The biking thread
- Thread starter Bram Turismo
- 4,902 comments
- 271,819 views
- 3,460
- Hollywood
Setting the derailleur is the hardest thing on a bike?I must be a wizard, I've done it five or six times without rubbing... it takes three hands (or some creative thinking) though but this far I've always succeeded.
Same here, if you do it in the right order (set the rear first, etc) it's not too difficult. I even did it on the triple on my road bike, which most people told me would rub regardless!
- 4,081
- Somerset
- Pagey279
Bike finally came today, and of course the last few days its been sunny with white fluffy clouds and the day it comes the heavens open.
Plus I went and got the bike, found out it doesn't fit in my car, even after taking the front wheel off. So I had to ride it home, its soooo nice. I got up one of the steepest hills in my town no problem
Got home and was rolling up to my door. Now the pedals have cage things on them, so you can't take your foot straight off them, you have to slide it back. I forgot this, tried taking my feet off, couldn't and rode head long into the house
my left hand is very badly swollen, bruised and a nice gash in my pinky which is unable to bend, also a golf ball sized lump on my head.
Stupid bike.
Plus I went and got the bike, found out it doesn't fit in my car, even after taking the front wheel off. So I had to ride it home, its soooo nice. I got up one of the steepest hills in my town no problem
Got home and was rolling up to my door. Now the pedals have cage things on them, so you can't take your foot straight off them, you have to slide it back. I forgot this, tried taking my feet off, couldn't and rode head long into the house
my left hand is very badly swollen, bruised and a nice gash in my pinky which is unable to bend, also a golf ball sized lump on my head. Stupid bike.
- 30,050
- Thailand
Welcome to the club.
I've got a nice, temporary scar of several of my crank spikes in my calf from trying to unclip in a building entranceway and trying to put the clipped foot down while still attached. That also slip my elbow as I crunched the corner or a wall.
That's just from riding, wait till you get fixing and watch your knuckles slowly get scarred to buggery!
I've got a nice, temporary scar of several of my crank spikes in my calf from trying to unclip in a building entranceway and trying to put the clipped foot down while still attached. That also slip my elbow as I crunched the corner or a wall.
That's just from riding, wait till you get fixing and watch your knuckles slowly get scarred to buggery!
- 38,956
- Application hell
- MP-Omnis
My bike is still puking the chain off the crank when I put any good torque through the crankset. Can they fix this at the shop or should I ask them to install something with a discrete derailleur? The front derailleur is one of those twist-grip friction shifter ones. I'm regretting not getting a shaft drive.
- 3,460
- Hollywood
What bike and how old?
- 38,956
- Application hell
- MP-Omnis
http://www.diamondback.com/2011-wildwood-citi-classic
A year old. I can ride it, but I can't do any interval training on the bike at all, which is kind of the reason I ride it... exercise bikes are too boring.
A year old. I can ride it, but I can't do any interval training on the bike at all, which is kind of the reason I ride it... exercise bikes are too boring.
- 3,460
- Hollywood
Yeah, I say take it to the bike shop. Could be the derailleur out of alignment (the rear ones can bend very easily) or the top and bottom limits (stop the chain falling off either end of the cassette or chainrings) could be set wrong. Or anything, really, it is a bike after all!
- 5,500
- Vic, Australia
- gundalini
Got home and was rolling up to my door. Now the pedals have cage things on them, so you can't take your foot straight off them, you have to slide it back. I forgot this, tried taking my feet off, couldn't and rode head long into the house
Stupid bike.
Sorry mate but I had to laugh.
First time I used clipless pedals when I got home the small jolt going up my driveway was enough to clip my foot back in. As I had next to no momentum if it wasn't for my gate to grab onto I would have fallen straight over.
Cheers Shaun.
