The biking thread
- Thread starter Bram Turismo
- 4,909 comments
- 275,687 views
- 7,948
- Horbury, West Yorkshire
- GTP_Sprite
- 30,098
- Thailand
I tend to enjoy the MTB stuff, especially the downhill street stuff from places like Peru and Rio.
Sports wise I'm growing more fond of the road tours after having sat through a few and found the commentary makes its enjoyable. Previously I'd had to deal with Chinese commentators rather than English speakers.
👍
Sports wise I'm growing more fond of the road tours after having sat through a few and found the commentary makes its enjoyable. Previously I'd had to deal with Chinese commentators rather than English speakers.
👍
- 1,457
- Exeter
- Emptyone-77
As far as cycling documentaries, only one I've seen is 'A Sunday in Hell', the documentary covering the 1976 Paris-Roubaix. It's fairly good, though that might depend on how much you like the classics.
Giro Italia starts friday, first Grand Tour of the season, with favourites such as Cadel Evans (who won Giro del Trentino recently) and Nairo Quintana racing it. Starts for three days in Ireland too.
Giro Italia starts friday, first Grand Tour of the season, with favourites such as Cadel Evans (who won Giro del Trentino recently) and Nairo Quintana racing it. Starts for three days in Ireland too.
- 1,457
- Exeter
- Emptyone-77
Nibbles dominated last year, it was mostly snow and rain, there was barely a sunny day from memory. I think stage 19 was called off due to weather. Slightly lower class field this year, Sky seem to be dropping like flies so no presence from them. It's actually quite an open field, so should be good.
How the race was won as always for recapping
How the race was won as always for recapping
- 5,503
- Vic, Australia
- gundalini
I've seen bits and pieces of that one, must sit down and watch it all.
The classics are fantastic to watch, the PS3 has had a workout recording them of late. Currently watching a stage a night of the tour of Turkey via YouTube.
Yep can't wait, interesting to see how the reception will be in Ireland. Starts I think with team time trial then a jaunt around the Belfast region the second day.
Tour of California runs at the same time, the PS3 will be hit hard again. I can see some issues with keeping current stage wise watching them both though. I think I'll try and keep up to date with the Giro and do my best to avoid the results of California and watch that a bit later.
Yeah the weather was shocking last year. Wasn't it the cold that caused Wiggins to fall ill. Speaking of Sky absolutely correct with them dropping like flies. Feel for Porte as he was going to lead at the Giro but due to being ill he won't be riding it. Looks like he'll be the right hand man for Froome again in France.
You going to head up and watch any of the Tour de France when it kicks off in England?
- 1,457
- Exeter
- Emptyone-77
Good Tour for the Brits that one, with 'spoilers' Cav and Yates
Team time trials are pretty good shows I think, make a better start than sprints. Tour of California has a stellar cast, Wiggins, Sagan, Cav and a bunch of others are all going, so Sagan won't take every sprint this year. Roads are just so open compared to Europe, it looks odd!
I think him and Ryder Hesjedal both didn't like the weather at all, Wiggins had a chest infection. Yep, but falling ill before Liege worked for Froome at Normandy, must be Marginal Gains
Porte was nowhere in Romandie, got a lot of catching up to do in the two months left.Hope so, get to see Cav taking Yellow if all goes to plan. We'll see when the time rolls around.
- 7,948
- Horbury, West Yorkshire
- GTP_Sprite
- 30,098
- Thailand
Where The Trail Ends is the only one of those I've seen. Probably seen it five or six times too.
I can relate because I rode the mountains (on a pathway and by motorcycle) that they rode down the side of less than a year ago in Xinjiang, China.
I'll dig around and see if I can find the other videos to watch too. Thanks. 👍
I can relate because I rode the mountains (on a pathway and by motorcycle) that they rode down the side of less than a year ago in Xinjiang, China.
I'll dig around and see if I can find the other videos to watch too. Thanks. 👍
- 30,098
- Thailand
The Giro has been rather exciting the last few days. It's the first tour I've properly followed on TV and I'm finding it really enjoyable.
This morning I caught the last of the Belfast stages and felt how tense it was during the last 10km culminating in the sprint finish.
I'm looking forward to the Irish Republic stages coming next.
This morning I caught the last of the Belfast stages and felt how tense it was during the last 10km culminating in the sprint finish.
