The biking thread

[Shaun]

Good luck @Shaun for your race tomorrow let us know how you get on 👍

Thanks mate. 👍

Ok lets start with the jersey.
Duly went in to pick it up after work yesterday and they handed me a xxxs , odd considering I ordered a xxs. Try it on and if fitted but it was skinsuit tight. The lady said I could swap it two desks down and upon asking for a xxs or xs was informed the best I was going to do was a small. It's shall we say rather loose but in the end it didn't matter as I wore a gillet over the top (read on) for the whole ride.

Early rise at 5 and after scoffing down a huge bowl of muesli with a chopped up banana and the mandatory strong coffee I checked the weather. Current temp was 13 with a top of 21, nice although a little cool to start things off. Wind was light around 10kph but to pick up within an hour or so to about 25kph but in the best direction for the ride, out into it, home with it.
Load the bike into the car and Mrs Shaun dropped me off near the start at 6:15 with the ride due to begin at 7:00. Rolled down to the start line and found my spot with about 30mins to wait. That's when I started shivering uncontrollably. A woman behind me asked if I was ok and that she had never seen goosebumps so big before on anyones legs. I muttered a reply that once we got going I would be fine.

The ride rolled out at 7 and we were let off in waves of around 100 riders at a time as the whole field composed of around 3500 riders.

The ride itself was brilliant fun and to be totally honest I found is easier than I expected (although I didn't fully warm up until about 50km in). I did my best to stay out of the wind when I could riding within a pack and taking turns on the front to share the load. It was at times however difficult to get any real decent speed up with so many riders on the road and the roads not fully closed, so the rules applied, two abreast, stop signs, speed limits etc etc.

There were however some much larger hills in the area than I had realised, I don't consider myself to be a good climber in the slightest but I passed many many more riders going up the hills than I was passed. Being a lightweight helps I suppose but on the downhill sections the heavier lads would go barreling past again with their momentum .

Speaking of hills I did have the indignity of having to push my bike for a very short distance. We were going up a hill that was about 15% gradient although not long, upon taking a left turn the hill became 28% for a very short distance then about 20% for only around 70 meters. As soon as I turned the corner I was hit by a wall (literally) of guys walking up the hill, had no where to go and had to come to a stop. As it was that steep I imagine it would have been a rather embarrassing dismount if I tried to get back on a start pedalling again so I trudged up the really steep part then got back on and rode off.

A few stats of the ride.

Distance: 111.4km not including the ride home.
Moving time of 4:08:05
Ave speed: 26.9km/h which bugs me greatly as my Garmin showed 27.1 and I virtually rolled home in the last 5km. A difference of 0.2km/h is nothing but an ave in the 27's sounds so much better.
Calories burnt: 2295, I stuffed my face whenever I had the chance on the bike and at home now I've been replenishing with chocolate and coffee . Seems to be working well.

The ride can be found here on Strava although I'm not sure if anyone else will see it.

I don't know where I finished time wise as it was a ride and not a race but I have a feeling I went pretty well. No where near the real quick guys but no where near the tail enders either. I'll keep an eye out if they do post results.

There was official photographers everywhere and the photo's can be viewed here when they are uploaded by entering your bib number. (1375 me) I know my photo was taken a few times so I'm waiting to see if any show up.

For those (in Aus anyway) who want to see a bit of the course channel 7 is showing the mens race live tomorrow which is the same route but with a slight variation on the loop when they return to Geelong from the coast.

Would I do the ride again?
Hell yeah I'd do it again tomorrow if I had the chance.
Must say I'm rather pleased with myself as two years ago I was 32 kg's heavier and when I started riding 10km was an effort. I'm sure I have more to add and if I remember something of worth I will do later.

Happy Days.

 

[Sprite]

@Shaun you were spotted and a photo taken!

 

[Shaun]

👍

 

[W3H5]

Sounds like a great ride, @shuan, how did I miss mention of this!
Pretty good pace at ~27kph over 100+kph.
I can remember anytime I've done over 100kph it's taken me a whole day, including lunch a photo stops too.
A guess a pat on the back is deserved. 👍

 

[Shaun]

A guess a pat on the back is deserved. 👍

Thanks @W3HS appreciate it mate. 👍

The strange thing really is that I found it a lot easier than I expected.
Don't get me wrong the odd times were tough, during the week negative thoughts began to creep into my mind as to how I would go. Come the morning of the ride I said to myself put that crap aside and just get out there and enjoy yourself no matter how you go.

