Road Cycling

[grudas]

Thanks for that Kimi, really reassured me...!

I currently don't have a group of cycling friends... I have 'people I kindof know who kindof cycle'. I'm hoping to change that by getting on some of the local social rides.

I don't generally care what people 'think' of me - as I've generally always been quite independant, I was just after some unbiased opinions so I don't look like a complete dick to strangers who cycle!

Also it goes back to me trying to get 'more for my money' - if I can wear last year/last decades kit (doesn't bother me) and save money. I would hopefully get a good quality jersey within my budget which I otherwise wouldn't be able to afford... Which has also made me think twice about that site - they're just too cheap & don't mention a clothing brand!

Understand that many teams wear kit made by Ralpha, many pro's I see wearing Castelli/Santini etc so cheap unbranded 'team kit' really isn't 'official' (and therefore good quality) kit.

I cycle in baggy shorts + sleeves tops.. think I get judged way more than you would ever be if you simply wore a random team kit

 

[DaleTheWhale]

I can't imagine that TheReaperGuy is likely to get Campag on his ~£500 road bike

Hey!



True though.

 

[FrenchTart]

Hey!



True though.

It could happen but then your bike would look like this:

 

[grudas]

It could happen but then your bike would look like this:

heh, it's something?

 

[whyscotty]

I don't generally care what people 'think' of me - as I've generally always been quite independant, I was just after some unbiased opinions so I don't look like a complete dick to strangers who cycle!

:

Wear what you want - who cares what others think

 

[FrenchTart]

heh, it's something?

I guess if you managed your CX style riding with just the bike frame earlier then there's no reason someone can't do the same with just shifters

 

[tedmaul]

The Cannondale looks better on paper I guess, assuming similar pricing.

I'd concur. Always heard good things about cannondales as well.

I've had the defy 2 for about 3 years now, which is similar to the defy 3 except with tiagra. It's fine, i use it as my winter bike now. Tiagra is nothing special but it does the job.

But if it was a choice between those two at the same price, you have better groupset on the cannondale.

However, if you can, i'd get a ride on both to decide for yourself.

 

[FrenchTart]

Definitely agree on the riding it for yourself thing.

 

[grudas]

I guess if you managed your CX style riding with just the bike frame earlier then there's no reason someone can't do the same with just shifters

exactly! you gotta use what you have eh cmon people, be resourceful!

 

[touch]

I would love to see you running up and down the road holding a pair of shifters in your hands

 

[Vonhelmet]

I would love to see you running up and down the road holding a pair of shifters in your hands

Careful what you wish for. I may have a spare moment when I'm bike building on Monday

 

[Dunks]

Lovely bit of sun this afternoon for the commute home

 

[lordrobs]

Had my first ever ride of a road bike this evening! Only around the block to see if everything was working ok. Seems pretty sprightly compared to my hybrid. Brakes are properly shocking though. I think I know what my voucher will be going towards

 

[Vonhelmet]

I've ordered my spd-sl shoes and pedals. With any luck they'll be here early next week.

My mother in law has been here today and gave me £30 for my birthday. My parents are visiting tomorrow and they've not given me their present yet either. With any luck I'll have enough for some torm gear.

My wife told my mother in law that I'm building another bike. "Another??" she said. I don't think she knows about n+1.

 

[grudas]

I'm actually surprised you get presents at all haha.. They kinda stopped at 16 for me! And unless I do a proper bday party, I'll get nothinf

 

[Saytan]

Had my first ever ride of a road bike this evening! Only around the block to see if everything was working ok. Seems pretty sprightly compared to my hybrid. Brakes are properly shocking though. I think I know what my voucher will be going towards

before changing the calipers, upgrade the pads to kool stop salmons, makes a world of difference. Tektro pads in particular are utter dross

 

[PermaBanned]

I don't think it's their bike. But yeah, dual pivot calliper brakes do feel quite different when you're used to Vs or disks, but if they're adjusted and maintained properly they do provide ample braking power. Give you a lot more modulation too, but at the higher speeds you're going on a road bike you will need to actively think about braking points, all part of good bike handling.

 

[GSVBagpuss]

My long blades sheared off going over a bump today - just where the rear guard touches the arms

 

[Jimbeam3678]

My old school pal has just bought this

Jealous doesn't cover it!

 

[lordrobs]

before changing the calipers, upgrade the pads to kool stop salmons, makes a world of difference. Tektro pads in particular are utter dross

I don't think it's their bike. But yeah, dual pivot calliper brakes do feel quite different when you're used to Vs or disks, but if they're adjusted and maintained properly they do provide ample braking power. Give you a lot more modulation too, but at the higher speeds you're going on a road bike you will need to actively think about braking points, all part of good bike handling.

I'll remember that next time a car pulls out right in front of me or a pedestrian steps off the curb TBH I don't envisage me being drastically quicker on a road bike compared to my hybrid. Maybe 1 mph or so on average.

I'll try new pads before changing the brakes themselves. I guess part of the problem is the lack of leverage when on the hoods.