I'm looking forward to the Irish Republic stages coming next.
- 5,503
- Vic, Australia
- gundalini
Yeah likewise I've been enjoying it also. Me thinks that I'm going to be a bit tired for the next few weeks at work.
Can't wait until they get in the mountains as the Giro has some serious climbs.
On my front I finally got the chance today to take my bike out with new groupset for a decent-ish ride today of about 65km.
Initial impressions are very positive, a quick break down.
Shifters: Suit my hands much better as they are thinner, the adjustment screw which changes the distance between the brake lever and bars is great, much more refined than just the shims that are available on the 105 gear. I wound them in most of the way for my short hands and reaching the levers for braking and shifting both from the drops and on top of the shifters is a cinch.
Gear Changing: Both front and rear derailluers do a great job here. The 105 was good anyway but the Ultegra is just that little bit smoother and quicker. The front is the biggest improvement over the 105 and it's very swift and smooth, totally fuss free. I tested it a couple of times by not backing off on the pedals at all and it didn't care, swapped chainrings in both directions without a hitch.
Crankset: Turns the chain as it should
, nice and quiet, looks good in my book and not that it really matters to me but it's a fair bit lighter than the outgoing one.
Brakes: Holy smoke Batman, these are the biggest improvement over the previous group by far. The stopping power is immense but much more modulated. The older gear where a bit like an on/off switch which required a fair bit of finesse. These ones you can grab hard and they pull up up very quick or a gentle touch just washes of a little speed. I didn't test the front to max but with the rear I did and the power is there to lock the wheel at any speed. What's nice though the lock doesn't happen as quick as the 105 did, just so much more modulation in-between. Really I can't speak highly enough of the brakes.
Overall I couldn't be happier with the new group and have absolutely zero regrets about purchasing it.
Many happy km's in front of me to come.
Can't wait until they get in the mountains as the Giro has some serious climbs.
On my front I finally got the chance today to take my bike out with new groupset for a decent-ish ride today of about 65km.
Initial impressions are very positive, a quick break down.
Shifters: Suit my hands much better as they are thinner, the adjustment screw which changes the distance between the brake lever and bars is great, much more refined than just the shims that are available on the 105 gear. I wound them in most of the way for my short hands and reaching the levers for braking and shifting both from the drops and on top of the shifters is a cinch.
Gear Changing: Both front and rear derailluers do a great job here. The 105 was good anyway but the Ultegra is just that little bit smoother and quicker. The front is the biggest improvement over the 105 and it's very swift and smooth, totally fuss free. I tested it a couple of times by not backing off on the pedals at all and it didn't care, swapped chainrings in both directions without a hitch.
Crankset: Turns the chain as it should
, nice and quiet, looks good in my book and not that it really matters to me but it's a fair bit lighter than the outgoing one.Brakes: Holy smoke Batman, these are the biggest improvement over the previous group by far. The stopping power is immense but much more modulated. The older gear where a bit like an on/off switch which required a fair bit of finesse. These ones you can grab hard and they pull up up very quick or a gentle touch just washes of a little speed. I didn't test the front to max but with the rear I did and the power is there to lock the wheel at any speed. What's nice though the lock doesn't happen as quick as the 105 did, just so much more modulation in-between. Really I can't speak highly enough of the brakes.
Overall I couldn't be happier with the new group and have absolutely zero regrets about purchasing it.
Many happy km's in front of me to come.
- 30,098
- Thailand
Just read Wiggins has the lead of the California Tour. Unluckily for me my sports channel isn't showing it but I can't complain, I still get Liege-Baston-Leige & the Giro D'italia.
Also, cruising around town I noticed a cyclists' café here named Cafè Robaix and remember reading that a place in Canada with the same name received a cease and desist letter from Specialized due to them owning the name. Do you think I should mention it to them? Maybe they already know. I'd hate to think that a nice little place for riders might get in trouble because of their not knowing.
Also, cruising around town I noticed a cyclists' café here named Cafè Robaix and remember reading that a place in Canada with the same name received a cease and desist letter from Specialized due to them owning the name. Do you think I should mention it to them? Maybe they already know. I'd hate to think that a nice little place for riders might get in trouble because of their not knowing.
- 5,503
- Vic, Australia
- gundalini
Specialized should go 🤬 themselves if that's the case.
