The biking thread

Neal
What are the 2.3's you've ordered?
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Purgatory front, Ground Control rear, both Specialized tyres - partly because they're "right" for a Specialized bike but also because I have absolutely nothing bad to say about my current pair of 2.1 wide Ground Controls. They roll fast, almost on a par with semi slicks and on top of that provide great grip off road. Leaving out the 28" tyres, this far I've had:

26x1.75 Kenda no-idea-what - came with my first mountain bike, quickly passed on to my friend as winter tyres
26x1.75 Schwalbe Marathon Plus - durability and weight comparable to an anvil, passed on to my friend as summer tyres
26x2.0 Specialized The Captain Sport - came with my Camber, grippy but a bit on the heavy side, passed on to my mother as winter tyres
26x2.0 Schwalbe Marathon Supreme - used as road tyres, fast but quite harsh
26x2.1 Specialized Ground Control - came with my Rockhopper, served the 2012 summer with great success as my off road tyres and at the moment as a winter rear tyre as the front is...
26x2.1 Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro - spike tyres don't get any better than this!

My winter tyre choice depends on the road conditions, on icy roads Ice Spiker Pros all round, on pure snow Ground Controls all round and in random (the normal ones) conditions an Ice Spiker Pro in the front and a Ground Control in the rear.

In addition to those 2.3s I'm also looking for a pair of fast rolling lightweight XC tyres to replace the Marathon Supremes, seeing that my Ground Controls are very close to their speed already I imagine a shallower tread would close the gap for good while providing superior comfort due to lower pressures. The Marathons can barely be run below 4 bar thanks to their puncture protection that begins to squash and resist rolling below that, the Ground Controls will do 2.5 bar happily and still perform almost as well. Again I'm looking in the Specialized selection first, the Olympic gold medal was taken with Fast Traks if I've interpreted the pictures correctly so they can't be a huge mistake but Renegades also look tempting. (EDIT - I hadn't, it was Fast Trak front, Renegade rear.) Interestingly enough they're also cheaper than most of my other options such as Schwalbe Furious Freds.
 
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Not been on the bike for a month now, so tomorrow i think I'll take it to university. Been having some health problems which is why i've not been biking it, but can't wait. not biked much this winter, so will be interesting to see how it goes :D

EDIT: got semi slick tyres, so that's not a good start.
 
I've been riding full slicks, no issues, but this city doesn't get icy at all. Slicks or semis shouldn't aquaplane at all because of the way they cut through the water.
 
Haven't had any issues with Slicks at all so far this winter, so it shouldn't really be a problem. Even on 23mm in this weather :scared:

Also Shem, that's an impressive road trip you've got planned 👍
 
Greycap
…snip…

In addition to those 2.3s I'm also looking for a pair of fast rolling lightweight XC tyres to replace the Marathon Supremes, seeing that my Ground Controls are very close to their speed already I imagine a shallower tread would close the gap for good while providing superior comfort due to lower pressures. The Marathons can barely be run below 4 bar thanks to their puncture protection that begins to squash and resist rolling below that, the Ground Controls will do 2.5 bar happily and still perform almost as well. Again I'm looking in the Specialized selection first, the Olympic gold medal was taken with Fast Traks if I've interpreted the pictures correctly so they can't be a huge mistake but Renegades also look tempting. (EDIT - I hadn't, it was Fast Trak front, Renegade rear.) Interestingly enough they're also cheaper than most of my other options such as Schwalbe Furious Freds.
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Top post 👍 That's a serious rubber fetish you've got there :lol:

I think I could do with some spikes as it looks like our club ride on Sunday is going to be called off due to weather :grumpy: In fairness it's more to do with being able to drive to there rather than the ride itself.

Don't the XC pros use tubular tyres now? Not that it changes the tread pattern. If you're not riding anything too rocky then I'd recommend Maxxis Crossmark eXC, I had the 2.1 eXC/Silkworm which was very light and very fast rolling but they also do an EXO version which adds a small amount of weight but has sidewall protection which is a must for these tyres on rocky stuff.

mp10
Not been on the bike for a month now, so tomorrow i think I'll take it to university. Been having some health problems which is why i've not been biking it, but can't wait. not biked much this winter, so will be interesting to see how it goes :D

EDIT: got semi slick tyres, so that's not a good start.
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I was out last night and it was pretty icy but as it’s not rained much it was frosty rather than sheet ice, go easy though.


