Road Cycling

[xdcx]

Well here's a new one for me. I nearly hit a deer during my ride in this morning. It ran straight across my path and I ended up having to stop for a few minutes to calm my nerves.

Good times huh? In the past month I have had a close encounter with a deer, in my street! Also, was doing a fast descent and I had to come to a complete stop in the middle of the road and stand face to face with a deer and shout and wave my arms to make it move out the middle of the road!... This being the same descent I have hit a grouse and a pheasant on in recent months.

Good ole' Highlands. Don't even get me started on the sheep on the roads, possibly the dumbest animals in the world

 

[Vonhelmet]

Well here's a new one for me. I nearly hit a deer during my ride in this morning. It ran straight across my path and I ended up having to stop for a few minutes to calm my nerves.

 

[Jono]

has anyone had knee injuries?

I used to be an adventurer like you, but then I took an arrow to the knee.


Talk to me about Torq products. I was doing some reading about the (on their site) and I like the idea that they're not full of artificial sweetners and stuff.

At the moment, on rides I generally try and sometimes fail to eat something for breakfast, and then take maybe a banana with me or something. My rides aren't THAT long but I am that unfit. I seem to run out of energy way earlier than I expected. I take a bottle of electrolytes stuff, SIS or High5 zero tablet/s.

I don't get leggy cramps as a result of this, usually... compared to if I just took plain water.

But what I'm wondering if maybe I should try some energy drink that has carbs in it? Torq reckon you should consume xx grams of carbs per hour. I just want to be able to keep riding and riding maybe up to 80 miles round trip with some big (for me) hills in - into the yorkshire dales and back... I've managed around 50 so far before... but it absolutely killed me that day - then some days I'm fine with rides around that kinda distance, which may have had more hills in it.

I'm sure it's an energy/fuelling issue, that I just don't understand. I don't want to be carrying lots of bulky food around with me. I haven't found any gels I like the taste of but have only tried the high5 ones. Maybe Torq ones are nicer.

Or is it all just bunk?

If Torq stuff is any good, what's a nice flavour?

Thanks

 

[Eliot]

I was thinking that.. hmm short hair + plastic bits = pain! hence why I feel so uncomfortable with it on, unless its loose obviously..



http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cycleops-bike-thong-sweat-cover/

Try a few other helmets, I tried a bunch and a kask mojito was the most comfortable for me, Chins straps are this nice and soft fake leather and the back is very adjustable.

It also doesn't limit my movement in anyway or block any of my vision

 

[Roady]

Especially when you turn around and say "No offence but my Watts/kg is better if I go solo."

Haha missed that one before! To be honest I probably would've been faster solo! Was a good laugh and we were in the lead for a little while (basic ride 50m between some cones, collect tennis ball, U-turn, ride back, deposit ball in bucket). Once some of the other seasonal staff (read: young nutters) had a couple of runs the times begun to tumble.

Starting to think I got ripped off on my last bike fit.
<snip>
I'll scan and upload the paperwork when I'm not at work.

Gutted for you I'm guessing the paperwork is probably only useful to other fitters and you can't use it yourself to judge frames for sizing?

I find it hard to believe that Cannondale don't have any frames that will suit you... Between all the seatposts, saddles, stems and bars in the world there is not one frame that they make that will fit you?

Apparently not :/ They said I have unusually long legs, a short torso, and although I have good flexability, my core strength is very poor. I guess that limits the frames and positions I can use. I'm just un-sure what to do next, I've had 2 bike fittings now, and I'm certainly not paying for a 3rd.

I think the 'problem' is getting a fit done using a specific fit at a shop which only sells a specific brand? If they have no frames which fit close enough (to adjust with standard components) then there's 'nothing they can do'. In an ideal world a fit should be done without any brand bias and by a fitter who will fit a frame to you, not you to a frame. Maybe look for one of the specialist 'physical therapy' kinda fitters would be a better option?

Still, it's just a bit of rain. As long as it's not too wind.....

Oh.

Ah gutted, sounds similar to me yesterday... Rain in the morning that wasn't forecast, then high winds in the afternoon. I gave up my plans to ride and had a good fiddle around with my mudguards.

The SKS Chromoplastics I bought have not got the clearance to fit my giant without some serious modification, the metal L bracket at the top of the guard which fits to the brake bolt has a 'slot' which pushes the guard around 10mm below the brake caliper. Problem being, that 10mm is more than the clearance of my tyres below the caliper meaning the tyre/wheel is immediately jammed/impossible to fit. Fingers crossed I can send them back to wiggle... Failing that I'll be contacting SKS to see what my options are before getting my dremel out (been a few years since I last used it modding a case!)

I spent a couple of hours refitting my Raceblades, I've trimmed a couple of the guard stays so they now fit to my guard mounts instead of the QR. This gave me to scope to have the guards slightly further from my tyres, only 2-3mm but it should be all the additional clearance they need to eliminate some of the rub and noise I've been getting. Fitted my Charge Spoon too!

