gaaboard.com

Non GAA Discussion => General discussion => Topic started by: Jimmy on February 18, 2010, 10:20:27 PM

Title: Cycling
Post by: Jimmy on February 18, 2010, 10:20:27 PM
Anyone on here do much cycling? Was thinking on investing in a road bike to cycle the roads and possibly joining a club. What sort of a budget would you give yourself for buying a bike for a beginner? What other sort of gear would you need? Is it easy enough to come by a decent second hand bike. Been told I need a 56cm frame and that is very important.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on February 18, 2010, 10:28:39 PM
I cycle at least 7-8 mile a day (to work and back). It's great!
The only gear I have is a lock, a good raincoat, clips for the bottom of my trousers/jeans and a pump! and an MP3 Player - that's all you need.

I know someone that got a really decent second hand bike recently but I'd say it's hit and miss.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: el_cuervo_fc on February 18, 2010, 10:29:52 PM
You could get a decent bicycle for around £250-£300.  Me and a few of my mates bought racers last year.  They were good enough quality.  It was a good way of getting fit and shedding a few pounds.  We done a cycle to Cork from Armagh in 3 days for Marie Curie.  It was a good oul experience. 

You could maybe see if the shop with throw you in a free helmet or something.  I would definitely suggest investing a good thick padded set of cycling shorts.   ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: delboy on February 19, 2010, 12:44:04 PM
I would get in touch with a cycling club first im pretty sure some of the members will have decent second hands bikes that they are willing to sell for probably a fraction of a price they paid for them as some guys are constantly upgrading (usually the unmarried living at home types). Better that than trying to buy one yourself which could turn out to be a parcel of dung.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: A Quinn Martin Production on February 19, 2010, 01:00:52 PM
In my experience (50-60 miles per week) essential gear is:  A helmet, a high visibility jacket, lights for your bike and if you mean to cycle regularly a decent pair of proper cycling shorts (padded of course!!).  I use a back light even on those rare days when the sun is out.  Most motorists in Ireland have feck all respect for cyclists so make sure you're visible.  You will get to experience how poor our roads are. 

However on the positive side I love cycling and it's good exercise.  As other posters have said try to pick up a good second hand road bike (£250 - £400)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RMDrive on February 19, 2010, 01:32:09 PM
If you're in the south, check if the Bikes for Work scheme is in your company. Tax free bikes.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on February 19, 2010, 02:05:00 PM
TBH as el_cuervo stated, you can pick up a good road bike new for around 300 quid (unlike mountain bikes where you are looking around a grand for something decent or 2/3 if you take it a bit more serious).
Personally I would try not to spend any more than that, as you'll easily add another 200-300 on gear. Try 2nd hand too but make sure it was well looked after, you could pick up something that could end up needing a good service and replacing parts on a higher end model with like for like will cost.
Also the cycle to work scheme is available in the UK too.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 03:31:53 PM
Ffs lads I don't think he's trying to be the next Lance Armstrong. 

£200-300 quid on gear bigfella? Are you mad in the head!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: AbbeySider on February 19, 2010, 03:50:04 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 18, 2010, 10:28:39 PM
I cycle at least 7-8 mile a day (to work and back). It's great!
The only gear I have is a lock, a good raincoat, clips for the bottom of my trousers/jeans and a pump! and an MP3 Player - that's all you need.

I know someone that got a really decent second hand bike recently but I'd say it's hit and miss.

Do you not sweat your ass off and skink for the day?
Id love to cycle to work but the idea of not being able to shower at work put me off.

In my last company we had a shower in our building which was handy for those who cycled in to work.  :(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on February 19, 2010, 03:52:06 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 03:31:53 PM
Ffs lads I don't think he's trying to be the next Lance Armstrong. 

£200-300 quid on gear bigfella? Are you mad in the head!

Well average, shoes 40-50 quid, helmet 30-40 quid (I wouldn't skimp here, just because I like one that fits right), couple of jerseys 40 quid, lights, shorts, wet gear, cycle computer, water bottle and holder, lubricants, tools, pump, gloves etc.......... It all amounts up

I'd say my commuting gear alone cost me well over 300 quid (its standard to pay between 30-50 for a pair of winter gloves) and if you look at most people who signed up to the cycle to work schemes, most of their gear is of a similar standard.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 03:54:52 PM
He only needs that stuff if he's planning on doing about 30 mile at a time. 

Btw, my gloves were about 3 quid in Tesco.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on February 19, 2010, 04:06:54 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 03:54:52 PM
He only needs that stuff if he's planning on doing about 30 mile at a time. 

Btw, my gloves were about 3 quid in Tesco.

Planning to join a cycling club, so I reckon he'll be doing a few miles. He can hardly go out in jeans. That was 30-50 euros, trust me I been through quite a few cycle shops in dublin.

If the Tesco gloves do you, thats fine but the facts are if you go out and buy even the basics it will amount up.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: A Quinn Martin Production on February 19, 2010, 04:09:16 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on February 19, 2010, 03:52:06 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 03:31:53 PM
Ffs lads I don't think he's trying to be the next Lance Armstrong. 

£200-300 quid on gear bigfella? Are you mad in the head!

Well average, shoes 40-50 quid, helmet 30-40 quid (I wouldn't skimp here, just because I like one that fits right), couple of jerseys 40 quid, lights, shorts, wet gear, cycle computer, water bottle and holder, lubricants, tools, pump, gloves etc.......... It all amounts up

I'd say my commuting gear alone cost me well over 300 quid (its standard to pay between 30-50 for a pair of winter gloves) and if you look at most people who signed up to the cycle to work schemes, most of their gear is of a similar standard.

I agree bigfella on the need for a good helmet.  I paid £40 for mine...you need something that's comfortable and gives you protection should you go arse over tit.  I think my winter gloves were £15.99 and they're not bad.  I picked up a lot of gear as I went along asked people for it for birthdays and from Santa etc.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Hammer on February 19, 2010, 04:09:42 PM
Cycling hasn't done steven o'neill any harm... As said above don't spend a fortune incase you then just give it up !! I did that.. I thot I'd love the cycling, but after a while a grew board !! Off road running/fell running I think it is known as.. Its a good ol buzz. May even compete at it soon
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on February 19, 2010, 04:20:17 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on February 19, 2010, 04:09:16 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on February 19, 2010, 03:52:06 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 03:31:53 PM
Ffs lads I don't think he's trying to be the next Lance Armstrong. 

£200-300 quid on gear bigfella? Are you mad in the head!

Well average, shoes 40-50 quid, helmet 30-40 quid (I wouldn't skimp here, just because I like one that fits right), couple of jerseys 40 quid, lights, shorts, wet gear, cycle computer, water bottle and holder, lubricants, tools, pump, gloves etc.......... It all amounts up

I'd say my commuting gear alone cost me well over 300 quid (its standard to pay between 30-50 for a pair of winter gloves) and if you look at most people who signed up to the cycle to work schemes, most of their gear is of a similar standard.

I agree bigfella on the need for a good helmet.  I paid £40 for mine...you need something that's comfortable and gives you protection should you go arse over tit. I think my winter gloves were £15.99 and they're not bad.  I picked up a lot of gear as I went along asked people for it for birthday's and from Santa etc.

Yeah I bought mine in Dublin, probably 25 quid online but teh cycle to work scheme has inflated a few things here  :-\
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: A Quinn Martin Production on February 19, 2010, 04:30:20 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?

Whay do you need special shoes to kick a ball or dance on ice??  I blame the GPA.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on February 19, 2010, 05:03:40 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?

You don't but I use clipless pedals which are more efficient as you can pull on the pedal as well as push. It actually makes huge difference on long cycles.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: delboy on February 19, 2010, 05:05:34 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?

Proper cycling shoes with cleats allow much better power transmission and you are less likely to end up with biomechanical foot problems due to the pressure applied whilst cycling which can be a problem if putting in big miles with trainers and toe clips.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Jimmy on February 19, 2010, 05:17:50 PM
Cheers for the tips is lads. Some helpful stuff. My first preference would be to get a second hand bike around the £200-£300 mark but there not as easy to find as thought they would be. When doing my reserch and trying to find out how much everything would be, it was costing about £600 to get everything. Don't think I'll be doing that right away. As someone mentioned, the best way is to pick the gear up as you go along and get more seriours.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on February 19, 2010, 05:26:36 PM
Quote from: delboy on February 19, 2010, 05:05:34 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?

Proper cycling shoes with cleats allow much better power transmission and you are less likely to end up with biomechanical foot problems due to the pressure applied whilst cycling which can be a problem if putting in big miles with trainers and toe clips.

Someone has learned to you copy and paste
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Trevor Hill on February 19, 2010, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: The Hammer on February 19, 2010, 04:09:42 PM
I thot I'd love the cycling, but after a while a grew board !! Off road running/fell running I think it is known as.. Its a good ol buzz. May even compete at it soon

Ive been running (off road) for a few years. Really enjoy it, even though it can be tough at times. I usually do 6 or 7 miles about 5 or 6 times a week, weather and work permitting.
I cycled on Sunday for the first time in about 15 years, it was tough going, don't remember it being that hard. Had good cycling shorts on as well and I was still walking like John Wayne on Tuesday. It was only 10 miles.  :( Ive committed to doing a triathlon this year and I was only worried about the swim.
I`ll probably be back out again tomorrow and Sunday and I`ll get a few evenings in as soon as its bright enough, but its harder than I remember.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 05:28:25 PM
Thanks.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: delboy on February 19, 2010, 06:30:19 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on February 19, 2010, 05:26:36 PM
Quote from: delboy on February 19, 2010, 05:05:34 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?

Proper cycling shoes with cleats allow much better power transmission and you are less likely to end up with biomechanical foot problems due to the pressure applied whilst cycling which can be a problem if putting in big miles with trainers and toe clips.

Someone has learned to you copy and paste

Copy and paste what? Sorry to disappoint but that was from me own wee brain box and was written while you must have been posting. For what its worth i don't buy into the upward stroke thing as a propulsive force except maybe for top/elite cyclists and even then im sceptical. IMO most of the efficencies for average bods are a result of non-slippage on the pedal and smoother/improved cadence which is helped by the relatively small force applied on the upward stroke which in turn allows a more efficent and powerful downward stroke which actually moves the bike forward. 

The bit about the biomechanical problems is worth a mention, i occasionally suffered from sore feet (arches etc) when i used trainers, the move to proper and much stiffer cycling shoes helped greatly in that respect.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ardmhachaabu on February 19, 2010, 06:35:34 PM
Quote from: Jimmy on February 19, 2010, 05:17:50 PM
Cheers for the tips is lads. Some helpful stuff. My first preference would be to get a second hand bike around the £200-£300 mark but there not as easy to find as thought they would be. When doing my reserch and trying to find out how much everything would be, it was costing about £600 to get everything. Don't think I'll be doing that right away. As someone mentioned, the best way is to pick the gear up as you go along and get more seriours.
Depending on the sort of bike you are after, I may be able to help.  In fact, I have one out the back of the house you can have if you are anywhere near Belfast.  It may need some work done to it but it wouldn't be that dear, it's a mountain bike if that's any use to ya
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:41:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?
You don't you know. 

Quote from: Jimmy on February 19, 2010, 05:17:50 PM
Cheers for the tips is lads. Some helpful stuff. My first preference would be to get a second hand bike around the £200-£300 mark but there not as easy to find as thought they would be. When doing my reserch and trying to find out how much everything would be, it was costing about £600 to get everything. Don't think I'll be doing that right away. As someone mentioned, the best way is to pick the gear up as you go along and get more seriours.
Have you ever cycled before, I think you'd be mad to spend that on a bike if you're going to get fed up in a couple of months. 
Mine was under £200 but if I'm still enjoying it as much in 12 months I think I'll upgrade.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: delboy on February 19, 2010, 06:44:48 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:41:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?
You don't you know. 

Quote from: Jimmy on February 19, 2010, 05:17:50 PM
Cheers for the tips is lads. Some helpful stuff. My first preference would be to get a second hand bike around the £200-£300 mark but there not as easy to find as thought they would be. When doing my reserch and trying to find out how much everything would be, it was costing about £600 to get everything. Don't think I'll be doing that right away. As someone mentioned, the best way is to pick the gear up as you go along and get more seriours.
Have you ever cycled before, I think you'd be mad to spend that on a bike if you're going to get fed up in a couple of months. 
Mine was under £200 but if I'm still enjoying it as much in 12 months I think I'll upgrade.

Perfect example of 'Buy cheap, buy twice!'
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:46:08 PM
Quote from: delboy on February 19, 2010, 06:44:48 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:41:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?
You don't you know. 

Quote from: Jimmy on February 19, 2010, 05:17:50 PM
Cheers for the tips is lads. Some helpful stuff. My first preference would be to get a second hand bike around the £200-£300 mark but there not as easy to find as thought they would be. When doing my reserch and trying to find out how much everything would be, it was costing about £600 to get everything. Don't think I'll be doing that right away. As someone mentioned, the best way is to pick the gear up as you go along and get more seriours.
Have you ever cycled before, I think you'd be mad to spend that on a bike if you're going to get fed up in a couple of months. 
Mine was under £200 but if I'm still enjoying it as much in 12 months I think I'll upgrade.

Buy cheap, buy twice!
I'd rather that than buy dear and then let it rust in the garage. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: delboy on February 19, 2010, 06:53:22 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:46:08 PM
Quote from: delboy on February 19, 2010, 06:44:48 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:41:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?
You don't you know. 

Quote from: Jimmy on February 19, 2010, 05:17:50 PM
Cheers for the tips is lads. Some helpful stuff. My first preference would be to get a second hand bike around the £200-£300 mark but there not as easy to find as thought they would be. When doing my reserch and trying to find out how much everything would be, it was costing about £600 to get everything. Don't think I'll be doing that right away. As someone mentioned, the best way is to pick the gear up as you go along and get more seriours.
Have you ever cycled before, I think you'd be mad to spend that on a bike if you're going to get fed up in a couple of months. 
Mine was under £200 but if I'm still enjoying it as much in 12 months I think I'll upgrade.

Buy cheap, buy twice!
I'd rather that than buy dear and then let it rust in the garage.

The quality of a bike will improve the experience immensily riding on a cheap bike can quickly become a chore, the cheapo bike is much more likely to sit in the garage and gather dust than will the decent bike IMO. And if it comes down to it and they find its not the pastime for them a decent second hand bike will almost certainly hold its price better than the cheapo and will sell for roughly the same price it was bought for unlike the cheapo.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:55:01 PM
Quote from: delboy on February 19, 2010, 06:53:22 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:46:08 PM
Quote from: delboy on February 19, 2010, 06:44:48 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:41:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?
You don't you know. 

Quote from: Jimmy on February 19, 2010, 05:17:50 PM
Cheers for the tips is lads. Some helpful stuff. My first preference would be to get a second hand bike around the £200-£300 mark but there not as easy to find as thought they would be. When doing my reserch and trying to find out how much everything would be, it was costing about £600 to get everything. Don't think I'll be doing that right away. As someone mentioned, the best way is to pick the gear up as you go along and get more seriours.
Have you ever cycled before, I think you'd be mad to spend that on a bike if you're going to get fed up in a couple of months. 
Mine was under £200 but if I'm still enjoying it as much in 12 months I think I'll upgrade.

Buy cheap, buy twice!
I'd rather that than buy dear and then let it rust in the garage.

The quality of a bike will improve the experience immensily riding on a cheap bike can quickly become a chore, the cheapo bike is much more likely to sit in the garage and gather dust than will the decent bike IMO. And if it comes down to it and they find its not the pastime for them a decent second hand bike will almost certainly hold its price better than the cheapo and will sell for roughly the same price it was bought for unlike the cheapo.

I hope you're not calling Jane and "cheapo"!  >:(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: delboy on February 19, 2010, 07:05:29 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:55:01 PM
Quote from: delboy on February 19, 2010, 06:53:22 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:46:08 PM
Quote from: delboy on February 19, 2010, 06:44:48 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 06:41:24 PM
Quote from: Hardy on February 19, 2010, 04:20:53 PM
Why do you need special shoes to ride a bike? And multi-coloured ganseys?
You don't you know. 

Quote from: Jimmy on February 19, 2010, 05:17:50 PM
Cheers for the tips is lads. Some helpful stuff. My first preference would be to get a second hand bike around the £200-£300 mark but there not as easy to find as thought they would be. When doing my reserch and trying to find out how much everything would be, it was costing about £600 to get everything. Don't think I'll be doing that right away. As someone mentioned, the best way is to pick the gear up as you go along and get more seriours.
Have you ever cycled before, I think you'd be mad to spend that on a bike if you're going to get fed up in a couple of months. 
Mine was under £200 but if I'm still enjoying it as much in 12 months I think I'll upgrade.

Buy cheap, buy twice!
I'd rather that than buy dear and then let it rust in the garage.

The quality of a bike will improve the experience immensily riding on a cheap bike can quickly become a chore, the cheapo bike is much more likely to sit in the garage and gather dust than will the decent bike IMO. And if it comes down to it and they find its not the pastime for them a decent second hand bike will almost certainly hold its price better than the cheapo and will sell for roughly the same price it was bought for unlike the cheapo.

I hope you're not calling Jane and "cheapo"!  >:(

What  ???
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on February 19, 2010, 07:08:48 PM
Jane's my bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Jimmy on February 19, 2010, 09:00:31 PM
Quote from: ardmhachaabu on February 19, 2010, 06:35:34 PM
Quote from: Jimmy on February 19, 2010, 05:17:50 PM
Cheers for the tips is lads. Some helpful stuff. My first preference would be to get a second hand bike around the £200-£300 mark but there not as easy to find as thought they would be. When doing my reserch and trying to find out how much everything would be, it was costing about £600 to get everything. Don't think I'll be doing that right away. As someone mentioned, the best way is to pick the gear up as you go along and get more seriours.
Depending on the sort of bike you are after, I may be able to help.  In fact, I have one out the back of the house you can have if you are anywhere near Belfast.  It may need some work done to it but it wouldn't be that dear, it's a mountain bike if that's any use to ya

It's a road bike I'm looking, but thanks for the offer.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Real Laoislad on April 06, 2010, 07:59:50 PM
Im doing up to 30km every Saturday in the Phoenix Park. Going to start go in the evenings after work now that the evenings are bright.
Starting off all i could manage was 4 or 5km,and really wanted to quit but stuck at it and have lost a stone and a half since christmas and am fitter than I have been in years.
 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on April 06, 2010, 08:24:32 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on April 06, 2010, 07:59:50 PM
Im doing up to 30km every Saturday in the Phoenix Park. Going to start go in the evenings after work now that the evenings are bright.
Starting off all i could manage was 4 or 5km,and really wanted to quit but stuck at it and have lost a stone and a half since christmas and am fitter than I have been in years.

What sort of bike are you using? A few of the fellas in work joined the cycle to work scheme and got these, what I can only describe as, "hybrid" bikes. Seem to be a cross between a mountain bike and a racing bike. For the commuter or average user doing 20 or 30 miles surely these would be a good compromise, rather than an ultralight racer with skinny wheels that buckle after about 10 yards on the backroads of Armagh.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Real Laoislad on April 06, 2010, 08:34:15 PM
I bought a mountain bike in Halfords for €150 and I just wear a tracksuit bottoms and a jersey with ordinary runners, you don't have to spend big at all IMHO
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ludermor on April 06, 2010, 08:45:31 PM
Jeez i might bump into ya, i try and do a lap of the park on saturdays and with the extra hour in the evening will try and do it a few times a week. The run around the back of the park through castleknock and chaplelizard is lovely in the good weather.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerrykeegan on April 06, 2010, 08:47:22 PM
Thats a lot of cycling LL, do you just go up and down the middle bit or around the inside walls. Do you wear the Laois jersey? I am in the park with the kids most weekends, I will look out for you
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on April 06, 2010, 09:17:03 PM
Ireland is lamentably short of cycle paths. There are a few in the north:

Belfast - Lisburn, along the towpath
Belfast - Comber, along the old railway track,
Portadown - Newry, along the towpath

Any others? Whats your favourite?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Real Laoislad on April 06, 2010, 11:05:27 PM
Quote from: ludermor on April 06, 2010, 08:45:31 PM
Jeez i might bump into ya, i try and do a lap of the park on saturdays and with the extra hour in the evening will try and do it a few times a week. The run around the back of the park through castleknock and chaplelizard is lovely in the good weather.

I'm there at about 9am most Saturdays,do you jog all the time or cycle?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ludermor on April 06, 2010, 11:10:47 PM
Cycle all the time i wouldnt be able run!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Real Laoislad on April 06, 2010, 11:13:48 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on April 06, 2010, 08:47:22 PM
Thats a lot of cycling LL, do you just go up and down the middle bit or around the inside walls. Do you wear the Laois jersey? I am in the park with the kids most weekends, I will look out for you

I usually park the van at the Papal Cross,then come out of that on the bike and turn left up towards the Aras,then turn left at that roundabout at the Aras and head up towards the Castleknock entrance,then double back and cycle at the back of the Zoo,down by the Garda Headquarters,coming out where the Wellington statue is and back up then on the main road towards the Papal Cross again,I usually do this circuit about 3 times,its about 9km for one circuit.
There are loads of little tracks and routes that can be taken but I like that one.

Could have Laois jersey on but could have anything really,I will be the one driving the dirty white Renault Trafic van,usually some little punk has "I wish my Girlfriend was as dirty as this" wrote on the back doors so if ya spot me give us a shout!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on April 06, 2010, 11:25:26 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on April 06, 2010, 11:13:48 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on April 06, 2010, 08:47:22 PM
Thats a lot of cycling LL, do you just go up and down the middle bit or around the inside walls. Do you wear the Laois jersey? I am in the park with the kids most weekends, I will look out for you

I usually park the van at the Papal Cross,then come out of that on the bike and turn left up towards the Aras,then turn left at that roundabout at the Aras and head up towards the Castleknock entrance,then double back and cycle at the back of the Zoo,down by the Garda Headquarters,coming out where the Wellington statue is and back up then on the main road towards the Papal Cross again,I usually do this circuit about 3 times,its about 9km for one circuit.
There are loads of little tracks and routes that can be taken but I like that one.

Could have Laois jersey on but could have anything really,I will be the one driving the dirty white Renault Trafic van,usually some little punk has "I wish my Girlfriend was as dirty as this" wrote on the back doors so if ya spot me give us a shout!

Ahem... she is.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on April 06, 2010, 11:27:08 PM
Quote from: Orior on April 06, 2010, 11:25:26 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on April 06, 2010, 11:13:48 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on April 06, 2010, 08:47:22 PM
Thats a lot of cycling LL, do you just go up and down the middle bit or around the inside walls. Do you wear the Laois jersey? I am in the park with the kids most weekends, I will look out for you

I usually park the van at the Papal Cross,then come out of that on the bike and turn left up towards the Aras,then turn left at that roundabout at the Aras and head up towards the Castleknock entrance,then double back and cycle at the back of the Zoo,down by the Garda Headquarters,coming out where the Wellington statue is and back up then on the main road towards the Papal Cross again,I usually do this circuit about 3 times,its about 9km for one circuit.
There are loads of little tracks and routes that can be taken but I like that one.

Could have Laois jersey on but could have anything really,I will be the one driving the dirty white Renault Trafic van,usually some little punk has "I wish my Girlfriend was as dirty as this" wrote on the back doors so if ya spot me give us a shout!

Ahem... she is.

Definitely
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JUst retired on April 07, 2010, 07:28:39 AM
Pints, you mentioned an mp3 player, and no one has mentioned it since. That seems a bit daft, how do you hear traffic coming from behind you? ???
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerrykeegan on April 07, 2010, 08:02:02 AM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on April 06, 2010, 08:34:15 PM
I bought a mountain bike in Halfords for €150 and I just wear a tracksuit bottoms and a jersey with ordinary runners, you don't have to spend big at all IMHO

I started back cycling about 4 years ago, bought the €150 job from Halfords also. Didnt know would I continue to cycle so didnt spend very much. Last year I upgraded to a €300 bike from Halfords, huge difference. If you continue to like it I would consider upgrading at some point, also if you are just on the road make sure you dont get those big mountain bike tyres, there shit for the road. I'll keep an eye out for you, if you hear someone shouting your only a Laois bollix, that will be me!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on April 07, 2010, 09:13:15 AM
Quote from: JUst retired on April 07, 2010, 07:28:39 AM
Pints, you mentioned an mp3 player, and no one has mentioned it since. That seems a bit daft, how do you hear traffic coming from behind you? ???

Use your eyes as well as your ears.
Dont wave in and out onto the middle of the road.
Motorists normally dont try to knock cyclists down, so you shouldnt have to worry.
Dont play the ipod at full blast - you should be able to hear both traffic and music.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: small white mayoman on April 07, 2010, 09:44:05 AM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on April 07, 2010, 08:02:02 AM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on April 06, 2010, 08:34:15 PM
I bought a mountain bike in Halfords for €150 and I just wear a tracksuit bottoms and a jersey with ordinary runners, you don't have to spend big at all IMHO

I started back cycling about 4 years ago, bought the €150 job from Halfords also. Didnt know would I continue to cycle so didnt spend very much. Last year I upgraded to a €300 bike from Halfords, huge difference. If you continue to like it I would consider upgrading at some point, also if you are just on the road make sure you dont get those big mountain bike tyres, there shit for the road. I'll keep an eye out for you, if you hear someone shouting your only a Laois bollix, that will be me!

Just started back cycling a few months ago , got myself a Kelly's bike must say i'm delighted with it can't believe how light it is , the tyres on it are bigger than a racing bike but smaller than a mountain bike. i'm doing about 15 miles most evenings and find it a great stress realease hoping to build up the mileage and do the gaelforce challenge this year 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on April 07, 2010, 08:10:22 PM
Quote from: JUst retired on April 07, 2010, 07:28:39 AM
Pints, you mentioned an mp3 player, and no one has mentioned it since. That seems a bit daft, how do you hear traffic coming from behind you? ???
sure if I was in the car with the radio on I couldnt hear the traffic behind me either
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 07, 2010, 08:20:42 PM
just after doing 30 mile spin tonight with the headphones on, cycling for a couple hours with no one to chat to or no music would do my head in
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Real Laoislad on April 07, 2010, 08:25:40 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 07, 2010, 08:20:42 PM
just after doing 30 mile spin tonight with the headphones on, cycling for a couple hours with no one to chat to or no music would do my head in

You should get a iPod or mp3 player to go with them headphones, it's far better when there is music coming through them
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 07, 2010, 08:32:21 PM
feck i knew something was wrong, i must be the only one on here who does not own a ipod or iphone
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on April 07, 2010, 08:36:07 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 07, 2010, 08:32:21 PM
feck i knew something was wrong, i must be the only one on here who does not own a ipod or iphone
I dont own either of them, never liked them ipods - simple mp3 player is far handier. Though I'm thinking of getting another one because I dont think mine has very good sound. the last one I had was some job but it stopped charging after about 5 years. may it RIP.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 21, 2010, 10:57:36 AM
Have a 70 mile charity ride this Sunday, Birmingham to Oxford. If there is no one around to update the spreads comp you will know why.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on June 21, 2010, 11:37:51 PM
Hope it doesn't rain!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 22, 2010, 12:06:32 AM
Quote from: maddog on June 21, 2010, 10:57:36 AM
Have a 70 mile charity ride this Sunday, Birmingham to Oxford. If there is no one around to update the spreads comp you will know why.

What has been your longest training run maddog?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: armaghniac on June 22, 2010, 12:21:28 AM
Anyone doing the Belfast to Dublin maracycle thing at the weekend?

(http://www.cooperationireland.org/files/Map-route3-lowres.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 22, 2010, 08:16:18 AM
Quote from: Orior on June 22, 2010, 12:06:32 AM
Quote from: maddog on June 21, 2010, 10:57:36 AM
Have a 70 mile charity ride this Sunday, Birmingham to Oxford. If there is no one around to update the spreads comp you will know why.

What has been your longest training run maddog?

52 so far Orior. Im hoping that the fact that its in a group as opposed to slogging alone will see me home the last few miles. Looks like its going to be a scorcher as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 28, 2010, 09:17:36 PM
If anyone here did do the maracycle, then they are keeping very quiet.

http://www.cooperationireland.org/files/CyclistTimes.pdf (http://www.cooperationireland.org/files/CyclistTimes.pdf)

The race went right past my parents house on the Portidown to Newry towpath  :o
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 28, 2010, 09:18:38 PM
Quote from: Orior on June 28, 2010, 09:17:36 PM
If anyone here did do the maracycle, then they are keeping very quiet.

http://www.cooperationireland.org/files/CyclistTimes.pdf (http://www.cooperationireland.org/files/CyclistTimes.pdf)

The race went right past my parents house on the Portidown to Newry towpath  :o

By the way, in the words of master Bart Simpson esquire, I didnt do it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on June 28, 2010, 09:51:36 PM
Did anyone hear if maddog made it?
Or do we need to organise a gaaboard wreath?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 29, 2010, 08:59:18 AM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 28, 2010, 09:51:36 PM
Did anyone hear if maddog made it?
Or do we need to organise a gaaboard wreath?

No wreath required, i dragged my fat arse over the 77 mile route and i feel like i spent the weekend with boy george. Doing a 50 miler this sunday in worcester, should be handy by comparison.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 29, 2010, 11:05:49 AM
Quote from: maddog on June 29, 2010, 08:59:18 AM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 28, 2010, 09:51:36 PM
Did anyone hear if maddog made it?
Or do we need to organise a gaaboard wreath?

No wreath required, i dragged my fat arse over the 77 mile route and i feel like i spent the weekend with boy george. Doing a 50 miler this sunday in worcester, should be handy by comparison.

50 mile? Ah sure just give George O'Dowd a blow anyway.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on August 23, 2010, 08:54:25 PM
Can any of you boys recommend a decent pump, is it worth getting one with a gauge. 
I'm sick of this piece of shit one I have and the wheels seem to go flat after no time.

Also, do any of you get stiff knees - only started to get this recently - any cures?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Puckoon on August 23, 2010, 09:20:25 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on August 23, 2010, 08:54:25 PM
Can any of you boys recommend a decent pump, is it worth getting one with a gauge. 
I'm sick of this piece of shit one I have and the wheels seem to go flat after no time.

Also, do any of you get stiff knees - only started to get this recently - any cures?

Are these two issues related?

Surely it's a wheel problem.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ardmhachaabu on August 23, 2010, 09:31:41 PM
I think it's a tyre problem
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on August 23, 2010, 09:33:01 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on August 23, 2010, 09:20:25 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on August 23, 2010, 08:54:25 PM
Can any of you boys recommend a decent pump, is it worth getting one with a gauge. 
I'm sick of this piece of shit one I have and the wheels seem to go flat after no time.

Also, do any of you get stiff knees - only started to get this recently - any cures?

Are these two issues related?

Surely it's a wheel problem.
aye I don't think I get enough air/pressure in them to start with. When the bike shop does it with whatever contraception they have they're dead on for months!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Gs Man on August 23, 2010, 09:44:21 PM
Anyone do any mountainbiking? Recommend any good trails for bumps and jumps? Up North preferably.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: DoireGael on August 23, 2010, 11:01:35 PM
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0820/1224277229259.html

Dublin - Galway would be great craic

This looks like it could be an interesting development

Been thinking for a while of starting up the cycling, had a test run on a mates and seemed good craic

http://www.facebook.com/oakleafcycleslam


Is the racing bike cheaper in the Free State or up north generally speaking?

Are places like Halfords to be avoided?

Do Brands matter in terms of the quality? Italian made? etc
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cavan4sam on August 23, 2010, 11:14:40 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on August 23, 2010, 08:54:25 PM
Can any of you boys recommend a decent pump, is it worth getting one with a gauge. 
I'm sick of this piece of shit one I have and the wheels seem to go flat after no time.

Also, do any of you get stiff knees - only started to get this recently - any cures?

I have this 1

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4949

only have it a while as I lost my old 1 but it is very good and reasonably priced.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 23, 2010, 11:16:14 PM
It looks like it's more cycling for me from now on, too many years of football and impact has reduced my exercises to non impact so cycling and swimming seems to be the future. I have a fairly good racing bike and a mountain bike but lent that out and never got it back but in fairness don't like the mountain bike i prefer the speed from the racing bike.

I haven't got into the way of cycling for hours on end, i prefer to cycle for about 30mins (8-10 mile) then turn and come home doing roughly 15-20 mile in total but doing it flat out as fast as i can go. My biggest problem is i get a sore back haunched over on the racer >:(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on August 24, 2010, 04:39:29 AM
Quote from: illdecide on August 23, 2010, 11:16:14 PM
It looks like it's more cycling for me from now on, too many years of football and impact has reduced my exercises to non impact so cycling and swimming seems to be the future. I have a fairly good racing bike and a mountain bike but lent that out and never got it back but in fairness don't like the mountain bike i prefer the speed from the racing bike.

I haven't got into the way of cycling for hours on end, i prefer to cycle for about 30mins (8-10 mile) then turn and come home doing roughly 15-20 mile in total but doing it flat out as fast as i can go. My biggest problem is i get a sore back haunched over on the racer >:(
She obviously doesn't fit you... getting fitted to a bike is a must over here if you're actually
serious about it, especially if you intend being in the saddle for long spells.
A few tweaks here and there could sort your problem (shorter or angled Handlebar stem perhaps
or dropping the point of the saddle down a hair might be a good place to start)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 24, 2010, 10:47:19 AM
Quote from: illdecide on August 23, 2010, 11:16:14 PM
It looks like it's more cycling for me from now on, too many years of football and impact has reduced my exercises to non impact so cycling and swimming seems to be the future. I have a fairly good racing bike and a mountain bike but lent that out and never got it back but in fairness don't like the mountain bike i prefer the speed from the racing bike.

I haven't got into the way of cycling for hours on end, i prefer to cycle for about 30mins (8-10 mile) then turn and come home doing roughly 15-20 mile in total but doing it flat out as fast as i can go. My biggest problem is i get a sore back haunched over on the racer >:(


I got a hybrid last year which is excellent if you suffer from a sore back.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Croí na hÉireann on August 24, 2010, 12:31:18 PM
Quote from: DoireGael on August 23, 2010, 11:01:35 PM
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0820/1224277229259.html

Dublin - Galway would be great craic

This looks like it could be an interesting development

Been thinking for a while of starting up the cycling, had a test run on a mates and seemed good craic

The Slashers aren't gonna be too happy with that...  :P
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on August 24, 2010, 07:02:34 PM
Quote from: cavan4sam on August 23, 2010, 11:14:40 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on August 23, 2010, 08:54:25 PM
Can any of you boys recommend a decent pump, is it worth getting one with a gauge. 
I'm sick of this piece of shit one I have and the wheels seem to go flat after no time.

Also, do any of you get stiff knees - only started to get this recently - any cures?

I have this 1

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4949

only have it a while as I lost my old 1 but it is very good and reasonably priced.
good stuff, thanks


yeah orior, I bought a hybird recently - very very comfortable.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lilpaulie85 on August 24, 2010, 07:17:46 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on August 24, 2010, 07:02:34 PM
Quote from: cavan4sam on August 23, 2010, 11:14:40 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on August 23, 2010, 08:54:25 PM
Can any of you boys recommend a decent pump, is it worth getting one with a gauge. 
I'm sick of this piece of shit one I have and the wheels seem to go flat after no time.

Also, do any of you get stiff knees - only started to get this recently - any cures?

I have this 1

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4949

only have it a while as I lost my old 1 but it is very good and reasonably priced.
good stuff, thanks


yeah orior, I bought a hybird recently - very very comfortable.

i suffer from stiff knees at times, i find tiger balm to be very effective
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on August 24, 2010, 08:04:52 PM
Quote from: lilpaulie85 on August 24, 2010, 07:17:46 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on August 24, 2010, 07:02:34 PM
Quote from: cavan4sam on August 23, 2010, 11:14:40 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on August 23, 2010, 08:54:25 PM
Can any of you boys recommend a decent pump, is it worth getting one with a gauge. 
I'm sick of this piece of shit one I have and the wheels seem to go flat after no time.

Also, do any of you get stiff knees - only started to get this recently - any cures?

I have this 1

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4949

only have it a while as I lost my old 1 but it is very good and reasonably priced.
good stuff, thanks


yeah orior, I bought a hybird recently - very very comfortable.

i suffer from stiff knees at times, i find tiger balm to be very effective

Thanks, though I was hoping to get rid of the stiffness altogether or find out what's doing it - will have to try it in the meantime, I've been trying deep heat cream and deep freeze cream and it's doing nothing
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on August 24, 2010, 11:52:24 PM
it's called haro heartland
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 25, 2010, 12:26:42 AM
Quote from: Take Your Points on August 24, 2010, 11:49:25 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 24, 2010, 10:47:19 AM
I got a hybrid last year which is excellent if you suffer from a sore back.

What make and model have you got? I am in the process of researching the purchase of a hybrid?

What about you Pints?

I got the Carerra Gryphon. Great at going uphills and very steady with the flat handle bars. I was doing 20-30 mile easy on a Sunday morning.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_272611_langId_-1_categoryId_165534 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_272611_langId_-1_categoryId_165534)

About a month ago I got a Carerra racer. Moving from the hybrid, it feels cramped, gears and toe clips were new to me, but it should be easier for the 30-50 mile runs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Puckoon on August 25, 2010, 06:33:59 AM
H'on yer bike!

(Drunk).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on October 17, 2010, 08:10:17 PM
Did 40 mile this morning. Very enjoyable.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Real Laoislad on October 17, 2010, 10:52:29 PM
Haven't been on the bike in past few months  :-[
Lost loads of weight and was getting quite fit but have gone backwards and now back to my original weight before I bought the bike.
Dread starting out again because the first couple of weeks when I got the bike first was torture
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 17, 2010, 11:09:41 PM
Recently 'upgraded' from  a hybrid to a Specialised Secteur racing bike (a relaxed racing bike allegedly for those with dodgy backs), not overly impressed with the new yoke tbh, can get very little extra speed out of it compared to the hybrid, which is plainly just not right!  Going to make a few changes over the winter (get someone who knows what they r at to do it) to hopefully improve it.  going to change the 2nd chainring 39 to a 42 (& maybe the big one 2) and get the handlebars sorted to hopefully save me an inch and more of stretching which is were I think my problem is.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on October 17, 2010, 11:26:44 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 17, 2010, 11:09:41 PM
Recently 'upgraded' from  a hybrid to a Specialised Secteur racing bike (a relaxed racing bike allegedly for those with dodgy backs), not overly impressed with the new yoke tbh, can get very little extra speed out of it compared to the hybrid, which is plainly just not right!  Going to make a few changes over the winter (get someone who knows what they r at to do it) to hopefully improve it.  going to change the 2nd chainring 39 to a 42 (& maybe the big one 2) and get the handlebars sorted to hopefully save me an inch and more of stretching which is were I think my problem is.

It took me a month to get comfortable moving from a hybrid to a racing bike. Shoes with no threads are better for the toe clips. Therefore I stopped wearing running shoes and started wearing squash shoes. I also tilted my handle bars up as it helps my back. I also find that putting my seat higher than recommended helps with speed. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lolafrola on October 18, 2010, 10:36:22 AM
A lot of people seem to have back problems when first starting out. Why is this?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hardy on October 18, 2010, 11:59:06 AM
There are SQUASH shoes?

Memo to self: check out market opportunities for reading togs, sleeping gloves, chess socks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Jimmy on October 18, 2010, 02:06:57 PM
I had got up to cycling maybe 60 miles a week. Would try and get out 2 evenings after work and do 20 miles and get a longer one at the weekend of maybe 30-40 miles. I really enjoyed it. I find it alot easier to cycle 20 miles than to run 2-3. Don't get out at all during the week now with the short evenings. I still have to look into joining the club and get some comapny when out. I mate told me that it can make a world of difference than being out on your own.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 18, 2010, 02:34:57 PM
I love goin out on my own with the ipod, not the smartest thing to be at I know.  I actually use astroturf trainers & cheapo plastic pedals, the grip is great, i took the clips off the new yoke asap, very restrictive i felt - was cramping alot. Thinking of cleats but i suppose they'd feel restrictive too?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on October 18, 2010, 04:00:40 PM
Joining a cycling club has other benefits. For example £8 provides insurance for when you hit or scrape a car.

I like being out on my own with the ipod. Traffic is not an issue as I can here vehicles coming behind me okay.



PS.You can get squash shoes and badminton shoes too. I would have thought a tennis pro like Hardy would know that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hardy on October 18, 2010, 04:52:26 PM
Quote from: Orior on October 18, 2010, 04:00:40 PM
PS.You can get squash shoes and badminton shoes too. I would have thought a tennis pro like Hardy would know that.

Hmm ... let me see if I can figure out how this game works. You can get tomato compost in 50Kg bags. I would imagine every carpenter would know that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on October 18, 2010, 05:38:13 PM
Quote from: Hardy on October 18, 2010, 04:52:26 PM
Quote from: Orior on October 18, 2010, 04:00:40 PM
PS.You can get squash shoes and badminton shoes too. I would have thought a tennis pro like Hardy would know that.

Hmm ... let me see if I can figure out how this game works. You can get tomato compost in 50Kg bags. I would imagine every carpenter would know that.

Careful Hardy, people are gonna think that you're even weirder than me!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 18, 2010, 10:06:35 PM
Quote from: lolafrola on October 18, 2010, 10:36:22 AM
A lot of people seem to have back problems when first starting out. Why is this?
The back trouble's been with me for 20 years, it's a pity I only discovered cycling this year as it has been very good for my back - especially the posture on the hybrid (compared it to my road bike).  I was going to upgrade to a more expensive hybrid instead of the road bike.  I'm beginning to regret the decision a bit now - but hopefully my proposed changes will help.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 21, 2010, 09:24:12 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on April 06, 2010, 07:59:50 PM
Im doing up to 30km every Saturday in the Phoenix Park. Going to start go in the evenings after work now that the evenings are bright.
Starting off all i could manage was 4 or 5km,and really wanted to quit but stuck at it and have lost a stone and a half since christmas and am fitter than I have been in years.

How da f**k did you lose so much weight so quickly?  I easily clocked a couple thousand miles from May on and lost about 3/4's of a stone in total.  Apart from the chinkers, pizza and gargle I dont know were I'm going wrong :P
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on November 29, 2010, 09:10:35 PM
any of you boys know anything about spokes constantly breaking

3 weeks ago broke something like 6 spokes (back wheel) and buckled it - all fixed
last week I noticed them all loose again - got them looked at - a couple broken were replaced and rest tightened
Now, I notice there's at least another one broke and the wheel buckled (very slightly - but it's sticking) again.

f**k me I'm sick of this - I reckon all the spokes are dodgy now - worth just forking out for a new wheel?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on November 29, 2010, 09:55:08 PM
Not an expert POG but it would sound like something fundamental wrong with the wheel.

Who looked at them when you got the spokes looked at?

How'd you buckle the wheel - you crash?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on November 29, 2010, 09:56:39 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 29, 2010, 09:55:08 PM
Not an expert POG but it would sound like something fundamental wrong with the wheel.

Who looked at them when you got the spokes looked at?

How'd you buckle the wheel - you crash?
No.... it was a collision  :-X
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on November 29, 2010, 10:03:47 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 29, 2010, 09:55:08 PM
Not an expert POG but it would sound like something fundamental wrong with the wheel.

Who looked at them when you got the spokes looked at?

How'd you buckle the wheel - you crash?
Yeah it was a bit of a collision (not a crash).

Bike shop fixed it. Not impressed at all - bike only 6 months old and it's had a back tyre replaced, break pads (if that's the technical term) and now probably a back wheel.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lawnseed on November 29, 2010, 10:05:29 PM
i'd have sold you my vfr 800i. had to get rid of it i was gonna kill myself drinking and those girls in leather :o :D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on November 29, 2010, 10:06:13 PM
Trying to fix your wheel will be throwing away good money after bad.

Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and get yourself a new bike.

Fair play to you if you cycled into work this morning!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on November 29, 2010, 10:07:09 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 29, 2010, 10:06:13 PM
Trying to fix your wheel will be throwing away good money after bad.

Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and get yourself a new bike.

Fair play to you if you cycled into work this morning!
the bike's only 6 months old
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on November 29, 2010, 10:53:19 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on November 29, 2010, 10:07:09 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 29, 2010, 10:06:13 PM
Trying to fix your wheel will be throwing away good money after bad.

Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and get yourself a new bike.

Fair play to you if you cycled into work this morning!
the bike's only 6 months old
It might Be but like everything else, you need to do a bit research on the varying components that different models
come standard with...joking aside, I'd say the components on said model aren't great, can't say I've ever had problems with spokes  :-\
Like the man says, if ye can afford it go and buy yourself something decent for Christmas, especially one that'll stand up to the miles you're logging!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on November 29, 2010, 10:59:00 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on November 29, 2010, 10:53:19 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on November 29, 2010, 10:07:09 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 29, 2010, 10:06:13 PM
Trying to fix your wheel will be throwing away good money after bad.

Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and get yourself a new bike.

Fair play to you if you cycled into work this morning!
the bike's only 6 months old
It might Be but like everything else, you need to do a bit research on the varying components that different models
come standard with...joking aside, I'd say the components on said model aren't great, can't say I've ever had problems with spokes  :-\
Like the man says, if ye can afford it go and buy yourself something decent for Christmas, especially one that'll stand up to the miles you're logging!
Aye it's full of dodgy parts I think. That said though it must have done about 1000 miles easy.
It was near 300 quid so I was hoping it'd last longer than 6 months!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hardy on November 29, 2010, 11:11:13 PM
Go back to the bike shop and ask for their spokesman.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 30, 2010, 10:01:25 AM
Sounds like the verticle loading coming from the seat area is to great for the wheel to cope with...hence the buckling :D

Just buy a new wheel FFS (prob £40 will get it)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on November 30, 2010, 10:21:35 AM
Is it not under warranty? Mine has lifetime on the frame and 2 years on wheels, forks, components etc.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hardy on November 30, 2010, 10:41:16 AM
Buckled wheels can work fine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgbWu8zJubo)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on November 30, 2010, 03:22:45 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on November 30, 2010, 10:21:35 AM
Is it not under warranty? Mine has lifetime on the frame and 2 years on wheels, forks, components etc.
You'd need to be spending a bit more than pints did
for a warranty like that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on November 30, 2010, 04:24:23 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on November 30, 2010, 03:22:45 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on November 30, 2010, 10:21:35 AM
Is it not under warranty? Mine has lifetime on the frame and 2 years on wheels, forks, components etc.
You'd need to be spending a bit more than pints did
for a warranty like that.

True on the frame but Trek for example will have a warranty on their low end bikes.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pintsofguinness on November 30, 2010, 10:11:39 PM
well I paid 35 quid for new wheel today  :-\
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on November 30, 2010, 10:53:20 PM
That's wheely expensive.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Puckoon on November 30, 2010, 10:54:55 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on November 30, 2010, 10:11:39 PM
well I paid 35 quid for new wheel today  :-\

Hopefully that gets you back in the saddle again, although I hope I havnt spoke too soon.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: flantheman82 on July 21, 2011, 05:40:41 PM
Just wanting some info as I've never cycled before. Got myself a specialized sirrus comp hybrid bike through the cycle to work scheme and love it. Got it for doing a fund raising cycle to Dublin in September. Only thing is that i don't have any idea of what speed to expect to to aim towards.
I have a wireless computer that tells me my average speed is roughly 11mph when commuting to work which is rather hilly. I feel like I'm really struggling sometimes. What would be a realistic target speed for me to reach inside 8 weeks speed wise?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cavan4sam on July 21, 2011, 05:46:42 PM
Would need more info from you as regards, your age, build, height etc, and also ur fitness level.

Also what distance is your commute to work? What distance is your fund raising cycle? are there many of you doing it? maybe you could train with some of the other people taking part in the evenings and weekends?

A reasonable average for me would be 15 mph although as I'm getting fitter that is being upped to between 16-17mph.we have a group of usually 10 or 12 on a Wednesday and a Sunday. Wednesday spin is usually 35km and Sunday 1s around 50km.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: flantheman82 on July 21, 2011, 06:24:31 PM
I'm 28, 6ft2, 15st 6, have a recently acquired belly and am not fit in the slightest. I cycle 3 miles to work although don't want to go flat out so as not to be sweating too much when I get to work even though I shower anyway.
Cycle to Dublin is 110 miles. Have been on a few cycles on the Lagan towpath about 12 miles or so.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on July 21, 2011, 07:34:19 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on November 29, 2010, 10:03:47 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on November 29, 2010, 09:55:08 PM
Not an expert POG but it would sound like something fundamental wrong with the wheel.

Who looked at them when you got the spokes looked at?

How'd you buckle the wheel - you crash?
Yeah it was a bit of a collision (not a crash).

Bike shop fixed it. Not impressed at all - bike only 6 months old and it's had a back tyre replaced, break pads (if that's the technical term) and now probably a back wheel.

Sounds like a Friday afternoon special.  Building up a bike wheel is a skilled job.

Anyone here ever built a wheel from scratch?  I did it myself when doing a single speed conversion.  I had to go out and buy a book on it.  There's something like a ton of tension on the spokes of a bicycle wheel, that's where the strength to weight ratio comes from.  A bit of tension even slightly out of line with the others can screw you up big time.  I used to find that once I had one broken spoke then it was something of a domino effect - I'd replace the spoke myself and tighten it up, but then some other spoke would break later and you end up with all sorts of problems. 

If you go to a bike shop where somebody knows what they're doing then you should be able to get your wheel back into line, but if that's not an option for you then you might as well just get a new wheel.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 21, 2011, 10:05:39 PM
i can never seem to go above 14mph, be it a 30 mile run or a 70 mile run.  I mostly cycle on my own but when i go out with others it would rise to 16 -17 mph.  btw i am the other side of 40
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on July 22, 2011, 12:01:25 AM
Quote from: flantheman82 on July 21, 2011, 05:40:41 PM
Just wanting some info as I've never cycled before. Got myself a specialized sirrus comp hybrid bike through the cycle to work scheme and love it. Got it for doing a fund raising cycle to Dublin in September. Only thing is that i don't have any idea of what speed to expect to to aim towards.
I have a wireless computer that tells me my average speed is roughly 11mph when commuting to work which is rather hilly. I feel like I'm really struggling sometimes. What would be a realistic target speed for me to reach inside 8 weeks speed wise?
I'd say average speed is the least of your worries...logging heavier miles
would be more of an advantage to your preparations at this point.
Obviously finishing is more important than how fast you get there as it
really isn't race.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on July 22, 2011, 12:09:53 AM
Are you involving yourself in, and speculating about, SCIENCE there TO?  :D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on July 22, 2011, 09:40:23 AM
Did my first "competitive" cycle last weekend in local triathlon, did the cycle leg in relay. Time 35.37min over a 20km course. Was pleased with that as it better than previous times and i felt some what distracted on the cycle by everyone overtaking me - we'd a very strong swimmer who was about 15th out of lake.

Been on the bike for about 4 weeks now and still enjoy it.

Doing another cycle in Cavan in just over 2 weeks with a run thrown in and kayak as well. Should be ok for it but have to hit the running a bit this weekend.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 02, 2011, 06:55:05 PM
What would you pay for a Felt z80? It's about 3/4 year old but it is basically in perfect condition, new wheels, seat, bearings etc just been put on it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on August 02, 2011, 08:07:43 PM
Started into the cycling as well - nice to get out for a while after work. I'm only doing about 45 minutes at a time, but it's very much uphill for the first few miles - a bit easier on the way back as I return on the same route. I'm hoping to build up my stamina over the next few weeks and get a few decent spins at the weekend.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on August 02, 2011, 09:01:35 PM
Lads what's all this MPH lark? Kph! ;D

Flann, I'd say any form of a group cycle will average about 20-22kph, you won't get over the affect of drafting, takes all the work out of it.
Did Sandymount to enniscrone on good Friday, 270k, was dreading it but loved it!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: WeeDonns on August 02, 2011, 09:30:05 PM
Won my first race on the way to work this morning.

Was cruising through the docks at 22kph and some f**ker overtook me on a mountain bike. Caught up with him at the traffic lights and then took off like a mad man when they went green. Beat him easy in the end, even though he didn't actually know he was in a race ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on August 02, 2011, 10:14:08 PM
He knew WD, they all know. Anyone who overtakes you is automatically in a race!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 02, 2011, 10:58:47 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 02, 2011, 06:55:05 PM
What would you pay for a Felt z80? It's about 3/4 year old but it is basically in perfect condition, new wheels, seat, bearings etc just been put on it.

Anyone  ???
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Puckoon on August 02, 2011, 11:00:36 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 02, 2011, 10:58:47 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 02, 2011, 06:55:05 PM
What would you pay for a Felt z80? It's about 3/4 year old but it is basically in perfect condition, new wheels, seat, bearings etc just been put on it.

Anyone  ???

I'll give you 50 Euro?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 02, 2011, 11:01:43 PM
Quote from: WeeDonns on August 02, 2011, 09:30:05 PM
Won my first race on the way to work this morning.

Was cruising through the docks at 22kph and some f**ker overtook me on a mountain bike. Caught up with him at the traffic lights and then took off like a mad man when they went green. Beat him easy in the end, even though he didn't actually know he was in a race ;D

I know how you feel. It's the same whether I'm walking, running, swiming, cycling or driving!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 03, 2011, 08:37:49 AM
Quote from: Puckoon on August 02, 2011, 11:00:36 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 02, 2011, 10:58:47 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 02, 2011, 06:55:05 PM
What would you pay for a Felt z80? It's about 3/4 year old but it is basically in perfect condition, new wheels, seat, bearings etc just been put on it.

Anyone  ???

I'll give you 50 Euro?

Im buying not selling  :D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 03, 2011, 11:27:30 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 02, 2011, 10:58:47 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 02, 2011, 06:55:05 PM
What would you pay for a Felt z80? It's about 3/4 year old but it is basically in perfect condition, new wheels, seat, bearings etc just been put on it.

Anyone  ???

Id say given that the bike would have been in around £800 then i say around £350, depends on what replacement components were put back on. If you can get any more detail on the spec especially wheels and hubs then you would get a better idea.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on August 04, 2011, 09:10:29 AM
I have recently setup an online blog with some cycling articles, GAA pieces etc.

Any thoughts welcome http://mal-sport.blogspot.com

Any posters on here doing the inishowen 100 next Sunday?

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on August 05, 2011, 12:01:48 PM
First multi-discipline event tomorrow, the Cavan Kayakarun outside cootehill. 5km run, 1km Kayak and a 16km cycle to finish. Looking forward to it and at least I know it'll be a PB regardless ie once i finish. Second year of this event and seems to be a good wee crowd doing it, it is been billed as more of a fun/relaxed event but no doubt their will be a few elite level doing it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: WeeDonns on August 05, 2011, 01:59:24 PM
That doesn't sound too bad Bingo. I wouldn't mind trying something like that. I'm not the best swimmer, so i like the idea of a kayak instead - they do that for Gael force north, held up by gweedore

I'm thinking of aiming for this sportif in September, might just do the shorter one
http://www.giantscausewaycoastsportive.com/

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on August 05, 2011, 03:37:54 PM
I'm debating weather to start swimming to do a triathlon proper but don't think I'm anywhere near a decent swimmer or would have the time to do it as well as keep running and on the bike.

Plenty of them adventure type races on like the Gael Force west and north. Plan to do one next year if I keep at it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: AZOffaly on August 05, 2011, 04:30:41 PM
I cycled to Murroe from Newport Yesterday evening, and back again because my soccer was cancelled. f**k me. It's about a 16k round trip, with a few gentle enough hills and I was absolutely verschnickered after it.

First time I've cycled a bike since I left Arizona in 2001. (The bike still has the moving company's inventory sticker on it :D)  It might be another 10 years!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on August 07, 2011, 08:45:36 AM
Cavan kayakarun all done, great event and well run with 300 turning in to do it. Finished in 1hr 18, pretty happy with that, kayak was a whore trying to keep it straight! Fair play to the winner who I'd know who done the warrenpoint triathln that morning, finishing 8th in that, then driving back to cootehill and doing 56 mins to win. Some machine.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on August 08, 2011, 10:57:51 AM
Sounds like the Kayaking was tough going.

Not sure if it will be as tough as some of the hills around the Inishowen 100 this Sunday. Anyone for doing it?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on August 08, 2011, 02:52:08 PM
The actual kayaking was grand but fustrating with stoping and starting to get it back on course.

I'd not have the miles done on the bike yet to do the Inishowen100. I'd say its a tough one and if the wind gets up, it will be a hell of a ride. You do it in previous years?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on August 10, 2011, 12:54:16 AM
I did it two years ago and struggled in few places.  It certainly is a tough one, but we'll see how it goes.

Do you know anyone who has a good cycling blog, I am only really getting started at it.

http://mal-sport.blogspot.com
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on August 10, 2011, 10:38:51 AM
Not sure of any blogs, haven't really looked at anything bar boards.ie that has a cycling section. It has loads of info on anything cycling related.

They also a friendly and informed crew who can point you in any direction you need.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on August 19, 2011, 11:33:09 AM
Is there anyone on here that is into racing?  You do many races in the season. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hashtag on August 19, 2011, 12:45:36 PM
Anyone own an exercise bike? I was thinking of getting one to improve fitness. Anyone reccommend this as a form of aerobic exercise. I have never done spinning or anything like that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: guy crouchback on August 19, 2011, 01:40:29 PM
you would be much better off getting a real bike.
exercise bikes are grand but to get a good one you need to be spending a fair bit of cash. the cheaper ones don't tend to be great quality and none of them are very comfortable over any extended period of time.
get a real bike and get out on the roads, if you get really into it you can get a turbo trainer which attaches to the rear wheel of the bike and can be used indoors

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 19, 2011, 02:12:17 PM
Quote from: robertemmet on August 19, 2011, 11:33:09 AM
Is there anyone on here that is into racing?  You do many races in the season.

Used to race years ago. Season would start around March time and run through until October. It used to be (typical) that in the north you had the NICF (Norn iron cycling federation) and the UCF the Ulster cycling federation. The NICF races were almost always on a Saturday and the UCF ones on a Sunday. Lots of times we would race both days but at senior level that is quite difficult. The 2 amalgamated around 2006 i think. Different clubs would organise a race per year, ours ran 2 per year in Armagh. You need a licence to race but if you are in a club or join one there should be plenty of guys to point you in the right direction.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hashtag on August 19, 2011, 02:27:42 PM
Quote from: guy crouchback on August 19, 2011, 01:40:29 PM
you would be much better off getting a real bike.
exercise bikes are grand but to get a good one you need to be spending a fair bit of cash. the cheaper ones don't tend to be great quality and none of them are very comfortable over any extended period of time.
get a real bike and get out on the roads, if you get really into it you can get a turbo trainer which attaches to the rear wheel of the bike and can be used indoors

Problem is light. I start work at 0700 and finish at 1800 therefore in winter months I was hoping for something I could do to improve fitness. At present time I can just go outside for runs etc but not in the winter.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Iceman on August 19, 2011, 02:31:25 PM
Hoping to get a spin bike in the house over the winter. There is a charity 4 day bike ride next year I'm considering signing up for.
Will give this spin bike a lash first and see how the knees hold out!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on August 19, 2011, 02:45:23 PM
Anyone have a turbo trainer? They any use, i'd imagine like a exercise bike, they not as good for getting out in the open but over the winter when its limited to what can be done outside, are they an option/easy to use and not too hard on the tyres.

I imagine the higher spec ones are good for interval/resistance workouts and the like.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 19, 2011, 02:47:19 PM
Quote from: Hashtag on August 19, 2011, 02:27:42 PM
Quote from: guy crouchback on August 19, 2011, 01:40:29 PM
you would be much better off getting a real bike.
exercise bikes are grand but to get a good one you need to be spending a fair bit of cash. the cheaper ones don't tend to be great quality and none of them are very comfortable over any extended period of time.
get a real bike and get out on the roads, if you get really into it you can get a turbo trainer which attaches to the rear wheel of the bike and can be used indoors

Problem is light. I start work at 0700 and finish at 1800 therefore in winter months I was hoping for something I could do to improve fitness. At present time I can just go outside for runs etc but not in the winter.

Get a bike and a 2nd hand turbo trainer, there is no comparison with an exercise bike. If you did 3 x 1 hr sessions midweek and a proper 2/3 hr ride on a saturday morning when you have the light you would emerge next spring ready to go properly.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 19, 2011, 03:36:09 PM
Quote from: Bingo on August 19, 2011, 02:45:23 PM
Anyone have a turbo trainer? They any use, i'd imagine like a exercise bike, they not as good for getting out in the open but over the winter when its limited to what can be done outside, are they an option/easy to use and not too hard on the tyres.

I imagine the higher spec ones are good for interval/resistance workouts and the like.

I have one, great for the dark nights (and shit weather), boring as fook, ipod is an essential or set it up in front of a TV.  It is tough on tyres though, but sure if you've been on a set for most of the spring/summer use them (both) as you'd probably be investing again next spring anyway. 

Mine is a Minoura, think it was about £120, although you could get a lot dearer than that.  Various resistance levels and very easy to set up - basically a magnetised skewer through your raised back wheel that is wedged in a vice like grip by the TT.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on August 19, 2011, 03:43:59 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 19, 2011, 03:36:09 PM
Quote from: Bingo on August 19, 2011, 02:45:23 PM
Anyone have a turbo trainer? They any use, i'd imagine like a exercise bike, they not as good for getting out in the open but over the winter when its limited to what can be done outside, are they an option/easy to use and not too hard on the tyres.

I imagine the higher spec ones are good for interval/resistance workouts and the like.

I have one, great for the dark nights (and shit weather), boring as fook, ipod is an essential or set it up in front of a TV.  It is tough on tyres though, but sure if you've been on a set for most of the spring/summer use them (both) as you'd probably be investing again next spring anyway. 

Mine is a Minoura, think it was about £120, although you could get a lot dearer than that.  Various resistance levels and very easy to set up - basically a magnetised skewer through your raised back wheel that is wedged in a vice like grip by the TT.

Cheers about right, if we got a winter like last year, it be hard to get out on bike, so a hour a few times a week on that and maybe squeeze a ride on the weekend would be ok. I've read that 45mins-1hr is as good as you'd do on them. Have the ipod and tv as an option for them. Might invest as the winter draws in down the line.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 19, 2011, 04:28:59 PM
Tip - I stuff something under the front wheel of mine (bit of doubled up cardboard or something) to raise it an inch or so as it's a whole different set up to normal riding position - it was initially very uncomfortable, get a position that suits and stick with it.  You can buy a grooved cushion thing with some of the TT's, but it's an unnecessary added expense.  A 1 hour session is plenty.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 19, 2011, 07:29:49 PM
Quote from: robertemmet on August 19, 2011, 11:33:09 AM
Is there anyone on here that is into racing?  You do many races in the season.
I have a lot of GAA commitments so I don't have as much time as I'd like for getting into good enough shape for racing.  I've only done about three this year so far compared to about ten by this time last year.  That said, there is an informal race that I do with a squad of boys at lunchtime every Tuesday and Thursday, that's always good crack.  I'm a Cat 4 rider, some of the boys in that group are Cat 2 so I spend most of my time just trying to hang on.

If it weren't for my GAA commitments I'd be racing just about every weekend all summer.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on August 20, 2011, 03:22:06 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 19, 2011, 07:29:49 PM
Quote from: robertemmet on August 19, 2011, 11:33:09 AM
Is there anyone on here that is into racing?  You do many races in the season.
I have a lot of GAA commitments so I don't have as much time as I'd like for getting into good enough shape for racing.  I've only done about three this year so far compared to about ten by this time last year.  That said, there is an informal race that I do with a squad of boys at lunchtime every Tuesday and Thursday, that's always good crack.  I'm a Cat 4 rider, some of the boys in that group are Cat 2 so I spend most of my time just trying to hang on.

If it weren't for my GAA commitments I'd be racing just about every weekend all summer.
What club do you ride for...at home or in Sunnyvale ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: flantheman82 on August 21, 2011, 08:16:31 AM
So I'm doing a cycle to Dublin on 16th of September with the club. What sort of slow release energy foods should I be taking on board while doing the longer runs? And which type of drinks?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on August 22, 2011, 08:10:44 PM
Quote from: flantheman82 on August 21, 2011, 08:16:31 AM
So I'm doing a cycle to Dublin on 16th of September with the club. What sort of slow release energy foods should I be taking on board while doing the longer runs? And which type of drinks?
I have two bottles with me, one with a Nuun electrolyte tab and the other bottle with a Cytomax energy mix, for snacks I carry various energy bars, a packet of honey stingers gel chews, beef jerky, a banana and if it's a long ride (75 - 100 mile) a sandwich of some sort.
Gotta stay fueled...it's no fun running out of energy 10 miles from home  :(
"Eat before you're hungry and drink before you're thirsty"
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on August 22, 2011, 09:05:01 PM
Fig rolls are also great.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on August 22, 2011, 09:33:45 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on August 22, 2011, 09:05:01 PM
Fig rolls are also great.
Indeed...forgot to mention those.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 22, 2011, 10:11:20 PM
I used to swear by fig rolls and bananas. Nowadays I've gotten into gel packs.  They were disgusting (by texture and flavour) in the early days but they've gotten better at it. There's a brand called Gu which I really like, especially the orange.  I use almost exclusively gel packs now, only use bananas or something solid on anything longer than 60 miles.

For drink I use a 50:50 mix of water and Gatorade.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on August 23, 2011, 05:09:57 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 22, 2011, 10:11:20 PM
I used to swear by fig rolls and bananas. Nowadays I've gotten into gel packs.  They were disgusting (by texture and flavour) in the early days but they've gotten better at it. There's a brand called Gu which I really like, especially the orange.  I use almost exclusively gel packs now, only use bananas or something solid on anything longer than 60 miles.

For drink I use a 50:50 mix of water and Gatorade.
Which club are you associated with here ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on August 23, 2011, 08:56:32 AM
The turbo trainer can be boring, but you need to have a plan.  Have the session broken down into intervals.  Great way of keeping ticking over during the winter.  I have 45 min sessions 5 min warmup 1min turn up the restsitance, 2mins, turn it up 3mins turn it up all the way up to five mins, then work back to 1min.  Also things like 20mins sprint, 40sec off repeating it 5 times.  Loads of things you can do. but you need a TV or an ipod

mal-sport.blogspot.com then go to cycling, I have an article there on the turbo trainer, or the gravy train as I call it

for sports drinks I use diluted robinsons with glucose powder. As good as any to be honest.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 23, 2011, 09:37:46 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on August 23, 2011, 05:09:57 AM
Which club are you associated with here ?
Want my name, address and social security number as well?  Go and stalk somebody else.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 23, 2011, 09:41:58 PM
Never done the Gel thing, are they any good?  Someone told me you have to be taking them for a few weeks before they are any use, is that true?  Sounded a bit strange to me ???
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 23, 2011, 10:34:37 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 23, 2011, 09:41:58 PM
Never done the Gel thing, are they any good?  Someone told me you have to be taking them for a few weeks before they are any use, is that true?  Sounded a bit strange to me ???
Weeks?! They'll be long gone from your system by then! Take them before and during riding.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on August 23, 2011, 10:43:13 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 23, 2011, 09:37:46 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on August 23, 2011, 05:09:57 AM
Which club are you associated with here ?
Want my name, address and social security number as well?  Go and stalk somebody else.
:D No, don't need nor want any of that, it was just a simple question as I'm quite familiar with the clubs and racing here... maybe ran into you at some of these events.
But owing to the defensiveness, I'll assume you're exaggerating once again  :-[
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on August 23, 2011, 10:46:06 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 23, 2011, 09:41:58 PM
Never done the Gel thing, are they any good?  Someone told me you have to be taking them for a few weeks before they are any use, is that true?  Sounded a bit strange to me ???
No that's untrue Benny...they go to work fairly efficiently, they can upset your stomach
though and that's why I don't care for them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 23, 2011, 10:46:48 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on August 23, 2011, 10:43:13 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 23, 2011, 09:37:46 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on August 23, 2011, 05:09:57 AM
Which club are you associated with here ?
Want my name, address and social security number as well?  Go and stalk somebody else.
:D No, don't need nor want any of that, it was just a simple question as I'm quite familiar with the clubs and racing here... maybe ran into you at some of these events.
But owing to the defensiveness, I'll assume you're exaggerating once again  :-[
Well if you really want to meet me you can catch me occasionally on the 8:30 ride from the bridge to Point Reyes on a Saturday morning, or most Tuesdays and Thursdays on the Santa Clara lunchtime crit. But I'm not revealing any personal contact details here, and certainly not to a mad hatter like you.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on August 23, 2011, 10:49:13 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 23, 2011, 10:34:37 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 23, 2011, 09:41:58 PM
Never done the Gel thing, are they any good?  Someone told me you have to be taking them for a few weeks before they are any use, is that true?  Sounded a bit strange to me ???
Weeks?! They'll be long gone from your system by then! Take them before and during riding.

I think he meant it's not advisable to just start taking them on day of race. You should try them out a few weeks before your event, on a few dry runs as such. They don't agree with everyone, I know one lad who got bad cramps when he took them. Everyone is different and have their own snacks or energy source on longer distances.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on August 23, 2011, 10:55:14 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 23, 2011, 10:46:48 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on August 23, 2011, 10:43:13 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 23, 2011, 09:37:46 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on August 23, 2011, 05:09:57 AM
Which club are you associated with here ?
Want my name, address and social security number as well?  Go and stalk somebody else.
:D No, don't need nor want any of that, it was just a simple question as I'm quite familiar with the clubs and racing here... maybe ran into you at some of these events.
But owing to the defensiveness, I'll assume you're exaggerating once again  :-[
Well if you really want to meet me you can catch me occasionally on the 8:30 ride from the bridge to Point Reyes on a Saturday morning, or most Tuesdays and Thursdays on the Santa Clara lunchtime crit. But I'm not revealing any personal contact details here, and certainly not to a mad hatter like you.
No but if I wasn't from the area and was prone to lapping up the the wee white lies and exaggerations on most topics from you here, you'd have no bother telling me all about your club and racing endeavors  ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 23, 2011, 11:33:32 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on August 23, 2011, 10:55:14 PM
No but if I wasn't from the area and was prone to lapping up the the wee white lies and exaggerations on most topics from you here, you'd have no bother telling me all about your club and racing endeavors  ;)
(http://www.eirigi.org/images/John_stalker.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on August 24, 2011, 02:14:30 AM
(http://www.drawinghowtodraw.com/stepbystepdrawinglessons/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/baby-crows-400x400.png)

:P
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 24, 2011, 02:22:56 AM
(http://www.thegeminigeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/rid-of-stalkers.png)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on August 24, 2011, 09:51:17 AM
Aye the gels are something I think you need to get used to.  I took one few years ago on Inishowen 100 and it sickened me.

Probably need to get used to them and water to wash them down.

Did anyone every cycle 170miles in one day?  In say a group of 3 or 4.  How long did it take?  Was thinking of doing a shallenge next year that involved cycling from Maghera (Derry) to Westport and climb Croagh Patrick....all in one day.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on August 24, 2011, 12:15:14 PM
I cycled 170miles in one day, Sandymount in Dublin to Enniscrone in Sligo, took 10 hours in the saddle and an hour eating, stopping for drinks but there was only two of us.
Tough going but not as tough as I thought it would be. The reek at the end will be very tough, similar muscles, plus day light will be an issue, you're talking about 12-13 hours.

I think you'll suffer on the reek but having said that I sprinted the last few miles home and had it in my legs, did 20k the following day and did me the world of good.

It would be something I'd be interested in if you're looking for lads
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on August 24, 2011, 01:16:12 PM
I haven't decided, but if there were a few open flat bits, could get the speed up a good bit.  Would have to leave at 4 or 5 in the morning to ensure i would get up the reek before dark.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 24, 2011, 07:18:44 PM
What sorta speeds would some of u club racers do? On flat, hills, averages, top speeds etc..? Be interested to know
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 24, 2011, 08:53:46 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 24, 2011, 07:18:44 PM
What sorta speeds would some of u club racers do? On flat, hills, averages, top speeds etc..? Be interested to know
The bigger the group the higher the overall speed. If you're out training by yourself then you'd average about 17MPH or more.  Average in a pack would be above 20. On descents you can get up over 30 quite easily and kick the ass off 40, climbing can slow you down to about 10 depending on the hill.  In a sprint on a flat road you should be able to get up to 30 depending on wind speed and direction, but you won't be able to hold it for very long on your own.  A small group can cruise at a steady 27 if everyone rotates and takes their turn at the front.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: flantheman82 on August 24, 2011, 10:21:52 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 24, 2011, 08:53:46 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 24, 2011, 07:18:44 PM
What sorta speeds would some of u club racers do? On flat, hills, averages, top speeds etc..? Be interested to know
The bigger the group the higher the overall speed. If you're out training by yourself then you'd average about 17MPH or more.  Average in a pack would be above 20. On descents you can get up over 30 quite easily and kick the ass off 40, climbing can slow you down to about 10 depending on the hill.  In a sprint on a flat road you should be able to get up to 30 depending on wind speed and direction, but you won't be able to hold it for very long on your own.  A small group can cruise at a steady 27 if everyone rotates and takes their turn at the front.




How much training would it take to get up to that sort of speed? I've been doing a bit of cycling for the past month a few times a week when I can and coming from zero fitness, I've only been able to average about 12 mph. That's coming from zero experience on a bike and cycling on my own. The speeds you are talking about seem a bit out of my reach.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 25, 2011, 12:12:29 AM
Quote from: flantheman82 on August 24, 2011, 10:21:52 PM
How much training would it take to get up to that sort of speed? I've been doing a bit of cycling for the past month a few times a week when I can and coming from zero fitness, I've only been able to average about 12 mph. That's coming from zero experience on a bike and cycling on my own. The speeds you are talking about seem a bit out of my reach.

Hard for me to say since I've been riding pretty much constantly since I was about 12.  If you're coming from 'zero fitness' as you say then I wouldn't expect much within a month if you're only on the road a few times a week.  A rule of thumb they had in my old club was that you'd need to be doing at least 100 miles per week plus Sunday, where Sunday was either a race or the inter-club run in Lurgan which started out leisurely (the old codgers would roar at you for creeping above 17) and pick up the pace a bit later with the big sprint saved for the 30MPH signs coming back into Lurgan. The Sunday run would range from 40 to 60 or even 80 miles - round Lough Neagh was 80 miles if I recall correctly.

For your purposes I'd say try to bump it up to three times a week and try to get to the point where you can do 40 miles in one ride.  It's round about then that you'll start to feel a bit of strength coming in.  Don't worry about the average speed too much because that's all down to wind speed and direction, how many red lights you stopped at etc.  Only a power meter can give you truly accurate data on how hard you're working, and they're an expensive item.

Build the miles and the strength will come.  You'll then reach a point where you'll want to cut the miles and start concentrating on building the speed.  Interval training is good for that, go out in the evening and do some sprints on a straight road, preferably on a bit of a hill.  Get the heart rate up, then let it recover, then up again, rinse and repeat.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: take_yer_points on August 25, 2011, 09:22:07 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 25, 2011, 12:12:29 AM
Quote from: flantheman82 on August 24, 2011, 10:21:52 PM
How much training would it take to get up to that sort of speed? I've been doing a bit of cycling for the past month a few times a week when I can and coming from zero fitness, I've only been able to average about 12 mph. That's coming from zero experience on a bike and cycling on my own. The speeds you are talking about seem a bit out of my reach.

Hard for me to say since I've been riding pretty much constantly since I was about 12.  If you're coming from 'zero fitness' as you say then I wouldn't expect much within a month if you're only on the road a few times a week.  A rule of thumb they had in my old club was that you'd need to be doing at least 100 miles per week plus Sunday, where Sunday was either a race or the inter-club run in Lurgan which started out leisurely (the old codgers would roar at you for creeping above 17) and pick up the pace a bit later with the big sprint saved for the 30MPH signs coming back into Lurgan. The Sunday run would range from 40 to 60 or even 80 miles - round Lough Neagh was 80 miles if I recall correctly.

For your purposes I'd say try to bump it up to three times a week and try to get to the point where you can do 40 miles in one ride.  It's round about then that you'll start to feel a bit of strength coming in.  Don't worry about the average speed too much because that's all down to wind speed and direction, how many red lights you stopped at etc.  Only a power meter can give you truly accurate data on how hard you're working, and they're an expensive item.

Build the miles and the strength will come.  You'll then reach a point where you'll want to cut the miles and start concentrating on building the speed.  Interval training is good for that, go out in the evening and do some sprints on a straight road, preferably on a bit of a hill.  Get the heart rate up, then let it recover, then up again, rinse and repeat.

How much does the type of bike come into what speed you should do? I'm a bit like flantheman - started cycling in early July and I'm up to 450 miles so far - I've also been doing a few spin classes. I'm using a mountain bike and usually average about 14mph over a 7 mile cycle (commute to work) and can only seem to get to a maximum of 16mph (with a bit of a wind behind me). I've done a few longish cycles - 30ish miles the odd Sunday but haven't done more than 30 on the one trip yet. Should I be getting above 16mph on a regular basis by now or is the bike holding me up?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: guy crouchback on August 25, 2011, 10:31:36 AM
geting a road bike will make a massive difference.  its the difference between a tractor and a car.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ludermor on August 25, 2011, 10:40:03 AM
Or even changing the tyres and making sure they are pumped up properly  will make a massive diffference
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: take_yer_points on August 25, 2011, 10:42:41 AM
Quote from: ludermor on August 25, 2011, 10:40:03 AM
Or even changing the tyres and making sure they are pumped up properly  will make a massive diffference

I've actually thought of changing the tyres - the ones I have look very wide and heavy. I didn't think too much about that when i was buying the bike - I go it on a cycle to work scheme and never thought I'd do this much
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ludermor on August 25, 2011, 11:17:02 AM
Changing from mountain bike tyres to road tyres will make a huge difference, make sure you pump them according to the markings on the tyre.
If your not sure what tyre will fit call into a shop and ask them, generally the shops are very helpful. You will be surprised the improvment in performace a few little changes will make   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on August 25, 2011, 12:06:36 PM
Air pressure is of utmost importance, u should never leave the house without pumping ur tyres, u need a good foot pump with a gauge, about €20
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 25, 2011, 05:38:39 PM
Quote from: take_yer_points on August 25, 2011, 09:22:07 AM
How much does the type of bike come into what speed you should do? I'm a bit like flantheman - started cycling in early July and I'm up to 450 miles so far - I've also been doing a few spin classes. I'm using a mountain bike and usually average about 14mph over a 7 mile cycle (commute to work) and can only seem to get to a maximum of 16mph (with a bit of a wind behind me). I've done a few longish cycles - 30ish miles the odd Sunday but haven't done more than 30 on the one trip yet. Should I be getting above 16mph on a regular basis by now or is the bike holding me up?

Mountain bikes are for riding off the road on dirt trails and the like. You're wasting your time riding one of them on the road, they're just not designed for it. Don't listen to anyone saying "oh but with the potholes on the roads out here you need a mountain bike," any decent modern road bike can take the pounding the road will throw at it. If you're in Ireland you'll have to consult someone there about what a good price would be, but be prepared to spend money and make a serious investment. If you can do 30 miles on a mountain bike then you should be fit to easily do more than 45 on a road bike, you won't believe the difference.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: take_yer_points on August 26, 2011, 07:12:15 AM
Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll go with changing the tyres to do me the rest of this year and look at investing in a good road bike next year - the mountain bike's helped me to get into a bit of shape over the last few months and I'd say I'll do nothing over the winter so I'll persist with it for another month or two. Thanks again- all words of wisdom are appreciated!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on August 26, 2011, 10:57:40 AM
Picking up my road bike in morning - Felt Z100, happy enough and a good first road bike by all accounts. Have been on a Trek over the summer, borrowed from a friend. Similar enough bikes.

Hopefully get a good few decent spins in before winter kicks in.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 26, 2011, 06:51:15 PM
If you join a cycling club you might be able to get good deals from any bike shops that sponsor the club. I was able to get 30% off a Specialized Tarmac SL2, and 30% off one of them is a big saving!

Of course it's good to join a club anyway so you can learn more about how to train, how to pace yourself, good roads to ride on etc. And it's better crack than just riding alone all the time. Just make sure and get a road bike first, you won't be able to keep up on an MTB.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 27, 2011, 01:59:52 PM
Quality of gearing & components is also very important, picked up this info along the way for components. 

Cheapest to dearest:
Shimano
2300
Sora
Tiagra
105
Ultegra
Dura Ace
Di2?

Campag
Xenon(largely defunct but still about)
Mirage
Veloce
Centaur
Athena
Chorus
Record
Super Record

SRAM
Apex
Rival
Force
Red
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cadence on August 27, 2011, 10:04:50 PM
i've cycled for years in london and have continued in birmingham where i live now. i wouldn't have it any other way, despite broken bones aplenty and dealing with pretty much daily all round lunacy, rage and aggression by road users in london. birmingham and brummies are much calmer thankfully.

for daily commuting, a hybrid town/commuting bike works for me. the wheel and tire width are just wide enough to be able to cope with the different standards of road surfaces. and i like having a bike that i can thrash up onto kerbs and being able to go on park trails for short cuts. i've seen so many racers with buckled wheels because of the pot holes. there's a big trend for "fixies", or fixed/single gear bikes over here. they're very stylised and aesthetically pleasing, but aren't great on the hills and, because they tend to be quite expensive, they get nicked a lot.

i'd stay away from buying a mountain bike with wide tyres if it's for commuting. there's no point unless you're going to take it on trails regularly (like most weekends) because the amount of resistance from the fat tyres just means you have to peddle harder than a thinner tyre.

as far as clobber goes, helmet, high vis waterproof jacket, water proof leggings (booties- waterproof socks that go over your shoes- are optional) and elbow pads are a must. you go over the handle bars often enough in traffic, you'll end up breaking bones, so you might as well protect youself properly. oh, and locks, one for the front and back. don't know what it's like in ireland but bike theft is rife in the uk.

helmet = £20
high vis waterproof jacket = £60-£80
waterproof leggings = £5-£10 from a builders merchant\yard
elbow pads =£20

decent town commuting hybrid bike shouldn't cost more than £500 imo. i know this is a UK site but they have a great selection to oogle at and put things on the wishlist...

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/urban/bikes/fcp-category/list?resetFilters=true


the guardian has a good bike blog. i see there's a piece on dublin's bike scheme. never knew dublin did a bike scheme.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/bike-blog

some other bike blogs that are worth having a peep at...

http://ibikelondon.blogspot.com/

http://cyclelondoncity.blogspot.com/


     
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cadence on August 27, 2011, 10:32:07 PM
funny thread...

http://www.lfgss.com/thread27103.html

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 28, 2011, 09:02:30 AM
Elbow pads?! Are you serious?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cadence on August 28, 2011, 10:45:57 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 28, 2011, 09:02:30 AM
Elbow pads?! Are you serious?


;D

i am! i've cycled in a city with nutty traffic and have learned from bitter experience. i clipped a young lad on his mobile phone in 2007 who walked out between stationary traffic. i broke my left elbow in 6 places. was in theatre twice for 6 hours in total. i've a heap of metal in there, but still my left arm doesn't extend or bend fully. it was a bad one. anyway, the staff at the a&e and the surgeon who operated on me said that the worst fractures they dealt with were from cycling accidents. they also said that cyclists were their number one patient group apparently. so aye, i tend to not be able to deny that cycling has it's risks and subsequent spills i've just had cuts. that's the thing about crashes, you can get away without any breaks for a while, but eventually it's going to happen.

a friend texted me last night to say that another irish man we'd both worked with had a collison with a roller skater and was killed. happened in hyde park in london, so not even out on the roads. no helmet. it just doesn't make any sense to me not to protect yourself. i couldn't give a toss about what i look like, just gimme my elbow pads and helmet and after that it's about riding intelligently and whatever the gods of cycling deem fit to bestow on me.   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on September 01, 2011, 11:44:19 PM
We have just launched the online regiastration for Tour of South Derry - Sunday 9th October 2011

9 /10/11

Details from - http://www.carnwheelers.co.uk/news/details/?id=287
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cavan4sam on September 02, 2011, 01:11:33 PM
Probably a bit late posting this on here lads seeing as its on Sunday but some of ye may be interested.

http://fivecountycyclechallenge.com/default.aspx

Starts from Ramor Utd clubrooms in Virginia Co Cavan. Sign on from 8.30am. 3 routes, 50km, 100km and 150km. Entry fee €20.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Iceman on September 12, 2011, 07:28:59 PM
I have signed up to do a charity bike ride next June. Its 80 miles a day for 4 days. Great cause so I thought I would give it a go.
Have a spin bike to train on during the winter but I don't actually have a bike.
I'm not a big fan of the road bikes so I have an idea to make my own hybrid. Wanted to ask any heads that know what they are at for opinions.

This is what i am thinking:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/# (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/#)
with these tyres

http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM (http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 12, 2011, 07:36:06 PM
I waste manys an evening (and days at work) looking at this site.  Building your own bike, choosing your frames, groupsets etc...  It's a roadbike thing thou, no hybrids.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/publish.asp?what=bikebuilder&page=1

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 12, 2011, 07:51:02 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on September 12, 2011, 07:28:59 PM
I have signed up to do a charity bike ride next June. Its 80 miles a day for 4 days. Great cause so I thought I would give it a go.
Have a spin bike to train on during the winter but I don't actually have a bike.
I'm not a big fan of the road bikes so I have an idea to make my own hybrid. Wanted to ask any heads that know what they are at for opinions.

This is what i am thinking:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/# (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/#)
with these tyres

http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM (http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM)
That looks more mountain bike than hybrid.  Hybrid I always liked the look of is the Specialized Sirrius Elite http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-elite-2011-hybrid-bike-ec023998#reviews
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on September 12, 2011, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on September 12, 2011, 07:28:59 PM
I have signed up to do a charity bike ride next June. Its 80 miles a day for 4 days. Great cause so I thought I would give it a go.
Have a spin bike to train on during the winter but I don't actually have a bike.
I'm not a big fan of the road bikes so I have an idea to make my own hybrid. Wanted to ask any heads that know what they are at for opinions.

This is what i am thinking:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/# (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/#)
with these tyres

http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM (http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM)
That would work, you're not making it easy for yourself though.
I did the ALC 10 in June and met a good few people with bikes like that,
It will def get the job done but a lot of those people regretted not going
with the road bike for various reasons.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 12, 2011, 09:36:11 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 12, 2011, 07:36:06 PM
I waste manys an evening (and days at work) looking at this site.  Building your own bike, choosing your frames, groupsets etc...  It's a roadbike thing thou, no hybrids.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/publish.asp?what=bikebuilder&page=1

i was looking at that site as well and was looking at this bike (http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/specialedition.asp?action=GenerateConstructor&part=SERIBBLEEVOPROSHIM&sub=conf_SERC&bike=1)  i hope to get it on the cycle to work scheme after christmas.  still not sure on carbon fibre bikes as one passed me last week and was very noisy
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on September 12, 2011, 10:07:29 PM
Quote from: gerry on September 12, 2011, 09:36:11 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 12, 2011, 07:36:06 PM
I waste manys an evening (and days at work) looking at this site.  Building your own bike, choosing your frames, groupsets etc...  It's a roadbike thing thou, no hybrids.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/publish.asp?what=bikebuilder&page=1

i was looking at that site as well and was looking at this bike (http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/specialedition.asp?action=GenerateConstructor&part=SERIBBLEEVOPROSHIM&sub=conf_SERC&bike=1)  i hope to get it on the cycle to work scheme after christmas.  still not sure on carbon fibre bikes as one passed me last week and was very noisy

Huh? Carbon bikes aren't necessarily noisy, it's the carbon wheels that make the most noise and I personally love the sound they make. Why is noise a problem anyway?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Puckoon on September 12, 2011, 10:09:21 PM
Gerry is a thinker.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 12, 2011, 10:49:06 PM
QuoteWhy is noise a problem anyway?

listening to a bike for five hours on our crap roads would be something i can do without.  maybe it was just this bike but you could hear the cables rattling from yards away
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on September 13, 2011, 12:52:12 AM
I love the noise my bike makes, and I don't even have carbon wheels.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on September 13, 2011, 04:54:29 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on September 13, 2011, 12:52:12 AM
I love the noise my bike makes, and I don't even have carbon wheels.
Just curious, what noise do carbon wheels make ???
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 13, 2011, 08:05:05 AM
Quote from: gerry on September 12, 2011, 09:36:11 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 12, 2011, 07:36:06 PM
I waste manys an evening (and days at work) looking at this site.  Building your own bike, choosing your frames, groupsets etc...  It's a roadbike thing thou, no hybrids.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/publish.asp?what=bikebuilder&page=1

i was looking at that site as well and was looking at this bike (http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/specialedition.asp?action=GenerateConstructor&part=SERIBBLEEVOPROSHIM&sub=conf_SERC&bike=1)  i hope to get it on the cycle to work scheme after christmas.  still not sure on carbon fibre bikes as one passed me last week and was very noisy
Going to make the Carbon step up myself in Spring, prob going to go with the Nero 57cm from  Ribble. As i hope it'll be my last purchase for a while i was going to go with the dearest carbon frame, but the fixed seatpost  put me off - especially when i wouldnt be sitting on it before buying.  I'm 6ft 2" yet my 57cm Bianchi is spot on, yet smaller guys in our circle ride 58's with no probs, i hated my previous 58 yoke.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Iceman on September 13, 2011, 06:01:30 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on September 12, 2011, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on September 12, 2011, 07:28:59 PM
I have signed up to do a charity bike ride next June. Its 80 miles a day for 4 days. Great cause so I thought I would give it a go.
Have a spin bike to train on during the winter but I don't actually have a bike.
I'm not a big fan of the road bikes so I have an idea to make my own hybrid. Wanted to ask any heads that know what they are at for opinions.

This is what i am thinking:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/# (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/#)
with these tyres

http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM (http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM)
That would work, you're not making it easy for yourself though.
I did the ALC 10 in June and met a good few people with bikes like that,
It will def get the job done but a lot of those people regretted not going
with the road bike for various reasons.

Very open to getting more advice on this TO. I am not a big fan of the super skinny tires, I just don't feel safe on them. Plus having the breaks further from me isn't comforting. the ride i am going on isn't a race so I can't imagine I'm going to be hunched over for much of it - I thought the Trek frame would be a good option.
Do you know of any hybrids on this side of the Atlantic that might be a good option?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on September 13, 2011, 06:37:03 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on September 13, 2011, 04:54:29 AM
Just curious, what noise do carbon wheels make ???

It's a bit hard to describe. Go along to a criterium some day and you'll see what I mean.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 13, 2011, 07:28:43 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 12, 2011, 07:51:02 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on September 12, 2011, 07:28:59 PM
I have signed up to do a charity bike ride next June. Its 80 miles a day for 4 days. Great cause so I thought I would give it a go.
Have a spin bike to train on during the winter but I don't actually have a bike.
I'm not a big fan of the road bikes so I have an idea to make my own hybrid. Wanted to ask any heads that know what they are at for opinions.

This is what i am thinking:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/# (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/#)
with these tyres

http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM (http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM)
That looks more mountain bike than hybrid.  Hybrid I always liked the look of is the Specialized Sirrius Elite http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-elite-2011-hybrid-bike-ec023998#reviews


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dawes-Discovery-501-Mens-20cm-/310345129435?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item484202dddb (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dawes-Discovery-501-Mens-20cm-/310345129435?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item484202dddb)

I went for this one through the cycle to work scheme. Good sturdy yoke, (and it needs to be).
Being an ex roadie i would still prefer a less upright position. If i can get fitter i might go for another road bike. 50 miler on the 9th October so gotta get out there.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on September 13, 2011, 08:08:15 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on September 13, 2011, 06:37:03 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on September 13, 2011, 04:54:29 AM
Just curious, what noise do carbon wheels make ???

It's a bit hard to describe. Go along to a criterium some day and you'll see what I mean.
I go to a lot of them and don't know what you mean...that's why I asked.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on September 13, 2011, 10:51:48 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on September 13, 2011, 06:01:30 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on September 12, 2011, 07:56:14 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on September 12, 2011, 07:28:59 PM
I have signed up to do a charity bike ride next June. Its 80 miles a day for 4 days. Great cause so I thought I would give it a go.
Have a spin bike to train on during the winter but I don't actually have a bike.
I'm not a big fan of the road bikes so I have an idea to make my own hybrid. Wanted to ask any heads that know what they are at for opinions.

This is what i am thinking:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/# (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/#)
with these tyres

http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM (http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Bicycle-28x2-35-Allround-Beaded/dp/B00277K9SM)
That would work, you're not making it easy for yourself though.
I did the ALC 10 in June and met a good few people with bikes like that,
It will def get the job done but a lot of those people regretted not going
with the road bike for various reasons.

Very open to getting more advice on this TO. I am not a big fan of the super skinny tires, I just don't feel safe on them. Plus having the breaks further from me isn't comforting. the ride i am going on isn't a race so I can't imagine I'm going to be hunched over for much of it - I thought the Trek frame would be a good option.
Do you know of any hybrids on this side of the Atlantic that might be a good option?
I don't actually, I'm not up on hybrids at all but there is all kinds of info out there to help you make an informed decision.
As far as not being hunched over, I might beg to differ...80 miles over multiple days will take its toll on form amongst other things whether you're pushing or not.
What I would say though is train hard two or three days in a row in the run up to it and don't make the mistake of getting out on a Sun for instance for a good long one thinking you'll be ok....it's a completely different story having to get up and face it day after day with no recovery time.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on September 14, 2011, 08:14:54 AM
a reminder to cyclists in the Derry/Antrim/Tyrone area of our sportive on 9/10/2011

http://www.carnwheelers.co.uk/news/details/?id=287

Also on the look out for a mountain bike (size 21inch frame - hydralic brakes).  Any for sale PM me.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 15, 2011, 07:40:37 PM
Any of you go to spinning classes. Went to my first on tuseday night and I never sweated as much in a hour,
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cavan4sam on September 16, 2011, 09:13:55 AM
Yea I went spinning last year for a while and started back for the winter on Wednesday night, its a great workout even if half of you if left on the floor afterwards! Back again tonight for more punishment.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 16, 2011, 10:15:09 AM
The road to Croke began 4 hours ago for the 40 odd lads from St Galls. Heading down to Croke Park to raise money for the club. They are staying in the Stillorgan Park Hotel and heading to the sevens in Kilmacud (they will be the guys walking like cowboys).

So I hope they make it without any problems. For some of the lads this will be a massive achievement. I'm actually jealous that they will have done this :o
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on September 16, 2011, 11:00:37 AM
Fair play to them, absolute horrible day here in the north east - dark and wet. Not too windy, so that will help at least.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 16, 2011, 05:52:32 PM
30 of us for Donegal town tomorrow from Armagh on a fundraiser for the club.  Weather looking pish :-[

Spin classes contributed to my knee trouble, not a fan.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 16, 2011, 06:55:14 PM
Lads and lassies all made. fair fcuks to them
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on September 19, 2011, 09:35:00 AM
I did 43 mile yesterday (but had to walk up a mother of a hill in a place called Glenoe).

Do you think I could do 53 mile next Sunday?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on September 21, 2011, 02:39:27 AM
Quote from: Tyrones own on September 13, 2011, 08:08:15 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on September 13, 2011, 06:37:03 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on September 13, 2011, 04:54:29 AM
Just curious, what noise do carbon wheels make ???

It's a bit hard to describe. Go along to a criterium some day and you'll see what I mean.
I go to a lot of them and don't know what you mean...that's why I asked.
I know your a busy man keeping up with all these forums Eamonn but if you wouldn't mind getting to this for me,
when you have a minute that is, I have both type wheels for my bike and am seriously interested in knowing what
it is exactly I'm missing?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 21, 2011, 04:42:07 PM
Tony Martin won the TT at the worlds today in Conpenhagen, Wiggins  2nd & Cancellara 3rd. Changing of the guard there.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on September 21, 2011, 06:47:43 PM
Deep section carbon rims make a very noticeable rumbling noise that metal rims don't.  If you can't spot the noise then I really don't know what else to tell you.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on September 23, 2011, 12:13:36 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on September 21, 2011, 06:47:43 PM
Deep section carbon rims make a very noticeable rumbling noise that metal rims don't.  If you can't spot the noise then I really don't know what else to tell you.
Ah... That's better!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on September 23, 2011, 06:28:24 PM
So you knew rightly what I was talking about all along, didn't you, you obtuse little twerp?  ::)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on September 23, 2011, 06:45:56 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on September 23, 2011, 06:28:24 PM
So you knew rightly what I was talking about all along, didn't you, you obtuse little twerp?  ::)
No not really...not everyone uses deep section rims, I simply asked you because my regular "carbon rims" don't make a different noise than my other cheaper ones.
And hows about this for an idea....why not keep the personal insults to yourself until such times as we run into one another!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on September 23, 2011, 09:24:14 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on September 23, 2011, 06:45:56 PM
....why not keep the personal insults to yourself until such times as we run into one another!

Oh I'll have plenty gathered up by then, don't you worry!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on September 23, 2011, 09:51:15 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on September 23, 2011, 09:24:14 PM
Quote from: Tyrones own on September 23, 2011, 06:45:56 PM
....why not keep the personal insults to yourself until such times as we run into one another!

Oh I'll have plenty gathered up by then, don't you worry!
Ach aye sure with such liberal hate, you'll have plenty of them
However I have my doubts whether you'd have the balls to deliver  8)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on September 23, 2011, 11:18:04 PM
*snore*
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on September 24, 2011, 02:39:54 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on September 23, 2011, 11:18:04 PM
*snore*
Pathetic response... didn't even have the tulips to bait or to a lesser extent, call my bluff  ;D
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRpbCZLrmmSpCdyF1S4l39XhKbd9lwSRFBG6do4WKJ2rXHiM0wzKlOCnGLRng)
:D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 24, 2011, 09:44:37 PM
looking forward to the worlds tomorrow, hopefully less crashes than the ladies today
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ONeill on September 24, 2011, 09:48:38 PM
I'm looking forward to the Eamon/TO meeting.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 24, 2011, 09:50:20 PM
i am glad
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Denn Forever on September 24, 2011, 10:09:14 PM
Quote from: ONeill on September 24, 2011, 09:48:38 PM
I'm looking forward to the Eamon/TO meeting.

The 4 Ball I like to see at next year's Golf Classic is

Tyrones Own, Muppet, Nally Stand and MGHU.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 24, 2011, 10:53:57 PM
Quote from: gerry on September 24, 2011, 09:44:37 PM
looking forward to the worlds tomorrow, hopefully less crashes than the ladies today
Have a £5 ew on Kittel @28/1. Sprinters course by  all accounts & little value in backing Cav (fav) or Gilbert.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on September 24, 2011, 11:26:53 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on September 24, 2011, 10:09:14 PM
Quote from: ONeill on September 24, 2011, 09:48:38 PM
I'm looking forward to the Eamon/TO meeting.

The 4 Ball I like to see at next year's Golf Classic is

Tyrones Own, Muppet, Nally Stand and MGHU.
If at all possible...I'd actually quite enjoy that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 25, 2011, 03:41:19 PM
Cavendish is some pup
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 25, 2011, 05:19:32 PM
He has some burst of speed, I can't see him topping this year for results as the  htc team where built around him. I suppose we will have to wait and see.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 25, 2011, 08:30:38 PM
I'd say ur right, strange that a huge team like HTC never bothered with GC's, at SKY it'll be very different, a team with huge GC ambitions, but they aren't going  to pay him millions to work for Wiggins either, up to Sky management to manage it correctly. Sky's only other accquisition so far is a Columbian climber, although Eisel is coming with Cav apparently.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 25, 2011, 09:14:13 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 25, 2011, 08:30:38 PM
I'd say ur right, strange that a huge team like HTC never bothered with GC's, at SKY it'll be very different, a team with huge GC ambitions, but they aren't going  to pay him millions to work for Wiggins either, up to Sky management to manage it correctly. Sky's only other accquisition so far is a Columbian climber, although Eisel is coming with Cav apparently.

Id like to see Cavendish start to win a few more of the classics like Paris-Roubaix, Tour of Flanders etc, would put him truly amongst the greats if he isnt there already. Brilliant stuff from him and his team today, fair play to the lad. His kick over the first few metres of the sprint is what wins it. Sheer power.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on September 29, 2011, 10:23:04 AM
Just over a week to go to the Tour Of South Derry hosted by Carn Wheelers - http://www.carnwheelers.co.uk/news/details/?id=287

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on September 29, 2011, 10:26:47 AM
On another note, Aldi have their winter cycling gear in today. I got a bit from Lidl a few weeks back and it was spot on, Aldi is, by all accounts, just as good and great value.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on October 07, 2011, 08:45:06 AM
a great irish one, two in the tour of beijing 2011 this morning with nico and Philip
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 08, 2011, 06:19:09 PM
Very suprised to hear on today's commentary that that was Roche's first Pro-Tour stage win (not his first pro win).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on October 09, 2011, 01:30:16 AM
A wee blog from our cycle last weekend http://mal-sport.blogspot.com/2011/10/ar-rothar-on-bike.html
Title: Tour 2012
Post by: maddog on October 10, 2011, 04:44:36 PM
http://roadcyclinguk.com/blogs/2012-tour-de-france-route-leaked-bradley-wiggins-cadel-evans.html
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 10, 2011, 07:02:32 PM
Very interesting if true - 2 TT's & a prologue at expense of mountain stages. Have bookies reacted already Wiggins 3rd fav @5s. (Schleck, 9/4, Cadel 5/2 w/o Contador). Tony Martin a huge 33/1, could destroy the field with 2TTs, not the best climber, but slimming down enough to improve, just won Tour of Beijing too.
Title: Re: Tour 2012
Post by: blast05 on October 10, 2011, 08:43:57 PM
Quote from: maddog on October 10, 2011, 04:44:36 PM
http://roadcyclinguk.com/blogs/2012-tour-de-france-route-leaked-bradley-wiggins-cadel-evans.html

That's Daniel Martin's chance of a top 15 place gone then .... presuming he gets picked
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 11, 2011, 06:53:00 PM
Cavendish confirms what the dogs in the street knew (Eisel comes too)

Mark Cavendish announces Team Sky move


British cycling star Mark Cavendish has announced he will be joining Team Sky for the start of next season.

Cavendish won the green jersey as the 2011 Tour de France's best sprinter and then added the world road race title.

"I'm confident that we can achieve success and my aim is to win stages and the green jersey at the Tour de France," he told Sky Sports News.

Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford added: "What excites me is the attitude he brings to the teams he rides for."

One of Cavendish's wingmen, Austrian Bernhard Eisel, will also join Team Sky next season.

Cavendish, 26, is rated as one of the greatest-ever sprinters in the sport's history.

He won five stages at this year's Tour de France with HTC-Highroad to take his tally to 20 in total, claiming the prestigious Maillot Vert - awarded to the best sprinter -for the first time in his career.

Then in September, the Isle of Man cyclist became Britain's first male world road race champion for 46 years when his eight-man GB team helped him to victory over the 266km course in Denmark.

Cavendish has also secured a further 10 Grand Tour stage victories in his career, as well as the overall points title at the 2010 Vuelta a Espana.
CAVENDISH'S CAREER

    Wins gold in the madison at the track cycling world championships in Los Angeles in March 2005.
    Secures Melbourne Commonwealth Games scratch gold medal for the Isle of Man in March 2006.
    Takes madison gold in track cycling world championships in Manchester alongside Bradley Wiggins in March 2008.
    In July 2008, he wins four stages of the Tour de France but, a month later, fails to win an Olympic medal
    Becomes only the second Briton after Robert Millar to win stages in all three grand tours after success on stage 12 of Vuelta a Espana in September 2010.
    Awarded MBE in Queen's Birthday Honours in June 2011.
    Wins final stage in Paris to make certain of the green jersey at 2011 Tour de France and take total stage victories tally to 20.
    In September, he wins gold medal at the Road World Championships.

His future had been subject of speculation since August when HTC-Highroad stated that it would fold at the end of the 2011 season after failing to find a sponsor.

Team Sky's lead rider Bradley Wiggins hailed his compatriot's decision to join the Manchester-based outfit.

"I think I speak for everyone in the squad when I say that we're all delighted to have Cav joining us at Team Sky," he added.

"He is the best sprinter in the world and has an energy and passion for cycling that is infectious. We have enjoyed a fantastic second season and Mark's signing is another statement of our intent for next year and beyond."

Team-mate Geraint Thomas said Cavendish will enjoy a smooth transfer.

"In many ways it's like he's coming home - the team has a number of riders and support staff that he grew up with and it won't take him any time to settle in," said Thomas.

"I think everyone saw that when we helped him to victory for Great Britain at the Worlds, and we are all looking forward to helping him deliver more wins for Team Sky."

Team Sky began competition in January 2010 and is led by Brailsford, who is British Cycling's performance director. Brailsford stated in 2009 that his aim was to have a British winner of the Tour de France by 2014.


Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: robertemmet on October 12, 2011, 05:11:03 PM
Video footage from tour of south Derry .... http://www.vimeo.com/30432743

Thanks to all who supported it, raised £5000 for MacMillan cancer care
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrones own on October 12, 2011, 07:15:23 PM
Quote from: robertemmet on October 12, 2011, 05:11:03 PM
Video footage from tour of south Derry .... http://www.vimeo.com/30432743

Thanks to all who supported it, raised £5000 for MacMillan cancer care
Mighty job...well done!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 15, 2011, 05:53:57 PM
Dan Martin comes 2nd in final classic of season in giro de lombardy, last pro-tour race of season.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on October 17, 2011, 06:46:24 AM
dan showing great form, hopefully he will get the nod for some of the big tours next year.

the giro route was announced recently and this is the penultimate stage of it, this will sort the girls from the boys


(http://www.grassyknolltv.com/2012/giro-d-italia/stelvio2002.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on October 18, 2011, 03:03:13 PM
Official route 2012

http://roadcyclinguk.com/news/2012-tour-de-france-route-officially-revealed-in-paris-bradley-wiggins-cadel-evans-alberto-contador.html (http://roadcyclinguk.com/news/2012-tour-de-france-route-officially-revealed-in-paris-bradley-wiggins-cadel-evans-alberto-contador.html)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 18, 2011, 08:03:04 PM
I was reading Cycling Plus Mag today, every 2012 bike they reviewed (at Ultegra Level) all had the Di2 electronic gearing system.  Looks like it will be well within the reach of mere mortals in no time, anyone tried it yet?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on October 23, 2011, 11:08:41 PM
I think I know a wee bit about cycling - I did 41 mile last Sunday. Therefore I feel I am qualified to say that some cyclists dont know shit.

If you ever cycle the Newry to Portadown towpath, please give way to vehicles at Poyntzpass - that part of the towpath is a public road - not a cycle path. I repeat - not a path just for cylcists, it is a public road, and the only way for some people to get to their homes.

Anyone flaunting this advice will get a serious kicking from yours truely.


/ rant endof
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 07:20:42 PM
Hit the deck today for the first time, that would put manners on you :-[ Not my fault - 2 fellas in front came down and I went into the back of one of them, sommersaulting hoogerland style over them, coming out of the clipless pedals mid air and landing on my side, wasn't too bad at the time (felt a bit sick for a couple of minutes) hip & elbow getting worse as the hours pass.  An oul doll was right behind us in her car, the look on her face was priceless. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 08:16:05 PM
Seeking a bit of advice on the cycling front here guys.
I currently have a mountain bike and have it to go on any forest, dirt or mountain tracks. I have recently decided to take it out on the road and would at least do at least 10-20 miles at most at the weekend.
I was advised probably better getting a set of hybrid tyres on the bike as they are better on the road. Is this true?

Now would I be better just getting an extra set of wheels with hybrid tyres and change them myself and at least if I wanted to go on any forest, dirt or mountain tracks I could just change them over.

Also where is the best place to get these wheels?
Where is the best place to get a set of mud flaps fitted and a drink holder fitted and more importantly at what cost?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Groucho on December 11, 2011, 08:26:08 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 07:20:42 PM
Hit the deck today for the first time, that would put manners on you :-[ Not my fault - 2 fellas in front came down and I went into the back of one of them, sommersaulting hoogerland style over them, coming out of the clipless pedals mid air and landing on my side, wasn't too bad at the time (felt a bit sick for a couple of minutes) hip & elbow getting worse as the hours pass.  An oul doll was right behind us in her car, the look on her face was priceless.

OK .....you can count the paper clips tomorrow!! :D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 08:34:31 PM
Sounds like a messing match.  You might be safer picking up a cyclocross bike, can do ur off roading & would be a decent 'winter' road trainer
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Groucho on December 11, 2011, 08:43:28 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 08:34:31 PM
Sounds like a messing match.  You might be safer picking up a cyclocross bike, can do ur off roading & would be a decent 'winter' road trainer

Ok just look after the staples then!! :D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on December 11, 2011, 09:10:47 PM
I've never had that experience Bennydorano.

What is you first instinct? Is it to get your feet out from the toe clips?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 09:22:54 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 08:34:31 PM
Sounds like a messing match.  You might be safer picking up a cyclocross bike, can do ur off roading & would be a decent 'winter' road trainer

you reckon its a messing match? too much hassle?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 09:27:05 PM
I departed from the clipless pedals mid-air & it wasn't planned, momentum did it, we had been horsing it on too, but had luckily enuff slacked off a bit on impact, prob bout 16/17mph.

My first instinct was to get off the road, then there was a quick realisation the bike was in a heap & could get flattened, then i took off helmet & some layers cos i thought i was goin 2 vomit - a kick in the nuts/ hitting funny bone type feeling.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 09:39:05 PM
Quote from: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 09:22:54 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 08:34:31 PM
Sounds like a messing match.  You might be safer picking up a cyclocross bike, can do ur off roading & would be a decent 'winter' road trainer

you reckon its a messing match? too much hassle?
I know nothin about MB's but Hybrid  tyres are generally thinner - more like road tyres than MB tyres, would hardly be a straight swop? But if it was a straight swop it would definitely by a better tyre option on the road. With alternate wheels - will gearing need adjusted on every change? Brakes as well?

I would go to a local bike shop for some advice.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 11, 2011, 09:50:03 PM
i fell of twice this year. the first one when i was riding across the beach in rossnowlagh in front of cars and walkers, very embarrising.  the second time was on a steep climb and i was out of the seat  climbing when the back wheel slipped on gravel and i keeled over with me still clipped in.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on December 11, 2011, 10:00:49 PM
Quote from: gerry on December 11, 2011, 09:50:03 PM
i fell of twice this year. the first one when i was riding across the beach in rossnowlagh in front of cars and walkers, very embarrising.  the second time was on a steep climb and i was out of the seat  climbing when the back wheel slipped on gravel and i keeled over with me still clipped in.

Did your front wheel sink in the sand? Geez, I wish I had seen that, lol.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 11, 2011, 10:07:08 PM
Quote from: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 08:16:05 PM
Seeking a bit of advice on the cycling front here guys.
I currently have a mountain bike and have it to go on any forest, dirt or mountain tracks. I have recently decided to take it out on the road and would at least do at least 10-20 miles at most at the weekend.
I was advised probably better getting a set of hybrid tyres on the bike as they are better on the road. Is this true?

Now would I be better just getting an extra set of wheels with hybrid tyres and change them myself and at least if I wanted to go on any forest, dirt or mountain tracks I could just change them over.

Also where is the best place to get these wheels?
Where is the best place to get a set of mud flaps fitted and a drink holder fitted and more importantly at what cost?


Cheapest option is to buy another set of wheels. Id say wheels tyres inner tubes and freewheel you could do for under a ton. I did the same thing for my mountain bike as the original tyres were like something off a landrover, but you can go as low as 1" slicks on the same rim section. You can mud guards cheap enough and a bottle cage you can get for a fiver.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 10:11:08 PM
Quote from: maddog on December 11, 2011, 10:07:08 PM
Quote from: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 08:16:05 PM
Seeking a bit of advice on the cycling front here guys.
I currently have a mountain bike and have it to go on any forest, dirt or mountain tracks. I have recently decided to take it out on the road and would at least do at least 10-20 miles at most at the weekend.
I was advised probably better getting a set of hybrid tyres on the bike as they are better on the road. Is this true?

Now would I be better just getting an extra set of wheels with hybrid tyres and change them myself and at least if I wanted to go on any forest, dirt or mountain tracks I could just change them over.

Also where is the best place to get these wheels?
Where is the best place to get a set of mud flaps fitted and a drink holder fitted and more importantly at what cost?


Cheapest option is to buy another set of wheels. Id say wheels tyres inner tubes and freewheel you could do for under a ton. I did the same thing for my mountain bike as the original tyres were like something off a landrover, but you can go as low as 1" slicks on the same rim section. You can mud guards cheap enough and a bottle cage you can get for a fiver.
Cheers Maddog. Did you mean you bought an extra set of wheels? Yeah the mountain bike tyres are rough tyres alright but I guess thats the purpose of them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 11, 2011, 10:11:41 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 09:39:05 PM
Quote from: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 09:22:54 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 08:34:31 PM
Sounds like a messing match.  You might be safer picking up a cyclocross bike, can do ur off roading & would be a decent 'winter' road trainer

you reckon its a messing match? too much hassle?
I know nothin about MB's but Hybrid  tyres are generally thinner - more like road tyres than MB tyres, would hardly be a straight swop? But if it was a straight swop it would definitely by a better tyre option on the road. With alternate wheels - will gearing need adjusted on every change? Brakes as well?

I would go to a local bike shop for some advice.

Gearing shouldnt need adjusting as long as you make sure you have the same freewheel on both rear wheels. The brakes can be a pain - they dont need adjusting for width as your rim section should be the same, but you will need to take the cable out of the little cage to loosen them enough to get the wheel out. I always find then you need to readjust the little tensioner screw to get them braking evenly again. Its easy enough once shown.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 11, 2011, 10:15:19 PM
Quote from: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 10:11:08 PM
Quote from: maddog on December 11, 2011, 10:07:08 PM
Quote from: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 08:16:05 PM
Seeking a bit of advice on the cycling front here guys.
I currently have a mountain bike and have it to go on any forest, dirt or mountain tracks. I have recently decided to take it out on the road and would at least do at least 10-20 miles at most at the weekend.
I was advised probably better getting a set of hybrid tyres on the bike as they are better on the road. Is this true?

Now would I be better just getting an extra set of wheels with hybrid tyres and change them myself and at least if I wanted to go on any forest, dirt or mountain tracks I could just change them over.

Also where is the best place to get these wheels?
Where is the best place to get a set of mud flaps fitted and a drink holder fitted and more importantly at what cost?


Cheapest option is to buy another set of wheels. Id say wheels tyres inner tubes and freewheel you could do for under a ton. I did the same thing for my mountain bike as the original tyres were like something off a landrover, but you can go as low as 1" slicks on the same rim section. You can mud guards cheap enough and a bottle cage you can get for a fiver.
Cheers Maddog. Did you mean you bought an extra set of wheels? Yeah the mountain bike tyres are rough tyres alright but I guess thats the purpose of them.

yeah bought another set through ebay and just got a freewheel at local bike shop. What sort of grade of mountain bike is it ? What id be getting at is you wouldnt want to spend a lot if the bike itself wasnt that big a purchase in the first place.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 11, 2011, 10:22:17 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 11, 2011, 10:00:49 PM
Quote from: gerry on December 11, 2011, 09:50:03 PM
i fell of twice this year. the first one when i was riding across the beach in rossnowlagh in front of cars and walkers, very embarrising.  the second time was on a steep climb and i was out of the seat  climbing when the back wheel slipped on gravel and i keeled over with me still clipped in.

Did your front wheel sink in the sand? Geez, I wish I had seen that, lol.

yep, i was coming back from a spin and was cycling across the beach with all the gear on when i lost the front wheel while leaving the beach.  there were about 3 cars behind me with 4 waiting to come onto the beach.  there was nothing else for it but to hang my head  and walk on
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 11, 2011, 10:25:38 PM
Quote from: gerry on December 11, 2011, 10:22:17 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 11, 2011, 10:00:49 PM
Quote from: gerry on December 11, 2011, 09:50:03 PM
i fell of twice this year. the first one when i was riding across the beach in rossnowlagh in front of cars and walkers, very embarrising.  the second time was on a steep climb and i was out of the seat  climbing when the back wheel slipped on gravel and i keeled over with me still clipped in.

Did your front wheel sink in the sand? Geez, I wish I had seen that, lol.

yep, i was coming back from a spin and was cycling across the beach with all the gear on when i lost the front wheel while leaving the beach.  there were about 3 cars behind me with 4 waiting to come onto the beach.  there was nothing else for it but to hang my head  and walk on

Did a similar thing years ago down by lough neagh - there was a sort of a shallow pool down round Lurgan way that i thought i could ride through. Bottom of it was covered in slime of course and the front wheel just went out from under me as soon as it hit it. So you shouldnt feel too bad Gerry. I was only 12 mind.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 10:28:07 PM
Quote from: maddog on December 11, 2011, 10:15:19 PM
Quote from: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 10:11:08 PM
Quote from: maddog on December 11, 2011, 10:07:08 PM
Quote from: Karl Kennedy on December 11, 2011, 08:16:05 PM
Seeking a bit of advice on the cycling front here guys.
I currently have a mountain bike and have it to go on any forest, dirt or mountain tracks. I have recently decided to take it out on the road and would at least do at least 10-20 miles at most at the weekend.
I was advised probably better getting a set of hybrid tyres on the bike as they are better on the road. Is this true?

Now would I be better just getting an extra set of wheels with hybrid tyres and change them myself and at least if I wanted to go on any forest, dirt or mountain tracks I could just change them over.

Also where is the best place to get these wheels?
Where is the best place to get a set of mud flaps fitted and a drink holder fitted and more importantly at what cost?


Cheapest option is to buy another set of wheels. Id say wheels tyres inner tubes and freewheel you could do for under a ton. I did the same thing for my mountain bike as the original tyres were like something off a landrover, but you can go as low as 1" slicks on the same rim section. You can mud guards cheap enough and a bottle cage you can get for a fiver.
Cheers Maddog. Did you mean you bought an extra set of wheels? Yeah the mountain bike tyres are rough tyres alright but I guess thats the purpose of them.

yeah bought another set through ebay and just got a freewheel at local bike shop. What sort of grade of mountain bike is it ? What id be getting at is you wouldnt want to spend a lot if the bike itself wasnt that big a purchase in the first place.
Its a Raleigh Mountain Bike worth bout £200. but I have had it a number of years now
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 11, 2011, 10:29:54 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 07:20:42 PM
Hit the deck today for the first time, that would put manners on you :-[ Not my fault - 2 fellas in front came down and I went into the back of one of them, sommersaulting hoogerland style over them, coming out of the clipless pedals mid air and landing on my side, wasn't too bad at the time (felt a bit sick for a couple of minutes) hip & elbow getting worse as the hours pass.  An oul doll was right behind us in her car, the look on her face was priceless.

What caused the 2 in front to come down ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 11, 2011, 10:55:39 PM
QuoteI was only 12 mind.

i was only 40
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 12, 2011, 08:00:31 AM
Quote from: maddog on December 11, 2011, 10:29:54 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 11, 2011, 07:20:42 PM
Hit the deck today for the first time, that would put manners on you :-[ Not my fault - 2 fellas in front came down and I went into the back of one of them, sommersaulting hoogerland style over them, coming out of the clipless pedals mid air and landing on my side, wasn't too bad at the time (felt a bit sick for a couple of minutes) hip & elbow getting worse as the hours pass.  An oul doll was right behind us in her car, the look on her face was priceless.

What caused the 2 in front to come down ?
One slowed down & turned round to talk
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: screenexile on December 30, 2011, 01:02:20 PM
Hey people any help would be greatly appreciated.

Looking for a bike roughly £100-£150 would be good. Something like the bikes you would get for cycling around Belgium/Holland nothing serious so 2nd hand would do. Does anyone know of anywhere decent in the North Of Ireland to get a decent 2nd hand bike. Something like the picture below would be 100% . . .

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDFCP1sMehk/ToP3l04k6II/AAAAAAAACRc/K6QsgQERMuA/s400/BrugesOrangeBike.jpg)

I hope someone can help. Thanks guys!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on December 30, 2011, 01:56:42 PM
I took an awful tumble in gaelforce two years ago, on the steepest section shouted at the lad in front of me that I was coming through, he pulled right out in front of me on a bend, had to brake on a wet road at 50kph, it was either over a wall and a big drop or hit the deck and slide down the road, destroyed my whole left side, your man kept going, he got some earful from me when I caught him, the bollix
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on December 30, 2011, 03:58:13 PM
When are the first cycling events/sportives of 2012 in the north of the country? Need to get back in the saddle, but it's nice to have something specific to work towards.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 30, 2011, 06:25:10 PM
Screen, check out the bikes on Gumtree, some good bargains about if u search through the pages & are prepared to drive to pick it up.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on January 16, 2012, 05:49:06 PM
I'm looking for some recommendations on two things:
1 - Saddle Bag for repair kit, phone, keys, energy bars etc
2 - A good pair of cycling shorts

Any help appreciated!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cavan4sam on January 16, 2012, 06:28:07 PM
What sort of bike are you riding Maguire?

Have a look here you should find what you are looking for in a saddle bag
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/SearchResults.aspx?Search=saddle+bag

Same goes for shorts although you should try some on in a shop to het an idea of size.
http://www.startfitness.co.uk/prodtype.asp?strParents=4262,4270&CAT_ID=4413&numRecordPosition=1
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on January 16, 2012, 06:39:59 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 12, 2011, 08:00:31 AM
[One slowed down & turned round to talk

I've been to a few racing clinics where they teach you how to recover from touching the wheel in front. Your instinct is to steer away from his wheel (which is where you go down), but you have to overcome that and steer into it so your bike leans against his, then you push off his wheel. They get you to do drills on a grass surface where you ride along behind him with your wheel scraping against his.  Feels like a bit of an odd sensation at first but you soon get used to it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 16, 2012, 06:43:23 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on January 16, 2012, 05:49:06 PM
I'm looking for some recommendations on two things:
1 - Saddle Bag for repair kit, phone, keys, energy bars etc
2 - A good pair of cycling shorts

Any help appreciated!

As cavanforsam says it depends on the bike. I find ebay great for that sort of thing, usually half what you pay in a cycle shop

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OXFORD-BICYCLE-CYCLE-WEDGE-SEAT-BAG-1LTR-QUICK-RELEASE-/270632250216?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item3f02f06b68 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OXFORD-BICYCLE-CYCLE-WEDGE-SEAT-BAG-1LTR-QUICK-RELEASE-/270632250216?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item3f02f06b68)

or http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Cycling-Bicycle-Bike-Saddle-Outdoor-Pouch-Seat-Bag-/170685965246?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item27bdad23be (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Cycling-Bicycle-Bike-Saddle-Outdoor-Pouch-Seat-Bag-/170685965246?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item27bdad23be)

I have one of these little yokes for the front of a hybrid bike, grand for wallet phone and a few tools etc

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mountain-Bike-Cycling-Bicycle-Frame-Pannier-Tube-Bag-/180779050296?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item2a17456538 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mountain-Bike-Cycling-Bicycle-Frame-Pannier-Tube-Bag-/180779050296?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item2a17456538)

The guys are sound for cheap cycling gear, have had shorts of them and they are fine.

http://www.tenn-outdoors.co.uk/cycle-clothing/mens/bib-shorts/ (http://www.tenn-outdoors.co.uk/cycle-clothing/mens/bib-shorts/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 16, 2012, 07:45:01 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on January 16, 2012, 05:49:06 PM
I'm looking for some recommendations on two things:
1 - Saddle Bag for repair kit, phone, keys, energy bars etc
2 - A good pair of cycling shorts

Any help appreciated!

Keep an eye out for SPEG branded gear, straight of their website it is pricey, but I got a fantastic pair of thermal leggings for about £22 of cycle store website.  It's quality gear.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 16, 2012, 07:50:45 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on January 16, 2012, 06:39:59 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 12, 2011, 08:00:31 AM
[One slowed down & turned round to talk

I've been to a few racing clinics where they teach you how to recover from touching the wheel in front. Your instinct is to steer away from his wheel (which is where you go down), but you have to overcome that and steer into it so your bike leans against his, then you push off his wheel. They get you to do drills on a grass surface where you ride along behind him with your wheel scraping against his.  Feels like a bit of an odd sensation at first but you soon get used to it.

Funny, I've remained upright on at least 2 ocassions by doing exactly that, it was luck/momentum more than a learned technique though.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on January 16, 2012, 08:06:15 PM
Quote from: cavan4sam on January 16, 2012, 06:28:07 PM
What sort of bike are you riding Maguire?

Have a look here you should find what you are looking for in a saddle bag
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/SearchResults.aspx?Search=saddle+bag

Same goes for shorts although you should try some on in a shop to het an idea of size.
http://www.startfitness.co.uk/prodtype.asp?strParents=4262,4270&CAT_ID=4413&numRecordPosition=1
I have a Carrera Road Bike. Have been on the chain recation site before - was more looking for any recommendations on specific products.
Cheers though.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on January 16, 2012, 08:07:21 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 16, 2012, 06:43:23 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on January 16, 2012, 05:49:06 PM
I'm looking for some recommendations on two things:
1 - Saddle Bag for repair kit, phone, keys, energy bars etc
2 - A good pair of cycling shorts

Any help appreciated!

As cavanforsam says it depends on the bike. I find ebay great for that sort of thing, usually half what you pay in a cycle shop

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OXFORD-BICYCLE-CYCLE-WEDGE-SEAT-BAG-1LTR-QUICK-RELEASE-/270632250216?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item3f02f06b68 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OXFORD-BICYCLE-CYCLE-WEDGE-SEAT-BAG-1LTR-QUICK-RELEASE-/270632250216?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item3f02f06b68)

or http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Cycling-Bicycle-Bike-Saddle-Outdoor-Pouch-Seat-Bag-/170685965246?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item27bdad23be (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Cycling-Bicycle-Bike-Saddle-Outdoor-Pouch-Seat-Bag-/170685965246?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item27bdad23be)

I have one of these little yokes for the front of a hybrid bike, grand for wallet phone and a few tools etc

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mountain-Bike-Cycling-Bicycle-Frame-Pannier-Tube-Bag-/180779050296?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item2a17456538 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mountain-Bike-Cycling-Bicycle-Frame-Pannier-Tube-Bag-/180779050296?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item2a17456538)

The guys are sound for cheap cycling gear, have had shorts of them and they are fine.

http://www.tenn-outdoors.co.uk/cycle-clothing/mens/bib-shorts/ (http://www.tenn-outdoors.co.uk/cycle-clothing/mens/bib-shorts/)
Cheers - i'll have a look at those.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cavan4sam on January 16, 2012, 11:22:13 PM
What's your aim for cycling? What sort of spins are you going to be doing? Is it just goin to be short 30k stuff or longer 80-100?

That will determine the type of gear that you will require.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on January 17, 2012, 07:46:40 AM
Quote from: cavan4sam on January 16, 2012, 11:22:13 PM
What's your aim for cycling? What sort of spins are you going to be doing? Is it just goin to be short 30k stuff or longer 80-100?

That will determine the type of gear that you will require.
By the summer, 100k+.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cavan4sam on January 17, 2012, 10:00:03 AM

I would recommend 1 of these, have it on my own bike.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7360

Used to have 1 of these but was too big
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11891

When it comes to shorts you really need them to be comfortable and have a good pad.
I bought a pair of shorts off http://www.tenn-outdoors.co.uk/ and they were a really good product for the value.
http://www.tenn-outdoors.co.uk/bib-shorts-pro-blackwhite-xl

I also have a pair of these but they are more for summer
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/bib-shorts-5-plain-id_8165652.html

Our club gear is made by Spin11 and its really good quality stuff, the An Post national team wear it.
http://www.marreybikes.com/en/shorts/412-sean-kelly-an-post-bib-shorts-2011.html


Something like this might be what you are looking for, depending on how much you want to spend of course.
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Endura-Xtract-Padded-Lycra-Cycling-BibShorts-L-/270893122461?pt=UK_Cycling_Clothing&hash=item3f127d039d

I also bought a pair of undershorts for the longer trips to give that extra bit of padding.

Have you any trips in mind that you might be thinking of taking part in?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on January 17, 2012, 06:20:43 PM
Cheers cavan4sam. What size do you recommend for the Topeak Aero Wedge QuickClip?

Planning on doing the Ring of Kerry in July (although it seems ambitious at the minute!). I'm also looking out for any events from March to May time to test myself, but haven't seen anything yet - any suggestions (Ulster area) welcome.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cavan4sam on January 17, 2012, 06:47:26 PM
Keep an eye out here.

http://www.cyclingireland.ie/Home.aspx

I have the small saddle bag and can get 2 tubes, levers, and cleat covers into it.

Have a go at some of the An Post cycle series, the 1 in Sligo and the 1 in Meath might suit you.

Tour of Down on the 18th of February, 80km
https://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=XzhkOWxjZ3JmZHByNmFzamtjbGdtNGViMjY0c21jYzFqNzFpbTJkMW1jNHNtYWM5bmM5aTM4Y3BwNjhxM2FvcG43NHBnIGxlaXN1cmVAY3ljbGluZ2lyZWxhbmQubmV0&ctz=Europe/Dublin

We will be running the 5 County Cycle Challenge in September as well in Virginia, Co Cavan. 3 routes, 150km, 100km and 50km. 150km takes in Cavan, Longford, Westmeath, Meath and Monaghan. Maybe you might try 1 of those. It will the 3rd year that it will be held.

What sort of training are you doing at the minute?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on January 17, 2012, 06:58:32 PM
Literally at the very early stages - until it's bright in the evenings, it's just a few short spins at the weekend. Did the 56k route of the Giant's Causeway Coast Sportive in September but did very little over the winter. Hoping to build it up a good bit over the next 6 months.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 17, 2012, 07:07:05 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on January 17, 2012, 06:20:43 PM

Planning on doing the Ring of Kerry in July (although it seems ambitious at the minute!). I'm also looking out for any events from March to May time to test myself, but haven't seen anything yet - any suggestions (Ulster area) welcome.
Half a dozen of us planning on heading down to do it too, although the Stone Roses Concert is on the Thursday night :-\  Looking at possibly doing the etapehibernia as well in late August - though I think it lands on the same day as the Lap of the Lough & the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on January 17, 2012, 07:31:27 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 17, 2012, 07:07:05 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on January 17, 2012, 06:20:43 PM

Planning on doing the Ring of Kerry in July (although it seems ambitious at the minute!). I'm also looking out for any events from March to May time to test myself, but haven't seen anything yet - any suggestions (Ulster area) welcome.
Half a dozen of us planning on heading down to do it too, although the Stone Roses Concert is on the Thursday night :-\  Looking at possibly doing the etapehibernia as well in late August - though I think it lands on the same day as the Lap of the Lough & the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford.
That etapehibernia looks like it has a few killer climbs. I hear the Sean Kelly one is tough as well. Might do the Lap the Lough - seems to be a very flat route.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 17, 2012, 08:06:22 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on January 16, 2012, 06:39:59 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 12, 2011, 08:00:31 AM
[One slowed down & turned round to talk

I've been to a few racing clinics where they teach you how to recover from touching the wheel in front
. Your instinct is to steer away from his wheel (which is where you go down), but you have to overcome that and steer into it so your bike leans against his, then you push off his wheel. They get you to do drills on a grass surface where you ride along behind him with your wheel scraping against his.  Feels like a bit of an odd sensation at first but you soon get used to it.


big crash in the tour down under this morning.  its looks like he touched the wheel of the guy in front of him


http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/cycling/videos/?videoid=22e01b1a-60c2-4857-8392-2cbde024f4c7 (http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/cycling/videos/?videoid=22e01b1a-60c2-4857-8392-2cbde024f4c7)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 17, 2012, 10:00:47 PM
our local  gaa club drumquin is cycling from drumquin to tory island and returning the next day, about 100 cyclist have signed up to do it.

i hope to do these as well to start with:

08-Apr    Knoockalla Tour    Four Masters    110km   10.00am    Letterkenny Community Centre Sign-on 8.45am

Sat    14-Apr    Mark Mc Govern Fundraising Cycle    Lakeland CC  140km    10.00am    Belcoo GAA Club House

The Burnin Burren: 160km on the 16th of june (http://www.tourdeburren.com/)

seeing that the weather is so mild i have managed to clock up 250 miles so far this year


a list of events can be found  here (http://cyclingulster.com/?page_id=686)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 18, 2012, 10:09:23 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on January 17, 2012, 07:31:27 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 17, 2012, 07:07:05 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on January 17, 2012, 06:20:43 PM

Planning on doing the Ring of Kerry in July (although it seems ambitious at the minute!). I'm also looking out for any events from March to May time to test myself, but haven't seen anything yet - any suggestions (Ulster area) welcome.
Half a dozen of us planning on heading down to do it too, although the Stone Roses Concert is on the Thursday night :-\  Looking at possibly doing the etapehibernia as well in late August - though I think it lands on the same day as the Lap of the Lough & the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford.
That etapehibernia looks like it has a few killer climbs. I hear the Sean Kelly one is tough as well. Might do the Lap the Lough - seems to be a very flat route.
think the Etape is about 85m, while Kerry is 115m? With a very hilly finishing stretch, so you might want to check it out!

Quote from: gerry on January 17, 2012, 08:06:22 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on January 16, 2012, 06:39:59 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 12, 2011, 08:00:31 AM
[One slowed down & turned round to talk

I've been to a few racing clinics where they teach you how to recover from touching the wheel in front
. Your instinct is to steer away from his wheel (which is where you go down), but you have to overcome that and steer into it so your bike leans against his, then you push off his wheel. They get you to do drills on a grass surface where you ride along behind him with your wheel scraping against his.  Feels like a bit of an odd sensation at first but you soon get used to it.


big crash in the tour down under this morning.  its looks like he touched the wheel of the guy in front of him


http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/cycling/videos/?videoid=22e01b1a-60c2-4857-8392-2cbde024f4c7 (http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/cycling/videos/?videoid=22e01b1a-60c2-4857-8392-2cbde024f4c7)

Andre Griepel looks like he's lost about a stone weight, the main danger to Cavendish this year I would think.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on January 18, 2012, 10:26:44 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 18, 2012, 10:09:23 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on January 17, 2012, 07:31:27 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 17, 2012, 07:07:05 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on January 17, 2012, 06:20:43 PM

Planning on doing the Ring of Kerry in July (although it seems ambitious at the minute!). I'm also looking out for any events from March to May time to test myself, but haven't seen anything yet - any suggestions (Ulster area) welcome.
Half a dozen of us planning on heading down to do it too, although the Stone Roses Concert is on the Thursday night :-\  Looking at possibly doing the etapehibernia as well in late August - though I think it lands on the same day as the Lap of the Lough & the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford.
That etapehibernia looks like it has a few killer climbs. I hear the Sean Kelly one is tough as well. Might do the Lap the Lough - seems to be a very flat route.
think the Etape is about 85m, while Kerry is 115m? With a very hilly finishing stretch, so you might want to check it out!
I've been well warned about the 10km from Kenmare towards the end! I'll be putting in plenty of hour of climbing over the next few months. But I know a number of people who have managed it and i'm hoping I can get to that level. It seems a long way away at this stage though!

Here's the profile of the climb:
http://www.strava.com/segments/molls-gap-s-n-655340
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on January 18, 2012, 10:40:51 PM
I'm not sure of any specific events but there's a lot of good climbs round the glens of antrim - if you fancy a real tester I'd try torrhead.

There is a tour of the glens - not sure of when it's on though but you may want to check that out. I know there's also an event called the FROG (fun run of glens) in Juneish.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on January 18, 2012, 11:00:45 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 18, 2012, 10:40:51 PM
I'm not sure of any specific events but there's a lot of good climbs round the glens of antrim - if you fancy a real tester I'd try torrhead.
Torr Head was on the longer route of the Giant's Causeway event last year (I only did the shorter route) - but I heard a lot of people had to get off and walk it, even people who were used to doing big distances.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: AQMP on January 19, 2012, 09:22:17 AM
A couple of "mates" are trying to talk me into the Wicklow 200.  Anyone here ever done it?

http://www.wicklow200.ie/

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on January 19, 2012, 12:58:02 PM
I done the distance over some of the route, it's tough going, plenty of climbing but in a big group it should give plenty of recovery in between hills
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gaa.boy on January 25, 2012, 02:53:49 PM
Im looking to buy a new Boardman road bike. As they are fairly expensive to buy outright, I am considering taking one on HP. Does anyone know of anywhere that sells them on HP?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cavan4sam on January 25, 2012, 03:34:00 PM
What model are you looking to buy? As far as I know Boardman are sold exclusively through Halfords?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 25, 2012, 07:29:17 PM
Or directly. HP available everywhere, usual finance checks done i'm sure.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 25, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
Did an hour and a half out in the dark with the lights on, hairy enough once outside of the city lights. As a wearer of glasses, a mixture of dark cloudy night, rain on the glasses, and the wind watering the eyes it was chancy enough. Might go back to the turbo trainer until the bright evenings.

Anyone else bother going out with the lights on ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: el_cuervo_fc on January 25, 2012, 10:02:32 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 25, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
Did an hour and a half out in the dark with the lights on, hairy enough once outside of the city lights. As a wearer of glasses, a mixture of dark cloudy night, rain on the glasses, and the wind watering the eyes it was chancy enough. Might go back to the turbo trainer until the bright evenings.

Anyone else bother going out with the lights on ?

Not a chance.  I'll save my trips for the weekend until the longer evenings kick in. 

Do you go out on your own?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ziggy90 on January 25, 2012, 10:32:06 PM
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on January 25, 2012, 10:02:32 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 25, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
Did an hour and a half out in the dark with the lights on, hairy enough once outside of the city lights. As a wearer of glasses, a mixture of dark cloudy night, rain on the glasses, and the wind watering the eyes it was chancy enough. Might go back to the turbo trainer until the bright evenings.

Anyone else bother going out with the lights on ?

Not a chance.  I'll save my trips for the weekend until the longer evenings kick in. 

Do you go out on your own?

He usually starts out with someone but comes home on his own. ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 25, 2012, 11:19:10 PM
f**k that carry on md, wouldn't chance that at all.  Turbo is a great calorie burner, got a set of weights & have been using them sporadically while on the TT fairly helps get a sweat going.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on January 25, 2012, 11:28:15 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 25, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
Did an hour and a half out in the dark with the lights on, hairy enough once outside of the city lights. As a wearer of glasses, a mixture of dark cloudy night, rain on the glasses, and the wind watering the eyes it was chancy enough. Might go back to the turbo trainer until the bright evenings.

Anyone else bother going out with the lights on ?

Did that years ago, but only to commute to and from work. Wouldnt have done it outside the city lights though - unless you know every pothole.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 26, 2012, 08:10:24 AM
Quote from: ziggy90 on January 25, 2012, 10:32:06 PM
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on January 25, 2012, 10:02:32 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 25, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
Did an hour and a half out in the dark with the lights on, hairy enough once outside of the city lights. As a wearer of glasses, a mixture of dark cloudy night, rain on the glasses, and the wind watering the eyes it was chancy enough. Might go back to the turbo trainer until the bright evenings.

Anyone else bother going out with the lights on ?




Not a chance.  I'll save my trips for the weekend until the longer evenings kick in. 

Do you go out on your own?

He usually starts out with someone but comes home on his own. ;)

A bit like drinking with you...........
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 26, 2012, 08:13:32 AM
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on January 25, 2012, 10:02:32 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 25, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
Did an hour and a half out in the dark with the lights on, hairy enough once outside of the city lights. As a wearer of glasses, a mixture of dark cloudy night, rain on the glasses, and the wind watering the eyes it was chancy enough. Might go back to the turbo trainer until the bright evenings.

Anyone else bother going out with the lights on ?

Not a chance.  I'll save my trips for the weekend until the longer evenings kick in. 

Do you go out on your own?


No ive another lad with me who turned up last night with this little piddly light on the front - he says i didnt bother putting the new (presumably more powerful) light on as i knew you would have one :o I think i will try contact lenses at least if it rains i'll have half a chance of seeing the road. Roll on the bright evenings.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 26, 2012, 08:16:00 AM
Quote from: Orior on January 25, 2012, 11:28:15 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 25, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
Did an hour and a half out in the dark with the lights on, hairy enough once outside of the city lights. As a wearer of glasses, a mixture of dark cloudy night, rain on the glasses, and the wind watering the eyes it was chancy enough. Might go back to the turbo trainer until the bright evenings.

Anyone else bother going out with the lights on ?

Did that years ago, but only to commute to and from work. Wouldnt have done it outside the city lights though - unless you know every pothole.

Would you not think you would have a better chance of being seen out on a dark country roads as opposed to in the city where the glare of car lights often can hide a cyclist until you are nearly on them ? I dont know - i suppose there are pros and cons to both.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ziggy90 on January 26, 2012, 11:43:05 AM
Quote from: maddog on January 26, 2012, 08:10:24 AM
Quote from: ziggy90 on January 25, 2012, 10:32:06 PM
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on January 25, 2012, 10:02:32 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 25, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
Did an hour and a half out in the dark with the lights on, hairy enough once outside of the city lights. As a wearer of glasses, a mixture of dark cloudy night, rain on the glasses, and the wind watering the eyes it was chancy enough. Might go back to the turbo trainer until the bright evenings.

Anyone else bother going out with the lights on ?




Not a chance.  I'll save my trips for the weekend until the longer evenings kick in. 

Do you go out on your own?

He usually starts out with someone but comes home on his own. ;)

A bit like drinking with you...........
Must disagree, I'm usually there a good while after you & if I'm not it's because you have to take me home. :o
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 26, 2012, 11:47:54 AM
Quote from: ziggy90 on January 26, 2012, 11:43:05 AM
Quote from: maddog on January 26, 2012, 08:10:24 AM
Quote from: ziggy90 on January 25, 2012, 10:32:06 PM
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on January 25, 2012, 10:02:32 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 25, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
Did an hour and a half out in the dark with the lights on, hairy enough once outside of the city lights. As a wearer of glasses, a mixture of dark cloudy night, rain on the glasses, and the wind watering the eyes it was chancy enough. Might go back to the turbo trainer until the bright evenings.

Anyone else bother going out with the lights on ?




Not a chance.  I'll save my trips for the weekend until the longer evenings kick in. 

Do you go out on your own?

He usually starts out with someone but comes home on his own. ;)

A bit like drinking with you...........
Must disagree, I'm usually there a good while after you & if I'm not it's because you have to take me home. :o

Never to be repeated.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: orangeman on February 06, 2012, 11:37:47 AM
Quelle surprise !!!

Spain's Alberto Contador was given a two-year ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for failing a dope test during the 2010 Tour de France, the International Cycling Union have confirmed.

Contador, a Tour winner in 2007, 2009 and 2010 who tested positive for the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol, is now set to be stripped of his last title.


Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ludermor on February 06, 2012, 12:48:36 PM
The ban is backdated to when he was caught so he will be free to race in august!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 08, 2012, 09:47:14 PM
The US Federal Prosecution of Lance has been silently dropped I see. Hardly be long before someone else has a go. I look forward to reading Walsh &/or McKimmage in the Sunday Times.... not
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on February 09, 2012, 03:37:33 PM
Anyone know where to look about a keenly priced second hand road bike? Brother is looking one for doing a bit of cycling and for using in Duathlons and other multisport races. He's been on Donedeals and been messed about.

Any stores or locations in the north east?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: rootthemout on February 09, 2012, 05:20:56 PM
Quote from: Bingo on February 09, 2012, 03:37:33 PM
Anyone know where to look about a keenly priced second hand road bike? Brother is looking one for doing a bit of cycling and for using in Duathlons and other multisport races. He's been on Donedeals and been messed about.

Any stores or locations in the north east?
try gumtree.co.uk check out round armagh/newry sure to get something half decent bingo.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Bingo on February 09, 2012, 05:21:55 PM
Quote from: rootthemout on February 09, 2012, 05:20:56 PM
Quote from: Bingo on February 09, 2012, 03:37:33 PM
Anyone know where to look about a keenly priced second hand road bike? Brother is looking one for doing a bit of cycling and for using in Duathlons and other multisport races. He's been on Donedeals and been messed about.

Any stores or locations in the north east?
try gumtree.co.uk check out round armagh/newry sure to get something half decent bingo.

Cheers, will give it a look.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 09, 2012, 09:02:04 PM
Cavendish wins his 2nd stage in the Tour of Qatar today, makes it look shockingly easy, no sign of a train delivering him to the line either. Very ominous for the rest of the sprinters. Only Griepel will live with him this year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: hassletravel on March 09, 2012, 09:40:22 PM
Heard there is a cycle for the Mark McGovern fund on the 14th of April, anyone know anything about it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 10, 2012, 08:42:18 AM
http://www.lakelandcc.co.uk/cycling-589.html.

Not sure the link will work as I am posting from my phone. If you look up lakeland cycle club on facebook you will get details.

Was thinking of doing it along with a few fellows from work, it looks very hilly.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on March 10, 2012, 09:31:03 AM
Quote from: gerry on March 10, 2012, 08:42:18 AM
http://www.lakelandcc.co.uk/cycling-589.html.

Not sure the link will work as I am posting from my phone. If you look up lakeland cycle club on facebook you will get details.

Was thinking of doing it along with a few fellows from work, it looks very hilly.
Can't find that with the link or on facebook.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 10, 2012, 12:56:06 PM
I am away on the beer this weekend so I will look it up when am back on sunday
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 13, 2012, 07:18:25 PM
First big classic of the season on Saturday in Milan- San Remo, Cavendish 3/1 fav, he's been in good enough form this season so far, largely seems to me to be fav because he's stated its a big target of his.  I'm very inclined to have a go on Cancellara at 5/1 who has lost a lot of weight and is absolutely flying (both men have won it previously).  Tom Boonen and Andre Greipel look very good bets at 15/1 apiece, could easily win it.  Gilbert has been sick and is off form, but he's the Classics king, worth watching at 13's as well.

Well done to Wiggins on his Paris-Nice win, could be a big year for him with the 2 TT's on Le Tour (3/1 2nd Fav behind Cadel at 7/4)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 18, 2012, 09:09:05 AM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 10, 2012, 09:31:03 AM
Quote from: gerry on March 10, 2012, 08:42:18 AM
http://www.lakelandcc.co.uk/cycling-589.html.

Not sure the link will work as I am posting from my phone. If you look up lakeland cycle club on facebook you will get details.

Was thinking of doing it along with a few fellows from work, it looks very hilly.
Can't find that with the link or on facebook.

link working now
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on March 18, 2012, 06:58:05 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 18, 2012, 09:09:05 AM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 10, 2012, 09:31:03 AM
Quote from: gerry on March 10, 2012, 08:42:18 AM
http://www.lakelandcc.co.uk/cycling-589.html.

Not sure the link will work as I am posting from my phone. If you look up lakeland cycle club on facebook you will get details.

Was thinking of doing it along with a few fellows from work, it looks very hilly.
Can't find that with the link or on facebook.

link working now
Looks like a tough enough one - don't think i'm up to those climbs just yet!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on March 18, 2012, 08:29:58 PM
15 mile into my cycle this morning, heading up a hill, a quick gear change and the rear gear changer buckled and went into the spokes of the rear wheel, bringing my bike to a very sudden stop.

Has that ever happened anyone?

The bike is about 3 year old.  I could get it fixed, but would be worried about it happening again.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on March 18, 2012, 11:54:55 PM
Orior no never happened b4 but sounds like u could have been milled...

Done 25 mile this morning, 1st time out on the bike this year and it wasn't too bad with the exception of a bit of lower back pain.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on March 26, 2012, 09:49:32 PM
Great now to be able to get out during the week for a half-decent spin. Nice weather and an extra hour of light - no excuses!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 26, 2012, 10:20:00 PM
it was dark enough at 20:15 tonight to be out on a bike,so i think i will wait a while yet to venture out.  yesterday was a nice day for a spin and i even got a bit of a tan.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on March 27, 2012, 05:07:07 AM
Quote from: illdecide on March 18, 2012, 11:54:55 PM
Orior no never happened b4 but sounds like u could have been milled...

Done 25 mile this morning, 1st time out on the bike this year and it wasn't too bad with the exception of a bit of lower back pain.

Have you gotten somebody in a bike shop to check your riding position?  You have to take care of that, you could cripple yourself.  I once had a lower back injury that kept me off the bike for years, it's not very nice.  I found a good sports doctor that was willing to check my driving position (I had a long commute at the time) and give me some good exercises.  Back extensions and stretching all helped.  Even stretching the hamstrings can make a difference, mine were fierce tight before.  Now if I see any object a few feet off the ground my first instinct is to put my foot on it and stretch the hamstrings.  I still get a bit of lower back pain on long haul rides (which I consider anything longer than 50 miles) but it's not as bad as it used to be.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 27, 2012, 08:50:39 PM
Wondering could somebody help plz.  I'm looking one of those profile map thingys that show hill altitudes etc...and have no idea where to go online to get one, if someone knows how to do one - any chance of doing one from Armagh to Carrick on Shannon (Via, Monaghan, Clones, Belturbet, Ballinamore).  My email is tonyarmagh@hotmail.com if anybody could do me one and forward it on.

Thanks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: el_cuervo_fc on March 27, 2012, 09:38:15 PM
Got a nice wee 25 miles done this evening after work. That imapmyride app for the iPhone is a handy tool for keeping a record of your progress.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: harpsman on March 27, 2012, 10:07:13 PM
QuoteHit the deck today for the first time, that would put manners on you Not my fault - 2 fellas in front came down and I went into the back of one of them, sommersaulting hoogerland style over them, coming out of the clipless pedals mid air and landing on my side, wasn't too bad at the time (felt a bit sick for a couple of minutes) hip & elbow getting worse as the hours pass.  An oul doll was right behind us in her car, the look on her face was priceless.
;D ;D

I would love to have seen that!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on March 27, 2012, 10:55:39 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 27, 2012, 08:50:39 PM
Wondering could somebody help plz.  I'm looking one of those profile map thingys that show hill altitudes etc...and have no idea where to go online to get one, if someone knows how to do one - any chance of doing one from Armagh to Carrick on Shannon (Via, Monaghan, Clones, Belturbet, Ballinamore).  My email is tonyarmagh@hotmail.com if anybody could do me one and forward it on.

Thanks
www.mapmyride.com
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on March 27, 2012, 10:58:38 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 26, 2012, 10:20:00 PM
it was dark enough at 20:15 tonight to be out on a bike,so i think i will wait a while yet to venture out.  yesterday was a nice day for a spin and i even got a bit of a tan.
There's nearly 2 hours of light after work - plenty of time for 30-40km!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on March 27, 2012, 11:03:07 PM
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on March 27, 2012, 09:38:15 PM
Got a nice wee 25 miles done this evening after work. That imapmyride app for the iPhone is a handy tool for keeping a record of your progress.
Measure in kms - sounds better! I had been using endomondo on the iPhone but some of its data is crap (such as the amount of calories you're supposedly burning), and i'm not convinced it's that accurate. I got a computer for the bike a few weeks ago and think it's great - good for motivating you to keep your speed up or maintain a decent average speed. I log a route on mapmyride in the house if I want to get a better idea of what the climbs are like.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 28, 2012, 07:23:22 AM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 27, 2012, 10:58:38 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 26, 2012, 10:20:00 PM
it was dark enough at 20:15 tonight to be out on a bike,so i think i will wait a while yet to venture out.  yesterday was a nice day for a spin and i even got a bit of a tan.
There's nearly 2 hours of light after work - plenty of time for 30-40km!

by the time i finish work at 6 and get sorted its tight enough for time.  i will keep at the spinning and gym for another few weeks  yet
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: el_cuervo_fc on March 28, 2012, 07:54:38 AM
Has anyone here ever taken part in the "Lap the Lough" event. I'm thinking of signing up to it this year.

How well is it run etc?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on March 28, 2012, 12:23:59 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 27, 2012, 10:55:39 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 27, 2012, 08:50:39 PM
Wondering could somebody help plz.  I'm looking one of those profile map thingys that show hill altitudes etc...and have no idea where to go online to get one, if someone knows how to do one - any chance of doing one from Armagh to Carrick on Shannon (Via, Monaghan, Clones, Belturbet, Ballinamore).  My email is tonyarmagh@hotmail.com if anybody could do me one and forward it on.

Thanks
www.mapmyride.com

This one is ok too
http://www.bikehike.co.uk (http://www.bikehike.co.uk)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 28, 2012, 09:30:10 PM
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on March 28, 2012, 07:54:38 AM
Has anyone here ever taken part in the "Lap the Lough" event. I'm thinking of signing up to it this year.

How well is it run etc?

i done it last year and  the third year they ran it.  the course itself is flat except for one wee hill but can be windy due to no shelter. 

the first year i done it my mates brakes failed and he went straight at a junction and ended in the hedge with a recked bike.  he finally got back to the start in the back of a van in the dark with other broken bikes and cylist, every time they went round a corner he got hit with a bike. by the way a cylist took a heart attach and died on the course that year.

last year they ran out of food at the feeding stations,which pissed alot of people off.  seeing that i ride alot on my own and bring my own food with me, so thats not an issue.

alot of novice riders seem to do this which i guess accounts for alot of the issues.  hopefully i will do it again this year as i enjoy cycling around new roads.

this looks to be a nice ride Tour of the Orchard County (http://www.touroftheorchardcounty.com/), i hope to do this after we beat armagh on the 10th june

check out the lough forum for issues and details on the lap lap the lough (http://www.lapthelough.org/)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on March 28, 2012, 10:35:41 PM
Thinking about LTL myself - the stories from last year sound horrendous, but hopefully they'll learn from it for this year. It actually seems like a fairly handy route for something of that length - very flat.

I like the sound of the Armagh one. Do you know if the route is mapped anywhere that shows the elevation? I can't understand when sportive events are organised and the website doesn't even give you a proper route with the elevations - is that not one of the first things cyclists are interested in?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on March 28, 2012, 10:39:21 PM
Another one here that I like the look of - https://www.facebook.com/bangorcoastalchallenge
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: el_cuervo_fc on March 28, 2012, 11:04:32 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 28, 2012, 09:30:10 PM
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on March 28, 2012, 07:54:38 AM
Has anyone here ever taken part in the "Lap the Lough" event. I'm thinking of signing up to it this year.

How well is it run etc?

i done it last year and  the third year they ran it.  the course itself is flat except for one wee hill but can be windy due to no shelter. 

the first year i done it my mates brakes failed and he went straight at a junction and ended in the hedge with a recked bike.  he finally got back to the start in the back of a van in the dark with other broken bikes and cylist, every time they went round a corner he got hit with a bike. by the way a cylist took a heart attach and died on the course that year.

last year they ran out of food at the feeding stations,which pissed alot of people off.  seeing that i ride alot on my own and bring my own food with me, so thats not an issue.

alot of novice riders seem to do this which i guess accounts for alot of the issues.  hopefully i will do it again this year as i enjoy cycling around new roads.

this looks to be a nice ride Tour of the Orchard County (http://www.touroftheorchardcounty.com/), i hope to do this after we beat armagh on the 10th june

check out the lough forum for issues and details on the lap lap the lough (http://www.lapthelough.org/)

Cheers for that Gerry. Reading through the comments and then replies from the organisers hopefully they have learnt a few lessons. I signed up for it anyway.

There's one on this Sunday from silverbridge around Carlingford and back. It's about 50 miles so should be somewhere to start. http://sgwheelers.com/

That one around Armagh has a few tasty hills. I've done a few variations of it before
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 28, 2012, 11:15:51 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 28, 2012, 10:35:41 PM
Thinking about LTL myself - the stories from last year sound horrendous, but hopefully they'll learn from it for this year. It actually seems like a fairly handy route for something of that length - very flat.

I like the sound of the Armagh one. Do you know if the route is mapped anywhere that shows the elevation? I can't understand when sportive events are organised and the website doesn't even give you a proper route with the elevations - is that not one of the first things cyclists are interested in?

i just mapped it, i have seen worst

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/78924722/?new_route=1 (http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/78924722/?new_route=1) (i hope the link works)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on March 28, 2012, 11:26:20 PM
Cheers gerry - doesn't look too bad at all - only one rated 'climb' and the second half is fairly flat. Might give that a go.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 28, 2012, 11:35:12 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 28, 2012, 10:39:21 PM
Another one here that I like the look of - https://www.facebook.com/bangorcoastalchallenge

i have signed up for this An Post Tour de Burren (http://www.tourdeburren.com/) the week after so i give that one a miss
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cavan4sam on April 07, 2012, 09:00:34 AM
Maybe some of you lads might be interested in this.

25K Fun Challenge
Castlerahan GAA will host a 25K Fun Challenge and family fun day on Sunday, 6th May 2012 at Fay Park Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan.

The race element of the day will begin at 12 p.m. sharp with a 5 kilometre run followed by a 20 kilometre cycle.  The start and finish lines for both elements of the challenge will be at Castlerahan GAA's grounds - Fay Park - in Ballyjamesduff.

Entry is open to individuals who wish to compete in both events or a team of two individuals; one to complete the run, the other the cycle. The emphasis on the day is fun and we anticipate that this will be a successful and well-run event which we would hope to make an annual occurrence.

The entry fees are as follows;

    An individual adult competing in both events can do so for €15
    A team of two adults can compete for €20
    An individual juvenile (aged 14 to 18 years) competing in both events can do so for €10
    A team of two juveniles (both aged 14 to 18 years) can compete for €15

There will be prizes for the first finishing male and female adult individuals and adult team. There will also be prizes for the first finishing male and female juvenile individuals and juvenile team.

Showering facilities and refreshments will be provided to all competitors free of charge.

For more info on registration and routes visit: http://www.castlerahan.gaa.ie and follow the links.

Hope to see some of you there on the day.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on April 23, 2012, 09:53:02 PM
Anyone doing this? http://www.dromaracc.co.uk/news/2012/ThirdWorldCycle/ThirdWorldCycle2012.htm
Or has anyone done it in previous years?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 24, 2012, 12:19:53 PM
www.etapemourne.com  an interesting one on the 27th May (£30 entry), 45m & 70m routes, couple of serious climbs.  I'm doing it in preparation for Wicklow.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 05, 2012, 09:58:19 PM
Giro D'Italia started today (in Denmark), Taylor Phinney taking a short TT.  Cavendish and even money favourite to win tomorrow's flat stage (2 more in Denmark), Cav hasn't dont a big pile lately so prob not much value in that price,  JJ Haedo @28/1 & Demare @ 20/1 good EW bets.

Apparently overall it's no were near as savage as last year's route.  From what I've been watching lately I would back Tiralongo, Pozzivivo, Rodriguez and john Gadret for mountain stage wins, unfortunately it's knowing what day they are really up for it. Pozzivivo is bound to be a good outside bet for the GC at 14/1, he really pissed the Giro Del Trentino recently.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: AQMP on May 08, 2012, 09:50:01 AM
Lads, looking for a half decent wireless bike computer...any ideas??
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 12, 2012, 04:43:46 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 05, 2012, 09:58:19 PM
From what I've been watching lately I would back Tiralongo, Pozzivivo, Rodriguez and john Gadret for mountain stage wins, unfortunately it's knowing what day they are really up for it.
Tiralongo takes todays 1st real mountainy stage, didnt see prices as i was out cycling myself, probably 40/50 to 1 i'd imagine, not a shilling on him :'(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 12, 2012, 07:50:21 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 28, 2012, 11:35:12 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 28, 2012, 10:39:21 PM
Another one here that I like the look of - https://www.facebook.com/bangorcoastalchallenge

i have signed up for this An Post Tour de Burren (http://www.tourdeburren.com/) the week after so i give that one a miss
Are you for the Fr Ted one Gerry?  that looks nasty
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 13, 2012, 07:25:30 PM
Pozzivivo wins today
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: qwerty123 on May 23, 2012, 08:47:24 PM
I need ideas for a moderately priced bike, just looking to cycle the roads.  I don't need an all-singing all-dancing bike, just one that is reliable and hopefully comfortable.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 23, 2012, 08:52:20 PM
You could start here....

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/categorydisplay_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_165710_langId_-1 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/categorydisplay_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_165710_langId_-1)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on May 23, 2012, 09:09:21 PM
Hard to beat this weather for getting out on the bike!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on May 23, 2012, 09:11:56 PM
Quote from: Orior on May 23, 2012, 08:52:20 PM
You could start here....