Obviously as I was out that means the new bike is built up, just did a short ride last night to give it a shake down, make sure it’s set up right and bed the new brake pads in and it’s all fine so my spannering was spot on. I’m pleasantly surprised at how much better it feels than my last frame, it’s a bit lighter so it feels more spritely but you can feel how much stiffer it is which makes it fly when you sprint and as it’s longer and slacker it’s loads more stable…and it looks the muts nuts :D Still not had chance to take the obligatory bike love photos yet.
 
Emptyone
Also Shem, that's an impressive road trip you've got planned 👍
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Cheers man, I'm really siked up for it!

I run 700 23mm slicks and don't get any problems apart from diesel or oil on the road.

@Neal - Those Crossmarks are pretty good rubber. I've checked them out at my local store and they seem to be good all rounders. They come in everything from a 26 fat boy to a 700 23c. I haven't tried them but if they're anything like the Detonator they are a good tyre.
 
W3HS
Cheers man, I'm really siked up for it!
I run 700 23mm slicks and don't get any problems apart from diesel or oil on the road..
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I bet, I would love to do something like that! Though I am climbing the Col de Tourmalet this year, which will be fun :nervous:

Only issue's are those I guess. And potholes, those could end your trip at any time.
 
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Potholes (and stray debris) have left me feeling sober many nights on my commute home from work and have lead me to run lower pressures; from around 100psi to as low as 80-90. :(

This is my last year in China so I may never have another chance to ride the country. I'm moving to Thailand at the end of the year but I've already cycled the highest mountain in the north of the country.

EDIT: Just picked this old piece'a crap up from my mate's to loan to another mate who's doing the trip with me. Needs some new tubes but other than that it's in next to new condition. Done about half a mile in the last 2 years I reckon. I've been offered the sale of it for 30quid. Think I should buy it?

Warrior300black.jpg

Not the actual bike in my hallway but a stock photo of the same bike, of course. ;)
 
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Shem, David, mp10 :cheers:

I showed the missus the bike love photos, she was mildly interested rather than telling me off for arsing about so that's a good sign the divorce proceedings are on ice.

TheKitten - Nice bike, dont let that put you off riding. We have officially given up on summer and even Steve Smith doesn't give a toss

 
Nice whip Neal.

My mate George recently got a GoPro 3 so we went for a ride this morning in the snow, proper good fun.



Also I got my flash triggers in the post so it was another excuse to give them a try. I need to work on my technique a bit.

4.jpg


You can't see it in the video so well but the flat section before the bomb hole has a little kicker that puts you in a nice nose manual across into the transition.
 
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Looks fun Tom and nice shot 👍

Our planned ride to The Peak District tomorrow has been cancelled due to snow and likely closed roads stoping us getting there so will be doing a fairly long local ride but will include a play in the woods in the snow.

Mike Rotch
Pretty shmick Neal. That mini mud guard is awesome :drool:.
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Cheers :D

They are Called Mucky Nutz Bender Fenders are are brilliant as they stop the vast majority of crud getting thrown off your front wheel and into you face. Print the below of on A4 paper (actual size) and use it as a template to cut one out of thin flexible plastic (I used an A4 folder) then zip tie it to your fork brace and legs. 👍

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/11915712/Mucky Nutz Bender Fender v2.pdf
 
Neal
Top post 👍 That's a serious rubber fetish you've got there :lol:
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Just a bit... but we all have our dark secrets, don't we? :P

To add to the subject, I picked up the Ground Control today (the Purgatory will arrive from the UK) and was awestruck when I saw it. I had ordered it by phone, asked if it was foldable or "wired" and when I was assured it was foldable I hadn't given it any more thought. Well yes, it was foldable but not in the way I had thought... I expected the normal "Control" trim level but got a top of the line S-Works tyre. Not complaining!

I also got a very good look on the XC tyres I had in mind, Renegades are tempting with their minimalistic tread and availability in 26x2.1 size (as Control versions though, S-Works 26x1.9 only) but on the other hand Fast Traks offer more gravel road capability and can be had as S-Works in the 26x2.0 size for the exact same price. Choices, choices...

The 456 looks quite striking, now I see where the SLX brakes you mentioned earlier ended up at! I have to say that I'm slightly jealous about the fork as I only have a Recon Silver myself but perhaps summer 2014 will see my Camber equipped with a Reba too.
 
