Road Cycling

[FrenchTart]

It does look very shiny

You've posted an edit link though. You might want to change it so people with the link can only view.

 

[FrenchTart]

I'm 200km up on last year where I didn't do any rides until June lol.

I never ride over the winter though so feels like starting from scratch every year with 20 miles being about as far as I can ride comfortably.
My target this year don't over do it and strain something again.

Yeah. I know a lot of people that do the same over winter and it takes them around a month to get back to feeling like they can cycle again. I'm glad I bought a turbo when I did to be honest as it really helps keep your fitness up during the darker/colder months.

 

[#Chri5#]

Popped over to my almost-local-LBS (Audlem Cyclesport)on Saturday afternoon to get measured on the Selle Italia ID Match system. Had to laugh when filling in the profile page on the website - it asks how many miles a year you ride and there is an option for 12,000 miles or more.

End result is I should be in the L1 saddle group. Unfortunately, the shop only had a Flite Team Edition in stock and at £115 it was a bit more than I wanted to spend, so I just paid for the fitting.

Had a look online last night and found there is a whole 5 grams weight different between the Flite and Flite Team models, so grabbed a Flite from Wiggle for £62. Roll on the weekend and hopefully a comfy ride!

 

[Roady]

Looks like a fun route

Your neighbour's speeds on those climbs is pretty impressive too.

Yeah he's a machine, still not made it out with him as he tends to go out early (5am), drives down to cheddar, climbs it, drives to work, mentalist!

He's training for a LEJOG relay

https://www.strava.com/activities/309905522

It was a good route and one I'll do again properly as 8 miles out of town I realised I couldn't unclip my left pedal, which is the one I'm accustomed to! Told the group to continue as I pulled over to sort - sure enough I'd lost a cleat bolt out of my left cleat!

First time I've lost one so sure enough I wasn't carrying any spares... No problem I thought, I'll just remove the cleat and carry on without it - anyone tried that? (It's almost impossible!) I hunted around my saddlebag and looked around the frame for a similar sized bolt, only one I could think of using was one from a brake shoe but I wasn't that desperate! One of the bolts holding my multitool was a similar size (with a flat head) and although it wasn't great I fitted it and got moving to try and catch the group up. Sure enough around half a mile later there was some rough road and I heard a 'jingle' and it'd come out. I came to the conclusion that if I had to get back having my right foot 'stuck' was the better option so I swapped a bolt over from right to left.

I'd lost a good 15-20 min on the group at this stage but as I had the route loaded on my 810 I took a 'shortcut' to miss out Ewas Harold hoping to meet them on the run back. A couple of big hills and rough roads later (some shortcut! ) I got back to the main road I was fairly sure I'd lost the group, I was in 2 minds about taking the complete route back but after the mornings antics I'd had enough and I took the easy option and just rode back to the shop. I got back just after the first group (they'd done the same route @ faster pace) and I was half kicking myself for not waiting for my second slower group... Then 5 mins later they got back - I wouldn't have been in front of them as they'd covered a good 8 miles more than I did! A couple of them had waited for me further along (from where I stopped) but had carried on when I didn't turn up. Still a fantastic day for riding even with the rubbish luck, I bought a spare set of cleats when back at the shop and am now carrying 2 spare cleat bolts and a cleat with me! Now to buy some threadlock...

If I ever meet the person who invented the fixtures for SKS Blumels, I'm gonna punch them in the junk

Are they anything like the ones for sks chromoplastics? If so, I sympathise. Once they're on, they're staying on. The trouble is getting them on...

What are they like? The metal 'tags' on my Raceblades are a pain but work well!

Having the day off today I decided to go test some road bikes. After trying a few I decided on the Giant Propel Advanced 2 - which I had had my eye on for a few weeks before posting, along with the bit of discount I thought it was a good buy. With being tall it just felt right and the reach was very comfortable. Looking forward to testing it out Any recommendations on some decent pedals? TIA

Spoiler

Great bike and great choice!

Personally I'd go SPD instead of SPD-SL but not all agree...