- 3,679
- Warwick Uni
- lbsf1 GTP_lbsf1
- obsmu (my brothers acount)
Lets bump this thread back up. I went down Swinley forest today as it was the first day that their new trails were open, and they were awesome. I also had my helmet cam with me so here are some vids of the runs. The first one is a very fast downhill, very steep (camera doesn't quite catch it, some parts were too steep to walk up :S ). The second video is a more technical bit of a run. Both of these are awesome to ride and are really smooth and flowing, yet challenging enough that you get a huge amount of adrenaline after doing them.
- 641
- Ireland
- funkyDucks
Looks cool,
I will be hopefully be much more active in this thread now as I have been gifted my dads old racer bike. Pics will go up in the near future.
I will be hopefully be much more active in this thread now as I have been gifted my dads old racer bike. Pics will go up in the near future.
- 4,081
- Somerset
- Pagey279
It looks like a lot of fun, but knowing my luck the first time I attempt a trail like that I will go too fast and crash headlong into a tree!
Weather was good today, a little too windy but I went for a ride anyway. Covered just under 7 miles, it wasn't too challenging a ride, I wanted to ease myself in after hardly any exercise for the past few months. Even so I pushed a little too hard and felt sick for half an hour after I got back, and couldn't walk for a while.
At least I didn't crash into my house this time
Weather was good today, a little too windy but I went for a ride anyway. Covered just under 7 miles, it wasn't too challenging a ride, I wanted to ease myself in after hardly any exercise for the past few months. Even so I pushed a little too hard and felt sick for half an hour after I got back, and couldn't walk for a while.
At least I didn't crash into my house this time
- 30,050
- Thailand
Since going into self-administrated R&D (Rehab & Detox) I now rely on my bike for part of my plan which is exercising everyday.
When I was working I commuted almost daily, 30km there and back. I never counted it as exercise because commuting is never really done at full pace. Now I'm doing 50km a day at 80% pace in a hope to get super-fit after my last few weeks of being off the bike and under the weather.
Yesterday I tracked down some hills and got some speed cameras flashing (apparently bike-speeding is a ticket-able offence if caught in the act, so my friend says) but that serves them right for setting a 60 limit on a 3km stretch of down hill road. As it was just after lunch the traffic wasn't too bad either.
My plan now is to go out everyday (I'm unemployed currently) and find some of the fastest mountains to ride down and see what speeds I can reach. It might sound crazy but I prefer the busier roads because dicing with the traffic is such a rush....as long as my brakes stay strong, which is why they're getting a tune up this morning before I head out across the city.
Now, I've always said that to remember my time as an ex-pat, in each country I should have a tattoo done that has some kind of meaning attached. The obvious would be a Chinese character but that's so common these days. Yesterday I got one of my accidental temporary tattoos from my bike and thought that I might as well look to make it permanent. So, providing I get the time I'm going to have my ink done in a style that all cyclist should know about: The inside of the leg ring mark:
When I was working I commuted almost daily, 30km there and back. I never counted it as exercise because commuting is never really done at full pace. Now I'm doing 50km a day at 80% pace in a hope to get super-fit after my last few weeks of being off the bike and under the weather.
Yesterday I tracked down some hills and got some speed cameras flashing (apparently bike-speeding is a ticket-able offence if caught in the act, so my friend says) but that serves them right for setting a 60 limit on a 3km stretch of down hill road. As it was just after lunch the traffic wasn't too bad either.
My plan now is to go out everyday (I'm unemployed currently) and find some of the fastest mountains to ride down and see what speeds I can reach. It might sound crazy but I prefer the busier roads because dicing with the traffic is such a rush....as long as my brakes stay strong, which is why they're getting a tune up this morning before I head out across the city.
Now, I've always said that to remember my time as an ex-pat, in each country I should have a tattoo done that has some kind of meaning attached. The obvious would be a Chinese character but that's so common these days. Yesterday I got one of my accidental temporary tattoos from my bike and thought that I might as well look to make it permanent. So, providing I get the time I'm going to have my ink done in a style that all cyclist should know about: The inside of the leg ring mark:
- 5,500
- Vic, Australia
- gundalini
Nice on mate, that will help out your R&D nicely. 👍
Out of interest what would your 80% pace be?
