| Any Cyclists? on 02:16 - May 15 with 2125 views | Boston |
| Any Cyclists? on 11:58 - May 13 by kensalriser |
Tires? TIRES?
Seriously, WTF?
Have a word with yourselves people. |
Tyred! I'm fcking exhausted when I'm on me tandem. |  |
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| Any Cyclists? on 23:28 - Jul 11 with 1959 views | Newhopphoops |
** warning: long and dull post **
Today in a rare moment of wisdom I skipped the game to go bike shopping. I had a few options in mind after going through all the manufacturers' websites. Went through them in the first shop - it turns out that Colnago, Cervelo, Focus and Wilier have sold out of xl road bikes globally! They had one xl in the shop, a Pinarello at 6,000 euro and change. Best alternative a BMC Teammachine 2021 model at 2,800, available mid August.
To shop 2: Trek, Bianchi and Scott are also out of all xl stock. They had one Trek Emonda, but the frame was scratched so they couldn't sell it. In any case I'm not a great Trek fan.
Shop 3: Giant and Look out of stock. Nada. I give up totally. Back to shop 1 to see what I can do to replace my old cassette with something that will drag me up an Alp. Failing that I wait until a flood of used-once superbikes come up for sale in the classifieds.
In the meantime someone has bought the Pinarello and left their old bike in part-exchange. So for 700 euros I have a Look 566, 6 years old I reckon but good condition, with ultegra (triple chainset) and decent Ksyrium wheels and 25mm tyres. Possibly not as racy as I might have chosen but much racier than I need or can justify. Looks nice though.
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| Any Cyclists? on 13:28 - Jul 12 with 1893 views | R_from_afar |
| Any Cyclists? on 23:28 - Jul 11 by Newhopphoops |
** warning: long and dull post **
Today in a rare moment of wisdom I skipped the game to go bike shopping. I had a few options in mind after going through all the manufacturers' websites. Went through them in the first shop - it turns out that Colnago, Cervelo, Focus and Wilier have sold out of xl road bikes globally! They had one xl in the shop, a Pinarello at 6,000 euro and change. Best alternative a BMC Teammachine 2021 model at 2,800, available mid August.
To shop 2: Trek, Bianchi and Scott are also out of all xl stock. They had one Trek Emonda, but the frame was scratched so they couldn't sell it. In any case I'm not a great Trek fan.
Shop 3: Giant and Look out of stock. Nada. I give up totally. Back to shop 1 to see what I can do to replace my old cassette with something that will drag me up an Alp. Failing that I wait until a flood of used-once superbikes come up for sale in the classifieds.
In the meantime someone has bought the Pinarello and left their old bike in part-exchange. So for 700 euros I have a Look 566, 6 years old I reckon but good condition, with ultegra (triple chainset) and decent Ksyrium wheels and 25mm tyres. Possibly not as racy as I might have chosen but much racier than I need or can justify. Looks nice though.
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Not boring at all! Looks like a nice bike and it's like the space shuttle compared with my road bike, a Bicycle Chain "Great Escapist" bought in 1989. It's still a fast ride in spite of its age, with its 73 degree parallel Reynolds 531 ST frame and 12 gears, which can be switched between indexed mode and friction mode. Unlike its owner, it doesn't look its age thanks to an amazing refurbishment by the wonderful Argos Cycles of Bristol. |  |
| "Things had started becoming increasingly desperate at Loftus Road but QPR have been handed a massive lifeline and the place has absolutely erupted. it's carnage. It's bedlam. It's 1-1." |
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| Any Cyclists? on 17:04 - Jul 12 with 1853 views | tkqpr |
| Any Cyclists? on 23:28 - Jul 11 by Newhopphoops |
** warning: long and dull post **
Today in a rare moment of wisdom I skipped the game to go bike shopping. I had a few options in mind after going through all the manufacturers' websites. Went through them in the first shop - it turns out that Colnago, Cervelo, Focus and Wilier have sold out of xl road bikes globally! They had one xl in the shop, a Pinarello at 6,000 euro and change. Best alternative a BMC Teammachine 2021 model at 2,800, available mid August.
To shop 2: Trek, Bianchi and Scott are also out of all xl stock. They had one Trek Emonda, but the frame was scratched so they couldn't sell it. In any case I'm not a great Trek fan.