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/categorydisplay_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_165710_langId_-1 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/categorydisplay_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_165710_langId_-1)
I have that Carrera at the top of the list - it does the job.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 24, 2012, 08:14:38 PM
Did a stag of the RAS yesterday, them boys do some speed, we were flat out averaging in the 30's, they did mid 40's.

Some ex GAA lads did it too, a lot got dropped, John Maughan is in some shape though, glided up hills
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 26, 2012, 11:10:53 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 12, 2012, 07:50:21 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 28, 2012, 11:35:12 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 28, 2012, 10:39:21 PM
Another one here that I like the look of - https://www.facebook.com/bangorcoastalchallenge

i have signed up for this An Post Tour de Burren (http://www.tourdeburren.com/) the week after so i give that one a miss
Are you for the Fr Ted one Gerry?  that looks nasty

yep the father ted one but i could regret it. doing a charity (http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/76661476?fb_action_ids=214010935384335&fb_action_types=mapmyrideapp%3Amap&fb_source=other_multiline&ref=nf) 102 miles tomorrow in the heat should be fun.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 27, 2012, 09:45:31 PM
Did the etapemourne today, hardest I've ever done - not the longest (although I'm only at it 2 years & doing Wicklow in a fortnight - so probably  a shortlived hardest ever) 70m of savage climbing in baking heat and very gusty wind, over Spelga Dam twice, 3 times if you count the loop out round the Bryansford road..
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on May 27, 2012, 11:22:10 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 27, 2012, 09:45:31 PM
Did the etapemourne today, hardest I've ever done - not the longest (although I'm only at it 2 years & doing Wicklow in a fortnight - so probably  a shortlived hardest ever) 70m of savage climbing in baking heat and very gusty wind, over Spelga Dam twice, 3 times if you count the loop out round the Bryansford road..
Did 75km today myself, but no real climbing. The heat was killer - wouldn't have fancied your spin!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 27, 2012, 11:56:16 PM
I had to have a good auld stretch today after driving the 70 odd miles to the home place
Youse arent wise!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 04, 2012, 05:38:56 PM
Interview with Stephen Roche.

http://m.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jun/04/tour-de-france-stephen-roche?cat=sport&type=article (http://m.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jun/04/tour-de-france-stephen-roche?cat=sport&type=article)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 04, 2012, 07:53:25 PM
Interesting article, I've only had a serious interest for a few years, previous to that I'd have been as ignorant as the next man, but what's clear to me nowadays is that Sean Kelly is still pretty much idolised by Irish cyclists of a certain age, not so much our Stephen.  Telling?  I dont know.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: fearsiuil on June 11, 2012, 02:08:59 PM
Getting into the cycling lark and want a bike that will be good to get about town, good for doing 20/30 miles on road and a bit through parks. Was thinking of the Kellys Axis, anyone have any suggestions ?

http://www.kennysforbikes.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&category_id=178&product_id=642&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: moysider on June 11, 2012, 02:47:28 PM
Quote from: fearsiuil on June 11, 2012, 02:08:59 PM
Getting into the cycling lark and want a bike that will be good to get about town, good for doing 20/30 miles on road and a bit through parks. Was thinking of the Kellys Axis, anyone have any suggestions ?

http://www.kennysforbikes.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&category_id=178&product_id=642&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2

Not being smart but I don t think that such a bike exists. There is no such thing as one bike does everything. Most beginers make the mistake of buying a utiliyu type of bike and when they start doing the miles the cursing begins. 20/30 miles is a fair old haul unless you have a good bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: fearsiuil on June 11, 2012, 04:45:52 PM
Quote from: moysider on June 11, 2012, 02:47:28 PM
Quote from: fearsiuil on June 11, 2012, 02:08:59 PM
Getting into the cycling lark and want a bike that will be good to get about town, good for doing 20/30 miles on road and a bit through parks. Was thinking of the Kellys Axis, anyone have any suggestions ?

http://www.kennysforbikes.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&category_id=178&product_id=642&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2

Not being smart but I don t think that such a bike exists. There is no such thing as one bike does everything. Most beginers make the mistake of buying a utiliyu type of bike and when they start doing the miles the cursing begins. 20/30 miles is a fair old haul unless you have a good bike.
I know that there is no bike that will be ideal to all needs but just want opinion on the Kellys Axis being a good compromise for what I'll be using it for. My last bike disappeared after being borrowed by a housemate c.1990 and parked outside Westside shopping centre in Galway while he went shopping. He actually walked home forgetting he had cycled to Dunnes !
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 11, 2012, 09:23:06 PM
This is probably old news for most people, but if you have a smart phone, then register with www.strava.com (http://www.strava.com) and then download the app.

It plots your route, and draws a graph of the climbs. It can also score your time against others who cycled the same route.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: moysider on June 11, 2012, 10:10:25 PM
Quote from: fearsiuil on June 11, 2012, 04:45:52 PM
Quote from: moysider on June 11, 2012, 02:47:28 PM
Quote from: fearsiuil on June 11, 2012, 02:08:59 PM
Getting into the cycling lark and want a bike that will be good to get about town, good for doing 20/30 miles on road and a bit through parks. Was thinking of the Kellys Axis, anyone have any suggestions ?

http://www.kennysforbikes.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&category_id=178&product_id=642&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2

Not being smart but I don t think that such a bike exists. There is no such thing as one bike does everything. Most beginers make the mistake of buying a utiliyu type of bike and when they start doing the miles the cursing begins. 20/30 miles is a fair old haul unless you have a good bike.
I know that there is no bike that will be ideal to all needs but just want opinion on the Kellys Axis being a good compromise for what I'll be using it for. My last bike disappeared after being borrowed by a housemate c.1990 and parked outside Westside shopping centre in Galway while he went shopping. He actually walked home forgetting he had cycled to Dunnes !

Yeah. You ll be grand with that in fairness.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Lar Naparka on June 12, 2012, 02:11:09 AM
Quote from: fearsiuil on June 11, 2012, 02:08:59 PM
Getting into the cycling lark and want a bike that will be good to get about town, good for doing 20/30 miles on road and a bit through parks. Was thinking of the Kellys Axis, anyone have any suggestions ?

http://www.kennysforbikes.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&category_id=178&product_id=642&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2


Your proposed bike seems a bit pricey to me.
€545 is quite a high price to pay for a bike you plan to use for short to medium length trips.
I bought a sport utility bike, a Silver Arrow, last year and I paid €250 for it. I use it in much the same way as you intend to use the Axis and the specs are pretty much the same.
I have had a good number of bikes in my time and the present one is by far the best I've ever had.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 24, 2012, 08:40:13 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 12, 2012, 07:50:21 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 28, 2012, 11:35:12 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 28, 2012, 10:39:21 PM
Another one here that I like the look of - https://www.facebook.com/bangorcoastalchallenge

i have signed up for this An Post Tour de Burren (http://www.tourdeburren.com/) the week after so i give that one a miss
Are you for the Fr Ted one Gerry?  that looks nasty

just home from this and i have to say the best and hardest one i have done todate.  after this any hill around omagh will seem like a pimple. 101 miles and 7 hrs 40 mins on the saddle is not easy not to mention the wind and the rain but the views where class, the b and b  is booked for next year
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: WeeDonns on June 25, 2012, 08:54:36 AM
@ Gerry - you're from around Omagh?

We're (Drumragh) organising a charity cycle on the August bank holiday weekend in memory of a club man that passed away last year in aid of the High Dependency Unit in Altnagelvin & Muscular Dystrophy

More info here if you're interested;
https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfCathalCycle

Got out for the first time in ages yesterday morning, just 20mile out round Beragh, nearly killed me :(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 25, 2012, 10:06:33 PM
Good man gerry, Innishowen 100 next on my to do list. Mamore Gap is nice apparently.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 27, 2012, 09:52:30 PM
Quote from: WeeDonns on June 25, 2012, 08:54:36 AM
@ Gerry - you're from around Omagh?

We're (Drumragh) organising a charity cycle on the August bank holiday weekend in memory of a club man that passed away last year in aid of the High Dependency Unit in Altnagelvin & Muscular Dystrophy

More info here if you're interested;
https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfCathalCycle

Got out for the first time in ages yesterday morning, just 20mile out round Beragh, nearly killed me :(


i am a drumquin man and hopefuuly will do it as it seems a handy route.  keep at the cycling and you will be surprised how easy it will be for you come august
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 27, 2012, 10:12:41 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 25, 2012, 10:06:33 PM
Good man gerry, Innishowen 100 next on my to do list. Mamore Gap is nice apparently.

i have planned to do that one as well, hopefully it will be a better day
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trueblue1234 on July 05, 2012, 01:56:32 PM
Just starting to do a bit of cycling and would like to get my hands on a cheap bike to get started, (Good chance it will only be taken out every now and again.) Saw this offer and was wondering if anyone knows anything about this Bike? Obviously it won't be near the higher level stuff but for doing a few 30-40 mile cycles would it be ok?

Or would I be better going for a second hand option? buget about £200.

http://www.sportsdirect.com/muddyfox-pace-road-bike-933070
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Denn Forever on July 05, 2012, 02:01:01 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on July 05, 2012, 01:56:32 PM
Just starting to do a bit of cycling and would like to get my hands on a cheap bike to get started, (Good chance it will only be taken out every now and again.) Saw this offer and was wondering if anyone knows anything about this Bike? Obviously it won't be near the higher level stuff but for doing a few 30-40 mile cycles would it be ok?

Or would I be better going for a second hand option? buget about £200.

What bike you going for?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trueblue1234 on July 05, 2012, 02:06:08 PM
Sorry Denn,  :o

Link now included!!

Edit: It doesn't seem to be getting great reviews so maybe I'll give it a miss!!

Anyone any good places to buy second hand bikes other than gum tree or done deal?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trueblue1234 on July 05, 2012, 03:02:42 PM
Now just seen this option and wondering if it's any better?

http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B1560.html

Also what should I be looking for in a start of bike?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 06, 2012, 10:47:12 PM
try gumtree as many cyclist upgrade their bikes and off load there old ones on it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 07, 2012, 10:17:01 AM
I would def be going for 2nd hand at that sort of money. I picked up a 10 year old cannondale caad3 carbon fibre off ebay with shimano ultegra throughout, mavic cosmic wheels, £330, bike new was 2k and the thing had sat in the guys shed after he did one triathlon on it. ;D. Keep the eyes peeled and i wouldnt be one bit afraid to buy something like that and just get them to courier it to you. There are also guys on ebay that trade in 2nd hand bikes i will dig out some of their user Ids and post them up later to you. They had a nice wee Carrera bike on last night for £200, sort of thing might do your job.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 07, 2012, 10:34:47 AM
My first road bike was a £120 carrera of ebay. Rode it for 3 years and 2000 miles with no issues, sold it for £130 at the start of the year. I then bought a giant for £200 of a work colleague and have 2200 miles done on it since January. A lot of people buy expensive bikes just for it together dust in the shed.  As long as ur cycling that's the main thing.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 07, 2012, 11:01:03 AM
Quote from: gerry on July 07, 2012, 10:34:47 AMA lot of people buy expensive bikes just for it together dust in the shed.

And them are the boys to catch Gerry. One of the bosses in work bought a 2k Giant bike to do the Birmingham to Oxford event. He did it and sold it couple of weeks later for 1k. The bike had no more than 300 mile on it with the small bit of training that he did. Then after some ribbing by another boss that cycles (on a dawes tourer) they did a 100 mile event and yer man went to the lovely new Pinarello shop in Brum and splashed about 4k out. Id say in a year there will be a bargain to be had. At the end of the day unless you are in very high end racing you dont need anything like that. A ferrari to drive to the shops sort of scenario. I wouldnt have bought what i did only that it was too good a deal, the aul Dawes hybrid 501 was doing the job rightly for what i be at.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 07, 2012, 11:31:07 AM
After all my chatting about £200 bikes I think I will take the plunge and buy a cycle to work ribble bike at £1000 for the start of next year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: fearsiuil on July 07, 2012, 01:00:49 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on June 12, 2012, 02:11:09 AM
Quote from: fearsiuil on June 11, 2012, 02:08:59 PM
Getting into the cycling lark and want a bike that will be good to get about town, good for doing 20/30 miles on road and a bit through parks. Was thinking of the Kellys Axis, anyone have any suggestions ?

http://www.kennysforbikes.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&category_id=178&product_id=642&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2


Your proposed bike seems a bit pricey to me.
€545 is quite a high price to pay for a bike you plan to use for short to medium length trips.
I bought a sport utility bike, a Silver Arrow, last year and I paid €250 for it. I use it in much the same way as you intend to use the Axis and the specs are pretty much the same.
I have had a good number of bikes in my time and the present one is by far the best I've ever had.
Thanks for advice, bought my bike few weeks back and went for a Trek DS 8.3. A lovely cycle.
http://www.trekbikes.com/ie/en/collections/gary_fisher/town/dual_sport/ds_series/8_3_ds_2012/ Brought it out after our match last Sunday up around Dún Laoghaire out to the hills in Killiney, my hamstrings were tight after the game but the cycling got rid of the aches !
Looking forward to tackling the Greenway from Westport to Achill later on in the summer.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 07, 2012, 07:58:41 PM
Quote from: gerry on July 07, 2012, 11:31:07 AM
After all my chatting about £200 bikes I think I will take the plunge and buy a cycle to work ribble bike at £1000 for the start of next year.
I bought the Ribble Stealth and after taking a while to get used to the set up (dodgy back), I'm very happy with it now. If you're on a £200 yoke Gerry, prepare yourself for a treat when you put your ass on a nicely specced Carbon fibre machine, there is a big big difference in weight, comfort and performance.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Abble on July 07, 2012, 08:16:05 PM
Bennydorano (or any other regulars on here),
Been getting up to 25 miles this past month. but awful problems with my eyes, bloodshot as fcuk after i get off the bike. is this why all you's get those special frames ? I was thinking maybe it was hayfever, but do you need to get some kind of special frames  to avoid this ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 07, 2012, 08:36:54 PM
I always wear glasses as i always got the gritty eye feeling myself, as a hayfever sufferer as  well I would take an anti-histamine at this time of year, but nothing special in the sunglasses dept, £10 Raleighs of Amazon.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Abble on July 07, 2012, 08:51:38 PM
yeah, going to look further into this, as you know benny. i wear glasses, sometimes if its sunny i'll stick on sunglasses but it was the same problem. It could be some kind of drying out on my eyes, so might try eyedrops as well. i googled amazon there and also noticed straps on some frames, would be interested in them.

also while i'm on, i have to say i'm really enjoying it since starting cycling over 6/7 weeks ago or so now. during a cycle i have all sorts of moments when i think i'm about to keel over but then i get a second wind or something and them i'm able to start pushing hard again, its unlike anything else i've ever done before requiring fitness, it can be v v hard but also enjoyable. getting to experience different conditions, both weather and road surface etc. getting to know better when to push and not to push myself, ie pace myself.
i'll bat on with 25 milers and then push for a few 30milers before the summers out and then think about entering a sportive or two for 2013. 

also i've yet to clean my bike, but i now have the degreaser, lubricant etc, so maybe tomorrow i'll get it cleaned up !! :)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 07, 2012, 10:16:24 PM
Quote from: Abble on July 07, 2012, 08:51:38 PM
yeah, going to look further into this, as you know benny. i wear glasses, sometimes if its sunny i'll stick on sunglasses but it was the same problem. It could be some kind of drying out on my eyes, so might try eyedrops as well. i googled amazon there and also noticed straps on some frames, would be interested in them.

also while i'm on, i have to say i'm really enjoying it since starting cycling over 6/7 weeks ago or so now. during a cycle i have all sorts of moments when i think i'm about to keel over but then i get a second wind or something and them i'm able to start pushing hard again, its unlike anything else i've ever done before requiring fitness, it can be v v hard but also enjoyable. getting to experience different conditions, both weather and road surface etc. getting to know better when to push and not to push myself, ie pace myself.
i'll bat on with 25 milers and then push for a few 30milers before the summers out and then think about entering a sportive or two for 2013. 

also i've yet to clean my bike, but i now have the degreaser, lubricant etc, so maybe tomorrow i'll get it cleaned up !! :)


Abble, sounds like exact same problem as i had. Wearing glasses on the bike isnt great as it doesnt keep out enough of the wind and the bugs. Anyway i got round it by ordering a pair of cycling glasses with prescription inserts that clip in behind the ordinary sunglass lens. Cheapest i could see for these locally was Tesco who wanted £120, ordered a pair for £12 of ebay that come from Hong Kong. Got local optician then to fit the prescription lens into the inserts (£23) and was sorted from there. No more streaming eyes or flys getting in. Happy days. Got a 35 mile charity spin tomorrow and guess what the forecast is ::)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 07, 2012, 10:33:27 PM
I always wear glasses so no problem with grit in eyes, but my nose always runs. Like bennydorano, I should probably investigate anti-histamines as the same thing happens when I play golf.

But instead I just carry a sheet of kitchen roll up my sleeve.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 08, 2012, 12:56:46 AM
i hardly wear glasses as i hate getting the tan lines. thats if we ever get a summer.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trueblue1234 on July 09, 2012, 03:55:01 PM
http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/dawes-hybrid-bicycle/104870693

What you reckon about this one? Seems to be good value? Any info would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 09, 2012, 05:31:47 PM
Tell me this...do/did any of you get any problems with your lunchbox whilst cycling? Anytime i went out on the bike the uncomfort i get from the wind blowing into the groin region as well as it rubbing up and down sent the thing numb. I didn't realise it as much when cycling but if i got of the bike for a piss or a pit stop then i felt it....nearly climaxed ffs...lol (this is not a wind up btw) and I am wearing cycling shorts (although they are a bit tight i assumed that's they way they're worn!!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 09, 2012, 08:08:42 PM
i go for a road bike rather than a hybrid,

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/claud-butler-7005/105715141 (http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/claud-butler-7005/105715141)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on July 09, 2012, 11:37:00 PM
Quote from: illdecide on July 09, 2012, 05:31:47 PM
Tell me this...do/did any of you get any problems with your lunchbox whilst cycling? Anytime i went out on the bike the uncomfort i get from the wind blowing into the groin region as well as it rubbing up and down sent the thing numb. I didn't realise it as much when cycling but if i got of the bike for a piss or a pit stop then i felt it....nearly climaxed ffs...lol (this is not a wind up btw) and I am wearing cycling shorts (although they are a bit tight i assumed that's they way they're worn!!!

Nope, never experienced such, sounds like you might be the only cyclo-erotic around here!  ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 10, 2012, 08:33:45 AM
Quote from: illdecide on July 09, 2012, 05:31:47 PM
Tell me this...do/did any of you get any problems with your lunchbox whilst cycling? Anytime i went out on the bike the uncomfort i get from the wind blowing into the groin region as well as it rubbing up and down sent the thing numb. I didn't realise it as much when cycling but if i got of the bike for a piss or a pit stop then i felt it....nearly climaxed ffs...lol (this is not a wind up btw) and I am wearing cycling shorts (although they are a bit tight i assumed that's they way they're worn!!!
Your set up/positioning is slightly off  i'd Imagine. I use Chamois cream as well, great 4 longer runs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 10, 2012, 10:41:06 AM
Benny i'd say your not far off there as i always get a really sore lower back too, but how do you know what the right settings are? I think i need to invest in a pair of cycling shorts that are not as tight too
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 10, 2012, 10:55:39 AM
Quote from: illdecide on July 10, 2012, 10:41:06 AM
Benny i'd say your not far off there as i always get a really sore lower back too, but how do you know what the right settings are? I think i need to invest in a pair of cycling shorts that are not as tight too

As a general rule your saddle should be set so that when your foot is on the pedal and the crank is facing straight down there should be only the smallest of bends in your knee. The saddle then should be around 2-4 inches higher than your handlebar stem, and if you butt your elbow up to the front end of the saddle and stretch your fingers down the stem, your fingers should reach about half way down the length of the stem. If you are set up anything like that then you cant be that far off.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Croí na hÉireann on July 10, 2012, 03:24:18 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2012, 10:55:39 AM
Quote from: illdecide on July 10, 2012, 10:41:06 AM
Benny i'd say your not far off there as i always get a really sore lower back too, but how do you know what the right settings are? I think i need to invest in a pair of cycling shorts that are not as tight too

As a general rule your saddle should be set so that when your foot is on the pedal and the crank is facing straight down there should be only the smallest of bends in your knee. The saddle then should be around 2-4 inches higher than your handlebar stem, and if you butt your elbow up to the front end of the saddle and stretch your fingers down the stem, your fingers should reach about half way down the length of the stem. If you are set up anything like that then you cant be that far off.

The ball of your foot on the pedal and perpendicular to your leg?

Just got this yesterday for commuting and want to set it up properly...

(http://bikereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2012-cube-hyde-pro-urban-bike.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 10, 2012, 03:32:20 PM
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on July 10, 2012, 03:24:18 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2012, 10:55:39 AM
Quote from: illdecide on July 10, 2012, 10:41:06 AM
Benny i'd say your not far off there as i always get a really sore lower back too, but how do you know what the right settings are? I think i need to invest in a pair of cycling shorts that are not as tight too

As a general rule your saddle should be set so that when your foot is on the pedal and the crank is facing straight down there should be only the smallest of bends in your knee. The saddle then should be around 2-4 inches higher than your handlebar stem, and if you butt your elbow up to the front end of the saddle and stretch your fingers down the stem, your fingers should reach about half way down the length of the stem. If you are set up anything like that then you cant be that far off.

The ball of your foot on the pedal and perpendicular to your leg?

Just got this yesterday for commuting and want to set it up properly...

(http://bikereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2012-cube-hyde-pro-urban-bike.jpg)

The ball of your foot on the pedal but the pedal at the bottom of the revolution (as low as it will go to the floor)
Nice bike
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trueblue1234 on July 11, 2012, 01:22:43 PM
Bite the bullet and bought a second hand Dawes Giro 300 for £200 last night. Just couldn't believe how light bikes are now compared to the ones I was used to that could quite easily have taken the weight of the titanic.

Hoping to get out tonight for a short run if all goes well. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 11, 2012, 04:15:58 PM
Portadown to Newry tomorrow morning up the towpath...just hope don't run into any parades (as i have to get to portadown)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: the Deel Rover on July 12, 2012, 06:00:04 PM
Just wondering have any of the lads here done a dualaton type event (gaelforce , sea to summitt) if so would ye have a training programme doing quite a bit of running at the moment but really like cycling as well any help appreciated.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Puckoon on July 16, 2012, 12:26:08 AM
Since every hoor and his granny are cycling these days I thought id get in on the act. Bought myself a Trek road bike and a host of accessories today and am headed out for my first spin. Thinking a wee 15 miler with a few stops along the way. Ceol Irish pub, shenanigans English pub, and maybe Foleys Irish house. It's 102 out there, you'd hate to end up dehydrated.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Puckoon on July 16, 2012, 05:57:45 AM
No wonder everyone is cycling! 7 pints of Magners, a Chinese and a pitch black ride home I've finished my first run. Good times.

BTW those f**king road bikes can fairly motor going down hill. Was fecking petrified a few times!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 16, 2012, 08:58:52 AM
Quote from: Puckoon on July 16, 2012, 05:57:45 AM
No wonder everyone is cycling! 7 pints of Magners, a Chinese and a pitch black ride home I've finished my first run. Good times.

BTW those f**king road bikes can fairly motor going down hill. Was fecking petrified a few times!
:D Have to question your refuelling strategy sir!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Abble on July 27, 2012, 07:56:25 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 07, 2012, 10:16:24 PM
Quote from: Abble on July 07, 2012, 08:51:38 PM
yeah, going to look further into this, as you know benny. i wear glasses, sometimes if its sunny i'll stick on sunglasses but it was the same problem. It could be some kind of drying out on my eyes, so might try eyedrops as well. i googled amazon there and also noticed straps on some frames, would be interested in them.

also while i'm on, i have to say i'm really enjoying it since starting cycling over 6/7 weeks ago or so now. during a cycle i have all sorts of moments when i think i'm about to keel over but then i get a second wind or something and them i'm able to start pushing hard again, its unlike anything else i've ever done before requiring fitness, it can be v v hard but also enjoyable. getting to experience different conditions, both weather and road surface etc. getting to know better when to push and not to push myself, ie pace myself.
i'll bat on with 25 milers and then push for a few 30milers before the summers out and then think about entering a sportive or two for 2013. 

also i've yet to clean my bike, but i now have the degreaser, lubricant etc, so maybe tomorrow i'll get it cleaned up !! :)


Abble, sounds like exact same problem as i had. Wearing glasses on the bike isnt great as it doesnt keep out enough of the wind and the bugs. Anyway i got round it by ordering a pair of cycling glasses with prescription inserts that clip in behind the ordinary sunglass lens. Cheapest i could see for these locally was Tesco who wanted £120, ordered a pair for £12 of ebay that come from Hong Kong. Got local optician then to fit the prescription lens into the inserts (£23) and was sorted from there. No more streaming eyes or flys getting in. Happy days. Got a 35 mile charity spin tomorrow and guess what the forecast is ::)

maddog, where were you getting those prescription lens' for your inserts ?
I priced two places in armagh today, 55 and 58stg. didn't think it'd be so high. wonder would i get them online ?

anyway, i plunged for these in the endup $36 incl p&p, nice fitting, cant wait to test
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110641392264?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/110641392264?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 28, 2012, 10:10:43 PM
Quote from: Abble on July 27, 2012, 07:56:25 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 07, 2012, 10:16:24 PM
Quote from: Abble on July 07, 2012, 08:51:38 PM
yeah, going to look further into this, as you know benny. i wear glasses, sometimes if its sunny i'll stick on sunglasses but it was the same problem. It could be some kind of drying out on my eyes, so might try eyedrops as well. i googled amazon there and also noticed straps on some frames, would be interested in them.

also while i'm on, i have to say i'm really enjoying it since starting cycling over 6/7 weeks ago or so now. during a cycle i have all sorts of moments when i think i'm about to keel over but then i get a second wind or something and them i'm able to start pushing hard again, its unlike anything else i've ever done before requiring fitness, it can be v v hard but also enjoyable. getting to experience different conditions, both weather and road surface etc. getting to know better when to push and not to push myself, ie pace myself.
i'll bat on with 25 milers and then push for a few 30milers before the summers out and then think about entering a sportive or two for 2013. 

also i've yet to clean my bike, but i now have the degreaser, lubricant etc, so maybe tomorrow i'll get it cleaned up !! :)


Abble, sounds like exact same problem as i had. Wearing glasses on the bike isnt great as it doesnt keep out enough of the wind and the bugs. Anyway i got round it by ordering a pair of cycling glasses with prescription inserts that clip in behind the ordinary sunglass lens. Cheapest i could see for these locally was Tesco who wanted £120, ordered a pair for £12 of ebay that come from Hong Kong. Got local optician then to fit the prescription lens into the inserts (£23) and was sorted from there. No more streaming eyes or flys getting in. Happy days. Got a 35 mile charity spin tomorrow and guess what the forecast is ::)

maddog, where were you getting those prescription lens' for your inserts ?
I priced two places in armagh today, 55 and 58stg. didn't think it'd be so high. wonder would i get them online ?

anyway, i plunged for these in the endup $36 incl p&p, nice fitting, cant wait to test
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110641392264?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/110641392264?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)

Here you go abble, im sure if you posted the inserts and your prescription they would sort you out.

DIRECT SPECS LTD

111 STRATFORD RD, SHIRLEY
B90 3ND SOLIHULL, WEST MIDLANDS


Phone: 0121 7449372
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 29, 2012, 08:12:06 PM
Quote from: illdecide on July 11, 2012, 04:15:58 PM
Portadown to Newry tomorrow morning up the towpath...just hope don't run into any parades (as i have to get to portadown)

How did it go? Did you do the return journey too?

Sorry, I forgot to set up a roadblock at Poyntzpass (the highest point of your cycle as the canal flows in two different directions.

I'm never cycling on the Belfast to Lisburn towpath again on a Sunday. It was full of people, and one t**t who decided to step out in front of me at the very last moment. Thanks to my speed of reaction, I didnt knock her down, but i wish I had.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 01, 2012, 06:19:28 PM
Nicolas Roche to join Saxo Tinkoff next season to be a domestique for Contador  http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12548/Roche-puts-Tour-personal-ambitions-on-hold-to-ride-under-Contador-at-Saxo-Bank-Tinkoff-Bank.aspx

Could be seen as a strange career move, leaving a team leader role to become a domestique, but reading the article he seems to know what he wants.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 01, 2012, 07:03:30 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 29, 2012, 08:12:06 PM
I'm never cycling on the Belfast to Lisburn towpath again on a Sunday. It was full of people, and one t**t who decided to step out in front of me at the very last moment. Thanks to my speed of reaction, I didnt knock her down, but i wish I had.

That's why I stick to the roads where you can keep her lit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 07, 2012, 02:47:34 PM
Did a 12 mile cycle ride on Sunday morning haven't been on a bike in years properly, would take the kids out for a trike the odd time on the tow path below me in Jordanstown. But preparing for a triathlon in September and wanted to see what time I'd get over that distance.

Problem is that I went flat out on a hybrid bike, while my mate was on a proper racing  bike and I struggled to keep up with him, managed to do it in 42 minutes but I'd do it a lot quicker on a racing bike I'd imagine if I had one. How much (on the cheaper scale) would a racing bike be? £400 odds?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 07, 2012, 05:53:26 PM
You're coming into the period when it's a good time to buy a bike, (online mainly) stockists are already lining up 2013 stock and start to discount heavily in the next couple of months, so you could pick up a .£700 yoke for in around 500.

If I were you  I'd get some freebie advice  at a local bike shop, size etc...and then buy online - take a look at Evanscycles, wiggle,  winstanley bikes & the like.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: el_cuervo_fc on August 07, 2012, 07:18:49 PM
Benny there is a 50km cycle on Saturday from Madden to Tyholland and back to raise money defibrillators. Are you doing it?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 07, 2012, 07:31:27 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 07, 2012, 05:53:26 PM
You're coming into the period when it's a good time to buy a bike, (online mainly) stockists are already lining up 2013 stock and start to discount heavily in the next couple of months, so you could pick up a .£700 yoke for in around 500.

If I were you  I'd get some freebie advice  at a local bike shop, size etc...and then buy online - take a look at Evanscycles, wiggle,  winstanley bikes & the like.

Cheers benny, I'm borrowing a racing bike for the race but will have to invest in one for next year, hopefully Santa is checking in on GAA Board
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 07, 2012, 07:46:49 PM
Can't remember if I've posted this already but if you're taking it even half seriously then you'll get a lot more out of it if you join a cycling club.  Even if you're not racing you'll still learn a lot more about how to train, where to train, how to pace yourself, even how to maintain your bike and where to get the best deals etc.  Riding in groups is always better crack than riding on your own too, makes it a lot more interesting.  Also motivates you to keep at it because it's so much more enjoyable.  When you're chatting to your mates it takes your mind off how much it might be hurting. Plus the safety-in-numbers thing...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 07, 2012, 09:37:56 PM
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on August 07, 2012, 07:18:49 PM
Benny there is a 50km cycle on Saturday from Madden to Tyholland and back to raise money defibrillators. Are you doing it?
There's quite a few of the harps guys doing it, i dont  think i will be about.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: el_cuervo_fc on August 07, 2012, 10:04:33 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 07, 2012, 09:37:56 PM
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on August 07, 2012, 07:18:49 PM
Benny there is a 50km cycle on Saturday from Madden to Tyholland and back to raise money defibrillators. Are you doing it?
There's quite a few of the harps guys doing it, i dont  think i will be about.

I might take a wee run at it.  I think it's leaving at 14:30 so there should be plenty of time to get back before the Ogs match
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: supersarsfields on August 23, 2012, 10:51:45 AM
Just a wee plug for a Charity cycle our Club (Drumragh) are running this weekend in the Omagh area. Options of either 30 or 60 miles.

All the details are on the facebook page below. Or if you need any other info drop me a PM. 

https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfCathalCycle

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 28, 2012, 12:38:58 PM
I'm doing a sprint triathlon on Sunday, Have been going fine recently but did the route for the bike run on Sunday, now I'd a function on the Saturday night :o, I know poor prep and all that, in truth I was hammered the night before, but thought sure it's only 21 k.

The route was far harder than I thought (though the drink didn't help) , fairly hilly and to be honest knocked me a bit. Took 55 Min's (I'd been doing 12 miles in 42/45 mins) and my arse was fooking aching, now I've been cycling a bit of late (same distance, different route) and never had any effects. Also developed a bitta cramp, the thought of running after the bike run was going to be difficult.

What prep work (stretches/light runs?) would you do leading up to this race? Obviously I'll be laying off the drink but, types of meals/breakfast and energy foods would you take on-board?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: el_cuervo_fc on August 28, 2012, 01:57:15 PM
Dehydration would be a big factor in getting cramps. I done "Lap the Lough" on Sunday and found myself getting cramps about ten minutes after taking any of those energy gels.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 28, 2012, 06:17:50 PM
High 5 zero tablets do the job for me in regards to cramp, just drop 1 or 2 into your bottles.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 29, 2012, 11:04:17 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 28, 2012, 12:38:58 PM
I'm doing a sprint triathlon on Sunday, Have been going fine recently but did the route for the bike run on Sunday, now I'd a function on the Saturday night :o, I know poor prep and all that, in truth I was hammered the night before, but thought sure it's only 21 k.

The route was far harder than I thought (though the drink didn't help) , fairly hilly and to be honest knocked me a bit. Took 55 Min's (I'd been doing 12 miles in 42/45 mins) and my arse was fooking aching, now I've been cycling a bit of late (same distance, different route) and never had any effects. Also developed a bitta cramp, the thought of running after the bike run was going to be difficult.

What prep work (stretches/light runs?) would you do leading up to this race? Obviously I'll be laying off the drink but, types of meals/breakfast and energy foods would you take on-board?

a good article here

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/fitness/article/the-best-carbs-to-eat-for-cycling-34900/ (http://www.bikeradar.com/road/fitness/article/the-best-carbs-to-eat-for-cycling-34900/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 02, 2012, 01:26:04 PM
Quote from: gerry on August 29, 2012, 11:04:17 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 28, 2012, 12:38:58 PM
I'm doing a sprint triathlon on Sunday, Have been going fine recently but did the route for the bike run on Sunday, now I'd a function on the Saturday night :o, I know poor prep and all that, in truth I was hammered the night before, but thought sure it's only 21 k.

The route was far harder than I thought (though the drink didn't help) , fairly hilly and to be honest knocked me a bit. Took 55 Min's (I'd been doing 12 miles in 42/45 mins) and my arse was fooking aching, now I've been cycling a bit of late (same distance, different route) and never had any effects. Also developed a bitta cramp, the thought of running after the bike run was going to be difficult.

What prep work (stretches/light runs?) would you do leading up to this race? Obviously I'll be laying off the drink but, types of meals/breakfast and energy foods would you take on-board?

a good article here

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/fitness/article/the-best-carbs-to-eat-for-cycling-34900/ (http://www.bikeradar.com/road/fitness/article/the-best-carbs-to-eat-for-cycling-34900/)

Completed my first Triathlon, good craic, manic in the pool and the bike run was a hill for 9 percent of the way but did all right. Some serious competitors there
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Abble on September 02, 2012, 01:41:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 02, 2012, 01:26:04 PM
Quote from: gerry on August 29, 2012, 11:04:17 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 28, 2012, 12:38:58 PM
I'm doing a sprint triathlon on Sunday, Have been going fine recently but did the route for the bike run on Sunday, now I'd a function on the Saturday night :o, I know poor prep and all that, in truth I was hammered the night before, but thought sure it's only 21 k.

The route was far harder than I thought (though the drink didn't help) , fairly hilly and to be honest knocked me a bit. Took 55 Min's (I'd been doing 12 miles in 42/45 mins) and my arse was fooking aching, now I've been cycling a bit of late (same distance, different route) and never had any effects. Also developed a bitta cramp, the thought of running after the bike run was going to be difficult.

What prep work (stretches/light runs?) would you do leading up to this race? Obviously I'll be laying off the drink but, types of meals/breakfast and energy foods would you take on-board?

a good article here

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/fitness/article/the-best-carbs-to-eat-for-cycling-34900/ (http://www.bikeradar.com/road/fitness/article/the-best-carbs-to-eat-for-cycling-34900/)

Completed my first Triathlon, good craic, manic in the pool and the bike run was a hill for 9 percent of the way but did all right. Some serious competitors there

Well done MR2, take my hat off to you. I enjoy a bit of cycling and general fitness but I would never consider doing a triathlon, the mere thought of it terrifies me, you're a good one.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 02, 2012, 11:41:58 PM
Quote from: Abble on September 02, 2012, 01:41:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 02, 2012, 01:26:04 PM
Quote from: gerry on August 29, 2012, 11:04:17 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 28, 2012, 12:38:58 PM
I'm doing a sprint triathlon on Sunday, Have been going fine recently but did the route for the bike run on Sunday, now I'd a function on the Saturday night :o, I know poor prep and all that, in truth I was hammered the night before, but thought sure it's only 21 k.

The route was far harder than I thought (though the drink didn't help) , fairly hilly and to be honest knocked me a bit. Took 55 Min's (I'd been doing 12 miles in 42/45 mins) and my arse was fooking aching, now I've been cycling a bit of late (same distance, different route) and never had any effects. Also developed a bitta cramp, the thought of running after the bike run was going to be difficult.

What prep work (stretches/light runs?) would you do leading up to this race? Obviously I'll be laying off the drink but, types of meals/breakfast and energy foods would you take on-board?

a good article here

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/fitness/article/the-best-carbs-to-eat-for-cycling-34900/ (http://www.bikeradar.com/road/fitness/article/the-best-carbs-to-eat-for-cycling-34900/)

Completed my first Triathlon, good craic, manic in the pool and the bike run was a hill for 9 percent of the way but did all right. Some serious competitors there

Well done MR2, take my hat off to you. I enjoy a bit of cycling and general fitness but I would never consider doing a triathlon, the mere thought of it terrifies me, you're a good one.

1.45 mins, chuffed considering it's me first. Disappointed with my bike run but was a hilly enough route. Biking aint my strong point, both swim and run were 21 mins, probably save a min on transation but overall happy. Target would be full Triathlon
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 02, 2012, 11:44:45 PM
good man milltown.  i find it hard enough on the bike
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 02, 2012, 11:48:39 PM
Quote from: gerry on September 02, 2012, 11:44:45 PM
good man milltown.  i find it hard enough on the bike

About 5/6 lads passed me on the bike on route, and they fooking glided past me!!! I was on a decent racing bike and these lads weren't in any trouble, caught two of the fat shits on the road running thought!!!

Well run and over 230 competitors. A couple of DF and they weren't happy!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 02, 2012, 11:53:47 PM
i have managed over 3000 miles on the bike this year but cant run to save myself
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 02, 2012, 11:58:45 PM
waiting on the postman for this, minus the couch

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/dannyknowlesuk/GranFondo.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on September 03, 2012, 01:52:19 PM
Quote from: gerry on September 02, 2012, 11:58:45 PM
waiting on the postman for this, minus the couch

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/dannyknowlesuk/GranFondo.jpg)

Where are you going to put the groceries?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 03, 2012, 04:15:16 PM
Quote from: gerry on September 02, 2012, 11:53:47 PM
i have managed over 3000 miles on the bike this year but cant run to save myself

It's been bugging me all day. Good bike, never stop peddling the whole way in the highest gears when I could, and had a crap time over the 12 miles, boys were passing me for fun FFS

Is it basically getting my body used to the bike, bike fitness and putting in the miles? I'd ideally like to take at least 20 minutes of that time of 59 minutes. I did the same route the Sunday before on a hybrid bike in 55 minutes and had been out till 3 in the morning on the lash!!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: the Deel Rover on September 03, 2012, 04:24:14 PM
Well done Mitown row . What were the distance's that you covered ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 03, 2012, 04:36:09 PM
Quote from: the Deel Rover on September 03, 2012, 04:24:14 PM
Well done Mitown row . What were the distance's that you covered ?

Swimming was half a mile (21 minutes). Bike was 12 miles (59 minutes) and 5k run (21 minutes)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 03, 2012, 06:25:37 PM
Gerry, I have the Fondo now as well (after my Stealth lost a row with a pothole - Ribble replaced the whole show within 2 weeks, 2 year guarantee on the frame).  It's a fine machine, I went down a size on the frame and took a while before I got comfortable again.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 03, 2012, 07:30:15 PM
I have a 200 mile charity cycle at the end of the month so hopefully it will be here on time. On another note I changed the tyres on my bike to continental  grand prix 4000 and inflated them to 120lb and I can't believe how big an improvement they made. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on September 04, 2012, 08:45:06 PM
What pressure had you them at before?

I'm getting a bike fitting in Base2Race next week, has anyone has similar done?
I'll be getting it set up for TTs for triathlons but will I need to change it everytime I want to do 100k+?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 04, 2012, 09:12:02 PM
i was chatting to a fellow on Sunday who got it done and he said it helped him a lot.  £150 a bit pricey but
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 04, 2012, 09:17:55 PM
That's dear, i've flirted with the idea, but my back isn't in great shape & a proper set up for someone my size probably wouldn't work for me because of it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 04, 2012, 09:18:59 PM
or you can do it yourself with this spreadsheet

http://www.mediafire.com/?5xnxnyynzih (http://www.mediafire.com/?5xnxnyynzih)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 04, 2012, 09:20:38 PM
pressure before was around 80
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 05, 2012, 12:08:09 AM
Guys there is a charity cycle for PIPS on Sunday leaving Clann Eireann at 10:00am (Lurgan) there are 2 distances of 16 mile and 25 mile and they're looking a £10 donation for it. If anyone wants in let me know and i'll give you more details...

Went out last Sunday and done about 20 mile and my lower back was killing me, i think i could give the cycling a good rattle as i think i'd be fit enough for it and have strong legs but i'm always getting lower back pain...i've checked my seat and its at the right height and i turned the handle bars up a bit but hasn't really helped, is it something that your body gets used too after a few more times out or is my setup still no right???
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on September 05, 2012, 12:11:48 AM
It's €90 in B2R, have clogherhead the following day so hoping to see immediate improvements!

You were killing yourself with 80, the difference is huge

Illdecide, you shouldnt be feeling any pain for a 20 mile cycle. Your leg should be almost fully extended on the down part of a rev, low saddle is the most common issue
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 05, 2012, 12:14:44 AM
I also forgot to add that i think i'm cycling in too high a gear (would that be hurting my back). If i drop a gear or 2 and basically cycle the legs a bit faster would that help?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on September 05, 2012, 12:25:03 AM
Shouldn't be hurting your back. Cycling with a higher cadence/revs should save ur energy though
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mickey Linden on September 05, 2012, 09:04:39 AM
U know the route the Clan Eireann cycle is following illdecide?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: the Deel Rover on September 05, 2012, 11:40:16 AM
I'm looking at  the Giant Defy 5 bike as a possible purchase. Any of ye lads have one in the past ,what is your opinon of them ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 05, 2012, 10:40:34 PM
i have being riding a giant now for two years with no issues.  what sort of price range have you in mind and have you thought about second hand
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trileacman on September 05, 2012, 10:48:40 PM
Gerry's sniffing a sale.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 05, 2012, 10:49:23 PM
Quote from: Mickey Linden on September 05, 2012, 09:04:39 AM
U know the route the Clan Eireann cycle is following illdecide?

I do Micky, i done a trial run last weekend...Clann Eireann club onto Aghagallon, Aghalee a few mile past that and cut back intowards the Lough and round by Derrymore, Bartons bay and back to Lurgan again...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 05, 2012, 10:54:26 PM
Quote from: trileacman on September 05, 2012, 10:48:40 PM
Gerry's sniffing a sale.

naw, keeping my current bike for the wet cold January days.  i just think there is loads of good second hand bikes that people are trading up on
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: the Deel Rover on September 06, 2012, 01:38:44 PM
Quote from: gerry on September 05, 2012, 10:40:34 PM
i have being riding a giant now for two years with no issues.  what sort of price range have you in mind and have you thought about second hand

It was 2 months since i was talking to the bike dealer i seem to reall him saying between 550 and 600 yo yo's however from reading posts on this thread i would probably be better getting different tyres as well
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 09, 2012, 10:57:37 PM
Done the 25 mile trek today and went great. V good turn out and all for worthy cause (PIPS), hammered it home in the last 3 mile and was busted by the time i got back to the club...sore lower back again but not as bad as last week and done a longer distance today
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on September 09, 2012, 11:30:54 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 09, 2012, 10:57:37 PM
Done the 25 mile trek today and went great. V good turn out and all for worthy cause (PIPS), hammered it home in the last 3 mile and was busted by the time i got back to the club...sore lower back again but not as bad as last week and done a longer distance today

Hey, where was that? Thats about my distance. I did 26 mile.

Actually woke up with a splitting headache and thought I would cycle it off, as you can do by jogging.

But it didnt work.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on September 10, 2012, 02:26:58 PM
Anybody else using strava? Great app which maps ur cycle and then shows u how to compare to others who have cycled a similar segment of that route. Can't recommend it highly enough
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on September 10, 2012, 03:20:11 PM
This might strike a chord for a few lads (Mamil's) on here.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-10965608
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 18, 2012, 09:35:17 PM
Worlds on at the minute, TT 2moro with Tony Martin 4/7 in a weak lookin field, no Wiggins, Cancellara & Froome pulled out today, Contador @ 9/2 could be his only threat ( & he mite be saving himself for the roadrace on Sunday).

I've Tommy Voeckler backed EW @ 20's for the road race.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: the Deel Rover on September 20, 2012, 08:29:44 PM
Any one watching road to glory british cycling it's on an the moment on sky 108 . It's about Wiggins and this years tour very interesting
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 20, 2012, 09:39:55 PM
Quote from: the Deel Rover on September 20, 2012, 08:29:44 PM
Any one watching road to glory british cycling it's on an the moment on sky 108 . It's about Wiggins and this years tour very interesting

Cracking show
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: the Deel Rover on September 21, 2012, 07:33:31 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on September 20, 2012, 09:39:55 PM
Quote from: the Deel Rover on September 20, 2012, 08:29:44 PM
Any one watching road to glory british cycling it's on an the moment on sky 108 . It's about Wiggins and this years tour very interesting

Cracking show

Was amazing to see the reaction of the lads in the car when froome made a burst on stage 11 of the tour .
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on September 21, 2012, 09:24:12 AM
For me cycling seems to be a singular sport, must be wile hard to be part of a team and having to work to a game plan and allow others to win or catch up. Motor sport same thing I suppose but you'd think these guys just want to win, end off
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 26, 2012, 10:17:02 PM
Good show on tg4 now about Irish cycling
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 29, 2012, 12:06:04 AM
i am all set to do a 200 mile charity cycle this weekend from omagh followed by this wee local lumpy one.  i received a email from ribble telling me that they will only start to build my bike  on the 8th october and i should receive it 3 weeks after that, sure its only being 11 weeks in total


(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/46482_529918863688989_483795408_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 18, 2012, 09:19:43 PM
Cavendish has signed for Omega Pharma Quickstep.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 18, 2012, 09:35:34 PM
Cody's Challenge this Sunday from Richhill Rec Centre, last Sportive of the year. Ran by my outfit Steady CC. Fun, 50m & 70m routes, £20 entry, all proceeds to Children's Heartbeat http://formecoaching.com/codys-challenge-sportif-2012/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on October 18, 2012, 10:38:48 PM
That looks like a good setup at Steady.

What route would the 50mile run take from Richhill? I would love to do it, but golf comes first!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 18, 2012, 10:45:08 PM
Route is on FB somewhere, think it's thru kilmore, ardress, killyman, Dungannon, Aughnacloy, Caledon, Armagh & Richhill.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 24, 2012, 01:44:27 PM
2013 Tour route revealed, interesting on SSN Wiggins says he'll support Froome for TDF as long as he gets the nod for Giro, deal cut in France last year no doubt. Potential for Yellow for Cav on stage 1 in Corsica.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on October 29, 2012, 07:21:31 PM
Driving home tonight at about 6:30pm and I saw a cyclist with no lights, wearing a black hat, black top and black trousers with no reflective material at all.

Some people are complete dicks.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerrykeegan on October 29, 2012, 07:55:16 PM
I cycle through the Pheonix Park in Dublin every morning at about 7.00am, there are no lights at all in the park, one morning last winter a noise went past me,I realise its someone on a f**king bike, complete madness.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 29, 2012, 08:58:41 PM
We're doing a night ride once a week round  Craigavon area, 2 X15m circuits,  good fun but you need your wits about you. Plenty of lights & night vision gear on the go. Going to get one goin in Armagh shortly.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on November 13, 2012, 10:32:20 PM
Anyone use a turbo trainer? What should I be looking for when I'm buying one?
Even basics are required here
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: guy crouchback on November 14, 2012, 09:18:34 AM
i have a tacx satori one, its grand does the job. you want one thats fairly robust and offers good resistance. as far as i know the more expensive ones offer more in the way of fancy gimmicks like a handlebar computers and connection to a PC.

now this stuff might seem unnecessary but if i was buying again i think id get it ,for no other reason then it would keep me interested. when your used to the road a turbo session is deeply boring and this in turn makes it painfull. Anything to keep the intrest in using it up will help, if you can download and then graph performance etc it might encourage you to keep using it.

get a rug or a mat to put it on and a  sweat catcher, also mind whats behind you, a hell of a lot of little bits of rubber came off my back tyre.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 14, 2012, 10:34:14 AM
Tacx are def good sturdy turbo trainers. Problem is with them as GC said above they are as boring as hell but they are a good workout. If you get one with the resistance adjuster that you clamp to the bars its a good job as it replicates going uphill. Loads of them 2nd hand on ebay.

Anyone going out with the lights on these days ? What lighting systems are you using ? Mate of mine just got this yoke for about £85 - 1000 lumens rechargeable job made by one23, the cars are flashing at him to dip ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 14, 2012, 01:43:13 PM
I've a bog standard TT, Minoura, cost bout £120 2 years ago. When i go on it now, i try to coincide it with a match on Sky & watch it on the laptop on Skygo / anytime. Great job, have the ipod on the go too, takes the boredom out of it.

Harps boys have started a night spin once a week maddog, good crack. Steadies do it too through PD/ LG. i've  an oul Lidl yoke in the go lightwise, tops!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2012, 03:24:52 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 14, 2012, 01:43:13 PM
I've a bog standard TT, Minoura, cost bout £120 2 years ago. When i go on it now, i try to coincide it with a match on Sky & watch it on the laptop on Skygo / anytime. Great job, have the ipod on the go too, takes the boredom out of it.

Harps boys have started a night spin once a week maddog, good crack. Steadies do it too through PD/ LG. i've  an oul Lidl yoke in the go lightwise, tops!

Been doing these for a while now, how effective are they in transfering across to the real thing? Once the days get longer and drier I'll be out on the road but being a novice on the bike I was hoping that it would be a great start up exercise
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 14, 2012, 03:36:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2012, 03:24:52 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 14, 2012, 01:43:13 PM
I've a bog standard TT, Minoura, cost bout £120 2 years ago. When i go on it now, i try to coincide it with a match on Sky & watch it on the laptop on Skygo / anytime. Great job, have the ipod on the go too, takes the boredom out of it.

Harps boys have started a night spin once a week maddog, good crack. Steadies do it too through PD/ LG. i've  an oul Lidl yoke in the go lightwise, tops!

Been doing these for a while now, how effective are they in transfering across to the real thing? Once the days get longer and drier I'll be out on the road but being a novice on the bike I was hoping that it would be a great start up exercise

Are you talking about spin classes ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2012, 03:49:09 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 14, 2012, 03:36:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2012, 03:24:52 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 14, 2012, 01:43:13 PM
I've a bog standard TT, Minoura, cost bout £120 2 years ago. When i go on it now, i try to coincide it with a match on Sky & watch it on the laptop on Skygo / anytime. Great job, have the ipod on the go too, takes the boredom out of it.

Harps boys have started a night spin once a week maddog, good crack. Steadies do it too through PD/ LG. i've  an oul Lidl yoke in the go lightwise, tops!

Been doing these for a while now, how effective are they in transfering across to the real thing? Once the days get longer and drier I'll be out on the road but being a novice on the bike I was hoping that it would be a great start up exercise

Are you talking about spin classes ?

Oh is that out on the roads at night?? FFS madness no matter how bright your lights are!! Sorry I was taking about the spin classes
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 14, 2012, 04:13:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2012, 03:49:09 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 14, 2012, 03:36:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 14, 2012, 03:24:52 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 14, 2012, 01:43:13 PM
I've a bog standard TT, Minoura, cost bout £120 2 years ago. When i go on it now, i try to coincide it with a match on Sky & watch it on the laptop on Skygo / anytime. Great job, have the ipod on the go too, takes the boredom out of it.

Harps boys have started a night spin once a week maddog, good crack. Steadies do it too through PD/ LG. i've  an oul Lidl yoke in the go lightwise, tops!

Been doing these for a while now, how effective are they in transfering across to the real thing? Once the days get longer and drier I'll be out on the road but being a novice on the bike I was hoping that it would be a great start up exercise

Are you talking about spin classes ?

Oh is that out on the roads at night?? FFS madness no matter how bright your lights are!! Sorry I was taking about the spin classes

No doubt about it, it is sometimes hairy enough but it often is in daylight too. Away out on the country roads is better in the dark than the half light of the streets, better chance of getting seen in the pitch black i think as against the glare of traffic. Never tried the spin classes but from what i hear they are tough so have to be as good if not better than out on the road. Turbo trainer as well there is no let up whereas out on the road you get a chance to freewheel every now and then.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Declan on November 22, 2012, 09:55:50 AM
Fair play to this lad - http://www.irishexaminer.com/world/i-had-to-drag-my-bike-over-horse-tracks-and-hills-214661.html (http://www.irishexaminer.com/world/i-had-to-drag-my-bike-over-horse-tracks-and-hills-214661.html)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 22, 2012, 10:39:40 AM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on November 13, 2012, 10:32:20 PM
Anyone use a turbo trainer? What should I be looking for when I'm buying one?
Even basics are required here


http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/healthandfitness/535690/zero-in-on-turbo-training.html (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/healthandfitness/535690/zero-in-on-turbo-training.html)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2012, 12:43:45 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 22, 2012, 10:39:40 AM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on November 13, 2012, 10:32:20 PM
Anyone use a turbo trainer? What should I be looking for when I'm buying one?
Even basics are required here


http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/healthandfitness/535690/zero-in-on-turbo-training.html (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/healthandfitness/535690/zero-in-on-turbo-training.html)

Would the spin cycle classes not be better? The view I had last night in the spin class will not be better this year I tell ya :o Oh and it was a tough work out
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Cold tea on December 05, 2012, 09:44:39 PM
Anyone watching war on britains roads - interesting stuff - the web developer comes across as one wab!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Denn Forever on December 14, 2012, 01:51:56 PM
The power of the Olympics?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/20724621

Leeds will host the start of the 2014 Tour de France.

The Tour heads through Yorkshire on 5 and 6 July, before moving south for a third stage, finishing in London
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: north aontroim gael on December 15, 2012, 03:20:14 AM
Anyone know any good scenic routes to tackle around Mourne area?  There may be a very obvious trail etc but thinking of heading that way with the Mrs some weekend just into the new year so would appreciate any tips.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on December 15, 2012, 10:36:57 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 22, 2012, 12:43:45 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 22, 2012, 10:39:40 AM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on November 13, 2012, 10:32:20 PM
Anyone use a turbo trainer? What should I be looking for when I'm buying one?
Even basics are required here


http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/healthandfitness/535690/zero-in-on-turbo-training.html (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/healthandfitness/535690/zero-in-on-turbo-training.html)

Would the spin cycle classes not be better? The view I had last night in the spin class will not be better this year I tell ya :o Oh and it was a tough work out
Like Milltown I prefer a good spin class, you would have to be super motivated to sit on a t trainer for an hour. I wrecks tyres so make sure you change it before getting back on the roads.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 15, 2012, 06:04:24 PM
Quote from: north aontroim gael on December 15, 2012, 03:20:14 AM
Anyone know any good scenic routes to tackle around Mourne area?  There may be a very obvious trail etc but thinking of heading that way with the Mrs some weekend just into the new year so would appreciate any tips.

Not sure how into it u are, but Google Etape Mourne, there should still be the 2 route maps of a Sportive a few of us tackled, not soft thou, Spelga's a lung & leg buster. Dicey enough at this time of year thou, 45 & 75m routes.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 16, 2012, 12:12:50 AM
i had a turbo but its hard to get motivated to get on it, i go to spin classes 2 to 3 times a week and bjasus you sweat.  i am not sure if it helps with the over all cycling but i found it helped me spinninga small gear on the hills
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 16, 2012, 04:22:19 PM
Did u ever get ur Ribble Gran Fondo? I see they have a new 365 Sportive which is the Bianco tarted up with mudguards & a spray job for all year round riding, looks the part.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 16, 2012, 07:50:11 PM
wouldn't you know it arrived a week after i completed a 200 mile cycle. so i have only done about 80 mile on it so far as i am using my old bike during the winter.  it rides well and i had no issues with ribble except the length of time it took to deliver it. 


10 of us are doing a 5 day cycle at the TDF with the Alpe d'Huez stage being the highlight of it, so the bike will get plenty of miles before then


(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293781_4354307108762_607857047_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 16, 2012, 08:53:12 PM
It's a clinker wee bike, i only got the fag end of the summer myself after my bother with the Stealth but was very impressed with it after i got settled on it.

Would love to do something like ur planning, we're heading to France on hols & are close enough to catch at least one stage, i also intend to hire a bike & get out a few times.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on December 16, 2012, 09:09:37 PM
I did 27 mile this morning on my £299 Carerra.

#valueformoney
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 16, 2012, 09:34:08 PM
bennydorano: we are hiring a van out there for all the gear and we plan to ride 80 to 100 mile each day and then get the tents out.


Orior: to many people think unless they have a £1500+ bike its no good. i have cycled 4000 mile on a second hand £200 bike this year, its all about getting out and getting the miles in on the cold wet days when the flash guys are tucked up in bed
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 21, 2013, 08:33:00 AM
Tour Down Under starts @ 2am tonite on sky, full live coverage.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 23, 2013, 01:52:54 PM
Impressive win for Sky's Geraint Thomas down under. He could be a genuine TDF contender in a few years if he sticks to the road & forgets about track.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 23, 2013, 02:07:40 PM
some thing makes me thinks he has gicven up the track
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: WeeDonns on January 23, 2013, 04:46:49 PM
@Gerry, just a random question; When you buy a bike online like that, does it come fully assembled? or had you much to put together?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 23, 2013, 04:55:01 PM
Less than 1/2 hour had it done. Screw on handlebars, attach seat to seat post and insert it , attach the two wheels and finally screw in the pedals
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ludermor on January 23, 2013, 05:40:42 PM
Do you have to do any fluting around with the gears or breaks???
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 23, 2013, 06:39:53 PM

No, It ran smoothly straight away.  Maybe I was lucky but I will buy  from them when I need to upgrade my sons bike
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 23, 2013, 07:09:14 PM
I'm going to take advantage of cycle to work scheme & get new Ribble Carbon 365 for delux winter riding :)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 23, 2013, 10:47:24 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 23, 2013, 07:09:14 PM
I'm going to take advantage of cycle to work scheme & get new Ribble Carbon 365 for delux winter riding :)

show off ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 24, 2013, 06:03:31 PM
Anybody ride with a Campagnolo set up? Thinking of speccing this new yoke with it, have to be Veloce to come in under the 1k cycle to work limit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 25, 2013, 06:42:33 PM
i went for the 105 on mine for £150 quid more, i couldn't justify spending £450 more for the ultegra. my bike was £1300 and  i was able to get the £1000 for the scheme and put the rest of the money to it myself, so your not tied to the £1000 limit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 25, 2013, 08:58:57 PM
I asked Ribble about doing that & they said no chance, especially as i'm public sector. 105 is all anyone needs, it doesn't get better functionally as you go up, just lighter - Di2 is meant to be dog's bollox thou.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on February 10, 2013, 03:19:19 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on April 07, 2010, 08:02:02 AM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on April 06, 2010, 08:34:15 PM
I bought a mountain bike in Halfords for €150 and I just wear a tracksuit bottoms and a jersey with ordinary runners, you don't have to spend big at all IMHO

I started back cycling about 4 years ago, bought the €150 job from Halfords also. Didnt know would I continue to cycle so didnt spend very much. Last year I upgraded to a €300 bike from Halfords, huge difference. If you continue to like it I would consider upgrading at some point, also if you are just on the road make sure you dont get those big mountain bike tyres, there shit for the road. I'll keep an eye out for you, if you hear someone shouting your only a Laois bollix, that will be me!

Thinking of upgrading the €150 Halfords bike I bought back then.It's starting to fall apart! Probably didn't help leaving it outside and not using it for the past 18 months. Only recently took it out again but I think It's time to upgrade.
What bike did you upgrade too? Been looking in Halfords at the Carrera Hybrid bikes. The cheapest one is about €250
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerrykeegan on February 10, 2013, 09:24:21 PM
I got the Carrera Subway. I have it 5 years and it is still in great shape. I keep it in shed at night. You can get a deadly seat for the young fella and haul him around the park. You can slot it in or out very easily, my young fella loves it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on February 10, 2013, 10:18:34 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on February 10, 2013, 09:24:21 PM
I got the Carrera Subway. I have it 5 years and it is still in great shape. I keep it in shed at night. You can get a deadly seat for the young fella and haul him around the park. You can slot it in or out very easily, my young fella loves it.

That's the one Halfords have for €250.
The bike I have the wheels are chunky on it, they are mountain bike tires,would the Carrera be better?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerrykeegan on February 10, 2013, 10:21:49 PM
Unless you want to go off road use the normal tyres, its miles easier. I use it for in and out to work only. I remember cycling my mates with the big chunky tyres, I thought something was wrong with it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 15, 2013, 05:57:43 PM
Tour of Oman has been good to watch (pity coverage hasn't been more extensive). Froome showed he's a serious force to be reckoned with, chinning Contador today (& yesterday) and leading the Tour with the likes of Bertie, Cadel Evans, Nibali, Rodriguez all trailing in his wake. Wiggins there in a support role, acting the dick with the media as per normal. I would lay Wiggins all day in Giro betting.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on February 15, 2013, 11:58:09 PM
Anyone using Zipps? Looking at picking up two 2011 808s this weekend , they look the business
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 16, 2013, 07:08:22 PM
Sounds like you're at  a higher level than most who frequent this thread!  I couldnt justify the outlay on a set of Zipps for sportive riding, although i was looking at their cheaper chinese cousins version, seeing as thou i'm built like Cancellara's taller, fatter brother they'd be wasted on me i reckon.

Did my first sportive of the year today, 65m Tour of lumpy South Down.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 16, 2013, 11:20:00 PM
i am hoping to buy a set of mavic ksyriums on the cycle to work scheme later this year, when i have finished payments on the bike.

55 mile is the most i have done as the weather being poor compared to last year, how you find the down tour was there many doing it.  i see the giro (http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/irish-start-for-giro-ditalia-set-to-be-announced-in-dublin-and-belfast-next-week/?fb_action_ids=143788095783423&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=timeline_og&action_object_map=%7B%22143788095783423%22%3A533252093363776%7D&action_type_map=%7B%22143788095783423%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=[)  is coming here next year which is great news
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 17, 2013, 08:08:37 AM
Was tough enough,few lumps, we did it as a club run, so there were 15 of us which meant we kept a good average speed & there was a bit of respite from wind & rain at front, got lovely round lunchtime & layers came off. Think there was about 60/70 done it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 17, 2013, 08:34:18 AM
riding in a group makes all the differance, just about to head out myself for a spin.  i am helping to organise a 115 mile cyle from dublin in may and we have about 70 cyclist out each sunday for the training.  thankfully the weather is a bit better this morning
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ziggysego on February 17, 2013, 10:46:18 PM
With days getting longer, what better time to knock the dust of your bicycle and get out practicing for the first Greencastle Spring Tour on 3rd March 2013.

Greencastle Spring Tour (http://www.greencastlegaa.com/ancaisleanglas/news/greencastle-spring-tour-2013/003ccbf2-c24f-40e0-8d12-61d2f1add2cd)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Denn Forever on February 21, 2013, 08:07:21 PM
Far from a Velodrome was he raised I'd imagine.

Cycling: Ireland's Martyn Irvine claimed two medals in an hour — the second of them gold in the men's scratch race — at the track cycling world championships in Minsk. The 27-year-old was second in the four-kilometre individual pursuit and had time to receive his medal, change his race numbers and return to the bike before his gold success.


http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/other/2013/0221/1224330350076.html
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mick999 on February 21, 2013, 09:53:18 PM
Amazing result considering the resources available in Ireland .. I know he has spent a lot of time in Mallorca training

There'll be a big crowd at sundrive on Saturday :-)

http://www.trackcycling.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=697:sundrive-track-reopens-sat-2nd-february&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

I didn't even know that we had a banked outdoor track in Dublin until recently. It's a great facility and they're very helpfull over there, even for beginners ..
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 28, 2013, 04:02:49 PM
Lads with the weather improving I'm looking to get back on the roads/toe paths. Looking to do 20 odd miles maybe this Sunday, any decent roads (prefereably a safe road/ toe path) that I could venture on? I've one right beside me, Jordanstown into Belfast but have done it many times, looking something different, Belfast to lisburn or something.

Link to map would be good ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: take_yer_points on February 28, 2013, 04:07:47 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 28, 2013, 04:02:49 PM
Lads with the weather improving I'm looking to get back on the roads/toe paths. Looking to do 20 odd miles maybe this Sunday, any decent roads (prefereably a safe road/ toe path) that I could venture on? I've one right beside me, Jordanstown into Belfast but have done it many times, looking something different, Belfast to lisburn or something.

Link to map would be good ;)

The one from Jordanstown into Belfast continues past the waterfront and back on alongside the Lagan beside central station. That takes you up to the Ormeau where you can cross over and go along the embankment and down past cutters wharf. That previously took you to Lisburn (brought you out past Shaws Bridge and then into the grounds of the Civic Centre) but I'm nearly sure something happened a bridge around about that Lock Keepers Inn and you can't go that way now. If you were willing to go up towards Malone and then up the Malone Road to Shaws Bridge you could bypass Lock Keepers and rejoin the towpath there and go on to Lisburn

EDIT: This might help... http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 05, 2013, 12:52:08 PM
Quote from: take_yer_points on February 28, 2013, 04:07:47 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 28, 2013, 04:02:49 PM
Lads with the weather improving I'm looking to get back on the roads/toe paths. Looking to do 20 odd miles maybe this Sunday, any decent roads (prefereably a safe road/ toe path) that I could venture on? I've one right beside me, Jordanstown into Belfast but have done it many times, looking something different, Belfast to lisburn or something.

Link to map would be good ;)

The one from Jordanstown into Belfast continues past the waterfront and back on alongside the Lagan beside central station. That takes you up to the Ormeau where you can cross over and go along the embankment and down past cutters wharf. That previously took you to Lisburn (brought you out past Shaws Bridge and then into the grounds of the Civic Centre) but I'm nearly sure something happened a bridge around about that Lock Keepers Inn and you can't go that way now. If you were willing to go up towards Malone and then up the Malone Road to Shaws Bridge you could bypass Lock Keepers and rejoin the towpath there and go on to Lisburn

EDIT: This might help... http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network

Did the route TYP, from cutters out to Jordanstown and back, weather was just right on Sunday, but I'm seriously going to need a better bike, I've been using a mates decent road bike, not racer. Its an aluminium framed bike, good road tyres and 24 gears, I think. Mate has a cracking racing bike compared to the one I'm using and when he picks up the pace it's like he has an injector in the bike ffs!! Blast past me, I'm on top gear and he goes by like I'm going backwards!!

Anyone selling a decent racer?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 05, 2013, 01:05:44 PM
I'm waiting on delivery of a new Ribble Winter Carbon, so I will be selling my  Bianchi  (57cm - Red & Black colour, Alu frame, Carbon forks) as soon a it arrives - suit someone round 6ft, seen plenty of miles (bought Spring '11) but very well looked after, class components throughout, Ultegra shifters & rear derailleur, 105 throughout apart from a recently added Tiagra chainset. Only out of bike shop for another servicing, new bartape, cables, chain & cassette.

Great bike for someone starting out or as a winter trainer. Anyone interested pm me, will be looking £435 ovno.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 05, 2013, 01:39:02 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 05, 2013, 01:05:44 PM
I'm waiting on delivery of a new Ribble Winter Carbon, so I will be selling my  Bianchi  (57cm - Red & Black colour, Alu frame, Carbon forks) as soon a it arrives - suit someone round 6ft, seen plenty of miles (bought Spring '11) but very well looked after, class components throughout, Ultegra shifters & rear derailleur, 105 throughout apart from a recently added Tiagra chainset. Only out of bike shop for another servicing, new bartape, cables, chain & cassette.

Great bike for someone starting out or as a winter trainer. Anyone interested pm me, will be looking £435 ovno.

I'm out!!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: stew on March 05, 2013, 02:40:30 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 28, 2013, 04:02:49 PM
Lads with the weather improving I'm looking to get back on the roads/toe paths. Looking to do 20 odd miles maybe this Sunday, any decent roads (prefereably a safe road/ toe path) that I could venture on? I've one right beside me, Jordanstown into Belfast but have done it many times, looking something different, Belfast to lisburn or something.

Link to map would be good ;)

The M1 would be a great spot for you! ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 05, 2013, 11:45:08 PM
Quote from: stew on March 05, 2013, 02:40:30 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 28, 2013, 04:02:49 PM
Lads with the weather improving I'm looking to get back on the roads/toe paths. Looking to do 20 odd miles maybe this Sunday, any decent roads (prefereably a safe road/ toe path) that I could venture on? I've one right beside me, Jordanstown into Belfast but have done it many times, looking something different, Belfast to lisburn or something.

Link to map would be good ;)

The M1 would be a great spot for you! ;)

I'll post a picture of it, I'm sure with you being away living somewhere else you'll be missing it 8)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 10, 2013, 07:57:59 PM
Sky show how ridiculously strong they are again today, Ritchie Porte wins his 2nd stage in a row today & the GC in highly prestigious Paris-Nice, meanwhile Chris Froome won a belter stage yesterday & takes the lead today in the excellent 'Terrieno-Adriatico. Froome is going to be the big dog this year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on March 10, 2013, 08:33:30 PM
Quote from: take_yer_points on February 28, 2013, 04:07:47 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 28, 2013, 04:02:49 PM
Lads with the weather improving I'm looking to get back on the roads/toe paths. Looking to do 20 odd miles maybe this Sunday, any decent roads (prefereably a safe road/ toe path) that I could venture on? I've one right beside me, Jordanstown into Belfast but have done it many times, looking something different, Belfast to lisburn or something.

Link to map would be good ;)

The one from Jordanstown into Belfast continues past the waterfront and back on alongside the Lagan beside central station. That takes you up to the Ormeau where you can cross over and go along the embankment and down past cutters wharf. That previously took you to Lisburn (brought you out past Shaws Bridge and then into the grounds of the Civic Centre) but I'm nearly sure something happened a bridge around about that Lock Keepers Inn and you can't go that way now. If you were willing to go up towards Malone and then up the Malone Road to Shaws Bridge you could bypass Lock Keepers and rejoin the towpath there and go on to Lisburn

EDIT: This might help... http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network

Far too many pedestrians on the lagan tow-path. The Comber greenway is better.

The pedestrians keep me on the road. There is a good run fro Belfast out to Carrickfergus and Whitehead. Also Belfast to Ballyclare, then Doagh and Parkgate is interesting.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 10, 2013, 08:40:08 PM
Quote from: Orior on March 10, 2013, 08:33:30 PM
Quote from: take_yer_points on February 28, 2013, 04:07:47 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 28, 2013, 04:02:49 PM
Lads with the weather improving I'm looking to get back on the roads/toe paths. Looking to do 20 odd miles maybe this Sunday, any decent roads (prefereably a safe road/ toe path) that I could venture on? I've one right beside me, Jordanstown into Belfast but have done it many times, looking something different, Belfast to lisburn or something.

Link to map would be good ;)

The one from Jordanstown into Belfast continues past the waterfront and back on alongside the Lagan beside central station. That takes you up to the Ormeau where you can cross over and go along the embankment and down past cutters wharf. That previously took you to Lisburn (brought you out past Shaws Bridge and then into the grounds of the Civic Centre) but I'm nearly sure something happened a bridge around about that Lock Keepers Inn and you can't go that way now. If you were willing to go up towards Malone and then up the Malone Road to Shaws Bridge you could bypass Lock Keepers and rejoin the towpath there and go on to Lisburn

EDIT: This might help... http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network

Far too many pedestrians on the lagan tow-path. The Comber greenway is better.

The pedestrians keep me on the road. There is a good run fro Belfast out to Carrickfergus and Whitehead. Also Belfast to Ballyclare, then Doagh and Parkgate is interesting.

I went early enough last week and it was grand, just under 20 miles so looking to build that up every week, today was a no brainer weather wise so next week will do 30 miles, need to get a better bike though, won't tell the wife though!!.

Heard the comber one was grand might try it some time
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on March 10, 2013, 09:41:41 PM
The Comber greenway is only 14 mile return, so even my wife can do it. But only if she gets to stop for a coffee in the square. If you do, you might rub shoulders with the odd DUP counsellor :o
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 10, 2013, 09:57:32 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 10, 2013, 07:57:59 PM
Sky show how ridiculously strong they are again today, Ritchie Porte wins his 2nd stage in a row today & the GC in highly prestigious Paris-Nice, meanwhile Chris Froome won a belter stage yesterday & takes the lead today in the excellent 'Terrieno-Adriatico. Froome is going to be the big dog this year.

froome attack yesterday was unreal, left bertie and co in his tracks.  good riding by dan martin to finish 10th today
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 11, 2013, 08:30:04 PM
another unreal stage today with two ag2r riders walking up one part of it.  this is the steepest stage in italy and if the ascent wasn't hard enough descending it in the rain is frighting given what happen the other day, so fair play to the cyclist that finished it.  with today's stage timings it leaves the tt more important so hopefully nibali can hold out.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 13, 2013, 04:56:23 PM
A French parliamentarian says he met a drunk Andy Schleck in a lift.

Here's my translation of Pierre-Yves Le Borgn':

Late check in at a Munich airport hotel. A well-soaked guy enters the lift with difficulty and tries without succeeding to press the button. I recognized a great cycling champion, twice second in the Tour in recent years. Depressing.

It was Andy Schleck. He was wearing the jacket of his old Leopard-Trek team. He couldn't stand up straight. I pressed the button for his floor. I found the situation very sad. He had abandoned an Italian race they day before and hasn't finished a single race since spring 2012. His brother Frank is suspended for a year for doping. I got the impression that I saw a young man on the slide, drunk and alone at night in a hotel airport.

There's been a lot of snow in Northern Europe causing delays and it's possible Schleck had to wait at Munich airport for a flight home on his way back from Tirreno. Munich is a busy transport hub for flights in Europe.

It's not healthy but it's not the first time a rider's had too much to drink during the season. Here's hoping this is nothing more than a boring night in an airport hotel and that his head wasn't too sore the next day.     


The last thing andy wants is more media attention.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 13, 2013, 06:19:17 PM
Was just reading about that on twitter, unfortunately rather than just getting shitfaced it's undoubtedly a sign of the malaise he finds himself in, he's went to the dogs. He used to sacrifice his season for a good Tour, he'd give anything for a return to some semblance of form. I read somewhere too that RSLT are for getting a head doctor on the job. Frank's troubles probably not helping Andy either as they were both primadonnas with persecution complexes before Frank got caught with Diuretics in his system.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 14, 2013, 09:45:27 PM
Was looking at betting there for various events Wiggins 5/4 to win Giro, well worth opposing, as Nibali's main aim for the year he's a good thing @3's. Froome & Contador 27/20 jf's for the TDF.

Nibali in great nick at the minute & well worth a punt in Milan-Sam Remo on Sunday @ 22/1, Sagan 6/4! Forecast not great & could suit Nibali.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 14, 2013, 11:30:29 PM
both him and sagen looked good on the last climb. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 14, 2013, 11:33:01 PM
This Is Not a Story About Last Place

Taylor Phinney's solo ride during the Tirreno-Adriatico on Monday.

This is a story about a guy who finished last. Which is technically true. You can look up the results of the race, and you'll see his name, right there, lonely at the bottom. Taylor Phinney. USA. Finishing time of six hours, twenty-two minutes, fifty-four seconds. One hundred-and-ninth place. Last.

But this story is better than that.

First, about Taylor Phinney. Remember that name. You might already know it. Bike racer from Boulder, Colo., 22 years old. The son of two cycling legends, Davis Phinney and Connie Carpenter. A big dude on the bike, at 6 feet 5 inches, 180 pounds, Taylor Phinney is one of the most promising young cyclists in the world. He's already been to the Olympics twice. Won a stage of the prestigious Giro d'Italia last year. He is expected to have many great days in the sport.

Monday didn't begin like one of those days. Phinney was competing in Italy's Tirreno-Adriatico stage race, and this penultimate stage was a doozy. Up and down, down and up, 209 kilometers of punishment, including a 27% climb so comically steep that some riders got off their bikes and pushed them uphill. Many riders quit. Later the race organizer would admit that the stage was too difficult, even for elite pros.

Phinney didn't expect to win this stage. He just wanted to hang around, because the next day brought a time trial against the clock, and Phinney had a chance for a good result in that event. But the day soon unraveled. His legs weren't feeling great, and then his bike busted its chain. He had to get a replacement and chase his way back to the pack.

"I just was dangling," Phinney said on the phone, from his home in Tuscany. "We kept going over these really difficult climbs. I'd get back to the group and I would get dropped. I'd get back again, then get dropped."

Bike racing is a sport that fetishizes suffering. Anyone who's done it talks almost mystically about painful days on the bike, about the serenity achieved by pedaling through the agony. But even the best can only take so much. Soon Phinney found himself in a small group of 30 or so riders who had fallen off the main field, with about 130 kilometers, or 80 miles, left. The riders in the group began talking. Phinney said it became clear that nobody wanted to finish. Drop out now, get out of the cold. This is no shame. It happens all the time. Fight another day.

But Phinney wanted to fight now. He had to complete the race under the time limit to do the time trial Tuesday. "If I wanted to finish the race, I was going to have to do it by myself," he said.

So that's what he did. As the rest of the group abandoned the race, Phinney put his head down and pedaled. He was suddenly alone. The weather was miserable. It began to rain. And Phinney kept thinking of one thing.

"I would just think of my dad," he said.

Davis Phinney has lived with Parkinson's disease for more than half of Taylor Phinney's life. One of the great American racers of all time, a Tour de France stage winner and Olympian, Davis's day is often met by frustrating physical challenges. Tasks that were once simple take so much longer. Ordinary life requires patience.

That's what kept his son pedaling in the cold Italian rain.

"I knew that if my dad could be in my shoes for one day—if all he had to do was struggle on a bike for six hours, but be healthy and fully functional—he would be me on that day in a heartbeat," Taylor Phinney said. "Every time I wanted to quit, every time I wanted to cry, I just thought about that."

He had so many miles to ride. "It's kind of embarrassing," he said. "The race has gone by, and people aren't really expecting one rider slogging along by himself." Fans on the side of the road offered to push him up hills. But Phinney remembered a story his Dad had told him about one of his old Tour de France teams, making a pact to decline pushes.

Taylor would do the same. No pushes.

"He never lost his motivation," said Fabio Baldato, an assistant director for Phinney's team, BMC Racing, who was driving a car behind Phinney the entire route. "It was unbelievable."

"He wanted so badly to finish the race," said Phinney's teammate, Thor Hushovd, a former world champion.

Hours later, Phinney crossed the line, exhausted. He finished almost 15 minutes after the second-to-last rider, thirty-seven minutes behind the winner. He didn't make the time cut for the day, which meant he couldn't compete in Tuesday's time trial. It was a bummer, but Phinney was too zonked to be devastated. During his post-race massage, he cried like crazy. On Twitter, Phinney wrote about riding for his Dad and called it "probably the most trying day I've had on a bike." When Phinney's saga was reported on the website VeloNews, cycling fans went crazy. These have been bleak times for the sport, ripped apart by doping scandals. Phinney's solo effort—and his emotions post-race—had stirred something soulful. "Emotion is powerful and undeniably human," Phinney's mother, Connie Carpenter, said in an email from Italy.

Back home in Colorado, Davis Phinney was marveling at the whole story. You can still find Davis on his bike, usually on the fancy carbon-fiber city commuter he got from his son. Cycling remains a sanctuary—"easier than walking, in a sense," he said. But the daily routine remains full of hassles. Davis Phinney keeps a sense of humor about it, jokingly referring to himself as "Turtleboy." He began a foundation to give people living with Parkinson's tools for living well—for achieving little victories.

Davis Phinney said he didn't learn about Taylor's ride until after it was over. Friends told him how inspired they were by his son. When he heard that Taylor had been thinking about him the whole time, he was floored.

"I have almost no words for how amazing it makes me feel," Davis Phinney said. He wrote in an email to his son:

You make me so happy and beyond proud—and that is better than any medicine and can defeat any disease.

The results are wrong. This is not a story about a guy who finished last. Taylor Phinney won that race.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 18, 2013, 11:44:59 AM
sagan nearly done it yesterday, surprised they rode in this weather

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/579126_10151491774813744_1731552231_n.png)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on March 21, 2013, 04:03:55 PM
Anyone else heard about a Joe Brolly organised 35 mile cycle from Harlequins in Belfast? It is to do with some health charity or other and I think is on 18th May.

We could have a GAA Board pelaton special.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 21, 2013, 05:44:28 PM


Dan Martin marks solo stage win to lead Volta a Catalunya | Cycling Weekly

Dan Martin [Garmin-Sharp] has catapulted up the general standings to take the leader's jersey at the Volta a Catalunya after winning the queen stage in a superb solo victory in Port Aine Rialp.

Martin finished the stage 35 seconds ahead of Joaquim Rodriguez [Katusha], who became virtual leader when Alejandro Valverde [Movistar] crashed on a descent 119km into the 217.7km fourth stage, which at the finish topped out at about 2000m. Yesterday's victor Nairo Quintana [Movistar] was third.

Britain's Bradley Wiggins [Sky] finished the stage in fifth, and about a minute behind Martin, to slide from second to fourth overall. The Tour de France champion is now 36 seconds adrift of the new leader.

Martin started the day ninth in the general classification and was the only survivor of a 23-man break that escaped early in the piece.

The escapees had a maximum time gap of more than four minutes but started to fracture on the Hor Categorie Port del Canto before Nicolas Roche moved off the front. Martin drove what was left of the break, picked up the Saxo-Tinkoff rider and kept going with only one other able to follow.

Sky controlled the pace back in the main group with Katusha largely letting the British-squad do the work.

Sky did not respond to an attack from Robert Gesink [Blanco] who moved within the final 15km and was joined by Jurgen Van Den Broeck [Lotto Belisol]. Gesink lost contact with Van Den Broeck inside the final 7km where Wiggins was down to just Rigoberto Uran to protect him at the front of the main group.

Martin averaged around a one-minute buffer on Van Den Broeck, who Rodriguez and Quintana caught with roughly 900m remaining. His stage win didn't look in doubt however and the climber left the latter two to race for second.

The tour continues tomorrow with the 156.5km fifth stage from Rialp to Lleid.

Results

Volta a Catalunya 2013, stage four: Llanars-Vall de Camprodon to Port Aine-Rialp, 217.7km

1. Daniel Martin (Irl) Garmin-Sharp in 6-02-40

2. Joaquim Rodriguez (Spa) Katusha at 36secs

3. Nairo Quintana (Col) Movistar

4. Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Lotto Belisol at 47 secs

5. Robert Gesink (Ned) Blanco at 51 secs

6. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky at 1-02

7. Peter Stetina (USA) Garmin-Sharp

8. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre-Merida

9. Thomas Danielson (USA) Garmin-Sharp

10. Thibaut Pinot (Fra) FDJ at 1-08

Overall classification after stage four

1. Daniel Martin (Irl) Garmin-Sharp in 18-48-38

2. Joaquim Rodriguez (Spa) Katusha at 10 secs

3. Nairo Quintana (Col) Movistar at 32 secs

4. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky at 36 secs

5. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre-Merida at 39 secs

6. Robert Gesink (Ned) Blanco at 51 secs

7. Przemyslaw Niemiec (Pol) Lampre-Merida at 1-00

8. Peter Stetina (USA) Garmin-Sharp at 1-07

9. Thibaut Pinot (Fra) FDJ at 1-13

10. Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Lotto Belisol at 1-15
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: macdanger2 on March 25, 2013, 11:06:59 PM
I see Dan Martin won the Tour de Catalunya - fair play to him.

As someone who wouldn't follow cycling a whole pile, I have to say I find it hard to think that he's not on something or other. This being based on my belief that almost all cyclists are and so to beat them you have to be as well. What would the general feeling about him be, is he clean (or reasonably clean)?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 25, 2013, 11:15:55 PM
its a great result by dan.  dan won it because he took a gamble on the queen stage as no one thought he could stay way and win it.

dans 100% clean btw
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: macdanger2 on March 25, 2013, 11:44:33 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 25, 2013, 11:15:55 PM

dans 100% clean btw

Brilliant stuff if he is.

How would he be fixed for the TdeF or Giro later in the year?? Would he be rated ahead of Roche or similar? (Is Roche considered clean?)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 26, 2013, 03:03:37 PM
Geat climber, probably not consistent enough there & in general. There was no Time Trial in the Tour of Cataluyna, significant as Wiggins probably would have won it if there'd have been one over 30km. Martin is middling to poor at it. He's 2nd generation Irish btw, strong brummy accent.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 26, 2013, 07:27:15 PM
How would he be fixed for the TdF or Giro later in the year??   no hope, he is not paid to win the big tours.  his role there to support the team leader

Would he be rated ahead of Roche or similar? roche is a better all rounder than dan.  dan better suited to the steep stuff, but he has won more than roche

(Is Roche considered clean?) i reckon he is, as he has won feck all except one stage in china as a pro

roche in a new bigger  team this year so he has it all to prove
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 28, 2013, 12:08:17 PM
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/625662_10200374603040575_2123558699_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: WeeDonns on March 28, 2013, 12:23:09 PM
Is that up over Scraghy Gerry?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 28, 2013, 12:44:45 PM
65 mile spin yesterday, this was at the top of fivemiletown mountain
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 28, 2013, 12:50:28 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 28, 2013, 12:44:45 PM
65 mile spin yesterday, this was at the top of fivemiletown mountain

How long would that take?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on March 28, 2013, 01:11:05 PM
Anyone done the causeway coast sportive before? Might try aim to do it in sept
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on March 28, 2013, 01:48:38 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 26, 2013, 07:27:15 PM
How would he be fixed for the TdF or Giro later in the year??   no hope, he is not paid to win the big tours.  his role there to support the team leader

Would he be rated ahead of Roche or similar? roche is a better all rounder than dan.  dan better suited to the steep stuff, but he has won more than roche

(Is Roche considered clean?) i reckon he is, as he has won feck all except one stage in china as a pro

roche in a new bigger  team this year so he has it all to prove


I could see Dan Martin trying to slip away in breakaways in the higher mountains, will be watching out to see if he is any silly prices in the mornings, like froome being 80/1 in first mountain stage last year which he won.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 28, 2013, 02:41:14 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 28, 2013, 12:50:28 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 28, 2013, 12:44:45 PM
65 mile spin yesterday, this was at the top of fivemiletown mountain

How long would that take?

4 hours
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 28, 2013, 02:49:15 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 28, 2013, 02:41:14 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 28, 2013, 12:50:28 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 28, 2013, 12:44:45 PM
65 mile spin yesterday, this was at the top of fivemiletown mountain

How long would that take?

4 hours

Shorter than a round of golf and a lot more exercise to boot, think I could do the 16 miles an hour myself at, a push
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 28, 2013, 03:13:48 PM
The first 30 mile to Enniskillen with a tail wind I averaged 17.5 mph but had a head wind and snow on the way home
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 28, 2013, 07:44:35 PM
Just back from a 30m odd jaunt after 3 weeks out with a dose (& the weather) & by fook I knew about it, hanging & holding the show up. Was out on the new Ribble winter yoke as well, few gremlins to sort & Tiagra is a fair step  down from 105 & ultegra i have to say.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on March 31, 2013, 08:59:45 PM
Quote from: gerry on March 28, 2013, 03:13:48 PM
The first 30 mile to Enniskillen with a tail wind I averaged 17.5 mph but had a head wind and snow on the way home

Lots of respect there Gerry. I did 26 mile today and it damned near killed me.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 01, 2013, 02:07:55 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 28, 2013, 07:44:35 PM
Just back from a 30m odd jaunt after 3 weeks out with a dose (& the weather) & by fook I knew about it, hanging & holding the show up. Was out on the new Ribble winter yoke as well, few gremlins to sort & Tiagra is a fair step  down from 105 & ultegra i have to say.

You made me laugh there, blame it on the tiagra.  ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 01, 2013, 04:36:32 PM

Tiagra is shit! Although someone pointed out to me on Sat that the mudguards on the Ribble Winter Carbon were a good parachute for slowing me down.

Sitting here hugging a hot water bottle under a duvet in front of the TV. Thurs & Sat founderings = relapse. Fuckity f**k.

Tour of Carlingford's on this Sunday, it's a good fast sportive.


Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 01, 2013, 10:14:47 PM
jasus benny nothing worst than getting a cold and you cant get out on the bike.  I had it a few weeks ago and it took me three weeks to get going again. I take 1000mg vitamin C each morning, although i read they can give you kidney stones.  I managed another 70 mile on sunday over fivemiletown again and we have 75 planned for this week as part of our dublin cycle training.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleafgael on April 01, 2013, 10:54:33 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 01, 2013, 10:14:47 PM
jasus benny nothing worst than getting a cold and you cant get out on the bike.  I had it a few weeks ago and it took me three weeks to get going again. I take 1000mg vitamin C each morning, although i read they can give you kidney stones.  I managed another 70 mile on sunday over fivemiletown again and we have 75 planned for this week as part of our dublin cycle training.

Gerry,

Whenever youse are gathering up again this Sunday will you try and make sure that the ignorant c***ts who are going around to the gable wall and pissing against the entrance to the playschool find somewhere else to piss. The new club is a great addition to the community and it would be a pity to let a few gobshites get them a bad name.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on April 01, 2013, 11:13:06 PM
Quote from: oakleafgael on April 01, 2013, 10:54:33 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 01, 2013, 10:14:47 PM
jasus benny nothing worst than getting a cold and you cant get out on the bike.  I had it a few weeks ago and it took me three weeks to get going again. I take 1000mg vitamin C each morning, although i read they can give you kidney stones.  I managed another 70 mile on sunday over fivemiletown again and we have 75 planned for this week as part of our dublin cycle training.

Gerry,

Whenever youse are gathering up again this Sunday will you try and make sure that the ignorant c***ts who are going around to the gable wall and pissing against the entrance to the playschool find somewhere else to piss. The new club is a great addition to the community and it would be a pity to let a few gobshites get them a bad name.

Good point, well made!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 01, 2013, 11:42:05 PM
i agree there is no need for it seeing there is a toilet inside, i will mention it to the committee members this friday.  do you know was it just sunday past or has it be ongoing.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleafgael on April 02, 2013, 07:54:04 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 01, 2013, 11:42:05 PM
i agree there is no need for it seeing there is a toilet inside, i will mention it to the committee members this friday.  do you know was it just sunday past or has it be ongoing.

The good lady mentioned it to me previously and I was coming from the Derg yesterday morning and seen it for myself.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Abble on April 06, 2013, 08:03:49 PM
got my first 2013 outing on bike today, 6 miles ! I got my bike and some clothing last year but had nothing left for shoes. got the shoes sorted now and pedals, so will build up gradually to make sure that i've the shoes fitting and cleats placed ok to avoid any injury and at the same time building fitness. looking forward to a good 6 months cycling ahead and will hopefully get into a sportive somewhere along the line.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 07, 2013, 12:44:11 AM
Ok I've encouraged the boss into doing/getting the bike to work scheme (he's getting a bike for himself also!!) I'm thinking £800 for the bike. Would like some good ideas for types of bike for that price.

I wouldn't be the tallest so interested in the frame of the bike and what is best for my height. i'm past trikes ;D ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 07, 2013, 09:36:16 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 07, 2013, 12:44:11 AM
Ok I've encouraged the boss into doing/getting the bike to work scheme (he's getting a bike for himself also!!) I'm thinking £800 for the bike. Would like some good ideas for types of bike for that price.

I wouldn't be the tallest so interested in the frame of the bike and what is best for my height. i'm past trikes ;D ;D

Depends on what you want the bike for, if you want a road bike i would be considering something along the links below
Though if its for commuting or maybe going along canal towpaths or cycle trails you might want a hybrid or even a mountain bike.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-6-tiagra-compact-2013-road-bike-ec042920
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/15-c-h2-2013-road-bike-ec040343

What you could watch out for is whichever shop you are looking at see what 2012 bikes they have on sale, often there is a significant reduction. Over here the like of evans cycles wont let you have the sale price on the cycle to work scheme, but from what i hear the shops at home are easier talked to on this.

try other websites like chainreaction wiggle ribble and get an idea what you want. Height wise - you will need to tell us that vital stat for further guidance - if you are 6ft around a 56-58, if around 5ft 8 id say a 52cm however the bike shop will guide you.
If in Belfast you could try Paul Slane cycles fairly sure they do the cycle to work scheme.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 09, 2013, 08:01:06 PM
Quote from: maddog on April 07, 2013, 09:36:16 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 07, 2013, 12:44:11 AM
Ok I've encouraged the boss into doing/getting the bike to work scheme (he's getting a bike for himself also!!) I'm thinking £800 for the bike. Would like some good ideas for types of bike for that price.

I wouldn't be the tallest so interested in the frame of the bike and what is best for my height. i'm past trikes ;D ;D

Depends on what you want the bike for, if you want a road bike i would be considering something along the links below
Though if its for commuting or maybe going along canal towpaths or cycle trails you might want a hybrid or even a mountain bike.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-6-tiagra-compact-2013-road-bike-ec042920
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/15-c-h2-2013-road-bike-ec040343

What you could watch out for is whichever shop you are looking at see what 2012 bikes they have on sale, often there is a significant reduction. Over here the like of evans cycles wont let you have the sale price on the cycle to work scheme, but from what i hear the shops at home are easier talked to on this.

try other websites like chainreaction wiggle ribble and get an idea what you want. Height wise - you will need to tell us that vital stat for further guidance - if you are 6ft around a 56-58, if around 5ft 8 id say a 52cm however the bike shop will guide you.
If in Belfast you could try Paul Slane cycles fairly sure they do the cycle to work scheme.

Was in Chain Reaction earlier and was pushed along to this bike, I know they push their own type but what ya think? £850

Vitus Bikes Zenium VRS - 105 Road Bike 2013

Competion-level spec list. Wallet-friendly price. What's not to like?

The 2013 Zenium range features an all-new 6061-T6 hydroformed alloy frameset which boasts improved aesthetics and mimics our top-end carbon frames in styling and geometry.

A carbon fork with tapered alloy steerer comes as standard on all models and brings a new level of performance to the range, offering greatly improved handling and comfort.

The Zenium VRS features a components list that won't look out of place on the starting line of any midweek club race or criterium, but with compact and rider-friendly geometry it's also your ideal companion for epic weekend centuries, charity cyclosportives or year-round training.

Triple-butted 6061 aluminium frame and UD carbon fork
Our new 6061-T6 aluminium frame with custom-drawn aerospace tubing delivers a ride that is light, stiff and responsive. A UD carbon fork with tapered alloy steerer reduces road buzz and provides precise and predictable handling on all road surfaces.

Shimano 105/FSA groupset
Race ready performance is provided by Shimano's 105 5700 shifters and derailleurs. As technology advances many features trickle down from Dura Ace to 105 presenting an incredibly slick performer with improved aesthetics. The heart of the transmission is an FSA Gossamer Pro 50t x 34t compact chainset offering a club race friendly gear ratio that will be equally at home on longer weekend training rides.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 09, 2013, 08:14:45 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 09, 2013, 08:01:06 PM
Quote from: maddog on April 07, 2013, 09:36:16 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 07, 2013, 12:44:11 AM
Ok I've encouraged the boss into doing/getting the bike to work scheme (he's getting a bike for himself also!!) I'm thinking £800 for the bike. Would like some good ideas for types of bike for that price.

I wouldn't be the tallest so interested in the frame of the bike and what is best for my height. i'm past trikes ;D ;D

Depends on what you want the bike for, if you want a road bike i would be considering something along the links below
Though if its for commuting or maybe going along canal towpaths or cycle trails you might want a hybrid or even a mountain bike.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-6-tiagra-compact-2013-road-bike-ec042920
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/15-c-h2-2013-road-bike-ec040343

What you could watch out for is whichever shop you are looking at see what 2012 bikes they have on sale, often there is a significant reduction. Over here the like of evans cycles wont let you have the sale price on the cycle to work scheme, but from what i hear the shops at home are easier talked to on this.

try other websites like chainreaction wiggle ribble and get an idea what you want. Height wise - you will need to tell us that vital stat for further guidance - if you are 6ft around a 56-58, if around 5ft 8 id say a 52cm however the bike shop will guide you.
If in Belfast you could try Paul Slane cycles fairly sure they do the cycle to work scheme.

Was in Chain Reaction earlier and was pushed along to this bike, I know they push their own type but what ya think? £850

Vitus Bikes Zenium VRS - 105 Road Bike 2013

Competion-level spec list. Wallet-friendly price. What's not to like?

The 2013 Zenium range features an all-new 6061-T6 hydroformed alloy frameset which boasts improved aesthetics and mimics our top-end carbon frames in styling and geometry.

A carbon fork with tapered alloy steerer comes as standard on all models and brings a new level of performance to the range, offering greatly improved handling and comfort.

The Zenium VRS features a components list that won't look out of place on the starting line of any midweek club race or criterium, but with compact and rider-friendly geometry it's also your ideal companion for epic weekend centuries, charity cyclosportives or year-round training.

Triple-butted 6061 aluminium frame and UD carbon fork
Our new 6061-T6 aluminium frame with custom-drawn aerospace tubing delivers a ride that is light, stiff and responsive. A UD carbon fork with tapered alloy steerer reduces road buzz and provides precise and predictable handling on all road surfaces.

Shimano 105/FSA groupset
Race ready performance is provided by Shimano's 105 5700 shifters and derailleurs. As technology advances many features trickle down from Dura Ace to 105 presenting an incredibly slick performer with improved aesthetics. The heart of the transmission is an FSA Gossamer Pro 50t x 34t compact chainset offering a club race friendly gear ratio that will be equally at home on longer weekend training rides.

Looks a cracking bike for the money.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 09, 2013, 08:24:18 PM
well I'm looking to pay £40 or £50 quid a month out of my wages for it. A 54 frame bike.

•   Frame: Custom Hydro-formed 6061-T6 Alloy
•   Frame Certification: CE EN14781
•   Forks: High-modulus T700 HM-UD carbon with tapered alloy steerer
•   Headset: FSA Orbit C-40-ACB
•   Handlebars: FSA Wing Compact
•   Stem: FSA Gossamer OS-152
•   Handlebar Tape: Cork Cushion
•   Chainset: FSA Gossamer Pro Compact, 50t x 34t
•   Chain: Shimano Tiagra 4601, 10-Speed
•   Cassette: Shimano Tiagra 4600, 12t-25t, 10-Speed
•   Shifters: Shimano 105 5700
•   Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 5701
•   Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 5700
•   Brakes: FSA Gossamer
•   Saddle: Vitus
•   Seatpost: FSA SL-280
•   Tyres: Schwalbe Lugano PP, 700x23c
•   Wheelset: Shimano R501
•   Weight: 9kg (54cm)

Though I looked at this one and the price was down from £950 to £630

BeOne Storm Race Road Bike Specifications:

•   Frame: Compact AL7005-T6
•   Fork: Carbon, w/alloy steerer
•   Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
•   Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
•   Shifters: Shimano Tiagra
•   Brake levers: Shimano Tiagra
•   Brakes: Shimano Tiagra
•   Crankset: Shimano Tiagra (50-39-30T)
•   Handlebar: Kalloy
•   Stem: Kalloy
•   Seatpost: Kalloy
•   Saddle: Selle Royal Seta
•   Hubs: Shimano R501
•   Rims: Shimano R501
•   Chain: Shimano 105
•   Cassette: Shimano Tiagra (12 - 30T)
•   Tires: Schwalbe Lugano
•   Weight: 9.7 kg
   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 09, 2013, 09:05:29 PM
Vitus is far better value.

Take a look the Ribble bikebuilder on their website. If you know what you are looking for you can get a great value bike, Carbon or Alloy bike, full Carbon bike with Sora groupset for £800. Clinker Alloy bike the Sportive 7046, not cheapest tho.

Mekk bikes also worth checking out, huge discounts on them at the minute.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 09, 2013, 09:12:08 PM
Mekk full carbon with a 105/Tiagra mix available on wiggle for £840. (cant c&p as i'm footering on phone)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 09, 2013, 09:17:22 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 09, 2013, 09:12:08 PM
Mekk full carbon with a 105/Tiagra mix available on wiggle for £840. (cant c&p as i'm footering on phone)

Grand will give that a look, looking forward to seeing the difference to what I've been used to.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on April 09, 2013, 10:38:51 PM
Lads, I haven't been on a bike for about 10 years but have been approached about a couple of charity cycles, each around 80 miles, at the end of the summer.
Not sure I want to get into spending big money as don't think I would keep the cycling up afterwards. I am reading here about boys spending £800-£1200 on bikes. Is there any point in me going out and buying a basic racer at about £200 or am I just wasting my money?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 10, 2013, 02:36:38 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on April 09, 2013, 10:38:51 PM
Lads, I haven't been on a bike for about 10 years but have been approached about a couple of charity cycles, each around 80 miles, at the end of the summer.
Not sure I want to get into spending big money as don't think I would keep the cycling up afterwards. I am reading here about boys spending £800-£1200 on bikes. Is there any point in me going out and buying a basic racer at about £200 or am I just wasting my money?

Leo I'd be a novice at cycling, wouldn't have done more than 20 odd mile and still haven't but would go out and do short distances, I've a decent mountain bike alloy frame, light but leading up to a tri event in September last year I went out with a mate on the road and he'd a "proper" road bike, I'd say for my age I'm reasonably fit but he blow me away couldn't keep up with him and I was giving it the welly the whole time, in the best gear for the lay of the road.

If I were thinking of doing a 80 miler I'd never do it on a basic racer, If you have a friend that has a racing bike I'd use it just for the longer races
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 10, 2013, 03:38:34 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on April 09, 2013, 10:38:51 PM
Lads, I haven't been on a bike for about 10 years but have been approached about a couple of charity cycles, each around 80 miles, at the end of the summer.
Not sure I want to get into spending big money as don't think I would keep the cycling up afterwards. I am reading here about boys spending £800-£1200 on bikes. Is there any point in me going out and buying a basic racer at about £200 or am I just wasting my money?

For about £300-£350 you would be able to pick up a 2nd hand one that would do for what you want it for. There are loads of them out there, i picked up a bianchi bike for a mate a few weeks back £350, alu frame with carbon fork, full shimano ultegra throughout in mint condition as the guy had "upgraded" on the cycle to work scheme.
You would be far better to do this than spend the same amount on a new more basic bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on April 15, 2013, 10:07:45 AM
Joe Brolly's Life Cycle - you can register now

http://makelifeyourlegacy.com/ (http://makelifeyourlegacy.com/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerrykeegan on April 18, 2013, 11:29:35 AM
Lads, just picket up a 26 x 1.75 tyre  in Lidl this morning. The size on my bike tyre says 26 x 1.60

Will I be ok?

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 18, 2013, 12:12:57 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on April 18, 2013, 11:29:35 AM
Lads, just picket up a 26 x 1.75 tyre  in Lidl this morning. The size on my bike tyre says 26 x 1.60

Will I be ok?

Should be fine
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 18, 2013, 12:20:02 PM
I going to pop in to see if the chain cleaner they have advertised is any good as it looks a bargain for under a fiver
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerrykeegan on April 18, 2013, 12:44:03 PM
Quote from: maddog on April 18, 2013, 12:12:57 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on April 18, 2013, 11:29:35 AM
Lads, just picket up a 26 x 1.75 tyre  in Lidl this morning. The size on my bike tyre says 26 x 1.60

Will I be ok?

Should be fine

Thanks MD
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerrykeegan on April 18, 2013, 12:45:51 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 18, 2013, 12:20:02 PM
I going to pop in to see if the chain cleaner they have advertised is any good as it looks a bargain for under a fiver

I got the Chain cleaning kit looks grand. the tyre and tube for €14! Cant be bad
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 18, 2013, 12:49:14 PM
Nothing worst than arriving for a cycle and your chain is bogging and everyone else chain looks like than it was just bought.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerrykeegan on April 18, 2013, 12:58:29 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 18, 2013, 12:49:14 PM
Nothing worst than arriving for a cycle and your chain is bogging and everyone else chain looks like than it was just bought.

I have my bike six years (cycle to work most days, winter and summer) the chain got its first clean and oil about a month ago!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on April 18, 2013, 01:29:33 PM
Thanks to those last two posts, I now realise that Gerry and GerryKeegan are two different people.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on April 18, 2013, 01:37:11 PM
Quote from: Orior on April 18, 2013, 01:29:33 PM
Thanks to those last two posts, I now realise that Gerry and GerryKeegan are two different people.

:D :D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerrykeegan on April 18, 2013, 01:55:39 PM
Quote from: Orior on April 18, 2013, 01:29:33 PM
Thanks to those last two posts, I now realise that Gerry and GerryKeegan are two different people.

Are you sure?

I could just be chatting to myself!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 18, 2013, 02:59:40 PM
Quote from: Orior on April 18, 2013, 01:29:33 PM
Thanks to those last two posts, I now realise that Gerry and GerryKeegan are two different people.

Neither of which you would want to assist putting their chain back on.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 18, 2013, 07:12:26 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 18, 2013, 12:49:14 PM
Nothing worst than arriving for a cycle and your chain is bogging and everyone else chain looks like than it was just bought.
I spray my chain with WD40, give it a wipe with a babywipe & then lube it again, shifts some dung of the chain & a lot less footery.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 18, 2013, 11:41:05 PM
for £4 a bargain


(http://www.lidl-ni.co.uk/static_content/lidl_ie/images/IE/IE_85818wk1613NI_01_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 19, 2013, 02:22:56 PM
Anyone doing any races?
Had the first Mayo cycling race there a week ago, my first race, some speed. One bad crash with a dislocated shoulder and a busted eye. Must say I really enjoyed it.

Back out this Wednesday for the second one and Tuesday for the Connacht TT league, can't wait.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 20, 2013, 11:00:32 PM
Fair play to you for racing, I am the wrong side of forty to start it now.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 21, 2013, 04:13:19 PM
Dan Martin wins Leige-Bastonne-Leige. A huge victory in the final Classic of the season. Rode a superb tactical race. After his Tour of Catyluna win  the world's his oyster.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 21, 2013, 08:59:17 PM
great ride by dan today, he is looking good for the tours.  nico over 4 minutes down and contador fell back big style after showing good at the start, andy done well to finish this one
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on April 22, 2013, 12:08:05 AM
Dan Martin emulates Seán Kelly with Belgian win

Ireland's Dan Martin of the Garmin-Sharp team won the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Classic on Sunday. Spain's Joaquim Rodríguez was second in the 261.5km hilly one-day race, with Spain's Alejandro Valverde in third.

After a late attack by Rodríguez on the final ascent, Martin caught the Spaniard then broke away with 400 metres to go for a lone win. Martin is the second Irishman, after Seán Kelly, in 1984 and 1989, to win the race.

The first breakaway came when Lotto Belisol's Bart De Clercq opened up a lead of 14 minutes alongside Vincent Jérôme (Europcar), Jonathan Fumeaux and Pirmin Lang (both IAM Cycling), Frederik Veuchelen (Vacansoleil-DCM) and Sander Armée (Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator). However, after the group hit the climbs towards the end of the race, they were hauled back with just under 40km to go.

A succession of riders attempted to break clear with Garmin Sharp's Ryder Hesjedal gaining a 20-second lead at one point, but the peloton kept hauling any lone riders back in.

Rodríguez made his charge when a kilometre out but Martin went with him and used his fresher legs to attack when 400 metres out to claim his first major one-day victory.

The win bridges a 21-year gap to the last Irish classic triumph of Kelly in San Remo in 1992.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/dan-martin-emulates-se%C3%A1n-kelly-with-belgian-win-1.1367553
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on April 22, 2013, 09:34:43 AM
Quote from: maddog on April 10, 2013, 03:38:34 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on April 09, 2013, 10:38:51 PM
Lads, I haven't been on a bike for about 10 years but have been approached about a couple of charity cycles, each around 80 miles, at the end of the summer.
Not sure I want to get into spending big money as don't think I would keep the cycling up afterwards. I am reading here about boys spending £800-£1200 on bikes. Is there any point in me going out and buying a basic racer at about £200 or am I just wasting my money?

For about £300-£350 you would be able to pick up a 2nd hand one that would do for what you want it for. There are loads of them out there, i picked up a bianchi bike for a mate a few weeks back £350, alu frame with carbon fork, full shimano ultegra throughout in mint condition as the guy had "upgraded" on the cycle to work scheme.
You would be far better to do this than spend the same amount on a new more basic bike.

Cheers MD (and MR2).
As a quick education in what to look out for. i.e. what is the difference between what I get for

£1000: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_789235_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

£500: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_810601_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

£200: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_912087_langId_-1_categoryId_165710
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 22, 2013, 01:46:45 PM
On a sliding scale the less money you spend the poorer quality your bike will be:

Frame quality & weight, goes up from Steel, Alu, to Carbon. Cheapest are steel, mid range Alu.

Groupset / Gearing, Shimano's goes from 2300, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace. Your cheapest is below 2300, so it'll not be smooth & have fewer gears.

Wheels:  Heavier & poorer performing the cheaper they are.

Tyres: Same, as you pay more they become better performing, cheap tyres can be  durable but awful performance wise.

In my own experience a shite bike might put you off altogether, comfort is the most important thing imo, if you're not comfortable you're screwed, so sizing is vital, frame geometries vary with bikes too, some with a more race minded design others with a relaxed set up. Trek have the simplest system, H1, H2 & H3 designs racey to relaxed/sportive.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on April 22, 2013, 02:21:57 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 22, 2013, 01:46:45 PM
On a sliding scale the less money you spend the poorer quality your bike will be:

Frame quality & weight, goes up from Steel, Alu, to Carbon. Cheapest are steel, mid range Alu.

Groupset / Gearing, Shimano's goes from 2300, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace. Your cheapest is below 2300, so it'll not be smooth & have fewer gears.

Wheels:  Heavier & poorer performing the cheaper they are.

Tyres: Same, as you pay more they become better performing, cheap tyres can be  durable but awful performance wise.

In my own experience a shite bike might put you off altogether, comfort is the most important thing imo, if you're not comfortable you're screwed, so sizing is vital, frame geometries vary with bikes too, some with a more race minded design others with a relaxed set up. Trek have the simplest system, H1, H2 & H3 designs racey to relaxed/sportive.

Cheers Benny, a lot of common sense in what you say re comfort, performance and weight (wheels & frame) but the bit about gears is double dutch to me. I need it broken down further.

Are 2300, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace brand names for the different levels of Shimano gear sets?
Are Shimano the bench mark for gear sets?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 22, 2013, 02:56:35 PM
They are, in theory Dura Ace is the lightest & best performing Shimano groupset. Sram & Campagnolo are other brands, Shimano is the most popular on these shores.

On a progressing scale of expense & performance Sram has, Apex, Rival, Force & Red

Campagnolo has Xenon, Veloce, Centaur, Athena, Record & Super Record.

Each has Electronic options at the top ends.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 07, 2013, 12:10:56 AM
Done this on Sunday,  Map my ride (http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/273185968)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/945819_167934840035415_283047757_n.jpg)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 07, 2013, 01:25:15 AM
Good stuff. Anyone doing the maracycle at the end of June? Signing up for it myself. Never did that sort of distance before but I'll give it a go!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 08, 2013, 11:24:53 PM
Early days in the Giro but think Cadel Evans is looking well up for it, backed him there EW at 14/1. Wiggins losing time in lost bonuses & getting caught in crashes, TT on Saturday will tell a tale, but Wiggins still Evens fav. I'd lay him all day on Betfair.

Pan flat 2moro, Cavendish odds on for the stage, backed Roberto Ferrari @ 33's for an intetest - took a stage last year taking Cav out by the root in the process.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 08, 2013, 11:54:04 PM
I did the Portadown towpath to Newry and back last weekend. My only issue was a lack of useful cycling signposts once you get in to Newry - I would have liked to go on out the Omeath road
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 09, 2013, 11:01:43 AM
Great to see new teams attacking each day, makes a change from a sky leadout.  Cav didn't look great on the hills yesterday and probably gave up and saved his energy until today.  The TT will sort out the GC cyclists this weekend.  Its a pity dan or nico not in it to give us somebody to shout for.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 11, 2013, 03:32:48 PM
Wiggins is having some shocking bad luck in the Giro. Crashes & yesterdays spill, Puncture & bike change knobbles his TT hopes today and hampers his expected GC recovery.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 12, 2013, 09:46:45 PM
Wiggins was lucky not to have dropped more time today, his confidence in descending in the rain seems to have  gone
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on May 13, 2013, 12:04:45 AM
Quote from: Orior on April 15, 2013, 10:07:45 AM
Joe Brolly's Life Cycle - you can register now

http://makelifeyourlegacy.com/ (http://makelifeyourlegacy.com/)
Anyone else on here doing this? Might do the short one - I've managed to get the bike out of the garage for the first time this weekend for two fairly short spins (wind was savage tonight!) so not ready to push the distance just yet.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 13, 2013, 07:59:18 PM
Quote(wind was savage tonight!)

i never seen a year as much wind between the rain and the wind yesterday it was tough going.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 13, 2013, 08:27:09 PM
Quote from: gerry on May 13, 2013, 07:59:18 PM
Quote(wind was savage tonight!)

i never seen a year as much wind between the rain and the wind yesterday it was tough going.

Indeed. That is why my bike stayed in the garage yesterday and I went for a jog in the rain.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 13, 2013, 11:41:12 PM
Went round the lough on sunday. 82 mile in serious wind and rain! Tough going.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 13, 2013, 11:51:28 PM
that was some ride jim, i would say that it was windy coming of the lough.

a good ride by philip deignan in the tour of california tonight in serious heat
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 14, 2013, 12:05:41 AM
Quote from: gerry on May 13, 2013, 11:51:28 PM
that was some ride jim, i would say that it was windy coming of the lough.

a good ride by philip deignan in the tour of california tonight in serious heat

Didnt seem to end, was especially tough from randalstown - ballyronan. Tail wind for about 10 mile coming into portadown and then it started up again. Completed in around 5hrs 15mins. Good to get that one in the tank though. Have the Maracycle coming up at the end of June. Need to get a couple more long rides in before then. Met a fella from Triangle Tri club who was just about to head off for the Lanzarote Ironman!! One day  ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 14, 2013, 11:12:26 PM
anyone see this today in the giro

(http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/770189103.gif?1368549430)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 14, 2013, 11:28:38 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 18, 2013, 12:49:14 PM
Nothing worst than arriving for a cycle and your chain is bogging and everyone else chain looks like than it was just bought.

Ah I reckon there are worse things in life that could happen. !
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Abble on May 15, 2013, 09:45:58 PM
Giro D'Italia ----- I've a bet waiting on Nibali, as part of an accum from the weekend. I'm thinking should i attempt to cover my stake by getting on Cadel Evans now also. Does anyone outside of these two now have a realistic chance of winning it or is it still too early to say ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 15, 2013, 10:07:04 PM
Quote from: gerry on May 14, 2013, 11:12:26 PM
anyone see this today in the giro

(http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/770189103.gif?1368549430)

Brilliant. Why do I love watching other people fall over?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 15, 2013, 11:33:47 PM
Went out tonight and did 20 miles in 1.21 mins, fairly flat and ran into a hail stone shower that last 3 miles with a strong wind FFS!!

Haven't got a decent bike, it's an aluminium frame, straight handlebars. Looking to get a new bike soon fairly high spec in the £850 range, would I be taking much time off that on the new bike?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mikhail Prokhorov on May 15, 2013, 11:37:56 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 15, 2013, 11:33:47 PM
Went out tonight and did 20 miles in 1.21 mins, fairly flat and ran into a hail stone shower that last 3 miles with a strong wind FFS!!

Haven't got a decent bike, it's an aluminium frame, straight handlebars. Looking to get a new bike soon fairly high spec in the £850 range, would I be taking much time off that on the new bike?

yeah with a decent bike you should be able to go under a minute no problem  ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 15, 2013, 11:40:27 PM
A minute in the right direction ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 16, 2013, 12:16:04 AM
Sylvain Georges, who rides for the ag2r failed a drug test in the giro, 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 16, 2013, 04:05:35 PM
Cycling experts.
Would something like this be good for a road bike?

http://eurocycles.com/ie/product/eurotrek/tdf-road-bike#reviews

I mentioned before I bought a cheapo bike in Halfords but it is only fit for the knackers yard now.
Was gonna buy a hybrid but have not bought anything yet.
Don't want to spend too much as I could easily give it up after a few weeks though I hope to stick at it this time around.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on May 16, 2013, 06:22:16 PM
Looking for some advice as well. Anyone got an opinion on Boardman bikes? Specifically looking at this one:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_165710#tab3

Buying through a cycle to work scheme so unfortunately limited to Halfords!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 16, 2013, 10:02:10 PM
Couldn't go wrong with that Maguire.

Laoislad, alrite for the money, but as maddog or someone has alluded to before, there's far better value to be had in the used bike market. You could pay the same money for a year old bike with vastly superior components.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on May 18, 2013, 05:52:19 PM
Did the Life Cycle today - went for the longer spin in the end, 83km. Brutal weather in the second half - blinded by the rain. Peter Robinson did it too - not sure if he did the shorter or longer one. Spotted a few Armagh GAA men - Stevie McDonnell and John and Tony McEntee. Good turnout overall.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 18, 2013, 06:59:53 PM
The cycling top they produced looks well, is it on general sale do u know or was it just for participants? Would invest.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on May 18, 2013, 07:46:09 PM
Think it's available from the website.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 18, 2013, 08:34:53 PM
Tis alrite, no sizing guide, anyone buy one able to give any indication? L or XL normally & cycling gear sizes can be all over the shop.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 23, 2013, 12:08:40 PM
Still looking round at Bikes ot get myself started. I think I have worked out what I need and have narrowing it down to a couple of bikes within my price range. Both are designed as endurance bikes and have carbon forks and both have the same Shimano Sora gear sets but there is still a bit of a price difference. Doent know if it is dowen to the shops involved or the build quality of the bike but does anyone have any thoughts about the quality of Giant (Defy 3) v Specialized (Allez Sport)?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 23, 2013, 04:02:40 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 23, 2013, 12:08:40 PM
Still looking round at Bikes ot get myself started. I think I have worked out what I need and have narrowing it down to a couple of bikes within my price range. Both are designed as endurance bikes and have carbon forks and both have the same Shimano Sora gear sets but there is still a bit of a price difference. Doent know if it is dowen to the shops involved or the build quality of the bike but does anyone have any thoughts about the quality of Giant (Defy 3) v Specialized (Allez Sport)?

Wouldn't be anything in them i would guess other than the brand name on them, alu frames with Sora components. Dont get too hung up on whether one component is slight lighter than another (sora v tiagra v ultegra etc) If you get either bike you should be a long time before worrying about upgrading. Either should be an excellent bike for someone starting out. Take the plunge and good luck with it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 23, 2013, 05:23:45 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 23, 2013, 04:02:40 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 23, 2013, 12:08:40 PM
Still looking round at Bikes ot get myself started. I think I have worked out what I need and have narrowing it down to a couple of bikes within my price range. Both are designed as endurance bikes and have carbon forks and both have the same Shimano Sora gear sets but there is still a bit of a price difference. Doent know if it is dowen to the shops involved or the build quality of the bike but does anyone have any thoughts about the quality of Giant (Defy 3) v Specialized (Allez Sport)?

Wouldn't be anything in them i would guess other than the brand name on them, alu frames with Sora components. Dont get too hung up on whether one component is slight lighter than another (sora v tiagra v ultegra etc) If you get either bike you should be a long time before worrying about upgrading. Either should be an excellent bike for someone starting out. Take the plunge and good luck with it.

Cheers, the main things I was looking for were comfort, carbon forks (reduced road vibrration!) and puncture resistant tyres. After that I wasn't to hung up. My thinking is a heavier bike the more benefit I will get from it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 23, 2013, 08:09:18 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 18, 2013, 08:34:53 PM
Tis alrite, no sizing guide, anyone buy one able to give any indication? L or XL normally & cycling gear sizes can be all over the shop.

I've gone for L.

It had better fit or there'll be hell to pay.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 23, 2013, 08:32:48 PM
I bought one tonite myself, an L, last time i saw you i thought i was a bigger  L than you, which has me worried a bit now  :P
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 23, 2013, 08:42:23 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 23, 2013, 08:32:48 PM
I bought one tonite myself, an L, last time i saw you i thought i was a bigger  L than you, which has me worried a bit now  :P

Worry about it when you think you are being sponsored by castlemaine
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 25, 2013, 08:47:51 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 08, 2013, 11:24:53 PM
Early days in the Giro but think Cadel Evans is looking well up for it, backed him there EW at 14/1. Wiggins losing time in lost bonuses & getting caught in crashes, TT on Saturday will tell a tale, but Wiggins still Evens fav. I'd lay him all day on Betfair.

Pan flat 2moro, Cavendish odds on for the stage, backed Roberto Ferrari @ 33's for an intetest - took a stage last year taking Cav out by the root in the process.
Cadel slips to third, but he'll be delighted with his Giro i'd imagine, he's got some real form to build on for Le Tour.

Doing the Sperrin Sportive 2moro, lumpy looking profile.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RealSpiritof98 on May 25, 2013, 09:16:32 PM
Was at Armagh Boot sale this morning and seen this great sign. Some great Bicks for you cycling lads


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BLID9W7CUAAxeJD.jpg:large)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 25, 2013, 09:20:26 PM
i am surprised with cadel performance so far it just goes to show the old man is not done yet.  i seen a video of yesterdays cancelled stage and the snow was piling down so they had no other choice but to cancel it.  this tour makes the tdf look like a sunday spin.


i am doing 100 miler tomorrow so the panic is on to get back to omagh to see the tyrone match, so hopefully there is not much half turns being shouted
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 29, 2013, 05:28:38 PM
Quote from: Orior on May 23, 2013, 08:09:18 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 18, 2013, 08:34:53 PM
Tis alrite, no sizing guide, anyone buy one able to give any indication? L or XL normally & cycling gear sizes can be all over the shop.

I've gone for L.

It had better fit or there'll be hell to pay.
Any sign of ur top? I ordered last Thursday & no sign, £4.95 for p&p i'd expect mucho better :-\
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on May 30, 2013, 08:41:39 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 23, 2013, 12:08:40 PM
Still looking round at Bikes ot get myself started. I think I have worked out what I need and have narrowing it down to a couple of bikes within my price range. Both are designed as endurance bikes and have carbon forks and both have the same Shimano Sora gear sets but there is still a bit of a price difference. Doent know if it is dowen to the shops involved or the build quality of the bike but does anyone have any thoughts about the quality of Giant (Defy 3) v Specialized (Allez Sport)?

Thinking of a bike myself, but haven't the foggiest about frame sizes I should be looking at. I'm 6', inside leg of 32" and dress to the left, what sort of frames should I be looking at as it'll probably be a gumtree special I'd go for?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 31, 2013, 04:24:43 PM
Looks like the issue of who will lead sky in the Tour de France has been settled. Wiggins out.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on June 02, 2013, 10:25:33 PM
Bought this yesterday.
(http://washford.scene7.com/is/image/Washford/266325?$PDP_MAIN$)

Got some great reviews on bikeradar.com and other sites I checked and Halfords are having a bank holiday sale this weekend so got it for €435.
Not a top of the range bike I know but I didn't want to spend a fortune on something that will probably spend the winter in the shed!
Took it for a quick 20km spin this evening and I can't get over how nicer it is to ride than the last bike I had which was a mountain bike.
Very happy with it.I have a bit of a sore hole after it though,the seat isn't as soft as the last bike!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on June 02, 2013, 10:38:27 PM
Get the pants with the padding on it, it will be grand
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 03, 2013, 07:18:46 PM
Anyone doing the Wicklow 200 on Sunday? Giving it another go but i've only about 1/4 of the training i had done this time last year as i'd an awful run of luck with illness this winter & spring.

Still no sign of the Optforlife cycle top either, ordered 11 days ago :-[
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 03, 2013, 07:24:34 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 02, 2013, 10:25:33 PM
Bought this yesterday.
(http://washford.scene7.com/is/image/Washford/266325?$PDP_MAIN$)

Got some great reviews on bikeradar.com and other sites I checked and Halfords are having a bank holiday sale this weekend so got it for €435.
Not a top of the range bike I know but I didn't want to spend a fortune on something that will probably spend the winter in the shed!
Took it for a quick 20km spin this evening and I can't get over how nicer it is to ride than the last bike I had which was a mountain bike.
Very happy with it.I have a bit of a sore hole after it though,the seat isn't as soft as the last bike!

Great wee bike and a big change from the mountain bike for you.   Just need to get the miles done now
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 03, 2013, 08:15:50 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 03, 2013, 07:18:46 PM
Anyone doing the Wicklow 200 on Sunday? Giving it another go but i've only about 1/4 of the training i had done this time last year as i'd an awful run of luck with illness this winter & spring.

Still no sign of the Optforlife cycle top either, ordered 11 days ago :-[

I had planned to do it and the burren this year but saving my money for France.  You could be out a fortune with this cycling craic with the amount of charity cycles that are on.

Hopefully ur run of bad luck is over benny, nothing worst than seeing ones out on the bike and yours is stuck in the shed
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 03, 2013, 08:19:57 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 03, 2013, 07:18:46 PM
Anyone doing the Wicklow 200 on Sunday? Giving it another go but i've only about 1/4 of the training i had done this time last year as i'd an awful run of luck with illness this winter & spring.

Still no sign of the Optforlife cycle top either, ordered 11 days ago :-[

Ditto
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 03, 2013, 08:21:20 PM
anyone that watch the giro will not be suprised to know that a second vinti fantini cyclist failed a drug test today. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 04, 2013, 01:18:31 PM
Optforlife top arrived, L aint very L   :'(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 05, 2013, 11:10:00 PM
alberto had a bad day at the office today and with tomorrows climbs to come he needs  to pull something out of the bag
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 07, 2013, 12:15:33 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 04, 2013, 01:18:31 PM
Optforlife top arrived, L aint very L   :'(

Mine arrived today too. Large is a good fit for me
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 10, 2013, 10:48:38 AM
Wicklow was spectacular yesterday, beautiful conditions, be a long time before it's done again in those conditions. 126miles of enjoyable torture, near 7,500ft of climbing.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 10, 2013, 05:36:40 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2013, 10:48:38 AM
Wicklow was spectacular yesterday, beautiful conditions, be a long time before it's done again in those conditions. 126miles of enjoyable torture, near 7,500ft of climbing.

That's sum going! Serious amount of climbing in that. How long did it take you?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 10, 2013, 05:49:02 PM
All day, a days work. 8 & 3/4 hours actual riding time, we cruised round at our leisure. I was reading the cycling boards beforehand and fellas planning to refuel on the bike & not take breaks - now that is maddness, cant see were the enjoyment is in that, especially on such a beautiful day. Some serious hotties about yesterday too
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Count 10 on June 10, 2013, 07:37:34 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2013, 05:49:02 PM
All day, a days work. 8 & 3/4 hours actual riding time, we cruised round at our leisure. I was reading the cycling boards beforehand and fellas planning to refuel on the bike & not take breaks - now that is maddness, cant see were the enjoyment is in that, especially on such a beautiful day. Some serious hotties about yesterday too

we thought you had the pump shoved down your lycra ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 10, 2013, 11:18:16 PM
well done benny, some climbing.  a great day for the tan lines
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Denn Forever on June 19, 2013, 08:36:50 PM
Programme on 5Live at the minute on 100 years of the Toure de France.  I assume it will be available as a podcast.  Very interesting.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mickey Linden on June 19, 2013, 10:44:39 PM
Anyone ever left their bike in to get serviced? Where's best place to get this done? Mine is not an expensive bike so wouldn't want to spend too much on it to be honest. How much would a service usually cost?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 20, 2013, 01:29:11 PM
If you are on O2 and sign up to O2 moments you can get a free service with halfords until the end of June.  They check and adjust brakes and gears.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on June 20, 2013, 03:38:22 PM
Quote from: gerry on June 20, 2013, 01:29:11 PM
If you are on O2 and sign up to O2 moments you can get a free service with halfords until the end of June.  They check and adjust brakes and gears.
They wouldnt come highly recommended, I'd go to a local independent who's more protective of their reputation. No more 25quid should cover it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RealSpiritof98 on June 20, 2013, 04:22:34 PM
Cookson on a twitter Q&A as he running for UCI pres and Armatrong comes in with this

QuoteQuestion for @cooksonforuci - any plans to convene a Truth and Rec Commission  to FULLY understand the mistakes of previous

Would be interested to see if Armstrong fully participated in such an event
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 20, 2013, 08:32:00 PM
A service can vary wildly depending on the state of ur bike, if u need new cables, chain, cassette or brakepads ur £50+ straight away. I've yet to see a £25 service, but i wouldn't leave a bike into a shop for minor stuff. Halfords can be very hit & miss with servicing, not even sure they put their bike mechanics through the Cytec qualification.

If you know a regular (amenable) cyclist with 10/15 years experience they'll likely be well fit to service a bike for you.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on June 20, 2013, 09:51:10 PM
Quote from: Last Man on June 20, 2013, 03:38:22 PM
Quote from: gerry on June 20, 2013, 01:29:11 PM
If you are on O2 and sign up to O2 moments you can get a free service with halfords until the end of June.  They check and adjust brakes and gears.
They wouldnt come highly recommended, I'd go to a local independent who's more protective of their reputation. No more 25quid should cover it.
I wouldn't use Halfords for a service either - and I have the O2 offer.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 20, 2013, 10:48:47 PM
Cycleology in Armagh are apparently decent and not expensive.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Nally Stand on June 21, 2013, 12:13:35 AM
Whats the best option for buying a bike lads, in around £300-£400 range...a new bike or a higher spec but second hand bike? Any good sites online for second hand ones? Thanks!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Count 10 on June 21, 2013, 06:12:07 AM
If it is a road bike you are after you can pick up a decent new one at Halfords....the Carrera Virtuoso is a great bike for the money

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/categorydisplay_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_165710_langId_-1?cm_re=Category+Pages-_-Under+the+fold-_-road

gumtree you may get a better second hand one but make sure you have the right frame size etc when buying.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on June 21, 2013, 08:41:02 AM
Quote from: Count 10 on June 21, 2013, 06:12:07 AM
If it is a road bike you are after you can pick up a decent new one at Halfords....the Carrera Virtuoso is a great bike for the money

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/categorydisplay_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_165710_langId_-1?cm_re=Category+Pages-_-Under+the+fold-_-road

gumtree you may get a better second hand one but make sure you have the right frame size etc when buying.

Bought this a few weeks ago. Great bike.
Doing between 10-15 miles a night since I got it. Was 13 stone 9 when I started and am now down to 12 stone 8.

Feeling great.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Nally Stand on June 21, 2013, 09:26:36 AM
Have been looking at that one alright. Is there much difference in having carbon forks or not?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: take_yer_points on June 21, 2013, 02:30:01 PM
Quote from: Mickey Linden on June 19, 2013, 10:44:39 PM
Anyone ever left their bike in to get serviced? Where's best place to get this done? Mine is not an expensive bike so wouldn't want to spend too much on it to be honest. How much would a service usually cost?

A few years back there was a fella in Belfast (Lawrence Street, off University Street) who taught you how to service your bike. You could book a Saturday morning and he'd show you how to do it but you would do all the work. I'm not sure of the price or if he's still there but always thought that was a great idea
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Tried the clip on shoes for the bike there today, fell off twice in the garden trying to get the f**kers off!!!! A bloody nuisance was able to clip them off but fall off on the other side lol!! I've a race on Saturday but will use the cages instead until I become more competent!!

Any best tips to fixing such problems?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: el_cuervo_fc on July 09, 2013, 11:00:53 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Tried the clip on shoes for the bike there today, fell off twice in the garden trying to get the f**kers off!!!! A bloody nuisance was able to clip them off but fall off on the other side lol!! I've a race on Saturday but will use the cages instead until I become more competent!!

Any best tips to fixing such problems?

It's easier to practice using them on the road. The garden doesn't give you much time to twist your foot. Unless you practice by holding onto the wall and twisting your outside foot.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2013, 11:54:18 PM
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on July 09, 2013, 11:00:53 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Tried the clip on shoes for the bike there today, fell off twice in the garden trying to get the f**kers off!!!! A bloody nuisance was able to clip them off but fall off on the other side lol!! I've a race on Saturday but will use the cages instead until I become more competent!!

Any best tips to fixing such problems?

It's easier to practice using them on the road. The garden doesn't give you much time to twist your foot. Unless you practice by holding onto the wall and twisting your outside foot.

The road is harder to fall on!! But you're right will give it a bash next week, kids were laughing as I just fell over, here in doors was loving it!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 10, 2013, 10:57:59 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Tried the clip on shoes for the bike there today, fell off twice in the garden trying to get the f**kers off!!!! A bloody nuisance was able to clip them off but fall off on the other side lol!! I've a race on Saturday but will use the cages instead until I become more competent!!

Any best tips to fixing such problems?

What pedals are you using ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 10, 2013, 11:17:32 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 10:57:59 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Tried the clip on shoes for the bike there today, fell off twice in the garden trying to get the f**kers off!!!! A bloody nuisance was able to clip them off but fall off on the other side lol!! I've a race on Saturday but will use the cages instead until I become more competent!!

Any best tips to fixing such problems?

What pedals are you using ?

Ones for a Specialized bike
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 10, 2013, 11:24:11 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 10, 2013, 11:17:32 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 10:57:59 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Tried the clip on shoes for the bike there today, fell off twice in the garden trying to get the f**kers off!!!! A bloody nuisance was able to clip them off but fall off on the other side lol!! I've a race on Saturday but will use the cages instead until I become more competent!!

Any best tips to fixing such problems?

What pedals are you using ?

Ones for a Specialized bike


Im assuming they are clip in and not the old style toe clips, if they are you should be able to adjust the tension somewhere on the pedal so that your feet are not too hard to get out. When you are more confident you can tighten it up so that your feet are more solidly locked in to the pedal.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 10, 2013, 11:47:14 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 11:24:11 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 10, 2013, 11:17:32 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 10:57:59 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Tried the clip on shoes for the bike there today, fell off twice in the garden trying to get the f**kers off!!!! A bloody nuisance was able to clip them off but fall off on the other side lol!! I've a race on Saturday but will use the cages instead until I become more competent!!

Any best tips to fixing such problems?

What pedals are you using ?

Ones for a Specialized bike


Im assuming they are clip in and not the old style toe clips, if they are you should be able to adjust the tension somewhere on the pedal so that your feet are not too hard to get out. When you are more confident you can tighten it up so that your feet are more solidly locked in to the pedal.

Cheers will give that a bash when I get back from triathlon on Saturday, big difference in it I'd say (speed/effort) than ordinary pedals
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 10, 2013, 12:37:56 PM
I've always used the old style toe clips, and touch wood I've never had a problem.

I dont fancy the twist ones - it means having to buy expensive shoes. Are they much better?


Also, after about 30-35 mile last Sunday my energy levels plummeted. I was drinking lucozade sport cherry flavour. Should I also be taking a banana or chocolate bar at 20 mile?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 10, 2013, 12:57:38 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 10, 2013, 12:37:56 PM
I've always used the old style toe clips, and touch wood I've never had a problem.

I dont fancy the twist ones - it means having to buy expensive shoes. Are they much better?


Also, after about 30-35 mile last Sunday my energy levels plummeted. I was drinking lucozade sport cherry flavour. Should I also be taking a banana or chocolate bar at 20 mile?

Eat before you are hungry and drink before you are thirsty is the old rule. All depends on what you had before you went out but there is nothing worse than hitting the wall and having nothing left energy wise.

http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/beat-the-bonk-17082/ (http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/beat-the-bonk-17082/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 10, 2013, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 10, 2013, 12:37:56 PM
I've always used the old style toe clips, and touch wood I've never had a problem.

I dont fancy the twist ones - it means having to buy expensive shoes. Are they much better?


Also, after about 30-35 mile last Sunday my energy levels plummeted. I was drinking lucozade sport cherry flavour. Should I also be taking a banana or chocolate bar at 20 mile?


The old style clips i find are actually harder to use. I use Look pedals now and find them sound. You can get a pair of shoes for about £50, there is a world of difference between pedalling in cycling shoes and trainers. But the main thing is suppose is getting out there and enjoying it and being comfortable in whatever you choose. Its a long time from Paddy Crilly used to nail my cleats to my shoes in his old cobblers shop.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on July 10, 2013, 04:34:31 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 10, 2013, 12:37:56 PM
I've always used the old style toe clips, and touch wood I've never had a problem.

I dont fancy the twist ones - it means having to buy expensive shoes. Are they much better?


Also, after about 30-35 mile last Sunday my energy levels plummeted. I was drinking lucozade sport cherry flavour. Should I also be taking a banana or chocolate bar at 20 mile?


The old style clips i find are actually harder to use. I use Look pedals now and find them sound. You can get a pair of shoes for about £50, there is a world of difference between pedalling in cycling shoes and trainers. But the main thing is suppose is getting out there and enjoying it and being comfortable in whatever you choose. Its a long time from Paddy Crilly used to nail my cleats to my shoes in his old cobblers shop.

Is there though? What difference does it make?
I see lads out on the road when I'm cycling dressed like they are in the Tour de France with all the gear on them and I am keeping up to most and passing others with a pair of football shorts,t-shirt and a pair of runners on me.
They remind me of the fella on the Golf course dressed head to toe in Tiger Woods or whoever branded gear and spends half an hour lining up a two foot putt.
Unless you are competing in races/triathlons etc does it really make a difference what you wear when you are out cycling?
I don't think so.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 10, 2013, 04:47:09 PM
Quote from: laoislad on July 10, 2013, 04:34:31 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 10, 2013, 12:37:56 PM
I've always used the old style toe clips, and touch wood I've never had a problem.

I dont fancy the twist ones - it means having to buy expensive shoes. Are they much better?


Also, after about 30-35 mile last Sunday my energy levels plummeted. I was drinking lucozade sport cherry flavour. Should I also be taking a banana or chocolate bar at 20 mile?


The old style clips i find are actually harder to use. I use Look pedals now and find them sound. You can get a pair of shoes for about £50, there is a world of difference between pedalling in cycling shoes and trainers. But the main thing is suppose is getting out there and enjoying it and being comfortable in whatever you choose. Its a long time from Paddy Crilly used to nail my cleats to my shoes in his old cobblers shop.

Is there though? What difference does it make?
I see lads out on the road when I'm cycling dressed like they are in the Tour de France with all the gear on them and I am keeping up to most and passing others with a pair of football shorts,t-shirt and a pair of runners on me.
They remind me of the fella on the Golf course dressed head to toe in Tiger Woods or whoever branded gear and spends half an hour lining up a two foot putt.
Unless you are competing in races/triathlons etc does it really make a difference what you wear when you are out cycling?
I don't think so.

I know what you are saying but i would be more concerned about the lads spending 2k on a bike to do 10 mile spins once a week rather than those that want to get kitted out properly. The idea of the clip in shoe is that its held in the one position and that the right part of your foot is over the centre of the pedal. The sole of the cycling shoe being much harder than a trainer will transform the energy and effort you put in to pedalling more effectively than a spongy trainer will. Also on a long enough ride chances are your foot will eventually get sore if in trainers. But if its not bothering you tear away as you are.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Puckoon on July 10, 2013, 04:50:27 PM
I thought the clip in shoes gave you the ability to pull up on the peddal as well as push down?

I've lined up a 2 foot putt before.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 10, 2013, 04:57:58 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on July 10, 2013, 04:50:27 PM
I thought the clip in shoes gave you the ability to pull up on the peddal as well as push down?

I've lined up a 2 foot putt before.

Those are my own particular achiles heel, and even the shorter ones which I pull left :-(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on July 10, 2013, 05:03:30 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on July 10, 2013, 04:50:27 PM
I thought the clip in shoes gave you the ability to pull up on the peddal as well as push down?

Yep, can make a massive difference (overall).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Puckoon on July 10, 2013, 05:11:14 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 10, 2013, 04:57:58 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on July 10, 2013, 04:50:27 PM
I thought the clip in shoes gave you the ability to pull up on the peddal as well as push down?

I've lined up a 2 foot putt before.

Those are my own particular achiles heel, and even the shorter ones which I pull left :-(

Sent you a PM there - consider the source - I ain't on tour!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 10, 2013, 05:23:44 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 10, 2013, 11:47:14 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 11:24:11 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 10, 2013, 11:17:32 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 10:57:59 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Tried the clip on shoes for the bike there today, fell off twice in the garden trying to get the f**kers off!!!! A bloody nuisance was able to clip them off but fall off on the other side lol!! I've a race on Saturday but will use the cages instead until I become more competent!!

Any best tips to fixing such problems?

What pedals are you using ?

Ones for a Specialized bike


Im assuming they are clip in and not the old style toe clips, if they are you should be able to adjust the tension somewhere on the pedal so that your feet are not too hard to get out. When you are more confident you can tighten it up so that your feet are more solidly locked in to the pedal.

Cheers will give that a bash when I get back from triathlon on Saturday, big difference in it I'd say (speed/effort) than ordinary pedals

Where is your triathlon Milltown?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on July 10, 2013, 05:25:02 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 04:47:09 PM
Quote from: laoislad on July 10, 2013, 04:34:31 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 10, 2013, 12:37:56 PM
I've always used the old style toe clips, and touch wood I've never had a problem.

I dont fancy the twist ones - it means having to buy expensive shoes. Are they much better?


Also, after about 30-35 mile last Sunday my energy levels plummeted. I was drinking lucozade sport cherry flavour. Should I also be taking a banana or chocolate bar at 20 mile?


The old style clips i find are actually harder to use. I use Look pedals now and find them sound. You can get a pair of shoes for about £50, there is a world of difference between pedalling in cycling shoes and trainers. But the main thing is suppose is getting out there and enjoying it and being comfortable in whatever you choose. Its a long time from Paddy Crilly used to nail my cleats to my shoes in his old cobblers shop.

Is there though? What difference does it make?
I see lads out on the road when I'm cycling dressed like they are in the Tour de France with all the gear on them and I am keeping up to most and passing others with a pair of football shorts,t-shirt and a pair of runners on me.
They remind me of the fella on the Golf course dressed head to toe in Tiger Woods or whoever branded gear and spends half an hour lining up a two foot putt.
Unless you are competing in races/triathlons etc does it really make a difference what you wear when you are out cycling?
I don't think so.

I know what you are saying but i would be more concerned about the lads spending 2k on a bike to do 10 mile spins once a week rather than those that want to get kitted out properly. The idea of the clip in shoe is that its held in the one position and that the right part of your foot is over the centre of the pedal. The sole of the cycling shoe being much harder than a trainer will transform the energy and effort you put in to pedalling more effectively than a spongy trainer will. Also on a long enough ride chances are your foot will eventually get sore if in trainers. But if its not bothering you tear away as you are.

Fair enough so.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 10, 2013, 05:27:47 PM
Thinking of tackling the Causeway Coast Sportive in Sept. Would need to get more hill training in before I sign up to it though. Have my eye on Wicklow 200 if I was able to do the Causeway Coast.

Would love to do the Castlewellan and Dublin triathlons as well but I am working hard to get my swimming up to scratch before I tackle that!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 10, 2013, 08:26:49 PM
I've done 2 Wicklows, was meant to do Causeway last year but was injured at the time, but fellas i know who did both thought the Causeway was tougher, shorter yes, but the climbing is meant to be fiercer.

I wouldn't be taking it lightly Jim, Torr Head is meant to be some beast of a climb.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 10, 2013, 09:57:43 PM
Letterkenny this Saturday. Near Churchill Jim.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 10, 2013, 10:01:58 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 10, 2013, 08:26:49 PM
I've done 2 Wicklows, was meant to do Causeway last year but was injured at the time, but fellas i know who did both thought the Causeway was tougher, shorter yes, but the climbing is meant to be fiercer.

I wouldn't be taking it lightly Jim, Torr Head is meant to be some beast of a climb.

I have heard it is serious!! That's why I havent committed to it yet, need to see how the training goes before now and then. Im off over the summer so hope to get a good bit of training in. I did the Maracycle there a few weeks back and it wasnt too bad at all. No real climbs on it that are challenging, just took our time and plenty of stops along the way. A fella who nearly died with cancer about 2 years ago completed with us, some going!!

What sportives have you planned to do then?

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 10, 2013, 09:57:43 PM
Letterkenny this Saturday. Near Churchill Jim.

Good stuff Milltown, have a look at Castlewellan at end of august. looks good.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 10, 2013, 10:47:04 PM
Not sure, just back from holidays so my post wicklow conditioning is gone! If weather is ok I'll probably do the Causeway myself, bar that dunno, might do the lap of the lough, events have conspired against me were it's concerned and I've never actually done it. The Innishowen 100 is another tough one in the middle of August, google Mamore Gap it's another beast apparently.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 10, 2013, 11:01:39 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 10, 2013, 10:01:58 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 10, 2013, 08:26:49 PM
I've done 2 Wicklows, was meant to do Causeway last year but was injured at the time, but fellas i know who did both thought the Causeway was tougher, shorter yes, but the climbing is meant to be fiercer.

I wouldn't be taking it lightly Jim, Torr Head is meant to be some beast of a climb.

I have heard it is serious!! That's why I havent committed to it yet, need to see how the training goes before now and then. Im off over the summer so hope to get a good bit of training in. I did the Maracycle there a few weeks back and it wasnt too bad at all. No real climbs on it that are challenging, just took our time and plenty of stops along the way. A fella who nearly died with cancer about 2 years ago completed with us, some going!!

What sportives have you planned to do then?

Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 10, 2013, 09:57:43 PM
Letterkenny this Saturday. Near Churchill Jim.

Good stuff Milltown, have a look at Castlewellan at end of august. looks good.
Torr Head is brutal in a car! Assuming you approach from Cushendun hurling pitch it isn't one long climb onto the flat, there are a good few peaks and troughs beforeyou reach the road to Ballycastle. Keen boys.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 10, 2013, 11:15:32 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 10, 2013, 10:47:04 PM
Not sure, just back from holidays so my post wicklow conditioning is gone! If weather is ok I'll probably do the Causeway myself, bar that dunno, might do the lap of the lough, events have conspired against me were it's concerned and I've never actually done it. The Innishowen 100 is another tough one in the middle of August, google Mamore Gap it's another beast apparently.

Im doing lap the lough with a few friends but will just do it for a bit of craic and stay at their pace. I am thinking about going around the lough on Friday actually. Handy enough spin hill wise, that bit from randalstown to toome would be the hardest. Mid August is ruled out for any races for me as I will only be back from holidays at that stage!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 10, 2013, 11:55:48 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 10, 2013, 11:15:32 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 10, 2013, 10:47:04 PM
Not sure, just back from holidays so my post wicklow conditioning is gone! If weather is ok I'll probably do the Causeway myself, bar that dunno, might do the lap of the lough, events have conspired against me were it's concerned and I've never actually done it. The Innishowen 100 is another tough one in the middle of August, google Mamore Gap it's another beast apparently.

Im doing lap the lough with a few friends but will just do it for a bit of craic and stay at their pace. I am thinking about going around the lough on Friday actually. Handy enough spin hill wise, that bit from randalstown to toome would be the hardest. Mid August is ruled out for any races for me as I will only be back from holidays at that stage!

sent pm jim
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on July 12, 2013, 12:21:16 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 04:47:09 PM
Quote from: laoislad on July 10, 2013, 04:34:31 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 10, 2013, 12:37:56 PM
I've always used the old style toe clips, and touch wood I've never had a problem.

I dont fancy the twist ones - it means having to buy expensive shoes. Are they much better?


Also, after about 30-35 mile last Sunday my energy levels plummeted. I was drinking lucozade sport cherry flavour. Should I also be taking a banana or chocolate bar at 20 mile?


The old style clips i find are actually harder to use. I use Look pedals now and find them sound. You can get a pair of shoes for about £50, there is a world of difference between pedalling in cycling shoes and trainers. But the main thing is suppose is getting out there and enjoying it and being comfortable in whatever you choose. Its a long time from Paddy Crilly used to nail my cleats to my shoes in his old cobblers shop.

Is there though? What difference does it make?
I see lads out on the road when I'm cycling dressed like they are in the Tour de France with all the gear on them and I am keeping up to most and passing others with a pair of football shorts,t-shirt and a pair of runners on me.
They remind me of the fella on the Golf course dressed head to toe in Tiger Woods or whoever branded gear and spends half an hour lining up a two foot putt.
Unless you are competing in races/triathlons etc does it really make a difference what you wear when you are out cycling?
I don't think so.

I know what you are saying but i would be more concerned about the lads spending 2k on a bike to do 10 mile spins once a week rather than those that want to get kitted out properly. The idea of the clip in shoe is that its held in the one position and that the right part of your foot is over the centre of the pedal. The sole of the cycling shoe being much harder than a trainer will transform the energy and effort you put in to pedalling more effectively than a spongy trainer will. Also on a long enough ride chances are your foot will eventually get sore if in trainers. But if its not bothering you tear away as you are.
And here is the argument against clip ins.
http://www.cyclorama.net/viewArticle.php?id=376&subjectId=9
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 12, 2013, 01:02:26 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on July 12, 2013, 12:21:16 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 04:47:09 PM
Quote from: laoislad on July 10, 2013, 04:34:31 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 10, 2013, 01:03:53 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 10, 2013, 12:37:56 PM
I've always used the old style toe clips, and touch wood I've never had a problem.

I dont fancy the twist ones - it means having to buy expensive shoes. Are they much better?


Also, after about 30-35 mile last Sunday my energy levels plummeted. I was drinking lucozade sport cherry flavour. Should I also be taking a banana or chocolate bar at 20 mile?


The old style clips i find are actually harder to use. I use Look pedals now and find them sound. You can get a pair of shoes for about £50, there is a world of difference between pedalling in cycling shoes and trainers. But the main thing is suppose is getting out there and enjoying it and being comfortable in whatever you choose. Its a long time from Paddy Crilly used to nail my cleats to my shoes in his old cobblers shop.

Is there though? What difference does it make?
I see lads out on the road when I'm cycling dressed like they are in the Tour de France with all the gear on them and I am keeping up to most and passing others with a pair of football shorts,t-shirt and a pair of runners on me.
They remind me of the fella on the Golf course dressed head to toe in Tiger Woods or whoever branded gear and spends half an hour lining up a two foot putt.
Unless you are competing in races/triathlons etc does it really make a difference what you wear when you are out cycling?
I don't think so.

I know what you are saying but i would be more concerned about the lads spending 2k on a bike to do 10 mile spins once a week rather than those that want to get kitted out properly. The idea of the clip in shoe is that its held in the one position and that the right part of your foot is over the centre of the pedal. The sole of the cycling shoe being much harder than a trainer will transform the energy and effort you put in to pedalling more effectively than a spongy trainer will. Also on a long enough ride chances are your foot will eventually get sore if in trainers. But if its not bothering you tear away as you are.
And here is the argument against clip ins.
http://www.cyclorama.net/viewArticle.php?id=376&subjectId=9

It is everyones personal preference but i have yet to come across anyone that doesnt prefer clip ins once they have got used to them.

A good compromise  is the shimano double sided pedal which is good for getting away from traffic lights etc as you can use the flat side to get the speed up and then clip in.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/shimano-pd-m324-pedals (http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/shimano-pd-m324-pedals)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2013, 11:25:39 AM
I'm still a novice on the bike but looking to better times, still think I've a lot to learn regarding getting in the right gear for the type of road, i.e gradient. Is there a chart out there for best gear to be in on the roads?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on July 17, 2013, 03:43:40 PM
What's the craic with cycling on motorways in Ireland? I had to drive down to Portlaoise today from Lucan and there was a fella cycling on the hard shoulder of the M7. I didn't think cyclists were allowed on motorways.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on July 22, 2013, 05:17:21 PM
You're not allowed on motorways, any chance it was just a dualler? I've been blown out of it by cars for cycling on the N4 down past Lucan, before it becomes a motorway.

On the pedals, theres no comparison.
Firstly safety, high speed crash you'll automatically clip out, the cages are a death trap because you're stuck in them.
Secondly just ur power output, one of the first things you do on a turbo trainer is one leg exercises, to try and smooth out ur stroke so that u apply power equally through the 360 degrees, a clip in pedal allows u do this, essentially pull up with ur much larger hamstring muscle. with cages ur foot is coming away from the pedal and lifting the plastic, out of position.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 31, 2013, 05:47:12 PM
103 mile done today. 4,724 feet of climbing going by strava. Spelga Dam for the first time today! it's a bollox! Pissed down on us for the last 40 odd mile.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 31, 2013, 06:02:20 PM
Some cycling and climbing on a piss poor day. Where you checking out the route for the giro next may
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 31, 2013, 06:06:39 PM
Quote from: gerry on July 31, 2013, 06:02:20 PM
Some cycling and climbing on a piss poor day. Where you checking out the route for the giro next may

It wasnt too bad this morning. Went Lurgan direction, banbridge, Rathfriland hill, spelga, newcastle, dundrum, saintfield, lisburn, glenavy and home. 6 and 1/2 hours moving time. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 31, 2013, 06:09:24 PM
What mad notion did you take to go cycling those miles today
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 31, 2013, 06:15:25 PM
Im a teacher so I'm off all summer  8) 3 of us went out as theyre both doing the causeway coast so wanted a few hills today. I dont think I will do it this year. I have a few triathlons and a half marathon to do around that time so dont wana burn myself out for it. Thinking of Wicklow 200 next year though.  Should start a gaaboard strava group!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 31, 2013, 06:21:17 PM
Only started to use strava last week as other cyclist said it give better detail than map my ride.  A gaaboard group would be good to see how others where getting on
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 31, 2013, 06:27:44 PM
Started one there. Search for it and see it if works
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 31, 2013, 06:48:28 PM
I am searching under clubs and can't see it.  What did you call it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 31, 2013, 06:53:01 PM
it's called gaaboard
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 31, 2013, 07:02:27 PM
That's what I was trying, what did you put down for location
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 31, 2013, 07:12:17 PM
Ireland as location. I've probably made a balls of it. I'm the only member so far haha u might need to actually log in on the computer to do it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: WeeDonns on August 05, 2013, 10:28:43 AM
Guys, just in case you're interested, Drumragh Sarsfields are running a 30/60 mile cycle on 8th September through West Tyrone.
Maps and further details below, you can register online for a jersey etc or just turn up on the day and register (no jersey)
https://www.facebook.com/TheCannonballRunSportive
http://regonline.activeeurope.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1257146

Joe Brolly is taking part if you'd like to cycle with him, although no cynically taking him out as he passes you over Scraghey, he doesn't like those sort of tactics ;)

The Cannonball Run - 60 Mile Route
Clanabogan – Omagh – Drumlegagh - Drumquin – Castlederg – Edenery - Lisnarick- Irvinestown– Dromore - Clanabogan
The Cannonball Run - 30 Mile Route
Clanabogan – Omagh – Drumlegagh - Drumquin – Dromore – Clanabogan

Title: Mountain Biking
Post by: WeeDonns on August 05, 2013, 10:31:01 AM
Also lads, any of you into Mountain Biking?
I went up to Davagh Forest Park (http://www.mountainbikeni.com/davagh-forest/) at the weekend and hired a bike and loved it.
Think I might do the cycle scheme again and get a mountain bike :) Any buying tips appreciated
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 05, 2013, 11:05:21 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 31, 2013, 07:12:17 PM
Ireland as location. I've probably made a balls of it. I'm the only member so far haha u might need to actually log in on the computer to do it.

QuoteNo cycling clubs with the name gaaboard found in ireland.


Are you (like me) using the free version of Strava?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 07, 2013, 12:57:09 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 05, 2013, 11:05:21 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 31, 2013, 07:12:17 PM
Ireland as location. I've probably made a balls of it. I'm the only member so far haha u might need to actually log in on the computer to do it.

QuoteNo cycling clubs with the name gaaboard found in ireland.


Are you (like me) using the free version of Strava?

yes it is the free one, sorry for late reply
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 10, 2013, 02:04:08 PM
Read Sean Kelly's Autobiography Hunger - a great read, written in Kelly's Laconic style of commentary a la eurosport.  Fair few typos in the text, so he might have typed it up himself as well. :P  Couple of great 'spakes' in it.

I've just started In Search of Robert Millar (by Richard Moore) and it's a bit of a page tuner too.  Have Tyler hamilton's 'secret race' and Half man / half bike (eddy mercxx biog) to get through as well (brought those 2 on holidays and drank beer instead of reading).  Guess there's a bit of theme developing in my reading choices.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 18, 2013, 10:56:39 AM
Was out on the bike today, did the course for my triathlon next month, 12 miles in 45 minutes, far bit of climbing in it with one massive hill down to finish. How the main guys find another 15 mins of that is beyond me, some going.

I'm hoping to take a minute or two off that, as the wind was tough.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 18, 2013, 03:53:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 18, 2013, 10:56:39 AM
Was out on the bike today, did the course for my triathlon next month, 12 miles in 45 minutes, far bit of climbing in it with one massive hill down to finish. How the main guys find another 15 mins of that is beyond me, some going.

I'm hoping to take a minute or two off that, as the wind was tough.

Where is the course?

I had the ultimate shame today. Heading out out of Carrickfergus, into a big headwind, and two women overtake me. Harrumph!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 18, 2013, 09:25:39 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 18, 2013, 03:53:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 18, 2013, 10:56:39 AM
Was out on the bike today, did the course for my triathlon next month, 12 miles in 45 minutes, far bit of climbing in it with one massive hill down to finish. How the main guys find another 15 mins of that is beyond me, some going.

I'm hoping to take a minute or two off that, as the wind was tough.

Where is the course?

I had the ultimate shame today. Heading out out of Carrickfergus, into a big headwind, and two women overtake me. Harrumph!

I bet you jumped on their wheel quick enough, for the slipstream purposes of course
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on August 18, 2013, 10:34:23 PM
Have been back on the bike this last few weeks due to a running injury. Doing 20ish mile a pop. Might look towards doing a few more miles and a few 100ish mile challenges. As per running slightly addictive once you get into it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 19, 2013, 11:44:10 AM
Quote from: Orior on August 18, 2013, 03:53:57 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 18, 2013, 10:56:39 AM
Was out on the bike today, did the course for my triathlon next month, 12 miles in 45 minutes, far bit of climbing in it with one massive hill down to finish. How the main guys find another 15 mins of that is beyond me, some going.

I'm hoping to take a minute or two off that, as the wind was tough.

Where is the course?

I had the ultimate shame today. Heading out out of Carrickfergus, into a big headwind, and two women overtake me. Harrumph!

Out of the Valley Park (facing KFC) head up the road to the roundabout down then O'Neil road on to the Doagh road and travel all the way up to the top road and head out to Ballyrobert turn left and head back to Corrs corner and make way back to the Valley past the Graveyard, that's a serious down hill, I was in top gear peddling like a lunatic !!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on August 19, 2013, 03:39:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 18, 2013, 10:56:39 AM
Was out on the bike today, did the course for my triathlon next month, 12 miles in 45 minutes, far bit of climbing in it with one massive hill down to finish. How the main guys find another 15 mins of that is beyond me, some going.