I still stand by SPD for commuting but I think if I ever had a 'leisure' bike & shoes I'd probably go SPD-SL for it. More and more guys I speak to say they tried SPD and much prefer SPD-SL as they have better purchase between cleat and shoe also giving you more of a platform when you're really putting power down. My SPD's do float around and previously that was useful, but now I'm more used to them I occasionally the float will lead to me losing form in my pedal strokes when tired/at the end of a long ride.

After saturday's antics I was hoping to get back out... Had a BBQ saturday night and quite a few ciders so had a stinking hangover on sunday. After a few hours of gardening on sunday morning I realised I was getting worse, buy 1pm sunday I was back in bed feeling sick & feverish! So much for getting another ride in! Not sure what it was but after a good sleep (I didn't sleep well saturday) I felt a bit better. Yesterday my girlfriend had hunted down a 'Segway Experience' in Bath. After being ill with hot & cold sweats and being generally miserable I nearly called it off... Glad I didn't as the sunshine, fresh air and activity really helped! Wicked fun & would recommend to anyone wanting to try something a little different! www.segwayevents.co.uk

 

[janp]

How are people doing for their 2015 targets so far?

One of mine was to climb a load more (I think I was hoping for 250k feet vs 2014 160k feet). So far I'm up to 100k so it's not going too badly but I'm going to need to step things up a lot I think.

My main aim was to simply increase mileage from last year (3,226 miles). I'm at 1,800 miles so far, with very little time off work, and a lot more climbing, so should easily achieve this. Unless I get injured, or something stops me riding for a significant amount of time.

My other goals for the year; do an imperial century, and participate in a TT, have yet to be achieved. I'm not sure the century is achievable; my furthest ride from last year is 56 miles, but my weekly mileage has dramatically increased this year. Still, I've not given up hope yet.
TT - I have one in mind towards the end of the season, it's a hill climb, which should be perfect for me. I think I'd struggle to get a decent time on a flat circuit.

I saw your crazy double century over the weekend. Much kudos!

 

[FrenchTart]

I still stand by SPD for commuting but I think if I ever had a 'leisure' bike & shoes I'd probably go SPD-SL for it. More and more guys I speak to say they tried SPD and much prefer SPD-SL as they have better purchase between cleat and shoe also giving you more of a platform when you're really putting power down. My SPD's do float around and previously that was useful, but now I'm more used to them I occasionally the float will lead to me losing form in my pedal strokes when tired/at the end of a long ride.

Sounds sucky regarding the cleat bolt :/ I've not lost any in all my riding but I probably over-tighten them if anything...

I think people that believe that about SPDs haven't tried more race-oriented SPD peddles and shoes. Pretty much all the Shimano peddles and the MTB-y shoes have a fair bit of float and flex, respectively, but since moving to my Xpedos and proper road SPD shoes the feel once you're clipped in is not at all different from SLs.

 

[FrenchTart]

My main aim was to simply increase mileage from last year (3,226 miles). I'm at 1,800 miles so far, with very little time off work, and a lot more climbing, so should easily achieve this. Unless I get injured, or something stops me riding for a significant amount of time.

My other goals for the year; do an imperial century, and participate in a TT, have yet to be achieved. I'm not sure the century is achievable; my furthest ride from last year is 56 miles, but my weekly mileage has dramatically increased this year. Still, I've not given up hope yet.
TT - I have one in mind towards the end of the season, it's a hill climb, which should be perfect for me. I think I'd struggle to get a decent time on a flat circuit.

I saw your crazy double century over the weekend. Much kudos!

I really want to give a TT a go too actually. I need to think of a decent TT route to mess around on. I'd probably do better on a flat circuit rather than hill - I'm the opposite to you, being 6'1'' and about 20kg heavier

The double imperial on Saturday was pretty mentally taxing more than physically. We're currently re-thinking our 24 hour ride to the South coast

 

[Robzere31]

How are people doing for their 2015 targets so far?

One of mine was to climb a load more (I think I was hoping for 250k feet vs 2014 160k feet). So far I'm up to 100k so it's not going too badly but I'm going to need to step things up a lot I think.

