Road Cycling

Assuming the car is big enough for the bike box?
The example given is a Hyundai Tucson. I can't find anything to verify if it would be big enough, but I think with the back seats down it should be fine.

I'd offer a list but the cost of petrol would be around €100 along when factoring in there/back.
Thanks, yeah, I think I'm probably quite a way out of your way.

Weird that the company offers no support with transfers though. Is it a cycling specific holiday organiser?
Yeah, it's who I use for work trips, but I guess there is perhaps a bit better control over when people will be landing and leaving. With this trip open to anyone, I guess it could be a nightmare with people arriving at all different times of the day.
 
I'm sure this has likely been asked, possibly even by me! Is there any way to have any idea on bib shorts other than just trial and error? I know everyone raves about Assos ones, but it's a hefty amount if they end up not working for me which is partly holding me off. The chamois on one of mine seems to have got destroyed after washing which is weird as they were washed in the same way as previously (Delicates 40C wash) and were in the same time as other shorts which had no issues. They were old though so maybe just completely gave up.

I quite like my Siroko ones which were €90 but they're not massively more comfortable than my cheap Danish Endurance ones which were only €30. Feels more "premium" but not necessarily comfier so not sure i'd want to spend the extra on them again. I've been considering some "gravel" specific ones which in theory would be more cushioned. Especially with considering some more gravel based events. Figure BF is a good time to be looking.
 
I'm sure this has likely been asked, possibly even by me! Is there any way to have any idea on bib shorts other than just trial and error? I know everyone raves about Assos ones, but it's a hefty amount if they end up not working for me which is partly holding me off. The chamois on one of mine seems to have got destroyed after washing which is weird as they were washed in the same way as previously (Delicates 40C wash) and were in the same time as other shorts which had no issues. They were old though so maybe just completely gave up.

I quite like my Siroko ones which were €90 but they're not massively more comfortable than my cheap Danish Endurance ones which were only €30. Feels more "premium" but not necessarily comfier so not sure i'd want to spend the extra on them again. I've been considering some "gravel" specific ones which in theory would be more cushioned. Especially with considering some more gravel based events. Figure BF is a good time to be looking.

I find Assos' basic shorts (Mille GT C2) good value at £120, as they've lasted me two years and still look great. On a separate note, shouldn't you be washing them at 30C? A specialist sports wash like Nikwax should also work.
 
I find Assos' basic shorts (Mille GT C2) good value at £120, as they've lasted me two years and still look great. On a separate note, shouldn't you be washing them at 30C? A specialist sports wash like Nikwax should also work.

Oh maybe i'll drop it then.

It's weird, i initially set the machine to "Hand Wash" but it defaults to 60c and 1200 spin which seems about as far from a hand wash as you can get :p I then switched to delicates which was 40c and 800rpm.
 
I'm sure this has likely been asked, possibly even by me! Is there any way to have any idea on bib shorts other than just trial and error? I know everyone raves about Assos ones, but it's a hefty amount if they end up not working for me which is partly holding me off. The chamois on one of mine seems to have got destroyed after washing which is weird as they were washed in the same way as previously (Delicates 40C wash) and were in the same time as other shorts which had no issues. They were old though so maybe just completely gave up.

I quite like my Siroko ones which were €90 but they're not massively more comfortable than my cheap Danish Endurance ones which were only €30. Feels more "premium" but not necessarily comfier so not sure i'd want to spend the extra on them again. I've been considering some "gravel" specific ones which in theory would be more cushioned. Especially with considering some more gravel based events. Figure BF is a good time to be looking.
I find my Le Col ones great. I've bought each of them when they've been doing deals with their jerseys and other bits, so I think I've generally ended up with bibs, a jersey, and something else (gilet, base layer, etc) for around £150.
 