I think the two main factors in helping it being easier than I expected were riding in a huge pack for a lot of the ride and the mental part of it which tie in together.

While in a large pack of up to around fifty riders (most I previously rode with is about 8) when in the middle of a group the shielding effect from the wind is huge, at times you can virtually freewheel and be sucked along. I did make sure I did my share on the front though to take the wind.
The pack effect also brings the mental aspect into it hugely. I was concentrating so hard at times when in very close proximity to other riders you just don't think of if your legs or whatever are hurting. The last thing I wanted was to touch wheels with someone and go down and take heaps of guys behind me down also. You just hope everyone else is concentrating also.

The hills on the other hand though very quickly became every man for themselves as the bunch split very quickly. I did once click my shifter for an easier gear and nothing happened, a quick look down confirmed my fear that I had no more gears left. It was a matter of invoking rule 5 (HTFU) and getting on with it.

Oh and that one short sharp hill that I had to walk up after getting stuck behind a bunch of guys walking, I'll be revisiting that in the near future just so I know within myself that I can get up it.

On a sad note though today I found out that a guy in his 50's had a massive heart attack while on the ride and died on his way to hospital. Such a shame as it was all simply about the fun of it.

 

[W3H5]

Shame about the heart attach chap, but if he died doing something he loved he went out better than most do.

I went for a tour of the outer city today for a few hours. It's the first time in years I've ridden without any idea of a destination. I find it odd riding without an end point.
Actually never moved from a really easy gear and noticed so many things I usually miss whizzing past on a motorcycle or in a car.

I initially set out to find a bike shop for a few bits I need but they turned out to all he closed on a Sunday.

Got home and washed and oiled the bike. Considering getting my silver rims painted black so the merge with the tyres and look a bit more uniform. All of the bike details are black; seat, tape & hoods, stem, bars, seat post...
I think blacking the rims would be a nice touch.

 

[W3H5]

Quick update to keep the thread moving. Seems like everyone's in down season right now.

Some how over just a few weeks I've out grown my rear cassette (or big ring depending on how you look at it). In the past I reserved the top gears for mad dashes or slipstreaming motorcycles, now I'm cruising that top gear all the way to work without so much as an ouch of tiredness in my legs. Granted, I only put in 12km each way and the weather isn't scorching yet but I'm mightily surprised.

It could be down to my new diet of pork cheese burgers and chicken breast kebabs. It could be that my lower beer intake has freed up some potential. All I know is I've hit 67kg from 65 and I'm all out of top end gearing. I suppose I could easily swap out the big ring for something with a few more teeth but if I'm doing that I might as well go all new on the drive chain which is now coming up to 4 years old and has seen better days.

But on that note, I've discovered the bike to be just a smidge too small for me now. Never had issues or even noticed it in the past but maybe I've grown taller (I'll have to get back to you on that). Could be that the seat has had it and isn't fitting my arse any more - I keep ending up almost sliding off the back and it's set all the way back - or my bar stem needs swapping for something an inch higher and longer - I can seem to get my seat post any higher. I'm at a lose really. I can only assume I've grown an inch or even half inch.

I'm currently in no financial position to buy a new ride and I'm fairly happy with my current bike, it's served me well and never complained, but my heart tells me to go to Taiwan, buy a top end race touring bike for as cheap as I can using my dad's bike magazine connections and ride it back to Thailand. My head tells me to make a few cheap upgrades to my current bike and wait until I have the cash to purchase a top end bike from last year so it's discounted here in Thailand.

Anyhow, looking at a 140km ride tomorrow. It'll be the longest day ride I've done in years but it's all flat and pretty straight highway roads with plenty of places to get a drink and take a piss. The amount of beer I drink tonight will determine whether that happens or not. I'm sure I could manage the ride with no problem, it's just getting motivated to do it which is the hard part.

