Hi All
Small update from Mallorca.
IT'S HOT!
Like 25c at 9am hot.
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Unfortunately it's just too hot to ride past 9/10am for me. Im up at 6am to get a bit of a ride in and it's still 17/18c then! Some of you might think thats not hot at all but I don't want to be in a creek without a paddle regarding hydration; I play it safe.
That's why people cycling it do it early in the year!
I know guys who were going there in February/March. You may even find September too hot - check 'historical weather' charts for the time of year you're looking at if temperature is that decisive for you. Expensive mistake otherwise!
We cycled in Rhodes @ ~30 degrees (late morning/middle of the day). The sea breeze and short distance (3 miles!) it was ok, without that breeze I'd have really suffered!
What is everyone paying for bike insurance?
I've had a quote of £152, including public liability with a bike value of £2.5k
Does that sound about right?
Was around £30 a year here for both of us with telling them how many bikes (5) and then a +£5 increase when the most valuable bike (mine) went from £350 to £900.
Ours is done as an extra to our home & contents insurance, includes 3rd party liability and the bikes up to 100 miles from home. In reality I may get further than that, but not very often!
Used the 3D printer to make a natty little pair of frame hangers for my tin of Pit Stop. I don't know why Vittoria don't sell these.
That's awesome! 3D printer at your work? There's always bits I want one for...!
Must say i'm quite taken by the 2016 Felt bikes, oh my....
They look great, the Felt rides are looking better and better now they're mixing more colours and designs.
yeah that's my first priority. Its the frame, forks and handle bars from Giant Defy 5 2013. Going to buy new for everything else. Luckily I was stationary when car hit me, the car was behind me at a roundabout (stationary as well) but then came forward and bent wheel and chain ring
I'd be cautious of the rear dropout and mech hanger too, just incase they've taken a twist from the force.
Bear in mind you can get a new
Defy 5 2015 for £499. So if you're looking at a £200 wheelset and £300 groupset make sure it's a substantial upgrade on Claris and S-R2 wheels (not hard if my P-R2's were anything to go by).
Went out for a solo ride yesterday, I followed most of a route from a club/shop ride a few weeks back I'd had to drop out of after my cleat problems. I felt strong even though my legs were still slightly tired from the hard ride on Thursday (and commuting friday). A little more climbs than I'd normally do, but that's what I'm heading towards now on my 30 mile rides.
The last 2 climbs (short sharp) I totally buried myself on the first confident I could power up it only for some stupid car to overtake me and then sharply cut back in causing me to brake (reflex) and lose most of my momentum. I'd overcooked it anyway as the second climb hurt (had to sit and grind it)!
I'd like to do 30 miles with 2000 ft of climbing at 16/17mph. Longer distances are something I've not had much opportunity at (yet), but I'm fairly sure my legs would hold out for 50/60 miles at 14/15mph. Will have to put that to the test!
With the two bigger rides and my 1 day commuting I managed 67 miles last week - not bad considering I was out of the country for half of it!
Loads warmer this morning commuting, actually pushed it a bit as was lucky with some light changes. Also didn't wear my jacket for the first time this year (on a morning ride)! Hello summer!
Just arm & leg warmers (with jersey, base and shorts). Even wore short fingers, I was cool so I think when getting new jerseys I'll get a couple for commuting which are more roubaix. It's my birthday in a couple of weeks and as some of my cycling gear is a little large on me (yay!) I'll be replacing some (jerseys mostly)
Also have a hole in 1 of my good pairs of shorts - the velcro from my saddlebag came slightly undone and has snagged the inside ride leg. It's not stitch-able, but are there adhesive lycra 'patches' you can get?
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I may have to walk into work tomorrow.
