Soldato
Summer bike out this morning. Still very cold winds, but other than that, it look like we're in for some nicer weather for a while.
Road Cycling
- Thread starter Zefan
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Funnily enough the bike I got from Evans I had to spend 20 mins fiddling the front derailleur before I could get it to engage the big ring and get it all set up correctly.
ps thanks for the Merlin link thats a good find
Soldato
As Von said, it's not great. If you can let us know your budget we can make suggestions.
Can you get any kind of bike2work scheme? That can help up the budget and pay towards helmet and other bits you'll need.
If you post a rough start and end point some of us may be able to suggest routes too
Thanks for the replies.
We do have a a cycle to work scheme as apart of our yearly flex benefits which I can choose now, however I didn't like the idea of never actually owning the bike?
I would be saving £600 a year avoiding the buses however didn't want to jump straight into buying a £450-550+ bike straight from the get go. I was looking around the £300 for the bike, then extra for the gear (I have bike tools, just need clothing) but then saw the price of a cross! I guess you pay for its multi-terrain ability.
I wouldn't mind getting a bike thats a good base and then modifying it over the months with better parts if thats possible? Just looking for options I guess.
My commute would be without giving exact locations, Swan Island, Yardley to Birmingham New Street and then Derby Station to Sinfin Lane. If you could help on a route that would be great!
Soldato
If you're looking to upgrade, you're better off going with a bike with a good frame and crap components. But at that price point I would have no idea if such a bike exists. Everything would be built to a price.
If you're good with tools, have you considered building your own bike? THen you could spend a bit more on a good frame, and some naff parts off ebay etc
If you're good with tools, have you considered building your own bike? THen you could spend a bit more on a good frame, and some naff parts off ebay etc
Man of Honour
You do own the bike eventually - I wouldn't let that put you off. I've used the cycle2work scheme at my place 3 times without issue.
Personally I wouldn't make your first bike a self-built one but that's just me. There's a lot to learn when you first start up and having an LBS to offer free services/advice can be helpful.
How is the surface on the canal path? I'd probably discount it as an option if it's anything less than decent tarmac.
Also, definitely get drop handlebars. I got a hybrid with flat bars for my first bike and regretted it. In fact, the previous thread was filled with people that got flat bar bikes and regretted it/bought drop bar after. Sounds like you're already open to the idea of trying them out and getting used to them so I guess my point here is more "do it - you won't regret it"
Might have more useful suggestions later when I get a quiet moment in work.
Personally I wouldn't make your first bike a self-built one but that's just me. There's a lot to learn when you first start up and having an LBS to offer free services/advice can be helpful.
How is the surface on the canal path? I'd probably discount it as an option if it's anything less than decent tarmac.
Also, definitely get drop handlebars. I got a hybrid with flat bars for my first bike and regretted it. In fact, the previous thread was filled with people that got flat bar bikes and regretted it/bought drop bar after. Sounds like you're already open to the idea of trying them out and getting used to them so I guess my point here is more "do it - you won't regret it"
Might have more useful suggestions later when I get a quiet moment in work.
Soldato
Well...as interesting as turbo work gets without a video
Indeed. Nine Hammers is great for interval induced pain.
Caporegime
It's my birthday today, and my grandma has very kindly sent me a cheque which will cover the cost of some bits of Torm clothing. My parents are also promising cash which will be going on some proper road shoes. Good times.
Man of Honour
Happy birthday
Torm don't seem to have anything in bright pink sorry
That does look like fun. I've done a fair bit of Sufferfest and certainly found things like Revolver super painful. Last night I attempted Thimble but my legs were just too tired from my two turbo sessions on Monday :/
Associate
Looks similar to Mills on TR which i did the other week:
http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/1746067-Mills
Hellish. It's not the bit where you initially go into the red, but having to hold it for another two minutes after that kills you. You can see i lost it a bit in interval 6, but gave myself a good talking to (ie swearing like a ***********) and got back in the zone for the remainder.
So, got a mail through in work today about the cycle to work scheme. It's through Evans and has the £1k limit - i'm thinking maybe a cross bike.
Looks like a choice between the Cannondale with full 11sp 105, or the Arkose 3. Anyone any thoughts on these two?
It's either that or i just get some accessories - could do with new shoes and a good softshell.
Soldato
happy b-day!
Man of Honour
It's a shame they're both mechanical discs but to be expected at that price point I guess. If you can't upgrade/top-up I'd go for the Arkose 3 personally as BB7s are massively better than those Promax Rs.
