Author Topic: The Cyclist Thread (Read 1910133 times)

Pheeny · « **on:** June 17, 2006, 09:57:33 pm »

any serious "sports" cyclists here that want to swap tips.I've just taken it up and in the past week have clocked up over 500km.Taking a break from running to sort out a hip problem.

AndyP · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2006, 02:05:42 am »

Break the bank for a good pair of shoes and good saddle, they are your most important pieces of kit (except the bike obviously!) What bike are you using?

M(oaning) B(ecomes) E(mbarrassing) · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2006, 11:41:15 am »

Aye, I'll swap tips with you mate. What sort of bike you riding? I have a Bianchi 1885 with Ultegra and I love it. I rode the White Rose Classic sportive event last Sunday and I'm planning on another big Sportive in Lanky on 6th August. That one is 160K and 3,000 metres of climb so it's a toughy. I'll also be doing the Liverpool/Chester/Liverpool which is coming up soon as well. I do about 5 sessions on the bike and about 5 of running per week as well so yes, let me know what you want to know and vice versa.

Pheeny · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2006, 04:58:12 pm »

at the moment I'm using a trek MTB(see below) but will shortly be getting a "race" bike.

4500™

Frame
Alpha SL Aluminum

Front Suspension
RockShox Judy J1 w/preload, 80mm

Wheels
Shimano M475 disc hubs; Bontrager Camino alloy rims

Crank
Shimano M410 42/32/22

Rear Derailleur
Shimano Deore

Pheeny · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2006, 05:01:50 pm »

been thinking of getting something like this...

morestellata · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2006, 07:25:45 pm »

Tried it for a while, then gave up and bought a car.

SGTBabbel · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2006, 07:37:06 pm »

was thinking of one of these myself

M(oaning) B(ecomes) E(mbarrassing) · « **Reply #7 on:** June 19, 2006, 08:17:18 am »

Quote from: Pheeny on June 18, 2006, 05:01:50 pm

been thinking of getting something like this...

I love that Trek mountain bike. I have a Scott for off-roading but since getting into "real" bikes, I only ever use my roadie. That Orbea though is a dream machine, believe me. If I'd have found one in my price range, I'd have gone for that. Orbea are a Basque worker's co-operative who transferred the company's former activities of gun manufacturing into more peaceful uses. The barrels of the rifles and artillery became the bikes tubing! As fellow Basques, the Euskadi-Euskaltel team ride Orbeas and their leading rider is the phenomenal mountain climber Iban Mayo, one of the favourites to win the Tour de France (or at least be in red/white polka dots) this year. If I were you, I'd try to see if you can get one in their team colours of orange as that one looks superb. Also, Xabi Alonso will be pleased you've gone for a bike from his home country!

Pheeny · « **Reply #8 on:** April 20, 2007, 02:05:41 pm »

pick it up around 15 May.Got it for almost 1/2 price.

seanoevil · « **Reply #9 on:** April 20, 2007, 02:07:54 pm »

Oooohhh i likeeeeee!

Into Specialized Mountain bikes meself like; but that looks very nice...

only6times · « **Reply #10 on:** April 20, 2007, 02:10:17 pm »

Quote from: seanoevil on April 20, 2007, 02:07:54 pm

Oooohhh i likeeeeee!

Into Spanking Mountain goats meself like; but that looks very nice...

kinky!

MichaelA · « **Reply #11 on:** April 20, 2007, 02:10:37 pm »

I thought that it said filler on the cross bar!

seanoevil · « **Reply #12 on:** April 20, 2007, 02:12:29 pm »

Quote from: only5times on April 20, 2007, 02:10:17 pm

kinky!

LOL pissed meself laffin then!!!!!!!!

nyctex · « **Reply #13 on:** April 20, 2007, 02:16:55 pm »

Quote from: seanoevil on April 20, 2007, 02:07:54 pm

Oooohhh i likeeeeee!

Into Specialized Mountain bikes meself like; but that looks very nice...