I'm hoping to take a minute or two off that, as the wind was tough.

Its all about the turbo trainer!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 21, 2013, 10:01:25 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 10, 2013, 02:04:08 PM
Read Sean Kelly's Autobiography Hunger - a great read, written in Kelly's Laconic style of commentary a la eurosport.  Fair few typos in the text, so he might have typed it up himself as well. :P  Couple of great 'spakes' in it.

I've just started In Search of Robert Millar (by Richard Moore) and it's a bit of a page tuner too.  Have Tyler hamilton's 'secret race' and Half man / half bike (eddy mercxx biog) to get through as well (brought those 2 on holidays and drank beer instead of reading).  Guess there's a bit of theme developing in my reading choices.

after listening to second captains last night i might just treat myself to the sean kelly book.  he talked about the classics, stephen roche and his own failed drug tests.


Podcast (https://soundcloud.com/secondcaptains-it-com/second-captains-august-20th?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Secondcaptainsitcom+%28Second+Captains+%40+The+Irish+Times%29&utm_content=FeedBurner)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on August 21, 2013, 11:09:05 AM
I've read it and its interesting but he says nothing about the drugs, side steps the first due to there being a small about of pee in the B sample so he didnt appeal the 3 month suspended sentence and says the second is from tablets for a cold. Briefly mentions a team mate being kicked out of the TdF for doping but says no more.
But from a cycling point of view very interesting
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 21, 2013, 04:30:10 PM
Nearly finished the Robert Millar book - superb.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 25, 2013, 10:50:52 AM
Did same route as last time (12 miles) and managed same time  >:(. Well I don't feel too bad but was hoping to take a minute of it, 2 weeks till race day!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Babe Ruth 47 on August 25, 2013, 06:33:37 PM
Great win for Roche today in the Vuelta, hopefully he can push on from here.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: orangeman on August 25, 2013, 08:03:32 PM
Savage stage today and a brilliant win for Roche.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 25, 2013, 08:17:51 PM
Did anyone here do the Lap of the Lough today?

I was the cyclist going in the other direction in Aontrim
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 25, 2013, 09:36:31 PM
I did it, actually my first time too. Went round fairly sharpish, going out yesterday for 45m probably didn't help me.

Planning on doing the Causeway Sportive Saturday week, that'll be a different ballgame.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 25, 2013, 10:17:00 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 25, 2013, 09:36:31 PM
I did it, actually my first time too. Went round fairly sharpish, going out yesterday for 45m probably didn't help me.

Planning on doing the Causeway Sportive Saturday week, that'll be a different ballgame.

How long did it take you benny? I was looking to do the causeway coast but injury has meant i have been off the bike now for about 3 and half weeks ffs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 25, 2013, 10:24:49 PM
I cycled from Armagh & met boys in Portydown so ended up doing 90m @ 18.8mph average. Only stopped once for 15mins.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 25, 2013, 10:35:37 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 25, 2013, 10:24:49 PM
I cycled from Armagh & met boys in Portydown so ended up doing 90m @ 18.8mph average. Only stopped once for 15mins.

Yes I reckon I could sustain 18.8 mph for 90 metres too.

Oh wait, hang on...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 25, 2013, 10:40:54 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 25, 2013, 10:24:49 PM
I cycled from Armagh & met boys in Portydown so ended up doing 90m @ 18.8mph average. Only stopped once for 15mins.

Good going benny! Great day for it as well! Been around the lough 6 times this year, going to go around it during the winter a good bit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 25, 2013, 11:45:42 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 25, 2013, 10:24:49 PM
I cycled from Armagh & met boys in Portydown so ended up doing 90m @ 18.8mph average. Only stopped once for 15mins.

Thats some going, I'd be over the moon at 10/12 mph for that distance
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 26, 2013, 07:20:24 AM
Are any of yiz on Strava? It's a better way of tracking your progress than writing down your average speed and distance in a paper training diary.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on August 26, 2013, 07:57:30 AM
I did LTL yesterday - average speed 27km/hr (16.8 mph). Second year doing it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on August 26, 2013, 08:01:24 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 25, 2013, 10:24:49 PM
I cycled from Armagh & met boys in Portydown so ended up doing 90m @ 18.8mph average. Only stopped once for 15mins.
How did that only add 5 miles?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 26, 2013, 09:26:25 AM
Lift home from peatlands - and i wasnt complaining.

I bought a Garmin (200) in the spring, best bit of cycling related equipment i've ever had (cost £97 on ebay), love it, i sit for ages studying the data. Recently got a Strava account, great job too.

I see the cycling gear is back in Lidl from Thursday & they have their own Garmin type GPS unit for £40.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on August 26, 2013, 09:36:26 AM
Got the Garmin 200 myself this year - good piece of kit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 26, 2013, 10:46:48 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 26, 2013, 07:20:24 AM
Are any of yiz on Strava? It's a better way of tracking your progress than writing down your average speed and distance in a paper training diary.

I set up a Gaaboard club strava account but don't know if people are able to find it. Might need a paying account to be able to set it up. Search it when u get a chance
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 26, 2013, 10:55:58 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 26, 2013, 10:46:48 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 26, 2013, 07:20:24 AM
Are any of yiz on Strava? It's a better way of tracking your progress than writing down your average speed and distance in a paper training diary.

I set up a Gaaboard club strava account but don't know if people are able to find it. Might need a paying account to be able to set it up. Search it when u get a chance

Send a link Jim, is there an app for this ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on August 26, 2013, 01:01:58 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 26, 2013, 09:26:25 AM
Lift home from peatlands - and i wasnt complaining.

I bought a Garmin (200) in the spring, best bit of cycling related equipment i've ever had (cost £97 on ebay), love it, i sit for ages studying the data. Recently got a Strava account, great job too.

I see the cycling gear is back in Lidl from Thursday & they have their own Garmin type GPS unit for £40.
Gotta be worth a punt.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 26, 2013, 06:12:18 PM
Done 85 mile from Omagh to slane  on saturday and cycled back up again with a belly full of pints from the night before that wasn't a good idea.  Great riding by the Irish lads on the vuelta again today.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on August 26, 2013, 08:52:05 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on August 26, 2013, 01:01:58 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 26, 2013, 09:26:25 AM
Lift home from peatlands - and i wasnt complaining.

I bought a Garmin (200) in the spring, best bit of cycling related equipment i've ever had (cost £97 on ebay), love it, i sit for ages studying the data. Recently got a Strava account, great job too.

I see the cycling gear is back in Lidl from Thursday & they have their own Garmin type GPS unit for £40.
Gotta be worth a punt.

Loads of cycling gear in Lidl today but that gps unit was not for sale.
On sale in the North only maybe?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 26, 2013, 09:13:52 PM
Was gonna get myself a Garmin to use with a power meter, but then I discovered you only need the Strava app for your phone to record rides. It tries to guess your power but I discard that data because without a power meter it has no way of knowing whether you were drafting or doing any work, or if you were with the wind or against it. Still plenty of data there to analyze though.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 26, 2013, 09:19:04 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 26, 2013, 10:46:48 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 26, 2013, 07:20:24 AM
Are any of yiz on Strava? It's a better way of tracking your progress than writing down your average speed and distance in a paper training diary.

I set up a Gaaboard club strava account but don't know if people are able to find it. Might need a paying account to be able to set it up. Search it when u get a chance

Just tried, but Strava doesn't make it easy for you to find stuff. Got a link?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 26, 2013, 10:35:33 PM
http://www.strava.com/clubs/gaaboard (http://www.strava.com/clubs/gaaboard)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Flutehook on August 27, 2013, 12:27:19 AM
Quote from: laoislad on August 26, 2013, 08:52:05 PM

Loads of cycling gear in Lidl today but that gps unit was not for sale.
On sale in the North only maybe?

On sale from Thursday....

http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/xchg/SID-2D5D4C9C-124C7A5A/lidl_ri_ie/hs.xsl/index_34274.htm


Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 27, 2013, 02:02:49 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 26, 2013, 10:35:33 PM
http://www.strava.com/clubs/gaaboard (http://www.strava.com/clubs/gaaboard)

Thank you!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on August 28, 2013, 09:22:04 AM
We're a bitteen scattered
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 28, 2013, 09:37:20 AM
can't see us meeting for a Sunday morning spin anytime soon
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 28, 2013, 09:57:09 PM
Lots of middle aged men who cant run or play football any more but can look ridiculous by squeezing into lycra.

Would it be better called the Mid-Life Crisis Group?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on August 28, 2013, 10:12:18 PM
Just joined. I don't wear lycra.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 28, 2013, 10:18:49 PM
You mite be barred for not wearing lycra, preferrably bib shorts - to hide the belly.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on August 29, 2013, 07:48:11 AM
Quote from: Orior on August 28, 2013, 09:57:09 PM
Lots of middle aged men who cant run or play football any more but can look ridiculous by squeezing into lycra.
I'm not middle aged. And I could never run or play football.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 29, 2013, 08:11:23 AM
Sorry, but baggy shorts and hairy legs are the best way to look silly on a bike. Get those legs shaved and tog out properly. You wouldn't show up for hurling training in basketball shorts.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on August 29, 2013, 10:05:25 AM
I think we need to start a bit of this (copied from boards)

This is my pride and joy, its an absolute pleasure to ride it


(http://www.westporttriclub.ie/wp-content/gallery/2013wt_cycle/img_8124.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 30, 2013, 11:02:53 PM
This is my yoke

(https://sphotos-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1016860_10201036538588550_31959246_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 30, 2013, 11:08:14 PM
Just signed up to do this

Southwest 200 (https://www.facebook.com/southwest200)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 31, 2013, 07:15:09 AM
looks sore

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BS-dIrYCMAAklTn.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 31, 2013, 12:51:03 PM
Quote from: gerry on August 31, 2013, 07:15:09 AM
looks sore

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BS-dIrYCMAAklTn.jpg)

Fcuk!! Hope it heals well, the shoes not come off on time?? get back on that bike soon soon
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 31, 2013, 04:38:44 PM
Looks like Roche is in the leader's jersey in Spain, great stage too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 31, 2013, 04:43:09 PM
Quote from: gerry on August 30, 2013, 11:08:14 PM
Just signed up to do this

Southwest 200 (https://www.facebook.com/southwest200)
Ropey time of year for that Gerry. That's a clinker jersey tho, i'd buy that for my collection, on sale?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 31, 2013, 06:47:04 PM
£50 quid for the jersey, they taken orders up to this Friday only
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: WeeDonns on September 02, 2013, 10:18:44 AM
Just a quick reminder of our club cycle this Sunday @9am guys. You can turn up and register on the morning - £15.
Everyone will be well fed & watered during & after

Quote from: WeeDonns on August 05, 2013, 10:28:43 AM
Guys, just in case you're interested, Drumragh Sarsfields are running a 30/60 mile cycle on 8th September through West Tyrone.
Maps and further details below, you can register online for a jersey etc or just turn up on the day and register (no jersey)
https://www.facebook.com/TheCannonballRunSportive
http://regonline.activeeurope.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1257146

Joe Brolly is taking part if you'd like to cycle with him, although no cynically taking him out as he passes you over Scraghey, he doesn't like those sort of tactics ;)

The Cannonball Run - 60 Mile Route
Clanabogan – Omagh – Drumlegagh - Drumquin – Castlederg – Edenery - Lisnarick- Irvinestown– Dromore - Clanabogan
The Cannonball Run - 30 Mile Route
Clanabogan – Omagh – Drumlegagh - Drumquin – Dromore – Clanabogan
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on September 02, 2013, 08:38:25 PM
Most people accuse me of talking thru my arse - today they are right, as it is my arse talking.

I've had my bike about 3 years now, and according to Strava I've had 19 runs this year, covering 480 mile. Not a lot I know, but you gotta take in age and other pursuits.

My question is this: I've had a gel seat since I got the bike. Should I take the gel seat off now? If I do, what is the benefit of using the ordinary seat?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 02, 2013, 09:21:00 PM
Gel seat on a road bike? If you're happy with it why change, probably some aero advantages to be had if you step it up. I've a recurring saddle sore that the road bike saddle certainly isn't helping.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 02, 2013, 09:32:18 PM
start to use this a few months ago, great stuff and no need for a gel seat

(http://www.wigglestatic.com/product-media/5360031286/Assis_chamois-creme_2013.jpg?w=350&h=350&a=7)

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/assos-chamois-cream/ (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/assos-chamois-cream/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on September 03, 2013, 05:13:15 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 02, 2013, 09:21:00 PM
Gel seat on a road bike? If you're happy with it why change, probably some aero advantages to be had if you step it up. I've a recurring saddle sore that the road bike saddle certainly isn't helping.
Metanium.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 03, 2013, 09:48:01 PM
Use Sudocream for the sore (& udderly smooth chamois cream), does the job. I got a tube of hydrocortisone for a wasp sting last week, think it's the stuff the pro's use for sores?? Mite slap it on.

Weather looking shite for Causeway, might swerve it now.

Went head over shite at the weekend too, #7 i think :o
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Babe Ruth 47 on September 04, 2013, 04:06:17 PM
My humble steed, love it, although I will be upgrading the wheels before the year is out.

(http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=255606&d=1369647972)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Babe Ruth 47 on September 04, 2013, 04:55:59 PM
Fantastic performance by Roche today, 6th in today's TT, back up to 2nd over all.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 04, 2013, 05:35:08 PM
Great ride by nico today, his itt had improved big time since his move to saxobank.  Second on a grand tour.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on September 04, 2013, 05:57:14 PM
Quote from: Babe Ruth 47 on September 04, 2013, 04:06:17 PM
My humble steed, love it, although I will be upgrading the wheels before the year is out.

(http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=255606&d=1369647972)

That grass could to with a good cut...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on September 04, 2013, 06:18:37 PM
And a lick of paint on the fencing wouldnt go astray

What did that set you back BR? (If you dont mind me asking, cyclists usually dont!)
Is it carbon?

And either its very new or you take excellent care of it! The chain ring and cassette are shining
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 04, 2013, 07:30:31 PM
Quote from: laoislad on September 04, 2013, 05:57:14 PM
Quote from: Babe Ruth 47 on September 04, 2013, 04:06:17 PM
My humble steed, love it, although I will be upgrading the wheels before the year is out.

(http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=255606&d=1369647972)


Loving bike, great colour
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on September 04, 2013, 09:03:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 02, 2013, 09:21:00 PM
Gel seat on a road bike? If you're happy with it why change, probably some aero advantages to be had if you step it up. I've a recurring saddle sore that the road bike saddle certainly isn't helping.

Great yokes these  ;)

Gel Padded Shorts (http://www.amazon.co.uk/OpenRoad-Mens-Padded-Cycling-Shorts/dp/B007PDR2J2)

Seriously!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 04, 2013, 09:43:00 PM
Aye, i've half a dozen pair of gel padded bib shorts. Saddle sore is down to the miles!

Sean Kelly  lost a Vuelta because of a saddle sore, he had to withdraw! Off course he's not in my league.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: the Deel Rover on September 04, 2013, 09:51:34 PM
Quote from: laoislad on September 04, 2013, 05:57:14 PM
Quote from: Babe Ruth 47 on September 04, 2013, 04:06:17 PM
My humble steed, love it, although I will be upgrading the wheels before the year is out.

(http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=255606&d=1369647972)

That grass could to with a good cut...


;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on September 04, 2013, 09:56:01 PM
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on September 04, 2013, 09:03:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 02, 2013, 09:21:00 PM
Gel seat on a road bike? If you're happy with it why change, probably some aero advantages to be had if you step it up. I've a recurring saddle sore that the road bike saddle certainly isn't helping.

Great yokes these  ;)

Gel Padded Shorts (http://www.amazon.co.uk/OpenRoad-Mens-Padded-Cycling-Shorts/dp/B007PDR2J2)

Seriously!
The Lidl ones weren't bad for the money, I bought a couple of pairs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 07, 2013, 04:34:53 PM
there is a 30 mile cycle at 9:30 in morning from clann eireann club in lurgan for charity pips if any of you close enough fancy it...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 07, 2013, 11:35:16 PM
Irish cyclist Philip Deignan has signed for Sky
http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/15412/Deignan-really-excited-to-return-to-WorldTour-with-Team-Sky.aspx
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on September 08, 2013, 10:54:33 PM
Amy interest in the cycle for life Ballina cycling club is doing next weekend Deel Rover?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: supersarsfields on September 09, 2013, 09:33:40 AM
Did our club cycle there yesterday and did 60 miles in 3.40. So was happy with that (I wasn't out to break any records!!). Had only been out once this year back in June for a 30 miler. Home and into a cold bath and thankfully don't feel too bad today. Might try and get out more regulary again as really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: moysider on September 09, 2013, 09:49:37 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 04, 2013, 09:43:00 PM
Aye, i've half a dozen pair of gel padded bib shorts. Saddle sore is down to the miles!

Sean Kelly  lost a Vuelta because of a saddle sore, he had to withdraw! Off course he's not in my league.

It was an ingrowing hair that did for Kelly in that Vuelta.

The shammy (chamois) cream is a big help avoiding sores.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 14, 2013, 05:07:12 PM
Queen stage superb today, well done Horner, undeniably the strongest on show. La Vuelta has been the most entertaining Grand Tour for the 3rd year in a row. The Angliru is just a ridiculous climb, but great to watch.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 06, 2013, 11:54:42 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le7z-rj4jdw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le7z-rj4jdw)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXjakcTQDX0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXjakcTQDX0)
Couple of good programmes on youtube for anyone interested
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 08, 2013, 11:39:03 PM
Anyone ever been to Alpe D'Huez? If so what is the best way to get there from Belfast or Dublin in July time?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 09, 2013, 12:03:33 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on November 08, 2013, 11:39:03 PM
Anyone ever been to Alpe D'Huez? If so what is the best way to get there from Belfast or Dublin in July time?

looks brutal

http://www.cycling-challenge.com/alpe-dhuez-five-different-rides/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 09, 2013, 07:57:08 PM
I'm not that keen!!

Wouldn't mind this though
http://www.alpetriathlon.com/en/index.html (http://www.alpetriathlon.com/en/index.html)

Need to see what the cost and logistics would be though.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on November 09, 2013, 08:31:04 PM
To Armagh and Down cyclists:

Please stop bullying or threatening car/van/tractor drivers because they are using the towpath on the Newry side of Poyntzpass. It is a public road, and it is the only road that residents can take to get home. The road is a single lane road, so do not expect a four wheel vehicle of any sort to pull in onto the verge and risk getting stuck in the drainage channels.

I'm a keen cyclist. But if I catch any cyclist stopping front a pensioner in his car to shout abuse, or deliberately cycling slowly to hold up an 80 year-old while he drives in the car behind, then I will hand out a severe kicking. You have been warned. Of course the trashing will be done in the best possible taste.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 16, 2013, 03:15:03 PM
The Gaaboard Strava group aint seeing much action chaps, 2 or 3 regulars and that's about it!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 16, 2013, 03:43:11 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 16, 2013, 03:15:03 PM
The Gaaboard Strava group aint seeing much action chaps, 2 or 3 regulars and that's about it!

Haven't went out much, need to get some winter gear, Madigans team have been running a novice run the last few Sat mornings but I've had things on
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 16, 2013, 05:10:55 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 16, 2013, 03:15:03 PM
The Gaaboard Strava group aint seeing much action chaps, 2 or 3 regulars and that's about it!

I'm running at the minute so the bike has been locked in the shed for a while. Been out twice in the last 6 weeks and I'm using a garmin now so haven't used strava in ages. Heading out tomorrow morning though, probably do the bun run up to antrim and back by the lough shore road. In an around 50 mile with only a couple of hills.

When I do this marathon I will be back on the bike full time!! Much easier on the joints and much more enjoyable than running.

Anyone getting any new gear off santa?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Babe Ruth 47 on November 16, 2013, 06:01:49 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 16, 2013, 03:15:03 PM
The Gaaboard Strava group aint seeing much action chaps, 2 or 3 regulars and that's about it!

There is a gaa board strava!! I must take a look.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 17, 2013, 08:49:41 AM
There's a link a few pages back, apparently it was hard to locate.

Jim, i update Strava with my Garmin data, never used strava any other way.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 17, 2013, 12:29:15 PM
Getting a few miles in these days on the old hybrid. Out on the old Dawes hybrid with mudguards for the winter and it feels like a tractor with pedals after the road bike. Can't recommend those Cree lights enough for anyone venturing out at night. I got back the other night after an hour and half ride and left them on in the garage they were still burning on full beam 2hrs later and the recharge time is only couple of hours. Shops are selling them around £80 - you can get them off ebay (Chinese imports) for about £25 or £30. 2 seasons out of them now and no problems apart from the stupid rubber rings they give you to fit them to the bars. Why are all lights and computers coming with these rings rather than a fixable bracket? Weather wise we are getting away rightly over here so far in November.


Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on November 17, 2013, 02:11:13 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 16, 2013, 03:15:03 PM
The Gaaboard Strava group aint seeing much action chaps, 2 or 3 regulars and that's about it!

Any word yet of you taking up golf?

Cycling is wet and windy conditions is not fun, so I go jogging instead.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 17, 2013, 02:51:24 PM
Awful soaking & foundering this morning. Golf is shite.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 17, 2013, 08:47:17 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 17, 2013, 02:51:24 PM
Awful soaking & foundering this morning. Golf is shite.

Was down Monaghan/Cavan direction today, some serious headers out in that weather on their bikes, fair play lads, some soaking I'd imagine, though it was mild temp wise
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 17, 2013, 11:45:25 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-2508961/LANCE-ARMSTRONG-WORLD-EXCLUSIVE-Drugs-cheat-meets-accuser-Emma-OReilly.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-2508961/LANCE-ARMSTRONG-WORLD-EXCLUSIVE-Drugs-cheat-meets-accuser-Emma-OReilly.html)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Babe Ruth 47 on November 18, 2013, 12:17:39 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 17, 2013, 08:47:17 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 17, 2013, 02:51:24 PM
Awful soaking & foundering this morning. Golf is shite.

Was down Monaghan/Cavan direction today, some serious headers out in that weather on their bikes, fair play lads, some soaking I'd imagine, though it was mild temp wise

Could have been me, I was out between 10 and 1, Newbliss, Cootehill, Ballybay, Monaghan, Clones. 75km of utter misery.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 18, 2013, 07:49:22 AM
Aye could have been. Fecking headers :o
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 18, 2013, 10:36:28 AM
Do none of you just head for the turbo trainer if its lashing ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on November 18, 2013, 10:54:21 AM
Ah you still need to get the long kms in maddog
Turbo is good and essential if you want to improve but theres also a place for low HR longer stuff

Knocked out 90k myself, average heart rate was about 110
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on November 19, 2013, 01:28:50 PM
Didn't know whether to put this in this thread or the ' hypocrisy of women thread '
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-25000788


If you remember this was the case were she tweeted about knocking a cyclist down, got caught out and then went on BBC to proclaim her innocence and state that she was the victim in all of this.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-22636230
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Babe Ruth 47 on November 19, 2013, 01:38:05 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 18, 2013, 10:36:28 AM
Do none of you just head for the turbo trainer if its lashing ?

Detest the turbo, get no satisfaction it of it. Can't beat getting out.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on November 19, 2013, 04:50:16 PM
Shes signed a tv deal with ITV, she'll make a packet out of this
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on November 19, 2013, 05:32:57 PM
Quote from: Babe Ruth 47 on November 19, 2013, 01:38:05 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 18, 2013, 10:36:28 AM
Do none of you just head for the turbo trainer if its lashing ?

Detest the turbo, get no satisfaction it of it. Can't beat getting out.

Totally agree
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on November 20, 2013, 01:41:00 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on November 19, 2013, 04:50:16 PM
Shes signed a tv deal with ITV, she'll make a packet out of this

She has claimed she waived the fee for appearing on Daybreak this morning. It seems she is actually the victim in all of this!

http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/20/bloodycyclists-driver-was-cyber-bullied-after-stupid-tweet-4193682/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on November 20, 2013, 01:59:36 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 19, 2013, 05:32:57 PM
Quote from: Babe Ruth 47 on November 19, 2013, 01:38:05 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 18, 2013, 10:36:28 AM
Do none of you just head for the turbo trainer if its lashing ?

Detest the turbo, get no satisfaction it of it. Can't beat getting out.

Totally agree

Love the turbo, complete satisfaction from a set on it and stick on second captains podcast or some such and I fly through it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 20, 2013, 02:14:51 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on November 20, 2013, 01:59:36 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 19, 2013, 05:32:57 PM
Quote from: Babe Ruth 47 on November 19, 2013, 01:38:05 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 18, 2013, 10:36:28 AM
Do none of you just head for the turbo trainer if its lashing ?

Detest the turbo, get no satisfaction it of it. Can't beat getting out.

Totally agree

Love the turbo, complete satisfaction from a set on it and stick on second captains podcast or some such and I fly through it

The gym has those Livestrong cycles in them, I haven't tried it yet but I believe it simulates a race/stages in the Tours. Was wondering has anyone tried them, are they any good?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: DennistheMenace on November 20, 2013, 02:19:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 20, 2013, 02:14:51 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on November 20, 2013, 01:59:36 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 19, 2013, 05:32:57 PM
Quote from: Babe Ruth 47 on November 19, 2013, 01:38:05 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 18, 2013, 10:36:28 AM
Do none of you just head for the turbo trainer if its lashing ?

Detest the turbo, get no satisfaction it of it. Can't beat getting out.

Totally agree

Love the turbo, complete satisfaction from a set on it and stick on second captains podcast or some such and I fly through it

The gym has those Livestrong cycles in them, I haven't tried it yet but I believe it simulates a race/stages in the Tours. Was wondering has anyone tried them, are they any good?

Was it one last night, found it fun but not sure if the novelty would wear off after a few weeks.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on November 20, 2013, 03:25:31 PM
Quote from: DennistheMenace on November 20, 2013, 02:19:28 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on November 20, 2013, 02:14:51 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on November 20, 2013, 01:59:36 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 19, 2013, 05:32:57 PM
Quote from: Babe Ruth 47 on November 19, 2013, 01:38:05 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 18, 2013, 10:36:28 AM
Do none of you just head for the turbo trainer if its lashing ?

Detest the turbo, get no satisfaction it of it. Can't beat getting out.

Totally agree

Love the turbo, complete satisfaction from a set on it and stick on second captains podcast or some such and I fly through it

The gym has those Livestrong cycles in them, I haven't tried it yet but I believe it simulates a race/stages in the Tours. Was wondering has anyone tried them, are they any good?

Was it one last night, found it fun but not sure if the novelty would wear off after a few weeks.

I've a Tacx VR turbo and find it great.

Would use the GPS Rides feature that simulates my usual training routes using Google Earth quite a bit when I can't get out. It just avoids some of the boredom of following a training program on the turbo.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on November 20, 2013, 04:13:53 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on November 19, 2013, 04:50:16 PM
Shes signed a tv deal with ITV, she'll make a packet out of this

I can see it now............Bad Braking!

With Emma Way, of Watton.

When wayward cyclists go bad....

"We came on to wy side of the woad. I wulled to the weft as wuickly as I could. He was wight in front we......."
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 20, 2013, 04:38:01 PM
Turbo'd last nite, first of the season & it was shit, had ipod on the go & watching Swed v Port on the laptop and still found it hard to get going. Been doing a lot of spinning this Autumn (always disliked it), it's took half a stone of me in 6 weeks or so, tho the enthusiasim is generally on the wane now 'til new year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: An Gaeilgoir on November 20, 2013, 04:48:04 PM
In the market for a good second hand bike, not a mountain bike..if anyone knows of a good place to buy one....
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on November 20, 2013, 06:05:27 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 20, 2013, 04:38:01 PM
Turbo'd last nite, first of the season & it was shit, had ipod on the go & watching Swed v Port on the laptop and still found it hard to get going. Been doing a lot of spinning this Autumn (always disliked it), it's took half a stone of me in 6 weeks or so, tho the enthusiasim is generally on the wane now 'til new year.

Slightly addicted to spinning. Been 3/4 times a week (2 years) without fail though it's frustrating (weirdly) watching ones just go through the motions and look as if they are heading down hill the whole time!!!

I seriously though need to get out on the roads for longer distances
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: T O Hare on November 20, 2013, 06:51:47 PM
Lads I bought a giant defy 5 last week and it was my  first day out yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed it although I'm somewhat sore today. The only problem I had was the gears or shifting as the cycling buffs call it. Any good tips for gear changing or anywhere good online advice for me ??
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 20, 2013, 11:14:48 PM
Just a matter of getting used to them.

There's a Sean Kelly general guide for newbies available as a pdf on the wickow200 website, good reading.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: T O Hare on November 21, 2013, 12:53:17 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 20, 2013, 11:14:48 PM
Just a matter of getting used to them.

There's a Sean Kelly general guide for newbies available as a pdf on the wickow200 website, good reading.
Cheers Benny
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 21, 2013, 08:13:08 AM
Quote from: T O Hare on November 20, 2013, 06:51:47 PM
Lads I bought a giant defy 5 last week and it was my  first day out yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed it although I'm somewhat sore today. The only problem I had was the gears or shifting as the cycling buffs call it. Any good tips for gear changing or anywhere good online advice for me ??

What set up is it (triple or double on front?) and what are the gears, 2300, Sora ? Was the problem that the gears were not smooth or was it just getting used to the shifters was the issue ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 02, 2013, 11:32:06 AM
Lads - anyone with experience of CUBE bikes ? Am torn between these 2 bikes on the cycle to work scheme. Think the Bianchi is the nicer looking bike but the CUBE has 105 throughout and a better wheelset i think. Any other opinions on bikes in around the £1000-£1300 bracket ?

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CCUB0463KR&gclid=CMzJ24S2kbsCFUiN3godgQwA2w&gclsrc=aw.ds (http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CCUB0463KR&gclid=CMzJ24S2kbsCFUiN3godgQwA2w&gclsrc=aw.ds)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/impulso-105-compact-2013-road-bike-ec045154 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/impulso-105-compact-2013-road-bike-ec045154)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on December 02, 2013, 05:39:40 PM
Quote from: maddog on December 02, 2013, 11:32:06 AM
Lads - anyone with experience of CUBE bikes ? Am torn between these 2 bikes on the cycle to work scheme. Think the Bianchi is the nicer looking bike but the CUBE has 105 throughout and a better wheelset i think. Any other opinions on bikes in around the £1000-£1300 bracket ?

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CCUB0463KR&gclid=CMzJ24S2kbsCFUiN3godgQwA2w&gclsrc=aw.ds (http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CCUB0463KR&gclid=CMzJ24S2kbsCFUiN3godgQwA2w&gclsrc=aw.ds)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/impulso-105-compact-2013-road-bike-ec045154 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/impulso-105-compact-2013-road-bike-ec045154)
I have a Bianchi Via Narone, a few years old but similar spec to this one. Decent bike except the wheels supplied were crap, had to bin them after a couple of months and buy a set of Mavics.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 03, 2013, 10:32:15 AM
Quote from: Last Man on December 02, 2013, 05:39:40 PM
Quote from: maddog on December 02, 2013, 11:32:06 AM
Lads - anyone with experience of CUBE bikes ? Am torn between these 2 bikes on the cycle to work scheme. Think the Bianchi is the nicer looking bike but the CUBE has 105 throughout and a better wheelset i think. Any other opinions on bikes in around the £1000-£1300 bracket ?

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CCUB0463KR&gclid=CMzJ24S2kbsCFUiN3godgQwA2w&gclsrc=aw.ds (http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CCUB0463KR&gclid=CMzJ24S2kbsCFUiN3godgQwA2w&gclsrc=aw.ds)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/impulso-105-compact-2013-road-bike-ec045154 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/impulso-105-compact-2013-road-bike-ec045154)
I have a Bianchi Via Narone, a few years old but similar spec to this one. Decent bike except the wheels supplied were crap, had to bin them after a couple of months and buy a set of Mavics.

Were the wheels those reparto corse ones?


http://shop.epic-cycles.co.uk/2013-bianchi-reparto-corse-rx51-lite-wheels---campagnolo-204-p.asp (http://shop.epic-cycles.co.uk/2013-bianchi-reparto-corse-rx51-lite-wheels---campagnolo-204-p.asp)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 05, 2013, 08:15:19 PM
Lads, what are your opinions on ordering bikes from websites such as DHgate? load of lads from the local cycling club have ordered Chinerello Dogmas off this site. There are a load in the club who already have them. Is it too good to be true? Are they really made in the same factory etc? It is 1/4 of the price for one of the frames ffs
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 05, 2013, 11:28:23 PM
Any links? I suppose you're just cutting out middle men & a fancy paint job.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on December 06, 2013, 10:04:42 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 05, 2013, 11:28:23 PM
Any links? I suppose you're just cutting out middle men & a fancy paint job.

http://www.dhgate.com/product/black-blue-pinarello-dogma2-60-1-2012-aero/135563095.html#cps-12-5|null:8


they even do the fancy paint job.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on December 06, 2013, 10:18:50 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on December 06, 2013, 10:04:42 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 05, 2013, 11:28:23 PM
Any links? I suppose you're just cutting out middle men & a fancy paint job.

http://www.dhgate.com/product/black-blue-pinarello-dogma2-60-1-2012-aero/135563095.html#cps-12-5|null:8


they even do the fancy paint job.
Would there be customs and vat on that?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 06, 2013, 12:47:11 PM
Just shows the profit margins on bikes if they can fire out frame & forks for that price. I'd be interested to speak to someone with one myself.

Edit- i've had loads of stuff from China & few bits from this crowd, never been caught for customs charges, but think they are liable - not sure tho.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on December 06, 2013, 07:03:34 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 06, 2013, 12:47:11 PM
Just shows the profit margins on bikes if they can fire out frame & forks for that price. I'd be interested to speak to someone with one myself.

Edit- i've had loads of stuff from China & few bits from this crowd, never been caught for customs charges, but think they are liable - not sure tho.

Good margins alright but your typical small local Bike shop won't have the volumes to survive on tighter margins.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on December 07, 2013, 01:03:12 PM
Quote from: maddog on December 03, 2013, 10:32:15 AM
Quote from: Last Man on December 02, 2013, 05:39:40 PM
Quote from: maddog on December 02, 2013, 11:32:06 AM
Lads - anyone with experience of CUBE bikes ? Am torn between these 2 bikes on the cycle to work scheme. Think the Bianchi is the nicer looking bike but the CUBE has 105 throughout and a better wheelset i think. Any other opinions on bikes in around the £1000-£1300 bracket ?

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CCUB0463KR&gclid=CMzJ24S2kbsCFUiN3godgQwA2w&gclsrc=aw.ds (http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CCUB0463KR&gclid=CMzJ24S2kbsCFUiN3godgQwA2w&gclsrc=aw.ds)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/impulso-105-compact-2013-road-bike-ec045154 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/impulso-105-compact-2013-road-bike-ec045154)
I have a Bianchi Via Narone, a few years old but similar spec to this one. Decent bike except the wheels supplied were crap, had to bin them after a couple of months and buy a set of Mavics.

Were the wheels those reparto corse ones?


http://shop.epic-cycles.co.uk/2013-bianchi-reparto-corse-rx51-lite-wheels---campagnolo-204-p.asp (http://shop.epic-cycles.co.uk/2013-bianchi-reparto-corse-rx51-lite-wheels---campagnolo-204-p.asp)
Yes, fancy looking but crap
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on December 07, 2013, 01:05:43 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 06, 2013, 12:47:11 PM
Just shows the profit margins on bikes if they can fire out frame & forks for that price. I'd be interested to speak to someone with one myself.

Edit- i've had loads of stuff from China & few bits from this crowd, never been caught for customs charges, but think they are liable - not sure tho.
Whoever the goods are delivered to is liable.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 30, 2013, 06:08:48 PM
Well anyone get anything good off santa? I got a good bit of winter gear - gloves, socks, Team Saxo thermal Jersey and Bib tights (I'm now a full kit w**ker) and a few other bits a bobs.

I really want a new bike though, I've seen a lovely Cervelo from slane cycles in belfast but its too expensive ffs.

Also I have been using the sufferfest videos for the turbo, they're a great job. Nearly falling off the bike by the end of them!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on January 07, 2014, 04:02:13 PM
Question of this cycle to work scheme some employers are using?

Is the salary sacrifice taken out before the tax?

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on January 07, 2014, 04:18:23 PM
Yes - comes out of gross pay which is where you see the benefit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on January 07, 2014, 04:24:15 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 07, 2014, 04:18:23 PM
Yes - comes out of gross pay which is where you see the benefit.

right so, might have to avail then

any thoughts on this yolk, although I don't envisage paying anywhere near full whack for it?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_289005 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_289005)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 07, 2014, 05:38:31 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 07, 2014, 04:24:15 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 07, 2014, 04:18:23 PM
Yes - comes out of gross pay which is where you see the benefit.

right so, might have to avail then

any thoughts on this yolk, although I don't envisage paying anywhere near full whack for it?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_289005 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_289005)

Theres far better deals around at the minute. What height are you?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 07, 2014, 07:37:05 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on January 07, 2014, 05:38:31 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 07, 2014, 04:24:15 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 07, 2014, 04:18:23 PM
Yes - comes out of gross pay which is where you see the benefit.

right so, might have to avail then

any thoughts on this yolk, although I don't envisage paying anywhere near full whack for it?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_289005 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_289005)

Theres far better deals around at the minute. What height are you?

One of these would be up his street

(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSml1CtFZOAK3PDCatcS6Mu3VoZGyUVHOZAwoftQq2zOy-ZF6aF)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 07, 2014, 08:40:45 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 07, 2014, 04:24:15 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 07, 2014, 04:18:23 PM
Yes - comes out of gross pay which is where you see the benefit.

right so, might have to avail then

any thoughts on this yolk, although I don't envisage paying anywhere near full whack for it?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151
(http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_289005)

That's a good  deal, a full Carbon set up with a Tiagra standard spec for under 1K would have been hard found a year  or two ago. The really good deals on ikes only seem to be only available if you're either under 5ft or over 6.5ft. (or a company cant shift their stock).

Last Spring I got a Ribble 365 winter carbon with a Tiagra standard spec (was also available in Campagnolo Veloce for same ££) for just under 1K - cost to me under cycle to work scheme is around £670

If you know what you are at the Ribble (& Dolan) Bikebuilder websites are great value.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 07, 2014, 09:26:09 PM
Just to contradict myself! Here's a £700 carbon bike, with a Sora standard spec. With the cycle to work scheme that would be some deal! Available in various sizes, no idea if they are a good bike, though i've read decent reviews.

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/162745/products/mekk-poggio-1-5-2014-road-bike---3k-white.aspx
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 12, 2014, 03:11:38 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 07, 2014, 04:24:15 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 07, 2014, 04:18:23 PM
Yes - comes out of gross pay which is where you see the benefit.

right so, might have to avail then

any thoughts on this yolk, although I don't envisage paying anywhere near full whack for it?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_289005 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_289005)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=463417630436488&set=gm.621566347879102&type=1&theater (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=463417630436488&set=gm.621566347879102&type=1&theater)

great bike for you there.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: orangeman on January 14, 2014, 01:50:13 PM
I didn't know whether to put this is in the WTF thread or the cycling one - did you lads happen to see anybody like this round Tallaght recently ?


Erectile dysfunction are two words most men shudder at the thought of – but an even scarier prospect is when an erection lasts for five weeks.

That was the case for one young man who attended a Dublin hospital after a bike injury.

The 22-year-old mountain biker's unfortunate ailment, known as priapism, was caused when he sustained a straddle injury on the crossbar of his bike that resulted in an irregular blood flow to his penis.

A cyclist had an erection for five weeks after injuring himself on the crossbar of his bike (stock picture)

The man did not attend Tallaght Hospital until five weeks after sustaining the injury and medics reported that the initial examination 'revealed no signs of injury, but penis was erect'.


A doctor who treated the man said that intercourse would have been 'possible, but painful' for the man during his ordeal.

According to the Irish Examiner, Dr Ronan Browne, Consultant Intervention radiologist at Tallaght Hospital, said: 'It was an anxious time for the patient as it would be for any young man.'

The man did not attend Tallaght Hospital (pictured) until five weeks after sustaining the injury

A report in the Irish Medical Journal into the treatment of the man stated the unnamed patient's 'rigid erection' could have caused a blood clot if it had not been treated.

After several different treatments, the man's swelling finally subsided when doctors inserted gel foam and four tiny platinum coils at an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein that supplied blood to the man's penis.

This reduced the 'high flow' blood supply to his member. - Daily Mail



Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on January 14, 2014, 02:23:28 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on January 07, 2014, 05:38:31 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 07, 2014, 04:24:15 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 07, 2014, 04:18:23 PM
Yes - comes out of gross pay which is where you see the benefit.

right so, might have to avail then

any thoughts on this yolk, although I don't envisage paying anywhere near full whack for it?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_289005 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_289005)

Theres far better deals around at the minute. What height are you?

6'00"

That link isn't working Jimmy...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on January 14, 2014, 02:40:39 PM
Great weather for cycling last weekend, managed 100k Saturday and Sunday, two good sessions. Hopefully this frosty patch will clear up by the weekend
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 14, 2014, 02:53:01 PM
Yer hole, stayed in bed Saturday morning because of frost, got drowned doing 45m on Sunday. :P I've had 2 spills recently, 1 nasty enough, sunday was my 4th outing in 2 months ffs. Roll on the Spring.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 14, 2014, 02:56:00 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on January 14, 2014, 02:40:39 PM
Great weather for cycling last weekend, managed 100k Saturday and Sunday, two good sessions. Hopefully this frosty patch will clear up by the weekend

Just shows you the difference between people who run and cycle, able to do 100k cycle and unable to do 10k run. I'd struggle to do that distance on the bike but would find 10k a breeze
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on January 14, 2014, 03:13:33 PM
Ah I could manage the 10k, its more that I'd want to be breaking the 40 for it and I'm not sure I'll be in that kinda shape
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 14, 2014, 04:05:46 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on January 14, 2014, 03:13:33 PM
Ah I could manage the 10k, its more that I'd want to be breaking the 40 for it and I'm not sure I'll be in that kinda shape

Breaking 40 would be superb ffs
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on January 14, 2014, 04:18:06 PM
I dont like to be going backwards! I did one last July under 40 and I'd like to beat that
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 14, 2014, 04:23:04 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on January 14, 2014, 04:18:06 PM
I dont like to be going backwards! I did one last July under 40 and I'd like to beat that

I'd be chuffed with 42, that's my target, wee bit off it at the minute for some reason, though the route I do is very hilly, will pick a flat-ish one maybe at the weekend though I'm out both nights, wee bro heading back to Oz so couple of send off's before he goes
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 14, 2014, 09:33:08 PM
Where is a good place to train for climbing? Spelga is closest to me but it would have to be repeats. Taking a stone or 2 off would probably help as well i suppose  >:(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 14, 2014, 10:01:31 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on January 14, 2014, 09:33:08 PM
Where is a good place to train for climbing? Spelga is closest to me but it would have to be repeats. Taking a stone or 2 off would probably help as well i suppose  >:(

Christ you're worse than me for doing all different sports lol.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 14, 2014, 10:17:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 14, 2014, 10:01:31 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on January 14, 2014, 09:33:08 PM
Where is a good place to train for climbing? Spelga is closest to me but it would have to be repeats. Taking a stone or 2 off would probably help as well i suppose  >:(

Christ you're worse than me for doing all different sports lol.

Swim, bike and run!! No climbing yet  ::)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 14, 2014, 10:22:00 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on January 14, 2014, 10:17:13 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 14, 2014, 10:01:31 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on January 14, 2014, 09:33:08 PM
Where is a good place to train for climbing? Spelga is closest to me but it would have to be repeats. Taking a stone or 2 off would probably help as well i suppose  >:(

Christ you're worse than me for doing all different sports lol.

Swim, bike and run!! No climbing yet  ::)

Was climbing the walls over Xmas, 2 weeks of was a bummer ffs :P
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 14, 2014, 11:06:23 PM
get those sufferfest videos and get on the turbo when its icy. sweat pissing off you and you don't see the hour or so going in.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 15, 2014, 04:01:50 PM
It hard to get the motivation to go out when it's cold and wet. Done 40 mile  today that felt like 60
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on January 15, 2014, 04:57:31 PM
Its the feeling of being out and getting the hard miles done when the soft f**kers are inside!
Cant beat that kinda training, even mentally
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 15, 2014, 05:29:50 PM
Winter miles equals summer smiles
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 15, 2014, 06:09:45 PM
Got out today myself, the lovely mild day forecast didn't quite materialise in these parts.

I've a set of bathroom scales that weigh differently depending on the surface. They normally sit in a carpeted bedroom & that's the weight i would say i am, I happened to take them into the (tiled) bathroom & was a full 4lb lighter, i took them into a different bedroom (wooden floor) & the same weight as the bathroom, took them to a different (carpet) bedroom & back up 4lb.

They aren't the dearest scales in the world, but what surface would give the truest reflection? I was obviously delighted with the hard surface version & it's my new claimed weight  ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 15, 2014, 07:23:57 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 15, 2014, 06:09:45 PM
Got out today myself, the lovely mild day forecast didn't quite materialise in these parts.

I've a set of bathroom scales that weigh differently depending on the surface. They normally sit in a carpeted bedroom & that's the weight i would say i am, I happened to take them into the (tiled) bathroom & was a full 4lb lighter, i took them into a different bedroom (wooden floor) & the same weight as the bathroom, took them to a different (carpet) bedroom & back up 4lb.

They aren't the dearest scales in the world, but what surface would give the truest reflection? I was obviously delighted with the hard surface version & it's my new claimed weight  ;D
Always a hard level floor. But you should just keep it in the same place all the time regardless, that will give you the weight you've lost or put on each time you stand on the scales
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 15, 2014, 07:39:20 PM
 Double chinkers tonight to celebrate!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on January 16, 2014, 09:01:56 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 15, 2014, 07:39:20 PM
Double chinkers tonight to celebrate!
That will get you back on the bathroom floor anyway.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 19, 2014, 01:04:47 PM
Out again this weekend. 40 mile yesterday and 35 today. Completely soaked to the skin yesterday as well!! The pace isn't quick but glad to be getting some miles in at this time of year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 19, 2014, 02:00:36 PM
Just back from 40 myself at 17mph average but got dropped on nearly every hill.  First time out in a long time with no rain or wind beating at me
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 19, 2014, 02:04:59 PM
Quote from: gerry on January 19, 2014, 02:00:36 PM
Just back from 40 myself at 17mph average but got dropped on nearly every hill.  First time out in a long time with no rain or wind beating at me

Thats good going. We were only going along around 14.5/15 average today. My uncle is 63 and he's out cycle with us every week!! Just got himself a 2012 fuji team edition bike as well to add to his collection.  £3k reduced from £6k.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 20, 2014, 09:31:17 AM
See Letterkenny? Man Philip Deignan made his debut for Sky in the TDU warm up crit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 23, 2014, 06:22:51 PM
Jesus, Cadel's in some nick, great stage win and looks the TDU winner. Left Richie Porte for dead on the Queen stage major climb - both targeting the Giro too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 25, 2014, 12:36:35 PM
Rictchie Porte restores the natural order on the TDU with a good win on a great stage, Gerrans overhauls Cadel, 1sec in it with a sprint stage left.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 25, 2014, 08:20:21 PM
jens voigt was unreal today i thought and after he got caught he attacked again.  looking forward to seeing him this year when he has nothing to lose or no contract to sign for next year.  evans must have thought that he had it when he dropped gerrans on the last climb.  hopefully deignan has done enough to get a start for the giro on home ground in may
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Gazzler on January 25, 2014, 08:33:06 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfdvIfT8H5c&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 25, 2014, 08:39:21 PM
Quote from: Gazzler on January 25, 2014, 08:33:06 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfdvIfT8H5c&feature=youtu.be

i seen that earlier but i know that violence is not the answer but the cyclist was being a bit of a p***k
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on January 25, 2014, 10:35:18 PM
70k today in as bad a weather as I've been out on. Went over the windy gap to castlebar, had about 10 mins of gales with hailstones head on
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 25, 2014, 10:42:57 PM
After last weekend i wasn't going through it again today, fook that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on January 26, 2014, 12:46:58 AM
Lads, a mate of mine set out a few weeks ago to cycle from Dublin to Beijing to raise money for Crumlin Children's hospital. HE's currently banged up in Luxemburg with a bust knee. Take a look at how he's getting on:

http://dublin2beijing.com/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 08, 2014, 12:36:25 PM
Early on the season and all that it is it looks increasingly likely that Cavendish's days as Top Sprinter are over. Kittel looks deadly, winning 3 in Dubai, including getting over a few bumps in yesterday's stage.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 08, 2014, 09:02:28 PM
Friend trying to talk me into doing a stage of the Giro d'Italia when it comes to Belfast, is it 160 miles? Any takers??
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 08, 2014, 09:23:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 08, 2014, 09:02:28 PM
Friend trying to talk me into doing a stage of the Giro d'Italia when it comes to Belfast, is it 160 miles? Any takers??

Sky have signed me up for it! Id do it again if i had to though
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 08, 2014, 09:52:59 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 08, 2014, 09:23:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 08, 2014, 09:02:28 PM
Friend trying to talk me into doing a stage of the Giro d'Italia when it comes to Belfast, is it 160 miles? Any takers??

Sky have signed me up for it! Id do it again if i had to though

Not the real one the one that is opened for the amateurs!!! Groups of 50 at a time I think, there are 2000 doing it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 09, 2014, 02:42:21 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 08, 2014, 09:52:59 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 08, 2014, 09:23:39 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 08, 2014, 09:02:28 PM
Friend trying to talk me into doing a stage of the Giro d'Italia when it comes to Belfast, is it 160 miles? Any takers??

Sky have signed me up for it! Id do it again if i had to though

Not the real one the one that is opened for the amateurs!!! Groups of 50 at a time I think, there are 2000 doing it


Where do u sign up?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 11:52:43 AM
http://m.newsletter.co.uk/sport/amateurs-get-ready-for-the-big-italian-bike-ride-1-5859254
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 10, 2014, 06:41:51 PM
A bad day for Sam today after a great start yesterday in the tour of Qatar
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 10, 2014, 06:59:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 11:52:43 AM
http://m.newsletter.co.uk/sport/amateurs-get-ready-for-the-big-italian-bike-ride-1-5859254

Definitely doing this!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 07:00:23 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 10, 2014, 06:59:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 11:52:43 AM
http://m.newsletter.co.uk/sport/amateurs-get-ready-for-the-big-italian-bike-ride-1-5859254

Definitely doing this!

Haven't done big miles before, but have been assured it should be ok!!! Like fcuk it will but I think I'll take the bait
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 12, 2014, 01:26:52 PM
Sam finished fifth today in the sprint in Qatar. 90 mile at an average of 35 mph/57kph not bad going for the boy from Carrick-on-Suir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7_RvfRvZUo
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on February 13, 2014, 11:34:28 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 07:00:23 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 10, 2014, 06:59:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 11:52:43 AM
http://m.newsletter.co.uk/sport/amateurs-get-ready-for-the-big-italian-bike-ride-1-5859254

Definitely doing this!

Haven't done big miles before, but have been assured it should be ok!!! Like fcuk it will but I think I'll take the bait
I think the 135KM would be plenty for me. I don't think I could carry enough grub to keep me going the 10 hours I would need to do the full course.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on February 13, 2014, 01:45:58 PM
Will probably avail of the cycle to work scheme and go for the Boardman team carbon bike from Halfords,,

What sort of pedals and shoes would you recommend? Do I need to buy, shoes, the associated cleats that suit the pedals?

What do I need to look out for?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: WeeDonns on February 13, 2014, 02:03:05 PM
Have you seen this guys;

http://road.cc/content/news/110910-three-day-sportive-celebrate-giro-d%E2%80%99italia%E2%80%99s-irish-start-video (http://road.cc/content/news/110910-three-day-sportive-celebrate-giro-d%E2%80%99italia%E2%80%99s-irish-start-video)
Quote
In May, the world's top professional riders will take to the roads of Ireland for the start of the Giro d'Italia. Two weeks later, over the Bank Holiday weekend of My 24-26, it will be the turn of regular riders when the three-day Curadmír Ulster Cycle heads into the hills of Northern Ireland on what organisers say is designed to be toughest route in the British Isles.

A fully supported multi-stage sportive, the ride covers 360 miles in three days through some of the wildest and most remote terrain in Ulster.
Riders can enter as teams or individuals but organisers expect they will work together to complete the event rather than treat it as a competition (sounds a bit optimistic to us).

The route promises great scenery including the 700m ascent of the Mourne Mountains, the Giant's Causeway, Ireland's most northerly point at Malin Head, the Mamore Cap with hairpin gradients of 27%, and the Fermanagh Mountains, where the final hilltop finish will overlook Lough Erne.
The event will have a rolling base camp, with rider villages providing facilities including: tents with mattresses, premium catering, hot showers, physio and massage services and a mechanics' tent. In the evening riders will be able to relax and recover with comfy seating and live music in the chill-out marquee.

The name Curadmír, in case you're wondering, means 'Champion's Portion' – the feast awarded to the bravest warriors in the battles of ancient Ireland.
Entry to the Curadmír Ulster Cycle starts from £475 and is open now. If you get in quick, there's an early bird price of £375 until midday on Monday February 17. See www.curadmir.com for more information
Never heard the term 'Fermanagh Mountains' before
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 13, 2014, 02:32:11 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 13, 2014, 01:45:58 PM
Will probably avail of the cycle to work scheme and go for the Boardman team carbon bike from Halfords,,

What sort of pedals and shoes would you recommend? Do I need to buy, shoes, the associated cleats that suit the pedals?

What do I need to look out for?

you wont go wrong with these shoes for £45

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-r10-road-cycling-shoe/

with these pedals (cleats included)

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-r540-spd-sl-sport-pedals/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 13, 2014, 02:33:26 PM
Quote from: WeeDonns on February 13, 2014, 02:03:05 PM
Have you seen this guys;

http://road.cc/content/news/110910-three-day-sportive-celebrate-giro-d%E2%80%99italia%E2%80%99s-irish-start-video (http://road.cc/content/news/110910-three-day-sportive-celebrate-giro-d%E2%80%99italia%E2%80%99s-irish-start-video)
Quote
In May, the world's top professional riders will take to the roads of Ireland for the start of the Giro d'Italia. Two weeks later, over the Bank Holiday weekend of My 24-26, it will be the turn of regular riders when the three-day Curadmír Ulster Cycle heads into the hills of Northern Ireland on what organisers say is designed to be toughest route in the British Isles.

A fully supported multi-stage sportive, the ride covers 360 miles in three days through some of the wildest and most remote terrain in Ulster.
Riders can enter as teams or individuals but organisers expect they will work together to complete the event rather than treat it as a competition (sounds a bit optimistic to us).

The route promises great scenery including the 700m ascent of the Mourne Mountains, the Giant's Causeway, Ireland's most northerly point at Malin Head, the Mamore Cap with hairpin gradients of 27%, and the Fermanagh Mountains, where the final hilltop finish will overlook Lough Erne.
The event will have a rolling base camp, with rider villages providing facilities including: tents with mattresses, premium catering, hot showers, physio and massage services and a mechanics' tent. In the evening riders will be able to relax and recover with comfy seating and live music in the chill-out marquee.

The name Curadmír, in case you're wondering, means 'Champion's Portion' – the feast awarded to the bravest warriors in the battles of ancient Ireland.
Entry to the Curadmír Ulster Cycle starts from £475 and is open now. If you get in quick, there's an early bird price of £375 until midday on Monday February 17. See www.curadmir.com for more information
Never heard the term 'Fermanagh Mountains' before

£475 seems a bit steep for what you are doing, i cant see many signing up to do it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on February 13, 2014, 03:41:59 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 13, 2014, 02:32:11 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 13, 2014, 01:45:58 PM
Will probably avail of the cycle to work scheme and go for the Boardman team carbon bike from Halfords,,

What sort of pedals and shoes would you recommend? Do I need to buy, shoes, the associated cleats that suit the pedals?

What do I need to look out for?

Why would that site be quoting the price in $ for me??

you wont go wrong with these shoes for £45

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-r10-road-cycling-shoe/

with these pedals (cleats included)

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-r540-spd-sl-sport-pedals/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 13, 2014, 03:54:47 PM
there is an option at the top right to change currency settings
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on February 13, 2014, 04:33:02 PM
yeah there is, good lad.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on February 13, 2014, 04:47:31 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 13, 2014, 02:33:26 PM
Quote from: WeeDonns on February 13, 2014, 02:03:05 PM
Have you seen this guys;

http://road.cc/content/news/110910-three-day-sportive-celebrate-giro-d%E2%80%99italia%E2%80%99s-irish-start-video (http://road.cc/content/news/110910-three-day-sportive-celebrate-giro-d%E2%80%99italia%E2%80%99s-irish-start-video)
Quote
In May, the world's top professional riders will take to the roads of Ireland for the start of the Giro d'Italia. Two weeks later, over the Bank Holiday weekend of My 24-26, it will be the turn of regular riders when the three-day Curadmír Ulster Cycle heads into the hills of Northern Ireland on what organisers say is designed to be toughest route in the British Isles.

A fully supported multi-stage sportive, the ride covers 360 miles in three days through some of the wildest and most remote terrain in Ulster.
Riders can enter as teams or individuals but organisers expect they will work together to complete the event rather than treat it as a competition (sounds a bit optimistic to us).

The route promises great scenery including the 700m ascent of the Mourne Mountains, the Giant's Causeway, Ireland's most northerly point at Malin Head, the Mamore Cap with hairpin gradients of 27%, and the Fermanagh Mountains, where the final hilltop finish will overlook Lough Erne.
The event will have a rolling base camp, with rider villages providing facilities including: tents with mattresses, premium catering, hot showers, physio and massage services and a mechanics' tent. In the evening riders will be able to relax and recover with comfy seating and live music in the chill-out marquee.

The name Curadmír, in case you're wondering, means 'Champion's Portion' – the feast awarded to the bravest warriors in the battles of ancient Ireland.
Entry to the Curadmír Ulster Cycle starts from £475 and is open now. If you get in quick, there's an early bird price of £375 until midday on Monday February 17. See www.curadmir.com for more information
Never heard the term 'Fermanagh Mountains' before

£475 seems a bit steep for what you are doing, i cant see many signing up to do it

I would want them to be providing me with a bike for that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 14, 2014, 07:42:10 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on February 13, 2014, 11:34:28 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 07:00:23 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 10, 2014, 06:59:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 11:52:43 AM
http://m.newsletter.co.uk/sport/amateurs-get-ready-for-the-big-italian-bike-ride-1-5859254

Definitely doing this!

Haven't done big miles before, but have been assured it should be ok!!! Like fcuk it will but I think I'll take the bait
I think the 135KM would be plenty for me. I don't think I could carry enough grub to keep me going the 10 hours I would need to do the full course.



Entries open at 12 noon today


http://www.chainreactionhub.com/giro-20114/1251-the-chain-reaction-cycles-big-italian-bike-ride (http://www.chainreactionhub.com/giro-20114/1251-the-chain-reaction-cycles-big-italian-bike-ride)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on February 14, 2014, 08:16:17 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on February 13, 2014, 01:45:58 PM
Will probably avail of the cycle to work scheme and go for the Boardman team carbon bike from Halfords,,

What sort of pedals and shoes would you recommend? Do I need to buy, shoes, the associated cleats that suit the pedals?

What do I need to look out for?

I use the Look Keo system. Use grey or red cleats, stay away from the black ones because they have no float, so if your cleat isn't set dead straight then you could get a repetitive strain injury in your knee. The reds give you the most leeway, greys a little less. I use the greys because I like to be able to clip out a bit easier.

Get your bike shop to check your riding position and the straightness of your feet. A good shop will put you on a turbo trainer so they can watch you pedal and make sure your cleats are on right, so your knee shouldn't be flicking to the side at TDC. Very hard to spot that sort of thing yourself, it takes an outside observer.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 14, 2014, 08:41:05 AM
Sean Kelly riding with Emyvale CC Sunday morning, Open event for charity, plan on going to see the King.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 14, 2014, 06:17:17 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 14, 2014, 07:42:10 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on February 13, 2014, 11:34:28 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 07:00:23 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 10, 2014, 06:59:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 11:52:43 AM
http://m.newsletter.co.uk/sport/amateurs-get-ready-for-the-big-italian-bike-ride-1-5859254

Definitely doing this!

Haven't done big miles before, but have been assured it should be ok!!! Like fcuk it will but I think I'll take the bait
I think the 135KM would be plenty for me. I don't think I could carry enough grub to keep me going the 10 hours I would need to do the full course.



Entries open at 12 noon today


http://www.chainreactionhub.com/giro-20114/1251-the-chain-reaction-cycles-big-italian-bike-ride (http://www.chainreactionhub.com/giro-20114/1251-the-chain-reaction-cycles-big-italian-bike-ride)

signed up there. looks like a class event! The goodie bag is worth the 40 quid entrance fee alone.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on February 14, 2014, 06:46:12 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 14, 2014, 06:17:17 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 14, 2014, 07:42:10 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on February 13, 2014, 11:34:28 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 07:00:23 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 10, 2014, 06:59:06 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 10, 2014, 11:52:43 AM
http://m.newsletter.co.uk/sport/amateurs-get-ready-for-the-big-italian-bike-ride-1-5859254

Definitely doing this!

Haven't done big miles before, but have been assured it should be ok!!! Like fcuk it will but I think I'll take the bait
I think the 135KM would be plenty for me. I don't think I could carry enough grub to keep me going the 10 hours I would need to do the full course.



Entries open at 12 noon today


http://www.chainreactionhub.com/giro-20114/1251-the-chain-reaction-cycles-big-italian-bike-ride (http://www.chainreactionhub.com/giro-20114/1251-the-chain-reaction-cycles-big-italian-bike-ride)

signed up there. looks like a class event! The goodie bag is worth the 40 quid entrance fee alone.
Plan to do the medium one - looks like it might sell out before the weekend is over.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 14, 2014, 07:22:51 PM
Would loved to have done it but we have a 135 mile cycle on for the club that weekend
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 15, 2014, 08:25:56 AM
Signed up for the big one.

Eh Milltown, take money with you & buy stuff along the way.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on February 15, 2014, 08:26:45 AM
That looks class
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2014, 08:45:46 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 15, 2014, 08:25:56 AM
Signed up for the big one.

Eh Milltown, take money with you & buy stuff along the way.

looks like Im being peer pressured into in by friends ffs
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 15, 2014, 09:03:09 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 15, 2014, 08:45:46 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 15, 2014, 08:25:56 AM
Signed up for the big one.

Eh Milltown, take money with you & buy stuff along the way.

looks like Im being peer pressured into in by friends ffs
Go on Milltown, I'll reach you a pint outside The Mariners Bar  ;)

Could be worse, you could be going anti-clockwise and up Torr Road.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on February 15, 2014, 11:23:08 AM
That is me signed in for the medium one.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on February 15, 2014, 12:44:48 PM
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1087175_-1_400267__400267 (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1087175_-1_400267__400267)

Has anyone tried or have any experience of these SMP saddles?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on February 15, 2014, 12:50:05 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on February 15, 2014, 11:23:08 AM
That is me signed in for the medium one.
+1
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 16, 2014, 10:26:27 PM
47 mile today and struggled the last 5 of it. A lot of work to do before the Gran Fonda
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 16, 2014, 10:29:15 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 16, 2014, 10:26:27 PM
47 mile today and struggled the last 5 of it. A lot of work to do before the Gran Fonda

You bet, 235k is nuts
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 16, 2014, 10:41:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 16, 2014, 10:29:15 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 16, 2014, 10:26:27 PM
47 mile today and struggled the last 5 of it. A lot of work to do before the Gran Fonda

You bet, 235k is nuts
You doing it? There's 820 signed up and all so far! Great numbers. It will be touch and go for me I think! If I am struggling then I will just turn off and do the middle one. I read that you can do that. Going to try train hard for the big one and give it a lash.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 16, 2014, 10:49:18 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 16, 2014, 10:41:50 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 16, 2014, 10:29:15 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 16, 2014, 10:26:27 PM
47 mile today and struggled the last 5 of it. A lot of work to do before the Gran Fonda

You bet, 235k is nuts
You doing it? There's 820 signed up and all so far! Great numbers. It will be touch and go for me I think! If I am struggling then I will just turn off and do the middle one. I read that you can do that. Going to try train hard for the big one and give it a lash.

Friends of mine are doing the main one, but unfortunately I'll be at a stag weekend in Torremolinos that Sunday, all inclusive 5 star resort, I'll be thinking of yous lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 16, 2014, 11:32:40 PM
Loads of fat cnuts out cycling today. May be the sport for me!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on February 16, 2014, 11:36:39 PM
I did a very modest 16km today in around 50 minutes on a fairly hilly route. First time on the saddle since Lap the Lough last August, so easing myself in gently!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 16, 2014, 11:57:07 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 16, 2014, 11:32:40 PM
Loads of fat cnuts out cycling today. May be the sport for me!

Yep I thought I saw you

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTOd4ejl7Mrg7_wH_xvN1T_cT5RYead5Yc24owtmFVBDYj_CUug)

I got lost looking for these ones today

(http://wildammo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sexy-girls-in-yoga-pants-wildammo-53.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 16, 2014, 11:58:46 PM
Seriously though, how much are these people eating if they are putting in the miles and their gut is still resting on their thighs as they pedal?!  :-\
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 17, 2014, 12:02:04 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 16, 2014, 11:58:46 PM
Seriously though, how much are these people eating if they are putting in the miles and their gut is still resting on their thighs as they pedal?!  :-\

It's a low impact sport in fairness, plenty of fat people are cyclists, they may not be able to run but by feck they can fairly motor on a bike
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on February 17, 2014, 11:30:54 AM
Most people over eat on the bike, take on lots of sugar and there's no need for it. It's possible to go for three hours anyway without anything, could even go without the breakfast and still manage it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 17, 2014, 02:10:32 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on February 17, 2014, 11:30:54 AM
Most people over eat on the bike, take on lots of sugar and there's no need for it. It's possible to go for three hours anyway without anything, could even go without the breakfast and still manage it

50 mile today with only one weetabix in me but I drank 2 bottles of dilute while on the bike. Going to have to get a rid of a stone for this season though, can fairly notice it on the hills!

Tough conditions today. Really struggled with the pace on the way home but I was at a swimming at 6.30am today so I am blaming that for my legs feeling like lead! How do the pros do it day after day on the tour - even with the drugs!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 17, 2014, 02:24:21 PM
Want to lose weight - go to spin class 2/3 times a week and put the effort in, dont eat rubbish, lay off alcohol (& bread if u can) and you'll lose a stone in a month / 6 weeks. I eat like a total hoorbag on the bike & have plateau'd there weight loss wise. spinning has took a stone off me this winter (mostly twice a week, with a cycle on weekend)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 17, 2014, 02:39:18 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 17, 2014, 02:10:32 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on February 17, 2014, 11:30:54 AM
Most people over eat on the bike, take on lots of sugar and there's no need for it. It's possible to go for three hours anyway without anything, could even go without the breakfast and still manage it

50 mile today with only one weetabix in me but I drank 2 bottles of dilute while on the bike. Going to have to get a rid of a stone for this season though, can fairly notice it on the hills!

Tough conditions today. Really struggled with the pace on the way home but I was at a swimming at 6.30am today so I am blaming that for my legs feeling like lead! How do the pros do it day after day on the tour - even with the drugs!

You doing an hour in the pool? Need to get back into the pool again, need at least 3 hours a week leading up to the season me thinks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on February 17, 2014, 03:08:11 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 17, 2014, 02:24:21 PM
Want to lose weight - go to spin class 2/3 times a week and put the effort in, dont eat rubbish, lay off alcohol (& bread if u can) and you'll lose a stone in a month / 6 weeks. I eat like a total hoorbag on the bike & have plateau'd there weight loss wise. spinning has took a stone off me this winter (mostly twice a week, with a cycle on weekend)

Throw in some relatively heavy squats and deadlifts with that and you're laughing.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: the Deel Rover on February 17, 2014, 04:20:43 PM
Any good apps for Cycling lads ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 17, 2014, 04:23:24 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on February 17, 2014, 02:39:18 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 17, 2014, 02:10:32 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on February 17, 2014, 11:30:54 AM
Most people over eat on the bike, take on lots of sugar and there's no need for it. It's possible to go for three hours anyway without anything, could even go without the breakfast and still manage it

50 mile today with only one weetabix in me but I drank 2 bottles of dilute while on the bike. Going to have to get a rid of a stone for this season though, can fairly notice it on the hills!

Tough conditions today. Really struggled with the pace on the way home but I was at a swimming at 6.30am today so I am blaming that for my legs feeling like lead! How do the pros do it day after day on the tour - even with the drugs!

You doing an hour in the pool? Need to get back into the pool again, need at least 3 hours a week leading up to the season me thinks

Yeah have been going 3 times a week to a class mon wed and Friday with the wife before work. Class training and it has brought my swimming on something shocking. It was 15 mins of leg kick as warm up, shit load of 50m sprints and then back stroke. You do an average of 70 lengths in the hour id say, much better than going by yourself as you wouldn't push yourself nowhere near as hard.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 17, 2014, 05:46:13 PM
Quote from: the Deel Rover on February 17, 2014, 04:20:43 PM
Any good apps for Cycling lads ?
Strava is the market leader. It's more than an App. Pre Strava I had Velox on my android powered phone, was good, hard on battery.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 19, 2014, 03:38:09 PM
Anyone ever use slane cycles? What type of bike are you boys riding or what one would you like? Id love a cervelo
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on February 19, 2014, 05:06:23 PM
I see someone has organised a 100 mile run on the giro route up the Antrim Coast. It was limited to 1,000 riders and £30 each. A handy £30k for the organiser. Anyone here enrolled?  It would be well outside my comfort zone
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 19, 2014, 05:25:52 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 19, 2014, 03:38:09 PM
Anyone ever use slane cycles? What type of bike are you boys riding or what one would you like? Id love a cervelo

they are about along tme so i reckon they should  be good.  sure we would all love a r3
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 19, 2014, 06:38:53 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 19, 2014, 05:25:52 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 19, 2014, 03:38:09 PM
Anyone ever use slane cycles? What type of bike are you boys riding or what one would you like? Id love a cervelo

they are about along tme so i reckon they should  be good.  sure we would all love a r3
S series for me!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 19, 2014, 07:05:32 PM
I'm tempted to go back to a top spec Aluminium yoke, a CAAD 10 or a Rose Alu. Both lighter than similarly priced Carbon yokes, geometry might be too agressive for my dodgy back tho.

Dream bike a Bianchi Oltre or a Storck.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 22, 2014, 09:24:59 PM
(http://images1.slanecycles.com/bmz_cache/9/9f1c56652c8358392f9db726ae80d2fb.image.750x479.jpg)

I want this bike!!!

Out for 60 today. That's nearly 200 mile this week and every single mile was every in rain or wind. Bring on the summer!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 22, 2014, 09:42:52 PM
thats big miles for February, you will be in some shape come June/July
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 22, 2014, 09:56:14 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 22, 2014, 09:42:52 PM
thats big miles for February, you will be in some shape come June/July

On mid term break this week! Don't usually get out as much as that. Going to try get a few 100milers in before the giro, I'm a long way off that at the minute though.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on February 22, 2014, 10:46:28 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 19, 2014, 07:05:32 PM
I'm tempted to go back to a top spec Aluminium yoke, a CAAD 10 or a Rose Alu. Both lighter than similarly priced Carbon yokes, geometry might be too agressive for my dodgy back tho.

Dream bike a Bianchi Oltre or a Storck.

Couldn't resist getting the new bike out for a jaunt today. Cube Peleton 105 job. Nice solid feel to it, but very surprised at how far over the front I felt. Back in the day could never have raced on it, would have been like a sail in the wind. Good to get out again after all the shite weather, however the roads here remind me now of what the roads were around Timahoe and Ballivor back in the late 70's and 80's when heading for the Bord na Mona joint. Full circle.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 23, 2014, 03:26:17 PM
its always nice to get a spin out on a new bike. 

just back from a spin on my winter bike and i reckon the bearings are away on it going by the noise it was making today.  i don't really want to go out on my good bike as i won't go back to my winter bike after riding it

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: An Gaeilgoir on February 25, 2014, 04:26:36 PM
Can any one recommend a good website for cycling gear, looking to get pedals, cleats and a new pair of shoes.... Thanks.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on February 25, 2014, 04:55:35 PM
www.wiggle.co.uk
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en
http://www.rosebikes.com/?nogeo=1

I find rose very good, u can pick up some great deals
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 25, 2014, 05:12:32 PM
I buy 95% of my stuff from wiggle
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 25, 2014, 08:19:51 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 25, 2014, 05:12:32 PM
I buy 95% of my stuff from wiggle

Same. It's a great site with cracking deals on. My da was getting suspicious with all these packages arriving from a place called 'wiggler'. Got some great castelli gear and swimming stuff from it recently all much cheaper than any of the other big sites.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 25, 2014, 09:38:58 PM
Any gods amount of sites about, some always have something or other on sale, I wouldn't tie myself to anyone in particular. Bought a 105 cassette of Merlin cycles for £19.99(inc p&p) other day, bought an Ultegra one of CRC for £30 a while back. Regularly use Ribble, wiggle, bike-discount.de, Evans cycles, cycle-clothing.co.uk, few on ebay & i bought a set of Fulcrum Quattros of some French site (ajcycles.fr) b4 xmas for a great price. Shop around at all times!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on March 18, 2014, 07:19:47 PM
How's everyone getting on?

I have a few sportives in mind:
http://naomhcolumcille.com/News/tabid/372/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/423/Tour-The-Lough-Registration.aspx (http://naomhcolumcille.com/News/tabid/372/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/423/Tour-The-Lough-Registration.aspx)
http://www.etapemourne.com (http://www.etapemourne.com)
http://www.wicklow200.ie (http://www.wicklow200.ie)
http://www.trilimits.co.uk/#!slideshow/cp0k (http://www.trilimits.co.uk/#!slideshow/cp0k) Half Iron Distance
http://www.cooperationireland.org/maracycle (http://www.cooperationireland.org/maracycle)
http://www.giantscausewaycoastsportive.com (http://www.giantscausewaycoastsportive.com)

Anyone tried these before? Going to pick two or 3 of the best ones, some of them are around the same date so I will have to make a decision and stick to that one. Not getting enough big miles in for the Giro as I have the paris marathon at the start of April, most I have went this year is 60! Should I just stick to the 80 mile route or grind out the 140mile?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on March 18, 2014, 10:31:07 PM
I'm under pressure in work to do the Fun Run in the Glens on Sat 14th June

https://www.facebook.com/FROGRun (https://www.facebook.com/FROGRun)

How's the golf JimStynes?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on March 18, 2014, 10:41:08 PM
That looks good! Give it a go

Aye haven't played regular enough this past few months because my weekends have been taken up with running for the marathon and tutoring children in the afternoons. Plus the weather was shit for a long time! Overall though my long game is going alright and my short game is terrible as per usual  :o  Lighter nights not too far away!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on March 24, 2014, 11:30:41 AM
Anyone racing this weather, did the Des Hanlon in Carlow yesterday, great race but f**k me it was tough going
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 24, 2014, 11:47:32 AM
Your operating on a different level that the rest of us if your racing. What cat are you?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on March 24, 2014, 11:57:08 AM
Oh A4 and going backwards!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 29, 2014, 08:00:54 PM
some of you guys putting big miles in for march on the strava site, 76 and 62 mile and here was me thinking i was doing well with a 60 miler in.  btw i hate the fecking wind
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 29, 2014, 08:28:20 PM
Back on the Summer bike this week, the bones & muscles are taking time to settle back in - had a couple of very uncomfortable spins, bit better today although the weather was kat.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on March 30, 2014, 08:35:17 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 29, 2014, 08:28:20 PM
Back on the Summer bike this week, the bones & muscles are taking time to settle back in - had a couple of very uncomfortable spins, bit better today although the weather was kat.

Never understood why people have summer/winter bikes. Nothing wrong with having plenty of bikes but just can't fathom this trend of buying expensive bikes and then not cycling it for fear of getting it dirty.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pullhard on March 30, 2014, 08:46:34 PM
My Roadie is sick please help me fix her.

This has happened few times, Coasting up to a red light, feet on the pedals but not spinning. The lights change to green, and press down on the pedals and no resistance and im just left there spinning. I drop a few cogs and im able to set off again. Annoying, worried and dangerous. Any ideas ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on March 30, 2014, 09:52:01 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on March 30, 2014, 08:35:17 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 29, 2014, 08:28:20 PM
Back on the Summer bike this week, the bones & muscles are taking time to settle back in - had a couple of very uncomfortable spins, bit better today although the weather was kat.

Never understood why people have summer/winter bikes. Nothing wrong with having plenty of bikes but just can't fathom this trend of buying expensive bikes and then not cycling it for fear of getting it dirty.

Is it because the salt on the roads during the winter damages the carbon or maybe more chance falling off in the ice in the winter time? Not sure either but I know boys with 3 and 4k bikes that only ride them about 3 months of the year and use their winter bike the rest of the time!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 30, 2014, 10:51:51 PM
See Andy Schleck is still a fanny, Frank looking good tho in Corsica.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 30, 2014, 11:01:22 PM
Frank looked good alright and he was up for a win as well going by the attacking he was making. sagan looked good on the harelbeke, hopefully this sunday fabian and tom will give him a run for his money.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on March 30, 2014, 11:42:17 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on March 30, 2014, 08:35:17 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 29, 2014, 08:28:20 PM
Back on the Summer bike this week, the bones & muscles are taking time to settle back in - had a couple of very uncomfortable spins, bit better today although the weather was kat.

Never understood why people have summer/winter bikes. Nothing wrong with having plenty of bikes but just can't fathom this trend of buying expensive bikes and then not cycling it for fear of getting it dirty.

Officially its because of salt on the roads etc. But seeing as the roads aren't gritted as much any more its not such an issue, especially with sealed bottom brackets etc, back in the day I think the aul stuff would have got in there.
Its handy to have one mudguard fitted out and one not anytime of the year given the climate we enjoy.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on March 31, 2014, 01:24:12 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on March 30, 2014, 09:52:01 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on March 30, 2014, 08:35:17 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 29, 2014, 08:28:20 PM
Back on the Summer bike this week, the bones & muscles are taking time to settle back in - had a couple of very uncomfortable spins, bit better today although the weather was kat.

Never understood why people have summer/winter bikes. Nothing wrong with having plenty of bikes but just can't fathom this trend of buying expensive bikes and then not cycling it for fear of getting it dirty.

Is it because the salt on the roads during the winter damages the carbon or maybe more chance falling off in the ice in the winter time? Not sure either but I know boys with 3 and 4k bikes that only ride them about 3 months of the year and use their winter bike the rest of the time!

Salt cannot damage carbon and will not reduce the life of components if you wash them down properly after a spin. I don't see What the point having a bike if your feared to ride it, certainly not at 3 or 4k.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on March 31, 2014, 01:27:33 AM
Quote from: maddog on March 30, 2014, 11:42:17 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on March 30, 2014, 08:35:17 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 29, 2014, 08:28:20 PM
Back on the Summer bike this week, the bones & muscles are taking time to settle back in - had a couple of very uncomfortable spins, bit better today although the weather was kat.

Never understood why people have summer/winter bikes. Nothing wrong with having plenty of bikes but just can't fathom this trend of buying expensive bikes and then not cycling it for fear of getting it dirty.

Officially its because of salt on the roads etc. But seeing as the roads aren't gritted as much any more its not such an issue, especially with sealed bottom brackets etc, back in the day I think the aul stuff would have got in there.
Its handy to have one mudguard fitted out and one not anytime of the year given the climate we enjoy.

True it's handy to have the mudguards but not to the extent Of buying another bike. Just leave the mudguards on all winter and wash the bike after a ride.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 31, 2014, 07:47:15 AM
You should always wash the 'bike' after a good ride :D

How many posters are doing the Giro stages?? Im off on a stag weekend so missing out.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on March 31, 2014, 09:51:46 AM
It's easier now to operate solely with the one bike with the new clip on mudguards. In the past if the bike didn't have mudguard eyes which most proper racings bikes hadn't then you couldn't fit them, hence the 2 bikes. Also it used to be that a lot of guys would ride fixed wheel (1 gear) bikes in the winter for fitness reasons (never saw that myself but there you go) - funny how the fixies have now come back as retro. Makes you feel old !
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on March 31, 2014, 09:55:50 AM
Quote from: maddog on March 31, 2014, 09:51:46 AM
It's easier now to operate solely with the one bike with the new clip on mudguards. In the past if the bike didn't have mudguard eyes which most proper racings bikes hadn't then you couldn't fit them, hence the 2 bikes. Also it used to be that a lot of guys would ride fixed wheel (1 gear) bikes in the winter for fitness reasons (never saw that myself but there you go) - funny how the fixies have now come back as retro. Makes you feel old !

You have hipster tosser to ride one now
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on March 31, 2014, 10:51:40 AM
Quote from: thebigfella on March 31, 2014, 09:55:50 AM
Quote from: maddog on March 31, 2014, 09:51:46 AM
It's easier now to operate solely with the one bike with the new clip on mudguards. In the past if the bike didn't have mudguard eyes which most proper racings bikes hadn't then you couldn't fit them, hence the 2 bikes. Also it used to be that a lot of guys would ride fixed wheel (1 gear) bikes in the winter for fitness reasons (never saw that myself but there you go) - funny how the fixies have now come back as retro. Makes you feel old !

You have hipster t**ser to ride one now

I couldnt even if i wanted to
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 31, 2014, 12:05:53 PM
Still a few older fellas about riding fixies during winter to train.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on March 31, 2014, 12:18:43 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 31, 2014, 12:05:53 PM
Still a few older fellas about riding fixies during winter to train.

Surely though you can train with the bike in the same gear?

Considering pros don't have winter training bikes, I don't see where this trend has started among amateurs. I'm not knocking having more than one bike, I've quite a few and they all get used for their purpose. I just absolutely hate this nonsense of not using the "expensive" bike during the winter for fear of getting it dirty/damaged by having a "winter training" bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on March 31, 2014, 12:41:48 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on March 31, 2014, 12:18:43 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 31, 2014, 12:05:53 PM
Still a few older fellas about riding fixies during winter to train.

Surely though you can train with the bike in the same gear?

Considering pros don't have winter training bikes, I don't see where this trend has started among amateurs. I'm not knocking having more than one bike, I've quite a few and they all get used for their purpose. I just absolutely hate this nonsense of not using the "expensive" bike during the winter for fear of getting it dirty/damaged by having a "winter training" bike.

When did it start - no idea but when i was racing from 1984 onwards they were long at it then. But in those days a hack bike was a hack not just a slightly cheaper version of the normal summer bike except with mudguards. Ironically my own winter hack is better equipped (ultegra) than the new bike (105) but i built it cheaply with 2nd hand ebay parts so i will stick with it for winter and wet weather.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on March 31, 2014, 01:12:56 PM
Quote from: maddog on March 31, 2014, 12:41:48 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on March 31, 2014, 12:18:43 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 31, 2014, 12:05:53 PM
Still a few older fellas about riding fixies during winter to train.

Surely though you can train with the bike in the same gear?

Considering pros don't have winter training bikes, I don't see where this trend has started among amateurs. I'm not knocking having more than one bike, I've quite a few and they all get used for their purpose. I just absolutely hate this nonsense of not using the "expensive" bike during the winter for fear of getting it dirty/damaged by having a "winter training" bike.

When did it start - no idea but when i was racing from 1984 onwards they were long at it then. But in those days a hack bike was a hack not just a slightly cheaper version of the normal summer bike except with mudguards. Ironically my own winter hack is better equipped (ultegra) than the new bike (105) but i built it cheaply with 2nd hand ebay parts so i will stick with it for winter and wet weather.

The irony is I have a hack (hard to call it that because it was a discounted 2013 full tiagra) for the daily commute etc... with mudguards on and sometimes use it for more leisurely spins.

It was bought as the cnuts in work using the cycle racks have no respect or are thieving w@nkers. The handful of times I bought my proper bike in work, I've had spokes broken on 2 separate occasions, mudguards stole of the bike, the Garmin speed/cadence sensor stolen and various scratches on the frame due to people throwing bikes on top of it; despite being stored in an underground secure car park  >:(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on March 31, 2014, 02:47:34 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on March 31, 2014, 01:12:56 PM
Quote from: maddog on March 31, 2014, 12:41:48 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on March 31, 2014, 12:18:43 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 31, 2014, 12:05:53 PM
Still a few older fellas about riding fixies during winter to train.

Surely though you can train with the bike in the same gear?

Considering pros don't have winter training bikes, I don't see where this trend has started among amateurs. I'm not knocking having more than one bike, I've quite a few and they all get used for their purpose. I just absolutely hate this nonsense of not using the "expensive" bike during the winter for fear of getting it dirty/damaged by having a "winter training" bike.

When did it start - no idea but when i was racing from 1984 onwards they were long at it then. But in those days a hack bike was a hack not just a slightly cheaper version of the normal summer bike except with mudguards. Ironically my own winter hack is better equipped (ultegra) than the new bike (105) but i built it cheaply with 2nd hand ebay parts so i will stick with it for winter and wet weather.

The irony is I have a hack (hard to call it that because it was a discounted 2013 full tiagra) for the daily commute etc... with mudguards on and sometimes use it for more leisurely spins.

It was bought as the cnuts in work using the cycle racks have no respect or are thieving w@nkers. The handful of times I bought my proper bike in work, I've had spokes broken on 2 separate occasions, mudguards stole of the bike, the Garmin speed/cadence sensor stolen and various scratches on the frame due to people throwing bikes on top of it; despite being stored in an underground secure car park  >:(

That is bad. As an aside a friend was telling me last night how he had the wiper blades stolen from his work van outside his house. When he went to a local garage to replace them he was told it was a common enough occurence. :o
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 31, 2014, 07:31:15 PM
With fixed gear 'training' the freewheel is disabled AFAIK, so u have to pedal whether u like it or not, good for cadence training i suppose & if you'd more gears sure you'd just cheat.

I like the idea of 2 bikes i have to say, though like others my winter bike is nearly every bit as good as the summer one. I look after it too, so it would do me fine during the summer if required.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on March 31, 2014, 08:24:29 PM
Wee problem with my gears, it won't click into top gear, I've a wee duathalon in Lisburn this week so id like to get it fixed. Any ideas??
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 31, 2014, 09:07:01 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 31, 2014, 07:47:15 AM
You should always wash the 'bike' after a good ride :D

How many posters are doing the Giro stages?? Im off on a stag weekend so missing out.

Cycling from Omagh to Ballycastle to watch it. A weekend of beer and craic hopefully
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on March 31, 2014, 10:29:15 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 31, 2014, 08:24:29 PM
Wee problem with my gears, it won't click into top gear, I've a wee duathalon in Lisburn this week so id like to get it fixed. Any ideas??
your derailleur needs a wee tweak probably, is your chain well lubricated also. 2 minute job for a bike tech but there will be plenty of you tube clips showing you how to do it yourself. its fiddly but no bother to a man of your capabilities ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on March 31, 2014, 11:30:12 PM
Went to sundrive track there a few weeks ago and did my accreditation, you've to do it before they let u train for real, all on fixies with no brakes, loved it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Denn Forever on April 15, 2014, 02:01:50 PM
The Giro stages this  May.

http://www.girostart2014.com/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on April 16, 2014, 10:02:29 AM
I'm looking to get into this cycling lark, with a view to eventually getting into triathlons (in between/after the football).

My work has the cycle to work scheme, and I've been looking at the top end of that limit (£1k). There are a number of guides on the net, but for an ill-informed newbie like me, its hard to distinguish between any of them. Someone said to me too that I'd get much better spec for that money looking at previous season bikes, but its generally a lot harder to find information about these, and also stockists, even on the net.

Has anyone any advice/recommendations for me?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 16, 2014, 11:50:18 AM
Quote from: haranguerer on April 16, 2014, 10:02:29 AM
I'm looking to get into this cycling lark, with a view to eventually getting into triathlons (in between/after the football).

My work has the cycle to work scheme, and I've been looking at the top end of that limit (£1k). There are a number of guides on the net, but for an ill-informed newbie like me, its hard to distinguish between any of them. Someone said to me too that I'd get much better spec for that money looking at previous season bikes, but its generally a lot harder to find information about these, and also stockists, even on the net.

Has anyone any advice/recommendations for me?

Can recommend the Cube Peleton 105 version which is Shimano 105 throughout with Mavic Aksium wheelset. Can't think of a better equipped bike in the price bracket. If you go into some of the shops you might get something from last years stock lists reduced.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 16, 2014, 12:51:17 PM
Check out Ribble.co.uk - bikebuilder & their special editions. The Ribble Azzuro (full Carbon frame & forks)  with full 105 is superb value @£999. Check the guides for sizing.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on April 16, 2014, 03:25:07 PM
Thanks lads, I took a look at both there.

Maddog - are those Cube peletons all compact? I was told that compact meant less gears so you sacrifice top speed - does that make much of a difference starting out?

Benny, can I ask what the difference is between the two on Ribbles home page

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/?type=RIBMO

i.e. the azzurro you refer to and the gran fonda above it? Both priced the same, and components seem identical.

I showed the two of them to a guy in here who cycles and he said both were great, and a great deal.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 16, 2014, 04:13:51 PM
The Azzuro would be more Racey, the GF (which i have) is better for longer rides (sportives), if you are thinking Triathlon the Azzuro with the standard chainset (53/39) is the boy for you, if you're a big fella an 11-28 cassette on the back. The Ribble Evo there is marketed for Triathlons, it's very racey in comparison to the others.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 16, 2014, 04:44:37 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on April 16, 2014, 03:25:07 PM
Thanks lads, I took a look at both there.

Maddog - are those Cube peletons all compact? I was told that compact meant less gears so you sacrifice top speed - does that make much of a difference starting out?

Benny, can I ask what the difference is between the two on Ribbles home page

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/?type=RIBMO

i.e. the azzurro you refer to and the gran fonda above it? Both priced the same, and components seem identical.

I showed the two of them to a guy in here who cycles and he said both were great, and a great deal.

They come in compacts and triples. Mine is 20 speed 50x34T and if you get it lit in 50x11 you wont need to worry about sacrificing any speed. Think the cassette is 11-28 so plenty of range for hills too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 16, 2014, 06:36:16 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 16, 2014, 12:51:17 PM
Check out Ribble.co.uk - bikebuilder & their special editions. The Ribble Azzuro (full Carbon frame & forks)  with full 105 is superb value @£999. Check the guides for sizing.

That's a serious deal, think it sacrifices a little on wheel quality for the carbon frame but could always upgrade them after a while.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 16, 2014, 09:40:37 PM
I have them Rodi Airline Aero wheels on my winter bike (£20 dearer than the ones on the Azzurro there) and they are 100%, they are roughly speaking the equivalent of Shimano R500s (but much better IMO).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Babe Ruth 47 on April 16, 2014, 10:16:01 PM
Can anyone recommend some good value, 50mm carbon clinchers, or know of anyone selling a set. Budget is around €6/700 but ideally less. Thinking of going with the Race 50 c23 from wheelsmith, but would like to explore all options prior.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 21, 2014, 09:10:03 PM
Think I'm going to drop down to the middle distance Giro Sportive. A few of the fellas I know who are doing it have all dropped down to the middle distance too so I wouldnt know anyone in the 140 mile distance. The time cap would worry me as well. I reckon I could do the 140 mile but would be afraid of missing the time cap at some of the stages.

90 mile (my garmin quit at 83mile ffs) around the lough on saturday there, handy enough but my knee started giving me a bit of pain near the end! Went out with the wife for a quick cycle (i purposely didn't write 'ride') today and it was still giving me bother!

On the plus side my new Bianchi Sempre Pro arrives this week!!

How's everyone else getting on?

Also my mate asked me about this http://www.hauteroutealps.org (http://www.hauteroutealps.org)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of6LqccnNmg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of6LqccnNmg)
He's interested in it but I don't think I would get the permission slip signed from the wife and I don't think I could physically do that for 7 days! Would need to lose 10kgs at least for a start. It would be amazing though!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 21, 2014, 10:17:33 PM
yesterday was the first time out in the shorts and i am glad to report that my tan lines are coming on nicely.  our club in drumquin had our annual cycle yesterday and i covered the first 35 miles with a 21 mph/33km average before i got dropped out of this group at the next hill. 

some big miles being covered in our gaaboard strava site for the month of april
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 21, 2014, 10:20:14 PM
2 x ton+ rides this past week or so, feeling a bit more confident about Giro route now. What's this I hear about registering on the Sat nite? fook that!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 21, 2014, 10:26:03 PM
Some going lads! I got roasted on saturday there, the most ridiculous farmer tan ever.  Great getting out in the shorts and jersey.
I must upload my strava, I keep forgetting to since I started using the Garmin more.

Benny, any idea what the arrangements are for the giro 140 route? If I was allowed to set off at 7am I would be more confident of finishing in the time limit. At the minute I think I will be going in the middle distance with a few of my mates. I'll try get a 100+ cycle this weekend and then decide.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 21, 2014, 10:30:49 PM
60 milers is the most i have done so far this year. i am like a big kid waiting for the giro to come as i have the flags, road spray and stencils ready to go.  all being well we are doing a recce in the car tomorrow to ballycastle to finalise the details of our trip from omagh to see stage two of the giro, hopefully we have 50 cyclist going.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 21, 2014, 10:33:41 PM
No idea Jim, haven't really looked at it again since I booked it. Could end up in the Medio myself.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 21, 2014, 10:38:23 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 21, 2014, 10:30:49 PM
60 milers is the most i have done so far this year. i am like a big kid waiting for the giro to come as i have the flags, road spray and stencils ready to go.  all being well we are doing a recce in the car tomorrow to ballycastle to finalise the details of our trip from omagh to see stage two of the giro, hopefully we have 50 cyclist going.

haha my uncle is the same. He is not going to a family wedding (his wifes side, not my side of the family thank god) because the giro is on. He told them not to even bother asking him as he has waited for too long for this! I am working on the friday and I don't think I will get to see any of the time trial. The one I really wanted to see. Disappointing that Cavandish isn't going now.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on April 21, 2014, 11:10:17 PM
Just looked at their Facebook page, times are not too scary bless you have a mechanical. http://chainreactionhub.com/images/news/events/bigitalianbikeride/bibrtimingsfbook.jpg
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 21, 2014, 11:20:44 PM
If I could start at 7am it would be good! Not starting with the fast fellas though! f**k that, I wouldnt make it to Ballymena with that group!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on April 23, 2014, 09:47:11 PM
Not sure how to add a picture but Chain reaction have a great 3d visualisation of the route on fb (https://www.facebook.com/216980921830239/photos/a.219796621548669.1073741828.216980921830239/241347702726894/?type=1)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 24, 2014, 11:32:24 PM
anybody else get one of these today

(https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10274321_10202885600293937_323848916416986200_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 24, 2014, 11:45:40 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 24, 2014, 11:32:24 PM
anybody else get one of these today

(https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10274321_10202885600293937_323848916416986200_n.jpg)

Nope! Where did you get that? I've never watched a pro cycle race before, is it just a matter of standing at the side of the road and watching the peleton go past for 20 secs and thats that then?

Out on the new Bianchi the other day. I've been cycling a tank this past 2 years! The new bike is so light compared to the Felt I have.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 25, 2014, 12:00:34 AM
its for the team presentation before the giro starts where all the cyclist are introduced to the press and public. they where on the visit belfast site this morning.

yep stand watch them go pass in a flash but the "caravan" that goes before it gets the craic going.

a new bike is always a joy to ride

caravan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1WAIXbnIHY)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 25, 2014, 10:11:28 AM
Where'd you get that Gerry and where can I get one?
Of course if you're not using yours I'll happily take it off your hands

Thinking of heading up for the team time trial on the friday
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 25, 2014, 10:25:47 AM
All the tickets where gone yesterday by 3pm.  The TTT should be good as they will be flying.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on April 25, 2014, 10:37:41 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on April 24, 2014, 11:45:40 PM

Nope! Where did you get that? I've never watched a pro cycle race before, is it just a matter of standing at the side of the road and watching the peleton go past for 20 secs and thats that then?


Yeap. Its all over in 20-30 seconds, but the circus beforehand is mildly entertaining. Hopefully they will be throwing out lots of freebies.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Muzz on April 25, 2014, 10:38:58 AM
The presentation is on Thursday night.  I may have 2 passes for the night if anyone wants them but will confirm early next week.  The upload from Gerry isnt enough and you have to collect wrist bands.

PM me if anyone wants them
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 25, 2014, 01:18:10 PM
What time is the time trial? I'm working on Friday until 3 and it's the stage I really wanted to see out of them all.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: theskull1 on April 25, 2014, 01:35:18 PM
Quote from: Orior on April 25, 2014, 10:37:41 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on April 24, 2014, 11:45:40 PM

Nope! Where did you get that? I've never watched a pro cycle race before, is it just a matter of standing at the side of the road and watching the peleton go past for 20 secs and thats that then?


Yeap. Its all over in 20-30 seconds, but the circus beforehand is mildly entertaining. Hopefully they will be throwing out lots of freebies.

Exactly...is the TV not the best seat in the house "if" you want to watch the race?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 25, 2014, 02:00:55 PM
No doubt TV will be the best place to watch the race but this could be my only chance to ever watch a big pro race like this and it's only 20 mins from the house. Be a shame not to go watch it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on April 25, 2014, 04:42:47 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on April 25, 2014, 02:00:55 PM
No doubt TV will be the best place to watch the race but this could be my only chance to ever watch a big pro race like this and it's only 20 mins from the house. Be a shame not to go watch it.

Exactly, I have booked the Friday off to see the time trials. I coudn't care less who wins. For me it is all about the chance to experience the live event.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 26, 2014, 06:56:23 AM
http://www.roadbikereview.com/reviews/lance-armstrong-yes-i-feel-like-i-won-races-video (http://www.roadbikereview.com/reviews/lance-armstrong-yes-i-feel-like-i-won-races-video)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: the Deel Rover on April 26, 2014, 06:44:15 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 21, 2014, 10:17:33 PM
yesterday was the first time out in the shorts and i am glad to report that my tan lines are coming on nicely.  our club in drumquin had our annual cycle yesterday and i covered the first 35 miles with a 21 mph/33km average before i got dropped out of this group at the next hill. 

some big miles being covered in our gaaboard strava site for the month of april

Thats fair going Gerry. Jeez i think i'm going well averaging 17 miles an hour  . What would club racers be averaging ? I know my bike is hampering me a little time wise as it's a hybrid, but it will have to do as i won't be getting a race bike till next year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: the Deel Rover on April 26, 2014, 06:46:19 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on April 24, 2014, 11:45:40 PM
Quote from: gerry on April 24, 2014, 11:32:24 PM
anybody else get one of these today

(https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10274321_10202885600293937_323848916416986200_n.jpg)

Nope! Where did you get that? I've never watched a pro cycle race before, is it just a matter of standing at the side of the road and watching the peleton go past for 20 secs and thats that then?

Out on the new Bianchi the other day. I've been cycling a tank this past 2 years! The new bike is so light compared to the Felt I have.

What were you cycling before Jim ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 26, 2014, 07:23:21 PM
Was cycling a felt z80! Great wee bike but was 7/8 years old. Do me for winter!

Garmin problem!! I uploaded my cycle today and only part of it loaded to strava and it won't load to garmin at all. It's still on the garmin. Every time I delete the strava download and upload it only uploads the deleted cycle! It won't upload to garmin connect at all! Any way round this? I manually updated a distance and time etc but wanted to see my trophies lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 26, 2014, 07:40:15 PM
That's not good as you don't want to be bottom of the gaaboard Strava league ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 26, 2014, 07:49:31 PM
The lanterne rouge! Got my start time for next week by the way 7.40-8.00! It will be very tight for me finishing on time!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 26, 2014, 10:41:33 PM
Scary one today.
Was doing my second accreditation on the sundrive velodrome, half an hour in and tipping round, whatever happened I stopped pedalling, not a good idea, these are fixies, fired off the bike. Came to as I was being helped back to the club house. Had been out cold, helmet cracked. Could remember my address when asked but couldn't remember what I worked at, what day it was, what month it was. Was aware that I was confused.
Off to hospital and came to, luckily nothing broke, ligaments gone in shoulder and showed up some old injuries.
Hopefully not out for too long, had just signed up for the Orwell Randonee next Saturday and three days of race the RAS from May 18
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 27, 2014, 12:23:38 AM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on April 26, 2014, 10:41:33 PM
Scary one today.
Was doing my second accreditation on the sundrive velodrome, half an hour in and tipping round, whatever happened I stopped pedalling, not a good idea, these are fixies, fired off the bike. Came to as I was being helped back to the club house. Had been out cold, helmet cracked. Could remember my address when asked but couldn't remember what I worked at, what day it was, what month it was. Was aware that I was confused.
Off to hospital and came to, luckily nothing broke, ligaments gone in shoulder and showed up some old injuries.
Hopefully not out for too long, had just signed up for the Orwell Randonee next Saturday and three days of race the RAS from May 18

Jesus sounds like u got out of it lucky enough! That race the RAS looks good. Good luck with it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 27, 2014, 12:56:46 AM
Hopefully I can make it now, arm in a sling at the mo
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 09:54:29 AM
How much to get a gear cable fixed/replaced?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 27, 2014, 11:58:44 AM
€20 in dublin
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 12:05:10 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on April 27, 2014, 11:58:44 AM
€20 in dublin

Grand, thanks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on April 28, 2014, 09:47:11 AM
Quote from: maddog on April 16, 2014, 06:36:16 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 16, 2014, 12:51:17 PM
Check out Ribble.co.uk - bikebuilder & their special editions. The Ribble Azzuro (full Carbon frame & forks)  with full 105 is superb value @£999. Check the guides for sizing.

That's a serious deal, think it sacrifices a little on wheel quality for the carbon frame but could always upgrade them after a while.

I'd been all on for the Ribble, then a friend sent through this, which seems even better for the same money (ultegra groupset rather than 105):
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPULT6800/planet-x-pro-carbon-shimano-ultegra-6800-road-bike

Was set on that until I fell for a second hand focus cayo carbon, sram red/force, carbon wheels, which I'm pleased to say I'm now the proud owner of  :)

Cheers for the help lads!

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 28, 2014, 06:41:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 27, 2014, 09:54:29 AM
How much to get a gear cable fixed/replaced?
fella i go to seems to charge £10 for everything and won't even take money at times. Based in Lurgan. PM if you want his number
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 28, 2014, 08:43:55 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on April 28, 2014, 09:47:11 AM
Quote from: maddog on April 16, 2014, 06:36:16 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 16, 2014, 12:51:17 PM
Check out Ribble.co.uk - bikebuilder & their special editions. The Ribble Azzuro (full Carbon frame & forks)  with full 105 is superb value @£999. Check the guides for sizing.

That's a serious deal, think it sacrifices a little on wheel quality for the carbon frame but could always upgrade them after a while.

I'd been all on for the Ribble, then a friend sent through this, which seems even better for the same money (ultegra groupset rather than 105):
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPULT6800/planet-x-pro-carbon-shimano-ultegra-6800-road-bike

Was set on that until I fell for a second hand focus cayo carbon, sram red/force, carbon wheels, which I'm pleased to say I'm now the proud owner of  :)

Cheers for the help lads!
Jesus that's a ridiculously good deal for the Planet X.  I was going to hold off until the Autumn and buy a real good un for next Summer, but I might cycle to work scheme that for £999 & upgrade a few bits myself.

Good luck with the Cayo, nice bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on April 28, 2014, 08:52:00 PM
Cheers, looking forward to getting out on it.

I asked around, and the consensus was the Ribble was an incredible deal, so for the planet x to beat it really is something!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 29, 2014, 08:47:33 PM
Some good distances on the leader board last week lads! Heating up for the Giro!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 04, 2014, 07:15:59 PM
Did the 140 route today. Managed to finish with only about 20/25 mins to spare!! Complete brutal. easily the toughest cycling event I've done. 2 punctures as well  >:(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 04, 2014, 08:44:02 PM
Tough going alrite Jim.  Have to say it was the best organised sportive I've ever done, sometimes you can get very little for your entry fee but thought we got a great goodie bag and superb marshalling, signage, grub etc.. today bought the Jersey too last night, £45 impulse buy, caught again.

Roll on Wicklow!  You'll have to have a go at that Jim, about 4/5,000 feet more climbing, but 18 miles less than today's distance.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 04, 2014, 09:58:22 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 04, 2014, 07:15:59 PM
Did the 140 route today. Managed to finish with only about 20/25 mins to spare!! Complete brutal. easily the toughest cycling event I've done. 2 punctures as well  >:(

Were the puctures caused by nips from man hole covers? They are a torture in the city and town areas. Road service dont know/care about making them smooth.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 04, 2014, 10:26:49 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 04, 2014, 07:15:59 PM
Did the 140 route today. Managed to finish with only about 20/25 mins to spare!! Complete brutal. easily the toughest cycling event I've done. 2 punctures as well  >:(

Tight we climb from Broughshane to Glenarm then the wind in your face all the way to Whitehead and another climb into Carrick. Didn't enjoy that part of it.

Well organised though and even the Mayor if Ballymena out for some reason. I think I will be peeing high5 for the next 3 days.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 04, 2014, 10:54:57 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 04, 2014, 08:44:02 PM
Tough going alrite Jim.  Have to say it was the best organised sportive I've ever done, sometimes you can get very little for your entry fee but thought we got a great goodie bag and superb marshalling, signage, grub etc.. today bought the Jersey too last night, £45 impulse buy, caught again.

Roll on Wicklow!  You'll have to have a go at that Jim, about 4/5,000 feet more climbing, but 18 miles less than today's distance.

big eye opener today as to how average i am. Fellas from the local club beside me average 18.9 for 144! Serious speed and fitness. I need to improve my fitness and lose some weight big time if I want to do something like the Wicklow 200. I am not in a club so i don't know how to properly cycle in a group and a crash put me off cycling too close to other people, I was afraid for my new bianchi rather than my own safety. Had to cycle a good 50 mile on my own today at one stage!! I agree with the organisation, top class and great goodie bag! Although I thought the Aid Station from Ballycastle to Glenarm was too far away, wouldnt have minded a wee drink/food stop somewhere in between after those hard climbs.

The pros will prob fly round it with ave speed of 35mph or something
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on May 05, 2014, 12:12:21 AM
What's with all these miles? Why do all cyclists not do kilometers? Did the 135km myself- tough enough slog but a good day.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 05, 2014, 08:55:04 AM
Quote from: Orior on May 04, 2014, 09:58:22 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 04, 2014, 07:15:59 PM
Did the 140 route today. Managed to finish with only about 20/25 mins to spare!! Complete brutal. easily the toughest cycling event I've done. 2 punctures as well  >:(

Were the puctures caused by nips from man hole covers? They are a torture in the city and town areas. Road service dont know/care about making them smooth.

I think so! 5 mile in and I got a bloody puncture! Was in a good group as well. Flying along at a manageable pace then that happens.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 05, 2014, 11:29:26 AM
Did the Orwell Randonne Saturday, 140k, over the Sally Gap, Wicklow Gap and back over the Sally. Tough course but felt strong until cramping near the end. Picked up a few top 10 segments up the Sally gap
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 05, 2014, 05:00:21 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on May 05, 2014, 11:29:26 AM
Did the Orwell Randonne Saturday, 140k, over the Sally Gap, Wicklow Gap and back over the Sally. Tough course but felt strong until cramping near the end. Picked up a few top 10 segments up the Sally gap

Sounds painful!!

Might give the Mourne Etape a go in a few weeks. anyone ever do it?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 05, 2014, 05:09:23 PM
Yeah, did the 75 mile route 2 years ago on a scorching day in May.  It was very tough Jim, climbing from go to woh.  Someone else here did it the same day, AQMP maybe? Ideal prep for Wicklow.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 05, 2014, 05:22:02 PM
I might do the 45mile, i dont know if I could be bothered with anymore slaughtering sessions this year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Iceman on May 05, 2014, 05:46:39 PM
Any of yous do any Mountain Biking? Found a great trail park near us - about 25 mins away. Though you's might like a look at one of the trails on offer for the elite - I won't be attempting! There are a load of trails for beginner level and up. Place is called Duthie hill:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLBMjHxvkdo  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLBMjHxvkdo)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 05, 2014, 07:11:30 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 05, 2014, 05:22:02 PM
I might do the 45mile, i dont know if I could be bothered with anymore slaughtering sessions this year.

It is perverse that you can be in so much pain and still be enjoying something :D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 05, 2014, 07:26:35 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 05, 2014, 07:11:30 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 05, 2014, 05:22:02 PM
I might do the 45mile, i dont know if I could be bothered with anymore slaughtering sessions this year.

It is perverse that you can be in so much pain and still be enjoying something :D

Asked myself a few times yesterday if i was mad in the head for putting myself through that torture. Makes me want to get fitter and better though.  The sweet suffering!

Cycling has to be one of the toughest sports out there. After boxing, mma, and triathlon. What a painful way to earn a living.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 05, 2014, 11:01:33 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 04, 2014, 10:54:57 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 04, 2014, 08:44:02 PM
Tough going alrite Jim.  Have to say it was the best organised sportive I've ever done, sometimes you can get very little for your entry fee but thought we got a great goodie bag and superb marshalling, signage, grub etc.. today bought the Jersey too last night, £45 impulse buy, caught again.

Roll on Wicklow!  You'll have to have a go at that Jim, about 4/5,000 feet more climbing, but 18 miles less than today's distance.

big eye opener today as to how average i am. Fellas from the local club beside me average 18.9 for 144! Serious speed and fitness. I need to improve my fitness and lose some weight big time if I want to do something like the Wicklow 200. I am not in a club so i don't know how to properly cycle in a group and a crash put me off cycling too close to other people, I was afraid for my new bianchi rather than my own safety.Had to cycle a good 50 mile on my own today at one stage!! I agree with the organisation, top class and great goodie bag! Although I thought the Aid Station from Ballycastle to Glenarm was too far away, wouldnt have minded a wee drink/food stop somewhere in between after those hard climbs.

The pros will prob fly round it with ave speed of 35mph or something

Something similar, started off to fast and was buckled by Ballymena, no one should want to get to Ballymena that fast. From then on everytime it got tight I had nothing in the tank and kept dropping off groups.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on May 07, 2014, 04:11:33 PM
Quote from: The Iceman on May 05, 2014, 05:46:39 PM
Any of yous do any Mountain Biking? Found a great trail park near us - about 25 mins away. Though you's might like a look at one of the trails on offer for the elite - I won't be attempting! There are a load of trails for beginner level and up. Place is called Duthie hill:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLBMjHxvkdo  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLBMjHxvkdo)

I won't be doing any of that, but my little lad loved the video.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 08, 2014, 11:36:57 PM
just back from the city hall and there was a good reception for the local lads, thankfully the rain stayed off.  heading to ballycastle in the morning for a weekend of cycling and beer.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BnHasxfCEAAAnTF.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/10290669_10202979498041322_2278475636764255662_n.jpg?oh=ef527658dbe9327fb010c4d19d0c0c13&oe=53C7B965)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on May 14, 2014, 10:57:32 AM
Anyone recommend a half decent cycle rack for a salon type car? Don't want to bust the bank and haven't got a tow bar!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on May 14, 2014, 01:03:16 PM
Hi everyone,

Was wondering what you guys would recommend for a new start on a road bike. I was hoping to keep it below £500, so I've done abit of research and it seems going for a sale bike would be best (last years model). I need a new activity, as running and football are looking unlikely to be an option for me anymore. If I don't start something soon I am going to explode lol

All help and suggestions welcome. Cheers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 14, 2014, 01:28:17 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on May 14, 2014, 10:57:32 AM
Anyone recommend a half decent cycle rack for a salon type car? Don't want to bust the bank and haven't got a tow bar!
Will you offer manicures and pedicures or just haircuts?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 14, 2014, 08:21:50 PM
Checkout buy and sell cyclist on Facebook. There is a halfords bike on there now for £200
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 14, 2014, 09:27:54 PM
How hard is this Mourne Etape? I've a match on Saturday night and don't know if I could face it while I am sore from football. I've a friend interested in going too but this will be his first sportive!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on May 14, 2014, 10:12:33 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 14, 2014, 09:27:54 PM
How hard is this Mourne Etape? I've a match on Saturday night and don't know if I could face it while I am sore from football. I've a friend interested in going too but this will be his first sportive!
Just looked at the route - 7 categorised climbs of which 5 are category 3!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 14, 2014, 10:32:57 PM
It's very tough, not to be taken lightly as it's 'only' 75m. Sunday doesn't look great weather wise either.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 14, 2014, 10:56:38 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 14, 2014, 10:32:57 PM
It's very tough, not to be taken lightly as it's 'only' 75m. Sunday doesn't look great weather wise either.

I would probably only do the 45mile route. Surely that would be manageable. How good would this be! http://www.hauteroutealps.org (http://www.hauteroutealps.org)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 15, 2014, 05:36:00 PM
That is ridiculous ffs!!! Unbelievable climbs fecking hell!!  The one legged rider pure inspiration there
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on May 15, 2014, 07:55:04 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 14, 2014, 10:56:38 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 14, 2014, 10:32:57 PM
It's very tough, not to be taken lightly as it's 'only' 75m. Sunday doesn't look great weather wise either.

I would probably only do the 45mile route. Surely that would be manageable. How good would this be! http://www.hauteroutealps.org (http://www.hauteroutealps.org)
That looks amazing - absolutely killer though.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 15, 2014, 09:35:45 PM
You would need a years training and I would need to get rid of 10kgs for the likes of that. Ridiculous but must be some achievement to finish that. the youtube videos are class.

This is another class one but serious money needed for it  http://www.tourdeforce.org.uk (http://www.tourdeforce.org.uk)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 21, 2014, 12:29:09 PM
Just finished three days of Race the RAS, where you do the route the morning of the race, amazing stuff, would love to have been doing the 8 days. WOuld highly recommend it to anyone, great craic, great scenery and tough cycling
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 21, 2014, 05:50:47 PM
Sounds class, many do it? Hope you've it up on Strava til we get a look
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 21, 2014, 06:31:21 PM
Fair play to you that's some riding, even to compete it is a big achievement.  Having being out on the bike since the giro as I have a bit of a bug. I have new wheels ready to go on my bike but I have no energy to do even one mile.   On a plus I have nearly lost 6lb
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 21, 2014, 08:20:29 PM
Sounds class m4s. Would love to do something like that.

Anyone ever get a bad run of punctures? Haven't had one in 2 years then I've had 4 in the past month, all on the new bike too!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 21, 2014, 10:10:05 PM
Have you a good rim tape on the wheel Jim?  If it's a bit lacking (i.e shite or non-existent) it can cause punctures - run some electrical tape round the rim covering the spoke holes, can make a big difference.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Maguire01 on May 21, 2014, 11:42:10 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 21, 2014, 10:10:05 PM
Have you a good rim tape on the wheel Jim?  If it's a bit lacking (i.e shite or non-existent) it can cause punctures - run some electrical tape round the rim covering the spoke holes, can make a big difference.
Yep, I had a run of punctures sorted with new rim tape.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 21, 2014, 11:43:55 PM
The Mavics I'm using dont have spoke holes so it doesn't need rim tape. Strange
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on May 22, 2014, 09:08:56 AM
Would these be an option?

http://road.cc/content/review/81257-slime-smart-tube-self-healing-inner-tube

Considering them myself - first spin on the new bike there, got a puncture within a mile. There were ultremo zx's on the bike, good for racing, not for puncture protection by all accounts. Got two gatorskins there, hopefully will help, considering these tubes too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 22, 2014, 09:33:46 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 21, 2014, 05:50:47 PM
Sounds class, many do it? Hope you've it up on Strava til we get a look
I'll try and throw it up this evening. Would recommend it to anyone, there was about 100 of us on Sunday and then 45-50 of us for the other two days, most were staying on for the full week. Split into two groups each day, faster group averaging 31-33kph including p*ss stops. Stopped in a GAA club each day for grub and tea after about 90k.
Really well run event and relatively cheap, I paid €400 for the three days, that all in, accomodation, B&B, dinner and lunch, bus transfers and support vans. Think the full week was €1000. Great way to see the country and great craic the comradery and abuse was great, plenty of jibing
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 23, 2014, 06:32:49 PM
Bike sold :D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 23, 2014, 06:48:26 PM
Might know a fella interested. I'll text him.

What you looking to buy instead?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 23, 2014, 07:11:56 PM
Not sure yet Jim.  I love my Ribble 365 winter bike and the new Ribble Azzuro is a Summer version of it, so it's high on my list. That Planet X deal with full Ultegra 11 speed is a mighty deal and I could cycle to work scheme it.  I've fancied a CAAD 10 (or an Evo) for a while too though... or a Giant, Bianchi... etc.. too many to choose from.

I've that Ribble up on Gumtree & FB cyclist buy & sell (not live on gumtree yet)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 23, 2014, 08:03:35 PM
Seen ur bike on Facebook.  Have to say I love my Ribble and I have yet to see another one if them around the Omagh area.  I must post a photo of it and my new cosmics. Great bike for the price   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 23, 2014, 11:49:14 PM
Where can you buy the Ribbles?
I wouldn't be confident enough setting myself up to buy online so would still go into a shop to get guidence. Was looking at a Spezialized and a Frondriest for an upgrade.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 23, 2014, 11:57:18 PM
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbg/road-track-bike/ribble-carbon-road-bikes?sub=conf_BBRC&type=RIBMO

Ribble bikebuilder, addictive. Plenty of sites offer bikebuilding. Dolan, Canyon, Rosebikes.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 24, 2014, 12:01:34 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 23, 2014, 07:11:56 PM
Not sure yet Jim.  I love my Ribble 365 winter bike and the new Ribble Azzuro is a Summer version of it, so it's high on my list. That Planet X deal with full Ultegra 11 speed is a mighty deal and I could cycle to work scheme it.  I've fancied a CAAD 10 (or an Evo) for a while too though... or a Giant, Bianchi... etc.. too many to choose from.

I've that Ribble up on Gumtree & FB cyclist buy & sell (not live on gumtree yet)

An S Works as a treat for when u win the lotto! I absolutely love my Bianchi, would love some cosmics for it but no real need for them as I am not racing.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 24, 2014, 09:51:09 PM
A friend posted a pic on Facebook the other day cycling up Hardknott Pass in the Lake District. Looks absolutely brutal and she was 100 miles in when she had to climb it  :'(.

All that exercise can't be good for you  :)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 24, 2014, 10:11:05 PM
Couple of boys from our club did the Fred Whitton Challenge last year in appalling conditions, Hardknot & other similar monstrosities in it, brutal stuff.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 24, 2014, 11:11:17 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 24, 2014, 10:11:05 PM
Couple of boys from our club did the Fred Whitton Challenge last year in appalling conditions, Hardknot & other similar monstrosities in it, brutal stuff.
Aye that's the one she was doing. She is seriously fit but think that was tough going.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 28, 2014, 09:52:22 AM
some craic on the giro yesterday, a lot riders time to make up over these last few days.

hard to think they would be this much snow about in late May

(http://www.steephill.tv/2014/giro-d-italia/photos/stage-16/135337_PIC464920698.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 28, 2014, 09:56:43 AM
Came of the TT bike in a race on Sunday, huge crack in the frame, f**king disaster
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 28, 2014, 10:01:58 AM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on May 28, 2014, 09:56:43 AM
Came of the TT bike in a race on Sunday, huge crack in the frame, f**king disaster

not  good and i guess there is feck all you can do
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 28, 2014, 10:04:28 AM
Getting mixed reports, some places seem to be able to fix it and lots of people saying dont go near a damaged bike
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 28, 2014, 10:06:17 AM
heading out today with my son and eventually try out my new wheels

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/10402708_10203111341697331_8593472296390228459_n.jpg?oh=91957e52b4e0a30de674dabc5e451bd3&oe=5387B825&__gda__=1401387210_9a5cb0e3049193e45e92a321dd425102)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 28, 2014, 10:08:00 AM
a damaged tt bike would be dodgy due to the force you would be applying, different if it was leisure riding
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 28, 2014, 10:37:12 AM
Quote from: gerry on May 28, 2014, 10:08:00 AM
a damaged tt bike would be dodgy due to the force you would be applying, different if it was leisure riding

That's what I like doing at the weekends :P
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 28, 2014, 11:05:58 AM
Quote from: gerry on May 28, 2014, 09:52:22 AM
some craic on the giro yesterday, a lot riders time to make up over these last few days.

hard to think they would be this much snow about in late May

(http://www.steephill.tv/2014/giro-d-italia/photos/stage-16/135337_PIC464920698.jpg)

Makes the Antrim Coast cycle look attractive
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 28, 2014, 02:16:08 PM
Would be tempted by this

http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/scott-foil-15-compact-drive-20-speed-road-bike-2013-p207813
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 28, 2014, 06:02:23 PM
I've ordered the Planet X , with full Ultegra 11speed,  too good a deal to pass up, cycle to work scheme job as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 28, 2014, 06:22:00 PM
slightly frustrated at my cycling, well lack of would maybe be a better way of putting it. Was only 12 miles for the race on Sat and while the route (IMO) was hilly it was still done by the fast in 29 min me on the other hand completed the distance in 47 min :(

Now I had a Specialized make, decent enough bike worth about a grand, while there are some serious bikes on show the difference in me riding the bike and the others was very noticeable. I don't know if I'm in the right gear at times either (I don't have the legs looking as if they are going faster that the wheels)

So do I need more hours on the bike, I do maybe 20 miles out on the road a week, and obviously during the shitty weather I was always spinning at the gym (not that that well replicate road ridding)

So what I'm looking is, how can I improve? Very annoying as in Triathlons it's the cycling that makes the time a lot better.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 28, 2014, 10:05:24 PM
Join a cycling club (or ride with a club a few times) just to get some proper advice.  The simple things you pick up all add up and will make a difference.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 28, 2014, 10:42:23 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 28, 2014, 10:05:24 PM
Join a cycling club (or ride with a club a few times) just to get some proper advice.  The simple things you pick up all add up and will make a difference.

It's hard to commit to as I'M flat out refereeing doing a lot of gym/swim work also, she'd go crackers if I said I'm out most Sunday's for 4 hrs lol

But you're right I've a few friends who are regulars but the cnuts would take me out to Glenarm and fecking leave me on me own !!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 30, 2014, 11:13:42 PM
Some awesome performances on the mountain TT Giro stage today, Quintana will be a future TDF winner, Movistar politics aren't going to help him this year with Valverde the undisputed #1. I'd love to see Quintana & Froome fight it out in France this year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on June 02, 2014, 10:32:47 AM
Milltown Row 2 at it again.......

Bike sex man placed on probation.

Cleaners caught Mr Stewart simulating sex with a bike.

A man caught trying to have sex with his bicycle has been sentenced to three years on probation.
Robert Stewart, 51, admitted a sexually aggravated breach of the peace by conducting himself in a disorderly manner and simulating sex.

Sheriff Colin Miller also placed Stewart on the Sex Offenders Register for three years.

Mr Stewart was caught in the act with his bicycle by cleaners in his bedroom at the Aberley House Hostel in Ayr.

Gail Davidson, prosecuting, told Ayr Sheriff Court: "They knocked on the door several times and there was no reply.

"They used a master key to unlock the door and they then observed the accused wearing only a white t-shirt, naked from the waist down.

"The accused was holding the bike and moving his hips back and forth as if to simulate sex."

Both cleaners, who were "extremely shocked", told the hostel manager who called police.

Sheriff Colin Miller told Stewart: "In almost four decades in the law I thought I had come across every perversion known to mankind, but this is a new one on me. I have never heard of a 'cycle-sexualist'."

Stewart had denied the offence, claiming it was caused by a misunderstanding after he had too much to drink.

The bachelor had been living in the hostel since October 2006 after moving from his council house in Girvan.

He now lives in Ayr.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on June 02, 2014, 10:33:59 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 02, 2014, 10:32:47 AM
Milltown Row 2 at it again.......

Bike sex man placed on probation.

Cleaners caught Mr Stewart simulating sex with a bike.

A man caught trying to have sex with his bicycle has been sentenced to three years on probation.
Robert Stewart, 51, admitted a sexually aggravated breach of the peace by conducting himself in a disorderly manner and simulating sex.

Sheriff Colin Miller also placed Stewart on the Sex Offenders Register for three years.

Mr Stewart was caught in the act with his bicycle by cleaners in his bedroom at the Aberley House Hostel in Ayr.

Gail Davidson, prosecuting, told Ayr Sheriff Court: "They knocked on the door several times and there was no reply.

"They used a master key to unlock the door and they then observed the accused wearing only a white t-shirt, naked from the waist down.

"The accused was holding the bike and moving his hips back and forth as if to simulate sex."

Both cleaners, who were "extremely shocked", told the hostel manager who called police.

Sheriff Colin Miller told Stewart: "In almost four decades in the law I thought I had come across every perversion known to mankind, but this is a new one on me. I have never heard of a 'cycle-sexualist'."

Stewart had denied the offence, claiming it was caused by a misunderstanding after he had too much to drink.

The bachelor had been living in the hostel since October 2006 after moving from his council house in Girvan.

He now lives in Ayr.

If it improves my times........
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 02, 2014, 08:16:34 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 30, 2014, 11:13:42 PM
Some awesome performances on the mountain TT Giro stage today, Quintana will be a future TDF winner, Movistar politics aren't going to help him this year with Valverde the undisputed #1. I'd love to see Quintana & Froome fight it out in France this year.

that's the way to sort the men from the boys, just get them to do a ITT up hill. i thought aru was unreal the way he took 3 minutes of of majka and still was able to finish so well on the next stage.  its a pity  quintana took so much time on  stage 16 as it a kind of tarnished what was a great stage for him.  even if they had all regrouped at the bottom of the climb no one could have stayed with him the way he rode the last few km.  its a pity nico and dan had their misfortune at the start as it would have being great to see them battle it out for GC.  it was great to see a race that sky did not control and what has to be one of their quietest grand tours.  philip came good at the end for a guy that broke his collar bone a few months back.

i cant see quintana  doing the tour as he won't just want to fill out the top ten and valverde seems to be the main man for the tour for movistar. if the tour will have as much drama as the giro it will be a great three weeks.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 09, 2014, 09:58:48 PM
Superb stage at the Dauphine today, Froome and Contador battling it out like the two big dogs they are.  I think froome has his number tbh, but I was rooting for Bertie I have to say. Nibali isn't in these boys' league. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on June 10, 2014, 10:22:51 AM
My new bike arrived on Saturday......drool


(http://www.performancebicycles.ca/wp-content/uploads/Foil-15.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 10, 2014, 10:44:07 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 09, 2014, 09:58:48 PM
Superb stage at the Dauphine today, Froome and Contador battling it out like the two big dogs they are.  I think froome has his number tbh, but I was rooting for Bertie I have to say. Nibali isn't in these boys' league.

Froome able to attack him while leading, i think Bertie will be playing for place money next month. Froome better in the TT, better in the mountains, only bad luck will beat him.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 10, 2014, 12:28:57 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 10, 2014, 10:22:51 AM
My new bike arrived on Saturday......drool


(http://www.performancebicycles.ca/wp-content/uploads/Foil-15.jpg)
Bike porn, class.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 10, 2014, 08:17:01 PM
Lovely bike mayo. Health to enjoy.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 10, 2014, 08:24:39 PM
Some noise today about froome using an asthma  inhaler on yesterday's climb. even mrs froome was standing up for her man on twitter. Alberto will just sit on his wheel this week and save himself fir the tour.  If yesterday's stage is anything to go by we are in fir a great three weeks and we might have two irish men riding it as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 10, 2014, 08:59:34 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 10, 2014, 12:28:57 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 10, 2014, 10:22:51 AM
My new bike arrived on Saturday......drool


(http://www.performancebicycles.ca/wp-content/uploads/Foil-15.jpg)
Bike porn, class.
Jesus that's lovely! What wheels you putting on her?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on June 10, 2014, 10:33:00 PM
I have a set of Zipps that I use on the Tri bike that I mite try out but that would involve switching brake pads before every race and I may be too lazy. Other option is a nice set of mavic cosmic but there's yellow on them so don't know how they'll look
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: NAG1 on June 11, 2014, 12:20:33 PM
Any of the bike geeks  ;) on here able to recommend a handle bar bracket/ holder for an iphone?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Zip Code on June 11, 2014, 12:33:22 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on June 11, 2014, 12:20:33 PM
Any of the bike geeks  ;) on here able to recommend a handle bar bracket/ holder for an iphone?

Jesus can people not even go for a cycle without the phone these days!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: NAG1 on June 11, 2014, 12:51:02 PM
Quote from: Zip Code on June 11, 2014, 12:33:22 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on June 11, 2014, 12:20:33 PM
Any of the bike geeks  ;) on here able to recommend a handle bar bracket/ holder for an iphone?

Jesus can people not even go for a cycle without the phone these days!

It is for her indoors, she likes to have the wee apps for running and now for cycling to show her how well she is doing!

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on June 11, 2014, 01:25:28 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on June 11, 2014, 12:51:02 PM
Quote from: Zip Code on June 11, 2014, 12:33:22 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on June 11, 2014, 12:20:33 PM
Any of the bike geeks  ;) on here able to recommend a handle bar bracket/ holder for an iphone?

Jesus can people not even go for a cycle without the phone these days!

It is for her indoors, she likes to have the wee apps for running and now for cycling to show her how well she is doing!

Buy her a Garmin
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2014, 01:27:36 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on June 11, 2014, 01:25:28 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on June 11, 2014, 12:51:02 PM
Quote from: Zip Code on June 11, 2014, 12:33:22 PM
Quote from: NAG1 on June 11, 2014, 12:20:33 PM
Any of the bike geeks  ;) on here able to recommend a handle bar bracket/ holder for an iphone?

Jesus can people not even go for a cycle without the phone these days!

It is for her indoors, she likes to have the wee apps for running and now for cycling to show her how well she is doing!

Buy her a Garmin
He's from North Antrim. Gaffer tape will do the same job.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: DennistheMenace on June 11, 2014, 02:42:35 PM
What channel is the Tour De France on next month, Eurosport?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 11, 2014, 02:44:24 PM
Yep. Live coverage and a highlights programme each night
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Ed Hardy on June 15, 2014, 05:51:37 PM
Bit fed up running the roads and my ankle gives me some bother if I run to often. So thinking of getting a road bike. Any suggestions of bikes or where to buy one, live in Co.Down. I wouldn't want to spend much more than £300 on the bike incase I don't enjoy it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Denn Forever on June 15, 2014, 06:20:19 PM
Quote from: DennistheMenace on June 11, 2014, 02:42:35 PM
What channel is the Tour De France on next month, Eurosport?

TG4?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 15, 2014, 07:40:18 PM
And ITV4 as well.

Ed - read back through a few pages, similar advice has been given on a few occasions. You sound like you're in the market for a Halfords type beginner bike (Carerra / Apollo) , or something of better quality but 2nd hand - of the likes of Gumtree, Ebay or the Facebook cyclist buy & sell page.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: CiKe on June 15, 2014, 08:37:36 PM
What is view from experts on the Tour after an interesting end to the Dauphine?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 15, 2014, 09:34:15 PM
Not that I think I'm an expert - Think Froome has Contador' s number tbh, Froome' s fall on Friday knocked the stuffing out of him.  Big performance from Kilderman of Belkin, Nibali looks as good as me. Tallansky won that by default today. Valverde is the only big gun who we haven't seen lately who will fancy his chances at the Tour, can't see it tho. If he stays injury & bad luck free in France, Froome wins IMO, but Contador has probably never been in better form & I hope he wins. Interesting that other cyclists who have since posted higher levels of clenbuterol than Contador was done for have been cleared of any wrongdoing, guess the horsemeat fiasco made them realise you can't trust the meat industry.

See Froome is getting a bit of stick for use of an inhaler and a TUE (Theraputic Use Exemption) for use of something for a chest infection (steroid based) at the recent Tour of Romandie. Brian Cookson the British UCI supremo getting it in the neck as his son works for Sky and the Kimmages of this world think the 2 are linked. Don't think Sky are at it, but they are losing the PR war big-time by putting themselves in these situations (but then again they've done nothing wrong).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 22, 2014, 07:30:10 PM
What about the Causeway Coast Sportive lads? Heard it is the hardest sportive in Ireland, I am thinking of doing it but don't know if I will have the time to fit in the training with football and going on holidays in August. Is it really as bad as they say it is?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 05, 2014, 08:43:44 PM
3 weeks of telly watching begins. hopefully we will see a good battle with chris and alberto when we get to the mountains on the last week.  alberto looks to be in great form and with a ITT on the second  last day he needs to have a good lead on froome if he wants to be in yellow in paris.  alberto team  looks weaker as two of them rode the giro and with Kreuzigar banned  but it didn't mater last year what team alberto had he wasn't going to win it.

btw poor cav today  ;), that's what happen when you shoulder someone at 40mph.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 06, 2014, 10:26:22 AM
Bad enough crash. Three lads that id do spinning with during week had nasty crash last Sunday, the leads trye burst and he hit the ground at 30mph and rest came in behind him. Broken vertebrae and other broken bones in back. One has broken collarbone and punctured lung and broken ribs . I was to head out with them but had race myself next day!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 06, 2014, 02:18:30 PM
Selling them in lidl this week along with some other cycle gear.

http://www.lidl-ni.co.uk/cps/rde/SID-31B54068-FEAC83B0/www_lidl_nie/hs.xsl/Offers.htm?action=showDetail&id=9402
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 06, 2014, 04:39:48 PM
That's one of the draw backs from cycling if you go down your are going to hurt yourself bigtime and could be of work for a while. Cycling Ireland insurance not worth a feck either when it comes to paying for the mortgage   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on July 07, 2014, 02:22:43 PM
anyone on here do the Ring of Kerry at the weekend?

I was down at it as my wife was doing it, mad stuff, almost 10,000 cyclists of all shapes and sizes doing the 180KM course from 5am..
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on July 07, 2014, 02:37:42 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 22, 2014, 07:30:10 PM
What about the Causeway Coast Sportive lads? Heard it is the hardest sportive in Ireland, I am thinking of doing it but don't know if I will have the time to fit in the training with football and going on holidays in August. Is it really as bad as they say it is?

I'm thinking of entering it too and wondering the same. Done my 1st Ring of Kerry at the weekend and you'd be expecting Mols Gap to be comparable to climbing the Alpe d'Huez listening to some people  :P

Have 2 weeks holidays planned at the end of July and a few other weekends booked up so not sure I can fit enough training in. Was thinking of doing the Sean Kelly (100km) and Skoda Cycle Series (120km) on the last 2 weeks of august to try and build up to it. I'm not sure I have time to get the speed back in the legs for the climbs though after a year of injuries. Distance wouldn't be a problem but I don't fancy 9 hours in the saddle  :'(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on July 07, 2014, 02:45:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on July 07, 2014, 02:22:43 PM
anyone on here do the Ring of Kerry at the weekend?

I was down at it as my wife was doing it, mad stuff, almost 10,000 cyclists of all shapes and sizes doing the 180KM course from 5am..

Done it with my missus. We slept in and didn't start to after 8am; not sure if it was the best prep to have pints the night before :)

Was plenty still heading off around 8 though and good craic. Well worth doing but I think you have to not take it too serious though.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on July 07, 2014, 04:40:23 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on July 07, 2014, 02:45:12 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on July 07, 2014, 02:22:43 PM
anyone on here do the Ring of Kerry at the weekend?

I was down at it as my wife was doing it, mad stuff, almost 10,000 cyclists of all shapes and sizes doing the 180KM course from 5am..

Done it with my missus. We slept in and didn't start to after 8am; not sure if it was the best prep to have pints the night before :)

Was plenty still heading off around 8 though and good craic. Well worth doing but I think you have to not take it too serious though.

There was a lad went passed me at the finish with the Kerry GAA top on, a pair of ordinary jeans on a fairly basic mountain bike, so it mustn't have been that hard, the wife begged to differ, although she thought it was pretty dangerous at stages with so many trying to get down some narrow roads around Waterville and the likes.
Micko was out waving to the cyclists  there, but she didn't know who he was..
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: AQMP on July 09, 2014, 03:06:57 PM
Froome out of Tour after crashing twice on today's stage.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The Bearded One on July 09, 2014, 03:53:08 PM
Have recently bought a bike and have been doing a bit on my own, 25-30 mile runs normally, fairly infrequently. I would be reasonably fit, still playing football but not training as hard as I would have done.

I can cover anything between 16.0 - 17.5 mph depending on the weather conditions and how many hills I encounter. There are a number of cycling clubs in the local area, I am reluctant to join in though as I don't know if I would be fit to keep up. Has anyone here found that spinning classes help to improve performance out on the road? I can squeeze a class in before work a few mornings if I thought it would help me.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 09, 2014, 04:45:38 PM
Quote from: The_Beard on July 09, 2014, 03:53:08 PM
Have recently bought a bike and have been doing a bit on my own, 25-30 mile runs normally, fairly infrequently. I would be reasonably fit, still playing football but not training as hard as I would have done.

I can cover anything between 16.0 - 17.5 mph depending on the weather conditions and how many hills I encounter. There are a number of cycling clubs in the local area, I am reluctant to join in though as I don't know if I would be fit to keep up. Has anyone here found that spinning classes help to improve performance out on the road? I can squeeze a class in before work a few mornings if I thought it would help me.

Join - it will bring you on in leaps and bounds. Your average is around somewhere right for club runs so you shouldn't have a problem.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2014, 04:52:46 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 09, 2014, 04:45:38 PM
Quote from: The_Beard on July 09, 2014, 03:53:08 PM
Have recently bought a bike and have been doing a bit on my own, 25-30 mile runs normally, fairly infrequently. I would be reasonably fit, still playing football but not training as hard as I would have done.

I can cover anything between 16.0 - 17.5 mph depending on the weather conditions and how many hills I encounter. There are a number of cycling clubs in the local area, I am reluctant to join in though as I don't know if I would be fit to keep up. Has anyone here found that spinning classes help to improve performance out on the road? I can squeeze a class in before work a few mornings if I thought it would help me.

Join - it will bring you on in leaps and bounds. Your average is around somewhere right for club runs so you shouldn't have a problem.

Good average speeds, most clubs have A's B's and C's runs so depending on distance and speed you could well fit into one of those, spinning is all fine and dandy (I do 3/4 a week) but it's about getting the miles out on the roads that will really bring it on. It's something I need to do also, as I'm planning to do a couple of big cycles next year
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on July 09, 2014, 05:17:55 PM
Well that has opened things right up, cobbles are the bomb for a race, Nibali's to lose now you'd think. Should make for a great race though with Berti trying to catch him.

Have to say I dont like Froome

Liked this though

(http://i.imgur.com/8dUcgHZ.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 09, 2014, 06:02:41 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on July 09, 2014, 05:17:55 PM
Well that has opened things right up, cobbles are the bomb for a race, Nibali's to lose now you'd think. Should make for a great race though with Berti trying to catch him.

Have to say I dont like Froome

Liked this though

(http://i.imgur.com/8dUcgHZ.jpg)

The irony being they will probably both go to the vuelta
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 14, 2014, 03:49:38 PM
Jesus, Bertie out too. This Tour is going to peeter out.

La Vuelta will be the best Grand Tour again. Froome, Bertie & Quintana.

Valverde must have something in the tank for the Tour, I'm gonna have a sneaky bet on him for the overall.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RealSpiritof98 on July 16, 2014, 03:19:43 PM
Roache going for the stage win if anyone had a free hour and a half to kill
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on July 16, 2014, 03:25:29 PM
Disappointing Bertie is out. While I love watching the tour de france the last few years have been too easy for the winners though sky seem to reckon your man(who's name escapes me) could have a good stab at winning it on the longer mountain stages. (Richie?)

Hopefully Roche can do it.

The Irish guy in the triathlon was leading coming of the bike so he must be handy enough at cycling too though it was the sprint triathlon. Still not to shabby.

Yes La Vuelta looks to be where it is at.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on July 16, 2014, 03:28:15 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 16, 2014, 03:25:29 PM
Disappointing Bertie is out. While I love watching the tour de france the last few years have been too easy for the winners though sky seem to reckon your man(who's name escapes me) could have a good stab at winning it on the longer mountain stages. (Richie?)

Hopefully Roche can do it.

The Irish guy in the triathlon was leading coming of the bike so he must be handy enough at cycling too though it was the sprint triathlon. Still not to shabby.

Yes La Vuelta looks to be where it is at.

??

Richie Porte? Hopefully not.........
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on July 16, 2014, 03:33:28 PM
The sprint triathlon that the Alistair Brownlees won in Hamburg in the world series was led by an Irish guy of the bike. Must check out who it was though I can only find German reports/ sites and don't speak german...

Incidentally the world team triathlon was great viewing. Britain won it with two pretty weak girls in it (it's 300m swim, 6.6 k bike, 1 mile run x 4 team members) and the Brownlees brothers pulling them through with great bikes / runs.

Yes Richie Porte. I hope not too but was just watching the itv4 rest day program yesterday who reckoned he had a good chance. Of course as he's sky they may be a bit pro sky...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2014, 03:33:56 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on July 16, 2014, 03:28:15 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 16, 2014, 03:25:29 PM
Disappointing Bertie is out. While I love watching the tour de france the last few years have been too easy for the winners though sky seem to reckon your man(who's name escapes me) could have a good stab at winning it on the longer mountain stages. (Richie?)

Hopefully Roche can do it.

The Irish guy in the triathlon was leading coming of the bike so he must be handy enough at cycling too though it was the sprint triathlon. Still not to shabby.

Yes La Vuelta looks to be where it is at.

??

Richie Porte? Hopefully not.........

Shaw? Not sure I'll look it up but I noticed that also. Some feat to be leading at that stage in fairness, against some cracking Tri sprinters. Brilliant race

edit: Ben Shaw it is, 54 minutes he finished in

http://www.triathlon.org/results/result/2014_itu_world_triathlon_hamburg/264385
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on July 16, 2014, 03:39:55 PM
A 16:10 5k wouldn't really cut it against those boys unfortunately.

Team sprint really was great viewing. The individual event itself was good too. The Brownlees brothers are likeable sorts so you find yourself wanting them to win.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 16, 2014, 03:48:55 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 16, 2014, 03:39:55 PM
A 16:10 5k wouldn't really cut it against those boys unfortunately.

Team sprint really was great viewing. The individual event itself was good too. The Brownlees brothers are likeable sorts so you find yourself wanting them to win.

Aye was looking at that time, those lads are serious sprinting the whole way, Brownlee was out on his feet at the death, its been a great series. Thought the Brownlee's had slumped a bit in form but bounced back. Reid from Ireland also doing well, needs to get more promotion though
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 17, 2014, 12:33:36 AM
Guys can anyone post up any links to a website for cycling gear that I can buy cheap replica gear (shoes, shorts and tops etc) and also for parts for bikes (pedals,forks etc)...thanks.

Went out last night with proper cyclists and done about 38 mile and it nearly killed me, I thought I was in reasonable shape but now I know I'm not. One of the guys stopped for a piss about 28 miles in and I didn't know if I had to shit myself or throw up and my legs were like jelly but I made it home anyway. I found out this evening that they were going rightly ( his words) the longest I've cycled before was 55 miles but it didn't feel as hard or bad as last nights 38 mile.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 17, 2014, 09:25:13 AM
Quote from: illdecide on July 17, 2014, 12:33:36 AM
Guys can anyone post up any links to a website for cycling gear that I can buy cheap replica gear (shoes, shorts and tops etc) and also for parts for bikes (pedals,forks etc)...thanks.

Went out last night with proper cyclists and done about 38 mile and it nearly killed me, I thought I was in reasonable shape but now I know I'm not. One of the guys stopped for a piss about 28 miles in and I didn't know if I had to shit myself or throw up and my legs were like jelly but I made it home anyway. I found out this evening that they were going rightly ( his words) the longest I've cycled before was 55 miles but it didn't feel as hard or bad as last nights 38 mile.

If you are on facebook there is a great site for ones selling second hand gear which seems great. punch this into your facebook page, all local enough stuff   Buy and Sell (Cyclist only)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on July 17, 2014, 10:08:52 AM
I use www.roseversand.de for cycling components, they do good deals on top stuff, any gear I've ever gotten off them has been good.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on July 17, 2014, 03:45:43 PM
Quote from: illdecide on July 17, 2014, 12:33:36 AM
Guys can anyone post up any links to a website for cycling gear that I can buy cheap replica gear (shoes, shorts and tops etc) and also for parts for bikes (pedals,forks etc)...thanks.

Went out last night with proper cyclists and done about 38 mile and it nearly killed me, I thought I was in reasonable shape but now I know I'm not. One of the guys stopped for a piss about 28 miles in and I didn't know if I had to shit myself or throw up and my legs were like jelly but I made it home anyway. I found out this evening that they were going rightly ( his words) the longest I've cycled before was 55 miles but it didn't feel as hard or bad as last nights 38 mile.
Its not supposed to get any easier, just faster. The fact you hung in shows you've the head for it if not the gear ;D.
You just have to browse them all to get the deals, right time, right place, right size.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 17, 2014, 04:27:57 PM
Quote from: illdecide on July 17, 2014, 12:33:36 AM
Guys can anyone post up any links to a website for cycling gear that I can buy cheap replica gear (shoes, shorts and tops etc) and also for parts for bikes (pedals,forks etc)...thanks.

Went out last night with proper cyclists and done about 38 mile and it nearly killed me, I thought I was in reasonable shape but now I know I'm not. One of the guys stopped for a piss about 28 miles in and I didn't know if I had to shit myself or throw up and my legs were like jelly but I made it home anyway. I found out this evening that they were going rightly ( his words) the longest I've cycled before was 55 miles but it didn't feel as hard or bad as last nights 38 mile.

XXL in Italian cycling gear for yourself!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 17, 2014, 06:48:23 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 17, 2014, 04:27:57 PM
Quote from: illdecide on July 17, 2014, 12:33:36 AM
Guys can anyone post up any links to a website for cycling gear that I can buy cheap replica gear (shoes, shorts and tops etc) and also for parts for bikes (pedals,forks etc)...thanks.

Went out last night with proper cyclists and done about 38 mile and it nearly killed me, I thought I was in reasonable shape but now I know I'm not. One of the guys stopped for a piss about 28 miles in and I didn't know if I had to shit myself or throw up and my legs were like jelly but I made it home anyway. I found out this evening that they were going rightly ( his words) the longest I've cycled before was 55 miles but it didn't feel as hard or bad as last nights 38 mile.

XXL in Italian cycling gear for yourself!!

Lol...funny bastid :) anyway u make sure u cover that big dome during that sunny spell...don't want the glare from the sun bouncing of your head blinding other cyclists ;-)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on July 18, 2014, 09:22:39 AM
Quote from: Last Man on July 17, 2014, 03:45:43 PM
Quote from: illdecide on July 17, 2014, 12:33:36 AM
Guys can anyone post up any links to a website for cycling gear that I can buy cheap replica gear (shoes, shorts and tops etc) and also for parts for bikes (pedals,forks etc)...thanks.

Went out last night with proper cyclists and done about 38 mile and it nearly killed me, I thought I was in reasonable shape but now I know I'm not. One of the guys stopped for a piss about 28 miles in and I didn't know if I had to shit myself or throw up and my legs were like jelly but I made it home anyway. I found out this evening that they were going rightly ( his words) the longest I've cycled before was 55 miles but it didn't feel as hard or bad as last nights 38 mile.
Its not supposed to get any easier, just faster. The fact you hung in shows you've the head for it if not the gear ;D.
You just have to browse them all to get the deals, right time, right place, right size.
Wiggle and Chain reaction would be the main ones I use but keep an eye out for the Lidl stuff too. Their shoes, under shirts, gloves and wireless cycle computers are all grand
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 18, 2014, 09:32:35 AM
Quote from: illdecide on July 17, 2014, 06:48:23 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 17, 2014, 04:27:57 PM
Quote from: illdecide on July 17, 2014, 12:33:36 AM
Guys can anyone post up any links to a website for cycling gear that I can buy cheap replica gear (shoes, shorts and tops etc) and also for parts for bikes (pedals,forks etc)...thanks.

Went out last night with proper cyclists and done about 38 mile and it nearly killed me, I thought I was in reasonable shape but now I know I'm not. One of the guys stopped for a piss about 28 miles in and I didn't know if I had to shit myself or throw up and my legs were like jelly but I made it home anyway. I found out this evening that they were going rightly ( his words) the longest I've cycled before was 55 miles but it didn't feel as hard or bad as last nights 38 mile.

XXL in Italian cycling gear for yourself!!

Lol...funny bastid :) anyway u make sure u cover that big dome during that sunny spell...don't want the glare from the sun bouncing of your head blinding other cyclists ;-)

Haha got the head all covered don't worry! Honestly though, any Italian makes are ridiculously small! Not made for a big strapping centre half back like yourself! Join strava cycling app then add the Gaaboard group.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 18, 2014, 11:29:11 PM
> so much for sky's plan B

> tour is over, roll on the vuelta

> is nibali on the juice or are the rest of them that poor

> hopefully nico can get up the road and get a stage

> will the schleck boys be working in halfords this time next year

> who taught talansky how to ride a bike

> will sagan every get a stage win

> need more posters on strava to put a few fast boys under pressure

(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTgU4Bki2b3GARpvaYiSPQ772uZbDWrT3HB_stAOT95pjjFsbTi)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on July 18, 2014, 11:51:25 PM
Quote from: gerry on July 18, 2014, 11:29:11 PM
> so much for sky's plan B

> tour is over, roll on the vuelta

> is nibali on the juice or are the rest of them that poor

> hopefully nico can get up the road and get a stage

> will the schleck boys be working in halfords this time next year

> who taught talansky how to ride a bike

> will sagan every get a stage win

> need more posters on strava to put a few fast boys under

Hopefully
http://gifsoup.com/view/3895484/peter-sagan.html (http://gifsoup.com/view/3895484/peter-sagan.html)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 18, 2014, 11:55:50 PM
Ive a bad knee this past 2 weeks so my strava times and miles have been down but Im coming after you boys!!

Did anyone think Talansky was putting it on a bit for the cameras and trying his best to go for the heroic story! The yanks love that sort of stuff. No doubt he was sore but crying at the end and saying he did it for his team mates etc  Maybe I'm just grumpy.

Pity Quintana didn't enter the tour, although he would have probably have ended up in a pile along with the other top GC men.

Anybody fancy doing the La Marmotte next year?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 19, 2014, 12:33:13 AM
> i think garmin where wrong in making him ride on, when they knew he wouldn't start the next morning.  i loved the fake tears, he probable thought he had a chance after he won the dauphine

> fair play to anyone who rides  the la marmotte in one day, i rode it last year but not all in one day.  hopefully there is a group of us heading out to the tour next year to cycle a few hills

> quintanna and froome head to head should be good but i think quintanna has the beating of him

> sky very quiet on JTL doping, is it to easy to say it didn't happen on their watch

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 19, 2014, 12:36:36 AM
Quote from: gerry on July 19, 2014, 12:33:13 AM
> i think garmin where wrong in making him ride on, when they knew he wouldn't start the next morning.  i loved the fake tears, he probable thought he had a chance after he won the dauphine

> fair play to anyone who rides  the la marmotte in one day, i rode it last year but not all in one day.  hopefully there is a group of us heading out to the tour next year to cycle a few hills

> quintanna and froome head to head should be good but i think quintanna has the beating of him

> sky very quiet on JTL doping, is it to easy to say it didn't happen on their watch

In comparison to the steepness of the hills around ireland what would the marmotte climbs be like? Is it a case of steep enough climbs but they just go on for miles and miles? Looking at it, it would be impossible to train for it around here.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 19, 2014, 12:49:59 AM
the hills around here have steeper ramps where in france they are less severe and go on forever. most of them have hairpins so you have a rest as they flatten out.  as long as you have a compact ring and can spin a small gear you will be grand.  the main thing is to ride it at your own pace and not try to slow  down or speed up to match others,

if you decide to do it, you will love it as the scenery, weather and roads are class
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 22, 2014, 07:42:45 PM
I passed one of your number cycling up the hard shoulder of the M1 between the Saintfield and Balmoral junctions  :o
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haveaharp on July 23, 2014, 03:53:13 PM
Go on Nico, dig in to feck
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on July 23, 2014, 04:00:13 PM
hes going to have to work for Majka
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 25, 2014, 01:11:15 PM
After a few years off, I've just started back doing a little road cycling. Maybe my memories are a little rosier than reality but i cant remember there been any road rage incidents with drivers previously. However since I've started back there has definitely been an appreciable decline in the respect drivers have for cyclists. I've witnessed more than a few so called  road rage incidents since I've started back. I appreciate cyclists also have responsibilities but I've even witnessed Drivers deliberately going out of their way to create hassle for cyclists. I know they did a recent enough ad campaign about cyclist safety but it doesn't seem to have worked. Point being that all the good work of promoting cycling is wasted when inexperienced cyclists get an experience of our roads. Bar forcing the ignorant f*#ker out of his her car and onto a bike what can be done?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 25, 2014, 03:01:37 PM
Quote from: grounded on July 25, 2014, 01:11:15 PM
After a few years off, I've just started back doing a little road cycling. Maybe my memories are a little rosier than reality but i cant remember there been any road rage incidents with drivers previously. However since I've started back there has definitely been an appreciable decline in the respect drivers have for cyclists. I've witnessed more than a few so called  road rage incidents since I've started back. I appreciate cyclists also have responsibilities but I've even witnessed Drivers deliberately going out of their way to create hassle for cyclists. I know they did a recent enough ad campaign about cyclist safety but it doesn't seem to have worked. Point being that all the good work of promoting cycling is wasted when inexperienced cyclists get an experience of our roads. Bar forcing the ignorant f*#ker out of his her car and onto a bike what can be done?

Dedicated cycle lanes, simple. But hey that costs money, how many new roads have been built in the last few years (up and down Ireland) have put in proper cycle lanes? The new Larne road and the Carrick road are nearly done, I wonder was the cyclist ever thought about in these new roads?

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on July 25, 2014, 03:07:45 PM
I think theres an onus on the cyclist, we cant change how motorists act/react to us but we can demand respect on the road.

As someone who has cycled and driven a tractor for all of my adult life and a lot of my childhood you realise that people in cars just do not want to be held up by something slower than them. As a tractor its easy, you are on the road and people have to take car passing you, they are in a one tonne vehicle you're in a three tonne vehicle, they hit you, thet are in trouble. I always laugh when lads pass you blowing the horn and sticking their fingers up at you, what do you want me to do, not drive on the road.

Well I think a cyclist has to demand the same respect, if you cycle up on the ditch or in single file you are basically saying, yes its ok by me to overtake. If another car comes towards the car overtaking, well who are they going to run into the car coming at speed in the opposite direction or the cyclist?
You're not holding up traffic, you are traffic.
And yes you'll have the same number of assholes who beep and stick up their fingers at you, I wave and smile  ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ONeill on July 25, 2014, 03:15:44 PM
What about this Nibali fellow? On the glue or wha?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 25, 2014, 04:17:32 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 25, 2014, 03:15:44 PM
What about this Nibali fellow? On the glue or wha?

Think an all ireland where Dublin and Kerry withdraw after round one, Mayo win by 10 points in the final in a hack canter.

Nibali is a grand tour winner (Italy+Spain) and built his seaon around the Tour de france. If he was clean he'd be that much ahead of those contesting the podium positions. If he is juiced then he could have saved himself the bother.
The proximity of the like of Peraud and Pinot suggest to me that its as weak a tour as there has been in a long time. Not Nibalis fault of course with thw withdrawal of Froome and Contador. Good luck to him.
His record in grand tours (France 7th 2009 3rd 2012) (Spain 1st 2010 7th 2011 2nd 2013) (Italy 2010 3rd 2011 2nd 2013 1st)

He hasnt come out of nowhere.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on July 25, 2014, 04:24:42 PM
His surge up the mountain yesterday to pass the old guy, can't mind his name, was reminiscent of a particular scene they showed in one of those Armstrong documentaries. Barely even out of breath...

I love the TDF but unfortunately due to it's history winners will always be questioned...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 25, 2014, 04:33:42 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 25, 2014, 04:24:42 PM
His surge up the mountain yesterday to pass the old guy, can't mind his name, was reminiscent of a particular scene they showed in one of those Armstrong documentaries. Barely even out of breath...

I love the TDF but unfortunately due to it's history winners will always be questioned...

It certainly was impressive.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 25, 2014, 09:07:24 PM
The most uninteresting Tour I've watched.

Hopefully La Vuelta will be better, Contador's not going to make it according to his tweets. Froome v Quintana should be good, Horner fancies his chances & I think it's Rodriguez's main target of the season, Betancur, Dan Martin, Cadel? should also be there, there'll probably be a few other big names there who've had shite Tours as well. Plus they'll probably have the kudos of having Cavendish there.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 25, 2014, 09:27:23 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 25, 2014, 09:07:24 PM
The most uninteresting Tour I've watched.

Hopefully La Vuelta will be better, Contador's not going to make it according to his tweets. Froome v Quintana should be good, Horner fancies his chances & I think it's Rodriguez's main target of the season, Betancur, Dan Martin, Cadel? should also be there, there'll probably be a few other big names there who've had shite Tours as well. Plus they'll probably have the kudos of having Cavendish there.

Nibali has run away with it, but the racing beneath him has been very exciting i thought.
A few cracking stages!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleafgael on July 26, 2014, 09:24:15 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 25, 2014, 03:01:37 PM
Quote from: grounded on July 25, 2014, 01:11:15 PM
After a few years off, I've just started back doing a little road cycling. Maybe my memories are a little rosier than reality but i cant remember there been any road rage incidents with drivers previously. However since I've started back there has definitely been an appreciable decline in the respect drivers have for cyclists. I've witnessed more than a few so called  road rage incidents since I've started back. I appreciate cyclists also have responsibilities but I've even witnessed Drivers deliberately going out of their way to create hassle for cyclists. I know they did a recent enough ad campaign about cyclist safety but it doesn't seem to have worked. Point being that all the good work of promoting cycling is wasted when inexperienced cyclists get an experience of our roads. Bar forcing the ignorant f*#ker out of his her car and onto a bike what can be done?

Dedicated cycle lanes, simple. But hey that costs money, how many new roads have been built in the last few years (up and down Ireland) have put in proper cycle lanes? The new Larne road and the Carrick road are nearly done, I wonder was the cyclist ever thought about in these new roads?

Combined cycleway/footpath for large sections of the new A8. Most of the new road infrastructure in Ireland over the last 15/20 years has been Dual Carriageway/Motorway which aren't suitable for cycleways.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: stew on July 26, 2014, 10:47:23 AM
Bc thanks for the help with the cycle shops. I am looking forward to coming home.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 26, 2014, 11:53:34 AM
Stew, Armagh has gone cycling mad, there's 4 or 5 clubs within a 10m radius, the same again in unofficial groups and hundreds of individuals cycling, you'll certainly not lack companions. Still a crew going from the Harps club twice a week.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 27, 2014, 05:00:57 PM
Kimmage's Rough Rider documentary on RTE1 Monday nite @ 9.35pm.  Decent article below


http://www.thescore.ie/paul-kimmage-game-is-up-kind-of-journalism-i-practice-1591253-Jul2014/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 27, 2014, 05:29:52 PM
Went Lurgan to Omeath today and I'm shattered here now. Think its about 65 mile or so and that's a record for me, my back  started to get a bit sore the last 10-15 mile...how the feck do u guys go further than that? That's deadly
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 27, 2014, 05:46:15 PM
Quote from: illdecide on July 27, 2014, 05:29:52 PM
Went Lurgan to Omeath today and I'm shattered here now. Think its about 65 mile or so and that's a record for me, my back  started to get a bit sore the last 10-15 mile...how the feck do u guys go further than that? That's deadly

Seat in right position? I've noticed once I lifted the seat as far as I could (in fairness with these wee legs that's not far ha) the back ache that I sometimes got was gone, my be an option, the big cyclist here could maybe give a better view on it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 27, 2014, 07:33:16 PM
Proper bike fits can help with things like that (all wee things can add up to bigger problems- Cleat position, Saddle Height, reach / stem length and use of spacers), but a bad back is a bad back, I know all about it unfortunately.

