Road Cycling

new 2018 models will start appearing from septemberish. 2017 models will start being discounted around then, if you're average sized they'll disappear quickly, the hobbit and giant sizes tend to hang around longer
 
smr said:
Can anyone recommend a saddle which would be comfier than the one which comes on the Cannondale CAAD8?
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No saddle is universally comfortable, but the ones that come stock with bikes are designed to fit as many people as possible. If that doesn't fit you, you might not get on well with any other "general" saddles and you'd be better off going to a specialist shop that can measure your sit bones and give you a few recommendations based on that. Depends how much you're looking to spend though.
 
Steedie said:
What's the best time of year normally to buy a new bike in terms of offers and sales?

Fighting the urge to buy a Trek Emonda SL6 but if it makes sense to wait then I'm happy to do so given I've only had my bike 3 months :p

I just didn't think I'd get in to the hobby as deep and as quickly as I have, had I known I'd have bought a better bike to begin with. But hindsight is a wonderful thing...
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Some good offers on Canyon at the moment. Even without offers they're much better value than Trek.

This looks to be less than a Trek Emonda SL6: https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/ultimate/2016/ultimate-cf-sl-9-0-di2.html

I know there have been delivery issues previously but I ordered a Canyon Ultimate earlier this year and it came in 7 days. Fantastic bike for the money.
 
Hey guys, looking to get different tyres for my road bike btwin 520 triban. Been getting punctures a lot with the grand Prix racing tyres from wiggle, specifically back. Looked at gator and durano plus, which is better? Or at least not too big of a different on speed.
I could possibly only change the back tyre , as it's the only wheel that punctures more frequently.
 
Steedie said:
https://www.canyon.com/en/road/ultimate/2016/ultimate-cf-sl-9-0-di2.html

Before I hit buy, is there anything else at that price point that is worth looking at in terms of spec/value?
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I mean it kind of depends what you intend to use the bike for.

lawrence281 said:
Hey guys, looking to get different tyres for my road bike btwin 520 triban. Been getting punctures a lot with the grand Prix racing tyres from wiggle, specifically back. Looked at gator and durano plus, which is better? Or at least not too big of a different on speed.
I could possibly only change the back tyre , as it's the only wheel that punctures more frequently.
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Do you have any other considerations? Care much about weight, rolling resistance? Can you fit 28s? I've been running vittoria randonneur iis for well over a year and I'm yet to puncture on them. Would probably recommend the folding version if you've got a bit more to spend.
 
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PermaBanned said:
I mean it kind of depends what you intend to use the bike for.



Do you have any other considerations? Care much about weight, rolling resistance? Can you fit 28s? I've been running vittoria randonneur iis for well over a year and I'm yet to puncture on them. Would probably recommend the folding version if you've got a bit more to spend.
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Nope, I don't mind, I'm a courier, so obviously not too heavy, but what's the difference with a folding version? I don't mind the price, send me a link :)
 
lawrence281 said:
Nope, I don't mind, I'm a courier, so obviously not too heavy, but what's the difference with a folding version? I don't mind the price, send me a link :)
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You're probably best off asking other couriers. They better understand the requirements and my experience is that they can be quite specific
 
With rubbish weather here and various other commitments I only managed a short turbo session on saturday but got out for a good ride on sunday.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1097499221

Wanted a fairly quick/flat ride to get my mileage up (very short for the week!) but got bored of the slog into the headwind and decided to ride a climb I'd not ridden before and had set myself a goal on. Missed it by 30s but pleased with my effort, quite a long climb and much better than I recall (drove it once maybe 8 or 9 years ago!). Will do it again! Few spots of rain on the top (which I was prepared for) but thankfully avoided it. Nailed it home to beat the rain and it only started when literally back in Credenhill (home), cooldown on turbo to avoid it! :D

Had to stop a couple of times to retighten my rear thru axle (works loose due to end cap vibrations) which coincided with adjusting my gear for the wind/clouds/rain/sunshine. Waiting on mech hanger from LBS and I'll then buy a new hub & rebuild my rear. Will be running non-SCS to open up options. Any suggestions? Centrelock, 24H & J bend. I think going non-SCS opens me up to standard 12x130mm thru-axle hubs (as SCS is 135mm - a 130mm hub with 2.5mm added each side by endcaps). I'm thinking Hope as I can get a nice red one then too! :D

Jonny ///M said:
Could feel him right on my rear wheel so slowed up, maybe more than I should have but he was a ****. He then overtook me again and forced me into the left hand lane a bit, I punched his rear window and he then cut right across lane one and ditched the car against the kerb. Jumped out and let his car roll up the hill, whilst I shouted about the state of him doing so.