Shop 3: Giant and Look out of stock. Nada. I give up totally. Back to shop 1 to see what I can do to replace my old cassette with something that will drag me up an Alp. Failing that I wait until a flood of used-once superbikes come up for sale in the classifieds.
In the meantime someone has bought the Pinarello and left their old bike in part-exchange. So for 700 euros I have a Look 566, 6 years old I reckon but good condition, with ultegra (triple chainset) and decent Ksyrium wheels and 25mm tyres. Possibly not as racy as I might have chosen but much racier than I need or can justify. Looks nice though.
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For sure, not boring one bit! Love talking bikes. There does seem a national/international shortage, wheres as i was holding on until the end of this summer season hoping to buy the usual Giant/Cannondale/Focus top end bike at a discount only to realise that bike sales are infact having a boom period because of the pandemic  i didnt read that one very well at all. Hopefully soon there willbe an influs of bikes at a discouted rate, but internationally theres a hunger for bikes so it probably wont happen and ill be riding the Alps or Pyrennes nxt year on my 5 year old Giant TCR, which is perfectly adequate, but i just faniced an upgrade, as you do.
Anymore cyclist out there? |  | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 18:11 - Jul 12 with 1829 views | Newhopphoops |
| Any Cyclists? on 17:04 - Jul 12 by tkqpr |
For sure, not boring one bit! Love talking bikes. There does seem a national/international shortage, wheres as i was holding on until the end of this summer season hoping to buy the usual Giant/Cannondale/Focus top end bike at a discount only to realise that bike sales are infact having a boom period because of the pandemic i didnt read that one very well at all. Hopefully soon there willbe an influs of bikes at a discouted rate, but internationally theres a hunger for bikes so it probably wont happen and ill be riding the Alps or Pyrennes nxt year on my 5 year old Giant TCR, which is perfectly adequate, but i just faniced an upgrade, as you do.
Anymore cyclist out there? |
I can confirm that 34/30 gearing opens up a lot of routes to me compared to the previous 37/23 :) | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 18:11 - Jul 12 with 1827 views | loftboy |
| Any Cyclists? on 17:04 - Jul 12 by tkqpr |
For sure, not boring one bit! Love talking bikes. There does seem a national/international shortage, wheres as i was holding on until the end of this summer season hoping to buy the usual Giant/Cannondale/Focus top end bike at a discount only to realise that bike sales are infact having a boom period because of the pandemic i didnt read that one very well at all. Hopefully soon there willbe an influs of bikes at a discouted rate, but internationally theres a hunger for bikes so it probably wont happen and ill be riding the Alps or Pyrennes nxt year on my 5 year old Giant TCR, which is perfectly adequate, but i just faniced an upgrade, as you do.
Anymore cyclist out there? |
I ride a specialized Sirius , cost me £600 4 years ago, ride to and from work daily, used to do some long distances London to Brighton etc but just use for commuting now, bought puncture resistant tyres on purchase and they are still going strong, was a great invest at £30 a tyre with the bike shop giving me back £20 each for the new ones they took off.
Just developed a slightly buckled rear wheel, apparently will just need some spokes tightening, will get that down when he got a day off. |  |
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| Any Cyclists? on 18:14 - Jul 12 with 1828 views | Newhopphoops |
| Any Cyclists? on 18:11 - Jul 12 by loftboy |
I ride a specialized Sirius , cost me £600 4 years ago, ride to and from work daily, used to do some long distances London to Brighton etc but just use for commuting now, bought puncture resistant tyres on purchase and they are still going strong, was a great invest at £30 a tyre with the bike shop giving me back £20 each for the new ones they took off.
Just developed a slightly buckled rear wheel, apparently will just need some spokes tightening, will get that down when he got a day off. |
Nice bike. Get the spokes sorted before any further long rides, if you ride on a wonky wheel it puts strain on individual spokes which then go, putting strain on others etc... | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 19:27 - Jul 12 with 1805 views | loftboy |
| Any Cyclists? on 18:14 - Jul 12 by Newhopphoops |
Nice bike. Get the spokes sorted before any further long rides, if you ride on a wonky wheel it puts strain on individual spokes which then go, putting strain on others etc... |
Cheers, will get it done on my day off this week | |
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| Any Cyclists? on 09:57 - Jul 13 with 1759 views | hovehoop |
| Any Cyclists? on 23:28 - Jul 11 by Newhopphoops |
** warning: long and dull post **
Today in a rare moment of wisdom I skipped the game to go bike shopping. I had a few options in mind after going through all the manufacturers' websites. Went through them in the first shop - it turns out that Colnago, Cervelo, Focus and Wilier have sold out of xl road bikes globally! They had one xl in the shop, a Pinarello at 6,000 euro and change. Best alternative a BMC Teammachine 2021 model at 2,800, available mid August.
