Road Cycling

[Vandle]

In the world of cycling clothes. I just wanted to get confirmation of what i was after. I just want something thin to stick in a pack as an extra layer for when things get windy/cold, particularly late at night when the sun drops. The biggest requirement is breathable so that rules out a lot of the rain jackets around. Although with being packable.

I only really own regular jerseys and then 2 warm thermal ones, so i'm not used to layering or carrying something extra. I do have a Rab windbreaker which whilst not very breathable would work, but it's lost somewhere in storage boxes.

I've got a cycling vest in my basket from the Siroko website, but can't decide if i want something more substantial than that! I like Siroko as the length is generally decent and a lot of other brands come up a bit short on me at 190cm and fat Annoyingly when i look for a windbreaker on their site all that comes up are vests.

I also like the look of this, but it doesn't look very packable

https://www.siroko.com/p/stoneway-stone-gravel-cycling-summer-overshirt-men-white

Any recommendations?

I wear a long sleeved merino top most of the year other than the really hot days. Does an amazing job of regulating your body temp and keeping you in the sweet spot as well as some sun protection for the arms if paired with a short sleeved jersey. Saves the hassle of packing a jacket and having to remove it. I wear them while camping and hiking too, been using the Rapha ones for years and would never change.
I've got two of them but had to recently replace one due to tearing the arm on a tree and they have changed the design a little to be a bit more body hugging so you may want to size up one.

Merino Base Layer - Long Sleeve | Rapha

Brand new for 2024. High performance, form fitting, a breathable and versatile merino base layer for variable conditions and year-round use.

www.rapha.cc

 

[Martynt74]

Cheers, that's probably a good shout, as you say it's handy for other activities too

 

[Roady]

I don't rotate my chains. Just have the one. I did a deep wax yesterday. Boiled the chain in some water and dishwasher soap for 10 minutes whilst my wax melted in the pot, gave it a wipe down until it was dry, chucked it in the wax pot whilst I had to pop out for about 30-45 minutes then got home and took it out. Hung it up for about 10-15 minutes then put it back on the bike.

It's a really painless job.

Agreed painless process, I'm guessing the rotation is for those looking to spend longer stripping and waxing?

I'd be wary of the dishwasher soap - don't many of them contain salt? With a wax probably the boiling is more important, then rinse with some kinda degreaser to remove any grime?

Heard of people using parrafin or terps/white spirit, or is that for the initial strip of lube/factory grease? Just chuck the chain in a bottle & shake it around, then hang to dry - sounds quicker than wipe & airdrying?

Cheers, yeah he's almost 13 and Frenchies usually average around 8, so he's certainly been well loved. His heart/organs are all excellent from his last set of bloodwork, but the last few months have seen a big decline mentally and he's lost his hearing and sight and just seems confused all the time. When we're sat with him on the sofa he's fine, but all other times he just seems really anxious.

Our old man is 14 in around a month, but fairly common an age for an old Westie (I'm sure he's been a 'grumpy old man' for at least 8 years). He's pretty much deaf too (seems to have good & bad days), sleeps more and more. Really hard to wake up an old deaf dog without surprising them isn't it! We have some odd things happen which we've thought is doggy dementia setting in and he has arthritis in his back legs so he has to get up slowly (bit like me!). But he's good once going and runs around like a lunatic for 20 mins after sunday dinner with some gravy playing fetch thinking he's a puppy again. It's going to be hard when the time comes but we know it is coming. My 8 year old son is going to be devastated, we all are! But a big part of dog ownership is that strong emotional link with them & we have to pay the price for it afterwards. Remember the good times!

Here’s a tip for everyone. If you’re ever given a pouch of this. Do not consider opening it. Just place it in the nearest bin.

TOTUM Hypertonic Drink al MEJOR PRECIO

Compra TOTUM Sport Hypertonic Drink al Mejor Precio en Misohi Nutrición. Importantes Descuentos en los Mejores Suplementos para Deportistas.

www.misohinutricion.com

Good tip. While we're on the subject last order got some Huel Black Edition (rather than my normal one) to try out as was only a few quid more. Went for Cookies & cream, as tend to favour a sweet flavour and it's really bland... Has the consistency of what crumbled oreos would be but really plain tasting. Going back to normal 'Complete' Protein next where I don't think I've had a 'bad' one yet!

 

[Junglist]

Agreed painless process, I'm guessing the rotation is for those looking to spend longer stripping and waxing?
I'd be wary of the dishwasher soap - don't many of them contain salt? With a wax probably the boiling is more important, then rinse with some kinda degreaser to remove any grime?

I meant your usual liquid that you hand wash with. Not the bits you put in a dishwasher. Clearly wasn't paying attention to what I was typing lol. I find that whilst boiling always gets it nice and shiny and removes any little stubborn bits of wax or anything else that may have got stuck there.