I got a new Stumpjumper FSR last year. Love it

Enjoy Pheeny. Looks great. Specialized makes a great bike. I've only had their mountains bikes, but have only heard good things about the road models. Are you going with clipless pedals though?

Brian Blessed · « **Reply #14 on:** April 20, 2007, 02:36:39 pm »

What makes it so great?

I know nothing about bikes, but have considered getting one for a while now.

SportBilly · « **Reply #15 on:** April 20, 2007, 02:38:11 pm »

Quote from: Pheeny on April 20, 2007, 02:05:41 pm

pick it up around 15 May.Got it for almost 1/2 price.

40 quid? Fucking Hell, I'm up for that

Art Vandelay · « **Reply #16 on:** April 20, 2007, 02:44:30 pm »

I've just bought a second hand bike, can't wait to try it....

SP · « **Reply #17 on:** April 20, 2007, 02:47:44 pm »

Just put a baby seat on the back of mine - not quite sure if the silence behind me is terror or enjoyment...

rogermoore · « **Reply #18 on:** April 20, 2007, 02:54:05 pm »

A great looking bike. Got caught drink driving and had to get one for myself to get around like.

Mine is a different make but looks very similar. Gears on the brakes and everything quick release. Aluminum frame. The saddle is not fun and need a new back tyre through late braking but the bike itself and the wind through your hair especially in the summer is pure quality.

Also got mine for just over half price.

The one thing a road bike has over the mountain bike is the speed. Once you get going you can really fly, love cutting up motorists they hate it.

Seriously when I am feeling good and not lethargic my bike can beat any car over 3 miles of urban travel most of the day due to other traffic, lights and my ignoring all rules concerning my safety. Listening to bouncy euphoric rock very loud also makes you go faster.

Cycle out bad boy.

Initial thought was you had just bought yourself a lesbian.

SportBilly · « **Reply #19 on:** April 20, 2007, 03:48:31 pm »

Quote from: Art Vandelay on April 20, 2007, 02:44:30 pm

I've just bought a second hand bike, can't wait to try it....

It'll look cool in the Team Discovery Channel colours!

BSBW · « **Reply #20 on:** April 20, 2007, 04:20:32 pm »

Nice bike mate. I used a Specialized for the arl John O'Groats trek and the Manc to Libpool (ride for Justice), no such thing as a comfy seat though.

Pheeny · « **Reply #21 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:03:39 pm »

Quote from: nyctex on April 20, 2007, 02:16:55 pm

I got a new Stumpjumper FSR last year. Love it

Enjoy Pheeny. Looks great. Specialized makes a great bike. I've only had their mountains bikes, but have only heard good things about the road models. Are you going with clipless pedals though?

yea clipless is the only way to go.Although you have to rememberthat you have them when you arrive at a junction.

rogermoore · « **Reply #22 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:06:56 pm »

Clipless pedals? You getting the shoes aswell?

Can you explain the benefit of having those? Was thinking about them but as of yet have not bothered to do anything about the thought.

Party Phil · « **Reply #23 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:17:17 pm »

my new(ish) bike

nyctex · « **Reply #24 on:** April 20, 2007, 05:46:44 pm »

Quote from: rogermoore on April 20, 2007, 05:06:56 pm

Clipless pedals? You getting the shoes aswell?

Can you explain the benefit of having those? Was thinking about them but as of yet have not bothered to do anything about the thought.

They allow for better transfer of power. Your able to generate power on both the up and down of the pedal stroke. On long road rides they make sure your foot stays in the best position as your legs get more and more tired.

