Doubt it tbh. Specialists have massive advantages and can pick whatever kit they want. And no uci rules etc. His power training will be focused purely on the 10.
Road Cycling
- Thread starter FrenchTart
- Start date
Doubt it tbh. Specialists have massive advantages and can pick whatever kit they want. And no uci rules etc. His power training will be focused purely on the 10.
Chilly start this morning. 8 degrees 
Was going to try the Rapha overshoes out to avoid blocks of ice for feet though despite not having skinny calves or ankles they didn't seal on them with 2 fingers easily fitting inside. Wouldn't be watertight so will go back
Buried myself for the last 10 miles to add .3mph to knock the average into the 17's. Power average slipped a bit from mile 40 so that wasn't happening today.
Left my knee warmers, gloves and cap on a bit too long. Quite clear skies so it warmed up relatively quickly, should have stripped off a bit for Hill Road, Wattinglton. Was wary I'd run low on fluids and being seemingly unaware of how much I'm pespiring in to my warmers has always been the cause of cramp for me, half way round it was playing on my mind a bit. Found a small shop for a top up & plonked some more tabs in
I've learned avoiding excreting salts is the best approach rather than trying to replenish them.
Adjusted my bars slightly as the angle of the drops was causing some forearm pump based on wrist angle, tweaked the hoods so I wasn't over reached. More or less fully recovered from the palsy a few weeks back and no numbness or tingles today. Good to finally have the bike comfortable again.
Also managed to get that rounded seat post bolt out with a sharper bit. So checked it is in fact M6, which it is, and cut a slot in the top so a flathead can get it out if need be in the future. Found a suitable replacement. Titanium y0
This meant of course I could fit my new Selle Italia saddle which is a significant improvement on the Bontrager stock saddle. Slightly narrower at 135mm vs 138mm but also 145g lighter. Unfortunately, this will please some, the saddle bottle cage mount doesn't fit on the rails so had to revert to a glasses case for my spares again. Though another 150g weight saving by doing so Which brings bike weight to a shade under 7.8kg 
Was wearing a Rapha Pro Team long sleeve jersey today and the rear pockets were a tad small, having all my spares in a jersey pocket didn't help the lack of space. Cue having to stuff some bits up my sleeves
Definitely undergone some degree of fat adaption. Set off fasted and started fueling slightly later than usual. 700 cals for the ride with a 66c/42f/14p split and still beans in the tank to gun the last 10 miles and PR a short climb. (Not 'loading' or eating over maintenance in the day(s) prior).
/walloftext
Was going to try the Rapha overshoes out to avoid blocks of ice for feet though despite not having skinny calves or ankles they didn't seal on them with 2 fingers easily fitting inside. Wouldn't be watertight so will go back
Buried myself for the last 10 miles to add .3mph to knock the average into the 17's. Power average slipped a bit from mile 40 so that wasn't happening today.
Left my knee warmers, gloves and cap on a bit too long. Quite clear skies so it warmed up relatively quickly, should have stripped off a bit for Hill Road, Wattinglton. Was wary I'd run low on fluids and being seemingly unaware of how much I'm pespiring in to my warmers has always been the cause of cramp for me, half way round it was playing on my mind a bit. Found a small shop for a top up & plonked some more tabs in
I've learned avoiding excreting salts is the best approach rather than trying to replenish them.Adjusted my bars slightly as the angle of the drops was causing some forearm pump based on wrist angle, tweaked the hoods so I wasn't over reached. More or less fully recovered from the palsy a few weeks back and no numbness or tingles today. Good to finally have the bike comfortable again.
Also managed to get that rounded seat post bolt out with a sharper bit. So checked it is in fact M6, which it is, and cut a slot in the top so a flathead can get it out if need be in the future. Found a suitable replacement. Titanium y0
This meant of course I could fit my new Selle Italia saddle which is a significant improvement on the Bontrager stock saddle. Slightly narrower at 135mm vs 138mm but also 145g lighter. Unfortunately, this will please some, the saddle bottle cage mount doesn't fit on the rails so had to revert to a glasses case for my spares again. Though another 150g weight saving by doing so
Which brings bike weight to a shade under 7.8kg Was wearing a Rapha Pro Team long sleeve jersey today and the rear pockets were a tad small, having all my spares in a jersey pocket didn't help the lack of space. Cue having to stuff some bits up my sleeves
Definitely undergone some degree of fat adaption. Set off fasted and started fueling slightly later than usual. 700 cals for the ride with a 66c/42f/14p split and still beans in the tank to gun the last 10 miles and PR a short climb. (Not 'loading' or eating over maintenance in the day(s) prior).
/walloftext
Underboss
- Joined
- 20 Oct 2002
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- 33,797
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- Oxfordshire / Bucks
I use a trainer tyre
I just bought another wheel put the trainer tyre on that, totally worth doing
anyone got one of these yet ?