Heard of people using parrafin or terps/white spirit, or is that for the initial strip of lube/factory grease? Just chuck the chain in a bottle & shake it around, then hang to dry - sounds quicker than wipe & airdrying

Think that's just for the initial strip of the chain. Really just boiling water should be enough to melt it all off but I figured a little bit of washing up liquid couldn't hurt the process

While we're on the subject last order got some Huel Black Edition (rather than my normal one) to try out as was only a few quid more. Went for Cookies & cream, as tend to favour a sweet flavour and it's really bland... Has the consistency of what crumbled oreos would be but really plain tasting. Going back to normal 'Complete' Protein next.

I think the only one I really like is Salted Caramel. Like you I found the cookies and cream one really underwhelming and never really enjoyed it.

 

[Martynt74]

14 is awesome. We had have talked about another dog (i said i wanted a "real" dog), but honestly not sure i want to do this again. I've even made him a coffin. Although i accept that might be going a bit far!

Shame about Huel Black. I use Plenny and it's been awesome in the "Pro" version. Just a bit limited on flavours.

 

[Junglist]

May try the blend he uses once my silica stuff runs out.

 

[Vandle]

Cheers, that's probably a good shout, as you say it's handy for other activities too

They dont stink either. I've worn one for several days in a row on an overland hike and it stays (relatively) fresh.

 

[#Chri5#]

After all the wax chat, I see Merlin have a Silca bundle on offer. £180 down to £120 (though I've no idea if the full price is the usual or an RRP you never pay)

Silca Chain Waxing Bundle | Merlin Cycles

Buy your Silca Chain Waxing Bundle at Merlin. Free worldwide delivery available on most items!

www.merlincycles.com

 

[Shadowness]

After all the wax chat, I see Merlin have a Silca bundle on offer. £180 down to £120 (though I've no idea if the full price is the usual or an RRP you never pay)

Silca Chain Waxing Bundle | Merlin Cycles

Buy your Silca Chain Waxing Bundle at Merlin. Free worldwide delivery available on most items!

www.merlincycles.com

lol at the reviews. Why give it 2* if you say it's fantastic!?

 

[Junglist]

I'd still just buy one for bodyhair wax or old slow cooker.

 

[Roady]

I meant your usual liquid that you hand wash with. Not the bits you put in a dishwasher. Clearly wasn't paying attention to what I was typing lol. I find that whilst boiling always gets it nice and shiny and removes any little stubborn bits of wax or anything else that may have got stuck there.
<snip>
I think the only one I really like is Salted Caramel. Like you I found the cookies and cream one really underwhelming and never really enjoyed it.

Yeah Salted Caramel one of my favourites, also Chocolate Fudge Brownie but do have a sweet tooth. Vanilla was pretty nice as a 'less sweet' alternative as was Banana. Hope the Black Edition Coffee Caramel is much better than the Cookies & Cream!

Yeah just going by some of the warnings on various forums I'd heard about using 'kitchen' products to clean up bike components previously to be aware of anything containing salt... Seen what road salt does to your drivechain! Someone did say some of the post-covid hand sanitisers where good to use as a chain cleaner - as cheap to buy in volume. But when you dug into the chemical composition of them (we're Nerds, we should do this) most of them the alcohol used is denatured (Ethanol/Meths!) meaning they're fairly toxic fumes, highly flammable, definitely not biodegradable and will leave a film of residue when they evaporate...

To be fair and some context - I love to find a 'different' solution to a problem, especially if it reduces cost & makes things easier and/or safer. Like how much the various cycling specific degreasers cost for chain cleaning, I went down the rabbit hole many years ago and have been using a citrus based floor cleaner instead since. Yes it may not be quite as strong as something like the Muc Off which costs £32 for 1L but when it costs £30 for 10L I'll happily use twice/three as much of it and not worry too much about massively diluting it or saving every last drip! While also mild enough to clean other greasy things, like the BBQ. Also 'mostly' biodegradable so don't worry that much about washing it down the drain (outdoors). Does need gloves when handling & not use in confined spaces due to the fumes, but I've never had issues.

Shame about Huel Black. I use Plenny and it's been awesome in the "Pro" version. Just a bit limited on flavours.

Not heard of Plenny. Ended up on Huel after being ProteinWorks loyal for a long time and was a big fan of the Wiggle ones & Powerbar before. Just the referrals and deals on Huel make it cheaper with lots of flavour choice compared to others.

After all the wax chat, I see Merlin have a Silca bundle on offer. £180 down to £120 (though I've no idea if the full price is the usual or an RRP you never pay)

Silca Chain Waxing Bundle | Merlin Cycles

Buy your Silca Chain Waxing Bundle at Merlin. Free worldwide delivery available on most items!

www.merlincycles.com

It's a popular kit, have regularly seen it around for that price.