Paris to Roubaix is known as the Queen of the classics for a good reason. Not many races in the world are seen as more important.
Sure Specialized have a bike model "Roubaix" but how they can own the name is beyond me. Perhaps the town Roubaix should be having a word with Specialized and tell them to pull their head in.
Paris to Roubaix is known as the Queen of the classics for a good reason. Not many races in the world are seen as more important.
Sure Specialized have a bike model "Roubaix" but how they can own the name is beyond me. Perhaps the town Roubaix should be having a word with Specialized and tell them to pull their head in.
- 1,457
- Exeter
- Emptyone-77
Happily Shem, the Tour of California has an official livestream for us folks abroad: http://tourtracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/
Wiggins dominated the TT, won by 44s, and with typical Sky racing will probably hold the lead till the end, without too many strong climbers participating. Apparently down to TDF '12 weight as well, which can only help him in the mountains.
In other news, Kittel is out of the Giro and is ruining my Velogames team
Matthews holding the lead for OGE, though tomorrow may shake him off the lead with a couple of cat 4's to finish. When it does uphill it will get more interesting.
Oh yeah, and Specialized are trademark trolls for sure. Madness.
And whilst I'm posting, this is the on bike footage from the Stage 1 sprint, pretty cool:
EDIT: Yep, Ultegra groupset is a great step from 105 or lower, I agree @Shaun, makes a world of difference under braking.
Wiggins dominated the TT, won by 44s, and with typical Sky racing will probably hold the lead till the end, without too many strong climbers participating. Apparently down to TDF '12 weight as well, which can only help him in the mountains.
In other news, Kittel is out of the Giro and is ruining my Velogames team
Matthews holding the lead for OGE, though tomorrow may shake him off the lead with a couple of cat 4's to finish. When it does uphill it will get more interesting.Oh yeah, and Specialized are trademark trolls for sure. Madness.
And whilst I'm posting, this is the on bike footage from the Stage 1 sprint, pretty cool:
EDIT: Yep, Ultegra groupset is a great step from 105 or lower, I agree @Shaun, makes a world of difference under braking.
- 805
- NJ
- alpacaflip1
@Sprite great movies up there. I used to watch Life Cycles and the NWD series before downhilling season started, to get me all pumped up to ride haha. Love Aggy's last segment in life cycles, so much steeze.
My beast. Put a new set of tires, chain, and rear cassette on. Also adjusted the rear shock a little bit.
My beast. Put a new set of tires, chain, and rear cassette on. Also adjusted the rear shock a little bit.
Pako
Staff Emeritus
- 16,455
- NW Montana
- GTP-Pako
- GTP Pako
I am back at it again....
I sold my Specialized Carve early this spring to a buddy and quickly found myself missing being on the mountain. I started borrowing my wife's bike, a Giant Rincon 17", medium frame. It climb's ok, a good amount of work, and provided some great cardio. Downhill, however, was like holding on to a overactive jackhammer. It is unreal! Needless to say, I have a new (used) bike on order and should be here next Thursday. I am super stoked and can't wait. I'm getting a 29er again as I really miss the smooth ride and the climbing efficiencies the 29 gives me over the 26 wheels on the Giant I've been riding.
Here's a little preview:
And a second one:
I sold my Specialized Carve early this spring to a buddy and quickly found myself missing being on the mountain. I started borrowing my wife's bike, a Giant Rincon 17", medium frame. It climb's ok, a good amount of work, and provided some great cardio. Downhill, however, was like holding on to a overactive jackhammer. It is unreal! Needless to say, I have a new (used) bike on order and should be here next Thursday. I am super stoked and can't wait. I'm getting a 29er again as I really miss the smooth ride and the climbing efficiencies the 29 gives me over the 26 wheels on the Giant I've been riding.
Here's a little preview:
And a second one:
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- 35,501
- Downtown North Dakota
- Cy-Fi
Indeed. 👍
Last night I took my lowly 26" (
) for its first ride of the season. According to Endomondo, after correcting a GPS glitch, I covered a staggering 6 miles in, if memory serves, 26 minutes.Regarding the GPS hiccup, I was in the garage ready for my ride, I fired up Endomondo and took off. I'd made it no more than 200 feet and the endo voice says "one mile in three seconds." Sadly, I couldn't keep up that pace.
