The biking thread

[Bigbazz]

That's a big cycle, and you will love it.

A guy I knew in Uni did a trip down to Portugal so may be offer to advice, check them out on facebook, there may be some tips or message them.

What sort of off-roading are you expecting? I cycled with front and rear pannier bags and felt that was preferred to my companions rear-only. That said, we did only very rare gravel riding. I had a Trek 7.3, no suspension, V-brakes. Very reliable even after about 1500 km of dusty roads and zero maintenance.

Equipment is key, I can send you a list of stuff to look over.

Punctures aren't that big an issue on modern tyres, I didn't suffer one in 3300 km, though my rear tyre was square by the end.


Tredz are a respectable company, operations in Swansea and Cardiff. My friend works for them.

Thanks a lot for the facebook page. Our original plan is to fly to Paris with our gear, to make the journey from there, mostly because we don't have much interest in riding down through britain. Through france will be road riding until we reach St Jean Pied de Port.

As for offroads we will be riding through the Pyrenees from France, which is around a 500 mile journey starting from "St Jean Pied de Port"(the st james pilgrimage way) through mountains to the cathedral of santiago compostela, mostly gravel type walking footpaths and I don't expect anything too rough for the parts that will be offroad. Obviously I need to be prepared for the unexpected though, as it is a journey into the unknown.

Random picture example from google images. Once we have reached the Cathedral and posted our pilgrimage certificates home, we will be heading for madrid, I believe that from this point onwards it will be almost exclusively road riding for the remaining 1200 miles or so, though again we need to be prepared for the unexpected, and prepared to take detours to visit other places.

On the equipment side of things that is arguably going to be the most difficult thing to sort, balancing the things we need with the weight we can carry, we need to be able to maintain our bikes, a tent is absolutely necessary, clothing, food/water etc.

Initially I'm thinking of front and rear bags with a camelback for water while riding. Is it worth replacing the suspension on my bike for hard forks to save weight? What about the seat? I have a seat that I like (the bike is a Giant XTC SX 2006) that came with it off the shelf, but is it worth changing it for something more comfortable like a gel seat?

Then about bike security, how did you keep your bike safe from theft while sleeping? Is this going to be a big issue? When we did rides in the past we took a seperate tent to store our bikes at night, but saving weight is much more of an issue on a long ride like this.

 

[ExigeEvan]

Thanks a lot for the facebook page. Our original plan is to fly to Paris with our gear, to make the journey from there, mostly because we don't have much interest in riding down through britain. Through france will be road riding until we reach St Jean Pied de Port.

As for offroads we will be riding through the Pyrenees from France, which is around a 500 mile journey starting from "St Jean Pied de Port"(the st james pilgrimage way) through mountains to the cathedral of santiago compostela, mostly gravel type walking footpaths and I don't expect anything too rough for the parts that will be offroad. Obviously I need to be prepared for the unexpected though, as it is a journey into the unknown.

*snip*

Random picture example from google images. Once we have reached the Cathedral and posted our pilgrimage certificates home, we will be heading for madrid, I believe that from this point onwards it will be almost exclusively road riding for the remaining 1200 miles or so, though again we need to be prepared for the unexpected, and prepared to take detours to visit other places.

Re: Tyres.
I'd change them. Considering the mileage you'll be doing on road I think you could justify the time/effort to change to a different set. Also means you can use it as a rest and maintenance day.

Re: Flying w/ Bike.
Air baggage handlers aren't the most sympathetic to bicycles. I'd suggest taking some real time and effort to package the bicycle as well as possible, far beyond what you'd expect from the factory.

Or ship it, or take the train! I know others that have taken train to the Pyrenees numerous times to cycle tour.

Initially I'm thinking of front and rear bags with a camelback for water while riding. Is it worth replacing the suspension on my bike for hard forks to save weight? What about the seat? I have a seat that I like (the bike is a Giant XTC SX 2006) that came with it off the shelf, but is it worth changing it for something more comfortable like a gel seat?

Then about bike security, how did you keep your bike safe from theft while sleeping? Is this going to be a big issue? When we did rides in the past we took a seperate tent to store our bikes at night, but saving weight is much more of an issue on a long ride like this.

I rode on the stock seat from my Carrera TdF Ltd with a pair of padded cycling shorts, I found it fine. Never chaffed, rarely had to get out of seat due to discomfort.

I had front pair, rear pair, top removable bag, and then a larger "parachute" bag strapped across the top. I also rode with a 1 litre camel pack, 2 bottles on frame and hip-bag (for wallet, phone, snacks, emergency kit).