My bike in the snow (there was more in the distance than the picture shows).
j0l3ld.jpg



Me in my snow camouflage ;)

dtovn.jpg
 
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lbsf1
My bike in the snow (there was more in the distance than the picture shows).
*snip*
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Wuss, I got by on 23mm tyres in this weather :dopey: nice bike though, bet that was fun to ride on, it's a bit of a rare chance to get some snow time in.
 
Emptyone
Wuss, I got by on 23mm tyres in this weather :dopey: nice bike though, bet that was fun to ride on, it's a bit of a rare chance to get some snow time in.
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Yeah it was pretty nice to ride in snow it has a very weird feeling, soft when you fall off aswell ;). The tyres on the bike arn't as grippy as you think. This is what they look like tread wise.

1279722149046-14c2u0yua97zi-399-75.jpg


They are very much summer tyres. I also have been riding my other bike to college on slushy paths and that has semi road tyres :S so I can relate to how you feel with that, lol.
 
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Good work getting out in the snow on those tyres lbsf1, I was all over the place yesterday as it's finally turned from nice and crunchy to OMFG I'm sideways and double rutted, I have perfected the art of saving a front end slide though :P

Greycap
Just a bit... but we all have our dark secrets, don't we? :P

To add to the subject, I picked up the Ground Control today (the Purgatory will arrive from the UK) and was awestruck when I saw it. I had ordered it by phone, asked if it was foldable or "wired" and when I was assured it was foldable I hadn't given it any more thought. Well yes, it was foldable but not in the way I had thought... I expected the normal "Control" trim level but got a top of the line S-Works tyre. Not complaining!

I also got a very good look on the XC tyres I had in mind, Renegades are tempting with their minimalistic tread and availability in 26x2.1 size (as Control versions though, S-Works 26x1.9 only) but on the other hand Fast Traks offer more gravel road capability and can be had as S-Works in the 26x2.0 size for the exact same price. Choices, choices...

The 456 looks quite striking, now I see where the SLX brakes you mentioned earlier ended up at! I have to say that I'm slightly jealous about the fork as I only have a Recon Silver myself but perhaps summer 2014 will see my Camber equipped with a Reba too.
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Nice one getting a S-Works tyre, I was eying up a Specialized S-Work Storm for the back a while ago but just went Maxxis Advantage both ends as they were lying around and they've worked ok. I'm in two minds about my next tyres as big and burly is suitable for the kind of riding I do but is heavy so considering something lighter but I’m worried about them not having enough grip and protection from being ripped to shreds…

I’m still in bike love stage with the 456 and washing it after every ride, that won’t last. The SLX brakes are proving to be better than I was hoping, money well spent for once! Are the Recon’s Solo Air and Turnkey Damper? If so they’re not that much heavier than Reba’s but the Motion Control dampers will make a difference
 
Stopped procrastinating and went for a ride... 30km over 90mins. Calf started to cramp at 25km, so buttoned off a bit.

If I'm doing two events soon I need to start getting out more... same event as last year, and maybe the 52km event a month later...
 
Well my test ride was a disaster today. The first jump I hit had been altered since the last time I rode it and was given a new lip, this sent me higher than normal and into a huge nosedive right onto the back of the landing, almost enough to knock me out. Had to call it a day then as I was too shook up to try again.

In a more interesting story, Frank Scleck has been given a 1 year suspension after testing positive for a banned substance during the 2012 Tour de France.
 
boiltheocean
In a more interesting story, Frank Scleck has been given a 1 year suspension after testing positive for a banned substance during the 2012 Tour de France.
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Has it been backdated like Contador's was? This begs the question is Andy doping, for Radioshack was managed by Johan Bruyneel, who ran USPostal too. Really, we can assume he has. In which case Wiggins 2009 4th should really be moved up to first, since Contador tested positive, and Armstrong had been stripped of everything up to 1998.

We would have has two British wins now in that case :irked:
 
Emptyone
Has it been backdated like Contador's was? This begs the question is Andy doping, for Radioshack was managed by Johan Bruyneel, who ran USPostal too. Really, we can assume he has. In which case Wiggins 2009 4th should really be moved up to first, since Contador tested positive, and Armstrong had been stripped of everything up to 1998.

We would have has two British wins now in that case :irked:
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It has indeed, he'll still miss the 2013 Tour though.
 

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