Arrive Monday lunchtime, fly back Saturday lunchtime. Only thing stressing me is the transfer. Trips I've done before have been with a group, so either the transfer is put on for us, or we get a cab/van and share the cost. I'm doing this with a company but they're giving no help in this respect. The best option looks to be rent a car at about £90 for the trip. It just seems like that's a bit of a hassle as opposed to just hopping in a cab, but a cab both was will be about £250.
There might be dedicated bike transfer taxi's/3rd party transfer options around that area as its a popular destination?

I'm sure this has likely been asked, possibly even by me! Is there any way to have any idea on bib shorts other than just trial and error? I know everyone raves about Assos ones, but it's a hefty amount if they end up not working for me which is partly holding me off. The chamois on one of mine seems to have got destroyed after washing which is weird as they were washed in the same way as previously (Delicates 40C wash) and were in the same time as other shorts which had no issues. They were old though so maybe just completely gave up.
Mine all do a 30 degree 'eco hand' wash, I think that's 800rpm on our machine. I've never ruined a pair through washing but also we don't wash many things higher temps. Wouldn't put shorts in higher anyway. I do have a certain type of pad in some of the Sportful which is bunching up, although could be from washing, think more due to the pads - 3 of the shorts have an orange pad and 2 are doing it. 5 other pairs with blue pads are all ok. All same shorts (sportful Norain) - typical as they're meant to be the same! Just bought a different year so they revised the pads. Must be 5-6 years old.

Talking summer shorts... I tried lots of them from Wiggle as they used to do free returns, for others I actually rode didn't really 'waste' much money doing so as it was really the cheaper ones I didn't get along with and sold on. Anything DHB. Anything Northwave. Anything Santini. Anything Altura. Most of the Castelli. Some of the Sportful.

I found through the various Castelli & Sportful it was the thicker pads which I found the best fit for me. Sportful a bit more of a relaxed cut than Castelli made the pads sit better position, as well as their pads being thicker and wider. I ordered 3 pairs of Rapha shorts many years ago for my Birthday treat (Classic, Pro and Core), trying them on (not riding!) the Core pads felt thicker and fitted better. Returned the others. Since then have tried other shorts and directly compared them to the Core which cost £90-110 (I've even bought second hand pairs on ebay, but they have to be a good price and as I own so many pairs know what various things to look for on a worn pair). Endura Pro SL 'wide' are ok-ish but not as thick and legs are quite short. Would buy more for Turbo riding if cheaper than Core but they where the same price. Got some Assos Millie GTS C2 for £112 from a Strava Challenge voucher as also had free delivery. They're good, on-par with Core, but need some long summer rides in them. Like them, not sure they give me more than Rapha Core, equally don't understand the hype as they just feel the same as other top end shorts (very similar to my Rapha Pro Team & Sportful R&D) but do know they've not got the same pad as many other Assos which give them their name...

Hearing good things about Maap, PNS and what's that other influencer brand all over my Twitter that's also a club... SYN?! But pricing is insane. On par with top brands, which I wouldn't consider them (yet).

https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/mens-core-bib-shorts/product/COB02RGBLW £110 but occasionally 10% off sales on them. Used to be in sales down to £65/75 before Covid/Brexit/price hikes.
The odd time they're £90 the last couple of years (was some on Sigma for Black Friday) I snap them up. Spending 35-50 on them second hand, but knowing what to look for to age and determine wear - the black Marin highlands writing fades. The older ones have more vinyl/rubbery sizing tags which discolour the older they are. The fabric looks less shiney as they get older too... The fabric also 'bobbles' the elastic out of it with any scuffs and stretching over several seasons - especially if a rider has been squeezing into them, then done long days in the sun. Bottoms of leg grippers look tatty and the rubber can look worn/dry the older they are.

Have always found LeCol expensive, I don't consider them too different to Castelli and would probably spend my money there instead, if not with Sportful. Heard good things about Kalas and what's that other one doing club kit... Kuore or something? Far too many new/unknown brands out there paying influencers and articles for reviews, I'd nearly always go by recommendations/impartial reviews. I've worn cheap shorts, I know what a good name and brand for midrange brings quality, but even that doesn't bring 'all day comfort' (for me so much of that is down to riding style and conditioning, rather than the shorts themselves).