 

[turbolefty78]

@Shaun you were spotted and a photo taken!

View attachment 301849

There's something not quite right about this picture, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

 

[Moglet]

Quick update to keep the thread moving. Seems like everyone's in down season right now.

It's been the opposite for me, I've been out a fair bit recently and I'm really enjoying the 21-22 mile rides each weekend with the group of local guys. I discovered some good trails in the forest near me which was a surprise and I also rode along the very top of the hills down one side of the valley we pass through to get home. It was amazing seeing the road we take home from that far up! I'll try and get some photos on tomorrow's ride.

 

[Carlos]

Quick update to keep the thread moving. Seems like everyone's in down season right now.

Guilty!

My first 2015 ride was yesterday

Took a small break before I was finito (weird name for a boat)

 

[Moglet]

I'm waiting for the video of me falling off at this weekend's large meet up, but in the meantime, here are some photos from the last few weekends. Oh, and I'm selling my car and buying another bike 👍

Me climbing to one of the highest points on the island:

At the old lighthouse, I'm on the far right

 

[W3H5]

Nice photos, Mog. Those hills look like great fun. Seeing those makes me want to pick up a cheap mountain bike and do some jungle riding.

I recently joined a club (well, a Yahoo! group for a local road club) but have yet to go out with them. They post rides everyday but I always seem to get the notification a few hours before the ride and it's usually weekdays when I'm working.

Looks like I'll remain a lone rider for some time to come.

 

[Moglet]

Nice photos, Mog. Those hills look like great fun. Seeing those makes me want to pick up a cheap mountain bike and do some jungle riding.

I recently joined a club (well, a Yahoo! group for a local road club) but have yet to go out with them. They post rides everyday but I always seem to get the notification a few hours before the ride and it's usually weekdays when I'm working.

Looks like I'll remain a lone rider for some time to come.

That sucks that they don't arrange them ahead of time, I'm quite lucky in that the group I ride with organise meets well in advance and go out at the same time every Sunday. Unfortunately I'll miss the next 2 due to work commitments.

 

[W3H5]

That sucks that they don't arrange them ahead of time.

Yeah, I think a lot of them are retired expats who have plenty of time on their hands and know all the routes. They never seem to ride less than 100km and I just don't have the time during the week. It's great for local advice though, a lot of them are tied to a bike shop in some way or another.

I'm hoping to get a crack at the local mountain this weekend but my bikes not in the best shape. Rear tube has a very slow leak, gears on the small ring don't mesh well but I think I can manage a slog up for a few hours, even if I can't utilise the easiest gears. It badly needs a mechanics attention but I'm doubtful I'll have a chance to get all the creases ironed out before I tour next month.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Which of these three would you guys go for?

http://www.2dehands.be/fietsen/fiet...a-hc-125th-edition-226992414.html#top-of-page

http://www.2dehands.be/fietsen/fietsen/racefiets/specialized-s-works-sl3-227288957.html

http://www.2dehands.be/fietsen/fietsen/racefiets/specialized-tarmac-sl3-229747047.html

I have been inactive in this thread for quite a while now.

I really wish to spend more time on the bike this year. But I should invest in a decent bike. My dad's Ridley frame is too large for me to be spending long distances on it, and it's getting quite old. And I do admit I would really like a full carbon bike.

Some of you might remember I was looking for a Bianchi Sempre last year. But sadly that one was sold when I phoned the seller. Yesterday I found a spectacular deal on a Trek Madone 5.5 with tall rims included, but it got sold 2 days prior to me contacting the seller

EDIT: Nevermind the Bianchi. As dropdead gorgeous as it looks, it might be too small for me. The saddle tube is 54cm, and the owner is 1m80 and he says it fits him just about right. I don't think I'm going to get 10cm of play from that integrated seatpost.

 

[W3H5]

The Bianchi looks ghastly in those colours if you ask me, there seems to be clashes of tones all over the place.

The Tarmac looks the part, it's a particularly beautiful bike but the S-Works SL3 looks like it has electronic gears and deep dishes where as the Tarmac doesn't seem to have those. That might be reflected in the price too, the latter being 25% more.

Is there any way for you to size them up in person and see if the frames are right for you?