Anyway, if you're not hurting on a bike, you're not trying hard enough :)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 27, 2014, 10:44:01 PM
Cycling has to be the toughest mainstream sport out there. Those grand tours are absolutely brutal. Hard men!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 29, 2014, 01:24:34 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 27, 2014, 07:33:16 PM
Proper bike fits can help with things like that (all wee things can add up to bigger problems- Cleat position, Saddle Height, reach / stem length and use of spacers), but a bad back is a bad back, I know all about it unfortunately.

Anyway, if you're not hurting on a bike, you're not trying hard enough :)

Does anyone new where you can get a bike fit(I live in the Newry area)Thanks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: 5 Sams on July 29, 2014, 11:13:44 PM
I know fcuk all about cycling but that Kittel lad is an animal. Would he never be in the frame for a Tour win or is he just a specialist sprinter? All advice gratefully accepted. (Haven't a clue) Must say I enjoyed it and Paris looks like a spectacular city. I've never been.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on July 29, 2014, 11:24:30 PM
He has several more stone to carry him up mountains ... He just about stays in the race in the mountains so is miles behind. Specialist sprinters too heavy for the long tours - best they can hope for are stage wins / yellow jersey.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 29, 2014, 11:57:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 29, 2014, 11:24:30 PM
He has several more stone to carry him up mountains ... He just about stays in the race in the mountains so is miles behind. Specialist sprinters too heavy for the long tours - best they can hope for are stage wins / yellow jersey.

I assume you mean green jersey. Generally speaking you are right. There are exceptions like Peter Sagan, Sean Kelly in his day. Bernard Hinault won 5 tour de France but also won a bunch sprint on the champs elysees. Some sprinters are better than others in the mountains and on a lumpy stage can drag themselves through whereas the out and out sprinters like Cavendish and Kittel always struggle badly. I think the formula generally is the longer the climb the less chance they have. Short and steep like you would get in England or Ireland they can cope with for the most part no problem as its about powering your way up whereas the long stuff is totally different, maybe 25km of constant ramp. An exception to the weight thing was Miguel Indurain. A big guy for a tour winner.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on July 30, 2014, 09:02:31 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 29, 2014, 11:57:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 29, 2014, 11:24:30 PM
He has several more stone to carry him up mountains ... He just about stays in the race in the mountains so is miles behind. Specialist sprinters too heavy for the long tours - best they can hope for are stage wins / yellow jersey.

I assume you mean green jersey. Generally speaking you are right. There are exceptions like Peter Sagan, Sean Kelly in his day. Bernard Hinault won 5 tour de France but also won a bunch sprint on the champs elysees. Some sprinters are better than others in the mountains and on a lumpy stage can drag themselves through whereas the out and out sprinters like Cavendish and Kittel always struggle badly. I think the formula generally is the longer the climb the less chance they have. Short and steep like you would get in England or Ireland they can cope with for the most part no problem as its about powering your way up whereas the long stuff is totally different, maybe 25km of constant ramp. An exception to the weight thing was Miguel Indurain. A big guy for a tour winner.

Ach sure a good dose of EPO would give you that extra pep in your step pedal.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on July 30, 2014, 10:27:11 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 29, 2014, 11:57:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 29, 2014, 11:24:30 PM
He has several more stone to carry him up mountains ... He just about stays in the race in the mountains so is miles behind. Specialist sprinters too heavy for the long tours - best they can hope for are stage wins / yellow jersey.

I assume you mean green jersey. Generally speaking you are right. There are exceptions like Peter Sagan, Sean Kelly in his day. Bernard Hinault won 5 tour de France but also won a bunch sprint on the champs elysees. Some sprinters are better than others in the mountains and on a lumpy stage can drag themselves through whereas the out and out sprinters like Cavendish and Kittel always struggle badly. I think the formula generally is the longer the climb the less chance they have. Short and steep like you would get in England or Ireland they can cope with for the most part no problem as its about powering your way up whereas the long stuff is totally different, maybe 25km of constant ramp. An exception to the weight thing was Miguel Indurain. A big guy for a tour winner.

Oops - yes green jersey!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 02, 2014, 09:48:14 AM
A few cracking documentaries up on youtube at the minute. Don't know how long they will last though.

http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/07/slaying-the-badger/ (http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/07/slaying-the-badger/)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxNA3Hc93mM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxNA3Hc93mM)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgQUOKDVHSM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgQUOKDVHSM)

Pissing down this morning so didn't get out. Reminds me that I need to buy some good winter gear!
I see Gerry got a retweet from Oleg Tinkov.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on August 04, 2014, 09:11:45 AM
Need to buy replacement tyres for a bike, but they're 700 x 22c and on short supply in the likes of wiggle, chain reaction etc, etc.

Would I get away with a 700 x 23c on the same rim?

and whats the difference between folding bead and wire bead?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on August 04, 2014, 09:28:51 AM
yes will work fine, just slightly higher profile. The folding denotes a foldable tyre which you can carry as a spare, better off with the solid bead imo.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on August 04, 2014, 04:15:15 PM
Quote from: Last Man on August 04, 2014, 09:28:51 AM
yes will work fine, just slightly higher profile. The folding denotes a foldable tyre which you can carry as a spare, better off with the solid bead imo.

Thanks, found one on wiggle so it'll do for now.

Are the 23c just slightly wider rather than higher, unless I'm misunderstanding this?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on August 04, 2014, 04:39:15 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on August 04, 2014, 04:15:15 PM
Quote from: Last Man on August 04, 2014, 09:28:51 AM
yes will work fine, just slightly higher profile. The folding denotes a foldable tyre which you can carry as a spare, better off with the solid bead imo.

Thanks, found one on wiggle so it'll do for now.

Are the 23c just slightly wider rather than higher, unless I'm misunderstanding this?
Yes wider and slightly deeper over all, might be a bit more comfortable as a result.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 12, 2014, 10:25:19 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 02, 2014, 09:48:14 AM
A few cracking documentaries up on youtube at the minute. Don't know how long they will last though.

http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/07/slaying-the-badger/ (http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/07/slaying-the-badger/)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxNA3Hc93mM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxNA3Hc93mM)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgQUOKDVHSM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgQUOKDVHSM)

Pissing down this morning so didn't get out. Reminds me that I need to buy some good winter gear!
I see Gerry got a retweet from Oleg Tinkov.

yep i am famous, hopefully nico wont go to sky as that would be a disaster. i invested in a garmin heart rate monitor and am trying a few workouts by heart rate zones on the rollers.  the positive things about the zones is that it makes the training more interesting

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 12, 2014, 10:34:36 PM
Quote from: Last Man on August 04, 2014, 04:39:15 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on August 04, 2014, 04:15:15 PM
Quote from: Last Man on August 04, 2014, 09:28:51 AM
yes will work fine, just slightly higher profile. The folding denotes a foldable tyre which you can carry as a spare, better off with the solid bead imo.

Thanks, found one on wiggle so it'll do for now.

Are the 23c just slightly wider rather than higher, unless I'm misunderstanding this?

was changing rims yesterday and was pumping up my continental grand prix's and blew a hole in the tube and tyre at 120psi. thats the second time that has happen me on £30 tyres. Gutted

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 12, 2014, 11:37:45 PM
Quote from: gerry on August 12, 2014, 10:25:19 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 02, 2014, 09:48:14 AM
A few cracking documentaries up on youtube at the minute. Don't know how long they will last though.

http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/07/slaying-the-badger/ (http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/07/slaying-the-badger/)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxNA3Hc93mM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxNA3Hc93mM)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgQUOKDVHSM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgQUOKDVHSM)

Pissing down this morning so didn't get out. Reminds me that I need to buy some good winter gear!
I see Gerry got a retweet from Oleg Tinkov.

yep i am famous, hopefully nico wont go to sky as that would be a disaster. i invested in a garmin heart rate monitor and am trying a few workouts by heart rate zones on the rollers.  the positive things about the zones is that it makes the training more interesting

Thinking of trying Zone training over the winter to see if it works. Don't know if i would have the patiences for it or a power meter. Plus a power meter is big dough. Let us know how u get on.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 25, 2014, 11:33:25 AM
Some line up for La Vuelta. All the big favs trying to keep the pressure off by saying they're not right. Quintana's to lose.


https://m.oddschecker.com/m/cycling/vuelta-a-espana#cycling-vuelta-a-espana-winner

Quintana Evs, Froome 2/1, Bertie 12s.

Uran at 33s is value for a place on the podium
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: orangeman on August 25, 2014, 11:35:25 AM
Did anybody do lap the Lough yesterday ?.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 25, 2014, 11:38:28 AM
I did it, see one other Gaaboard Strava group member did it too. Lovely day for it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: orangeman on August 25, 2014, 11:44:11 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 25, 2014, 11:38:28 AM
I did it, see one other Gaaboard Strava group member did it too. Lovely day for it.

Some day for it. No rain at all.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 25, 2014, 01:13:07 PM
Did the Killeavy CC Charity Cycle 110 instead. There was a really good turn out despite the Lap of the Lough being on the same day. Thank God the weather was fine for the duration.
                  Has anyone done the Giants Causeway Coast sportive? I've signed up for the 128km route and I'm just wondering what I've let myself in for.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 25, 2014, 01:20:23 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 25, 2014, 01:13:07 PM
Did the Killeavy CC Charity Cycle 110 instead. There was a really good turn out despite the Lap of the Lough being on the same day. Thank God the weather was fine for the duration.
                  Has anyone done the Giants Causeway Coast sportive? I've signed up for the 128km route and I'm just wondering what I've let myself in for.

Ive done bits and pieces of the route. The big one is meant to be very tough but the middle one shouldn't be too bad. Depends at what level you are at, some people will fly round the middle one. Torr Head is meant to be a killer.

Im struggling with a knee injury at the minute and I'm back to school tomorrow so that is my summer over for another while. Sat and Sun runs from now on just.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 25, 2014, 01:26:31 PM
Knee's been giving me bother since I got the Planet X, regretting not getting a proper bike fit done for it, stood it against my Ribble Winter bike (for which i was fitted) & tried to replicate the set up. Knees are mangled today after horsing it round the Lough yesterday. Thinking of the Causeway Sportive but not sure the knee would get me up Torr Head.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 25, 2014, 02:16:03 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 25, 2014, 01:26:31 PM
Knee's been giving me bother since I got the Planet X, regretting not getting a proper bike fit done for it, stood it against my Ribble Winter bike (for which i was fitted) & tried to replicate the set up. Knees are mangled today after horsing it round the Lough yesterday. Thinking of the Causeway Sportive but not sure the knee would get me up Torr Head.

There is the option of taking the boys/girls route, avoiding Torr head  ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 28, 2014, 07:29:37 PM
Excellent finish to today's first real hilly stage at La Vuelta, Valverde wins with Froome & Contador on his tail, Quintana & Rodriguez surprisingly dropped in the final stages, with other likely winners like Dan Martin, Cadel, Hesjedal long since dropped.

Betting changed slightly with Froome now disputing favouritism with Quintana and Bertie a best priced 7/2. Valverde available at 12s+
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 28, 2014, 11:41:50 PM
doing the western hills sportive on sunday, 100 miles with 3,500ft of climbing.  its a time chipped event so every man for himself




(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10641127_658340084262732_3099909109026458597_n.jpg?oh=bcc904a768e8955c869f8dc3c47e1b8a&oe=5462EB1A&__gda__=1417023688_7638cdee480ac17f952f5f680c513665)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 31, 2014, 07:21:59 PM
Quote from: gerry on August 28, 2014, 11:41:50 PM
doing the western hills sportive on sunday, 100 miles with 3,500ft of climbing.  its a time chipped event so every man for himself

You got a good day for it. How did you get on?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 31, 2014, 08:44:22 PM
We had great weather for it except for a head wind for the last 30 mile home.  The first 25 mile where covered with a 20mph average before i got spat out the back and then i rode 80 mile mostly on my own.  I came back with an 16mph average, a sore arse and crampy legs
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 03, 2014, 08:10:10 AM
Good man Gerry.

Big TT yesterday at La Vuelta, Quintana came down in an awesome cornering mishap / brake failure. Bertie takes Red putting big time on Froome, Valverde looks dangerous and Uran has a blinder to sit in the top 3 (33/1 looks generous now). Mountain top finish today,  so it should be explosive from Quintana & Froome. Most exciting GT again.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 03, 2014, 02:50:28 PM
I was looking forward to see the top 3 battle it out but with froome loosing a load of time yesterday and Quintana pulling out today Bertie looks favourite to win it now.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 06, 2014, 05:14:34 PM
Great stage today.  Bit of life and plenty of fight left in the Froomedog yet. 2 savage stages to follow tomorrow and Monday, I'd say we'll know our winner come Monday evening although I think there may be another TT in there somewhere that could be pivotal.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 06, 2014, 05:20:58 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 06, 2014, 05:14:34 PM
Great stage today.  Bit of life and plenty of fight left in the Froomedog yet. 2 savage stages to follow tomorrow and Monday, I'd say we'll know our winner come Monday evening although I think there may be another TT in there somewhere that could be pivotal.

Flat 10km time trial unusual last stage. If there was say 30secs in it before last stage then it would be very interesting.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 06, 2014, 05:25:11 PM
Aye, if there's something to fight for it'll be some last stage, the organisers would be creaming themselves. The Criterium type stage was a bit shit, but La Vuelta organisers seem the adventurous types.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on September 07, 2014, 11:17:47 PM
Any good winter jacket recommendations lads?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 08, 2014, 06:17:34 AM
Our club stuff is Endura (also owns Altura) & the Winter Jacket is tops. Windflex something or other.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on September 08, 2014, 10:08:28 AM
If you have the money this is the undisputed king of winter jackets

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/castelli-gabba-wind-stopper-long-sleeve-jersey-ss14/rp-prod88505

I bought one last year, one of the best thing I invested in, it feels so light and when you put it on you think I'll freeze, two minutes on the bike and you are toasty without ever being too warm and never sweaty. Couldnt recommend it enough
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on September 09, 2014, 10:05:19 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on September 08, 2014, 10:08:28 AM
If you have the money this is the undisputed king of winter jackets

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/castelli-gabba-wind-stopper-long-sleeve-jersey-ss14/rp-prod88505

I bought one last year, one of the best thing I invested in, it feels so light and when you put it on you think I'll freeze, two minutes on the bike and you are toasty without ever being too warm and never sweaty. Couldnt recommend it enough

Is that not for more 10 degrees plus? Im looking an all in one waterproof, windproof etc. Rapha soft-shell gets great reviews but its expensive and I don't really like the whole rapha image thing. Definitely want to get one of those Gabbas though. They say the peleton wear the gabba with their sponsors and manufacturers logos over the castelli badge.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on September 10, 2014, 09:53:21 AM
Its not waterproof but I wore it out all winter and was never cold, cosy out. Like I say, best thing I've bought gear wise, it is dear though.

This thread goes through it detail, 150 posts, almost exclusively positive
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057069704
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: stalwart on September 10, 2014, 10:02:49 AM
Assos winter jacket- great jackets
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on September 10, 2014, 12:56:38 PM
Are there any videos of the two guys punching each other on the Spanish Tour?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 10, 2014, 01:38:06 PM
Quote from: Orior on September 10, 2014, 12:56:38 PM
Are there any videos of the two guys punching each other on the Spanish Tour?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biwjqA20zJQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biwjqA20zJQ) from about 1 min on video
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 13, 2014, 01:06:05 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 06, 2014, 05:25:11 PM
Aye, if there's something to fight for it'll be some last stage, the organisers would be creaming themselves. The Criterium type stage was a bit shit, but La Vuelta organisers seem the adventurous types.

Going to be some battle today. Looking at the profile i'm wondering should Froome go for it (if able) on the 2nd last climb. I'd say Contador will be expecting the attacks to come on the lower slopes of the final climb. It would be a gamble but Froome is going to need to take a minute back plus the time bonus which I assume is available to take it to the wire in the TT. Its not impossible but will be seriously tough task to drop Contador and take a minute out of him.


Any front wheel punctures they should just do what this guy does
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_swSDARWAW4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_swSDARWAW4)


Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 13, 2014, 01:25:40 PM
great day of cycling alright, Nico could be on the attack in the TOB if he wants to win it, with two cat one climbs it should suit him.  Dan needs to watch himself or he could lose a place or two today.  froome needs to go for it as bernie has the beating of him tomorrow i guess.

philip doing great turns at the front for sky all week, it looks like we will have two irish cyclist doing it next year for sky :(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 13, 2014, 04:44:03 PM
Quote from: gerry on September 13, 2014, 01:25:40 PM
great day of cycling alright, Nico could be on the attack in the TOB if he wants to win it, with two cat one climbs it should suit him.  Dan needs to watch himself or he could lose a place or two today.  froome needs to go for it as bernie has the beating of him tomorrow i guess.

philip doing great turns at the front for sky all week, it looks like we will have two irish cyclist doing it next year for sky :(

Fair play to Contador, played his hand beautifully.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on September 14, 2014, 06:58:17 PM
Columbian Ladies Cycling team jersey is rather interesting:

(http://cdn3.independent.ie/incoming/article30585787.ece/fcc38/ALTERNATES/h342/Colombia.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Denn Forever on September 24, 2014, 10:41:21 AM
For all you elite cyclists out there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAsUHsmJAo
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 26, 2014, 08:02:44 AM
What about Wiggins the other day, some performance. I was reading the paper Wed morning & saw Tony Martin @ 2/5 in the betting and thought to myself there's some easy money for yourself!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 28, 2014, 09:18:18 PM
at least this years worlds was better than last years.

good to see froomedog keeping his record up  2008 - DNF; 2009 - DNF; 2011 - DNF; 2012 - DNF; 2013 - DNF; 2014 - DNF.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on September 28, 2014, 09:23:54 PM
Has anyone ever done the tour of strangford sportive? It's on next sat and tempted to do it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 29, 2014, 10:11:53 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on September 28, 2014, 09:23:54 PM
Has anyone ever done the tour of strangford sportive? It's on next sat and tempted to do it

No Jim you do it and be the first ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on September 29, 2014, 11:22:12 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on September 28, 2014, 09:23:54 PM
Has anyone ever done the tour of strangford sportive? It's on next sat and tempted to do it

Another tour of Strangford? There must be four or five a year organised by different cycle clubs or other. I'm almost certain a friend of mine did one three weeks ago!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on September 29, 2014, 12:43:01 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 29, 2014, 10:11:53 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on September 28, 2014, 09:23:54 PM
Has anyone ever done the tour of strangford sportive? It's on next sat and tempted to do it

No Jim you do it and be the first ;)
You up for it San? More than welcome to join us.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 29, 2014, 03:26:02 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on September 29, 2014, 12:43:01 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 29, 2014, 10:11:53 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on September 28, 2014, 09:23:54 PM
Has anyone ever done the tour of strangford sportive? It's on next sat and tempted to do it

No Jim you do it and be the first ;)
You up for it San? More than welcome to join us.

I couldn't keep up with you guys...i'm only a novice ;)

All joke on the side...done Newcastle (70 mile) 2 weeks ago and my knee is aching ever since...last weekend at all ireland final i couldn't sit down for too long as i needed to straighten my leg out. Thought it was easing off a bit so done about 15-20 mile yesterday lightly and back to square one again FFS
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on September 29, 2014, 04:07:55 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 29, 2014, 03:26:02 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on September 29, 2014, 12:43:01 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 29, 2014, 10:11:53 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on September 28, 2014, 09:23:54 PM
Has anyone ever done the tour of strangford sportive? It's on next sat and tempted to do it

No Jim you do it and be the first ;)
You up for it San? More than welcome to join us.

I couldn't keep up with you guys...i'm only a novice ;)

All joke on the side...done Newcastle (70 mile) 2 weeks ago and my knee is aching ever since...last weekend at all ireland final i couldn't sit down for too long as i needed to straighten my leg out. Thought it was easing off a bit so done about 15-20 mile yesterday lightly and back to square one again FFS

Some of the experts on here can confirm, but if you've a sore knee on the bike, the seat might need adjusting.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on September 30, 2014, 05:33:31 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on September 29, 2014, 04:07:55 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 29, 2014, 03:26:02 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on September 29, 2014, 12:43:01 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 29, 2014, 10:11:53 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on September 28, 2014, 09:23:54 PM
Has anyone ever done the tour of strangford sportive? It's on next sat and tempted to do it

No Jim you do it and be the first ;)
You up for it San? More than welcome to join us.

I couldn't keep up with you guys...i'm only a novice ;)

All joke on the side...done Newcastle (70 mile) 2 weeks ago and my knee is aching ever since...last weekend at all ireland final i couldn't sit down for too long as i needed to straighten my leg out. Thought it was easing off a bit so done about 15-20 mile yesterday lightly and back to square one again FFS

Some of the experts on here can confirm, but if you've a sore knee on the bike, the seat might need adjusting.
Or cleat position on your shoes? A bike fitting might be worth the money.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on October 04, 2014, 01:37:16 PM
Who wants to do the Marmotte or Haute Route with me next year?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 04, 2014, 03:18:17 PM
One of our club guys doing the Marmotte Jim, he'll be doing it at about 20mph if you fancy it ???
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on October 04, 2014, 03:24:28 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 04, 2014, 03:18:17 PM
One of our club guys doing the Marmotte Jim, he'll be doing it at about 20mph if you fancy it ???
I need a training partner if I am going to do it. Ur mate will just keep me back at 20mph  ;) I take it he is a racing man? The haute route looks unreal as well
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 04, 2014, 03:41:24 PM
No, just strong as a horse. He's doing the Fred Whitten again too, check it out.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 05, 2014, 06:09:21 PM
Dan Martin wins Lombardy, the last monument/classic of the year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: moysider on October 05, 2014, 11:52:38 PM
Don't think it was even mentioned on RTE news tonight.
Savage performance.
4th win by an Irishman in the last classic of the year. Kelly won it 3 times.
Well done Dan Martin.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on October 08, 2014, 02:28:53 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 05, 2014, 06:09:21 PM
Dan Martin wins Lombardy, the last monument/classic of the year.

Looking at it, the other 6 fucked up, no one was willing to chase him and when they realized it was too late. Fair play, he got his timing spot on, great performance!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on October 08, 2014, 02:33:50 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 05, 2014, 06:09:21 PM
Dan Martin wins Lombardy, the last monument/classic of the year.

Once they hesitated that was it. Did a silly fiver ew on him with PP. Cheers Dan.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on October 13, 2014, 09:44:20 PM
Dan Martin still blazing that trail, maith an fear:

Mountain-top victory for Dan Martin in Tour of Beijing

Attack by Garmin-Sharp team-mate on final climb allows Irish rider to pounce

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/mountain-top-victory-for-dan-martin-in-tour-of-beijing-1.1962095
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on October 19, 2014, 02:59:11 PM
Best winter tyre, best mud guard and best lights for this winters cycling lads?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on October 19, 2014, 03:01:35 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on October 19, 2014, 02:59:11 PM
Best winter tyre, best mud guard and best lights for this winters cycling lads?

Has your bike got mudguard eyes ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on October 19, 2014, 03:22:16 PM
Quote from: maddog on October 19, 2014, 03:01:35 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on October 19, 2014, 02:59:11 PM
Best winter tyre, best mud guard and best lights for this winters cycling lads?

Has your bike got mudguard eyes ?

I don't think it. It's for the winter bike, the good one is being put away for a few months. Was thinking of one of those blade things, they seem handy to fit but obviously don't provide the best protection.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on October 19, 2014, 04:20:36 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on October 19, 2014, 03:22:16 PM
Quote from: maddog on October 19, 2014, 03:01:35 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on October 19, 2014, 02:59:11 PM
Best winter tyre, best mud guard and best lights for this winters cycling lads?

Has your bike got mudguard eyes ?

I don't think it. It's for the winter bike, the good one is being put away for a few months. Was thinking of one of those blade things, they seem handy to fit but obviously don't provide the best protection.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SKS-Raceblade-Road-Bike-Cycling-Mudguard-Set-700-x-18-23c-BLACK-/291088777263?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item43c63e402f (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SKS-Raceblade-Road-Bike-Cycling-Mudguard-Set-700-x-18-23c-BLACK-/291088777263?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item43c63e402f)

These are grand, ive a pair on the Trek. Just get the flap for the front one
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on October 20, 2014, 09:07:03 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on October 19, 2014, 03:22:16 PM
Quote from: maddog on October 19, 2014, 03:01:35 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on October 19, 2014, 02:59:11 PM
Best winter tyre, best mud guard and best lights for this winters cycling lads?

Has your bike got mudguard eyes ?

I don't think it. It's for the winter bike, the good one is being put away for a few months. Was thinking of one of those blade things, they seem handy to fit but obviously don't provide the best protection.
Don't do much for the man behind you either!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on October 20, 2014, 09:48:36 AM
Great to get back out this weekend, 165k over the two days at a nice clip, great weather albeit a bit windy, can't wait for the winter training!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on October 20, 2014, 06:29:52 PM
You must be the only guy that enjoys winter training, hopefully it was all in the wee ring.  Astana not having a great week with 3 guys caught doping.  A few of us heading to see the TdF next year so looking forward to The route presentation on wed to see where we are going.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on October 23, 2014, 12:58:17 AM
Some here mightn't have seen this before.

Hugh McIlvanny interview with Stephen Roche from a while back:

Part I
http://youtu.be/ZpBGxXTCqtY (http://youtu.be/ZpBGxXTCqtY)

Part II
http://youtu.be/lBCXBn3F3fo (http://youtu.be/lBCXBn3F3fo)

The Giro stuff is particularly fascinating.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on October 23, 2014, 08:41:19 AM
Quote from: gerry on October 20, 2014, 06:29:52 PM
You must be the only guy that enjoys winter training, hopefully it was all in the wee ring.  Astana not having a great week with 3 guys caught doping.  A few of us heading to see the TdF next year so looking forward to The route presentation on wed to see where we are going.

Looks like a climbers tour with short individual TT 14km and 7 mountain finishes (5 summits) Froome talking about targetting the Giro and Vuelta instead. Contador Nibali and Quintana will be favourites. Mountain stages seem to be short and punchy designed to encourage earlier breakaways and make the racing more aggressive earlier i would guess. Roche and Dan Martin will be suited better by it with shorter TT so top 10 finish would be good possibility especially for Martin.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on October 31, 2014, 08:04:48 PM
Took the plunge and signed up for the La Marmotte next July! Shitting myself and excited at the same time! I've about 3 stone to lose first ffs
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 12, 2014, 08:54:50 PM
http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/11/the-hardest-stage-documentary-on-doping-in-german-cycling/ (http://cyclingtips.com.au/2014/11/the-hardest-stage-documentary-on-doping-in-german-cycling/)

Good show
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 16, 2014, 03:06:18 PM
Not sure if this should be on the WTF thread ?

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/essax-shark-finned-saddle-hits-uk-shores-144066 (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/essax-shark-finned-saddle-hits-uk-shores-144066)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Linkbox on November 16, 2014, 09:55:25 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 16, 2014, 03:06:18 PM
Not sure if this should be on the WTF thread ?

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/essax-shark-finned-saddle-hits-uk-shores-144066 (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/essax-shark-finned-saddle-hits-uk-shores-144066)

Christ Almighty.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Never beat the deeler on November 17, 2014, 06:41:13 AM
So I bought a bike.

Have been more into the running until recently, and got to half marathon distance, but the attrition on the joints means I can't go running 4-5 times a week for a prolonged period.

Got myself a road bike ten days ago and have cycled to work a couple of times (10km). Somehow I managed to allow myself get talked into doing a charity cycle this weekend - it's 53km. Slightly bricking it but I reckon I should be alright if I take my time.

I live in Perth, so the weather is ideal for it in the mornings and evenings at the minute, and my commute is all cycle path, except for the first 100m. Ideal.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: guy crouchback on November 21, 2014, 03:32:01 PM
does anyone here do any training on wattbikes. i have decided to do 1 session a week ( might up it to 2) on them for the winter as i cannot get out on the road much.  i have only done a couple so far but it seems good enough, very scientific and measured, in fact my only complaint is that it might be too scientific an in being bombarded with data just for the sake of it.

it seems to be a lot more controlled then spinning but i would be interested to hear what others think.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BennyCake on November 21, 2014, 04:30:55 PM
Can anyone suggest a retailer for cycling clothing? Or recommend certain items, mainly trousers/jackets/shoes etc.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 21, 2014, 09:23:35 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 21, 2014, 04:30:55 PM
Can anyone suggest a retailer for cycling clothing? Or recommend certain items, mainly trousers/jackets/shoes etc.

Loads of options online.
Main ones I use are Chainreaction and Wiggle. Prendas, Evans and prokitbike would also be good. You can spend a fortune very handy! Take a spin down to chainreaction on the boucher road and try the stuff on.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 21, 2014, 09:26:39 PM
Quote from: guy crouchback on November 21, 2014, 03:32:01 PM
does anyone here do any training on wattbikes. i have decided to do 1 session a week ( might up it to 2) on them for the winter as i cannot get out on the road much.  i have only done a couple so far but it seems good enough, very scientific and measured, in fact my only complaint is that it might be too scientific an in being bombarded with data just for the sake of it.

it seems to be a lot more controlled then spinning but i would be interested to hear what others think.

Where do you have access to one of these? They're a serious price to buy. I love all the scientific stuff but the level I am at it wouldnt make a lot of difference knowing the wattage i am putting out. It would be good to know for curiosity. Hopefully I will get that level sometime though!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on November 22, 2014, 06:25:34 PM
Is that with FitScience GuyC? The boys are flat out on them from the club, throwing out numbers.
I still prefer my own bike and the turbo and heart rate. Some days ur a bit more tired and the watts don't take that into account whether ur HR does.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Never beat the deeler on November 24, 2014, 09:24:50 AM
Did the Santos cycle here in Perth yesterday. Was my first ever cycle after buying my bike a couple of weeks ago. In preparation I had cycled to and from work Mon-Thurs (10km each way) so I was afraid I wouldn't manage the distance.

Lovely route around the Swan river, but a couple of hairy hills down around Freo. Managed to complete them all, including one particular bitch of a 300m climb that had most people walking.

Finished the 53km in just under 2hrs, although Strava is telling me it was 51.4km, so that works out as an average pace of 26.3km

Really think I could enjoy this cycling lark
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 24, 2014, 10:03:58 AM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on November 24, 2014, 09:24:50 AM
Did the Santos cycle here in Perth yesterday. Was my first ever cycle after buying my bike a couple of weeks ago. In preparation I had cycled to and from work Mon-Thurs (10km each way) so I was afraid I wouldn't manage the distance.

Lovely route around the Swan river, but a couple of hairy hills down around Freo. Managed to complete them all, including one particular bitch of a 300m climb that had most people walking.

Finished the 53km in just under 2hrs, although Strava is telling me it was 51.4km, so that works out as an average pace of 26.3km

Really think I could enjoy this cycling lark

That is really good for a first crack at it. Good work.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: guy crouchback on November 24, 2014, 10:35:22 AM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on November 22, 2014, 06:25:34 PM
Is that with FitScience GuyC? The boys are flat out on them from the club, throwing out numbers.
I still prefer my own bike and the turbo and heart rate. Some days ur a bit more tired and the watts don't take that into account whether ur HR does.

ya fitscience, its uses heart rate as well and there is an interesting display showing where the power is coming from as  you go through the pedal stroke , left leg or right, as you push down or as you pull up. this is quite good.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Never beat the deeler on November 24, 2014, 11:29:55 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 24, 2014, 10:03:58 AM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on November 24, 2014, 09:24:50 AM
Did the Santos cycle here in Perth yesterday. Was my first ever cycle after buying my bike a couple of weeks ago. In preparation I had cycled to and from work Mon-Thurs (10km each way) so I was afraid I wouldn't manage the distance.

Lovely route around the Swan river, but a couple of hairy hills down around Freo. Managed to complete them all, including one particular bitch of a 300m climb that had most people walking.

Finished the 53km in just under 2hrs, although Strava is telling me it was 51.4km, so that works out as an average pace of 26.3km

Really think I could enjoy this cycling lark

That is really good for a first crack at it. Good work.

Cheers, I had a bit of endurance built up as I trained for a half marathon back in August, so similar durations. Have been doing boot camp for a few months also, which works the legs a lot so I wasn't coming from a totally cold start.

Was still bricking it as I had no idea what to expect once I went over 10kms!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 01, 2014, 09:38:18 PM
Signed up for the Wicklow 200 there today. Anyone else doing it? I would need to get some weight off for it!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on December 01, 2014, 11:27:38 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on December 01, 2014, 09:38:18 PM
Signed up for the Wicklow 200 there today. Anyone else doing it? I would need to get some weight off for it!

I concur
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 01, 2014, 11:44:35 PM
Quote from: illdecide on December 01, 2014, 11:27:38 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on December 01, 2014, 09:38:18 PM
Signed up for the Wicklow 200 there today. Anyone else doing it? I would need to get some weight off for it!

I concur
haha u keep quiet! U been doing much? Get yourself signed up for the wicklow 200 saaan
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on December 02, 2014, 10:03:28 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on December 01, 2014, 11:44:35 PM
Quote from: illdecide on December 01, 2014, 11:27:38 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on December 01, 2014, 09:38:18 PM
Signed up for the Wicklow 200 there today. Anyone else doing it? I would need to get some weight off for it!

I concur
haha u keep quiet! U been doing much? Get yourself signed up for the wicklow 200 saaan

I'm aiming for this Sunday as my return (weather permitting) from knee injury, about 10-12 weeks out there...nightmare. Ill see how things go over the next few weeks.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 03, 2014, 05:51:52 PM
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/ZXSANTA/fill-santas-sack-bundle (http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/ZXSANTA/fill-santas-sack-bundle)
Very good bundles available here in Planet X. Especially for people starting off.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on December 04, 2014, 12:23:49 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on December 03, 2014, 05:51:52 PM
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/ZXSANTA/fill-santas-sack-bundle (http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/ZXSANTA/fill-santas-sack-bundle)
Very good bundles available here in Planet X. Especially for people starting off.

Just noticed from your link they are also selling the Planet X Pro Carbon Shimano Ultegra 6800 Road Bike for £900 which seems a fairly good deal.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/deals

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 04, 2014, 08:22:53 AM
Quote from: grounded on December 04, 2014, 12:23:49 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on December 03, 2014, 05:51:52 PM
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/ZXSANTA/fill-santas-sack-bundle (http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/ZXSANTA/fill-santas-sack-bundle)
Very good bundles available here in Planet X. Especially for people starting off.

Just noticed from your link they are also selling the Planet X Pro Carbon Shimano Ultegra 6800 Road Bike for £900 which seems a fairly good deal.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/deals

Fairly good ? It's for nothing
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on December 04, 2014, 08:28:55 AM
Quote from: maddog on December 04, 2014, 08:22:53 AM
Quote from: grounded on December 04, 2014, 12:23:49 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on December 03, 2014, 05:51:52 PM
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/ZXSANTA/fill-santas-sack-bundle (http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/ZXSANTA/fill-santas-sack-bundle)
Very good bundles available here in Planet X. Especially for people starting off.

Just noticed from your link they are also selling the Planet X Pro Carbon Shimano Ultegra 6800 Road Bike for £900 which seems a fairly good deal.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/deals

Fairly good ? It's for nothing

+1. I was looking at a similar Spec Specialized for £1500.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 04, 2014, 09:52:56 PM
Night time cycling with lights and hi viz gear V turbo trainer, what is your preference ?

Was out tonight for a spin tonight but couldn't help but think there would be as much benefit from an hour on turbo trainer as an hour and a half out with the lights.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 04, 2014, 10:20:26 PM
I think it's dangerous enough cycling during the day never mind at night. The club i am in go on a tuesday and thurs night run. about 30 mile i think. I've never cycled at night and don't intend to start anytime soon. I prefer sitting on the turbo with the sufferfest videos. Get some sweat going and legs are wrecked afterwards so it is definitely helping in some way.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on December 05, 2014, 09:26:15 AM
Quote from: maddog on December 04, 2014, 09:52:56 PM
Night time cycling with lights and hi viz gear V turbo trainer, what is your preference ?

Was out tonight for a spin tonight but couldn't help but think there would be as much benefit from an hour on turbo trainer as an hour and a half out with the lights.

f**k, I've met several cyclists out on their own both in the morning and evening when going to and from work and I think they're taking their lives in their hands by doing so and only one had a decent back light of the three. One had a wee red light on the top of his helmet and when he put his head down you couldn't see it, Madness IMO.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: guy crouchback on December 05, 2014, 09:46:09 AM
Quote from: maddog on December 04, 2014, 09:52:56 PM
Night time cycling with lights and hi viz gear V turbo trainer, what is your preference ?

Was out tonight for a spin tonight but couldn't help but think there would be as much benefit from an hour on turbo trainer as an hour and a half out with the lights.

ya its hard to know if its worth the hassle, the turbo is a great work out if you can really put in the work for 45 mins to an hour, and night cycling for me takes the fun out of it a bit, you have to concentrate that bit harder on  the road and i just cant go as hard as i would in the day.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 05, 2014, 10:18:59 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on December 05, 2014, 09:26:15 AM
Quote from: maddog on December 04, 2014, 09:52:56 PM
Night time cycling with lights and hi viz gear V turbo trainer, what is your preference ?

Was out tonight for a spin tonight but couldn't help but think there would be as much benefit from an hour on turbo trainer as an hour and a half out with the lights.

f**k, I've met several cyclists out on their own both in the morning and evening when going to and from work and I think they're taking their lives in their hands by doing so and only one had a decent back light of the three. One had a wee red light on the top of his helmet and when he put his head down you couldn't see it, Madness IMO.

Madness not to have decent lights and hi viz gear.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 05, 2014, 10:22:30 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on December 04, 2014, 10:20:26 PM
I think it's dangerous enough cycling during the day never mind at night. The club i am in go on a tuesday and thurs night run. about 30 mile i think. I've never cycled at night and don't intend to start anytime soon. I prefer sitting on the turbo with the sufferfest videos. Get some sweat going and legs are wrecked afterwards so it is definitely helping in some way.

How do the sufferfest videos work exactly ? Is your effort in anyway connected to the pc or is it "perceived effort" ?
Gives a nice crisp morning tomorrow so must hunt out the balaclava
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on December 05, 2014, 11:38:29 AM
A couple of times I've been out on the bike and breaking sweat, when the rain comes on, and washes the sweat down into my eyes, causing great burning pain.

Does that happen anyone else?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on December 05, 2014, 05:42:25 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 05, 2014, 11:38:29 AM
A couple of times I've been out on the bike and breaking sweat, when the rain comes on, and washes the sweat down into my eyes, causing great burning pain.

Does that happen anyone else?

Get one of these, sorted the problem for me.
http://www.haloheadbanduk.com/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 05, 2014, 09:44:35 PM
Quote from: maddog on December 05, 2014, 10:22:30 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on December 04, 2014, 10:20:26 PM
I think it's dangerous enough cycling during the day never mind at night. The club i am in go on a tuesday and thurs night run. about 30 mile i think. I've never cycled at night and don't intend to start anytime soon. I prefer sitting on the turbo with the sufferfest videos. Get some sweat going and legs are wrecked afterwards so it is definitely helping in some way.

How do the sufferfest videos work exactly ? Is your effort in anyway connected to the pc or is it "perceived effort" ?
Gives a nice crisp morning tomorrow so must hunt out the balaclava

It's basically a video that u stick on while you are on the turbo. It has a session planned out for you.  tells you what cadence you should be using and effort for each section. Basically to help prevent the boredom of sitting on a turbo trainer.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 10, 2014, 09:18:41 PM
So much for Cookson cleaning up the uci when they give Astana a world tour licence for next year. I wonder what you have to do to get banned.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2014, 10:57:19 AM
Anybody ever do/done any fasted state training? Meant to be good for shifting the weight. Did an hour on the turbo with no breakfast, not even a sip of water. Wasn't much fun.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 13, 2014, 12:18:09 PM
no but a friend cycled to work before eating anything and shifted a lot of weight! Nightmare not getting out on the bike at the minute with that weather. Turbo is still a good work out though! Islagiatt Sufferfest video this morning!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: macdanger2 on December 13, 2014, 12:27:58 PM
Would any sort of exercise without hydration not be a mugs game??
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2014, 01:00:26 PM
It's all about kick-starting your metabolism to burn fat, not a long term thing, i certainly wouldn't be going out on a 2/3 hour cycle with no hydration or grub, thought i'd give it a go on the turbo to see. Apparently it's how Wiggins got stick thin in 2012 (that & the drugs :o). Stuff i was reading was saying black coffee would aide it too
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2014, 01:30:52 PM
See David Walsh has an 'exclusive on the biggest drugs scandal since LA' in 2moro's Sunday Times.

Cookson had his opportunity to draw his line in the sand and hasn't. Pity, but money talks & Astana are super rich. Kimmage surprisingly quiet, i suspect his fury will be unleashed in the Sindo as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mylestheslasher on December 13, 2014, 01:37:46 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 13, 2014, 01:00:26 PM
It's all about kick-starting your metabolism to burn fat, not a long term thing, i certainly wouldn't be going out on a 2/3 hour cycle with no hydration or grub, thought i'd give it a go on the turbo to see. Apparently it's how Wiggins got stick thin in 2012 (that & the drugs :o). Stuff i was reading was saying black coffee would aide it too

Whats this Turbo yoke you are always on about?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2014, 02:25:12 PM
Indoor trainer. Google it, a picture paints a thousand words as they say.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 13, 2014, 03:28:36 PM
Getting some use out of the turbo at the minute. Would love a power meter for it!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on December 13, 2014, 03:34:21 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 13, 2014, 01:30:52 PM
See David Walsh has an 'exclusive on the biggest drugs scandal since LA' in 2moro's Sunday Times.

Cookson had his opportunity to draw his line in the sand and hasn't. Pity, but money talks & Astana are super rich. Kimmage surprisingly quiet, i suspect his fury will be unleashed in the Sindo as well.

What sport?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2014, 04:00:20 PM
I'm assuming it's related to the Astana Cycling team.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on December 13, 2014, 04:11:47 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 13, 2014, 04:00:20 PM
I'm assuming it's related to the Astana Cycling team.

I misread this comment 'exclusive on the biggest drugs scandal since LA', and though you had said 'bigger than LA'. I couldn't think how there would be a bigger scandal in cycling hence my question. Thanks for answering.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 13, 2014, 10:29:58 PM
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXNANORIV22/planet-x-nanolight-sram-rival-22-road-bike?utm_source=The+Planet+X+and+On-One+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=8bc9261888-121214&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_561486488b-8bc9261888-272007889&mc_cid=8bc9261888&mc_eid=8019b29e43 (http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXNANORIV22/planet-x-nanolight-sram-rival-22-road-bike?utm_source=The+Planet+X+and+On-One+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=8bc9261888-121214&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_561486488b-8bc9261888-272007889&mc_cid=8bc9261888&mc_eid=8019b29e43)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2014, 10:44:42 PM
Another class deal, i was looking at that frame too, was gonna move the Ultegra over from the pro-carbon. If i wasn't tied until the summer with C2W i'd be all over that.

Planet X have had some mental deals lately. They'd a full Carbon Time Trial bike with full Dura Ace for £999.

They are ditching Shimano, Campag & Sram only in new year, they'll prob do a good Campag offer to kick it of.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on December 13, 2014, 11:01:19 PM
Was looking at some of their deals after they were put up earlier but I didn't fancy changing to Shimano. Nothing against them but only used to Campagnolo, is it easy to get used to the feel of a differnt shifting system?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2014, 11:07:40 PM
No idea, only ever used Shimano!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 14, 2014, 10:07:11 AM
Sunday Times oversold their scoop. Drugs in Russian Athletics & IAAF implications.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 29, 2014, 04:57:33 PM
Pissed off looking at the turbo lately.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 29, 2014, 07:44:00 PM
Done twenty mile on the bike last week first time back on the bike since October.  Thought I take a while off to recharge the batteries while doing a bit of running to keep activity.  Not long until the reliability events and the club racers start again. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 29, 2014, 07:44:42 PM
Have done a few days in a row at that fasted state turboing, can't really judge it as a weight loss tool as I'm eating like a Lord but it does energize you for the day, although I am feeling a bit fucked this evening. Going to try & do it twice a week with a proper eating regime for a month or so when I go back to work next week & judge it then. Hopefully get a proper spin tomorrow.

Signed up for Wicklow & the Big Italian Bike Ride. Will probably do the big Gran Fondo one as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 29, 2014, 07:49:14 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 29, 2014, 07:44:42 PM
Have done a few days in a row at that fasted state turboing, can't really judge it as a weight loss tool as I'm eating like a Lord but it does energize you for the day, although I am feeling a bit fucked this evening. Going to try & do it twice a week with a proper eating regime for a month or so when I go back to work next week & judge it then. Hopefully get a proper spin tomorrow.

Signed up for Wicklow & the Big Italian Bike Ride. Will probably do the big Gran Fondo one as well.
I've signed up for those as well, look like they're tough enough. Wicklow looks like a right bollix!
Any talk of where the grand fondo will be going and how far?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 29, 2014, 08:09:20 PM
Haven't heard. Think that they rushed that out after the Big Italian Bike Ride published their details
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 29, 2014, 08:13:43 PM
A few of us had planned to do a long cycle on the longest day and now they want to do this cycle.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 29, 2014, 08:33:34 PM
I think it's on around the 21st of June and I have La Marmotte on the 4th or 5th of July. Not sure if that would be too close to each other or not.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 29, 2014, 08:45:00 PM
Fair play to you jim. I done those climbs two years ago and hope to do them again this July during the tour.  Cant say I could do them all in a day. Cheapeau. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleafgael on December 29, 2014, 09:07:55 PM
Quote from: gerry on December 29, 2014, 07:44:00 PM
Done twenty mile on the bike last week first time back on the bike since October.  Thought I take a while off to recharge the batteries while doing a bit of running to keep activity.  Not long until the reliability events and the club racers start again.

Sure the dancing would have kept you ticking over rightly twinkle toes.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 29, 2014, 09:29:21 PM
Quote from: gerry on December 29, 2014, 08:45:00 PM
Fair play to you jim. I done those climbs two years ago and hope to do them again this July during the tour.  Cant say I could do them all in a day. Cheapeau.
Don't say well done yet haha! I'm afraid that I won't finish it or something, it looks like a complete killer. Hope it's not biting off more than I can chew! Heading to tenerife in April to climb mt Teide a couple of times, should be great practise for the long climbs. Can't see the roads around here being a great training ground for marmotte climbs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 29, 2014, 09:42:24 PM
The descent from the galibier is 26 mile downhill which scared the feck out if me.  It's hard to get ur head around that u could down hill for so long. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 29, 2014, 09:44:56 PM
I'm shocking goin downhill
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 29, 2014, 09:47:36 PM
Going by strava.  Ur not so good going up them either. ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 29, 2014, 09:53:15 PM
Correct
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on January 05, 2015, 02:55:48 PM
Just out of McConveys Cycles on Ormeau Rd, Belfast. They have a 20% sale on all their bikes and gear, I think the sales man may well have convinced me to buy a new bike :-\. I seen a frame sitting in the shop at £4k...WTF. How much more would that be by the time you kit it out...

This cycling game is very expensive (especially you professionals who have a bike for every season ;))
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on January 05, 2015, 03:52:02 PM
Quote from: illdecide on January 05, 2015, 02:55:48 PM
Just out of McConveys Cycles on Ormeau Rd, Belfast. They have a 20% sale on all their bikes and gear, I think the sales man may well have convinced me to buy a new bike :-\. I seen a frame sitting in the shop at £4k...WTF. How much more would that be by the time you kit it out...

This cycling game is very expensive (especially you professionals who have a bike for every season ;))

TBH you could spend as much as you like and then more. One of my mountain bikes is worth double that ;)

This nonsense of having a winter bike pukes me though. If you look after the bike properly and clean correctly there is no need. It seems to be a trend in the middle aged cycling brigade who have more money than sense. I have multiple bikes for different disciplines not because I don't want to get one dirty  ::)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 05, 2015, 08:17:32 PM
I got my winter bike second hand for £300, not a massive expense for the amount of miles I would do over the winter. Wouldnt even considering taking my good bike out in that weather. Salt all over the roads that and the risk of hitting black ice the main reasons why I wouldnt take it out.

Strava is going mad with KOMs!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 06, 2015, 08:34:07 AM
The more i've gotten into cycling the less i'd be inclined to ridicule anything, if i'd the money i'd have a Watt bike, power meters...the lot.

Got an inter-club Race licence for the year as i want to give a Time Trial a bash, funds wont stretch to a TT bike so i'll have to invest in a set of clip-on aero bars. Looking at a new racier steed for the Summer tho as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on January 06, 2015, 10:26:27 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on January 05, 2015, 08:17:32 PM
I got my winter bike second hand for £300, not a massive expense for the amount of miles I would do over the winter. Wouldnt even considering taking my good bike out in that weather. Salt all over the roads that and the risk of hitting black ice the main reasons why I wouldnt take it out.

Strava is going mad with KOMs!

Salt makes no odds if you maintain the bike correctly. In fact I think it is a bit of a myth as my commuting bike, running Sram force, is a bit unloved at times but I still have never had any issues.

As for he black ice, so what if you bin it? You buy a bike to ride/enjoy it not mount it on the wall as some sort of ornament. You don't see this in mountain biking, where arguably the components are more expensive to replace; we just get on with it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on January 06, 2015, 02:04:58 PM
I think salt is an issue, I'd to replace the headset on my bike from using it on the turbo, lesson learned re using a towel!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on January 06, 2015, 02:25:26 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on January 06, 2015, 02:04:58 PM
I think salt is an issue, I'd to replace the headset on my bike from using it on the turbo, lesson learned re using a towel!

As I say salt is no issue if you maintain the bike correctly. You should be wiping down the bike after a turbo session anyway.

Road salt should only affect the drive train and these components are designed to be fairly robust anyway. I'd say it's takes a fair bit of neglect before you start seeing the corrosive effect of the salt.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on January 06, 2015, 03:14:53 PM
Can you guys give me your opinions on the following bike...£999 reduced to £800

Giant Defy 0 (newest model)

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-giant-defy-0-15-48993/ (http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-giant-defy-0-15-48993/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on January 06, 2015, 03:28:15 PM
Quote from: illdecide on January 06, 2015, 03:14:53 PM
Can you guys give me your opinions on the following bike...£999 reduced to £800

Giant Defy 0 (newest model)

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-giant-defy-0-15-48993/ (http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-giant-defy-0-15-48993/)

I use a defy 2 as my commuter; very good bike (with some components swapped). If that's the 2014 model with full ultegra, then I'd be all over it if the price is right. Some people don't like the compact frame but doesn't bother me as I could spend all day on the bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 06, 2015, 05:15:35 PM
Cant go wrong with a Giant. Check out rutland cycles, they had some great deals on 2014 Giants b4 Christmas. The Carbon Defy & TCRs were both available for well under a grand, you'd be coming down a groupset or two in return for your Carbon frame tho. Depends what ur priorities are.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 06, 2015, 08:46:36 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 06, 2015, 08:34:07 AM
The more i've gotten into cycling the less i'd be inclined to ridicule anything, if i'd the money i'd have a Watt bike, power meters...the lot.

Got an inter-club Race licence for the year as i want to give a Time Trial a bash, funds wont stretch to a TT bike so i'll have to invest in a set of clip-on aero bars. Looking at a new racier steed for the Summer tho as well.

I've the exact same plans this year BD. I got an intra club licence and all as well there. Road Racing still a bit too dangerous for me at the minute, TT a bit safer and appeals to me a bit more anyway.

Like you if I had the money I would have all the gear in the world! A bike for my turbo, winter bike, summer bike, TT bike, watt bike, power metres, coach etc. Suppose there are worse things to spend your money on!

Speaking of cleaning bikes, I absolutely hate cleaning my bike. In the summer it's not too bad but over the winter all I want to do is get off the bike and put it in the shed!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 09, 2015, 01:16:56 PM
I'm lucky enough to have a week off work over easter. Was thinking of heading to the canary islands with the Mrs. Wouldn't mind doing a little cycling when I'm there. from previous posts I see that others have been there, so I was looking some advice on destination, bike hire, do's and donts etc. Cheers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 09, 2015, 04:50:36 PM
I'm heading to tenerife on the 3rd to 10th of April to cycle mt Teide as much as I can! Renting a bike out over there, some place bike point or something, on the phone so can't link it for you. Staying in Costa adeje, it looks like a good spot but don't know a whole lot about it to be honest. Hopefully someone in here could give us both some tips!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on January 27, 2015, 09:54:48 AM
I commute on my bike, the streets of
Dublin destroy it with grease and grime, I'm hardly going to wash it after every 15k! Which means I go out with people at the weekend and it looks terrible 😳
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on January 27, 2015, 12:28:12 PM
Has anyone been on a cycling holiday in Austria? I hear that there are a lot of flat off-road routes, and someone transports your luggage to each destination.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on January 27, 2015, 10:30:24 PM
Quote from: Orior on January 27, 2015, 12:28:12 PM
Has anyone been on a cycling holiday in Austria? I hear that there are a lot of flat off-road routes, and someone transports your luggage to each destination.
look up the tourist office in Zell am See and they will point you in the right direction. Was talking to a hotel owner there last week who sets up for these tours in the summer.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on January 28, 2015, 12:30:40 PM
Found a good'un here

http://www.freewheelholidays.co.uk/ (http://www.freewheelholidays.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 15, 2015, 02:56:29 PM
not a good start today.

(https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10978707_10205069120400575_7656572981234865114_n.jpg?oh=947578d6295f044ee99af73c24e27739&oe=5588F0AD)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 16, 2015, 07:03:53 PM
Chain is slipping from the big ring to the wee ring. Just on normal flat roads, so it's not like I am putting loads of force through the pedals. Any ideas lads?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 16, 2015, 07:28:58 PM
at a guess its your front derailleur thats the problem.  gcn done a video on how to fix it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea03ChN-7Vg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea03ChN-7Vg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 16, 2015, 10:49:29 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 16, 2015, 07:28:58 PM
at a guess its your front derailleur thats the problem.  gcn done a video on how to fix it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea03ChN-7Vg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea03ChN-7Vg)

I searched GCN and couldn't find it ffs. Good man!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 21, 2015, 07:59:22 PM
First Bertie v Froome sluggfest of the year at the Tour of Andulascia. Clinker stage today, Froome wipes the floor with Bertie today after having received a similar pasting from Bertie yesterday. Gonna be a good year if these 2 & Quintana & Nibali stay fit & injury free.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on February 21, 2015, 08:04:14 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 21, 2015, 07:59:22 PM
First Bertie v Froome sluggfest of the year at the Tour of Andulascia. Clinker stage today, Froome wipes the floor with Bertie today after having received a similar pasting from Bertie yesterday. Gonna be a good year if these 2 & Quintana & Nibali stay fit & injury free.

Not trying to be smart, but isn't this the type stuff Tyler Hamilton wrote about.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 21, 2015, 09:01:58 PM
Tactics? Roping? Contador being fucked today is a good sign, Froome cycled within himself yesterday.

In general terms i try not to get involved in doping discussions anymore, as with work colleagues & the like the conversation normally halts at "sure they're all a bunch of druggies", cycling is what it is, but the general consensus would seem to be that it's definitely improving on the doping front (apart from the Astana fiasco). Cookson, while  doing some good things at uci, probably isn't covering himself in glory tbh, but he was never going to be the man Kimmage wanted him to be & Kimmage's standards tend to be the standards of people who know little about cycling but take the odd look in (Not a dig at you).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 21, 2015, 09:06:07 PM
It's probably cleaner than a lot of the more mainstream sports!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 21, 2015, 09:34:37 PM
i agree with benny, lets just enjoy the racing.  looks good for the year ahead, nico looked strong today.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 21, 2015, 09:40:38 PM
anybody else thing this is a bit steep, 55 nuggets

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-Zh14KIcAAQPjM.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 21, 2015, 09:46:16 PM
Far too expensive!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 21, 2015, 10:06:23 PM
whats with all the big miles on strava this week, have you no work to go to.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 21, 2015, 10:36:37 PM
Maybe I was harsh on Cookson
http://road.cc/content/news/143601-brian-cookson-long-awaited-report-doping-will-be-uncomfortable-reading%E2%80%9D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 21, 2015, 10:49:25 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 21, 2015, 10:06:23 PM
whats with all the big miles on strava this week, have you no work to go to.

Off for mid term! Month and a half to Tenerife so I can tackle mount Teide. It's going to be a killer!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 21, 2015, 10:57:34 PM
feckin teachers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 21, 2015, 11:16:12 PM
Just making the most of our well deserved holidays  ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 21, 2015, 11:19:27 PM
off two weeks in march and i hope to get a few miles up
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on February 22, 2015, 12:44:30 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 21, 2015, 09:01:58 PM
Tactics? Roping? Contador being fucked today is a good sign, Froome cycled within himself yesterday.

In general terms i try not to get involved in doping discussions anymore, as with work colleagues & the like the conversation normally halts at "sure they're all a bunch of druggies", cycling is what it is, but the general consensus would seem to be that it's definitely improving on the doping front (apart from the Astana fiasco). Cookson, while  doing some good things at uci, probably isn't covering himself in glory tbh, but he was never going to be the man Kimmage wanted him to be & Kimmage's standards tend to be the standards of people who know little about cycling but take the odd look in (Not a dig at you).

If it was a dig at me it would be perfectly fair. I don't know much about it anymore. I watched it a lot in the 80s and the early Eurosport days. But I know little or nothing about it now, other than the big scandals.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on February 22, 2015, 12:47:50 AM
Quote from: gerry on February 21, 2015, 10:57:34 PM
feckin teachers
#wasters
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 22, 2015, 03:08:58 PM
terrible weather! Any sportives coming up lads?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 22, 2015, 03:47:38 PM
it was wet one alright so much for overshoes.  last week was my first time out with the club cycling and my derailleur broke and i ended up doing 40 on my spare bike on my own.  last week we had 24 cyclist out and today we had 6 and all i heard was half turn and there dropped. we managed an average of 14mph which is piss poor.  hopefully we will have a better turnout next week or i will head back to the solo runs.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 22, 2015, 04:35:14 PM
Have you just got the one group?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 22, 2015, 06:10:13 PM
i rode most of last year with omagh wheelers but my home club is drumquin so i thought i would ride with them this year.  we had two groups last week, maybe its the weather that put them of going out today.  the bit that pisses me of is we are expected to wait on the guys who cant be arsed to go out today next week.  with omagh being a bigger club they have loads of different groups and your getting a good workout each week.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on February 23, 2015, 11:27:11 AM
Quote from: gerry on February 21, 2015, 09:40:38 PM
anybody else thing this is a bit steep, 55 nuggets

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-Zh14KIcAAQPjM.jpg)

McQuaids need the money sure!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on February 24, 2015, 11:52:13 AM
Finished the race to truth last nite, terribly written book

The end was good though, basically she makes the point that its verbeougen and co that should be really getting the bans and LA should be brought back in with a reduced ban
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thewingedlady on February 24, 2015, 01:23:55 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on February 24, 2015, 11:52:13 AM
Finished the race to truth last nite, terribly written book

The end was good though, basically she makes the point that its verbeougen and co that should be really getting the bans and LA should be brought back in with a reduced ban

That's disappointing - it seems she has completely allowed Lance to nobble her.

He treated her like s**t when she was working against him, and then snooleyed up to her when he could use her to try and regain his reputation.

The more you hear about that fella...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on February 24, 2015, 03:59:04 PM
David Walsh comes out of it very poorly, she can understand what LA did, she uses the phrase a cornered animal, but she feels DW used her and then provided no protection
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 24, 2015, 10:14:37 PM
Froome documentary on ITV4 now.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 25, 2015, 12:21:48 AM
fair play to froomedog to start where he did to become a tour winner, chapeau.   i am not sky's biggest fan but that is probably down to the british hype, dave brailsford, wiggans sideburns, power meters and how boring they where to watch with their watt watching and no attacking in races.   

recently i thing i have turned into a closet sky fan but is probably down to nico and philip.


Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 25, 2015, 08:39:24 PM
Any recommendations for bike hire in Alp dHuez? Or how i could get my bike there without going down the bike box route.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 25, 2015, 08:52:56 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 25, 2015, 12:21:48 AM
fair play to froomedog to start where he did to become a tour winner, chapeau.   i am not sky's biggest fan but that is probably down to the british hype, dave brailsford, wiggans sideburns, power meters and how boring they where to watch with their watt watching and no attacking in races.   

recently i thing i have turned into a closet sky fan but is probably down to nico and philip.

Wiggins really does seem like a p***k as well!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 25, 2015, 09:53:19 PM
the hour record was exciting tonight  ???
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on February 25, 2015, 10:39:04 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 25, 2015, 09:53:19 PM
the hour record was exciting tonight  ???
That must be the most painful experience on a bike!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 26, 2015, 06:55:19 AM
Not to mention us that had to watch it with no timings to see how he was doing
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thewingedlady on February 26, 2015, 10:40:00 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on February 25, 2015, 08:39:24 PM
Any recommendations for bike hire in Alp dHuez? Or how i could get my bike there without going down the bike box route.

If you're staying near Bourg D'Oisans then there's a place there called Bike Huez which does bike rental, and seems reasonable too.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on March 04, 2015, 06:10:39 PM
First race of the year last Sunday, the FitScience GP, hadn't planned on racing until April but since this was local gave up a ticket for the rugby. Expected to be spat out the back early, evenmoreso when my back dérailleur stopped working (electronic shifters), stuck in top gear with just the front changer.

Hung in and got away with a break of 12 but I was working like a dog on the hills. Eventually on the longest hill I lost the front 6, came home in the second group, 7th. Delighted with the shape I'm in, a lumpy course like that suited me and hopefully I'll have a good chance of the win in a couple of weeks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on March 04, 2015, 06:24:52 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on March 04, 2015, 06:10:39 PM
First race of the year last Sunday, the FitScience GP, hadn't planned on racing until April but since this was local gave up a ticket for the rugby. Expected to be spat out the back early, evenmoreso when my back dérailleur stopped working (electronic shifters), stuck in top gear with just the front changer.

Hung in and got away with a break of 12 but I was working like a dog on the hills. Eventually on the longest hill I lost the front 6, came home in the second group, 7th. Delighted with the shape I'm in, a lumpy course like that suited me and hopefully I'll have a good chance of the win in a couple of weeks
Good stuff! I might get into a few time trials this year for the craic but not racing! Too dangerous for my liking, maybe some day though. What level are you at? Few of the A3s in the club are flying so god knows what the standard above that is.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on March 05, 2015, 04:43:48 PM
I'm only A4, A3 is probably a huge step up!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on March 08, 2015, 01:04:17 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXfq0DxS4KM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXfq0DxS4KM)
Cracking show lads
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 09, 2015, 10:48:59 AM
media having a field day today
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Babe Ruth 47 on March 09, 2015, 11:11:50 PM
Made my A3 debut over the weekend. Noticeable increase in pace, but managed to hold onto the bunch. Out and back course with a hoor of a cross wind. Average of 39.5km for 75km with a 44km average for the return 35km. Right from the turn the pace went through the ceiling.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 09, 2015, 11:51:20 PM
good stuff ruth, a3 a big step up from a4.  a3 can be full of super fit juniors just mad for the tar.  btw was it the mc cann cup
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on March 25, 2015, 08:29:22 PM
Anyone ever do that Mick Byrne sportive? Seems to be the week before the Wicklow. Would be keen on doing that one as well.

Pulled my hamstring at football on friday night there. Headin to tenerife friday week for cycling. Just going to have to lie at the pool now. Nightmare.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on March 25, 2015, 09:59:43 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on March 25, 2015, 08:29:22 PM
Anyone ever do that Mick Byrne sportive? Seems to be the week before the Wicklow. Would be keen on doing that one as well.

Pulled my hamstring at football on friday night there. Headin to tenerife friday week for cycling. Just going to have to lie at the pool now. Nightmare.

Have you given up the golf?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on March 25, 2015, 10:32:56 PM
Quote from: Orior on March 25, 2015, 09:59:43 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on March 25, 2015, 08:29:22 PM
Anyone ever do that Mick Byrne sportive? Seems to be the week before the Wicklow. Would be keen on doing that one as well.

Pulled my hamstring at football on friday night there. Headin to tenerife friday week for cycling. Just going to have to lie at the pool now. Nightmare.

Have you given up the golf?

Not a member of the club anymore, couldn't afford it once I couldn't get the student membership haha. But still play very badly. Ive a couple of courses eyed up in Tenerife next week! Hopefully getting to play Ballybunion a few times in the summer as well, I know a fella who is a member.  Hope to be able to join the club again next year now that the football boots are more or less hung up.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on March 26, 2015, 08:51:57 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on March 25, 2015, 10:32:56 PM
Quote from: Orior on March 25, 2015, 09:59:43 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on March 25, 2015, 08:29:22 PM
Anyone ever do that Mick Byrne sportive? Seems to be the week before the Wicklow. Would be keen on doing that one as well.

Pulled my hamstring at football on friday night there. Headin to tenerife friday week for cycling. Just going to have to lie at the pool now. Nightmare.

Have you given up the golf?


Not a member of the club anymore, couldn't afford it once I couldn't get the student membership haha. But still play very badly. Ive a couple of courses eyed up in Tenerife next week! Hopefully getting to play Ballybunion a few times in the summer as well, I know a fella who is a member.  Hope to be able to join the club again next year now that the football boots are more or less hung up.

You've hung the boots up because you pulled a hamstring ??? FFS that's a 4-6 week injury and you'd be back training for start of the season. I think your heart isn't in it saan and it's on the cycling instead :-\ I suppose your team is better of without you if you're not committed...lol. I'm on your pitch tonight at 7:30 ;).

On Cycling...I bought myself my first pair of cycling shoes, pedals and cleats last week. Can't believe I was doing 80 miles in trainers before hand, in fairness on the flat I can feel a small difference but it was on the hills where I seen the massive difference, I was powering up them. Only been out once this year so far but will start going out regular after this weekend that the clocks go forward.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on March 26, 2015, 07:00:49 PM
It's quite a bad hamstring pull so it would be 8-12 weeks according to McCormac. But that's my 3rd injury from football in a month and a half ffs. I have this cycle event in France in July and I don't want to get injured again and ruin my trip. Get yourself out with Apollo on Saturday mornings, it will bring you on big time.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on March 30, 2015, 12:04:49 PM
Came off the bike a week ago, landed on my nose, broken teeth, stitches in lip, a sorry sight!

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BennyCake on March 30, 2015, 12:12:53 PM
Ouch!

What's the situation on helmets? Is it legal yet?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: andoireabu on March 30, 2015, 01:36:16 PM
Anybody on here have a carrera bike of have experience of them? I am looking at getting a good value starter bike and saw there is a good sale in halfords at the minute. 50% off the one I was looking at and with the bike to work scheme it would be cheaper again. I have read reviews on them but when you don't know who is writing them I would be weary of them.  The people on here seem to know a lot more so thought I would ask.  I wouldn't be looking to race properly or anything but I have half an eye on a triathlon so something comfortable and good enough to train on would do.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on March 30, 2015, 02:24:53 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on March 30, 2015, 01:36:16 PM
Anybody on here have a carrera bike of have experience of them? I am looking at getting a good value starter bike and saw there is a good sale in halfords at the minute. 50% off the one I was looking at and with the bike to work scheme it would be cheaper again. I have read reviews on them but when you don't know who is writing them I would be weary of them.  The people on here seem to know a lot more so thought I would ask.  I wouldn't be looking to race properly or anything but I have half an eye on a triathlon so something comfortable and good enough to train on would do.

They aren't great but that said they would be grand for anyone looking to do a bit of fitness work and sportive type stuff they are absolutely fine. There is a whole industry built on lads being flogged top end stuff that they never ever need. Basically i'll sell you a ferrari so you can go and get the shopping scenario. The carrera bike from Halfords will be sound but if you are talking about spending say 300 or 400 quid i would always go for a better quality second hand bike. There is serious value to be had if you know what you are looking for.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on March 30, 2015, 03:32:13 PM
Not sure of your range, but this is a serious bargain from a great shop

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/alur-700-road-bike-id_8290145.html
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on March 30, 2015, 03:36:17 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on March 30, 2015, 03:32:13 PM
Not sure of your range, but this is a serious bargain from a great shop

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/alur-700-road-bike-id_8290145.html

Good deal that alright
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: andoireabu on March 30, 2015, 09:06:38 PM
Cheers for the info.  Living in the republic at the minute so don't know if the scheme here would cover buying a bike up north. I'll have to see. At least I have a starting point now anyway.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on March 31, 2015, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on March 30, 2015, 01:36:16 PM
Anybody on here have a carrera bike of have experience of them? I am looking at getting a good value starter bike and saw there is a good sale in halfords at the minute. 50% off the one I was looking at and with the bike to work scheme it would be cheaper again. I have read reviews on them but when you don't know who is writing them I would be weary of them.  The people on here seem to know a lot more so thought I would ask.  I wouldn't be looking to race properly or anything but I have half an eye on a triathlon so something comfortable and good enough to train on would do.

I have a Carrera TDF which I bought about 2 years ago as a starter bike. Its fairly heavy but is fairly bombproof and I've put up a few thousand miles on it without any major problems. After about a year I bought a new carbon bike which is much nicer to ride but I still use the Carrera in the winter.
            If I was to do it again I'd spend a little more on a better bike to start with.
Also be aware Halfords regularly have these ' sales ' on so don't be rushed into buying right now. Looking at their website there is no way I'd be paying the £500 or £600 for one of those. They do a Boardman Team carbon for a £1000, but if you get it on one of their sales you could pick it up for £650-700 and it is an excellent bike for that money.
     A friend of mine bought that Alur 700 from decathalon and I have to say its an excellent bike. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 31, 2015, 09:20:56 PM
Thinking of flogging my Winter bike andoireabu - a 2year old Carbon Ribble 365, with full shimano105 groupset, 10speed (bar a tiagra deep drop rear brake), has a Mavic Equipe front wheel (2 yr old) & a Aksium rear wheel(6 months old). Compact chainset with climbing friendly cassette. If you are in round 6ft, could be one for you, i've mudguards for it for winter and have rode it without them in spring & summer. Nippy bike. Would be looking £400ish
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: andoireabu on March 31, 2015, 10:38:05 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 31, 2015, 09:20:56 PM
Thinking of flogging my Winter bike andoireabu - a 2year old Carbon Ribble 365, with full shimano105 groupset, 10speed (bar a tiagra deep drop rear brake), has a Mavic Equipe front wheel (2 yr old) & a Aksium rear wheel(6 months old). Compact chainset with climbing friendly cassette. If you are in round 6ft, could be one for you, i've mudguards for it for winter and have rode it without them in spring & summer. Nippy bike. Would be looking £400ish

I'll have a think about that and get back to you benny.  Going to see if work will do the bike to work scheme first but if you get other interest in the meantime sell away at it. Might know a few cycling heads who would be interested in that though if i decide on something else
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on April 02, 2015, 11:45:10 AM
Can a loose spoke be tightened or does it have to be replaced, if it can be tightened how is it done
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 02, 2015, 01:47:27 PM
Quote from: illdecide on April 02, 2015, 11:45:10 AM
Can a loose spoke be tightened or does it have to be replaced, if it can be tightened how is it done

It can be tightened using a spoke key but you need the right one.
http://www.acycles.co.uk/bike-original-spoke-key-6370.html?utm_source=google_produit_cpc&gclid=CPuA5u7T18QCFSMOwwodvgQAug (http://www.acycles.co.uk/bike-original-spoke-key-6370.html?utm_source=google_produit_cpc&gclid=CPuA5u7T18QCFSMOwwodvgQAug)
Also you need to be careful you dont actually start to buckle the wheel by overtightening. Look up wheel truing on youtube. Its easy enough when you know what you are doing. Is the wheel out of line when you spin it ? You can test this by tightening up the brakes and seeing is there are certain point on the wheel were it touches the brake blocks. See if any of the other spokes are loose around it as well. If there are you tighenen every second spoke half a turn to pull the rim away from where it is rubbing, thats if it is. To get a wheel tuned up shouldnt cost any more than a tenner.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Denn Forever on April 02, 2015, 01:59:58 PM
Quote from: maddog on April 02, 2015, 01:47:27 PM
Quote from: illdecide on April 02, 2015, 11:45:10 AM
Can a loose spoke be tightened or does it have to be replaced, if it can be tightened how is it done

It can be tightened using a spoke key but you need the right one.
http://www.acycles.co.uk/bike-original-spoke-key-6370.html?utm_source=google_produit_cpc&gclid=CPuA5u7T18QCFSMOwwodvgQAug (http://www.acycles.co.uk/bike-original-spoke-key-6370.html?utm_source=google_produit_cpc&gclid=CPuA5u7T18QCFSMOwwodvgQAug)
Also you need to be careful you dont actually start to buckle the wheel by overtightening. Look up wheel truing on youtube. Its easy enough when you know what you are doing. Is the wheel out of line when you spin it ? You can test this by tightening up the brakes and seeing is there are certain point on the wheel were it touches the brake blocks. See if any of the other spokes are loose around it as well. If there are you tighenen every second spoke half a turn to pull the rim away from where it is rubbing, thats if it is. To get a wheel tuned up shouldnt cost any more than a tenner.

Get someone who knows how to do it.  Severe chances of f&&king up the balance of the wheel if you just tighten on spoke too much.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on April 04, 2015, 11:41:17 PM
Some serious value carbon frames on PlanetX at the minute http://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/road-bikes/pro-carbon
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on April 08, 2015, 01:09:04 PM
Has anyone cycled the Ulster Canal towpath? Where is the best place to start for traffic free cycling on it? How does it compare to the Portadown to Newry towpath?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 08, 2015, 02:42:38 PM
I see someone stole your Garmin and cycled 60 odd miles the other day Orior, eh?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on April 08, 2015, 03:45:06 PM
3rd time out yesterday (this year), a new guy has joined our we group and he had us all blowing out of our asses. Only done 30 mile yesterday but it was tough (1hr 50mins), the fecker never let up and we'd to stop 3 times to let one of our men catch up who kept falling behind anytime we hit a serious hill. To tell you the truth I didn't enjoy it much yesterday but i'll put that down to the fitness and the pace...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on April 08, 2015, 05:33:26 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 08, 2015, 02:42:38 PM
I see someone stole your Garmin and cycled 60 odd miles the other day Orior, eh?

Emm, yeah, forget to hit the finish button before I hopped in the car, lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 08, 2015, 06:50:15 PM
Quote from: illdecide on April 08, 2015, 03:45:06 PM
3rd time out yesterday (this year), a new guy has joined our we group and he had us all blowing out of our asses. Only done 30 mile yesterday but it was tough (1hr 50mins), the fecker never let up and we'd to stop 3 times to let one of our men catch up who kept falling behind anytime we hit a serious hill. To tell you the truth I didn't enjoy it much yesterday but i'll put that down to the fitness and the pace...

Wouldnt worry! If he was showing off then he is a dick! Tell him to go race in the local club races not out with a bunch of mates. He should have went on and pushed himself on after he left you boys if he wanted to work on his fitness. I use a heart rate monitor now. Once you learn your HR Zones then you can see if you're going too hard and you will blow up eventually. For example if I am pushing hard and my HR is at 175 then I know I can only sustain that for 20mins before I am busted.  Some of the more serious or racing men in here might be able to advise you better.

Went up Mt Teide in Tenerife on Monday there, 67 mile with about 40 of it just a constant climb. I found it very tough! Absolutely relentless. I've never experienced that sort of constant climbing before. Gradient wasn't a problem it was the length that killed me.  I was starving for the last 10 mile, one of the fellas I was sticking with was hungry from about the 20 mile mark. He ended up in the broom wagon with 5k from the top. Devastating for him. I learned loads from the experience though:
- I need to eat more while on the climb. I was like a different man when I got some food and coke into me at the top.
- I will definitely be going for 50 34 and 11-32 gear ratio for La Marmotte!
- I am a pussy while descending, although I was still going near 40mph at times. Some of the others were just diving into corners and flying down the mountain.
- I need to shift a good stone and half at least. Carrying that weight up a long climb will soon wear you out!
- I need more climbing miles in the legs. I would go ride 80-100 mile tomorrow at an average of about 17mph but this was totally different than I have ever done. Don't know how you could prepare for that at home though.
- Pros are amazing! I don't know how they do that for their job. Bound to be easier ways of making money than that.
- The guide was a semi pro who rides a Wilier zero 7. I now want that bike as well as a Colnago C60 Italia. haha

A great experience and a massive wake up call for La Marmotte.

Team Sky, Orica, Saxo and Katusha all passed us at different stages. Nibali is in Tenerife at the moment as well. The guide was saying that it was well known that the pros are over there doping as they are so slack with controls on the island! So basically they get doped up at altitude and then go back to micro dosing throughout the year in mainland europe.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 08, 2015, 09:18:38 PM
Looked a beast of a climb from the Strava data, no idea how i would cope with something like that tbh. At least it looked like a climb that you could get into a rythymn on, nothing worse than a big climb with the incline % all over the shop.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 08, 2015, 10:33:36 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 08, 2015, 09:18:38 PM
Looked a beast of a climb from the Strava data, no idea how i would cope with something like that tbh. At least it looked like a climb that you could get into a rythymn on, nothing worse than a big climb with the incline % all over the shop.

There is nothing like it at home to even begin to try and replicate it. All our climbs are short and sharp that leave you out of breath but recover soon after. I wasn't out of breath once but my legs were just getting weaker and weaker and the climb just kept going and going. It's hard to imagine you can climb for nearly 40 mile! I was 10 times better today! Last full day tomorrow out here so going to try and squeeze in another 30 or 40 mile with a bit of climbing!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on April 09, 2015, 11:47:22 AM
Ach Jim in fairness he's ahead of us and there is another guy in our we group who could def step up a grade or two and when them two got to the front the pace picked up and they prob didn't realise they were doing it. I'm like yourself (15 stone and 6') and def could do with loosing a stone in weight which would help.

That climb your doing made me tired reading it...lol. That's unreal, I think my back would snap in two doing that. your dodgy hamstrings sound like they're well recovered from your last episode? I would have thought with the miles your putting in on the bike your legs would have been solid and strong for the football?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 10, 2015, 11:20:38 PM
Hamstring is fine for cycling now! And speak for yourself, I'm only 14 and a half stone. 14 on a good day haha

How do I put photos on strava lads? They're on my instagram but not sure how to link them to strava.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on April 12, 2015, 05:48:45 PM
 ;D
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nA-84SIFnSo&t=52
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 12, 2015, 08:40:45 PM
Quote from: laoislad on April 12, 2015, 05:48:45 PM
;D
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nA-84SIFnSo&t=52

Dodgy enough!

Wiggins retired then. Wont really miss him to be fair.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on April 14, 2015, 02:57:11 PM
Just back from fuerte ventura. Stayed for 9 days and managed to get out for 7 days cycling. Not on the scale of what Jim cycled in tenerife but enjoyable non the less. The roads once you left the main built up areas were extremely quiet and were mostly a great surface. We didn't get a single puncture. Plenty of long flat straights with a few climbs. One exception was bentacuria which was a fairly steep turning climb to the summit. Very few other cyclists around. One other notable factor was the wind! Constant, steady nw. So usually had a tough headwind coming back home. My wife cycled with me every second day and we found it a great inexpensive way to explore the island. Good training for me but unlike Jim managed to put weight on as I was pinting and grubbing away in the evenings!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 14, 2015, 04:30:26 PM
Quote from: grounded on April 14, 2015, 02:57:11 PM
Just back from fuerte ventura. Stayed for 9 days and managed to get out for 7 days cycling. Not on the scale of what Jim cycled in tenerife but enjoyable non the less. The roads once you left the main built up areas were extremely quiet and were mostly a great surface. We didn't get a single puncture. Plenty of long flat straights with a few climbs. One exception was bentacuria which was a fairly steep turning climb to the summit. Very few other cyclists around. One other notable factor was the wind! Constant, steady nw. So usually had a tough headwind coming back home. My wife cycled with me every second day and we found it a great inexpensive way to explore the island. Good training for me but unlike Jim managed to put weight on as I was pinting and grubbing away in the evenings!

Sounds class! Great cycling on smooth roads and in a bit of heat for a change!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on April 15, 2015, 08:53:57 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on April 10, 2015, 11:20:38 PM
Hamstring is fine for cycling now! And speak for yourself, I'm only 14 and a half stone. 14 on a good day haha

How do I put photos on strava lads? They're on my instagram but not sure how to link them to strava.

I'm not so sure about linking with instagram seems to be lots of diffs https://strava.zendesk.com/entries/23009728-Photo-Integration-with-Instagram

However if you are using the Strava app from your phone, click on the particular activity, click on the menu button and you should have a list of options.  EDIT/DELETE activity, settings or log out. Clicking on edit activity allows you to add description and a photo(s).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 17, 2015, 07:11:10 PM
Any recommendations for clip on TT bars?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mickey Linden on April 23, 2015, 01:12:47 PM
That sounds like some trip Jim. I seen in the Lurgan mail this week a young fella from our club at home competed in a cycle race over there. He came 69th too which was some effort considering he only took up the sport last year. Its a great sport to get in to.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 23, 2015, 02:10:39 PM
I seen someone posted that newspaper clip on Facebook.  I wonder who he is ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on April 23, 2015, 04:19:57 PM
Yeah I read that on Facebook last night too...There's a big lad I know called Ivor the Engine and I think that's him...If it's same guy I know he'll be happy with a 69 :D. I bet he'd some tan on the big dome when he got home ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 23, 2015, 07:28:06 PM
Quote from: Mickey Linden on April 23, 2015, 01:12:47 PM
That sounds like some trip Jim. I seen in the Lurgan mail this week a young fella from our club at home competed in a cycle race over there. He came 69th too which was some effort considering he only took up the sport last year. Its a great sport to get in to.

Aye some effort alright!! He took up cycling in Feb 2013 and is now aiming to get to the tour de france in a few years. He's a good looking fella too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 01, 2015, 04:40:35 PM
Anybody doing the Big Italian on Sunday? It should be good but I would say we are in for a soaking!
Ive signed up for the Mick Byrne on the 31st of May. Anyone done it before or know anything about it?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 03, 2015, 11:51:16 PM
Was on the 100km Tour of Sligo today. After the weather on Saturday night was expecting the worst today, but turned out not too bad apart from one big downpour about 5k from the end. Big crowd around and a really well run event. First time cycling around Sligo/Leitrim and have to say beautiful part of the world.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 04, 2015, 08:26:41 AM
Did the big Italian on Sunday there. Soaked for the first 2 hours then it turned into a decent day for the rest of it thank god. Not an overly hard 120 mile. It was pretty flat apart from the first 30 mile or so. The only climbs I can think of were Dree Hill and that climb into Castlewellan, the rest of it was just a few rolling hills. Well organised just like last years.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on May 10, 2015, 09:13:37 AM
any good websites for a helmet.anything I should be lookin out for.thanks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on May 10, 2015, 12:01:49 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 10, 2015, 09:13:37 AM
any good websites for a helmet.anything I should be lookin out for.thanks
You need to try them on in my experience to get a comfortable fit. They are all the same from the point of view if you fall and hit your head you should bin it and get a new one.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 10, 2015, 01:19:19 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 10, 2015, 09:13:37 AM
any good websites for a helmet.anything I should be lookin out for.thanks

I have a kask mojito. Comfortable and looks the part.

Any shoe recommendations lads? Got a pair of sidi and they're not a great fit on me. Bringing them back on Monday ffs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 12, 2015, 02:44:50 PM
Not sure if this should be in the WTF thread but if any 8 footers are out there looking a 2nd hand bike this might be the bus for you.

http://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/rare-bob-jackson-extra-large-road-bike-10-speed-campagnolo-chorus-groupset-rolls-saddle-/1112265026 (http://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/rare-bob-jackson-extra-large-road-bike-10-speed-campagnolo-chorus-groupset-rolls-saddle-/1112265026)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on May 12, 2015, 02:49:22 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 12, 2015, 02:44:50 PM
Not sure if this should be in the WTF thread but if any 8 footers are out there looking a 2nd hand bike this might be the bus for you.

http://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/rare-bob-jackson-extra-large-road-bike-10-speed-campagnolo-chorus-groupset-rolls-saddle-/1112265026 (http://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/rare-bob-jackson-extra-large-road-bike-10-speed-campagnolo-chorus-groupset-rolls-saddle-/1112265026)

:o
that yolk looks so wrong, something for the circus methinks!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Linkbox on May 13, 2015, 01:12:51 AM
Good interview with Kimmage and N Roche here. Interesting stuff around the weight problems. Kimmage loves a good rant about drugs though  ::)

http://www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/cycling/paul-kimmage-on-why-nicolas-roche-is-determined-to-be-his-own-man-in-the-peloton-and-off-the-bike-31085204.html
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on May 14, 2015, 08:10:35 PM
anybody want to do me out a 3 month training plan for the craic, something basic but will get me power in the legs.furthest ive went is 8 mile in 35 min.say 3 nights a week and 1 weekend.luv to be fit to cycle 80/100 mile in a decent time in 3/4 months. im sure other people reading this might do it to,cheers  :)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 14, 2015, 10:34:30 PM
Google is your friend, any amount of them online or in cycling mags. They would generally advise steadily building your mileage week on week, rest days are important.

10/10/15 x2 weeks
15/15/20 x2 weeks
20/20/30 x 2 weeks
30/30/50

If you can do 50, you are 2 weeks from a 60/70 miler and so forth. Finding the time can be the biggest problem.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 14, 2015, 11:19:53 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 14, 2015, 08:10:35 PM
anybody want to do me out a 3 month training plan for the craic, something basic but will get me power in the legs.furthest ive went is 8 mile in 35 min.say 3 nights a week and 1 weekend.luv to be fit to cycle 80/100 mile in a decent time in 3/4 months. im sure other people reading this might do it to,cheers  :)

I wouldn't worry about the time you are doing whatever mileage in at the minute. Just get out when you can and build up the miles. 20mile is pretty easy to get to. Then build it up from there. After you are able to do a decent distance then I would start looking at pace. Your pace will pick up with more time on the bike anyway. Best to get out with a few mates and if you have someone who is in a club or something then get him to bring you out a few times to show you what to do.

Also, cycling 80/100mile can be easy or very hard depending on the terrain!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 19, 2015, 07:01:27 PM
can this giro get any better, never a dull day
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 20, 2015, 02:19:54 PM
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/17286/Specialized-Tarmac-Comp-2013-56cm/ (http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/17286/Specialized-Tarmac-Comp-2013-56cm/)

Guys can you have a look at this bike and let me know if its worth the money...I know its a 2013 bike but that doesn't bother me in the slightest...its value for money i'm after ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 20, 2015, 03:37:08 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 20, 2015, 02:19:54 PM
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/17286/Specialized-Tarmac-Comp-2013-56cm/ (http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/17286/Specialized-Tarmac-Comp-2013-56cm/)

Guys can you have a look at this bike and let me know if its worth the money...I know its a 2013 bike but that doesn't bother me in the slightest...its value for money i'm after ;)
I would be expecting a better drive train for that money but the most important thing is the geometry. Specialized do a lively looking frame but is it comfortable for you?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 20, 2015, 03:55:14 PM
Leo I haven't sat on it yet...I seen the bike in McConveys on Ormeau Rd and the guy is trying to sell it to me as i'm riding a field gate with 2 wheels atm. I don't know a big pile about bikes and am sort of relying on you guys for advice and keeping me right. Comfort? I dunno. I mean how do you test it for comfort without buying it? Is that bike value for money? I'd jump in feet first unless I get the right advice from proper cyclists rather than a sales man from a shop.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 20, 2015, 04:02:03 PM
It's good enough value imo, the most important parts of the groupset are the higher grade Ultegra (& Fsa slk chainset is class), minor bits are lesser groupsets, but i wouldn't let it put u off. Most new bikes these days are 11speed tho, this is 10, no biggy.

There's  a few 1k bikes knocking about on self-build sites, with full 11 speed ultegra or equivalents, all with middling wheels tho, but worth a look. Ribble, Planet X, Dolan. With a bit of advice u could build a good un.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 26, 2015, 09:09:39 AM
Have any of you guys got a full bike fit before? I'm booked in for one next week (£99) in McConvey's on Ormeau Road, Belfast. They say it's £99 for another few weeks then it's going to £200. I keep getting a sore left knee and splashing out on a new bike I feel the bike fit will help me (well hoping). The guy in shop said it will take 3 hrs for the bike fit...seems a bit long.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 26, 2015, 09:18:50 AM
Got one done from a local guy who done it at his house, £40 for two hours. It was nothing fancy but well worth it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 26, 2015, 09:59:32 AM
Quote from: illdecide on May 26, 2015, 09:09:39 AM
Have any of you guys got a full bike fit before? I'm booked in for one next week (£99) in McConvey's on Ormeau Road, Belfast. They say it's £99 for another few weeks then it's going to £200. I keep getting a sore left knee and splashing out on a new bike I feel the bike fit will help me (well hoping). The guy in shop said it will take 3 hrs for the bike fit...seems a bit long.

It must be that computer bike fit (retul or something like that) for that price. I got one done with cafe velo magasin. Totally changed the whole set up on my bike and a few little niggles disappeared within a few weeks. The main improvement was the pain and tightness I get around my neck and shoulder blades. Still get a little bit on long days but 100 times better than what it was. For that reason alone it was well worth it. At the same time I know another fella who went and he didn't change too much about his set up as it was good enough to start with, so a bit of a waste of money for him.

Did you get a bike sorted?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 26, 2015, 10:45:48 AM
I'm buying this one http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/17286/Specialized-Tarmac-Comp-2013-56cm/ (http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/17286/Specialized-Tarmac-Comp-2013-56cm/) hopefully this Thursday and get the bike fit the following week. Glad to join you lot on Strava so I can see how bad I am...lol. Done my first one at the weekend there but forgot to stop it at the house and then cycled to the club with my 6 year old son on his bike so that def would have sent my average crashing...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 26, 2015, 11:00:16 AM
Quote from: illdecide on May 26, 2015, 10:45:48 AM
I'm buying this one http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/17286/Specialized-Tarmac-Comp-2013-56cm/ (http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/17286/Specialized-Tarmac-Comp-2013-56cm/) hopefully this Thursday and get the bike fit the following week. Glad to join you lot on Strava so I can see how bad I am...lol. Done my first one at the weekend there but forgot to stop it at the house and then cycled to the club with my 6 year old son on his bike so that def would have sent my average crashing...

Good man! Don't worry about averages!! When you look at the average speeds in the Ras there over the past week then we can all look at how crap we are haha
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on May 28, 2015, 09:43:36 PM
Anyone doing the Wicklow 200 Sunday week??
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 28, 2015, 09:54:45 PM
Yes, 3rd time, should be 4th, but i wussed out last year because of ghe shite weather, don't wanna scud it this year but long range forecast is looking good.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 28, 2015, 11:19:28 PM
Quote from: heffo on May 28, 2015, 09:43:36 PM
Anyone doing the Wicklow 200 Sunday week??

Yeah. Making my debut! Hopefully have enough training done to get round without dying! Was meant to be doing Mick Byrne 200 on Sunday but I think I am going to pussy out of it and do Tour of Fermanagh on Saturday.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 28, 2015, 11:23:18 PM
http://www.stickybottle.com/coaching/ras-in-numbers-vital-stats-of-one-of-the-best-county-riders-in-the-race-2/ (http://www.stickybottle.com/coaching/ras-in-numbers-vital-stats-of-one-of-the-best-county-riders-in-the-race-2/)

Ridiculous! I would last about 10mins before being dropped!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on May 29, 2015, 08:28:36 AM
Did you do the tour of Fermanagh last year Jim? I think I remember chatting a few lads from your part of the world (if your part of the world is lurgan which I think it is) at it.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 29, 2015, 10:39:05 AM
Quote from: haranguerer on May 29, 2015, 08:28:36 AM
Did you do the tour of Fermanagh last year Jim? I think I remember chatting a few lads from your part of the world (if your part of the world is lurgan which I think it is) at it.

There's no way he's a Lurgan man...He's a bit soft (Antrim man ;))
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on May 29, 2015, 12:51:22 PM
I've just order the clip in pedals and shoes  for my road bike - bit of a novice really! Longest cycle is 45 miles in exactly three hours! Carrying some extra beef so struggle with the hills - do yous reckon i'll notice much of a difference with the new gear?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 29, 2015, 01:01:46 PM
They are a good help, more efficient power transfer.  Organised group cycling would also bring you on.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 29, 2015, 01:13:16 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 29, 2015, 10:39:05 AM
Quote from: haranguerer on May 29, 2015, 08:28:36 AM
Did you do the tour of Fermanagh last year Jim? I think I remember chatting a few lads from your part of the world (if your part of the world is lurgan which I think it is) at it.

There's no way he's a Lurgan man...He's a bit soft (Antrim man ;))

Def not Lurgan or an antrim man! I'm an aghagallon man! We head into Lurgan every now and again to beat them in football and take their women.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 29, 2015, 01:15:49 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on May 29, 2015, 08:28:36 AM
Did you do the tour of Fermanagh last year Jim? I think I remember chatting a few lads from your part of the world (if your part of the world is lurgan which I think it is) at it.

Didn't do it last year but doing it with another fella from Apollo Cycling Club in Lurgan. He did it last year so it my well have been him.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on May 29, 2015, 01:25:29 PM
Think there was a few of them. Doubt I'll get to do it this year, haven't been well, though recovering now and tempted to give it a lash
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 29, 2015, 03:12:21 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 29, 2015, 01:13:16 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 29, 2015, 10:39:05 AM
Quote from: haranguerer on May 29, 2015, 08:28:36 AM
Did you do the tour of Fermanagh last year Jim? I think I remember chatting a few lads from your part of the world (if your part of the world is lurgan which I think it is) at it.

There's no way he's a Lurgan man...He's a bit soft (Antrim man ;))

Def not Lurgan or an antrim man! I'm an aghagallon man! We head into Lurgan every now and again to beat them in football and take their women.

Hey big Jim you have never beat a good Lurgan team ;) but you are more than welcome to our Lurgan women (they're all rotten)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 29, 2015, 10:56:11 PM
anybody on here ever bought a bike off Ribble or PlanetX?
You seem to get a lot more bike for your buck but are the frames and build quality of a similar standard to the big makers?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 30, 2015, 05:49:33 PM
I've had 3 Ribbles & 1 Planet X, they are 100%. Ribble R872 is a very racey yoke, very fast. You could build yourself a clinker (watch the geometry, i ordered one that was slightly 2 big, had to put a short 80mm stem on it at a later date). I part traded in my Planet X for current yoke, but i really liked it & am considering going for another one as my C2W year is clear again next month :). Dolan are another self-build crowd.

You should also check out German options, Rose & Canyon do self build options & with the Euro the way it is you could get a great deal.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 30, 2015, 06:59:37 PM
Got a Ribble and I can't fault it
, good value for money IMO
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 30, 2015, 08:09:02 PM
You were getting a bit of abuse the tour of fermanagh today gerry!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on May 30, 2015, 08:24:05 PM
Am doing a few Triathlons this year and maybe an Ironman next year. Am also doing a few cycling events.

In two minds whether to get a TT bike or upgrade my road bike - was looking at a felt B16 TT - any feedback??
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on June 02, 2015, 10:47:42 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 30, 2015, 05:49:33 PM
I've had 3 Ribbles & 1 Planet X, they are 100%. Ribble R872 is a very racey yoke, very fast. You could build yourself a clinker (watch the geometry, i ordered one that was slightly 2 big, had to put a short 80mm stem on it at a later date). I part traded in my Planet X for current yoke, but i really liked it & am considering going for another one as my C2W year is clear again next month :). Dolan are another self-build crowd.

You should also check out German options, Rose & Canyon do self build options & with the Euro the way it is you could get a great deal.

Cheers, was looking up "Rose & Canyon" and kept getting a bike shop in the US before realsiing they were 2 different companies. Ribble seems to be as good a value in terms of components for your money but I have no knowledge of what to look out for in terms of wheels.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 02, 2015, 08:14:18 PM
Really depends on what u r prepared to spend? If ur trying to keep it under £1k for a C2W scheme, you r going to find it hard to get something really good, the starters Ribble would offer would be Rodi airline or Evos, Mavic One/ Aksium, Fulcrum 7 / Sport, Shimano 500/501, Rs10, Rs30s. Next level up, Mavic Ksyrium Equipes, Fulcrum 5s or Quattros, Shimano Ultegra wheels and i'm sure many more i've forgotten or dont know about.

There's level upon level until u get to silly money.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 02, 2015, 08:53:30 PM
A fella in the club thought he had wrecked his £1500 wheels! Thankfully only a spoke or something simple. Still £1500 for a set of wheels  :o. He told the wife that he paid 750 but didn't tell her that, that was only for one wheel haha
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on June 04, 2015, 04:22:04 PM
Any one done any cycling around the Pyrenees? Heading there later this summer with the touring bike. Had it in mind to do the Tourmalet and may be few others, if any one has any good advice.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BennyCake on June 04, 2015, 09:24:52 PM
Want to do a bit of cycling this summer. However I've no idea on the ideal clothing to wear. Walking into sports shops I'm just bombarded with all sorts of outfits.

Would anyone have any advice on appropriate clothes for summer (and winter) cycling? Any other tips like accessories would be helpful too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 04, 2015, 09:37:45 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 04, 2015, 09:24:52 PM
Want to do a bit of cycling this summer. However I've no idea on the ideal clothing to wear. Walking into sports shops I'm just bombarded with all sorts of outfits.

Would anyone have any advice on appropriate clothes for summer (and winter) cycling? Any other tips like accessories would be helpful too.

Shorts, jersey, baselayer, gloves, armwarmers, leg warmers, gillets, jackets, socks, overshoes, oversocks etc etc. Could go on and on. What is your budget and how many mile you doing a week?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on June 04, 2015, 10:05:48 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 04, 2015, 09:37:45 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 04, 2015, 09:24:52 PM
Want to do a bit of cycling this summer. However I've no idea on the ideal clothing to wear. Walking into sports shops I'm just bombarded with all sorts of outfits.

Would anyone have any advice on appropriate clothes for summer (and winter) cycling? Any other tips like accessories would be helpful too.

Shorts, jersey, baselayer, gloves, armwarmers, leg warmers, gillets, jackets, socks, overshoes, oversocks etc etc. Could go on and on. What is your budget and how many mile you doing a week?

I'd start with cheap stuff from Sportsdirect or similar, use Under armour or similar base layers, running leggings and any sports gloves.

If you get into it, then get better stuff..
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BennyCake on June 04, 2015, 10:11:22 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 04, 2015, 09:37:45 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 04, 2015, 09:24:52 PM
Want to do a bit of cycling this summer. However I've no idea on the ideal clothing to wear. Walking into sports shops I'm just bombarded with all sorts of outfits.

Would anyone have any advice on appropriate clothes for summer (and winter) cycling? Any other tips like accessories would be helpful too.

Shorts, jersey, baselayer, gloves, armwarmers, leg warmers, gillets, jackets, socks, overshoes, oversocks etc etc. Could go on and on. What is your budget and how many mile you doing a week?

Haven't really budgeted. Just whatever it costs, I'll try and get it if I can. Currently doing 1 or 2 trips weekly of 20-25 miles.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 04, 2015, 11:40:14 PM
Some good gear on here from an Irish firm too!

http://galibier.cc (http://galibier.cc)

For that sort of mileage I wouldnt be spending big money. The likes of this should be grand:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/funkier-17-panel-active-bibshorts-ss15/rp-prod133409 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/funkier-17-panel-active-bibshorts-ss15/rp-prod133409)
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/continental-logo-jersey/rp-prod70224 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/continental-logo-jersey/rp-prod70224)
http://galibier.cc/product/d902/ (http://galibier.cc/product/d902/)

Usual story, the more you spend the better the quality. But for the mileage you are doing at the minute don't go mad buying all the best italian gear.


Also, great winter jacket deal here lads
http://galibier.cc/product/colombiere-defense-training-jacket-sale/ (http://galibier.cc/product/colombiere-defense-training-jacket-sale/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on June 04, 2015, 11:48:21 PM
I bought some gear in Lidl for cycling and I find it decent enough.
I don't do much cycling so didn't want to spend a fortune.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on June 05, 2015, 08:56:56 AM
Decathlon is fantastic for anything to do with cycling. Decent gear for next to nothing. 

Assuming you have clips and cycling shoes, bib shorts (with a padded ar*e) the next necessity, underarmour or similar, socks, gloves, and a jersey. Cycling (i.e v tight) jacket, Helmet, glasses. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 05, 2015, 10:53:59 AM
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/21748/Specialized-Roubaix-Sl4-Sport-54cm/ (http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/21748/Specialized-Roubaix-Sl4-Sport-54cm/)

Bought my new bike last night...Will be a few weeks before I get it...hope ive made the right choice. Done the bike fit last night and they ruled out the Specialized Tarmac bike and the recommended either Defy or Roubaix...so went for the above.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on June 06, 2015, 07:06:53 PM
Good luck to anyone doing the Wicklow 200 tomorrow, am starting early on it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 06, 2015, 07:35:06 PM
I started eating about 9am this morn, better wrap it up shortly.

Hope to be cycling for 7am myself.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 06, 2015, 09:17:42 PM
I'll look out for you! Hope to start at that time myself.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on June 07, 2015, 07:04:39 PM
How did you get on lads? Did the 100 myself - found the hills very tough
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 07, 2015, 09:00:19 PM
Hard as usual. PB for me out of 3 attempts (still pretty ordinary in the grand scheme of things i might add), but i'm happy as i did a lot of donkey work & earned it.

Each year i've been i've found a different one of the 3 big climbs tough. Wicklow gap was harder this year than i remebered, bit surprised that it is the highest of the climbs - I think Slieve Mann would generally be considered the toughest.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 07, 2015, 09:42:51 PM
 A great day on the bike. Total elapsed time of 8hrs and 20min and riding time of 7hrs 36. A long day in the saddle!! Averaged 16.6mph which I was happy with that considering it was me and my mate for the most part but managed to get into a few good groups for bits and pieces.

The weather was obviously a massive factor today. Club mates didn't come down this year because of previous years experiences with the weather so I'm sure it was a lot easier this year than the last few.

The last 20km felt like they would never end. I was feeling great until that point and then I got cramp. The climbs were challenging but nowhere near as bad as I thought they would be and I was surprised there were no really steep climbs anywhere. Those sort of climbs just zap my energy. I would definitely do it again (in good weather). The most annoying thing was being prepared for 120mile and then when you get that far you have another 6 mile to go for some reason! My first time in Wicklow today. What a place to cycle!

Some great cyclists on show and some lovely bikes out as well!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 07, 2015, 09:43:37 PM
Quote from: illdecide on June 05, 2015, 10:53:59 AM
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/21748/Specialized-Roubaix-Sl4-Sport-54cm/ (http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/21748/Specialized-Roubaix-Sl4-Sport-54cm/)

Bought my new bike last night...Will be a few weeks before I get it...hope ive made the right choice. Done the bike fit last night and they ruled out the Specialized Tarmac bike and the recommended either Defy or Roubaix...so went for the above.
Good man. Why is it taking a few weeks?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BennyCake on June 07, 2015, 09:53:02 PM
Anyone advise on any stretches/exercises to do before, during or after a long cycle?

Anything that works for you to prevent injuries/cramp etc?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 07, 2015, 10:03:14 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 07, 2015, 09:53:02 PM
Anyone advise on any stretches/exercises to do before, during or after a long cycle?

Anything that works for you to prevent injuries/cramp etc?

This is something I have become really crap at. I used to stretch religiously everyday and especially when I am playing football I would stretch a lot. Haven't played in a few months now and my flexibility is away to hell. I just jump on the bike and go. Half hearted stretching every now and again and the odd foam roller session. Not good enough.

With regards to cramp, is it not usually to do with not drinking enough or replacing the fluids and salts you use during cycling? That's what I have found anyway. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 08, 2015, 09:02:38 AM
To the guys who done the Wicklow race yesterday...Fair play to you. I had a look at the race on strava last night and it would have been a nightmare driving that route in a car never mind cycling it...I done 45 mile yesterday and I thought it was tough (was a very hilly route) then I seen what you men done and reality kicked in of how far down the pecking order I am...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 08, 2015, 09:03:47 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 07, 2015, 09:43:37 PM
Quote from: illdecide on June 05, 2015, 10:53:59 AM
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/21748/Specialized-Roubaix-Sl4-Sport-54cm/ (http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/21748/Specialized-Roubaix-Sl4-Sport-54cm/)

Bought my new bike last night...Will be a few weeks before I get it...hope ive made the right choice. Done the bike fit last night and they ruled out the Specialized Tarmac bike and the recommended either Defy or Roubaix...so went for the above.
Good man. Why is it taking a few weeks?

I already paid the £500 deposit but i'm waiting on the Cycle to work certificate coming through and they recon it will take a few weeks...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 08, 2015, 10:14:59 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 07, 2015, 09:53:02 PM
Anyone advise on any stretches/exercises to do before, during or after a long cycle?

Anything that works for you to prevent injuries/cramp etc?
Bit of a tangent but - I went for a bike fit (Derek Finnegan in Portadown, excellent btw), he's a Physio as well as his bike involvement. He was telling me re cycling - warm up on bike then stretch, not stretch & go cycling. Post cycling stretching hugely important too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Rufus T Firefly on June 08, 2015, 03:46:10 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 08, 2015, 10:14:59 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 07, 2015, 09:53:02 PM
Anyone advise on any stretches/exercises to do before, during or after a long cycle?

Anything that works for you to prevent injuries/cramp etc?
Bit of a tangent but - I went for a bike fit (Derek Finnegan in Portadown, excellent btw), he's a Physio as well as his bike involvement. He was telling me re cycling - warm up on bike then stretch, not stretch & go cycling. Post cycling stretching hugely important too.

Did he mention avoiding stop-offs that have a chinese and a chippy?    :P
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 09, 2015, 04:54:51 PM
Quote from: illdecide on June 08, 2015, 09:02:38 AM
To the guys who done the Wicklow race yesterday...Fair play to you. I had a look at the race on strava last night and it would have been a nightmare driving that route in a car never mind cycling it...I done 45 mile yesterday and I thought it was tough (was a very hilly route) then I seen what you men done and reality kicked in of how far down the pecking order I am...
Had a conversation with Rufus there a week or so ago & I was comparing football & cycling in (very simple) comparative terms. In football i reckon you were generally good, bad or 'ok' (granted there cud be a few more levels!). I find cycling completely different in that the layering of abilities in cycling could be categorised in 100 different levels of ability, the next incrementally better than the last.

One great truism about cycling is "there's always someone to put you in your box".
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Declan on June 09, 2015, 04:57:21 PM
Thought this was a great read - http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/06/the-secret-pro-on-the-giro-there-were-days-when-youd-just-despair/ (http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/06/the-secret-pro-on-the-giro-there-were-days-when-youd-just-despair/)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 09, 2015, 09:14:15 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 09, 2015, 04:54:51 PM
Quote from: illdecide on June 08, 2015, 09:02:38 AM
To the guys who done the Wicklow race yesterday...Fair play to you. I had a look at the race on strava last night and it would have been a nightmare driving that route in a car never mind cycling it...I done 45 mile yesterday and I thought it was tough (was a very hilly route) then I seen what you men done and reality kicked in of how far down the pecking order I am...
Had a conversation with Rufus there a week or so ago & I was comparing football & cycling in (very simple) comparative terms. In football i reckon you were generally good, bad or 'ok' (granted there cud be a few more levels!). I find cycling completely different in that the layering of abilities in cycling could be categorised in 100 different levels of ability, the next incrementally better than the last.

One great truism about cycling is "there's always someone to put you in your box".

Very true! Always someone quicker! I find the good racing men in the club unreal and can't even begin to imagine what the pros are like. The stats from the Ras were scary!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 12, 2015, 10:23:53 AM
Anyone see Bardet descending like a lunatic yesterday in the Dauphine. At one point he had sheer rock face off to his left and sheer drops off the right but still was taking the bends going full pelt. One mistake and he wasnt going to walk out of it thats for sure.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 12, 2015, 10:49:07 AM
Guys if you were heading out for say 60-70 miles what food would you have in ya and would u always stop somewhere halfway for something like bar of chocolate and bottle of Luccozade etc. the reason for this was I went out last Sunday and done close to 50 miles (very hilly route) and didn't eat anything when we called into shop half way around as I believed a bowl of porridge and 2 rounds of toast with 2 poached eggs that I had for my breakfast would have been enough fuel to see me home (plus wasn't feeling hungry anyway). I got home fine from the cycle just started to feel a bit tired 3-4 mile from house but was ok. After I got home within 30 mins I had a large plate of spaghetti Bolognese and garlic bread but I was still fecked and just lay about all day like i'd been in the ring with Tyson.

I'd no energy the rest of the day and was tired and lethargic...So don't really know WTF was going on. I've done bigger miles than that and never felt like I did on Sunday. Was it because I didn't refuel halfway round the trip or was it just a one off and put it down to experience? Anyway just interested in what you guys eat for a cycle and what you refuel up with afterwards...Ta
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on June 12, 2015, 10:51:33 AM
Seen that. Breath-taking stuff.
Read also that he had never actually done that descent before and had just looked at it on google maps that morning which makes it even more remarkable.

The scenery is stunning also.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleafer on June 12, 2015, 04:14:43 PM
Slaughtneil GAA club are running a 100k cycle this Sunday (June 14th). Sean Kelly will be riding in it, so thought it might interest a few of you folks on the board.

Details and entry can be found in the link below:

http://www.entrycentral.com/carntocoast
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 12, 2015, 05:34:57 PM
Quote from: illdecide on June 12, 2015, 10:49:07 AM
Guys if you were heading out for say 60-70 miles what food would you have in ya and would u always stop somewhere halfway for something like bar of chocolate and bottle of Luccozade etc. the reason for this was I went out last Sunday and done close to 50 miles (very hilly route) and didn't eat anything when we called into shop half way around as I believed a bowl of porridge and 2 rounds of toast with 2 poached eggs that I had for my breakfast would have been enough fuel to see me home (plus wasn't feeling hungry anyway). I got home fine from the cycle just started to feel a bit tired 3-4 mile from house but was ok. After I got home within 30 mins I had a large plate of spaghetti Bolognese and garlic bread but I was still fecked and just lay about all day like i'd been in the ring with Tyson.

I'd no energy the rest of the day and was tired and lethargic...So don't really know WTF was going on. I've done bigger miles than that and never felt like I did on Sunday. Was it because I didn't refuel halfway round the trip or was it just a one off and put it down to experience? Anyway just interested in what you guys eat for a cycle and what you refuel up with afterwards...Ta
Mind being told to check my birth certificate for a major reason of a poor showing! I would be inconsistent on the bike, i can feel different every time i go out on a bike, good, bad & indifferent. No major mystery behind it imo, your approach  was spot on.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 13, 2015, 04:17:55 PM
Was out today and got on the back of a group. Thought it was team sky over training for the weekend! Just a crowd of Armagh fellas leading the charge through Glenavy and Aghagallon though.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 13, 2015, 09:29:25 PM
Elite handsome squad :D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 15, 2015, 08:47:22 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 13, 2015, 04:17:55 PM
Was out today and got on the back of a group. Thought it was team sky over training for the weekend! Just a crowd of Armagh fellas leading the charge through Glenavy and Aghagallon though.

well it certainly wasn't my group because you wouldn't have been at the back that's for sure...There were reports of unusual activity around Divis yesterday so we decided to do a u turn and headed for Aldergrove instead
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 21, 2015, 08:55:15 PM
Anyone do the Gran Fondo? 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 21, 2015, 10:01:44 PM
yeah. A great day out and superb organisation with the closed roads. The best sportive I've done. Some complaints about not having sandwiches etc at food stops but I always bring my own stuff so didn't affect me.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 23, 2015, 12:30:16 PM
Sounds brilliant. Having the closed roads sounds great, though I imagine the start was a bit mad with so many riders. A local lad from rostrevor came 9th overall, he led coming down into Rostrevor which was a great buzz for the spectators. £55 is a little steep but I suppose for the closed  roads it might be worth it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on June 24, 2015, 03:41:30 PM
Started cycling about two months now - mainly to and from work, but will get out on the odd evening for a longer spin. I was just wondering if anyone had some decent routes for the belfast area. Use the towpath most days in and out of work from Shaws down to the docks, and then out towards lisburn. I've also been out as far as Jordanstown in the opposite direction. Any Suggestions welcome.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 24, 2015, 04:29:44 PM
Head up ligoniel hill and then onto Divis. Nice wee easy one.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on June 25, 2015, 09:20:01 AM
Couple of quick technical questions here. Was playing about with the Ribble bike builder and a few of the options had me wondering, mainly from a mechanical perspective.

1. There are a lot of options for the cassettes from 11-25, 12-26, 12-29, 11-32, etc. Why would anyone not go for the widest range possible to give you more options? Why pick a 12-27 over an 11-29?

2. Again for the chain-set I can understand the whole compact / semi / standard options but for the pedal length (170 / 172.5 / 175) would the obvious option not be the longer length to give better leverage? Why would someone pick a chain-set with the smaller pedal lengths?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Rufus T Firefly on June 25, 2015, 09:32:54 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 24, 2015, 04:29:44 PM
Head up ligoniel hill and then onto Divis. Nice wee easy one.

Have gone that way home (in the car) many times when the traffic has been bad on the motorway and the thought of trying that on the bike has crossed my mind several times - it's an absolute monster but would still love to give it a go from the City Centre out!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 25, 2015, 09:51:54 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on June 25, 2015, 09:20:01 AM
Couple of quick technical questions here. Was playing about with the Ribble bike builder and a few of the options had me wondering, mainly from a mechanical perspective.

1. There are a lot of options for the cassettes from 11-25, 12-26, 12-29, 11-32, etc. Why would anyone not go for the widest range possible to give you more options? Why pick a 12-27 over an 11-29?

2. Again for the chain-set I can understand the whole compact / semi / standard options but for the pedal length (170 / 172.5 / 175) would the obvious option not be the longer length to give better leverage? Why would someone pick a chain-set with the smaller pedal lengths?

On question 1 its all down to the type of riding you intend to do. 11-25 i would suggest is a road racing / time trial set up with very close ratios between each gear. If you are fit enough to cope on hilly terrain with that set up then you are "fit enough" alright. If you are doing sportives etc and just general fitness then you might want to go up to a 30 on the back with a compact chainset of 34/50 or something in around that. You will cope with all types of terrain with that.

On q2 most bikes i think are 172.5, has to do with leg length, for riders with long legs a proportionately longer crank arm is an option. If you were doing criterium type racing you might not want this as it affects your ability to pedal continuously in and out of corners. As i found out a few times.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on June 25, 2015, 11:35:40 AM
Quote from: maddog on June 25, 2015, 09:51:54 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on June 25, 2015, 09:20:01 AM
Couple of quick technical questions here. Was playing about with the Ribble bike builder and a few of the options had me wondering, mainly from a mechanical perspective.

1. There are a lot of options for the cassettes from 11-25, 12-26, 12-29, 11-32, etc. Why would anyone not go for the widest range possible to give you more options? Why pick a 12-27 over an 11-29?

2. Again for the chain-set I can understand the whole compact / semi / standard options but for the pedal length (170 / 172.5 / 175) would the obvious option not be the longer length to give better leverage? Why would someone pick a chain-set with the smaller pedal lengths?

On question 1 its all down to the type of riding you intend to do. 11-25 i would suggest is a road racing / time trial set up with very close ratios between each gear. If you are fit enough to cope on hilly terrain with that set up then you are "fit enough" alright. If you are doing sportives etc and just general fitness then you might want to go up to a 30 on the back with a compact chainset of 34/50 or something in around that. You will cope with all types of terrain with that.

On q2 most bikes i think are 172.5, has to do with leg length, for riders with long legs a proportionately longer crank arm is an option. If you were doing criterium type racing you might not want this as it affects your ability to pedal continuously in and out of corners. As i found out a few times.
Cheers, makes sense.
I had seen the tighter ratio referred to as a corncob set-up on another forum. However when I searched that term I got something very different (NSFW).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 25, 2015, 07:48:55 PM
Going to be tackling this bad boy next week!

Lacets De Montvernier

(http://media.communes.com/images/orig/rhone-alpes/savoie/montvernier_73300/Montvernier_49223_Lacets-de-Montvernier.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 25, 2015, 08:54:11 PM
Bought some Ale bib shorts & top, wild dear but it's some gear. Didn't even have a sore arse after Wicklow 200! The low slung shorts are a great job as i would find when i'm under pressure i can feel very restrictred in the dermy / lower chest area. I've prob 5/6 different brands of shorts on the go - worst has to be a pair of Santini bib shorts that weren't cheap either.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 25, 2015, 09:09:02 PM
Ive a couple pairs of santini and they're good for me but on their last legs now. Castelli ones as well would be a level above them. The best by a mile that I have are Assos. Any of the assos gear i own is far superior to the other brands I own. They're ridiculously expensive though! I must look out for deals on those Ale ones Benny.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 25, 2015, 10:03:03 PM
Tenn Outdoors have a powerful set of bib shorts for in round £25. Best value bib shorts i've ever came across - i've 2 pairs of those (I think maddog sent me their direction a long time ago).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 25, 2015, 10:22:22 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 25, 2015, 08:54:11 PM
Bought some Ale bib shorts & top, wild dear but it's some gear. Didn't even have a sore arse after Wicklow 200! The low slung shorts are a great job as i would find when i'm under pressure i can feel very restrictred in the dermy / lower chest area. I've prob 5/6 different brands of shorts on the go - worst has to be a pair of Santini bib shorts that weren't cheap either.

Is this what you mean?

(http://nastiashop.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/2015-ale-triathlon-fitness-sports-wear-women-bib-short-with-3D-pad-cycling-jersey-mountain-bike1.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on June 25, 2015, 10:40:49 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 25, 2015, 09:09:02 PM
Ive a couple pairs of santini and they're good for me but on their last legs now. Castelli ones as well would be a level above them. The best by a mile that I have are Assos. Any of the assos gear i own is far superior to the other brands I own. They're ridiculously expensive though! I must look out for deals on those Ale ones Benny.
Was out in Majorca recently and looking round an Assos outlet, still not cheap but you would have got their bib shorts for around E110.
Had a wee rattle at a few of the hills on a rented Cannondale, great way to get a run on a Nike you couldn't afford otherwise.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 27, 2015, 08:49:08 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 25, 2015, 07:48:55 PM
Going to be tackling this bad boy next week!

Lacets De Montvernier

(http://media.communes.com/images/orig/rhone-alpes/savoie/montvernier_73300/Montvernier_49223_Lacets-de-Montvernier.jpg)
Don't want to sicken your happiness but you know the French Air Traffic Controllers are acting the bollix again, next week too. Same shite every year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 27, 2015, 10:57:37 PM
Guys just when you're on the topic of shorts...is there really a difference in the different brands. From I got my new bike my arse is wild sore. The shorts I'm using are just muddy fox from sports direct but I assumed shorts were shorts
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on June 27, 2015, 11:04:43 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 27, 2015, 08:49:08 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 25, 2015, 07:48:55 PM
Going to be tackling this bad boy next week!

Lacets De Montvernier

(http://media.communes.com/images/orig/rhone-alpes/savoie/montvernier_73300/Montvernier_49223_Lacets-de-Montvernier.jpg)
Don't want to sicken your happiness but you know the French Air Traffic Controllers are acting the bollix again, next week too. Same shite every year.

Bad as French ATC are, looking at that photo I would blame gravity, and maybe fermentation ahead of them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 28, 2015, 12:02:49 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 27, 2015, 08:49:08 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 25, 2015, 07:48:55 PM
Going to be tackling this bad boy next week!

Lacets De Montvernier

(http://media.communes.com/images/orig/rhone-alpes/savoie/montvernier_73300/Montvernier_49223_Lacets-de-Montvernier.jpg)
Don't want to sicken your happiness but you know the French Air Traffic Controllers are acting the bollix again, next week too. Same shite every year.

No way! What are they at?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 28, 2015, 12:32:12 AM
Just remembered I fly into Geneva so I should be ok!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 28, 2015, 11:29:49 AM
Everything over French airspace effected. Cant see anything online about it atm but there was an article on yesterday's Times(uk). Co-ordinated Flights & Ports approach for maximum annoyance.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 28, 2015, 03:10:27 PM
Quote from: illdecide on June 27, 2015, 10:57:37 PM
Guys just when you're on the topic of shorts...is there really a difference in the different brands. From I got my new bike my arse is wild sore. The shorts I'm using are just muddy fox from sports direct but I assumed shorts were shorts

It could take a while to get used to the new saddle but I would also get some decent shorts. Especially that you are looking to up the miles. I use assos chamois cream as well. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/assos-chamois-cream/ (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/assos-chamois-cream/)

How is the new bike going?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ludermor on June 29, 2015, 10:58:36 AM
Nico Roche has been confirmed for the Sky team for the Tour but no place for Deignan.
Really looking forward to the race this year!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 29, 2015, 11:03:24 AM
Its going well but every time we go out someone has to get back early for something and we're always under the 50 mile barrier. Hopefully next week we can hit Newcastle and up the miles a bit. Yeah I think the seat will be grand after a while, it wasn't as bad yesterday so I'd imagine the more I use it the better it'll be. The last two outings have been a bit below par TBH especially on the hills as my breathing was a bit heavy and a bit of flame in the chest...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thewingedlady on June 29, 2015, 12:21:55 PM
Lads, doing the Etape this year and was thinking of squeezing in one or two sessions of altitude training in a local gym. I know generally this would be seen as a good idea but with less than three weeks to go I'm wondering could there be any downsides (i.e. too much exhaustion too close to the event). Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on July 01, 2015, 12:10:13 PM
RIP to that man in Sutton

Despicable act by the hit and run driver
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ludermor on July 01, 2015, 01:28:47 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on July 01, 2015, 12:10:13 PM
RIP to that man in Sutton

Despicable act by the hit and run driver
Crazy, one of mates was right beside it along with about 30 other witnesses. How the driver thinks they will get away with a hit and run like that is lunacy
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 01, 2015, 03:06:12 PM
Quote from: illdecide on June 27, 2015, 10:57:37 PM
Guys just when you're on the topic of shorts...is there really a difference in the different brands. From I got my new bike my arse is wild sore. The shorts I'm using are just muddy fox from sports direct but I assumed shorts were shorts

to break it to you gently, muddy fox stuff is pure garbage. Try a range called "funkier". They are dearer but you get what you pay for to an extent. Assos stuff is the real top of the range but i would say not actually worth it. Castelli is good gear as well. If you read most cycling forums they will advise buy the best shorts you can afford. Its like shoes and your leaba, don't scrimp - you spend a lot of time in them. But use this stuff - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Udderly-Smooth-Chamois-Chaffing-Butter/dp/B002DR4ISI

your problem will be solved.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 02, 2015, 03:48:49 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 01, 2015, 03:06:12 PM
Quote from: illdecide on June 27, 2015, 10:57:37 PM
Guys just when you're on the topic of shorts...is there really a difference in the different brands. From I got my new bike my arse is wild sore. The shorts I'm using are just muddy fox from sports direct but I assumed shorts were shorts

to break it to you gently, muddy fox stuff is pure garbage. Try a range called "funkier". They are dearer but you get what you pay for to an extent. Assos stuff is the real top of the range but i would say not actually worth it. Castelli is good gear as well. If you read most cycling forums they will advise buy the best shorts you can afford. Its like shoes and your leaba, don't scrimp - you spend a lot of time in them. But use this stuff - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Udderly-Smooth-Chamois-Chaffing-Butter/dp/B002DR4ISI

your problem will be solved.

I hope your right chief ;)...I just invested in a pair there £40...Hope I've got the size right as ordered them online.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleafer on July 03, 2015, 03:03:48 PM
anyone bought a bike from plant x? Don't know a whole lot about bikes, but thinking about upgrading, and the Carbon Shimano Ultegra 6800 looks like good value?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: DennistheMenace on July 03, 2015, 03:54:41 PM
You cyclists are a crazy bunch of bastards!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 03, 2015, 09:15:21 PM
Quote from: oakleafer on July 03, 2015, 03:03:48 PM
anyone bought a bike from plant x? Don't know a whole lot about bikes, but thinking about upgrading, and the Carbon Shimano Ultegra 6800 looks like good value?
Yeah, I got that Ultegra deal last year, great value. I part traded mine in for a different yoke this year but i am considering getting another one, they are fantastically  light, probably  not stiff enough for racing but very sportive friendly . You should also check out Ribble for bikes, they have similar C2W targeted deals.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on July 03, 2015, 10:25:13 PM
Who will win the tour this year lads. Anybody new to look out for,any Irish in it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 03, 2015, 10:51:16 PM
Best prices available via oddschecker
Froome 2/1
Quintana 5/2
Contador 5/1
Nibali 11/2

Thibaut Pinot next in the betting at big odds.

I think it's  Froome's to lose tbh, Contador's odds are scarily big but the Giro efforts could be too much to overcome, Quintana has had a very quiet year with this his sole focus so is obviously  a huge danger & Nibali's odds are probably a bit insulting & he could surprise  again!

I fancy a big showing from Teejay Van Garderen at 40/1. He'd a blinder at the Dauphine and Froome mugged him on the last day to win, cant see him winning, but with the attrition rate in Le Tour he could be a very good EW bet - if he doesn't succumb to bad luck himself!

Roche @ Sky (Diegnan didn't make cut)
Dan Martin @ Cannondale
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 04, 2015, 08:41:42 PM
you forgot about sam benny, a top 10 tomorrow for him hopefully.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 05, 2015, 10:31:16 AM
DNF La Marmotte lads.
Mechanical after about 75 mile after some dick ran into my bike at a food stop, could only use the big ring so had to walk 6 mile to the mavic van and then fucked up my cleats. The rear derailleur got pushed in and when I put it in the small chain ring it started to catch between the spokes. I can't believe I walked near 6 mile and not one service van passed! My cleats were totally shot and wouldnt clip into the pedals. Too dangerous to descend Croix De Fer with my feet slipping off the pedals.

Done most of the hard work as well ffs. All I had was a small climb out of the Glandon and all down hill to alp dheuz. Gutted but wasn't to be. To be honest though there wasn't a hope I got up alpe dheuz at the end. It's 45 degrees on the way up. Out of 7500 that started over half didn't finish apparently. Driving up the Alp yesterday was complete carnage, it was unbelievable. People crying on the side of the road. People lying sprawled out all over the place, literally lying on their backs. A few fellas in the chalet beside us are currently in grenoble hospital, in the La Marmotte wing   :o. Ive never seen anything like it. It's some sportive though, the bikes and quality of cyclists is unreal. Just going to have to try again next year!!

I climbed the Alp this morning in 1hr 22mins so it nearly confirmed that I wouldn't have got up the Alp yesterday if I had of reached the bottom. Took a few photos and that sort of thing on the way up so not sure what time I could do it in if I pushed it. It is a nice climb tbf, though not as hard as some of the climbs yesterday. You nearly have to pinch yourself at times when you cycle past the famous parts of the climb that you see on TV all the time. First few hairpins are steep and then it gets easier but then the legs get more fatigued as you go as well. With 100mile in the legs and in 45 degrees it would have been out of my depth yesterday I reckon.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 05, 2015, 09:24:27 PM
thats a pity jim but what an experience. you staying to see a bit of the tour now
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 05, 2015, 09:32:18 PM
Hard luck Jim, not much u can do with luck like that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 05, 2015, 09:54:47 PM
No home tomorrow but I could stay longer no problem at all. Would love to come back and see the tour then do a few more of the climbs. The crowd I went with now offer a TDF package. Looks amazing.

Some experience alright. I rode the Mollard, Croix De Fer, Lacets de Montvernier, Glandon and Alp D'Heuz.

It terms of how tough this sportive is. If I compared the likes of Wicklow 200 to La Marmotte on a scale of 1-10. Marmotte would be 10 and Wicklow would be about 4! It's ridiculously tough. The heatwave was out of the ordinary though so that made it much harder. The scenery and everything else is spectacular! Anyone who is into cycling and hasn't been before needs to come and actually try some of the climbs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 05, 2015, 10:50:40 PM
Did u hire a bike or take the Bianchi? What gearing did u have 4 it?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 05, 2015, 11:10:13 PM
Hired a bike from a shop in Alp D'Heuz. A Wilier 2015 GTC i think with 50/34 11/32. I would def recommend going 11/32. It's better looking at it than looking for it and all that. I would probably even go triple next time. A load of the locals were riding triples and they were flying up the climbs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Boycey on July 06, 2015, 05:16:49 PM
Nasty smash on The Tour today


https://vine.co/v/enbPM0QQF11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMGahKyAlv0
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 06, 2015, 05:25:59 PM
Quote from: Boycey on July 06, 2015, 05:16:49 PM
Nasty smash on The Tour today

https://vine.co/v/enbPM0QQF11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMGahKyAlv0

My Dutch isn't great. What was happening at the end with the official car and the guy doing a bird impression?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on July 06, 2015, 09:22:56 PM
Fabian cancellara out of the tour de France after breaking bones in his back in that crash today. He still managed to ride the final 55km with the broken back and finish the stage, any wonder his nickname is Spartacus.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 06, 2015, 09:35:44 PM
Only seeing bits & pieces atm, Cancellara broke bones in his back just b4 the Spring Classics as well, i'd say he's one pissed off dude, cud force his retirement.

Go TJ
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 06, 2015, 09:54:12 PM
They are tight men! First thing I thought when I saw the crash was if they wrecked their £20k bikes.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Linkbox on July 06, 2015, 11:36:26 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 06, 2015, 05:25:59 PM
Quote from: Boycey on July 06, 2015, 05:16:49 PM
Nasty smash on The Tour today

https://vine.co/v/enbPM0QQF11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMGahKyAlv0

My Dutch isn't great. What was happening at the end with the official car and the guy doing a bird impression?

They stopped the race for ten minutes, Orior. That's the referee in the red car so he was telling them to go at a controlled pace until the doctor has seen to everyone in the crash.

Some of them (Astana in light blue) seemed to be keen to keep going but the other lad (Movistar in darker blue) was telling him to slow the fcuk down. That's my take on it anyway.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on July 06, 2015, 11:47:25 PM
What exactly happened here, I'm not 100% sure! Did the guy to go down first just lose it or was he clipped by the rider going past him to his right?  Who is at fault?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Linkbox on July 06, 2015, 11:50:58 PM
Quote from: majestic on July 06, 2015, 11:47:25 PM
What exactly happened here, I'm not 100% sure! Did the guy to go down first just lose it or was he clipped by the rider going past him to his right?  Who is at fault?

Looked like he was clipped by the passer. Or maybe he jumped on the breaks after the guy passed too close but that is less likely. Some sudocrem needed for those burns tonight!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: armaghniac on July 07, 2015, 12:05:21 AM
Watching the Lance Armstrong documentary here on RTÉ. He was some chancer.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pullhard on July 07, 2015, 10:35:00 AM
I'm concerned about them being on the juice, worrying reading the words TDF and record speed close together.

The more i read about LA, the more upset i get. Cheat and a bully
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 07, 2015, 04:41:48 PM
Tony Martin has just won the 4th stage and takes the Yellow jersey...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: magpie seanie on July 07, 2015, 05:37:24 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on July 07, 2015, 12:05:21 AM
Watching the Lance Armstrong documentary here on RTÉ. He was some chancer.

I felt ill after watching it. I so wanted him to be clean. I suppose that's how he got away with it as long as he did. A bloody nasty piece of work.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: moysider on July 13, 2015, 08:57:18 PM

Ivan Basso out of Tour after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. Discovered after a crash.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 14, 2015, 12:44:53 PM
Looking forward to today's stage and the start of the mountains proper. I'm sure there will be a few looking to send out a message of intent, particularly Nibali who is looking like an also ran. Interesting to hear TJ reckon nothing may be done & dusted until Alp d'huez on the 2nd last day. I think Bertie is probably going to ride defensively  looking to hold on until then & save himself for a late assault, Quintana will more than likely go on the front foot today & attack daily, dont think he'll shake Froome though.

Froome 7/4 for today's stage, Quintana looks value at 7/2

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 14, 2015, 03:47:24 PM
Tight going here. Has froome went too early!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 14, 2015, 03:56:05 PM
I'm only seeing text commentary, what is happening? From what I can tell Nibali is gone and Contador struggling too with Quintana slightly behind Froome?

Edit:
Just seen this:
Froome has a 35-second lead over Nairo Quintana, Tejay Van Garderen is 1 min 11 secs behind, Alberto Contador 1 min 41 secs, Vincenzo Nibali 3 mins 31 secs.

Still a couple of kms to go.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 14, 2015, 04:05:11 PM
Absolutely insane from Froome reminiscent of Armstrong, taking minutes out of the field.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 14, 2015, 04:09:20 PM
'Unbelievable' performance from Froome and Team Sky!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 14, 2015, 04:10:53 PM
Thouroughly dominant display but I think Froome could have went OTT with that, he could pay for that 2moro or Thursday.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 14, 2015, 04:13:39 PM
Reading that Porte and Thomas had great rides to set up Froome. If so he mightn't struggle as much as if he had to do it all alone. Those are big time gaps though.

Froome now leads the race by two minutes 52 seconds, with Tejay van Garderen second and Nairo Quintana third, three minutes nine seconds behind the yellow jersey.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 04:18:04 PM
Does it not bother you that Froome's times are better than Armstrong's?

Obvious as hell's on the juice, just follow these two on twitter..

Ross Tucker ‏@Scienceofsport
f**k the hypocrisy ‏@Digger_forum
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 14, 2015, 04:22:09 PM
Emma O'Reilly ‏@Emma_OReilly 5m5 minutes ago

The more things change, the more they stay the same!

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 14, 2015, 04:25:54 PM
Team with biggest budget, most talent, most innovation win shocker
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 04:29:34 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 14, 2015, 04:25:54 PM
Team with biggest budget, most talent, most innovation win shocker

Nope just the best juice.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 14, 2015, 04:31:15 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 14, 2015, 04:25:54 PM
Team with biggest budget, most talent, most innovation win shocker

Does part of you not even question how a man who was DQ from the Giro 5 years ago for holding onto a motorbike going up a mountain, can obliterate the best climbers in the world in a performance like that? Did you believe Armstrong when he was doing the same?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on July 14, 2015, 04:31:53 PM
David walsh is worth following on Twitter
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: AZOffaly on July 14, 2015, 04:32:40 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on July 14, 2015, 04:22:09 PM
Emma O'Reilly ‏@Emma_OReilly 5m5 minutes ago

The more things change, the more they stay the same!

That's an interesting one.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on July 14, 2015, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 04:18:04 PM
Does it not bother you that Froome's times are better than Armstrong's?

Obvious as hell's on the juice, just follow these two on twitter..

Ross Tucker ‏@Scienceofsport
f**k the hypocrisy ‏@Digger_forum

Are they?

The time it takes someone to go up a climb relative to historical comparisons with confirmed dopers tells you very little as there are so many factors than are not controlled for across the comparisons. The technology, tire pressure differences, atmospheric conditions, headwinds, length of stage, position of stage within the overall tour etc. The idea that you can extrapolate from the minimal data available to the public a confident judgement about whether someone is doping or not is foolish.

Ross Tucker strikes me as a snake-oil salesman with a bee in his bonnet.

The other source you cite is a parody account.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on July 14, 2015, 04:43:28 PM
I will say this though it is thoroughly depressing for the race that he was so dominant today.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 05:52:38 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 14, 2015, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 04:18:04 PM
Does it not bother you that Froome's times are better than Armstrong's?

Obvious as hell's on the juice, just follow these two on twitter..

Ross Tucker ‏@Scienceofsport
f**k the hypocrisy ‏@Digger_forum

Are they?

The time it takes someone to go up a climb relative to historical comparisons with confirmed dopers tells you very little as there are so many factors than are not controlled for across the comparisons. The technology, tire pressure differences, atmospheric conditions, headwinds, length of stage, position of stage within the overall tour etc. The idea that you can extrapolate from the minimal data available to the public a confident judgement about whether someone is doping or not is foolish.

Ross Tucker strikes me as a snake-oil salesman with a bee in his bonnet.

The other source you cite is a parody account.

The times are comparative studies not one stage.

What do you know about Ross Tucker, and Digger Forum is far from a parody account.

You are pretty naive so. Buying marginal gains BS. This is just Lance revisited.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 14, 2015, 05:59:44 PM
It's sad, yet fully understandable, that anytime there's a superb performance that the default position of the masses (informed & uninformed) is one of suspicion. The uninformed outnumber the informed greatly which doesn't  help any discussion tho. I think Froome & Sky are clean in a sport that still has problems & problem teams.



Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 14, 2015, 06:40:43 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 14, 2015, 05:59:44 PM
It's sad, yet fully understandable, that anytime there's a superb performance that the default position of the masses (informed & uninformed) is one of suspicion. The uninformed outnumber the informed greatly which doesn't  help any discussion tho. I think Froome & Sky are clean in a sport that still has problems & problem teams.

So your admitting the sport still has problems in terms of doping yet you find it credible that a cyclist who showed no form worth noting until age 26 is able to obliterate a field full of the best climbers many who have served bans for doping offences. If a clean cyclist can destroy such a field then we are probably looking at the best cyclist of all time in Froome. But maybe I'm just uninformed. I'd also refer you back to my earlier questions to you.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on July 14, 2015, 06:42:19 PM
Must admit I have always wondered about Froome since his explosion on to the scene with the Vuelta. However I have been more and more edging towards him being clean, until this tour. He has been threatening to blow everyone away and now he has completely obliterated the field. To me it seems to good to be true... the hacking seems to be getting their defense in first as someone mentioned earlier

But then what about the bio passports? I thought that they could detect minor changes that would indicate any funny business?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 14, 2015, 09:12:13 PM
Yellowcard, I have no intenion of engaging in anything with you, we've had this conversation 2 years ago & probably something similar the year before as well when you were on Wiggin's case. Your agenda is as clear as day and you work away as I dont really care what you think, i've made my point today and previously as evidenced below.

Quote from: bennydorano on February 21, 2015, 09:01:58 PM
In general terms i try not to get involved in doping discussions anymore, as with work colleagues & the like the conversation normally halts at "sure they're all a bunch of druggies", cycling is what it is, but the general consensus would seem to be that it's definitely improving on the doping front (apart from the Astana fiasco). Cookson, while  doing some good things at uci, probably isn't covering himself in glory tbh, but he was never going to be the man Kimmage wanted him to be & Kimmage's standards tend to be the standards of people who know little about cycling but take the odd look in (Not a dig at you).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 14, 2015, 09:12:33 PM
I'll say to the people who don't believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics: I'm sorry for you. I'm sorry that you can't dream big. I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. But this is one hell of a race. This is a great sporting event and you should stand around and believe it. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets — this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it. So Vive le Tour forever!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 14, 2015, 09:29:49 PM
Lads ffs the glaring performance today was Thomas not froome. Not casting doubt on the man but he is transformed this year. Suddenly able to climb with the likes of Pierre Roland and valverde. Knock froome if you want but he has been up there for 3/4 years now consistently. If he tests bad I give up.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 14, 2015, 09:39:29 PM
Noticed him near smirking at Valverde today,  I've always thought he'd develop into a top GC man but he seems more inclined towards the classics. Maybe he's not privy to the good jollop for GC riding.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 14, 2015, 09:40:03 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 14, 2015, 09:29:49 PM
Lads ffs the glaring performance today was Thomas not froome. Not casting doubt on the man but he is transformed this year. Suddenly able to climb with the likes of Pierre Roland and valverde. Knock froome if you want but he has been up there for 3/4 years now consistently. If he tests bad I give up.

Thomas and Porte were equally as dominant. Porte done a big pull for Froome then unbelievably got back up to overtake Quintana who is a specialist climber and give a smirk on his way past. Thomas who has no climbing history got up the mountain quicker than a few former GT winners and ended up in 6th. If Lance was on the sky bus this evening he'd be saying 'not normal'.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 14, 2015, 09:44:32 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 14, 2015, 09:12:13 PM
Yellowcard, I have no intenion of engaging in anything with you, we've had this conversation 2 years ago & probably something similar the year before as well when you were on Wiggin's case. Your agenda is as clear as day and you work away as I dont really care what you think, i've made my point today and previously as evidenced below.

Quote from: bennydorano on February 21, 2015, 09:01:58 PM
In general terms i try not to get involved in doping discussions anymore, as with work colleagues & the like the conversation normally halts at "sure they're all a bunch of druggies", cycling is what it is, but the general consensus would seem to be that it's definitely improving on the doping front (apart from the Astana fiasco). Cookson, while  doing some good things at uci, probably isn't covering himself in glory tbh, but he was never going to be the man Kimmage wanted him to be & Kimmage's standards tend to be the standards of people who know little about cycling but take the odd look in (Not a dig at you).

Benny it's not a dig at you ,cycling is a great sport but when I see performances like today it's only right to ask questions.  I would love to believe it's real but I'm afraid I can't. You claim I have an agenda, I'm not sure what that agenda is though. The same thing would have been levelled against me before Lance got busted as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 14, 2015, 10:56:46 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on July 14, 2015, 09:40:03 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 14, 2015, 09:29:49 PM
Lads ffs the glaring performance today was Thomas not froome. Not casting doubt on the man but he is transformed this year. Suddenly able to climb with the likes of Pierre Roland and valverde. Knock froome if you want but he has been up there for 3/4 years now consistently. If he tests bad I give up.

Thomas and Porte were equally as dominant. Porte done a big pull for Froome then unbelievably got back up to overtake Quintana who is a specialist climber and give a smirk on his way past. Thomas who has no climbing history got up the mountain quicker than a few former GT winners and ended up in 6th. If Lance was on the sky bus this evening he'd be saying 'not normal'.

The difference is Porte has the form in the past to justify what he did today. Thomas has not. Mind you it didn't stop Bradley either😉
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 15, 2015, 07:49:40 AM
Great ride by G alright today maybe he will get his chance in the vuelta now with Porte going to BMC I can't see sky letting him being team leader and collecting uci points for his new team.  interesting to see how things pan out today maybe the GC guys will let a breakaway take the win today. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on July 15, 2015, 09:09:56 AM
Interesting article:

http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/07/froomes-ventoux-data-leak-analysed/ (http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/07/froomes-ventoux-data-leak-analysed/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on July 15, 2015, 09:47:30 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 05:52:38 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 14, 2015, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 04:18:04 PM
Does it not bother you that Froome's times are better than Armstrong's?

Obvious as hell's on the juice, just follow these two on twitter..

Ross Tucker ‏@Scienceofsport
f**k the hypocrisy ‏@Digger_forum

Are they?

The time it takes someone to go up a climb relative to historical comparisons with confirmed dopers tells you very little as there are so many factors than are not controlled for across the comparisons. The technology, tire pressure differences, atmospheric conditions, headwinds, length of stage, position of stage within the overall tour etc. The idea that you can extrapolate from the minimal data available to the public a confident judgement about whether someone is doping or not is foolish.

Ross Tucker strikes me as a snake-oil salesman with a bee in his bonnet.

The other source you cite is a parody account.

The times are comparative studies not one stage.

What do you know about Ross Tucker, and Digger Forum is far from a parody account.

You are pretty naive so. Buying marginal gains BS. This is just Lance revisited.

Ok, well in that case may be you could educate me. What would a set physiological data that are indicative of doping look like? What is the power to weight ratio or the total power output for a given ride that would be diagnostic? Or to put it the other way round, what are the physiological limits beyond which it is not possible (even for an historically great athlete) to excel cleanly?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on July 15, 2015, 07:59:54 PM
Just wondering is nibali's performance causing any questions regarding his win last year? I know most of the other big names were out of last years race, but to be so out of touch this year? Just wondering what you more educated cycling fans thought?

I'm wondering if Astana for struggling with the level of scrutiny they must be under given their rep!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: CiKe on July 15, 2015, 08:54:35 PM
Quote from: majestic on July 15, 2015, 07:59:54 PM
Just wondering is nibali's performance causing any questions regarding his win last year? I know most of the other big names were out of last years race, but to be so out of touch this year? Just wondering what you more educated cycling fans thought?

I'm wondering if Astana for struggling with the level of scrutiny they must be under given their rep!!

That crossed my mind as well
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dinny Breen on July 15, 2015, 09:07:17 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 15, 2015, 09:47:30 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 05:52:38 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 14, 2015, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 04:18:04 PM
Does it not bother you that Froome's times are better than Armstrong's?

Obvious as hell's on the juice, just follow these two on twitter..

Ross Tucker ‏@Scienceofsport
f**k the hypocrisy ‏@Digger_forum

Are they?

The time it takes someone to go up a climb relative to historical comparisons with confirmed dopers tells you very little as there are so many factors than are not controlled for across the comparisons. The technology, tire pressure differences, atmospheric conditions, headwinds, length of stage, position of stage within the overall tour etc. The idea that you can extrapolate from the minimal data available to the public a confident judgement about whether someone is doping or not is foolish.

Ross Tucker strikes me as a snake-oil salesman with a bee in his bonnet.

The other source you cite is a parody account.

The times are comparative studies not one stage.

What do you know about Ross Tucker, and Digger Forum is far from a parody account.

You are pretty naive so. Buying marginal gains BS. This is just Lance revisited.

Ok, well in that case may be you could educate me. What would a set physiological data that are indicative of doping look like? What is the power to weight ratio or the total power output for a given ride that would be diagnostic? Or to put it the other way round, what are the physiological limits beyond which it is not possible (even for an historically great athlete) to excel cleanly?

https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme (https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme)

You sound like a fan boy interview with Tucker on the link above argues the case pretty well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 15, 2015, 09:19:33 PM
> nibali won last year because the other two fell off and his form has being poor this year, fuglsang to be the new team   
    leader

> rodgers said today the bertie is happy with a top 3 that leaves majka to go for the polka dots

> dan to go for the polka dots and stages for garmin as talansky went out the back door today

> the french have little to celebrate this year with ag2r and fdj no where to be seen

> quintana the only man left to take the race to froome

> unless froome falls off the tour is over

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on July 15, 2015, 09:52:18 PM
Is the Tour de France not the one to win. If so then why did contadour not leave the giro and leave himself fresh for the tour de France. Or did know deep down he couldn't beat froome.

Just watched a good show on froome on itv4. He seems to be pretty genuine
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 15, 2015, 10:46:49 PM
he was trying to do the double and win both tours
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 15, 2015, 11:39:52 PM
It must be 4/5 years since there has been a good/ exciting Tour, judging by today's lack of fight it's all but over, I'd imagine Nibali mite bow out and have a rattle at La Vuelta. Tomorrow's stage looks a beast, it has to be a do or die day for Quintana & Bertie.

Go TJ.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on July 16, 2015, 06:07:28 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 15, 2015, 09:07:17 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 15, 2015, 09:47:30 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 05:52:38 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 14, 2015, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 04:18:04 PM
Does it not bother you that Froome's times are better than Armstrong's?

Obvious as hell's on the juice, just follow these two on twitter..

Ross Tucker ‏@Scienceofsport
f**k the hypocrisy ‏@Digger_forum

Are they?

The time it takes someone to go up a climb relative to historical comparisons with confirmed dopers tells you very little as there are so many factors than are not controlled for across the comparisons. The technology, tire pressure differences, atmospheric conditions, headwinds, length of stage, position of stage within the overall tour etc. The idea that you can extrapolate from the minimal data available to the public a confident judgement about whether someone is doping or not is foolish.

Ross Tucker strikes me as a snake-oil salesman with a bee in his bonnet.

The other source you cite is a parody account.

The times are comparative studies not one stage.

What do you know about Ross Tucker, and Digger Forum is far from a parody account.

You are pretty naive so. Buying marginal gains BS. This is just Lance revisited.

Ok, well in that case may be you could educate me. What would a set physiological data that are indicative of doping look like? What is the power to weight ratio or the total power output for a given ride that would be diagnostic? Or to put it the other way round, what are the physiological limits beyond which it is not possible (even for an historically great athlete) to excel cleanly?

https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme (https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme)

You sound like a fan boy interview with Tucker on the link above argues the case pretty well.

At this stage I think they should have a year or two with no drug testing and no consequences. It would be far more interesting to see what happens.

They can always re-instate the shabby status quo whenever they want.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: guy crouchback on July 16, 2015, 09:15:25 AM
the sad  reality is cycling is probably one of the cleanest professional sports out there, bad and all as it is. the level of testing and scrutiny in cycling far surpasses  other sports. then there is that fact that there is far far  more money to be made in other sports, football, tennis, golf, rugby etc,etc.

You would imagine that with far less drugs in the sport  it should become a more level playing field  and the kind of performance we saw from Froome would be unlikely to happen, But then again maybe the opposite is true. maybe froome is clean and that fact that his competitors can no longer juice means he can blow them away because he is legitimately the best, with the best team and the best tactics.

the alternative is that he and indeed the whole sky team are taking doping to a new level. i honestly don't believe  that is the case. anyone who follows cycling has been listening to the sky anti drugs mantra since the day the team was founded. there is no way that SKY would put their name to  what would in effect be a massive performance enhancing operation from its inception.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on July 16, 2015, 09:29:48 AM
Endurance sports lend themselves to massive gains from performance enhancing drugs though whereas with football / tennis and the like they will obviously be very beneficial but their gains will be marginal relatively speaking.

The same can be said about running too which with recent Salazar scandals has it's own problems and is most likely rife.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: guy crouchback on July 16, 2015, 10:00:18 AM
that's true to a point, but sprinters also take performance enhancing drugs and in football, for example the difference between a professional contract and the scrap heap is more often then not speed. drugs have plagued baseball where  drugs are taken to improve reaction times.

it just depends on the drugs you are talking about and testing for. the main reason we all know so much about EPO and the other ''endurance'' drugs is because of the cycling  scandals. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on July 16, 2015, 10:13:25 AM
The current 100 metre scene is getting a bit mad too with Gatlin so dominant. Power too I guess.

I would say it exists in football etc too but you don't gain as much.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on July 16, 2015, 10:36:06 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 15, 2015, 09:07:17 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 15, 2015, 09:47:30 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 05:52:38 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 14, 2015, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 04:18:04 PM
Does it not bother you that Froome's times are better than Armstrong's?

Obvious as hell's on the juice, just follow these two on twitter..

Ross Tucker ‏@Scienceofsport
f**k the hypocrisy ‏@Digger_forum

Are they?

The time it takes someone to go up a climb relative to historical comparisons with confirmed dopers tells you very little as there are so many factors than are not controlled for across the comparisons. The technology, tire pressure differences, atmospheric conditions, headwinds, length of stage, position of stage within the overall tour etc. The idea that you can extrapolate from the minimal data available to the public a confident judgement about whether someone is doping or not is foolish.

Ross Tucker strikes me as a snake-oil salesman with a bee in his bonnet.

The other source you cite is a parody account.

The times are comparative studies not one stage.

What do you know about Ross Tucker, and Digger Forum is far from a parody account.

You are pretty naive so. Buying marginal gains BS. This is just Lance revisited.

Ok, well in that case may be you could educate me. What would a set physiological data that are indicative of doping look like? What is the power to weight ratio or the total power output for a given ride that would be diagnostic? Or to put it the other way round, what are the physiological limits beyond which it is not possible (even for an historically great athlete) to excel cleanly?

https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme (https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme)

You sound like a fan boy interview with Tucker on the link above argues the case pretty well.

Listen, I asked a genuine question because i'd genuinely like to know the answer - can we diagnose doping from the performance data? I have no preconceived notion of what the answer to that question is. I'm a fan of cycling and i would like to know if what we are watching now can be trusted. Like everyone who has watched the sport, I have been duped before and i have absolutely no desire to be duped again. If that makes me a 'fan-boy' then so be it.

Now I'm not a physiologist so i won't pretend that i can interpret the data. However, we can ask whether there is a scientific consensus about what the behavioural/physiological markers of doping would be. Say a set of criteria agreed upon by experts in the field which would give us a high degree of confidence that doping had taken place. Does such an objective set of criteria exist? Well, from the link you posted and from what i have read around the area, it is hard to say that there is. Instead we have the opinion of one physiologist. Not ideal but better than nothing. So what is his take of the data from the Ventoux climb that has been placed into the public domain? Well in his words, its high, but then, as he says, you would expect it to be high because this is the worlds best cyclist at that time. He also says it doesn't prove that he was doping and it doesn't prove that he wasn't doping. Its not implausible but it is at the upper limit of what he would expect.

What we want this data to tell us is whether Froome is doping or not. In Ross Tucker's opinion does it tell us that? No. Moreover we might ask whether data like this could possible tell us if an individual rider is clean or doped? Well this article would suggest probably not http://cyclingtips.com.au/2013/07/can-performance-be-used-as-an-indicator-of-doping/

In reality the only person that knows whether Chris Froome is doping or not is Chris Froome. Ross Tucker doesn't know, i don't know and you don't know - for how could we? You might say that makes me credulous and niave, I'd say that that is rational interpretation of the available evidence. Now if you want to be highly skeptical about cycling today because of what has gone on before i have no problem with that whatsoever. But lets not kid ourselves that it is because you know something that the rest of us don't.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: guy crouchback on July 16, 2015, 11:10:04 AM
Quote from: Clov on July 16, 2015, 10:36:06 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 15, 2015, 09:07:17 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 15, 2015, 09:47:30 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 05:52:38 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 14, 2015, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 04:18:04 PM
Does it not bother you that Froome's times are better than Armstrong's?

Obvious as hell's on the juice, just follow these two on twitter..

Ross Tucker ‏@Scienceofsport
f**k the hypocrisy ‏@Digger_forum

Are they?

The time it takes someone to go up a climb relative to historical comparisons with confirmed dopers tells you very little as there are so many factors than are not controlled for across the comparisons. The technology, tire pressure differences, atmospheric conditions, headwinds, length of stage, position of stage within the overall tour etc. The idea that you can extrapolate from the minimal data available to the public a confident judgement about whether someone is doping or not is foolish.

Ross Tucker strikes me as a snake-oil salesman with a bee in his bonnet.

The other source you cite is a parody account.

The times are comparative studies not one stage.

What do you know about Ross Tucker, and Digger Forum is far from a parody account.

You are pretty naive so. Buying marginal gains BS. This is just Lance revisited.

Ok, well in that case may be you could educate me. What would a set physiological data that are indicative of doping look like? What is the power to weight ratio or the total power output for a given ride that would be diagnostic? Or to put it the other way round, what are the physiological limits beyond which it is not possible (even for an historically great athlete) to excel cleanly?

https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme (https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme)

You sound like a fan boy interview with Tucker on the link above argues the case pretty well.

Listen, I asked a genuine question because i'd genuinely like to know the answer - can we diagnose doping from the performance data? I have no preconceived notion of what the answer to that question is. I'm a fan of cycling and i would like to know if what we are watching now can be trusted. Like everyone who has watched the sport, I have been duped before and i have absolutely no desire to be duped again. If that makes me a 'fan-boy' then so be it.

Now I'm not a physiologist so i won't pretend that i can interpret the data. However, we can ask whether there is a scientific consensus about what the behavioural/physiological markers of doping would be. Say a set of criteria agreed upon by experts in the field which would give us a high degree of confidence that doping had taken place. Does such an objective set of criteria exist? Well, from the link you posted and from what i have read around the area, it is hard to say that there is. Instead we have the opinion of one physiologist. Not ideal but better than nothing. So what is his take of the data from the Ventoux climb that has been placed into the public domain? Well in his words, its high, but then, as he says, you would expect it to be high because this is the worlds best cyclist at that time. He also says it doesn't prove that he was doping and it doesn't prove that he wasn't doping. Its not implausible but it is at the upper limit of what he would expect.

What we want this data to tell us is whether Froome is doping or not. In Ross Tucker's opinion does it tell us that? No. Moreover we might ask whether data like this could possible tell us if an individual rider is clean or doped? Well this article would suggest probably not http://cyclingtips.com.au/2013/07/can-performance-be-used-as-an-indicator-of-doping/

In reality the only person that knows whether Chris Froome is doping or not is Chris Froome. Ross Tucker doesn't know, i don't know and you don't know - for how could we? You might say that makes me credulous and niave, I'd say that that is rational interpretation of the available evidence. Now if you want to be highly skeptical about cycling today because of what has gone on before i have no problem with that whatsoever. But lets not kid ourselves that it is because you know something that the rest of us don't.
[/quote

if he is doping he is not doing it on his own, he has some very smart people working with him. not only that but i would suggest that if he is at it so are at lease some of his team mates, for  me the most extraordinary performance the other day wasn't froome it was geraint thomas.  but this is why i honestly think that are not doping. because if they are its so wholesale and so sophisticated that the whole team are little more then a pharmaceutical operation. i just cant accept that this could be the case.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 16, 2015, 11:45:12 AM
Quote from: guy crouchback on July 16, 2015, 11:10:04 AM
Quote from: Clov on July 16, 2015, 10:36:06 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 15, 2015, 09:07:17 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 15, 2015, 09:47:30 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 05:52:38 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 14, 2015, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 04:18:04 PM
Does it not bother you that Froome's times are better than Armstrong's?

Obvious as hell's on the juice, just follow these two on twitter..

Ross Tucker ‏@Scienceofsport
f**k the hypocrisy ‏@Digger_forum

Are they?

The time it takes someone to go up a climb relative to historical comparisons with confirmed dopers tells you very little as there are so many factors than are not controlled for across the comparisons. The technology, tire pressure differences, atmospheric conditions, headwinds, length of stage, position of stage within the overall tour etc. The idea that you can extrapolate from the minimal data available to the public a confident judgement about whether someone is doping or not is foolish.

Ross Tucker strikes me as a snake-oil salesman with a bee in his bonnet.

The other source you cite is a parody account.

The times are comparative studies not one stage.

What do you know about Ross Tucker, and Digger Forum is far from a parody account.

You are pretty naive so. Buying marginal gains BS. This is just Lance revisited.

Ok, well in that case may be you could educate me. What would a set physiological data that are indicative of doping look like? What is the power to weight ratio or the total power output for a given ride that would be diagnostic? Or to put it the other way round, what are the physiological limits beyond which it is not possible (even for an historically great athlete) to excel cleanly?

https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme (https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme)

You sound like a fan boy interview with Tucker on the link above argues the case pretty well.

Listen, I asked a genuine question because i'd genuinely like to know the answer - can we diagnose doping from the performance data? I have no preconceived notion of what the answer to that question is. I'm a fan of cycling and i would like to know if what we are watching now can be trusted. Like everyone who has watched the sport, I have been duped before and i have absolutely no desire to be duped again. If that makes me a 'fan-boy' then so be it.

Now I'm not a physiologist so i won't pretend that i can interpret the data. However, we can ask whether there is a scientific consensus about what the behavioural/physiological markers of doping would be. Say a set of criteria agreed upon by experts in the field which would give us a high degree of confidence that doping had taken place. Does such an objective set of criteria exist? Well, from the link you posted and from what i have read around the area, it is hard to say that there is. Instead we have the opinion of one physiologist. Not ideal but better than nothing. So what is his take of the data from the Ventoux climb that has been placed into the public domain? Well in his words, its high, but then, as he says, you would expect it to be high because this is the worlds best cyclist at that time. He also says it doesn't prove that he was doping and it doesn't prove that he wasn't doping. Its not implausible but it is at the upper limit of what he would expect.

What we want this data to tell us is whether Froome is doping or not. In Ross Tucker's opinion does it tell us that? No. Moreover we might ask whether data like this could possible tell us if an individual rider is clean or doped? Well this article would suggest probably not http://cyclingtips.com.au/2013/07/can-performance-be-used-as-an-indicator-of-doping/

In reality the only person that knows whether Chris Froome is doping or not is Chris Froome. Ross Tucker doesn't know, i don't know and you don't know - for how could we? You might say that makes me credulous and niave, I'd say that that is rational interpretation of the available evidence. Now if you want to be highly skeptical about cycling today because of what has gone on before i have no problem with that whatsoever. But lets not kid ourselves that it is because you know something that the rest of us don't.
[/quote

if he is doping he is not doing it on his own, he has some very smart people working with him. not only that but i would suggest that if he is at it so are at lease some of his team mates, for  me the most extraordinary performance the other day wasn't froome it was geraint thomas.  but this is why i honestly think that are not doping. because if they are its so wholesale and so sophisticated that the whole team are little more then a pharmaceutical operation. i just cant accept that this could be the case.