You could ride a lot lighter. I was at times carrying 30 Kg of water, food and equipment. You'll never need that much water (10 litres at times) due to the location of you're riding.

Very, very bright day-glo jacket is a must.

Security, less of an issue for much of the trip, not too many thiefs in the middle of nowhere but if you can hide the bike it helps. Cheap cable lock was all I used.

 

[Neal]

^ I didn't know you did your tour of Oz with *insertEvanlookalike*

Bigbazz - A few links for stories and ideas

http://singletrackworld.com/2012/07/monsoon-dodging-a-tandem-tour-of-se-asia/

http://tandemasia.wordpress.com/

http://wildcatgear.co.uk/

My mate has got a 29er Cube MTB and it is a seriously nice bike so can recommend them as a brand. you can get the Cube Acid from Germany for £630 including an air fork where as the UK Cube Acid has a heavier coil spring fork http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/a54521/acid-black-n-white.html?lg=en#

IMO I would advise against the hybrid Giant bike, either get a road bike which will be properly light or a MTB that can but used on proper off road trails.

Another idea if you're happy to buy from Europe is a Canyon Yellowstone 5.0 for £650ish including delivery, this and the Cube Acid from Germany are the best spec and best value of all the bikes suggested so far. My next bike will be a Canyon and I know a few people with them who are all happy and like the Cube's they are very well engineered.

guitar613 - Don't get a fixie...just don't. If you don't want gears then get a single speed mountain bike, I've had a go on one for part of a ride and they give you a proper workout.


While cleaning my bike last night and removing an astonishing amount of vegetation stuck in the wheels and gears from the last ride I thought I'd check the brake pads, turns out one of the rear pads had completely worn down to the metal backing plate...oops! No harm done to the disc though so all good but I should really take more notice when my brakes start sounding bad.

 

[Bigbazz]

Thanks for the great advice guys, checked out the cheaper german version of the bike and that price drop is definitely worth a look (also available on finance), we're gonna pop down to Tredz in Cardiff on tuesday to check out some models, my mate isn't sure if he needs a 16inch or 18 inch frame (he's 6ft tall), I know that the particular Cube model we were looking at is not in stock with the 18 inch in Tredz.

I'm surprised at the ammount of great feedback I've got here, I didn't really get any reply when I posted on Bike Radar, getting back into biking after 5 years of no riding and I feel so clueless (though have done a lot of reading up and watching youtube videos so slowly getting there), you see everyone talking about 29ers, 29ers didn't even exist back then and if they did I'd never heard about nor seen them.

 

[Greycap]

Your mate certainly doesn't want a 16" frame, I'm 5"8' and ride a 17,5" hardtail. Even a 20" might not be out of question for road use.

 

[Neal]

Thanks for the great advice guys, checked out the cheaper German version of the bike and that price drop is definitely worth a look (also available on finance), we're gonna pop down to Tredz in Cardiff on Tuesday to check out some models, my mate isn't sure if he needs a 16inch or 18 inch frame (he's 6ft tall), I know that the particular Cube model we were looking at is not in stock with the 18 inch in Tredz.

I'm surprised at the amount of great feedback I've got here, I didn't really get any reply when I posted on Bike Radar, getting back into biking after 5 years of no riding and I feel so clueless (though have done a lot of reading up and watching youtube videos so slowly getting there), you see everyone talking about 29ers, 29ers didn't even exist back then and if they did I'd never heard about nor seen them.

Bike manufacturers all do their sizing differently so it’s best to take body measurements or sit on the bike to work out what size you need but I would put money on a 6’ tall bloke needing an 18” frame or bigger. The German online bike shops (Canyon, Rosebikes.co.uk, bike-discount.de) seem to be pretty decent but you need to bear in mind any major problems are going to mean shipping it back to Europe although it would probably be just as difficult to ship a bike within the UK if you’d bought it mail order.

Most of the bike forums are populated by elitist tools, even some of the mods on bike radar would give GTP trolls a run for their money! I’ve recently got back into biking after about 15 years off so it all seemed quite different at first but to be honest bikes are bikes, the brakes and suspension may have changed but you still ride them in more or less the same way. As well as 29ers there are now 27.5” wheels to choose from although I’ll be sticking with 26” wheels, they all have their pros and cons but I’m happy with what I’m used to.


If you fancy a bit of reading and viewing check out the below. The book is very good even if it’s just to pass the time sitting down in the smallest room.

