The official cycling thread

DOB · Post by **DOB** » Fri May 31, 2019 7:14 pm

The monkey bars look like this.

It’s just something for the bigger kids to grab onto so they can’t slip off in traffic.

There are bucket seats that can be added, which we will when the youngest is able to keep his head steady with a helmet on (he’s 4 months now).

The seat pads to go on the wooden bench are optional. The kids haven’t complained about sitting on wood yet, so not going to spoil them if there’s no need. Any decent distance we do will be on mostly smooth bike paths for a good while yet.

Pat the Ex Mat · Post by **Pat the Ex Mat** » Sat Jun 01, 2019 10:10 am

That is an epic setup!

I'm cycling to work 2 - 3 days a week now. Loving the cold!

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sat Jun 01, 2019 10:38 am

Superb! There's loads of really good options for getting the kids around on a bike

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sat Jun 01, 2019 10:40 am

Pat the Ex Mat wrote:That is an epic setup!

I'm cycling to work 2 - 3 days a week now. Loving the cold!

My aim during the summer us twice a week with extra kms added for one of them.

Pat the Ex Mat · Post by **Pat the Ex Mat** » Sat Jun 01, 2019 1:00 pm

Leffe wrote:
Pat the Ex Mat wrote:That is an epic setup!

I'm cycling to work 2 - 3 days a week now. Loving the cold!
My aim during the summer us twice a week with extra kms added for one of them.

I'm enjoying the cool of winter here - I sweat like a Rapist in the summer - shower then

Bullettyme · Post by **Bullettyme** » Sat Jun 01, 2019 5:11 pm

Been really enjoying my cycling over the last few weeks. I don't have any sportives or anything planned something it's just been cycling for myself and getting out into nature and doing some exercise. Helps the weather has been somewhat cooperative, doubt I'll have anything like last year though

Old Man by the Sea · Post by **Old Man by the Sea** » Sun Jun 02, 2019 3:08 pm

Been doing 2 a days. The early ride is with wife and I try not to worry about time. The second ride I try and push. The first ride is 1 hour and one to four minutes. The second ride is just shy of an hour.
It's really a joy to have a bike that fits and feels good.
My ride is flat but lots of wind here on a barrier island. Usually a cross wind.
Love it !!

Miguel Indurain · Post by **Miguel Indurain** » Sun Jun 02, 2019 4:25 pm

DOB wrote:I can barely think of a flatter, more boring bike ride in Ireland than 200kms in Kildare. You always knew it was going to be shit one when we saddled up and someone said "right lads, Naas it is."

I do really want to do the WW200 one day, though.

Is there a hill/mountain in Kildare?

Any climbs in Kildare, are the Dublin mountains and Wicklow Mountains!

This year's W200 is next Sunday, looking forward to it.

Miguel Indurain · Post by **Miguel Indurain** » Sun Jun 02, 2019 4:28 pm

2019 Giro just finished with the first winner ever from Ecuador.

2019 vintage hasn't been as good as previous years, in my opinion.

DOB · Post by **DOB** » Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:25 pm

There's a more in-depth discussion of the Giro over on the Pro cycling thread, Willie.

As said before, I'll do the WW200 some day. But not this year.

Miguel Indurain · Post by **Miguel Indurain** » Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:29 pm

DOB wrote:There's a more in-depth discussion of the Giro over on the Pro cycling thread, Willie.

As said before, I'll do the WW200 some day. But not this year.

Good stuff. W200 is a good day out except when you get the rainfall that we got during 2013 edition.

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sat Sep 21, 2019 3:53 pm

Are any roadies using MTB style SPD peddles? Am considering switching so that I can use one pair of winter boots on my road and and MT bikes. I hear they're a bit wiggly on the climbs, anything else?

ukjim · Post by **ukjim** » Sat Sep 21, 2019 4:14 pm

I use eggbeaters on my cx bike which doubles as a winter bike. no problems on climbs

dinsdale · Post by **dinsdale** » Sat Sep 21, 2019 4:17 pm

Leffe wrote:Are any roadies using MTB style SPD peddles? Am considering switching so that I can use one pair of winter boots on my road and and MT bikes. I hear they're a bit wiggly on the climbs, anything else?

I am.

I have MTB SPDs on all my bikes these days. They are fine. They have a bit more movement than a road pedal (a requirement for me) but also mean you can actually walk properly.

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sat Sep 21, 2019 4:27 pm

I inadvertently bought a pair of specialised road shoes with spd mounts (2 point system?) A while back, 50 % off

so considering the change over and buy a pair of Shimano MTB boots for winter. I've had enough of cold feet and hands!