Pako
Staff Emeritus
- 16,455
- NW Montana
- GTP-Pako
- GTP Pako
Yes, yes I am a tease and if I have to wait for the bike, so do you.
Here's a couple more for today:
TB is right, I am referencing the 29" wheels. It's the latest greatest for now, but just wait because the 26er's will be back in full swing in just a few more short years.
I do notice that the tight switchbacks going up the mountain are easier to negotiate with the 26" wheel over the 29", but am hoping that with the new geometry of this bike I'm getting will remove that difficulty. That was my only complaint I had with my prior 29er.
- 6,031
- Finland
Thanks, it's a very good one indeed! Just a Comp '13 though but as said, not much of the original left.
Changed this far:
Saddle, Specialized Henge Comp
Stem, Specialized something, a leftover from my '12 Camber Comp which received upgraded parts
Grips, Specialized XC
Brakes & rotors, Shimano SLX
Wheels, DT Swiss X 1900 Spline
Tyres, S-Works Fast Trak & S-Works Renegade
Front derailleur, it err, disappeared...
Chainring, Race Face narrow-wide 36T
Cassette, SRAM 11-28T
Chain, Shimano XT (this was more maintenance than an actual changed part)
Pedals, Specialized something, again leftovers from the Camber
Chainstay protector, meant for the Stumpjumper but fits the Carve just fine
Bottle cage, Specialized Zee Cage
Will be changed:
Rear derailleur, Shimano Zee
Rear shifter, Shimano SLX
Pedals, Shimano T780
Another bottle cage, same model and colour, already bought
Might be changed:
Saddle, Specialized Avatar Comp (the Henge is on loan from the Camber)
Fork, RockShox 30 Gold 120 mm
Stem, something with close to zero angle (to prevent the handlebar being sky high after the fork change)
Changed this far:
Saddle, Specialized Henge Comp
Stem, Specialized something, a leftover from my '12 Camber Comp which received upgraded parts
Grips, Specialized XC
Brakes & rotors, Shimano SLX
Wheels, DT Swiss X 1900 Spline
Tyres, S-Works Fast Trak & S-Works Renegade
Front derailleur, it err, disappeared...
Chainring, Race Face narrow-wide 36T
Cassette, SRAM 11-28T
Chain, Shimano XT (this was more maintenance than an actual changed part)
Pedals, Specialized something, again leftovers from the Camber
Chainstay protector, meant for the Stumpjumper but fits the Carve just fine
Bottle cage, Specialized Zee Cage
Will be changed:
Rear derailleur, Shimano Zee
Rear shifter, Shimano SLX
Pedals, Shimano T780
Another bottle cage, same model and colour, already bought
Might be changed:
Saddle, Specialized Avatar Comp (the Henge is on loan from the Camber)
Fork, RockShox 30 Gold 120 mm
Stem, something with close to zero angle (to prevent the handlebar being sky high after the fork change)
Pako
Staff Emeritus
- 16,455
- NW Montana
- GTP-Pako
- GTP Pako
That's great! Looks like a nice build for sure. I'm going FS this time around and am a little concerned about the weight, but am hopeful to get it close to where my Alloy Carve was in terms of weight and uphill rigidity.
@Shaun, I've installed that app and hope to try it tonight. Not sure if I have cell/GPS service on my phone where I've been riding so I'll let you know. I already have many way points that I've set personal goals of just getting through sections without putting my foot down. The ride's pretty short, only 3 miles I think but it has some pretty steep and technical sections. Should be fun.
I might just leave it on while I drive up there to compete against some of @TB times.
@Shaun, I've installed that app and hope to try it tonight. Not sure if I have cell/GPS service on my phone where I've been riding so I'll let you know. I already have many way points that I've set personal goals of just getting through sections without putting my foot down. The ride's pretty short, only 3 miles I think but it has some pretty steep and technical sections. Should be fun.
I might just leave it on while I drive up there to compete against some of @TB times.
- 6,031
- Finland
From what I've heard the '12 model Carves were quite a bit heavier than the '13 to begin with, some sources quote as much as 1,5 kg which certainly sounds like a lot seeing how simple the structure is. Mine weighs 11,8x kg now in full equipment, 11,72 kg was the lowest I got out of it but things such as the chainstay protector and computer are essentials that should be included in the weight in my opinion.