Your correct when you say that if he is doping there has to be medical assistance coming from somewhere. Its highly unlikely that Froome is doping unaided with no medical guidance.

Your also correct in saying that Thomas' performance on Tuesday was a bigger surprise given that he is not known for his climbing ability. However that is only because we are used to seeing Froome at this level for about 4 years now. Froome's transformation in 2011 was remarkable as he had shown no aptitude previously for even remotely challenging in grand tours. Thomas had at least always shown talent as a cyclist albeit as a classics rider.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 16, 2015, 12:00:50 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 16, 2015, 10:36:06 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 15, 2015, 09:07:17 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 15, 2015, 09:47:30 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 05:52:38 PM
Quote from: Clov on July 14, 2015, 04:41:27 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 14, 2015, 04:18:04 PM
Does it not bother you that Froome's times are better than Armstrong's?

Obvious as hell's on the juice, just follow these two on twitter..

Ross Tucker ‏@Scienceofsport
f**k the hypocrisy ‏@Digger_forum

Are they?

The time it takes someone to go up a climb relative to historical comparisons with confirmed dopers tells you very little as there are so many factors than are not controlled for across the comparisons. The technology, tire pressure differences, atmospheric conditions, headwinds, length of stage, position of stage within the overall tour etc. The idea that you can extrapolate from the minimal data available to the public a confident judgement about whether someone is doping or not is foolish.

Ross Tucker strikes me as a snake-oil salesman with a bee in his bonnet.

The other source you cite is a parody account.

The times are comparative studies not one stage.

What do you know about Ross Tucker, and Digger Forum is far from a parody account.

You are pretty naive so. Buying marginal gains BS. This is just Lance revisited.

Ok, well in that case may be you could educate me. What would a set physiological data that are indicative of doping look like? What is the power to weight ratio or the total power output for a given ride that would be diagnostic? Or to put it the other way round, what are the physiological limits beyond which it is not possible (even for an historically great athlete) to excel cleanly?

https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme (https://m.soundcloud.com/offtheball/ross-tucker-on-chris-fromme)

You sound like a fan boy interview with Tucker on the link above argues the case pretty well.

Listen, I asked a genuine question because i'd genuinely like to know the answer - can we diagnose doping from the performance data? I have no preconceived notion of what the answer to that question is. I'm a fan of cycling and i would like to know if what we are watching now can be trusted. Like everyone who has watched the sport, I have been duped before and i have absolutely no desire to be duped again. If that makes me a 'fan-boy' then so be it.

Now I'm not a physiologist so i won't pretend that i can interpret the data. However, we can ask whether there is a scientific consensus about what the behavioural/physiological markers of doping would be. Say a set of criteria agreed upon by experts in the field which would give us a high degree of confidence that doping had taken place. Does such an objective set of criteria exist? Well, from the link you posted and from what i have read around the area, it is hard to say that there is. Instead we have the opinion of one physiologist. Not ideal but better than nothing. So what is his take of the data from the Ventoux climb that has been placed into the public domain? Well in his words, its high, but then, as he says, you would expect it to be high because this is the worlds best cyclist at that time. He also says it doesn't prove that he was doping and it doesn't prove that he wasn't doping. Its not implausible but it is at the upper limit of what he would expect.

What we want this data to tell us is whether Froome is doping or not. In Ross Tucker's opinion does it tell us that? No. Moreover we might ask whether data like this could possible tell us if an individual rider is clean or doped? Well this article would suggest probably not http://cyclingtips.com.au/2013/07/can-performance-be-used-as-an-indicator-of-doping/

In reality the only person that knows whether Chris Froome is doping or not is Chris Froome. Ross Tucker doesn't know, i don't know and you don't know - for how could we? You might say that makes me credulous and niave, I'd say that that is rational interpretation of the available evidence. Now if you want to be highly skeptical about cycling today because of what has gone on before i have no problem with that whatsoever. But lets not kid ourselves that it is because you know something that the rest of us don't.

Michelle Smith's performances in the pool were also not implausible. Taken in isolation Froome's performance wasn't beyond human capabilities. However given the massive spike in his performance in 2011 you would need to have blindfolds on not to be asking questions as its the plausability. As Tucker says himself the power data is only one pixel and all of the other factors have to taken into account when forming an opinion on whether a rider is doping or not.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 02:31:30 PM
Spike? Most people would refer to it as his breakthrough year! You are well aware of the Bilharza episode, you choose not to believe it? The motorbike episode in the Giro you continually refer to also has an innocent explanation you presumably are aware of yet choose not to believe? Both of us have access to the same info yet draw differing conclusions. I still get a vibe from posters who think he's a doper that those who hold a different opinion are fucktards, yet in reality there is zero evidence of anything untoward.

I see Froome is to subject himself to physiological testing to try & placate the doubters.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 16, 2015, 02:41:07 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 02:31:30 PM
Spike? Most people would refer to it as his breakthrough year! You are well aware of the Bilharza episode, you choose not to believe it? The motorbike episode in the Giro you continually refer to also has an innocent explanation you presumably are aware of yet choose not to believe? Both of us have access to the same info yet draw differing conclusions. I still get a vibe from posters who think he's a doper that those who hold a different opinion are fucktards, yet in reality there is zero evidence of anything untoward.

I see Froome is to subject himself to physiological testing to try & placate the doubters.

That may be true Benny but at the same time you've insinuated that anyone who doesn't buy Froome doesn't understand cycling, which also isn't true.

Fair play to Froome for offering himself up for further testing, but it's also worth remembering that Lance never failed a test.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 02:45:57 PM
I apologise if that's how it appears as it's not my intention.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 16, 2015, 04:29:02 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 02:31:30 PM
Spike? Most people would refer to it as his breakthrough year! You are well aware of the Bilharza episode, you choose not to believe it? The motorbike episode in the Giro you continually refer to also has an innocent explanation you presumably are aware of yet choose not to believe? Both of us have access to the same info yet draw differing conclusions. I still get a vibe from posters who think he's a doper that those who hold a different opinion are fucktards, yet in reality there is zero evidence of anything untoward.

I see Froome is to subject himself to physiological testing to try & placate the doubters.

Really? I would expect to see a natural progression upwards not one where he transformed himself from being a domestique without a team, to a Grand Tour champion and one of the best clean cyclists of all time (if you take your viewpoint). It wasn't a breakthrough it was a complete transformation.

Your right Benny, no hard evidence just circumstantial evidence. Its the complete lack of transparency by sky that grates with me the most. If they didn't try and portray themself as whiter than white then maybe they wouldn't annoy me as much.  They have led a concerted PR campaign with the might of the establishment and Murdoch media empire behind them. Personally I don't buy it at all. Personally I also don't think your a fucktard (your words) either, your entitled to your opinion but I get the impression that it would take Froome to get busted before you'd stop believing. I'm not trying to convince anyone to agree with me but I have my own opinions and its based on nothing more than the cumulation of evidence and the opinions of those who are detached from the gravy train, are proper investigative journalists and who know the sport.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 16, 2015, 04:37:25 PM
Do you think this is Thomas' 'breakthrough year' into a GC contender at age 29? Pulling the yellow jersey group up the top of a mountain and chasing down a specialist climber like Quintana who he is 2 stone heavier than when he is widely known as a classics rider. Not as big a transformation as Froome was 4 years ago but the next thing is Thomas will be competing for the other Grand Tours as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 04:57:17 PM
Thomas is/was naturally talented enough to be anything, if he lost a stone he could be a genuine GC man imo, his infatuation with the track up until recently have prob stopped the development years needed, he doesn't strike me as overly interested in GC, but I think he could win a Vuelta if he changed focus from the classics (Kelly showed both can be done anyway).

He chased down Quintana for 50ms today as is the job of a super domestique
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 16, 2015, 05:12:37 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 04:57:17 PM
Thomas is/was naturally talented enough to be anything, if he lost a stone he could be a genuine GC man imo, his infatuation with the track up until recently have prob stopped the development years needed, he doesn't strike me as overly interested in GC, but I think he could win a Vuelta if he changed focus from the classics (Kelly showed both can be done anyway).

He chased down Quintana for 50ms today as is the job of a super domestique

Totally differrent disciplines, Thomas has more talent than Froome ever had but couldn't climb (actually pulling them for long periods) HC mountains with the top riders sporadically never mind doing 3 consecutive days. Maybe Usain Bolt could win a 1,500m as well!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 16, 2015, 05:28:33 PM
Michael Rasmussen ‏@MRasmussen1974 2h2 hours ago

Track rider @GeraintThomas86 bringing back colombian climber @NairoQuinCo !
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 06:09:05 PM
So is Thomas a doper now too? Thought it was just Froome? Sorry, you gave Porte a touch too. Is it just the most talented ones, who get paid the most money, the cosseted protected riders, that dope or is it systemic effecting Roche, Diegnan et al? This of course would also implicate Sir Dave Brailsford & cast doubt on the UK track cycling success of the past decade as well. So is a grand scale conspiracy or what?

Thomas can climb as well as any super domestique, that's all he done today,he's a hugely talented strong man &  is undoubtedly capable of a lot more - if he stopped (or had stopped) trying to be a multi-discpline superman.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 16, 2015, 06:19:10 PM
i suppose dan is a doper too the way he closed the gap yesterday.  any chance we can enjoy the tour for what it is.  these sky dope questions have be going on for years with still no proof.  i expect if sky where a  french team leading the tour they would be less questions
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on July 16, 2015, 06:42:28 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 06:09:05 PM
So is Thomas a doper now too? Thought it was just Froome? Sorry, you gave Porte a touch too. Is it just the most talented ones, who get paid the most money, the cosseted protected riders, that dope or is it systemic effecting Roche, Diegnan et al? This of course would also implicate Sir Dave Brailsford & cast doubt on the UK track cycling success of the past decade as well. So is a grand scale conspiracy or what?

Thomas can climb as well as any super domestique, that's all he done today,he's a hugely talented strong man &  is undoubtedly capable of a lot more - if he stopped (or had stopped) trying to be a multi-discpline superman.

Cillian Kelly ‏@irishpeloton  1h1 hour ago
Before this week Thomas had never finished in the same group as Froome on any mountain stage. 15 mountain stages in six different races

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 16, 2015, 06:55:58 PM
ur point is
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on July 16, 2015, 07:05:15 PM
I suppose it is his breakthrough year.

At 29.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dinny Breen on July 16, 2015, 07:22:59 PM
http://www.cyclingnews.com/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ucis-suspicious-list-leaked-from-2010-tour-de-france (http://www.cyclingnews.com/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ucis-suspicious-list-leaked-from-2010-tour-de-france)

UCI's suspicious list leaked from 2010 Tour de France

6 Linus Gerdemann, Christian Knees, Egoi Martínez, Alessandro Petacchi, Francesco Reda, Mauro Santambrogio, Geraint Thomas


From six to ten, the circumstantial evidence of possible doping was "overwhelming". According to the paper, some of the riders located to the top of list have already been singled out by the biological passport and evaluated by the panel of nine experts, even if no procedure was opened. "Still, some of the files' commentaries are damning. Recurrent abnormal profiles, enormous fluctuations, identification of the used doping product and means of administration..." wrote L'Equipe's anti-doping expert journalist Damien Ressiot.

Appreciate most of just want to enjoy the racing but after Lance Armstrong I have zero respect for that sport.

They should call it Formula 1 Cycling and at least then we know it's about drugs, mechanics and athletic ability.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 16, 2015, 07:31:38 PM
no bother dinny so dont watch it, or read this tread
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dinny Breen on July 16, 2015, 07:34:28 PM
Quote from: gerry on July 16, 2015, 07:31:38 PM
no bother dinny so dont watch it, our read this tread

Yea probably good advice. Enjoy!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 07:56:21 PM
Quote from: muppet on July 16, 2015, 06:42:28 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 06:09:05 PM
So is Thomas a doper now too? Thought it was just Froome? Sorry, you gave Porte a touch too. Is it just the most talented ones, who get paid the most money, the cosseted protected riders, that dope or is it systemic effecting Roche, Diegnan et al? This of course would also implicate Sir Dave Brailsford & cast doubt on the UK track cycling success of the past decade as well. So is a grand scale conspiracy or what?

Thomas can climb as well as any super domestique, that's all he done today,he's a hugely talented strong man &  is undoubtedly capable of a lot more - if he stopped (or had stopped) trying to be a multi-discpline superman.

Cillian Kelly ‏@irishpeloton  1h1 hour ago
Before this week Thomas had never finished in the same group as Froome on any mountain stage. 15 mountain stages in six different races
Hmmmmm... His job as a Super Dom is to do the donkey work, bring him so far and then let Froome work his magic. It was clear in today's stage that Thomas & Porte swapped roles so Thomas was the last man, Porte normally is and would therefore normally be the man nearest to Froome. You'd think Thomas was swanning up the climb like Pantani to read some of this stuff, he was in a group of 7 or 8 hanging like a snotter.

Twitter's great for firing out innuendo laden guff

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 09:08:27 PM
Good balanced article

Commentary: On Froome and not knowing
By John BradleyPublished 51 mins ago
Share4 Tweet3
3 0
image: http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/07/20155082-275236-320x213.jpg

Cycling: 102nd Tour de France / Stage 11
It's not easy being yellow. Chris Froome (Sky) faces persistent questions about his remarkable performances. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com
We have two interns at VeloNews. They're both 21. They love cycling. They love it with the enthusiasm of youth. They love cycling despite having discovered it while drugs were decimating the sport. They were 12 years old when Floyd Landis happened. Watching cycling without suspicion is as foreign to them as going through airport security without removing shoes. They never knew life before the inflection point.

Yet they think cycling is the best sport in the world. When I ask one of them how he reconciles that sentiment with what he knows about doping, he says he thinks the peloton is cleaner now but that he can't fully embrace a lot of winning performances. "I wonder about Froome," he says. "When he wins like he did, it seems suspicious."

Our interns might never get to celebrate Tour wins with the unchecked enthusiasm I enjoyed when LeMond pipped Fignon in '89. But they still love the sport.

No performance in pro cycling happens in isolation. Time is a river, and the waters of 1998, Lance Armstrong, 2006, pot belge, Puerto, and so on, swirl around every current rider. That makes the skepticism about Chris Froome (Sky) understandable. Or, rather, it makes skepticism understandable. Right now the doubt is directed at Froome less because his performances have truly been otherworldly than because we suspect anyone in yellow.


The only way to avoid suspicion is not to win. Nibali faced repeated questions about doping during last year's Tour and again in the offseason, when his Astana team continued to be, well, Team Astana. Froome fought off accusations in 2013. Bradley Wiggins had to respond to questions about his Tour win and Team Sky's dominance in 2012. (His answers were short, and most of the words he used contained only four letters.)

Was Wiggins clean? Was Cadel Evans? Do we suspect Froome, or the yellow jersey? Perhaps if he looked more graceful on a bike, we'd be more accepting. Maybe if he spoke as affably as Jens Voigt, we'd cheer for him more. He might have a bigger fan base if his arms didn't look like they should be blowing in the wind in front of a used car dealership. But the truth is he's not a fan favorite, and he's winning in a sport that has become emblematic of doping. That's tough to overcome.

The attitude of our sporting era is reflexive doubt. We scoff. We shrug. We rationalize the results until they fit with the way we see things. Wins by riders we've decided to believe in are evidence that people can race clean. Victories by anyone else are proof that the sport is still filthy.

But we don't know.

For a while, cyclists were doping in ways that the tests could catch. Reasoned Decision investigators were able to go back through the years and prove what many thought to be true. Year after year, race after race, the proof was strong enough to remove doubt.

We don't have that drumbeat of hard evidence now. The testers aren't catching as many riders. We can take that as an indication that the sport is cleaner, or we can take it as a sign that the cheaters have gotten smarter.

It's both, and proof of neither. We don't know.

Which performances can we believe and which ones should we dismiss? We don't know. Was Froome pumping enhanced blood on Tuesday or was it just that, as David Brailsford pointed out, his rivals had a bad day? We don't know. Certainly Froome's ride wasn't something out of the ordinary for him. He's been competitive in stage races at every level since turning pro. If anyone's rides seemed extraordinary on Tuesday, they were Ritchie Porte's (Sky) and Alejandro Valverde's (Movistar). Those guys were driving the pace up most of the climb and still finished well.

Calm down. I'm not insinuating that Porte has started doping or that Valverde hasn't stopped. We don't know. We don't know about the guy who grabbed the prime at your Tuesday night crit, the way we don't know about anyone right up until they test positive or someone finds conclusive evidence. I'm just saying that the accusations leveled at Froome might have less to do with his actual ride than with who he is and what he's wearing.

I don't think his win in La Pierre-Saint-Martin was proof that he's doping, nor even strong evidence of the fact. At 59 seconds over Porte in second place and 1:04 over Nairo Quintana in third, it wasn't even all that impressive by Tour standards, at least relative to the field. In 1986, Greg LeMond won stage 13 in the Pyrennes by over a minute. Five days later, he and Bernard Hinault rolled across the finish atop l'Alpe d'Huez together more than five minutes ahead of the third-placed rider.

In 1986, rides like that inspired. In 2015, far lesser rides inspire letters like the one we received minutes after Froome had crossed the finish line Tuesday. It began, "One reason there is a proliferation of doping in cycling is because VeloNews and the rest of the media do not call out the obvious dopers," and ended, "I'm done watching this tour and have loss [sic] respect for the writers at VeloNews."

We call them out plenty. (Someday maybe I'll share some of the letters we get begging us to stop with all the doping stories.) Few people love cycling as much as the writers at VeloNews, and few are as aware of its problems. But whether you define "obvious" in journalistic, WADA, or legal terms, Froome's not an obvious doper. And we don't know.

We'll continue to call out the cheats. We're reporters first. We'll follow any smoke to see if there's fire. In 2006, after Landis made a mockery of the Tour, I wrote a column for Outside magazine in which I said I couldn't believe in pro cycling anymore. (Among the negative responses I got was one from a former pro whose career has since ended in doping ignominy.)

In that column, I wrote, "I refuse to let the cheats take away what has been the defining athletic pursuit of my life. Look, I used to love Woody Allen films, then he ran off with his lover's daughter, and now Manhattan creeps me out. But I still go to the movies. So if the pros want to pack their blood, slap hormone patches on their nethers, and trot out lawyer-vetted statements about how they've never tested positive for anything, fine. I'll be on my bike."

I'm in a much better place now. The drug scandals never robbed me of the joy of riding. And the efforts to clean up the sport — flawed but earnest — have restored enough of my trust that I'm comfortable being the editor in chief of a cycling publication. That doesn't mean I think everyone is riding clean. I'm not naïve. But I do think cycling wants to be clean and is doing more than any other sport to get there.

Mostly, though, I've accepted not knowing. As Froome has repeatedly said, you can't prove a negative. When someone fails a test, we know. Otherwise, it's down to faith. If Froome is in fact riding clean, he is the only person in the world who can ever know that for a fact. The rest of us, even those closest to him, can only believe.

Or not. It's our choice whether or not to live with the ambiguity. But we dont know.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: stew on July 16, 2015, 09:29:18 PM
I used to love the tour but this year I find myself unable to watch it bar the highlights, not because of the riders but because the whole sport is immersed in a thick cloud of suspicion and negativity, and to me the winner of the tour will undoubtedly be looked at as a doper, as will 2nd and 3rd in all likelihood!

I dont know what the answer but Froome having a very good day in the saddle does not a doper make.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 18, 2015, 05:14:43 PM
Great win for Steve Cummings & MTN. Teejay looks to be on the slide a bit, he'll do well to hold onto third (and bring my 40/1 place home).

Don't think this Tour is over yet, next week looks brutal, one off day by Froome and it's game on. Quintana & Valverde look capable of causing bother to him.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 18, 2015, 07:14:40 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on July 16, 2015, 04:29:02 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 16, 2015, 02:31:30 PM
Spike? Most people would refer to it as his breakthrough year! You are well aware of the Bilharza episode, you choose not to believe it? The motorbike episode in the Giro you continually refer to also has an innocent explanation you presumably are aware of yet choose not to believe? Both of us have access to the same info yet draw differing conclusions. I still get a vibe from posters who think he's a doper that those who hold a different opinion are fucktards, yet in reality there is zero evidence of anything untoward.

I see Froome is to subject himself to physiological testing to try & placate the doubters.

Really? I would expect to see a natural progression upwards not one where he transformed himself from being a domestique without a team, to a Grand Tour champion and one of the best clean cyclists of all time (if you take your viewpoint). It wasn't a breakthrough it was a complete transformation.

Your right Benny, no hard evidence just circumstantial evidence. Its the complete lack of transparency by sky that grates with me the most. If they didn't try and portray themself as whiter than white then maybe they wouldn't annoy me as much.  They have led a concerted PR campaign with the might of the establishment and Murdoch media empire behind them. Personally I don't buy it at all. Personally I also don't think your a fucktard (your words) either, your entitled to your opinion but I get the impression that it would take Froome to get busted before you'd stop believing. I'm not trying to convince anyone to agree with me but I have my own opinions and its based on nothing more than the cumulation of evidence and the opinions of those who are detached from the gravy train, are proper investigative journalists and who know the sport.
FWIW David Walsh believes Froome is clean.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 20, 2015, 09:45:20 AM
Looks like Sam could won a prize if he continues, although it's not one he would want.  It can't be easy doing your first tour and feeling poorly.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on July 21, 2015, 08:19:00 PM
Anyone doing the Meath Heritage cycle this weekend?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 22, 2015, 11:12:31 AM
A guy Tony from Armagh just called into Radio Ulster to ask what they do with all the bicycles after the Tour de France...He says "do they recycle them"...lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on July 22, 2015, 01:06:48 PM
Quote from: illdecide on July 22, 2015, 11:12:31 AM
A guy Tony from Armagh just called into Radio Ulster to ask what they do with all the bicycles after the Tour de France...He says "do they recycle them"...lol

That deserves its own thread....
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 22, 2015, 01:13:00 PM
Van Garderen really struggling today. Already 2mins down after 50kms.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 22, 2015, 01:20:11 PM
Aye, just saw that, touch of the Skitter no doubt. My 40/1 place looks officially fucked.

Expecting fireworks today. Sky's Peter Kennaugh is away home sick a few days ago as well, that wont help them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mylestheslasher on July 22, 2015, 01:25:05 PM
Looking to get a racing bike, something second hand in the region of €500 to €750. Anyone got any suggestions? There are a lot of them on done deal but I have to plead total ignorance as I a haven't got a clue on Racer specs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 22, 2015, 02:12:35 PM
Quote from: mylestheslasher on July 22, 2015, 01:25:05 PM
Looking to get a racing bike, something second hand in the region of €500 to €750. Anyone got any suggestions? There are a lot of them on done deal but I have to plead total ignorance as I a haven't got a clue on Racer specs.

Second hand is probably your best bet. Do you know what frame size you need ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 22, 2015, 02:19:24 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 22, 2015, 01:20:11 PM
Aye, just saw that, touch of the Skitter no doubt. My 40/1 place looks officially fucked.

Expecting fireworks today. Sky's Peter Kennaugh is away home sick a few days ago as well, that wont help them.
Van Garderen dropped out. Sad to see as he had been going really well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mylestheslasher on July 22, 2015, 03:28:08 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 22, 2015, 02:12:35 PM
Quote from: mylestheslasher on July 22, 2015, 01:25:05 PM
Looking to get a racing bike, something second hand in the region of €500 to €750. Anyone got any suggestions? There are a lot of them on done deal but I have to plead total ignorance as I a haven't got a clue on Racer specs.

Second hand is probably your best bet. Do you know what frame size you need ?

I think about 52 or 54cm. Did an online thing to check this.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 23, 2015, 03:11:47 PM
On the Col Du Glandon at the minute! Oh the pain!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RealSpiritof98 on July 23, 2015, 03:22:17 PM
Finally been persuaded to go out on the bike. Any suggestions? I'm starting from scratch, low budget and totally out of shape. My mate's given me 3 weeks to get sorted.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on July 23, 2015, 03:32:40 PM
Anyone following the spat between Kimmage and Walsh on OTB this week

Basically Kimmage saying The Times is a Sky cheer leader and why are they not asking about the values that were leaked during the week
Walsh came back, weakly IMO, saying he didn't understand W/kg and so didn't question the values. Ger quiet rightly pointed out that he questioned LAs VO2 max figures so why not at least question Froomes power data
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 23, 2015, 03:35:10 PM
Is it bringing back bad memories
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 23, 2015, 04:35:23 PM
Quote from: RealSpiritof98 on July 23, 2015, 03:22:17 PM
Finally been persuaded to go out on the bike. Any suggestions? I'm starting from scratch, low budget and totally out of shape. My mate's given me 3 weeks to get sorted.

3 weeks for what? Just get out as much as you can and enjoy it.
One simple tip is to spin the gears. Don't grind a big gear. Any beginner I go out with always insists on grinding the hardest gear and tiring out their legs within a few mile.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 23, 2015, 04:40:10 PM
I'm still on the fence with the doping allegations. I have no doubt they're all pushing the boundaries on what is legal when using supplements or performance enhancers. I was 100% sure Armstrong was doping and that most elite athletes are using PEDs, I'm just not entirely sure what to think about Sky. Surely not?? At the same time I wouldnt be surprised if they were.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Nigel White on July 23, 2015, 04:48:39 PM
I went up Alpe d'Huez on Sunday and Les Deux Alpes on Monday. I was knackered at the end and I was driving a car, how those guys cycle it At that speed and on the heat, I'll never know
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 23, 2015, 05:00:22 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on July 23, 2015, 03:32:40 PM
Anyone following the spat between Kimmage and Walsh on OTB this week

Basically Kimmage saying The Times is a Sky cheer leader and why are they not asking about the values that were leaked during the week
Walsh came back, weakly IMO, saying he didn't understand W/kg and so didn't question the values. Ger quiet rightly pointed out that he questioned LAs VO2 max figures so why not at least question Froomes power data

Is his point that he doesn't understand W/kg valid then? If he understands VO2 max he can question it, if he doesn't understand another metric measuring something else then he can't?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hound on July 23, 2015, 05:53:37 PM
I think the point is that if it was Lance, Walsh (rightly) would have made it his business to understand and then audit the information released. With Froome, he just said I can't understand it, so I'm not going to consider it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 23, 2015, 08:05:00 PM
This tour is like last years all the action was in the first week.   Roll on the spring classics. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 23, 2015, 08:25:03 PM
(https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xft1/v/t1.0-0/11745741_10153635477524873_6001536979035256323_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=c0c9e8b39ee54b15214067cc92c2fe52&oe=564F1D97&__gda__=1444595813_2e4d450c419210c1b0d1a7c75a3df89d)

How do they do it without drugs ffs
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 23, 2015, 09:21:50 PM
I did that climb a few weeks back. It's actually easy enough as it only lasts 3.4km and after the first couple of corners it's around  steady 6% with hairpins breaking it up. Much harder climbs over here but obviously nothing as stunning as that. The glandon that they did today is ridiculously long. Went on and on and on.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 23, 2015, 09:50:07 PM
I see FSA are getting into the Groupset market, wireless Di2/EPS type set up spotted at the Tour on a few teams bikes.

I'd have to echo Gerry's disappointment with Le Tour, la Vuelta is my favourite Grand Tour anyhow, so still got that to look forward to.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 23, 2015, 09:58:04 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 23, 2015, 09:50:07 PM
I see FSA are getting into the Groupset market, wireless Di2/EPS type set up spotted at the Tour on a few teams bikes.

I'd have to echo Gerry's disappointment with Le Tour, la Vuelta is my favourite Grand Tour anyhow, so still got that to look forward to.

I saw that on GCN yesterday, could be a good option! Think I will wait a while though before seriously considering FSA full groupset. I am thinking of going to Campag but pricey.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Nigel White on July 23, 2015, 10:19:10 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 23, 2015, 09:21:50 PM
I did that climb a few weeks back. It's actually easy enough as it only lasts 3.4km and after the first couple of corners it's around  steady 6% with hairpins breaking it up. Much harder climbs over here but obviously nothing as stunning as that. The glandon that they did today is ridiculously long. Went on and on and on.
Last Sunday there was a campervan or 3 parked at the apex of each of the hairpins, also a lot of people camped ouside Huez village where there seemed to be a great stmosphere
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 23, 2015, 10:51:36 PM
Im assuming you mean Alpe D'Huez? That climb with all the hairpins posted above is Lacets Montvernier.  Dutch corner on ADH will be in full flow right now. DJ and beer trucks keeping the party going.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Nigel White on July 23, 2015, 11:29:33 PM
Yup, i mean Alpe d'Heuz.  I was referring to Huez Village which, as you will know, is below the summit.  I assume Dutch Corner is at the very top of the climb beside the roundabout
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 23, 2015, 11:38:16 PM
No, it's on corner 7. There's a little church there as well. Looks completely mental a week before race day never mind on the day itself.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: screenexile on July 24, 2015, 03:37:55 PM
There seems to be a bit of contention about Nibali attacking when 'Froomey' had a mechanical issue... is this frowned upon??

I would have thought in something like cycling this would be something you take advantage of?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 24, 2015, 06:02:35 PM
Great stage today, obviously read me & Gerry's comments.

I see both ITV2 & Eurosport reckon Nibali was entitled to attack, they seemed to think with his troops massed on the front it was his imminent intention. It wasnt as bad or as blatant as Contador's on Schleck about 4/5? Years ago anyway.

Froome not a happy camper, spat at near the summit, caught on TV. w**ker 'fan' should be lifted.

Too little too late from Quintana i'd say, although it should make 2moro exciting.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 24, 2015, 06:38:20 PM
I'd love Froome to win on the Alp tomorrow to rub it into them! The French fans are letting themselves down big time in my opinion.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 25, 2015, 02:07:11 PM
This is great viewing here.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 25, 2015, 03:41:08 PM
Unreal
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Denn Forever on July 25, 2015, 03:59:57 PM
Wonder  will it be a polite spin to  the finish line?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 25, 2015, 04:33:56 PM
Exciting stuff today. Quintana loses the Tour by the exact amount of time lost on the Flat Windy Stage 2. He left it too late waiting until yesterday before making his big move, Froome looked in trouble yesterday & today.

The amount of talk there's been about Froome has been ridiculous, if you consider he had one stellar day (took only 30secs on NQ) & managed his lead on every other stage.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 25, 2015, 04:58:24 PM
Good stage today, delighted for Pinot who has been one of the most open riders when it comes to publishing his power data. The tour was over after 8 days effectively and Froome simply latched onto a Sky train every day since in order to defend his lead. Never looked in any danger whatsoever. Leaving aside the negativity and furore over the Froome PED issue, overall it was a disappointing tour.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 25, 2015, 06:36:00 PM
If there had have been the usual long individual time trial it would have been a lot more "boring" tdf
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: stringbean on July 25, 2015, 06:37:50 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 25, 2015, 04:33:56 PM
Exciting stuff today. Quintana loses the Tour by the exact amount of time lost on the Flat Windy Stage 2. He left it too late waiting until yesterday before making his big move, Froome looked in trouble yesterday & today.

The amount of talk there's been about Froome has been ridiculous, if you consider he had one stellar day (took only 30secs on NQ) & managed his lead on every other stage.

Completely agree, Quintana will be regretting that 2nd stage and bit of lost concentration.

Thought Quintana was mightily impressive the last couple days and has to be best climber by a distance.


The talk about Froome has been a disgrace and overshadowed the tour - in the end of day there was very little to choose between Quintana and Froome - Froome had a better team around  him!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 26, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Sensible decision by the race organisers to call the finish time on the first crossing of the finish line on the champs elysees. They will race on after that but any crashes after that point will be irrelevant in terms of race time. The ladies race was chaos with the cobbles like a skating rink.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: stew on July 26, 2015, 06:18:53 PM
Quote from: Nigel White on July 23, 2015, 04:48:39 PM
I went up Alpe d'Huez on Sunday and Les Deux Alpes on Monday. I was knackered at the end and I was driving a car, how those guys cycle it At that speed and on the heat, I'll never know


drugs help apparently!  :-[

Bullshit aside, WTF is Armstrong doing questioning Froomes cleanliness, that cnut should be in jail not getting to judge others on their juicing habits!

That was hard shite to watch, those poor wemen must be hurting right about now, and to maddogs point, well done  the officils, maybe we should get them to referee Gaelic games! :P
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: stew on July 26, 2015, 06:34:54 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 24, 2015, 06:38:20 PM
I'd love Froome to win on the Alp tomorrow to rub it into them! The French fans are letting themselves down big time in my opinion.


Agreed, they cant stand the fact that a non French rider is going to win the tour! Good enough for the hoors!!!!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: stew on July 26, 2015, 06:42:02 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 25, 2015, 04:33:56 PM
Exciting stuff today. Quintana loses the Tour by the exact amount of time lost on the Flat Windy Stage 2. He left it too late waiting until yesterday before making his big move, Froome looked in trouble yesterday & today.

The amount of talk there's been about Froome has been ridiculous, if you consider he had one stellar day (took only 30secs on NQ) & managed his lead on every other stage.

Armstrong didnt help him at all, neither did the media, especially the French media, bastards all.

The old adage that you cannot win the tour in the early stages of the tour but you can lose it in the early stages never rang truer, hard to believe his main opponent got his tactics so wrong and made it easier for him, advisors?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Longshanks on July 27, 2015, 03:50:35 PM
Lads looking to get into cycling and went to chain reaction but when measured up he said he didnt have anything that would really suit my height, I'm 6ft6-7 and he said some about my long back maybe being a problem, is there somewhere that could sort me out without getting something specially made??
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 27, 2015, 04:09:59 PM
Quote from: Longshanks on July 27, 2015, 03:50:35 PM
Lads looking to get into cycling and went to chain reaction but when measured up he said he didnt have anything that would really suit my height, I'm 6ft6-7 and he said some about my long back maybe being a problem, is there somewhere that could sort me out without getting something specially made??

You can get 64cm frame bike and fit a long handle bar stem and have your saddle slid along the rails as far back as it can go while still keeping it at level.
http://www.tredz.co.uk - this website has a good sizing guide where you can input inside leg total height etc and it will tell you what framesize you need.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 27, 2015, 06:01:37 PM
Quote from: stew on July 26, 2015, 06:34:54 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 24, 2015, 06:38:20 PM
I'd love Froome to win on the Alp tomorrow to rub it into them! The French fans are letting themselves down big time in my opinion.


Agreed, they cant stand the fact that a non French rider is going to win the tour! Good enough for the hoors!!!!!

They haven't had a winner in 30 years since Hinault and they haven't had a real contender since Jalabert, himself a doper, so I don't think that's it. Honestly think it's that they're just a bunch of c***ts.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 27, 2015, 09:41:50 PM
Froome talking of a tilt at La Vuelta, could be interesting, but i'd say it's post Tour adrenalin talking. If he did and was successful he'd be a cert to have a rattle at the Giro in the spring for the Grand Slam!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 27, 2015, 09:48:53 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 27, 2015, 09:41:50 PM
Froome talking of a tilt at La Vuelta, could be interesting, but i'd say it's post Tour adrenalin talking. If he did and was successful he'd be a cert to have a rattle at the Giro in the spring for the Grand Slam!

You can't call it that. Grand Slam conveys all in the same year which would imply he'd achieved something no other cyclist in history has managed. At least qualify it with "career grand slam" or something.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 27, 2015, 09:56:33 PM
Anyone got a Castelli Gabba?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on July 28, 2015, 11:26:58 AM
Yes, best thing you can spend your money on. I feels really light but is incredibly warm
Couldn't recommend it enough
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 28, 2015, 12:59:39 PM
Quote from: Longshanks on July 27, 2015, 03:50:35 PM
Lads looking to get into cycling and went to chain reaction but when measured up he said he didnt have anything that would really suit my height, I'm 6ft6-7 and he said some about my long back maybe being a problem, is there somewhere that could sort me out without getting something specially made??

You could try https://www.facebook.com/groups/417701214932284/   

Just post up your height and see what is out there. Quite often there is more value in a well cherished and upgraded steed than a brand new one.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Longshanks on July 28, 2015, 02:25:27 PM


You could try https://www.facebook.com/groups/417701214932284/   

Just post up your height and see what is out there. Quite often there is more value in a well cherished and upgraded steed than a brand new one.
[/quote]

Hi grounded what is the name of that facebook page as thats something I think I would be looking to do until I'm well into in and know exactly what I want.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 28, 2015, 03:23:09 PM
It's Cycling Buy and sell (cyclists only) Face book.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 28, 2015, 11:25:53 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on July 28, 2015, 11:26:58 AM
Yes, best thing you can spend your money on. I feels really light but is incredibly warm
Couldn't recommend it enough

Ordered. Going to order an Assos winter base layer and hopefully I will be more or less sorted for autumn and early winter!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 29, 2015, 11:14:30 AM
I was in McConveys on Ormeau Rd yesterday (I work right beside it) and the price of the gear is shocking. I couldn't believe how expensive the gear is and the guy in the shop told me it's more expensive sport than golf...A Specialized helmet (it was so light I didn't know I had it in my hand) was reduced in the sale down to £112 and shoes reduced from £280 to £180 (apparently the stiffness was unreal ::)). How the hell can u guys afford all the best gear as if you added it up it would cost as much as the bike :'(. Maybe I'm just a tight hoor...I dunno.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on July 29, 2015, 11:20:46 AM
Quote from: illdecide on July 29, 2015, 11:14:30 AM
I was in McConveys on Ormeau Rd yesterday (I work right beside it) and the price of the gear is shocking. I couldn't believe how expensive the gear is and the guy in the shop told me it's more expensive sport than golf...A Specialized helmet (it was so light I didn't know I had it in my hand) was reduced in the sale down to £112 and shoes reduced from £280 to £180 (apparently the stiffness was unreal ::)). How the hell can u guys afford all the best gear as if you added it up it would cost as much as the bike :'(. Maybe I'm just a tight hoor...I dunno.
It is dear in there alright. Always pays to shop around. I mind looking at a set of pedals in there at £55. The same ones were in Chain Reaction at £30. Mind you I picked up a nice light Mavic waterproof jacket in McConverys one day for £30.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 29, 2015, 11:49:04 AM
Quote from: illdecide on July 29, 2015, 11:14:30 AM
I was in McConveys on Ormeau Rd yesterday (I work right beside it) and the price of the gear is shocking. I couldn't believe how expensive the gear is and the guy in the shop told me it's more expensive sport than golf...A Specialized helmet (it was so light I didn't know I had it in my hand) was reduced in the sale down to £112 and shoes reduced from £280 to £180 (apparently the stiffness was unreal ::)). How the hell can u guys afford all the best gear as if you added it up it would cost as much as the bike :'(. Maybe I'm just a tight hoor...I dunno.

You're a typical tight Lurgan man  ;D A lot of cycling gear is ridiculously overpriced so it is always better to look for sales. Generally though, from the stuff I have bought the more expensive shorts etc do tend to be a lot better quality. The cheap stuff I bought at the start has either fallen apart of lost it's shape. Saddles are completely personal though. There are saddles for 100s of pounds and might be the most uncomfortable thing in the world, whereas the cheap £40 saddle might be perfect. I would always pay more for shorts and winter gear to make sure I am comfortable and warm.

The price of components is ridiculous at times. Most of the higher priced things may be more expensive because they're a few grams lighter than the level below, although they may not be as durable!! Expensive sport! Not like gaelic where you buy your boots and pay the club membership and that's it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 29, 2015, 12:13:02 PM
The whole industry has gone bonkers and the shops are very adept at convincing guys that they need to upgrade XY and Z from the bike they have just spent a 4 figure sum on. (Think buying a ferrari to do your shopping in) A guy in our office just took up cycling and kitted himself out inn full Assos gear and spend 3k on a Pinarello bike. It might be going cheap in a few months ;)

The beauty about the upgrade culture is that it means there is loads of nearly near 2nd hand kit on the auction sites if you are prepared to fit stuff yourself.
Shorts bottoms and saddles are worth spending a bit more on but you can pick up a pair of shimano road shoes for £50 which for most on here would do the job well.
there are excellent waterproof cycling jackets available here for example. I have 2 of these, perfect for winter over a long sleeve jersey. They do other kit too.
http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/running-cycling/hi-vis-jackets/mens/adrenaline-bike-jacket-p7008.aspx?cl=COBALT (http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/running-cycling/hi-vis-jackets/mens/adrenaline-bike-jacket-p7008.aspx?cl=COBALT)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 29, 2015, 12:46:36 PM
TBH I dunno if I'd wear 2nd hand stuff and I don't mean that in a stuck up way. Def not shoes. I up graded my seat on my new bike and I swear it's as hard as concrete. (Gel seat), my arse h**e is sore every time I go out.

An honest question deserves an honest answer...If you are out and you meet cyclists do you look them up and down to see what gear they have and would you pass judgement on it if the guy/girl was wearing cheap gear and nothing matching as I seem to detect a bit of snobbery in the sport...(BTW I'm as rough as they come ;))
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 29, 2015, 01:03:02 PM
Quote from: illdecide on July 29, 2015, 12:46:36 PM
TBH I dunno if I'd wear 2nd hand stuff and I don't mean that in a stuck up way. Def not shoes. I up graded my seat on my new bike and I swear it's as hard as concrete. (Gel seat), my arse h**e is sore every time I go out.

An honest question deserves an honest answer...If you are out and you meet cyclists do you look them up and down to see what gear they have and would you pass judgement on it if the guy/girl was wearing cheap gear and nothing matching as I seem to detect a bit of snobbery in the sport...(BTW I'm as rough as they come ;))

Sorry should have been clearer I was talking about 2nd hand components from guys upgrading groupsets and wheels etc not clothes. In answer to the 2nd - no not at all. I love to see the old guys on 30 year old bikes that have eeked the last out of them and taken care of their steeds over the years. With a lot of older cyclists you will find a certain retro vibe and they will be drooling over steel colnagos battaglins tommasinis gios torinos etc and wouldnt look at a carbon bike if they were paid to. Part of this is due to the change from hand built frames to factory produced. 


Btw - what saddle did you change to ?


This made me smile.
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-types-of-rider-youll-see-on-every-club-run-166582 (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-types-of-rider-youll-see-on-every-club-run-166582)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 29, 2015, 01:09:32 PM
Question for all the other lads that do a bit of peddling. What perch do you use ? I've tried many and seem to have settled best on this one which i picked up off ebay.

http://www.masherz.com/images/productpics/selleitalia/maxflitegelflowteambig.jpg (http://www.masherz.com/images/productpics/selleitalia/maxflitegelflowteambig.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 29, 2015, 01:40:31 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 29, 2015, 01:09:32 PM
Question for all the other lads that do a bit of peddling. What perch do you use ? I've tried many and seem to have settled best on this one which i picked up off ebay.

http://www.masherz.com/images/productpics/selleitalia/maxflitegelflowteambig.jpg (http://www.masherz.com/images/productpics/selleitalia/maxflitegelflowteambig.jpg)

Just bought the very same saddle myself (but in black) last week. Still bedding in but really comfortable. Halfords where doing a 20% discount and a 3 for 2 offer. So managed to pick up the seat and 2 Schwalbe Durano plus folding tyres for £70. The seat itself is usually around £60 on its own. As the lads said if you keep your eyes peeled there can be some bargains in the sales.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 29, 2015, 02:37:43 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 29, 2015, 01:03:02 PM
Quote from: illdecide on July 29, 2015, 12:46:36 PM
TBH I dunno if I'd wear 2nd hand stuff and I don't mean that in a stuck up way. Def not shoes. I up graded my seat on my new bike and I swear it's as hard as concrete. (Gel seat), my arse h**e is sore every time I go out.

An honest question deserves an honest answer...If you are out and you meet cyclists do you look them up and down to see what gear they have and would you pass judgement on it if the guy/girl was wearing cheap gear and nothing matching as I seem to detect a bit of snobbery in the sport...(BTW I'm as rough as they come ;))

Sorry should have been clearer I was talking about 2nd hand components from guys upgrading groupsets and wheels etc not clothes. In answer to the 2nd - no not at all. I love to see the old guys on 30 year old bikes that have eeked the last out of them and taken care of their steeds over the years. With a lot of older cyclists you will find a certain retro vibe and they will be drooling over steel colnagos battaglins tommasinis gios torinos etc and wouldnt look at a carbon bike if they were paid to. Part of this is due to the change from hand built frames to factory produced. 


Btw - what saddle did you change to ?


This made me smile.
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-types-of-rider-youll-see-on-every-club-run-166582 (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/10-types-of-rider-youll-see-on-every-club-run-166582)

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CSBC2149KK&gclid=Cj0KEQjw8-GtBRCMl7m54PzgjNQBEiQAIZckvzqLDPTrCfVTRpxwLNvBRwIT94RlHCK5bWTfvzScYOYaAhFQ8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds (http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CSBC2149KK&gclid=Cj0KEQjw8-GtBRCMl7m54PzgjNQBEiQAIZckvzqLDPTrCfVTRpxwLNvBRwIT94RlHCK5bWTfvzScYOYaAhFQ8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on July 29, 2015, 04:28:23 PM
I think my tyres have started to see better days - going to get some new ones, anyone got any recommendations for a road bike? Starting to pick up a few punctures on the way to and from work.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 29, 2015, 04:36:17 PM
Quote from: majestic on July 29, 2015, 04:28:23 PM
I think my tyres have started to see better days - going to get some new ones, anyone got any recommendations for a road bike? Starting to pick up a few punctures on the way to and from work.

Continental Gatorskins are supposed to be very good but are expensive. I've used the schwalbe lugano ones for a while now and i find them spot on. You can get them for under £20 a pair.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 29, 2015, 04:43:26 PM
Quote from: majestic on July 29, 2015, 04:28:23 PM
I think my tyres have started to see better days - going to get some new ones, anyone got any recommendations for a road bike? Starting to pick up a few punctures on the way to and from work.

Continental gp4000s or Michelin pro4 service course are both cracking tyres. Usually a deal on In CRC on either tyre.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 29, 2015, 07:25:49 PM
Quote from: majestic on July 29, 2015, 04:28:23 PM
I think my tyres have started to see better days - going to get some new ones, anyone got any recommendations for a road bike? Starting to pick up a few punctures on the way to and from work.
Bought a set of Conti Gp4000sII from Rose Bikes (German website), £56.12 inc postage, maybe a bit much for a cycle to work hack, but they are the best performance tyre that I have used and it's a great price, good if not spectacular longevity. 

I have had no luck with Gatorskins.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 29, 2015, 10:40:07 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 29, 2015, 07:25:49 PM
Quote from: majestic on July 29, 2015, 04:28:23 PM
I think my tyres have started to see better days - going to get some new ones, anyone got any recommendations for a road bike? Starting to pick up a few punctures on the way to and from work.
Bought a set of Conti Gp4000sII from Rose Bikes (German website), £56.12 inc postage, maybe a bit much for a cycle to work hack, but they are the best performance tyre that I have used and it's a great price, good if not spectacular longevity. 

I have had no luck with Gatorskins.

Great price for the gp4000. Always wondered about buying from Germany, how long did it take to arrive? I don't like the Gatorskins either, had punctures and not great at all in the wet. I find at £20, the Shwalbe Durano plus last well, roll well and are very puncture proof. They are a little harsh at 23c to ride on but a 25c or wider tyre should be better. But if you can afford the gp4000 go for them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 29, 2015, 11:11:35 PM
use to swear by gp4000 but after getting two blow outs on these with less than 500 mile on them i swapped to the Shwalbe Durano S.  have to see they are the easiest tyre to put on which is a plus
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 30, 2015, 12:54:56 PM
Tyres arrived today, ordered Sat nite, €7.50 postage.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on August 04, 2015, 09:45:29 AM
I use a bontrager on the commuter/training bike, bullet proof tyres, change them once a year
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 13, 2015, 12:13:42 PM
Just about recovered from the Dromara hilly 125km. Tough, tough spin. I think there was over 8000ft  climbing for the day.  Was glad to get to the end to be honest.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hereiam on August 16, 2015, 02:29:29 PM
Went out this morning for the first time. Done a 15 mile test just to see how i would get on. Have to say i enjoyed it but i feel like i have been kicked up the hole.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 17, 2015, 02:43:37 AM
Hard to beat the Gatorskins. I've been known to put over 1000 miles on them without a single flat.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 17, 2015, 08:08:13 AM
Got a great deal on a CAAD 10 - £799 from Wheelbase. Was wondering why they were going so cheap & then have started to see pics of the new CAAD 12 appearing in mags. Still a powerful deal tho! Sold my Ribble.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 17, 2015, 08:29:21 AM
That's a great deal on the caad.  You would expect to see more ribbles about seeing the value they are
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 17, 2015, 08:29:12 PM
Looking to get a mountain bike for the likes of castlewellan and the trails. Anyone recommend anything or what to look out for?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 17, 2015, 11:26:58 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 17, 2015, 08:29:12 PM
Looking to get a mountain bike for the likes of castlewellan and the trails. Anyone recommend anything or what to look out for?

I would say get a full suspension bike if the finances permit. I mostly do the trails in Rostrevor as I live close to it, but I would also visit Castlewellan once in a while. A lot depends on what sort of trails you will be on. If you are going to be tackling the downhill tracks with big drops etc, then you will need larger suspension travel. However if like myself you only want to tackle the red and occasional black trail then 100-120mm front suspension should be fine. A lot of the new bikes have 27.5" wheels, but the 29" wheel I find helps me roll over obstacles a little bit more easily, but is a bit more tricky in corners!
                Full suspension starts around £1000. A Giant here which is a fairly good machine http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant-anthem-x-29er-2015.html
                 You could probably pick up a second hand bike for a lot less but be careful as they are a lot more complicated than roadbikes and may have had a hard life if used on the trails around here. 
             
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 18, 2015, 08:13:52 AM
Cheers. I'm not looking to do anything serious with jumps and that sort of stuff. Just the trails and plenty of climbs! Budget probably between £500-700. The wife will kill me.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 18, 2015, 08:40:55 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 18, 2015, 08:13:52 AM
Cheers. I'm not looking to do anything serious with jumps and that sort of stuff. Just the trails and plenty of climbs! Budget probably between £500-700. The wife will kill me.
[/quote 

You are probably looking at a hard tail then, though Halford's do à full suspension boardman for 1000 but if you look out for promotions etc you could pick up a lot cheaper. A friend managed to get one for 650 new. A lot of the lads run hard tails around Rostrevor with no bother provided you stay away from drops. If it's climbing your after Rostrevor is great. Lots of very steep fire roads along with the trails and open mountain as well. Pick up a cheap cree light on amazon and there's your winter training. It beats the turbo in my opinion
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 18, 2015, 09:08:13 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 18, 2015, 08:13:52 AM
Cheers. I'm not looking to do anything serious with jumps and that sort of stuff. Just the trails and plenty of climbs! Budget probably between £500-700. The wife will kill me.

I hope you're not looking to do anything too serious on this run this morning ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 18, 2015, 05:09:08 PM
Good spin around the lough today with illdecide. No bother to him at all! Only thing is he turned up to mine to do 80 mile with one water bottle. I had to give him all my food and gels to get him home. And he didn't even pay for the coffees. Typical Lurgan man.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on August 19, 2015, 10:34:34 AM
Anyone done the Etape Mournes? I've been out for a while and just back on the bike recently, but tempted, tho fear it may be a bridge too far, or too soon at least. Is it very tough?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 19, 2015, 12:15:28 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 18, 2015, 05:09:08 PM
Good spin around the lough today with illdecide. No bother to him at all! Only thing is he turned up to mine to do 80 mile with one water bottle. I had to give him all my food and gels to get him home. And he didn't even pay for the coffees. Typical Lurgan man.

We're made of sterner stuff in Lurgan.  1 bottle of water is plenty for any man. That's why I'm ripped and your carrying a few pounds...okay in fairness I do owe u a treat and I'll see you right when I get my new glasses 👓.  Def my treat next time...promise.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 19, 2015, 12:43:47 PM
Quote from: illdecide on August 19, 2015, 12:15:28 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 18, 2015, 05:09:08 PM
Good spin around the lough today with illdecide. No bother to him at all! Only thing is he turned up to mine to do 80 mile with one water bottle. I had to give him all my food and gels to get him home. And he didn't even pay for the coffees. Typical Lurgan man.

We're made of sterner stuff in Lurgan.  1 bottle of water is plenty for any man. That's why I'm ripped and your carrying a few pounds...okay in fairness I do owe u a treat and I'll see you right when I get my new glasses 👓.  Def my treat next time...promise.

I'll be up to cafollas for a free ice cream off that lovely girl who works behind the counter!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 19, 2015, 01:48:07 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on August 19, 2015, 10:34:34 AM
Anyone done the Etape Mournes? I've been out for a while and just back on the bike recently, but tempted, tho fear it may be a bridge too far, or too soon at least. Is it very tough?

They've shortened to route to 101km this year(starting and finishing in hilltown). Looks a tough enough run. The main climbs around spelga are fairly long and apart from the' spelga s ' approach not extremely steep. The road surfaces (apart from the newtown road from Rostrevor to Hilltown) are all fairly good as well. The only problem will be the weather because if its wet at all, your guaranteed to get soaked at the top of Spelga. If you a reasonable level of fitness should be fine.   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on August 19, 2015, 03:15:11 PM
Cheers grounded. I was going to give it a lash, but I've just remembered I've a wedding on Friday so that puts paid to that...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 19, 2015, 05:46:33 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 18, 2015, 08:40:55 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 18, 2015, 08:13:52 AM
Cheers. I'm not looking to do anything serious with jumps and that sort of stuff. Just the trails and plenty of climbs! Budget probably between £500-700. The wife will kill me.
[/quote 

You are probably looking at a hard tail then, though Halford's do à full suspension boardman for 1000 but if you look out for promotions etc you could pick up a lot cheaper. A friend managed to get one for 650 new. A lot of the lads run hard tails around Rostrevor with no bother provided you stay away from drops. If it's climbing your after Rostrevor is great. Lots of very steep fire roads along with the trails and open mountain as well. Pick up a cheap cree light on amazon and there's your winter training. It beats the turbo in my opinion

With a bit of reading I have found that I am looking at a hard tail, 29inch wheels, Shimano SLX or XT groupset.... Anything else I should be looking for?
I will be heading out on weekends but I will still be looking to use a turbo during the week as well! Boring but hard to beat the benefits of the turbo.
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/18881/Specialized-Crave-Expert-2014-Large/ (http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/18881/Specialized-Crave-Expert-2014-Large/)
This seems to have a mix of groupsets on it?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 19, 2015, 10:49:43 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 19, 2015, 05:46:33 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 18, 2015, 08:40:55 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 18, 2015, 08:13:52 AM
Cheers. I'm not looking to do anything serious with jumps and that sort of stuff. Just the trails and plenty of climbs! Budget probably between £500-700. The wife will kill me.
[/quote 

You are probably looking at a hard tail then, though Halford's do à full suspension boardman for 1000 but if you look out for promotions etc you could pick up a lot cheaper. A friend managed to get one for 650 new. A lot of the lads run hard tails around Rostrevor with no bother provided you stay away from drops. If it's climbing your after Rostrevor is great. Lots of very steep fire roads along with the trails and open mountain as well. Pick up a cheap cree light on amazon and there's your winter training. It beats the turbo in my opinion

With a bit of reading I have found that I am looking at a hard tail, 29inch wheels, Shimano SLX or XT groupset.... Anything else I should be looking for?
I will be heading out on weekends but I will still be looking to use a turbo during the week as well! Boring but hard to beat the benefits of the turbo.
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/18881/Specialized-Crave-Expert-2014-Large/ (http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/18881/Specialized-Crave-Expert-2014-Large/)
This seems to have a mix of groupsets on it?

That's actually a cracking bike Jim at an excellent price. It has a mix of components but they are all of good quality and will work seamlessly. The front fork has a remote lockout which as also a nice feature as you can stiffen/soften the suspension on the fly.
      The bike won't come with pedals so I assume you will need a spd cleats/pedals? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shimano-Speed-Sided-Mechanism-Pedals/dp/B000KC3Y0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440020308&sr=8-1&keywords=spd+pedals
      Set of mudguards, bottle cage, saddle bag, pump etc. 

Have you been on any of the trails yet?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 19, 2015, 11:48:45 PM
No trails. Total novice with MTBs. Going to keep looking around and see what there is about. Some good deals should be coming in now with 2015 bikes as the new 2016 stuff is starting to appear on websites and in shops. I don't want to spend a complete fortune as I would rather spend money on upgrading my road bike. I'll maybe get a lend of a mountain bike and take a spin around the trails and see if I like it first. I like the idea of the climbing involved and the bike handling skills needed that would then help me for the road.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 20, 2015, 08:24:06 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 19, 2015, 11:48:45 PM
No trails. Total novice with MTBs. Going to keep looking around and see what there is about. Some good deals should be coming in now with 2015 bikes as the new 2016 stuff is starting to appear on websites and in shops. I don't want to spend a complete fortune as I would rather spend money on upgrading my road bike. I'll maybe get a lend of a mountain bike and take a spin around the trails and see if I like it first. I like the idea of the climbing involved and the bike handling skills needed that would then help me for the road.

Borrowing a bike and taking it for a spin around the trails would be a smart idea. You can even rent one in Rostrevor not sure about Castlewellan for £20 for day I think. Its only When you hit the trails themselves,  that you will realise the abuse the bikes have to take. I started back again on the mtb about 3 years ago and only got into road again more recently so I came at it the opposite way from you. Even being clipped in while on the trails can be daunting at first until you get the skills up. Buying a bike is the same principle for both. Buy the best you can afford so u don't have to upgrade. I'm on my 3rd bike now. 26 front suspension, 29 front suspension and finally 29 full suspension and that's hopefully it. When u are looking look for a shimano deore or upwards and rockshox Reba suspension. If you get bitten by the bug then hopefully unlike me you don't have to buy again.

If you like climbing then u are set. There are a number of differences. For instance your cadence will be totally different  from the road as you are constantly slowing/speeding up on trails. It will Def help with handling as well on the road. What I have found though is that you tend to lose a bit of flat out speed on the road but you can climb for Ireland if that makes sense!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 20, 2015, 09:27:57 AM
Coincidentally lidl are doing cycle gear on Monday I think.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 20, 2015, 12:10:26 PM
Thoughts for the Vuelta lads ?

Hard to know the form of any of them coming out of the Tour. I would have expected Quintana to win this but the 39km time trial towards the end puts me off him a bit. Could lose 2mins to Froome in that. Lots of new summit finishes. I'd expect Aru to go well on the basis of freshness, Van Garderen will be suited by the long TT but not so certain of him on those real steep Vuelta climbs. Sure to be excellent racing. If i was having a bet, Froome to win, van Garderen EW at a big price.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on August 20, 2015, 12:28:23 PM
Fancy Astana to go full gas for the Vuelta with either Nibali or Aru winning it. On the basis that Nibali improved as the tour went on and he is the team leader I would go for him. Don't think Froome will contend for the win, its almost impossible to carry off a Tour/Vuelta double and the climb's won't suit him as much as the tour. Quintana will probably reign in the mountains but Nibali can stay close enough to win it in the last week. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 20, 2015, 01:23:00 PM
Hard to know what will happen with Sky. Henao at 66/1 could be a value EW, if Froome pulls the pin at any stage it'll more than likely by him for GC, he's been racing a lot lately popping up on a lot of Eurosport's coverage, presumably with this in mind. Astana have a wild strong looking team as do Movistar. Valverde for the podium is a regular banker! (Not now as that's the official kiss of death). If i'd a free bet - probably Aru of Astana.

See Roche tweeting photos of a very dodgy looking sandy stretch of the TTT, carnage awaits.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 23, 2015, 06:42:42 PM
Gonna be an interesting few weeks, Tour form lines looking a bit ropey after today's stage, lads have been on the gargle.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: pullhard on August 23, 2015, 11:17:25 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on August 20, 2015, 12:28:23 PM
Fancy Astana to go full gas for the Vuelta with either Nibali or Aru winning it. On the basis that Nibali improved as the tour went on and he is the team leader I would go for him. Don't think Froome will contend for the win, its almost impossible to carry off a Tour/Vuelta double and the climb's won't suit him as much as the tour. Quintana will probably reign in the mountains but Nibali can stay close enough to win it in the last week.

Is out, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOblkKNpSrQ couldn't make it up
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on August 23, 2015, 11:57:27 PM
Quote from: pullhard on August 23, 2015, 11:17:25 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on August 20, 2015, 12:28:23 PM
Fancy Astana to go full gas for the Vuelta with either Nibali or Aru winning it. On the basis that Nibali improved as the tour went on and he is the team leader I would go for him. Don't think Froome will contend for the win, its almost impossible to carry off a Tour/Vuelta double and the climb's won't suit him as much as the tour. Quintana will probably reign in the mountains but Nibali can stay close enough to win it in the last week.

Is out, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOblkKNpSrQ couldn't make it up

Backed him to win the Vuelta yesterday but he was deservedly thrown for taking a tow. I'll guarantee if it hadn't been shown on TV then they wouldn't have thrown him out. It's still a wide open race, Quintana went early then cracked on a short climb today yet still gained a little bit of time on other GC contenders. I wouldn't like to pick a winner at this stage.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Soup an Samajiz on August 24, 2015, 09:14:10 AM
Just wanted to give a mention to the Derrytresk Charity Cycle Giro D'Gullion that took place on Saturday.

80mile route up and round the Ring of Gullion and a climb of 5000 ft by novice cyclers all out in aid of the Leap For Luke Foundation and Derrytresk GFC. Superb effort by all and a fantastic day.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: AZOffaly on August 24, 2015, 09:19:28 AM
Quote from: grounded on August 20, 2015, 09:27:57 AM
Coincidentally lidl are doing cycle gear on Monday I think.

(http://s4.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20101224&t=2&i=285370726&w=644&fh=&fw=&ll=&pl=&sq=&r=2010-12-24T154645Z_01_BTRE6BN17U000_RTROPTP_0_US-DRUG-OVERDOSES)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 24, 2015, 01:00:54 PM
Quote from: Soup an Samajiz on August 24, 2015, 09:14:10 AM
Just wanted to give a mention to the Derrytresk Charity Cycle Giro D'Gullion that took place on Saturday.

80mile route up and round the Ring of Gullion and a climb of 5000 ft by novice cyclers all out in aid of the Leap For Luke Foundation and Derrytresk GFC. Superb effort by all and a fantastic day.
Up and round as in not over the top of? Gullion would be a fierce hard climb for novices.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Soup an Samajiz on August 24, 2015, 03:47:54 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 24, 2015, 01:00:54 PM
Quote from: Soup an Samajiz on August 24, 2015, 09:14:10 AM
Just wanted to give a mention to the Derrytresk Charity Cycle Giro D'Gullion that took place on Saturday.

80mile route up and round the Ring of Gullion and a climb of 5000 ft by novice cyclers all out in aid of the Leap For Luke Foundation and Derrytresk GFC. Superb effort by all and a fantastic day.
Up and round as in not over the top of? Gullion would be a fierce hard climb for novices.

Ahh up over it yeah, all 5000ft of a climb from Derrytresk Club and back. Very tough indeed
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: AZOffaly on August 24, 2015, 03:49:53 PM
In fairness the Derrytresk lads seem to have no bother getting up and over obstacles ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 24, 2015, 07:14:57 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 24, 2015, 03:49:53 PM
In fairness the Derrytresk lads seem to have no bother getting up and over obstacles ;)

There were 8 of them banned from making the return journey home due to scuffles up in Armagh territory... Ain't that so soup  ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Soup an Samajiz on August 25, 2015, 09:07:45 AM
Quote from: illdecide on August 24, 2015, 07:14:57 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on August 24, 2015, 03:49:53 PM
In fairness the Derrytresk lads seem to have no bother getting up and over obstacles ;)

There were 8 of them banned from making the return journey home due to scuffles up in Armagh territory... Ain't that so soup  ;)

Unproven nonsense! Whitecross men had no business being near those Jaffa Cakes in the first place, what did they expect! No discipline them boys. On this occasion tho I hear there's a few men more than happy to take a ban an never look at another bike again.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: fearsiuil on August 25, 2015, 12:43:44 PM
Saw on another thread mention of cycling around the lough, presumably Lough Neagh!. Was up at family thing few months ago and went for the short drive to Ardboe & Battery etc. Seems very flat. How long would cycle be and is it doable for a novice?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Soup an Samajiz on August 25, 2015, 02:50:05 PM
known many novices to Lap the Lough, very flat as you say, think its in around 80mile depending on route variations, others here can correct me if I'm wrong they would know more
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Soup an Samajiz on August 25, 2015, 03:02:55 PM
what about the cyclist bein bowled over in London.. Somebody was havin a bad day
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: fearsiuil on August 25, 2015, 03:19:46 PM
Quote from: Soup an Samajiz on August 25, 2015, 02:50:05 PM
known many novices to Lap the Lough, very flat as you say, think its in around 80mile depending on route variations, others here can correct me if I'm wrong they would know more

80 miles would be a good challenge. Lakes I normally see are not surrounded by such flatness. I'll set it as a target to do it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 25, 2015, 05:15:13 PM
I live beside the lough so I would cycle around it regularly enough. Handy 80 mile and flat as a pancake. Only about 1500ft of climbing in total which is nothing for that distance. You will get around it no problem. Plenty of places to stop and fill up bottles etc as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 31, 2015, 12:04:17 AM
Quote from: Soup an Samajiz on August 25, 2015, 03:02:55 PM
what about the cyclist bein bowled over in London.. Somebody was havin a bad day

Was destroyed today going around the Lough. Got to Derrytresk and was about to get out of Tyrone and into my beloved Armagh when some edgit in our group put me down like a sack of spuds face first into the tarmac. Have to say I was grateful to our Tyrone brethren who cleaned me up (them Derrytresk folk are decent enough).  My bike got it a bit and I'm lucky enough to have escaped with just a bloodied face and a bit of bruising...could have been a lot worse. I can't believe I hit the road face first and escaped with all my teeth in tact. Lucky.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 31, 2015, 12:16:39 AM
Unlucky - get well soon.

I was driving down the motorway just after 9am this morning and on the 3 bridges between Moira and Lurgan there was groups of cyclists going in all directions. Was that part of the Lap of the Lough?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 31, 2015, 08:25:59 AM
He was looking over the hedge at the camogie team that were training at the time.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 31, 2015, 09:37:36 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 31, 2015, 08:25:59 AM
He was looking over the hedge at the camogie team that were training at the time.

If only i was then i could have said i deserved it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 31, 2015, 09:38:51 AM
Quote from: Orior on August 31, 2015, 12:16:39 AM
Unlucky - get well soon.

I was driving down the motorway just after 9am this morning and on the 3 bridges between Moira and Lurgan there was groups of cyclists going in all directions. Was that part of the Lap of the Lough?

Prob was Orior. There were 2000 registered and prob another 1000 that were not doing the Lap of Lough yesterday
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 31, 2015, 07:57:46 PM
Quote from: illdecide on August 31, 2015, 09:38:51 AM
Quote from: Orior on August 31, 2015, 12:16:39 AM
Unlucky - get well soon.

I was driving down the motorway just after 9am this morning and on the 3 bridges between Moira and Lurgan there was groups of cyclists going in all directions. Was that part of the Lap of the Lough?

Prob was Orior. There were 2000 registered and prob another 1000 that were not doing the Lap of Lough yesterday

Yeah, and I heard that the other 1000 descended on the feeding stations and ate the food that others had paid for.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 31, 2015, 08:03:36 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 31, 2015, 07:57:46 PM
Quote from: illdecide on August 31, 2015, 09:38:51 AM
Quote from: Orior on August 31, 2015, 12:16:39 AM
Unlucky - get well soon.

I was driving down the motorway just after 9am this morning and on the 3 bridges between Moira and Lurgan there was groups of cyclists going in all directions. Was that part of the Lap of the Lough?

Prob was Orior. There were 2000 registered and prob another 1000 that were not doing the Lap of Lough yesterday

Yeah, and I heard that the other 1000 descended on the feeding stations and ate the food that others had paid for.

Bad form that! Did they not check people had bands? Another thing that annoyed me is people throwing their gel wrappers on the ground instead of their back pocket!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 31, 2015, 09:32:55 PM
Strange request here! Couple of lads from our club are doing the Race Around Ireland. Currently passing through Mayo and heading for Galway. You can follow the competitors progress here http://race.blackblox.si/
They're doing it for a great cause duchenne muscular dystrophy. So if you see team Rossi passing by give them a big cheer! Thanks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 31, 2015, 09:33:51 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 31, 2015, 08:03:36 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 31, 2015, 07:57:46 PM
Quote from: illdecide on August 31, 2015, 09:38:51 AM
Quote from: Orior on August 31, 2015, 12:16:39 AM
Unlucky - get well soon.

I was driving down the motorway just after 9am this morning and on the 3 bridges between Moira and Lurgan there was groups of cyclists going in all directions. Was that part of the Lap of the Lough?

Prob was Orior. There were 2000 registered and prob another 1000 that were not doing the Lap of Lough yesterday

Yeah, and I heard that the other 1000 descended on the feeding stations and ate the food that others had paid for.

Bad form that! Did they not check people had bands? Another thing that annoyed me is people throwing their gel wrappers on the ground instead of their back pocket!

Did you have any joy with the mountain bike Jim?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 31, 2015, 10:43:31 PM
Went around the red trails and fire roads in castlewellan 

I enjoyed going up and the fire road climbs were great. Going down and jumping off rocks and all that was a bit much tbf. It was a bit tedious at times in that I could never get a rhythm going like you can on a road bike. I like on a road bike that I can sit for long periods of time just below my max heart rate and feeling completely ****ed at the end. The MTB was constantly breaking the rhythm with a tree in the road or a rock to jump over 

It wasn't very tough on the legs or anything, just took a lot of concentration and bike handling. When it came to any climbs (got in three strava top 10s as well ) I was way ahead of my MTBer friend even though I am not a great climber on the road. The down hills and rock gardens etc were a different story. He was a mile ahead of me! Flying into the jumps and rocks. Amazing bike handling skills! I was near over the handlebars about 4 times when I had to go off the steep rocks. I enjoyed it but looking for winter training options I think I would get more benefit out of the turbo. For fun and keeping things fresh I will definitely used the MTB. My cycling club has a MTB section as well and over the winter a few of the other roadies jump in with them and go around the local trails with the head lamps twice a week and then back on the road Sat and Sun. Or if I could find a less rocky route that has loads of long drags or climbs I would definitely go to that regularly.

I still really enjoyed today and can't wait to get a go on the trails again but I just don't want to come off and wreck myself!

I definitely won't be switching over from road to MTB on a full time basis!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 31, 2015, 11:10:54 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 31, 2015, 10:43:31 PM
Went around the red trails and fire roads in castlewellan 

I enjoyed going up and the fire road climbs were great. Going down and jumping off rocks and all that was a bit much tbf. It was a bit tedious at times in that I could never get a rhythm going like you can on a road bike. I like on a road bike that I can sit for long periods of time just below my max heart rate and feeling completely ****ed at the end. The MTB was constantly breaking the rhythm with a tree in the road or a rock to jump over 

It wasn't very tough on the legs or anything today, just took a lot of concentration and bike handling. When it came to any climbs (got in three strava top 10s as well ) I was way ahead of my MTBer friend even though I am not a great climber on the road. The down hills and rock gardens etc were a different story. He was a mile ahead of me! Flying into the jumps and rocks. Amazing bike handling skills! I was near over the handlebars about 4 times when I had to go off the steep rocks. I enjoyed it but looking for winter training options I think I would get more benefit out of the turbo. For fun and keeping things fresh I will definitely used the MTB. My cycling club has a MTB section as well and over the winter a few of the other roadies jump in with them and go around the local trails with the head lamps twice a week and then back on the road Sat and Sun. Or if I could find a less rocky route that has loads of long drags or climbs I would definitely go to that regularly.

I still really enjoyed today and can't wait to get a go on the trails again but I just don't want to come off and wreck myself!

I definitely won't be switching over from road to MTB on a full time basis!

The bike handling skills will come with time and practice(and in my case plenty of falls!) As you said, its a lot different to the road in terms of it being stop/start and the concentration needed to avoid the obstacles. On the plus side no cars to worry about. There is not much climbing in Castlewellan to be fair. Its quite fast with a few technical parts. Head to Rostrevor the next time. There is obviously the trails there but also numerous fire roads and other paths to create a few climbing circuits if that's your thing. The climbs are long and steep enough(most end up near the top of the mountain) to get a good rhythm going which from what you are saying is more what you are after.
        It definitely beats the tedium of the turbo.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on September 01, 2015, 08:21:47 AM
Quote from: grounded on August 31, 2015, 09:32:55 PM
Strange request here! Couple of lads from our club are doing the Race Around Ireland. Currently passing through Mayo and heading for Galway. You can follow the competitors progress here http://race.blackblox.si/
They're doing it for a great cause duchenne muscular dystrophy. So if you see team Rossi passing by give them a big cheer! Thanks

Seconded! Serious challenge - heres a list of where they expect to be and roughly when, though can track more precisely using the tracker grounded has there

http://racearoundireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/RAI-2015-Schedule.pdf

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 03, 2015, 01:26:21 AM
Quote from: haranguerer on September 01, 2015, 08:21:47 AM
Quote from: grounded on August 31, 2015, 09:32:55 PM
Strange request here! Couple of lads from our club are doing the Race Around Ireland. Currently passing through Mayo and heading for Galway. You can follow the competitors progress here http://race.blackblox.si/
They're doing it for a great cause duchenne muscular dystrophy. So if you see team Rossi passing by give them a big cheer! Thanks

Seconded! Serious challenge - heres a list of where they expect to be and roughly when, though can track more precisely using the tracker grounded has there

http://racearoundireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/RAI-2015-Schedule.pdf

Just back from the finish line. The Rossi lads did it. 1st in the 2 person category and 4th overall with an average of 27.66km/h for the 2143.7 km. Savagery! Both of the lads looked absolutely wrecked but were elated to hear the also achieved the new 2 person race record. Fair play to anyone who competes and finishes the race, its just mindblowing what the body can endure.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 05, 2015, 07:14:52 PM
The GC guys will be starting to panic a bit about Tom Dumoulin now with a 39km TT waiting for them on Tuesday. They've got 2 days to empty him or there could be a mighty shock on the cards.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 07, 2015, 11:38:35 AM
Done my first real cycle yesterday with proper hills and got it tight but enjoyed it too. Have a lot more respect for them professionals after trying a piece of what they normally do and they seem to make it look like little to no effort. I thought i'd strong legs but after yesterday i'm going to have to strengthen further...the 15 stone in weight is killing me though, def have to try and trim down a bit as i think it would make a big difference on the hills.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 07, 2015, 01:00:36 PM
Every little helps, but they're still c***ts unless you're in the 9-11stone bracket.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 07, 2015, 07:02:07 PM
Anyone here bought Chinese Carbon wheels? I see a great looking set available for about £400, with Ceramic bearings & Novatec hubs. I've done a fair bit of reading up on various forums and there's wildly differing experiences & I've come to the conclusion that it's 50/50 whether you get a good set or a shite set.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on September 07, 2015, 07:22:09 PM
I would personally never go down that road. I know fellas who have and race chinese frames, wheels etc and have never had a problem. But knowing my luck I will be the one that gets the dodgy one on a 40mph+ descent! Plus if they are shite or break you have no one to go to. Not worth the risk in my opinion.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Pub Bore on September 09, 2015, 10:52:13 AM
Anyone doing the Great Dublin Bike Ride on Sunday?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 09, 2015, 01:13:39 PM
Quote from: Pub Bore on September 09, 2015, 10:52:13 AM
Anyone doing the Great Dublin Bike Ride on Sunday?

Yes i am...100k. The 5:00am wake up call is def putting me off though. think race starts at 8
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Linkbox on September 11, 2015, 12:04:00 AM
Great win for Nico today. Smiling the whole way home during the sprint.

http://www.stickybottle.com/races-results/video-missed-nicolas-roches-vuelta-stage-win-here-it-is/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 11, 2015, 02:32:02 PM
They're not shaking Domoulin at La Vuelta, pity he's only a few seconds in hand as he'll no doubt get chinned on tomorrow's brutal looking stage. Wouldn't have been too many tipping him to win!

Tour of Britain's been good viewing too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on September 11, 2015, 03:02:03 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 11, 2015, 02:32:02 PM
They're not shaking Domoulin at La Vuelta, pity he's only a few seconds in hand as he'll no doubt get chinned on tomorrow's brutal looking stage. Wouldn't have been too many tipping him to win!

Tour of Britain's been good viewing too.

You reckon? I see the bookies have him and Aru both at evens. I thought his lead wasn't enough after the TT but after yesterday i'm not so sure that he won't hold on. A lot of climbing tomorrow but its not a hill top finish as far as i remember, so that might just swing it for him.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Walt Jabsco on September 11, 2015, 08:50:55 PM
Yesterdays Stage 5 in the Tour of Britain was indeed good viewing. The last climb from Melmerby to Hartside Fell is a hard slog all right. Didn't do it on the road or on a bike but off road on two feet, it was brutal. I was amazed at the speed the competitors were maintaining at the top. I know it must be the same for all the pros but knowing that climb puts it all in perspective.

Domoulin in a more comfortable position even though he was involved in the crash along with Aru. It has been reported Aru seen doctor twice after the crash
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 12, 2015, 05:06:55 PM
No fairytale in Spain for Tom, went to the well once too often & having a team around him that had no GC expectations was ultimately fatal. As a 24 year old he should have a huge future, Wiggins has shown what specialist TT men are capable of.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BennyCake on September 12, 2015, 06:06:51 PM
Not exactly the Tour De France, but just seen planning permission submitted for a Greenway from Newry to Omeath. That would link up Portadown to Carlingford as a walking/cycling route.

But considering the balls up with Narrow Water Bridge, I'll believe this when I see it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on September 12, 2015, 07:43:30 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on September 12, 2015, 06:06:51 PM
Not exactly the Tour De France, but just seen planning permission submitted for a Greenway from Newry to Omeath. That would link up Portadown to Carlingford as a walking/cycling route.

But considering the balls up with Narrow Water Bridge, I'll believe this when I see it.

Very good. That Newry to Omeath stretch is very dangerous on a bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on September 23, 2015, 05:38:03 PM
Any good recommendations for lights on a bike for cycling at night, or maybe what not to get. Cheers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 23, 2015, 08:52:00 PM
Sky's Belarussian rider Vasili Kiryienka wins the World TT title in Richmond USA. Dumoulin (5th) & Tony Martin(7th) both had poor prep listening to Eurosport.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 23, 2015, 09:13:48 PM
Quote from: redzone on September 23, 2015, 05:38:03 PM
Any good recommendations for lights on a bike for cycling at night, or maybe what not to get. Cheers
Using these for the past year - just to be seen, get you home in twilight, they do the job. http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/combo-highlites-ii-light-set-ec033839?country=GB&currency=GBP&esvt=1142-GOUKE249634&esvq=&esvadt=999999-0-37406-1&esvcrea=61235010056&esvplace=&esvd=m&esvaid=50080&gclid=Cj0KEQjwm4mwBRCni-ivmePYivkBEiQAdGkklo3LytnHHMHAH3yyC0V4_U6H_CE-tq9DeLGr_-gYJl0aAr_w8P8HAQ

For cycling properly at night I have an older version of this http://www.tredz.co.uk/.One23-Extreme-Bright-Quatro-1600-Lumen-Rechargeable-Front-Light_58772.htm (http://www.tredz.co.uk/.One23-Extreme-Bright-Quatro-1600-Lumen-Rechargeable-Front-Light_58772.htm
cost me £80 i think 2 yrs ago).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on September 23, 2015, 09:51:33 PM
Cheers mate bought the first set there
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on September 24, 2015, 12:29:37 PM
I see Lidl have turbo trainers for sale today.
Has any one got one? Is it something worth having?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on September 25, 2015, 08:23:30 AM
Quote from: laoislad on September 24, 2015, 12:29:37 PM
I see Lidl have turbo trainers for sale today.
Has any one got one? Is it something worth having?

Do you mean Aldi? I was talking to a guy who got one yesterday and was happy with it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ludermor on September 25, 2015, 10:09:03 AM
Quote from: laoislad on September 24, 2015, 12:29:37 PM
I see Lidl have turbo trainers for sale today.
Has any one got one? Is it something worth having?
I wouldnt go near it unless you have tried it a few times and like it. i got one a few years ago and like the idea of using them more than the reality. i found them very boring and very messy and noisy ( they eat tyres) so you need to have them in a shed or easily cleaned room . You have to use old tyres or specials and these shed a lot of rubber so might not be suitable for the road so  you might have to change tyres any time you want to go for a spin.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 25, 2015, 01:13:49 PM
All that is true, but they are a great job & training tool as well if used correctly. I have an extra wheel i use for turboing that cuts down on the nuisance element. When i use it i wud be watching something on a tablet / laptop, have music on the go to counter the boredom. I also have a set of dumbells i use whilst on it as well to mix it up a bit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on September 25, 2015, 01:55:25 PM
Quote from: ludermor on September 25, 2015, 10:09:03 AM
Quote from: laoislad on September 24, 2015, 12:29:37 PM
I see Lidl have turbo trainers for sale today.
Has any one got one? Is it something worth having?
I wouldnt go near it unless you have tried it a few times and like it. i got one a few years ago and like the idea of using them more than the reality. i found them very boring and very messy and noisy ( they eat tyres) so you need to have them in a shed or easily cleaned room . You have to use old tyres or specials and these shed a lot of rubber so might not be suitable for the road so  you might have to change tyres any time you want to go for a spin.
Having to change tyres for a spin wouldn't bother or affect me as I would rather go for a run than a cycle tbh.
Was just thinking it would be good for keeping the fitness up during the bad winter nights or if I can't get out for a run.
Yeah it is Aldi and not Lidl that have them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on September 25, 2015, 04:54:08 PM
I have a love hate relationship with the turbo. Great for training on in the bad weather and you can do some really focused sessions (i.e cadence, sprints etc) on a turbo. You have to be motivated to use it though as it is very tough and can be boring. I use a HRM to make sure I am pushing myself as it is easy to bluff on a turbo and I also would use the sufferfest videos quite often. As benny said, when used right they're excellent, a pool of sweat around the bike quite often! Just after getting a direct drive turbo so it saves the hassle of taking wheels off etc and it is more of a realistic feel as well.

http://www.thesufferfest.com/training-videos/cycling-training-videos/ (http://www.thesufferfest.com/training-videos/cycling-training-videos/)

I have them all on a hard drive if anyone wants them!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on September 25, 2015, 05:35:34 PM
Went to 4 different Aldi stores today and they were all sold out.
Ah well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 26, 2015, 10:01:41 AM
i went for the rollers with a hrm rather than a turbo, anybody else use rollers 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on September 30, 2015, 10:57:33 AM
I do, don't find it compares to the turbo for intensity but great for handling and core stability.
Generally I use it as a speed set or recovery
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 30, 2015, 11:38:10 AM
I bought myself two steel yokes for the winter, this Peugeot was made in 1986. Only down fall its a 52 42 x 14 24 and i usually ride a compact so i may stay away from the hills.

I also bought a Raleigh grand tour but i need to get a seat sorted for it before i post up a photo

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/12027778_10206702699279026_2234236396700423311_n.jpg?oh=e4e314971ca45c1887ba0d77e7622b5a&oe=56915D6F)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12038329_10206702699599034_6370492782629727459_n.jpg?oh=c17500e29a5bb7d6d96fb6b282d74c01&oe=5690A74E)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 30, 2015, 10:34:30 PM
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12072738_10206720457842979_8722551377546286625_n.jpg?oh=92a557aeec7657b467eb4f349859153b&oe=5697DE4A)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12036844_10206720457802978_3638110326843661121_n.jpg?oh=b1b6b97c7bab596821ee6cc25cb1feac&oe=569A1A79)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfl1/v/t1.0-9/12063519_10206720457762977_38548637388221225_n.jpg?oh=8e8541f327daf995fb5676ea0f76bc31&oe=56957DC4)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BennyCake on September 30, 2015, 11:33:03 PM
Anyone know where I could get solar powered and bicycle powered equipment for touring/camping?

I heard lately there are gizmos that you can power while walking too that will charge phones, and create enough electricity to power a light, boil a kettle etc. Any tips?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Walt Jabsco on October 01, 2015, 07:55:38 AM
Benny
Check out Cotswold Outdoors.com They have 2 stores in Belfast (Boucher and City Centre)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Walt Jabsco on October 01, 2015, 08:02:54 AM
Benny
Forgot to include link

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/equipment/electronics/chargers-batteries
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on October 04, 2015, 10:17:10 PM
After missing out on buying one of those turbo trainers in Aldi I started looking to buy one online.
Found out you can actually buy virtual trainers that let you 'ride' any route in the world by inputting the GPS data or by pre made videos and the turbo trainer automatically adjusts the resistance to simulate going up hills etc. You can have virtual races against other riders who have the same software also. I think that's pretty f**king cool to be honest!
As someone who loves their gadgets I took the plunge and ordered one yesterday!
This is the one I ordered
http://www.bkool.com/
It's expensive on the site but I got it for around €200 less on eBay brand new from a store in Italy.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Linkbox on October 05, 2015, 02:51:53 AM
Quote from: laoislad on October 04, 2015, 10:17:10 PM
After missing out on buying one of those turbo trainers in Aldi I started looking to buy one online.
Found out you can actually buy virtual trainers that let you 'ride' any route in the world by inputting the GPS data or by pre made videos and the turbo trainer automatically adjusts the resistance to simulate going up hills etc. You can have virtual races against other riders who have the same software also. I think that's pretty f**king cool to be honest!
As someone who loves their gadgets I took the plunge and ordered one yesterday!
This is the one I ordered
http://www.bkool.com/
It's expensive on the site but I got it for around €200 less on eBay brand new from a store in Italy.

Looks class! Enjoy.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on October 05, 2015, 07:12:54 PM
Looking like we are heading back to the Alps or maybe even Pyrenees next year for 4 or 5 nights. Has anyone ever been and could they recommend a good place to base ourselves? Thinking of staying in Bourg d'Oisans in an apartment but not sure if that is good or not. 4 or 5 fellas from the club are going so should be good craic.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on October 06, 2015, 03:31:31 PM
Was going to buy a new bike for winter, r any of you men selling anything shortly?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 06, 2015, 05:58:07 PM
Take a look on the Facebook cycling buy & sell page, there's always a good volume of traffic thru it. I've sold 2 bikes & various bits and pieces on it very quickly.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on October 06, 2015, 06:16:57 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on October 05, 2015, 07:12:54 PM
Looking like we are heading back to the Alps or maybe even Pyrenees next year for 4 or 5 nights. Has anyone ever been and could they recommend a good place to base ourselves? Thinking of staying in Bourg d'Oisans in an apartment but not sure if that is good or not. 4 or 5 fellas from the club are going so should be good craic.

If you're considering the Pyrenees then I'd recommend Argeles Gazost. Very nice village with great access to lots of fantastic climbs - Col du Solour, Col d'Aubisque, Hautacam, Col du Tourmalet, Gavarnie etc.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on October 06, 2015, 10:55:37 PM
Sounds perfect! Do you have the name of any B and Bs?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on October 07, 2015, 08:49:17 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 06, 2015, 05:58:07 PM
Take a look on the Facebook cycling buy & sell page, there's always a good volume of traffic thru it. I've sold 2 bikes & various bits and pieces on it very quickly.

Well Benny...yes Jim Stynes put me onto that site on Facebook. It's good alright. I was in McConveys yesterday on Ormeau Rd and they've a new Specialized bike (Aluminium) for £480 i was thinking of buying it for the winter bike, a friend of mine works there and he's kinda looking after me but the problem is I've a decent bike and good shoes but i need a clatter of cycling clothes which are expensive too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on October 07, 2015, 09:45:17 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on October 06, 2015, 10:55:37 PM
Sounds perfect! Do you have the name of any B and Bs?

We did AirB&B when we there but there but there were plenty of small hotels and guest houses about. This one was just across the street from us and looked grand http://www.au-primerose-hotel.com/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Main Street on October 07, 2015, 03:41:03 PM
Quote from: illdecide on October 07, 2015, 08:49:17 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 06, 2015, 05:58:07 PM
Take a look on the Facebook cycling buy & sell page, there's always a good volume of traffic thru it. I've sold 2 bikes & various bits and pieces on it very quickly.

Well Benny...yes Jim Stynes put me onto that site on Facebook. It's good alright. I was in McConveys yesterday on Ormeau Rd and they've a new Specialized bike (Aluminium) for £480 i was thinking of buying it for the winter bike, a friend of mine works there and he's kinda looking after me but the problem is I've a decent bike and good shoes but i need a clatter of cycling clothes which are expensive too.
I did a bit of bike related shopping  when I was back in Ireland recently for a visit. Personally, being of sterner fearless mtb, hard ass stature, I wouldn't go near those cycling tights with the ass cushion, but check out Lidl and Aldi for cycle clothing,  some pieces, a dirt cheap good quality  gilet (Crane?) look stronger in Aldi and Lidl (Crivit) do better in others  - excellent gloves and socks at Lidl also  2 types of their cycling jackets and their crivit hiking trousers did me grand. Then again I don't machine such stuff, just soak and hand wash.
Some of their other pieces I wouldn't go near.
I also couldn't resist buying a Voodoo Hoodoo mtb for 400eur at Halfords, which is stunningly good value.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on October 08, 2015, 08:01:47 AM
Quote from: Clov on October 07, 2015, 09:45:17 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on October 06, 2015, 10:55:37 PM
Sounds perfect! Do you have the name of any B and Bs?

We did AirB&B when we there but there but there were plenty of small hotels and guest houses about. This one was just across the street from us and looked grand http://www.au-primerose-hotel.com/

Will check it out. Looking at bike hire here and it is bloody expensive! Didn't want to bring my own but might have to. Also where did you fly into?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on October 08, 2015, 09:06:57 AM
Yeah bike hire, especially for a decent bike, is very expensive.
I live in England so we went on the Eurostar and train as far as Lourdes and cycled it out from there. It meant we could take our own bikes.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hereiam on October 12, 2015, 10:14:07 AM
Done 50 mile yesterday at 16mph avg. I hear guys on about drinking a chocolate milk shake to aid recovery after. Legs are sore today and could be doing with something.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on October 13, 2015, 09:14:06 AM
Guys all i have is summer gear..can someone give me an idea of the gear i'll need for cycling in the colder weather.

On another note, went out on Sunday for a we spin and everything was grand until half way thru i hit a bit of heavy drizzle around Belfast and all of a sudden it was like an ice rink. About 3-4 times i nearly came of the bike with the front wheel giving way, the tyre pressure was about 100-110 and certainly not bald either. I actually had to go around a roundabout about 10mph just to stay on my bike. Got 10 mile down the road and it had dried up and everything was grand.

Do i need different tyres for winter?
Was that a one off or was it just the drizzle instead of proper rain?

It certainly made me think a lot more about cycling in the winter...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on October 13, 2015, 11:14:46 AM
I use the same tyres winter and summer. Just make sure your tyres are new coming into winter, it's a lot easier to change a puncture in the sun when you can feel ur hands.

As for gear, I would typically wear
Cap, light but enough to stop u feeling a cold wind
Gloves - light long fingered ones under my cycling gloves. Then as it gets colder I've heavy duty claw ones, saw them in Aldi last week. Vital!

Under armour, cycling top, then I've a great Castelli Gabba jacket but that's the rolls Royce, a heavy breathable cycling jacket will do the job. And a light rain mack, v light for me. If it goes through that I'll just a have another under armour on to keep the core warm.

I use leg warmers, others use long legged shorts. Whatever floats ur boat.

Most vitally a decent pair of shoe covers, mine are pretty much wellies, thick neoprene, nothing will make a ride miserable quicker than cold feet. With these they'll be wet but warm

Keeping warm is vital for enjoying winter spins
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on October 15, 2015, 10:13:56 PM
Has anyone tried Zwift?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on October 15, 2015, 10:59:44 PM
Quote from: laoislad on October 15, 2015, 10:13:56 PM
Has anyone tried Zwift?

No but should have it set up in a few weeks!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on October 16, 2015, 09:33:48 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on October 15, 2015, 10:59:44 PM
Quote from: laoislad on October 15, 2015, 10:13:56 PM
Has anyone tried Zwift?

No but should have it set up in a few weeks!
It looks class doesn't it.
Hope to have it set up myself over weekend, the turbo trainer I ordered arrived this morning.
We could start a tour de gaaboard on zwift!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on October 16, 2015, 10:07:06 AM
What's zwift?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on October 16, 2015, 10:20:57 AM
Basically its online virtual cycling.
www.zwift.com
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Never beat the deeler on October 20, 2015, 05:47:44 AM
Completed my longest ever cycle at the weekend, and followed it up by repeating the feat the following day. The event was the Ride to Conquer Cancer, and took place in Perth. 105km on day 1 in temperatures that reached over 30 degrees and 100km day 2 in a mild 24deg.

Event was really well organised, with traffic controllers at dangerous junctions and plenty of pit stops, food, water, electrolytes etc.
I only started cycling this year so wasn't sure what to expect and delighted to have come through the other side.

I have been cycling with toe clips, so next step for me is to get a pair of cycling shoes and cleats, but I have no idea where to start. Can anyone give me any pointers? Don't want to spend a whole pile, maybe second hand. What type of cleats are best for beginners? Do all shoes work with all cleats? Are hybrid pedals common?

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 20, 2015, 07:47:01 AM
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-r540-spd-sl-sport-pedals/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=5360091204&ci_src=18615224&ci_sku=5360091204uk&utm_source=google&utm_term&utm_campaign=UK_PLA_Components&utm_medium=base&utm_content=s_dm%7cpcrid%7c71395610942%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cprd%7c5360091204uk

You can buy the same system of pedal in rising quality from £25 to £150 odd, the link is the entry level model & do your job. The cleats come with the pedals & as long as your cycling shoes can take the 3 bolt system that's you - think all shoes pretty much do.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on October 20, 2015, 06:57:52 PM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on October 20, 2015, 05:47:44 AM
Completed my longest ever cycle at the weekend, and followed it up by repeating the feat the following day. The event was the Ride to Conquer Cancer, and took place in Perth. 105km on day 1 in temperatures that reached over 30 degrees and 100km day 2 in a mild 24deg.

Event was really well organised, with traffic controllers at dangerous junctions and plenty of pit stops, food, water, electrolytes etc.
I only started cycling this year so wasn't sure what to expect and delighted to have come through the other side.

I have been cycling with toe clips, so next step for me is to get a pair of cycling shoes and cleats, but I have no idea where to start. Can anyone give me any pointers? Don't want to spend a whole pile, maybe second hand. What type of cleats are best for beginners? Do all shoes work with all cleats? Are hybrid pedals common?

Thanks in advance

Loads of different pedal/cleat systems out there. Easiest to break them down into mountain bike and road bike types. Mountain bike e.g. shimano spd. The cleats fit into a recess on the sole of the shoe held by 2 bolts. It's relatively easy to walk around in the shoes. The basic spd pedal itself can be engaged from either side and u can tighten/loosen the tension by adjusting a screw.  There are other types of spd pedal including one with both a platform and an engaging cleat side so you could use normal runners as well if you didn't want to use the spd shoe. You can also use this system on road bikes. Having the advantage of being clipped in but also allowing u to walk around normally if you want to nip to cafe etc.
      Road bike 3 bolt cleat systems shimano spd-sl, look keo, speedplay etc. I'm familiar with spd-sl. The cleat is much wider as is the pedal. The cleat is not recessed so tricky to walk around on and if u do u will wear/damage cleat. You can only click in on one side . The pedal offers a bigger platform to push/pull on and supposedly is better for efficiency than say spd. I've used both on a road bike and tbh I haven't noticed a big difference but then I'm no pro.
        The spd dual pedal cleat system is around £20 and a shimano spd shoe £60+. £25+ for basic spd-sl and again 60+ shoes.
       
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on October 20, 2015, 10:25:40 PM
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/2016-tour-de-france-route-revealed/ (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/2016-tour-de-france-route-revealed/)

Hopefully get to ride some of the TdF route next year!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Never beat the deeler on October 22, 2015, 03:37:38 AM
Cheers bennyd and grounded. Plumped for an entry level pair of dhb shoes and shimano SPD SL pedals.

I'm hoping this sorts out some of my form problems. My ITBs get sore cos I think my toes are pointed out too far (every now and again my heel clips the crank or the chain stay).

Will probably get used to these for a few weeks and get signed in for a proper bike fit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on October 22, 2015, 09:23:07 AM
The bike fit was the best thing i've done in cycling. No more sore back & pain in left knee went too, £99 was expensive but def worth imo
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on October 22, 2015, 01:05:32 PM
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on October 22, 2015, 03:37:38 AM
Cheers bennyd and grounded. Plumped for an entry level pair of dhb shoes and shimano SPD SL pedals.

I'm hoping this sorts out some of my form problems. My ITBs get sore cos I think my toes are pointed out too far (every now and again my heel clips the crank or the chain stay).

Will probably get used to these for a few weeks and get signed in for a proper bike fit.

Don't forget to put a small amount of grease on the bolts. Small guide to fitting here
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/fitness/bike-fit/cleats-explained-how-to-set-them-up-correctly-23575

Oh and your guaranteed to fall off once or twice until you get the hang of them. Have the pedal's tension on their loosest setting to start with and practice unclipping against a wall/fence for a while.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 02, 2015, 04:33:46 PM
Invested in a set of Fulcrum Zeros, was talked out of the deep rimmed racing wheels i'd been keen on - by a man whose expertise I would trust I might add. Roll on Springtime.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Rufus T Firefly on November 02, 2015, 06:44:56 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 02, 2015, 04:33:46 PM
Invested in a set of Fulcrum Zeros, was talked out of the deep rimmed racing wheels i'd been keen on - by a man whose expertise I would trust I might add. Roll on Springtime.

What else did Bubbly have to say?   :P
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 02, 2015, 08:58:30 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 02, 2015, 04:33:46 PM
Invested in a set of Fulcrum Zeros, was talked out of the deep rimmed racing wheels i'd been keen on - by a man whose expertise I would trust I might add. Roll on Springtime.

What were the reasons against deep rimmed wheels?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 02, 2015, 09:09:11 PM
He wasn't 'dissing' the deep rims as such, was saying a big fella like myself would get more benefit from the lighter Zeros, the lower rotational mass would be of more benefit, they have the ceramic barings too.

I still might buy a set of cheap carbon deep rims of Zuus next year anyway :) :)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 03, 2015, 11:31:21 AM
Guys ordered a bit of gear from ebay and TBH most of it was a pile of shite. The leggings i got were like tracing paper and when i wore them out the guy that normally is at the back of our group wasn't long until he was at the front (my arse was on full show and i didn't know it). they're all very tight too and i've actually lost 1/2 stone recently.

Can you recommend anywhere for decent winter gear as McConveys in Belfast next door to my work are very expensive...buying gear is worse than buying the bike FFS but i def need to get some winter gear sorted within the next few weeks...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 03, 2015, 11:41:19 AM
Quote from: illdecide on November 03, 2015, 11:31:21 AM
Guys ordered a bit of gear from ebay and TBH most of it was a pile of shite. The leggings i got were like tracing paper and when i wore them out the guy that normally is at the back of our group wasn't long until he was at the front (my arse was on full show and i didn't know it). they're all very tight too and i've actually lost 1/2 stone recently.

Can you recommend anywhere for decent winter gear as McConveys in Belfast next door to my work are very expensive...buying gear is worse than buying the bike FFS but i def need to get some winter gear sorted within the next few weeks...

What brand was the gear you bought ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 03, 2015, 01:14:45 PM
Agu winter tights of Planet X are powerful quality & value for the price(£40), very long legs on them tho, i've had to roll up the legging to get the padding in the right area - think mine were XL and i'm 6ft 2".  Speg winter tights also decent.

Bought a set of Castelli Velicissimo? for this winter, dear but top quality, XL spot on.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 03, 2015, 01:16:16 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 03, 2015, 11:41:19 AM
Quote from: illdecide on November 03, 2015, 11:31:21 AM
Guys ordered a bit of gear from ebay and TBH most of it was a pile of shite. The leggings i got were like tracing paper and when i wore them out the guy that normally is at the back of our group wasn't long until he was at the front (my arse was on full show and i didn't know it). they're all very tight too and i've actually lost 1/2 stone recently.

Can you recommend anywhere for decent winter gear as McConveys in Belfast next door to my work are very expensive...buying gear is worse than buying the bike FFS but i def need to get some winter gear sorted within the next few weeks...

What brand was the gear you bought ?

Chinese specialized ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 03, 2015, 01:18:47 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 03, 2015, 01:14:45 PM
Agu winter tights of Planet X are powerful quality & value for the price(£40), very long legs on them tho, i've had to roll up the legging to get the padding in the right area - think mine were XL and i'm 6ft 2".  Speg winter tights also decent.

Bought a set of Castelli Velicissimo? for this winter, dear but top quality, XL spot on.

I buy XL in all the gear because of 14 stone 10llb of frame, i'm 6ft but the big arse and frame doesn't help when picking this cycling gear :-[
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 03, 2015, 02:13:11 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 03, 2015, 01:14:45 PM
Agu winter tights of Planet X are powerful quality & value for the price(£40), very long legs on them tho, i've had to roll up the legging to get the padding in the right area - think mine were XL and i'm 6ft 2".  Speg winter tights also decent.

Bought a set of Castelli Velicissimo? for this winter, dear but top quality, XL spot on.

Benny excuse my ignorance but do u buy the tights and wear your normal cycling shorts over the top of them or are they okay on their own?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 03, 2015, 04:18:35 PM
As long as ur tights r padded shud be no need for anything else. Plenty of people do use padded shorts with paddless bib tights over the top of them - dont see the point myself. A good pair of shorts with good thermal leg warmers can do the job too, never have done it thru Winter so couldn't vouch for it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on November 03, 2015, 04:49:35 PM
Get yourself to decathlon.

I've a good pair of castelli bib shorts, wear winter gear over them (so the pad is on the inside, found its a lot more comfortable that way!), its all from decathlon, is great quality, and was cheap as chips.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on November 03, 2015, 07:18:04 PM
Have you tried sportsdirect.com illdecide?
I've bought tons of running gear on it anf its all been excellent.
They do cycling stuff also.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 03, 2015, 07:58:58 PM
Assos is the only job, lovely and cheap too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 04, 2015, 09:06:04 AM
Quote from: laoislad on November 03, 2015, 07:18:04 PM
Have you tried sportsdirect.com illdecide?
I've bought tons of running gear on it anf its all been excellent.
They do cycling stuff also.

Yes and TBH i thought the stuff from it was dirt, and i suppose it's the old saying you get what you pay for...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 04, 2015, 09:08:03 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on November 03, 2015, 07:58:58 PM
Assos is the only job, lovely and cheap too.

The sarcasm...They're so expensive only the rich farmers can afford them ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on November 04, 2015, 10:01:01 AM
Quote from: illdecide on November 04, 2015, 09:06:04 AM
Quote from: laoislad on November 03, 2015, 07:18:04 PM
Have you tried sportsdirect.com illdecide?
I've bought tons of running gear on it anf its all been excellent.
They do cycling stuff also.

Yes and TBH i thought the stuff from it was dirt, and i suppose it's the old saying you get what you pay for...
Their Karrimor running gear is excellent anyway.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on November 18, 2015, 11:32:07 AM
Anyone any suggestions for the best value turbo trainers? Good workout, quiet, and straightforward would be the most relevant factors for me...

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 18, 2015, 11:53:15 AM
Quote from: haranguerer on November 18, 2015, 11:32:07 AM
Anyone any suggestions for the best value turbo trainers? Good workout, quiet, and straightforward would be the most relevant factors for me...

Depends what you want to spend. I have this one from Halfords and its sound. Mine is quiet, very quiet at the minute.........

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/elite-magnetic-cycle-trainer (http://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/elite-magnetic-cycle-trainer)

You can get basic ones off Ebay for about £50 brand new. I got one for a mate and its absolutely spot on too.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on November 18, 2015, 12:50:42 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on November 18, 2015, 11:32:07 AM
Anyone any suggestions for the best value turbo trainers? Good workout, quiet, and straightforward would be the most relevant factors for me...
I bought a smart turbo trainer recently that connects to your computer via Bluetooth.
Great job. It changes resistance as the incline in the computer program changes to simulate hills.
Can set up different workouts on it also.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on November 18, 2015, 02:30:03 PM
I suppose with swift these trainers will get more common.  What sort of money you pay for yours
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 18, 2015, 05:18:11 PM
I got  tacx turbo a while back, in around a ton & i think it's so much better than the previous yoke i had.

My Garmin edge died this week so i've a 520 on the way & i might chance the Zwift thing in the new year, looks good but at the end of the day it's still a turbo session & i reckon a few weeks and the novelty will soon wear off.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on November 18, 2015, 05:53:39 PM
Zwift is very addictive. The novelty hasn't wore off for me yet anyway.
I bought a bkool turbo trainer gerry  http://www.bkool.com/ but I got it cheaper on ebay than the company offer it on their site. Think about €350 delivered it was.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on November 18, 2015, 08:42:27 PM
I see a few of mates on strava on swift so just curious what price it would be to get it going.  I binned my turbo for rollers last year but this year I am at the gym doing the spinning, treadmill and yoga. No matter what you at this time of year it's hard to keep the motivation going. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 23, 2015, 02:20:35 PM
Just sat on that bike there in McConvey's (Belfast), some piece of equipment. All for just £9,000.00

S-Works Vias - 2016
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: armaghniac on November 23, 2015, 11:15:07 PM
European Bike Stealing Championship
https://youtu.be/-yTFiP_co0U
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 04, 2015, 08:09:22 AM
The Froome data released http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/chris-froome-described-as-close-to-human-peak-after-physiological-data-release-202644?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social

Haven't read any reaction yet.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 04, 2015, 08:19:45 AM
http://sportsscientists.com/2015/12/seven-quick-thoughts-on-the-froome-data/
Ross Tucker's opinion. (Kimmage's go to man for scepticisim).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 05, 2015, 08:28:27 PM
I've read the report and the experts opinions and it sounds like he is never going to fully prove that he is clean, there will always be something that he hasn't done or provided to prove his innocence. In my opinion he is clean. I love reading all about the testing though, at least the vo2 Max test shows that he is a freak athlete. Sticky bottle had a good article comparing his results to an Irish cyclist.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: INDIANA on December 05, 2015, 08:46:00 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on December 05, 2015, 08:28:27 PM
I've read the report and the experts opinions and it sounds like he is never going to fully prove that he is clean, there will always be something that he hasn't done or provided to prove his innocence. In my opinion he is clean. I love reading all about the testing though, at least the vo2 Max test shows that he is a freak athlete. Sticky bottle had a good article comparing his results to an Irish cyclist.

Lance Armstrong had the same VO2 max. People are so naive.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 05, 2015, 09:21:00 PM
Greg Lemond's was higher than both of them.

Whatever people thought about Froome before the report they'll probably think the same now. I'd say Sky will reap some reward as Quintana, Bertie and the boys will probably feel the pressure to follow suit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 05, 2015, 09:43:24 PM
Greg Le Mond is meant to be the highest ever recorded. 92.5 or something like that.

I'm usually the most suspicion person ever when doping is concerned but I think Froome is clean. I have no doubt Sky push the boundaries with whats legal though.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 10, 2015, 04:15:53 PM
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/junior-time-trial-champion-gabriel-evans-admits-epo-use-203450?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social

Was shocked to read this tbh 18 yr old Junior 10km TT champ caught with EPO. His 'apology' reads very much as he's only sorry he was caught & prob wouldn't have been only his teammate's Dad spotted it in his kitbag.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 11, 2015, 10:49:24 PM
http://www.53x12.com/do/show?page=article&id=137 (http://www.53x12.com/do/show?page=article&id=137)
Here is the good doctor's opinion on Froome. I love his articles.

And Benny I am not surprised at all. It has been rife in amateurs for years, especially in Europe. The sportives in Europe aren't sportives like we know over here. They are basically races with prize money etc. Teams will have a lead rider and the whole team will work for that one rider to try and get him over the line first. They will dope to win!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on December 13, 2015, 09:34:00 PM
I c there is a cycling channel on sky. 464 if you's didn't know
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2015, 09:39:13 PM
Nice one. Though hopefully we're not heading down a subscription route for pro road cycling in future. Eurosport provides an unbelievable service.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on December 13, 2015, 09:50:30 PM
Didn't get out this weekend at all. Pain in the hole with the roads being icy! Had the cold this week and my nose is still a bit blocked up so probably no harm in taking a rest.

Trying to get this zwift thing up and running but my garmin dongle thing is pissing about.

Quote from: bennydorano on December 13, 2015, 09:39:13 PM
Nice one. Though hopefully we're not heading down a subscription route for pro road cycling in future. Eurosport provides an unbelievable service.

I hope not. It's great watching all the tours for free on Eurosport, although I can't stand listening to Carlton Kirby.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on February 01, 2016, 07:22:53 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynLMfzLTc8M

Interesting to say the least
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 02, 2016, 12:05:18 AM
Quote from: redzone on February 01, 2016, 07:22:53 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynLMfzLTc8M

Interesting to say the least

Motorgate?


Its been talked/rumoured about for a few years now. Bikes have been checked in competition including in the tdf last year but until now it has never been detected in competition. It was the u23 race and not the elite women's race. I suppose many people will speculate that if it has been used at this level then perhaps it has been used before at a higher level? Last thing the sport needs.
               

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 02, 2016, 06:01:00 AM
I don't believe that  Ryder incident was due to a motor it was the motion of the pedals that spon the bike around.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 02, 2016, 08:35:48 AM
Yeah I don't think that clip showed a motor in play. There have been a few clips of Van den Driessche posted as well, but I can't see any evidence either. But I suppose she was caught red handed.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 07, 2016, 10:05:06 PM
Never seen weather like it! Has anyone been getting out much?

Mostly turbo sessions for me I'm afraid. Fierce boring all the same. I've found a few indoor workout sessions on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSFYRiqodvU  there are a few others as well. You can download them with http://en.savefrom.net/
     
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 08, 2016, 08:51:00 AM
i am getting roughly out twice a week and doing two 40 mile spins on my steel machine. between that, yoga, leg presses, squats and spinning my legs are wrecked.  hopefully no chocolate in lent might see the spare tyre deflating.

still will get dropped on a leisure cycle
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 09, 2016, 01:31:00 PM
Quote from: gerry on February 08, 2016, 08:51:00 AM
i am getting roughly out twice a week and doing two 40 mile spins on my steel machine. between that, yoga, leg presses, squats and spinning my legs are wrecked.  hopefully no chocolate in lent might see the spare tyre deflating.

still will get dropped on a leisure cycle

Fair play, hell of a lot more cycling than me! This year I was doing a little running as well as cycling just to mix things up a little. Definitely helped loosing a few pounds but unfortunately aggravated an old calf injury. The WDW have their 'Tour of Down' sportive on Saturday which I might give a go. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 09, 2016, 02:27:00 PM
Omagh wheelers have there's here on Sunday but thankfully I am working
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 09, 2016, 06:59:08 PM
Have done the WDW sportive 3 times, great season opener. I've been puked with a niggly cold this past few weeks so i've mostly been on the turbo, the one spin I did get out for recently was unpleasantly tough,  hoping to get out 2moro afternoon tho to see where I stand.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on February 09, 2016, 08:14:09 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 09, 2016, 06:59:08 PM
Have done the WDW sportive 3 times, great season opener. I've been puked with a niggly cold this past few weeks so i've mostly been on the turbo, the one spin I did get out for recently was unpleasantly tough,  hoping to get out 2moro afternoon tho to see where I stand.

Got out on Sunday there and only done 32 mile but it was tough in a strong wind but got it tight TBH considering the route was relatively flat but guy I was with wouldn't let up and just grinded away, i'd say if I was by myself it would have been a lot slower...lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 09, 2016, 10:37:23 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 09, 2016, 06:59:08 PM
Have done the WDW sportive 3 times, great season opener. I've been puked with a niggly cold this past few weeks so i've mostly been on the turbo, the one spin I did get out for recently was unpleasantly tough,  hoping to get out 2moro afternoon tho to see where I stand.

aye its a good fast opener over (usually)fairly good roads. Like yourself its been mostly turbo for me. Best bit of training advice for me after the Christmas splurge is probably ' to keep my head out of the fridge ' lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on February 10, 2016, 09:45:24 AM
Was looking at this as well, haven't got that much done over the winter so could be a rude awakening, but nonetheless, a good starting point. Have only done a couple of sportives in total, is there different groups or what way does this one work?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 10, 2016, 11:56:49 AM
Last year, went off in a number of groups with the faster bunch heading off first. Was a lovely dry day so most people done the longer route.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 10, 2016, 01:13:04 PM
It's mainly a racing mens Sportive / Reliability Trial. Plenty of non-racing groups too, but because of the time of year probably not a lot of people out for a pleasant jaunt, like you would see in a Summer sportive.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on February 10, 2016, 02:11:19 PM
Cheers - it sounds perfect, I'm not looking for a leisure cycle; trying to get the base miles in the legs for a few triathlons later in the year. I'll hopefully make it, keep an eye out for a lad on a cube peleton!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 13, 2016, 10:39:51 PM
Unfortunately got late call into work and missed the wdw tour. Did anyone make it?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on February 15, 2016, 09:51:49 AM
Aye, I made it down to it - found it tough going! It took off at a serious pace, I got settled into a group after ten miles or so, and made good progress, but everything got a bit disjointed after rostrevor - those wiser than me pulled in to refuel there, I tried to plough on and regretted it, the climb out of rostrevor towards hilltown was tough. Made slow and painful progress back to Castlewellan, and pulled in there for food which sorted me out for the spin back to Katesbridge.

Great crowd out, and great conditions too for the time of year. Good to get it under the belt - and learnt a lot about the necessity of eating as you go!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 15, 2016, 11:35:08 AM
Good man, I think there was over 300 on it which was good for this time of year. Yeah the pull up the Newtown road from rostrevor to Hilltown is deceptive and has pot holes all the way! I seen some of the lead groups heading into rostrevor and they were motoring rightly.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on March 02, 2016, 09:43:30 PM
Lidl have a cycle 'special' next Monday http://www.lidl-ni.co.uk/en/Offers.htm?id=661  or http://www.lidl.ie/en/Offers.htm?id=733

I've bought a few bits and pieces from them before and were fairly good value. The bike stand at £25/ e30 looks excellent.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 25, 2016, 08:12:43 PM
Sky getting into their stride early this year, good day today with1st & 3rd at E3 Harelbeke & stage win in Catalunya.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 25, 2016, 08:36:06 PM
Another second for poor Pete it looked like he didn't have the legs today. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 25, 2016, 09:30:24 PM
He slept in bigtime today, caught on the hop.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on March 26, 2016, 04:00:41 PM
Quote from: grounded on March 02, 2016, 09:43:30 PM
The bike stand at £25/ e30 looks excellent.

Got one - they're a great yoke
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 27, 2016, 09:29:10 PM
Wahey Petey gets a win at Ghent Wevelgem
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on March 27, 2016, 09:57:06 PM
Meant to post earlier - the finish line to the Volta a Catalunya today was about a 3 minute walk from my front door and I managed to miss it. Was walking about afterwards though and managed to catch glimpse of Quintana getting serenaded by Colombian fans at the Movistar bus.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 30, 2016, 12:47:25 AM
Sagan fecked up a few days ago and Astana does the same today in the Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde, never seen worst tactics from a pro team.

Being a bad week for cycling with two untimely deaths, hopefully something can be done about the motorbikes and cars but with the demand for photos, tv coverage, sponsors and team cars I can't seem much of a reduction.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Linkbox on March 31, 2016, 02:37:40 AM
Do you read the secret pro, Gerry?

http://cyclingtips.com/2016/03/the-secret-pro-processing-death-race-motos-terrorism-extreme-weather-and-more/

Good piece on the deaths of the young cyclists. He's usually bang on about most topics.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on March 31, 2016, 09:59:03 PM
Quote from: Linkbox on March 31, 2016, 02:37:40 AM
Do you read the secret pro, Gerry?

http://cyclingtips.com/2016/03/the-secret-pro-processing-death-race-motos-terrorism-extreme-weather-and-more/

Good piece on the deaths of the young cyclists. He's usually bang on about most topics.

+1 excellent
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 01, 2016, 06:15:31 PM
Yep. The secret pro a good read. 

Watching the lance film "the program " on kodi now.  Full of  inaccuracies or maybe I am a nerd   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Linkbox on April 03, 2016, 03:38:56 AM
Tragic.

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/irish-cyclist-who-died-was-riding-his-14th-tour-flanders-sportive/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on April 03, 2016, 08:35:35 AM
Quote from: gerry on April 01, 2016, 06:15:31 PM
Yep. The secret pro a good read. 

Watching the lance film "the program " on kodi now.  Full of  inaccuracies or maybe I am a nerd   

Tell me more about this Kodi business. How do you get content to play on it?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on April 03, 2016, 08:56:56 AM
there is a thread here about them and i have posted a link of how to get them onto an amazon fire stick.  I am a hurry out the door now but if you need help let me know


http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=26091.0 (http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=26091.0)


http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/tvs-entertainment/media-streamers/1404248/how-to-install-kodi-on-the-amazon-fire-tv-stick (http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/tvs-entertainment/media-streamers/1404248/how-to-install-kodi-on-the-amazon-fire-tv-stick)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mrdeeds on April 03, 2016, 12:57:56 PM
I thought The Program more or less stuck to David Walsh's book. If any differences maybe subtle. Doesn't give on redeeming feature to Lance which perhaps is justified.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 02, 2016, 11:42:57 PM
Was on a run today and one of my mates came of the bike going down one of the steepest hills in the country (Rathfrisland) fractured skull, broken collarbone and dis-located  shoulder...Shocking fall which scared the shite out of me as I was right behind him and got a v lucky escape. Cycling can be so dangerous... A bad gust of wind wobbled him and he pulled the front brakes and skidded it worse and off he came, helmet split in two after hitting his head of kerb. Can't get it out of my head...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 03, 2016, 06:27:20 AM
What would have happened to him if he wasn't wearing a hemlet. Scary.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 03, 2016, 09:56:09 AM
I've been knocked out before off the bike, lost my short term memory for about an hour, scary is right. Helmet in bits

In fairness its not worth worrying about, the most likely outcome is that you'll break a fall with your shoulder and crack the collar bone when you fall.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 03, 2016, 11:46:44 AM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on May 03, 2016, 09:56:09 AM
I've been knocked out before off the bike, lost my short term memory for about an hour, scary is right. Helmet in bits

In fairness its not worth worrying about, the most likely outcome is that you'll break a fall with your shoulder and crack the collar bone when you fall.

I know you just have to get back on and go again...it prob was a good thing it happened 20 mile from home as we'd no other choice than to cycle back home but i can tell you our heads were wrecked all the way home.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 03, 2016, 03:04:29 PM
Contador not retiring at the end of season as planned.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on May 04, 2016, 07:55:57 AM
does the Giro start fairly soon?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on May 04, 2016, 10:24:22 AM
Giro starts this Friday. The field is a bit underwhelming - Nibali might be the only Grand Tour winner riding.

Nibali will probably be favourite and probably has the strongest team. Valverde will be close no doubt. I'd like to see Landa do well but there might be too much TT and not enough mountain top finishes for him.

Tom Dumoulin is my outside bet .
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 04, 2016, 12:22:11 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 02, 2016, 11:42:57 PM
Was on a run today and one of my mates came of the bike going down one of the steepest hills in the country (Rathfrisland) fractured skull, broken collarbone and dis-located  shoulder...Shocking fall which scared the shite out of me as I was right behind him and got a v lucky escape. Cycling can be so dangerous... A bad gust of wind wobbled him and he pulled the front brakes and skidded it worse and off he came, helmet split in two after hitting his head of kerb. Can't get it out of my head...

Sorry to hear about your pal, hope he makes a full recovery. A fall like that (even witnessing it) can really knock the confidence.
Which of Rathfriland 's hills were you descending. The castlewellan road has a few manhole covers and hidden bumps that nearly put me off a few times. Saying that they can all be treacherous particularly when wet.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 04, 2016, 03:42:08 PM
Quote from: grounded on May 04, 2016, 12:22:11 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 02, 2016, 11:42:57 PM
Was on a run today and one of my mates came of the bike going down one of the steepest hills in the country (Rathfrisland) fractured skull, broken collarbone and dis-located  shoulder...Shocking fall which scared the shite out of me as I was right behind him and got a v lucky escape. Cycling can be so dangerous... A bad gust of wind wobbled him and he pulled the front brakes and skidded it worse and off he came, helmet split in two after hitting his head of kerb. Can't get it out of my head...

Sorry to hear about your pal, hope he makes a full recovery. A fall like that (even witnessing it) can really knock the confidence.
Which of Rathfriland 's hills were you descending. The castlewellan road has a few manhole covers and hidden bumps that nearly put me off a few times. Saying that they can all be treacherous particularly when wet.

It was the Banbridge side...the scary thing was i checked my Strava and we were doing 48.3mph going down hills on the Downpatrick side of Castlewellan and after what happened later on I can't believe how stupid we were going at them speeds...as you say one bump and you're in serious trouble...It certainly won't put me off cycling but it definitely will make me approach steep descents differently
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Carmen Stateside on May 28, 2016, 04:07:54 PM
anyone watching the Giro?
great battle on right now, Nibali going for the win on the last big climbs of the race
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on May 28, 2016, 11:22:22 PM
Another bad day for cycling with Nibali making a miraculous recovery after looking spent a few days ago. It's amazing what a blood refill can do.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Linkbox on May 30, 2016, 04:31:03 AM
Enjoyed the Giro. Some crazy crashes, especially for the Katusha rider, Zakarin.

The climb on the second last stage was awful and it was suspiciously powerful from Nibali. Really like Chavez. Would be great to see him get a tour win. Hopefully he is clean though I just watched the Pantani doc which has jaded my view of cycling again. Worth a watch if you haven't seen it before.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2966760/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 30, 2016, 09:05:33 AM
Sort of lost track if it in the last few days but thoroughly enjoyed it. Wouldn't trust Astana as far as I could throw them but great riding by Nibali if taken at face value - multiple GT winner, so not exactly unbelievable . Impressive stuff from Kruusjik of Lotto moreso, never heard much of him before tbh. Very unlucky for Zakarin who has been making a name for himself, a big prospect, but again at a dodgy outfit. Chavez could be one for La Vuelta.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 31, 2016, 12:59:53 PM
Any of you guys doing the Gran Fonda this weekend? Dunno if i should try it or not, fitness wise I'm just okay and would like to be in better shape but I'm not lagging behind either. the problem is I've only ever done 88 miles and haven't went beyond that...a bit nervous about it TBH.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 31, 2016, 02:27:41 PM
No, doing Wicklow the following weekend. If u can do 88m, u can do a Ton+. Was up over Slieve Croob on Saturday and it's certainly nothing to worry about, Spelga a bit tougher tho. Riding in big groups, as u tend to do in Sportives, saves on effort & energy big time, if u can do 60 /70 solo, Ton+ in a group should be no bother.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 08, 2016, 07:09:39 PM
Great ride by Aru today at the Dauphine. Bertie looking in good nick but they haven't really got down to Business yet.

Weather looming ropey for Wicklow :-[
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 09, 2016, 10:50:12 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 08, 2016, 07:09:39 PM
Great ride by Aru today at the Dauphine. Bertie looking in good nick but they haven't really got down to Business yet.

Weather looming ropey for Wicklow :-[

Benny i think u might have picked the wrong weekend
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 10, 2016, 06:32:28 PM
Froome put a few boys in their box today. Porte & Dan Martin looking in good nick. Contador and Pinaut have something to find for Le Tour by the looks of it.

Wicklow could be a pass looking at the forecast.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 14, 2016, 06:46:08 PM
Operation Puerto: Blood bags in Spanish cycling doping case to be handed over - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/36527895

I thought they were already destroyed! There'll be a few sportsmen sleeping uncomfortably for a while. Hopefully it's not just the cyclists they go after. Tennis & Soccer players were strongly rumoured to be patients of Fuentes.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 14, 2016, 07:10:13 PM
A very famous spanish tennis player was apparently caught and it got covered up so I wonder just how far they will go to releasing the names.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 22, 2016, 12:00:49 AM
Anyone had tendonitis. Going with illdecide (the skinny version) and I have been off the bike for a few months now with tendonitis. Went out on sunday and did a couple of hills and my knee is aching now ffs. France in 3 weeks too. Disaster
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 22, 2016, 09:58:25 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 22, 2016, 12:00:49 AM
Anyone had tendonitis. Going with illdecide (the skinny version) and I have been off the bike for a few months now with tendonitis. Went out on sunday and did a couple of hills and my knee is aching now ffs. France in 3 weeks too. Disaster

Happened last summer when I was putting in a lot of miles. A proper bike fit and in particular better positioning of the cleats seemed to really help, though I had to take a total rest of the bike for a few weeks.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 04, 2016, 09:08:27 PM
Ireland's first pro-conti team
http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/the-monaco-based-businessman-behind-irelands-first-pro-team/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 07, 2016, 07:58:41 PM
Jesus the Dutch leader of the women's race had a brutal looking fall there, straight up in the air and landed on her head / neck. Out cold.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Boycey on August 07, 2016, 08:00:48 PM
Just posted similar on Olympics thread it looked horrific. I've actually turned it off it upset me that much..
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 07, 2016, 09:01:30 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 07, 2016, 07:58:41 PM
Jesus the Dutch leader of the women's race had a brutal looking fall there, straight up in the air and landed on her head / neck. Out cold.

Was watching that myself...thats the 2nd bad crash i've seen today. Looked like she is in trouble, hit the big high kerb on the other side of the road.
My mate came off his bike today about 4-5 mile before Newcastle, don't think anything broken but he was cut to bits...the oncoming car missed him by inches (which drove on like nothing happened)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on August 07, 2016, 09:04:39 PM
Horrible crash, really feared for her the way she came off the bike and you knew it was bad when the camera stayed away from showing pictures of the incident thankfully. Watched that descent in the men's race yesterday and they were falling like skittles, very dangerous and she was bombing down it trying to get a gap. Apparently she's back talking anyway so that's good news.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 10, 2016, 05:00:27 PM
Great to see Cancellara bowing out in his retirement year as Olympic Champion. A true great. (Didn't get watching it so I don't know of he benefited from good luck / others bad luck or variable weather conditions?)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 10, 2016, 05:12:58 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 10, 2016, 05:00:27 PM
Great to see Cancellara bowing out in his retirement year as Olympic Champion. A true great. (Didn't get watching it so I don't know of he benefited from good luck / others bad luck or variable weather conditions?)

Think Rohan Denis had a bike change as he broke off his tt bar but Cancellara would probably have won anyway. Legend. Good comeback by Froome to get a medal.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 11, 2016, 10:57:52 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpkF1OyWcAA5V66.jpg)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on August 11, 2016, 11:42:19 AM
What's that about from Armstrong? Don't get the reference.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 11, 2016, 12:03:46 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 11, 2016, 11:42:19 AM
What's that about from Armstrong? Don't get the reference.

Luigi cecchini I assume
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on August 11, 2016, 12:15:03 PM
Quote from: gallsman on August 11, 2016, 11:42:19 AM
What's that about from Armstrong? Don't get the reference.

Former Fuentes client, its his code name. Watching Cancellara obliterate the field yesterday was reminiscent of Vinokourov winning the road race in 2012. Has struggled in TT's for a while but came to Rio on full gas as was evident from the road race where he done a large pull for the peloton up the mountain. Not normal.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 11, 2016, 12:15:54 PM
Fuentes related allegations or looking like a Super Mario brother. Lance playing both sides I'd imagine if he was asked.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 11, 2016, 12:19:01 PM
Luigi Cecchini (born 1944) is an Italian sports doctor that is active in road bicycle racing. He is well known as maker of training schemes that he writes for his clients as well as use of the SRM cycle computer.

Cecchini is a former motor-racing pilot and the son of a millionaire shirt manufacturer, who had specialized as a sports scientist under Francesco Conconi. In an interview in May 1997 Cecchini was referred to as Bjarne Riis's coach, medic, and personal advisor who he started to work with in 1992.[1] With Cecchini at his side Riis won the 1996 Tour de France.

Cecchini has worked with many of the most successful cyclists of the late 1990s including Tour de France winners Riis and Jan Ullrich, Classic specialists Michele Bartoli, Olympic time trial gold medallists Tyler Hamilton and the super sprinter Alessandro Petacchi. In 1996 three of his clients Pascal Richard, Rolf Sørensen and Max Sciandri took the podium at the Olympics road race.[2] Cecchini was a coach to Jan Ullrich since the winter of 2002/2003.[3] David Millar trained under Cecchini's guidance in May and June 2006.[4] Damiano Cunego was also a client of Cecchini.[5] Thomas Dekker started working with Cecchini in January 2006[6] but only on training programs.[7] Dekker was under pressure and broke his association with Cecchini.[8] Linus Gerdemann trained with Cecchini until May, 2006.[9] In 1996 Cecchini's clients were very successful with Riis winning the Tour and his other clients dominating the first professional Olympic road race. In 2002 many of his clients obtained success. Bartoli won the Amstel Gold Race and the Giro di Lombardia. Andrea Tafi won the Tour of Flanders. Mario Cipollini won Milan–San Remo, Gent–Wevelgem and the World Championship road race.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 11, 2016, 06:14:31 PM
Armstrong is referring to the rumours that Cancellara's code name was Luigi in the Fuentes files.

Good read on Cancellara here https://rouleur.cc/journal/riders/fabian-cancellara-interview (https://rouleur.cc/journal/riders/fabian-cancellara-interview)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: DuffleKing on August 12, 2016, 07:36:32 PM

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/olympic-games-french-confounded-by-british-success-in-team-sprint/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 12, 2016, 09:41:04 PM
Brits pushing 65 tooth chainring on front (presumably an 11 on back), ouch.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 12, 2016, 10:47:27 PM
Wiggins and the lads up now
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 12, 2016, 10:55:54 PM
That was exciting. Aussies spunked their keks a bit early I think.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 12, 2016, 11:07:34 PM
I thought the Brits fucked it up at the end when someone lost a wheel. Wiggins has done it all. Unreal cyclist.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 13, 2016, 09:19:07 PM
Laura Trott is some bit of gear
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 13, 2016, 10:38:00 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 13, 2016, 09:19:07 PM
Laura Trott is some bit of gear

You're not that fussy in fairness.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Olly on August 13, 2016, 11:20:16 PM
All this cycling stuff annoys me. I cycled every day from Lurgan to Portadown from 1986 until 1993 and I never asked anyone to sponsor me or did I go on the internet to track my ride. People should only be asking for sponsorship if there's an element of cycling backwards or running backards.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on August 14, 2016, 05:42:17 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 12, 2016, 11:07:34 PM
I thought the Brits fucked it up at the end when someone lost a wheel. Wiggins has done it all. Unreal cyclist.

Unreal is right.  :D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 14, 2016, 07:16:40 PM
Quote from: muppet on August 14, 2016, 05:42:17 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 12, 2016, 11:07:34 PM
I thought the Brits fucked it up at the end when someone lost a wheel. Wiggins has done it all. Unreal cyclist.

Unreal is right.  :D

I'll say to the people who don't believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics: I'm sorry for you. I'm sorry that you can't dream big. I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on August 14, 2016, 08:20:56 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 13, 2016, 09:19:07 PM
Laura Trott is some bit of gear

No she isn't. Very average.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 14, 2016, 08:46:00 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on August 14, 2016, 08:20:56 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 13, 2016, 09:19:07 PM
Laura Trott is some bit of gear

No she isn't. Very average.

Not model looks but I like her athletic prowess  ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on August 14, 2016, 08:49:45 PM
Eh Rule 1......
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on August 14, 2016, 08:55:22 PM
Quote from: laoislad on August 14, 2016, 08:49:45 PM
Eh Rule 1......
definitely would.

http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com/2012/11/16/2/twcglasgowd1_p27a_670.jpg
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 15, 2016, 09:35:19 PM
This omnium is some race! Haven't a clue what's going on!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 15, 2016, 09:42:39 PM
Cavendish just wiped the gold medal leader out!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 15, 2016, 09:54:45 PM
Going the old fashioned route to victory, take your opponents out by the root!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on August 15, 2016, 10:02:17 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 15, 2016, 09:35:19 PM
This omnium is some race! Haven't a clue what's going on!
Do those bikes have gears?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 15, 2016, 10:11:38 PM
One huge gear
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 15, 2016, 10:38:11 PM
Trott is some cyclist!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on August 15, 2016, 10:38:20 PM
That sprint elimination is great craic.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 15, 2016, 11:24:45 PM
Trott cruised it. You could easily get caught out in that race and find yourself eliminated.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on August 16, 2016, 01:10:05 AM
http://www.goalsdaddy.com/rio/mark-cavendish-causes-a-horror-crash-in-the-velodrome-rio-2016/ (http://www.goalsdaddy.com/rio/mark-cavendish-causes-a-horror-crash-in-the-velodrome-rio-2016/)

How is he not disqualified? At best he was very careless, at worst........?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on August 16, 2016, 08:13:13 AM
To be fair to him I think he was just stupid rather than malicious... (if that was malicious then it would be really bad as he really hurt the korean? guy quite badly?)

so you got points for sprint, what else?

you seemed to get 10 points for lapping everyone else and cavendish mentioned an elimination where he could have won it on? what is the elimination?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Declan on August 16, 2016, 08:18:27 AM
Another marginal gain for the GB cyclists ;) ;)
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/aug/15/team-gb-cycling-saddle-sore-medals?CMP=share_btn_tw
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on August 16, 2016, 08:18:44 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on August 16, 2016, 08:13:13 AM
To be fair to him I think he was just stupid rather than malicious... (if that was malicious then it would be really bad as he really hurt the korean? guy quite badly?)

so you got points for sprint, what else?

you seemed to get 10 points for lapping everyone else and cavendish mentioned an elimination where he could have won it on? what is the elimination?
It is an earlier race in the competition where a rider is eliminated every other lap. Whoever is at the back going over the line gets eliminated until there is only 1.
From what I saw it is a series of sprints where the cyclist caught on the insde got squeezed out.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on August 16, 2016, 08:30:53 AM
Ah, cheers. Wasn't sure what he was talking about when he said that. Mad event but entertaining.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 16, 2016, 09:37:57 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJsPAIhuVls (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJsPAIhuVls)
Cavendish is ruthless. Complete legend though. Cavendish is maybe the best British cyclist ever??? Wiggins has done more overall though when you take into his olympic career.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on August 16, 2016, 10:53:05 AM
Dirty act by Cavendish, he knew full well what he was doing looking back twice beforehand and has history for causing crashes. Should have been DQ'd imo, he left the Korean guy in hospital. Then threatened to sue a Dutch journalist afterwards for asking him if he should have been DQ'd. An arrogant man.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Declan on August 16, 2016, 09:41:42 PM
[url]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/16/australian-cyclist-anna-meares-raises-questions-over-team-gbs-tr/


Australian, French and German cyclists raise questions over Team GB's track success
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BennyHarp on August 16, 2016, 10:46:52 PM
Looks like Jason Kenny might get disqualified here!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: screenexile on August 16, 2016, 10:47:42 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on August 16, 2016, 10:46:52 PM
Looks like Jason Kenny might get disqualified here!

I think he's goosed!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: screenexile on August 16, 2016, 10:50:49 PM
Lucky lucky boy!!!

His knighthood now hangs in the balance!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BennyHarp on August 16, 2016, 10:51:04 PM
Quote from: screenexile on August 16, 2016, 10:47:42 PM
Quote from: BennyHarp on August 16, 2016, 10:46:52 PM
Looks like Jason Kenny might get disqualified here!

I think he's goosed!

Don't know much about the rules, but I got the impression that the BBC commentators were shitting themselves that he was gone! Judges may have bottled it!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on August 16, 2016, 11:16:29 PM
That was some finish. Unreal speed from Jason kenny.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omagh_gael on August 16, 2016, 11:17:25 PM
Don't know much about cycling but that was a spectacular finish from Kenny. It was like an F1 car taking over a mini Cooper run.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 11, 2016, 04:43:16 PM
Like him or loath him Wiggins always gives a good interview. Lizzie Armistead gets both barrels too.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/10/bradley-wiggins-remembered-cyclist-with-sideburns
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on September 11, 2016, 11:17:01 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 11, 2016, 04:43:16 PM
Like him or loath him Wiggins always gives a good interview. Lizzie Armistead gets both barrels too.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/10/bradley-wiggins-remembered-cyclist-with-sideburns

A legend who has done it all. Like Cavendish, I like that he is a bit different.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on September 17, 2016, 01:52:31 PM
So, in 2012, Wiggins says in his autobiography that he never had injections.

Today he releases a statement describing that statement add a passing comment and that he differentiates between intervenous and intramuscular injections. Oh, OK, do that's that cleared up.

The net is closing, Benny. Can't wait to see you try and explain all this away.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 17, 2016, 03:13:01 PM
Eh?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on September 19, 2016, 12:33:42 PM
Quote from: gallsman on September 17, 2016, 01:52:31 PM
So, in 2012, Wiggins says in his autobiography that he never had injections.

Today he releases a statement describing that statement add a passing comment and that he differentiates between intervenous and intramuscular injections. Oh, OK, do that's that cleared up.

The net is closing, Benny. Can't wait to see you try and explain all this away.

Wiggins knows that he will find it hard to explain his way out of this one. A pure hypocrite given his previous comments on doping and Brailsford seems to have gone into hiding as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 19, 2016, 01:02:40 PM
Disappointing revelations about Wiggins, nothing illegal but firmly in the dubious category.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: 93-DY-SAM on September 19, 2016, 10:22:22 PM
Interesting piece on The Last Word this evening with Paul Kimmage about the latest leaked files and Wiggins. Worth a listen.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: El Jefe on September 20, 2016, 09:48:55 AM
Heard it, was very interesting
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mrdeeds on September 20, 2016, 01:02:51 PM
After getting a turbo trainer. How are they on tyres?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 20, 2016, 01:53:32 PM
Harsh, it would be inadvisable to use the same tyre on it & the road. I just keep the old used ones & use them. There are  'Turbo Tyres' but never had one.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on September 20, 2016, 01:57:05 PM
There's turbo tyres in decathlon for about a tenner. You shouldn't inflate fully either
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 23, 2016, 04:03:48 PM
See Wiggins is going on the Andrew Marr show on Sunday. Hard to imagine he'll get a soft touch interview there.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on September 23, 2016, 05:08:58 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 23, 2016, 04:03:48 PM
See Wiggins is going on the Andrew Marr show on Sunday. Hard to imagine he'll get a soft touch interview there.

Must get a look at this!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on September 23, 2016, 05:13:24 PM
Cold weather coming in and the nights away to hell, so winter bikes will be out soon! Frustrating year for me so far. Going well for the first part and then have been plagued with tendonitis for the guts of 5 months or more. Still not away but much better than it was. Will have to get the turbo out and get the winter bike prepared for all the shit weather that's ahead of us.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on September 23, 2016, 08:36:12 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37456623 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37456623)

Timing very dodgy. Are there any athletes that don't have asthma?!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on September 23, 2016, 09:30:42 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on September 23, 2016, 08:36:12 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37456623 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37456623)

Timing very dodgy. Are there any athletes that don't have asthma?!

Yip. But we probably haven't heard of them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 25, 2016, 01:27:06 PM
Unconvincing from a very sheepish looking Wiggins.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 25, 2016, 02:35:48 PM
If he has suffered badly with asthma all his life then surely a look into his medical records as a teenager would show that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: 93-DY-SAM on September 26, 2016, 03:03:24 PM
When are professional sports people, particularly those in athletics and cycling, going to realise that due to the complete mistrust people have with drugs in sport they need to be able to stand up and give convincing answers to legitimate questions being asked of them. Especially if the athlete has a holier-than-thou attitude to drug taking. Providing vague or inaccurate answers only intensifies the mistrust and quite rightly has people probing further into it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hound on September 26, 2016, 05:02:02 PM
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on September 26, 2016, 03:03:24 PM
When are professional sports people, particularly those in athletics and cycling, going to realise that due to the complete mistrust people have with drugs in sport they need to be able to stand up and give convincing answers to legitimate questions being asked of them. Especially if the athlete has a holier-than-thou attitude to drug taking. Providing vague or inaccurate answers only intensifies the mistrust and quite rightly has people probing further into it.
Mistrust doesn't really matter, unless it ends up hitting the big stars in the pocket.

How much would Froome and Farah have earned in the last 12 months I wonder?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on September 26, 2016, 10:32:11 PM
Quote from: Hound on September 26, 2016, 05:02:02 PM
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on September 26, 2016, 03:03:24 PM
When are professional sports people, particularly those in athletics and cycling, going to realise that due to the complete mistrust people have with drugs in sport they need to be able to stand up and give convincing answers to legitimate questions being asked of them. Especially if the athlete has a holier-than-thou attitude to drug taking. Providing vague or inaccurate answers only intensifies the mistrust and quite rightly has people probing further into it.
Mistrust doesn't really matter, unless it ends up hitting the big stars in the pocket.

How much would Froome and Farah have earned in the last 12 months I wonder?

There are only so many cracks that can keep appearing.

Eventually one bursts the dam.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on November 21, 2016, 04:04:04 PM
Ventured out yesterday and was bitterly cold. Are many of you still heading out on the road or is it turbo time!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 21, 2016, 04:09:18 PM
Quote from: grounded on November 21, 2016, 04:04:04 PM
Ventured out yesterday and was bitterly cold. Are many of you still heading out on the road or is it turbo time!

Got a good spin yesterday myself...Grand day, a bit cold but bar my feet i was grand.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 21, 2016, 04:26:57 PM
Flat out at it, best Autumn miles I've ever had. We started a Night Spin as well, 7 weeks in a row out with no issues, weather's gonna knock it on the head for a while now by the looks of it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 21, 2016, 07:44:08 PM
One day a week for me at the minute. Still getting over my knee injury that I had over the summer. Feeling ok at the minute but don't want to rip the ass out of it and wreck it again. Will be on the turbo soon and then getting some good miles in from January.

Anyone anything big planned next year? Would love another trip over to France.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mrdeeds on November 21, 2016, 07:51:30 PM
I'm after doing my calf playing soccer. Just wondering could O still go on Turbo as running is not possible?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 22, 2016, 09:41:45 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on November 21, 2016, 07:44:08 PM
One day a week for me at the minute. Still getting over my knee injury that I had over the summer. Feeling ok at the minute but don't want to rip the ass out of it and wreck it again. Will be on the turbo soon and then getting some good miles in from January.

Anyone anything big planned next year? Would love another trip over to France.

Wouldn't mind another hit at that myself ;) Need something to focus on for training
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on November 22, 2016, 10:46:26 AM
Quote from: illdecide on November 22, 2016, 09:41:45 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on November 21, 2016, 07:44:08 PM
One day a week for me at the minute. Still getting over my knee injury that I had over the summer. Feeling ok at the minute but don't want to rip the ass out of it and wreck it again. Will be on the turbo soon and then getting some good miles in from January.

Anyone anything big planned next year? Would love another trip over to France.

Wouldn't mind another hit at that myself ;) Need something to focus on for training

Will have to look at something during the week here! Hope you have learned how to book flights after last years carryon!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 22, 2016, 11:25:12 AM
Unreal... :-[ :-[ :-[. A we blip. That same sport would do me again. I hate training all year with no end result...I need a focus point. I'll give u a buzz some night this week.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 22, 2016, 04:11:35 PM
Quote from: illdecide on November 22, 2016, 11:25:12 AM
Unreal... :-[ :-[ :-[. A we blip. That same sport would do me again. I hate training all year with no end result...I need a focus point. I'll give u a buzz some night this week.
Wicklow 200 is a great day out, tough as well. Good training for a foreign jaunt as well. Was hoping to do the Fondo next year but see it clashes with Confirmation day for one of mine.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on November 22, 2016, 11:07:38 PM
I didn't realise the fondo was happening again. Is it going to be an annual event now?  Would love to do the wicklow 200 and hoping to do it this year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on November 22, 2016, 11:23:00 PM
Quote from: grounded on November 21, 2016, 04:04:04 PM
Ventured out yesterday and was bitterly cold. Are many of you still heading out on the road or is it turbo time!

I'm still cycling into work most days. Only exceptions are if the road's greasy or I need to do errands in the car on the way home. Temps here are in the mid teens in the afternoon, bit chilly in the morning. Had to put three layers on this morning instead of the usual two. It's dark by 5:00 here too, so I'm lit up like a Christmas tree on the way home.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 23, 2016, 07:45:54 AM
Quote from: grounded on November 22, 2016, 11:07:38 PM
I didn't realise the fondo was happening again. Is it going to be an annual event now?  Would love to do the wicklow 200 and hoping to do it this year.
Think this might be the last one (with closed roads anyway).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 23, 2016, 09:02:37 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 22, 2016, 04:11:35 PM
Quote from: illdecide on November 22, 2016, 11:25:12 AM
Unreal... :-[ :-[ :-[. A we blip. That same sport would do me again. I hate training all year with no end result...I need a focus point. I'll give u a buzz some night this week.
Wicklow 200 is a great day out, tough as well. Good training for a foreign jaunt as well. Was hoping to do the Fondo next year but see it clashes with Confirmation day for one of mine.
Benny do u do many trips abroad for the cycling?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 23, 2016, 09:38:41 AM
None yet.  Teide in Winter or Majorca in Spring is on my to do list, don't fancy Summer slogs up and down Alps, really doesn't appeal to me. Summer holidays with the family is the only time I take a proper break of the bike, wouldn't go down too well with Mrs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 23, 2016, 10:13:12 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 23, 2016, 09:38:41 AM
None yet.  Teide in Winter or Majorca in Spring is on my to do list, don't fancy Summer slogs up and down Alps, really doesn't appeal to me. Summer holidays with the family is the only time I take a proper break of the bike, wouldn't go down too well with Mrs.

Last year was my first away (only cycling 2 1/2 years) it was unreal TBH. I think we were lucky weather wise as July in France this year was like Irish weather and wasn't hot at all but i could have imagined how much more difficult it would have been on those climbs if the temperature was high. Def would want to do it again some time, not sure what the lads are doing next year but would highly recommend it. Would like to do the Wicklow and Gran Fondo next year
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on November 23, 2016, 09:20:38 PM
Quote from: grounded on November 21, 2016, 04:04:04 PM
Ventured out yesterday and was bitterly cold. Are many of you still heading out on the road or is it turbo time!

Hell yeah! ;)

Would aim to commute by bike all year round, with the only exceptions being those most inclement of days (thankfully few and far between, in reality). I use motorcycle gloves for the hands on days like these, which are a grand job, and once the mitts aren't freezing that helps with the rest of the body.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 23, 2016, 09:42:22 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on November 23, 2016, 09:38:41 AM
None yet.  Teide in Winter or Majorca in Spring is on my to do list, don't fancy Summer slogs up and down Alps, really doesn't appeal to me. Summer holidays with the family is the only time I take a proper break of the bike, wouldn't go down too well with Mrs.
A friend was in Tenerife cycling at Halloween. Looked cool enough up Teide. She goes there a couple of times a year for camps.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on December 05, 2016, 11:04:18 AM
Was out on a run yesterday and had a stinker...ran out of fuel on way home and had nothing left in the legs, i held on as best i could and was only dropped 3-4 mile from home. I know this can happen from time to time and i'm sure every cyclist has done it but whats worrying me is the last 4 weeks i've been poor and struggled on the bikes. I ate my normal foods before cycle so dunno what's changed. I'm training reasonably well so should be in decent shape. (3 swims, 3 spins per week and a cycle on a Sun, even in the spin classes i seem to be down a cylinder...

any ideas?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on December 05, 2016, 12:06:21 PM
Quote from: illdecide on December 05, 2016, 11:04:18 AM
Was out on a run yesterday and had a stinker...ran out of fuel on way home and had nothing left in the legs, i held on as best i could and was only dropped 3-4 mile from home. I know this can happen from time to time and i'm sure every cyclist has done it but whats worrying me is the last 4 weeks i've been poor and struggled on the bikes. I ate my normal foods before cycle so dunno what's changed. I'm training reasonably well so should be in decent shape. (3 swims, 3 spins per week and a cycle on a Sun, even in the spin classes i seem to be down a cylinder...

any ideas?

In your case I hope it is age. Anything else would be worrying.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on December 05, 2016, 12:32:30 PM
Maybe you are doing too much and are a little burnt out?
Take a week off doing anything and see how you are after that. The rest might do you the world of good.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on December 10, 2016, 10:09:33 PM
Not sure if our Southern Brethren have the same cycle to work scheme as up in the north but i got my current bike thru the "cycle to work scheme" and apparently i saved 32% on the bike thru tax and national insurance. My last payment is due at the end of this month and the government contacted me asking for my 3 options for end of term which were...

1. Hand the bike back
2. Hire it for another 3 years with a one of payment of £70 and no other monthly payments which at the end of the 3 years they keep the £70 and then sign the bike over to me.
3. Buy the bike now for a fee of £210.

I decided to buy the bike now and paid them £210. My boss said it was a terrible way to end the term and thought it was not worth the hire as did i, he also said that i didn't have to pay them back the last monthly payment which means i had one months money off (£55) + the £70 that i would have had to pay them anyway for the further 3 years hire. So it cost me an extra £85 to buy the bike now but i would never do that again and def didn't think it was worth the hassle...It's basically an interest free loan.

Anyone else have any issues with the scheme? I would not do it again.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 14, 2016, 11:04:41 PM
i am now on my third scheme and when i am finished this one i am taking another one out for a mountain bike.  i always go for option two with the one of payment of £70 quid and the bike is yours.  dont understand why went for the £210 option
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 15, 2016, 08:11:41 AM
Mine (Public Sector) has always been 12 payments and then a 13th 'transfer of ownership payment', which has always been roughly half the cost of the 12 payments. Yours sounds a bit shit tbh illdecide. I've always thought of ir as a slightly better than interest free loan.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on December 15, 2016, 08:20:24 AM
Why do people use cars? Here are some possible reasons:
- get to the chemist shop before it closes
- take a sick child to the doctor
- catch a train or bus
- take an old person to hospital

Valid reasons I suppose, but are they more important than a cyclist getting his training run in? If you think the training run is more important then just sit in front of cars on the towpath road between Poyntzpass and Gambles bridge. Don't pull in. Make the car crawl along behind you at 15 mph and enjoy your very important training run.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on December 15, 2016, 08:37:41 AM
 ::) ::) ::)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on December 15, 2016, 10:29:28 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 15, 2016, 08:11:41 AM
Mine (Public Sector) has always been 12 payments and then a 13th 'transfer of ownership payment', which has always been roughly half the cost of the 12 payments. Yours sounds a bit shit tbh illdecide. I've always thought of ir as a slightly better than interest free loan.

aye i thought mine was crap TBH. I know i prob shouldn't have paid the £210 but i had to pay them £70 anyway plus my boss cancelled my last payment of £55 so it was really only £85 extra to take ownership now instead of another 3 years.
Wouldn't do it again. It was like after paying of your mortgage your bank saying aye it's still our house for another 25 years and then we'll hand it over to you ::)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on December 15, 2016, 11:09:06 AM
Quote from: haranguerer on December 15, 2016, 08:37:41 AM
::) ::) ::)

What's worse is cyclists who deliberately sit in the middle of the road and shout abuse at drivers for using 'their' cycle path. This has happened on several occasions to different drivers, and the council has set letters to the two local cycle clubs but the unsavoury incidents still happen.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on December 15, 2016, 11:33:09 AM
Give out about cyclists taking up the road if you want, its an old argument that is unlikely to be solved here, but save your drama for somewhere else. (my eye rolling was at your 'why do people use cars?' for clarity)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on December 15, 2016, 12:25:02 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on December 15, 2016, 11:33:09 AM
Give out about cyclists taking up the road if you want, its an old argument that is unlikely to be solved here, but save your drama for somewhere else. (my eye rolling was at your 'why do people use cars?' for clarity)

This is different from the normal cars versus cyclists debate.

I'm referring to a single lane road which is 3 mile long. If two cars meet, one car has to pull in to the grass verge to let the other car pass. If a tractor is holding up traffic in the same direction they would pull on to the verge to let the car past.

But some cyclists believe their rights trump those of everyone else and are very very abusive. I'm a keen cyclist too, but I'm using this forum to highlight a particular stretch of road used by some cyclists who also post here.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on December 16, 2016, 12:02:34 AM
https://cyclingtips.com/2016/12/paving-the-way-for-transgender-cyclists-the-story-of-jillian-bearden/                             
     Thought this was a fascinating read on the complexities of categorizing athletes and the whole idea of taking performance DEhancing drugs in order to be allowed to compete.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: stew on December 16, 2016, 12:12:16 AM
I watched the Armstrong documentary again and I have to say Armstrong is even more vile than I thought he was after he confessed his sons to Oprah!

No way ANY non doper could hang with a world class cyclists on roids, the advantage dopers have is immense!

Wiggins was clean in 2009, I have no doubt, I like to think he has always been clean but unlike yesteryear I am now a sceptic when it comes to anyone going well in cycling.\
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on December 16, 2016, 09:49:03 AM
Quote from: stew on December 16, 2016, 12:12:16 AM
I watched the Armstrong documentary again

Which one?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: DennistheMenace on December 16, 2016, 10:44:23 AM
Quote from: stew on December 16, 2016, 12:12:16 AM
I watched the Armstrong documentary again and I have to say Armstrong is even more vile than I thought he was after he confessed his sons to Oprah!

No way ANY non doper could hang with a world class cyclists on roids, the advantage dopers have is immense!

Wiggins was clean in 2009, I have no doubt, I like to think he has always been clean but unlike yesteryear I am now a sceptic when it comes to anyone going well in cycling.\

Wiggins clean? You are having a laugh
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on December 16, 2016, 01:35:25 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 15, 2016, 12:25:02 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on December 15, 2016, 11:33:09 AM
Give out about cyclists taking up the road if you want, its an old argument that is unlikely to be solved here, but save your drama for somewhere else. (my eye rolling was at your 'why do people use cars?' for clarity)

This is different from the normal cars versus cyclists debate.

I'm referring to a single lane road which is 3 mile long. If two cars meet, one car has to pull in to the grass verge to let the other car pass. If a tractor is holding up traffic in the same direction they would pull on to the verge to let the car past.

But some cyclists believe their rights trump those of everyone else and are very very abusive. I'm a keen cyclist too, but I'm using this forum to highlight a particular stretch of road used by some cyclists who also post here.

I'm afraid like drivers there are some good and bad cyclists. Unfortunately the truth of the matter is when there is an accident involving a cyclist and a vehicle ,it's the cyclist who invariably comes off worse.
   Interstingly I see  EU funding has been made available for the green way between omeath and newry. http://talkofthetown.ie/e3-46m-funding-approved-for-carlingford-lough-greenway-from-carlingford-to-newry/
  The completion of this may lead to vehicle free path (apart from your 3 mile section) the entire way to portadown.
   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: muppet on December 16, 2016, 01:47:41 PM
Quote from: grounded on December 16, 2016, 01:35:25 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 15, 2016, 12:25:02 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on December 15, 2016, 11:33:09 AM
Give out about cyclists taking up the road if you want, its an old argument that is unlikely to be solved here, but save your drama for somewhere else. (my eye rolling was at your 'why do people use cars?' for clarity)

This is different from the normal cars versus cyclists debate.

I'm referring to a single lane road which is 3 mile long. If two cars meet, one car has to pull in to the grass verge to let the other car pass. If a tractor is holding up traffic in the same direction they would pull on to the verge to let the car past.

But some cyclists believe their rights trump those of everyone else and are very very abusive. I'm a keen cyclist too, but I'm using this forum to highlight a particular stretch of road used by some cyclists who also post here.

I'm afraid like drivers there are some good and bad cyclists. Unfortunately the truth of the matter is when there is an accident involving a cyclist and a vehicle ,it's the cyclist who invariably comes off worse.
   Interstingly I see  EU funding has been made available for the green way between omeath and newry. http://talkofthetown.ie/e3-46m-funding-approved-for-carlingford-lough-greenway-from-carlingford-to-newry/
  The completion of this may lead to vehicle free path (apart from your 3 mile section) the entire way to portadown.


I'm guessing it will be one-way.  :D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 16, 2016, 02:18:47 PM
Anyone got a Charge Fitbit watch? Think Santa is bringing me one, can you Sync with Garmin / Strava? I have a HRM but only really wear it on the Turbo as it makes me gag when cycling outdoors.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on December 16, 2016, 02:39:01 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 16, 2016, 01:47:41 PM
Quote from: grounded on December 16, 2016, 01:35:25 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 15, 2016, 12:25:02 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on December 15, 2016, 11:33:09 AM
Give out about cyclists taking up the road if you want, its an old argument that is unlikely to be solved here, but save your drama for somewhere else. (my eye rolling was at your 'why do people use cars?' for clarity)

This is different from the normal cars versus cyclists debate.

I'm referring to a single lane road which is 3 mile long. If two cars meet, one car has to pull in to the grass verge to let the other car pass. If a tractor is holding up traffic in the same direction they would pull on to the verge to let the car past.

But some cyclists believe their rights trump those of everyone else and are very very abusive. I'm a keen cyclist too, but I'm using this forum to highlight a particular stretch of road used by some cyclists who also post here.

I'm afraid like drivers there are some good and bad cyclists. Unfortunately the truth of the matter is when there is an accident involving a cyclist and a vehicle ,it's the cyclist who invariably comes off worse.
   Interstingly I see  EU funding has been made available for the green way between omeath and newry. http://talkofthetown.ie/e3-46m-funding-approved-for-carlingford-lough-greenway-from-carlingford-to-newry/
  The completion of this may lead to vehicle free path (apart from your 3 mile section) the entire way to portadown.


I'm guessing it will be one-way.  :D

Or another?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on December 16, 2016, 04:38:50 PM
Quote from: grounded on December 16, 2016, 02:39:01 PM
Quote from: muppet on December 16, 2016, 01:47:41 PM
Quote from: grounded on December 16, 2016, 01:35:25 PM
Quote from: Orior on December 15, 2016, 12:25:02 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on December 15, 2016, 11:33:09 AM
Give out about cyclists taking up the road if you want, its an old argument that is unlikely to be solved here, but save your drama for somewhere else. (my eye rolling was at your 'why do people use cars?' for clarity)

This is different from the normal cars versus cyclists debate.

I'm referring to a single lane road which is 3 mile long. If two cars meet, one car has to pull in to the grass verge to let the other car pass. If a tractor is holding up traffic in the same direction they would pull on to the verge to let the car past.

But some cyclists believe their rights trump those of everyone else and are very very abusive. I'm a keen cyclist too, but I'm using this forum to highlight a particular stretch of road used by some cyclists who also post here.

I'm afraid like drivers there are some good and bad cyclists. Unfortunately the truth of the matter is when there is an accident involving a cyclist and a vehicle ,it's the cyclist who invariably comes off worse.
   Interstingly I see  EU funding has been made available for the green way between omeath and newry. http://talkofthetown.ie/e3-46m-funding-approved-for-carlingford-lough-greenway-from-carlingford-to-newry/
  The completion of this may lead to vehicle free path (apart from your 3 mile section) the entire way to portadown.


I'm guessing it will be one-way.  :D

Or another?

There is room on the towpath on either side to build a dedicated cycle path. Better if it was the other side from the road. Arlene can afford it I'm sure.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on December 16, 2016, 08:54:23 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 16, 2016, 02:18:47 PM
Anyone got a Charge Fitbit watch? Think Santa is bringing me one, can you Sync with Garmin / Strava? I have a HRM but only really wear it on the Turbo as it makes me gag when cycling outdoors.