Mills looks super painful
Thankfully it's not in the plan I'm following (http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/plans/152-short-power-build-mid-volume) but I'm sure some of those other sessions will be similarly hellish.
Mills looks super painful
Thankfully it's not in the plan I'm following (http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/plans/152-short-power-build-mid-volume) but I'm sure some of those other sessions will be similarly hellish.Changed my saddle this morning and moved it 5mm back.
No more squeaking and more glutage / less quadage; woosh!
Of course the massive tail wind helped. First ride in a couple of weeks and it felt great. I suspect the ride into the wind this evening won't feel so good.......
No more squeaking and more glutage / less quadage; woosh!
Of course the massive tail wind helped. First ride in a couple of weeks and it felt great. I suspect the ride into the wind this evening won't feel so good.......
Soldato
Happy Birthday Von
Soldato
Can you do this? I thought you had to get a bike.
Edit - just checked and we have this listed in our FAQs.
Perhaps time to order that aero helmet?
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Soldato
not a fan of PX order handling really.. ordered sunday and still not a click.. not even a reply to emails - I know their CS sucks but not as bad as this?
on that note, lol cycling -;
on that note, lol cycling -;
Yesterdays ride
https://www.strava.com/activities/262787620
Already planning on taking a road bike out there next year:
This was an epic ride, the scenery was pretty special as you can see.
Happily plodding along, in my own little world
Check out the Raleigh
https://www.strava.com/activities/262787620
Already planning on taking a road bike out there next year:
This was an epic ride, the scenery was pretty special as you can see.
Happily plodding along, in my own little world
Check out the Raleigh
Soldato
You do own the bike eventually - I wouldn't let that put you off. I've used the cycle2work scheme at my place 3 times without issue.
Personally I wouldn't make your first bike a self-built one but that's just me. There's a lot to learn when you first start up and having an LBS to offer free services/advice can be helpful.
How is the surface on the canal path? I'd probably discount it as an option if it's anything less than decent tarmac.
Also, definitely get drop handlebars. I got a hybrid with flat bars for my first bike and regretted it. In fact, the previous thread was filled with people that got flat bar bikes and regretted it/bought drop bar after. Sounds like you're already open to the idea of trying them out and getting used to them so I guess my point here is more "do it - you won't regret it"
Might have more useful suggestions later when I get a quiet moment in work.
If the scheme is as good and useful as it seems then I'd be happy to go that way for sure, it's worth the savings afterall right? Will have a better read about it when I'm away from client site and back with my other laptop.
I guess it more a thought of if my budget is a little low, that having a decent frame and then overtime make things a little better, I've played around with bikes but only through instruction, but would be interested in the future.
The canal isn't the greatest, but I haven't been down there in some time. My mountain bike has no troubles with it however I could see that being the opposite for a road/cyclo I guess. We're talking must dirt trails rather than anything like tarmac!
Drop bars it is then, settled on that!
Associate
Garmin Edge 200
anyone got a Garmin Edge 200 and find the elevation it records for rides is way out? My girlfriend got one and we went for a ride the other day.
I know it doesnt have barometric reading for elevation but its like 600ft off my 810!
On Garmin connect you can turn off 'auto correction' and that makes it jump to similar elevation as mine but when it syncs with Strava its the original one whici is much lower and there is no option next to elevation to correct it (or disable it if it is in fact enabled)
Not end of the world but annoying for my girlfriend as she likes to see the true elevation so she can compare with previous rides. . . and her best mate
Tried everything to get it to show the higher value in Strava to no avail.
Nick
anyone got a Garmin Edge 200 and find the elevation it records for rides is way out? My girlfriend got one and we went for a ride the other day.
I know it doesnt have barometric reading for elevation but its like 600ft off my 810!
On Garmin connect you can turn off 'auto correction' and that makes it jump to similar elevation as mine but when it syncs with Strava its the original one whici is much lower and there is no option next to elevation to correct it (or disable it if it is in fact enabled)
Not end of the world but annoying for my girlfriend as she likes to see the true elevation so she can compare with previous rides. . . and her best mate
Tried everything to get it to show the higher value in Strava to no avail.
Nick
When my BB died I just took the dimensions I needed to a bearing shop, bought two of their bearings and then had them fitted instead of buying bike specific ones.
Probably equal or better quality for the same or less money.
Happy bday Von, mine too this week! Winter road shoes on my list, know the inlaws have got me a rapha voucher too!
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