To shop 2: Trek, Bianchi and Scott are also out of all xl stock. They had one Trek Emonda, but the frame was scratched so they couldn't sell it. In any case I'm not a great Trek fan.
Shop 3: Giant and Look out of stock. Nada. I give up totally. Back to shop 1 to see what I can do to replace my old cassette with something that will drag me up an Alp. Failing that I wait until a flood of used-once superbikes come up for sale in the classifieds.
In the meantime someone has bought the Pinarello and left their old bike in part-exchange. So for 700 euros I have a Look 566, 6 years old I reckon but good condition, with ultegra (triple chainset) and decent Ksyrium wheels and 25mm tyres. Possibly not as racy as I might have chosen but much racier than I need or can justify. Looks nice though.
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Seems like a good deal. Bet you'll notice the difference of a more forgiving groupset. And judging by my sons bike, the Ultegra gearing should give no problems.
Assuming you're still currently based in the mountains, you can put it straight to work.
Some nice bikes are popping up on Ebay for those who have a particular model and specification in mind, providing they have your size! | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 10:07 - Jul 13 with 1752 views | hovehoop |
| Any Cyclists? on 17:04 - Jul 12 by tkqpr |
For sure, not boring one bit! Love talking bikes. There does seem a national/international shortage, wheres as i was holding on until the end of this summer season hoping to buy the usual Giant/Cannondale/Focus top end bike at a discount only to realise that bike sales are infact having a boom period because of the pandemic i didnt read that one very well at all. Hopefully soon there willbe an influs of bikes at a discouted rate, but internationally theres a hunger for bikes so it probably wont happen and ill be riding the Alps or Pyrennes nxt year on my 5 year old Giant TCR, which is perfectly adequate, but i just faniced an upgrade, as you do.
Anymore cyclist out there? |
If you're neutral on caliper v disc brakes you may still be able to get some caliper brake deals, possibly at a discount. But then there's the wheels and if you want them in carbon. You can also find some nice marques being traded on Ebay if you're happy to shell out a few quid for a high end bike and know your geometry and sizing preferences. | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 10:57 - Jul 13 with 1735 views | Newhopphoops |
| Any Cyclists? on 10:07 - Jul 13 by hovehoop |
If you're neutral on caliper v disc brakes you may still be able to get some caliper brake deals, possibly at a discount. But then there's the wheels and if you want them in carbon. You can also find some nice marques being traded on Ebay if you're happy to shell out a few quid for a high end bike and know your geometry and sizing preferences. |
From what I could glean on Saturday, caliper brakes are on the way out fast, at least for off-the-peg bikes. | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 11:03 - Jul 13 with 1733 views | Newhopphoops |
| Any Cyclists? on 09:57 - Jul 13 by hovehoop |
Seems like a good deal. Bet you'll notice the difference of a more forgiving groupset. And judging by my sons bike, the Ultegra gearing should give no problems.
Assuming you're still currently based in the mountains, you can put it straight to work.
Some nice bikes are popping up on Ebay for those who have a particular model and specification in mind, providing they have your size! |
I'm at 99km, the only way out is up 
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| Any Cyclists? on 11:44 - Jul 13 with 1721 views | hovehoop |
| Any Cyclists? on 10:57 - Jul 13 by Newhopphoops |
From what I could glean on Saturday, caliper brakes are on the way out fast, at least for off-the-peg bikes. |
They are it seems. Especially since the previous weight penalty is lessening. Some brands no longer make caliper options in certain models. Be interesting to see the take-up in the pro peloton. Suspect the majority will be on discs soon in the often wet Classics races but not sure about the Grand Tours. | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 11:47 - Jul 13 with 1718 views | hovehoop |
| Any Cyclists? on 11:03 - Jul 13 by Newhopphoops |
I'm at 99km, the only way out is up
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Only mildly envious at that ride profile! I plod uphill but never shirk one - so far at least! | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 12:10 - Jul 13 with 1699 views | RangersDave |
Currently looking at the Van Moof S3 for myself.
