Author Topic: The Cyclist Thread (Read 231364 times)

MrGrumpy · « **Reply #5520 on:** March 9, 2012, 05:06:16 PM »

Quote from: MichaelA on March 9, 2012, 04:08:24 PM

I got a pair of SPD's but I can't get my clip on pedals off despite several applications of penetrating oil. Any tips?

Which ones did you get?

dave 5516 · « **Reply #5521 on:** March 9, 2012, 05:18:23 PM »

Quote from: MrGrumpy on March 9, 2012, 05:05:54 PM

On the subject of SPDs, while unclamping them seems easy, getting the thing locked to my foot seems to be difficult. Any tips?

Practice.And I'm not being funny,sit on the bike in the house hold onto some thing and just repeat the action.The more you do it the easier it become's.

Des O'Connor · « **Reply #5522 on:** March 9, 2012, 05:42:30 PM »

Must be international SPD day today cos I finally bought mine this afternoon as well! Mine are all fitted up and ready to go, so looking forward to tackling a few berms and bumps in the morning!

Quote from: MrGrumpy on March 9, 2012, 05:05:54 PM

On the subject of SPDs, while unclamping them seems easy, getting the thing locked to my foot seems to be difficult. Any tips?

You should be able to adjust the tightness of the clamp. I have mine on the easiest setting while i'm getting used to them and have had no trouble getting clipped and unclipped.

MichaelA · « **Reply #5523 on:** March 9, 2012, 05:57:34 PM »

Quote from: greenone on March 9, 2012, 04:37:15 PM

Little bit of heat, be careful though, the crank is probably aluminium and won't take much to fuck the threads.

How about hot water?

MichaelA · « **Reply #5524 on:** March 9, 2012, 06:08:57 PM »

Quote from: greenone on March 9, 2012, 06:07:16 PM

I doubt it. You'll need a blowtorch for 5~10 secs.

See, I have a kettle, but I don't have a blowtorch....

dave 5516 · « **Reply #5525 on:** March 9, 2012, 06:09:48 PM »

Quote from: MichaelA on March 9, 2012, 05:57:34 PM

How about hot water?

Michael,just take your bike to your lbs.They'll do it for you,and probably for free.And most importantly,properly.

dave 5516 · « **Reply #5526 on:** March 9, 2012, 06:13:54 PM »

Quote from: greenone on March 9, 2012, 06:10:16 PM

No harm in trying it.

You'll wash away the grease on the spindle's.Could make it harder.

Pheeny · « **Reply #5527 on:** March 9, 2012, 11:41:08 PM »

Quote from: MichaelA on March 9, 2012, 04:08:24 PM

I got a pair of SPD's but I can't get my clip on pedals off despite several applications of penetrating oil. Any tips?

are you unthreading them in the correct direction?

Rob K · « **Reply #5528 on:** March 9, 2012, 11:48:27 PM »

After a bit of advise.

I'm after a MTB hardtail bike for about £500 quid max.

Looked at a Cube but been told by a couple of people the frames are shite. so staying clear of them.

The two ive got my eye on are a Trek 4300 Disc and a Merida Matts 20-D.

My questions really are either of these good value for the price im looking at paying and are they gonna fall apart! Also any other recommendations would be grand.
I'm a bit wary of asking too much in the shops ive seen these in as i get the feeling they might try and push them because its what they stock.

Pheeny · « **Reply #5529 on:** March 9, 2012, 11:55:12 PM »

Rob I don't do much MTBiking but I did have a trek a few years ago.
Very good bike so can't see you being disappointed if you went for that one.

Des Equilibrante · « **Reply #5530 on:** March 10, 2012, 05:18:47 AM »

25km through a mountain bike park today, awesome skid. Not bone dry underfoot, but not quite slippy either. Most amusing moment was when my mate following me went 'Oh shit, stump... phew. Oh shit tree *donk*' He got unsettled round the stump, tried to go left past the tree but centripetal force denied his body this option and he wound up clocking it. Luckily he got his arm up rather than wiping out, and he was right so we carried on. Great fun.

Lady_Brandybuck · « **Reply #5531 on:** March 10, 2012, 05:24:49 AM »

Quote from: Rob K on March 9, 2012, 11:48:27 PM

After a bit of advise.

I'm after a MTB hardtail bike for about £500 quid max.

Looked at a Cube but been told by a couple of people the frames are shite. so staying clear of them.

The two ive got my eye on are a Trek 4300 Disc and a Merida Matts 20-D.