On mountain bikes they obviously help keep your foot on the pedal, but are especially invaluable going up hills. Takes a while to get used to them and a few falls to get the right setting. They work a bit like ski bindings, a quick flip of your heel and you are out of the clip.

xavidub · « **Reply #25 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:07:54 pm »

I have a Cannondale and used to have a GT Zaskar. Fantastic fun (as long as you understand 'fantastic' means 'painful' and 'fun' means 'trip through nettle bush')

saph · « **Reply #26 on:** April 20, 2007, 06:17:13 pm »

clipless are great! i run crank brothers egg beaters as i have crap knees. if you are considering swapping to clipless think about what shoes you'll want. i use commuter shoes from specialised - commuting with road shoes is crap! also if there is any chance you have crap knees do NOT get spd pedals. look for pedals with more float (ie will let your feet move).

you'll love the power transfer and not want to go back to flat pedals, oh and you WILL fall over!

felix. · « **Reply #27 on:** April 20, 2007, 07:48:17 pm »

Quote from: Art Vandelay on April 20, 2007, 02:44:30 pm

I've just bought a second hand bike, can't wait to try it....

I would sooooooo love to try one of those...

Mal · « **Reply #28 on:** April 20, 2007, 09:21:40 pm »

My Bike

Ok mine's about 3 years old but looks very similar.

Specialised are top class.

Not sure about road bikes at all though. Aren't they for girls?

xavidub · « **Reply #29 on:** April 20, 2007, 10:28:47 pm »

Quote from: Mal on April 20, 2007, 09:21:40 pm

Not sure about road bikes at all though. Aren't they for girls?

Fast girls, the best kind!

SpenceUK1968 · « **Reply #30 on:** April 21, 2007, 12:47:53 am »

Neat bike, I got one of those Raleigh pioneers last year, it's a bit more suited to my riding style (Slow, wobbly, wheezing etc). I just use SPDs on mine (Same on my mtb)
I could never go back to other pedals now.

L12 · « **Reply #31 on:** April 21, 2007, 02:42:12 am »

Picking up a Trek 69er tomorrow, single speed mountain bike, should be about 5 minutes till the first fall.

nyctex · « **Reply #32 on:** April 21, 2007, 04:01:24 am »

Quote from: L12 on April 21, 2007, 02:42:12 am

Picking up a Trek 69er tomorrow, single speed mountain bike, should be about 5 minutes till the first fall.

Your a better man than me!! Enjoy your pain

Pheeny · « **Reply #33 on:** April 21, 2007, 05:54:09 am »

Quote from: L12 on April 21, 2007, 02:42:12 am

Picking up a Trek 69er tomorrow, single speed mountain bike, should be about 5 minutes till the first fall.

I've also got a trek MTB.Fallen off several times...

Ben_JP · « **Reply #34 on:** April 21, 2007, 06:15:04 am »

My decade-old Gary Fisher is on its last legs so looking to get a cheap-ish mountain bike for the summer. Budget will be around £250-300. Of the cheaper makes, which ones are best to go for?

nyctex · « **Reply #35 on:** April 21, 2007, 06:36:48 am »

Quote from: Ben_JP on April 21, 2007, 06:15:04 am

My decade-old Gary Fisher is on its last legs so looking to get a cheap-ish mountain bike for the summer. Budget will be around £250-300. Of the cheaper makes, which ones are best to go for?

G Fisher is still a top name. Look for the lower lines of Kona, Trek, Specialized, Giant or Cannondale. If price is really an issue, i'd rather buy a used bike from a reputable dealer than a new bike from the high street sports shop.

If you go to a true bike store they should have good turn over on used bikes in the 200-300 quid range

M(oaning) B(ecomes) E(mbarrassing) · « **Reply #36 on:** April 21, 2007, 08:49:38 am »

Pheeny, what groupo have you got on it? Obviously Shims like but which, 105? Ultegra? Also, you're not going to leave them pedals on are you? You need clipless and I'd recommend Look Keos, meself like.

¡Basta Ya! · « **Reply #37 on:** April 21, 2007, 08:52:16 am »

Not my bike, but identical except I have my seat higher and some cool lights

trigger · « **Reply #38 on:** April 21, 2007, 09:00:18 am »

Quote from: nyctex on April 20, 2007, 02:16:55 pm

I got a new Stumpmuncher last year. Love it

Jammy bastard

WorldChampions · « **Reply #39 on:** April 21, 2007, 11:02:49 am »

With the sounds of thing some of you still need stabalisers