DOB · Post by **DOB** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 5:06 am

I used to ride SPDs. Nothing wrong with them, but I do like being a bit more locked in with my Look keos.

I tried the egg-beaters but just couldn’t abide them. My feet were wobbling all over the shop.

Duck-walking into every cafe and sandwich shop is a bit of a bollix, mind. Even with cleat covers.

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 6:13 am

I can't say I walk too much in cycling shoes; get out, make a mess of my legs and home. Coffee and banana outside after.

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 6:15 am

Managed an 86km solo spin yest at age 29.5kmh. Am quite happy about that.

DOB · Post by **DOB** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 9:48 am

Leffe wrote:Managed an 86km solo spin yest at age 29.5kmh. Am quite happy about that.

That's good going. Any water stops?

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 1:17 pm

DOB wrote:
Leffe wrote:Managed an 86km solo spin yest at age 29.5kmh. Am quite happy about that.
That's good going. Any water stops?

Nope. 2 x 900ml bottles, 3 gels and 1 bar. Theres a 60km loop included along a canal with maybe 10 sets of lights, so you can get in the tuck and power on. Legs have some troubles today

Boobs not Moobs · Post by **Boobs not Moobs** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 5:20 pm

Time trial was good fun today.

Bullettyme · Post by **Bullettyme** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 5:38 pm

Fair dos Leffe, that's some pace, although what was the climbing metreage?

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 6:17 pm

Bullettyme wrote:Fair dos Leffe, that's some pace, although what was the climbing metreage?

Ta. Am a bit off pace from flu 2 or 3 months ago and a 5 week old baby. But felt nice to be able to get stuck in... but:
Climbing?

Meterage

146m

DOB · Post by **DOB** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 7:24 pm

Leffe wrote:
Bullettyme wrote:Fair dos Leffe, that's some pace, although what was the climbing metreage?
Ta. Am a bit off pace from flu 2 or 3 months ago and a 5 week old baby. But felt nice to be able to get stuck in... but:
Climbing?

Meterage

146m

That's lees than 10 feet per mile. You mentioned a canal, were you riding on the water to keep it that flat?

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 7:41 pm

DOB wrote:
Leffe wrote:
Bullettyme wrote:Fair dos Leffe, that's some pace, although what was the climbing metreage?
Ta. Am a bit off pace from flu 2 or 3 months ago and a 5 week old baby. But felt nice to be able to get stuck in... but:
Climbing?

Meterage

146m
That's lees than 10 feet per mile. You mentioned a canal, were you riding on the water to keep it that flat?

Yah i got a ski bike,

.

I live in the centre of the NL. The flatest of the flat. There are no locks in this circular canal, my only concern is - where did i pick up the 146m?

Salanya · Post by **Salanya** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 7:44 pm

Leffe wrote:
DOB wrote:
Leffe wrote:
Bullettyme wrote:Fair dos Leffe, that's some pace, although what was the climbing metreage?
Ta. Am a bit off pace from flu 2 or 3 months ago and a 5 week old baby. But felt nice to be able to get stuck in... but:
Climbing?

Meterage

146m
That's lees than 10 feet per mile. You mentioned a canal, were you riding on the water to keep it that flat?
Yah i got a ski bike, .

I live in the centre of the NL. The flatest of the flat. There are no locks in this circular canal, my only concern is - where did i pick up the 146m?

Probably went across quite a few bridges, to cross the canals

Are you in the Utrecht region?

When I had my first driving lessons we used to do hillstops on bridges

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sun Sep 22, 2019 8:20 pm

Salanya wrote:
Leffe wrote:
DOB wrote:
Leffe wrote:
Bullettyme wrote:Fair dos Leffe, that's some pace, although what was the climbing metreage?
Ta. Am a bit off pace from flu 2 or 3 months ago and a 5 week old baby. But felt nice to be able to get stuck in... but:
Climbing?

Meterage

146m
That's lees than 10 feet per mile. You mentioned a canal, were you riding on the water to keep it that flat?
Yah i got a ski bike, .

I live in the centre of the NL. The flatest of the flat. There are no locks in this circular canal, my only concern is - where did i pick up the 146m?
Probably went across quite a few bridges, to cross the canals
Are you in the Utrecht region?

When I had my first driving lessons we used to do hillstops on bridges

Yep. This is the 60km loop, then I have 25 on top...