These are some of the targets I set myself for 2015.
Only one not on there is 200K of assent, which I'm currently at 80k.




I set a milage goal for each month as well to keep me motivated, but May is a bad one due to a few days off due to other commitments & bad weather. Im still on target for all my goals though so happy at the moment.
I'm currently 400 miles up on last years milage, although 2014 was my worst year for cycling at only 4,000 miles for the year.

 

[grudas]

How are people doing for their 2015 targets so far?

One of mine was to climb a load more (I think I was hoping for 250k feet vs 2014 160k feet). So far I'm up to 100k so it's not going too badly but I'm going to need to step things up a lot I think.

alright tbh..

goal was to obviously tick over 5000mi end of year, should be ok with that with more summer rides!

another was to do a metric century which I did in the ocuk london ride and a bit more @95ish miles.

that's about it really!

 

[janp]

I really want to give a TT a go too actually. I need to think of a decent TT route to mess around on. I'd probably do better on a flat circuit rather than hill - I'm the opposite to you, being 6'1'' and about 20kg heavier

The double imperial on Saturday was pretty mentally taxing more than physically. We're currently re-thinking our 24 hour ride to the South coast

I would love to do an adventure like that, I tend to struggle after the 2hr mark, and 3hrs is about my limit. My back starts to ache. I think it's either because I'm going at full pelt all the time, or the geometry of the Planet X bike.

If you do make it to the South Coast, gladly tow you guys a long for a bit?

 

[Roady]

Plus side, I tried out my new Prolite wheels today, mmmmmmm very nice!
Roll well, & they just feel well built, braking surface feels much better although that could just be my old wheels bieng 2 years old !!

I'm loving my new wheels too, it's so hard to draw direct comparisons (I didn't carry tyres over) so I'm not 100% sure it's not the 'new' feeling still being there! My freewheel has such a nice sound... I'm freewheeling loads more just to hear it!

HELLO ALL

been seeing the Chiropractor for 6 treatments now

she said I can try my first little ride mid week this week!!

Awesome news! Make sure you take it easy though

got my bike back from evans.

Still not happy with it.

The rear brake just doesn't retract. Pull it once and it just locks on.

I actually disassembled my Tektro caliper thinking I could 'repair' it. Don't bother! The time it took wasn't worth it, I found nothing to 'repair' and had to put it back together loose just to get some movement in it. With a replacement 105 caliper costing £20 (and being an upgrade worth doing over my tektro) and as mentioned here, most LBS wouldn't repair, just replace. Replacing cables is also worthwhile doing if they're quite old/grotty/marked/degraded.

what shoes do you guys recommend for around £80? bought some SPD pedals today

SPD - 2 bolts. I chose the Shimano M520 pedals, on the basis that the cleats may be easier to walk in. I'll have a look at the ones you have said about, cheers Von

The DHB R1.0 and M1.0 shoes come well rated for the money. I currently have a pair of Shimano XC30's which are very similar to the M1.0's. I went 'MTB' style for the additional grips which also double as extra protection to the SPD when walking.

 

[Saytan]

for those of you using discs, a rotor bolt makes a decent emergency cleat bolt.

 

[grudas]

gotta love pedestrians.

 

[GSVBagpuss]

Yeah he's a machine, still not made it out with him as he tends to go out early (5am), drives down to cheddar, climbs it, drives to work, mentalist!

He's training for a LEJOG relay

I've done that - very happy to offer my experience / advice if he wants it?

 

[Thomas. PLease.]

How are people doing for their 2015 targets so far?

One of mine was to climb a load more (I think I was hoping for 250k feet vs 2014 160k feet). So far I'm up to 100k so it's not going too badly but I'm going to need to step things up a lot I think.

• Become 3rd Cat within first half of the year

- Did in January, hoping to get to 2nd Cat before the end of the year.

• Go sub 22min on a 10m TT

- Still not ridden a competitive 10 course. Had H10/8 booked this weekend but missed due to other commitments

• Get my FTP above 350w

- On the way, 320w this year from 270w in Jan. Will be a massive push to get that much gain towards the end of the year though.