My questions really are either of these good value for the price im looking at paying and are they gonna fall apart! Also any other recommendations would be grand.
I'm a bit wary of asking too much in the shops ive seen these in as i get the feeling they might try and push them because its what they stock.

Trek bikes are usually very reliable. I would go for that specially on mountain bike

Des O'Connor · « **Reply #5532 on:** March 10, 2012, 08:32:15 AM »

Quote from: Rob K on March 9, 2012, 11:48:27 PM

After a bit of advise.

I'm after a MTB hardtail bike for about £500 quid max.

Looked at a Cube but been told by a couple of people the frames are shite. so staying clear of them.

The two ive got my eye on are a Trek 4300 Disc and a Merida Matts 20-D.

My questions really are either of these good value for the price im looking at paying and are they gonna fall apart! Also any other recommendations would be grand.
I'm a bit wary of asking too much in the shops ive seen these in as i get the feeling they might try and push them because its what they stock.

I'll come back to this properly later when im not sitting on the throne with my phone in my hand. Before you decide on a Trek take a look at the Specialized Hardrock. I've got the model above and the frame is roughly the same geometry but with better components. The sole reason i chose it over the cubes and treks and scotts i rode was because the frame is such a great foundation for building a better bike. The components aren't the best but I've already started upgrading as and when i can afford.

Pheeny · « **Reply #5533 on:** March 10, 2012, 08:57:56 AM »

I was going to mention Spec bikes,both of mine are.Bought cheaper models and slowly upgraded both.Now in the process of saving up for a new Carbon frame/bike.

Des O'Connor · « **Reply #5534 on:** March 10, 2012, 09:15:57 AM »

^^^^^This

See, I hope to buy high quality components one by one so that they are more affordable, and then by the time I can afford my next "proper" frame I will just switch all the new components to that frame. Tazaah.

My next steed will probably be:

This video sold it to me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3sZzPkFUZyc

Pheeny · « **Reply #5535 on:** March 10, 2012, 09:21:18 AM »

that's more or less what I have done Des.

Des Equilibrante · « **Reply #5536 on:** March 10, 2012, 09:29:56 AM »

But isn't it cheaper to buy a bike than a load of components?

wacko · « **Reply #5537 on:** March 10, 2012, 09:31:56 AM »

Sure. But then you have to find all the money at once.

Des O'Connor · « **Reply #5538 on:** March 10, 2012, 09:36:21 AM »

If I had €3000 lying around I would go out and buy a new bike right now. The sad truth is that after bills and other shite, I only had about €150 to blow on new components this month so I bought new pedals and shoes. Next month i'm going to buy some summer tyres and maybe one or two other bits. Eventually i'll go for some new all-mountain shocks and after that i'll start with the cogs, brakes and shifters...

Pheeny · « **Reply #5539 on:** March 10, 2012, 09:40:06 AM »

Quote from: Des Equilibrante on March 10, 2012, 09:29:56 AM

But isn't it cheaper to buy a bike than a load of components?

probably is.But much less fun.

Great feeling to install a new component then go out on a ride to "test" it out.

My MTB has now new shifters,new front/rear derailleurs,new saddle,new crank and new wheels.All over a 3 year span.

Road bike is the same with the addition of new bars.

Des Equilibrante · « **Reply #5540 on:** March 10, 2012, 09:52:26 AM »

I see the logic, to be honest... I'm not letting myself upgrade anything until I break it, so so far I done a seatpost / and a seat. But the seat upgrade was basically just change colour - love the Gobi.

MrGrumpy · « **Reply #5541 on:** March 10, 2012, 11:45:15 AM »

+ 1 for the Specialized Hardrock. I had one for years and loved it. The frame was very comfortable and came with decent components. The bike did everything I asked of it and never let me down. The only reason I got rid of it was because I wanted a faster commuting bike.

The Trek 7.3 is also good, but Spesh traditionally spec better components at this price level.

Rob K · « **Reply #5542 on:** March 10, 2012, 12:06:01 PM »

Cheers peeps.

Just been in my local bike shop and was told that because of my build, 6'5" and 15stone, i should be looking for a bike with decent front suspension and mentioned that i should be looking at bikes with rock shox. Good advise?

I ask because (and i know i said i was going to stay away from them) there is a 2nd hand Cube Acid 2011 model going there for £275 with said shocks with the only damage to it being some superficial paintwork and the grips are a little worn.

After reading the above i quite like the idea of upgrading components over time then getting a new frame at the end of it.