I have the Fitbit Surge,,,have it about a year now. Good job and does everything a Garmin can do accept tell you your cadence  but gives you heart rate, speeds hi, low and average. I use it a lot for gym too so getting the usage out of it. It doesn't like boxing though, the constant impact on your wrist seems to knock it off at times. As long as your not on the boxing pads it's a great job.

Just check the model you're getting has GPS for running cycling etc...I think only the dearer models have GPS built in
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 30, 2016, 09:41:19 PM
Any big plans / challenges for next year?? Wouldn't mind something different.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on December 30, 2016, 10:04:21 PM
Quote from: illdecide on December 16, 2016, 08:54:23 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 16, 2016, 02:18:47 PM
Anyone got a Charge Fitbit watch? Think Santa is bringing me one, can you Sync with Garmin / Strava? I have a HRM but only really wear it on the Turbo as it makes me gag when cycling outdoors.

I have the Fitbit Surge,,,have it about a year now. Good job and does everything a Garmin can do accept tell you your cadence  but gives you heart rate, speeds hi, low and average. I use it a lot for gym too so getting the usage out of it. It doesn't like boxing though, the constant impact on your wrist seems to knock it off at times. As long as your not on the boxing pads it's a great job.

Just check the model you're getting has GPS for running cycling etc...I think only the dearer models have GPS built in

Waterproof??
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on December 30, 2016, 10:28:38 PM
I'm hoping to invest in a bike in 2017

budget of about €1500.
any suggestions?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on January 01, 2017, 11:17:28 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on December 30, 2016, 10:04:21 PM
Quote from: illdecide on December 16, 2016, 08:54:23 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 16, 2016, 02:18:47 PM
Anyone got a Charge Fitbit watch? Think Santa is bringing me one, can you Sync with Garmin / Strava? I have a HRM but only really wear it on the Turbo as it makes me gag when cycling outdoors.

I have the Fitbit Surge,,,have it about a year now. Good job and does everything a Garmin can do accept tell you your cadence  but gives you heart rate, speeds hi, low and average. I use it a lot for gym too so getting the usage out of it. It doesn't like boxing though, the constant impact on your wrist seems to knock it off at times. As long as your not on the boxing pads it's a great job.

Just check the model you're getting has GPS for running cycling etc...I think only the dearer models have GPS built in

Waterproof??

Well u can wear it if its raining but you can't swim with it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 01, 2017, 11:24:14 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on December 30, 2016, 10:28:38 PM
I'm hoping to invest in a bike in 2017

budget of about €1500.
any suggestions?

Is it for the road or mountain do you want to commute to work with it or just leisure?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on January 01, 2017, 11:56:17 AM
Quote from: grounded on January 01, 2017, 11:24:14 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on December 30, 2016, 10:28:38 PM
I'm hoping to invest in a bike in 2017

budget of about €1500.
any suggestions?

Is it for the road or mountain do you want to commute to work with it or just leisure?

Have a look on DoneDeal. Loads of bikes second hand in Leinster. I'm sure somebody here will tell u if u are getting a good deal . For 1500 new ud get the same for a grand second hand
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 01, 2017, 05:00:42 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 01, 2017, 11:24:14 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on December 30, 2016, 10:28:38 PM
I'm hoping to invest in a bike in 2017

budget of about €1500.
any suggestions?

Is it for the road or mountain do you want to commute to work with it or just leisure?
Road
For leisure and training
I have to drive to work
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 01, 2017, 07:45:13 PM
See Planet X have multiple deals on & if you can build a bike that comes boxed you can save an extra £200. The Viner Settanta looks an absolute stunner http://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/road-bikes/viner-settanta
Can get it with Shimano 105 for £1,000 (1200 built)

There are any gods amount of deals about, saw a great deal on Hargroves Cycles for a Cube Litening with full Ultegra, Fulcrum Quattro wheels for £1,500 (size 56 only).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 01, 2017, 07:58:31 PM
56"??

my size
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 01, 2017, 08:06:04 PM
56cm. Seat tube measurement, differing types of frames have different sizing but there's normally an 'effective top tube' measurement. I have a Mercx 69 and the Frame size is 53.5cm but it's effectively a 56cm frame because of the geometry.  I'm 6ft.2" and I ride size 56 or equivalent, a lot of people my size would ride a 58, I have back issues & prefer the shorter reach.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on January 01, 2017, 08:08:02 PM
Anyone use zwift? I've used it a few times and think it's great. They are making a running version of it now which I'm looking forward too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on January 01, 2017, 08:21:24 PM
Quote from: laoislad on January 01, 2017, 08:08:02 PM
Anyone use zwift?

Yeah I use it - makes turbo sessions a little less boring
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 02, 2017, 10:59:56 AM
Yes but my little on screen character won't move. It's showing my heart rate, cadence etc but it is standing still. Just like real life.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on January 02, 2017, 11:01:13 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on January 02, 2017, 10:59:56 AM
Yes but my little on screen character won't move. It's showing my heart rate, cadence etc but it is standing still. Just like real life.
Have you a smart turbo trainer?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 02, 2017, 01:41:41 PM
This could go in the gear grinders thread but why do more cyclists not have lights on their bike. Is it down to aerodynamics or stupidity or a death wish? Over the Christmas period I have lost count of the number of times I've seen lads out around 4pm in dark cycling gear with not a light to be seen.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 02, 2017, 02:18:24 PM
Younger fellas in our club are deadly, wont wear Fluro gear, quite a few with no lights for no other reason than it's not cool. I do a lot of Solo riding & I'm lit up like a Christmas tree all year round.  In general i'd say Cycling is one of the snobbiest / elitest sports I've ever seen.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 02, 2017, 02:35:39 PM
Any gear based activity will be snobby/elitest as it allows people to show off more than pulling on a pair of boots.

I know a lad who spent 5 grand on a road bike and let's just say he wouldn't be considered an athlete, elite or otherwise. To me that's money down the pan.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnneycool on January 05, 2017, 12:13:51 PM
Here lads,
    Is there any onus on cyclists who're causing long tailbacks to pull in and let cars past?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 05, 2017, 01:09:43 PM
Nothing in UK. Police can and have pulled over groups to ease tailbacks & split groups that are too big.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on January 06, 2017, 08:56:05 AM
Big decision for the summer...sign up and prepare for a series of Sportives or book a we trip to France or Spain for a bit of warm weather cycling??? Need to decide v soon.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: No wides on January 06, 2017, 10:26:03 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 05, 2017, 12:13:51 PM
Here lads,
    Is there any onus on cyclists who're causing long tailbacks to pull in and let cars past?

The highway code states

Rule 66
You should

keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear
keep both feet on the pedals
never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends
not ride close behind another vehicle

not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain
be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.

But I doubt any cyclist feels the need to obey any rules of the road, especially around the 6 counties from what I can see.  Sunday means get 40 mates and take up the whole road riding and chatting!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on January 06, 2017, 11:01:49 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 06, 2017, 09:50:28 AM
Fondo 4th June & Wicklow 200 on 11th June, if I was going cycling abroad I'd be using those 2 as prep runs anyway.

bennyd would it be okay to do both of those in a week...guys have been saying pick one or the other and not both? Whats your thoughts as i'm still pretty new to cycling. These sportives are dear and i suppose should be selected carefully
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 06, 2017, 11:50:56 AM
Quote from: illdecide on January 06, 2017, 11:01:49 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 06, 2017, 09:50:28 AM
Fondo 4th June & Wicklow 200 on 11th June, if I was going cycling abroad I'd be using those 2 as prep runs anyway.

bennyd would it be okay to do both of those in a week...guys have been saying pick one or the other and not both? Whats your thoughts as i'm still pretty new to cycling. These sportives are dear and i suppose should be selected carefully

The 2nd one you will fly with the miles in the legs and a good weeks recovery between the two. I'd give it 2 days off the bike after the first and then do a couple of midweek 2hr spins to loosen out again. Hydrate like hell all week. Miles in the legs is the key.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 06, 2017, 01:19:17 PM
As maddog says there, all about your recovery. They are a dear enough carry on, nothing to stop you joining in somewhere on route for nothing, id be inclined to pay for Wicklow tho, if something goes wrong you're an awful long way from home.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 09, 2017, 02:12:18 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on January 09, 2017, 01:51:12 PM
Signing up for this

https://donegalatlanticwayultra.com

Best of luck with it. Wow some going
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on January 09, 2017, 02:13:29 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on January 09, 2017, 01:51:12 PM
Signing up for this

https://donegalatlanticwayultra.com
Fair play. Looks like some challenge!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on January 09, 2017, 02:27:10 PM
https://www.mcconveycycles.com/tarmac-expert.html (https://www.mcconveycycles.com/tarmac-expert.html)

Guys sort of done a deal for this bike here but i've until tomorow to make up my mind...Can u men have a look at the spec and advise if you think it's worth the money...obviously it's for the summer months.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 09, 2017, 05:33:24 PM
Looks the Business and is good value. The wheels Fulcrum S 19 light?  I'm assuming that's a rebranded name for the entry level Sport / 7s? Would probably expect better on a bike that price tbh, but the main thing is you have the Ultegra groupset, i'd be upgrading the wheels at some point.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 09, 2017, 07:48:40 PM
And the FSA crankset to make the full groupset ultegra. Any bike at that price will have a decent frame. They will cut corners on things like wheels and mixing and matching groupsets, pedals etc . I'd buy a frame and build a bike as deals come around. Good deals out there on full groupsets.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 09, 2017, 08:41:32 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 01, 2017, 07:45:13 PM
See Planet X have multiple deals on & if you can build a bike that comes boxed you can save an extra £200. The Viner Settanta looks an absolute stunner http://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/road-bikes/viner-settanta
Can get it with Shimano 105 for £1,000 (1200 built)
That Viner-settanta is available now for £1,299 (boxed) or £1,499 (built) with Full Ultegra & Team Vision 35mm wheels (Fulcrum Quattro standard), that is some deal. Bike looks stunning but haven't read any reviews yet.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on January 09, 2017, 08:44:46 PM
Quote from: No wides on January 06, 2017, 10:26:03 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on January 05, 2017, 12:13:51 PM
Here lads,
    Is there any onus on cyclists who're causing long tailbacks to pull in and let cars past?

The highway code states

Rule 66
You should

keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear
keep both feet on the pedals
never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends
not ride close behind another vehicle

not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain
be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.

But I doubt any cyclist feels the need to obey any rules of the road, especially around the 6 counties from what I can see.  Sunday means get 40 mates and take up the whole road riding and chatting!

There are good cyclists and there are bad cyclists.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on January 10, 2017, 02:24:22 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 09, 2017, 05:33:24 PM
Looks the Business and is good value. The wheels Fulcrum S 19 light?  I'm assuming that's a rebranded name for the entry level Sport / 7s? Would probably expect better on a bike that price tbh, but the main thing is you have the Ultegra groupset, i'd be upgrading the wheels at some point.

Benny would it matter to you if you didn't have the full ultegra group set? That is a carbon crank on that bike?. JimStynes reckons he'd rather have the full group set but the guys in the cycling shop said "I know where he's coming from but a carbon crank is actually better". As you say the only real disappointment on the bike is the wheels and i suppose it's only really anything you'd upgrade in the future.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 10, 2017, 06:26:56 PM
FSA SLK light are top quality, I remember going looking the SLK  chainset a year or two ago and being quoted way more than an Ultegra chainset. It's a bonus imo.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 10, 2017, 06:47:29 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on January 09, 2017, 01:51:12 PM
Signing up for this

https://donegalatlanticwayultra.com

Looks awesome. Fair play to you.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 10, 2017, 07:06:26 PM
Quote from: illdecide on January 09, 2017, 02:27:10 PM
https://www.mcconveycycles.com/tarmac-expert.html (https://www.mcconveycycles.com/tarmac-expert.html)

Guys sort of done a deal for this bike here but i've until tomorow to make up my mind...Can u men have a look at the spec and advise if you think it's worth the money...obviously it's for the summer months.

Actually a terrific bike. Sure the wheels aren't top spec but they are fine considering the condition of our roads!  I actually purchased a 2012 tarmac expert frame last year of ebay and built it up with a new 105 groupset which was half price on wiggle. I suppose it's a risk buying a 2nd hand carbon frame but the seller seemed genuine and for £210 I thought worth it!
   Built for racing, so not very comfortable for very long spins..
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on January 11, 2017, 02:17:29 PM
Done the deal and bought the bike...still feeling a bit shocked here. (hope I've done the right thing)

Can some of you answer a question...I was told to renew my Cycle Ireland licence but when i logged onto their website they say my renewal is due in May 2017 (i paid my licence in May 2016) but all the lads at the cycling club are saying that the licence expires for everyone on 31st December every year.

I downloaded the licence yesterday which they have as a PDF on their website and definitely say's May 2017...any of you know the craic here as i wouldn't want an accident and not be covered.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 11, 2017, 02:53:33 PM
Seems to be something new this as a few in our club are effected, it has been a Jan to Dec thing since I got involved, but seems leisure licences have changed, ur covered ok AFAIK.

Good luck with the bike! Get a bike fit or that racey yoke will cripple you.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: theskull1 on January 11, 2017, 03:00:07 PM
Roughly lads .... forgetting the purchase price of a bike and initial outlay for clothing/shoes etc, if youre a keen cyclist ... how much would you spend a year on cycling? Get the feeling its a constant cash burner?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mrdeeds on January 11, 2017, 03:19:42 PM
I'd spend on my gels and high five. Maybe new tube or two of punctures and usually a service at start of year. So it's relatively inexpensive after initial outlay.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Joxer on January 11, 2017, 03:36:43 PM
Taking on this challenge again this year.  Took part in it last year, as part of a 6 man team, in it's first year and it was a fantastic event.

https://donegalatlanticwayultra.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DonegalAtlanticWayUltraRace/

Fantastic route which takes in Donegal in all its beauty.

Caters for all categories and abilities.  A great challenge to start the new year training for!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 16, 2017, 04:49:41 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 01, 2017, 05:00:42 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 01, 2017, 11:24:14 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on December 30, 2016, 10:28:38 PM
I'm hoping to invest in a bike in 2017

budget of about €1500.
any suggestions?

Is it for the road or mountain do you want to commute to work with it or just leisure?
Road
For leisure and training
I have to drive to work

The Cube Litening on Hargroves that was £2,000 to £1,500 is now down to £1,399.  Great Deal, 56cm only
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/bikes/road-bikes/cube/cube-litening-c62-2016-road-bike.html
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on January 17, 2017, 08:12:48 AM
This is a fantastic deal, lovely bike too. I've a cube winter bike and love it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: EastTyrone on January 17, 2017, 10:56:36 AM
Hi,

So I have decided to enter a Triathlon in  Sept 2017. One problem is I don't have a bike..yet.
I have been speaking to a few bike enthusiasts and they have told me to get an entry level road bike such as the Giant one in the link below.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/contend-2 (https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/contend-2)


I am looking around the £500 mark. Willing to go more for the right bike.


Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 17, 2017, 11:14:32 AM
Quote from: EastTyrone on January 17, 2017, 10:56:36 AM
Hi,

So I have decided to enter a Triathlon in  Sept 2017. One problem is I don't have a bike..yet.
I have been speaking to a few bike enthusiasts and they have told me to get an entry level road bike such as the Giant one in the link below.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/contend-2 (https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/contend-2)


I am looking around the £500 mark. Willing to go more for the right bike.


Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks


If you could double up on the dough you get a lot more than double the bike. Nothing wrong with that as a starter bike but its what you intend to do afterwards with it. If you are going to continue cycling you will end up upgrading it so better to spend a bit more now and get 3 or 4 years out of a 1k bike than spend 500 now and then whatever else after. If that makes sense.

If it was me for £500 i'd be scouting for a good 2nd hand one. Lot of value to be had.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on January 17, 2017, 11:17:44 AM
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/ultra-700-af-road-bike-105-id_8324331.html

Serious bike for the money. Check out if your work does bike to work too.

Best thing you'll do if you want to get into Tri though is join a club (after getting a bike tho obv :))
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: EastTyrone on January 17, 2017, 01:29:52 PM
Quote from: haranguerer on January 17, 2017, 11:17:44 AM
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/ultra-700-af-road-bike-105-id_8324331.html

Serious bike for the money. Check out if your work does bike to work too.

Best thing you'll do if you want to get into Tri though is join a club (after getting a bike tho obv :))

Looks good. Pity, there are none available in large. Plan to join one once I can get a suitable bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 17, 2017, 01:55:38 PM
Good deals on Wiggle own brand bikes 'Eastway', you could pick up a Carbon yoke with Shimano 105 for in around £800
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: EastTyrone on January 23, 2017, 12:51:47 PM
Ending up going with this one.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/specialized-smartweld-allez-elite-49939/ (http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/specialized-smartweld-allez-elite-49939/)

Got it from Edinburgh Cycles at £625.
Happy with that. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 23, 2017, 02:36:23 PM
Quote from: EastTyrone on January 23, 2017, 12:51:47 PM
Ending up going with this one.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/specialized-smartweld-allez-elite-49939/ (http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/specialized-smartweld-allez-elite-49939/)

Got it from Edinburgh Cycles at £625.
Happy with that.

Nice bike, good choice from a reputable brand. Best of luck with it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 26, 2017, 02:47:51 PM
https://www.sky.com/help/articles/changes-to-sky-channels?DCMP=snt-skycom:ec_channel_changes

Eurosport off the Sky platform from end of January. :-X
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 26, 2017, 03:01:55 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 26, 2017, 02:47:51 PM
https://www.sky.com/help/articles/changes-to-sky-channels?DCMP=snt-skycom:ec_channel_changes

Eurosport off the Sky platform from end of January. :-X

its feckin coming out then. About the only reason i keep sky >:(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on January 27, 2017, 07:32:51 PM
Whats the thoughts on eurosport, do I gamble and take the special offer before the 31st Jan or hope that them and sky get sorted.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 31, 2017, 09:29:34 PM
Crisis averted, deal struck and Eurosport stays on the Sky platform. Thank f**k, I could have saved a few ££ by pulling the Sky and getting the Eurosport Player but I'm all for convenience  & fairly lazy.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 31, 2017, 09:41:05 PM
Aye it would have been a disaster. That's July sorted anyway!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 31, 2017, 09:59:22 PM
I was more concerned about the Spring Classics. The TDF has been shit for a few years now, least entertaining of the 3 Grand Tours imo.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 31, 2017, 10:04:15 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 31, 2017, 09:59:22 PM
I was more concerned about the Spring Classics. The TDF has been shit for a few years now, least entertaining of the 3 Grand Tours imo.

I am off all day to watch the tour in July though! 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on February 01, 2017, 12:39:05 PM
thankfully it sorted, the eurosport app is great but you cant record on it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 07, 2017, 07:43:37 PM
Some win for Sam Bennett at Paris Nice today, beat all the big dogs (bar Cavendish).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on March 07, 2017, 08:52:43 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 07, 2017, 07:43:37 PM
Some win for Sam Bennett at Paris Nice today, beat all the big dogs (bar Cavendish).

Delighted for him, great win. A pure sprint too and won it by a fair distance.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on March 07, 2017, 10:35:01 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 07, 2017, 07:43:37 PM
Some win for Sam Bennett at Paris Nice today, beat all the big dogs (bar Cavendish).

Some going! Seems like a nice fella too. Great result.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 02, 2017, 08:37:51 AM
Favourite race of the year on today, Tour of Flanders / Ronde Van Vlaanderen. Unsurprisingly the bookies think it's a shootout between Sagan 15/8 & Van Avermart 11/4, if Sagan gets a clear run it's hard to look past him even at that price, but he does an awful pile of work by himself whereas Van Avermart can depend on his team. Backing Niki Terpstra ew at 20/1.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 02, 2017, 08:58:27 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 02, 2017, 08:37:51 AM
Favourite race of the year on today, Tour of Flanders / Ronde Van Vlaanderen. Unsurprisingly the bookies think it's a shootout between Sagan 15/8 & Van Avermart 11/4, if Sagan gets a clear run it's hard to look past him even at that price, but he does an awful pile of work by himself whereas Van Avermart can depend on his team. Backing Niki Terpstra ew at 20/1.

Gilbert seems to be back on song this last week or two. I expect him to be up there. It might depend on the marking between Sagan and van avermart but a lot can happen in this race. Coverage starts 09.30.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 02, 2017, 05:39:17 PM
Watched the last 60k on Sky+ after the Armagh match (c***ts). Savage ride by Gilbert in an event filled edition (as usual), not sure he would've held on if Sagan hadn't have hit the deck with GVA with 20 odd to go. Some race!

1.Gilbert
2.GVA
3.Terpstra
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 02, 2017, 08:35:51 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 02, 2017, 05:39:17 PM
Watched the last 60k on Sky+ after the Armagh match (c***ts). Savage ride by Gilbert in an event filled edition (as usual), not sure he would've held on if Sagan hadn't have hit the deck with GVA with 20 odd to go. Some race!

1.Gilbert
2.GVA
3.Terpstra

Think he would have held on. Terpstra disrupting and the other 2 would have started looking at each other with about 5k to go. Epic win by Gilbert. 8/1
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on April 02, 2017, 08:37:04 PM
Some going alright! Those boys are complete machines! Not long until the Giro.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 05, 2017, 12:03:09 PM
Paris Roubaix this weekend. Weather would suggest we wont see scenes like this
(http://www.stickybottle.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Kel1.jpg)
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/3c/83/23/3c8323b6e488daba4a89d75babdcb4f9.jpg)

Looking over the last few years many of the same names appear as winners or in the top 6

Sep Vanmarke
Styber
Terpstra
Degenkold
Van Avermaart

Sagan will be hotly fancied as usual but as it's like the grand national of bike racing you need a lot of luck. Gilbert not riding it.

Prices on the above range from about 5/1 to 25/1.

Live on Eurosport all day Sunday. That's me sorted.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 09, 2017, 04:07:54 PM
Van avermaart 1st stybar 2nd. 10/1 and 33/1 ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 09, 2017, 04:12:29 PM
Van Avermaart is some pup, think that he gets lost a bit in Sagan's shadow (& marketing).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 09, 2017, 07:04:27 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 09, 2017, 04:12:29 PM
Van Avermaart is some pup, think that he gets lost a bit in Sagan's shadow (& marketing).

Definitely. Sagan wasn't up to it today at all. Kelly reckons he has his legs under the dinner table too much.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 23, 2017, 02:47:44 PM
40km to go in worlds oldest bike race. Liege Bastogne liege. Valverde will be hard to beat but hoping dan martin doesn't position himself as badly as he did in flèche wallone on Wednesday.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 12, 2017, 09:13:02 PM
sam was close today
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mrdeeds on May 12, 2017, 09:20:42 PM
Was Chris Froome hit by car the other day because he's a cyclist or because he's Chris Froome.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on May 12, 2017, 09:27:15 PM
hopefully because he's a **** but i reckon road rage.  if he had if known he could have got a TUE for it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 12, 2017, 10:15:42 PM
I like Froome. I don't understand the hate for him. He seems like a nice enough fella and down to earth considering he is one of the top cyclists in the world.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on May 13, 2017, 08:16:33 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 12, 2017, 10:15:42 PM
I like Froome. I don't understand the hate for him. He seems like a nice enough fella and down to earth considering he is one of the top cyclists in the world.

It's because he's part of Sky whose credibility is at an all time low and nobody believes he's clean.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 13, 2017, 08:26:48 AM
Quote from: gallsman on May 13, 2017, 08:16:33 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 12, 2017, 10:15:42 PM
I like Froome. I don't understand the hate for him. He seems like a nice enough fella and down to earth considering he is one of the top cyclists in the world.

It's because he's part of Sky whose credibility is at an all time low and nobody believes he's clean.

I understand that but they're all on the gear. He gets hated because of team sky rather judging him individually.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on May 13, 2017, 10:58:34 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 13, 2017, 08:26:48 AM
Quote from: gallsman on May 13, 2017, 08:16:33 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 12, 2017, 10:15:42 PM
I like Froome. I don't understand the hate for him. He seems like a nice enough fella and down to earth considering he is one of the top cyclists in the world.

It's because he's part of Sky whose credibility is at an all time low and nobody believes he's clean.

I understand that but they're all on the gear. He gets hated because of team sky rather judging him individually.

He's the kingpin - hrs naturally despised more than most because he's at the top with the biggest target on his back.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 14, 2017, 04:31:33 PM
Finally a bit of excitement at the Giro. Team Sky cleaned by a Cop motorbike. Movistar are every bit as domineering as Sky. Quintana will win as he likes.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 20, 2017, 04:05:45 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 14, 2017, 04:31:33 PM.
Quintana will win as he likes.
Maybe not then. Big set of balls on Tom Dumoulin, superb stuff.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 20, 2017, 04:11:01 PM
Only getting the highlights at night time. The Giro is so much better than the tour, it's just a pity all the big guns don't race it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 23, 2017, 05:55:47 PM
Some stage today. The Skoot derails Big Tom.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 23, 2017, 05:59:10 PM
Dr Hutch tweet ;D

Poor old AG2R. They've been wearing brown shorts for years, waiting for just such an event. #giro100
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 23, 2017, 09:02:17 PM
All the same he hung on really well. I think he ended up riding on his own for something like 33 km to the end.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 25, 2017, 09:11:42 AM
A Clubman is cycling the Ras and doing very well, heading up to watch them at Glengesh on Friday. Hope the weather holds!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 27, 2017, 11:07:08 AM
All up for grabs today in the Giro. Nairo is going to need a bigger time gap with the tt on the last day. Lots of excitement ahead!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 28, 2017, 05:08:54 PM
After a dull first week the Giro was compelling viewing. Congratulations to Dumoulin I thought Quintana would nail him in the mountains but I reckon Quintana had half an eye on the TDF and probably tried to win the Giro at 80% of his capacity.

Hopefully the Tour isn't a shitfest this year. La Vuelta is always entertaining.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 28, 2017, 05:10:24 PM
See Froome is now 10/11 & Quintana 4/1 for TDF.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: seafoid on May 28, 2017, 05:39:02 PM
The New Zealand America's Cup boat features a few cyclists

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sailing/2017/05/24/new-zealand-embrace-pedal-power-americas-cup-bid/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Corner Forward on May 28, 2017, 11:08:17 PM
Hi folks

I'm looking some advise on buying my first road bike. Any help on what to look for or any good retailers would be welcomed. Cheers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 28, 2017, 11:24:39 PM
Quote from: Corner Forward on May 28, 2017, 11:08:17 PM
Hi folks

I'm looking some advise on buying my first road bike. Any help on what to look for or any good retailers would be welcomed. Cheers

What's your budget and what height are you?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Corner Forward on May 29, 2017, 07:42:57 AM
Budget wise under £1000 but I could push it if it would make a big difference in the standard of bike. Height I am 5 7.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 30, 2017, 06:24:55 AM
See the Planet X Pro carbon with full Ultegra available for £999 again. A great deal. Medium size would fit you. I've had one before, very good bike for the money.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 30, 2017, 10:32:01 PM
If you're only getting into it then something £600/700 would get you a decent bike. Then if you stick at it and really get into it you will upgrade and your first bike will become your winter bike. Those Planet X bikes are hard to beat for value all the same. When looking for something I would look for a shimano 105 groupset, or an ultegra groupset would be a bonus. Where do you live?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Corner Forward on May 30, 2017, 10:41:01 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 30, 2017, 10:32:01 PM
If you're only getting into it then something £600/700 would get you a decent bike. Then if you stick at it and really get into it you will upgrade and your first bike will become your winter bike. Those Planet X bikes are hard to beat for value all the same. When looking for something I would look for a shimano 105 groupset, or an ultegra groupset would be a bonus. Where do you live?

Thanks Jim, I live in Newcastle.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: andoireabu on May 31, 2017, 10:33:58 PM
Has anybody any experience of Boardman bicycles? Was looking at the one in the link but wouldn't know much about bikes.  I was in a bike shop during the week and the lad there told me to stay away from a Carrera I was looking at and pointed me towards a Giant Escape 3.  Looking a bike to do a bit of training on and maybe commute the odd day to work.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=15551&langId=-1&categoryId=212536&productId=1173809&storeId=11101 (http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=15551&langId=-1&categoryId=212536&productId=1173809&storeId=11101)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 03, 2017, 04:03:29 PM
Quote from: andoireabu on May 31, 2017, 10:33:58 PM
Has anybody any experience of Boardman bicycles? Was looking at the one in the link but wouldn't know much about bikes.  I was in a bike shop during the week and the lad there told me to stay away from a Carrera I was looking at and pointed me towards a Giant Escape 3.  Looking a bike to do a bit of training on and maybe commute the odd day to work.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=15551&langId=-1&categoryId=212536&productId=1173809&storeId=11101 (http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=15551&langId=-1&categoryId=212536&productId=1173809&storeId=11101)

Not a thing wrong with that Boardman. I bought a road team about 4 years ago and still running perfect. The only thing I would say is that depending on the Halfords the bike may not be assembled 100% correctly so u would get someone who knows a little bit about bikes to set it up for you. That Boardman you are looking at will be absolutely fine for you for leisure/commute particularly with disc brakes . Halfords often do big promotions 20% off etc so maybe wait for that?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 03, 2017, 04:04:04 PM
Anyone for the fondo tomorrow?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on June 03, 2017, 08:04:39 PM
Quote from: grounded on June 03, 2017, 04:04:04 PM
Anyone for the fondo tomorrow?

Aye dreading the thought of it. If it wasnt going to be the last one I could talk myself out of it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 03, 2017, 10:22:58 PM
Quote from: Last Man on June 03, 2017, 08:04:39 PM
Quote from: grounded on June 03, 2017, 04:04:04 PM
Anyone for the fondo tomorrow?

Aye dreading the thought of it. If it wasnt going to be the last one I could talk myself out of it.

Good luck, hopefully weather stays fair. My first fondo so should be good
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 03, 2017, 10:52:17 PM
Aye doing my first Fondo tomorrow, looking forward to it and dreading it too if that makes sense. Need to get to bed soon. Good luck to any of you that are doing it tomorrow, safe home.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 04, 2017, 08:49:19 PM
Finished it! Tough old slog around the mourne route. My back yard and know many of the climbs like back of my hand, but was a killer all the same. Well organised with loads of police and officials. Really enjoyed it apart from the good soaking at the end. Even got to watch the end of the  Down Armagh game in the tent. How did the rest of you fair out?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 04, 2017, 09:46:35 PM
Yes got round safe & sound and enjoyed it but it was tough, some of them climbs were brutal. The closed roads were class and well marshalled. Was having a pint in the tent when the rain came on so was lucky to just miss it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on June 04, 2017, 09:57:22 PM
All round safe thankfully, although a few poor souls not so, hopefully just a few scrapes.  Hard to categorize as enjoyment but sure its all about the hardship for us sick hoors! There's alot to be said for the closed roads, thats the carrot for me.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 05, 2017, 01:39:49 PM
Quote from: Last Man on June 04, 2017, 09:57:22 PM
All round safe thankfully, although a few poor souls not so, hopefully just a few scrapes.  Hard to categorize as enjoyment but sure its all about the hardship for us sick hoors! There's alot to be said for the closed roads, thats the carrot for me.

Yeah I seen a few spills alright. One in particular just past tully more forest park looked fairly serious. As you said something to be said for the collective misery and hardship on a trek like this.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 10, 2017, 03:45:40 PM
Froome looking vulnerable at the Dauphine. Porte in some nick. Could be an interesting TDF.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 12, 2017, 07:46:31 AM
Anybody do Wicklow 200 yesterday?  My 5th and undoubtedly toughest to date, weather brutal and the change of route added about 2,000ft of extra climbing - a lot of the climbing in the last stretch too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 12, 2017, 11:38:37 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 12, 2017, 07:46:31 AM
Anybody do Wicklow 200 yesterday?  My 5th and undoubtedly toughest to date, weather brutal and the change of route added about 2,000ft of extra climbing - a lot of the climbing in the last stretch too.

Good man...well done. This year was the first in a while where i hadn't heard of too many around my parts doing it. Sounds like one of the toughest sportives out there
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 12, 2017, 11:56:21 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 12, 2017, 07:46:31 AM
Anybody do Wicklow 200 yesterday?  My 5th and undoubtedly toughest to date, weather brutal and the change of route added about 2,000ft of extra climbing - a lot of the climbing in the last stretch too.

Well done Benny. Not an easy one. 28 years since i did mine. :o
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on June 23, 2017, 12:05:39 AM
Doing the Donegal Atlantic Ultra tomorrow, can't wait
https://donegalatlanticwayultra.com
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 30, 2017, 06:25:42 PM
Well now, that is interesting.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/06/29/lance-armstrongs-drug-choice-epo-doesnt-work-scientists-claim/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hardy on June 30, 2017, 06:43:56 PM
I'm going straight into the business of performance enhancing placebos.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 12, 2017, 09:27:32 AM
Terrible news from North Down CC yesterday. One of the lads was killed and several others injured while on a club run. God help that family! Scares the shite out of me and gives you a reminder of how dangerous it is to cycle here.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 28, 2017, 10:23:50 PM
Transfer gossip that Dan Martin is for Team UAE
http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/worldtour-transfer-rumours-warren-barguil-to-fortuneo-oscaro-team-sky-sign-movistar-time-trial-specialist-344372?utm_content=manual&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_term=cyclingweekly
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on August 07, 2017, 08:35:31 PM
Alberto contador to retire from cycling after the vuelta.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 07, 2017, 11:42:33 PM
This happened round our way on Saturday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEsn7aluu8U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEsn7aluu8U)

Old fella in a truck turns left into a large group of riders. I used to do this ride every Saturday morning. It's been a while since I did and I'm glad I wasn't out there this time.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 08, 2017, 12:10:00 AM
Quote from: SHEEDY on August 07, 2017, 08:35:31 PM
Alberto contador to retire from cycling after the vuelta.

Will be a big miss! Love watching an attack from Bertie
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 09, 2017, 09:35:46 AM
Squad of us going to Tenerife in January for 4 day 'training camp'☺. Teide will get a touch.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 10, 2017, 04:08:05 PM
Rumour that Quintana is splitting from Movistar - could be heading to Trek

http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/movistar-nairo-quintana-split-end-2017-report-suggests-346016?utm_content=manual&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_term=cyclingweekly
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 14, 2017, 01:48:22 PM
Great interview Kimmage & Dan Martin

https://amp.independent.ie/sport/columnists/paul-kimmage/paul-kimmage-meets-dan-martin-growing-up-with-the-roches-the-scourge-of-doping-and-tour-de-france-ambitions-36026789.html
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on August 14, 2017, 01:54:07 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 14, 2017, 01:48:22 PM
Great interview Kimmage & Dan Martin

https://amp.independent.ie/sport/columnists/paul-kimmage/paul-kimmage-meets-dan-martin-growing-up-with-the-roches-the-scourge-of-doping-and-tour-de-france-ambitions-36026789.html

A few interesting comments about Froome in that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: WT4E on August 14, 2017, 01:55:44 PM
I'm not a cycler but would consider myself reasonably fit through running etc. but i'm taking part in a fun cycling race over 20k - What time should i be aiming for - I have 2 months to train.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 14, 2017, 02:06:56 PM
20km?  If ur generally fit you could do it this evening. Speed etc.. will depend on lots of things, conditions,  kit, bike, if ur solo or in a group.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 14, 2017, 02:38:56 PM
Quote from: WT4E on August 14, 2017, 01:55:44 PM
I'm not a cycler but would consider myself reasonably fit through running etc. but i'm taking part in a fun cycling race over 20k - What time should i be aiming for - I have 2 months to train.

First time trying it will prob take you 55-60 mins. You should get it down to about 45 mins after a few attempts.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: leaveherinsir on September 08, 2017, 09:23:23 PM
http://live.primaltracking.com/32CountyCycle/

Few lads undertaking this, starting tomorrow, Sat 9th from Newcastle Co.Down and finishing on Sat 16th in Kilrea Co.Derry. They will pass thru all 32 counties. Anyone wishing to join them for a few miles you can follow them on the link.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on September 09, 2017, 08:48:39 AM
anyone doing the wild Atlantic way sportif?

https://wildatlanticwaycyclesportif.ie/ (https://wildatlanticwaycyclesportif.ie/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on December 13, 2017, 08:16:21 AM
So Froome pinged for twice the normal levels of Salbutamol at the Vuelta and is only now coming to light as it was kept quiet because the lawyers are working on it. It's alright though, he was only doing what the doctors told him to.

Chris Froome could lose Vuelta a España title after abnormal drugs test result

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/dec/13/chris-froome-team-sky-reputation-abnormal-drug-test
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Minder on December 13, 2017, 08:21:57 AM
AH the dreaded asthma strikes again
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2017, 08:31:30 AM
Surprised at the shoddiness of Team Sky's approach to the actual asthma treatment, surely the Doc knew the rules and limits. Being a genuine asthma sufferer might save him but the precedents there don't bode well for him.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on December 13, 2017, 08:54:17 AM
Given his outspoken views on Wiggins' use of the TUE, it's hard to see how he can come out of it other than completely covered in his own shit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dinny Breen on December 13, 2017, 09:11:35 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 13, 2017, 08:31:30 AM
Surprised at the shoddiness of Team Sky's approach to the actual asthma treatment, surely the Doc knew the rules and limits. Being a genuine asthma sufferer might save him but the precedents there don't bode well for him.

Ha!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2017, 09:26:12 AM
Quote from: gallsman on December 13, 2017, 08:54:17 AM
Given his outspoken views on Wiggins' use of the TUE, it's hard to see how he can come out of it other than completely covered in his own shit.
There was no TUE required for this, it's permitted in correct dosage, he's overdosed tho. Unbelievably shoddy by Sky. Probably more to come tho
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on December 13, 2017, 09:32:56 AM
It's the hypocrisy. He tried to bury Wiggins as soon as it was good PR to do so for abusing the system. Now he faces the same problem.

Let's be honest here. He didn't "overdose" as that phrase, semantically correctly or not, implies an accident. This was clearly no accident. His concentration was higher than Petacchi's when he got caught fit the same ten years ago.

He'll lose the Vuelta, he'll lose the bronze from the World Champs and he'll not be riding for a few years and his Tour wins will always be darkened by a cloud Sky and lots of the UK media have spent years pretending didn't exist. Slap it right up him, the cheating ****.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: AQMP on December 13, 2017, 09:45:55 AM
Quote from: Minder on December 13, 2017, 08:21:57 AM
AH the dreaded asthma strikes again

A good friend of mine has been a chronic asthma sufferer since childhood.  He's not a world class high performance athlete and we just can't understand why not.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Minder on December 13, 2017, 10:49:08 AM
Is there anyone at Sky that doesent have asthma ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on December 13, 2017, 10:51:00 AM
Quote from: AQMP on December 13, 2017, 09:45:55 AM
Quote from: Minder on December 13, 2017, 08:21:57 AM
AH the dreaded asthma strikes again

A good friend of mine has been a chronic asthma sufferer since childhood.  He's not a world class high performance athlete and we just can't understand why not.

this made me chuckle

as for froome, Ive never liked him but I hope this wasn't intentional cheating. For cycling's sake
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: haranguerer on December 13, 2017, 11:06:12 AM
ah ffs. of course it was intentional.

I don't mind froome, I cycle, and enjoy watching the sport, but i think thats blinkered.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2017, 11:09:25 AM
The way they've been preparing him for the Giro while obviously knowing this was going on in the background makes me think they're confident of winning. This would also never have come to light, as it's an allegedly confidential process, but for the Guardian & Le Monde investigation  -
presumably after a leak. With Cookson gone and a French man in the hotseat it mightn't be plain sailing for Sky tho.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on December 13, 2017, 11:10:52 AM
Quote from: haranguerer on December 13, 2017, 11:06:12 AM
ah ffs. of course it was intentional.

I don't mind froome, I cycle, and enjoy watching the sport, but i think thats blinkered.

No doubt it is blinkered but cycling doesn't need another doping scandal. Esp with one of its stars
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:18:59 AM
Anyone here into the mountain biking? I've got a road bike and enjoy it OK but recently started mountain biking and love it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on December 13, 2017, 11:37:34 AM
Quote from: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:18:59 AM
Anyone here into the mountain biking? I've got a road bike and enjoy it OK but recently started mountain biking and love it.

Yep, I used to do quite a bit and race. Just don't have as much time now or the same social circle. You'll find it attracts less twats too, the middle aged men with more money than wit spending 5k on a new bike to save 3/4kg despite weighing 100kg.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:45:14 AM
Quote from: thebigfella on December 13, 2017, 11:37:34 AM
Quote from: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:18:59 AM
Anyone here into the mountain biking? I've got a road bike and enjoy it OK but recently started mountain biking and love it.

Yep, I used to do quite a bit and race. Just don't have as much time now or the same social circle. You'll find it attracts less t**ts too, the middle aged men with more money than wit spending 5k on a new bike to save 3/4kg despite weighing 100kg.

LOL I know what you mean. Hard to beat being out on a trail with no traffic near you. I've been using Blessingburn Estate in Fivemiletown. It is brilliant. Plan to get to Davagh over the holidays.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on December 13, 2017, 01:28:09 PM
Quote from: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:45:14 AM
Quote from: thebigfella on December 13, 2017, 11:37:34 AM
Quote from: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:18:59 AM
Anyone here into the mountain biking? I've got a road bike and enjoy it OK but recently started mountain biking and love it.

Yep, I used to do quite a bit and race. Just don't have as much time now or the same social circle. You'll find it attracts less t**ts too, the middle aged men with more money than wit spending 5k on a new bike to save 3/4kg despite weighing 100kg.

LOL I know what you mean. Hard to beat being out on a trail with no traffic near you. I've been using Blessingburn Estate in Fivemiletown. It is brilliant. Plan to get to Davagh over the holidays.

It's great at night too. Nothing better than flying down fire trails with the lights on, you need a good set of lights though.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on December 13, 2017, 03:42:25 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on December 13, 2017, 01:28:09 PM
Quote from: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:45:14 AM
Quote from: thebigfella on December 13, 2017, 11:37:34 AM
Quote from: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:18:59 AM
Anyone here into the mountain biking? I've got a road bike and enjoy it OK but recently started mountain biking and love it.

Yep, I used to do quite a bit and race. Just don't have as much time now or the same social circle. You'll find it attracts less t**ts too, the middle aged men with more money than wit spending 5k on a new bike to save 3/4kg despite weighing 100kg.

LOL I know what you mean. Hard to beat being out on a trail with no traffic near you. I've been using Blessingburn Estate in Fivemiletown. It is brilliant. Plan to get to Davagh over the holidays.

It's great at night too. Nothing better than flying down fire trails with the lights on, you need a good set of lights though.

how did you boys get into mountain biking?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 13, 2017, 04:10:21 PM
Great read for anyone with a genuine interest in the Froome case

http://inrng.com/2017/12/chris-froomes-salbutamol-case/

"The World Anti-Doping Agency sets a threshold for inhaled doses of salbutamol and the test results in urine and this is important to note. Here are WADA's words

Inhaled salbutamol: maximum 1600 micrograms over 24 hours, not to exceed 800 micrograms every 12 hours;
The presence in urine of salbutamol in excess of 1000 ng/mL... ...is presumed not to be an intended therapeutic use of the substance and will be considered as an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) unless the Athlete proves, through a controlled pharmacokinetic study, that the abnormal result was the consequence of the use of the therapeutic dose (by inhalation) up to the maximum dose indicated above."
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on December 13, 2017, 04:21:05 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on December 13, 2017, 03:42:25 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on December 13, 2017, 01:28:09 PM
Quote from: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:45:14 AM
Quote from: thebigfella on December 13, 2017, 11:37:34 AM
Quote from: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:18:59 AM
Anyone here into the mountain biking? I've got a road bike and enjoy it OK but recently started mountain biking and love it.

Yep, I used to do quite a bit and race. Just don't have as much time now or the same social circle. You'll find it attracts less t**ts too, the middle aged men with more money than wit spending 5k on a new bike to save 3/4kg despite weighing 100kg.

LOL I know what you mean. Hard to beat being out on a trail with no traffic near you. I've been using Blessingburn Estate in Fivemiletown. It is brilliant. Plan to get to Davagh over the holidays.

It's great at night too. Nothing better than flying down fire trails with the lights on, you need a good set of lights though.

how did you boys get into mountain biking?

I did a bit of cycling on the roads and a few of the guys I got to know in the local club were into the mountain bikes especially in the winter when it was not suitable to road bike. One of them had a spare bike so I went out one Sunday. I loved it so bought my own MTB and intend to get out plenty. Blessingburn estate is only 25 mins away in the car so handy enough. It and a few other places will rent a suitable bike for £20 a day if you want to try it out. Great craic.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on December 13, 2017, 10:22:46 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on December 13, 2017, 03:42:25 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on December 13, 2017, 01:28:09 PM
Quote from: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:45:14 AM
Quote from: thebigfella on December 13, 2017, 11:37:34 AM
Quote from: GJL on December 13, 2017, 11:18:59 AM
Anyone here into the mountain biking? I've got a road bike and enjoy it OK but recently started mountain biking and love it.

Yep, I used to do quite a bit and race. Just don't have as much time now or the same social circle. You'll find it attracts less t**ts too, the middle aged men with more money than wit spending 5k on a new bike to save 3/4kg despite weighing 100kg.

LOL I know what you mean. Hard to beat being out on a trail with no traffic near you. I've been using Blessingburn Estate in Fivemiletown. It is brilliant. Plan to get to Davagh over the holidays.

It's great at night too. Nothing better than flying down fire trails with the lights on, you need a good set of lights though.

how did you boys get into mountain biking?

Through a college friend who used to race. I used to cycle quite a bit during my teens and he used to loan me a bike to go training with him before buying my own bike/s and progressing to competitive stuff. Then I worked with a few guys in England who were mad into it, was a great social scene around it especially when you knew few people.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 17, 2017, 06:56:45 PM
Anybody Zwifting? Doing a bit with an ordinary turbo which I think takes away from it big time, not feeling it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maco on December 18, 2017, 12:35:48 AM
Yes, I've recently started using Zwift. I've done a couple of FTP tests, some group training rides, designed a couple of short workouts, and done one TT. Have to say it takes the boredom out of turbo training. Great job in my opinion.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on December 18, 2017, 07:12:30 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 17, 2017, 06:56:45 PM
Anybody Zwifting? Doing a bit with an ordinary turbo which I think takes away from it big time, not feeling it.
I use it for running now also. I think it's great.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on December 28, 2017, 01:27:49 PM
Hi

I've got a 300 c2w voucher which I plan to use on accessories. first thing on this list is a good reflect jacket and second is a decent pair of bib tights - have anyone got a recommendation for them?

Also if you have any other suggestions i could use my voucher for - they would be very welcome.

thanks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 28, 2017, 02:11:13 PM
Altura night vision bib tights are great value for money at about £35, I've had a pair for 3 or more years, use them for night spins and general use at this time of year. They also do a night vision jacket, tho I've never had one so couldn't vouch for it.

Thermal skull cap is useful & relatively cheap. Pick up a snood or two.

Spring is only round the corner, arm warmers, leg warmers & bib shorts.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mrdeeds on March 05, 2018, 12:12:43 AM
Looks like Team Sky finally being exposed.

https://twitter.com/guardian_sport/status/970449393349529600?s=19

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dinny Breen on March 05, 2018, 09:14:34 AM
The only shock will be if anyone is shocked by these revelations. I feel sorry the BBC.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: AQMP on March 05, 2018, 09:26:44 AM
"Sir" David Brailsford and "Sir" Bradley Wiggins effectively cheating and "Lord" Coe misleading the Parliamentary Committee.  "Sir" Mohammed Farah getting mention too.  Who gives out these feckin gongs??!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on March 05, 2018, 11:11:42 AM
I just don't believe anything in cycling anymore. I was enjoying the track cycling but in the back of my mind Im wondering which of them are on PEDs
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Syferus on March 05, 2018, 06:47:49 PM
Wiggins throwing shade at Team Sky now that he's out and trying to protect his already tainted image is such self-serving nonsense. You benefited from the crookedness and now you're hand wringing? Fûck off.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lfdown2 on March 06, 2018, 12:28:05 PM
Quote from: maco on December 18, 2017, 12:35:48 AM
Yes, I've recently started using Zwift. I've done a couple of FTP tests, some group training rides, designed a couple of short workouts, and done one TT. Have to say it takes the boredom out of turbo training. Great job in my opinion.

Could anyone recommend a turbo (mid level pricing) that is fully equipped to work with zwift? Been toying with the idea for a while but not 100% sure on turbo requirements.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on March 06, 2018, 02:37:29 PM
Quote from: lfdown2 on March 06, 2018, 12:28:05 PM
Quote from: maco on December 18, 2017, 12:35:48 AM
Yes, I've recently started using Zwift. I've done a couple of FTP tests, some group training rides, designed a couple of short workouts, and done one TT. Have to say it takes the boredom out of turbo training. Great job in my opinion.

Could anyone recommend a turbo (mid level pricing) that is fully equipped to work with zwift? Been toying with the idea for a while but not 100% sure on turbo requirements.

Any turbo will work with Zwift once you have a Cadence & speed sensor.

If you mean a Smart Turbo that will adjust automatically if you choose a hilly course or create a custom workout - I use this one - https://tacx.com/product/vortex-smart/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on March 06, 2018, 04:51:00 PM
David Walsh appears determined to rewrite history.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 06, 2018, 04:56:46 PM
Been Zwifting with an ordinary turbo up to now but eyeing up Smart turbos & Direct Drive Units,  think I'll go all in with a Direct Drive unit in the Autumn.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Franko on March 06, 2018, 05:29:05 PM
Quote from: AQMP on March 05, 2018, 09:26:44 AM
"Sir" David Brailsford and "Sir" Bradley Wiggins effectively cheating and "Lord" Coe misleading the Parliamentary Committee.  "Sir" Mohammed Farah getting mention too.  Who gives out these feckin gongs??!!

Paula Radcliffe MBE is no saint either.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 06, 2018, 06:42:35 PM
Has something new entered the public domain in regards to Wiggins?(bar the Select Committee report). Think I'm missing something.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on March 07, 2018, 07:56:34 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 06, 2018, 06:42:35 PM
Has something new entered the public domain in regards to Wiggins?(bar the Select Committee report). Think I'm missing something.

No no, you're just willfully misguided and getting on as if a damming parliamentary report isn't news.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 07, 2018, 09:00:58 AM
So no new actual information that hasn't been in the public domain already.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lfdown2 on March 09, 2018, 08:14:28 PM
Quote from: heffo on March 06, 2018, 02:37:29 PM
Quote from: lfdown2 on March 06, 2018, 12:28:05 PM
Quote from: maco on December 18, 2017, 12:35:48 AM
Yes, I've recently started using Zwift. I've done a couple of FTP tests, some group training rides, designed a couple of short workouts, and done one TT. Have to say it takes the boredom out of turbo training. Great job in my opinion.

Could anyone recommend a turbo (mid level pricing) that is fully equipped to work with zwift? Been toying with the idea for a while but not 100% sure on turbo requirements.

Any turbo will work with Zwift once you have a Cadence & speed sensor.

If you mean a Smart Turbo that will adjust automatically if you choose a hilly course or create a custom workout - I use this one - https://tacx.com/product/vortex-smart/

Cheers, is that good to go straight out of the box? Apart from the zwift bit obviously.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on March 09, 2018, 09:49:35 PM
Quote from: lfdown2 on March 09, 2018, 08:14:28 PM
Quote from: heffo on March 06, 2018, 02:37:29 PM
Quote from: lfdown2 on March 06, 2018, 12:28:05 PM
Quote from: maco on December 18, 2017, 12:35:48 AM
Yes, I've recently started using Zwift. I've done a couple of FTP tests, some group training rides, designed a couple of short workouts, and done one TT. Have to say it takes the boredom out of turbo training. Great job in my opinion.

Could anyone recommend a turbo (mid level pricing) that is fully equipped to work with zwift? Been toying with the idea for a while but not 100% sure on turbo requirements.

Pretty much, just connect it via Bluetooth to whatever device - Laptop/phone/iPad etc, update the software and calibrate it first time - ready to go in about two minutes.

Any turbo will work with Zwift once you have a Cadence & speed sensor.

If you mean a Smart Turbo that will adjust automatically if you choose a hilly course or create a custom workout - I use this one - https://tacx.com/product/vortex-smart/

Cheers, is that good to go straight out of the box? Apart from the zwift bit obviously.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lfdown2 on March 09, 2018, 09:56:17 PM
Thanks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on March 25, 2018, 01:34:49 PM
Dan Martin went flying past experience at the beginning of the last lap of the Volta and crashed a few mins later. He's just finished and looks to be ok.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on March 26, 2018, 10:31:05 AM
Lads i know i've been cycling now for about 3 years and should be a bit more tuned into specifications on my bike but i'm not, when guys are cycling along with me and ask me whats what on my bike and what wheels etc i have that blank look on my face. It's only recently i'm trying to take a bit more interest and when discussing wheels i'd just say "they're round, that'll do me" but i'm realising now that it's a bit more scientific than that, I'm currently riding a Specialized Tarmac with Ultegra brakes, gears etc but the crank is carbon. The wheels are Fulcrum racing S-19 light and my question to you more seasoned cyclists is how much more can a better set of wheels be on your bike? Is the wheels on my bike crap? and what sort of wheels should i be looking for to ungrade too? There is a guy in my work here who rides for Phoenix club in Belfast and he's telling me he has wheels at £1800 and wheels at £750 and he said he can't tell the difference in quality between them...

So whats the craic with these wheels...I mean if my wheels are worth £150 - £180 and i buy a new set worth £500 - £600 what difference will i see (I know the level i'm riding at i'll certainly not be paying anything over £600 - £700 for a wheel upgrade...Please advise based on your own experice
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on March 26, 2018, 10:39:01 AM
Quote from: illdecide on March 26, 2018, 10:31:05 AM
Lads i know i've been cycling now for about 3 years and should be a bit more tuned into specifications on my bike but i'm not, when guys are cycling along with me and ask me whats what on my bike and what wheels etc i have that blank look on my face. It's only recently i'm trying to take a bit more interest and when discussing wheels i'd just say "they're round, that'll do me" but i'm realising now that it's a bit more scientific than that, I'm currently riding a Specialized Tarmac with Ultegra brakes, gears etc but the crank is carbon. The wheels are Fulcrum racing S-19 light and my question to you more seasoned cyclists is how much more can a better set of wheels be on your bike? Is the wheels on my bike crap? and what sort of wheels should i be looking for to ungrade too? There is a guy in my work here who rides for Phoenix club in Belfast and he's telling me he has wheels at £1800 and wheels at £750 and he said he can't tell the difference in quality between them...

So whats the craic with these wheels...I mean if my wheels are worth £150 - £180 and i buy a new set worth £500 - £600 what difference will i see (I know the level i'm riding at i'll certainly not be paying anything over £600 - £700 for a wheel upgrade...Please advise based on your own experice

If you aren't racing then your set up is more than adequate. Ride away at them until they wear out.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 26, 2018, 02:06:16 PM
I've had numerous different sets of wheels from entry level to the full carbon set that are on my new yoke, I still have a favourite go to set and they are Fulcrum Quattros that cost in around £250. I've had Fulcrum 3s, Fulcrum Zeros all much dearer but still prefer the Quattros. So I wud tend to agree more money doesn't necessarily mean better - you need to get something that suits you. I felt the Fulcrum Zeros (alloy) were pure pish mainly because I thought they were not sturdy enough for me. Different kettle of fish if you're a 9 stone lightweight I suppose.

Going from entry level wheels to a good set will undoubtedly make a big difference to your performance tho.

Edit: Don't skimp on the rubber, good set of tyres makes a huge difference too. I tend to stick  with Conti GP 4000s
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on March 26, 2018, 03:36:34 PM
Quote from: maddog on March 26, 2018, 10:39:01 AM
Quote from: illdecide on March 26, 2018, 10:31:05 AM
Lads i know i've been cycling now for about 3 years and should be a bit more tuned into specifications on my bike but i'm not, when guys are cycling along with me and ask me whats what on my bike and what wheels etc i have that blank look on my face. It's only recently i'm trying to take a bit more interest and when discussing wheels i'd just say "they're round, that'll do me" but i'm realising now that it's a bit more scientific than that, I'm currently riding a Specialized Tarmac with Ultegra brakes, gears etc but the crank is carbon. The wheels are Fulcrum racing S-19 light and my question to you more seasoned cyclists is how much more can a better set of wheels be on your bike? Is the wheels on my bike crap? and what sort of wheels should i be looking for to ungrade too? There is a guy in my work here who rides for Phoenix club in Belfast and he's telling me he has wheels at £1800 and wheels at £750 and he said he can't tell the difference in quality between them...

So whats the craic with these wheels...I mean if my wheels are worth £150 - £180 and i buy a new set worth £500 - £600 what difference will i see (I know the level i'm riding at i'll certainly not be paying anything over £600 - £700 for a wheel upgrade...Please advise based on your own experice

If you aren't racing then your set up is more than adequate. Ride away at them until they wear out.

Great advice. The wheels you have actually pretty good. Unless you are racing or time trialing i dont see the need for anything else. Good tyres as benny says are a much better investment. As Eddy once said "don't buy upgrades, ride up grades"
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on March 26, 2018, 04:26:49 PM
Yes i hear you and don't disagree, i'm 3 years into cycling and go out with the club who normally have a good mixture of A & B riders. I'm quite competitive which probably comes from my football days and would normally hang on like a man with no arms rather than get dropped so would like to improve but at the same time i have to appreciate the level i'm riding at and i don't race or do time trials.
Basically i've only ever had the wheels that have come with my bike so won't know the difference and when i hear your experiences of mega bucks for wheels where you find a much cheaper set every bit as good is worrying. I spoke with a few guys yesterday who have all said their dearest carbon wheels were a waste of money and they'd never spend that much on wheels again...I suppose the old saying "pedal harder" is the answer...lol

I'm actually in the process of buying 2 new tyres so the Conti GP 4000s you reckon are good decent tyres?

Guys appreciate the help and advice...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 26, 2018, 07:36:37 PM
I have bought two sets of mavic wheels via cycle to work scheme.  Although the guys are right unless you are doing TT"s or regularly are doing above 23mph they aren't much of an advantage but they look good.   With regard to the tyres you won't go wrong with the 4000s inflated to the right pressure.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on March 27, 2018, 11:18:28 AM
Quote from: gerry on March 26, 2018, 07:36:37 PM
I have bought two sets of mavic wheels via cycle to work scheme.  Although the guys are right unless you are doing TT"s or regularly are doing above 23mph they aren't much of an advantage but they look good.   With regard to the tyres you won't go wrong with the 4000s inflated to the right pressure.

100 psi?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on March 27, 2018, 03:41:05 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 26, 2018, 02:06:16 PM
I've had numerous different sets of wheels from entry level to the full carbon set that are on my new yoke, I still have a favourite go to set and they are Fulcrum Quattros that cost in around £250. I've had Fulcrum 3s, Fulcrum Zeros all much dearer but still prefer the Quattros. So I wud tend to agree more money doesn't necessarily mean better - you need to get something that suits you. I felt the Fulcrum Zeros (alloy) were pure pish mainly because I thought they were not sturdy enough for me. Different kettle of fish if you're a 9 stone lightweight I suppose.

Going from entry level wheels to a good set will undoubtedly make a big difference to your performance tho.

Edit: Don't skimp on the rubber, good set of tyres makes a huge difference too. I tend to stick  with Conti GP 4000s

Seen them there on wiggle for £225...interesting. Just ordered 2 of those GP4000 tyres there too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 27, 2018, 04:09:37 PM
Pro Lite Braciano are another good mid range (Aero)wheel, similar price to the Quattros, I know a few people with them who hold them in high regard for the money.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 27, 2018, 05:36:02 PM
It all depends if you have 23 or 25 mm tyres.  Everyone now riding on 25 mm tyres.  I normally put between 80 to 100 on 25mm and 120 on 23 mm tyres
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on May 08, 2018, 11:43:57 PM
Just trying to gather some opinion. I've recently been thinking about offer a bike cleaning service, would people be interested, or reluctant to let another man touch their machine? I was thinking a decent price point might be around £12 for full clean, with drivetrain degrease and lube reapplied. Thoughts?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 09, 2018, 12:36:53 AM
Quote from: majestic on May 08, 2018, 11:43:57 PM
Just trying to gather some opinion. I've recently been thinking about offer a bike cleaning service, would people be interested, or reluctant to let another man touch their machine? I was thinking a decent price point might be around £12 for full clean, with drivetrain degrease and lube reapplied. Thoughts?

Not the worst business idea. Cleaning a bike is a pain in the neck, and a clean chain makes a huge difference. Sounds like good value.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 09, 2018, 07:47:05 AM
As a lazy arse I would probably avail of it ocassionallly - a collection/delivery service would swing it for me.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 09, 2018, 09:02:36 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 09, 2018, 07:47:05 AM
As a lazy arse I would probably avail of it ocassionallly - a collection/delivery service would swing it for me.

Yeah that would be the ticket...

Just on the wheel situation too, I have decided to keep running with the wheels i have on the bike for now and the reason for this is the state of the roads. I think it would be madness to splash out on expensive wheels to have them destroyed in the growing number and size of our pot holes, the roads are deteriorating so bad each year it's getting beyond repair for some of them. The fact that i don't race nor do time trials just do the odd sportive i'll stay with the basic wheels i have (for now anyway...)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on May 09, 2018, 09:04:49 AM
Quote from: majestic on May 08, 2018, 11:43:57 PM
Just trying to gather some opinion. I've recently been thinking about offer a bike cleaning service, would people be interested, or reluctant to let another man touch their machine? I was thinking a decent price point might be around £12 for full clean, with drivetrain degrease and lube reapplied. Thoughts?

Great idea. Where are you based?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 09, 2018, 04:05:39 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 08, 2018, 11:43:57 PM
Just trying to gather some opinion. I've recently been thinking about offer a bike cleaning service, would people be interested, or reluctant to let another man touch their machine? I was thinking a decent price point might be around £12 for full clean, with drivetrain degrease and lube reapplied. Thoughts?

Will u come down and do mine?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on May 09, 2018, 04:26:05 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on May 09, 2018, 04:05:39 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 08, 2018, 11:43:57 PM
Just trying to gather some opinion. I've recently been thinking about offer a bike cleaning service, would people be interested, or reluctant to let another man touch their machine? I was thinking a decent price point might be around £12 for full clean, with drivetrain degrease and lube reapplied. Thoughts?

Will u come down and do mine?

Based in Belfast - 50p a mile?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 09, 2018, 04:31:21 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 09, 2018, 04:26:05 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on May 09, 2018, 04:05:39 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 08, 2018, 11:43:57 PM
Just trying to gather some opinion. I've recently been thinking about offer a bike cleaning service, would people be interested, or reluctant to let another man touch their machine? I was thinking a decent price point might be around £12 for full clean, with drivetrain degrease and lube reapplied. Thoughts?

Will u come down and do mine?

Based in Belfast - 50p a mile?
[/quote

Do you intend to use power washer ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 09, 2018, 05:55:59 PM
There's a bike shop around here called Beeline Bikes. They have deals with local employers and tech firms. They'll come around to your company once a month and offer bicycle tune-ups, the company is happy to advertise it around the office since it encourages cycling, and they probably chip in a bit of a subsidy too. The bike boys just bring all their equipment in a decent sized box van, big enough to stand up in with a bit of headroom, and set it up like a mobile workshop. I think you have to email them ahead of time and reserve a spot. Very useful for employees that wouldn't have the time or know-how to give their bike a full tune-up. If you could offer that as well as a cleaning service then you might be onto something.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on May 09, 2018, 10:48:17 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 09, 2018, 04:31:21 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 09, 2018, 04:26:05 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on May 09, 2018, 04:05:39 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 08, 2018, 11:43:57 PM
Just trying to gather some opinion. I've recently been thinking about offer a bike cleaning service, would people be interested, or reluctant to let another man touch their machine? I was thinking a decent price point might be around £12 for full clean, with drivetrain degrease and lube reapplied. Thoughts?

Will u come down and do mine?

Based in Belfast - 50p a mile?
[/quote

Do you intend to use power washer ?

No I wouldn't use a power washer, just a normal hose, brushes and sponges. Wouldn't use power washer as it can damage bearings etc.

I'm not a qualified bike mechanic so wouldn't be confident with others bikes in anything other than cleaning! Not looking to make this a full time venture, would probably limitrnkt to 5 bikes a week!

Any other suggestions or thoughts?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 10, 2018, 02:53:27 PM
Have any of you done the Giants Causeway Coast Sportive?...Was going to book it but not sure what distance to go for, there is a 35 mile, 85 mile and a 115 mile routes to choose from. I'd imagine they'd be brutal climbs
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 10, 2018, 03:37:35 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 09, 2018, 10:48:17 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 09, 2018, 04:31:21 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 09, 2018, 04:26:05 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on May 09, 2018, 04:05:39 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 08, 2018, 11:43:57 PM
Just trying to gather some opinion. I've recently been thinking about offer a bike cleaning service, would people be interested, or reluctant to let another man touch their machine? I was thinking a decent price point might be around £12 for full clean, with drivetrain degrease and lube reapplied. Thoughts?

Will u come down and do mine?

Based in Belfast - 50p a mile?
[/quote

Do you intend to use power washer ?

No I wouldn't use a power washer, just a normal hose, brushes and sponges. Wouldn't use power washer as it can damage bearings etc.

I'm not a qualified bike mechanic so wouldn't be confident with others bikes in anything other than cleaning! Not looking to make this a full time venture, would probably limitrnkt to 5 bikes a week!

Any other suggestions or thoughts?

I'd say it's a good idea but if you combine with servicing you would def be on to something. Lads I work with that have bought on cycle to work are running to bike shops to get rubbing brake blocks, skipping gears, punctures etc fixed. Real basic stuff. I've sorted several of them out in the office, it's just that they don't know what they are doing and they are paranoid about servicing. One lad wanted his servicing after 100 miles.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 10, 2018, 06:05:08 PM
Wheel-straightening is another pain in the neck job. If I had all day and infinite patience I could do it myself (I used to when I was a youngster) but these days I just throw the wheel into the shop and let them do it.

There's probably a course in bike maintenance that you can do somewhere if you want to acquire the skills.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 10, 2018, 07:07:56 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 10, 2018, 06:05:08 PM
Wheel-straightening is another pain in the neck job. If I had all day and infinite patience I could do it myself (I used to when I was a youngster) but these days I just throw the wheel into the shop and let them do it.

There's probably a course in bike maintenance that you can do somewhere if you want to acquire the skills.

I can take the worst of a hop in wheel out but to get 100pc you need wheel jig and time. Every 2nd spoke half turn etc. Place near me is a tenner so not worth messing with most of the time.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 10, 2018, 08:00:48 PM
It's Bike to Work Day here. Companies set up "energizer stations" at the side of the road where they play music, give out free food, drinks and swag, enter you for raffles if you're an employee. The local bicycle coalition organizes it. I stopped at all 4 of them on my route this morning, including at my own company, and stuffed my bag.  I was still outrunning the rest of the traffic too, even with me stopping.

Lot of riders out there today, which is nice to see, even though our infrastructure isn't exactly at Dutch standards.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Boycey on May 11, 2018, 04:55:32 PM
Big win today for Sam Bennett in the Giro...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on May 11, 2018, 09:32:48 PM
Quote from: Boycey on May 11, 2018, 04:55:32 PM
Big win today for Sam Bennett in the Giro...
he's been going well recently. Long overdue stage win for an irish rider at the giro.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 13, 2018, 08:52:07 AM
Delighted for Sam. Timed it perfect. Sean was loving it on commentary.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on May 17, 2018, 06:06:35 PM
another brillant stage win for sam bennett at the giro today. showed great power and strength to win a sprint finish at the famous imola race track.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 17, 2018, 09:26:21 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on May 17, 2018, 06:06:35 PM
another brillant stage win for sam bennett at the giro today. showed great power and strength to win a sprint finish at the famous imola race track.

Super. Timed it perfectly again in treacherous conditions.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 18, 2018, 09:49:09 AM
Bennett seems to thrive when the road is a little bit lumpy for the likes of Viviani. He might not be too far away today with a smallish climb around 20km from the end which could be enough to blow out some of the sprinters. Depends how hard they race today, sometimes before a big mountain stage like the Zoncolan tomorrow there can be a truce amongst the peleton to take it handy for most of the day. That said the sprinters will want their day so i'd expect any breakaway to be reeled in. So apart from today i can't see Bennett adding to his tally until the last day in rome where he definitely will have a big shout.
Tomorrow will show where everyone is really at. Yates has to make hay before Tuesdays time trial.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on May 18, 2018, 05:38:48 PM
how close was this? lucky the marshall was alert.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/44174201
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 19, 2018, 04:37:23 PM
Some battle today. Dumoulin clung on brilliantly.froome showed a few cracks maybe in Yates. All to play for tomorrow
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 19, 2018, 04:48:23 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 10, 2018, 02:53:27 PM
Have any of you done the Giants Causeway Coast Sportive?...Was going to book it but not sure what distance to go for, there is a 35 mile, 85 mile and a 115 mile routes to choose from. I'd imagine they'd be brutal climbs

Yeah, i done the 85 mile one a few years ago. Brilliant day, well organised with beautiful scenery. Climbs weren't too bad if you take it steady.  Torr head at the end was a bit of a killer but enjoyable when the weather was so fine. A friend done it last year i think?  And got absolutely drowned.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on May 22, 2018, 08:56:27 AM
Anyone familiar with 'Specialised' road bikes? I've spotted one for sale that seems a decent price with good spec.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 22, 2018, 09:09:33 AM
Quote from: GJL on May 22, 2018, 08:56:27 AM
Anyone familiar with 'Specialised' road bikes? I've spotted one for sale that seems a decent price with good spec.

Yeah i have 2...Roubaix and Tarmac, the Roubaix is a great bike for long distances and has great comfort. The Tarmac is not as comfortable but is much quicker. Haven't had any other bikes so can't compare them to anything else...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on May 22, 2018, 09:24:39 AM
Quote from: illdecide on May 22, 2018, 09:09:33 AM
Quote from: GJL on May 22, 2018, 08:56:27 AM
Anyone familiar with 'Specialised' road bikes? I've spotted one for sale that seems a decent price with good spec.

Yeah i have 2...Roubaix and Tarmac, the Roubaix is a great bike for long distances and has great comfort. The Tarmac is not as comfortable but is much quicker. Haven't had any other bikes so can't compare them to anything else...

Thanks.  :)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dinny Breen on May 22, 2018, 03:57:03 PM
Great interview with Tyler Hamilton this morning on OTB. Worth checking out.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on May 22, 2018, 09:42:15 PM
Wd40 any good for degreasing a bike chain. Any other tips
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 22, 2018, 10:46:16 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 22, 2018, 09:42:15 PM
Wd40 any good for degreasing a bike chain. Any other tips

No. You can buy a degreaser and chain cleaning tool to do the job. Neither would i use wd40 to oil the chain. You can buy a specific chain lube for that either wet or dry depending on time of year.
    Alternatively for the mountain bike if the chain is absolutely bogging and you have chain connector fitted ,pop the entire chain off and into container of kerosene and leave for a while. Give it a good brush then to remove any grime. The chain will have to be lubricated(each connection) entirely before use.
       One more tip i would say is buy a little chain wear guide. Not expensive. Changing chains when they are worn will ease the wear on more expensive items like cassettes and chain rings. Oh and never power wash your bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 23, 2018, 04:10:12 PM
Why the fear of power washers? have seen the pro-teams use them. Haven't done it myself but mainly because it's a pain in the hole to get it set up and going.

Which brings me on to another totally unrelated point - any hoor selling a bike saying 'dry miles only' needs a boot in the hole and avoided.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on May 23, 2018, 04:22:08 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 23, 2018, 04:10:12 PM
Why the fear of power washers? have seen the pro-teams use them. Haven't done it myself but mainly because it's a pain in the hole to get it set up and going.

Which brings me on go another totally unrelated point - any hoor selling a bike saying 'dry miles only' needs a boot in the hole and avoided.

Pro teams are happy to use power washers because they are happy to replace all the bearings etc on a regular basis. Personally Id rather not, premature bearing failure is usually down to water contamination and theres more chance of it getting in with a power washer, so a sponge and a brush every time for me.
On the WD40 issue, I dont see any problem using it to degrease a chain as long as you dry it off and apply a good quality chain lube after.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 23, 2018, 04:56:47 PM
Speaking of Specialized bikes I see the old Browns Barn restaurant on the N7 at Citywest is being turned into a Specialized bike shop.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 24, 2018, 08:45:16 PM
Great Giro, the last 3 days are going go be very interesting. Yates' tank just emptied with a mile or so left, his first sign of weakness. Domoullin in a nice position at 28s down but Pozzovivo could spoil both their parties, he's looked great but still a big outsider at this point 2m 43s down.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on May 24, 2018, 10:18:12 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 23, 2018, 04:56:47 PM
Speaking of Specialized bikes I see the old Browns Barn restaurant on the N7 at Citywest is being turned into a Specialized bike shop.

Due to open next month
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 24, 2018, 11:01:04 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 23, 2018, 04:10:12 PM
Why the fear of power washers? have seen the pro-teams use them. Haven't done it myself but mainly because it's a pain in the hole to get it set up and going.

Which brings me on to another totally unrelated point - any hoor selling a bike saying 'dry miles only' needs a boot in the hole and avoided.

Answered below. Yeah water ingress into bearings, particularly in the bottom bracket shortens their lifespan. I had a failure with a rear suspension pivot(bearing) and if i power washed the bike was the first question the bike shop asked me.
         I bought a small compressor from lidl and i actually dry the bike before storing away.
         Corrext on the last pount No such thing as dry miles in Ireland!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 25, 2018, 01:36:18 PM
All going wrong for Yates.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on May 25, 2018, 05:55:05 PM
what a ride by chris froome to put himself in the pink jersey, possibly one of the best ever.  he blew the field apart when he attacked 80km from the finish, yates cracked completely and ended up over 39 minutes behind on the stage and dropped out of the top 10 on GC. some turn around.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on May 25, 2018, 06:13:23 PM
How the f**k does froome get away with it. Thought it was f**king finished last year and looks like he's back even stronger
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 25, 2018, 06:13:34 PM
Some stage, have to feel for Yates. I gave Pozzovivo the kiss of death anyway, Thought once he'd limited his losses on the TT that he'd a real chance. Some performance by Froome.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 25, 2018, 07:43:56 PM
Serious breakaway by Froome, sensational. After yesterday the writing was on the wall for Yates as the legs looked shot. Considering his effort Is there any possibility that Froome could be vulnerable tomorrow?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Main Street on May 25, 2018, 09:21:00 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 22, 2018, 09:42:15 PM
Wd40 any good for degreasing a bike chain. Any other tips
WD40 bike  degreaser in spray can is a very good product. It cleans and lubricates. The WD40 heavy duty degreaser is thicker so you just drip it on to the chain, when the occasions calls and work it in. 
At present I'm using a Kroon oil product called Biosol, I buy it in a litre bottle and put in a spray bottle or use a brush. It's biodegradable and mixes well with water.
It. can be blended with water for lighter cleaning 1/5 - 1/10 and  1/1 for the heaviest degreasing tasks.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Minder on May 25, 2018, 09:27:17 PM
Quote from: grounded on May 25, 2018, 07:43:56 PM
Serious breakaway by Froome, sensational. After yesterday the writing was on the wall for Yates as the legs looked shot. Considering his effort Is there any possibility that Froome could be vulnerable tomorrow?

Not if he gets a few puffs of the inhaler tonight
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: dec on May 25, 2018, 10:01:49 PM
Froome's ride reminded me of the Floyd Landis breakaway stage win.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 25, 2018, 10:05:11 PM
Quote from: dec on May 25, 2018, 10:01:49 PM
Froome's ride reminded me of the Floyd Landis breakaway stage win.

His career reminds me of someone else...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 25, 2018, 10:55:47 PM
Perfectly executed tactical plan.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Babe Ruth 47 on May 27, 2018, 06:23:49 PM
Brilliant win for Bennett again today. Delighted for him, seems a gent.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mrdeeds on May 27, 2018, 08:06:37 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 25, 2018, 10:05:11 PM
Quote from: dec on May 25, 2018, 10:01:49 PM
Froome's ride reminded me of the Floyd Landis breakaway stage win.

His career reminds me of someone else...

Well his career is like Landis's too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 28, 2018, 11:34:33 AM
Inside Team Sun Web blog for the last 3 days , a good watch https://youtu.be/aLcZkrykEtI

Tom & his DS knew exactly where & when Sky were going to attack on the Finestre - expected to lose a minute or so to Froome.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on June 08, 2018, 10:11:27 AM
Started back doing a bit of cycling there lately.  Was thinking of replacing an easy run for a cycle instead for marathon training which starts in a few weeks.

Anyway I have a Carrera road bike I bought in Halfords about 6 years ago. Never really used it much so it was left outside in the elements a good bit so it's a bit of a wreck now.
Was thinking then of upgrading to something decent but not mad expensive.
There is a Giant store near enough to me so went to look the other day and liked this.

http://www.giant-dublin.ie/ie/contend-sl-1-disc-2018

Would something like that be decent? Is Giant a good brand?

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 08, 2018, 10:18:19 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 08, 2018, 10:11:27 AM
Started back doing a bit of cycling there lately.  Was thinking of replacing an easy run for a cycle instead for marathon training which starts in a few weeks.

Anyway I have a Carrera road bike I bought in Halfords about 6 years ago. Never really used it much so it was left outside in the elements a good bit so it's a bit of a wreck now.
Was thinking then of upgrading to something decent but not mad expensive.
There is a Giant store near enough to me so went to look the other day and liked this.

http://www.giant-dublin.ie/ie/contend-sl-1-disc-2018

Would something like that be decent? Is Giant a good brand?

Nice bike and Giant are absolutely fine. Shimano 105 gear is more than adequate.
Buy a shed as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 08, 2018, 11:18:50 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 08, 2018, 10:11:27 AM
Started back doing a bit of cycling there lately.  Was thinking of replacing an easy run for a cycle instead for marathon training which starts in a few weeks.

Anyway I have a Carrera road bike I bought in Halfords about 6 years ago. Never really used it much so it was left outside in the elements a good bit so it's a bit of a wreck now.
Was thinking then of upgrading to something decent but not mad expensive.
There is a Giant store near enough to me so went to look the other day and liked this.

http://www.giant-dublin.ie/ie/contend-sl-1-disc-2018

Would something like that be decent? Is Giant a good brand?

There are some cracking bikes for sale on that facebook page (Cycling products for sale) buy and sell Ireland...You can pick up a real bargain bike there off a cyclist who has upgraded and looked after his bike...check it out.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on June 09, 2018, 09:38:05 PM
Thanks lads.
I was also looking at the Ribble bikes from the UK. Seem like serious value for what you get spec wise.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Boycey on June 09, 2018, 09:45:21 PM
Christ if that's a reasonable priced bike what does an expensive one cost  :o
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on June 09, 2018, 11:17:00 PM
Some great value to be had on eBay if you know what you are looking at. Buying new is madness IMO.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 10, 2018, 07:55:59 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 09, 2018, 09:38:05 PM
Thanks lads.
I was also looking at the Ribble bikes from the UK. Seem like serious value for what you get spec wise.
Ribble R872 is a serious bike. Fantastic value bike that you could easily race. Had one a few years back and still hankering after it, will likely get one again at some point.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on June 10, 2018, 08:06:13 AM
I wouldn't need one for racing. Was more looking at the Ribble Gran Fondo. It's about same price as the Giant bike I posted.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 11, 2018, 08:57:12 AM
I have both those ribble bikes for a few years now with no issues.  It comes 99% assembled so don't let that putting you off buying one.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 11, 2018, 10:11:47 PM
I've had both bikes as well, as I said the R872 is definitely racier, but if you've no issues with a bad back it would be an easy choice imo - because the R872 is just a much better bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 17, 2018, 09:09:21 PM
Eddie Dunbar is having some year of it, some of the big boys will be taking note.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 18, 2018, 10:04:28 AM
He had some cycle on stage 8 and having a great season so far compared to the end of 2017.  I can't see aqua blue being about in a few years as tgey dont have the money and depend on wild card invites to grand tours to survive.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Insane Bolt on June 21, 2018, 12:26:46 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/cycling/hinault-calls-for-riders-to-strike-if-froome-races-in-tour-de-france/ar-AAyWUhh?li=BBoPWjP

Big call by Hinault
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 21, 2018, 03:02:13 PM
Jesus they really hate Froome. Hypocrites!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 21, 2018, 05:58:38 PM
The hole shitstorm is a bit of a case of reaping what you sew as David Lappartient the UCI Chief allegedly facilitated the leak.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on June 30, 2018, 10:20:21 AM
In the market for a ladies bike, helping a first timer get started on the road. Has anyone got any recommendations, looking for a good deal!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 30, 2018, 11:56:44 AM
Quote from: majestic on June 30, 2018, 10:20:21 AM
In the market for a ladies bike, helping a first timer get started on the road. Has anyone got any recommendations, looking for a good deal!

specialized dolce are good entry level bikes. Look for the one with tiagra components. Other makes and models of ladies bikes are cube axial and trek lexa. Have a hunt for 2nd hand you might get a bargain that way.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 30, 2018, 12:50:48 PM
Was out for spin last night and it's hard enough cycling in that heat but when the tar on country roads are melting and your tyres are sticking to the tar/road it's just that we bit harder. U wonder how the professionals do it in that heat all the time.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 01, 2018, 11:39:36 PM
Quote from: illdecide on June 30, 2018, 12:50:48 PM
Was out for spin last night and it's hard enough cycling in that heat but when the tar on country roads are melting and your tyres are sticking to the tar/road it's just that we bit harder. U wonder how the professionals do it in that heat all the time.
[/quote


Drugs
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Main Street on July 02, 2018, 12:16:34 AM
Quote from: majestic on June 30, 2018, 10:20:21 AM
In the market for a ladies bike, helping a first timer get started on the road. Has anyone got any recommendations, looking for a good deal!
Do you mean a road bike or just any bike for the road?

This is a very good deal for a women's road bike  GBP750., Eur900 in ROI.
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-road-team-carbon-womens-bike-50-53-55-5cm-frames (https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-road-team-carbon-womens-bike-50-53-55-5cm-frames)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 02, 2018, 10:24:42 AM
Chris Froome cleared by UCI and WADA.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on July 02, 2018, 01:25:27 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on July 02, 2018, 10:24:42 AM
Chris Froome cleared by UCI and WADA.

Yay


:(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Capt Pat on July 02, 2018, 04:11:26 PM
Will he win the tour again this year?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trailer on July 02, 2018, 04:17:31 PM
Does anyone actually take professional cycling serious? As in does anyone believe that these guys aren't on all sorts of drugs?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: seafoid on July 02, 2018, 04:24:55 PM
Quote from: trailer on July 02, 2018, 04:17:31 PM
Does anyone actually take professional cycling serious? As in does anyone believe that these guys aren't on all sorts of drugs?

No
Who cares who wins at this stage?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 02, 2018, 04:37:35 PM
Quote from: seafoid on July 02, 2018, 04:24:55 PM
Quote from: trailer on July 02, 2018, 04:17:31 PM
Does anyone actually take professional cycling serious? As in does anyone believe that these guys aren't on all sorts of drugs?

No
Who cares who wins at this stage?

I've followed the sport for the last 30 years so unlikely to stop now. Might go to the Vuelta again, northern Spain is superb.
TDF - a wee ew interest in Dan Martin and Roglic with Froome to win it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 02, 2018, 04:38:30 PM
Quote from: trailer on July 02, 2018, 04:17:31 PM
Does anyone actually take professional cycling serious? As in does anyone believe that these guys aren't on all sorts of drugs?

Football is supposedly rife with doping. I'll not switch off the world cup either.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trailer on July 02, 2018, 05:07:01 PM
They're just Junkies on bikes if you ask me.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on July 02, 2018, 08:00:34 PM
Quote from: trailer on July 02, 2018, 04:17:31 PM
Does anyone actually take professional cycling serious? As in does anyone believe that these guys aren't on all sorts of drugs?

I used to love it, but I gave up wasting my time watching it years ago. Can't believe any of it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 02, 2018, 09:41:12 PM
It is what it is & I watch it in that frame of mind.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 02, 2018, 10:27:37 PM
I enjoy watching it and it never crosses my mine if they are juiced up or not.  Btw i was at the nationals yesterday and seeing only 34 finished it I reckon they had no special TUE.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 02, 2018, 11:46:53 PM
Tennis, atheltics, boxing to name a few sports that are currently worse than cycling for drugs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Insane Bolt on July 03, 2018, 07:44:58 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 02, 2018, 11:46:53 PM
Tennis, atheltics, boxing to name a few sports that are currently worse than cycling for drugs.

Don't forget darts😜
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on July 07, 2018, 11:36:15 AM
You can buy an ex pro bike from the canyon website, not to bad price wise either
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JoG2 on July 07, 2018, 03:53:08 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 02, 2018, 11:46:53 PM
Tennis, atheltics, boxing to name a few sports that are currently worse than cycling for drugs.

Everyone at the top of cycling is at it. Re boxing and tennis, 100% of say the top 100 in the world doping you reckon??
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 07, 2018, 06:23:14 PM
Spent the past week on holiday in Co Waterford, was on the bike every day,  up and down the Copper coast & a couple of mountains on the Comeragh route. Stunning holiday - the Mediterranean weather was unreal.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 08, 2018, 07:57:54 PM
No better place than ireland to cycle when the weather is good.   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 08, 2018, 08:01:29 PM
Dan going to lose at least two minutes to sky tomorrow, thankfully he didn't lose times unlike the other GC guys yesterday.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 09, 2018, 09:42:16 AM
How's the roads down Mexico way? Up here in the Unites States they're at an all time low with pot holes you'd get lost in, never seen the roads as bad...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on July 09, 2018, 12:49:20 PM
Quote from: gerry on July 08, 2018, 07:57:54 PM
No better place than ireland to cycle when the weather is good.

Friend of mine done the Ring of Kerry at the weekend. Said it was great with Amazing scenery. I'm aiming to do it next year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 09, 2018, 03:24:31 PM
Quote from: gerry on July 08, 2018, 08:01:29 PM
Dan going to lose at least two minutes to sky tomorrow, thankfully he didn't lose times unlike the other GC guys yesterday.
1'38 down on BMC (current leaders), 1'34 down on Sky. As expected.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 09, 2018, 03:36:28 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on July 09, 2018, 03:24:31 PM
Quote from: gerry on July 08, 2018, 08:01:29 PM
Dan going to lose at least two minutes to sky tomorrow, thankfully he didn't lose times unlike the other GC guys yesterday.
1'38 down on BMC (current leaders), 1'34 down on Sky. As expected.

A bit of that offset by Porte Froome and Quintana all losing time on day 1
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: dec on July 12, 2018, 06:21:10 PM
Dan Martin wins stage 6

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/44812485
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 18, 2018, 09:48:12 PM
Froomedog getting booed today, tomorrow could be fun
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 18, 2018, 09:50:07 PM
Some ride from the two team sky riders today
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 18, 2018, 10:00:24 PM
Be interesting to see if G gets to keep it now, poor cav missed the time cut today, that's his recOrd attempt out the window.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 19, 2018, 09:34:17 AM
Great article written by David Millar on Cavendish after yesterday's turn of events.

https://chpt3.com/blogs/journal/well-done-mark
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 19, 2018, 09:35:55 AM
Wouldn't be surprised to see a Sky rider getting a dig at Alp d'huez today.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 19, 2018, 10:08:45 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 19, 2018, 09:35:55 AM
Wouldn't be surprised to see a Sky rider getting a dig at Alp d'huez today.

I wouldn't either although maybe the football has them all happy enough. Wasn't much point booing Sky yesterday when Bardet had the chance to go with Dan Martin and froome he hesitated and they were gone. The French rate as their future stars Alaphilippe, Barguil, Latour - none of which are good enough to compete in a 3 week tour. Bardet is but has to start doing it. 20/1 for today hmmnnn.

Letour is only 24 but the others are 26/27 so should be reaching their peak.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 19, 2018, 11:26:20 AM
A girl I know won the women's Haute Route Alpe d'Huez last week. Some serious climbing! My car would have bother going up some of it!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 19, 2018, 04:45:55 PM
That's it the tour is over, a bad day for Dan with 1.45 down on G
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on July 19, 2018, 05:02:26 PM
what way will it pan out now chaps; does froome still win it with Thomas in the lead? at what stage do they let them fight it out?

always great to watch that stage
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 19, 2018, 05:26:29 PM
Froome showed weakness in the last couple of KMs there, still there for the taking, strong and all as Thomas looks all you need is one bad day - as Yates showed at the Giro. Dumoullin looking strong too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Insane Bolt on July 19, 2018, 05:29:11 PM
Looked like Froome was getting lots of verbal abuse in closing 5k. Was a great stage.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 19, 2018, 05:40:54 PM
A clown pushed him sure, some middle aged man in fluro green shorts
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Insane Bolt on July 19, 2018, 05:50:33 PM
Gendarmes man handled a few spectators out of way... always surprised there's not more incidents on those narrow climbs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Denn Forever on July 29, 2018, 11:27:22 AM
Geraint Thomas to win unless last stage tradition ignored.  His 2 minute lead could be overturned?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 29, 2018, 11:29:33 AM
Quote from: Denn Forever on July 29, 2018, 11:27:22 AM
Geraint Thomas to win unless last stage tradition ignored.  His 2 minute lead could be overturned?

No chance. Will be usual procession into Paris. Sagan to take the sprint if not too sore after his crash.


Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 29, 2018, 11:43:11 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on July 19, 2018, 05:29:11 PM
Looked like Froome was getting lots of verbal abuse in closing 5k. Was a great stage.

Did Thomas get abuse too or just Froome? All to do with doping?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 29, 2018, 12:05:49 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 29, 2018, 11:43:11 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on July 19, 2018, 05:29:11 PM
Looked like Froome was getting lots of verbal abuse in closing 5k. Was a great stage.

Did Thomas get abuse too or just Froome? All to do with doping?

All sky riders got it but particularly Froome.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 29, 2018, 03:28:13 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 29, 2018, 11:29:33 AM
Quote from: Denn Forever on July 29, 2018, 11:27:22 AM
Geraint Thomas to win unless last stage tradition ignored.  His 2 minute lead could be overturned?

No chance. Will be usual procession into Paris. Sagan to take the sprint if not too sore after his crash.
Backed Laporte of Cofidis at 9/1 For an interest.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 29, 2018, 03:36:05 PM
Great to see Thomas win. I've long thought he was guilty of a serious lack of ambition, always seemingly content to be a N2. His win this year has a lot to do with luck as well, bad for Froome and Thomas avoiding self inflicted catastrophe for a change.  The days of the specialist climber winning Tours could be over.

What about Egan Barnel, there's a future Tour winner if I ever saw one.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ONeill on July 29, 2018, 06:18:09 PM
Do we accept that every cyclist dopes?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 29, 2018, 06:42:15 PM
Apart from Irish riders of course and those plucky riders who come in way down the pecking order, they seem to get a by ball for some reason.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 29, 2018, 06:52:44 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 29, 2018, 06:18:09 PM
Do we accept that every cyclist dopes?
Not sure, but it's a shame for people who win the TdF etc who are clean.*

*"Can you win the TdF if you're clean?", is another matter.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 29, 2018, 09:03:33 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 29, 2018, 06:52:44 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 29, 2018, 06:18:09 PM
Do we accept that every cyclist dopes?
Not sure, but it's a shame for people who win the TdF etc who are clean.*

*"Can you win the TdF if you're clean?", is another matter.

But if they are all at it then surely it's a level playing field?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on July 29, 2018, 09:09:50 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 29, 2018, 06:42:15 PM
Apart from Irish riders of course and those plucky riders who come in way down the pecking order, they seem to get a by ball for some reason.

Yeah read this one the RTE website

"Froome's failure to beat Thomas also showed how difficult it is to complete a Giro-Tour double, with Marco Pantani being the last man to achieve the feat in 1998 during the doping-tainted era."

Surprised they didn't throw in that Roche did it before the "doping-tainted era"
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 29, 2018, 09:52:30 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 29, 2018, 06:18:09 PM
Do we accept that every cyclist dopes?

I need a fix for the 6 mile pedal to work. So how do them lads do it?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 29, 2018, 10:00:33 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 29, 2018, 09:52:30 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 29, 2018, 06:18:09 PM
Do we accept that every cyclist dopes?

I need a fix for the 6 mile pedal to work. So how do them lads do it?

Professionals?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JoG2 on July 29, 2018, 10:27:22 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 29, 2018, 09:03:33 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 29, 2018, 06:52:44 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 29, 2018, 06:18:09 PM
Do we accept that every cyclist dopes?
Not sure, but it's a shame for people who win the TdF etc who are clean.*

*"Can you win the TdF if you're clean?", is another matter.

But if they are all at it then surely it's a level playing field?

Doesn't work like that though as humans are put together differently. I can't remember the science of it, but the likes of epo and the % difference it can make before red flags are raised (above a certain % of a natural body level of something I canny mind the name of ) differs from man to man. Read the Tyler Hamilton book, and you'll be in no doubt anyone anywhere near competitive in European cycling is at it. Out of interest (I don't know), but how do the stage times now compare to the Lance years?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on July 30, 2018, 01:47:26 PM
https://wattmatters.blog/home/2018/7/20/alpe-dhuez-tdf-fastest-ascent-times-1982-2018

The Alphe is usually the standard bearer for times.

Definite peak in the 90s & 00s Tho in saying that it can be deceptive with tactical riding etc. A TT of the climb would be only level playing field for comparison.

.. And doping or not can we really comparing Thomas to Il Pirata as a like for like comparison as a climber?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Mayo4Sam on August 02, 2018, 10:32:04 AM
Hematocrit is the red blood cells, Tyler Hamiltons book is excellent on it

You have to go down to 16th on the all time fastest list to find a cyclist who hasn't been popped, Carlos Sastre, the forgotten tour winner
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 02, 2018, 08:42:37 PM
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mavic-cosmic-pro-carbon-sl-disc-wheelset-ust-2018/rp-prod163648

What do you reckon with these wheels? I can get them for £800 but not sure if i should be paying that sort of money for the level i cycle at?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on September 05, 2018, 03:11:58 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 02, 2018, 08:42:37 PM
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mavic-cosmic-pro-carbon-sl-disc-wheelset-ust-2018/rp-prod163648

What do you reckon with these wheels? I can get them for £800 but not sure if i should be paying that sort of money for the level i cycle at?

You can get much better value on adverts & donedeal

Some of the Mavic's don't go to well with bigger units - not sure if you're more greyhound or tank
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 05, 2018, 03:54:45 PM
Quote from: heffo on September 05, 2018, 03:11:58 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 02, 2018, 08:42:37 PM
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mavic-cosmic-pro-carbon-sl-disc-wheelset-ust-2018/rp-prod163648

What do you reckon with these wheels? I can get them for £800 but not sure if i should be paying that sort of money for the level i cycle at?

You can get much better value on adverts & donedeal

Some of the Mavic's don't go to well with bigger units - not sure if you're more greyhound or tank

Is 14 stone a tank?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 05, 2018, 04:02:40 PM
I cracked Mavic rims a few years back, would have been 14st+ at the time. Luck of the draw with wheels I reckon.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 06, 2018, 12:14:33 AM
Quote from: illdecide on September 05, 2018, 03:54:45 PM
Quote from: heffo on September 05, 2018, 03:11:58 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 02, 2018, 08:42:37 PM
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mavic-cosmic-pro-carbon-sl-disc-wheelset-ust-2018/rp-prod163648

What do you reckon with these wheels? I can get them for £800 but not sure if i should be paying that sort of money for the level i cycle at?

You can get much better value on adverts & donedeal

Some of the Mavic's don't go to well with bigger units - not sure if you're more greyhound or tank

Is 14 stone a tank?
On

From the spec '
For a longer longevity of the wheel, Mavic recommends that the total weight supported by the wheels don't exceed 120kg, bike included'

Funny i always thought these wheels had a limit for about 90-95kg but there you go. Should be ok for you.
     As for there use, if you have the few extra Bob and you really like the wheels, buy them. Personally i could think of a few better ways to spend that money.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 13, 2018, 12:28:25 PM
Eddie Dunbar picked up by Sky until end of 2019. Great move for him
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 13, 2018, 12:37:01 PM
Nice we 100k sportive running from Carryduff (outside Belfast) on Sat morning, £15 to enter which all goes to two different Charities. Anyone interested give me a PM and i'll email you the details.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on September 13, 2018, 03:30:09 PM
Quote from: grounded on September 06, 2018, 12:14:33 AM
Quote from: illdecide on September 05, 2018, 03:54:45 PM
Quote from: heffo on September 05, 2018, 03:11:58 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 02, 2018, 08:42:37 PM
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mavic-cosmic-pro-carbon-sl-disc-wheelset-ust-2018/rp-prod163648

What do you reckon with these wheels? I can get them for £800 but not sure if i should be paying that sort of money for the level i cycle at?

You can get much better value on adverts & donedeal

Some of the Mavic's don't go to well with bigger units - not sure if you're more greyhound or tank

Is 14 stone a tank?
On

From the spec '
For a longer longevity of the wheel, Mavic recommends that the total weight supported by the wheels don't exceed 120kg, bike included'

Funny i always thought these wheels had a limit for about 90-95kg but there you go. Should be ok for you.
 

That's the info I was always told
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on September 23, 2018, 06:22:49 PM
Done the Dublin City Cycle today. Great craic. Guts of 7000 people done it!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 28, 2018, 09:45:48 AM
Any thoughts on the worlds on Sunday ? Course looks to be one of the hardest ever.
The Italians, French, Spanish, Colombians have very strong hands, GBR will fancy the Yates lads but no real evidence of previous one day form in classics that i can think of.
Nibali has targetted this most of the year but his injury in TDF set him back and they may well ride for Moscon who is in excellent form.
Dan martin is tailor made for this course but again injury has not seen him in best light recently. Valverde, Alaphilippe are 2 of the favs but i think both have had long seasons.
For a few small sporting bets have gone for Roglic 14/1 Uran 33/1  Martin 40/1 Kruijswick 150/1 and 2 mad ones on Nieve 400/1 and rein Taaramae 750/1 the latter 2 both excellent climbers on their day.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 28, 2018, 11:30:37 AM
Eddie Dunbar has to have a big chance for Ireland u23 race on now.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 28, 2018, 05:57:40 PM
The podium of La Vuelta could be prominent, Yates, Mas & Lopez all have a shout (not even sure they're all racing tbh). IF backing a favourite I'd go with Nibali as he has been targetting it as you say.

20th for Dunbar
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 01, 2019, 12:40:44 PM
I'm not sure if I put the link up before but a great documentary on Graeme Obree and Chris Boardman here https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yIDQH3FeG7Y

Really were different times.

Interestingly they also did a piece on the actual seating positions themselves and what advantage that they may have had.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ9H0INZ2_s
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 09, 2019, 04:29:52 PM
Possible lifeline for Team Sky - merger with Israeli Cycling Academy

http://fal.cn/rU2H
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: snoopdog on January 17, 2019, 01:25:42 PM
Buckled my back wheel in a pothole in Dublin. Need a new wheel. Can i claim this of the corporation?. There was work being done on the road and it has a badly filled in temp tarmac filling. Anyone ever claimed for a bike wheel? Or is it worth the hassle. ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 17, 2019, 02:11:28 PM
Quote from: snoopdog on January 17, 2019, 01:25:42 PM
Buckled my back wheel in a pothole in Dublin. Need a new wheel. Can i claim this of the corporation?. There was work being done on the road and it has a badly filled in temp tarmac filling. Anyone ever claimed for a bike wheel? Or is it worth the hassle. ?

How bad is it ? Can it not be repaired ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on January 17, 2019, 07:37:01 PM
Quote from: snoopdog on January 17, 2019, 01:25:42 PM
Buckled my back wheel in a pothole in Dublin. Need a new wheel. Can i claim this of the corporation?. There was work being done on the road and it has a badly filled in temp tarmac filling. Anyone ever claimed for a bike wheel? Or is it worth the hassle. ?
Genuinely would never have thought of this. Interested to hear the replies as it would affect bike and car users both.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: snoopdog on January 17, 2019, 11:37:37 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 17, 2019, 02:11:28 PM
Quote from: snoopdog on January 17, 2019, 01:25:42 PM
Buckled my back wheel in a pothole in Dublin. Need a new wheel. Can i claim this of the corporation?. There was work being done on the road and it has a badly filled in temp tarmac filling. Anyone ever claimed for a bike wheel? Or is it worth the hassle. ?

How bad is it ? Can it not be repaired ?
The shop said a new wheel is required.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: snoopdog on January 17, 2019, 11:39:27 PM
Quote from: snoopdog on January 17, 2019, 11:37:37 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 17, 2019, 02:11:28 PM
Quote from: snoopdog on January 17, 2019, 01:25:42 PM
Buckled my back wheel in a pothole in Dublin. Need a new wheel. Can i claim this of the corporation?. There was work being done on the road and it has a badly filled in temp tarmac filling. Anyone ever claimed for a bike wheel? Or is it worth the hassle. ?

How bad is it ? Can it not be repaired ?
The shop said a new wheel is required.
Its more than a buckle. There is a crack in the hub.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 18, 2019, 08:20:41 AM
Quote from: snoopdog on January 17, 2019, 11:39:27 PM
Quote from: snoopdog on January 17, 2019, 11:37:37 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 17, 2019, 02:11:28 PM
Quote from: snoopdog on January 17, 2019, 01:25:42 PM
Buckled my back wheel in a pothole in Dublin. Need a new wheel. Can i claim this of the corporation?. There was work being done on the road and it has a badly filled in temp tarmac filling. Anyone ever claimed for a bike wheel? Or is it worth the hassle. ?

How bad is it ? Can it not be repaired ?
The shop said a new wheel is required.
Its more than a buckle. There is a crack in the hub.

Probably best replaced then. If it was an expensive wheel you could possibly fix the rim and replace the hub, but if inexpensive then new wheel best way to go.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on February 13, 2019, 09:40:50 PM
What kind of training do you fellas donto improve your power? I don't have a power meter so I know I can't really be accurate but generally my strava estimated power and zwift power using my weight/speed/heart rate gives me an FTP of 123. I'm 90kg so I know this figure is awful. I cycle generally 15-20 mile a few nights a week after work and when I get a chance at the weekends. I tend to find the fastest I can go on the flats is 15mph average speed, maybe 16 if I'm feeling fresh. Atm I can barely manage more than 13 but that's probably because I haven't been out much over winter. I've started an FTP training plan on zwift, what else should I be doing? Obviously I'm trying to trim down a bit although a lot of my weight is leg muscle and shoulder.
I don't generally feel like I'm improving much, I tried the man of sperrin easy route last year and had to turn back at the top of the first mountain, having stopped about 5 times on the way up, my heart rate was going 205 so I was close to passing out. Another guy who wasn't a cyclist and was taking part because his brother organised it, was able to get up the hills fine. I want to be able to go to climbs and. I worry another whether I will even get up it or not, never mind speed.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 13, 2019, 10:18:10 PM
Quote from: markl121 on February 13, 2019, 09:40:50 PM
What kind of training do you fellas donto improve your power? I don't have a power meter so I know I can't really be accurate but generally my strava estimated power and zwift power using my weight/speed/heart rate gives me an FTP of 123. I'm 90kg so I know this figure is awful. I cycle generally 15-20 mile a few nights a week after work and when I get a chance at the weekends. I tend to find the fastest I can go on the flats is 15mph average speed, maybe 16 if I'm feeling fresh. Atm I can barely manage more than 13 but that's probably because I haven't been out much over winter. I've started an FTP training plan on zwift, what else should I be doing? Obviously I'm trying to trim down a bit although a lot of my weight is leg muscle and shoulder.
I don't generally feel like I'm improving much, I tried the man of sperrin easy route last year and had to turn back at the top of the first mountain, having stopped about 5 times on the way up, my heart rate was going 205 so I was close to passing out. Another guy who wasn't a cyclist and was taking part because his brother organised it, was able to get up the hills fine. I want to be able to go to climbs and. I worry another whether I will even get up it or not, never mind speed.

A few questions.
1. What age are you?
2. How long have you been cycling?
3. What sort of bike so you ride and has it been maintained properly? (Might sound daft but for instance rubbing brake pads will slow you up).
4. Has the bike been properly set up for you?
5. What gearing do you have? This can have a profound effect on our ability to climb....


Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on February 13, 2019, 10:26:30 PM
1)27
2) on and off about 5 years although have missed winters out in most of that time.
3) Specialized allez and yeah I get it serviced regularly enough
4) the bike was my dads so it wasn't ideal for me although I'm the same height roughly as him and I changed the stem to a shorter one and changed the Seatpost etc
5) initially it was a 50/34 with an 11/28, after man of sperrin I changed it to an 11/30 Which helped a good bit when cycling round Donegal over the summer.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on February 13, 2019, 10:42:38 PM
There's better men than me to advise you here but my guess is not to worry too much about your watts or pace over the winter but try and get more miles into the legs, the more times you get out the better you'll get and the speed will go up and the watts will follow.
What about joining a club and going out with them, that'll bring u on loads.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 14, 2019, 12:36:23 AM
Quote from: markl121 on February 13, 2019, 10:26:30 PM
1)27
2) on and off about 5 years although have missed winters out in most of that time.
3) Specialized allez and yeah I get it serviced regularly enough
4) the bike was my dads so it wasn't ideal for me although I'm the same height roughly as him and I changed the stem to a shorter one and changed the Seatpost etc
5) initially it was a 50/34 with an 11/28, after man of sperrin I changed it to an 11/30 Which helped a good bit when cycling round Donegal over the summer.

Something doesn't add up here. Would you consider yourself in reasonable physical condition(do you participate in any other sport?).

It does take a while to build up the muscles associated with cycling but you have been cycling for 5 years or so, so you would imagine that would have happened by now. I would imagine that your top speed on the flat would be greater than 16mph and certainly more than 13.

Provided the bike is setup correctly your specific bike should have the right gearing to get you up most hills.

What I would do is. Go to someone to have the bike specifically set up for you. That should cover everything from seat/handlebar position to cleat position in your shoes. Also have them check the bike again for something that Could be seized(bottom bracket, wheel bearings or brakes).
           Could you borrow someone else's bike to see does that make a difference?
           General advice would be to try to get out for a spin with a someone else or better still a local group, which will definitely bring you on. If you are finding climbing difficult then find a hilly circuit and repeat.
            As the weather improves and days lengthen increase the miles. In the winter do what you are doing or perhaps get to a spinning class. I manage to get out on the mountain bike during winter as I find the road too dangerous at evening/night.

   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on February 14, 2019, 08:44:03 AM
I just go to the gym when I can maybe a couple of times a week. I can hit a top speed of more than 16 like, usually mid 20s in a sprint but average speed is 15 at best usually. I probably would need to get out with a group or talk some of my mates into getting bikes. Also probably need to spend a few weeks riding up and down the sperrins. I just feel like my fitness seems to stay the same level and every ride feels like the same effort (not easy and not threshold effort)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on February 14, 2019, 09:38:52 AM
Quote from: illdecide on February 13, 2019, 10:42:38 PM
There's better men than me to advise you here but my guess is not to worry too much about your watts or pace over the winter but try and get more miles into the legs, the more times you get out the better you'll get and the speed will go up and the watts will follow.
What about joining a club and going out with them, that'll bring u on loads.

Same as.

Just get out on the bike and start cycling, if there is a club with a beginners group near you then even better. Too early to be worrying about watts
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 14, 2019, 02:10:01 PM
Quote from: markl121 on February 14, 2019, 08:44:03 AM
I just go to the gym when I can maybe a couple of times a week. I can hit a top speed of more than 16 like, usually mid 20s in a sprint but average speed is 15 at best usually. I probably would need to get out with a group or talk some of my mates into getting bikes. Also probably need to spend a few weeks riding up and down the sperrins. I just feel like my fitness seems to stay the same level and every ride feels like the same effort (not easy and not threshold effort)

Ahh ffs, sorry about that, makes more sense now.
          Unless your in a group its actually hard enough to maintain a high average speed. So i wouldnt worry too much.
           Get yourself out with a local club. You will soon improve!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on February 14, 2019, 04:19:12 PM
Thanks for the replies guys I'll just get stuck in over summer ha
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on February 15, 2019, 08:25:34 AM
Quote from: markl121 on February 14, 2019, 04:19:12 PM
Thanks for the replies guys I'll just get stuck in over summer ha

Get stuck in now. The old saying winter miles = summer smiles
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on February 15, 2019, 08:26:36 AM
Anyone doing lap the lough this year ? I see it starts in the Moy 89 miles
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 15, 2019, 09:20:11 AM
Zwift - how do people that have been using it for a while find it now? It's been a relatively decent Winter so far so I don't feel I'm getting value from Zwift tbh, £12.99 p/m is sharp enough too for what it is. Did Trainer Road for a while as well but soon realised it wasn't worth paying for it too. Those coaching plans are the same shit presented differently, smoke and mirrors a lot of it, but cyclists are a funny bunch
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on February 15, 2019, 09:37:57 AM
Quote from: maddog on February 15, 2019, 08:26:36 AM
Anyone doing lap the lough this year ? I see it starts in the Moy 89 miles

I'll probably do it. I'm doing Mizen to Malin in September so will use the lap as part of my training.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on February 15, 2019, 10:01:15 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 15, 2019, 09:20:11 AM
Zwift - how do people that have been using it for a while find it now? It's been a relatively decent Winter so far so I don't feel I'm getting value from Zwift tbh, £12.99 p/m is sharp enough too for what it is. Did Trainer Road for a while as well but soon realised it wasn't worth paying for it too. Those coaching plans are the same shit presented differently, smoke and mirrors a lot of it, but cyclists are a funny bunch
I've found that my way of using it (speed sensor on cheap turbo) it doesn't really make me feel like I'm part of the game. I end up looking at the effort level needed and just keeping the head down. I might cancel it. The gcn workouts on YouTube seem decent. Maybe if I had a direct drive smart trainer that mimicked the hills etc then zwift would be better.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on February 15, 2019, 10:06:20 AM
Quote from: maddog on February 15, 2019, 08:26:36 AM
Anyone doing lap the lough this year ? I see it starts in the Moy 89 miles
What's lap the lough like difficulty wise? Might aim to do it this year
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 15, 2019, 01:21:20 PM
Quote from: markl121 on February 15, 2019, 10:01:15 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 15, 2019, 09:20:11 AM
Zwift - how do people that have been using it for a while find it now? It's been a relatively decent Winter so far so I don't feel I'm getting value from Zwift tbh, £12.99 p/m is sharp enough too for what it is. Did Trainer Road for a while as well but soon realised it wasn't worth paying for it too. Those coaching plans are the same shit presented differently, smoke and mirrors a lot of it, but cyclists are a funny bunch
I've found that my way of using it (speed sensor on cheap turbo) it doesn't really make me feel like I'm part of the game. I end up looking at the effort level needed and just keeping the head down. I might cancel it. The gcn workouts on YouTube seem decent. Maybe if I had a direct drive smart trainer that mimicked the hills etc then zwift would be better.
I'm doing it with power but doesn't automatically adjust for hills either, feel similarly. I also did the free Sufferfest videos on YouTube the past few years and they were a good job for intervals.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on March 16, 2019, 07:44:37 PM
Quote from: markl121 on February 15, 2019, 10:06:20 AM
Quote from: maddog on February 15, 2019, 08:26:36 AM
Anyone doing lap the lough this year ? I see it starts in the Moy 89 miles
What's lap the lough like difficulty wise? Might aim to do it this year


Done it years ago and it wasn't so bad with only hill.   Be careful as loads of noobs doing it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Randy on June 10, 2019, 02:50:03 PM
Hello All,

I am sure this has been covered already but looking for some advice of cycling shoes. I bought a racer a few years ago but was too lazy to use it. I now have a different mindset and began cycling a few weeks ago.. Only up to 30km yet and have gone out the last 3 Sunday mornings before the family are up.

I just wear a pair of runners but they don't fit into the pedal straps great so i was thinking of getting the proper shoes cycling shoes and of course i would need new pedals to suit.

Any advice on what make to get and where to buy would be great appreciated. .Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 10, 2019, 03:05:10 PM
Quote from: Randy on June 10, 2019, 02:50:03 PM
Hello All,

I am sure this has been covered already but looking for some advice of cycling shoes. I bought a racer a few years ago but was too lazy to use it. I now have a different mindset and began cycling a few weeks ago.. Only up to 30km yet and have gone out the last 3 Sunday mornings before the family are up.

I just wear a pair of runners but they don't fit into the pedal straps great so i was thinking of getting the proper shoes cycling shoes and of course i would need new pedals to suit.

Any advice on what make to get and where to buy would be great appreciated. .Thanks in advance.

If you intend just doing a bit of cycling but not going down the racing route you might want to consider SPD shoes and pedals as the cleats are recessed and means you can walk in the shoes without your toes sticking in the air. They tend to be more for commuters and mountain bikers but perfectly adequate for road use as well. Plenty of shoes on the market will take either type of cleat.You can get perfectly decent shoes for about £50 but obviously the pedals have to be bought as well. Shimano m324 pedals are a good choice if you want to be able to ride in the cleats or with trainers on. (double sided)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Randy on June 10, 2019, 03:12:55 PM
Quote from: maddog on June 10, 2019, 03:05:10 PM
Quote from: Randy on June 10, 2019, 02:50:03 PM
If you intend just doing a bit of cycling but not going down the racing route you might want to consider SPD shoes and pedals as the cleats are recessed and means you can walk in the shoes without your toes sticking in the air. They tend to be more for commuters and mountain bikers but perfectly adequate for road use as well. Plenty of shoes on the market will take either type of cleat.You can get perfectly decent shoes for about £50 but obviously the pedals have to be bought as well. Shimano m324 pedals are a good choice if you want to be able to ride in the cleats or with trainers on. (double sided)

Thank you very much for the advice that's great. I intend to cycle just to get healthier not to enter a race. Maybe join a cycling club to go on longer journeys in the future hopefully.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 10, 2019, 03:23:10 PM
Quote from: Randy on June 10, 2019, 03:12:55 PM
Quote from: maddog on June 10, 2019, 03:05:10 PM
Quote from: Randy on June 10, 2019, 02:50:03 PM
If you intend just doing a bit of cycling but not going down the racing route you might want to consider SPD shoes and pedals as the cleats are recessed and means you can walk in the shoes without your toes sticking in the air. They tend to be more for commuters and mountain bikers but perfectly adequate for road use as well. Plenty of shoes on the market will take either type of cleat.You can get perfectly decent shoes for about £50 but obviously the pedals have to be bought as well. Shimano m324 pedals are a good choice if you want to be able to ride in the cleats or with trainers on. (double sided)

Thank you very much for the advice that's great. I intend to cycle just to get healthier not to enter a race. Maybe join a cycling club to go on longer journeys in the future hopefully.

Join a club if you can. It will bring you on loads and you will get all the advice you need from more experienced members. good luck with it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on June 10, 2019, 06:19:48 PM
I find that Look pedals are fine for road riding. You spend a very small amount of time walking, so I find it's okay to use a pedal system that's optimized for riding. If the only walking you do is a few steps to and from your bike then it's not worthwhile getting SDP pedals. If you use Looks then make sure and use the red cleats. They have more leeway than the grey ones, and stay away from the black ones that have no float at all. If your plate isn't on exactly straight then you could get a repetitive strain injury in your knees. The red cleats let you rotate your feet by a few degrees before they disengage from the pedal, so you can get them lined up so that your feet are parallel.

Make sure and go to a bike shop and get a bike fit, and make sure you wear the exact same outfit you'll be wearing when you're riding. If you wear jeans during a bike fit instead of your cycling shorts then the difference in height with the missing padding could make a difference to the saddle height. Saddle too high and you'll hurt your lower back with the hip rocking. Saddle too low and you'll hurt your knees with the flicking out to the side on every pedal stroke.

If you're getting into it, keep your gears down and your revs up. Spin those legs and get the speed into them.

Wear a helmet. High vis rain cape is handy to have in a country like Ireland. Make sure you know how to change a tube at the side of the road. Carry a spare tube and the tools you need to change it and pump it up. Carry a Co2 canister as well as a pump. You'll need the Co2 to get a good amount of pressure into your tyres. Road tyres should have about 110 to 120 PSI in them. I usually pump mine to 115. Have a floor pump with a gauge for pumping up at home.

And if you join a club then you'll learn a lot more about the best routes to ride, how to ride in a group, etc.. Plus it's better craic than riding alone.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on June 12, 2019, 02:37:14 PM
Chris Froome is out of the Tour De France due to a broken leg sustained during a high speed crash this afternoon
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 12, 2019, 02:57:26 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on June 12, 2019, 02:37:14 PM
Chris Froome is out of the Tour De France due to a broken leg sustained during a high speed crash this afternoon

Yep another time trial recon crash. Have to wait and see how bad it is but likely he would be going to the Vuelta now
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on June 12, 2019, 03:44:14 PM
Hopefully this will be make it a more exciting tour as ineos won't have three big GC guys controlling the race.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 12, 2019, 05:34:01 PM
Simiplifies the leadership issue for Ineos but then again Bernal could come in and blow them all away and create another issue. I don't see Thomas winning again tbh even though he is now 3/1 clear favourite. Hopefully Movistar give it a good rattle as they have the resources & manpower to compete.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on June 12, 2019, 11:52:06 PM
Froome in intensive care. May well be lucky to ride again after this. Gutted for him
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 21, 2019, 09:31:49 AM
Dumoullin out of the TDF now as well.

Backed Thibaut Pinot £10 ew at 16/1 on skybet for an interest, so he's carrying some extra weight now.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on June 21, 2019, 09:42:59 AM
It's mad all these big names crashing. Do you reckon Thomas will ride and be competitive? I reckon Bernal takes it. Good chance for eddie dunbar to put in another strong showing.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 21, 2019, 11:05:06 AM
Extremely unlikely Dunbar will feature after riding the Giro and he's not at the top of the pecking order yet at INEOS either, La Vuelta maybe.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 21, 2019, 11:18:42 AM
Quote from: markl121 on June 21, 2019, 09:42:59 AM
It's mad all these big names crashing. Do you reckon Thomas will ride and be competitive? I reckon Bernal takes it. Good chance for eddie dunbar to put in another strong showing.

Nibali said at the Giro that he would target stage wins in the Tour rather than go for GC. Will he have a rethink now that it is opened up ? Bardet would tempt me EW. Fuglsang is in the best form i've seen him and will go well. Strong team as well. Will quintana actually lead Movistar or will Landa prove strongest in mountains and assume leaders role. Is Carapaz lining up ?
Another puzzle is will Alaphilippe actually be looking at this and thinking GC rather than KOM and breakaway stagewins. If he is ever to make the transition to GC rider then this would be the time. Big longshot.
Bernal is looking very strong in Switzerland at the moment, and if Thomas doesn't appear in the form he was in last year then he will take over. We will know more before the off.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on June 21, 2019, 05:53:07 PM
I would love alaphilipe to make the transition, though I think he would have to attack constantly or get lucky in a break that goes away early in the race and try and hold on. I dont think he has it in him to contend on a long mountain day at the front just yet. Surely nibali will have a rethink. Bernal is also looking imperious.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 21, 2019, 10:02:32 PM
Heading for the Col du Tourmalet tomorrow...can't wait to get away but not looking forward to the pain :'(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 21, 2019, 10:09:36 PM
Lovely, enjoy it and look around you, no point chewing the handlebar on a spin like that! Careful on the way down too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on June 21, 2019, 10:31:57 PM
Any of you done Mizen to Malin? I'm attempting it in September.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 21, 2019, 11:39:26 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 21, 2019, 10:09:36 PM
Lovely, enjoy it and look around you, no point chewing the handlebar on a spin like that! Careful on the way down too.

Cheers, watch out for the Strava...lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 02, 2019, 03:35:41 PM
Mark Cavendish left out of Team Dimension Data's squad for the Tour de France. You'd say he probably won't match Merckx's stage win record now.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 02, 2019, 09:00:46 PM
Gutted for cav but I do think he's finished. Anyone go to the Irish championships in Derry at the weekend? Thoroughly enjoyable I must say. Sammy bennet is fantastic
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 11, 2019, 07:58:53 PM
Great drama and great stage today. Cicconne looked devastated not winning the stage but made up for it with getting the yellow jersey.
        Thomas looked strong at the finish with Bardet probably out of the reckoning.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 11, 2019, 10:31:53 PM
Good stage today alrite, hopefully get watching a bit more live racing over the BH weekend.

Don't wanna scud my interest but happy to be on Pinot ew at 16/1, he looks in great nick, see him into 8/1 on skybet.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 12, 2019, 12:39:23 AM
I did Alaphilippe at 150/1, down to 22/1 now. Still unlikely but I can hope
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 12, 2019, 09:43:25 AM
Quote from: markl121 on July 12, 2019, 12:39:23 AM
I did Alaphilippe at 150/1, down to 22/1 now. Still unlikely but I can hope

Alaphilippe did well yesterday being able to attack off the front of that group. Thomas looked well in control.
Bardet had a nightmare but i've seen him do that before and come back strong later in race. It will kick off next Thursday when the final summit is followed by a 30km descent and Saturday/Sunday are huge days in the Pyrenees. TT on the Friday is short at 27km so don't think there will be a massive disadvantage to the climbers. Should suit Thomas very well though. Sagan has some nice opportunities in between now and then.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 20, 2019, 12:41:07 PM
Huge test today especially for Alaphilippe. Let's see if a real contender.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 20, 2019, 04:18:09 PM
Fantastic stage today, Pinot looking in awesome nick, pity about the nightmare crosswind  day :-\ :( Allaphilippe looked so comfortable today he surely can win it but I'd still expect him to have a bad day somewhere. He'll be getting puked with doping questions now. Bad day for Thomas. Another big day 2moro
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 21, 2019, 09:59:19 PM
Most open tour i can remember. Pinot's time loss in those cross winds could be very costly.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hound on July 22, 2019, 09:52:14 AM
Quote from: grounded on July 21, 2019, 09:59:19 PM
Most open tour i can remember. Pinot's time loss in those cross winds could be very costly.
What happened with the cross winds that Pinot lost time and other contenders didn't?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 22, 2019, 10:08:08 AM
Quote from: Hound on July 22, 2019, 09:52:14 AM
Quote from: grounded on July 21, 2019, 09:59:19 PM
Most open tour i can remember. Pinot's time loss in those cross winds could be very costly.
What happened with the cross winds that Pinot lost time and other contenders didn't?

He just got caught out. When the echelons form in a cross wind it usually breaks the peleton up into maybe 4 or 5 groups. If you are caught in the wrong one it is very difficult to bridge the gap up to the front.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 22, 2019, 10:50:10 AM
Last couple of stages have been great viewing. Alaphilippe has to be taken seriously as a GC contender. It really is wide open.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 09:09:59 AM
Just after catching up on the last few days. They're blatantly back on the gear again aren't they!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 23, 2019, 09:39:23 AM
Thibaut Pinot done the Tourmalet in 51.13...i done it 2 weeks previous to that and my time was 1:59:53...Unreal. Them guys are machines
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 23, 2019, 01:38:37 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 09:09:59 AM
Just after catching up on the last few days. They're blatantly back on the gear again aren't they!
Watched the highlights of Stage 15 last night and it looked punishing going up those narrow roads. I wouldn't fancy any stage in the heatwave due to to hit them even with a wee bit extra keeping you going!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 03:22:03 PM
Alaphilippe has had a few tough days there but Jesus he's made some improvement this past year and beating GC climbers with ease at times  :P
Still and all I've enjoyed watching this tour.

Haven't been on the bike much myself this past year. Only about 100mile in total this summer and every time I get on the bike I'm scared of getting killed! The roads are a disaster and people have less patience than ever. Anyone finding the same?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 23, 2019, 03:46:45 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 03:22:03 PM
Alaphilippe has had a few tough days there but Jesus he's made some improvement this past year and beating GC climbers with ease at times  :P
Still and all I've enjoyed watching this tour.

Haven't been on the bike much myself this past year. Only about 100mile in total this summer and every time I get on the bike I'm scared of getting killed! The roads are a disaster and people have less patience than ever. Anyone finding the same?

Not really. Have you changed the time of day when you cycle?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 06:15:04 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 23, 2019, 03:46:45 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 03:22:03 PM
Alaphilippe has had a few tough days there but Jesus he's made some improvement this past year and beating GC climbers with ease at times  :P
Still and all I've enjoyed watching this tour.

Haven't been on the bike much myself this past year. Only about 100mile in total this summer and every time I get on the bike I'm scared of getting killed! The roads are a disaster and people have less patience than ever. Anyone finding the same?

Not really. Have you changed the time of day when you cycle?

Nope. Had a few near misses and got injured then lost the way of it. Friend of a friend got killed cycling and that sort of finished me for a while.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on July 23, 2019, 06:18:39 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 03:22:03 PM
Haven't been on the bike much myself this past year. Only about 100mile in total this summer and every time I get on the bike I'm scared of getting killed! The roads are a disaster and people have less patience than ever. Anyone finding the same?

An old route of mine was from Lurgan up through Aghagalon, Aghalee, Upper Balinderry, Crumlin, then over to Glenavy and back down to Moira and Lurgan via the airport road. I don't think I'd ride on the airport road now, I'd probably go back home on the back roads.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 06:21:08 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on July 23, 2019, 06:18:39 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 03:22:03 PM
Haven't been on the bike much myself this past year. Only about 100mile in total this summer and every time I get on the bike I'm scared of getting killed! The roads are a disaster and people have less patience than ever. Anyone finding the same?

An old route of mine was from Lurgan up through Aghagalon, Aghalee, Upper Balinderry, Crumlin, then over to Glenavy and back down to Moira and Lurgan via the airport road. I don't think I'd ride on the airport road now, I'd probably go back home on the back roads.

That's the roads I would ride on. I love the spin up Dundrod and then back down through Crumlin and home. Great surface but deadly fast.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Clov on July 23, 2019, 06:54:50 PM
Can't see Alaphillipe holding on. Think a major blow up in Alps is coming.

Pinot looks the strongest climber in the race. Would love to see him win it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 23, 2019, 08:21:12 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 03:22:03 PM
Alaphilippe has had a few tough days there but Jesus he's made some improvement this past year and beating GC climbers with ease at times  :P
Still and all I've enjoyed watching this tour.

Haven't been on the bike much myself this past year. Only about 100mile in total this summer and every time I get on the bike I'm scared of getting killed! The roads are a disaster and people have less patience than ever. Anyone finding the same?

Nearly got cleaned a few times. What amazes me is quite often i dont think the driver even realises the danger they've caused. I always thought that this anti collision software that will engage automatically in vehicles to avoid accidents is bollix, but given the number of near misses that almost every cyclist ive talked to have experienced it can be no bad thing.     

I have started to go out later in the evening around 8 or so as things not as busy on the roads. Also ive always done a little bit of mountain biking which us a great escape from traffic.
      Funny on the flip side of things quite a lot of aggro between walkers and mountain bikers. With walkers complaining of the speed and dangerous manoeuvres  of some cyclists!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Abble on July 24, 2019, 07:48:23 AM
Quote from: grounded on July 23, 2019, 08:21:12 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 03:22:03 PM
Alaphilippe has had a few tough days there but Jesus he's made some improvement this past year and beating GC climbers with ease at times  :P
Still and all I've enjoyed watching this tour.

Haven't been on the bike much myself this past year. Only about 100mile in total this summer and every time I get on the bike I'm scared of getting killed! The roads are a disaster and people have less patience than ever. Anyone finding the same?

Nearly got cleaned a few times. What amazes me is quite often i dont think the driver even realises the danger they've caused. I always thought that this anti collision software that will engage automatically in vehicles to avoid accidents is bollix, but given the number of near misses that almost every cyclist ive talked to have experienced it can be no bad thing.     

I have started to go out later in the evening around 8 or so as things not as busy on the roads. Also ive always done a little bit of mountain biking which us a great escape from traffic.
      Funny on the flip side of things quite a lot of aggro between walkers and mountain bikers. With walkers complaining of the speed and dangerous manoeuvres  of some cyclists!

Very similar to yourselves. On two separate occassions in the space of a week I had two scares. First as I approached a roundabout, lorry came swizzing by me at less than arms reach and then on another, a lorry was approaching in opposite direction but didnt some p***k in a van coming behind me think he would go on thru between me and the lorry, scared life out of me.

I am one of these ones sometimes I dont know what i am doing from one day to the next, family etc, work so I cant cycle regulary in any group. Thing is i love it and continue to go out. But also apart from those ignoramuses who think its a bit of craic to scare a cyclist half to death intentionally there will then be many drivers out who just pay absolutely no attention to the orad, i see it every day while I am out on the roads myself....I am kind of at the point, I know the risk I am taking putting myself in danger and its only a matter of time before I get clipped but I do love a good long 30 mile trek in country roads and I need it to keep some level of fitness up.

I now have a mountain bike also and find it a lot better fun and far safer (a lot less road use, more footpath with kids, parks, bike trails use etc)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on July 24, 2019, 08:46:33 AM
I'm currently doing ~100 -130 miles a week but 90% of the time it is in a group of 4-6 riders. Drivers give a group a lot more room and respect than single cyclists. I go out the odd time on my own but don't like it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 24, 2019, 01:16:10 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 03:22:03 PM
Alaphilippe has had a few tough days there but Jesus he's made some improvement this past year and beating GC climbers with ease at times  :P
Still and all I've enjoyed watching this tour.

Haven't been on the bike much myself this past year. Only about 100mile in total this summer and every time I get on the bike I'm scared of getting killed! The roads are a disaster and people have less patience than ever. Anyone finding the same?
Ahh to be fair it's been coming. He's been immensely strong in mountainous breakaway stages in the past and the question always was when would he actually focus on GC as opposed to single stage wins. I'm still not sure he'll sustain it and Pinot or Thomas might pip him but he could end up turning in to a continuous GC contender nonetheless.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 24, 2019, 01:33:09 PM
Every time I'm out on the bike these days there's at least one near miss, whether it's someone passing me close or the car passing me on a corner or a hill and near getting hit by an oncoming car, it's actually mental. Always out by myself although I wish I was out with someone else and just ride two abreast as by yourself cars just go straight by. I tend to be out in the evenings after work but round 8 or so the visibility is very poor due to the level of the sun, was driving the other day and was behind a cyclist and there were times where I just could not see him at all, scary stuff.

As for alaphillipe, I really hope he is clean, he's by far the most exciting rider in the peloton and just goes for it, it's a joy to watch.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 24, 2019, 01:49:03 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on July 24, 2019, 01:16:10 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 23, 2019, 03:22:03 PM
Alaphilippe has had a few tough days there but Jesus he's made some improvement this past year and beating GC climbers with ease at times  :P
Still and all I've enjoyed watching this tour.

Haven't been on the bike much myself this past year. Only about 100mile in total this summer and every time I get on the bike I'm scared of getting killed! The roads are a disaster and people have less patience than ever. Anyone finding the same?
Ahh to be fair it's been coming. He's been immensely strong in mountainous breakaway stages in the past and the question always was when would he actually focus on GC as opposed to single stage wins. I'm still not sure he'll sustain it and Pinot or Thomas might pip him but he could end up turning in to a continuous GC contender nonetheless.

Correct. He hasn't come out of nowhere, he is the world number 1 for a reason. Just hasn't been targeted at a 3 week race before. Although earlier in his career he was touted as the big french hope he was handed his ass a few times on longer climbs. Tour of California was the first time he showed being able to cope with high mountains although it is a lower grade race. This year Fleche Wallone, Milan San Remo, Strade Bianchi have all been big milestones in his development. His performances in the mountains so far fit in with what he has achieved to date so no massive shock there. His performance in the time trial was the major shock. But lets see what happens. It's been an excellent tour up to now.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 24, 2019, 03:29:38 PM
Surprised I haven't seen it referred to, but at this stage he's doing pretty much what Tommy Voeckler did a few years back, hanging in there in the mountains when not expected to / puching above his weight - and Allaphillipe is in a different stratosphere to Tommy. I dont see Allaphillipe winning this year but a GT win is not an impossibility for him.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: HiMucker on July 24, 2019, 03:37:09 PM
Anyone able to recommend a good bike rack? Its for 2 possibly 3 bikes, my mountain bike and the kids bikes. Id want something that is pretty handy to use, and take on and off. Cheers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 24, 2019, 07:15:12 PM
Quote from: HiMucker on July 24, 2019, 03:37:09 PM
Anyone able to recommend a good bike rack? Its for 2 possibly 3 bikes, my mountain bike and the kids bikes. Id want something that is pretty handy to use, and take on and off. Cheers

If you have a tow bar these are pretty good.

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/thule-rideon-9503-3-bike-towball-carrier/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 25, 2019, 04:15:09 PM
Some stage today. Quintana excellent, an improvement from Bardet and the fightback on the descent from Alaphilippe. Great viewing!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 25, 2019, 07:15:34 PM
Betting on Skybet now -
Bernal 11/8
Thomas, Pinot & Allaphillipe all 3/1

If he survives tomorrow Allaphillipe will almost certainly get a doing on Saturday's summit finish, he can only win if the other favourites f**k it up imo.  Pinot not super looking today.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 26, 2019, 01:56:11 PM
Well f**k that, Pinot looks like he's about to climb off, knee injury apparently.

After all the excitement & freshness of a great Tour it's probably going to end up an INEOS 1-2
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dougal Maguire on July 26, 2019, 02:15:23 PM
Why are people rubbishing Alaphilippe's chances? Did he not win the KOM last year? 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 26, 2019, 02:49:52 PM
They think his lead can be overturned on a long enough sustained hard climb, plus the attritional effect of a 3 week stage race on someone who was not targeting the overall GC.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on July 26, 2019, 03:27:30 PM
Why are Bernal and Thomas not in the same tops?

This seems to be the race now
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 26, 2019, 03:30:53 PM
Bernal is in best Young rider top

Looking like curtains for Allaphillipe now, but u never know.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on July 26, 2019, 03:33:44 PM
Ah cheers

Jees its tight at the top just now!! This is the shit ive been waiting for lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 26, 2019, 03:50:16 PM
Stage stopped by hail. Bernal will be in yellow.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on July 26, 2019, 03:51:54 PM
Such an anti climax was shapin up nicely. All on tomorro now!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 26, 2019, 07:27:00 PM
Well this tour has seen everything now! Best i can remember.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 26, 2019, 10:24:11 PM
Gutted at how it's ending, tomorrow is now 59km.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dougal Maguire on July 26, 2019, 10:33:35 PM
One climb less and finished on a descent. Will that suit  Alaphilippe
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 26, 2019, 11:09:57 PM
Disappointing but the Stage could be anything now, potential for mayhem, but then again INEOS will likely try and set such a punishing pace that it makes a breakaway win less likely.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on July 26, 2019, 11:10:11 PM
I'd say the resort of Tignes are disgusted with how it panned out
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 27, 2019, 11:51:29 AM
What's happening today then? Talk that a race might not even take place
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 27, 2019, 04:45:04 PM
disappointing end to a great tour. Would have been a fairytale for alaphillipe but not to be. Getting a little sick of sky/ineos. Next year they have froome, thomas, bernal, carapaz as well as a ridiculous amount of domestiques. untouchable.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 30, 2019, 09:52:13 AM
Yes really dissappointing end to a very exciting tour. Given how the final 2 days of clumbing went i cant see how AP could have retained the yellow jersey. I suppose the main question is would thomas have caught Bernal if the stage hadnt have been stopped.
      Anyway Bernal is some talent. Movistar had the talent to contest but their tactics were bizarre.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 30, 2019, 09:57:47 AM
Funny, we were talking about drivers before, but some cyclists take serious risks. On saturday i seen a cylist drafting a tractor( with a grape attached) on the A1 Just before Hillsborough. One sharp brake from being impaled.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 30, 2019, 10:18:12 AM
Quote from: grounded on July 30, 2019, 09:57:47 AM
Funny, we were talking about drivers before, but some cyclists take serious risks. On saturday i seen a cylist drafting a tractor( with a grape attached) on the A1 Just before Hillsborough. One sharp brake from being impaled.

Absolute madness. Cringing even thinking of it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 30, 2019, 11:21:10 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 30, 2019, 10:18:12 AM
Quote from: grounded on July 30, 2019, 09:57:47 AM
Funny, we were talking about drivers before, but some cyclists take serious risks. On saturday i seen a cylist drafting a tractor( with a grape attached) on the A1 Just before Hillsborough. One sharp brake from being impaled.

Absolute madness. Cringing even thinking of it.

And then put in a claim against the tractor driver :-(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: johnnycool on July 30, 2019, 12:28:50 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 30, 2019, 11:21:10 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 30, 2019, 10:18:12 AM
Quote from: grounded on July 30, 2019, 09:57:47 AM
Funny, we were talking about drivers before, but some cyclists take serious risks. On saturday i seen a cylist drafting a tractor( with a grape attached) on the A1 Just before Hillsborough. One sharp brake from being impaled.

Absolute madness. Cringing even thinking of it.

And then put in a claim against the tractor driver :-(

Might be a bit of consolation to your family but you're brown bread if one of those spikes go through you.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 30, 2019, 12:47:38 PM
Doing the Majorca 312 next April, booked the trip for a week already. Torn between taking my own bike & bike hire, I'm mainly afraid of a bike hire place double booking the bike and leaving me in the lurch (as 9,000 do the 312 sportive). Looking at Bimont bike hire in Port Alcudia, looks vg. Anyone done the event or used Bimont? If I'm hiring I'm booking shortly.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 30, 2019, 12:51:12 PM
Is the cycle path well marked when cycling through Newry from the Canal towpath to Warrenpoint?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 30, 2019, 01:05:23 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 30, 2019, 12:47:38 PM
Doing the Majorca 312 next April, booked the trip for a week already. Torn between taking my own bike & bike hire, I'm mainly afraid of a bike hire place double booking the bike and leaving me in the lurch (as 9,000 do the 312 sportive). Looking at Bimont bike hire in Port Alcudia, looks vg. Anyone done the event or used Bimont? If I'm hiring I'm booking shortly.

Take your own bike definitely!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 30, 2019, 01:19:37 PM
Seems like a big pain in the hole to me tho, bike box to & from Airport with a Suitcase etc.. when all costs are considered bike hire is the dearer option but a lot less hassle - assuming the bike hire place doesn't screw me over!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 30, 2019, 01:39:12 PM
I hired from heurzler cycles in May for me and the girlfriend, 100 Euro each for the week although I think the April prices are dearer. Anyway I had a great experience with them no hassle at all and they have shops everywhere.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 30, 2019, 01:45:44 PM
What Resort is that in? We're in Playa Muro but close to Alcudia, Can Picafort.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 30, 2019, 01:55:50 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 30, 2019, 01:19:37 PM
Seems like a big pain in the hole to me tho, bike box to & from Airport with a Suitcase etc.. when all costs are considered bike hire is the dearer option but a lot less hassle - assuming the bike hire place doesn't screw me over!

If it was a week's cycling with mates then I'd say rent but for an event like that I'd recommend taking your own bike. But i understand that it is a pain in the ass all the same.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 30, 2019, 02:22:54 PM
I hired from can picafort but I think they've two shops in plays de muro and one in port alcudia, all along that road they seem to be everywhere.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 30, 2019, 07:45:22 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 30, 2019, 12:51:12 PM
Is the cycle path well marked when cycling through Newry from the Canal towpath to Warrenpoint?

In short no.  Once you leave the towpath at Newry you are really on roads unless you cycle on footpaths. It takes you past the courthouse and then via abbey way
-William st- Kilmorey st and then to the dual carriageway to warrenpoint. There is a cycle lane on the inside of the carriageway. Once you leave the carriageway at warrenpoint join the main road again to reach wpoint.
                       There is a plan to have a dedicated cycling paths through newry which will connect the towpath to the newry-omeath Greenway(not fully completed) which will join to the existing omeath carlingford greenway and then go eventually to greenore and Dundalk(all in the future fingers crossed).
             See proposed greenways

https://nigreenways.com/newry-to-portadown-greenway/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 30, 2019, 11:38:20 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 30, 2019, 01:05:23 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 30, 2019, 12:47:38 PM
Doing the Majorca 312 next April, booked the trip for a week already. Torn between taking my own bike & bike hire, I'm mainly afraid of a bike hire place double booking the bike and leaving me in the lurch (as 9,000 do the 312 sportive). Looking at Bimont bike hire in Port Alcudia, looks vg. Anyone done the event or used Bimont? If I'm hiring I'm booking shortly.

Take your own bike definitely!

I've done two cycling holidays where i hired a bike and the other one where i brought my own bike...It is a lot less hassle hiring a bike TBH and yes a bit more expensive but it's the better option if i'm honest. I brought my bike to France 3-4 weeks ago and it was great having my own set up but see trailing that around with you and having to assemble it when you get there not to mention getting a 32 cassette fitted and then the same thing all over again for coming home...Hire if you can...BTW one of our guys had their bike frame squashed on return journey home (£3.5k bike)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 31, 2019, 09:13:57 AM
Yeah, I'm a convenience type of guy myself. The bike shop set ups are normally very professional, on the couple of trips to Tenerife I never had to adjust anything on my bikes after having emailed them my bike settings.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 31, 2019, 10:41:53 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 31, 2019, 09:13:57 AM
Yeah, I'm a convenience type of guy myself. The bike shop set ups are normally very professional, on the couple of trips to Tenerife I never had to adjust anything on my bikes after having emailed them my bike settings.
Yeah most of the places seem good although I read some reviews of rad salon in playa de muro, they do BMC bikes but the lad that owns it appears to be a psychopath, the reviews are a good craic read but maybe best to avoid hiring from there.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on September 13, 2019, 04:02:08 PM
Is anyone doing the nico roche and philipe gilbert ride on 20th october round the wicklow mountains? Looks like good craic. How tough is the climbing round there?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on September 13, 2019, 05:59:58 PM
Lovely part of the world. Hope the weather is ok for you. The climbs are tight enough but nothing ridiculous As long as you've done a bit of training.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on September 13, 2019, 09:53:50 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on September 13, 2019, 05:59:58 PM
Lovely part of the world. Hope the weather is ok for you. The climbs are tight enough but nothing ridiculous As long as you've done a bit of training.
I might get down and scout a bit of it, although with the recent attacks on cyclists on the sally gap I'd be a touch weary.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on September 16, 2019, 11:13:34 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 30, 2019, 01:45:44 PM
What Resort is that in? We're in Playa Muro but close to Alcudia, Can Picafort.
I stayed in a couple of the Viva hotels in Alcudia and in Can Picafort. They have top class Cannondale and specialized bikes for hire.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on October 08, 2019, 01:22:38 PM
Majorca 312 booked, 4500 spots gone already - opened this morning
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on October 08, 2019, 07:15:44 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on October 08, 2019, 01:22:38 PM
Majorca 312 booked, 4500 spots gone already - opened this morning

A few friends done this last year and thought it was fantastic. Hard going though!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: screenexile on November 12, 2019, 03:09:09 PM
This Shane Sutton hearing seems to be gas craic!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on November 12, 2019, 04:03:11 PM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2019, 03:09:09 PM
This Shane Sutton hearing seems to be gas craic!!

Mental, Sutton was always likely to completely lose it, volatile character at the best of times. He probably knows enough to bring the house of cards down completely. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on November 13, 2019, 08:36:05 AM
Quote from: screenexile on November 12, 2019, 03:09:09 PM
This Shane Sutton hearing seems to be gas craic!!

Yes bizarre behaviour altogether. Given its a general medical coucil ftp hearing, im not even sure if they have the authority to compel witnesses to come forward.
         
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BenDover on December 06, 2019, 03:26:47 PM
fellas, I'm after recommendations for a waterproof jacket without breaking the bank.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 06, 2019, 06:46:37 PM
Was going to add this to my collection of jackets recently but changed my mind, more a general purpose winter jacket than a raincoat but can't go wrong for £40. If you lived in France Decathlon would be one of you're first ports of call for anything cycling related - very underated brand over here.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-winter-road-jacket-id_8545465.html
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on December 06, 2019, 07:28:43 PM
Quote from: BenDover on December 06, 2019, 03:26:47 PM
fellas, I'm after recommendations for a waterproof jacket without breaking the bank.

Not a bad jacket here..

www.wiggle.co.uk/endura-luminite-dl-jacket/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 03, 2020, 12:42:25 AM
Last time I recommended that cyclists should do some running once or twice a week, so following my own advice, I was out on Monday for about an hour. At one stage I found myself running 50 meters behind another guy for two kilometres. During that time he must have looked at his wrist at least 29 times. At first I thought he had some kind of a twitch or something, but then I realised that he was actually looking at his watch all the time. At one point he even stumbled as he clipped the edge of a footpath whilst looking at that watch and it made me wonder about how reliant many people have become on technology when out running or cycling.


During my career I wasn't a great one for technology. One year the team were all using these Avocet bike computers that had a sensor going down to the front wheel and I didn't even have mine connected. I found it a bit of a distraction.


Nowadays, when I go to sportives or corporate cycling events, I often meet guys with bigger dashboards on their bikes than I have in my jeep. They can rattle off all sorts of stats and numbers but sometimes they are the very first ones to go south when the road starts to rise uphill. Something that really brought this home to me was a chat that I had at a sportive one day with a guy that I have met at many events around Ireland. Normally he could turn up anywhere with a buddy of his. Last time we met he was on his own and I asked where his buddy was. The reply that I received disappointed me. His buddy had bought a power meter, found some training program on the internet and then turned around and told the guy who he had been cycling with every weekend for over ten years that they couldn't really train together anymore as he needed to do more specific sessions that weren't conducive to the type of training that they had a always been doing together. There are probably other guys out there at present like that, half delighted with the excuse for training alone that the Corona virus has given them to train only with their figures and numbers.


Sometimes I go to watch local races here in Ireland  At one race last year l met a guy who I knew, and asked how he had done in the race. Normally he is as strong as a bull so I was half expecting him to say that he had won or at least been in the top six. He shook his head when I asked and then told me that he wasn't able to stay with the bunch. I asked if he had been sick or anything like that. Then the explanation came and all was revealed. This guy is a pig farmer and works very hard all week long. In an effort to improve his performance he bought a Heart Rate monitor and this was the first race that he had used it in. He told me that when he looked down at one stage and saw some high number he knew something wasn't right, so he backed off and got dropped. If he didn't have the Heart Rate monitor chances are he would have just dug in, suffered on a bit and stayed with the bunch. He might have even gone on to get a result at the finish.


Technology has its place in cycling for sure. If a professional is preparing for a key race, along with his coach, he can look at his numbers and be able to tell pretty accurately how he is going. Training can be adjusted daily to suit and confidence can be built outside of that gained by race results themselves.


People who are really busy can also benefit from using technology to peak for events in the short term. They can do really specific training in short amounts of time to build power and physical fitness. However, they may be missing out on the skills and abilities that longer days in the saddle can only provide.


Turbo trainers are coming into a world of their own at present. People can do a form of a group ride on Zwift and it keeps them in touch with others along with maintaining and building fitness. You even have many professionals and amateurs alike racing on there at present. Will this transfer across to real world results when racing opens up again? Probably not. Some will burn themselves out, physically and mentally. Others may believe that they are going better than they really are and take a hit to their confidence when numbers stop matching results. By all means it is a very worthwhile training tool but it is not a replacement for the road.


You can't train for a wet and windy day inside your sitting room looking out the window. You can't learn to handle your bike on a slippery descent looking at a screen. You can't learn what clothing to wear to keep your body warm without overheating in freezing rain from inside a garden shed.


Cycling is a beautiful sport and a fantastic activity, for body and mind. I must have over 1 million km's in my legs by now, but I still look forward to pretty much every time I go out for a spin on my bike, except when its blowing a storm and lashing rain as it sometimes is here in Ireland. Even then, when you get back home and have a warm shower you get the good feelings again. I never get sick of cycling and still train three or four times per week. I enjoy the fresh air, the wind on my face and the joy of a tailwind on the way home. I still get a buzz from the gallop for a yellow signpost at the end of a weekend group ride. Adrenaline still courses through my veins as I push my bike towards its limit on a fast descent. Cycling to me is not just a numbers game, it is a way of life.

Sean
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 03, 2020, 12:43:19 AM
Sean Kelly is old school alright but think he's right too
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 03, 2020, 05:24:37 PM
Class article by Kelly, I know I'm am deadly for the stats, I often say if I'd no Garmin to look at I'd probably not go out thru the door. With age against me and being very average I don't get too hung up or worked up about things, but I see local (good) racing men currently knocking their bollox in atm and wondering what they're at.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 03, 2020, 05:54:19 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

I think size of road and common sense should always prevail. As a cyclist myself I disagree with riding side by side and having 10 vehicles queued up behind. Cyclists with no bell are also a curse.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 03, 2020, 09:21:44 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?
Is it the same cyclists or are you just generalising?

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 09:41:50 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 03, 2020, 09:21:44 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?
Is it the same cyclists or are you just generalising?
I'm doing a lot of walking and I've noticed about an equal split - some cyclists pull well out to go past, but quite a few come straight at you. I find it quite ironic as motorists are forever get cautioned for not giving cyclists space.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 03, 2020, 09:57:06 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 03, 2020, 05:24:37 PM
Class article by Kelly, I know I'm am deadly for the stats, I often say if I'd no Garmin to look at I'd probably not go out thru the door. With age against me and being very average I don't get too hung up or worked up about things, but I see local (good) racing men currently knocking their bollox in atm and wondering what they're at.

I'm glad i read that as 3 months from my operation i was putting myself under a lot of pressure to try and hit higher average mph and TBH i just don't have the strength for it and it's getting me down. I'm just concentrating on getting miles back into the legs and hopefully over the next 2-3 months i'll be fit enough for the club run. This virus thing is a bollix but it def played into my hands now as i'd have got some beatings.
Went out today after reading that and never looked at my watch and just enjoyed the ride (well sort of, tired now). A 40-50 mile run is knocking me for 6 atm...I can do it but i'm lying on the settee like a busted flush all day afterwards :(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on May 03, 2020, 09:58:48 PM
Pavement cyclists in a city with significantly less traffic than normal is beginning to do my nut in. Bar one today they have never pulled in for me - usually I am walking with a buggy too. It's happened at least half a dozen times. I think 2 or 3 may have been the same guy. They're the only people social distancing doesn't work for. Walkers would get out of our way with the buggy so we can distance or if I'm running I will move to the road but the pavement cyclists never get off the pavement and I am not putting a buggy on the road.(I cycle a bit too but this is beginning to do my nut in as I would prefer a wee bit of distance between me and strangers these days for obvious reasons)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 03, 2020, 10:20:36 PM
Firstly you're not allowed/supposed to ride the bike on the pavement...
As a club cyclist I would never nor have i ever seen a cyclist that would cycle towards walkers...doesn't make sense.
In your defences...the amount of people that have taken up cycling since the lock down is unreal and a lot of them are not experienced on the road nor have they a clue of the dangers and what to look out for, I seen a group of about 6 cyclists today who where obviously just mates on the bike weaving all over the road trying to get up a hill that i was going down and that's what you're up against.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 10:33:02 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 03, 2020, 10:20:36 PM
Firstly you're not allowed/supposed to ride the bike on the pavement...
As a club cyclist I would never nor have i ever seen a cyclist that would cycle towards walkers...doesn't make sense.
In your defences...the amount of people that have taken up cycling since the lock down is unreal and a lot of them are not experienced on the road nor have they a clue of the dangers and what to look out for, I seen a group of about 6 cyclists today who where obviously just mates on the bike weaving all over the road trying to get up a hill that i was going down and that's what you're up against.
"In your defences"?  Hardly, I know a bike when it's coming straight at me for longer than it feels comfortable, and there's plenty of Lycra and fancy gear so they aren't Johnny come lately's.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 03, 2020, 11:57:13 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 03, 2020, 09:57:06 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 03, 2020, 05:24:37 PM
Class article by Kelly, I know I'm am deadly for the stats, I often say if I'd no Garmin to look at I'd probably not go out thru the door. With age against me and being very average I don't get too hung up or worked up about things, but I see local (good) racing men currently knocking their bollox in atm and wondering what they're at.

I'm glad i read that as 3 months from my operation i was putting myself under a lot of pressure to try and hit higher average mph and TBH i just don't have the strength for it and it's getting me down. I'm just concentrating on getting miles back into the legs and hopefully over the next 2-3 months i'll be fit enough for the club run. This virus thing is a bollix but it def played into my hands now as i'd have got some beatings.
Went out today after reading that and never looked at my watch and just enjoyed the ride (well sort of, tired now). A 40-50 mile run is knocking me for 6 atm...I can do it but i'm lying on the settee like a busted flush all day afterwards :(
I like a good solo, but a good club spin with a leisurely coffee stop would be heaven right now.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: on the sideline on May 04, 2020, 10:19:14 AM
Hi fellas, would any of you recommend a good, reliable and secure mounted phone holder for a bike?
It's a mountain bike but only used on roads at the minute. Looking something strong that could also be used when I get back onto the trails. Thanks.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Pub Bore on May 04, 2020, 12:26:50 PM
I do a bit of cycling but there's no excuse for cnuts in vests, shorts and trainers flying along the pavement on mountain bikes.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on May 04, 2020, 01:29:09 PM
Quote from: Pub Bore on May 04, 2020, 12:26:50 PM
I do a bit of cycling but there's no excuse for cnuts in vests, shorts and trainers flying along the pavement on mountain bikes.

Well that was a useful contribution.  ::)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 04, 2020, 01:40:02 PM
Quote from: on the sideline on May 04, 2020, 10:19:14 AM
Hi fellas, would any of you recommend a good, reliable and secure mounted phone holder for a bike?
It's a mountain bike but only used on roads at the minute. Looking something strong that could also be used when I get back onto the trails. Thanks.
Quad lock?

https://www.quadlockcase.eu/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: on the sideline on May 04, 2020, 02:52:10 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 04, 2020, 01:40:02 PM
Quote from: on the sideline on May 04, 2020, 10:19:14 AM
Hi fellas, would any of you recommend a good, reliable and secure mounted phone holder for a bike?
It's a mountain bike but only used on roads at the minute. Looking something strong that could also be used when I get back onto the trails. Thanks.
Quad lock?

https://www.quadlockcase.eu/

Good man. Thanks.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:47:42 PM
Great article by Kelly. I haven't had a computer on my bike for years and I can't say I miss it. I remember being obsessed with my average and feeling disappointed after some rides. Nowadays I just get the wind in my face and enjoy it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Taylor on May 04, 2020, 07:28:00 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

Or even three abreast on the country roads.

How the feck anyone can think this is safer is baffling
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 04, 2020, 07:30:04 PM
I think the biggest problem we face here is ignorance...in Europe you can cycle anywhere and it's very rare for motorists to hoot the horn or try to clip you with their wing mirrors but here it's like "i'll put manners in them feckers" attitude. Cycling is getting more popular and all the motorists that are in their rush to get where they're going will have to adopt, cyclists have the same right to be on the road as any other vehicle so deal with it.
If you're driving behind a tractor you won't try to clip him with your wing mirror to learn them manners but you're prepared to do it to cyclists...Form of bullying TBH. The culture is here to stay so we'll have to adopt and learn to be more patient and pass cyclists when it is safe to do so, if your journey takes you an extra 15 seconds it'll hardly destroy your day.
For every bad cyclist there's a bad motorist but hopefully both with catch themselves on and learn to respect each other...when cyclists are in a group they should pull over when it's safe to do so and let the queue of traffic pass, cars should give cyclists the room and space to pass when it is safe to do so...It's all about safety folks, no cyclist wants to get hurt and no motorist wants to have to go to some home and tell the wife and kids that i've just knocked your husband/father off the bike and he's on his way to hospital (or worse leaving a wreath at the house).

So the next time you're passing a bike slow down and have a gawk at the bike and admire the fine piece of engineering.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 07:58:27 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

Riders riding single file: You have to cross the centre line to get past them, crossing within the lane is too dangerous because it doesn't leave enough room. So you have to wait for a gap in oncoming traffic before you can overtake.

Riders riding abreast: You have to cross the centre line to get past them, crossing within the lane is too dangerous because it doesn't leave enough room. So you have to wait for a gap in oncoming traffic before you can overtake.

The only difference is the length of the group, and a wider but short group is easier to get past because you don't need such a long gap in oncoming traffic.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 08:00:02 PM
(https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10256475_10152273620214064_1203984363263311781_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=e007fa&_nc_ohc=7e6JL4LUHBMAX9SL9Mc&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=1d3499bd727ff64efbc5fcf74b6ab571&oe=5ED78D57)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 08:02:04 PM
The authorities even recommend riding two abreast because it's safer. Riding single in the gutter is more dangerous because it encourages unsafe close passes. I gave up riding in the gutter years ago, I had far too many close calls with motorists who thought it was okay to buzz me to within a millimetre of my life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NGdQDEkWCE
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 04, 2020, 08:34:03 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 08:00:02 PM
(https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10256475_10152273620214064_1203984363263311781_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=e007fa&_nc_ohc=7e6JL4LUHBMAX9SL9Mc&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=1d3499bd727ff64efbc5fcf74b6ab571&oe=5ED78D57)
Typical cyclists on the wrong side of the road...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Sportacus on May 04, 2020, 08:42:32 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 04, 2020, 07:30:04 PM
I think the biggest problem we face here is ignorance...in Europe you can cycle anywhere and it's very rare for motorists to hoot the horn or try to clip you with their wing mirrors but here it's like "i'll put manners in them feckers" attitude. Cycling is getting more popular and all the motorists that are in their rush to get where they're going will have to adopt, cyclists have the same right to be on the road as any other vehicle so deal with it.
If you're driving behind a tractor you won't try to clip him with your wing mirror to learn them manners but you're prepared to do it to cyclists...Form of bullying TBH. The culture is here to stay so we'll have to adopt and learn to be more patient and pass cyclists when it is safe to do so, if your journey takes you an extra 15 seconds it'll hardly destroy your day.
For every bad cyclist there's a bad motorist but hopefully both with catch themselves on and learn to respect each other...when cyclists are in a group they should pull over when it's safe to do so and let the queue of traffic pass, cars should give cyclists the room and space to pass when it is safe to do so...It's all about safety folks, no cyclist wants to get hurt and no motorist wants to have to go to some home and tell the wife and kids that i've just knocked your husband/father off the bike and he's on his way to hospital (or worse leaving a wreath at the house).

So the next time you're passing a bike slow down and have a gawk at the bike and admire the fine piece of engineering.
So next time you're cycling towards two pedestrians on a country road, slow down and give them a plenty wide berth.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 08:54:06 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 04, 2020, 07:30:04 PM
I think the biggest problem we face here is ignorance...in Europe you can cycle anywhere and it's very rare for motorists to hoot the horn or try to clip you with their wing mirrors but here it's like "i'll put manners in them feckers" attitude. Cycling is getting more popular and all the motorists that are in their rush to get where they're going will have to adopt, cyclists have the same right to be on the road as any other vehicle so deal with it.
If you're driving behind a tractor you won't try to clip him with your wing mirror to learn them manners but you're prepared to do it to cyclists...Form of bullying TBH. The culture is here to stay so we'll have to adopt and learn to be more patient and pass cyclists when it is safe to do so, if your journey takes you an extra 15 seconds it'll hardly destroy your day.
For every bad cyclist there's a bad motorist but hopefully both with catch themselves on and learn to respect each other...when cyclists are in a group they should pull over when it's safe to do so and let the queue of traffic pass, cars should give cyclists the room and space to pass when it is safe to do so...It's all about safety folks, no cyclist wants to get hurt and no motorist wants to have to go to some home and tell the wife and kids that i've just knocked your husband/father off the bike and he's on his way to hospital (or worse leaving a wreath at the house).

So the next time you're passing a bike slow down and have a gawk at the bike and admire the fine piece of engineering.

Couldn't agree more. A coach driver once blew his horn at me and shook his head at me for stopping my bike at the side of the road to put a rain jacket on. The poor crater had to turn his steering wheel by a fraction of a degree to get past. There was no other traffic on the road, but to him this was an outrageous intrusion onto "his" road. Then a few yards later he moves out to get past a parked car at the side of the road that was five times as wide as me and he probably didn't bat an eyelid.

Bike stopped at the side of the road? Big problem. Car parked at the side of the road? No problem.

