tri-athletes and Grudas?

etc

I'll kick us off with my current purchase dilemma?
 
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My best bike (the white Wilier in the thread above) wants new wheels. It want's deep section rims. It told me this during several painful turbo sessions. In fact it has refused to leave the garage unless it has new wheels. So.......here is the brief

c50mm clincher wheels - can't be arsed with the faff of tubulars. the tyres are expensive and carrying a spare around is not my idea of fun. Even though I seldom puncture.

Shortlist - in no particular order

1. TokyoWheel - http://www.tokyowheel.com/products/epic-50-carbon-clincher-wheelset
For - warranty, looks, certainty on price, braking performance supposedly decent, professional website.
Against - relatively expensive vs Farsports etc - over $1000 for a decent spec. Weight on base spec is 1600g+

2. Farsports or Yoeleo - http://www.yoeleobike.com/sat-super-light-700c-carbon-clincher-wheelset-50mm.html
For - price, specification seems decent, can run tubeless, weight c1500g
Against - expensive to use warranty if required,
Price is c£550

3. Cycle Clinic - http://thecycleclinic.co.uk/collections/road-rim-brake-wheelsets/products/handbuilt-borg50-carbon-clinchers-from-1505g-20f-24r-25mm-wide
For - UK based, handbuilt by Malcom Borg who regularly posts on Bike Radar, spec looks similar
Against - Price looks expensive for base Miche hubset at £660 for 1650g build

4. Swissside Hadron 485 - http://www.swissside.com/swiss-side-hadron-project-update-24/
For - No faffing with brake pads and no breaking worries, relatively light at 1650g
Against - don't look as nice as all carbon wheels imo, price is c£700

5 Zuus - http://www.zuus.co.uk/zuus-z50-carbon-fibre-cycling-wheels-pair-50mm-rim-depth-clinchers-removable-logos-free-next-day-delivery/

For - Price, UK based warranty, Seems you can also now remove the Zuus stickers

Against - Are they too cheap to be ok. Or perfect for casual riding

Realistically these will be summer wheels. I am 74kg so not mega powerfull but I like a stiff wheel for blasting up climbs. £700 really is the toop of my budget range. Getting the Chinese ones leaves money for tubes, tyres and maybe even a spare cassette.

Any thoughts chaps?
 
Good idea for a thread man, I was thinking the other day would be good to have a show off your gear thread, similar to the bike galleries but for your other gear. This would be handy to have all gear related stuff in here like that :)

Garmin speed/cadence sensors. Anybody using these with their Edge device? I have a Forerunner 620 watch, and the ability to use these sensors I have found out was added, so I can get away without getting an Edge IMO. Going to buy the sensors but does anyone have pictures of them fitted to the bike, are they neat enough and hassle free on the bike? Thanks.
 
I literally spent £260 on some Chinese wheels, they are fantastic. Have really tested them too, I weigh about 86kgs, and have had them up to about 48mph with no problem, potholes have been hit on many an occasion and they are fine.

I really think there is a lot of scaremongering with "dodgy chinese parts" The only gripe I would say I have with them, is when I'm not pedalling, they make quite a racket, but its no big deal.

I went with some 50mm Carbon Clinchers from aliexpress.com Pretty much these ones - http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Stan...r-carbon-bike-wheels-recommend/529467850.html
 
xdcx said:
Good idea for a thread man, I was thinking the other day would be good to have a show off your gear thread, similar to the bike galleries but for your other gear. This would be handy to have all gear related stuff in here like that :)

Garmin speed/cadence sensors. Anybody using these with their Edge device? I have a Forerunner 620 watch, and the ability to use these sensors I have found out was added, so I can get away without getting an Edge IMO. Going to buy the sensors but does anyone have pictures of them fitted to the bike, are they neat enough and hassle free on the bike? Thanks.
Click to expand...

How many bikes do you have? The gsc-10 is tried and true, but if you've multiple bikes bontrager do one that can more easily be moved. Alternatively there's the new Garmin ones that use accelerometers which perform well but are a bit pricier.
 
xdcx said:
Good idea for a thread man, I was thinking the other day would be good to have a show off your gear thread, similar to the bike galleries but for your other gear. This would be handy to have all gear related stuff in here like that :)

Garmin speed/cadence sensors. Anybody using these with their Edge device? I have a Forerunner 620 watch, and the ability to use these sensors I have found out was added, so I can get away without getting an Edge IMO. Going to buy the sensors but does anyone have pictures of them fitted to the bike, are they neat enough and hassle free on the bike? Thanks.
Click to expand...

They work well and once installed you can forget about them. I think the newer version is even better.
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/05/garmins-spd-cad-magnetless-sensors.html

Thats probably overkill for what you need.

This is the standard one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Cadence-Sensor-Forerunner-Montana/dp/B000BFNOT8 and it is fine. One tip I would give is that the crank arm magnet is a bit of a faff. I got a tiny magnet from ebay and stuck it on the end of the pedal spindle. More secure and tidier.
 
Ah! Thanks guys, I seen the DC Rainmaker article on pairing it and use with my watch but didn't see that one for specifics on the sensors themsevles. Exactly the sensors I am eyeballing on Wiggle so that's handy!