While we're at it I may as well post the "freetime bike", the Carve is my daily driver but this one is purely for having fun nowadays. Specialized Camber Comp '12, the list of changed parts more or less matches that of the Carve in length.
While we're at it I may as well post the "freetime bike", the Carve is my daily driver but this one is purely for having fun nowadays. Specialized Camber Comp '12, the list of changed parts more or less matches that of the Carve in length.
Pako
Staff Emeritus
- 16,455
- NW Montana
- GTP-Pako
- GTP Pako
Wow, that Camber looks sweet! I love the color combination. White pedals would look sick!
I have a buddy that's been riding trails for 8 years on his Cannondale Prophet lefty. This spring he decided it was time to get a new bike so he started demoing different bikes from the LBS here in town. He started thinking he needs to be in a carbon FS bike but shouldn't need more than 100-120mm of travel.
He wants equal uphill and downhill advantage. He wants light, but is afraid of "race bikes" as he likes longer rides as well and needs to remain comfortable.
He is quite an able rider but is having a hard time finding a bike that is a huge improvement over his Prophet. He's ready to drop some coin with a $6,000 budget but expects a substantial improvement to spend that kind of money and just hasn't found it. He's been riding a medium frame and have tried the several bikes but still hasn't settled on "the bike". He loves to climb and loves going downhill fast but is not into large jumps and feels his travel will be minimal. He's about 5'7" and 185 lbs and is quite muscular with hardly any fat at all.
He is not into building his bike, he likes to ride the snot out of them, but turning wrenches on them is not his thing.
Bikes that he's tried and like some aspects of but not all include:
Cannondale Scalpel Carbon, Specialized Camber, Specialized Stump Jumper, and a few others I believe.
So...., if any of you know of the perfect bike, I'm all ears and happy to provide the suggestion. In reading some of the reviews, the Yeti SB-66C or the SB-95C in the 29er Model.
I appreciate any input.
Couple more previews for today:
I have a buddy that's been riding trails for 8 years on his Cannondale Prophet lefty. This spring he decided it was time to get a new bike so he started demoing different bikes from the LBS here in town. He started thinking he needs to be in a carbon FS bike but shouldn't need more than 100-120mm of travel.
He wants equal uphill and downhill advantage. He wants light, but is afraid of "race bikes" as he likes longer rides as well and needs to remain comfortable.
He is quite an able rider but is having a hard time finding a bike that is a huge improvement over his Prophet. He's ready to drop some coin with a $6,000 budget but expects a substantial improvement to spend that kind of money and just hasn't found it. He's been riding a medium frame and have tried the several bikes but still hasn't settled on "the bike". He loves to climb and loves going downhill fast but is not into large jumps and feels his travel will be minimal. He's about 5'7" and 185 lbs and is quite muscular with hardly any fat at all.
He is not into building his bike, he likes to ride the snot out of them, but turning wrenches on them is not his thing.
Bikes that he's tried and like some aspects of but not all include:
Cannondale Scalpel Carbon, Specialized Camber, Specialized Stump Jumper, and a few others I believe.
So...., if any of you know of the perfect bike, I'm all ears and happy to provide the suggestion. In reading some of the reviews, the Yeti SB-66C or the SB-95C in the 29er Model.
I appreciate any input.
Couple more previews for today:
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- 5,503
- Vic, Australia
- gundalini
I did find myself digging a bit deeper as, inevitably, my per mile times kept going up after my three second stint of 1,200MPH.
👍As they say, the best front derailleur is no front derailleur.
I have to ask though, how's the chainline setup?
I assume the chain runs pretty straight from the chainring to the center cog on the cassette to avoid bad cross-chaining? Unlike with a front derailleur setup were the choice of chainrings corresponds to which rear cogs are best suited to avoid cross chaining.
Nice bikes btw. 👍
👍
I did a quick search on Strava to add you by guessing the user name of Pako.
Search came up empty though as there are a few variants of Pako there, I found a Pako Pako with no rides yet and thought that may be you. If you don't mind/want to share your username here or via PM and I'll add you, your call if you want to share your info.
I can be found on Strava under Shaun C (Lara, VIC, Australia).
I might just leave it on while I drive up there to compete against some of @TB times.
I see a few of them on some segments I ride with guys averaging 100km/h.
Doesn't take long for Starva to pull the result though after someone reports it.