Bottom line, my choice would be the S-Works.

On another topic, has anyone here been watching the racing? A few of the classics so far have been bril, the Volta not so interesting but Paris - Roubaix in a few weeks.

 

[Shaun]

Which of these three would you guys go for?

Ok my two cents just comparing the two Specialized/S-works bikes if you have ruled out the Bianchi.

The S/Works is the better specced bike for sure.
It has Dura Ace (top of the line Shimano) electronic gears compared to Ultegra (by the looks) on the Specialized.
Both are however last generation gear, not that that's a bad thing both groupsets are still very very good. I would however ask questions as to how many km's the groupsets have covered. Every part will wear out, well apart from the shifters that will eventually just break and officially Shimano shifters are not serviceable. The parts start to get pricey especially the Dura-Ace stuff if that's what you want to keep on the bike. Just check the price of a new Dura-Ace cassette and you'll get my drift.

The Mavic wheels on the S/Works are also a higher end wheel than the Fulcrum's on the Specialized. Not that the Fulcrums are a bad wheel they fall right in the middle of their range. They will have sealed bearings, not a bad thing just harder to service than cup and cone bearings as a press will be needed to remove/change the bearings. The Mavics I'm not sure about servicing wise, if you plan on not servicing the bike yourself just disregard all that anyway.

I think going by the write up the Mavics are at least 60mm tall. This is important to consider depending on the weather/wind you will be riding in. Not sure if you saw the Gent Wevelgem the other day but Geraint Thomas got blown straight off his bike riding aero wheels.

Speaking from personal experience there is a huge difference. I have two sets of wheels, one 35mm aluminium (semi aero) and one 24mm carbon. Doesn't sound like much but the difference is huge riding in cross winds so keep that in mind. 👍
In general lower height translates to lighter weight better for climbing, compared to higher height better aero performance yada yada yada.

The first thing I noticed though when comparing them is they are different sizes, make sure you get the right size and don't look at anything but that size so you can't be seduced into something that won't fit right. I ride a 52 but can ride a 54 no problems, just the 54 won't be comfortable after a while making me stretch out too much.

If it were my choice all things being equal I would want the S-Works but with lower profile wheels.
Good luck, seems strange I'm chipping in with advice when it was you that assisted me when I started riding. 👍

On another topic, has anyone here been watching the racing? A few of the classics so far have been bril, the Volta not so interesting but Paris - Roubaix in a few weeks.

Oh yeah I'm like a sponge at this time of the year watching as many races that are televised on way or another. Best time of the year for watching with all the spring classics. Also happens to be the best time of the year for me riding as Autumn here is the least windy part of the year and still pretty much rain free.

Don't forget the Tour Of Flanders this weekend, the equal at least in my book to Roubaix.
See avatar.

 

[W3H5]

Oh yeah I'm like a sponge at this time of the year watching as many races that are televised on way or another. Best time of the year for watching with all the spring classics. Also happens to be the best time of the year for me riding as Autumn here is the least windy part of the year and still pretty much rain free.

Don't forget the Tour Of Flanders this weekend, the equal at least in my book to Roubaix.
See avatar.

It's only been a few years since I would skip over the channel playing cycle racing, but now I'm fixated on it and Eurosport provides a great coverage. Last few races have seen bad weather and for some reason the weather affects how much I like the race. I guess the sun just makes me happier.


Riding here is tough now, heat levels are through the roof during the day time. Did a 35km on Sunday without taking any fluids with and it really sucked my energy, I'd intended to ride a bit more but had to get back to civilization for rehydration.

 

[Shaun]

Likewise, a couple of years ago I wouldn't have walked up the end of my street to watch say even the Tour de France roll by. Oh how things can change, the bike is a major part of my life now.

I learnt my lesson also about not carrying water and really needing it. Apart from the trip to the shops and back (around 5km) I always carry water on the bike.

 

[W3H5]

I've never really needed water other than when I toured. Doing 50km in China was no biggie knowing that where ever I went I could grad refreshments without a problem. Here, because of the intense heat all year I've done a few longer runs with a hydration pack (breaking the rules, I know). I've been meaning to pick up a bottle cage but keep forgetting.