For those of you who can sling any pair of shorts on and not be in pain after 3-4 hours of riding, this post is not for you (and I hate you! :cry:)
 
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Assos. The End. They've actually got a sale on Whoop for some Whoop x Assos bibs for £86 each. Bargain.

Le Col is worth it if you join their website. You can get the £50 off with Strava each month and also get rewarded points for each KM you ride and can earn 30% off fairly easily.
 
@Roady Awesome thanks.

I think i'm narrowing between Castelli, Assos and Le Col. Just need to find a decent offer. I figure those are known as the "best" generally and then if i don't mind them much better than what i have at a cheaper price point then at least i know i'm ok with cheaper stuff in the futur.

Good shout on used, although the used market here in Spain is a lot smaller than the UK so much harder to find anything.


@Junglist Those Whoop x Assos ones would've been perfect but no stock in my size :( Never knew that about Le Col, 30% off on top of the €55 voucher would bring them to a decent level. Might look at joining up.
 
I have a pair of Castelli, Assos and Le Col ones. The Le Col ones were great but worn too much so now I've given them to my partner so she can use them for riding to work. Not that they fit her very well lol.

For me it was Assos >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Castelli / Le Col / Rapha. The Assos ones are substantially better, it's noticeable. Also love my Assos jacket, only hate that now I have a trainer I don't use it as much.

The 30% off and £50 voucher don't stack unfortunately and usually has a minimum spend of £100 but if you time it well, you can use it on sale items
 
I have a pair of Castelli, Assos and Le Col ones. The Le Col ones were great but worn too much so now I've given them to my partner so she can use them for riding to work. Not that they fit her very well lol.

For me it was Assos >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Castelli / Le Col / Rapha. The Assos ones are substantially better, it's noticeable. Also love my Assos jacket, only hate that now I have a trainer I don't use it as much.

The 30% off and £50 voucher don't stack unfortunately and usually has a minimum spend of £100 but if you time it well, you can use it on sale items

Yeah was just expermienting with that. Guess the Strava voucher works better than the discounts.

Think i'll likely go Assos, i'd much rather not spend the cost, but if i'm gonna be spending ~25hrs in the saddle in April i need to know i'm giving myself the best possible chance!
 
@Junglist Those Whoop x Assos ones would've been perfect but no stock in my size :( Never knew that about Le Col, 30% off on top of the €55 voucher would bring them to a decent level. Might look at joining up.
What size do you need? All showing in stock to me on Whoop shop. £87 is a very good price for them. Trying to decide between ordering 1 or 2 pairs...!

Thanks @Junglist ! I'd spotted them on the Assos site but hadn't thought to look on the Whoop side.
 
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What size do you need? All showing in stock to me on Whoop shop. £87 is a very good price for them. Trying to decide between ordering 1 or 2 pairs...!

Thanks @Junglist ! I'd spotted them on the Assos site but hadn't thought to look on the Whoop side.

XL but maybe different on the EU store.
That was on Whoops. Will try the assos one.

Also. Why so many Bib shorts? I’m trying to keep around 4 pairs in rotation and assumed they’d last a couple years?
 
I have a pair of Castelli, Assos and Le Col ones. The Le Col ones were great but worn too much so now I've given them to my partner so she can use them for riding to work. Not that they fit her very well lol.

Also can we take a moment to appreciate this. @Junglist is gonna get an £8k top end bike and his mrs isn’t even allowed her own bib shorts :cry:
 
Sup? It's been a hot minute!

I need some quick advice then I'll say hello properly soon....

I want some gravel tyres - either 30mm or 32mm ASAP to do a gravel ride on my uhh road bike on Friday. Any ideas? Ideally as knobbly as possible and available on quick delivery without being overly expensive!
 
Dude,
30-32mm knobbly is CX tyres.

Would your roadie have the clearance?

I'd get the gravel or rigid mtb out of the shed if I wasn't going to hit the tarmac. Unless I was making a statement by riding 25mm slicks on a gravel path.
 
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