Vonhelmet, I only have one bike. Moving it between bikes not a concern right now really but on the reviews for the Garmin speed/cadence sensor all the guys on their who had GSC-10 are saying the new Garmin ones are much better and they prefer. So I think I am sold on the Garmin options even if they are a bit pricey.

Thanks for the info guys :)
 
Calpol said:
My best bike (the white Wilier in the thread above) wants new wheels. It want's deep section rims. It told me this during several painful turbo sessions. In fact it has refused to leave the garage unless it has new wheels. So.......here is the brief

c50mm clincher wheels - can't be arsed with the faff of tubulars. the tyres are expensive and carrying a spare around is not my idea of fun. Even though I seldom puncture.

Shortlist - in no particular order

1. TokyoWheel - http://www.tokyowheel.com/products/epic-50-carbon-clincher-wheelset
For - warranty, looks, certainty on price, braking performance supposedly decent, professional website.
Against - relatively expensive vs Farsports etc - over $1000 for a decent spec. Weight on base spec is 1600g+

2. Farsports or Yoeleo - http://www.yoeleobike.com/sat-super-light-700c-carbon-clincher-wheelset-50mm.html
For - price, specification seems decent, can run tubeless, weight c1500g
Against - expensive to use warranty if required,
Price is c£550

3. Cycle Clinic - http://thecycleclinic.co.uk/collections/road-rim-brake-wheelsets/products/handbuilt-borg50-carbon-clinchers-from-1505g-20f-24r-25mm-wide
For - UK based, handbuilt by Malcom Borg who regularly posts on Bike Radar, spec looks similar
Against - Price looks expensive for base Miche hubset at £660 for 1650g build

4. Swissside Hadron 485 - http://www.swissside.com/swiss-side-hadron-project-update-24/
For - No faffing with brake pads and no breaking worries, relatively light at 1650g
Against - don't look as nice as all carbon wheels imo, price is c£700

5 Zuus - http://www.zuus.co.uk/zuus-z50-carbon-fibre-cycling-wheels-pair-50mm-rim-depth-clinchers-removable-logos-free-next-day-delivery/

For - Price, UK based warranty, Seems you can also now remove the Zuus stickers

Against - Are they too cheap to be ok. Or perfect for casual riding

Realistically these will be summer wheels. I am 74kg so not mega powerfull but I like a stiff wheel for blasting up climbs. £700 really is the toop of my budget range. Getting the Chinese ones leaves money for tubes, tyres and maybe even a spare cassette.

Any thoughts chaps?
Click to expand...

FLO60s. Will work out around £500 from the top of my head inc. shipping & taxes/duty. Aluminium braking track, plus you can always buy a 30 front/90 rear to cover more bases and switch in/out as and when. I've got a set of 30s and a 60/90 set and love them. Forget about the weight, it's really not an issue unless you're talking a big difference.
 
oli collett said:
FLO60s. Will work out around £500 from the top of my head inc. shipping & taxes/duty. Aluminium braking track, plus you can always buy a 30 front/90 rear to cover more bases and switch in/out as and when. I've got a set of 30s and a 60/90 set and love them. Forget about the weight, it's really not an issue unless you're talking a big difference.
Click to expand...

Flo 60s look more like $900 a set and weigh c1900g. I know they have a good rep but I think there are better options for me.
 
xdcx said:
Ah! Thanks guys, I seen the DC Rainmaker article on pairing it and use with my watch but didn't see that one for specifics on the sensors themsevles. Exactly the sensors I am eyeballing on Wiggle so that's handy!

Vonhelmet, I only have one bike. Moving it between bikes not a concern right now really but on the reviews for the Garmin speed/cadence sensor all the guys on their who had GSC-10 are saying the new Garmin ones are much better and they prefer. So I think I am sold on the Garmin options even if they are a bit pricey.

Thanks for the info guys :)
Click to expand...

I have the new speed/cadence sensors. Couldnt be easier to fit and you really wouldnt even know they were there. Easy to take off if cleaning or moving to another bike. Paired with my 500 straight away and have worked from day one so no complaints at all.

As for price I got the pair for £46 , still only £44 here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Bike...9&sr=8-1&keywords=garmin+speed+cadence+sensor

Why buy the old with a deal like that ?
 
Calpol said:
Flo 60s look more like $900 a set and weigh c1900g. I know they have a good rep but I think there are better options for me.
Click to expand...

Hmm, they might have gone up a bit in price, or ive got a bad memory, I'm sure mine came to around £500-600 all in

But anyway, you're judging each by weight, shouldn't you be looking at the drag savings?
 
dodg3rman said:
I have the new speed/cadence sensors. Couldnt be easier to fit and you really wouldnt even know they were there. Easy to take off if cleaning or moving to another bike. Paired with my 500 straight away and have worked from day one so no complaints at all.