Boobs not Moobs · Post by **Boobs not Moobs** » Tue Sep 24, 2019 4:26 pm

You can't hope to get away with that on Yorkshire roads

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:51 pm

I snapped a MTB chain in 2 places (both those link things) and thus replaced the chain. Now with a new chain, I notice that on the 50T rear the chain does not sit in the centre of the ring. It's being pulled towards the other cogs. I have let the end stop out and the derairlier doesn't move any further, but when I push it, it does.

Any ideas here? I'm wondering if the hanger or cage was bent when the chain snapped, or I'm missing an adjustment.

dinsdale · Post by **dinsdale** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 2:03 pm

Leffe wrote:I snapped a MTB chain in 2 places (both those link things) and thus replaced the chain. Now with a new chain, I notice that on the 50T rear the chain does not sit in the centre of the ring. It's being pulled towards the other cogs. I have let the end stop out and the derairlier doesn't move any further, but when I push it, it does.

Any ideas here? I'm wondering if the hanger or cage was bent when the chain snapped, or I'm missing an adjustment.

A bent hanger/cage is a good place to start looking. If you don't have a way to check then any good bike shop will have an alignment tool.

If you pull on the cable does it align correctly? Also check the cables are running smoothly and aren't gunked up.

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 7:35 pm

dinsdale wrote:
Leffe wrote:I snapped a MTB chain in 2 places (both those link things) and thus replaced the chain. Now with a new chain, I notice that on the 50T rear the chain does not sit in the centre of the ring. It's being pulled towards the other cogs. I have let the end stop out and the derairlier doesn't move any further, but when I push it, it does.

Any ideas here? I'm wondering if the hanger or cage was bent when the chain snapped, or I'm missing an adjustment.
A bent hanger/cage is a good place to start looking. If you don't have a way to check then any good bike shop will have an alignment tool.

If you pull on the cable does it align correctly? Also check the cables are running smoothly and aren't gunked up.

I'll check the hanger and cage. I was discounting the cable til now, but maybe should check. It could have been poorly put together in the shop (now closed). Within 6 months of riding it the BB gave up (BB30), apparently there was water and sand in there, which is a shame as it's an S-Works (small bike pron brag I know) and should have had epic levels of TLC during construction. I feel like I'mpicking up the pieces with it tbh. This is the 2nd time the chain has snapped and it's hardly any stretch on it.

johnstrac · Post by **johnstrac** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 8:23 pm

Leffe wrote:
dinsdale wrote:
Leffe wrote:I snapped a MTB chain in 2 places (both those link things) and thus replaced the chain. Now with a new chain, I notice that on the 50T rear the chain does not sit in the centre of the ring. It's being pulled towards the other cogs. I have let the end stop out and the derairlier doesn't move any further, but when I push it, it does.

Any ideas here? I'm wondering if the hanger or cage was bent when the chain snapped, or I'm missing an adjustment.
A bent hanger/cage is a good place to start looking. If you don't have a way to check then any good bike shop will have an alignment tool.

If you pull on the cable does it align correctly? Also check the cables are running smoothly and aren't gunked up.
I'll check the hanger and cage. I was discounting the cable til now, but maybe should check. It could have been poorly put together in the shop (now closed). Within 6 months of riding it the BB gave up (BB30), apparently there was water and sand in there, which is a shame as it's an S-Works (small bike pron brag I know) and should have had epic levels of TLC during construction. I feel like I'mpicking up the pieces with it tbh. This is the 2nd time the chain has snapped and it's hardly any stretch on it.

Thinly disguised "I knock out too much power" boast.

dinsdale · Post by **dinsdale** » Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:16 pm

Leffe wrote:
dinsdale wrote:
Leffe wrote:I snapped a MTB chain in 2 places (both those link things) and thus replaced the chain. Now with a new chain, I notice that on the 50T rear the chain does not sit in the centre of the ring. It's being pulled towards the other cogs. I have let the end stop out and the derairlier doesn't move any further, but when I push it, it does.

Any ideas here? I'm wondering if the hanger or cage was bent when the chain snapped, or I'm missing an adjustment.
A bent hanger/cage is a good place to start looking. If you don't have a way to check then any good bike shop will have an alignment tool.

If you pull on the cable does it align correctly? Also check the cables are running smoothly and aren't gunked up.
I'll check the hanger and cage. I was discounting the cable til now, but maybe should check. It could have been poorly put together in the shop (now closed). Within 6 months of riding it the BB gave up (BB30), apparently there was water and sand in there, which is a shame as it's an S-Works (small bike pron brag I know) and should have had epic levels of TLC during construction. I feel like I'mpicking up the pieces with it tbh. This is the 2nd time the chain has snapped and it's hardly any stretch on it.

It's always worth checking cables early - partly because they are easy to replace.