Did take a short video but I swore far too much so can't post it haha. The second black arrow should be on the inside not on the other side of the road but you get the idea.
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Post it up with the audio stripped out? Sounds like the typical british arrogant & superiority complex driving attitude. Report him & submit video to local plod (with audio). If they're not fussed chuck it up online. Glad you're ok buddy!

Steedie said:
What's the best time of year normally to buy a new bike in terms of offers and sales?
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Usually autumn after TDF/Eurobike/Interbike are done (when most of the new models are released) and retailers are shifting current season in preparation for new stock/orders. Different manufacturers have different time lines so investigate specifics once you've decided on what you're going for.

Just because Benny is fast, owning a Trek won't make you as fast! ;)

booyaka said:
Pumped!!!

https://www.strava.com/activities/1097866716

108 miles - 2nd century of the year but 13 guys out today (quick ones as well) and the first 60 miles before lunch stop covered at a bonkers rate of 19mph average. I was gubbed on the way home into the wind. Beer and pizza at the ready!!!!
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Good riding mate, great average and I imagine good drafting in a group that big & strong! Looks similar to mine, similar time but a bit quicker! :D

lawrence281 said:
Hey guys, looking to get different tyres for my road bike btwin 520 triban. Been getting punctures a lot with the grand Prix racing tyres from wiggle, specifically back. Looked at gator and durano plus, which is better? Or at least not too big of a different on speed.
I could possibly only change the back tyre , as it's the only wheel that punctures more frequently.
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Gator Hardshells are good if you suffer a lot with punctures and mostly ride in dry weather. Any Skaterskins are terrible for grip in the wet! Durano, Lithiums, Pro4 Endurance, Lifeline Armour. All cheap(ish), hard wearing and well regarded as 'do it all' road tyres. None will be as grippy as the Conti GP's, but all will wear better & probably puncture less. Unsure on your sizing/clearance or if you're that bothered about branding but the Specialized Roubaix Pro my Diverge came with only lost a little top end speed (due to weight) but were supremely hard wearing and very grippy (designed as a light trails & road tyre), but they do size up on most rims - 28mm more like a 30mm.
 
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FrenchTart said:
Avoid Gatorskins.
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Why? That's not the first time I've read that on these forums.

They seem quite well reviewed on wiggle and I've always used them. I have nothing to compare them too admittedly as I've always used them, but I rarely get punctures which is what they're designed for. I do find the sidewalls seem to go before the surface though which seems odd, but I'm always reluctant to change as I'm relatively happy with what I have. I've never had a problem with grip either
 
mpledge52 said:
Why? That's not the first time I've read that on these forums.

They seem quite well reviewed on wiggle and I've always used them. I have nothing to compare them too admittedly as I've always used them, but I rarely get punctures which is what they're designed for. I do find the sidewalls seem to go before the surface though which seems odd, but I'm always reluctant to change as I'm relatively happy with what I have.
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I used to ride on them quite a lot. The main issue is grip in the wet - it's terrible. I didn't realise how bad until I moved to another tyre but now I would never go back. And by "the wet" I don't mean downpours - the grip goes to pot with even the slightest bit of damp on the road.
 
PermaBanned said:
I mean it kind of depends what you intend to use the bike for.
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Ha sorry, yeah that would help!

It will be used for training rides, sportives and little trips away like the one in a couple of weeks to the Peaks. I originally bought the Triban 540 as a entry bike not thinking I'd get in to it as much as I have, but I've fallen in love with the sport and have some pretty big plans in terms of a few cycling holidays in Europe next year, and I might even join a few of the guys from work who go and do a couple of the Tour stages (albeit shortened down :p) next year.

So I want a bike that I'm not going to outgrow in terms of ability, if that makes sense.
 
Steedie said:
So I want a bike that I'm not going to outgrow in terms of ability, if that makes sense.
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You'd be at the sharp end of the higher racing cats before a decent alloy frame with 105 was the limiting factor.

Just admit you're being a tart and want a shiny bike. We're all cool with that ;)
 
Swisstop vs koolstop

my vague memories are of swissstops (green/blue) lasting longer than kool stop (pink), but since i'm obviously not doing parallel comparison it's a little fuzzy

any thoughts from folk who've used both?
 
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