On a flat smooth road with no wind I tend to cruise along at around 30-33 kmh. I feel like I can go a long way at that pace. Bumping it up just a few kmh though does tend to take it out of me rather quickly though.
Went for a ride this morning, the weather was glorious, 15c when I started out. Not cold enough for long gear but not hot so that you sweat like a hooker in church. Sun came out and it was even better.
Had planned on a quick 25km but ended up going just shy of 50km. Felt like continuing but had to be home to get some stuff done.
Cheers Shaun.
- 30,050
- Thailand
80% pace I would estimate around 42kph on the flat with no wind. 100% would be clocking around 50 but I doubt I could keep that up (even as an average speed) for more than 20-25kph here because of the mountains. I do home to my father's (20km on the button) in around 40-45 minutes depending on traffic and the route. Sometimes an hour though if I'm feeling like a casual ride. 
I nicely maxed out at 63kph last night on a 3 lane bridge of ~3km and full of traffic. The limit is 50 but, meh, I was running on bananas and not fossil fuels so I think I have some leeway. It was so exhilarating diving in and out of lanes, tucked up tight, head down, arms in, legs spinning away in the highest gear, drafting the motorcycles.
I'd like to try the same run again soon but without wearing a 15kg pack and definitely wearing my lid and armour the next time.
The bike got a strip down and grease up today so tomorrow should be interesting to see if a little bit of oil and a clean up can make any improvements. I'm also considering putting on my aero bars for that bit extra, but might make the bike unstable through traffic.
I'll get some pics and you guys can see what I mean...watch this space...
EDIT:
They just clip onto the middle of the bars with a bit of fiddly playing around.
I nicely maxed out at 63kph last night on a 3 lane bridge of ~3km and full of traffic. The limit is 50 but, meh, I was running on bananas and not fossil fuels so I think I have some leeway. It was so exhilarating diving in and out of lanes, tucked up tight, head down, arms in, legs spinning away in the highest gear, drafting the motorcycles.
I'd like to try the same run again soon but without wearing a 15kg pack and definitely wearing my lid and armour the next time.
The bike got a strip down and grease up today so tomorrow should be interesting to see if a little bit of oil and a clean up can make any improvements. I'm also considering putting on my aero bars for that bit extra, but might make the bike unstable through traffic.
I'll get some pics and you guys can see what I mean...watch this space...
EDIT:
They just clip onto the middle of the bars with a bit of fiddly playing around.
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- 5,500
- Vic, Australia
- gundalini
Too quick for me matey. 👍
I could probably keep that up for 3km's then I'd be knackered.
I'm just an old git though that took up road cycling 3 months ago though. At the start 20 kmh sustained was hard so at least I'm making progress.
Nice, I think the most I've managed is around 58kph, it is pretty flat around my area though. Just a couple of rolling hills.
This is about 6 km up the road though, I often ride past but I haven't been up it yet. You can get half way up on a road bike before it becomes MTB territory. I might go up on the weekend to see how quick I can come down.
Done the same a couple of days ago after getting caught in the rain.
I even gave her a polish with Meguiars Gold Class liquid wax which is normally reserved for our car. Y'know just for the faster airflow over the frame.
Your aero bars look interesting. I imagine they would be good on country roads (what I ride) but as you said could be a bit sketchy in traffic.
Cheers Shaun.
- 30,050
- Thailand
After my first few years of cycling I was still only an average pace rider, then, coming to CQ four years ago I had to get used to climbing mountains which made massive improvements in my stamina and strength, but I guess being whippet thin helps me go faster too.
350m+ could be a great ride if you can find a few km of good road to ride down. Walking up is always an option if you don't want to take the car. Coming down a mountain/ hill or any incline at speed is always a thrill.
The last mountain stint I did was a little over 600m and my two friends walked up that for over 40 minutes. We came down in less than 4!
I even gave her a polish with Meguiars Gold Class liquid wax which is normally reserved for our car. Y'know just for the faster airflow over the frame.