Uhoh AureliOs · « **Reply #5543 on:** March 10, 2012, 12:11:11 PM »

Psyched myself up, went out to beat my distance record today (32km, sounds like nothing compared to you roadies) and picked up a front flat after 20 minutes. As the rear went last month I've got a feeling Canyon skimped on the inners, previously I had about one or two a year (with hutchinson greens + slime).

Feeling a bit deflated now.

AM76 · « **Reply #5544 on:** March 10, 2012, 01:50:04 PM »

Looking at possibly getting one of these through the cycle to work scheme in my work. They use halfords and one of the lads in work who has been riding for years said its a top bit of kit. Never had a road bike before and just getting back into cycling after having way too much time away from it.

Any advice as to whether its good spec and value for the price?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_777713_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

Des O'Connor · « **Reply #5545 on:** March 10, 2012, 01:57:06 PM »

Just came back from a decent offroad blast around Heverlee and Meerdal. Sports tracker, the absolute piece of shit, decided to reset my workout at around 37km while I was still in the middle of the forest and then refused to get a GPS signal. Complete wanker. So all in all I did around 55km offroad this morning. Probably.

Also, I was using SPDs for the first time this morning and my conclusion is that I absolutely love them. It took a while to realise that my pedaling technique should be completely different than when riding on flat pedals but once I got used to it I realised that I was using less energy to do more. Brilliant! And I only fell over 4 times!!!

Right now i'm tucking in to a plate of scrambled eggs with a dash of brown sauce, a veggie burger and two slices of rye bread topped off with smoked salmon. Mmm. Post workout nutrition.

Just out of interest, what do you usually eat after a ride?

lukas · « **Reply #5546 on:** March 10, 2012, 02:05:47 PM »

Winstanleys have got the Garmin 500 road gps, hrm and cadence on offer for 199.99, should I?

Im a sucker for stats and its a good price isnt it?

Just niggling doubt putting me off is that its 1/5 of my bike price!!!!

Des O'Connor · « **Reply #5547 on:** March 10, 2012, 02:11:59 PM »

Quote from: Rob K on March 10, 2012, 12:06:01 PM

Cheers peeps.

Just been in my local bike shop and was told that because of my build, 6'5" and 15stone, i should be looking for a bike with decent front suspension and mentioned that i should be looking at bikes with rock shox. Good advise?

I ask because (and i know i said i was going to stay away from them) there is a 2nd hand Cube Acid 2011 model going there for £275 with said shocks with the only damage to it being some superficial paintwork and the grips are a little worn.

After reading the above i quite like the idea of upgrading components over time then getting a new frame at the end of it.

To be honest it depends what model Rock Shox they are. I like Rock Shox but it is true that they have some piss poor offerings in the lower price bracket, just the same as everything I suppose. It pays to be a smart consumer and do your homework before jumping in. I started with with http://www.bikeradar.com and http://www.mtbr.com for reviews when I was looking for my bike - found both while doing a search for "best entry level XC HT" and stuck around to learn all kinds of stuff about bikes that I never knew.

Des O'Connor · « **Reply #5548 on:** March 10, 2012, 02:22:26 PM »

Pheeny, ik weet niet of je spreekt Nederlands of niet, you bloody should, you're almost a native! Anyway i'm thinking of going in for this: www.4xpbikers.be
You ever done anything like that??

lukas · « **Reply #5549 on:** March 10, 2012, 02:51:34 PM »

Rob K,

Ive never had any experience of Rock shox, but I have had Manitou forks, great product, still going strong after years of off road riding if you look after them properly. I have Manitou spyder R forks these arent made anymore.

Quote from: Des O'Connor on March 10, 2012, 01:57:06 PM

Right now i'm tucking in to a plate of scrambled eggs with a dash of brown sauce, a veggie burger and two slices of rye bread topped off with smoked salmon. Mmm. Post workout nutrition.

Just out of interest, what do you usually eat after a ride?

After long rides have you thought about a recovery drink such as Torq recovery fuel. It is vital you get carbs and protein within a 15 minute window of finishing exercise. I personally find it tough to eat food after a tough session immediately after. Anyone else in here use recovery drinks?

However within the hour after the Torq drink i normally have a couple of bagels with nutella or something similar.

Billy1561 · « **Reply #5550 on:** March 10, 2012, 03:07:52 PM »

I'll have to look into that, I usually have Stella.

