Road Cycling
- Thread starter Zefan
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Soldato
I got my 11spd quick links from Decathlon - £4.99 for a double pack.
Haven't used them yet, as I had a spare KMC link last time I needed one, but they look fine and they're cheap as chips.
Haven't used them yet, as I had a spare KMC link last time I needed one, but they look fine and they're cheap as chips.
Soldato
Don
That cable doesn't look great yeah. If you're getting the LBS to swap it out I'd get them to do the front at the same time. May as well and it's not that much moneyCost will vary but it shouldn't be much more than £20 including a new outer + inner. If they were just swapping the inner I'd expect it to be more like £10.
Have looked at the GCN video on changing it, and doesn't look too bad. Changing it myself would also be more convenient at the minute, as my LBS isn't open at times that suit me.
To do it myself, I assume all I need is this (rather than anything flashy - as it's only a Shimano 2300):
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-essential-gear-cable-set-shimanosram/
Yep pretty much. And some wire cutters for the inners and outers. DIY is so much more convenient, you could get it done in an hour and you're back on the road!
The 2300 gear cables don't run under the bar tape so you won't need to change that either.
The 2300 gear cables don't run under the bar tape so you won't need to change that either.
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Don
Got wire cutters already so no issue there.
Yep - was worried about that, but double checked and they don't
Cable ordered and for quidco'ed for maximum penny pinching (since I am skint at the minute
)If they're side cutters then wrap the cable before the cut in some electrical tape so when you cut it the cutters don't splay the cable end and you have a complete 'mare trying to thread it into the end cap. Just carefully take the tape off before you crimp the end cap on (you can do this carefully with side cutters).
I got so annoyed with mine (and how hard gear/brake cables are) and cutting cable outers straight/tidy that I bought a housing/cable cutter. If you're going to do your own home maintenance in future (highly recommended) then you'll soon reap the rewards for using proper tools. Your hands & fingers will thank you too! The amount of blood I used to lose from cable outer stab wounds...
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Caporegime
Does anyone else get twitchy before a big ride, or a ride to somewhere new? I'm just having my lunch before I go out, and I can feel I'm on edge, haha. I'm heading into Cheshire, round Frodsham and Delamere. I've hardly ever ridden there and I've never gone by the route I'm taking today, so it's a bit of a step into the unknown. Wish me luck...
Soldato
I do, the element of not knowing how much you can push yourself on a ride where you might end up in a ditch if you over do it. Things like that. Not so much on longer rides than normal cos I build myself up to doing a distance say 10 miles more than the last its not like I'd go from 20 up to 100.
I do if it's with new people or a large event (sportive etc), having said that I did have crippling anxiety in my teens, so it could be due to that.
I quite enjoy unfamiliar routes, if I'm going solo or with friends. I guess I get the sense of adventuring/exploring.
Yup, although it's not really just big rides, just 'unknown' rides. Even group rides on routes I know I'll get excited about. Well, more anxious, I guess?
Got an old friend doing a local 40 mile sportive on 10th July so going along with him. I had intended on doing the 70 but not ridden with him before and don't see him as much as I should so will be using it as a social one! I know many of the roads/route, after growing up in the area, but not from a riding perspective. Should be fun!
https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=2488
40 miles with 4000+ ft of climbing. Hillier and along slower windy B roads so will actually be quite good training for me!
40 miles with 4000+ ft of climbing. Hillier and along slower windy B roads so will actually be quite good training for me!
Just noticed from your route on Strava that it goes close to Builth Wells. I was there a few weeks back, lovely scenery and pretty bumpy!
Man of Honour
40 miles with 4000+ ft of climbing. Hillier and along slower windy B roads so will actually be quite good training for me!
Those are the best rides - makes for better scenery
Yeah I grew up in Mid-Wales (between New & Old Radnor) and my first job (IT support!) was based in Hundred House (just outside Builth) and through the years we moved to Llandrindod Wells and had an office in Aberystwth.
I know much of the mountain roads between Rhayader/Welshpool/Aberystwth/Brecon/Sennybridge/Merthyr Tydfil/Ystradgynlais/Abergavenny from having to find these little farms/schools in the middle of nowhere to install computers!
My cycling aims over the coming years are to tackle many of these roads/mountains including many of the notorious climbs (like the Tumble, Devils Staircase, Llangynidr mountain, Burway & Black Mountain)
#lifestory
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Just sent off the stuff to NFTO. It'll still arrive within their definition of the DSR anyway as work only had first class stamps available. £4.63 - why don't all companies do free returns!
Morvelo large jersey arrived too and it's a much better fit than Medium. Funny how much sizes vary... NFTO small and Morvelo large fit the same
Morvelo large jersey arrived too and it's a much better fit than Medium. Funny how much sizes vary... NFTO small and Morvelo large fit the same
Just sent off the stuff to NFTO. It'll still arrive within their definition of the DSR anyway as work only had first class stamps available. £4.63 - why don't all companies do free returns!
Morvelo large jersey arrived too and it's a much better fit than Medium. Funny how much sizes vary... NFTO small and Morvelo large fit the same
Because they're a little shop with only 2 or 3 staff that's closing?
I'm surprised by the sizing also, all of the NFTO club kit (which they've done for a few years) is Castelli. It always has been (sponsorship!). It's only the last year (or so) that they've done 'NFTO' branded items which are made from their designs, rather than castelli designs (branded for the club). Considering are a 'Race Club' (at heart) I find it weird their branded kit doesn't follow the usual Racing/Italian sizing/fit...
The rain jacket, cap, shorts and jersey are the only NFTO cycling items that I'm aware of that are not Castelli. Think there is a range of waterproof adventure type jackets too (NFTO boss man John Wood is ex military and used funds he got after being injured to setup the Clubs, Teams & Shop).
Because they're a little shop with only 2 or 3 staff that's closing?
Aha of course I understand that not everywhere can have free returns. I factored it in anyway considering the discount it's still worth it. It's tempting to order more of the bib shorts.
Soldato
Ordered my Sidi's Not fun, as I ordered 2 pairs to make sure they fit ok. Not exactly cheap!
Not fun, as I ordered 2 pairs to make sure they fit ok. Not exactly cheap!
Caporegime
Looool bit off more than I could chew. I'm 30 miles from home and knackered! Hey ho. Time to crawl back.
I for one am glad they have upped their sizing as traditional Italian sizing is not really applicable for most UK men with more sizable thighs and shoulders
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