The attitude of drivers isn't so much about any perceived inconvenience to them. It's an attitude that people on bikes aren't legitimate road users. Being exposed in the open makes cyclists vulnerable to abuse, and being in a steel cage that's speeding past makes the drivers immune to any consequences of hassling someone on a bike. You wouldn't hassle someone to their face if you thought you were going to come face to face with them later, which is why I always notice drivers are a lot nicer to me when they're stuck in traffic.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 08:55:01 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 04, 2020, 08:42:32 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 04, 2020, 07:30:04 PM
I think the biggest problem we face here is ignorance...in Europe you can cycle anywhere and it's very rare for motorists to hoot the horn or try to clip you with their wing mirrors but here it's like "i'll put manners in them feckers" attitude. Cycling is getting more popular and all the motorists that are in their rush to get where they're going will have to adopt, cyclists have the same right to be on the road as any other vehicle so deal with it.
If you're driving behind a tractor you won't try to clip him with your wing mirror to learn them manners but you're prepared to do it to cyclists...Form of bullying TBH. The culture is here to stay so we'll have to adopt and learn to be more patient and pass cyclists when it is safe to do so, if your journey takes you an extra 15 seconds it'll hardly destroy your day.
For every bad cyclist there's a bad motorist but hopefully both with catch themselves on and learn to respect each other...when cyclists are in a group they should pull over when it's safe to do so and let the queue of traffic pass, cars should give cyclists the room and space to pass when it is safe to do so...It's all about safety folks, no cyclist wants to get hurt and no motorist wants to have to go to some home and tell the wife and kids that i've just knocked your husband/father off the bike and he's on his way to hospital (or worse leaving a wreath at the house).

So the next time you're passing a bike slow down and have a gawk at the bike and admire the fine piece of engineering.
So next time you're cycling towards two pedestrians on a country road, slow down and give them a plenty wide berth.

Next time you're driving towards two pedestrians on a country road, slow down and give them a plenty wide berth.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:22:58 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 07:58:27 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

Riders riding single file: You have to cross the centre line to get past them, crossing within the lane is too dangerous because it doesn't leave enough room. So you have to wait for a gap in oncoming traffic before you can overtake.

Riders riding abreast: You have to cross the centre line to get past them, crossing within the lane is too dangerous because it doesn't leave enough room. So you have to wait for a gap in oncoming traffic before you can overtake.

The only difference is the length of the group, and a wider but short group is easier to get past because you don't need such a long gap in oncoming traffic.

;D ;D ;D
Yeah cos when you come across a group of cyclists they are always riding in such a uniform manner, they are strung out over the road and your passing one group of them then stuck behind the next part of the group. We are talking about real life scenarios here not idealised ones that suit your argument.

In the scenario where you are conducting a large group cycle on a regional/B road in Ireland where it is a tight squeeze for 2 vehicles and a cyclist to pass this may be correct. However might I add it would be most inconsiderate to conduct a large scale cycle of 9+ cyclists on a road like this especially when others are available.

However for main roads, minor roads etc this is not the case, and virtually all roads in California are large enough for multiple vehicle to pass abreast.

When there are 2 or 3 cyclists riding in single file it is quite easy to pass them safely insteady of them riding abreast

If your riding 2/3 a breast its a ticking time bomb for a scenario arising where you get knocked down, alls it takes is for one driver to come around a corner too fast and be confronted with the option of hitting the cyclists or getting in a head on collision with an on coming lorry.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:43:55 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:39:41 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

How far do you pull out when they are single file?
Are the roads around Lough wide enough to allow 2m for a cyclist and still overtake into oncoming traffic?

what lough?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:46:26 PM
Would also say a lot of cyclists prob do it because it feels safer, you are close to other people and there there is maybe a feeling of protection from the closeness however id say it pretty false feeling as if the group is struck by a 1ton vehicle travelling at 50mph the protection would be negligible
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:52:57 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:43:55 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:39:41 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

How far do you pull out when they are single file?
Are the roads around Lough wide enough to allow 2m for a cyclist and still overtake into oncoming traffic?

what lough?
Loughmcrory
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:56:50 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:52:57 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:43:55 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:39:41 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

How far do you pull out when they are single file?
Are the roads around Lough wide enough to allow 2m for a cyclist and still overtake into oncoming traffic?

what lough?
Loughmcrory

???
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 11:05:27 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:56:50 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:52:57 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:43:55 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:39:41 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

How far do you pull out when they are single file?
Are the roads around Lough wide enough to allow 2m for a cyclist and still overtake into oncoming traffic?

what lough?
Loughmcrory

???

Mixing you up with Omagh Gael. :-[

Anyway as per the Highway Code.

Rule 66
You should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 11:12:28 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 11:05:27 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:56:50 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:52:57 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:43:55 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:39:41 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

How far do you pull out when they are single file?
Are the roads around Lough wide enough to allow 2m for a cyclist and still overtake into oncoming traffic?

what lough?
Loughmcrory

???

Mixing you up with Omagh Gael. :-[

Anyway as per the Highway Code.

Rule 66
You should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends

You showing me or Eammon?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 04, 2020, 11:26:01 PM
The only argument that is more circular and pointless than orange v green. Avoid.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 04, 2020, 11:58:27 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 04, 2020, 07:30:04 PM
I think the biggest problem we face here is ignorance...in Europe you can cycle anywhere and it's very rare for motorists to hoot the horn or try to clip you with their wing mirrors but here it's like "i'll put manners in them feckers" attitude. Cycling is getting more popular and all the motorists that are in their rush to get where they're going will have to adopt, cyclists have the same right to be on the road as any other vehicle so deal with it.
If you're driving behind a tractor you won't try to clip him with your wing mirror to learn them manners but you're prepared to do it to cyclists...Form of bullying TBH. The culture is here to stay so we'll have to adopt and learn to be more patient and pass cyclists when it is safe to do so, if your journey takes you an extra 15 seconds it'll hardly destroy your day.
For every bad cyclist there's a bad motorist but hopefully both with catch themselves on and learn to respect each other...when cyclists are in a group they should pull over when it's safe to do so and let the queue of traffic pass, cars should give cyclists the room and space to pass when it is safe to do so...It's all about safety folks, no cyclist wants to get hurt and no motorist wants to have to go to some home and tell the wife and kids that i've just knocked your husband/father off the bike and he's on his way to hospital (or worse leaving a wreath at the house).

So the next time you're passing a bike slow down and have a gawk at the bike and admire the fine piece of engineering.
Have never ever seen a group of cyclists make any adjustments for motorists and I've passed hundreds of the c***ts.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 05, 2020, 02:05:49 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 04, 2020, 11:58:27 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 04, 2020, 07:30:04 PM
I think the biggest problem we face here is ignorance...in Europe you can cycle anywhere and it's very rare for motorists to hoot the horn or try to clip you with their wing mirrors but here it's like "i'll put manners in them feckers" attitude. Cycling is getting more popular and all the motorists that are in their rush to get where they're going will have to adopt, cyclists have the same right to be on the road as any other vehicle so deal with it.
If you're driving behind a tractor you won't try to clip him with your wing mirror to learn them manners but you're prepared to do it to cyclists...Form of bullying TBH. The culture is here to stay so we'll have to adopt and learn to be more patient and pass cyclists when it is safe to do so, if your journey takes you an extra 15 seconds it'll hardly destroy your day.
For every bad cyclist there's a bad motorist but hopefully both with catch themselves on and learn to respect each other...when cyclists are in a group they should pull over when it's safe to do so and let the queue of traffic pass, cars should give cyclists the room and space to pass when it is safe to do so...It's all about safety folks, no cyclist wants to get hurt and no motorist wants to have to go to some home and tell the wife and kids that i've just knocked your husband/father off the bike and he's on his way to hospital (or worse leaving a wreath at the house).

So the next time you're passing a bike slow down and have a gawk at the bike and admire the fine piece of engineering.
Have never ever seen a group of cyclists make any adjustments for motorists and I've passed hundreds of the c***ts.


(https://badbooksgoodtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/spongebob-worlds-smallest-violin.gif)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 05, 2020, 11:59:28 AM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 11:12:28 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 11:05:27 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:56:50 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:52:57 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:43:55 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:39:41 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

How far do you pull out when they are single file?
Are the roads around Lough wide enough to allow 2m for a cyclist and still overtake into oncoming traffic?

what lough?
Loughmcrory

???

Mixing you up with Omagh Gael. :-[

Anyway as per the Highway Code.

Rule 66
You should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends

You showing me or Eammon?
There is a bit in it for everyone.  8)

Rule 64
You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.

Rule 69
You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.

Rule 71
You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic.

Rule 79
Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.

Rule 80
Toucan crossings. These are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time

Rule 163
Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. Give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car

Rule 212
When passing motorcyclists and cyclists, give them plenty of room. If they look over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.

Rule 213
Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trailer on May 05, 2020, 12:17:43 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 05, 2020, 11:59:28 AM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 11:12:28 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 11:05:27 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:56:50 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:52:57 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:43:55 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:39:41 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

How far do you pull out when they are single file?
Are the roads around Lough wide enough to allow 2m for a cyclist and still overtake into oncoming traffic?

what lough?
Loughmcrory

???

Mixing you up with Omagh Gael. :-[

Anyway as per the Highway Code.

Rule 66
You should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends

You showing me or Eammon?
There is a bit in it for everyone.  8)

Rule 64
You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.

Rule 69
You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.


Rule 71
You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic.

Rule 79
Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.

Rule 80
Toucan crossings. These are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time

Rule 163
Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. Give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car

Rule 212
When passing motorcyclists and cyclists, give them plenty of room. If they look over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.

Rule 213
Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.

Have to say this one gets me. Cyclists do think that this rule doesn't apply to them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 05, 2020, 12:29:07 PM
Quote from: trailer on May 05, 2020, 12:17:43 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 05, 2020, 11:59:28 AM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 11:12:28 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 11:05:27 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:56:50 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:52:57 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:43:55 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:39:41 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

How far do you pull out when they are single file?
Are the roads around Lough wide enough to allow 2m for a cyclist and still overtake into oncoming traffic?

what lough?
Loughmcrory

???

Mixing you up with Omagh Gael. :-[

Anyway as per the Highway Code.

Rule 66
You should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends

You showing me or Eammon?
There is a bit in it for everyone.  8)

Rule 64
You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.

Rule 69
You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.


Rule 71
You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic.

Rule 79
Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.

Rule 80
Toucan crossings. These are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time

Rule 163
Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. Give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car

Rule 212
When passing motorcyclists and cyclists, give them plenty of room. If they look over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.

Rule 213
Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.

Have to say this one gets me. Cyclists do think that this rule doesn't apply to them.
All cyclists?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Taylor on May 05, 2020, 01:03:28 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 05, 2020, 12:29:07 PM
Quote from: trailer on May 05, 2020, 12:17:43 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 05, 2020, 11:59:28 AM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 11:12:28 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 11:05:27 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:56:50 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:52:57 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:43:55 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:39:41 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

How far do you pull out when they are single file?
Are the roads around Lough wide enough to allow 2m for a cyclist and still overtake into oncoming traffic?

what lough?
Loughmcrory

???

Mixing you up with Omagh Gael. :-[

Anyway as per the Highway Code.

Rule 66
You should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends

You showing me or Eammon?
There is a bit in it for everyone.  8)

Rule 64
You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.

Rule 69
You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.


Rule 71
You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic.

Rule 79
Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.

Rule 80
Toucan crossings. These are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time

Rule 163
Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. Give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car

Rule 212
When passing motorcyclists and cyclists, give them plenty of room. If they look over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.

Rule 213
Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.

Have to say this one gets me. Cyclists do think that this rule doesn't apply to them.
All cyclists?

Not all - many of them.

In the same way not all drivers are dangerous towards cyclists
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 05, 2020, 02:52:27 PM
Last week when out for a pedal i was coming back in the road and was within 2 miles of the house when this bit of a incident takes place. A guy is waiting to pull out of a side road in a people carrier, bloke probably in his 60's. As i get to where he is pulling out of and passing his exit point on other side of the road he crosses the first lane and then into my lane and nearly knocked me off but for a very quick swerve at last second that put me within an inch of the kerb. I let a roar out of me and i see him looking in mirror and then he stands on the brakes. So i motion to pull over to discuss the matter and he takes off for another few yards and stands on the brakes again. Then speeds off. So it would seem this guy either didnt see me as he pulled out (which is highly unlikely) or just didnt give a toss.
I've noticed that there is an element almost worse than the boy racers and its a small number of the 60+ who believe their car is the only thing that should be on the road. Have to say i am used to people pulling out and doing stupid things but this one shit me up. The weird thing is that this particular road sees some of the daftest stunts coming out of the entrance to Dickens Heath, so much so that you are always waiting on it. It isn't a particularly dangerous or fast stretch just has some right idiots negotiating it. That said the driving during "lockdown" has been pretty bad. Lots of boy racers using it as an excuse to get the foot down in 30mph zones. 2 roads down had 2 cars racing down it, a parked car was going to block one of them winning the race to the cemetry so he mounts the pavement for 100 yards to get ahead. Any child stepping out of their house would have been cut in two. In Birmingham the law has lost control of the roads, there is no fear of any consequences from those that abuse it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 05, 2020, 03:44:55 PM
Last Sunday I saw a car overtake a cyclist by going right of the 'keep left' island in the middle of the road.

Maddog, that was a scarey incident, and you escaped unscathed only by your quick reactions and skill. But what would have been the outcome if the driver had stopped and spoken to you. Did you want an apology? Would holding an arm up out of he window have worked the same?

I'd be a bit cautious of a hothead stopping and getting out of his car especially when he knows that he is in the wrong. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 05, 2020, 04:11:53 PM
Quote from: Orior on May 05, 2020, 03:44:55 PM
Last Sunday I saw a car overtake a cyclist by going right of the 'keep left' island in the middle of the road.

Maddog, that was a scarey incident, and you escaped unscathed only by your quick reactions and skill. But what would have been the outcome if the driver had stopped and spoken to you. Did you want an apology? Would holding an arm up out of he window have worked the same?

I'd be a bit cautious of a hothead stopping and getting out of his car especially when he knows that he is in the wrong.

I could forgive the mistake but the standing on the brakes to make me hit him from behind is dangerous driving and attempted assault. He did that because i had the temerity to object to nearly being run over. Happened that quick i hadn't time to work through the scenarios and had lost my temper probably at that stage. Wish i had have had headcam but then i don't really believe in running to cops perpetuating the battle between road users. Might have made exception for that p***k though.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 05, 2020, 04:12:37 PM
Quote from: Orior on May 05, 2020, 03:44:55 PM
Last Sunday I saw a car overtake a cyclist by going right of the 'keep left' island in the middle of the road.


That is just normal here  ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on May 05, 2020, 04:34:54 PM
Quote from: Orior on May 05, 2020, 03:44:55 PM
Last Sunday I saw a car overtake a cyclist by going right of the 'keep left' island in the middle of the road.

Maddog, that was a scarey incident, and you escaped unscathed only by your quick reactions and skill. But what would have been the outcome if the driver had stopped and spoken to you. Did you want an apology? Would holding an arm up out of he window have worked the same?

I'd be a bit cautious of a hothead stopping and getting out of his car especially when he knows that he is in the wrong.

There's a boy I'd know pretty well from running is big into the cycling. Him and a few boys were cycling up the outer ring (south belfast) towards the east. They were cycling in a group and a driver came along and basically tried to run them of the road. They'd it on gopro etc. He completely lost the rag and at the next set of lights they caught the driver. He pulled the keys of his ignition and smacked the driver in the mouth. He cycled off with the keys and then saw sense and came back with them. To be fair he isn't generally violent or whatever at all but whatever the other guy was at he just flipped on him. He said the driver was actually trying to put them off the road and only for they had that on camera he'd likely have been done for assault. Some eejits out there. (The fella was remorseful too to be fair to him but when someone tries to harm you like that probably hard not to see red).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 05, 2020, 07:15:51 PM
Without this going into a melt down between cyclists and motorists we all know there are motorists who are pure ball bags and clearly there are cyclists that fit that mould too but we all have to share the road and we're going to have to tolerate each other and respect each other. Its funny how we Irish have turned into the rush rush nation and haven't the time for nothing...a few decades ago the Irish were renowned for being laid back and even lackadaisical where we took everything in our stride but we've become the metropolitan city slickers in a rush even in the towns...

Where is this going to end as the population expands and the cyclists increase too it's only going to get worse...I always look at it this way...Imagine having to go to someone's wake and funeral that you knocked off the bike, watching their wife/husband/kids in bits knowing you played a part in it. That would soon put it into perspective.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 05, 2020, 07:17:35 PM
Anyway we've exhausted this argument between cyclists and motorists that pops up every now and again...lets discuss bikes and races again as this crap doesn't go anywhere.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 05, 2020, 08:36:35 PM
During lockdown, how far / how long are you allowed to cycle on the road in free state / UK?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 05, 2020, 09:26:26 PM
Quote from: Orior on May 05, 2020, 08:36:35 PM
During lockdown, how far / how long are you allowed to cycle on the road in free state / UK?

5K in Ireland (free state as you put it ;)). You can cycle as long as you want just don't go beyond 5k
No limit in distance in uk (I think)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 06, 2020, 08:55:47 AM
Quote from: illdecide on May 05, 2020, 07:15:51 PM
Without this going into a melt down between cyclists and motorists we all know there are motorists who are pure ball bags and clearly there are cyclists that fit that mould too but we all have to share the road and we're going to have to tolerate each other and respect each other. Its funny how we Irish have turned into the rush rush nation and haven't the time for nothing...a few decades ago the Irish were renowned for being laid back and even lackadaisical where we took everything in our stride but we've become the metropolitan city slickers in a rush even in the towns...

Where is this going to end as the population expands and the cyclists increase too it's only going to get worse...I always look at it this way...Imagine having to go to someone's wake and funeral that you knocked off the bike, watching their wife/husband/kids in bits knowing you played a part in it. That would soon put it into perspective.

You are dead right of course, but just on the point of cyclists i assume you mean all cyclists not just the lyrca brigade. For example where do you start with a clown riding on the pavement going in the wrong direction down a one way street shouting at pedestrians to get out of his way. Saw that not that long ago in city centre. Also a guy lives on our road here is up and down all day (dont know what the hell he is at) on a mountain bike, seems to be nipping to the shops but all the way down a flippin cul de sac on the pavement. You really need to watch out for him when backing off the driveway instead of looking out for the kids playing on their bikes.
It is generally a symptom of a declining society where there is generally less respect for other people and it manifests itself through incidents on roads, in supermarkets, in pubs etc etc.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 06, 2020, 09:02:17 AM
Quote from: illdecide on May 05, 2020, 09:26:26 PM
Quote from: Orior on May 05, 2020, 08:36:35 PM
During lockdown, how far / how long are you allowed to cycle on the road in free state / UK?

5K in Ireland (free state as you put it ;)). You can cycle as long as you want just don't go beyond 5k
No limit in distance in uk (I think)

There is a guideline in UK that people took as gospel from Michael Gove of 1hour. General principle is you should be able to get yourself home if you have mechanical problem (anyone that is cycling in anyway seriously would anyway). Saw a piece about it on the legal aspects of it and it more or less said there was no limit. The limit in Ireland of within 2km or whatever it was is a waste of time. Maybe that was the idea. Turbo trainers are supposed to be like hens teeth.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 06, 2020, 09:48:33 AM
Maddog to be fair I wouldn't class a clown on a mountain bike riding on a pavement a cyclist, I know what you mean. How do define a cyclist? We all have our own opinions i'm sure but it might be easier to look at someone in jeans riding on the footpath as not a cyclist.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bigarsedkeeper on May 06, 2020, 10:19:24 AM
If you were looking to get into cycling in a small way what type of bike would you suggest buying to get started? I'm interested in getting a bit of cardio in to clear the head at the minute, can't run with back problems and can't swim at all - not that that's an option at the minute. I won't be going too far to get started. Have an ok mountain bike for taking the kids on trails etc but I'm sure a few spins out with it would put me off the cycling completely. Not looking to deck out completely in lycra either, the worlds not ready for that! Thanks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 06, 2020, 10:22:30 AM
That's it, is a fella walking down the street with a Tennis racket a Tennis player? The public seem to get wound up by all types of cyclists unfortunately - cyclists and people on bikes I should say.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thewobbler on May 06, 2020, 10:32:16 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 06, 2020, 10:22:30 AM
That's it, is a fella walking down the street with a Tennis racket a Tennis player? The public seem to get wound up by all types of cyclists unfortunately - cyclists and people on bikes I should say.

There's a good reason for this.

Anyone who has ever lived in a housing development will from time to time have their journey held up by family/neighbours playing football, tennis, rounders, something else, even pedestrians on the street. This is easy to tolerate given the minimal disruption and the fact that it is a communal space.

But same people do not then vacate that space and also play their game on dual carriageways with a bunch of other housing developments, or on the width of arterial routes, or on the width of country roads, thereby forcing traffic - regardless of how deep it is - to wait while their have their fun.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 06, 2020, 10:35:23 AM
Quote from: illdecide on May 05, 2020, 09:26:26 PM
Quote from: Orior on May 05, 2020, 08:36:35 PM
During lockdown, how far / how long are you allowed to cycle on the road in free state / UK?

5K in Ireland (free state as you put it ;)). You can cycle as long as you want just don't go beyond 5k
No limit in distance in uk (I think)

I've taken that as gospel.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on May 06, 2020, 10:36:32 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on May 06, 2020, 10:32:16 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 06, 2020, 10:22:30 AM
That's it, is a fella walking down the street with a Tennis racket a Tennis player? The public seem to get wound up by all types of cyclists unfortunately - cyclists and people on bikes I should say.

There's a good reason for this.

Anyone who has ever lived in a housing development will from time to time have their journey held up by family/neighbours playing football, tennis, rounders, something else, even pedestrians on the street. This is easy to tolerate given the minimal disruption and the fact that it is a communal space.

But same people do not then vacate that space and also play their game on dual carriageways with a bunch of other housing developments, or on the width of arterial routes, or on the width of country roads, thereby forcing traffic - regardless of how deep it is - to wait while their have their fun.

What if the person on a bike is heading to work? Is their journey less important than yours?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 06, 2020, 10:41:04 AM
Quote from: maddog on May 06, 2020, 08:55:47 AM
Quote from: illdecide on May 05, 2020, 07:15:51 PM
Without this going into a melt down between cyclists and motorists we all know there are motorists who are pure ball bags and clearly there are cyclists that fit that mould too but we all have to share the road and we're going to have to tolerate each other and respect each other. Its funny how we Irish have turned into the rush rush nation and haven't the time for nothing...a few decades ago the Irish were renowned for being laid back and even lackadaisical where we took everything in our stride but we've become the metropolitan city slickers in a rush even in the towns...

Where is this going to end as the population expands and the cyclists increase too it's only going to get worse...I always look at it this way...Imagine having to go to someone's wake and funeral that you knocked off the bike, watching their wife/husband/kids in bits knowing you played a part in it. That would soon put it into perspective.

You are dead right of course, but just on the point of cyclists i assume you mean all cyclists not just the lyrca brigade. For example where do you start with a clown riding on the pavement going in the wrong direction down a one way street shouting at pedestrians to get out of his way. Saw that not that long ago in city centre. Also a guy lives on our road here is up and down all day (dont know what the hell he is at) on a mountain bike, seems to be nipping to the shops but all the way down a flippin cul de sac on the pavement. You really need to watch out for him when backing off the driveway instead of looking out for the kids playing on their bikes.
It is generally a symptom of a declining society where there is generally less respect for other people and it manifests itself through incidents on roads, in supermarkets, in pubs etc etc.

Highway Code: rule 66.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 06, 2020, 10:45:06 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on May 06, 2020, 10:32:16 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 06, 2020, 10:22:30 AM
That's it, is a fella walking down the street with a Tennis racket a Tennis player? The public seem to get wound up by all types of cyclists unfortunately - cyclists and people on bikes I should say.

There's a good reason for this.

Anyone who has ever lived in a housing development will from time to time have their journey held up by family/neighbours playing football, tennis, rounders, something else, even pedestrians on the street. This is easy to tolerate given the minimal disruption and the fact that it is a communal space.

But same people do not then vacate that space and also play their game on dual carriageways with a bunch of other housing developments, or on the width of arterial routes, or on the width of country roads, thereby forcing traffic - regardless of how deep it is - to wait while their have their fun.
What if it is not a game but a commute?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 06, 2020, 10:45:57 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 06, 2020, 10:22:30 AM
That's it, is a fella walking down the street with a Tennis racket a Tennis player? The public seem to get wound up by all types of cyclists unfortunately - cyclists and people on bikes I should say.
Baseball players would have a bad rep round certain areas of Belfast.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thewobbler on May 06, 2020, 10:50:20 AM
Quote from: majestic on May 06, 2020, 10:36:32 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on May 06, 2020, 10:32:16 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 06, 2020, 10:22:30 AM
That's it, is a fella walking down the street with a Tennis racket a Tennis player? The public seem to get wound up by all types of cyclists unfortunately - cyclists and people on bikes I should say.

There's a good reason for this.

Anyone who has ever lived in a housing development will from time to time have their journey held up by family/neighbours playing football, tennis, rounders, something else, even pedestrians on the street. This is easy to tolerate given the minimal disruption and the fact that it is a communal space.

But same people do not then vacate that space and also play their game on dual carriageways with a bunch of other housing developments, or on the width of arterial routes, or on the width of country roads, thereby forcing traffic - regardless of how deep it is - to wait while their have their fun.

What if the person on a bike is heading to work? Is their journey less important than yours?

What if they aren't? If they're heading to work and set out at rush hour and their speed creates a queue of traffic on a twisty road (I'm thinking the Hillhall Road in Belfast), then they're a selfish **** (regardless of what vehicle they're in).

We could be here a while with that one.

——

The basic point is though straightforward.

Most leisure pursuits will cause sporadic or even occasional angst for motorists. Crowds attending football matches, or other popular sports, parking everywhere and crossing roads in the wrong places. Marathons, boules or motor rallies closing roads. Joggers and walkers are more frequent, but the delays caused by them are usually minimal.

But all out by itself, in terms of a leisure pursuit causing regular (in some places, constant) angst for motorists is group / club cycling. Now I know cyclists can fob a lot of this off with complaints that people shouldn't be in such a hurry. The reality is, for example, if you're a delivery driver going through the mournes on a Saturday morning, time is short and road options are few. Encountering a large and antagonistic cycling club at the foot of Spelga would put years on anyone in this situation.

This is why motorists dislike cyclists.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on May 06, 2020, 11:34:24 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on May 06, 2020, 10:50:20 AM
Quote from: majestic on May 06, 2020, 10:36:32 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on May 06, 2020, 10:32:16 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 06, 2020, 10:22:30 AM
That's it, is a fella walking down the street with a Tennis racket a Tennis player? The public seem to get wound up by all types of cyclists unfortunately - cyclists and people on bikes I should say.

There's a good reason for this.

Anyone who has ever lived in a housing development will from time to time have their journey held up by family/neighbours playing football, tennis, rounders, something else, even pedestrians on the street. This is easy to tolerate given the minimal disruption and the fact that it is a communal space.

But same people do not then vacate that space and also play their game on dual carriageways with a bunch of other housing developments, or on the width of arterial routes, or on the width of country roads, thereby forcing traffic - regardless of how deep it is - to wait while their have their fun.

What if the person on a bike is heading to work? Is their journey less important than yours?

What if they aren't? If they're heading to work and set out at rush hour and their speed creates a queue of traffic on a twisty road (I'm thinking the Hillhall Road in Belfast), then they're a selfish **** (regardless of what vehicle they're in).

We could be here a while with that one.

——

The basic point is though straightforward.

Most leisure pursuits will cause sporadic or even occasional angst for motorists. Crowds attending football matches, or other popular sports, parking everywhere and crossing roads in the wrong places. Marathons, boules or motor rallies closing roads. Joggers and walkers are more frequent, but the delays caused by them are usually minimal.

But all out by itself, in terms of a leisure pursuit causing regular (in some places, constant) angst for motorists is group / club cycling. Now I know cyclists can fob a lot of this off with complaints that people shouldn't be in such a hurry. The reality is, for example, if you're a delivery driver going through the mournes on a Saturday morning, time is short and road options are few. Encountering a large and antagonistic cycling club at the foot of Spelga would put years on anyone in this situation.

This is why motorists dislike cyclists.

Some may argue that the selfish **** is the person in a car. Using your example of the Hillhall road in rush hour? What happens when you reach the house of sport roundabout/Malone road, what holds you up then? Is it a queue of bicycles, or a bunch of selfish ****s that have decided to not use a sustainable method of transport cause they are too lazy to walk the 10 mins to the bus stop or it isn't conveniently located to the office of on the other side? Or indeed they lack the confidence to ride a bike because of the reputation for motorists not giving sufficient space or respect. You might be delayed by 10 mins behind a cyclist heading to work, but if there were more like that person on the bike you might actually get there a little quicker.

I am speaking from the perspective of someone who is not a member of a club or rides in a group. I understand your point of view regarding large groups and I believe respect needs to work both ways. Personally I believe motorist to lack patience and they get frustrated and this lack of patience can sometimes cause the motorist to part-take in extremely dangerous behavior, is a couple of minutes worth that?

What is your solution? Improve cycling infrastructure to keep them off the main roads?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JoG2 on May 06, 2020, 11:43:09 AM
Quote from: Orior on May 05, 2020, 08:36:35 PM
During lockdown, how far / how long are you allowed to cycle on the road in free state / UK?

I head out a few mornings early before work and cover about 50/60kms (90% of the distance would be in Donegal). I'm right on the border, the roads are quiet. I'd say the garda / cops are manning the borders 50% of the time. They haven't batted an eyelid in my direction yet
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 06, 2020, 11:45:36 AM
Anyway what do you think of the revised pro calendar. Cramped to say the least. I've been to the Vuelta twice now in September in the north of Spain and have to say a few days in the mountains the weather was poor enough. I'd have my doubts about it being run late Oct early Nov. Making a massive assumption that it isn't all changed / cancelled again i'd have an opportunity to do Tour de france in September so might go down that route although booking anything is fraught with problems. So if i do it could be a driving job down to the Alps. If that doesnt happen a weekend around Tour of Flanders or Paris Roubaix might be on the cards. In the grand tours there could be some screwy results with the season so out of kilter and riders not suffering normal fatigue by July or for that matter having enough racing miles in the legs. Hope it all goes ahead on the basis this virus fecks off with itself.

-1st August: Strade Bianche (Italy)

-5-9 August: Tour de Pologne (Poland)

-8 August: Milano-Sanremo (Italy)

-12-16 August: Critérium du Dauphiné (France)

-16 August: Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic (Great Britain)

-25 August: Bretagne Classic - Ouest-France (France)

-29 August -20 September : Tour de France (France)

-7-14 September: Tirreno-Adriatico (Italy)

-11 September: Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec (Canada)

-13 September: Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal (Canada)

-29 September -3 October: BinckBank Tour

-30 September: La Flèche Wallonne (Belgium)

-3-25 October: Giro d'Italia (Italy)

-4 October: Liège-Bastogne-Liège (Belgium)

-10 October: Amstel Gold Race (the Netherlands)

-11 October: Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields (Belgium)

-14 October: A Travers la Flandre (Belgium)

-15-20 October: Gree - Tour of Guangxi (China)

-18 October: Tour des Flandres (Belgium)

-20 October - 8 November: Vuelta Ciclista a España (Spain)

-21 October: Driedaagse Brugge-De Panne (Belgium)

-25 October: Paris-Roubaix (France)

-31 October: Il Lombardia (Italy)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tyrdub on May 06, 2020, 12:01:42 PM
I'm one of them who has taking to the cycling since lockdown. Had an old mountain bike but got a hybrid bike on te Cycle to Work Scheme. Luckily I'm ten minute ride from cycle paths along the loughshore in Belfast, not overly confident yet about road cycling but I'll get there
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 06, 2020, 05:26:33 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 06, 2020, 11:45:36 AM
Anyway what do you think of the revised pro calendar. Cramped to say the least. I've been to the Vuelta twice now in September in the north of Spain and have to say a few days in the mountains the weather was poor enough. I'd have my doubts about it being run late Oct early Nov. Making a massive assumption that it isn't all changed / cancelled again i'd have an opportunity to do Tour de france in September so might go down that route although booking anything is fraught with problems. So if i do it could be a driving job down to the Alps. If that doesnt happen a weekend around Tour of Flanders or Paris Roubaix might be on the cards. In the grand tours there could be some screwy results with the season so out of kilter and riders not suffering normal fatigue by July or for that matter having enough racing miles in the legs. Hope it all goes ahead on the basis this virus fecks off with itself.

-1st August: Strade Bianche (Italy)

-5-9 August: Tour de Pologne (Poland)

-8 August: Milano-Sanremo (Italy)

-12-16 August: Critérium du Dauphiné (France)

-16 August: Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic (Great Britain)

-25 August: Bretagne Classic - Ouest-France (France)

-29 August -20 September : Tour de France (France)

-7-14 September: Tirreno-Adriatico (Italy)

-11 September: Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec (Canada)

-13 September: Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal (Canada)

-29 September -3 October: BinckBank Tour

-30 September: La Flèche Wallonne (Belgium)

-3-25 October: Giro d'Italia (Italy)

-4 October: Liège-Bastogne-Liège (Belgium)

-10 October: Amstel Gold Race (the Netherlands)

-11 October: Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields (Belgium)

-14 October: A Travers la Flandre (Belgium)

-15-20 October: Gree - Tour of Guangxi (China)

-18 October: Tour des Flandres (Belgium)

-20 October - 8 November: Vuelta Ciclista a España (Spain)

-21 October: Driedaagse Brugge-De Panne (Belgium)

-25 October: Paris-Roubaix (France)

-31 October: Il Lombardia (Italy)

Would be nice to see it back, some calendar crammed in there. Some biggies quite late in the year, just hope the weather is good for them
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 05:58:16 PM
Quote from: trailer on May 05, 2020, 12:17:43 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 05, 2020, 11:59:28 AM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 11:12:28 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 11:05:27 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:56:50 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:52:57 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:43:55 PM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 04, 2020, 10:39:41 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

How far do you pull out when they are single file?
Are the roads around Lough wide enough to allow 2m for a cyclist and still overtake into oncoming traffic?

what lough?
Loughmcrory

???

Mixing you up with Omagh Gael. :-[

Anyway as per the Highway Code.

Rule 66
You should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends

You showing me or Eammon?
There is a bit in it for everyone.  8)

Rule 64
You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.

Rule 69
You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.


Rule 71
You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic.

Rule 79
Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.

Rule 80
Toucan crossings. These are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time

Rule 163
Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. Give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car

Rule 212
When passing motorcyclists and cyclists, give them plenty of room. If they look over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.

Rule 213
Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.

Have to say this one gets me. Cyclists do think that this rule doesn't apply to them.

Gets me too. Drivers act like this rule doesn't apply to them. A light turning red means "stand by for at least three more cars to go through." When a light turns green it means "keep playing with your phone until somebody behind blows their horn."

The day when motorists start obeying the traffic laws will be the day when I start listening to their sanctimonious lectures about the rules of the road. Put the phone down. Slow down to the speed limit for a change. Come to an actual stop at stop signs. Yield when you're supposed to. Obey the light as soon as it goes red. Go when it turns green. Stop killing thousands of people every year with your reckless behaviour, and get your own houses in order first, you sanctimonious whinging shower of apes!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:02:08 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 06, 2020, 10:36:32 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on May 06, 2020, 10:32:16 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 06, 2020, 10:22:30 AM
That's it, is a fella walking down the street with a Tennis racket a Tennis player? The public seem to get wound up by all types of cyclists unfortunately - cyclists and people on bikes I should say.

There's a good reason for this.

Anyone who has ever lived in a housing development will from time to time have their journey held up by family/neighbours playing football, tennis, rounders, something else, even pedestrians on the street. This is easy to tolerate given the minimal disruption and the fact that it is a communal space.

But same people do not then vacate that space and also play their game on dual carriageways with a bunch of other housing developments, or on the width of arterial routes, or on the width of country roads, thereby forcing traffic - regardless of how deep it is - to wait while their have their fun.

What if the person on a bike is heading to work? Is their journey less important than yours?

Haven't you heard? When someone gets into a car for whatever reason, their's is the most important journey ever undertaken, and the concerns of all other road users are secondary. A cyclist is an illegitimate road user if he gets in the way of Cletus on the way to the liquor store in his pickup truck to pick up a six pack of Coors and a tub of Pringles.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:06:30 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:22:58 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 07:58:27 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

Riders riding single file: You have to cross the centre line to get past them, crossing within the lane is too dangerous because it doesn't leave enough room. So you have to wait for a gap in oncoming traffic before you can overtake.

Riders riding abreast: You have to cross the centre line to get past them, crossing within the lane is too dangerous because it doesn't leave enough room. So you have to wait for a gap in oncoming traffic before you can overtake.

The only difference is the length of the group, and a wider but short group is easier to get past because you don't need such a long gap in oncoming traffic.

;D ;D ;D
Yeah cos when you come across a group of cyclists they are always riding in such a uniform manner, they are strung out over the road and your passing one group of them then stuck behind the next part of the group. We are talking about real life scenarios here not idealised ones that suit your argument.

In the scenario where you are conducting a large group cycle on a regional/B road in Ireland where it is a tight squeeze for 2 vehicles and a cyclist to pass this may be correct. However might I add it would be most inconsiderate to conduct a large scale cycle of 9+ cyclists on a road like this especially when others are available.

However for main roads, minor roads etc this is not the case, and virtually all roads in California are large enough for multiple vehicle to pass abreast.

When there are 2 or 3 cyclists riding in single file it is quite easy to pass them safely insteady of them riding abreast

If your riding 2/3 a breast its a ticking time bomb for a scenario arising where you get knocked down, alls it takes is for one driver to come around a corner too fast and be confronted with the option of hitting the cyclists or getting in a head on collision with an on coming lorry.

Incorrect. It's the length of the group that makes them hard to pass, not the width.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:13:54 PM
I gotta laugh at all these rules tho too

Most cyclists you encounter in California are either on the footpath or coming at you the wrong way up the street, and Im talking about a 50mph road
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:22:55 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:06:30 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 10:22:58 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 07:58:27 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 04, 2020, 06:45:20 PM
Quote from: Sportacus on May 03, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
When I'm driving, cyclists go two wide and I have to pull out.  When I'm walking in two's they'd cycle  over the top of you.  Which is it?

That old chestnut again? You also have to pull out when they're riding single file. Riding abreast makes it easier to get past because it shortens the group. It's not the width of the group that makes it hard to get past, it's the length.

Except you have to pull out further when cyclists are riding abreast, leaving a potential collision more likely.

What i find strange is that its more dangerous for everyone its exponentially so the cyclists so you would think they would want to ride safer so for them to deliberately create that situation is somewhat mind boggling.

Riders riding single file: You have to cross the centre line to get past them, crossing within the lane is too dangerous because it doesn't leave enough room. So you have to wait for a gap in oncoming traffic before you can overtake.

Riders riding abreast: You have to cross the centre line to get past them, crossing within the lane is too dangerous because it doesn't leave enough room. So you have to wait for a gap in oncoming traffic before you can overtake.

The only difference is the length of the group, and a wider but short group is easier to get past because you don't need such a long gap in oncoming traffic.

;D ;D ;D
Yeah cos when you come across a group of cyclists they are always riding in such a uniform manner, they are strung out over the road and your passing one group of them then stuck behind the next part of the group. We are talking about real life scenarios here not idealised ones that suit your argument.

In the scenario where you are conducting a large group cycle on a regional/B road in Ireland where it is a tight squeeze for 2 vehicles and a cyclist to pass this may be correct. However might I add it would be most inconsiderate to conduct a large scale cycle of 9+ cyclists on a road like this especially when others are available.

However for main roads, minor roads etc this is not the case, and virtually all roads in California are large enough for multiple vehicle to pass abreast.

When there are 2 or 3 cyclists riding in single file it is quite easy to pass them safely insteady of them riding abreast

If your riding 2/3 a breast its a ticking time bomb for a scenario arising where you get knocked down, alls it takes is for one driver to come around a corner too fast and be confronted with the option of hitting the cyclists or getting in a head on collision with an on coming lorry.

Incorrect. It's the length of the group that makes them hard to pass, not the width.

In most instances you are coming up behind cyclists, if you dont have to reduce speed you can zip on past. However if you have to stop behind them and wait for an opportunity to pass (which has a much higher likelihood if they're riding 3 abreast) you will prob get past faster if they're riding a breast, but they've already slowed you down at that point and disrupted the flow of traffic.

Real life and its many scenarios doesn't usually fit theories based on one example.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:38:19 PM
Disrupting traffic? Bikes are traffic!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:39:02 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:13:54 PM
I gotta laugh at all these rules tho too

Most cyclists you encounter in California are either on the footpath or coming at you the wrong way up the street, and Im talking about a 50mph road

Today, in "things that never happened"...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:41:21 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:38:19 PM
Disrupting traffic? Bikes are traffic!

Flow of traffic?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:45:43 PM
And...?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:48:10 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:39:02 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:13:54 PM
I gotta laugh at all these rules tho too

Most cyclists you encounter in California are either on the footpath or coming at you the wrong way up the street, and Im talking about a 50mph road

Today, in "things that never happened"...
;D ;D ;D

Oh yeah  ::) denial is another good strategy, except its a crap one cos I encounter it frequently in real life

I would get a photo.... except I am responsible road user
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:49:30 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:45:43 PM
And...?

Traffic has a flow bikes disrupt it disproportionally so when they ride abreast
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 07:26:33 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:48:10 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:39:02 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:13:54 PM
I gotta laugh at all these rules tho too

Most cyclists you encounter in California are either on the footpath or coming at you the wrong way up the street, and Im talking about a 50mph road

Today, in "things that never happened"...
;D ;D ;D

Oh yeah  ::) denial is another good strategy, except its a crap one cos I encounter it frequently in real life

I would get a photo.... except I am responsible road user

Yeah, right. The vast majority of cyclists I see are on the road where they belong. The ones on the footpath (which is actually legal in California except where prohibited) are a tiny minority. You're like the motorist who notices the one cyclist running a red light but is too busy playing with his phone to notice the dozens sitting patiently at the light waiting for it to go green.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 07:27:42 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:49:30 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:45:43 PM
And...?

Traffic has a flow bikes disrupt it disproportionally so when they ride abreast

Bikes are traffic. Riding abreast does not make it harder to get past, it makes it easier. Riding in single file makes it harder to get past because it makes the group longer. But you try explaining that to the numbskulls in the "get off my road" lobby.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 07:42:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 07:26:33 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:48:10 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:39:02 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:13:54 PM
I gotta laugh at all these rules tho too

Most cyclists you encounter in California are either on the footpath or coming at you the wrong way up the street, and Im talking about a 50mph road

Today, in "things that never happened"...
;D ;D ;D

Oh yeah  ::) denial is another good strategy, except its a crap one cos I encounter it frequently in real life

I would get a photo.... except I am responsible road user

Yeah, right. The vast majority of cyclists I see are on the road where they belong. The ones on the footpath (which is actually legal in California except where prohibited) are a tiny minority. You're like the motorist who notices the one cyclist running a red light but is too busy playing with his phone to notice the dozens sitting patiently at the light waiting for it to go green.

Im old fashioned I dont use the phone while driving
Im not talking about running a red light Im talking about going the wrong direction, quite hard not to notice but it could be legal in California, after all we all know Motorcyclists can ride between lanes in California doesnt make it safe or inconsiderate. In fact prob the cause of scores of deaths every year
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 08:27:43 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 07:27:42 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:49:30 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:45:43 PM
And...?

Traffic has a flow bikes disrupt it disproportionally so when they ride abreast

Bikes are traffic. Riding abreast does not make it harder to get past, it makes it easier. Riding in single file makes it harder to get past because it makes the group longer. But you try explaining that to the numbskulls in the "get off my road" lobby.

Repeating things over and over again does not make it correct, especially without referring to the specific scenario I have outlined. Non-sequitur i believe its called.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 09:07:52 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 08:27:43 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 07:27:42 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:49:30 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:45:43 PM
And...?

Traffic has a flow bikes disrupt it disproportionally so when they ride abreast

Bikes are traffic. Riding abreast does not make it harder to get past, it makes it easier. Riding in single file makes it harder to get past because it makes the group longer. But you try explaining that to the numbskulls in the "get off my road" lobby.

Repeating things over and over again does not make it correct, especially without referring to the specific scenario I have outlined. Non-sequitur i believe its called.

Stop doing it, then.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 09:13:17 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 07:42:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 07:26:33 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:48:10 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:39:02 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:13:54 PM
I gotta laugh at all these rules tho too

Most cyclists you encounter in California are either on the footpath or coming at you the wrong way up the street, and Im talking about a 50mph road

Today, in "things that never happened"...
;D ;D ;D

Oh yeah  ::) denial is another good strategy, except its a crap one cos I encounter it frequently in real life

I would get a photo.... except I am responsible road user

Yeah, right. The vast majority of cyclists I see are on the road where they belong. The ones on the footpath (which is actually legal in California except where prohibited) are a tiny minority. You're like the motorist who notices the one cyclist running a red light but is too busy playing with his phone to notice the dozens sitting patiently at the light waiting for it to go green.

Im old fashioned I dont use the phone while driving
Im not talking about running a red light Im talking about going the wrong direction, quite hard not to notice but it could be legal in California, after all we all know Motorcyclists can ride between lanes in California doesnt make it safe or inconsiderate. In fact prob the cause of scores of deaths every year

Funny how the internet is full of so many law-abiding motorists. Shame they're as rare as hens' teeth on the roads. Ever drive over the Bay Bridge? I was going from a match on Treasure Island once and headed for Oakland. I drove at the speed limit and for the craic I counted the number of cars that sped past me. 70 cars had passed me by the time I got to the end of the bridge. 70. And that's only on half the bridge. I feel like a snail driving at the speed limit. And car drivers think they're in a position to wag their fingers at others for violating rules? Half of yiz wouldn't know what it's like to obey the rules if it jumped up and smacked you in the mouth.

Bundle of hypocrites, the whole bloody lot of ya.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 10:16:43 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 09:13:17 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 07:42:12 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 07:26:33 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:48:10 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 06:39:02 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 06:13:54 PM
I gotta laugh at all these rules tho too

Most cyclists you encounter in California are either on the footpath or coming at you the wrong way up the street, and Im talking about a 50mph road

Today, in "things that never happened"...
;D ;D ;D

Oh yeah  ::) denial is another good strategy, except its a crap one cos I encounter it frequently in real life

I would get a photo.... except I am responsible road user

Yeah, right. The vast majority of cyclists I see are on the road where they belong. The ones on the footpath (which is actually legal in California except where prohibited) are a tiny minority. You're like the motorist who notices the one cyclist running a red light but is too busy playing with his phone to notice the dozens sitting patiently at the light waiting for it to go green.

Im old fashioned I dont use the phone while driving
Im not talking about running a red light Im talking about going the wrong direction, quite hard not to notice but it could be legal in California, after all we all know Motorcyclists can ride between lanes in California doesnt make it safe or inconsiderate. In fact prob the cause of scores of deaths every year

Funny how the internet is full of so many law-abiding motorists. Shame they're as rare as hens' teeth on the roads. Ever drive over the Bay Bridge? I was going from a match on Treasure Island once and headed for Oakland. I drove at the speed limit and for the craic I counted the number of cars that sped past me. 70 cars had passed me by the time I got to the end of the bridge. 70. And that's only on half the bridge. I feel like a snail driving at the speed limit. And car drivers think they're in a position to wag their fingers at others for violating rules? Half of yiz wouldn't know what it's like to obey the rules if it jumped up and smacked you in the mouth.

Bundle of hypocrites, the whole bloody lot of ya.

Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 01, 2019, 05:38:01 PM
I was driving from Yerba Buena Island to Oakland a couple of weeks ago on the Bay Bridge. I drove at the speed limit. By the time I got to the other end of the bridge I'd been overtaken by 67 cars. That's in the space of about two miles.

Do you count everytime you head over?

This story prob goes down well in the echo chambers of cycling clubs, but most normal people would just snigger and eyeroll behind your back... because they dont care
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 10:21:51 PM
The point stands. People who live in glass houses shouldn't take a dump in broad daylight.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 10:43:40 PM
Sounds like your point is that you can stereotype an entire demographic, vilify them and call them names because you cant do what you like.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 11:03:01 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 10:43:40 PM
Sounds like your point is that you can stereotype an entire demographic, vilify them and call them names because you cant do what you like.

Which sounds like every comment sanctimonious drivers make about cyclists.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 11:07:52 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 11:03:01 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 10:43:40 PM
Sounds like your point is that you can stereotype an entire demographic, vilify them and call them names because you cant do what you like.

Which sounds like every comment sanctimonious drivers make about cyclists.

and yet there's you doing it about drivers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 11:32:35 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 11:07:52 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 11:03:01 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 10:43:40 PM
Sounds like your point is that you can stereotype an entire demographic, vilify them and call them names because you cant do what you like.

Which sounds like every comment sanctimonious drivers make about cyclists.

and yet there's you doing it about drivers

Well if you can't take it, don't give it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 11:48:56 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 09:13:17 PM
Bundle of hypocrites, the whole bloody lot of ya.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trueblue1234 on May 07, 2020, 08:44:41 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 11:32:35 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 11:07:52 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 06, 2020, 11:03:01 PM
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 06, 2020, 10:43:40 PM
Sounds like your point is that you can stereotype an entire demographic, vilify them and call them names because you cant do what you like.

Which sounds like every comment sanctimonious drivers make about cyclists.

and yet there's you doing it about drivers

Well if you can't take it, don't give it.

What was that you were saying about hypocrites?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JoG2 on May 07, 2020, 09:15:52 AM
No garda or police about this morning when I entered Muff. I headed up Grainne's Gap then. There's a couple of big hills just north of the gap, the peaks being extremely hard, so it was a slow enough pull up those but it's all down hill then to Cockhill. 15kmh average speed over very hilly terrain , so a satisfying enough 2hr ride. Really nice start to the day tbh
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 07, 2020, 09:27:22 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on May 07, 2020, 09:15:52 AM
No garda or police about this morning when I entered Muff. I headed up Grainne's Gap thenThere's a couple of big hills just north of the gap, the peaks being extremely hard, so it was a slow enough pull up those but it's all down hill then to Cockhill. 15kmh average speed over very hilly terrain , so a satisfying enough 2hr ride. Really nice start to the day tbh

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d4/e4/e3/d4e4e3c4a1b308c2223fd3ceb260ef92.png)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on May 07, 2020, 09:32:18 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on May 07, 2020, 09:15:52 AM
No garda or police about this morning when I entered Muff. I headed up Grainne's Gap then. There's a couple of big hills just north of the gap, the peaks being extremely hard, so it was a slow enough pull up those but it's all down hill then to Cockhill. 15kmh average speed over very hilly terrain , so a satisfying enough 2hr ride. Really nice start to the day tbh

Sounds exhausting, I'd have rolled over after entering Muff.

You know entering Muff is reckless, I'm surprised one poster hasn't tried to identify you and report you for entering another town on the island of Ireland!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 13, 2020, 04:19:59 PM
Was thinking of getting a new bike and a child seat to get out and about with the kids a bit during lock-down. I assume a Hybrid is the way to go but would welcome any recommendations either for a bike or the child seat!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BenDover on May 14, 2020, 08:22:26 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 13, 2020, 04:19:59 PM
Was thinking of getting a new bike and a child seat to get out and about with the kids a bit during lock-down. I assume a Hybrid is the way to go but would welcome any recommendations either for a bike or the child seat!
I have this cyclocross bike a year now https://www.halfords.com/bikes/adventure-bikes/voodoo-limba-mens-adventure-bike---52-54.5-57cm-frames-445554.html. Got this purely for the same reason as you, wanted something I could put a seat on/off easily enough. Works well with this seat https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/child-bike-seats/polisport-bubbly-mini-head-tube-109838.html. My youngest just turned 4 and it's no bother scooting around with him on the back.

Without the seat, I've had the bike out on the road and off road.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 14, 2020, 10:30:47 AM
Quote from: BenDover on May 14, 2020, 08:22:26 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 13, 2020, 04:19:59 PM
Was thinking of getting a new bike and a child seat to get out and about with the kids a bit during lock-down. I assume a Hybrid is the way to go but would welcome any recommendations either for a bike or the child seat!
I have this cyclocross bike a year now https://www.halfords.com/bikes/adventure-bikes/voodoo-limba-mens-adventure-bike---52-54.5-57cm-frames-445554.html. Got this purely for the same reason as you, wanted something I could put a seat on/off easily enough. Works well with this seat https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/child-bike-seats/polisport-bubbly-mini-head-tube-109838.html. My youngest just turned 4 and it's no bother scooting around with him on the back.

Without the seat, I've had the bike out on the road and off road.
Cheers, however with the road bike handle bars it may look to similar to my current road bike which will lead to questions as to why I bought it. That is why I was thinking something that looked more like a mtb. AnywayHalfords are  currently quoting end of June
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Main Street on May 15, 2020, 12:21:18 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 07, 2020, 09:32:18 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on May 07, 2020, 09:15:52 AM
No garda or police about this morning when I entered Muff. I headed up Grainne's Gap then. There's a couple of big hills just north of the gap, the peaks being extremely hard, so it was a slow enough pull up those but it's all down hill then to Cockhill. 15kmh average speed over very hilly terrain , so a satisfying enough 2hr ride. Really nice start to the day tbh

Sounds exhausting, I'd have rolled over after entering Muff.

You know entering Muff is reckless, I'm surprised one poster hasn't tried to identify you and report you for entering another town on the island of Ireland!
Hypocrite, you're the censorious lockdown fanatic along with a few others here,  but when it came to Nordies doing non-essential cross border journeys where they couldn't be nabbed by the Garda Siochana, you all were suitably outraged in true self entitled Nordie fashion that anybody should highlight that anti social behaviour.

Me, I'm more chilled out, I'm no lockdown fanatic,  I'd be partial to entering Muff should she be willing, but I'd do a bipass around Cockhill. 

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 15, 2020, 01:35:08 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 13, 2020, 04:19:59 PM
Was thinking of getting a new bike and a child seat to get out and about with the kids a bit during lock-down. I assume a Hybrid is the way to go but would welcome any recommendations either for a bike or the child seat!

We use one of these so the little one can sit up front where we can keep an eye on her and where she can see everything. They're very common in Holland, apparently:

https://www.monsterscooterparts.com/ibert-safe-t-seat-baby-seat.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2PP1BRCiARIsAEqv-pQqy-HD_qEwDY1xn7Xqmku8U81S-AeBpFXYJch-TwxeE8SZyy0TONoaAgYPEALw_wcB
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on May 15, 2020, 08:54:32 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 15, 2020, 01:35:08 AM
Quote from: LeoMc on May 13, 2020, 04:19:59 PM
Was thinking of getting a new bike and a child seat to get out and about with the kids a bit during lock-down. I assume a Hybrid is the way to go but would welcome any recommendations either for a bike or the child seat!

We use one of these so the little one can sit up front where we can keep an eye on her and where she can see everything. They're very common in Holland, apparently:

https://www.monsterscooterparts.com/ibert-safe-t-seat-baby-seat.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2PP1BRCiARIsAEqv-pQqy-HD_qEwDY1xn7Xqmku8U81S-AeBpFXYJch-TwxeE8SZyy0TONoaAgYPEALw_wcB
They are a good idea, better than having my arse crack for a view but I was told those up front seats weren't great for longer spins, a lot less suspension than the rear mounted ones as they are on the crossbar rather than being on sprung steel.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 15, 2020, 09:34:24 AM
I've bought my first Disc brake yoke (12mm thru axle)  as my new Winter bike, having avoided Disc brakes up until now I feel like a total novice again. I was looking at a deal on budget Carbon Disc Wheels as a quick upgrade and Christ was I lost. Seems to be very little standardised with Disc Bikes & wheels?  lots of adaptors required etc... Looks like a bit of a minefield.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 15, 2020, 10:16:02 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 15, 2020, 09:34:24 AM
I've bought my first Disc brake yoke (12mm thru axle)  as my new Winter bike, having avoided Disc brakes up until now I feel like a total novice again. I was looking at a deal on budget Carbon Disc Wheels as a quick upgrade and Christ was I lost. Seems to be very little standardised with Disc Bikes & wheels?  lots of adaptors required etc... Looks like a bit of a minefield.

Definitely a minefield and it takes a bit more maintenance with the disc brakes. I am useless at bike mechanic type stuff at the best of times as well. I like them in the winter though, whenever it rains at least you know you'll get the bike stopped.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 15, 2020, 10:16:36 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 15, 2020, 09:34:24 AM
I've bought my first Disc brake yoke (12mm thru axle)  as my new Winter bike, having avoided Disc brakes up until now I feel like a total novice again. I was looking at a deal on budget Carbon Disc Wheels as a quick upgrade and Christ was I lost. Seems to be very little standardised with Disc Bikes & wheels?  lots of adaptors required etc... Looks like a bit of a minefield.

I'm riding my first disc brake bike (last 6 weeks), one piece of advice is take wheel off whilst cleaning/oiling the chain. One spec of petrol or oil etc near the disc is a disaster. I cleaned my chain last week with petrol and then oiled afterwards, everything went great (so i thought) and brakes worked perfect but was caught out last week in the rain and when the discs are wet they squealed like mad (so loud) due to the small splash of petrol/oil that i didn't know had contaminated the disc/pads.
Good luck with it BennyD
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 15, 2020, 10:27:15 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 15, 2020, 09:34:24 AM
I've bought my first Disc brake yoke (12mm thru axle)  as my new Winter bike, having avoided Disc brakes up until now I feel like a total novice again. I was looking at a deal on budget Carbon Disc Wheels as a quick upgrade and Christ was I lost. Seems to be very little standardised with Disc Bikes & wheels?  lots of adaptors required etc... Looks like a bit of a minefield.

What did you go for?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 15, 2020, 03:54:01 PM
Trek Emonda ALR5 - Aluminium (Purple Flip version), with 105

https://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/trek-emonda-alr-5-disc-purple-flip.html
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 15, 2020, 04:24:44 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 15, 2020, 03:54:01 PM
Trek Emonda ALR5 - Aluminium (Purple Flip version), with 105

https://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/trek-emonda-alr-5-disc-purple-flip.html

Very nice, good luck and health to enjoy it.
Too good for a winter hack !
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 16, 2020, 10:18:20 AM
Did any of you buy tickets for the "Canyon Aeroad CF SL 8.0" from www.grandtourcompetitions.com

£9.99 for an entry into the bike, I believe it's being drawn tomorrow. Would be a lovely bike to win alright although I've just bought a lovely bike so prob would be wasted on me. Although as a cyclist you can never own enough bikes ;D.

P.S. not promoting this either, don't care if you buy or not...just curious if any of you had entered?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 16, 2020, 06:38:59 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 15, 2020, 10:16:36 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 15, 2020, 09:34:24 AM
I've bought my first Disc brake yoke (12mm thru axle)  as my new Winter bike, having avoided Disc brakes up until now I feel like a total novice again. I was looking at a deal on budget Carbon Disc Wheels as a quick upgrade and Christ was I lost. Seems to be very little standardised with Disc Bikes & wheels?  lots of adaptors required etc... Looks like a bit of a minefield.

I'm riding my first disc brake bike (last 6 weeks), one piece of advice is take wheel off whilst cleaning/oiling the chain. One spec of petrol or oil etc near the disc is a disaster. I cleaned my chain last week with petrol and then oiled afterwards, everything went great (so i thought) and brakes worked perfect but was caught out last week in the rain and when the discs are wet they squealed like mad (so loud) due to the small splash of petrol/oil that i didn't know had contaminated the disc/pads.
Good luck with it BennyD

It may not be the oil, could be just all the muck/grime splashed up fron the road. I use a little brake disc cleaner on the disc and pads. If the pads have been badly contaminated by oil you can even try sanding them a little if they are metal. The resin pads are basically toast if they get contaminated by oil/brake fluid. At £18 a pop its an expensive mistake
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 16, 2020, 06:53:35 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 15, 2020, 09:34:24 AM
I've bought my first Disc brake yoke (12mm thru axle)  as my new Winter bike, having avoided Disc brakes up until now I feel like a total novice again. I was looking at a deal on budget Carbon Disc Wheels as a quick upgrade and Christ was I lost. Seems to be very little standardised with Disc Bikes & wheels?  lots of adaptors required etc... Looks like a bit of a minefield.

Definitely a lot more fiddling around with the setup with disc brakes. For instance, swapping a new set of wheels in, will probably mean adjusting the disc caliper alignment.
       
   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 16, 2020, 07:04:12 PM
Cheers, good to know, think I'll hold fire on any upgrades for a while.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 16, 2020, 07:33:05 PM
Trying to convince my young lad who is 6 to take off the stabilisers on his bike but he is very nervous about me doing it.
Any tips on getting him riding without them?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on May 16, 2020, 07:44:10 PM
Cant claim any credit but our old childminder had a slope on her garden we arrived one day and one boy had learned to ride a bike going down it with similar result for the other boy a few days later if thats any use at all lol. Basically take them off and go down a (grass) hill probably assisting them for the first lock o times
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 16, 2020, 08:01:11 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 16, 2020, 07:33:05 PM
Trying to convince my young lad who is 6 to take off the stabilisers on his bike but he is very nervous about me doing it.
Any tips on getting him riding without them?
I think with our I just held onto the saddle for a while to reassure whilst they peddle away. Eventually they'll peddle away without knowing you've let go of the saddle. There might be the odd spill but if you can get him back at it not falling is a good incentive to learn.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on May 16, 2020, 09:09:00 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 16, 2020, 07:33:05 PM
Trying to convince my young lad who is 6 to take off the stabilisers on his bike but he is very nervous about me doing it.
Any tips on getting him riding without them?

Might be too late but the balance bikes are great job. Only discovered thrm with my youngest. She's still only 3 and still on it but I think she might go straight to pedals from that. The oldest 2 took a while with stabilisers. I used to hold onto back of seat, then give thrm good push to get up speed, thry get the balance better then. Anyone recommend a good seat to hook onto hybrid bike for 3 year old?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: screenexile on May 17, 2020, 01:05:13 AM
Quote from: laoislad on May 16, 2020, 07:33:05 PM
Trying to convince my young lad who is 6 to take off the stabilisers on his bike but he is very nervous about me doing it.
Any tips on getting him riding without them?

If you have a bike without stabilisers that fits take off the pedals and get him to use it as a balance bike for a while getting speed up and lifting his legs off the ground then. Once he gets the hang of the balance he can pedal already so he should be grand.

We did it with my eldest at 4 and within an hour and a half we had the pedals back on and she was fine by herself a couple of spills but she pretty much had it. Going downhill is a great help as talked about before.

It shouldn't take him too long.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 17, 2020, 07:39:27 AM
He had a balance bike alright and was fine on it, though that bike is way too small for him now,he's also no bother on one of those scooter things flying down hills and stuff. His bike is a little big for him but the place I bought it advised that so he could grow into it, he has mentioned a few times he thinks the bike is a bit big so I think that's what is making him nervous.
He well able for it though flying around on it with the stabilisers on.
Have been told just to leave them on and he will eventually just ask to take them off but I'd like to get him going without them. Might try the downhill with him.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on May 21, 2020, 08:16:12 AM
Anywhere that does reasonable cycling jerseys, all the nice stuff is an outrageous price on the big sites. Cheers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 21, 2020, 08:36:28 AM
Welcome to the RIP off world of cycling!

Always been a fan of Decathlon for reasonably priced, good quality gear (not cheap - there's defo cheaper about), they've some lovely cycling jackets as well - which you tend to get more use out of in this country tbh!
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-11007-cycling-jerseys-and-tops
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BenDover on May 21, 2020, 08:58:53 AM
I see shootjerseys have started the cycling gear, not sure what sizes are like.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 21, 2020, 05:42:09 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 15, 2020, 04:24:44 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 15, 2020, 03:54:01 PM
Trek Emonda ALR5 - Aluminium (Purple Flip version), with 105

https://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/trek-emonda-alr-5-disc-purple-flip.html

Very nice, good luck and health to enjoy it.
Too good for a winter hack !
Thought I was lifting it today, cant get it until the end of July now!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 21, 2020, 10:14:00 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 21, 2020, 08:16:12 AM
Anywhere that does reasonable cycling jerseys, all the nice stuff is an outrageous price on the big sites. Cheers

https://galibier.cc

An irish company that have lovely looking gear and just not as expensive as the major brands.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 21, 2020, 10:54:40 PM
To you guys that consider yourselves cyclists can you list your current bikes (winter & summer)...I've been into cycling now about 5-6 years and have slowly built up a nice stock of gear and a couple of nice bikes, the reason i was asking about bikes is I worked on the Ormeau Rd, Belfast for a few years and McConvey Cycles were only a few hundred meters up the road from me so every lunch time i'd be up looking and admiring the stock. All my bikes to date have been Specialized as McConvey Cycles are Specialized dealers, majority of my clothing are Specialized but recently I've been guying Mavic gear, DHB, Assos and a few others.
I'm also starting to wonder now what other bike brands are like to ride...Canyon's, Trek's etc, so this is why i was asking for your bike brands. When i first started cycling i thought there was about half a dozen bike brands...lol.

Current summer bike: Specialized Tarmac Disc Pro 2019
Winter bike: Specialized Roubaix 2015 (love this bike, it is so comfortable)

Dream bike: Specialized S-Works Tarmac/Venge

Dream on bike: Pinarello Dogma (nicest bike on the market but £12,000 cannot be justified)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 21, 2020, 11:25:30 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 21, 2020, 10:14:00 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 21, 2020, 08:16:12 AM
Anywhere that does reasonable cycling jerseys, all the nice stuff is an outrageous price on the big sites. Cheers

https://galibier.cc

An irish company that have lovely looking gear and just not as expensive as the major brands.
That is some nice clobber at decent prices. Do you have the Mistral by any chance? (Looks like their gabba)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 21, 2020, 11:32:55 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 21, 2020, 10:54:40 PM
To you guys that consider yourselves cyclists can you list your current bikes (winter & summer)...I've been into cycling now about 5-6 years and have slowly built up a nice stock of gear and a couple of nice bikes, the reason i was asking about bikes is I worked on the Ormeau Rd, Belfast for a few years and McConvey Cycles were only a few hundred meters up the road from me so every lunch time i'd be up looking and admiring the stock. All my bikes to date have been Specialized as McConvey Cycles are Specialized dealers, majority of my clothing are Specialized but recently I've been guying Mavic gear, DHB, Assos and a few others.
I'm also starting to wonder now what other bike brands are like to ride...Canyon's, Trek's etc, so this is why i was asking for your bike brands. When i first started cycling i thought there was about half a dozen bike brands...lol.

Current summer bike: Specialized Tarmac Disc Pro 2019
Winter bike: Specialized Roubaix 2015 (love this bike, it is so comfortable)

Dream bike: Specialized S-Works Tarmac/Venge

Dream on bike: Pinarello Dogma (nicest bike on the market but £12,000 cannot be justified)
Currently have a Trek Emonda SLR6 & an old Cervelo R2 as my Winter yoke, soon to be the Trek emonda ALR5 Alu hopefully! Have been thru loads of bikes up to now, probably regret getting rid of a Mercx a few years back, lovely bike. A fancy Bianchi would be nice.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on May 22, 2020, 09:08:44 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 21, 2020, 11:25:30 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on May 21, 2020, 10:14:00 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 21, 2020, 08:16:12 AM
Anywhere that does reasonable cycling jerseys, all the nice stuff is an outrageous price on the big sites. Cheers

https://galibier.cc

An irish company that have lovely looking gear and just not as expensive as the major brands.
That is some nice clobber at decent prices. Do you have the Mistral by any chance? (Looks like their gabba)

No but I do have a gabba and I have to say it is by far the best piece of cycle clothing i own. Worth the extra money. I have the Galibier shorts, a jacket and a gillet. All very good quality.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 22, 2020, 09:26:54 AM
Yeah, I have the Perfetto, it's the go to kit from October on. I also bought a Lusso winter jacket a few years ago which is very good kit too, dear tho, always keeping an eye out for deals on their site trying to pick another one up.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 22, 2020, 10:27:29 AM
Quote from: illdecide on May 21, 2020, 10:54:40 PM
To you guys that consider yourselves cyclists can you list your current bikes (winter & summer)...I've been into cycling now about 5-6 years and have slowly built up a nice stock of gear and a couple of nice bikes, the reason i was asking about bikes is I worked on the Ormeau Rd, Belfast for a few years and McConvey Cycles were only a few hundred meters up the road from me so every lunch time i'd be up looking and admiring the stock. All my bikes to date have been Specialized as McConvey Cycles are Specialized dealers, majority of my clothing are Specialized but recently I've been guying Mavic gear, DHB, Assos and a few others.
I'm also starting to wonder now what other bike brands are like to ride...Canyon's, Trek's etc, so this is why i was asking for your bike brands. When i first started cycling i thought there was about half a dozen bike brands...lol.

Current summer bike: Specialized Tarmac Disc Pro 2019
Winter bike: Specialized Roubaix 2015 (love this bike, it is so comfortable)

Dream bike: Specialized S-Works Tarmac/Venge

Dream on bike: Pinarello Dogma (nicest bike on the market but £12,000 cannot be justified)


Summer - Cube Peleton 105
https://roadcyclinguk.com/gear/cube-model-year-2014-road-bikes-first-look.html (https://roadcyclinguk.com/gear/cube-model-year-2014-road-bikes-first-look.html)

Work commute, trails
https://www.singletracks.com/photo.php?p=90271 (https://www.singletracks.com/photo.php?p=90271)

Winter hack
https://usedbikes.ie/bicycle/trek-discovery-channel-road-bike-987 (https://usedbikes.ie/bicycle/trek-discovery-channel-road-bike-987)
This one was an ebay mongrel, i picked up the frame for £100 around the time Lance and the discovery channel bike image was non too popular. Built up from ebay parts for about £400 in total. Its 3x10 set up. Very comfortable bike. I don't like the sloping top tubes of a lot of modern bikes so next purchase could be a Cannondale as they seem to do a lot with horizontal top tube.


Like the look of the Wilier brand
http://www.astanaproteam.kz/modules.php?name=astana&page=news&id=3509 (http://www.astanaproteam.kz/modules.php?name=astana&page=news&id=3509)

Had one of these out of Geordie Wilsons in Cookstown late 80's. They dont make em like that anymore !!
https://www.etsy.com/dk-en/listing/216008208/colnago-mexico-bicycle (https://www.etsy.com/dk-en/listing/216008208/colnago-mexico-bicycle)
Wish i'd have kept it they are worth a small fortune now



Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 24, 2020, 12:34:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 16, 2020, 08:01:11 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 16, 2020, 07:33:05 PM
Trying to convince my young lad who is 6 to take off the stabilisers on his bike but he is very nervous about me doing it.
Any tips on getting him riding without them?
I think with our I just held onto the saddle for a while to reassure whilst they peddle away. Eventually they'll peddle away without knowing you've let go of the saddle. There might be the odd spill but if you can get him back at it not falling is a good incentive to learn.
Have been out with him the last few days doing this and he took off today without me holding on. Great feeling seeing him do it. Cycling around now no bother.
Obviously now I'm gonna take all the credit as the wife was telling me not to take off the stabilisers just yet....she won't hear the end of it  ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on May 24, 2020, 01:20:53 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 24, 2020, 12:34:09 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 16, 2020, 08:01:11 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 16, 2020, 07:33:05 PM
Trying to convince my young lad who is 6 to take off the stabilisers on his bike but he is very nervous about me doing it.
Any tips on getting him riding without them?
I think with our I just held onto the saddle for a while to reassure whilst they peddle away. Eventually they'll peddle away without knowing you've let go of the saddle. There might be the odd spill but if you can get him back at it not falling is a good incentive to learn.
Have been out with him the last few days doing this and he took off today without me holding on. Great feeling seeing him do it. Cycling around now no bother.
Obviously now I'm gonna take all the credit as the wife was telling me not to take off the stabilisers just yet....she won't hear the end of it  ;)
Excellent stuff. It's always a great milestone for a child.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 25, 2020, 09:36:57 AM
Was out for a few miles yesterday and came across several groups of 5 & 6 in their group. I know our club have came out and said until Cycling Ireland gives the go-ahead we have to still cycle alone, as the weeks go by you see more and more out together. I'd love to ride in a group again and miss the craic, hopefully CI lift the ban soon...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 25, 2020, 10:27:37 AM
Our club abiding by it too, but think it's bucked now tbh. With the NI executive permitting up to 6 people to meet, you could drive a bus through any guidance anyway, but after the Dominic Cummings saga a lot of people's attitude will likely change pretty quickly.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 25, 2020, 02:39:13 PM
Bad form. Seen quite a few groups 4/5 over the weekend. No club colours! although i recognised quite a few different club members. Daft and liable to get a backlash.
     Im afraid the more this thing drags on the more selfish traits i see in people.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 25, 2020, 03:44:34 PM
This may sound silly but is there not a common sense approach among people you trust. Say you have a close knit 6 cyclists you all trust each other and are good friends, surely if you are all well and feeling fit with no sickness or high temp is there any harm in going out as your normal group?. Not asking for a friend btw...lol, i've been solo for the last few months but i'm itching to get back out with the mates.
The obvious questions here are they going to stay away if they feel unwell?
Common sense to me may not be common sense to the next man (i know)
Of course the risk here is someone could have it and not know...(prob the biggie here)
Don't want a full debate on the virus as there is a thread for that but just more related to cycling...thanks.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 25, 2020, 04:09:50 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 25, 2020, 03:44:34 PM
This may sound silly but is there not a common sense approach among people you trust. Say you have a close knit 6 cyclists you all trust each other and are good friends, surely if you are all well and feeling fit with no sickness or high temp is there any harm in going out as your normal group?. Not asking for a friend btw...lol, i've been solo for the last few months but i'm itching to get back out with the mates.
The obvious questions here are they going to stay away if they feel unwell?
Common sense to me may not be common sense to the next man (i know)
Of course the risk here is someone could have it and not know...(prob the biggie here
)
Don't want a full debate on the virus as there is a thread for that but just more related to cycling...thanks.

I think you've sort of answered your own question. Until CI give the go ahead we have to wait.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thewobbler on May 27, 2020, 07:21:13 AM
Somebody selling a £9k bike just appeared on my Facebook timeline.

Genuine question - who buys a £9k bike and what do they hope to achieve? Can it really improve times / endurance over a £1k bike, or is it just a rich boy's toy?

Can I assume that someone's riding style/technique doesn't differ between a £1k and £9k bike - so if there is an improvement in times, it can be traced back to the bike?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 27, 2020, 08:54:36 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on May 27, 2020, 07:21:13 AM
Somebody selling a £9k bike just appeared on my Facebook timeline.

Genuine question - who buys a £9k bike and what do they hope to achieve? Can it really improve times / endurance over a £1k bike, or is it just a rich boy's toy?

Can I assume that someone's riding style/technique doesn't differ between a £1k and £9k bike - so if there is an improvement in times, it can be traced back to the bike?

I would say the improvement would be pretty minimal over a 1k bike. Unless you are a serious racing man you dont need anything like that. The difference between a £200 bike and a 1k bike is very noticeable but once you get into the bigger numbers does something at 8k beat something at 5k ? I doubt it. The bike shops have done a great job on convincing people that they need everything to be the dog balls and where it isn't you upgrade. So for example bike shop will pitch a bike in around the 2k mark but there will be something on it they will convince you that you need to upgrade at some point. Usually the wheels, or they give you a really nice frame and wheels but use Tiagra groupset (entry level nothing wrong with it), or they give you Ultegra groupset but stock heavier wheels. Nothing wrong with wanting to improve fitness and speed but 9/10 times it is you that needs improving not the bike.
And i would know...... But if someone wants to buy a bike at 9k who am i to tell them what to do with their money. But sure i suppose it is like cars or watches for example. You can spend fortunes on them but they generally only do what a much cheaper one does.
I'd say when all this pandemic is over the 2nd hand market will be flooded with stuff as lots of people have bought bikes that will give up heading in to winter.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thewobbler on May 27, 2020, 09:56:21 AM
Thanks Maddog.

I always wonder about the mindset of golfers who spend months perfecting their driver, only to use the competition winnings from that day when it all comes together, to fund a new driver.

Seems like this notion transcends sports.

£9k is some outlay on a hobby bike all the same.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 27, 2020, 10:16:45 AM
Look there is a difference in a £9k bike compared to a £1k bike...no question. The question should be is the £8k difference worth it and that depends on who's riding it and at what level. If you're a top cyclist and the small percentages matter then "Yes" it does make a difference but if you're an average run of the mill cyclist a bike from £1k-£2k is more than enough.
Now i've an expensive bike and TBH it hasn't really made me any faster (don't think so anyway as we're all riding solo) than my previous one, it's much nicer to look at (for me) and i enjoy it but i know too that doesn't matter if i ride a £12k bike or a £500 bike i still have to pedal it and i'm the engine...So the answer is yes there are differences in the cheap bikes to the expensive ones but the margins get smaller the more you go up in price.
I tried to justify buying my bike with "I don't smoke, I hardly take a drink and don't gamble" so why not enjoy myself with something i like...Was it a waste of money? Don't think so, I think buying a new car is a waste of money
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on May 27, 2020, 11:00:04 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on May 27, 2020, 09:56:21 AM
Thanks Maddog.

I always wonder about the mindset of golfers who spend months perfecting their driver, only to use the competition winnings from that day when it all comes together, to fund a new driver.

Seems like this notion transcends sports.

£9k is some outlay on a hobby bike all the same.

To be fair the only way to fix a bad golf swing or round of golf is to throw money at it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 27, 2020, 12:28:22 PM
I'd say the ballpark of 3k is what most people (average joe) who get into cycling in a serious way are willing to go to achieve real mechanical gains, anything significantly above that cost wise I really don't see the gains to be had on any bike tbh.  I've noticed boys on seriously expensive bikes in our club out for an evening spin (max 35/40m) with 2 full water bottles - that's 1kg of unnecessary weight right there, undoing what they were paying for.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 28, 2020, 01:12:04 PM
I've always wanted an S-Works Venge/Tarmac from i started cycling, currently i have the next thing below it. Based on the chat here and the chat i've had with other cyclists may times the S-Works bike will not help me be a faster cyclist compared to what i'm riding but it'll look the part, so if i can afford one i'll buy it for cosmetic purposes only. I suppose the best thing is to get fitter, stronger and lighter and that's better than any S-Works...lol.

Long story short in the short while i've been cycling i thought owning a bike like that would make a massive improvement in me but now that i've a few years under my belt and a good bike i've realised that it only helps you in small fractions and no matter what you buy and ride you're the engine. The thought of owning an S-Works bike and kitted out to the neck in the best of gear and being last in your Sunday run with the mates would be some laugh all the same.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on May 28, 2020, 01:38:50 PM
3 years ago I started cycling. Bought a second hand Giant of gumtree for £450. Last September I done Mizen to Malin on it and done about 3000 miles training in the 6 months leading up to it. All on my £450 bike. Guys spending thousands on fancy bikes are doing in to be seen in a fancy bike. No great performance to be gained no matter what the cycle shop sales man tells you.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on May 28, 2020, 01:40:59 PM
Simply the lighter you want (also Di2, Sram Wireless etc...) the components (and bike overall) the cost "probably" increases exponentially. I see people all the time spending thousands to save 1kg on a bike when they are "technically obese". If they spent more time riding their multiple bikes, they'd drop that 1kg in a week or 2 without that hit on the wallet.

That said if you want to spend 10k because you can afford it and want the best you can afford; off you go and enjoy it. It's like cars, the pleasure comes from the experiencing the engineering etc... but don't expect to push it anywhere near the limits.

Also don't expect the rest of us to listen to crap about how it improves you as a cyclist as those sorts of bike only make a difference to small percentage of elite cyclists. Those cyclists don't pay for these bikes  ;)

This whole concept of winter bikes is another one that people need to have a good hard look at themselves 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 28, 2020, 03:10:53 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on May 28, 2020, 01:40:59 PM
Simply the lighter you want (also Di2, Sram Wireless etc...) the components (and bike overall) the cost "probably" increases exponentially. I see people all the time spending thousands to save 1kg on a bike when they are "technically obese". If they spent more time riding their multiple bikes, they'd drop that 1kg in a week or 2 without that hit on the wallet.

That said if you want to spend 10k because you can afford it and want the best you can afford; off you go and enjoy it. It's like cars, the pleasure comes from the experiencing the engineering etc... but don't expect to push it anywhere near the limits.

Also don't expect the rest of us to listen to crap about how it improves you as a cyclist as those sorts of bike only make a difference to small percentage of elite cyclists. Those cyclists don't pay for these bikes  ;)

This whole concept of winter bikes is another one that people need to have a good hard look at themselves

I agree with most of your comments but to be fair i don't think there's much wrong with riding a bike in the winter that you wouldn't care too much about if it fell apart and keep your nice bike clear of the grime and crap from the winter roads for the better weather. I'm not talking about S-Works here now but your nice we £1k-£3k bike. Don't see much harm in that TBH. I have two bikes but i don't class my cheaper bike as a winter bike as i'd ride it in the summer too if i was out for a stroll and it's more comfortable than my other bike which is set up differently.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 28, 2020, 03:12:18 PM
Like most things in life the Genetic lucky dip plays a big part in cycling and how much effort you're willing to put in. Bikes do make a difference especially if you're doing a bit of racing, you're deluding yourself if you think otherwise. There's boys that would beat you riding a garden gate right enough, if you're one of those boys good luck to you.

Winter bikes make sense, why would the likes of illdecide want to slog through rain, frost. Sleet, snow and howling winds on an S Works with di2 etc... destroy the bike ffs. I would put my good bike away most Novembers.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 28, 2020, 03:25:33 PM
Winter bikes have always been and always will be.

Easier set up for mudguards, additional frame clearance, wider tyres etc. Some racing machines you could not wedge a match stick between the frame and the rear wheel.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on May 28, 2020, 03:47:22 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 28, 2020, 03:25:33 PM
Winter bikes have always been and always will be.

Easier set up for mudguards, additional frame clearance, wider tyres etc. Some racing machines you could not wedge a match stick between the frame and the rear wheel.

Is that so? From my experience it's a fairly new phenomenon since cycling has become popular in the last 10/15 years.

I've winter wheels for handiness and because I upgraded (and got rid of most of my bikes). In reality I couldn't care less about components wearing out quicker - it just gives me an excuse to upgrade. It's not like the bike dissolves into a mess come spring time and everything has to be replaced anyway. You never hear of mountain bikers having bikes for nice weather etc.... they get out and enjoy it.

Also I am aware that the correct number of bikes to own is n+1 (n being the current number you own).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 28, 2020, 04:01:15 PM
Winter bikes have been a thing for as long as I can remember. Racing boys often use a fixed wheel in the winter time to build their legs up. Stick a fixed wheel on an old frame with the 45 degree dropouts so you can put tension on the chain, and add mudguards so you don't muck up your mates.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 28, 2020, 04:16:49 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on May 28, 2020, 03:47:22 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 28, 2020, 03:25:33 PM
Winter bikes have always been and always will be.

Easier set up for mudguards, additional frame clearance, wider tyres etc. Some racing machines you could not wedge a match stick between the frame and the rear wheel.

Is that so? From my experience it's a fairly new phenomenon since cycling has become popular in the last 10/15 years.

I've winter wheels for handiness and because I upgraded (and got rid of most of my bikes). In reality I couldn't care less about components wearing out quicker - it just gives me an excuse to upgrade. It's not like the bike dissolves into a mess come spring time and everything has to be replaced anyway. You never hear of mountain bikers having bikes for nice weather etc.... they get out and enjoy it.

Also I am away that the correct number of bikes to own is n+1 (n being the current number you own).

When i started with the local club in 1985 you want to have seen what passed for a winter bike then. Usually a proper heap, often fixed wheel. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: thebigfella on May 28, 2020, 04:41:46 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on May 28, 2020, 04:01:15 PM
Winter bikes have been a thing for as long as I can remember. Racing boys often use a fixed wheel in the winter time to build their legs up. Stick a fixed wheel on an old frame with the 45 degree dropouts so you can put tension on the chain, and add mudguards so you don't muck up your mates.

That's not what I would call a winter bike - that's just using a different bike for specific type of training  ::)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 28, 2020, 05:30:16 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 28, 2020, 04:16:49 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on May 28, 2020, 03:47:22 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 28, 2020, 03:25:33 PM
Winter bikes have always been and always will be.

Easier set up for mudguards, additional frame clearance, wider tyres etc. Some racing machines you could not wedge a match stick between the frame and the rear wheel.

Is that so? From my experience it's a fairly new phenomenon since cycling has become popular in the last 10/15 years.

I've winter wheels for handiness and because I upgraded (and got rid of most of my bikes). In reality I couldn't care less about components wearing out quicker - it just gives me an excuse to upgrade. It's not like the bike dissolves into a mess come spring time and everything has to be replaced anyway. You never hear of mountain bikers having bikes for nice weather etc.... they get out and enjoy it.

Also I am away that the correct number of bikes to own is n+1 (n being the current number you own).

When i started with the local club in 1985 you want to have seen what passed for a winter bike then. Usually a proper heap, often fixed wheel.

Yup. Nothing fancy, just an old frame with whatever parts you could scrape together from the shed. Good times.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on May 29, 2020, 10:28:47 AM
What sort of wheels yous all using. Got to be worth a 2/3mph extra
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 29, 2020, 12:37:02 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 29, 2020, 10:28:47 AM
What sort of wheels yous all using. Got to be worth a 2/3mph extra

Fulcrum Racing Zero steel wheels & Roval carbon carbon wheels. Dunno about 3mph but it would put 1.5mph anyway on a good set of wheels
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on May 29, 2020, 02:33:17 PM
Just pulled the road bike outta the garage for the first time in 18months. Front break lever has absolutely no tension. Do we think its just the cables or would the fluid have leaked?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 29, 2020, 02:35:48 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 29, 2020, 02:33:17 PM
Just pulled the road bike outta the garage for the first time in 18months. Front break lever has absolutely no tension. Do we think its just the cables or would the fluid have leaked?

Hydraulic brake. Try pumping it repeatedly. That happens on my mountain bike if not used for a bit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on May 29, 2020, 02:47:47 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 29, 2020, 02:35:48 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 29, 2020, 02:33:17 PM
Just pulled the road bike outta the garage for the first time in 18months. Front break lever has absolutely no tension. Do we think its just the cables or would the fluid have leaked?

Hydraulic brake. Try pumping it repeatedly. That happens on my mountain bike if not used for a bit.

Just tried, nothing happening. Noticed it was moving the pads slightly, and poked about about there was a yellowish fluid, I'm assuming that is not good news.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on May 29, 2020, 03:21:43 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 29, 2020, 12:37:02 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 29, 2020, 10:28:47 AM
What sort of wheels yous all using. Got to be worth a 2/3mph extra

Fulcrum Racing Zero steel wheels & Roval carbon carbon wheels. Dunno about 3mph but it would put 1.5mph anyway on a good set of wheels
Any difference in performance of the two wheels, or is just cosmetic purposes you have the rovals.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 29, 2020, 03:31:09 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 29, 2020, 03:21:43 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 29, 2020, 12:37:02 PM
Quote from: redzone on May 29, 2020, 10:28:47 AM
What sort of wheels yous all using. Got to be worth a 2/3mph extra

Fulcrum Racing Zero steel wheels & Roval carbon carbon wheels. Dunno about 3mph but it would put 1.5mph anyway on a good set of wheels
Any difference in performance of the two wheels, or is just cosmetic purposes you have the rovals.

Roval wheels came with the bike so didn't buy them individually. Performance wise it's hard to say, if i put my hand up for the price i'd say the Fulcrum Racing Zero wheels are as good for that money as you'd get. Obviously they're two year old and prob a newer model out but i think they're the dogs...Carbon wheels seem ok but wouldn't rave about them they way i would with the Fulcrums (value for money terms). Cosmetic purposes yes the Roval wheels look better but as stated they came standard with the bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 29, 2020, 06:11:17 PM
I had alloy Zeros a few years ago and got shot of them after about 4 months, nothing but bother with them, similarly I had Fulcrum 3s - shite as well, yet i love Fulcrum Quattros. Best wheels I've had to date are Bontrager Aelous 6 full carbon 50mm, came on my Trek Slr6, class wheel, unfortunately I got wrote of in a race last year and the back one was wrecked.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 30, 2020, 08:10:49 AM
Mavic aksiums for me. I'm not interested in speed so much, more durability and reliability. Have them on both road bikes and so far so good. Roads here are shite as well so there is that to consider.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 30, 2020, 09:20:46 AM
Just looking at the prices of some of the wheels ye are talking about  :o and here's me debating with myself would it be madness spending  €275 on a pair of Nike Next%  and you guys are spending thousands of Euro on bikes and wheels. Fair play though I wouldn't begrudge anyone if that's what they want to spend their money on.
Thank God I decided to be a very slow runner than a very slow cyclist  at least it won't cost me as much  ;D
The Nike Next% seem cheap now in comparison, think I'll buy them after all!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 30, 2020, 12:37:30 PM
Just in from a 40 mile ride (plenty for me), lockdown is over around Birmingham, roads seem busy enough. Crossed over m40 and m42 a couple of times and looks like normal motorway traffic. It's hot out there and fully needed 2 litres of fluid. In the little villages we pass through there are some olde worlde little pubs that would be so tempting a day like that. Maybe as well they are closed.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 30, 2020, 07:43:54 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 29, 2020, 02:47:47 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 29, 2020, 02:35:48 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 29, 2020, 02:33:17 PM
Just pulled the road bike outta the garage for the first time in 18months. Front break lever has absolutely no tension. Do we think its just the cables or would the fluid have leaked?

Hydraulic brake. Try pumping it repeatedly. That happens on my mountain bike if not used for a bit.

Just tried, nothing happening. Noticed it was moving the pads slightly, and poked about about there was a yellowish fluid, I'm assuming that is not good news.

No, does not sound good. Out of interest was the bike stored with the front wheel in the air?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 31, 2020, 05:45:00 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 30, 2020, 09:20:46 AM
Just looking at the prices of some of the wheels ye are talking about  :o and here's me debating with myself would it be madness spending  €275 on a pair of Nike Next%  and you guys are spending thousands of Euro on bikes and wheels. Fair play though I wouldn't begrudge anyone if that's what they want to spend their money on.
Thank God I decided to be a very slow runner than a very slow cyclist  at least it won't cost me as much  ;D
The Nike Next% seem cheap now in comparison, think I'll buy them after all!

Laoislad don't think of the speed think of the knee's and ankles etc. That running criac is no good for ya...in all seriousness get good trainers for running, you'll pay for it in the long run if you don't.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on May 31, 2020, 08:32:17 PM
Quote from: grounded on May 30, 2020, 07:43:54 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 29, 2020, 02:47:47 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 29, 2020, 02:35:48 PM
Quote from: majestic on May 29, 2020, 02:33:17 PM
Just pulled the road bike outta the garage for the first time in 18months. Front break lever has absolutely no tension. Do we think its just the cables or would the fluid have leaked?

Hydraulic brake. Try pumping it repeatedly. That happens on my mountain bike if not used for a bit.

Just tried, nothing happening. Noticed it was moving the pads slightly, and poked about about there was a yellowish fluid, I'm assuming that is not good news.

No, does not sound good. Out of interest was the bike stored with the front wheel in the air?

No - just on the ground - I got a guy on to service it (mobile mechanic) he done the needful, but took it out for a spin the next day and the disc was covered in the fluid and massive squealing from it. Going into my normal mechanic next week - will probably need a new caliper.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on May 31, 2020, 10:24:02 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 31, 2020, 05:45:00 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 30, 2020, 09:20:46 AM
Just looking at the prices of some of the wheels ye are talking about  :o and here's me debating with myself would it be madness spending  €275 on a pair of Nike Next%  and you guys are spending thousands of Euro on bikes and wheels. Fair play though I wouldn't begrudge anyone if that's what they want to spend their money on.
Thank God I decided to be a very slow runner than a very slow cyclist  at least it won't cost me as much  ;D
The Nike Next% seem cheap now in comparison, think I'll buy them after all!

Laoislad don't think of the speed think of the knee's and ankles etc. That running criac is no good for ya...in all seriousness get good trainers for running, you'll pay for it in the long run if you don't.
Is there any evidence to support this claim, serious question. What passes for good trainers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 01, 2020, 09:58:29 AM
Well there are trainers specifically for running which are expensive...I've seen guys out jogging in flat trainer/shoe type and that's only going to end one way. I suppose it's about cushioning etc for the constant impact but i'm not a runner so i'm only guessing.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 01, 2020, 09:20:11 PM
Out on the bike yesterday, and on one steep downhill I reached 43 mph. Don't think i want to do that too often.

What's the highest speed you have reached?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 01, 2020, 10:23:55 PM
I'm a pretty poor descender, always err on the side of caution, been at 55mph (ish) a few times tho. Favourite descent is coming off the Birren Rd heading Dungiven direction, there's a really fast descent coming back of  Slieve Croob, Finnis Rd I think, far side of Slieve Maan in Wicklow is really steep too, scary hurtling down that one.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 01, 2020, 11:02:26 PM
A few times around 50mph coming off spelga.
     I did have a close call once, when i experienced a speed wobble, this was such a terrifying experience that i have  rarely if ever approached those speeds since.

This was something similar to what happened to me.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DVfngbsIUSj8&ved=2ahUKEwi-4YmAzuHpAhVNilwKHci6DgIQwqsBMAJ6BAgBEAk&usg=AOvVaw0IHbuW5zXHcvBMhLb3vyFd
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 01, 2020, 11:16:37 PM
Been in the 50mphs before and won't do it again. It's not worth it. Leave it to the pros who are getting paid to go downhill at crazy speeds.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 02, 2020, 09:53:03 AM
I like when you come out of Glassagh in Donegal, where that Teac Jacks place is. Head up the climb past Bloody foreland and then you drop down the other side and onto into Magheraroarty. Not particularly high but the descent is nice, great views out to Tory Island. Just watch for the sheep on the road. Would love to do some of the alpine ones but getting up them first might be an issue.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 02, 2020, 11:26:08 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 01, 2020, 10:23:55 PM
I'm a pretty poor descender, always err on the side of caution, been at 55mph (ish) a few times tho. Favourite descent is coming off the Birren Rd heading Dungiven direction, there's a really fast descent coming back of  Slieve Croob, Finnis Rd I think, far side of Slieve Maan in Wicklow is really steep too, scary hurtling down that one.

I've never had one but was riding on my mates back wheel when a cross wind hit him from a gap in the high hedge which forced him into a speed wobble, we were descending the hill at Rathfrisland heading for Bandbridge and half way down the hill the speed wobble got that bad it threw him off the bike. Was terrible to watch and to be fair would soon put manners in ya, he got terrible injuries from it and I hope i never see nor get a speed wobble again...I did descend the famous Tourmalet in France and crazy speeds probably around 50mph but looking back now it's crazy TBH...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 02, 2020, 11:43:19 AM
All depends how technical they are, considering the height of Teide in Tenerife, if you come down it heading Chio direction it is pretty tame & dull tbh, the most commonly travelled route up Teide to &  from Los Cristanos is a good descent.
Title: Bucket bikes
Post by: Eamonnca1 on June 03, 2020, 05:55:59 PM
We're looking at getting a cargo bike for carrying the kiddo and groceries around.

So far the frontrunner is the Urban Arrow Family (https://propelbikes.com/product/urban-arrow-family/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=&scid=scplp217179&sc_intid=217179&utm_term=&utm_campaign=SC+Shopping+-+General&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=1011347387&hsa_cam=9568155103&hsa_grp=99593895273&hsa_ad=423233131344&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=aud-610480735326:pla-887013231278&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4tM5MbHJXd1ipl-lA96bdroAUFqA_rEOPHAJGGFehQls1raxYR04jgaAk1XEALw_wcB).

We had looked at the Yuba Supermarché (https://yubabikes.com/cargobikestore/supermarche/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=shopping&utm_campaign=supermarche&utm_content=__c&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4uAOLK9Lxf7uroPYQjq-mvVgjgPLbGZaMAkJ4gLPAQxXshbUyPTcBoaApc0EALw_wcB) but we have our doubts about the build quality and it doesn't seem to be available with electric assist.

We expect to spend over $5,000 on this, so it's a not insignificant decision, but it's still cheaper than getting a second car. (We used to have two cars but decided to cut it down to one to see how it goes since we're heavy users of bikes, buses and trains. So far it hasn't been a problem. There was only once or twice in the last few years when we both needed a car at the same time, and in those cases we just used Lyft.)

It'll be interesting to see the effect of the bucket bike on our car usage, we might be able to cut that down even further if we can get our groceries by bike. We're already taking the little one to and from daycare by bike using a handlebar-mounted baby seat, but she'll outgrow that soon enough, and it's not so easy to use.
Title: Re: Bucket bikes
Post by: maddog on June 04, 2020, 08:21:03 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on June 03, 2020, 05:55:59 PM
We're looking at getting a cargo bike for carrying the kiddo and groceries around.

So far the frontrunner is the Urban Arrow Family (https://propelbikes.com/product/urban-arrow-family/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=&scid=scplp217179&sc_intid=217179&utm_term=&utm_campaign=SC+Shopping+-+General&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=1011347387&hsa_cam=9568155103&hsa_grp=99593895273&hsa_ad=423233131344&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=aud-610480735326:pla-887013231278&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4tM5MbHJXd1ipl-lA96bdroAUFqA_rEOPHAJGGFehQls1raxYR04jgaAk1XEALw_wcB).

We had looked at the Yuba Supermarché (https://yubabikes.com/cargobikestore/supermarche/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=shopping&utm_campaign=supermarche&utm_content=__c&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4uAOLK9Lxf7uroPYQjq-mvVgjgPLbGZaMAkJ4gLPAQxXshbUyPTcBoaApc0EALw_wcB) but we have our doubts about the build quality and it doesn't seem to be available with electric assist.

We expect to spend over $5,000 on this, so it's a not insignificant decision, but it's still cheaper than getting a second car. (We used to have two cars but decided to cut it down to one to see how it goes since we're heavy users of bikes, buses and trains. So far it hasn't been a problem. There was only once or twice in the last few years when we both needed a car at the same time, and in those cases we just used Lyft.)

It'll be interesting to see the effect of the bucket bike on our car usage, we might be able to cut that down even further if we can get our groceries by bike. We're already taking the little one to and from daycare by bike using a handlebar-mounted baby seat, but she'll outgrow that soon enough, and it's not so easy to use.

Not sure what it is like round your way Eamonn but bike theft outside shops and supermarkets seem to have gone through the roof here in Birmingham. Particularly youngsters getting threatened at knifepoint in parks to hand over their bikes.  Couple of weeks ago a guy took his bike inside the local Tesco express, went to pay for a loaf, and bang it was gone. Security man on door wouldn't let them look at CCTV. Burglary seems to be on the up as well. Not sure if the crime stats will reflect that but just what I am hearing locally.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Helix. on June 04, 2020, 04:25:40 PM
Any recommendations on good bike racks to fit a Skoda Octavia. Ideally for 3 bikes. All advice appreciated 👍🏻
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BenDover on June 06, 2020, 12:03:40 AM
I've a pair of Shimano spd 520 pedals on and the left one is making a clicking when pressing down. I've seen on YouTube I can strip the pedal and fill it with gear again.

Question - what type of grease should I be using?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Ball Hopper on June 06, 2020, 02:38:58 AM
Quote from: BenDover on June 06, 2020, 12:03:40 AM
I've a pair of Shimano spd 520 pedals on and the left one is making a clicking when pressing down. I've seen on YouTube I can strip the pedal and fill it with gear again.

Question - what type of grease should I be using?


Cannot resist...BendOver Grease?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 06, 2020, 01:57:17 PM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on June 06, 2020, 02:38:58 AM
Quote from: BenDover on June 06, 2020, 12:03:40 AM
I've a pair of Shimano spd 520 pedals on and the left one is making a clicking when pressing down. I've seen on YouTube I can strip the pedal and fill it with gear again.

Question - what type of grease should I be using?


Cannot resist...BendOver Grease?

:)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 06, 2020, 02:06:31 PM
Quote from: BenDover on June 06, 2020, 12:03:40 AM
I've a pair of Shimano spd 520 pedals on and the left one is making a clicking when pressing down. I've seen on YouTube I can strip the pedal and fill it with gear again.

Question - what type of grease should I be using?

It won't matter a big deal TBH as long as it's grease, it's low friction and to keep the water out so wouldn't get to caught up in the make of the grease.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 06, 2020, 02:41:57 PM
I've a tube of bike hut grease from Halfords, on the go a few years, 100%
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BenDover on June 06, 2020, 09:54:34 PM
Got the bike hut one today it'll do rightly
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 07, 2020, 12:12:00 AM
Just realised about an hour ago my cycling Ireland licence expired on 31/05/20. Just renewed it there now but it has come saying it expires in December 31st, I know this is the case with the racing licence but i just have a leisure licence and it normally runs from the 12 months you take it out.
Is it safe to assume that all members licence will expire now on 31 Dec?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BenDover on June 07, 2020, 08:24:15 AM
Silly question but why do you need a license?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 07, 2020, 12:46:45 PM
Quote from: illdecide on June 07, 2020, 12:12:00 AM
Just realised about an hour ago my cycling Ireland licence expired on 31/05/20. Just renewed it there now but it has come saying it expires in December 31st, I know this is the case with the racing licence but i just have a leisure licence and it normally runs from the 12 months you take it out.
Is it safe to assume that all members licence will expire now on 31 Dec?

Yes, if you renew your licence it lasts for a year but all new members (i assume as your licence expired they are treating you as new) only last until end of the year even though the fee remains the same. I'm not sure why they are doing this but id say it puts a lot of people of signing up.
      In your case id say if you email them and explain it was a genuine error they would roll yours on for the year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 07, 2020, 12:53:38 PM
Quote from: BenDover on June 07, 2020, 08:24:15 AM
Silly question but why do you need a license?

Insurance, for yourself and probably more significantly 3rd parties. Unfortunately the country both North and South has become a litigious cess pit.
       Worth looking into if your home insurance offers you any cover on the bicycle as well.
       I never thought i would have to do it but i have a camera with me on any spins. I heard of too many close calls from club mates recently. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 07, 2020, 02:19:14 PM
Quote from: grounded on June 07, 2020, 12:46:45 PM
Quote from: illdecide on June 07, 2020, 12:12:00 AM
Just realised about an hour ago my cycling Ireland licence expired on 31/05/20. Just renewed it there now but it has come saying it expires in December 31st, I know this is the case with the racing licence but i just have a leisure licence and it normally runs from the 12 months you take it out.
Is it safe to assume that all members licence will expire now on 31 Dec?

Yes, if you renew your licence it lasts for a year but all new members (i assume as your licence expired they are treating you as new) only last until end of the year even though the fee remains the same. I'm not sure why they are doing this but id say it puts a lot of people of signing up.
      In your case id say if you email them and explain it was a genuine error they would roll yours on for the year.

I know a few who are getting the insurance through Wiggle and are not going near Cycle Ireland anymore. More so now that they don't need CI telling them when they can go out and when they can't.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on June 07, 2020, 02:39:40 PM
Quote from: Helix. on June 04, 2020, 04:25:40 PM
Any recommendations on good bike racks to fit a Skoda Octavia. Ideally for 3 bikes. All advice appreciated 👍🏻
Have you a towbar?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 07, 2020, 02:44:05 PM
Do you spray cleaner oil over your chain and gears before your cycle or after your cycle or both?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 07, 2020, 02:52:01 PM
Quote from: Orior on June 07, 2020, 02:44:05 PM
Do you spray cleaner oil over your chain and gears before your cycle or after your cycle or both?

Dunno who that question is too but absolutely not. Disk brakes on my bike so will be spraying nothing. But yes you do need to keep your chain and cassette clean on a regular basis, summer time is obviously better as there is generally not as much dirt on the roads. Winter runs would need cleaning more regular
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 08, 2020, 05:01:11 PM
On my first bike, I had a small piece of rubber tube which dangled on the axle of each wheel.

Have to say it worked a treat.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on June 08, 2020, 11:55:12 PM
Quote from: Orior on June 07, 2020, 02:44:05 PM
Do you spray cleaner oil over your chain and gears before your cycle or after your cycle or both?
Every few cycles is fine.
Unless you're doing serious kms in poor weather
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on June 16, 2020, 10:29:39 AM
Close call!!  :o
https://youtu.be/SVmLNWoEcp4
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trueblue1234 on June 16, 2020, 10:34:22 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 16, 2020, 10:29:39 AM
Close call!!  :o
https://youtu.be/SVmLNWoEcp4

WTF was going through his head? lucky lad.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on June 16, 2020, 10:41:29 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 16, 2020, 10:29:39 AM
Close call!!  :o
https://youtu.be/SVmLNWoEcp4

Thats just crazy...looks like a guy who seen the Garda sign ahead and thought..."I'm too far from home here I better turn and go back before they question me" If there had been a car coming the other side of the road he was dead...Can't believe that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JoG2 on June 16, 2020, 10:45:05 AM
3 of us almost wiped out last Thursday on the back roads of Inishowen around 7.30am. Toyota Rav literally brushed against us going about 70. Put the fear of god in us. 1st incident like that in about 40 lockdown morning cycles
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 16, 2020, 10:53:13 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on June 16, 2020, 10:45:05 AM
3 of us almost wiped out last Thursday on the back roads of Inishowen around 7.30am. Toyota Rav literally brushed against us going about 70. Put the fear of god in us. 1st incident like that in about 40 lockdown morning cycles

Happened me 3 times and after the 3rd time I didn't get on the bike for a long time. It's such a dangerous sport at times.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 16, 2020, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: illdecide on June 16, 2020, 10:41:29 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 16, 2020, 10:29:39 AM
Close call!!  :o
https://youtu.be/SVmLNWoEcp4

Thats just crazy...looks like a guy who seen the Garda sign ahead and thought..."I'm too far from home here I better turn and go back before they question me" If there had been a car coming the other side of the road he was dead...Can't believe that.

That Garda sign was far too small, and the cyclist saw it before the driver. And the cyclist probably had his headphones in and music playing.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 02, 2020, 10:58:37 AM
Booked a cheeky cycling week in Spain for middle of October...Whats the odds of it happening? Would love something to focus on for the year as it's been tough but TBH if it doesn't happen i'll not get too down about it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 02, 2020, 05:45:35 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 16, 2020, 10:53:13 AM
Quote from: JoG2 on June 16, 2020, 10:45:05 AM
3 of us almost wiped out last Thursday on the back roads of Inishowen around 7.30am. Toyota Rav literally brushed against us going about 70. Put the fear of god in us. 1st incident like that in about 40 lockdown morning cycles

Happened me 3 times and after the 3rd time I didn't get on the bike for a long time. It's such a dangerous sport at times.

Yep, having a camera (facing behind) is a necessity and report actions like that. If drivers realised that there was a strong likelihood that they could be recorded by any cyclist then bad behaviour might be improved.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on July 07, 2020, 09:12:24 AM
Got a chunky cycle to work certificate coming soon, what I want to know is, whats the best piece of cycling kit you own? My use will mainly be cycle to work from carryduff into belfast. I'm thinking winter boots, and a good jacket are top of the list.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on July 07, 2020, 09:27:26 AM
Quote from: majestic on July 07, 2020, 09:12:24 AM
Got a chunky cycle to work certificate coming soon, what I want to know is, whats the best piece of cycling kit you own? My use will mainly be cycle to work from carryduff into belfast. I'm thinking winter boots, and a good jacket are top of the list.

Lots of high vis clothing and good quality front and rear lights if you're going to be on the road especially in rush hour traffic.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 07, 2020, 11:26:30 AM
Get 2 or 3 different blinky lights on the back. Planet x have a good selection for a few pound a go. I've lights on the go all year round.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 07, 2020, 11:35:56 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 07, 2020, 11:26:30 AM
Get 2 or 3 different blinky lights on the back. Planet x have a good selection for a few pound a go. I've lights on the go all year round.

There is one made by a company called Blackburn that is very bright. Knog blinder is very good too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 08, 2020, 07:46:18 PM
Folks a bit of good news for a change...

I entered a competition and won a Cervelo s5 today...www.grandtourcompetitions.com

Phone was going mad in the afternoon and thought there was something up...some surprise :)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Main Street on August 08, 2020, 08:40:22 PM
Quote from: illdecide on August 08, 2020, 07:46:18 PM
Folks a bit of good news for a change...

I entered a competition and won a Cervelo s5 today...www.grandtourcompetitions.com

Phone was going mad in the afternoon and thought there was something up...some surprise :)
Tony Fearon has been dethroned, Hail the new Tony ;D
I hope you are man enough to sit on that saddle and not have a flapping beer belly hanging over.
Well done.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 08, 2020, 08:58:27 PM
Quote from: Main Street on August 08, 2020, 08:40:22 PM
Quote from: illdecide on August 08, 2020, 07:46:18 PM
Folks a bit of good news for a change...

I entered a competition and won a Cervelo s5 today...www.grandtourcompetitions.com

Phone was going mad in the afternoon and thought there was something up...some surprise :)
Tony Fearon has been dethroned, Hail the new Tony ;D
I hope you are man enough to sit on that saddle and not have a flapping beer belly hanging over.
Well done.

Lol...I forgot about T Fearon. That's the first major thing i've ever won TBH. I'm not lightest but def no belly hanging like that...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on August 08, 2020, 09:14:51 PM
You selling it??
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Main Street on August 08, 2020, 09:42:58 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 08, 2020, 09:14:51 PM
You selling it??
Reserve price GBP30m ;D
It's been sanctified by a celt.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 08, 2020, 09:50:10 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on August 08, 2020, 09:14:51 PM
You selling it??

Dunno yet...U wanna buy it? Might keep it, i'll see how i feel next week. Actually head is wrecked what to do with it...It's similar value to the bike i have but it's an aero bike so would like to try it out TBH...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 09, 2020, 03:44:24 PM
Nice win, you're the 2nd skitehead I know who's won on those competitions, I've entered once myself
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 12, 2020, 05:21:59 PM
Great to see the Pro cycling back in full flight. Jumbo Visma going to be hard talked to at the TDF, savage strong looking team. Frome not looking too clever at the Dauphine today. His Tour spot not even guaranteed.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 13, 2020, 09:02:42 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 12, 2020, 05:21:59 PM
Great to see the Pro cycling back in full flight. Jumbo Visma going to be hard talked to at the TDF, savage strong looking team. Frome not looking too clever at the Dauphine today. His Tour spot not even guaranteed.

Froome was riding like this before he won the Giro. Although i fear those injuries might be just too much to come back from. Roglic is looking in serious shape although the tour this year wouldn't be the route he was hoping for. One 36km TT up to la planche des belles filles doesnt give Roglic the opportunity to put time into Bernal that he would have had if it there was a long flatish TT. So 2 mins or so advantage to Bernal there. Pogacar is my EW shout. Tour will be different this year in that there isn't an opportunity to "ride yourself in to form" as sometimes they do. There are mountains from the get go and if not on form in first week it could be curtains for plenty. Stage 17 looks a killer with summit finish over 2300mtrs.
Good to see Fabio Jakobsen on the road to recovery after arguably the worst crash i've ever saw in Tour of Poland.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 19, 2020, 09:36:57 AM
Thomas & Froome both dropped from the TDF squad, bit of surprise with Thomas. Thomas to lead at Giro and Froome at La Vuelta.

Will any of the Grand Tours go ahead anyway tho the way Covid numbers are heading.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 19, 2020, 10:12:11 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 19, 2020, 09:36:57 AM
Thomas & Froome both dropped from the TDF squad, bit of surprise with Thomas. Thomas to lead at Giro and Froome at La Vuelta.

Will any of the Grand Tours go ahead anyway tho the way Covid numbers are heading.

Given the dauphine form i suppose it isnt that much of a shock. Sivakov is going very well at the moment and could be outside bet to podium.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on August 19, 2020, 10:28:23 AM
Quote from: maddog on August 19, 2020, 10:12:11 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 19, 2020, 09:36:57 AM
Thomas & Froome both dropped from the TDF squad, bit of surprise with Thomas. Thomas to lead at Giro and Froome at La Vuelta.

Will any of the Grand Tours go ahead anyway tho the way Covid numbers are heading.

Given the dauphine form i suppose it isnt that much of a shock. Sivakov is going very well at the moment and could be outside bet to podium.
Yeah, not a major surprise and means there is less distractions for Bernal. Interesting to see how Carapaz goes too. Quite a mountainous route this year, should make for interesting watching.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 19, 2020, 10:42:33 AM
Quote from: maddog on August 19, 2020, 10:12:11 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 19, 2020, 09:36:57 AM
Thomas & Froome both dropped from the TDF squad, bit of surprise with Thomas. Thomas to lead at Giro and Froome at La Vuelta.

Will any of the Grand Tours go ahead anyway tho the way Covid numbers are heading.

Given the dauphine form i suppose it isnt that much of a shock. Sivakov is going very well at the moment and could be outside bet to podium.
I'll have to follow up on Pinot again after him breaking my heart last year, looked in decent nick at the Dauphine as well.

Jumbo Visma's to lose, savage strong team. Bernal got a bit lucky last year, I wouldn't put tuppence on him repeating it this year tbh.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 19, 2020, 01:55:37 PM
You know something the more I think about this, the more I think the TDF is not going to happen because of rising covid numbers, Brailsford could be looking after British lads by diverting them to the other GTs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 20, 2020, 09:53:26 AM
Last years 3rd Steven Kruijswijk (Lotto Jumbo) out after Dauphine crash has proven worse than thought. He goes for giro now instead. A fair blow to Lotto Jumbo.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Helix. on August 23, 2020, 10:40:08 PM
Any recommendations on a turbo trainer. Have a basic racer bike and would like to keep it going with shorter evenings and possible 2nd wave. Was doing 150km-200km during the Covid. Would greatly appreciate any feedback. Have looked at Halfords site just would like 2nd opinion :)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 25, 2020, 08:50:51 AM
I've a few bikes and like a bit of cycling but WTF are people at going out on the roads today, in that weather (a storm) and cycling to work? f**king madness
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on August 25, 2020, 08:26:17 PM
Quote from: Helix. on August 23, 2020, 10:40:08 PM
Any recommendations on a turbo trainer. Have a basic racer bike and would like to keep it going with shorter evenings and possible 2nd wave. Was doing 150km-200km during the Covid. Would greatly appreciate any feedback. Have looked at Halfords site just would like 2nd opinion :)

I'd spend a few pounds more and get one that is swift compatible as your likely to stick at it better than a standard turbo.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 28, 2020, 01:00:06 PM
Late switch in the Kerry team, going for Dumoullin @15/2
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 28, 2020, 02:08:04 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 28, 2020, 01:00:06 PM
Late switch in the Kerry team, going for Dumoullin @15/2

Think i'll take another look at Pinot  ;)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on August 28, 2020, 04:29:26 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 28, 2020, 01:00:06 PM
Late switch in the Kerry team, going for Dumoullin @15/2
You have the odds anywhere?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 28, 2020, 04:37:48 PM
Oddschecker for best prices available

https://www.oddschecker.com/cycling/tour-de-france/winner
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on August 28, 2020, 04:58:05 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 28, 2020, 04:37:48 PM
Oddschecker for best prices available

https://www.oddschecker.com/cycling/tour-de-france/winner
Dumoulin looks decent value there. Quintana decent e/w value too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 28, 2020, 05:38:20 PM
Dauphine winner Martinez at 40/1 is some value, only won because of withdrawals but who's to say this year!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Hound on August 31, 2020, 07:22:33 PM
Bennett a whisker away from a stage win today. Great effort, hopefully he'll get one later.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on August 31, 2020, 07:56:23 PM
Gutting for Sam Bennett, Ewan just pipping him on the line. Stage win shouldn't be too far away.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 01, 2020, 11:43:05 AM
Ahh here I thought he had it but to be fair to Ewan he came from behind like a rocket to pip him at the post...Great racing all the same and as you say it has to be only a matter of time before Sam get's his stage win.
What do you all make of it so far? I know it's only 3 stages in but have enjoyed it all the same.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on September 01, 2020, 12:59:28 PM
Enjoyable so far. Mountain finish today, should be interesting to see if we have any GC movement.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on September 01, 2020, 05:16:37 PM
Glad to see Dan Martin out of any GC chances, this way he wont be hunted down if he goes stage hunting.  Tomorrow another sprint stage for Sam so here's hoping.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on September 02, 2020, 11:41:30 AM
Quote from: gerry on September 01, 2020, 05:16:37 PM
Glad to see Dan Martin out of any GC chances, this way he wont be hunted down if he goes stage hunting.  Tomorrow another sprint stage for Sam so here's hoping.
Riding with a broken bone in his back. Has said he'll target stage wins and isn't interested in GC but it'll be interesting to see if he's fit to compete for any wins.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 02, 2020, 11:58:53 AM
Quote from: oakleaflad on September 02, 2020, 11:41:30 AM
Quote from: gerry on September 01, 2020, 05:16:37 PM
Glad to see Dan Martin out of any GC chances, this way he wont be hunted down if he goes stage hunting.  Tomorrow another sprint stage for Sam so here's hoping.
Riding with a broken bone in his back. Has said he'll target stage wins and isn't interested in GC but it'll be interesting to see if he's fit to compete for any wins.

Thought he might have a go yesterday but he went backwards quickly on final climb. Maybe later on in race he might get away in a break with a big lead. Attacking out of the group of favourites looks to be an impossibility at the moment. Van Aart has some engine on him. Today looks to be for the sprinters maybe Bennett in green later on. Some lumps today so maybe they can shake Ewan or at least take the edge off him.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 02, 2020, 01:37:34 PM
Well done Sam B...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on September 02, 2020, 04:48:33 PM
van Aert with the win, he is one powerful rider. Bennett third, should be him in green I think? He looks to be in great form.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on September 04, 2020, 03:04:41 PM
Sam Bennett looks like he'll lose the Green jersey today. Bora distanced most of the sprinters with a huge unexpected push on a hill early on. Sagan now in virtual Green after the intermediate sprint and it looks like he'll get the jersey at the end of the day.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on September 06, 2020, 09:23:44 PM
When I am cycling my right leg does most of the work. How could I get the left leg to do more, or it's equal share?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 07, 2020, 09:27:17 AM
Assuming you're clipped in a bike fit would ikely sort it. If riding flat pedals I wouldn't be sure, Google/ youtube for bike set up / body position tips.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 07, 2020, 10:50:14 AM
Quote from: Orior on September 06, 2020, 09:23:44 PM
When I am cycling my right leg does most of the work. How could I get the left leg to do more, or it's equal share?

Follow Jens Voight advice
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 08, 2020, 11:24:25 AM
Pancake flat today. Time for Sam to step up to the plate.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BenDover on September 08, 2020, 03:09:26 PM
Got a lend of a turbo trainer for some indoor use, any recommendations for good plans to build up leg speed/strength or do I invest in a zwift sub and follow the plans on there?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on September 08, 2020, 04:20:29 PM
Great win for Bennett. Looked really strong. Back in Green.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 08, 2020, 04:22:11 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on September 08, 2020, 04:20:29 PM
Great win for Bennett. Looked really strong. Back in Green.

perfect lead out. Superb result
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerrykeegan on September 08, 2020, 04:53:04 PM
Interview afterwards was great.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: seafoid on September 08, 2020, 05:02:23 PM
https://www.the42.ie/sam-bennett-ireland-wins-stage-10-tour-de-france-2020-5199319-Sep2020/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: straightred on September 08, 2020, 05:31:48 PM
Quote from: maddog on September 08, 2020, 04:22:11 PM
Quote from: oakleaflad on September 08, 2020, 04:20:29 PM
Great win for Bennett. Looked really strong. Back in Green.

perfect lead out. Superb result

The speeds are crazy. He averaged 58km/h for the last 1km today and hit a top speed of 65km/h just before the finish line. I'm happy when i average 25 or 26. To get to 65km on the flat must take serious leg power
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: mrdeeds on September 08, 2020, 06:40:43 PM
Quote from: BenDover on September 08, 2020, 03:09:26 PM
Got a lend of a turbo trainer for some indoor use, any recommendations for good plans to build up leg speed/strength or do I invest in a zwift sub and follow the plans on there?

I follow the GCN turbo videos on YouTube. Great workouts.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on September 11, 2020, 03:00:00 AM
"We can almost consider him British" says Bradley Wiggins. I don't know how Sean Kelly didn't deck him. When are these clowns ever going to learn?

https://www.the42.ie/bradley-wiggins-sam-bennett-british-claim-5199964-Sep2020/ (https://www.the42.ie/bradley-wiggins-sam-bennett-british-claim-5199964-Sep2020/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 11, 2020, 01:15:37 PM
EPO 2.0

https://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/new-unknown-blood-doping-drug-used-for-years-in-cycling-investigators-find/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on September 16, 2020, 04:05:56 PM
Sports Impressionist Conor Moore:
(https://cdn.itv.com/uploads/editor/medium_06a-xcOf8hf6KFYaXp1cNxbaXc3LUrD0nyQD9d5juHM.jpg)

Cycling Nutter Peter Sagan:
(https://www.nkmanagement.ie/uploads/7/3/5/1/73514907/published/030518d-7929_4.jpg?1597565154)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 16, 2020, 04:27:31 PM
What a finish. Insane gradients to finish.  Fair play to Superman. Primoz still in the driving seat.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 19, 2020, 05:21:08 PM
What a finish. This tour has been brilliant.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 19, 2020, 05:43:02 PM
Wow, couldn't actually believe that as it unfolded, such drama for a TT. Roglic will be inconsolable when he gets away from the cameras, very gracious in defeat.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 19, 2020, 06:24:36 PM
Primoz looked destroyed crossing the line. Felt gutted for the fella. Saying that he came fifth today and there wasnt a huge amount betweeb 2nd and 5th. Normally that would have been enough.
     But Pogacar was just awesome.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on September 19, 2020, 08:19:53 PM
What a ride by pogacar, one of the all time great rides at the tour, great stuff. Have to feel sorry for roglic though, just didn't seem to have the legs on the final climb, probably a bit of panic also set in as the time gap crumbled away.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 20, 2020, 06:09:09 PM
Good lad Sam Bennett. Fantastic
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on September 20, 2020, 06:13:18 PM
Brillant Sam Bennett.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Main Street on September 21, 2020, 12:14:19 PM
Did anyone spot the ghost of Charlie lurking behind Sam on the podium?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 17, 2020, 01:54:50 PM
Guys what device do you use on your bikes? Was going to buy a garmin for my new bike as i've traditionally always used a Fitbit with GPS on it and then downloaded it onto Strava. So if i buy a garmin computer for the new bike do i need a watch also that's compatible? Or is that overkill? If i need just the bike computer then what do you recommend?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on November 17, 2020, 02:17:48 PM
Quote from: illdecide on November 17, 2020, 01:54:50 PM
Guys what device do you use on your bikes? Was going to buy a garmin for my new bike as i've traditionally always used a Fitbit with GPS on it and then downloaded it onto Strava. So if i buy a garmin computer for the new bike do i need a watch also that's compatible? Or is that overkill? If i need just the bike computer then what do you recommend?

not something i am that up on as i've only just went from old style 20quid computer to a Wahoo bolt. Cracking device but it's too small for me as the eyes wouldnt be that great anymore. There is a bigger version of the same device but think its about £100 more.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 17, 2020, 03:14:08 PM
Quote from: maddog on November 17, 2020, 02:17:48 PM
Quote from: illdecide on November 17, 2020, 01:54:50 PM
Guys what device do you use on your bikes? Was going to buy a garmin for my new bike as i've traditionally always used a Fitbit with GPS on it and then downloaded it onto Strava. So if i buy a garmin computer for the new bike do i need a watch also that's compatible? Or is that overkill? If i need just the bike computer then what do you recommend?

not something i am that up on as i've only just went from old style 20quid computer to a Wahoo bolt. Cracking device but it's too small for me as the eyes wouldnt be that great anymore. There is a bigger version of the same device but think its about £100 more.

Yeah forgot about the Wahoo bolt too, i've seen plenty of them about...Look the part
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on November 17, 2020, 03:59:50 PM
I've been having battery issues with my Garmin 520 after 3 or 4 years use (40-50m spin and its near done, I've a power bank with me on all spins now). Keeping an eye out for a Wahoo Element Bolt myself, £185 generally, they should go down to £150 somewhere this Black Friday festive season. Noticed the Wahoos are generous with the oul climbing footage, my Garmin is kat in that regard.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on November 17, 2020, 09:35:21 PM
Checkout the Bryton range. Its a bit of a Garmin clone but a lot cheaper(even uses Garmin Mounts). The 410 does pretty much everything you could need and has brilliant battery life of 35hrs. I still have the 310 and its been bullet proof after 3 years.
   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on December 21, 2020, 10:17:50 AM
I assume we can still cycle solo in the occupied six lockdown?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 21, 2020, 10:34:05 AM
I guess so as I cant see anywhere saying you cant.  Cold, wet  solo rides this time of year aren't the nicest.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on December 21, 2020, 08:56:10 PM
Quote from: gerry on December 21, 2020, 10:34:05 AM
I guess so as I cant see anywhere saying you cant.  Cold, wet  solo rides this time of year aren't the nicest.
With the right gear they are not too bad.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on December 21, 2020, 09:19:38 PM
I was in the bike shop in Armagh the other day and there was a Dub in picking up new bikes. It was a very fancy looking yoke so I stuck it into Google for a nosey - came up about 7 grand and he bought another one about 5 grand! Anyway, what is the purpose of an electric mountain bike, 7 grand or otherwise?!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on December 21, 2020, 10:53:55 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on December 21, 2020, 09:19:38 PM
I was in the bike shop in Armagh the other day and there was a Dub in picking up new bikes. It was a very fancy looking yoke so I stuck it into Google for a nosey - came up about 7 grand and he bought another one about 5 grand! Anyway, what is the purpose of an electric mountain bike, 7 grand or otherwise?!

The price of bikes these days is frightening TBH and it's basically "The sky is the limit". £7k is nothing for a bike, you'd have to pay double that for a Dogma F12. Specialized too are unreal, telephone numbers.
I know loads of people with electric bikes and it allows them to ride further and steeper than they're cable off with half the effort...Wouldn't be my cup of tea tbh but bike shops are inundated for them electric bikes. Lazy bastids...lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on December 21, 2020, 11:34:45 PM
Quote from: illdecide on December 21, 2020, 10:53:55 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on December 21, 2020, 09:19:38 PM
I was in the bike shop in Armagh the other day and there was a Dub in picking up new bikes. It was a very fancy looking yoke so I stuck it into Google for a nosey - came up about 7 grand and he bought another one about 5 grand! Anyway, what is the purpose of an electric mountain bike, 7 grand or otherwise?!

The price of bikes these days is frightening TBH and it's basically "The sky is the limit". £7k is nothing for a bike, you'd have to pay double that for a Dogma F12. Specialized too are unreal, telephone numbers.
I know loads of people with electric bikes and it allows them to ride further and steeper than they're cable off with half the effort...Wouldn't be my cup of tea tbh but bike shops are inundated for them electric bikes. Lazy bastids...lol
The price was shocking enough but I get that a bike is like anything in life - you can buy cheap or expensive. The bit that I didnt understand was the electric element to a mountain bike. I can see the application in a commuter bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on December 22, 2020, 12:38:32 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on December 21, 2020, 11:34:45 PM
Quote from: illdecide on December 21, 2020, 10:53:55 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on December 21, 2020, 09:19:38 PM
I was in the bike shop in Armagh the other day and there was a Dub in picking up new bikes. It was a very fancy looking yoke so I stuck it into Google for a nosey - came up about 7 grand and he bought another one about 5 grand! Anyway, what is the purpose of an electric mountain bike, 7 grand or otherwise?!

The price of bikes these days is frightening TBH and it's basically "The sky is the limit". £7k is nothing for a bike, you'd have to pay double that for a Dogma F12. Specialized too are unreal, telephone numbers.
I know loads of people with electric bikes and it allows them to ride further and steeper than they're cable off with half the effort...Wouldn't be my cup of tea tbh but bike shops are inundated for them electric bikes. Lazy bastids...lol
The price was shocking enough but I get that a bike is like anything in life - you can buy cheap or expensive. The bit that I didnt understand was the electric element to a mountain bike. I can see the application in a commuter bike.

Its hard to get your head around ok. Some people just love the downhills. There is a dedicated uplift in Rostrevor(pre lockdown). The electric mtb gets them to the top repeatedly over a day with minimum effort.
           Perhaps as well older or less fit cyclists? To allow them to enjoy the trails. I only know one person with an emtb and he's got more money than sense.
       
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on December 22, 2020, 10:28:28 AM
Seeing strava is giving us our stats for the year what have you all achieved.  After a slow start I managed 2200 miles with a very average 16.2mph.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 22, 2020, 10:53:50 AM
7,150m atm @18mph. Regularly between 6-7,000m apart from an injury plagued 2019.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 22, 2020, 11:31:21 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 22, 2020, 10:53:50 AM
7,150m atm @18mph. Regularly between 6-7,000m apart from an injury plagued 2019.

That is more than double my cars mileage this year !
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on December 22, 2020, 11:38:31 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 22, 2020, 10:53:50 AM
7,150m atm @18mph. Regularly between 6-7,000m apart from an injury plagued 2019.

How many spins out per week is that Benny ?
Does it include Zwift miles and is there anyway of recording those to Strava or the like ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 22, 2020, 11:45:56 AM
You can link Zwift to Strava pretty easily. I'd a lot of outdoor miles this year as I was training for the Majorca312 and then loads of lockdown miles, 2 x Zwift sessions per week and 2 outdoor spins most weeks for me atm, I'll keep Zwift going to March.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on December 22, 2020, 12:47:30 PM
996 miles, and I linked my garmin watch to strava. Does not include golf every Saturday.
Planning to do a lot more in 2021 ;-)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on December 22, 2020, 01:15:40 PM
3320 miles. More individual spins but shorter distances.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on December 27, 2020, 11:10:25 AM
4820...Was trying to hit 5000 for the year but a cold for the last three weeks i was trying the odd Sunday. Four days to get 180 mile...it's possible but today and tomorrow the weather is crap. Wet conditions and even wind wouldn't put me off it's just frost/ice is the only thing that would stop me going out
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on December 27, 2020, 11:14:12 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 22, 2020, 11:45:56 AM
You can link Zwift to Strava pretty easily. I'd a lot of outdoor miles this year as I was training for the Majorca312 and then loads of lockdown miles, 2 x Zwift sessions per week and 2 outdoor spins most weeks for me atm, I'll keep Zwift going to March.

Benny i always wanted to try that 312 Majorca but was/is bad time of the year having to put big big miles in during Jan, Feb and March. If it was organised for Aug or Sept I'd say there would be a lot more up for it. A mate of mine tried it and failed first attempt, 2nd one came off the bike a month or two before it and injured himself so had to postpone it and 3rd attempt was this year and Covid took care of that...Not having much luck with it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on December 27, 2020, 11:38:28 AM
I got a turbo trainer at the start of the month as I would be a runner but with gyms shut wouldn't get much other cardio. Linked up to Zwift etc. Some job. Not easy either.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 27, 2020, 12:06:15 PM
Quote from: illdecide on December 27, 2020, 11:14:12 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 22, 2020, 11:45:56 AM
You can link Zwift to Strava pretty easily. I'd a lot of outdoor miles this year as I was training for the Majorca312 and then loads of lockdown miles, 2 x Zwift sessions per week and 2 outdoor spins most weeks for me atm, I'll keep Zwift going to March.

Benny i always wanted to try that 312 Majorca but was/is bad time of the year having to put big big miles in during Jan, Feb and March. If it was organised for Aug or Sept I'd say there would be a lot more up for it. A mate of mine tried it and failed first attempt, 2nd one came off the bike a month or two before it and injured himself so had to postpone it and 3rd attempt was this year and Covid took care of that...Not having much luck with it.
It was horrible training for it, I took more half days and full days off work to put in the miles, always seemed to hit rubbish weather no matter what the forecast said, I honestly have no fond memories of it and then it going tits up with Covid was almost a relief as I got sick in the spring and was going like a dog for ages.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on December 27, 2020, 02:07:36 PM
Quote from: illdecide on December 27, 2020, 11:14:12 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 22, 2020, 11:45:56 AM
You can link Zwift to Strava pretty easily. I'd a lot of outdoor miles this year as I was training for the Majorca312 and then loads of lockdown miles, 2 x Zwift sessions per week and 2 outdoor spins most weeks for me atm, I'll keep Zwift going to March.

Benny i always wanted to try that 312 Majorca but was/is bad time of the year having to put big big miles in during Jan, Feb and March. If it was organised for Aug or Sept I'd say there would be a lot more up for it. A mate of mine tried it and failed first attempt, 2nd one came off the bike a month or two before it and injured himself so had to postpone it and 3rd attempt was this year and Covid took care of that...Not having much luck with it.
Too hot in Aug or Sept.
Winter training is hard. Being in a club makes a big difference
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: C-na-G on December 27, 2020, 03:34:33 PM
12,200km at 32kph, the aim was 10k, then missed the entire month of April, and thought it was going to be a struggle, but the summer months were brilliant.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Main Street on December 27, 2020, 03:58:34 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on December 27, 2020, 02:07:36 PM
Quote from: illdecide on December 27, 2020, 11:14:12 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 22, 2020, 11:45:56 AM
You can link Zwift to Strava pretty easily. I'd a lot of outdoor miles this year as I was training for the Majorca312 and then loads of lockdown miles, 2 x Zwift sessions per week and 2 outdoor spins most weeks for me atm, I'll keep Zwift going to March.

Benny i always wanted to try that 312 Majorca but was/is bad time of the year having to put big big miles in during Jan, Feb and March. If it was organised for Aug or Sept I'd say there would be a lot more up for it. A mate of mine tried it and failed first attempt, 2nd one came off the bike a month or two before it and injured himself so had to postpone it and 3rd attempt was this year and Covid took care of that...Not having much luck with it.
Too hot in Aug or Sept.
Winter training is hard. Being in a club makes a big difference
Cycling is a pleasant exercise and also a handy mode of transport. You guys use it as a method of extreme self-flagellation, even in such a beauty spot as Mallorca.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on December 27, 2020, 05:09:16 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on December 27, 2020, 02:07:36 PM
Quote from: illdecide on December 27, 2020, 11:14:12 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on December 22, 2020, 11:45:56 AM
You can link Zwift to Strava pretty easily. I'd a lot of outdoor miles this year as I was training for the Majorca312 and then loads of lockdown miles, 2 x Zwift sessions per week and 2 outdoor spins most weeks for me atm, I'll keep Zwift going to March.

Benny i always wanted to try that 312 Majorca but was/is bad time of the year having to put big big miles in during Jan, Feb and March. If it was organised for Aug or Sept I'd say there would be a lot more up for it. A mate of mine tried it and failed first attempt, 2nd one came off the bike a month or two before it and injured himself so had to postpone it and 3rd attempt was this year and Covid took care of that...Not having much luck with it.
Too hot in Aug or Sept.
Winter training is hard. Being in a club makes a big difference

I'd rather take my chances in the heat with summer training at home for it TBH. In France last year it hit 46 degrees (we were there during a heat wave) and i get it regarding the heat but to put yourself through that training at home in Dec, Jan, Feb and March just doesn't interest me.
I actually forgot that i was off the road for 2 months with a hip replacement this year...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on December 27, 2020, 05:30:14 PM
Quote from: C-na-G on December 27, 2020, 03:34:33 PM
12,200km at 32kph, the aim was 10k, then missed the entire month of April, and thought it was going to be a struggle, but the summer months were brilliant.

Thats super going. Out of interest are most  of thise miles solo or group?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: C-na-G on December 27, 2020, 05:58:55 PM
This year at a guess I'd say 80% solo v 20% group. A typical year would be more like 50/50
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on December 28, 2020, 06:55:47 PM
https://www.rte.ie/culture/2020/1112/1177752-documentary-on-one-a-photograph-a-bicycle-and-bloody-sunday/

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 02, 2021, 11:20:18 PM
New year's resolutions/goals

Obviously with covid 19/restrictions in mind.

Myself, I would love to do Mizen-Malin (or vice versa) later in the year over 2 or 3 days.

Any big plans for the rest of ye?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 26, 2021, 11:47:42 AM
Quote from: grounded on January 02, 2021, 11:20:18 PM
New year's resolutions/goals

Obviously with covid 19/restrictions in mind.

Myself, I would love to do Mizen-Malin (or vice versa) later in the year over 2 or 3 days.

Any big plans for the rest of ye?

When i looked quick i thought that said Mizen to Milan. ::)

Hope to get close on 5000 miles in. Weather not helping at the moment but getting a bit done on Zwift. Sportives could be a disaster this year, no one seems to be planning guess they can't really with covid situation. The Birmingham velo is scrapped, organisers cancelled last year and tried to keep the money. Seems they have form for it. I got mine back off the credit card company.
Mizen to Malin would be right going in 3 days. There is a group from Birmingham (BICA - Birmingham Irish cycle appeal) that do it a lot of years but i think they take a week at it with a few refreshment points shall we say.

On a side note - thinking about road pedals. I'm still using Look delta pedals (ancient), wondering what the clip in pedal of choice is these days ?

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: HiMucker on January 26, 2021, 01:44:58 PM
Folks looking to get a good tow bar bike rack. I heard the Thule ones are the job, but they have a couple of different options varying in price. Want one for at least 2 bikes, possibly 3. Dont mind paying more if it makes things far handier and is a once off cost. The handier the better. Any advice or recommendations?

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: APM on January 26, 2021, 03:07:24 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 26, 2021, 11:47:42 AM
When i looked quick i thought that said Mizen to Milan. ::)

Hope to get close on 5000 miles in. Weather not helping at the moment but getting a bit done on Zwift. Sportives could be a disaster this year, no one seems to be planning guess they can't really with Covid situation. The Birmingham velo is scrapped, organisers cancelled last year and tried to keep the money. Seems they have form for it. I got mine back off the credit card company.
Mizen to Malin would be right going in 3 days. There is a group from Birmingham (BICA - Birmingham Irish cycle appeal) that do it a lot of years but i think they take a week at it with a few refreshment points shall we say.

On a side note - thinking about road pedals. I'm still using Look delta pedals (ancient), wondering what the clip in pedal of choice is these days ?


Knew three guys that took on to do Mizen to Fair Head in 48 hours as an Audax challenge back in the 80s. 

They had an interesting journey.  One had never planned to complete it, and had to go back home for work, dropped out half way through.  Another got injured in Tipperary.  The third fella told me he got lost in the midlands and followed the North star to make sure he was going in the right direction (no sat nav in those days). He made it to Armagh, where he lived, with about 6 hours to spare, and took some food and thought he would take a lie down........

Anyway, he woke up 12 hours later....
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 27, 2021, 11:06:09 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 26, 2021, 11:47:42 AM
Quote from: grounded on January 02, 2021, 11:20:18 PM
New year's resolutions/goals

Obviously with covid 19/restrictions in mind.

Myself, I would love to do Mizen-Malin (or vice versa) later in the year over 2 or 3 days.

Any big plans for the rest of ye?

When i looked quick i thought that said Mizen to Milan. ::)

Hope to get close on 5000 miles in. Weather not helping at the moment but getting a bit done on Zwift. Sportives could be a disaster this year, no one seems to be planning guess they can't really with covid situation. The Birmingham velo is scrapped, organisers cancelled last year and tried to keep the money. Seems they have form for it. I got mine back off the credit card company.
Mizen to Malin would be right going in 3 days. There is a group from Birmingham (BICA - Birmingham Irish cycle appeal) that do it a lot of years but i think they take a week at it with a few refreshment points shall we say.

On a side note - thinking about road pedals. I'm still using Look delta pedals (ancient), wondering what the clip in pedal of choice is these days ?

Yep, not looking good for sportives and the like. I seen that with the Birmingham Velo and Midlands Velo also? I think. Fair play for getting the refund. Shitty thing for the organisers to pull.
       As for pedals theres a lot to be said for the good old shimano spd pedal/cleat. I've nearly broke my neck a few times slipping with the spd-sl cleat and they dont last a crack if you do any walking at all on them.
             
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 12, 2021, 11:31:04 AM
With this filthy weather and the covid restrictions, im considering this Zwift lark. 
   Anybody using Zwift and would you recommend it?
        What set up do you have? And what trainer would you recommend.
        Apart from the initial costs what are the costs of membership?

  Thanks 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on February 12, 2021, 11:38:30 AM
Quote from: grounded on February 12, 2021, 11:31:04 AM
With this filthy weather and the covid restrictions, im considering this Zwift lark. 
   Anybody using Zwift and would you recommend it?
        What set up do you have? And what trainer would you recommend.
        Apart from the initial costs what are the costs of membership?

  Thanks
Think it's €15/month.
I use it for running and cycling. I prefer running to cycling but I have a Kickr Core smart trainer. Think it was €800 or thereabouts. It's an impressive piece of kit to be fair. I only mainly cycle as a means of cross training for running so I'm probably not using the smart trainer to it's full potential.
Zwift is a great platform though, would highly recommend it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on February 12, 2021, 12:03:15 PM
Quote from: grounded on February 12, 2021, 11:31:04 AM
With this filthy weather and the covid restrictions, im considering this Zwift lark. 
   Anybody using Zwift and would you recommend it?
        What set up do you have? And what trainer would you recommend.
        Apart from the initial costs what are the costs of membership?

  Thanks

Bennydorano will be able to answer you better however in my own limited experience its a case of either Zwift or i don't get out until weekend. If the weekend weather is crap then you dont get out at all. So a god send i find. I've the Tacx Flux which compatability wise once was sorted with an Apple Tv everything was hunky dory. If like me are a glasses wearer it is so much better hooked up to a big TV. The tablet or phone is a bit of a strain. Zwift contains some set training programmes as well as lots of routes around London, Yorkshire, Watopia, New York, Innsbruck and the trainer will adapt to any hills in it to give you a real feel of gradients etc. One thing i do find is that as the bike is in a much more rigid position you can get sore behind and wrists much quicker than you would on the road. So to counteract this you can buy an expensive rocker plate or you can come up with a home solution like a pair of old trainers under the legs and some bubble wrap. Ahem.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: BenDover on February 12, 2021, 12:43:35 PM
Quote from: maddog on February 12, 2021, 12:03:15 PM
Quote from: grounded on February 12, 2021, 11:31:04 AM
With this filthy weather and the covid restrictions, im considering this Zwift lark. 
   Anybody using Zwift and would you recommend it?
        What set up do you have? And what trainer would you recommend.
        Apart from the initial costs what are the costs of membership?

  Thanks

Bennydorano will be able to answer you better however in my own limited experience its a case of either Zwift or i don't get out until weekend. If the weekend weather is crap then you dont get out at all. So a god send i find. I've the Tacx Flux which compatability wise once was sorted with an Apple Tv everything was hunky dory. If like me are a glasses wearer it is so much better hooked up to a big TV. The tablet or phone is a bit of a strain. Zwift contains some set training programmes as well as lots of routes around London, Yorkshire, Watopia, New York, Innsbruck and the trainer will adapt to any hills in it to give you a real feel of gradients etc. One thing i do find is that as the bike is in a much more rigid position you can get sore behind and wrists much quicker than you would on the road. So to counteract this you can buy an expensive rocker plate or you can come up with a home solution like a pair of old trainers under the legs and some bubble wrap. Ahem.
Glad I'm not the only one finding the wrists get sore when zwifting.

I've been using it the past few months, followed a few plans and joined a few of the events, enjoyable and can be addictive. Equipment wise I've a Tacx flow (basic smart trainer), speed and cadence sensors. Casting my phone to the TV works well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 12, 2021, 01:09:10 PM
Nothing further to add other than there's plenty of training plans and great individual workouts, races,  group rides, group workouts. Most of the serious cyclists in our club prefer Trainer Road, Zwift is definitely more interactive and has more variety than TR, the TR plans are there in Zwift in a slightly different guise. TR is a £10 i think compared to Zwift at £12.99. I tried TR  few years back and came to conclusion that I'm not disciplined enough for it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on February 12, 2021, 03:29:24 PM
Anyone tried fullgaz.com? From the little bit have seen of it, it is real footage as you ride various famous climbs etc.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dearg on February 13, 2021, 09:13:43 AM
I bought a Wattbike Atom second hand there last summer.
Got a great deal on it and it was practically brand new.
Very happy with it and it connects to Zwift.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 09:49:56 AM
I have zero interest in cycling outdoors but have had some interest in this Zwift carryon for fitness reasons. Could you run a mountain bike on one of those smart turbo trainers as the eldest fella got a new bike there and the old one is in good nick.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 09:58:14 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 09:49:56 AM
I have zero interest in cycling outdoors but have had some interest in this Zwift carryon for fitness reasons. Could you run a mountain bike on one of those smart turbo trainers as the eldest fella got a new bike there and the old one is in good nick.
If you got a wheel on turbo trainer then I'd assume you'd have to change out the tyre on the mountain bike to a training wheel tyre.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 13, 2021, 10:08:14 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 12, 2021, 01:09:10 PM
Nothing further to add other than there's plenty of training plans and great individual workouts, races,  group rides, group workouts. Most of the serious cyclists in our club prefer Trainer Road, Zwift is definitely more interactive and has more variety than TR, the TR plans are there in Zwift in a slightly different guise. TR is a £10 i think compared to Zwift at £12.99. I tried TR  few years back and came to conclusion that I'm not disciplined enough for it.

Right, i've used trainer road in the past with a basic turbo +speed/cadence set up. Trainer road produced a virtual power reading based on my turbo. I'm not sure of the accuracy of this since i dont own a power meter.
        In any event it didnt really matter since you were using the original baseline ftp virtual power reading when doing any of the plans. Any improvement was still an improvement.
         I did find it awfully boring though, just graphs and numbers and didnt stick at it.
         In terms of Zwift, is it a similar sort of virtual/estimated power if you dont have a smart trainer or power meter? Do you really need a smart trainer? Or would my current set up be ok, perhaps buy a power meter?
           Anyway thanks everyone for advice, just want opinions before I shell out.
       
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 10:34:28 AM
Quote from: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 09:58:14 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 09:49:56 AM
I have zero interest in cycling outdoors but have had some interest in this Zwift carryon for fitness reasons. Could you run a mountain bike on one of those smart turbo trainers as the eldest fella got a new bike there and the old one is in good nick.
If you got a wheel on turbo trainer then I'd assume you'd have to change out the tyre on the mountain bike to a training wheel tyre.
You could stick your trainer in the post as it doesn't look as if you are using it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 10:34:28 AM
Quote from: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 09:58:14 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 09:49:56 AM
I have zero interest in cycling outdoors but have had some interest in this Zwift carryon for fitness reasons. Could you run a mountain bike on one of those smart turbo trainers as the eldest fella got a new bike there and the old one is in good nick.
If you got a wheel on turbo trainer then I'd assume you'd have to change out the tyre on the mountain bike to a training wheel tyre.
You could stick your trainer in the post as it doesn't look as if you are using it.
Just go and buy one ya cheap fecker  ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 13, 2021, 12:41:21 PM
Quote from: grounded on February 13, 2021, 10:08:14 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 12, 2021, 01:09:10 PM
Nothing further to add other than there's plenty of training plans and great individual workouts, races,  group rides, group workouts. Most of the serious cyclists in our club prefer Trainer Road, Zwift is definitely more interactive and has more variety than TR, the TR plans are there in Zwift in a slightly different guise. TR is a £10 i think compared to Zwift at £12.99. I tried TR  few years back and came to conclusion that I'm not disciplined enough for it.

Right, i've used trainer road in the past with a basic turbo +speed/cadence set up. Trainer road produced a virtual power reading based on my turbo. I'm not sure of the accuracy of this since i dont own a power meter.
        In any event it didnt really matter since you were using the original baseline ftp virtual power reading when doing any of the plans. Any improvement was still an improvement.
         I did find it awfully boring though, just graphs and numbers and didnt stick at it.
         In terms of Zwift, is it a similar sort of virtual/estimated power if you dont have a smart trainer or power meter? Do you really need a smart trainer? Or would my current set up be ok, perhaps buy a power meter?
           Anyway thanks everyone for advice, just want opinions before I shell out.
       
Yeah, same - You can Zwift away with the basic set up but it is all algorithms for your power, I did it when I started, but it's much better  with a smart trainer.

Also, I bought a 4iiii PM for the winter bike there not long ago, £250 for a 105 crank - that would be a cheaper option into the power side of it, but it wont simulate hills etc.. in Zwift, but its usable indoor & outside obviously.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 05:25:01 PM
Quote from: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 10:34:28 AM
Quote from: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 09:58:14 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 09:49:56 AM
I have zero interest in cycling outdoors but have had some interest in this Zwift carryon for fitness reasons. Could you run a mountain bike on one of those smart turbo trainers as the eldest fella got a new bike there and the old one is in good nick.
If you got a wheel on turbo trainer then I'd assume you'd have to change out the tyre on the mountain bike to a training wheel tyre.
You could stick your trainer in the post as it doesn't look as if you are using it.
Just go and buy one ya cheap fecker  ;D
€800!  :o I wouldn't spend that on a bike never mind something to attach a bike to!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Dearg on February 13, 2021, 05:33:58 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 05:25:01 PM
Quote from: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 10:34:28 AM
Quote from: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 09:58:14 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 09:49:56 AM
I have zero interest in cycling outdoors but have had some interest in this Zwift carryon for fitness reasons. Could you run a mountain bike on one of those smart turbo trainers as the eldest fella got a new bike there and the old one is in good nick.
If you got a wheel on turbo trainer then I'd assume you'd have to change out the tyre on the mountain bike to a training wheel tyre.
You could stick your trainer in the post as it doesn't look as if you are using it.
Just go and buy one ya cheap fecker  ;D
€800!  :o I wouldn't spend that on a bike never mind something to attach a bike to!
There's plenty of cheaper options when it comes to turbo trainers. You could pick one up for as cheap as €50. I remember Aldi were selling them a while back for around that price.If you want to get a smart enabled one you should still get one for around €300
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 06:43:21 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 05:25:01 PM
Quote from: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 10:34:28 AM
Quote from: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 09:58:14 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 09:49:56 AM
I have zero interest in cycling outdoors but have had some interest in this Zwift carryon for fitness reasons. Could you run a mountain bike on one of those smart turbo trainers as the eldest fella got a new bike there and the old one is in good nick.
If you got a wheel on turbo trainer then I'd assume you'd have to change out the tyre on the mountain bike to a training wheel tyre.
You could stick your trainer in the post as it doesn't look as if you are using it.
Just go and buy one ya cheap fecker  ;D
€800!  :o I wouldn't spend that on a bike never mind something to attach a bike to!
Yeah sure why would you invest in your health!
You've probably spent that amount last year, if not more, on biscuits, crisps and beer!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 07:16:49 PM
Quote from: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 06:43:21 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 05:25:01 PM
Quote from: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 10:34:28 AM
Quote from: laoislad on February 13, 2021, 09:58:14 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on February 13, 2021, 09:49:56 AM
I have zero interest in cycling outdoors but have had some interest in this Zwift carryon for fitness reasons. Could you run a mountain bike on one of those smart turbo trainers as the eldest fella got a new bike there and the old one is in good nick.
If you got a wheel on turbo trainer then I'd assume you'd have to change out the tyre on the mountain bike to a training wheel tyre.
You could stick your trainer in the post as it doesn't look as if you are using it.
Just go and buy one ya cheap fecker  ;D
€800!  :o I wouldn't spend that on a bike never mind something to attach a bike to!
Yeah sure why would you invest in your health!
You've probably spent that amount last year, if not more, on biscuits, crisps and beer!
You can't go around fat shaming people in 2021 even if it is factually correct ;) MOD!!!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on February 18, 2021, 08:53:51 AM
Out for my first cycle since October. We don't have space for a turbo trainer setup in the house unfortunately
The last few days were so mild I felt I had to get out
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 18, 2021, 06:02:03 PM
I was hoping there would have been a relaxing of the cycling rules from 2 back out to 6 (NI), not looking good unless something comes out in the finer details.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on February 19, 2021, 11:46:25 AM
Just having a bit of a browse on the bike sales front and doesn't seem to have been a worse time to try and buy a new bike. Everything out of stock and no deals. Shipping from Far East is costing a fortune at the moment so prices are up and delays are inevitable given lack of vessel capacity westbound. Flipside is 2nd hand stuff selling for silly money on ebay. I bought 2nd hand one last year 56cm Trek Madone 5.2 on a whim and i suspect it is a fraction on small side. Annoying the way modern bikes come up with different frame sizes depending on the brand. Back in the day a 22" frame was a 22" frame.
Trek Madone has a mast rather than a seatpost, does anyone with experience of these know if you can get slightly longer mast? Doesn't seem to be much online about them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on March 18, 2021, 07:33:52 PM
Quote from: maddog on February 19, 2021, 11:46:25 AM
Just having a bit of a browse on the bike sales front and doesn't seem to have been a worse time to try and buy a new bike. Everything out of stock and no deals. Shipping from Far East is costing a fortune at the moment so prices are up and delays are inevitable given lack of vessel capacity westbound. Flipside is 2nd hand stuff selling for silly money on ebay. I bought 2nd hand one last year 56cm Trek Madone 5.2 on a whim and i suspect it is a fraction on small side. Annoying the way modern bikes come up with different frame sizes depending on the brand. Back in the day a 22" frame was a 22" frame.
Trek Madone has a mast rather than a seatpost, does anyone with experience of these know if you can get slightly longer mast? Doesn't seem to be much online about them.

Did you get any joy with the seat mast.  ???
      Anyhow, can't wait for the brighter evenings and a wee bit warmer weather. I dusted off the shorts yesterday evening and managed grand.
      Similar to last year for me. Obviously no group spins so less miles but trying to get out more frequently.  How are the rest of you getting on?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lurganblue on April 19, 2021, 02:54:20 PM
Completely new to all this.  Went last month and got a bike on the old cycle to work scheme.  Firstly, getting a bike below 1k wasn't easy! Been out a few times and have to say I have been enjoying it. Now I would have uttered the words that I wont be wearing all the gear but after a few outings it's quite clear that a bit of padding would go a long way lol.

Can anyone recommend me a pair of windproof cycling gloves for a reasonable price?   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on April 19, 2021, 03:04:17 PM
Welcome to the world of cycling, prepare to say bye bye to your hard earned, it's never ending! I honest to God have 5 different sets of long fingers gloves for different wintery conditions,  then there's the fingerless mitts for summer!

Lidl Winter gloves are as good a pair of Winter gloves as you'll get for under a £10er. Planet X & Carnac (wool effect) are good spring/autumn gloves exactly what you need at the minute.

Gloves are £2.99 atm, ridiculous price, my favourite gloves!
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CLCGC/carnac-gripper-gloves
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on April 19, 2021, 09:03:04 PM
Any mountain bikers here? Just got myself a good old hard tail
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on April 19, 2021, 10:04:17 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 19, 2021, 09:03:04 PM
Any mountain bikers here? Just got myself a good old hard tail

Yep. Still do quite a bit of mountain biking though prob on the roadbike more frequently nowadays.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on April 19, 2021, 10:46:24 PM
Quote from: grounded on April 19, 2021, 10:04:17 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 19, 2021, 09:03:04 PM
Any mountain bikers here? Just got myself a good old hard tail

Yep. Still do quite a bit of mountain biking though prob on the roadbike more frequently nowadays.

Any tips for a beginner
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on April 19, 2021, 10:49:25 PM
Some teams out and around Castlewellan/Hilltown/Bryansford on Saturday
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on April 20, 2021, 08:15:24 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 19, 2021, 10:46:24 PM
Quote from: grounded on April 19, 2021, 10:04:17 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 19, 2021, 09:03:04 PM
Any mountain bikers here? Just got myself a good old hard tail

Yep. Still do quite a bit of mountain biking though prob on the roadbike more frequently nowadays.

Any tips for a beginner

I suppose depends what you want to do?
Where are you based? Do you intend to go to the trail centres such as Rostrevor, Castlewellan, Davagh etc. ?
      What bike do you have. Its a hard tail  i know but has it disc brakes.front suspension. Will it take you safely around these trails?
     
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on April 20, 2021, 08:23:28 AM
Quote from: grounded on March 18, 2021, 07:33:52 PM
Quote from: maddog on February 19, 2021, 11:46:25 AM
Just having a bit of a browse on the bike sales front and doesn't seem to have been a worse time to try and buy a new bike. Everything out of stock and no deals. Shipping from Far East is costing a fortune at the moment so prices are up and delays are inevitable given lack of vessel capacity westbound. Flipside is 2nd hand stuff selling for silly money on ebay. I bought 2nd hand one last year 56cm Trek Madone 5.2 on a whim and i suspect it is a fraction on small side. Annoying the way modern bikes come up with different frame sizes depending on the brand. Back in the day a 22" frame was a 22" frame.
Trek Madone has a mast rather than a seatpost, does anyone with experience of these know if you can get slightly longer mast? Doesn't seem to be much online about them.

Did you get any joy with the seat mast.  ???
      Anyhow, can't wait for the brighter evenings and a wee bit warmer weather. I dusted off the shorts yesterday evening and managed grand.
      Similar to last year for me. Obviously no group spins so less miles but trying to get out more frequently.  How are the rest of you getting on?

No it seems the one on it is as long as they get.
Fleche Wallone race tomorrow on Eurosport will be worth watching. Finishes on the Mur de Huy basically a wall of a hill at the end. Going for Pogacar in that one, suspect Pidcock will go very close as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lurganblue on April 20, 2021, 09:02:30 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 19, 2021, 03:04:17 PM
Welcome to the world of cycling, prepare to say bye bye to your hard earned, it's never ending! I honest to God have 5 different sets of long fingers gloves for different wintery conditions,  then there's the fingerless mitts for summer!

Lidl Winter gloves are as good a pair of Winter gloves as you'll get for under a £10er. Planet X & Carnac (wool effect) are good spring/autumn gloves exactly what you need at the minute.

Gloves are £2.99 atm, ridiculous price, my favourite gloves!
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CLCGC/carnac-gripper-gloves

Cheers Benny! I'll have a nosey through that site.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on April 20, 2021, 01:39:37 PM
Quote from: grounded on April 20, 2021, 08:15:24 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 19, 2021, 10:46:24 PM
Quote from: grounded on April 19, 2021, 10:04:17 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 19, 2021, 09:03:04 PM
Any mountain bikers here? Just got myself a good old hard tail

Yep. Still do quite a bit of mountain biking though prob on the roadbike more frequently nowadays.

Any tips for a beginner

I suppose depends what you want to do?
Where are you based? Do you intend to go to the trail centres such as Rostrevor, Castlewellan, Davagh etc. ?
      What bike do you have. Its a hard tail  i know but has it disc brakes.front suspension. Will it take you safely around these trails?
   

Hope to do those trails alright.

It's this one

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/fuji-nevada-29-19-hardtail-bike-2021
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on April 20, 2021, 02:34:05 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 20, 2021, 01:39:37 PM
Quote from: grounded on April 20, 2021, 08:15:24 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 19, 2021, 10:46:24 PM
Quote from: grounded on April 19, 2021, 10:04:17 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 19, 2021, 09:03:04 PM
Any mountain bikers here? Just got myself a good old hard tail

Yep. Still do quite a bit of mountain biking though prob on the roadbike more frequently nowadays.

Any tips for a beginner

I suppose depends what you want to do?
Where are you based? Do you intend to go to the trail centres such as Rostrevor, Castlewellan, Davagh etc. ?
      What bike do you have. Its a hard tail  i know but has it disc brakes.front suspension. Will it take you safely around these trails?
   

Hope to do those trails alright.