Mastering Mountain Bike Skills 2nd edition book download link


This has been surprisingly useful for me and it’s quite funny from about 2 minutes in.

 

[ExigeEvan]

IMO I would advise against the hybrid Giant bike, either get a road bike which will be properly light or a MTB that can but used on proper off road trails.

I would never suggest a proper road bike, it just wouldn't take the weight. Plus you'd have to do so much to make it comfy. If his general set-up is decent I don't see much wrong with swapping on solid forks.

Thanks for the great advice guys, checked out the cheaper german version of the bike and that price drop is definitely worth a look (also available on finance), we're gonna pop down to Tredz in Cardiff on tuesday to check out some models, my mate isn't sure if he needs a 16inch or 18 inch frame (he's 6ft tall), I know that the particular Cube model we were looking at is not in stock with the 18 inch in Tredz.

I'm surprised at the ammount of great feedback I've got here, I didn't really get any reply when I posted on Bike Radar, getting back into biking after 5 years of no riding and I feel so clueless (though have done a lot of reading up and watching youtube videos so slowly getting there), you see everyone talking about 29ers, 29ers didn't even exist back then and if they did I'd never heard about nor seen them.

You know what, I would fully support you if you decided to just turn up in Paris and buy a bike, chuck your equipment on it and ride off. We did it in Aus, though did have a shake-down ride from Perth to Fremantle where we discovered a pedal had been cross-threaded

Obv' language is more of an issue in Paris, but the exchange rate favours you.

 

[Bigbazz]

I would never suggest a proper road bike, it just wouldn't take the weight. Plus you'd have to do so much to make it comfy. If his general set-up is decent I don't see much wrong with swapping on solid forks.

You know what, I would fully support you if you decided to just turn up in Paris and buy a bike, chuck your equipment on it and ride off. We did it in Aus, though did have a shake-down ride from Perth to Fremantle where we discovered a pedal had been cross-threaded

Obv' language is more of an issue in Paris, but the exchange rate favours you.

Reminds me of the day I bought my last (current) bike, in the middle of a forest somewhere near port talbot/margam and quite a ways from home one of the pedals just fell off (bearings gave up, was a cheapy pedal that came with the bike) and the front forks seized up. Took it back to the shop and they sorted it out (they had to send the forks off to be repaired from what I remember), I took the opportunity to upgrade the pedals to some Gusset flats, rather than have them replace it with another cheapy set.

The bike was great after that, but with that said I'd feel a bit wary about taking that kind of risk in the middle of france.

 

[Neal]

I would never suggest a proper road bike, it just wouldn't take the weight. Plus you'd have to do so much to make it comfy. If his general set-up is decent I don't see much wrong with swapping on solid forks.

I hadn't thought about that, I guess that's why there are specific touring bikes. Swapping out bouncy forks for ridgid forks would save weight but would make the dirt riding less fun, another option is locking your forks out for the road and living with the extra weight. Make sure you get the right axle to crown length if you do swap the forks.

You know what, I would fully support you if you decided to just turn up in Paris and buy a bike, chuck your equipment on it and ride off. We did it in Aus, though did have a shake-down ride from Perth to Fremantle where we discovered a pedal had been cross-threaded

Obv' language is more of an issue in Paris, but the exchange rate favours you.

I must admit flying to the destination with a bike in a bike box plus a lot of luggage would be very difficult. You’d need to leave the bike box somewhere and pay the extra luggage, I’d be tempted to travel car or train if it was possible.

 

[W3H5]

I've found out that my old Raleigh is still in the shed at my mum's house which saves me borrowing a bike when I land in London. No doubt it'll need some new bits like tubes and chain because it's been sitting for 4 years but an afternoon with a hose, some scourers and grease should get it back on the road.

It'll be such a change from riding here that I'm worried about traffic a bit more than I should be because here they drive on the other side. I'm sure it'll come back to me within a few miles.

 

[Aldo]

Neal has probably already posted it but OHJESUSCHRIST! http://www.redbullusa.com/cs/Satell...-Trail-Ends--Official-Trailer-021243240729084

 

[Neal]

I've found out that my old Raleigh is still in the shed at my mum's house which saves me borrowing a bike when I land in London. No doubt it'll need some new bits like tubes and chain because it's been sitting for 4 years but an afternoon with a hose, some scourers and grease should get it back on the road.

It'll be such a change from riding here that I'm worried about traffic a bit more than I should be because here they drive on the other side. I'm sure it'll come back to me within a few miles.

