Road Cycling

[topgun06]

The challenge runs from April 3, 2015 — May 12, 2015

 

[Derek W]

The challenge runs from April 3, 2015 — May 12, 2015

April MTS
How many kilometers can you ride this April?
April 1, 2015 — April 30, 2015

To keep you motivated along the way, there are five milestone achievement badges to be earned. They start at 250 km and go all the way up to 1,250 km. The farther you go, the more badges you’ll earn.

 

[platypus]

Just increase your power

Yer I doubt that's going to happen in significant quantities, whereas I can lose a few kilos. If I could get back to my pre winter weight of 65 I'd be laughing.

 

[topgun06]

Ahh I was reading this one: https://www.strava.com/challenges/2015-specialized-spring-classics-challenge

 

[Jonny69]

Cateye 610? Seems to be one of the most popular.

Good shout. I think that was one of my choices before.

 

[Vonhelmet]

Need to get some mudguards now, although i'll buy some and the weather will improve making them redundant!

Nah, mudguards are never redundant. If you're commuting on it or have any intention of riding in inclement weather they're totally worth it. The weight penalty is tiny, and on a bike like that you can get proper ones like SKS Chromoplastics, so they're pretty much fit and forget.

 

[Shadowness]

What?!

1250km over 40 days! As per this challenge https://www.strava.com/challenges/2015-specialized-spring-classics-challenge

I don't get the confusion.

 

[Roady]

morons! ruined my morning swapping the inner tubes to the correct size!

on a plus the cyclocross tyres turned up this morning.

Sent a complaint email to wheelies and got 2 new tyres and tubes as an apology, I'm happy with that as I just wanted them to know to check the tube size before swapping tyres, basic stuff for a bike shop I'm sure?!

Good compensation really with all the problems you've had, so 3 sets of tyres and 2 sets of tubes (1 of which is now dead).

At least you had spare tubes too so you're not without it

Phone camera will suffice for now!

Spoiler

Saddle looks a funny angle, but it's nice and flat.

Looks great, the colour isn't as green as it looks on the website... Making me think about getting one even more... For winter commuting/offroad. But I'd want 105 on it gah :/

Need to get some mudguards now, although i'll buy some and the weather will improve making them redundant!

Please get some today so the weather is nice all weekend

Any recommendations for a 2 x AAA rear light?

Why AAA? I've got a Cateye Rapid Mini RC rear and it's brilliant. USB chargeable and a charge lasts me 15+ hours of use (over 2 weeks of commuting).

 

[Roady]

My first thoughts of items on the Wiggle sale - most of these have already been on sale for a similar price already. Some now have more discount, a couple have less. But tons more stuff, will be interesting if they drop prices further!

Hopefully this list will hightlight something to someone...

Ones I'm keeping an eye on:

• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/spiuk-torsion-lumiris-ii-photochromatic-sunglasses/ - Photochromatic lenses?! Why hadn't I thought to look for these before! Anyone tried any?
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/muc-off-eyewear-and-goggle-anti-fog-treatment/ - Out of stock but I need some of this, need perminent though as this stuff only lasts for 5 days...?
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-spoon-saddle-with-cromo-rails/ Spoon under £20, might be mine shortly!
• Quite a few winter Overshoes on offer (unsure if I'm going to get more as may get some of the GTX boots) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• Some good deals on shoes - XC30, Spike Pro, XC50N (waterproof)
• GTX boots - NW Arctic commuter, NW Celsius, Shimano MT91 - odd sizes for some though...

Clothing (first 5 pages):

• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-element-bib-tights/ - Anyone tried these? Every review reads well and a good price...
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-nanoflex-water-resistant-leg-warmers-white/
• LS La sal 1
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-eq25-fluro-waterproof-cycling-jacket/ - Love mine & great price £35
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sugoi-zap-helmet-cover/
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-wiggle-super-series-short-sleeve-jersey/ £20
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-fiandre-light-no-rain-top/ £70
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-power-20-thermo-bib-tights/ <£60
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sealskinz-all-weather-cycle-gloves/ £20
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-light-weight-cycling-sock-8cm-1/
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-universal-thermo-knee-warmers/ £21
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/nike-core-compression-long-sleeve-top-20-fa14/ £17 but occasionally cheaper
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/morvelo-ripr-bib-shorts/ <£60
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/morvelo-attack-bib-short/ £63
• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-flashlight-windproof-gilet/ £25 - these are quite waterproof too!

 

[Vonhelmet]

Spoon for under £20 is nothing special, it can be had for that price on ebay any day of the week. The Madison Flux is the same saddle and costs even less.

 

[topgun06]

snip

Nothing looks particularly on offer over their normal prices.

You click through any of the links on their banner to the different sections, you just get taken to the section... nothing special about it.

It must work though, making everything think that there is a sale, when really, nothing much is different.

 

[Thomas. PLease.]

Northwave commuter boots are a bargain, I paid £130ish 18months ago

 

[Dunks]

Nah, mudguards are never redundant. If you're commuting on it or have any intention of riding in inclement weather they're totally worth it. The weight penalty is tiny, and on a bike like that you can get proper ones like SKS Chromoplastics, so they're pretty much fit and forget.

Yeah, just nipped out and got some SKS Chromplastics.

Roady, I'd say it's more green in real life than my dodgy photo, will get some better ones later! I wouldn't also relegate this bike to winter or commuting only, should be pretty much set for anything. Why the need for 105? Rival 22 is on par and perhaps slightly better (although probably bugger all in it), or do you think you'll have issues with the Sram double tap?

 

[platypus]

• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/spiuk-torsion-lumiris-ii-photochromatic-sunglasses/ - Photochromatic lenses?! Why hadn't I thought to look for these before! Anyone tried any?

You need to get good quality chromatics for them to work well, mine are Zeiss lenses (eg the best), but very expensive.

 

[Shadowness]

Just cam across this event. I've always fancied a 24 hour event for some reason, looks quite interesting, albeit quite expensive to enter!

http://revolve24.com/

Anyone fancy it?

 

[James07]

Just cam across this event. I've always fancied a 24 hour event for some reason, looks quite interesting, albeit quite expensive to enter!

http://revolve24.com/

Anyone fancy it?

That looks good!

But £225.. They serious???

 

[Shadowness]

You do get a few meals in there, and a massage and other bits and bobs.

I can;t imagine it's cheap to rent the circuit! Hence the price. But a nice smooth road with no cars to worry about would be a joy!

 

[topgun06]

Id rather spend the £225 on cycling gear and do a 80 mile cycle wearing/using it.

 

[Shadowness]

But 80 miles isn't very challenging at all. 24 hours is

 

[Vonhelmet]

You do get a few meals in there, and a massage and other bits and bobs.

I can;t imagine it's cheap to rent the circuit! Hence the price. But a nice smooth road with no cars to worry about would be a joy!

Brands Hatch is a 4km circuit. Find a large local industrial park or housing estate and plot a 4km circuit round it, it shouldn't be too difficult. Ride around it for an hour at night. I guarantee you will be bored to tears after the third lap.