Gore Bike Wear ONE Gore-Tex Pro Jacket
funnily enough, I bought a Walking type jacket this year for about the same money as one of these, and its almost identical to that, so I could use it on the bike as well (has a drop tail too)
back here with the chainset question.
Looking to order 105 from here:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/shimano-105-black-5800-11spd-chainset/
but not sure which exact one. The FSA i have now is meant to have 34/50, does it have to be identical? not sure about length, but I'm thinking 170 or 172.5, is there much difference? (even 170 vs 175 is just 5mm between them)
Looking to order 105 from here:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/shimano-105-black-5800-11spd-chainset/
but not sure which exact one. The FSA i have now is meant to have 34/50, does it have to be identical? not sure about length, but I'm thinking 170 or 172.5, is there much difference? (even 170 vs 175 is just 5mm between them)
34/50 is the ring size. It doesn't have to be the same but it will affect your gear ratios
170/172.5/175 is the crank length. Unless you have issues with what you have, get the same
Both your crank arms and rings will have the teeth number & length stamped on them. If you can't see either clean them or measure them/count the teeth.
The general consensus is to err on the side of caution with crank length unless you've been professionally fitted on a jig and advised to go up in size and/or know for certain your current are on the small size and a slight increase would be suited.
I went from a 36/50 - 170mm (weird I know) to a 36/52 172.5mm without issue. And on the new build put a compact 34/50 in 172.5mm as it's primary use is for climbs. My TT bike has the 36/52mm on now.
If you're not someone that struggles to turn the cranks on tough climbs then a small jump on the small/big ring 34/50 to 36/52 is largely not that noticeable. But I wouldn't want to jump to from a compact to a 39/52 personally
*Generally* crank length increases with frame size and is matched to expected limb length.
or measure them/count the teeth.The general consensus is to err on the side of caution with crank length unless you've been professionally fitted on a jig and advised to go up in size and/or know for certain your current are on the small size and a slight increase would be suited.
I went from a 36/50 - 170mm (weird I know) to a 36/52 172.5mm without issue. And on the new build put a compact 34/50 in 172.5mm as it's primary use is for climbs. My TT bike has the 36/52mm on now.
If you're not someone that struggles to turn the cranks on tough climbs then a small jump on the small/big ring 34/50 to 36/52 is largely not that noticeable. But I wouldn't want to jump to from a compact to a 39/52 personally
*Generally* crank length increases with frame size and is matched to expected limb length.
What this man said, 34/50 is the easiest and 53/39 is harder. 34/50 and an 11-28 will get you up anything in england and wales providing you're not 20stone
There are potential benefits of 170mm cranks, but if you have 172.5 (your current size can be found on the end of your current crank) and it causes no issues dont change, unless you're Shamrock short
Few bits from me, track stand fail yesterday running errands. Was up at some lights holding it as it was a slight incline for a good minute, didn't account for the numpty in the car in front of me stalling it and then rolling back five feet almost hitting me. Foot down, luckily didn't fall off, some bloke came past with thumbs up but laughing his head off. I couldn't help but laugh.
Good ride out this morning. Family round for a BBQ today so was out and back early and trying to push on a bit now the season is over, just over 2 hours at about 70-75%. Legs felt good, considering I've done about 380miles since last saturday including the 100 of the downs on Tuesday which is double as it's on an mtb
Back to work tomorrow sobsob...And finally chain whip recommendations as mine broke tonight
I believe decathlon did one that wasn't a whip but placed on your cassette that looked quite snazzy and much simpler?http://www.decathlon.co.uk/chain-whip-cassette-remover-id_8309913.html
Anyone used one?
All out of stock
If you have 175mm cranks kefan77, I'd contemplate changing them to 172.5.
Is that the one up to Christmas Common? Nice little climb that... though looks like it's going to be horrific from the bottom of the road.
Yep, that's the one
I was looking forward thinking 'it can't possibly go up that' as the common is quite literally a wall almost. Then it swoops left and kicks up
Shame it's quite so far out the way for me.Chinnor Hill is also one to consider if you're out that way as it was used in the ToB and depending on the approach can be a Cat 3 and also Aston Hill is a nice steady climb (A40)
Or Kingston Hill if you fancy some real punishment
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Yep, that's the one
I was looking forward thinking 'it can't possibly go up that' as the common is quite literally a wall almost. Then it swoops left and kicks up
Chinnor Hill is also one to consider if you're out that way as it was used in the ToB and depending on the approach can be a Cat 3 and also Aston Hill is a nice steady climb (A40)
There's also this one nearby which is on my list for whenever I next venture that way: http://cyclinguphill.com/britwell-hill/
I've already got that one starred
Shout when you're next over that way and I'll come join you
I take it you've been further East in to the Chilterns before towards Princes Risborough?