Some more noise from the end flap of one of my guards on this mornings commute - may just remove them. It's coming from the guard flexing from side to side then the edge lugs on the flap 'banging' the tyre. Saddle feels strange, not got it 100% right so it needs to come back a bit. Inside edges of my legs were rubbing it more than my Giants. Size of the Spoon is very similar to my Giants' so I may need to look for a narrower option (any recommendations?) if moving it back doesn't help.

 

[topgun06]

I used to be an adventurer like you, but then I took an arrow to the knee.

I was going to day that, but I though nahhhh, too old

 

[Jono]

Castelli clothing... is it any good?
I was at the Bolton Ironman on Sunday (not competing, just supporting) and loads of people were wearing it. There's a couple of Cannondale items on sportspersuit atthe moment, and I just happen to own a Cannondale bike, so although I'd look like a tit (imho) it'd kinda match my bike and it's nearly 50% off, so I'm tempted.

But I don't know what size to get... Large because I'm fat... or medium and hope I shrink into it (I'd be a med if I wasn't so porky). Also some medium stuff fits me and some brands' large sizes are too big.

 

[Jono]

I was going to day that, but I though nahhhh, too old

I know, I know. But I've never done it before... I thought it was time.

 

[topgun06]

I remember moaning last Friday about the forecast for the weekend. Rain Saturday afternoon and rain all day Sunday they said... There was an hour or so of rain on Sunday morning before I got up. That's it. Whaaaaa?

 

[FrenchTart]

Castelli clothing... is it any good?
I was at the Bolton Ironman on Sunday (not competing, just supporting) and loads of people were wearing it. There's a couple of Cannondale items on sportspersuit atthe moment, and I just happen to own a Cannondale bike, so although I'd look like a tit (imho) it'd kinda match my bike and it's nearly 50% off, so I'm tempted.

But I don't know what size to get... Large because I'm fat... or medium and hope I shrink into it (I'd be a med if I wasn't so porky). Also some medium stuff fits me and some brands' large sizes are too big.

Your best bet is to try stuff on - size varies so much between brands it's very hard to predict. DHB's sizing guides tend to be fairly good though.

Regarding nutrition...what kind of riding are you doing on each day? Length, climbing, intensity? How much are you actually eating (accurate amounts)?

I would look at kcal burn given the amount of riding you're doing on a given day and work out how many kcals you need to fuel that riding. You primarily want those calories to be carbs.

 

[DanF]

I know, I know. But I've never done it before... I thought it was time.

had to look it up and I've finished the game

 

[#Chri5#]

I used to be an adventurer like you, but then I took an arrow to the knee.


Talk to me about Torq products. I was doing some reading about the (on their site) and I like the idea that they're not full of artificial sweetners and stuff.

At the moment, on rides I generally try and sometimes fail to eat something for breakfast, and then take maybe a banana with me or something. My rides aren't THAT long but I am that unfit. I seem to run out of energy way earlier than I expected. I take a bottle of electrolytes stuff, SIS or High5 zero tablet/s.

I don't get leggy cramps as a result of this, usually... compared to if I just took plain water.

But what I'm wondering if maybe I should try some energy drink that has carbs in it? Torq reckon you should consume xx grams of carbs per hour. I just want to be able to keep riding and riding maybe up to 80 miles round trip with some big (for me) hills in - into the yorkshire dales and back... I've managed around 50 so far before... but it absolutely killed me that day - then some days I'm fine with rides around that kinda distance, which may have had more hills in it.

I'm sure it's an energy/fuelling issue, that I just don't understand. I don't want to be carrying lots of bulky food around with me. I haven't found any gels I like the taste of but have only tried the high5 ones. Maybe Torq ones are nicer.

Or is it all just bunk?

If Torq stuff is any good, what's a nice flavour?

Thanks

For me, an hours ride I'll take a gel but only for to cover an emergency bonk. Last Saturday I did ~55k and had a gel + banana about half way round.

I like the Torq gels, probably my fave's. Find a LBS or sports shop that sells them individually and get a selection to try. The Torq energy bars aren't bad IMO, likewise SIS bars.

My preference is to mix up food up a longer ride (gels, flapjack etc) as lots of gels (or energy drink) do funny things to my stomach...

 

[Roady]

Castelli alpha is the new daddy apparently!

Info?

DHB all the way for shorts

I've tried basic DHB (2 Active, 3 Flashlight), 1 pair Castelli, 1 pair Altura and 4 Northwave I'm heading back towards some more DHB. Probably the Aeron or Pro ASV. The Actives I have are rubbish on any rides over 30 mins, fine for short easy riding/commuting. The Flashlight are better but after a couple of hours they're uncomfortable, almost on par with the Northwave as any rides over 3 hours in them I get some pain/discomfort (sit bones). The Castelli and Altura I tried were on par with the Flashlights (not as comfortable as the Northwave) and I found them poor fitting.