• 8000km target

Well on target, already done over 5000km

• Buy a new bike to replace ageing Giant

- Bought the Cervelo S3

 

[Vonhelmet]

The double imperial on Saturday was pretty mentally taxing more than physically. We're currently re-thinking our 24 hour ride to the South coast

I'm starting to seriously think about doing coast to coast next year. Depending on the route it would be anywhere between 120 and 150 miles. I think that would probably mean 9+ hours in the saddle, which would be quite an undertaking. I'm already planning on doing the 100 mile Liverpool Chester Liverpool ride again next year, which will likely be in early July, which would be a good point to train for and build up to with a view to doing an even longer ride in August or September.

 

[FrenchTart]

I would love to do an adventure like that, I tend to struggle after the 2hr mark, and 3hrs is about my limit. My back starts to ache. I think it's either because I'm going at full pelt all the time, or the geometry of the Planet X bike.

If you do make it to the South Coast, gladly tow you guys a long for a bit?

Yeah, my back was the worst part of the 200 mile ride to be honest. I need to get a proper fit on this bike I reckon. At the moment I feel that the reach might be a bit too long for me, for any kind of endurance riding at least.

I'll let you know if we do end up doing the South coast trip. I'm sure we'd appreciate a tow (though we'd be slow and knackered by then). I'm thinking that it's unlikely to happen at the moment though - in addition to the pain levels, getting back to Manchester the day after is turning out to be a bit of a pita.

• Become 3rd Cat within first half of the year

- Did in January, hoping to get to 2nd Cat before the end of the year.

• Go sub 22min on a 10m TT

- Still not ridden a competitive 10 course. Had H10/8 booked this weekend but missed due to other commitments

• Get my FTP above 350w

- On the way, 320w this year from 270w in Jan. Will be a massive push to get that much gain towards the end of the year though.

• 8000km target

Well on target, already done over 5000km

• Buy a new bike to replace ageing Giant

- Bought the Cervelo S3

Nice I had hoped to get my FTP to 350W too (though it's just TR FTP rather than measured with a proper PM) but I reckon I'll fall far short of that unless I change my training routine massively.

I'm not too fussed about distance this year. It'd be nice to get over 10,000 miles again but I won't be particularly bothered if I fall short - it's the climbing that I really want to focus on. Currently at 3500 miles or so anyhow so it's not like I've let things slip too much.

I'm starting to seriously think about doing coast to coast next year. Depending on the route it would be anywhere between 120 and 150 miles. I think that would probably mean 9+ hours in the saddle, which would be quite an undertaking. I'm already planning on doing the 100 mile Liverpool Chester Liverpool ride again next year, which will likely be in early July, which would be a good point to train for and build up to with a view to doing an even longer ride in August or September.

If we don't do the South coast trip we may do a c2c in a day instead. You'd be welcome to tag along for that if you wanted

 

[Roady]

Spoiler

gotta love pedestrians.

Pedestrian almost stepped out and biker bailed? Ped just strolls past?

How are people doing for their 2015 targets so far?

Not really sure what mine were and cba to look back... Think it was 'ride more and do some group rides'. Feel like I've easily accomplished both!

I'm regularly now riding ~30 miles at pace and 30-40 miles leisure, fairly sure I could push the easy rides up to 50 miles. It's just finding the time! I've still not done over 100 miles in a week yet so that's a nice one to aim for, more interested in working towards maintaining a 100 mile weekly average along with tackling a local CAT3 I feel I should probably attempt (and was one of my targets).

 

[grudas]

Pedestrian almost stepped out and biker bailed? Ped just strolls past?

she ran out without looking, you can see it - I Was a bit too far but you can see it.. and she just walked off without asking if the guy was ok?!

 

[Jonny69]

4.55 kg bike from Merida coming out soon. Thought I might blow all my savings on it.

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news...unches-worlds-lightest-production-bike-171066

"No price yet but you probably won't get change out of ten grand"

Ok, maybe not then