The dehydration factor here is a big part of why I'll not do more than 40km unless it's really cool, which is for about 1 month a year. Even the short stint I did Sunday caused me burns to my arms and legs from the sun and it's far too hot to be covering those parts. If it wasn't considered rude I'd bath in sunscreen and then ride in my boxers.

I have a several new routes for work opened up now that I've moved from the city. Most are highway and of varying lengths of upto 20km. I'm yet to check any of them out because my bike is still at my old place and I'd rather do them on the scootercycle first to check the road surfaces.

 

[Turbo_snail]

I'm entering a u17's XC race on the 1st of may but I don't know how I'll go seeing it's 4 laps of a 4.5km loop. I know the track well but I'll be against some guys I know that can ride double black diamond tracks 👍

 

[W3H5]

Good luck to you. Train hard and give it your best. Remember, if you're not suffering you're not training.

 

[Turbo_snail]

Good luck to you. Train hard and give it your best. Remember, if you're not suffering you're not training.

I like this quote, will be a good one to go by! 👍

 

[NINE_HUNDRED]

Apologies in advance, I know everybody asks this question from my time lurking this thread..

I've been looking get to a MTB for a while now, nothing crazy just pretty bog standard I guess. It'll be used mainly on dirt/gravel paths and country lane type roads every now and then.

Budget is around £350. Have been looking at this bike for a while Jamis Trial X Sport. Then found a few FELT bikes in the same price range FELT Nine 80. Here's the page with the other similar options.

Are any better than the other for what I'd be using for? I assume in this price bracket they're all fairly similar. The 29er seems quite big, the last time I rode was when I was like 12 so I think I'd prefer a 26er or the 27.5 but appreciate any advice, cheers.

 

[W3H5]

I'm not up to speed with MTB but I reckon if you check your local shops, ask if they have any models from the last year/ season and see if you can grab a discount landing you more bike for your money.
For what I remember of my youth £350 should nab you something half decent. Most standard bikes are less than £200.

In other news, WTF is up with the neutral cars at Flanders? 2 riders downed by 2 cars within 30km!!! Rediculous happenings, I'm sure a few people will be fired over it; the first one down broke a collar bone!

 

[Shaun]

Looking like a good finish to the race.
I also approve of the avatar @W3HS

 

[W3H5]

Looking like a good finish to the race.

Been a great race so far and now my TV signal has given out with 10km to the line.

Oh wait, signal is back. I was hoping Thomas would push to the breakaway and try claim a second ever win for Britain but I have a feeling he's too far gone now.
Terpstra and Kristoff just look unstoppable now though, but who knows.

 

[Bram Turismo]

So the S-Works was actually in Dublin. The owner said I should visit him in Dublin if I was interested in the bike. Yeah, not going to happen.

The Bianchi was too small. Too bad, it was a beautiful bike. (Bianchis are beautiful bikes in general)

The Tarmac, I was going to take a look at. Then I found this: http://www.2dehands.be/fietsen/fietsen/racefiets/granville-sonic-team-edition-231914856.html

I sent him an email with questions about it because at that price, it's a steal. But I don't know if it has had any maintenance, if the group is still in good condition or needs a swap, or why he even wants to sell it. I'm awaiting his answer, but if everything is in very good condition I would be a fool to let that deal slip.

 

[W3H5]

If there's nothing wrong with it, for that price, you're in for a nice bargain. The SL3 you listed before appeared to be a better looking bike but looks aren't everything.

 

[W3H5]

Sorry for the bump/double post but I want ask about tyres. A few sites have given me nothing so I'm asking here.

My tyres are a little cracked. Well, they have slices aplenty but are clear of debris so that isn't my main concern. The cracks are on the contact strip, sidewalls are fine. They're as old as the bike so close to 5 years and have seen probably 10k+ km if I was to guess but are 'dynamic' according to Michelin so aren't super sticky rubber, just medium compound slicks.

The tubes are holding air fine now I've swapped out the really old ones that dropped pressure every few days. I don't really want to buy new tyres as these ones still feel like they have a lot of life in them still but I would like to deal with the crack. Would Vaseline work, or shoe polish, just to stop them drying out too much in the heat?