As for price I got the pair for £46 , still only £44 here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Bike...9&sr=8-1&keywords=garmin+speed+cadence+sensor

Why buy the old with a deal like that ?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information, has made my decision up even more! I am 100% buying the new sensors yeah, not the old one, for the money there is no point I just want them as neat and hassle free on my bike as possible but they seem spot on so I'll get them ordered up. And cheers for the link, cheapest I have seen them :)
 
So my certificate came through last week and I can finally get a bike.
I have £750 to get everything and my shopping list is something like this:

Shopping List:

  • Road Bike - Tiagra - 25-28mm Wheels - Large Frame/58cm
  • Pedals if not included
  • Helmet - Need to figure size, assuming medium fit
  • Mudguards + Rack
  • Clothing - i.e. Base Layer + Shorts/Jacket
  • Better Lights
  • Some trainers
  • Some basic repair gear, already have a very good pump
Has to be done through Evans & happy to add my own cash should need be, saw this Pinnacle bike for £575 Pinnacle Dolomite Four 2014 which looks good for a Tiagra bike + can handle mudguards + rack.

Opinions? - Only issue is a lot of bikes on the site aren't in store, Birmingham store seems quite small so might be a problem.
 
Derek W said:
I'm needing to get new brake pads as certainly my rear one is crumbling away.

I'm using the Triban 3 road bike http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3...l#anchor_ComponentProductTechnicalInformation


Am i therefore restricted to these brake pads?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/300-road-bike-brake-pads-id_3256958.html

Although they look different to the standard ones on the bike currently :confused:
Click to expand...

You have cartridge brakes, so you need cartridge pads. People will recommend Kool Stop or Swissstop pads, or possibly some cheap shimano ones on ebay.

These will do: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kool-stop-dura-aceultegra105-pair-of-cartridge-inserts/
 
Derek W said:
I'm needing to get new brake pads as certainly my rear one is crumbling away.

I'm using the Triban 3 road bike http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3...l#anchor_ComponentProductTechnicalInformation


Am i therefore restricted to these brake pads?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/300-road-bike-brake-pads-id_3256958.html

Although they look different to the standard ones on the bike currently :confused:
Click to expand...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-Pairs-O...718?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20f4f71036

cheap as chips and good performance..!
 
Calpol said:
My best bike (the white Wilier in the thread above) wants new wheels. It want's deep section rims. It told me this during several painful turbo sessions. In fact it has refused to leave the garage unless it has new wheels. So.......here is the brief

c50mm clincher wheels - can't be arsed with the faff of tubulars. the tyres are expensive and carrying a spare around is not my idea of fun. Even though I seldom puncture.

Shortlist - in no particular order

1. TokyoWheel - http://www.tokyowheel.com/products/epic-50-carbon-clincher-wheelset
For - warranty, looks, certainty on price, braking performance supposedly decent, professional website.
Against - relatively expensive vs Farsports etc - over $1000 for a decent spec. Weight on base spec is 1600g+

2. Farsports or Yoeleo - http://www.yoeleobike.com/sat-super-light-700c-carbon-clincher-wheelset-50mm.html
For - price, specification seems decent, can run tubeless, weight c1500g
Against - expensive to use warranty if required,
Price is c£550

3. Cycle Clinic - http://thecycleclinic.co.uk/collections/road-rim-brake-wheelsets/products/handbuilt-borg50-carbon-clinchers-from-1505g-20f-24r-25mm-wide
For - UK based, handbuilt by Malcom Borg who regularly posts on Bike Radar, spec looks similar
Against - Price looks expensive for base Miche hubset at £660 for 1650g build

4. Swissside Hadron 485 - http://www.swissside.com/swiss-side-hadron-project-update-24/
For - No faffing with brake pads and no breaking worries, relatively light at 1650g
Against - don't look as nice as all carbon wheels imo, price is c£700

5 Zuus - http://www.zuus.co.uk/zuus-z50-carbon-fibre-cycling-wheels-pair-50mm-rim-depth-clinchers-removable-logos-free-next-day-delivery/

For - Price, UK based warranty, Seems you can also now remove the Zuus stickers

Against - Are they too cheap to be ok. Or perfect for casual riding

Realistically these will be summer wheels. I am 74kg so not mega powerfull but I like a stiff wheel for blasting up climbs. £700 really is the toop of my budget range. Getting the Chinese ones leaves money for tubes, tyres and maybe even a spare cassette.

Any thoughts chaps?
Click to expand...

Well I have sorted it. Was browsing Weight Weenies last night and came across a guy selling a 100 mile set of Farsports 50mm, "U" 23mm wide clinchers. Pretty much new and for £300. SO I have bought them and the bits I need to go with them. Should turn up midweek.

http://www.wheelsfar.com/road-wheels/clincher/24cn-20-5mm-width/38mm-x-20-5mm-clincher-wheelset-378.html
These with the Novatec Hubs and weigh around 1490g.
 
Hey guys, looking to dip my toe into road riding, here in Copenhagen I commute everyday by bike come rain, shine or snow and was looking for one bike that would fit both tasks. I read up on the B'Twin Triban 500SE which looks lovely but isn't available to ship here (no Decathlon stores nearby) and also at Wiggles own Verenti Defense 2.1 WR (Winter Ready) which uses Sora components.

Anything else I should be considering? I'm trying to keep to a budget around £400.
 
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