When do you get to the land of the free and will you be travelling outside Lahndan?

Neal has probably already posted it but OHJESUSCHRIST! http://www.redbullusa.com/cs/Satell...-Trail-Ends--Official-Trailer-021243240729084

Are you saying I post in this thread too much? *checks top posters* You might be on to something there. I don't think I had posted it but I have watched it, OHJESUSCHRIST indeed! Looking forward to seeing the full movie. Ewechube version below for the too lazy to click links

 

[Mike Rotch]

After this interesting week for me, I gave the bike a good clean and lube today. I not sure it enjoyed it, but I found it therapeutic. After that, I took it for 15km ride as the weather was just glorious. All up, a good day .

PS: New 14mm diameter D-lock is a bit of a faff to fit, but hopefully it offers more of a fight then the other garbage I had.

 

[Neal]

^ Good stuff mate 👍 Nice to hear you having some good biking time after the bad news of it being nicked. I quite like cleaning my bike although I always seem to rushed when I'm doing it so don't often do a full wheels and chain off job on it.


I did my first Sunday club ride yesterday which is a fair bit harder than the usual midweek evening rides. 33km, 848m climbing in 2 ¾ hours, got a few good times on some of the climbing segments which I'm happy with and only fell off about 10 times No harm done as they were mostly at very low speed onto nettles and sheep poo, a fall on one of the downhills would have been much more serious as it was a very narrow rocky path tracking across a very steep scree slope, very squeaky bum

EDIT: V Video taken by one of the other guys of the squeaky bum bit.

 

[Greycap]

I think I really need knee and elbow pads before it's too late, I found myself in such a root & rock hell on Saturday that I'm surprised there was no need for hospitalization. If I recall correctly someone around here had the Fox Launch Pros, are they worth a purchase as they look like they might be very suitable for my use?

 

[daft biker]

I think I really need knee and elbow pads before it's too late, I found myself in such a root & rock hell on Saturday that I'm surprised there was no need for hospitalization. If I recall correctly someone around here had the Fox Launch Pros, are they worth a purchase as they look like they might be very suitable for my use?

Pads can sometimes help if they stay in place but....
bloody pic
....don't count on it!

 

[Neal]

^ Ouch

I think I really need knee and elbow pads before it's too late, I found myself in such a root & rock hell on Saturday that I'm surprised there was no need for hospitalization. If I recall correctly someone around here had the Fox Launch Pros, are they worth a purchase as they look like they might be very suitable for my use?

That would be me, I've had quite a few low speed and a couple of medium speed spills while wearing them and they've done the job although my shins have taken a couple of knocks but I can accept that as big knee and shin pads would be too uncomfortable on long rides whereas these were fine on a hot 4 hour ride yesterday.

 

[Omnis]

Give us a warning next time bro.


spoiler tags?

 

[daft biker]

Give us a warning next time bro.


spoiler tags?

Sorry dude....made it a link now

 

[funkyDucks]

I know my posts in this thread have previously been mostly pointless and minor, but I would like a few opinions on something.

I have decided that cycling will be my chosen activity, however I don't know what branch to go with. MTB or road racing. I have both a road racer and MTB but neither is perfect. The road racer is too big (as it isn't technically mine) and the mountain bike I believe is nothing but a run about. I am not in a position to splash out on a bike so I must use what I have.
I can answer more questions if needed but hopefully this 3am brief review is enough to get you guys started.

 

[Neal]

Mountain bike more for fun, road bike more for fitness. Both bikes do both so just mix it up, you don't need to only pick one....just steer clear of the budgie smuggling shorts

EDIT: An interesting read...

Which Muscles are Really Used During the Pedal Stroke?

 

[ExigeEvan]

I know my posts in this thread have previously been mostly pointless and minor, but I would like a few opinions on something.

I have decided that cycling will be my chosen activity, however I don't know what branch to go with. MTB or road racing. I have both a road racer and MTB but neither is perfect. The road racer is too big (as it isn't technically mine) and the mountain bike I believe is nothing but a run about. I am not in a position to splash out on a bike so I must use what I have.
I can answer more questions if needed but hopefully this 3am brief review is enough to get you guys started.

Contrary to what Neal said about road bikes being for fitness I find them a great way for seeing some scenic areas and knowing that you covered distance and climbing to get there makes it all the more worthwhile. Then again I like jogging around my local area just to see what's changed since the last time.

Ironically, while Mountain bikes are clearly more capable on more terrains, actual mountain bike trails are more restrictive in choice than a road bikes choice of the highway (except motorways).