BBs can take a battering particularly when riding in rough conditions. I have killed a few, one in 3 weeks from new, another in 12 weeks from new. However often you can get away with just replacing the bearings.

I have also snapped loads of chains when I used to ride offroad. It usually happened when the cassette got clogged with dirt/leaves/twigs and the chain wouldn't shift properly.

Leffe · Post by **Leffe** » Sun Jan 05, 2020 11:03 am

johnstrac wrote:
Leffe wrote:
dinsdale wrote:
Leffe wrote:I snapped a MTB chain in 2 places (both those link things) and thus replaced the chain. Now with a new chain, I notice that on the 50T rear the chain does not sit in the centre of the ring. It's being pulled towards the other cogs. I have let the end stop out and the derairlier doesn't move any further, but when I push it, it does.

Any ideas here? I'm wondering if the hanger or cage was bent when the chain snapped, or I'm missing an adjustment.
A bent hanger/cage is a good place to start looking. If you don't have a way to check then any good bike shop will have an alignment tool.

If you pull on the cable does it align correctly? Also check the cables are running smoothly and aren't gunked up.
I'll check the hanger and cage. I was discounting the cable til now, but maybe should check. It could have been poorly put together in the shop (now closed). Within 6 months of riding it the BB gave up (BB30), apparently there was water and sand in there, which is a shame as it's an S-Works (small bike pron brag I know) and should have had epic levels of TLC during construction. I feel like I'mpicking up the pieces with it tbh. This is the 2nd time the chain has snapped and it's hardly any stretch on it.
Thinly disguised "I knock out too much power" boast.

Too many pies at Xmas...

Bullettyme · Post by **Bullettyme** » Tue Jan 07, 2020 8:40 pm

I saw Conor Dunne retired a couple of weeks ago and last night was thinking he would be great on the likes of GCN. Low and behold they announce him today as a presenter. Good luck to the guy

Hope everyone's cycling year has gotten off to a good start. Just had 2 punctures on my ride home from work, ready to pack it in.

dinsdale · Post by **dinsdale** » Tue Jan 07, 2020 8:58 pm

Bullettyme wrote:I saw Conor Dunne retired a couple of weeks ago and last night was thinking he would be great on the likes of GCN. Low and behold they announce him today as a presenter. Good luck to the guy

Hope everyone's cycling year has gotten off to a good start. Just had 2 punctures on my ride home from work, ready to pack it in.

My cycling hasn't extended beyond Zwift yet this year.

ukjim · Post by **ukjim** » Tue Jan 07, 2020 10:06 pm

Bullettyme wrote:I saw Conor Dunne retired a couple of weeks ago and last night was thinking he would be great on the likes of GCN. Low and behold they announce him today as a presenter. Good luck to the guy

Hope everyone's cycling year has gotten off to a good start. Just had 2 punctures on my ride home from work, ready to pack it in.

Him and Matt (and[globus] me[/globus])are club mates.

Spyglass · Post by **Spyglass** » Wed Jan 08, 2020 7:37 pm

dinsdale wrote:
Bullettyme wrote:I saw Conor Dunne retired a couple of weeks ago and last night was thinking he would be great on the likes of GCN. Low and behold they announce him today as a presenter. Good luck to the guy

Hope everyone's cycling year has gotten off to a good start. Just had 2 punctures on my ride home from work, ready to pack it in.
My cycling hasn't extended beyond Zwift yet this year.

I managed to take two weeks off over the Christmas/New Year period, we had great weather so I managed to ride 755 miles in total, half of which was on my Christmas present below

Just waiting for the power meter to arrive, hopefully in time for my club training camp in just over a weeks time.

ukjim · Post by **ukjim** » Wed Jan 08, 2020 7:44 pm

Spyglass wrote:

noice

DOB · Post by **DOB** » Wed Jan 08, 2020 8:47 pm

Spyglass wrote:
dinsdale wrote:
Bullettyme wrote:I saw Conor Dunne retired a couple of weeks ago and last night was thinking he would be great on the likes of GCN. Low and behold they announce him today as a presenter. Good luck to the guy

Hope everyone's cycling year has gotten off to a good start. Just had 2 punctures on my ride home from work, ready to pack it in.
My cycling hasn't extended beyond Zwift yet this year.
I managed to take two weeks off over the Christmas/New Year period, we had great weather so I managed to ride 755 miles in total, half of which was on my Christmas present below

Just waiting for the power meter to arrive, hopefully in time for my club training camp in just over a weeks time.

755 miles on that? What’s that, 12-14 hours of riding over 2 weeks?