Anyone got any opinions on it or vanmoof (great name eh?) in general? |  |
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| Any Cyclists? on 12:41 - Jul 13 with 1685 views | hovehoop |
| Any Cyclists? on 12:10 - Jul 13 by RangersDave |
Currently looking at the Van Moof S3 for myself.
Anyone got any opinions on it or vanmoof (great name eh?) in general? |
Hadn't come across the name and wondered if you were on a wind-up! But nice styling.
An e-bike? Was going to say I wouldn't park it anywhere without equivalent of a motorbike lock then spotted the manufacturers policy of paying £270 and they will track and find it for you if stolen and if that fails they replace the bike - supposedly. The wheel size is listed as 28inch. I haven't seen that before as most are usually 29inch/700c or 650b/27.5inch or old traditional 26 inch wheel formats. You just need to be certain you've got plenty of options for spare tubes/tyres.
Don't know a great deal about e-bikes unfortunately. But when our family were on hols in Majorca we hired them for my wife and daughter which extended their range and we had a couple of great family days out. Maybe check the battery warranty and that it's replaceable? There may also be rules about keeping the battery under charge to avoid voiding the warranty. I think most are pedal assisted and speed capped at circa 15mph to avoid moped classification but I've seen plenty out on the road and some riding 20mph one handed uphill on a 10 percent grade so evidently it's possible to tinker with the settings. One of my neighbours has a business fitting batteries and motors to existing bikes, which has been popular from what I can see with people visiting him from all over. | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 13:26 - Jul 13 with 1677 views | RangersDave |
| Any Cyclists? on 12:41 - Jul 13 by hovehoop |
Hadn't come across the name and wondered if you were on a wind-up! But nice styling.
An e-bike? Was going to say I wouldn't park it anywhere without equivalent of a motorbike lock then spotted the manufacturers policy of paying £270 and they will track and find it for you if stolen and if that fails they replace the bike - supposedly. The wheel size is listed as 28inch. I haven't seen that before as most are usually 29inch/700c or 650b/27.5inch or old traditional 26 inch wheel formats. You just need to be certain you've got plenty of options for spare tubes/tyres.
Don't know a great deal about e-bikes unfortunately. But when our family were on hols in Majorca we hired them for my wife and daughter which extended their range and we had a couple of great family days out. Maybe check the battery warranty and that it's replaceable? There may also be rules about keeping the battery under charge to avoid voiding the warranty. I think most are pedal assisted and speed capped at circa 15mph to avoid moped classification but I've seen plenty out on the road and some riding 20mph one handed uphill on a 10 percent grade so evidently it's possible to tinker with the settings. One of my neighbours has a business fitting batteries and motors to existing bikes, which has been popular from what I can see with people visiting him from all over. |
Yes, a few things i liked about it, like the tracking, built in lights etc, but it doesnt have regenerative braking which is what i would like to have, as it would extend range for me.
cheers
Dave | |
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| Any Cyclists? on 07:28 - Jul 14 with 1618 views | westberksr |
I bought a bike 4 years ago, rode it twice & chucked it in the garage. With lockdown bringing an end to my 2-3 weekly games of footy the bike was revived.
On advice from a friend bought a Rose SL direct from Germany. Decent bit of kit and other, far more 'keen' cyclists all seem reasonably impressed with my choice. Spent about £1300 so only an Ali frame as wasn't prepared to fork out for carbon at that stage.
i'm 6'5" and Rose do xxl frames, so they were also good for that reason.
where i live is a situated in a valley, so every ride has hills & i hate them. typically now doing 50km rides 2-3 times per week, with about 500m elevation. would love to do a nice flat 70-90km with 300m but around here it's hard to achieve. Cycling fitness over the past 3 months has improved considerably but i can't say that i truly enjoy it; i just want to kick a ball!
may use the new version of the ride to work scheme to get a carbon though; or look for one in 3 months when ebay is awash with them |  | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 07:50 - Jul 14 with 1610 views | westberksr |
| Any Cyclists? on 08:16 - May 13 by Konk |
Did you enjoy your ride, Brian? (So to speak)
One other thing worth mentioning - tires. It could be that I've been lucky so far, but I've used Scwalbe Marathon Plus (I think) tires since gettig my bike, and I've had one puncture in 7 years (and that was the world's biggest bastar d of a nail). Other brands/models obviously available, but if you're not someone who particularly enjoys mending punctures/changing inner tubes, then something to consider.
