Road Cycling

FrenchTart · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:19

Looks like xdcx has already answered all your questions. I've got Rotor 3D cranks on mine and they're pretty nice - they feel better than the Ultegra I swapped out

Essentially avoid any new Shimano if you're going for a chainring-based PM. I also don't like Vectors personally as I use SPD. If you're not bothered about that then by all accounts they're awesome. Avoid Stages cranks however.

topgun06 said:
Oh little Roady. Look at him now. I remember him when he first came to these parts with his 4 mi commute. And now look, like a flourishing butterfly, 70 miles, no problem!

They grow up so fast *wipes a tear from his eye*

xdcx · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:20

madindehead said:
Well, it's something for later this year! Just wanted to get the research in so I know the budget!

Thanks for the help by the way. Who makes good chainrings?

Rotor Aero Q Rings!
Go on, spend £1k, you know you want to

madindehead · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:25

xdcx said:
Rotor Aero Q Rings!
Go on, spend £1k, you know you want to

And here was me wanting a new bike later on this year too! That's that out the window

Jono · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:30

I hate you lot. Now I want a pm.

uv · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:31

Finally got an answer from Wiggle about my returned Turbo, and it's a pile of crap:

"We are currently unable to locate the trainer even though this was signed by someone in the warehouse on the 18/02/2016, this has been escalated to our returns Manager and this will be looked into shortly."

Amazing. It's taken two weeks of me chasing them for them to tell me they've lost the turbo - and they still won't refund me until they've done some more looking.

Vonhelmet · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:32

xdcx said:
Wouldn't touch a Stages after hearing/seeing all the issues that comes with them. Just a pain in the bum, you want your PM to work and be hassle free as possible.

Gen 1 had problems, but I've not heard of any serious issues with gen 2.

One More Solo · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:33

Stages really do sound properly rubbish from all the feedback out there. Customer Service sounds good but I'd rather have a product that works!

On a budget I would be looking at either a secondhand P2M or Garmin Vector 2S. The Powertap C1 is a good option too if you already have a compatible crank.

Good service from Specialized who have offered to replace my cracked Toupe saddle as a goodwill gesture. Very happy as I only paid £50 for it on a clearance deal and it's the snazzy carbon model.

FrenchTart · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:35

I personally wouldn't get a Stages either. Far too many reports of them going wrong and everyone I've spoken to (well, in honesty, with the exception of one single person) that has one has had issues with dropouts, water proofing, etc.

Roady · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:36

grudas said:
I've got over 8k on my khamsins... rear is still good, front is still good..

not a single spoke changed, not a single rebuild literally put them on and leave.. well, the breaking surface is gone

But any bearings? Mine didn't last 2200 miles but I ride them all weathers! You've turned into a fair weather cyclist!

Liefrich said:
I did not know this Sportive existed. Think I am going to sign up!

I think last year was the first. It's arranged by a local brewery (Wye Valley) and the route includes a stop at a new pub they've opened near Malvern. Last year it was arranged by a guy who cycles but this year is by someone at the brewery so can't complain too much about the route... :rolleyes:

topgun06 said:
Oh little Roady. Look at him now. I remember him when he first came to these parts with his 4 mi commute. And now look, like a flourishing butterfly, 70 miles, no problem!

I'd probably ride home too... That's another ~12 miles! 80-85!

Seriously though, 60-70 miles is a nice early aim for me this year as I really want to know I can handle 100 mile sportives later in the year if the opportunity arises!

grudas · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:39

Roady said:
But any bearings? Mine didn't last 2200 miles but I ride them all weathers! You've turned into a fair weather cyclist!

yeah all weathers

that was back on my triban 3... rear wheel is retired now front is still spinning on the single speed!

haha, no I just had a rough month

Jono · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:46

Roady said:
I'd probably ride home too... That's another ~12 miles! 80-85!

Seriously though, 60-70 miles is a nice early aim for me this year as I really want to know I can handle 100 mile sportives later in the year if the opportunity arises!

If I can ride 100 miles, you can. Anyone can.

madindehead · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:53

Jono said:
If I can ride 100 miles, you can. Anyone can.

Apparently it's not much harder than doing 70...

grudas · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:55

Jono said:
If I can ride 100 miles, you can. Anyone can.

pretty much, before the ocuk ride most I've done was 45ish

Vonhelmet · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:56

madindehead said:
Apparently it's not much harder than doing 70...

You're making a habit of idly sniping in here.

FrenchTart · 3 Mar 2016 at 13:58

Vonhelmet said:
You're making a habit of idly sniping in here.

Have I missed something?

xdcx · 3 Mar 2016 at 14:08

Vonhelmet said:
Gen 1 had problems, but I've not heard of any serious issues with gen 2.

I know 2 people personally who have the gen2 and nothing but hassles constantly amongst constant contact and returning them to Stages:
- Battery door housing replaced.
- Inconsistent over/under power readings.
- Random complete dropouts of data sent to head unit.
- Inconsistent battery readings. Showing full batt health one minute then saying battery is low the next.
- Having to open up the unit and leave it drying on radiator after every use as that seemed to help make it not be a ****** the next day on their ride.

And so on, and so on....
It's not like every day issues, but any of the above even periodically on something you rely on and paid 100's £'s for, is just not acceptable and very annoying when there are PM's out there that are almnost bomb prrof and hassle free for similar or slight more money.

madindehead · 3 Mar 2016 at 14:15

Looking at those Rotor Q-Rings, I just realised what they are. The weird oval rings. I think I would stick to normal rings. Maybe the cheaper Praxis Works ones

madindehead · 3 Mar 2016 at 14:21

Vonhelmet said:
You're making a habit of idly sniping in here.

Apologies. I was just making the comment based on what someone had said a few weeks ago. :confused:

SoliD · 3 Mar 2016 at 14:23

xdcx said:
I know 2 people personally who have the gen2 and nothing but hassles constantly amongst constant contact and returning them to Stages:
- Battery door housing replaced.
- Inconsistent over/under power readings.
- Random complete dropouts of data sent to head unit.
- Inconsistent battery readings. Showing full batt health one minute then saying battery is low the next.
- Having to open up the unit and leave it drying on radiator after every use as that seemed to help make it not be a ****** the next day on their ride.

And so on, and so on....
It's not like every day issues, but any of the above even periodically on something you rely on and paid 100's £'s for, is just not acceptable and very annoying when there are PM's out there that are almnost bomb prrof and hassle free for similar or slight more money.

Think most PMs come with some sort of warning of issues and all have pros and cons, I love my Vectors and Vector2s, but have had some issues with batteries and syncing, but this has been resolved. the Vector2s are better than the first Gen for sure, in both looks and simplicity and do provide that easy switching nature which is why I plumped for them (although now buying Vector2s and still having Vectors seems a bit OTT

)

Vonhelmet · 3 Mar 2016 at 14:23

Maybe it's just me, or maybe I'm getting muddled. No worries.