 

[Martynt74]

Not heard of Plenny. Ended up on Huel after being ProteinWorks loyal for a long time and was a big fan of the Wiggle ones & Powerbar before. Just the referrals and deals on Huel make it cheaper with lots of flavour choice compared to others.

Lot of people in here switching over too. Downside is the lack of flavour choice

Huel: The Future of Food ..

Maybe I'm not very good at shaking :( I just hate 'bits' in my shake. that's amusing as it's the 'bits' that I like...! I find that I just find it more like a food than a drink because of this which I prefer.

forums.overclockers.co.uk

 

[PikeyPriest]

Anyone else wait to book cycling events until the weather is known?

I’ve have done a 100 mile event near me the last 2 years, but can’t face completing it in heavy rain. Am I weak or is that just sensible?

 

[Martynt74]

Anyone else wait to book cycling events until the weather is known?

I’ve have done a 100 mile event near me the last 2 years, but can’t face completing it in heavy rain. Am I weak or is that just sensible?

Probably depends on the event. If it sells out then I’d always get in early. If you’re confident of entry and don’t want to do it in the rain then waiting is probably fine.

 

[#Chri5#]

Anyone else wait to book cycling events until the weather is known?

I’ve have done a 100 mile event near me the last 2 years, but can’t face completing it in heavy rain. Am I weak or is that just sensible?

Yes. I fancy a crack at Tour of the Peak (180km / 3000m) in May but I don't fancy a big day out if the weather is dismal. I'd also have to be up at silly AM for the drive to the start to be riding for 7am, so I want blue skies and no headwind!

Tour of the Peak Sportive | Velo29 Events

https://velo29events.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/peak_v29.jpg Tour of the Peak Sportive 17 May 2026 HQ

velo29events.com

 

[PikeyPriest]

Yes. I fancy a crack at Tour of the Peak (180km / 3000m) in May but I don't fancy a big day out if the weather is dismal. I'd also have to be up at silly AM for the drive to the start to be riding for 7am, so I want blue skies and no headwind!

Tour of the Peak Sportive | Velo29 Events

https://velo29events.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/peak_v29.jpg Tour of the Peak Sportive 17 May 2026 HQ

velo29events.com

Wow tough course. Mine is 160km with 2000m of climbing, would be tempted to try that but just too far to travel without staying over (2h45). I really want to try the dragon ride in Wales, but caught between which distance to go for.

 

[Martynt74]

My Garmin is annoying me. Yesterday it tracked power and cadence but no distance/route. Today it's tracked the route and distance etc but not picked up my power meter

 

[#Chri5#]

Wow tough course. Mine is 160km with 2000m of climbing, would be tempted to try that but just too far to travel without staying over (2h45). I really want to try the dragon ride in Wales, but caught between which distance to go for.

Tour of the Peak is a 90 minute drive from home for me. I did have a quick look at staying closer but I'm not sure spending £75 to £100 is worth it just for an extra hour in bed.

 

[PikeyPriest]

Tour of the Peak is a 90 minute drive from home for me. I did have a quick look at staying closer but I'm not sure spending £75 to £100 is worth it just for an extra hour in bed.

Agreed. The extra time and cost makes it difficult to justify. That is the problem I’m having with dragon ride. I worry the longest route is too much, but equally when having to pay accommodation and travel time I want it to be a challenge and experience and not finished in 8 hours and thinking I should have done a longer route.

 

[Roady]

Bunch of my Zwift team did Amstel Gold 240km this weekend, really getting lots of FOMO and need to get something like that done!

Dragon Ride is one I wanna cross off, much of it is within reach for me, but that's the issue it's not quite far enough way to justify staying over West Wales, to ride back East to the bits of Wales I know and are easy reach for me without starting all the way over on the damn coast. But maybe that's just a convenient excuse for not doing it?!

Anyone else wait to book cycling events until the weather is known?

I’ve have done a 100 mile event near me the last 2 years, but can’t face completing it in heavy rain. Am I weak or is that just sensible?

Hard to commit and then drop out, unless costs are low. Kinda why I keep circling back to audax's - cheap and self supported so costs are low if the weather is rubbish just sack it off!

There's a couple of local ones I used to do but covid times killed them all off and I've never really looked further afield to find more. The couple of longer club runs each year are pretty much all I've done. Zero cost & low commitment! But need to cross off some bigger events at least while I'm young-ish and fit-ish. I guess more to say I've done them and to 'scratch that itch' (to stop looking at them) than any particular need... I've got lots of great riding around me without having to travel to find it (see above)!

My Garmin is annoying me. Yesterday it tracked power and cadence but no distance/route. Today it's tracked the route and distance etc but not picked up my power meter

Check if some are BT and some are ANT+ and it's not had a problem with 1 or the other? No distance sounds like a speed sensor or GPS issue. No Power is just the PWM battery out? Mine are not the best with batteries (4iiii crank arm so 3-4 months) but I'm quite good at changing them.