And budgie smugglers are a must.

 

[Greycap]

If I had to pick one bike for everything it would be a hardtail MTB and two sets of wheels or at least tyres. It'll take you everywhere from forest trails to highways without feeling totally out of place, whereas with a road bike you can only ride on tarmac roads. Equipped with good semislicks it won't even be that slow, I've broken 50 km/h with both of my MTBs quite a few times.

 

[Neal]

I need some advice here, but not sure where to start. anyway.....Tour of Eurpoe...

Have a read of this article on touring preparation and equipment

Contrary to what Neal said about road bikes being for fitness I find them a great way for seeing some scenic areas and knowing that you covered distance and climbing to get there makes it all the more worthwhile. Then again I like jogging around my local area just to see what's changed since the last time.

Ironically, while Mountain bikes are clearly more capable on more terrains, actual mountain bike trails are more restrictive in choice than a road bikes choice of the highway (except motorways).

And budgie smugglers are a must.

Good point, in fairness almost any bike will allow you to do that and the reduced speed and increased field of view makes it much more rewarding than travelling by car. I completely agree with enjoying being able to see where you've been, the ride I did on Sunday up the hills either side of Llangollen gave great views of many of the roads I used to ride my motorbike on but from a very different perspective. Trail centres on the other hand are often in forests and give you zero idea about where you are or where you've been.

My only ride is a hardtail mountain bike with trail tyres which I use for everything including many many road miles. It's not as fast on road as a proper road bike but I can live with that, I just have to pedal harder. It would be great to have both but funds and wife approval don't allow it at the moment.

A few of the guys in my bike club are half roadie and insist of wearing budgie smugglers...me no likey

 

[mp10]

My friend recently bought a Giant Yukon FX2 (2009), he paid £375 for it which is not bad for what it is. Rockshox Dart forks, hydraulic brakes, but i think he is considering about swapping them for mechanical brakes.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p1747

I think for sub £500 you can't get many decent full suspension bikes, so yep a good purchase i think.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Long time, no post. Until now!

Trip dist.: 71.18km
Trip time: 2:31:51
Avg. speed: 28.0 km/h
Max. speed: 59.06 km/h

Very pleased with that ride! Would've gone further but initially I intended only to go 50km so I didn't bring any nutrition other than water. Anything over 50km without anything to eat is a no-no, I should've at least taken an apple or something with me just to get something inside. I came out completely bashed up.

I also bought a new speedometer so I no longer rely on the GPS on my iPhone. I can now clearly see I have no issues braking 50km/h and holding it over a certain distance.

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

Really enjoy seeing the reactions of onlookers in videos like this. Flatland is something most people have never seen or thought existed.

 

[mp10]

Great find, off to check out more of his videos 👍

 

[Bigbazz]

Bit of an update on my long ass ride. Went to a bike shop (Tredz in Cardiff) and spent about 2 hours in there chatting to one of the guys about all the various things we need and different bike models, parts etc (was very helpful!) and we're going back there in the week (mon-wednesday) once my riding buddy has been paid to hopefully pick up a 2012 Cube ACID, and a few other things. Annoyingly it appears we will have to stick to only rear mounted pannier racks with our bikes as it will be difficult (if not impossible) to fit any to our suspension forks.


Got my bike back up and running and gave it a good wash, attempted to fix the brakes by cleaning all the gunk off them and sanding the pads (which are basically new, unworn but were stinking). Now the brakes haven't been heavily used (barely at all) but my local bike shop(not tredz), without looking at the bike or knowing that it has not been used much suggested that the brakes are generally all coming to the end of their life and I shouldnt bother with them I should just buy new ones for £60 a piece. Now these brakes (Giant MPH) didn't get a lot of use and were once very powerful, the bike has basically been sitting in my garage in very stable conditions for 4-5 years, the rears work perfect but the fronts have no power, I've never bled the lines so that would be the first try only that I don't really know how to do it. I don't want to have to replace the brakes but I have until next april to do it if it ends up that way.

Pictures I took of it after washing! 2006 Giant XTC SX

 

[hellnback]

Watched the Female MTB at Olympics last night, most of the track seem ok, few parts of it didn't spin my wheels. Was it just me or were most the bikes Mens HT 29'ers?

Neal, we expect you to do the track at some stage... your goal should you accept it is 15mins for one lap. (This is what the female leader was averaging) That sound fair???

Can't wait for mens race tonight (for me)