Fit I've found most consistent is DHB although my current sizing places me between Medium and Large (typical I own all Large). Northwave size up, I fit an XL although I now have problems with the straps feeling slack and the pad not staying in place (due to weight loss). The last pair I got in Large and they're tight but otherwise fit well, if I lose some size from my thighs they'll be perfect. Castelli I sized in XXL and found the body fit slack with tight thighs - were so tight I didn't bother trying an XL (I wanted a perfect fit for the £120+ cost). Altura I found the fit similar to DHB although slightly more relaxed/loose. Found the pad really uncomfortable and not sure why, didn't even ride with them!

Santini and Endura will be brands I check out soon as lots of scope within their ranges. Although part of me thinks if I'm spending £150 on a pair of shorts (unlikely) I should get some Ralpha's?

on a different note, helmets.. how tight are your chin straps guys? I can't tighten them up too much because it gets SERIOUSLY uncomfortable.

Chin strap shouldn't be too tight to be uncomfortable, I actually have mine quite loose as otherwise when shoulder glancing it gets tight. As mentioned the helmet adjustment should keep it in place, the strap is there to make sure it doesn't fly off! I've got a big head and short hair/bald too

So in my quest to get kitted up for some turbo work (aka my ongoing quest to spend just a little bit more money) I came across trainer road. I've got a compatible turbo on the way for virtual power so what else do I need to get me up and running without spending more than I need (I want stuff that will actually work though )

I've got an iPhone 5S through work if that makes any difference?

If you can't turbo infront of your PC/Laptop then TR is not the way to go. At the very least you need Speed & Cadence hooked up to a Garmin/Phone. If you don't have S&C (or even Heartrate) then you're best just watching Youtube or Sufferfest videos as they're done mostly on 'feel' (which is all you really have).

'Cheapest' way to get up and running would be IpBike on your 5S (free) with a Decathlon/eBay S&C (~£20), ANT+ adaptor for your 5S (~£20?) and a Strava Premium subscription (£8 a month?) for the free Sufferfest videos. TR costs the same but it doesn't have any videos, only training sessons and plans.

'Ideal' solution would be an existing laptop/PC, S&C compatible with ANT+/BT (~£30), ANT+/BT HR strap (~£30), ANT+/BT dongle for laptop (~£30), TR subscription (£8 month?) with an optional 'bike computer' (Garmin 500/510, Cateye or similar ~£150). You would then need to source your own 'training videos' but would have your sessions and plans from TR.

Having ANT+ and BT compatible sensors when starting out will help you in future. your 5S will only connect to BT (with an adaptor) but if you change to Android or get a cycling computer (in future) they'll usually use ANT+.

 

[FrenchTart]

Only thing I'd add to what Roady said is that if you're using Trainer Road and virtual power then the HR strap isn't really needed. I hardly ever use it for training.

 

[Berger]

Good times huh? In the past month I have had a close encounter with a deer, in my street! Also, was doing a fast descent and I had to come to a complete stop in the middle of the road and stand face to face with a deer and shout and wave my arms to make it move out the middle of the road!... This being the same descent I have hit a grouse and a pheasant on in recent months.

Good ole' Highlands. Don't even get me started on the sheep on the roads, possibly the dumbest animals in the world

Same here, but we have bouncy things (not tiggers) that you can't see until they jump out!

Dumb animals usually hop in the direction of travel then panic and go side to side trying to get over or under the fence and end up slipping over on the Tarmac.

 

[xdcx]

Same here, but we have bouncy things (not tiggers) that you can't see until they jump out!

Dumb animals usually hop in the direction of travel then panic and go side to side trying to get over or under the fence and end up slipping over on the Tarmac.

Bloody Roo's!
I think a Joey jumping out on you is 10000 times more hilarious than any of the sucky British animals though. You win!

 

[Shamrock]

In London we have the dumbest of all animals to worry about... humans!

 

[grudas]

In London we have the dumbest of all animals to worry about... humans!

quite a banging deal -;

pricematch -;

http://www.bike-discount.de/de/kaufen/garmin-edge-1000-bundle-navigationssystem-209078

on wiggle -;

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/garmin-edge...w.hotukdeals.com&utm_term=47868&utm_content=0

 

[topgun06]

Good deal. Or if you can't be bothered with price matching just get it straight from Bike Discount. I've used them a few times and delivery has been pretty speedy.

 

[Jonny69]

I do have a super round head and I guess short hair = less comfort.. ! I feel like popping down to evans and trying a few other helmets on! maybe the gyro I got is just not a good fit for me.

Try a Kask - they are quite round. Opposite end of the spectrum is a Specialized Echelon which is for a longer narrow head (like mine). Giro boast that they are halfway house and claim that the adjustable padding can suit either, but I'm not convinced

In the motorbiking world it's quite well recognised that you either have a round head or a narrow head and helmets are made to suit - otherwise they simply don't fit. Cyclists generally don't seem to be aware of this and just buy whatever fashionable helmet they fancy. You can't do this. You're better in a cheap helmet that fits well than an expensive one which is a poor fit.

Back to your earlier comment, it shouldn't slide from side-to-side on your head. If it does then it sounds like it doesn't fit properly and you ought to look for one which is a more appropriate shape for your head. It doesn't need to be very tight to stop this if it fits properly