I think my bike gets more attention to detail when being cleaned/ groomed than most of my body does, but I've not yet tried taking off finger nails and ears just to scrub behind them!
I'll soon find out tomorrow.
I guess I can take my bike tool and take them off after a while if they get a bit annoying.
- 3,460
- Hollywood
What tyres do you normally ride? Ultremo?
- 5,500
- Vic, Australia
- gundalini
Speaking of tyres while cleaning my bike a few days ago I noticed a small chunk missing right in the middle of my rear tyre. It's only around the size of a matchstick head and about half as deep, it doesn't look like the tube showing through.
I've since ridden around 100km on it and it hasn't gotten any worse, I'm assuming I ran over a sharp stone at some stage and afaik it could have been there for the last 500 odd km.
It did get me thinking though, what to get should the need for replacements arise.
What I would be mostly after would be puncture resistance, low weight and rolling resistance would be an added bonus as well but not the priority.
Has anyone had any experience with these,the description seems to fit the bill. Or does anyone have any recommendations as to other tyres that would be suitable, I'm also not looking for any outlandish colours etc.
Edit: I've just googled Ultremo mentioned by MD above, they seem to have a few options as well.
Cheers Shaun.
I've since ridden around 100km on it and it hasn't gotten any worse, I'm assuming I ran over a sharp stone at some stage and afaik it could have been there for the last 500 odd km.
It did get me thinking though, what to get should the need for replacements arise.
What I would be mostly after would be puncture resistance, low weight and rolling resistance would be an added bonus as well but not the priority.
Has anyone had any experience with these,the description seems to fit the bill. Or does anyone have any recommendations as to other tyres that would be suitable, I'm also not looking for any outlandish colours etc.
Edit: I've just googled Ultremo mentioned by MD above, they seem to have a few options as well.
Cheers Shaun.
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- 30,050
- Thailand
Maxxis are a good bet for some fair quality, fairly priced rubber. What kind/ size do you need and what are you using them for mostly?
If you don't mind adding a few grams to each tyre you could Slime them and avoid punctures pretty much all together!
I've got a few slices in my tyres from previous punctures and they don't cause any issues.
If you don't mind adding a few grams to each tyre you could Slime them and avoid punctures pretty much all together!
I've got a few slices in my tyres from previous punctures and they don't cause any issues.
- 5,500
- Vic, Australia
- gundalini
They're 700x23c.
Purely for road riding around my area, some really smooth bitumen and some bitumen with the coarse type surface on it. I avoid dirt paths and what not like the plague.
Speaking of coarse surfaces, did anyone watch Flanders last week?
The climbs the guys where doing on the rough cobblestones was crazy.
Doesn't seem like my idea of fun cycling.
Cheers Shaun.
Purely for road riding around my area, some really smooth bitumen and some bitumen with the coarse type surface on it. I avoid dirt paths and what not like the plague.
Speaking of coarse surfaces, did anyone watch Flanders last week?
The climbs the guys where doing on the rough cobblestones was crazy.
Doesn't seem like my idea of fun cycling.
Cheers Shaun.
- 30,050
- Thailand
Some Detonators could be up your street. They pretty much slick with slight grooves and lots of sticking power, also cheaper than Michelin. I bought some in a 26x1 for a mountain bike before but they come in a 700 23c.
I use Michelins called Dynamic Sport which I find amazing, just 1 step down from the Pro Race 3 which come in cool colours and cost more.
I use Michelins called Dynamic Sport which I find amazing, just 1 step down from the Pro Race 3 which come in cool colours and cost more.
- 3,321
- United States
- GTP_Sam48
Okay, so I've entered my first race (Cat 5 rider here), set to take place mid-summer on Watkins Glen International (The race circuit itself). But I was thinking to myself about hydration, and then I realized I had no idea how racing cyclists stay hydrated when racing. Do they actually keep bottles in their two lower cages and reach for them when they get thirsty like us long distance riders? It just seemed odd to me for someone to do that during a race. Any suggestions?