Enjoy your bike. |
had 3 punctures in last 2 rides and it is a massive ball ache; so going in today for something a little sturdier in the rubber department!!
Luckily I tend to ride with a mate who is a regular with years under his belt and he can change an inner tube with his eyes shut; bit like Private Pyle in Full Metal Jacket! I think i could also manage on my own, but don't intend to try and fin out!
re kit; buy lycra (it works) carry spare inner tube & gas, take fluids and what everyone has said. If ordering from facebook driven adds; don't expect anything from China to arrive within 2 months! I've used Wiggle as they are quick and returns are easy | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 08:27 - Jul 14 with 1584 views | R_from_afar |
| Any Cyclists? on 10:57 - Jul 13 by Newhopphoops |
From what I could glean on Saturday, caliper brakes are on the way out fast, at least for off-the-peg bikes. |
I'm still a cantilever man myself, although I might not be if they break. I bet they are hard to buy now. | |
| "Things had started becoming increasingly desperate at Loftus Road but QPR have been handed a massive lifeline and the place has absolutely erupted. it's carnage. It's bedlam. It's 1-1." |
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| Any Cyclists? on 20:57 - Jul 14 with 1557 views | loftboy |
Anyone tell me the benefit of a fixed gear bike please, see plenty around London but wondered what the pros and cons are and what gear is it the equivalent of compared to my 27 years I current have.? [Post edited 14 Jul 2020 20:57]
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| Any Cyclists? on 21:41 - Jul 14 with 1523 views | Lofthope |
Anyone in West London looking for a cycling club:
We do Sunday morning rides from the Polish War Memorial and organise a load of online races (you need a smart trainer or power meter). We usually run a lot of Time Trials and the Hilingdon 10s but they've been cancelled this year due to COVID.
Anyone interested in Audaxing, we are doing a 200km from Ruislip on 1st August.
https://www.westerley.cc/ | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 12:46 - Jul 26 with 1442 views | Newhopphoops |
I got the bike fitted on Friday and took it for a first spin today. Plodded up Col des Saisies (the easy side) in the bottom of my 33 gears, took about an hour but worth it for the 11 miles of continuous descent back home. Felt good... Keep on pedalling everyone! | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 20:12 - Jul 26 with 1393 views | tkqpr |
| Any Cyclists? on 12:46 - Jul 26 by Newhopphoops |
I got the bike fitted on Friday and took it for a first spin today. Plodded up Col des Saisies (the easy side) in the bottom of my 33 gears, took about an hour but worth it for the 11 miles of continuous descent back home. Felt good... Keep on pedalling everyone! |
How beautiful, for a cycllist, it sounds like you are living the dream wher you are.
We head to France on Tuesday for nearly 3 weeks, but only to the top of the Dordogne, but still its excellent cycling there, but not as grand as the Peaks of the Alps and Pyrennes. We usually go for a bys cycling trip every early July but this year it was obviously cancelled.
I guess there are lots of good cycling routes nearby you? | | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 22:06 - Jul 26 with 1356 views | Newhopphoops |
| Any Cyclists? on 20:12 - Jul 26 by tkqpr |
How beautiful, for a cycllist, it sounds like you are living the dream wher you are.
We head to France on Tuesday for nearly 3 weeks, but only to the top of the Dordogne, but still its excellent cycling there, but not as grand as the Peaks of the Alps and Pyrennes. We usually go for a bys cycling trip every early July but this year it was obviously cancelled.
I guess there are lots of good cycling routes nearby you? |
I'm very lucky, but it's swings and roundabouts, Loftus Road is 1,000 km away exactly... Most of France is amazing for cycling to be honest - lots of empty side roads, no hedges so you are properly in the countryside, excellent snacks along the way. Last year I had a few days in Cantal, right in the empty middle on the River Lot, which was great. I'm off tomorrow for three days with bike in Provence, to get a bit more limber before taking on the hills up here.
There were dozens of cyclists out this morning, mainly overtaking me, but they all said bonjour as they passed. This was the view on the odd occasions I looked up...
 [Post edited 26 Jul 2020 22:08]
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