- Joined
- 16 May 2005
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- 31,297
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- Manchester
Gentle ride yesterday meant that I could really concentrate on how knackered my bike is. Needs a thorough service of the drivetrain, gear re-indexing with the now stretched cables, headset cleaning and re-greasing and new brake pads on the front. Also really need to get my spokes re-tensioned. So much stuff, so little time this week :/
Soldato
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- 11 Sep 2009
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- 14,064
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- France, Alsace
Bike felt odd today after fettling with it over the weekend, but the saddle angle is much better than before, so hopefully that'll help my hand pain. Did a fit on the app I have and played about with bits; it turns out my saddle was too far back and too low as my leg angle at 0deg crank was way too cramped, and my foot/ knee angle wasn't aligned.
Will see how it goes and feels this week.
Will see how it goes and feels this week.
Yup, amazing! Even better it's my local police force!
Good info & ride mate. Sorry didn't service mine this weekend so didn't dig out my old seatclamp to check sizing. Will try and do it this week!Chilly start this morning<snip>
Also managed to get that rounded seat post bolt out with a sharper bit. So checked it is in fact M6, which it is, and cut a slot in the top so a flathead can get it out if need be in the future. Found a suitable replacement. Titanium y0
Pffft! I previously rode 34/50 and now 36/52 both with 11-32 cassettes and can't imagine being able to get up lots of hills around here without a 30 or 32 (anything over 20% basically!).What this man said, 34/50 is the easiest and 53/39 is harder. 34/50 and an 11-28 will get you up anything in england and wales providing you're not 20stone
Quite enjoying the 36/52 too, don't seem to struggle with the steep stuff and the 36 like I thought I would.
Lol @ track stand fail, make me smile!
Actually really like that idea, really clever thinking! Damn annoying it's Decathlon though (no local one and pay for delivery!), I also ordered the park tool one last week after getting fed up of losing lumps out my palm from mine (cheap PX one with crap short handle). Meh.
Didn't get out at all over the weekend so only at ~90 miles for the week. think I was due 2 rest days as riding this morning after them my legs feel good, but still not 100%. Determined to get some miles in early this week as things look hit & miss wednesday onwards. Have a charity ride in a months time, even though it's only 44 miles I want to smash it!
Went out for a slowish / not trying to hard 40-50 mile effort to try and keep my heart rate down on Saturday, after I missed a club ride because I couldn't get to the start at the right time... and this happened.
https://www.strava.com/activities/707409906
Other than my legs cramping up (or starting to) going up 3 little climbs later on in the ride, I felt pretty great the whole way round. Perhaps because I wasn't trying to push too hard - especially when it went uphill. I know I'm crap at climbing and have no stamina. I also know I can't maintain Z5 efforts for too long.
Previous ride's (https://www.strava.com/activities/704146030) average HR was 170... managed to keep this one down to 156, which still seems pretty high compared to a friend (who's quite a bit older than me, and was 19 stone, now about 15.5).
Am I just that unfit, and is riding at that kind of effort likely to do more harm than good?
https://www.strava.com/activities/707409906
Other than my legs cramping up (or starting to) going up 3 little climbs later on in the ride, I felt pretty great the whole way round. Perhaps because I wasn't trying to push too hard - especially when it went uphill. I know I'm crap at climbing and have no stamina. I also know I can't maintain Z5 efforts for too long.
Previous ride's (https://www.strava.com/activities/704146030) average HR was 170... managed to keep this one down to 156, which still seems pretty high compared to a friend (who's quite a bit older than me, and was 19 stone, now about 15.5).
Am I just that unfit, and is riding at that kind of effort likely to do more harm than good?
What hand issues are you experiencing?
I had palsy for about 2 weeks after being over-reached from a rather poor fit/adjustment. And then my own hand positioning on an imperial gave me a bout of reduced grip strength, from jamming the area below my thumbs into the hoods in an effort to avoid more palsy
Having your saddle set level removes masses amounts of weight off your wrists. As does making a conscious effort to hold the hoods/drops as loosely as possible whilst still maintaining control. I always keep a very relaxed grip when climbing but had been death-gripping a bit on the drops.
Focusing on keeping your weight on your feet takes it off your hands and also backside
I have my hoods set slightly high on the bars which gives a very shallow 'U' to the profile from the side. But anything else, without a shorter stem, leaves me overreached and a drop angle which gives me forearm pumps
Comfortable fit is about compromise, so I'm told.
Soldato
- Joined
- 11 Sep 2009
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- 14,064
- Location
- France, Alsace
The aeroad has this great issue, where it shipped some of them with a downward sloping saddle, which always pushed me forwards on to my hands. I just lived with it for too long as the fix to adjust it involved a mallet, spanners and a piece of pole to smack the pieces off the seat post so you can level it up. Top job.
After doing a bit more riding on it last week, my lower back was also in pieces, so this weekend I decided to go at it.
One downside of the aerocockpit is that the position is pretty fixed. #fullaeroalways
After doing a bit more riding on it last week, my lower back was also in pieces, so this weekend I decided to go at it.
One downside of the aerocockpit is that the position is pretty fixed. #fullaeroalways