Des O'Connor · « **Reply #5551 on:** March 10, 2012, 03:38:12 PM »

Quote from: lukas on March 10, 2012, 02:51:34 PM

After long rides have you thought about a recovery drink such as Torq recovery fuel. It is vital you get carbs and protein within a 15 minute window of finishing exercise. I personally find it tough to eat food after a tough session immediately after. Anyone else in here use recovery drinks?

However within the hour after the Torq drink i normally have a couple of bagels with nutella or something similar.

I have been thinking about it a lot lately, because i've been doing a lot of Crossfit. Sometimes i'm only getting home from training after 9.00pm and it's not like i'm gonna tuck in to a plate of grub at that time, but I know literally nothing about recovery drinks and the like. Are there different kinds for different kinds of sports? Because for instance when I cycle it's usually distance with lots of cardio, but with Crossfit it's heavy muscle work. Should I be looking at different drinks for different activities?

dave 5516 · « **Reply #5552 on:** March 10, 2012, 04:04:42 PM »

Quote from: Des O'Connor on March 10, 2012, 03:38:12 PM

I have been thinking about it a lot lately, because i've been doing a lot of Crossfit. Sometimes i'm only getting home from training after 9.00pm and it's not like i'm gonna tuck in to a plate of grub at that time, but I know literally nothing about recovery drinks and the like. Are there different kinds for different kinds of sports? Because for instance when I cycle it's usually distance with lots of cardio, but with Crossfit it's heavy muscle work. Should I be looking at different drinks for different activities?

Des,when i was lifting weight's and wanted a meal but did'nt want solid's I would make a smoothie,a punnet of strawberry's,a mango,2-3 banana's and 500ml of plain yoghurt.that's enough to fill you,and it's easy to drink too.If you're after a recovery drink try SIS Rego,you can pick up individual sachet's in Tesco and Asda.Hope that's of some help.Oh yeah, blend it all together.Obviously.

flemingcool · « **Reply #5553 on:** March 10, 2012, 05:12:15 PM »

Out on the mountain bike today, knee playing up a bit on the hybrid. Rode up to Llandegla did the black run then rode home. Quite quiet up there for a weekend I thought. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/156497116

FWIW I always have a protein shake after a ride then about 30 minutes later a gatorade recovery drink with carbs and protein. Like others have said real food isn't always that tempting immediately after a big ride. But an hour or so later...

Pheeny · « **Reply #5554 on:** March 10, 2012, 07:19:42 PM »

Des I do speak Flemish.Should do I've been here since 1992.

Pheeny · « **Reply #5555 on:** March 10, 2012, 09:34:28 PM »

In one of them lazy mood this weekend so ain't going out with the club tomorrow.

Mind it is one of the most boring rides we do,flat as a pancake.

Des Equilibrante · « **Reply #5556 on:** March 10, 2012, 09:41:02 PM »

To have a bike that starts 'skipping' in various gears (nice twang, pedal jerks half a turn until gear is re-engaged)... would that be a fucked chain or worse? It happens more and more, normally when I can't get down the gears in time and end up doing half a mile an hour trying to just get one last crank of the pedal to clear the rise so can down shift unloaded.

I know how to get round the problem now... down change on the front

But I was a noobie when I first did it, and I think I done the damage then.

Pheeny · « **Reply #5557 on:** March 10, 2012, 11:37:22 PM »

Quote from: Des Equilibrante on March 10, 2012, 09:41:02 PM

To have a bike that starts 'skipping' in various gears (nice twang, pedal jerks half a turn until gear is re-engaged)... would that be a fucked chain or worse? It happens more and more, normally when I can't get down the gears in time and end up doing half a mile an hour trying to just get one last crank of the pedal to clear the rise so can down shift unloaded.

I know how to get round the problem now... down change on the front But I was a noobie when I first did it, and I think I done the damage then.

sounds like a cable tension problem.

Des Equilibrante · « **Reply #5558 on:** March 11, 2012, 12:27:04 AM »

Quote from: Pheeny-Suarez on March 10, 2012, 11:37:22 PM

sounds like a cable tension problem.

Sorry, by skipping it's not missing gears, it's hopping teeth. Well, it is missing gears occasionally, much less than would make me bother about it. Still reckon a cable problem?

edit: cable was replaced at the first service as well, but that made little to no difference to the occasional gear missing.

Pheeny · « **Reply #5559 on:** March 11, 2012, 08:41:40 AM »

probably the chain needs changing then.Which also means the cassette will need replacing.How much riding have you done?