It's this one

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/fuji-nevada-29-19-hardtail-bike-2021

Nice, great deal. 29er definitely the way to go. You'll find it easier to roll over the obstacles rather than find away around.
         You may have some of these things but here is a Shopping list for you!
      1. Get a decent pair of waterproof cycling shoes. There are shoes for both platform pedals or clipless.
     2. Get a few decent pair of padded cycling shorts/bibs and padded gloves.
    3. Get a cycling pump and spare tube/levers and know how to use them. Nothing worse than having to walk 4 or 5 mile home. You can pop these in a saddle bag.
     If you are going out on some of the trails particularly Rostrevor it would be great if someone could take you around as can be tricky enough.
     Castlewellan is great to get you started with some good beginner trails mixed with some red/blacks. I've only been to Davagh once and from memory wasnt too bad(you can divert around some.of the bigger drops).
       I think there is some beginner trails in Gosford park as well?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on April 20, 2021, 02:37:39 PM
https://www.trailbadger.com/trails/

This may be a bit outdated but gives some of the trails around Ireland.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on April 20, 2021, 04:34:05 PM
Cheers mate. I live in Lurgan. There's a simple trail around craigavon lakes which I'm gonna do a few times to start with
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on April 20, 2021, 05:45:41 PM
I'm MTBing for about 5 years now. Recently changed from a 27.5 hard tail to a 29 full-sus. Love it.

If you are going to the likes of Davagh or Rostrevor I'd advise a full face helmet and proper body armour. A fall can be very sore without it.

It is a great sport for both fitness and also a good adrenalin rush but be prepared for the bumps and bruises.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on April 20, 2021, 05:59:12 PM
Quote from: GJL on April 20, 2021, 05:45:41 PM
I'm MTBing for about 5 years now. Recently changed from a 27.5 hard tail to a 29 full-sus. Love it.

If you are going to the likes of Davagh or Rostrevor I'd advise a full face helmet and proper body armour. A fall can be very sore without it.

It is a great sport for both fitness and also a good adrenalin rush but be prepared for the bumps and bruises.

Yeah I think a full face helmet is the way to go. A bit more expensive maybe but worth it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on April 20, 2021, 06:22:09 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 20, 2021, 05:59:12 PM
Quote from: GJL on April 20, 2021, 05:45:41 PM
I'm MTBing for about 5 years now. Recently changed from a 27.5 hard tail to a 29 full-sus. Love it.

If you are going to the likes of Davagh or Rostrevor I'd advise a full face helmet and proper body armour. A fall can be very sore without it.

It is a great sport for both fitness and also a good adrenalin rush but be prepared for the bumps and bruises.

Yeah I think a full face helmet is the way to go. A bit more expensive maybe but worth it

Got mine for less than £100. That would not go far in a dentist if you land on your face.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on April 20, 2021, 06:44:58 PM
Quote from: GJL on April 20, 2021, 06:22:09 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 20, 2021, 05:59:12 PM
Quote from: GJL on April 20, 2021, 05:45:41 PM
I'm MTBing for about 5 years now. Recently changed from a 27.5 hard tail to a 29 full-sus. Love it.

If you are going to the likes of Davagh or Rostrevor I'd advise a full face helmet and proper body armour. A fall can be very sore without it.

It is a great sport for both fitness and also a good adrenalin rush but be prepared for the bumps and bruises.

Yeah I think a full face helmet is the way to go. A bit more expensive maybe but worth it

Got mine for less than £100. That would not go far in a dentist if you land on your face.

Where did you get that? Have to add I have a rather large dome with a 62cm circumference. I'm guessing I'd need a 63cm helmet?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on April 20, 2021, 10:35:34 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 20, 2021, 06:44:58 PM
Quote from: GJL on April 20, 2021, 06:22:09 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 20, 2021, 05:59:12 PM
Quote from: GJL on April 20, 2021, 05:45:41 PM
I'm MTBing for about 5 years now. Recently changed from a 27.5 hard tail to a 29 full-sus. Love it.

If you are going to the likes of Davagh or Rostrevor I'd advise a full face helmet and proper body armour. A fall can be very sore without it.

It is a great sport for both fitness and also a good adrenalin rush but be prepared for the bumps and bruises.

Yeah I think a full face helmet is the way to go. A bit more expensive maybe but worth it

Got mine for less than £100. That would not go far in a dentist if you land on your face.

Where did you get that? Have to add I have a rather large dome with a 62cm circumference. I'm guessing I'd need a 63cm helmet?

Type 'O Neal full face MTB Helmet' into eBay. Loads of options.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lurganblue on April 28, 2021, 01:07:36 PM
Slowly but surely getting into this now.  Weather has been good and home working has helped me to get out a minimum of twice a week.  Gradually getting the average speed up too but it's a long oul process.  Amazed at some of the times people I know put in on Strava.

I was worried at the start as a person who really hasn't been on a bike since my teenage years and thus opted for a gravel bike with 40mm tires. now i'm getting a bit more confident i'm thinking I should have been a little braver...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on April 28, 2021, 07:30:53 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on April 28, 2021, 01:07:36 PM
Slowly but surely getting into this now.  Weather has been good and home working has helped me to get out a minimum of twice a week.  Gradually getting the average speed up too but it's a long oul process.  Amazed at some of the times people I know put in on Strava.

I was worried at the start as a person who really hasn't been on a bike since my teenage years and thus opted for a gravel bike with 40mm tires. now i'm getting a bit more confident i'm thinking I should have been a little braver...

Good for you. After a while you'll be thinking of buying a new bike!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on May 24, 2021, 10:56:37 PM
Question regarding the height of the handle bars. I know that the seat height is designed to maximise pedal power, but what is the recommended height for the handle bars?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on May 24, 2021, 11:02:17 PM
(https://gobiking.ca/photos/bike-fit-web/handlebar-height-small.gif)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lurganblue on May 25, 2021, 09:11:04 AM
Quote from: Orior on May 24, 2021, 10:56:37 PM
Question regarding the height of the handle bars. I know that the seat height is designed to maximise pedal power, but what is the recommended height for the handle bars?

I keep seeing all these clips on youtube with lads having a high saddle and low handle bars, that give them this lovely looking aerodynamic shape.

Now I am unfortunately vertically challenged so I have no choice but to have the saddle at its lowest which has it in line with the bars :)

No idea what's right but I do think I have the saddle adjusted correctly for me....
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 25, 2021, 09:45:33 AM
Quote from: Orior on May 24, 2021, 10:56:37 PM
Question regarding the height of the handle bars. I know that the seat height is designed to maximise pedal power, but what is the recommended height for the handle bars?

I don't see how a standard setting could suit everybody, I'm eternally footering with things. Spacers are there to be raised or lowered to suit the individual, you can roll your bars round to move the angles your gear shifters are at as well - assuming it's a road bike. Shifters can be moved slightly as well. Seat height is interconnected, get a bike fit, takes all the guess work out of it. A lot of trial & error b4 you get it right
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 25, 2021, 10:08:45 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on May 25, 2021, 09:45:33 AM
Quote from: Orior on May 24, 2021, 10:56:37 PM
Question regarding the height of the handle bars. I know that the seat height is designed to maximise pedal power, but what is the recommended height for the handle bars?

I don't see how a standard setting could suit everybody, I'm eternally footering with things. Spacers are there to be raised or lowered to suit the individual, you can roll your bars round to move the angles your gear shifters are at as well - assuming it's a road bike. Shifters can be moved slightly as well. Seat height is interconnected, get a bike fit, takes all the guess work out of it. A lot of trial & error b4 you get it right

Wonder what aul T McC would make of bike fits.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 25, 2021, 10:14:22 AM
Quote from: lurganblue on May 25, 2021, 09:11:04 AM
Quote from: Orior on May 24, 2021, 10:56:37 PM
Question regarding the height of the handle bars. I know that the seat height is designed to maximise pedal power, but what is the recommended height for the handle bars?

I keep seeing all these clips on youtube with lads having a high saddle and low handle bars, that give them this lovely looking aerodynamic shape.

Now I am unfortunately vertically challenged so I have no choice but to have the saddle at its lowest which has it in line with the bars :)

No idea what's right but I do think I have the saddle adjusted correctly for me....

I'd always aim to have the saddle around 2 or 3 inches higher than the bars. Just the way it is. If the saddle is same height as the bars you are going to pretty upright on the bike. But whatever works and makes you comfortable. None of us going to trouble Bernal or Pogacar anytime soon.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on May 25, 2021, 10:16:24 AM
Quote from: lurganblue on May 25, 2021, 09:11:04 AM
Quote from: Orior on May 24, 2021, 10:56:37 PM
Question regarding the height of the handle bars. I know that the seat height is designed to maximise pedal power, but what is the recommended height for the handle bars?

I keep seeing all these clips on youtube with lads having a high saddle and low handle bars, that give them this lovely looking aerodynamic shape.

Now I am unfortunately vertically challenged so I have no choice but to have the saddle at its lowest which has it in line with the bars :)

No idea what's right but I do think I have the saddle adjusted correctly for me....

Sounds like the frame is too large for you. A smaller frame will give to the option to raise the seat post.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lurganblue on May 25, 2021, 10:58:42 AM
Quote from: GJL on May 25, 2021, 10:16:24 AM
Quote from: lurganblue on May 25, 2021, 09:11:04 AM
Quote from: Orior on May 24, 2021, 10:56:37 PM
Question regarding the height of the handle bars. I know that the seat height is designed to maximise pedal power, but what is the recommended height for the handle bars?

I keep seeing all these clips on youtube with lads having a high saddle and low handle bars, that give them this lovely looking aerodynamic shape.

Now I am unfortunately vertically challenged so I have no choice but to have the saddle at its lowest which has it in line with the bars :)

No idea what's right but I do think I have the saddle adjusted correctly for me....

Sounds like the frame is too large for you. A smaller frame will give to the option to raise the seat post.

Frame is a 52 which is supposed to be right for my height. maybe it's the wee short legs lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 25, 2021, 11:30:15 AM
Quote from: lurganblue on May 25, 2021, 10:58:42 AM
Quote from: GJL on May 25, 2021, 10:16:24 AM
Quote from: lurganblue on May 25, 2021, 09:11:04 AM
Quote from: Orior on May 24, 2021, 10:56:37 PM
Question regarding the height of the handle bars. I know that the seat height is designed to maximise pedal power, but what is the recommended height for the handle bars?

I keep seeing all these clips on youtube with lads having a high saddle and low handle bars, that give them this lovely looking aerodynamic shape.

Now I am unfortunately vertically challenged so I have no choice but to have the saddle at its lowest which has it in line with the bars :)

No idea what's right but I do think I have the saddle adjusted correctly for me....

Sounds like the frame is too large for you. A smaller frame will give to the option to raise the seat post.

Frame is a 52 which is supposed to be right for my height. maybe it's the wee short legs lol

are the bars dropped to their lowest ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lurganblue on May 25, 2021, 11:33:37 AM
Quote from: maddog on May 25, 2021, 11:30:15 AM
Quote from: lurganblue on May 25, 2021, 10:58:42 AM
Quote from: GJL on May 25, 2021, 10:16:24 AM
Quote from: lurganblue on May 25, 2021, 09:11:04 AM
Quote from: Orior on May 24, 2021, 10:56:37 PM
Question regarding the height of the handle bars. I know that the seat height is designed to maximise pedal power, but what is the recommended height for the handle bars?

I keep seeing all these clips on youtube with lads having a high saddle and low handle bars, that give them this lovely looking aerodynamic shape.

Now I am unfortunately vertically challenged so I have no choice but to have the saddle at its lowest which has it in line with the bars :)

No idea what's right but I do think I have the saddle adjusted correctly for me....

Sounds like the frame is too large for you. A smaller frame will give to the option to raise the seat post.

Frame is a 52 which is supposed to be right for my height. maybe it's the wee short legs lol

are the bars dropped to their lowest ?

Yeah, but now you are making me doubt myself. must go and check again  ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lurganblue on May 25, 2021, 11:47:38 AM
Nope, I was wrong. there is room to lower that too. I'll do a bit of adjusting.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on May 26, 2021, 07:21:08 PM
Anybody got an aero bike. Are they significantly faster.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 21, 2021, 04:21:26 PM
Bennet out of the DQS Tour team due to a knee injury. Cavendish in. Gutted for Sam but delighted for Cavendish. It would be some fairytale end to his career if he picked up a stage or 4.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 21, 2021, 04:24:22 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 21, 2021, 04:21:26 PM
Bennet out of the DQS Tour team due to a knee injury. Cavendish in. Gutted for Sam but delighted for Cavendish. It would be some fairytale end to his career of he picked up a stage or 4.

Gutted to hear that. Sam would have been good bet for green again. Maybe Dan Martin for the Mur de Bretagne? Couple of roilling stages to begin with Michael Matthews maybe for the green?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 21, 2021, 04:26:25 PM
Word is that Bennett will be leaving DSQ at end of the year. Apparently DQS wont match other offers. Presumably Bora will be the destination if Sagan is going.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on June 21, 2021, 05:03:29 PM
Any mountain bikers been to this place yet? Looks very good.

https://www.thegap.ie/ (https://www.thegap.ie/)

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 28, 2021, 06:04:46 PM
Some carnage at the Tour today, madness.

See DQS Boss Le Fevre let Sammy B have it with both barrels as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JoG2 on June 28, 2021, 06:09:42 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 28, 2021, 06:04:46 PM
Some carnage at the Tour today, madness.

See DQS Boss Le Fevre let Sammy B have it with both barrels as well.

I caught the last 45 mins of the stage... Mayhem!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 29, 2021, 04:09:21 PM
Super finish to the stage today. Feel so bad for the lad that was dangling out front but what a sprint to win it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on June 29, 2021, 09:19:43 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on June 28, 2021, 06:09:42 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 28, 2021, 06:04:46 PM
Some carnage at the Tour today, madness.

See DQS Boss Le Fevre let Sammy B have it with both barrels as well.

I caught the last 45 mins of the stage... Mayhem!

The chosen route must have contributed to that. Was it a new one?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 30, 2021, 04:59:56 PM
Tour was meant to start in Copenhagen, Covid fucked that, so the first few stages were late entries, doubt they'd be totally new, Brittany is visited regularly.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 01, 2021, 05:45:31 PM
Wonder what's going through Sam Bennett's head these days, cant be good.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 02, 2021, 02:33:45 PM
What's the craic with some cyclists not wearing gloves?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ONeill on July 05, 2021, 02:00:48 AM
This Pogacar lad seems exceptionally good.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 12, 2021, 03:14:54 PM
Aaaaaagh. I've enrolled for the Lap of the Lough. What was I thinking?  :(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 12, 2021, 03:31:51 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 12, 2021, 03:14:54 PM
Aaaaaagh. I've enrolled for the Lap of the Lough. What was I thinking?  :(

Might sound stupid but you'll not find an easier 80 mile to do in the country. There's only 1 or 2 small climbs on the whole thing. A bit of time on the bike and get some miles in the legs, then on the day take your time and you'll be fine.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on July 16, 2021, 01:43:13 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 12, 2021, 03:31:51 PM
Quote from: Orior on July 12, 2021, 03:14:54 PM
Aaaaaagh. I've enrolled for the Lap of the Lough. What was I thinking?  :(

Might sound stupid but you'll not find an easier 80 mile to do in the country. There's only 1 or 2 small climbs on the whole thing. A bit of time on the bike and get some miles in the legs, then on the day take your time and you'll be fine.

Did it with the Lurgan clubs one Sunday morning. Handy enough when riding in a group. Great crack.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 16, 2021, 08:57:09 AM
in the 50s my grandfather (clonmore) did the lap the lough regular after his sunday dinner for a bit of spin. Same man cycled to Croke Park in 53 for the final and on the way back went via Navan as he didnt want to see the same road twice.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 16, 2021, 09:34:21 AM
Fair bit of Internet chat about juicing at the TDF, unsurprisingly UAE and Pojacar seem to be top suspects, see Wout Van Aert's name (& Jumbo Visma in general) popping up as well.

Bahrain Victorius were raided & searched by the cops on Wednesday- altho apparently the Mayor of the town has form and ordered something similar a few years back.

Generally I think doping talk on Twitter is mostly lazy shite talk tbh, safe in the knowledge that innuendo can be fired about with little consequence.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on July 16, 2021, 11:10:47 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 16, 2021, 08:57:09 AM
in the 50s my grandfather (clonmore) did the lap the lough regular after his sunday dinner for a bit of spin. Same man cycled to Croke Park in 53 for the final and on the way back went via Navan as he didnt want to see the same road twice.

Brilliant, and probably on a bone shaker too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gerry on July 17, 2021, 09:16:46 PM
Well that's the end of the tour.  Hopefully it will stand the test of time with all doping stories doing the rounds.   With loads of new guys on the block I can see a few of the old GC guys going stage hunting next year or end up doing the giro or vuelta.  Quiet enough tour for Dan although I have no love for him after he joined ISN.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RedHand88 on July 20, 2021, 01:07:20 PM
Took up the hobby this week as a way of getting fit. A relative had a decent road bike lying in the garage not being used so I thought why not.

A friend is explaining the etiquette around jerseys. It seems you arent supposed to wear team or national jerseys? Iys considered the same as wearing a full kit to 5 a side. Reading stories online of ones who get abuse on the road for wearing team sky/GB/whatever
How bad would it be if I wanted to wear a retro national jersey?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 20, 2021, 01:50:43 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 20, 2021, 01:07:20 PM
Took up the hobby this week as a way of getting fit. A relative had a decent road bike lying in the garage not being used so I thought why not.

A friend is explaining the etiquette around jerseys. It seems you arent supposed to wear team or national jerseys? Iys considered the same as wearing a full kit to 5 a side. Reading stories online of ones who get abuse on the road for wearing team sky/GB/whatever
How bad would it be if I wanted to wear a retro national jersey?

Wearing national or world champs jersey is considered a no no. Trade teams are fine, lots of retro ones available online. www.prendas.co.uk do some nice retro ones.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on July 20, 2021, 02:31:03 PM
Why?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on July 20, 2021, 02:40:31 PM
Jees id near wear one for badness....if i cycled...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 20, 2021, 02:47:20 PM
Quote from: laoislad on July 20, 2021, 02:31:03 PM
Why?
Cos 'you didn't earn the right', but mostly it's because cyclists are wankers imo. As much as I love the sport, SOME of the snobbery in cycling drives me mad.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: AnGaelGearmanach on July 20, 2021, 02:50:58 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 20, 2021, 02:47:20 PM
Quote from: laoislad on July 20, 2021, 02:31:03 PM
Why?
Cos 'you didn't earn the right', but mostly it's because cyclists are wankers imo. As much as I love the sport, SOME of the snobbery in cycling drives me mad.

Strong statement
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 20, 2021, 03:02:21 PM
Quote from: laoislad on July 20, 2021, 02:31:03 PM
Why?

It is seen by some as disrespectful. You didnt earn it sort of thing. Wear what you want who gives a shite.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on July 20, 2021, 04:22:28 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 20, 2021, 02:40:31 PM
Jees id near wear one for badness....if i cycled...
#metoo
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RedHand88 on July 20, 2021, 05:45:43 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 20, 2021, 03:02:21 PM
Quote from: laoislad on July 20, 2021, 02:31:03 PM
Why?

It is seen by some as disrespectful. You didnt earn it sort of thing. Wear what you want who gives a shite.

But if I bought it then why shouldn't I have the right to wear it? Why do these teams sell replicas of the jersey?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on July 20, 2021, 06:01:13 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 20, 2021, 05:45:43 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 20, 2021, 03:02:21 PM
Quote from: laoislad on July 20, 2021, 02:31:03 PM
Why?

It is seen by some as disrespectful. You didnt earn it sort of thing. Wear what you want who gives a shite.

But if I bought it then why shouldn't I have the right to wear it? Why do these teams sell replicas of the jersey?
Just wear it and don't mind what anyone thinks ffs.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lurganblue on July 20, 2021, 11:34:46 PM
I never knew this either. Will have to consider this when browsing aliexpress :)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 20, 2021, 11:51:11 PM
Wearing a Sky top is akin to wearing a Team GB top as far as I can see
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RedHand88 on July 21, 2021, 10:14:28 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 20, 2021, 11:51:11 PM
Wearing a Sky top is akin to wearing a Team GB top as far as I can see

Why?
Is wearing a Liverpool or United top akin to wearing an England top?
I have so many questions.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 21, 2021, 10:23:45 AM
Might just be a personal observation, but to be crude, seems to be people of the Unionist persuasion that wear them in NI. I could be totally wrong but its something I've picked up on - the numbers are few & far between and also dwindling as Sky are now team Ineos.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 21, 2021, 10:43:02 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 21, 2021, 10:23:45 AM
Might just be a personal observation, but to be crude, seems to be people of the Unionist persuasion that wear them in NI. I could be totally wrong but its something I've picked up on - the numbers are few & far between and also dwindling as Sky are now team Ineos.

No doubt about it Sky were seen as a Brit team. Plenty that i work with expressed an interest in the TDF for example when Sky were dominant now no interest. Their interest was in the GB competitors not the sport itself.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 25, 2021, 11:28:02 AM
I'll be wearing my sickly Lap of the Lough top on Sunday. Getting my hair and nails done on Saturday too so even if I dont make the whole route at least I will look great.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 29, 2021, 07:37:15 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 25, 2021, 11:28:02 AM
I'll be wearing my sickly Lap of the Lough top on Sunday. Getting my hair and nails done on Saturday too so even if I dont make the whole route at least I will look great.

How did the lap of lough go today? I see a few sportives starting to go back on again.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on August 29, 2021, 08:56:30 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 29, 2021, 07:37:15 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 25, 2021, 11:28:02 AM
I'll be wearing my sickly Lap of the Lough top on Sunday. Getting my hair and nails done on Saturday too so even if I dont make the whole route at least I will look great.

How did the lap of lough go today? I see a few sportives starting to go back on again.

I really enjoyed it. The last 20 miles was tough and the 10 was agony - you will never know the pain.

Average moving time was 15.1 which was much more than I expected.

We rode through 5 counties and I lost count of the number of GAA pitches. Those that dig with the other foot must have been slightly surprised by the number. However, plantation and colonisation by England drove the native Irish to the mountains, bog and less fertile areas. Hence the abundance of GAA clubs around the Lough.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 29, 2021, 09:23:10 PM
See someone died (or was killed) at a Sportive in Mayo today.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: lurganblue on August 31, 2021, 09:13:01 AM
Quote from: Orior on August 29, 2021, 08:56:30 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 29, 2021, 07:37:15 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 25, 2021, 11:28:02 AM
I'll be wearing my sickly Lap of the Lough top on Sunday. Getting my hair and nails done on Saturday too so even if I dont make the whole route at least I will look great.

How did the lap of lough go today? I see a few sportives starting to go back on again.

I really enjoyed it. The last 20 miles was tough and the 10 was agony - you will never know the pain.

Average moving time was 15.1 which was much more than I expected.

We rode through 5 counties and I lost count of the number of GAA pitches. Those that dig with the other foot must have been slightly surprised by the number. However, plantation and colonisation by England drove the native Irish to the mountains, bog and less fertile areas. Hence the abundance of GAA clubs around the Lough.

On a side note i was at a very packed Gosford yesterday and it was wall to wall GAA tops of different varieties. 1 Norn Iron top spotted. Society has fairly changed from when i was just a cub and told to change a certain top before i went on a day trip.

Congrats on completing the lap of the lough. I've only just broken the 20 mile mark myself and just cant imagine doing those distances.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on August 31, 2021, 10:20:53 AM
Just back from a great trip along the DonauWeg from Passau to Viennna, very easy relaxed cycling. Have decided to pack in the "flog yourself" stuff as I think you get to an age when its not that good for you as well as stuffing yourself with gels, jelly babies and electrolyte potions. Drank plenty of wine,beer and ate good food yet came home 2 Kg lighter. Works for me and the missus as neither can hack a pool holiday. Booked for something similar in France next summer.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 31, 2021, 10:46:57 AM
Quote from: Last Man on August 31, 2021, 10:20:53 AM
Just back from a great trip along the DonauWeg from Passau to Viennna, very easy relaxed cycling. Have decided to pack in the "flog yourself" stuff as I think you get to an age when its not that good for you as well as stuffing yourself with gels, jelly babies and electrolyte potions. Drank plenty of wine,beer and ate good food yet came home 2 Kg lighter. Works for me and the missus as neither can hack a pool holiday. Booked for something similar in France next summer.

That too me sounds great Last man, not a hope in hell of getting her to go on a biking holiday so I'll have to make do with lying around the pool and reading books and drinking
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 31, 2021, 11:28:36 AM
Booked Tenerife again for January, hopefully it'll go ahead, this is the 4th time I've pushed this particular holiday. Teide is some climb & experience, 1 mile warm up and then 25m straight up.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Last Man on August 31, 2021, 11:40:14 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 31, 2021, 10:46:57 AM
Quote from: Last Man on August 31, 2021, 10:20:53 AM
Just back from a great trip along the DonauWeg from Passau to Viennna, very easy relaxed cycling. Have decided to pack in the "flog yourself" stuff as I think you get to an age when its not that good for you as well as stuffing yourself with gels, jelly babies and electrolyte potions. Drank plenty of wine,beer and ate good food yet came home 2 Kg lighter. Works for me and the missus as neither can hack a pool holiday. Booked for something similar in France next summer.

That too me sounds great Last man, not a hope in hell of getting her to go on a biking holiday so I'll have to make do with lying around the pool and reading books and drinking
And flog yourself when you get home lol, an extension of catholic guilt probably!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on August 31, 2021, 01:45:47 PM
Quote from: Last Man on August 31, 2021, 10:20:53 AM
Just back from a great trip along the DonauWeg from Passau to Viennna, very easy relaxed cycling. Have decided to pack in the "flog yourself" stuff as I think you get to an age when its not that good for you as well as stuffing yourself with gels, jelly babies and electrolyte potions. Drank plenty of wine,beer and ate good food yet came home 2 Kg lighter. Works for me and the missus as neither can hack a pool holiday. Booked for something similar in France next summer.
A mate did the Danube route on the bike in 2 sittings and said it was great. Serious heat in some parts but mostly a flat track so manageable.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 31, 2021, 01:58:54 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 29, 2021, 08:56:30 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 29, 2021, 07:37:15 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 25, 2021, 11:28:02 AM
I'll be wearing my sickly Lap of the Lough top on Sunday. Getting my hair and nails done on Saturday too so even if I dont make the whole route at least I will look great.

How did the lap of lough go today? I see a few sportives starting to go back on again.

I really enjoyed it. The last 20 miles was tough and the 10 was agony - you will never know the pain.

Average moving time was 15.1 which was much more than I expected.

We rode through 5 counties and I lost count of the number of GAA pitches. Those that dig with the other foot must have been slightly surprised by the number. However, plantation and colonisation by England drove the native Irish to the mountains, bog and less fertile areas. Hence the abundance of GAA clubs around the Lough.

Oh i've had a few tough days on the bike!  Well done on completing that. Were they able to have food/rest stops?
       Great to see a few sportives going ahead.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RedHand88 on September 01, 2021, 10:08:30 PM
Calories on Strava.

How accurate is it? A 30km route I did a few weeks ago showed 660 calories. Did the same route tonight with a Wahoo elemnt bolt and heart rate monitor and its uploaded as 1300 calories.  ??? Which is closer?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on September 01, 2021, 10:28:37 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 31, 2021, 01:58:54 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 29, 2021, 08:56:30 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 29, 2021, 07:37:15 PM
Quote from: Orior on August 25, 2021, 11:28:02 AM
I'll be wearing my sickly Lap of the Lough top on Sunday. Getting my hair and nails done on Saturday too so even if I dont make the whole route at least I will look great.

How did the lap of lough go today? I see a few sportives starting to go back on again.

I really enjoyed it. The last 20 miles was tough and the 10 was agony - you will never know the pain.

Average moving time was 15.1 which was much more than I expected.

We rode through 5 counties and I lost count of the number of GAA pitches. Those that dig with the other foot must have been slightly surprised by the number. However, plantation and colonisation by England drove the native Irish to the mountains, bog and less fertile areas. Hence the abundance of GAA clubs around the Lough.

Oh i've had a few tough days on the bike!  Well done on completing that. Were they able to have food/rest stops?
       Great to see a few sportives going ahead.

Yes, there were three rest stops with food.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 02, 2021, 11:38:57 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on September 01, 2021, 10:08:30 PM
Calories on Strava.

How accurate is it? A 30km route I did a few weeks ago showed 660 calories. Did the same route tonight with a Wahoo elemnt bolt and heart rate monitor and its uploaded as 1300 calories.  ??? Which is closer?
I did a 32m flattish route last night and burnt near 1300cals according to the Garmin. I have a HRM among other gadgets.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on September 13, 2021, 09:41:41 PM
back on the bike big time the last few weeks
need to get some new gear however
anyone got a recommendation for online cycle store with good quality clothing?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on September 13, 2021, 09:50:21 PM
I think someone recommended galliber on here one time. Excellent stuff and grt customer service. Lurgan area I think
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on September 13, 2021, 09:53:15 PM
Ga
Quote from: redzone on September 13, 2021, 09:50:21 PM
I think someone recommended galliber on here one time. Excellent stuff and grt customer service. Lurgan area I think
Galibier
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Kilcoutryman on September 25, 2021, 09:15:52 PM
Can anyone suggest a 3 or 4 day cycle in Scotland or Wales or even England - did Mizen to Malin few years ago with club and looking to plan something similar for next summer
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on September 26, 2021, 09:52:37 AM
Quote from: redzone on September 13, 2021, 09:50:21 PM
I think someone recommended galliber on here one time. Excellent stuff and grt customer service. Lurgan area I think

Myles McCorry from Lurgan but I think he's based out of Carlingford direction now. It's really good gear.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 26, 2021, 01:16:01 PM
Quote from: Kilcoutryman on September 25, 2021, 09:15:52 PM
Can anyone suggest a 3 or 4 day cycle in Scotland or Wales or even England - did Mizen to Malin few years ago with club and looking to plan something similar for next summer

A few of fellas from the club did the Scotland North coast 500.
       Now they got great weather for it which made it for them. Just like here you could be lucky/unlucky weather wise.
       They took a van over with the bikes and i think they had a mixture of b&b or hotels.
     
This is a tour version but should give an idea.

https://www.wildernessscotland.com/private-tours/private-groups/nc500-classic/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtMCKBhDAARIsAG-2Eu_-HzreawoNaMfmU77Jv_O47rqFvvxp6jJs13cZtfF6B1K2A9SKmsoaAjfvEALw_wcB
     
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Kilcoutryman on September 26, 2021, 03:36:29 PM
Many thanks 🙏
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on September 30, 2021, 09:18:00 AM
any local sportives coming up before end of October?
100km range

Title: Re: Bucket bikes
Post by: Eamonnca1 on September 30, 2021, 08:29:32 PM
Quote from: maddog on June 04, 2020, 08:21:03 AM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on June 03, 2020, 05:55:59 PM
We're looking at getting a cargo bike for carrying the kiddo and groceries around.

So far the frontrunner is the Urban Arrow Family (https://propelbikes.com/product/urban-arrow-family/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=&scid=scplp217179&sc_intid=217179&utm_term=&utm_campaign=SC+Shopping+-+General&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=1011347387&hsa_cam=9568155103&hsa_grp=99593895273&hsa_ad=423233131344&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=aud-610480735326:pla-887013231278&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4tM5MbHJXd1ipl-lA96bdroAUFqA_rEOPHAJGGFehQls1raxYR04jgaAk1XEALw_wcB).

We had looked at the Yuba Supermarché (https://yubabikes.com/cargobikestore/supermarche/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=shopping&utm_campaign=supermarche&utm_content=__c&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4uAOLK9Lxf7uroPYQjq-mvVgjgPLbGZaMAkJ4gLPAQxXshbUyPTcBoaApc0EALw_wcB) but we have our doubts about the build quality and it doesn't seem to be available with electric assist.

We expect to spend over $5,000 on this, so it's a not insignificant decision, but it's still cheaper than getting a second car. (We used to have two cars but decided to cut it down to one to see how it goes since we're heavy users of bikes, buses and trains. So far it hasn't been a problem. There was only once or twice in the last few years when we both needed a car at the same time, and in those cases we just used Lyft.)

It'll be interesting to see the effect of the bucket bike on our car usage, we might be able to cut that down even further if we can get our groceries by bike. We're already taking the little one to and from daycare by bike using a handlebar-mounted baby seat, but she'll outgrow that soon enough, and it's not so easy to use.

Not sure what it is like round your way Eamonn but bike theft outside shops and supermarkets seem to have gone through the roof here in Birmingham. Particularly youngsters getting threatened at knifepoint in parks to hand over their bikes.  Couple of weeks ago a guy took his bike inside the local Tesco express, went to pay for a loaf, and bang it was gone. Security man on door wouldn't let them look at CCTV. Burglary seems to be on the up as well. Not sure if the crime stats will reflect that but just what I am hearing locally.

Update: We ended up going with an E-Cargo Classic Long with Bolted Box (https://www.amsterdam-bicycle.com/shop/electric-cargo-bikes/e-cargo-classic-long-with-bolted-box/) from the Amsterdam Bicycle Company.

(https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/202390688_10158757688399064_2999797917689393887_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=D4CcUruAwZwAX9xQk7t&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=69b555db064ce11cafb0a99b026f7c41&oe=617D12A2)

It came in at under $5,000, including shipping and assembly. They sent it over from Amsterdam, and they arranged for a local qualified mechanic to come out and build it at our home. We've been using it since June and it's been a godsend. I use it for daycare dropoff and pickup just about every day. We usually swing by a park on the way home for an hour. Sometimes I'll do a grocery run and take the wee one with me. She'll either walk around the shop with me or sit in the shopping trolly. But there's plenty of room in there for her and two big bags of groceries, three at a push.

When the baby gets bigger then he'll have room to sit beside her. I use it for all sorts of errands around town. Yesterday I went to the Post Office to drop a parcel off after dropping the wee girl at daycare, and later I went to the county building to get the birth cert for my newborn son. It has a million uses, fantastic for the vast majority of trips I need to do in town, and we always get the best parking everywhere we go.

Cargo bikes like this are still rare in San Jose, I know of two others similar ones around here. Transporting kids and groceries by bike is so unusual here that those of us who do it wave at each other, but in Holland this would be commonplace. I expect it to become a lot more common, I get so many comments and compliments about it every time. People wave you through at junctions, they smile and wave at the kid, and they ask all sorts of questions about it when I'm stopped. Sometimes at the park there'll be a crowd gathered around, fascinated by it.

As for crime and theft, well this one is somewhat unique and it'd be easy to spot. But I stay away from the seedier parts of town on it. There's a great discount grocery supermarket near us but I wouldn't park the bike outside there - too many shady characters about. But in a reasonably nice part of town it's quite safe. Even the post office is beside a park that's been overrun by homeless, but I've never had any trouble there.

It comes with the standard wheel lock that most Dutch bikes have, plus I chain it to the nearest rack or post for good measure. The child seat doubles as a lockable box, so you can safely leave small items in there. The battery locks in place, you need the key to get it out.

It's pedal assist, so the motor kicks in when you start pedalling. The battery has a range of 35 to 75 miles depending on which setting you use. I use the maximum setting almost all the time for maximum power, you need a bit of oomph to get moving and get stabilised. I charge the battery up once or twice a week depending on how many errands I do.  We're quite lucky here in that we live in the middle of town, everything's fairly flat, and there's plenty of good bike lanes that take us where we need to go.

It lets us get by with  just one car, which we now seldom use. It'll probably extend the life of our car by another ten years at this rate. One of the best value purchases we've ever made. And of course the kid loves it.

Life changing. Fantastic. Cannot recommend it enough.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Rudi on September 30, 2021, 08:38:21 PM
Jaysus I could bring the turf home in that next year ;D
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on October 24, 2021, 01:59:32 PM
Cheers for the Galibier suggestion - some lovely stuff
Invested in a nice second hand carbon bike for next year
Now have to kit it out with pedals, matching cages and few other bits
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on January 26, 2022, 09:28:15 PM
Lads would a bike with Tiagra be plenty for someone who has no interest in becoming a MAMIL 😜but would like to build up to 2 or 3 hour rides?
Very little in stock at the moment anywhere but I did find a Trek Domane AL4 in a shop nearby.
My current bike is a cheap budget job from Halfords that is about 15 years old and it's a heap of shite and about 2 sizes to big for me,so anything really would be an upgrade.
Don't plan on getting mad into cycling like you boys but I'm finding it great for cross training with the running I do. The Grand Canal is literally beside where I live and there are works ongoing to have a towpath all the way to the Shannon and the Royal Canal is a couple of miles away and that stretches all the way from Maynooth to Longford, I'd imagine that's where I'd be 99% of the time and maybe doing a few laps of the Phoenix Park also. Wouldn't see myself going out on main roads or in group rides or anything.Other than that I'd have it attached to a Kickr Core on Zwift.
With that in mind is Tiagra plenty for my needs?
Also found a Giant Contend AR1 that has 105 and is about €300 more.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JoG2 on January 26, 2022, 09:34:05 PM
Quote from: laoislad on January 26, 2022, 09:28:15 PM
Lads would a bike with Tiagra be plenty for someone who has no interest in becoming a MAMIL 😜but would like to build up to 2 or 3 hour rides?
Very little in stock at the moment anywhere but I did find a Trek Domane AL4 in a shop nearby.
My current bike is a cheap budget job from Halfords that is about 15 years old and it's a heap of shite and about 2 sizes to big for me,so anything really would be an upgrade.
Don't plan on getting mad into cycling like you boys but I'm finding it great for cross training with the running I do. The Grand Canal is literally beside where I live and there are works ongoing to have a towpath all the way to the Shannon and the Royal Canal is a couple of miles away and that stretches all the way from Maynooth to Longford, I'd imagine that's where I'd be 99% of the time and maybe doing a few laps of the Phoenix Park also. Wouldn't see myself going out on main roads or in group rides or anything.Other than that I'd have it attached to a Kickr Core on Zwift.
With that in mind is Tiagra plenty for my needs?
Also found a Giant Contend AR1 that has 105 and is about €300 more.

A few of us bought hybrids a few years back, 700x30 so the tyres are thin enough. All under £500. We'd do anything from 40 to 70k once or twice a week depending on the weather. Not a piece of lycra touches our skin  ;D plenty of Mamils pass us but we're content
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 26, 2022, 09:55:33 PM
Quote from: laoislad on January 26, 2022, 09:28:15 PM
Lads would a bike with Tiagra be plenty for someone who has no interest in becoming a MAMIL 😜but would like to build up to 2 or 3 hour rides?
Very little in stock at the moment anywhere but I did find a Trek Domane AL4 in a shop nearby.
My current bike is a cheap budget job from Halfords that is about 15 years old and it's a heap of shite and about 2 sizes to big for me,so anything really would be an upgrade.
Don't plan on getting mad into cycling like you boys but I'm finding it great for cross training with the running I do. The Grand Canal is literally beside where I live and there are works ongoing to have a towpath all the way to the Shannon and the Royal Canal is a couple of miles away and that stretches all the way from Maynooth to Longford, I'd imagine that's where I'd be 99% of the time and maybe doing a few laps of the Phoenix Park also. Wouldn't see myself going out on main roads or in group rides or anything.Other than that I'd have it attached to a Kickr Core on Zwift.
With that in mind is Tiagra plenty for my needs?
Also found a Giant Contend AR1 that has 105 and is about €300 more.
It's been a few years since I had a Tiagra groupset but it always worked perfectly well for me, stepping up in groupsets is as much about weight saving as functionality so for your needs I'd  say Tiagra is 100%, it's 10 speed (but so what) the Giant has 105 (11 speed) - as it's a slight step up it likely has better wheels for your €300 as well. If you're swopping bikes for your Kickr you need to watch the 10/11 speed differences (nothing more than changing your cassette).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 26, 2022, 10:26:42 PM
Quote from: laoislad on January 26, 2022, 09:28:15 PM
Lads would a bike with Tiagra be plenty for someone who has no interest in becoming a MAMIL 😜but would like to build up to 2 or 3 hour rides?
Very little in stock at the moment anywhere but I did find a Trek Domane AL4 in a shop nearby.
My current bike is a cheap budget job from Halfords that is about 15 years old and it's a heap of shite and about 2 sizes to big for me,so anything really would be an upgrade.
Don't plan on getting mad into cycling like you boys but I'm finding it great for cross training with the running I do. The Grand Canal is literally beside where I live and there are works ongoing to have a towpath all the way to the Shannon and the Royal Canal is a couple of miles away and that stretches all the way from Maynooth to Longford, I'd imagine that's where I'd be 99% of the time and maybe doing a few laps of the Phoenix Park also. Wouldn't see myself going out on main roads or in group rides or anything.Other than that I'd have it attached to a Kickr Core on Zwift.
With that in mind is Tiagra plenty for my needs?
Also found a Giant Contend AR1 that has 105 and is about €300 more.

New tiagra is actually really good. 105 better. Both of those bikes really nice, good clearance for wider tyres. I'd probably go for the Giant as it has the 105 and a carbon front fork as opposed to the all aluminium trek.
 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 27, 2022, 07:58:43 AM
Quote from: grounded on January 26, 2022, 10:26:42 PM
Quote from: laoislad on January 26, 2022, 09:28:15 PM
Lads would a bike with Tiagra be plenty for someone who has no interest in becoming a MAMIL 😜but would like to build up to 2 or 3 hour rides?
Very little in stock at the moment anywhere but I did find a Trek Domane AL4 in a shop nearby.
My current bike is a cheap budget job from Halfords that is about 15 years old and it's a heap of shite and about 2 sizes to big for me,so anything really would be an upgrade.
Don't plan on getting mad into cycling like you boys but I'm finding it great for cross training with the running I do. The Grand Canal is literally beside where I live and there are works ongoing to have a towpath all the way to the Shannon and the Royal Canal is a couple of miles away and that stretches all the way from Maynooth to Longford, I'd imagine that's where I'd be 99% of the time and maybe doing a few laps of the Phoenix Park also. Wouldn't see myself going out on main roads or in group rides or anything.Other than that I'd have it attached to a Kickr Core on Zwift.
With that in mind is Tiagra plenty for my needs?
Also found a Giant Contend AR1 that has 105 and is about €300 more.

New tiagra is actually really good. 105 better. Both of those bikes really nice, good clearance for wider tyres. I'd probably go for the Giant as it has the 105 and a carbon front fork as opposed to the all aluminium trek.


Does the Trek Domane not have a carbon fork as well ?

Rather than the tiny difference between groupsets i would be more worried about the quality of wheels as i think this is what makes a big difference to a bike.
However most new bikes come with stock wheels that tend to be budget end. Probably fine for the most part.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 27, 2022, 08:02:23 AM
Struggling with a bike decision myself.
I've a Trek Madone 5.2 (older bike), really like it but its a 56cm and i have the seatpost near as high as it will go. Probably need a size or 2 up.  The cassette is 11-28 and i have an event coming up that involves lots of uphill so would like to go for a 32 or a 34 on the back. That means swapping out the rear mech to a long cage which in turn probably means upgrading from 10 speed to 11 speed which means new shifters.
Yep think answered my own question.
New bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 27, 2022, 08:27:01 AM
Quote from: maddog on January 27, 2022, 07:58:43 AM
Quote from: grounded on January 26, 2022, 10:26:42 PM
Quote from: laoislad on January 26, 2022, 09:28:15 PM
Lads would a bike with Tiagra be plenty for someone who has no interest in becoming a MAMIL 😜but would like to build up to 2 or 3 hour rides?
Very little in stock at the moment anywhere but I did find a Trek Domane AL4 in a shop nearby.
My current bike is a cheap budget job from Halfords that is about 15 years old and it's a heap of shite and about 2 sizes to big for me,so anything really would be an upgrade.
Don't plan on getting mad into cycling like you boys but I'm finding it great for cross training with the running I do. The Grand Canal is literally beside where I live and there are works ongoing to have a towpath all the way to the Shannon and the Royal Canal is a couple of miles away and that stretches all the way from Maynooth to Longford, I'd imagine that's where I'd be 99% of the time and maybe doing a few laps of the Phoenix Park also. Wouldn't see myself going out on main roads or in group rides or anything.Other than that I'd have it attached to a Kickr Core on Zwift.
With that in mind is Tiagra plenty for my needs?
Also found a Giant Contend AR1 that has 105 and is about €300 more.

New tiagra is actually really good. 105 better. Both of those bikes really nice, good clearance for wider tyres. I'd probably go for the Giant as it has the 105 and a carbon front fork as opposed to the all aluminium trek.


Does the Trek Domane not have a carbon fork as well ?

Rather than the tiny difference between groupsets i would be more worried about the quality of wheels as i think this is what makes a big difference to a bike.
However most new bikes come with stock wheels that tend to be budget end. Probably fine for the most part.

'Up front there's a fork with carbon fibre blades, but the rest of its construction, including the tapered steerer, is aluminium'

Tbh not a deal breaker and there is very little between the bikes.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 27, 2022, 08:29:34 AM
Quote from: maddog on January 27, 2022, 08:02:23 AM
Struggling with a bike decision myself.
I've a Trek Madone 5.2 (older bike), really like it but its a 56cm and i have the seatpost near as high as it will go. Probably need a size or 2 up.  The cassette is 11-28 and i have an event coming up that involves lots of uphill so would like to go for a 32 or a 34 on the back. That means swapping out the rear mech to a long cage which in turn probably means upgrading from 10 speed to 11 speed which means new shifters.
Yep think answered my own question.
New bike.

What is the rear derailleur?

Some of those short cage shimano derailleurs can be made to accommodate a 30t. 
       
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 27, 2022, 09:26:47 AM
Quote from: grounded on January 27, 2022, 08:29:34 AM
Quote from: maddog on January 27, 2022, 08:02:23 AM
Struggling with a bike decision myself.
I've a Trek Madone 5.2 (older bike), really like it but its a 56cm and i have the seatpost near as high as it will go. Probably need a size or 2 up.  The cassette is 11-28 and i have an event coming up that involves lots of uphill so would like to go for a 32 or a 34 on the back. That means swapping out the rear mech to a long cage which in turn probably means upgrading from 10 speed to 11 speed which means new shifters.
Yep think answered my own question.
New bike.

What is the rear derailleur?

Some of those short cage shimano derailleurs can be made to accommodate a 30t. 
     

its short cage Ultegra. Think it might take a 30t
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 27, 2022, 01:40:10 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 27, 2022, 09:26:47 AM
Quote from: grounded on January 27, 2022, 08:29:34 AM
Quote from: maddog on January 27, 2022, 08:02:23 AM
Struggling with a bike decision myself.
I've a Trek Madone 5.2 (older bike), really like it but its a 56cm and i have the seatpost near as high as it will go. Probably need a size or 2 up.  The cassette is 11-28 and i have an event coming up that involves lots of uphill so would like to go for a 32 or a 34 on the back. That means swapping out the rear mech to a long cage which in turn probably means upgrading from 10 speed to 11 speed which means new shifters.
Yep think answered my own question.
New bike.

What is the rear derailleur?

Some of those short cage shimano derailleurs can be made to accommodate a 30t. 
     

its short cage Ultegra. Think it might take a 30t

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-rd-6700-ultegra-ss-rear-derailleur

I think it will take a 30t. 

Out of interest, can't believe the price of components at the minute. Must have doubled or tripled in price
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 27, 2022, 02:06:27 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 27, 2022, 08:02:23 AM
Struggling with a bike decision myself.
I've a Trek Madone 5.2 (older bike), really like it but its a 56cm and i have the seatpost near as high as it will go. Probably need a size or 2 up.  The cassette is 11-28 and i have an event coming up that involves lots of uphill so would like to go for a 32 or a 34 on the back. That means swapping out the rear mech to a long cage which in turn probably means upgrading from 10 speed to 11 speed which means new shifters.
Yep think answered my own question.
New bike.
go 2nd hand. plenty of stuff crops up on facebook cycling buy and sell
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 27, 2022, 05:19:57 PM
I know a fella selling a cracking Bianchi 👀
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 23, 2022, 10:43:41 PM
What is going on with CI? A few very odd emails of late.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on February 24, 2022, 01:52:43 PM
Quote from: grounded on February 23, 2022, 10:43:41 PM
What is going on with CI? A few very odd emails of late.

My guess is its in-fighting on the board, either driven by egos or just people who havent got a clue about running an organisation.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 05, 2022, 08:23:04 AM
Quote from: laoislad on January 26, 2022, 09:28:15 PM
Lads would a bike with Tiagra be plenty for someone who has no interest in becoming a MAMIL 😜but would like to build up to 2 or 3 hour rides?
Very little in stock at the moment anywhere but I did find a Trek Domane AL4 in a shop nearby.
My current bike is a cheap budget job from Halfords that is about 15 years old and it's a heap of shite and about 2 sizes to big for me,so anything really would be an upgrade.
Don't plan on getting mad into cycling like you boys but I'm finding it great for cross training with the running I do. The Grand Canal is literally beside where I live and there are works ongoing to have a towpath all the way to the Shannon and the Royal Canal is a couple of miles away and that stretches all the way from Maynooth to Longford, I'd imagine that's where I'd be 99% of the time and maybe doing a few laps of the Phoenix Park also. Wouldn't see myself going out on main roads or in group rides or anything.Other than that I'd have it attached to a Kickr Core on Zwift.
With that in mind is Tiagra plenty for my needs?
Also found a Giant Contend AR1 that has 105 and is about €300 more.
Right so I ended up buying a Canyon Endurace.
Was a bit wary buying a bike from Germany online as if it comes damaged it's a long way to send it back. Hasn't come yet but they sent a payment link yesterday so hopefully it comes in next couple of weeks. Anyone any experience of buying from Canyon?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on May 05, 2022, 02:42:35 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 05, 2022, 08:23:04 AM
Quote from: laoislad on January 26, 2022, 09:28:15 PM
Lads would a bike with Tiagra be plenty for someone who has no interest in becoming a MAMIL 😜but would like to build up to 2 or 3 hour rides?
Very little in stock at the moment anywhere but I did find a Trek Domane AL4 in a shop nearby.
My current bike is a cheap budget job from Halfords that is about 15 years old and it's a heap of shite and about 2 sizes to big for me,so anything really would be an upgrade.
Don't plan on getting mad into cycling like you boys but I'm finding it great for cross training with the running I do. The Grand Canal is literally beside where I live and there are works ongoing to have a towpath all the way to the Shannon and the Royal Canal is a couple of miles away and that stretches all the way from Maynooth to Longford, I'd imagine that's where I'd be 99% of the time and maybe doing a few laps of the Phoenix Park also. Wouldn't see myself going out on main roads or in group rides or anything.Other than that I'd have it attached to a Kickr Core on Zwift.
With that in mind is Tiagra plenty for my needs?
Also found a Giant Contend AR1 that has 105 and is about €300 more.
Right so I ended up buying a Canyon Endurace.
Was a bit wary buying a bike from Germany online as if it comes damaged it's a long way to send it back. Hasn't come yet but they sent a payment link yesterday so hopefully it comes in next couple of weeks. Anyone any experience of buying from Canyon?

Laoislad i've never owned one but quite a few in the club have them. They all seem to have arrived ok but the problem the guys seem to have is we've had 5 broken frames in the last 2 years on Canyon bikes. I witnessed one of them myself and rear stay snapped like a match stick. The bikes were packaged up and sent back and as far as i know where replaced under warranty. If this was just a coincidence or not i don't know but Canyon seem to be the only bike manufacturer atm who have the smallest waiting time on their bikes.
They look nice and anyone who owned one seemed to like the way they ride too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on May 15, 2022, 07:07:09 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 05, 2022, 08:23:04 AM
Quote from: laoislad on January 26, 2022, 09:28:15 PM
Lads would a bike with Tiagra be plenty for someone who has no interest in becoming a MAMIL 😜but would like to build up to 2 or 3 hour rides?
Very little in stock at the moment anywhere but I did find a Trek Domane AL4 in a shop nearby.
My current bike is a cheap budget job from Halfords that is about 15 years old and it's a heap of shite and about 2 sizes to big for me,so anything really would be an upgrade.
Don't plan on getting mad into cycling like you boys but I'm finding it great for cross training with the running I do. The Grand Canal is literally beside where I live and there are works ongoing to have a towpath all the way to the Shannon and the Royal Canal is a couple of miles away and that stretches all the way from Maynooth to Longford, I'd imagine that's where I'd be 99% of the time and maybe doing a few laps of the Phoenix Park also. Wouldn't see myself going out on main roads or in group rides or anything.Other than that I'd have it attached to a Kickr Core on Zwift.
With that in mind is Tiagra plenty for my needs?
Also found a Giant Contend AR1 that has 105 and is about €300 more.
Right so I ended up buying a Canyon Endurace.
Was a bit wary buying a bike from Germany online as if it comes damaged it's a long way to send it back. Hasn't come yet but they sent a payment link yesterday so hopefully it comes in next couple of weeks. Anyone any experience of buying from Canyon?

I've a Canyon TT and I love it. Was going to buy a high end Canyon road bike earlier this year but it was out of stock for too long but they're great bikes.

Pm me if you have any issues with it or questions, am only over the road!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on May 15, 2022, 07:54:16 PM
Quote from: heffo on May 15, 2022, 07:07:09 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 05, 2022, 08:23:04 AM
Quote from: laoislad on January 26, 2022, 09:28:15 PM
Lads would a bike with Tiagra be plenty for someone who has no interest in becoming a MAMIL 😜but would like to build up to 2 or 3 hour rides?
Very little in stock at the moment anywhere but I did find a Trek Domane AL4 in a shop nearby.
My current bike is a cheap budget job from Halfords that is about 15 years old and it's a heap of shite and about 2 sizes to big for me,so anything really would be an upgrade.
Don't plan on getting mad into cycling like you boys but I'm finding it great for cross training with the running I do. The Grand Canal is literally beside where I live and there are works ongoing to have a towpath all the way to the Shannon and the Royal Canal is a couple of miles away and that stretches all the way from Maynooth to Longford, I'd imagine that's where I'd be 99% of the time and maybe doing a few laps of the Phoenix Park also. Wouldn't see myself going out on main roads or in group rides or anything.Other than that I'd have it attached to a Kickr Core on Zwift.
With that in mind is Tiagra plenty for my needs?
Also found a Giant Contend AR1 that has 105 and is about €300 more.
Right so I ended up buying a Canyon Endurace.
Was a bit wary buying a bike from Germany online as if it comes damaged it's a long way to send it back. Hasn't come yet but they sent a payment link yesterday so hopefully it comes in next couple of weeks. Anyone any experience of buying from Canyon?

I've a Canyon TT and I love it. Was going to buy a high end Canyon road bike earlier this year but it was out of stock for too long but they're great bikes.

Pm me if you have any issues with it or questions, am only over the road!
Cheers.
You have some collection of bikes!
When's your Ironman?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: heffo on May 15, 2022, 08:35:07 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 15, 2022, 07:54:16 PM
Quote from: heffo on May 15, 2022, 07:07:09 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 05, 2022, 08:23:04 AM
Quote from: laoislad on January 26, 2022, 09:28:15 PM
Lads would a bike with Tiagra be plenty for someone who has no interest in becoming a MAMIL 😜but would like to build up to 2 or 3 hour rides?
Very little in stock at the moment anywhere but I did find a Trek Domane AL4 in a shop nearby.
My current bike is a cheap budget job from Halfords that is about 15 years old and it's a heap of shite and about 2 sizes to big for me,so anything really would be an upgrade.
Don't plan on getting mad into cycling like you boys but I'm finding it great for cross training with the running I do. The Grand Canal is literally beside where I live and there are works ongoing to have a towpath all the way to the Shannon and the Royal Canal is a couple of miles away and that stretches all the way from Maynooth to Longford, I'd imagine that's where I'd be 99% of the time and maybe doing a few laps of the Phoenix Park also. Wouldn't see myself going out on main roads or in group rides or anything.Other than that I'd have it attached to a Kickr Core on Zwift.
With that in mind is Tiagra plenty for my needs?
Also found a Giant Contend AR1 that has 105 and is about €300 more.
Right so I ended up buying a Canyon Endurace.
Was a bit wary buying a bike from Germany online as if it comes damaged it's a long way to send it back. Hasn't come yet but they sent a payment link yesterday so hopefully it comes in next couple of weeks. Anyone any experience of buying from Canyon?

I've a Canyon TT and I love it. Was going to buy a high end Canyon road bike earlier this year but it was out of stock for too long but they're great bikes.

Pm me if you have any issues with it or questions, am only over the road!
Cheers.
You have some collection of bikes!
When's your Ironman?

Am maxed out for space! 1st one this year next Sat
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on May 30, 2022, 08:18:09 AM
Serious performance by Hindley so take the Giro. I thought Carapaz was nailed on but he just completely blew in last 3k on Saturday. Great race and location looked amazing in last few days, especially the stage that went into Slovenia. First Aussie Giro winner.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RedHand88 on June 16, 2022, 08:11:45 AM
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61815609  (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61815609)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on June 16, 2022, 08:52:23 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 16, 2022, 08:11:45 AM
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61815609  (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61815609)

He seems like a grumpy old cnut so he'll keep his distance legal when passing cyclists next time
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: GJL on June 16, 2022, 08:59:12 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 16, 2022, 08:52:23 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 16, 2022, 08:11:45 AM
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61815609  (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61815609)

He seems like a grumpy old cnut so he'll keep his distance legal when passing cyclists next time

Exactly. He had chances to avoid court and fines but ignored them. Hopefully he appeals and fails that too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 14, 2022, 04:28:19 PM
I see British Cycling had to backtrack after stating
     "British Cycling strongly recommends that anybody out riding their bike on the day of the State Funeral does so outside of the timings of the funeral service and associated processions, which will be confirmed later this week. Once published, we will share the details of those timings on this page."
      They later removed this guidance. Unbelievably they're still saying there should be no club rides
      As a mark of respect to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, British Cycling's guidance is that no formal domestic activities should take place on the day of the State Funeral, Monday 19 September. This includes cycle sport events, club rides, coaching sessions and community programmes (such as Breeze rides).
        Lunatics!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on September 15, 2022, 09:10:29 AM
Thankfully I'm with Cycling Ireland...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 15, 2022, 01:28:58 PM
Quote from: illdecide on September 15, 2022, 09:10:29 AM
Thankfully I'm with Cycling Ireland...

Every club north and south is(i think?) I suppose for those clubs in England/Wales/Scotland will their insurance cover them on Monday?
          Just outlines the ludicrous hyperbole reaction to the funeral.   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: rodney trotter on November 10, 2022, 04:47:51 PM
Wouldn't like to be a cyclist in Dublin

  https://www.independent.ie/videos/incredible-dashcam-footage-shows-dublin-bus-driving-on-footpath-and-cycle-lane-42132596.html
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on November 11, 2022, 10:09:38 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 10, 2022, 04:47:51 PM
Wouldn't like to be a cyclist in Dublin

  https://www.independent.ie/videos/incredible-dashcam-footage-shows-dublin-bus-driving-on-footpath-and-cycle-lane-42132596.html

Nothing surprises me anymore regarding motorists and traffic. Ireland was always know for it's lackadaisical approach to life and taking it easy but now it's 100mph and people can't get from A to B quick enough, everyone is in a rush with road rage never too far away.
That bus driver is a p***k with so many things that can go wrong there, hope he/she gets what's coming to them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: laoislad on November 12, 2022, 06:26:49 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on November 10, 2022, 04:47:51 PM
Wouldn't like to be a cyclist in Dublin

  https://www.independent.ie/videos/incredible-dashcam-footage-shows-dublin-bus-driving-on-footpath-and-cycle-lane-42132596.html
Wouldn't like to be a motorist in Kildare  ;)

https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/962943/kildare-man-fined-for-dangerous-cycling-after-riding-into-a-car.html
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 09, 2023, 08:58:22 PM
Anyone cycled Teide before? Thinking of heading to Tenerife with family in April and wouldn't mind giving it a whirl. Reasonable level of fitness and hopefully will be getting more cycling in before I head there. 40 odd km of climbing though, for a heavyweight like me sounds daunting!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on January 09, 2023, 10:39:57 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 09, 2023, 08:58:22 PM
Anyone cycled Teide before? Thinking of heading to Tenerife with family in April and wouldn't mind giving it a whirl. Reasonable level of fitness and hopefully will be getting more cycling in before I head there. 40 odd km of climbing though, for a heavyweight like me sounds daunting!
Haven't done it myself but had planned to in 2020 before covid. My old boss has done it though, fairly steady climb over decent roads, some have described it as dull but compared to our climbs Id imagine it unreal. Even if you just climb as far as you can each day then just turn round and cruise home down the hill.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 09, 2023, 10:41:58 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 09, 2023, 08:58:22 PM
Anyone cycled Teide before? Thinking of heading to Tenerife with family in April and wouldn't mind giving it a whirl. Reasonable level of fitness and hopefully will be getting more cycling in before I head there. 40 odd km of climbing though, for a heavyweight like me sounds daunting!
Done it 3 or 4 times, went up a couple of different ways from Los Cristianos direction. It's mostly  a good steady climb of 7 or 8%, few spots where it hits 10 or 11% for very short stretches, if you're in half decent shape it's straightforward- as long as you're mentally tough!  it is 25m or so straight up, with only a bit of a drop down into the caldera (you think it's over at the Teide National Park sign but its not) before you're climbing again, the last few miles inside the caldera to the peak are pretty tough mentally, that climb out of the caldera to go home is pretty painful too - then you've a 20 oddmile descent to look forward to. 

The hire bikes all have climbing gears. Have used Bikepoint & Free Motion for bike hire, both pretty good, book from wherever is closest to your hotel.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 10, 2023, 01:24:30 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 09, 2023, 10:41:58 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 09, 2023, 08:58:22 PM
Anyone cycled Teide before? Thinking of heading to Tenerife with family in April and wouldn't mind giving it a whirl. Reasonable level of fitness and hopefully will be getting more cycling in before I head there. 40 odd km of climbing though, for a heavyweight like me sounds daunting!
Done it 3 or 4 times, went up a couple of different ways from Los Cristianos direction. It's mostly  a good steady climb of 7 or 8%, few spots where it hits 10 or 11% for very short stretches, if you're in half decent shape it's straightforward- as long as you're mentally tough!  it is 25m or so straight up, with only a bit of a drop down into the caldera (you think it's over at the Teide National Park sign but its not) before you're climbing again, the last few miles inside the caldera to the peak are pretty tough mentally, that climb out of the caldera to go home is pretty painful too - then you've a 20 oddmile descent to look forward to. 

The hire bikes all have climbing gears. Have used Bikepoint & Free Motion for bike hire, both pretty good, book from wherever is closest to your hotel.

Brilliant stuff. How long roughly were those spins from Los Christianos Benny as that's the general area we will be in? Did you need a gillet/jacket for the spin back down? I've managed a few of the bigger climbs around Mallorca and managed to drag myself up them albeit very slowly.
       None have obviously been as continuously as long, but I'm nothing if not stubborn.
     
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 10, 2023, 02:02:31 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 10, 2023, 01:24:30 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 09, 2023, 10:41:58 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 09, 2023, 08:58:22 PM
Anyone cycled Teide before? Thinking of heading to Tenerife with family in April and wouldn't mind giving it a whirl. Reasonable level of fitness and hopefully will be getting more cycling in before I head there. 40 odd km of climbing though, for a heavyweight like me sounds daunting!
Done it 3 or 4 times, went up a couple of different ways from Los Cristianos direction. It's mostly  a good steady climb of 7 or 8%, few spots where it hits 10 or 11% for very short stretches, if you're in half decent shape it's straightforward- as long as you're mentally tough!  it is 25m or so straight up, with only a bit of a drop down into the caldera (you think it's over at the Teide National Park sign but its not) before you're climbing again, the last few miles inside the caldera to the peak are pretty tough mentally, that climb out of the caldera to go home is pretty painful too - then you've a 20 oddmile descent to look forward to. 

The hire bikes all have climbing gears. Have used Bikepoint & Free Motion for bike hire, both pretty good, book from wherever is closest to your hotel.

Brilliant stuff. How long roughly were those spins from Los Christianos Benny as that's the general area we will be in? Did you need a gillet/jacket for the spin back down? I've managed a few of the bigger climbs around Mallorca and managed to drag myself up them albeit very slowly.
       None have obviously been as continuously as long, but I'm nothing if not stubborn.
     

Was looking at my Strava data there, 78m but that was always us going the long way home. Straight up from Los Cristianos via La Camela, Arona, Vilaflor and back down the same route would be 55 or so. This is also the best route IMO, have went back down via a town called Chio which was very boring. You can also go from La Camela to Granadilla - Vilaflor to top for 69m which was my favourite way to top.

Some chance the descent with gilet & arm warmers, I take the raincoat as I'm a cowl champ & long finger gloves, we got drizzle for a bit last January going up & down and it can be pretty 🥶

I can pm you a Strava spin or 2 if you want a look? no records were broken!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 10, 2023, 02:12:36 PM
10 of us heading to Gran Canaria this weekend. Pico De Las Neves is the Teide equivalent there, never done it before, more up and down than Teide apparently.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 11, 2023, 11:17:00 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 10, 2023, 02:12:36 PM
10 of us heading to Gran Canaria this weekend. Pico De Las Neves is the Teide equivalent there, never done it before, more up and down than Teide apparently.

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 24, 2023, 09:36:04 AM
Did the Pico climb, that would tighten you :( much harder than Teide imo, altho there was a lot more up and down which some of our crowd liked but doesn't really suit me tbh, from half way up there was a significant increase in the % gradient, sat at 11-15% for miles. Could only do so much in the 4 days we were there but think there are a lot more interesting climbs there to he done, one brute called the Valley of Tears.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Orior on January 27, 2023, 06:27:30 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 10, 2023, 02:12:36 PM
10 of us heading to Gran Canaria this weekend. Pico De Las Neves is the Teide equivalent there, never done it before, more up and down than Teide apparently.

I climbed Teide today, thankfully I was on a bus.

There were a few professional cycling teams out training, but for the amateur it's nuts lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 27, 2023, 07:53:28 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 24, 2023, 09:36:04 AM
Did the Pico climb, that would tighten you :( much harder than Teide imo, altho there was a lot more up and down which some of our crowd liked but doesn't really suit me tbh, from half way up there was a significant increase in the % gradient, sat at 11-15% for miles. Could only do so much in the 4 days we were there but think there are a lot more interesting climbs there to he done, one brute called the Valley of Tears.

Winter miles summer smiles! Sounds like a great trip.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: scout on January 27, 2023, 11:23:17 PM
Anyone know the ring of Kerry date for the year? Have seen no official date yet
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 27, 2023, 11:59:54 PM
Quote from: Orior on January 27, 2023, 06:27:30 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 10, 2023, 02:12:36 PM
10 of us heading to Gran Canaria this weekend. Pico De Las Neves is the Teide equivalent there, never done it before, more up and down than Teide apparently.

I climbed Teide today, thankfully I was on a bus.

There were a few professional cycling teams out training, but for the amateur it's nuts lol

Are you not going to cycle it when you're there. One for the bucket list
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on February 23, 2023, 10:02:54 PM
I’ve just purchased a Ribble CGR, it will be used mainly for commuting but I would sort of like to try out a few trails! Anyone know where abouts in belfast would be best for this type of riding?
Also be interested if anyone had one, I went for titanium frame, so hoping it’s the last bike I buy! Also treated myself to 105 di2, any reviews?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 24, 2023, 11:36:52 AM
Quote from: majestic on February 23, 2023, 10:02:54 PM
I've just purchased a Ribble CGR, it will be used mainly for commuting but I would sort of like to try out a few trails! Anyone know where abouts in belfast would be best for this type of riding?
Also be interested if anyone had one, I went for titanium frame, so hoping it's the last bike I buy! Also treated myself to 105 di2, any reviews?

Thats a beauty, with the titanium frame. Titanium bikes have been around for a while but have got ferociously expensive. Always wanted one but couldn't afford it.   
    The whole gravel bike thing is a funny one here in Ireland. In England and Scotland there are huge numbers of interconnecting bridal ways and paths that suit these bikes. Too rough for a road bike but you'd be too slow on a mountain bike.
   Here you end up cycling or driving on the main roads in order to access fire roads in parks or tow paths etc. The mournes is ok for this sort of gravel riding. You can make up a few routes using fireroads in parks, roads and parts of the ulsterway.  Parts of fermanagh are supposed to be pretty good as well and i think they run the gravel grinder there. Im not sure about around Belfast though.
     For me, i just like the comfort of the gravel bike with the much wider and grippier tyres particularly in winter. I can spin from the house and im lucky enough to live close enough to a few parks that i can dip in an out of.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on March 22, 2023, 10:05:12 AM
I'm for Albir on Saturday for a week of cycling, can't wait. The climbs and scenary is def not the Alps but the weather we're getting at home just now anything is a bonus. Have any of you guys done this area before?. I've been once before and it's decent but comparing it to the Alps and the Pyrenees it's like day and night.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on March 31, 2023, 12:58:04 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 10, 2023, 02:02:31 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 10, 2023, 01:24:30 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 09, 2023, 10:41:58 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 09, 2023, 08:58:22 PM
Anyone cycled Teide before? Thinking of heading to Tenerife with family in April and wouldn't mind giving it a whirl. Reasonable level of fitness and hopefully will be getting more cycling in before I head there. 40 odd km of climbing though, for a heavyweight like me sounds daunting!
Done it 3 or 4 times, went up a couple of different ways from Los Cristianos direction. It's mostly  a good steady climb of 7 or 8%, few spots where it hits 10 or 11% for very short stretches, if you're in half decent shape it's straightforward- as long as you're mentally tough!  it is 25m or so straight up, with only a bit of a drop down into the caldera (you think it's over at the Teide National Park sign but its not) before you're climbing again, the last few miles inside the caldera to the peak are pretty tough mentally, that climb out of the caldera to go home is pretty painful too - then you've a 20 oddmile descent to look forward to. 

The hire bikes all have climbing gears. Have used Bikepoint & Free Motion for bike hire, both pretty good, book from wherever is closest to your hotel.

Brilliant stuff. How long roughly were those spins from Los Christianos Benny as that's the general area we will be in? Did you need a gillet/jacket for the spin back down? I've managed a few of the bigger climbs around Mallorca and managed to drag myself up them albeit very slowly.
       None have obviously been as continuously as long, but I'm nothing if not stubborn.
     

Was looking at my Strava data there, 78m but that was always us going the long way home. Straight up from Los Cristianos via La Camela, Arona, Vilaflor and back down the same route would be 55 or so. This is also the best route IMO, have went back down via a town called Chio which was very boring. You can also go from La Camela to Granadilla - Vilaflor to top for 69m which was my favourite way to top.

Some chance the descent with gilet & arm warmers, I take the raincoat as I'm a cowl champ & long finger gloves, we got drizzle for a bit last January going up & down and it can be pretty 🥶

I can pm you a Strava spin or 2 if you want a look? no records were broken!

Thanks for the advice. Managed  (just about!) to drag all 16 stone of me to Teide National Park. I didn't go on down into the Caldera as i was absolutely bate at that point. I found the first part from Los Christianos to Vlla flor via La Camela and Arona to be the toughest part. Was almost going to pack it in at Villa flora but after a coffee and a bit of cake dragged myself on up.
         Went early just at dawn and i was glad as it got pretty hot as the day went on. Though the spin downhill home was great to cool down. Used Freemotion bike hire who supplied a BH disc brake for 23 euro/day. But prebook online in advance of any visit as supply os limited.
        Traffic around Los Christianos pretty busy during early morning and crazy later on so need to be very careful.
        There were a few other slighly less hilly loops from los Christianos towards San Miguel/ las Zocas/Buzanada which suited this heavyweight a little better.
        In general a great place to cycle. Roads great and wide and quieter as you move out of the main tourist centres.
        You can actually hire an e-road bike which would make that Teide spin doable for most people.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on March 31, 2023, 06:07:17 PM
Good man,, it's not saft!   Cycling abroad in warmer climes is just fantastic, I absolutely love it. Have done a fewsl spins to & from Buzanada and around San Miguel / Granadilla. You can do a reasonably flat route ( for Tenerife) to El Medano which is a lovely spin but the traffic can be mad everywhere and I'm shite with the maps on the Garmin!

Heading with the Mrs to Tenerife in September, will hopefully get a spin or 2 but might be too hot for me then tho.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on April 01, 2023, 09:21:37 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 31, 2023, 06:07:17 PM
Good man,, it's not saft!   Cycling abroad in warmer climes is just fantastic, I absolutely love it. Have done a fewsl spins to & from Buzanada and around San Miguel / Granadilla. You can do a reasonably flat route ( for Tenerife) to El Medano which is a lovely spin but the traffic can be mad everywhere and I'm shite with the maps on the Garmin!

Heading with the Mrs to Tenerife in September, will hopefully get a spin or 2 but might be too hot for me then tho.

Definitely pre book the bike well in advance before you go. Your man in freemotion was saying they had a number of supply issues with the main brands which led to a reduced number of bike hires available. They also switched to the Spanish bh manufacturer in order to get bikes to rent.
      They were turning people away when i was collecting/leaving off the bike. 
     
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: downexile1 on April 21, 2023, 11:00:44 AM
Anywhere about Lisburn or Belfast that is good at cycling repairs (need a new rear wheel) - bought road bike from Halfords and took it there and a week later still waiting and they are saying I might need to order the rear wheel online and take it to them to fix?!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on April 21, 2023, 11:11:04 AM
Belfast bicycle workshop on ormeau road is somewhere I have used before and they seemed grand. Ormeau road over the bridge on the way out of town. I don't think they have a website but if you  google them on address.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: LeoMc on April 21, 2023, 11:21:01 AM
Yeah, I think they are or were beside the Errigal on Jameson street.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on April 23, 2023, 08:24:40 PM
Very unlucky for Ben Healy today. Pogacar might be doubtful for tdf after his spill.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 03, 2023, 10:38:22 PM
For anyone with Amazon prime , Wolfpack is a really enjoyable watch.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on May 05, 2023, 05:34:04 AM
Any recommendations for insurance? Taking delivery of my new bike today, and think it would be wise to cover it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on May 05, 2023, 07:56:05 AM
Depending on value, just add to house insurance? Worth a call anyway
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 05, 2023, 09:08:15 AM
Quote from: majestic on May 05, 2023, 05:34:04 AM
Any recommendations for insurance? Taking delivery of my new bike today, and think it would be wise to cover it.
Got insurance for my new bike for the 1st time myself (after getting creamed last year & my 6 week old bike was wrote off). Went with a crowd called Sundays insurance, costs about £12 per month for a bike in the 4-5k range. Excess is 400 I think and there are lots of caveats in the small print that is a must read- main one being u have to have a Gold Standard 🔐 lock - if you're a roadie this is obviously an issue! Had to register the serial number with them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: SHEEDY on May 13, 2023, 09:45:07 PM
Brilliant breakaway stage win for Irish rider Ben Healy in the giro d'italia today. Really starting to make a name for himself with some great performances this year
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on May 13, 2023, 10:28:08 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on May 13, 2023, 09:45:07 PM
Brilliant breakaway stage win for Irish rider Ben Healy in the giro d'italia today. Really starting to make a name for himself with some great performances this year
Unreal. He's having some year. We have a proper talent there
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 14, 2023, 12:47:17 AM
Quote from: SHEEDY on May 13, 2023, 09:45:07 PM
Brilliant breakaway stage win for Irish rider Ben Healy in the giro d'italia today. Really starting to make a name for himself with some great performances this year

Superb. He's been in great form all year.

If anyones is curious, ben healy did 370w and 390w normalized at 65kg for 33 minutes at the end of the stage to secure his victory.  Savagery
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 14, 2023, 09:25:25 AM
Great win for Healey after a very good Spring Classics campaign. He's Phil Babb Irish tho, not that it matters as much these days.
https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/introducing-ben-healy/

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 15, 2023, 08:17:59 PM
Remco out. Pity, as i would have loved to see the battle with Roglic.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on May 26, 2023, 11:00:29 AM
Giro D'Italia has a great 3-way battle at the top between Thomas (current leader), Roglic and Almeida with Ireland's Eddie Dunbar sitting a very respectable 4th overall 3 minutes adrift of 3rd place.
Ben Healy slipped to 2nd in the Mountain standing behind Pinot so will have to attack early on today to try to regain that jersey.
3 stages to go and it's set up nicely with a mountainous stage through the Dolomites with steep climbs, an ITT with a summit finish (Roglic could have bad memories of this) before the procession around Rome to finish off.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Abble on May 26, 2023, 12:24:03 PM
what tv channels are showing the Giro and any highlights shows in evening time then?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 26, 2023, 08:47:10 PM
Terrific finish today and great battle between Thomas and Roglic at the end. All to play for on the hellish tt, cant wait. Money is on Roglic but Thomas going well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on May 28, 2023, 12:32:44 PM
Well the tt lived upto expectations. Unbelievable finish, what with the bike exchange and Roglic dropping the chain. 14 seconds in the end. Thomas will be sick, but i dont think anyone  would begrudge Roglic his win.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on May 28, 2023, 12:38:56 PM
What a performance from
Eddie dunbar. Giving the two fingers to Ineos
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The_geezer on May 31, 2023, 11:06:22 AM
Any of you keener cyclists have any recommendations for a good pair of bib shorts without breaking the bank? am doing IM Cork in august so it will be a long day in the saddle TIA
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on May 31, 2023, 11:28:36 AM
Galibier have good value quality bibs, £60
https://www.galibier.cc/product/classique-cargo-bib-shorts/
Roubaix version for £80

Got a good pair of Ale bibs in the £40-£50 range for the summer there, not sure I'd want to be in them all day.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: The_geezer on May 31, 2023, 11:56:14 AM
looks gr8, cheers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 01, 2023, 01:44:18 PM
Tubeless. Anyone running them on the road bike?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on June 01, 2023, 02:24:35 PM
Quote from: grounded on June 01, 2023, 01:44:18 PM
Tubeless. Anyone running them on the road bike?
Haven't attempted it yet. A bit daunted by them, have tubeless ready wheels but haven't took the plunge
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on June 02, 2023, 06:37:05 AM
Quote from: grounded on June 01, 2023, 01:44:18 PM
Tubeless. Anyone running them on the road bike?
All bikes are tubeless. Great job. Buy syringe and sealant and top them up yourself every few months. Always bring a spare tube in case you need to get home
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 02, 2023, 01:49:37 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on June 02, 2023, 06:37:05 AM
Quote from: grounded on June 01, 2023, 01:44:18 PM
Tubeless. Anyone running them on the road bike?
All bikes are tubeless. Great job. Buy syringe and sealant and top them up yourself every few months. Always bring a spare tube in case you need to get home

Definitely see its use on mountain/cyclo cross. The few times ive seen a puncture with it on a road bike the sealant sprayed out like a fountain. It couldn't seal the puncture when pressure was put into the road tyre. Ended up putting  a tube in and removing valve etc which was a messy bollix of a job.
            In fairness these were big enough tears in the tyre and i assume it would work and seal the tyre on pin holes.
      Have you noticed less punctures? Is that the sole benefit of it or is there a noticeable difference in comfort on the bike?
     Just wondered as you see more and more new bikes coming tubless or tubless ready.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 02, 2023, 03:46:07 PM
In the past couple of years I've been in groups that have encountered probably 4/5 punctures running tubeless - I think one of those the sealant kicked in correctly, the others ended up putting in tubes (& one phonecall home from myself). I went back to tubes on my new bike.

* A caveat - - as was pointed out to me once,  there are occasions with tubeless when you only realise you've had a puncture when u get home - the sealant has done it's job unbeknownst to you, how often that has happened I dunno - defo at least once in our gang.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 02, 2023, 04:22:22 PM
I've tubeless ready wheels but never bothered with it. Tyre and inner do alright. Carry couple of spares in the saddle bag.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 02, 2023, 04:23:51 PM
Quote from: The_geezer on May 31, 2023, 11:06:22 AM
Any of you keener cyclists have any recommendations for a good pair of bib shorts without breaking the bank? am doing IM Cork in august so it will be a long day in the saddle TIA

Bought a couple of pair in Decathlon in France which were about 35euro. Seem sound.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on June 02, 2023, 09:15:53 PM
Galibier do good quality cycling gear at a fair price

Tubeless is great in a race if they seal. I've had sealant spray out on the first lap of a race and make it to the end and still get up the front of a finish
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on June 03, 2023, 09:31:46 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 02, 2023, 03:46:07 PM
In the past couple of years I've been in groups that have encountered probably 4/5 punctures running tubeless - I think one of those the sealant kicked in correctly, the others ended up putting in tubes (& one phonecall home from myself). I went back to tubes on my new bike.

* A caveat - - as was pointed out to me once,  there are occasions with tubeless when you only realise you've had a puncture when u get home - the sealant has done it's job unbeknownst to you, how often that has happened I dunno - defo at least once in our gang.

This is it. I'd always assumed that going tubeless was more for those racing(so if there was a pin hole puncture that the sealant would plug the gap and allow the racer to finish.
            There doesnt really seem to be any noticeable difference in comfort(purely anecdotal from those who i know ride them on the road).
            From what i seen of those punctures the sealant sprayed everywhere including all over the brake rotor. It was a messy job to put a tube in and an absolute nightmare to get the tyre off and back on.
            They do seem to be heavily marketed by the industry and will probably be standard soon(if not already!)


Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on June 07, 2023, 06:47:58 PM
See a TDF Documentary landing on Netflix 2moro
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on June 07, 2023, 10:17:19 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on June 07, 2023, 06:47:58 PM
See a TDF Documentary landing on Netflix 2moro

Saw that! Looks decent!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on June 16, 2023, 01:11:35 PM
 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/65926606 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/65926606)

Tragic. RIP
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on June 16, 2023, 01:19:14 PM
Genuinely gutted by the news
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 06, 2023, 09:13:23 AM
First serious shots fired in the TDF yesterday. Vingegaard left Pogacar for dead on final mountain taking about a minute by the line. In fact he took most of that minute from where he attacked to the top of the mountain which was what 2 or 3km ? Would not be great signs for Pogacar coming back from injury and without ideal preparation. Maybe if he can ride himself into some form he can have a big last week but race could be gone from him by then.
Jai Hindley road a crafty race, very surprised that he was allowed to stay in the breakaway at around 4 mins when he is a Giro winner. Too dangerous and finds himself in yellow. So Bora likely have to control the race today which is good for UAE and Jumbo Visma. Another big day today cross the Col D'aspin at 1500mtrs and the tourmalet at 2115mtrs. Summit finish as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 06, 2023, 07:21:06 PM
Great finish today. Tad with a great response after yesterday. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 06, 2023, 07:28:50 PM
Unreal. Sets up a Tour for the ages
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: tonto1888 on July 06, 2023, 07:59:05 PM
Just seen the highlights. Great stage. Looking forward to the rest of the tour
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 07, 2023, 08:18:26 AM
What a performance by Pogacar but also Wout Van Aert. I get the logic of Vingegaard and the team in that if pogacar was going to be vunerable again then try and make the race extra hard and hit him towards the end. It backfired a little on them. At that level every day they could hurt themselves as much. UAE not up to it so far in protecting Pogacar but didnt need them much yesterday as had the armchair ride behind Van Aert and Vingegaard. Have a feeling Kuss might not be 100% at height of his powers, will see as race progresses.
Rooting for Cavendish today but he will be up against it. "Disaster" Jasper will be hard beat, although think Ewan with a slice of luck will be very close as well.
Bordeaux finish almost always a bunch sprint.
Tomorrow looks like a break away day, lumpy, any GC men losing lots of time yesterday so they will be allowed in break tomorrow ? MW perhaps.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 07, 2023, 08:45:15 AM
Excellent stage yesterday. I actually think it was overconfidence or maybe even arrogance from jonas and he thought he could easily drop pogacar like the day before. He genuinely looked shellshocked after the stage. Will likely see a much more cagey Jumbo visma going forward which may suit pogacar as he can sit behind them and outsprint for the time bonuses. JV will be looking to allow breaks to take stages now I'd say just in case.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: oakleaflad on July 07, 2023, 10:19:40 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 07, 2023, 08:18:26 AM
What a performance by Pogacar but also Wout Van Aert. I get the logic of Vingegaard and the team in that if pogacar was going to be vunerable again then try and make the race extra hard and hit him towards the end. It backfired a little on them. At that level every day they could hurt themselves as much. UAE not up to it so far in protecting Pogacar but didnt need them much yesterday as had the armchair ride behind Van Aert and Vingegaard. Have a feeling Kuss might not be 100% at height of his powers, will see as race progresses.
Rooting for Cavendish today but he will be up against it. "Disaster" Jasper will be hard beat, although think Ewan with a slice of luck will be very close as well.
Bordeaux finish almost always a bunch sprint.
Tomorrow looks like a break away day, lumpy, any GC men losing lots of time yesterday so they will be allowed in break tomorrow ? MW perhaps.
I thought Kuss looked really good funnily enough and doing his job to a tee. He's sitting top 10 in GC despite not being a team leader and sacrificing himself each day.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 07, 2023, 10:41:20 AM
Quote from: oakleaflad on July 07, 2023, 10:19:40 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 07, 2023, 08:18:26 AM
What a performance by Pogacar but also Wout Van Aert. I get the logic of Vingegaard and the team in that if pogacar was going to be vunerable again then try and make the race extra hard and hit him towards the end. It backfired a little on them. At that level every day they could hurt themselves as much. UAE not up to it so far in protecting Pogacar but didnt need them much yesterday as had the armchair ride behind Van Aert and Vingegaard. Have a feeling Kuss might not be 100% at height of his powers, will see as race progresses.
Rooting for Cavendish today but he will be up against it. "Disaster" Jasper will be hard beat, although think Ewan with a slice of luck will be very close as well.
Bordeaux finish almost always a bunch sprint.
Tomorrow looks like a break away day, lumpy, any GC men losing lots of time yesterday so they will be allowed in break tomorrow ? MW perhaps.
I thought Kuss looked really good funnily enough and doing his job to a tee. He's sitting top 10 in GC despite not being a team leader and sacrificing himself each day.

What i was getting at was i've seen him go much longer and deeper in front of Roglic and Vingegaard in the past. The stint on front seemed shorter. He has the poker face going on so hard to know how he is going until he just blows. Brilliant climber at his best. Reminds me of Andy Hampsten in his pomp. (yes showing my age)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 07, 2023, 12:14:35 PM
To be fair to kuss, he did the giro too. Truely great climber
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 07, 2023, 01:07:30 PM
Quote from: markl121 on July 07, 2023, 08:45:15 AM
Excellent stage yesterday. I actually think it was overconfidence or maybe even arrogance from jonas and he thought he could easily drop pogacar like the day before. He genuinely looked shellshocked after the stage. Will likely see a much more cagey Jumbo visma going forward which may suit pogacar as he can sit behind them and outsprint for the time bonuses. JV will be looking to allow breaks to take stages now I'd say just in case.

Watched the the highlights in YouTube where there overlay the team radio and the car was telling him that after the Tourmalet "unfortunately they didn't drop Pogacar but don't worry, he's on his knees". A gross miscalculation.

Not coming back from quite the same depths of the day before, but is anyone else a little uncomfortable by how much it reminded them of Floyd Landis in '06?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Rois on July 07, 2023, 08:17:39 PM
Going to be in the region next weekend when they hit the Alps. We will go see the finish of one stage, savour the atmosphere on a rest day, and then either catch a time trial or see the départ of a stage. The local tourist agency must have paid the Tour a fortune for it to be in the area of St Gervais/Megeve for so long.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 07, 2023, 08:47:29 PM
No luck for Cavendish today, jumpy gears look to have denied him #35. That could be his last chance as it just opened up for him perfectly today, but he looks in good form,  hope he gets it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Gold on July 07, 2023, 09:02:45 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 07, 2023, 08:47:29 PM
No luck for Cavendish today, jumpy gears look to have denied him #35. That could be his last chance as it just opened up for him perfectly today, but he looks in good form,  hope he gets it.

Same. Gutted for him there
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: An Watcher on July 08, 2023, 07:45:08 AM
Any Irish riders doing well this year?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 08, 2023, 10:31:26 AM
Quote from: An Watcher on July 08, 2023, 07:45:08 AM
Any Irish riders doing well this year?
in the tour, no, there are none at it. Bennett riding in Romania at the minute and won the first stage all be it against poor opposition. Ben Healy is doing very well this year on the world tour
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 08, 2023, 02:44:15 PM
Cav down, looks like collarbone. Shite
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 08, 2023, 03:02:17 PM
Broken bone in hand according to ITV, out anyway. There's a man having sleepless nights, especially after yesterday's finish.

Edit, not hand at all, collarbone
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 08, 2023, 03:05:15 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 08, 2023, 03:02:17 PM
Broken bone in hand according to ITV, out anyway. There's a man having sleepless nights, especially after yesterday's finish.
By all accounts he probably should have got the win yesterday, philipsens move was dangerous, but I honestly think because it was him standing to benefit, they didn't want the record broken on a DQ
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on July 08, 2023, 05:33:27 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 08, 2023, 03:02:17 PM
Broken bone in hand according to ITV, out anyway. There's a man having sleepless nights, especially after yesterday's finish.

Edit, not hand at all, collarbone
Fcuk that's a cruel finish after yesterday.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on July 08, 2023, 09:55:20 PM
Nobody died
The Tour moves on and we won't have to listen to the Cav fanclub for the rest of it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 08, 2023, 10:04:53 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on July 08, 2023, 09:55:20 PM
Nobody died
The Tour moves on and we won't have to listen to the Cav fanclub for the rest of it

Hopefully no more since the recent death, could have worded it better but hey ho
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 08, 2023, 10:25:41 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on July 08, 2023, 09:55:20 PM
Nobody died
The Tour moves on and we won't have to listen to the Cav fanclub for the rest of it
Alright then. Good on you.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 09, 2023, 09:15:21 AM
If that's it for Cavendish he will be spoken of in the same breath as Mercx for the rest of his days, could be worse.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2023, 10:17:31 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 09, 2023, 09:15:21 AM
If that's it for Cavendish he will be spoken of in the same breath as Mercx for the rest of his days, could be worse.

For the likes of Cavendish, what would earnings be per year?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 09, 2023, 11:11:44 AM
He wouldn't be on huge money at Astana as he's in the twilight of his career and they're not one of thr bigger teams (probably still getting a £million + I'd imagine) but he's always had big sponsorship deals that would dwarf his annual salary, Oakley & Monster energy probably the 2 current big ones, he used to have a big deal with Specialized/ S Works bikes as well.

Recent top wages info https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/froome-earns-more-than-van-aert-sagan-on-more-than-roglic-report-reveals-top-20-male-pro-cycling-salaries

I see Astana have said he'd be welcome to stay on for one more year if he wants.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 09, 2023, 01:34:08 PM
They earn every penny considering the dangers involved with cycling at that level.

Great to see, some hard work for short number of years
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 09, 2023, 06:25:21 PM
Astana want him back for 2024 👀
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 09, 2023, 07:37:27 PM
Another super stage. Tough on Jorgensson but Woods very impressive. Tad took another bite out of Jonah's lead. This is shaping up to be some battle.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on July 10, 2023, 08:39:51 AM
Quote from: grounded on July 09, 2023, 07:37:27 PM
Another super stage. Tough on Jorgensson but Woods very impressive. Tad took another bite out of Jonah's lead. This is shaping up to be some battle.
Woods' first TDF win. Couldn't believe that when they said it.
Few of our club lads heading over this week to catch a few stages.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on July 13, 2023, 12:51:13 PM
Was over last week and followed the tour for 2 days. One stage up a 10-12% climb and the following day descending the Tourmalet. These guys are super human when you actually try the climbs yourself and realise they actually climb over twice my pace. Pure mad men on them descents too, you can see the cars and motorbikes struggling to keep pace with them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 15, 2023, 04:27:49 PM
Kuss gone! 4.5km of climbing left and Pog has Yates with him. Big test for Vingegaard now.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 15, 2023, 04:58:07 PM
Some comeback from Rodriguez and to immediately attack the decent was incredible.

Pog got stiffed by the motos being too close when he went for the second time at the end of the climb but snaffling second means JV only picked up a second. 10s in it now. More mountains tomorrow and a rest before the time trial. Fascinating.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 15, 2023, 05:11:45 PM
Trying to watch 3 different things this afternoon but what a great stage, Pogacar will be very frustrated after that moto incident, he was on tilt as the poker pros would say after losing the bonus seconds but recovered his composure  well to get the bonus seconds on the line. Can't warm to Vingegaard at all, hope Pogacar wins.

Women's football is brutal btw, their refs are worse too.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Rois on July 16, 2023, 04:34:19 PM
Clann Rois here on the TdF route. Some of the "fans" are completely nuts in real life, long before the bikes come through. And not a beer (or at least not many) in sight.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 16, 2023, 10:11:51 PM
Quote from: Rois on July 16, 2023, 04:34:19 PM
Clann Rois here on the TdF route. Some of the "fans" are completely nuts in real life, long before the bikes come through. And not a beer (or at least not many) in sight.

I'd say its great craic. Are you catching a few stages?
    Talking about fans another accident today caused by a fan and another moto incident. There is not much mofe can be done i suppose given the nature of the event
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 17, 2023, 10:46:18 PM
Can't remember being as excited about a TT. See the bookies cant separate them, altho Pogacar was a very marginal favourite on one site.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Gold on July 17, 2023, 10:48:12 PM
Quote from: grounded on July 16, 2023, 10:11:51 PM
Quote from: Rois on July 16, 2023, 04:34:19 PM
Clann Rois here on the TdF route. Some of the "fans" are completely nuts in real life, long before the bikes come through. And not a beer (or at least not many) in sight.

I'd say its great craic. Are you catching a few stages?
    Talking about fans another accident today caused by a fan and another moto incident. There is not much mofe can be done i suppose given the nature of the event

Those fans are nutjobs. Like how do they feel after causing that accident....needs policed as that was just madness
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 18, 2023, 08:45:26 AM
I see Darren Rafferty from coalisland has signed for EF in the pro ranks. Best of luck to him.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: cuconnacht on July 18, 2023, 02:16:29 PM
Both barrels ,under and over,
Vin for TT
Vin stage 17 and game over for poor Pog,
The Dane has been waiting for 16,&17 ,IMO.
Pog had two weeks ta dig him a grave and rather than 5minutes+ up he's 10 seconds down.Hope he keeps it close though. Vin looked too silken,too slick("as much as a farmer can!")and wasn't even trying last day.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 18, 2023, 03:44:11 PM
I wonder will there be any of the switching bikes lark on the tt?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 18, 2023, 03:55:51 PM
Quote from: grounded on July 18, 2023, 03:44:11 PM
I wonder will there be any of the switching bikes lark on the tt?

Some are but general consensus seems to be that it isnt worth it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 18, 2023, 04:28:35 PM
Pogacar tried it and it hasn't paid off. This is... unbelievable from JV.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 18, 2023, 04:29:27 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 18, 2023, 04:28:35 PM
Pogacar tried it and it hasn't paid off. This is... unbelievable from JV.

I can't believe what i am watching
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 18, 2023, 04:44:35 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 18, 2023, 04:29:27 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 18, 2023, 04:28:35 PM
Pogacar tried it and it hasn't paid off. This is... unbelievable from JV.

I can't believe what i am watching

Hmmmm
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on July 18, 2023, 05:00:41 PM
Cycling back doing full on comedy sketches again. Waif like 58kg rider decimating the field in a TT, those time gaps are like a throwback to the EPO days.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 18, 2023, 05:15:37 PM
Lol f**k that.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 18, 2023, 05:54:45 PM
Questionable tactics by UAE, Pogacar didn't look great but I'd have my doubts about Vingegaard's performance myself and I generally don't give a shite about doping Qs as it's a poisonous topic and I just try and enjoy it for what it is these days.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 18, 2023, 06:03:31 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 18, 2023, 05:54:45 PM
Questionable tactics by UAE, Pogacar didn't look great but I'd have my doubts about Vingegaard's performance myself and I generally don't give a shite about doping Qs as it's a poisonous topic and I just try and enjoy it for what it is these days.
Pogacar smoked the rest of the field by over a minute too though, todays performance will not stand the test of time.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: jcpen on July 18, 2023, 06:10:47 PM
Why didn't Pogacar use aerobars? Would they make that much difference?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 18, 2023, 06:12:47 PM
Quote from: jcpen on July 18, 2023, 06:10:47 PM
Why didn't Pogacar use aerobars? Would they make that much difference?
He did for the flat, changed to climbing bike for the hill I believe, didn't make any difference
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 18, 2023, 11:46:41 PM
Toughest stage coming up tomorrow. Would love to see Pogacar attack much earlier and go all out on the last climb.  In all likelihood could actually be Jonas who attacks again.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 19, 2023, 08:33:26 AM
Quote from: grounded on July 18, 2023, 11:46:41 PM
Toughest stage coming up tomorrow. Would love to see Pogacar attack much earlier and go all out on the last climb.  In all likelihood could actually be Jonas who attacks again.

Jonas just needs to follow. Pogacar has 2 days to do this and to be honest its today is biggest opportunity. If JV goes into Col de la Loze with Kuss and team intact then cannot see significant headway being made, certianly cannot leave it until last 3 or 4km to have a dig. Will have to go long and try and isolate him. Easier said than done and could blow up trying. But he will try for sure. Ineos could be a factor today trying to get rodriguez back into 3rd. Only a 2 sec gap. Hindley might be eyeing some gains as well. Will see how that plays out.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 19, 2023, 09:48:24 AM
Quote from: maddog on July 19, 2023, 08:33:26 AM
Quote from: grounded on July 18, 2023, 11:46:41 PM
Toughest stage coming up tomorrow. Would love to see Pogacar attack much earlier and go all out on the last climb.  In all likelihood could actually be Jonas who attacks again.

Jonas just needs to follow. Pogacar has 2 days to do this and to be honest its today is biggest opportunity. If JV goes into Col de la Loze with Kuss and team intact then cannot see significant headway being made, certianly cannot leave it until last 3 or 4km to have a dig. Will have to go long and try and isolate him. Easier said than done and could blow up trying. But he will try for sure. Ineos could be a factor today trying to get rodriguez back into 3rd. Only a 2 sec gap. Hindley might be eyeing some gains as well. Will see how that plays out.

Let's see. Can imagine how he would be completely despondent and have had the fight completely sucked out of him.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 19, 2023, 10:16:34 AM
If Vingegaard's performance yesterday was genuine there has to be a real chance he went into the Red too much. Pogacar has to go for it today and go early.

I don't think Pogacar gets tactics like Vingegaard does, he's too used to his natural talent blowing people out of the water.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 19, 2023, 10:35:15 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 19, 2023, 10:16:34 AM
If Vingegaard's performance yesterday was genuine there has to be a real chance he went into the Red too much. Pogacar has to go for it today and go early.

I don't think Pogacar gets tactics like Vingegaard does, he's too used to his natural talent blowing people out of the water.

Basically where he was in the last week last year. Pretty sure there were a couple of "it has to be here, it has to be now" stages and he just rode it out, knowing he didn't have it.

If Pog was to turn around this deficit, the eyebrows raised would have to go higher still than those yesterday.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 19, 2023, 10:43:11 AM
Quote from: gallsman on July 19, 2023, 10:35:15 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on July 19, 2023, 10:16:34 AM
If Vingegaard's performance yesterday was genuine there has to be a real chance he went into the Red too much. Pogacar has to go for it today and go early.

I don't think Pogacar gets tactics like Vingegaard does, he's too used to his natural talent blowing people out of the water.

Basically where he was in the last week last year. Pretty sure there were a couple of "it has to be here, it has to be now" stages and he just rode it out, knowing he didn't have it.

If Pog was to turn around this deficit, the eyebrows raised would have to go higher still than those yesterday.

2 very different things a 22km tt and tough day in the mountains. Would be impressive if he turned it around but not in the same eyebrow raising category as a 59kg rider destroying the field in that TT.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 19, 2023, 03:51:31 PM
And Pogacar cracks. Hard to see how anyone beats JV in the years to come.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 19, 2023, 03:55:12 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 19, 2023, 03:51:31 PM
And Pogacar cracks. Hard to see how anyone beats JV in the years to come.

yeah think the interrupted preparation has come home to roost. Unreal that he is struggling to keep with his own teammate and this road is just about to rear up.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 19, 2023, 04:05:50 PM
Mad how he looked completely unbeatable until last year and now surely he'll be questioning how or if he'll ever be back on top again. Only 24 obvs but JV is hardly an elder statesmen either.

The interrupted preparation argument I don't buy quite so much given how good he looked for the first couple of weeks. He put in some huge shifts that JV couldn't match at times, although obviously nowhere near enough.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 19, 2023, 04:30:59 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 19, 2023, 04:05:50 PM
Mad how he looked completely unbeatable until last year and now surely he'll be questioning how or if he'll ever be back on top again. Only 24 obvs but JV is hardly an elder statesmen either.

The interrupted preparation argument I don't buy quite so much given how good he looked for the first couple of weeks. He put in some huge shifts that JV couldn't match at times, although obviously nowhere near enough.

It's the wearing down process i think. 3rd week and the cracks appeared. Also if JV targets the Tour only and little else but Pogacar is trying to win Spring classics etc it has to come into it. Perhaps a more focussed approach next year. Some ride by the Yates lads and Bilbao today. That last ramp was bordering on cruel.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: gallsman on July 19, 2023, 04:34:59 PM
Absolutely brutal. Daughter climbing around the place so I missed who it was but someone in the first 10 was going almost completely sideways to try and stay upright.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 19, 2023, 04:49:47 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 19, 2023, 04:34:59 PM
Absolutely brutal. Daughter confusing around the place so I missed who it was but someone in the first 10 was going almost completely sideways to try and stay upright.

That was Gaudu
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 19, 2023, 05:16:52 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 19, 2023, 04:30:59 PM
Quote from: gallsman on July 19, 2023, 04:05:50 PM
Mad how he looked completely unbeatable until last year and now surely he'll be questioning how or if he'll ever be back on top again. Only 24 obvs but JV is hardly an elder statesmen either.

The interrupted preparation argument I don't buy quite so much given how good he looked for the first couple of weeks. He put in some huge shifts that JV couldn't match at times, although obviously nowhere near enough.

It's the wearing down process i think. 3rd week and the cracks appeared. Also if JV targets the Tour only and little else but Pogacar is trying to win Spring classics etc it has to come into it. Perhaps a more focussed approach next year. Some ride by the Yates lads and Bilbao today. That last ramp was bordering on cruel.
The TDF while obviously the pinnacle is not the be all and end all. Just the 3 Spring classics for Pogacar this year before he broke his wrist trying to win another. He's going to have decisions to make next year if he wants to win another Tour. Jumbo Visma are in  sponsorship upheaval as well so there could be big changes in that camp next season.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 21, 2023, 01:03:32 PM
https://www.bt.dk/tour-de-france/vingegaard-saetter-vanvittig-watt-rekord-jeg-har-aldrig-set-noget-lignende


7.6 W/kg over 13.21 mins for Jonas

Côte de Domancy to Combloux (6,05km; 6,84%; 414m)

13'21min
27,19km/h
1861 VAM
7,60ᵉw/kg (est.)
CLIMBING RECORD.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 21, 2023, 04:58:50 PM
Doped to the eyeballs or just amazing improvements in sports science   ::)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 22, 2023, 03:26:17 PM
Some reception for Pinot. Be great to see him go out with a 🏆,  can't see it tho
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 22, 2023, 03:26:46 PM
This is unreal.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 22, 2023, 08:14:01 PM
Pity for Pinot, would have loved to see him win. Great finish tough with Pogacar salvaging a little pride, although Jonas didnt seem too pushed.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 22, 2023, 08:51:35 PM
Quote from: grounded on July 22, 2023, 08:14:01 PM
Pity for Pinot, would have loved to see him win. Great finish tough with Pogacar salvaging a little pride, although Jonas didnt seem too pushed.
Was typical pinot though, strike for glory but end in heartbreak
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 23, 2023, 06:43:37 PM
Well that was exciting! Great finish.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on July 23, 2023, 10:24:37 PM
I'm thinking about doing the ring of Kerry next year, and was thinking the best thing for me to do would be to join a cycling club, anyone a member of any of the Belfast clubs that they would recommend? I've not really rode in a group before as I am a commuter.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 24, 2023, 08:13:42 AM
I don't know much about the Belfast clubs but there's a list

http://www.cyclingulster.com/clubs/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RedHand88 on July 26, 2023, 10:12:13 AM
Anyone doing Lap the Lough?

Thinking of doing it this year but it's only 4 weeks away this weekend so I've left it late to start training. Typical cycle for me would be 30-60km. Never done more than 70km at a time which is just under half the distance but I'm going to train like a dog this month to get up to speed.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on July 26, 2023, 01:02:33 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 26, 2023, 10:12:13 AM
Anyone doing Lap the Lough?

Thinking of doing it this year but it's only 4 weeks away this weekend so I've left it late to start training. Typical cycle for me would be 30-60km. Never done more than 70km at a time which is just under half the distance but I'm going to train like a dog this month to get up to speed.

It's as handy an 80miles as you'll find so if you pace it you'll be grand. There's only 1 or 2 hills in it that would be worth talking about.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on July 26, 2023, 02:01:17 PM
Does any other sportive in Ireland charge that 20euro for non cycling Ireland members?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on July 26, 2023, 02:25:44 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 26, 2023, 10:12:13 AM
Anyone doing Lap the Lough?

Thinking of doing it this year but it's only 4 weeks away this weekend so I've left it late to start training. Typical cycle for me would be 30-60km. Never done more than 70km at a time which is just under half the distance but I'm going to train like a dog this month to get up to speed.

You'll not win it so go around and enjoy it, there are lads and women doing it in old fashion bikes and people on mountain bikes. Its more a bitta craic that sportive
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on July 26, 2023, 04:57:58 PM
Quote from: maddog on July 26, 2023, 02:01:17 PM
Does any other sportive in Ireland charge that 20euro for non cycling Ireland members?
They all charge something for a day licence/insurance. Having the CI Licence is a good saving if you're a regular on the Sportive circuit.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on July 27, 2023, 09:49:02 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 26, 2023, 10:12:13 AM
Anyone doing Lap the Lough?

Thinking of doing it this year but it's only 4 weeks away this weekend so I've left it late to start training. Typical cycle for me would be 30-60km. Never done more than 70km at a time which is just under half the distance but I'm going to train like a dog this month to get up to speed.
If you want a lumpy sportive, head down to the Leitrim Glens Sportive on August 6th
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 27, 2023, 02:07:49 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on July 27, 2023, 09:49:02 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 26, 2023, 10:12:13 AM
Anyone doing Lap the Lough?

Thinking of doing it this year but it's only 4 weeks away this weekend so I've left it late to start training. Typical cycle for me would be 30-60km. Never done more than 70km at a time which is just under half the distance but I'm going to train like a dog this month to get up to speed.
If you want a lumpy sportive, head down to the Leitrim Glens Sportive on August 6th

If hills are your thing, have a go at the Dromara Hilly, nearly killed me.

https://www.strava.com/segments/5090691?hl=en-GB
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on July 27, 2023, 08:34:10 PM
Quote from: grounded on July 27, 2023, 02:07:49 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on July 27, 2023, 09:49:02 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 26, 2023, 10:12:13 AM
Anyone doing Lap the Lough?

Thinking of doing it this year but it's only 4 weeks away this weekend so I've left it late to start training. Typical cycle for me would be 30-60km. Never done more than 70km at a time which is just under half the distance but I'm going to train like a dog this month to get up to speed.
If you want a lumpy sportive, head down to the Leitrim Glens Sportive on August 6th

If hills are your thing, have a go at the Dromara Hilly, nearly killed me.

https://www.strava.com/segments/5090691?hl=en-GB
Might do it the day after racing in Dromore in a few weeks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: jcpen on July 27, 2023, 08:39:55 PM
Quote from: grounded on July 27, 2023, 02:07:49 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on July 27, 2023, 09:49:02 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 26, 2023, 10:12:13 AM
Anyone doing Lap the Lough?

Thinking of doing it this year but it's only 4 weeks away this weekend so I've left it late to start training. Typical cycle for me would be 30-60km. Never done more than 70km at a time which is just under half the distance but I'm going to train like a dog this month to get up to speed.
If you want a lumpy sportive, head down to the Leitrim Glens Sportive on August 6th

If hills are your thing, have a go at the Dromara Hilly, nearly killed me.

https://www.strava.com/segments/5090691?hl=en-GB
322 meters of climbing over 118 km doesn't seem a lot.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 27, 2023, 11:45:29 PM
Quote from: jcpen on July 27, 2023, 08:39:55 PM
Quote from: grounded on July 27, 2023, 02:07:49 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on July 27, 2023, 09:49:02 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 26, 2023, 10:12:13 AM
Anyone doing Lap the Lough?

Thinking of doing it this year but it's only 4 weeks away this weekend so I've left it late to start training. Typical cycle for me would be 30-60km. Never done more than 70km at a time which is just under half the distance but I'm going to train like a dog this month to get up to speed.
If you want a lumpy sportive, head down to the Leitrim Glens Sportive on August 6th

If hills are your thing, have a go at the Dromara Hilly, nearly killed me.

https://www.strava.com/segments/5090691?hl=en-GB
322 meters of climbing over 118 km doesn't seem a lot.

2609 metres total elevation gain.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on July 27, 2023, 11:49:57 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on July 27, 2023, 08:34:10 PM
Quote from: grounded on July 27, 2023, 02:07:49 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on July 27, 2023, 09:49:02 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 26, 2023, 10:12:13 AM
Anyone doing Lap the Lough?

Thinking of doing it this year but it's only 4 weeks away this weekend so I've left it late to start training. Typical cycle for me would be 30-60km. Never done more than 70km at a time which is just under half the distance but I'm going to train like a dog this month to get up to speed.
If you want a lumpy sportive, head down to the Leitrim Glens Sportive on August 6th

If hills are your thing, have a go at the Dromara Hilly, nearly killed me.

https://www.strava.com/segments/5090691?hl=en-GB
Might do it the day after racing in Dromore in a few weeks

Good stuff. They usually have a stop at the Leitrim club and everyone well looked after but it is definitely a tough spin
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: jcpen on July 30, 2023, 05:48:54 PM
Looking for a cheap cycling computer. Don't need anything that fancy as don't have nor care about power meters etc.
Would like to have maps is all and then the basics like speed, distance and the usual.
Already have a pretty expensive Garmin for running so would like to stay with Garmin.
Have spotted the Edge Explore. It is 4-5 years old now at this stage but can be got for about €155 which is about what id like to spend, the new version of it is €100 more expensive.
Would it be still be worth buying despite it's age? Can still be bought brand new.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on July 30, 2023, 07:02:46 PM
Anybody heading over for the world championships in Glasgow? Ireland have a genuine chance this year either from distance with Ben healy or in a sprint with bennett, plus we have six riders. I'm excited
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 01, 2023, 11:30:28 AM
Quote from: markl121 on July 30, 2023, 07:02:46 PM
Anybody heading over for the world championships in Glasgow? Ireland have a genuine chance this year either from distance with Ben healy or in a sprint with bennett, plus we have six riders. I'm excited

Pretty punchy course around Glasgow. Will be the usual wearing down process. Was thinking Pog would go well but i remember the way he couldnt follow in last years, maybe the extreme distance doesnt suit so much. Can see him giving those ramps in Glasgow a rattle all the same. Van Aert and Van der Poel will have been targetting this all year i suspect. Ben Healy will have to just follow as doesn't have the team behind him. Mohoric at 50/1 could be good ew shout, got a tour stage and won the other day in Poland. Will they use that Crows Hill climb to shake out the sprinters or is it too early in race ?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on August 01, 2023, 11:42:08 AM
I'd say to early but the city centre of Glasgow has quite a few really short sharp climbs. Montrose street is like 200/300m at 13%, suits the likes of MVDP down to the ground. Initially I thought the sprinters might make it but no chance, healy needs to slip into a move with the favourites and needs to get away from that alone. Mohoric could be a shout as he won't be marked and he is climbing very well
Also, if it rains mads pederson will love it, pogacar too
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 01, 2023, 12:20:18 PM
Quote from: markl121 on August 01, 2023, 11:42:08 AM
I'd say to early but the city centre of Glasgow has quite a few really short sharp climbs. Montrose street is like 200/300m at 13%, suits the likes of MVDP down to the ground. Initially I thought the sprinters might make it but no chance, healy needs to slip into a move with the favourites and needs to get away from that alone. Mohoric could be a shout as he won't be marked and he is climbing very well
Also, if it rains mads pederson will love it, pogacar too

I thought of Pederson as well. Was there when he won in Harrogate, friggin drowned.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 02, 2023, 10:02:53 AM
Mohoric not riding it now. Non runner.........
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on August 02, 2023, 06:48:41 PM
Quote from: maddog on August 02, 2023, 10:02:53 AM
Mohoric not riding it now. Non runner.........
Balls. Pogacar is confirmed, Slovenia team looks pretty poor otherwise
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on August 06, 2023, 01:08:10 PM
Anyone see the crash involving the Colombian rider. After the crash the wheel starts to spin when the bike is lifted of the ground.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 07, 2023, 02:50:23 PM
Quote from: redzone on August 06, 2023, 01:08:10 PM
Anyone see the crash involving the Colombian rider. After the crash the wheel starts to spin when the bike is lifted of the ground.

Is there a link to that incident?  Loads of clips on youtube showing alleged motor doping in competition. Nearly all explainable. The UCI have fairly strict checks in place, so highly unlikely at high level competition.
        Definitely has happened in past with that Belgian girl caught in Cyclocross and almost certainly used by others particularly as battery/motor technology has advanced so much in the last number of years. 
        You'd imagine that a bike switch during the race might be one area that has the biggest potential for abuse
     
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on August 07, 2023, 07:54:18 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 07, 2023, 02:50:23 PM
Quote from: redzone on August 06, 2023, 01:08:10 PM
Anyone see the crash involving the Colombian rider. After the crash the wheel starts to spin when the bike is lifted of the ground.

Is there a link to that incident?  Loads of clips on youtube showing alleged motor doping in competition. Nearly all explainable. The UCI have fairly strict checks in place, so highly unlikely at high level competition.
        Definitely has happened in past with that Belgian girl caught in Cyclocross and almost certainly used by others particularly as battery/motor technology has advanced so much in the last number of years. 
        You'd imagine that a bike switch during the race might be one area that has the biggest potential for abuse
     
seen no other mentions of it tbf including the usual sceptical twitter accounts
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on August 07, 2023, 10:25:52 PM
Quote from: markl121 on August 07, 2023, 07:54:18 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 07, 2023, 02:50:23 PM
Quote from: redzone on August 06, 2023, 01:08:10 PM
Anyone see the crash involving the Colombian rider. After the crash the wheel starts to spin when the bike is lifted of the ground.

Is there a link to that incident?  Loads of clips on youtube showing alleged motor doping in competition. Nearly all explainable. The UCI have fairly strict checks in place, so highly unlikely at high level competition.
        Definitely has happened in past with that Belgian girl caught in Cyclocross and almost certainly used by others particularly as battery/motor technology has advanced so much in the last number of years. 
        You'd imagine that a bike switch during the race might be one area that has the biggest potential for abuse
     
seen no other mentions of it tbf including the usual sceptical twitter accounts
Try 3.33.30 on BBC I player of the race coverage
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on August 07, 2023, 11:05:49 PM
its the pedal doing it. Watch closely at the pedal on the underside of the bike, when the bike is lifted slightly you can see the pedal move, you can even hear the chain clunk a little, that's what causes the wheel to move
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 07, 2023, 11:24:55 PM
I always remember a Ryder Hesjedal incident  (la Vuelta 2014 after a quick check) https://youtu.be/ideiS-6gBAc

There was a bit of suspicion around Cancellara as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on August 08, 2023, 12:08:40 AM
Cancellara and Froome used to have some suspect seated attacks. The video of the power and HR overlay of the Froome attacks was mad, as his heart rate didn't move.
https://youtu.be/z6z7uUe0tVA?t=158
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 08, 2023, 06:09:28 PM
Quote from: markl121 on August 08, 2023, 12:08:40 AM
Cancellara and Froome used to have some suspect seated attacks. The video of the power and HR overlay of the Froome attacks was mad, as his heart rate didn't move.
https://youtu.be/z6z7uUe0tVA?t=158

That Cancellara effort was unbelievable.  I'd guess given the weight of the battery/motor at that time, a bike change would be the only realistic way to make that power advantage work.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: yellowcard on August 08, 2023, 06:27:12 PM
Lemond made some comments last week about motor doping. He reckons it was at its height in the mid 00's. Go to 27 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xq5PQvBFvI&t=3487s 

There was a lot of suspicion around Team Sky and Froome in particular at the time. His high cadence seated accelerations were insane. The Cancellara one is probably even more blatant visually, then there was one with Poels in the Vuelta accelerating up the narrow side of a steep hairpin.   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 09, 2023, 10:29:25 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on August 08, 2023, 06:27:12 PM
Lemond made some comments last week about motor doping. He reckons it was at its height in the mid 00's. Go to 27 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xq5PQvBFvI&t=3487s 

There was a lot of suspicion around Team Sky and Froome in particular at the time. His high cadence seated accelerations were insane. The Cancellara one is probably even more blatant visually, then there was one with Poels in the Vuelta accelerating up the narrow side of a steep hairpin.   

Surely given the technical nature of that setup, someone would have let the cat out of the bag by this stage.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 10, 2023, 10:00:59 AM
Watched Mark Cavendish's documentary last night...good watch for 90 mins. People always portrayed him down as a Marmite man but after watching that and seeing that there's more going on that you're aware off u shouldn't really judge anyone...Anyway good watch
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 10, 2023, 10:16:08 AM
Quote from: illdecide on August 10, 2023, 10:00:59 AM
Watched Mark Cavendish's documentary last night...good watch for 90 mins. People always portrayed him down as a Marmite man but after watching that and seeing that there's more going on that you're aware off u shouldn't really judge anyone...Anyway good watch

Watched it myself last night, very good. Question is does he give it one more year? i think he might yet
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on August 10, 2023, 12:34:54 PM
Quote from: maddog on August 10, 2023, 10:16:08 AM
Quote from: illdecide on August 10, 2023, 10:00:59 AM
Watched Mark Cavendish's documentary last night...good watch for 90 mins. People always portrayed him down as a Marmite man but after watching that and seeing that there's more going on that you're aware off u shouldn't really judge anyone...Anyway good watch

Watched it myself last night, very good. Question is does he give it one more year? i think he might yet
I believe he does. I love Cav, by far my favourite ever cyclist.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on August 10, 2023, 08:14:05 PM
Any recommendations for tubeless tires. Had a schwalbe pro one for 2 years. Last 6 months was leaking. Small pin holes, was never a problem just unsightly with the fluid leaking out on the wheel. Looked to be a bit of life left in it but it cracked on the side wall. I always ran GP 4000/5000 before with tubes in them.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on August 10, 2023, 08:35:20 PM
Quote from: redzone on August 10, 2023, 08:14:05 PM
Any recommendations for tubeless tires. Had a schwalbe pro one for 2 years. Last 6 months was leaking. Small pin holes, was never a problem just unsightly with the fluid leaking out on the wheel. Looked to be a bit of life left in it but it cracked on the side wall. I always ran GP 4000/5000 before with tubes in them.
You ever run the GP5000 tubeless if that's what you are used to? I run the tubes still and they are class
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on August 10, 2023, 10:09:19 PM
I use the Specialized S-Works 26mm tyres, does the job for me. Good grip and decent rolling resistance but def not the best either. When you're 14 stone (89kg) i don't worry too much about wind and rolling resistance...lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on August 11, 2023, 07:29:18 AM
Combination of pirelli tan wall 28mm on the training wheels and GP 5000 on racing wheels
Look, tires need replacing regularly if you're doing big km. Especially with the crap strewn along verges on roads

Think I'm on my third set this year on the good bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 16, 2023, 08:11:49 PM
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/michel-hessmann-suspended-by-jumbo-visma-following-anti-doping-positive/
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on August 16, 2023, 08:19:18 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 16, 2023, 08:11:49 PM
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/michel-hessmann-suspended-by-jumbo-visma-following-anti-doping-positive/
Combine this and freeman going down yesterday...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 16, 2023, 08:57:31 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 11, 2023, 07:29:18 AM
Combination of pirelli tan wall 28mm on the training wheels and GP 5000 on racing wheels
Look, tires need replacing regularly if you're doing big km. Especially with the crap strewn along verges on roads

Think I'm on my third set this year on the good bike.

Thats a lot of tyres! Is that due to the tyres getting torn/ripped and being unusable? 

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on August 16, 2023, 09:35:22 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 16, 2023, 08:57:31 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 11, 2023, 07:29:18 AM
Combination of pirelli tan wall 28mm on the training wheels and GP 5000 on racing wheels
Look, tires need replacing regularly if you're doing big km. Especially with the crap strewn along verges on roads

Think I'm on my third set this year on the good bike.

Thats a lot of tyres! Is that due to the tyres getting torn/ripped and being unusable?
10000km will do that.
I got a blowout in one tubeless tyre and because the local shop didn't have the same tyre to replace, I got a full new set.
Then I had to replace tyres on the training set as well, but I run tubes on that set of wheels. I've had to use them a few times in races so better to have them ready to go
the winter bike will have to be got ready soon, and I think that is due some tyres!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trueblue1234 on August 17, 2023, 01:14:39 PM
Anyone here with a bit of cycling knowledge, would be willing to look at a 2nd hand bike I was thinking of buying. Can PM the link across. I'm a bit lost on what I should be looking for, so 2nd opinion would be greatly appreciated!!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 17, 2023, 01:30:25 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 16, 2023, 09:35:22 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 16, 2023, 08:57:31 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 11, 2023, 07:29:18 AM
Combination of pirelli tan wall 28mm on the training wheels and GP 5000 on racing wheels
Look, tires need replacing regularly if you're doing big km. Especially with the crap strewn along verges on roads

Think I'm on my third set this year on the good bike.

Thats a lot of tyres! Is that due to the tyres getting torn/ripped and being unusable?
10000km will do that.
I got a blowout in one tubeless tyre and because the local shop didn't have the same tyre to replace, I got a full new set.
Then I had to replace tyres on the training set as well, but I run tubes on that set of wheels. I've had to use them a few times in races so better to have them ready to go
the winter bike will have to be got ready soon, and I think that is due some tyres!

Ah fair enough. Racing is an expensive hobby. I have a set of durano plus that are approaching 7000km with life still left in them. Slow as anything but essential for our roads summer or winter!
     
     
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on August 18, 2023, 08:22:07 AM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on August 17, 2023, 01:14:39 PM
Anyone here with a bit of cycling knowledge, would be willing to look at a 2nd hand bike I was thinking of buying. Can PM the link across. I'm a bit lost on what I should be looking for, so 2nd opinion would be greatly appreciated!!
Ok. Will have a look
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on August 18, 2023, 08:33:59 AM
I see the course for the Worlds in Zurich next year has been announced. It looks like punchier classic type riders will be better suited. Each lap something like 1.9km climb at 6 or 7%. It will wear them down for sure. Will likely boil down to same guys as this year.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trueblue1234 on August 18, 2023, 06:29:25 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 18, 2023, 08:22:07 AM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on August 17, 2023, 01:14:39 PM
Anyone here with a bit of cycling knowledge, would be willing to look at a 2nd hand bike I was thinking of buying. Can PM the link across. I'm a bit lost on what I should be looking for, so 2nd opinion would be greatly appreciated!!
Ok. Will have a look

Cheers, maddog kindly volunteered on pm and give me advice. Problem was the bike went before I could get up for if. So looked like it was a good deal!! 😞
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on August 18, 2023, 08:08:58 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on August 18, 2023, 06:29:25 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 18, 2023, 08:22:07 AM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on August 17, 2023, 01:14:39 PM
Anyone here with a bit of cycling knowledge, would be willing to look at a 2nd hand bike I was thinking of buying. Can PM the link across. I'm a bit lost on what I should be looking for, so 2nd opinion would be greatly appreciated!!
Ok. Will have a look

Cheers, maddog kindly volunteered on pm and give me advice. Problem was the bike went before I could get up for if. So looked like it was a good deal!! 😞
Always the way. What sort of bike are you looking for
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: trueblue1234 on August 18, 2023, 10:08:01 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 18, 2023, 08:08:58 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on August 18, 2023, 06:29:25 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 18, 2023, 08:22:07 AM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on August 17, 2023, 01:14:39 PM
Anyone here with a bit of cycling knowledge, would be willing to look at a 2nd hand bike I was thinking of buying. Can PM the link across. I'm a bit lost on what I should be looking for, so 2nd opinion would be greatly appreciated!!
Ok. Will have a look

Cheers, maddog kindly volunteered on pm and give me advice. Problem was the bike went before I could get up for if. So looked like it was a good deal!! 😞
Always the way. What sort of bike are you looking for

A cheap one!! 😂 not sure if the cycling bug is going to stick so not going to fork out £12-1500 on a bike. Was looking at a reasonable 2nd hand one. I have a 20 year old Dawes Giro that's ready for pastures anew (And certainly not from being over worked as she's only been out about 10 times in 10 years). Still in ok nick but heavy and slow.
Had looked at a giant TCR 2015/16 I think. Carbon body with Ultegra group set. Was only £300 so not surprised it went quick.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on August 19, 2023, 08:26:03 AM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on August 18, 2023, 10:08:01 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 18, 2023, 08:08:58 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on August 18, 2023, 06:29:25 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on August 18, 2023, 08:22:07 AM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on August 17, 2023, 01:14:39 PM
Anyone here with a bit of cycling knowledge, would be willing to look at a 2nd hand bike I was thinking of buying. Can PM the link across. I'm a bit lost on what I should be looking for, so 2nd opinion would be greatly appreciated!!
Ok. Will have a look

Cheers, maddog kindly volunteered on pm and give me advice. Problem was the bike went before I could get up for if. So looked like it was a good deal!! 😞
Always the way. What sort of bike are you looking for

A cheap one!! 😂 not sure if the cycling bug is going to stick so not going to fork out £12-1500 on a bike. Was looking at a reasonable 2nd hand one. I have a 20 year old Dawes Giro that's ready for pastures anew (And certainly not from being over worked as she's only been out about 10 times in 10 years). Still in ok nick but heavy and slow.
Had looked at a giant TCR 2015/16 I think. Carbon body with Ultegra group set. Was only £300 so not surprised it went quick.
A bike like that would be handy for a winter bike or turbo trainer as well. (I'm on the lookout for one(
Keep an eye on done deal or adverts. Some reasonable stuff can pop up.
The other issue is frame size
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on August 20, 2023, 12:59:22 AM
My bike is over 10 years old now. It has rim brakes and looks old.

My wife just got a more modern bike with disk brakes and I'm jealous already. It also doesn't seem to have quick-release wheels though. Seems to be some sort of Allen key needed to get the wheels off. Is that what riders are doing now? Carrying Allen keys around for when they get a flat?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 20, 2023, 03:08:08 AM
There's normally a discreet magnetic Allen key that should be housed in the back wheel thru axle.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RedHand88 on August 20, 2023, 12:29:03 PM
Not sure where to post this but very sad news this morning. Is it windy down in Cork??

https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0820/1400656-cork-ironman/  (https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0820/1400656-cork-ironman/)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: marty34 on August 20, 2023, 12:37:30 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on August 20, 2023, 12:29:03 PM
Not sure where to post this but very sad news this morning. Is it windy down in Cork??

https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0820/1400656-cork-ironman/  (https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0820/1400656-cork-ironman/)

That's tragic. Very sad indeed.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on August 20, 2023, 02:11:30 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on August 20, 2023, 12:59:22 AM
My bike is over 10 years old now. It has rim brakes and looks old.

My wife just got a more modern bike with disk brakes and I'm jealous already. It also doesn't seem to have quick-release wheels though. Seems to be some sort of Allen key needed to get the wheels off. Is that what riders are doing now? Carrying Allen keys around for when they get a flat?
Most through axles on bikes don't need an allen key
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on August 20, 2023, 04:59:19 PM
Quote from: marty34 on August 20, 2023, 12:37:30 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on August 20, 2023, 12:29:03 PM
Not sure where to post this but very sad news this morning. Is it windy down in Cork??

https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0820/1400656-cork-ironman/  (https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0820/1400656-cork-ironman/)

That's tragic. Very sad indeed.

Been at a few races when the water can be very choppy but there are plenty of boats canoes about, whether there's enough to cover the amount taking part I don't know, could have had heart attack or I've also seen (and had) swinging arms or feet striking heads in the water..

Hopefully it doesn't put the race in the future at risk

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on August 20, 2023, 08:43:41 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 20, 2023, 03:08:08 AM
There's normally a discreet magnetic Allen key that should be housed in the back wheel thru axle.

Ha! Had to youtube this after a puncture on a hired bh road bike in Tenerife. Hadn't a notion.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RedHand88 on August 20, 2023, 09:21:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 20, 2023, 04:59:19 PM
Quote from: marty34 on August 20, 2023, 12:37:30 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on August 20, 2023, 12:29:03 PM
Not sure where to post this but very sad news this morning. Is it windy down in Cork??

https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0820/1400656-cork-ironman/  (https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0820/1400656-cork-ironman/)

That's tragic. Very sad indeed.

Been at a few races when the water can be very choppy but there are plenty of boats canoes about, whether there's enough to cover the amount taking part I don't know, could have had heart attack or I've also seen (and had) swinging arms or feet striking heads in the water..

Hopefully it doesn't put the race in the future at risk

https://twitter.com/CornynNiall/status/1693292024768675942?s=20 (https://twitter.com/CornynNiall/status/1693292024768675942?s=20)

Madness.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 20, 2023, 09:57:25 PM
Quote from: grounded on August 20, 2023, 08:43:41 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 20, 2023, 03:08:08 AM
There's normally a discreet magnetic Allen key that should be housed in the back wheel thru axle.

Ha! Had to youtube this after a puncture on a hired bh road bike in Tenerife. Hadn't a notion.
First disc brake bike I bought - I got as far as my car & realised I'd no idea how to get the front wheel off to get the bike into the car, had to walk back to the bike shop to get shown.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on August 31, 2023, 06:10:10 PM
Embarrassment of riches at Jumbo Visma
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 01, 2023, 08:53:31 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on August 31, 2023, 06:10:10 PM
Embarrassment of riches at Jumbo Visma

Kuss was banker material out of that breakaway group. To be fair to Remco he battled back when it looked like curtains. He is going to be hit with that on every mountainous stage and team doesnt look to be up to helping him too much. Gonna be long 3 weeks for the lad. Ayuso pretty impressive and think is going to podium.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 08, 2023, 05:47:00 PM
Hope Kuss wins overall, those other pair can afford to gift him it. Also, wonder will Kimmage and/or Digger have a comment on today's stage

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on September 09, 2023, 04:30:18 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 08, 2023, 05:47:00 PM
Hope Kuss wins overall, those other pair can afford to gift him it. Also, wonder will Kimmage and/or Digger have a comment on today's stage

Was thinking same. Sky never dominated in that manner that I can remember. Their game was about making it high tempo then the leader finish it off. Jumbo 1,2,3 as they liked and could have been in whatever order they liked. Hope kuss isn't given orders to sit up. Let the Angrilu decide.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 13, 2023, 09:40:24 AM
Here's hoping one of the good guys does it today on the Angliru, hope Vingegaard has a dose of the skitter.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on September 13, 2023, 05:22:45 PM
Jumbo visma are wankers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 13, 2023, 11:31:55 PM
Fascinating to see what happens tomorrow. Jonas said after the stage today that he would love Kuss to win!
         
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on September 14, 2023, 11:28:38 AM
See Kuss apologised to Landa for jumping him on the line for bonus seconds for 3rd. He's cut from a different cloth than those other pair. I hope he stood up at last night's team meeting and told them to stop being c***ts.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 14, 2023, 03:01:30 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on September 14, 2023, 11:28:38 AM
See Kuss apologised to Landa for jumping him on the line for bonus seconds for 3rd. He's cut from a different cloth than those other pair. I hope he stood up at last night's team meeting and told them to stop being c***ts.

Well we are going to see very shortly!
      My bets on more of the same from Roglic/Jonas.
     
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 14, 2023, 05:53:51 PM
Well there you go, i'm suprised.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on September 14, 2023, 09:27:50 PM
Seems to be that roglic isn't happy about it going by his comments after the stage "I have my own thoughts on it but we are riding for sepp " I wonder is this a power dynamic in the team as to who the true leader is. At least with Kuss winning it keeps roglic and jonas apart. Roglic probably wants to win so he can say well I won two grand tours last year I want to be tour de France leader. Jonas is happy enough for kuss to win as it prevents roglic from doing the above. Kuss is probably keeping a full on civil war from happening right now.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on September 15, 2023, 06:16:40 AM
Anyone interested in buying a slightly damaged titanium frame? It's a XS Ribble CGR, it was three weeks old before I rode it into a pole, creating a dent in the downtube! Sent it back to ribble and they confirmed it was safe, but my wife wanted me to get it replaced. Looking around 600 for it, anyone interested send me a PM and I can send photos answer any questions you might have!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 15, 2023, 12:25:09 PM
Quote from: markl121 on September 14, 2023, 09:27:50 PM
Seems to be that roglic isn't happy about it going by his comments after the stage "I have my own thoughts on it but we are riding for sepp " I wonder is this a power dynamic in the team as to who the true leader is. At least with Kuss winning it keeps roglic and jonas apart. Roglic probably wants to win so he can say well I won two grand tours last year I want to be tour de France leader. Jonas is happy enough for kuss to win as it prevents roglic from doing the above. Kuss is probably keeping a full on civil war from happening right now.

A lot of truth in that. I guess one other factor is Roglic's age.
      Most things in sport come down to Money. The DS and team management would have weighed up the commercial benefits of an American winner and the financial bonus they would have to pay to Kuss (as opposed to either Roglic/Jonas).
      An American grand tour winner is probably a great way to attract interest from commercial sponsors from the US( Lance Armstrong did serious damage to cycling's reputation in the US) with Jumbo leaving end of 2024 the money men will be looking a sponsor for 2025 and beyond.
     
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on September 17, 2023, 04:09:17 PM
Was thinking of converting the winter bike into gravel bike. Only way it could be done cheaply would be to use a smaller wheel.  I've a 700 on at the minute so it would have to be a 650 wheel. At the minute 28 mm is the most clearance I can get away with. Anybody any experience with this
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 17, 2023, 05:02:14 PM
Quote from: redzone on September 17, 2023, 04:09:17 PM
Was thinking of converting the winter bike into gravel bike. Only way it could be done cheaply would be to use a smaller wheel.  I've a 700 on at the minute so it would have to be a 650 wheel. At the minute 28 mm is the most clearance I can get away with. Anybody any experience with this

What bike are you converting? Is it. Disc/cantilever brake?

If disc shouldn't really be a problem. Just ensure you have sufficient clearance for the new 650 wheel and tyre(perhaps you could borrow?)

You will obviously need new rotors/cassette or you can swap over.the only other issue is the fact thebottom bracket and thus pedals will be closer to the ground.

If its cantilever brakes then much more complicated. May need to change the brakes. Probably not worth it
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: redzone on September 17, 2023, 05:49:19 PM
Quote from: grounded on September 17, 2023, 05:02:14 PM
Quote from: redzone on September 17, 2023, 04:09:17 PM
Was thinking of converting the winter bike into gravel bike. Only way it could be done cheaply would be to use a smaller wheel.  I've a 700 on at the minute so it would have to be a 650 wheel. At the minute 28 mm is the most clearance I can get away with. Anybody any experience with this

What bike are you converting? Is it. Disc/cantilever brake?

If disc shouldn't really be a problem. Just ensure you have sufficient clearance for the new 650 wheel and tyre(perhaps you could borrow?)

You will obviously need new rotors/cassette or you can swap over.the only other issue is the fact thebottom bracket and thus pedals will be closer to the ground.

If its cantilever brakes then much more complicated. May need to change the brakes. Probably not worth it
Yeah it's rim brake. The moving of the calipers could be a problem
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on September 19, 2023, 08:48:04 AM
Quote from: redzone on September 17, 2023, 05:49:19 PM
Quote from: grounded on September 17, 2023, 05:02:14 PM
Quote from: redzone on September 17, 2023, 04:09:17 PMWas thinking of converting the winter bike into gravel bike. Only way it could be done cheaply would be to use a smaller wheel.  I've a 700 on at the minute so it would have to be a 650 wheel. At the minute 28 mm is the most clearance I can get away with. Anybody any experience with this

What bike are you converting? Is it. Disc/cantilever brake?

If disc shouldn't really be a problem. Just ensure you have sufficient clearance for the new 650 wheel and tyre(perhaps you could borrow?)

You will obviously need new rotors/cassette or you can swap over.the only other issue is the fact thebottom bracket and thus pedals will be closer to the ground.

If its cantilever brakes then much more complicated. May need to change the brakes. Probably not worth it
Yeah it's rim brake. The moving of the calipers could be a problem

By the time you factor in wheels/tyres, cassette and possibly long reach cantilevers your well on your way to a basic gravel/adventure bike.
   Decathlon/Halfords do a basic one for around £600.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on December 31, 2023, 05:53:53 PM
How did we all get on this year? And any big plans for 2024?

  Been a terrible year weather wise. Been getting out more frequently but much shorter spins. Not one sportive unfortunately.

Managed 4000km for the year. Got to do the Mount Teide climb this year, which has always been on my bucket list and i would definitely recommend it.

Other firsts were hiring out an e mtb full-sus in Rostrevor. Definitely great craic and i can now see how these bikes are so popular.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: RedHand88 on December 31, 2023, 06:16:16 PM
1800km, bad weather all summer and having a young family hampered things this year. Did my first sportive and joined a local club so all in all not a bad year.
Aiming to get 3k done in 2024.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on December 31, 2023, 08:14:48 PM
Had my best year to date. Done 8500 miles (13600km), went to Spain and Tour De France and think the only sportive i done was the Connemara with was really good. Right hip really starting to give bother from Oct/Nov time and i'm struggling now with it now. Looking like another hip replacement coming down the tracks. Got the left side done almost 4 years ago.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on December 31, 2023, 08:28:09 PM
For Gran Canaria again in a few weeks. Pico de Las Nieves is a beast, but should be in much better nick than last January.

Bought a new bike that I'm not loving. I've come to the conclusion that disc brakes are balls, better braking but so what? On our winter spins 90% of riders are on old rim brakes and saving the good disc brake bikes for summer??? Seriously considering investing or pimping my rim brake bike.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 01, 2024, 12:54:58 AM
16000km

Rim brake bikes work, simple as
There are practically no descents in Ireland where disc brakes are needed

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 01, 2024, 02:51:30 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 01, 2024, 12:54:58 AM16000km

Rim brake bikes work, simple as
There are practically no descents in Ireland where disc brakes are needed



Superb, nearly 10,000 miles in old money. I'd hazard a guess thats more than most drive per year. Do you cycle to work as well or all training/racing?

Agree on the rim brakes, some brilliant frames/bikes up for not too much money.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on January 01, 2024, 11:01:51 PM
Done 3,000km this year - 90% of this was commuting. Managed 150 active days on strava. I've signed up for the Ring of Kerry, so planning on joining a club in belfast for some longer rides. Would love to have a go at the mtb, but none of my mates are into cycling and I don't know if I have the skills. Speaking of the RoK, anyone have any good training tips or plans? I think the thing I struggle most with on longer rides is pacing and fuelling.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on January 02, 2024, 10:31:27 AM
Quote from: majestic on January 01, 2024, 11:01:51 PMDone 3,000km this year - 90% of this was commuting. Managed 150 active days on strava. I've signed up for the Ring of Kerry, so planning on joining a club in belfast for some longer rides. Would love to have a go at the mtb, but none of my mates are into cycling and I don't know if I have the skills. Speaking of the RoK, anyone have any good training tips or plans? I think the thing I struggle most with on longer rides is pacing and fuelling.

Fuel is really important but the more miles u get into the legs the longer u can ride without food, i know that doesn't make sense but for me I felt the fitter I got and the more miles i cycled the longer I could go without eating. You do need fuel for the longer rides but a banana and a bar is usually good enough for me with a good breakfast in me first. If you're doing a Sportive then they have food stops there which are usually quite good.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 02, 2024, 04:14:18 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 01, 2024, 02:51:30 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 01, 2024, 12:54:58 AM16000km

Rim brake bikes work, simple as
There are practically no descents in Ireland where disc brakes are needed



Superb, nearly 10,000 miles in old money. I'd hazard a guess thats more than most drive per year. Do you cycle to work as well or all training/racing?

Agree on the rim brakes, some brilliant frames/bikes up for not too much money.
Commute by bike once a fortnight when it suits.
Mainly training/racing.
The hours needed to train to compete in racing can be ridiculous. Don't think fellas involved in gaa realise the time put in by many club cyclists in Ireland.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PM
Running is the same.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 02, 2024, 04:51:05 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PMRunning is the same.
Cycling is a much bigger time suck tho. Running much more time efficient and considerably less expensive- unless you go to extremes (that I am unaware of!)

I couldn't have done this when the kids were wee, no chance.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 02, 2024, 08:08:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PMRunning is the same.
You are talking at least 11-12 hrs  per week on the bike to prepare for cycle racing, and then some weeks with 15+ hrs.
Try to fit in 1-2 gym sessions too
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 03, 2024, 11:59:32 AM
Quote from: majestic on January 01, 2024, 11:01:51 PMDone 3,000km this year - 90% of this was commuting. Managed 150 active days on strava. I've signed up for the Ring of Kerry, so planning on joining a club in belfast for some longer rides. Would love to have a go at the mtb, but none of my mates are into cycling and I don't know if I have the skills. Speaking of the RoK, anyone have any good training tips or plans? I think the thing I struggle most with on longer rides is pacing and fuelling.

I think joining a cycling club would be a good move for you. For me better craic in bigger groups and safer!
    You're more likely to cover bigger miles and its a good incentive to get out the door if others are going as well.
   More than likely there'll be a few in the club who will be into mountain biking as well.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 03, 2024, 12:43:09 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 02, 2024, 04:51:05 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PMRunning is the same.
Cycling is a much bigger time suck tho. Running much more time efficient and considerably less expensive- unless you go to extremes (that I am unaware of!)

I couldn't have done this when the kids were wee, no chance.

I've started doing one or two small runs per week since Christmas having only cycled since i quit football. 
   The difference is very noticeable. On the bike, 20 minutes getting ready what with clothing, checking lights, helmet, computer, putting pressure into tyres.
       Running was just straight out the door with no faffing around.
   Also cycling fit is not running fit(im not sure about the other way round)
   I can quite easily cycle 50-80 miles at a fair old clip, but i was absolutely bollixed after less than a mile at a snail's pace running. 
   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 12:55:24 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 02, 2024, 08:08:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PMRunning is the same.
You are talking at least 11-12 hrs  per week on the bike to prepare for cycle racing, and then some weeks with 15+ hrs.
Try to fit in 1-2 gym sessions too

This it for me, its too time consuming, and I don't trust drivers on the road, its just not safe enough for me, neighbor of mine killed before xmas, 45 and 3 young kids..

When doing triathlons it was the bike that was letting me down as I'd little or no work done on the roads. I'd have stuck to the cycle paths or toe-paths but they were generally busy and hard to get any rhythm going. Would have (in my view) obese cyclists passing me with ease during races, might have caught them on the run part but they made it look easy!

I've a few old gym mates that are out Sat Sun and during the brighter nights a couple of nights during the week, minimum 100 miles!

Fair play and understanding wives plays a part, out longer than the golfers 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 03, 2024, 01:13:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 12:55:24 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 02, 2024, 08:08:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PMRunning is the same.
You are talking at least 11-12 hrs  per week on the bike to prepare for cycle racing, and then some weeks with 15+ hrs.
Try to fit in 1-2 gym sessions too

This it for me, its too time consuming, and I don't trust drivers on the road, its just not safe enough for me, neighbor of mine killed before xmas, 45 and 3 young kids..

When doing triathlons it was the bike that was letting me down as I'd little or no work done on the roads. I'd have stuck to the cycle paths or toe-paths but they were generally busy and hard to get any rhythm going. Would have (in my view) obese cyclists passing me with ease during races, might have caught them on the run part but they made it look easy!

I've a few old gym mates that are out Sat Sun and during the brighter nights a couple of nights during the week, minimum 100 miles!

Fair play and understanding wives plays a part, out longer than the golfers 
One thing I've learned about cycling is that good cyclists come in all shapes & sizes. Same with the worst, slim, athletic looking and brutal. It's all about what's under the hood as they say.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 01:21:03 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 03, 2024, 01:13:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 12:55:24 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 02, 2024, 08:08:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PMRunning is the same.
You are talking at least 11-12 hrs  per week on the bike to prepare for cycle racing, and then some weeks with 15+ hrs.
Try to fit in 1-2 gym sessions too

This it for me, its too time consuming, and I don't trust drivers on the road, its just not safe enough for me, neighbor of mine killed before xmas, 45 and 3 young kids..

When doing triathlons it was the bike that was letting me down as I'd little or no work done on the roads. I'd have stuck to the cycle paths or toe-paths but they were generally busy and hard to get any rhythm going. Would have (in my view) obese cyclists passing me with ease during races, might have caught them on the run part but they made it look easy!

I've a few old gym mates that are out Sat Sun and during the brighter nights a couple of nights during the week, minimum 100 miles!

Fair play and understanding wives plays a part, out longer than the golfers 
One thing I've learned about cycling is that good cyclists come in all shapes & sizes. Same with the worst, slim, athletic looking and brutal. It's all about what's under the hood as they say.

I agree, and for me these guys obviously put a lot of miles on the clock (legs) to make it look easy, but they are a so bad when it comes to running, but in the triathlons they have made up so much on the bike that it takes a good effort to catch them!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 03, 2024, 03:32:46 PM
My knees don't agree with running otherwise I'd still be doing a bit.

Triathlons are a big commitment, did one or two a few years back.

Cycling is very dependent on the right gear. Like at the moment I need two sets of light winter clothing. Luckily it's been very mild since November.
When it gets colder this week I'll get out the heavier deep winter clothing. Cold is not good for my training as you cannot get out on the road with ice and I'll have to switch to the turbo (shudder)
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 03, 2024, 08:31:05 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 12:55:24 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 02, 2024, 08:08:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PMRunning is the same.
You are talking at least 11-12 hrs  per week on the bike to prepare for cycle racing, and then some weeks with 15+ hrs.
Try to fit in 1-2 gym sessions too

This it for me, its too time consuming, and I don't trust drivers on the road, its just not safe enough for me, neighbor of mine killed before xmas, 45 and 3 young kids..

When doing triathlons it was the bike that was letting me down as I'd little or no work done on the roads. I'd have stuck to the cycle paths or toe-paths but they were generally busy and hard to get any rhythm going. Would have (in my view) obese cyclists passing me with ease during races, might have caught them on the run part but they made it look easy!

I've a few old gym mates that are out Sat Sun and during the brighter nights a couple of nights during the week, minimum 100 miles!

Fair play and understanding wives plays a part, out longer than the golfers 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8131838/
I know its the eternal debate but thought the above interesting.
Cycling Best predictor for sprint and half iron man. With swimming best predicor for Olympic. Running for Iron man and longer distances.
     
For some reason i've always imagined swimming being the most important discipline in Triathlon whatever the distances.

     
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on January 03, 2024, 08:40:34 PM
Mr could you not do Zwift and a turbo trainer or buy a watt bike? I did some rough sessions on a turbo during lockdown and you can get a serious workout on the right course.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 10:59:50 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 03, 2024, 08:31:05 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 12:55:24 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 02, 2024, 08:08:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PMRunning is the same.
You are talking at least 11-12 hrs  per week on the bike to prepare for cycle racing, and then some weeks with 15+ hrs.
Try to fit in 1-2 gym sessions too

This it for me, its too time consuming, and I don't trust drivers on the road, its just not safe enough for me, neighbor of mine killed before xmas, 45 and 3 young kids..

When doing triathlons it was the bike that was letting me down as I'd little or no work done on the roads. I'd have stuck to the cycle paths or toe-paths but they were generally busy and hard to get any rhythm going. Would have (in my view) obese cyclists passing me with ease during races, might have caught them on the run part but they made it look easy!

I've a few old gym mates that are out Sat Sun and during the brighter nights a couple of nights during the week, minimum 100 miles!

Fair play and understanding wives plays a part, out longer than the golfers 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8131838/
I know its the eternal debate but thought the above interesting.
Cycling Best predictor for sprint and half iron man. With swimming best predicor for Olympic. Running for Iron man and longer distances.
     
For some reason i've always imagined swimming being the most important discipline in Triathlon whatever the distances.

   
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 03, 2024, 08:40:34 PMMr could you not do Zwift and a turbo trainer or buy a watt bike? I did some rough sessions on a turbo during lockdown and you can get a serious workout on the right course.

So for sprints the 750m swim is generally 16 minutes at worst in normal Olympic it's around 30 minutes
Best 5k in sprint was 23 minutes.

My quickest sprint...

So 23 plus 16 meant it took me 48 minutes to do the cycle, it should never take that long to cycle 20km.

Tommy not sure if it the serious work out or just getting the road miles over a turbo that improve that. The road brings in other factors
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 04, 2024, 10:49:29 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 02, 2024, 04:14:18 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 01, 2024, 02:51:30 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 01, 2024, 12:54:58 AM16000km

Rim brake bikes work, simple as
There are practically no descents in Ireland where disc brakes are needed



Superb, nearly 10,000 miles in old money. I'd hazard a guess thats more than most drive per year. Do you cycle to work as well or all training/racing?

Agree on the rim brakes, some brilliant frames/bikes up for not too much money.
Commute by bike once a fortnight when it suits.
Mainly training/racing.
The hours needed to train to compete in racing can be ridiculous. Don't think fellas involved in gaa realise the time put in by many club cyclists in Ireland.

Huge commitment from lads who are training to compete. Only thing I would say is that at least a lot of the training is on your own terms and time. The annoying thing with  GAA training was it was on someone else schedule. I'd rather get my training done in the morning than waiting around to go train at 7.30 and not home until 9.30.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 04, 2024, 06:22:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 10:59:50 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 03, 2024, 08:31:05 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 12:55:24 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 02, 2024, 08:08:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PMRunning is the same.
You are talking at least 11-12 hrs  per week on the bike to prepare for cycle racing, and then some weeks with 15+ hrs.
Try to fit in 1-2 gym sessions too

This it for me, its too time consuming, and I don't trust drivers on the road,

So for sprints the 750m swim is generally 16 minutes at worst in normal Olympic it's around 30 minutes
Best 5k in sprint was 23 minutes.

My quickest sprint...

So 23 plus 16 meant it took me 48 minutes to do the cycle, it should never take that long to cycle 20km.

Tommy not sure if it the serious work out or just getting the road miles over a turbo that improve that. The road brings in other factors

So over that 20km your averaging 15.6mph/25kph. I guess it all depends on the course.
  What was the course you done that on?
  A hilly/lumpy course can fairly take your average down especially in a triathlon.
   
   

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 04, 2024, 06:45:39 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 04, 2024, 06:22:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 10:59:50 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 03, 2024, 08:31:05 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 12:55:24 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 02, 2024, 08:08:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PMRunning is the same.
You are talking at least 11-12 hrs  per week on the bike to prepare for cycle racing, and then some weeks with 15+ hrs.
Try to fit in 1-2 gym sessions too

This it for me, its too time consuming, and I don't trust drivers on the road,

So for sprints the 750m swim is generally 16 minutes at worst in normal Olympic it's around 30 minutes
Best 5k in sprint was 23 minutes.

My quickest sprint...

So 23 plus 16 meant it took me 48 minutes to do the cycle, it should never take that long to cycle 20km.

Tommy not sure if it the serious work out or just getting the road miles over a turbo that improve that. The road brings in other factors

So over that 20km your averaging 15.6mph/25kph. I guess it all depends on the course.
  What was the course you done that on?
  A hilly/lumpy course can fairly take your average down especially in a triathlon.
   
   



Wouldn't say overly hilly, more of a very long hill, gradient not overly bad, just remember a guy that I left behind in the water just passing me like I was cycling with the brakes on!

But I know it's about getting the miles in, I just don't like cycling on the roads, at all!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on January 04, 2024, 06:51:11 PM
The roads are getting worse and maybe as I get older I am more weary Did about 2000k on Zwift last year and will probably do more this year. I love being on the road but being passed dangerously and seeing near car accidents every single ride tends to drag me down.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 04, 2024, 06:59:56 PM
I have 4/5 routes I regularly use depending on the time of day. Roads with very wide verges or secondary or local roads with little traffic.
Old national roads replaced by a motorway are also great.
Always have flashing lights front and rear.
Cycling in the dark is almost safer
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 05, 2024, 06:44:54 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 04, 2024, 06:45:39 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 04, 2024, 06:22:09 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 10:59:50 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 03, 2024, 08:31:05 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 03, 2024, 12:55:24 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 02, 2024, 08:08:44 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 02, 2024, 04:46:00 PMRunning is the same.
You are talking at least 11-12 hrs  per week on the bike to prepare for cycle racing, and then some weeks with 15+ hrs.
Try to fit in 1-2 gym sessions too

This it for me, its too time consuming, and I don't trust drivers on the road,

So for sprints the 750m swim is generally 16 minutes at worst in normal Olympic it's around 30 minutes
Best 5k in sprint was 23 minutes.

My quickest sprint...

So 23 plus 16 meant it took me 48 minutes to do the cycle, it should never take that long to cycle 20km.

Tommy not sure if it the serious work out or just getting the road miles over a turbo that improve that. The road brings in other factors

So over that 20km your averaging 15.6mph/25kph. I guess it all depends on the course.
  What was the course you done that on?
  A hilly/lumpy course can fairly take your average down especially in a triathlon.
   
   



Wouldn't say overly hilly, more of a very long hill, gradient not overly bad, just remember a guy that I left behind in the water just passing me like I was cycling with the brakes on!

But I know it's about getting the miles in, I just don't like cycling on the roads, at all!


Not a triathlon expert, but
You're training for a roughly 35 minute all out effort for the cycle.
   Is there any need to spend a huge amount of time going on long low intensity spins?
   Surely your time would be better spent developing the ability to ride at the intensity and duration you want to excel at i.e. the all out 20k cycle.
  So 2x20 intervals with 30 min tt efforts as part of your training schedule.
  Specificity with 2-3 of these sessions per week, obviously tapering to the event itself.
  Definitely a turbo trainer would work brilliantly here and avoid you having to venture out on the road too much. TrainerRoad offer specific plans but many other sources for training plans.
   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 05, 2024, 07:48:12 PM
Ideally the best plans for triathlon training is to mix it with swims in the morning, generally 50 to 100 lengths

Go to work

Then 10k runs and gym strengthening, squats and so on, usually I'd have split the 10k runs into 5k, weights and then another 5k.

Would normally have done spin 4/5 times a week for indoor cycling

Weekend was long runs and 45 minute cycling on the road.

I like the idea of the turbo, as long as I don't get too bored in the garage

The separate disciplines have effects after completing them, it's nearly impossible (unless competing all the time) to transition smoothly, always found coming off the bike into either a 5k sprint or 10k Olympic that it took me a while to get used to the discipline of running (which I was stronger at) at the normal pace you'd run 10 at.

Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 05, 2024, 10:33:25 PM
I'm a hopeless runner and even worse swimmer i dont know how you do it!
    Again, with no triathlon knowledge but just going from your times in each of the disciplines, surely you have the most to gain timewise overall by focusing on the cycling component.
    I dont think you need 4/5 times indoor cycling. 2/3 times would suffice if the training was tailored specifically for the 20km. Those 20/20 intervals and 30-40 min tt efforts.
    No lies, the turbo can be boring as f. Trainer Road probably has the best plans(some of the others might correct me here) but your looking at a series of graphs which can be quite monotonous. Zwift probably most fun! and teamed up with a smart trainer somewhat enjoyable, though nothing beats being on the road.
    Again just out of interest would you be going 100% in the cycling, or are you trying to save your legs for the running(which is a stronger discipline?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 05, 2024, 10:41:26 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 05, 2024, 10:33:25 PMI'm a hopeless runner and even worse swimmer i dont know how you do it!
    Again, with no triathlon knowledge but just going from your times in each of the disciplines, surely you have the most to gain timewise overall by focusing on the cycling component.
    I dont think you need 4/5 times indoor cycling. 2/3 times would suffice if the training was tailored specifically for the 20km. Those 20/20 intervals and 30-40 min tt efforts.
    No lies, the turbo can be boring as f. Trainer Road probably has the best plans(some of the others might correct me here) but your looking at a series of graphs which can be quite monotonous. Zwift probably most fun! and teamed up with a smart trainer somewhat enjoyable, though nothing beats being on the road.
    Again just out of interest would you be going 100% in the cycling, or are you trying to save your legs for the running(which is a stronger discipline?

I'm a balls out type of trainer, when I've competed I'm trying to win eith every last bitta effort, so generally I leave nothing behind, which is probably a downfall, might look into the turbo
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JoG2 on January 06, 2024, 12:39:12 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 05, 2024, 10:41:26 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 05, 2024, 10:33:25 PMI'm a hopeless runner and even worse swimmer i dont know how you do it!
    Again, with no triathlon knowledge but just going from your times in each of the disciplines, surely you have the most to gain timewise overall by focusing on the cycling component.
    I dont think you need 4/5 times indoor cycling. 2/3 times would suffice if the training was tailored specifically for the 20km. Those 20/20 intervals and 30-40 min tt efforts.
    No lies, the turbo can be boring as f. Trainer Road probably has the best plans(some of the others might correct me here) but your looking at a series of graphs which can be quite monotonous. Zwift probably most fun! and teamed up with a smart trainer somewhat enjoyable, though nothing beats being on the road.
    Again just out of interest would you be going 100% in the cycling, or are you trying to save your legs for the running(which is a stronger discipline?

I'm a balls out type of trainer, when I've competed I'm trying to win eith every last bitta effort, so generally I leave nothing behind, which is probably a downfall, might look into the turbo

You wouldn't be the first

https://youtu.be/jns9NHhzGeM?si=SbN7Dw4QfoBI7H1G
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 06, 2024, 12:53:52 AM
 ;D seen that before lol
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PM
Can youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: JimStynes on January 06, 2024, 08:13:00 PM
I miss the cycling but took fear a few years ago. Couple near misses had me nervous and packed it in.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 10:44:52 PM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...
A metre is plenty of room.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: markl121 on January 07, 2024, 12:14:15 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 10:44:52 PM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...
A metre is plenty of room.
It's not
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 07, 2024, 05:57:04 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 10:44:52 PM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...
A metre is plenty of room.
1.5m is the legal distance
If you're caught on a bike mounted camera in the UK you can be prosecuted by the police
The quicker it's brought in for ROI the better
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Eamonnca1 on January 08, 2024, 06:47:35 AM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 04, 2024, 06:59:56 PMI have 4/5 routes I regularly use depending on the time of day. Roads with very wide verges or secondary or local roads with little traffic.
Old national roads replaced by a motorway are also great.
Always have flashing lights front and rear.
Cycling in the dark is almost safer

This. On my old commute I'd wait for the sun to go all the way down before heading home, I hated riding in twilight. (The sun goes down quickly at this latitude, so you don't get much twilight.) Riding at night's a completely different experience, and I love it. I always lit myself up like a Christmas tree.

I hated it in the old days when you could see more with a candle than with the big clunky lights. You can get some great lights now, so it's very different.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 10:11:03 AM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...

If you want to be treated like 'any other car' don't ride two abreast and don't ride in groups.

And since your groups travel at the same speed as an agricultural vehicle, show some courtesy to the trail of 15 cars behind you or the HGV that hasn't a hope of getting past safely, and pull over into a lay-by every once in a while.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 08, 2024, 10:28:46 AM
As a "cyclist" of sorts thing that drives me mad is the petrol heads that will happily put you in a ditch but then you see them coming up on a couple of people on horseback and they are all smiles and waves. What the f**k is that about?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 08, 2024, 10:53:44 AM
Have ordered a rocker plate for zwifting sessions as i cant do more than 45mins without getting "sore". Anyone any experience of them?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 12:09:41 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 08, 2024, 10:28:46 AMAs a "cyclist" of sorts thing that drives me mad is the petrol heads that will happily put you in a ditch but then you see them coming up on a couple of people on horseback and they are all smiles and waves. What the f**k is that about?

Where I drive, commute and whatever I generally never meet too many groups of cyclists, but when I do its about taking the safest option, we are in too much of a hurry to be places nowadays, patients has went out the window.

Slow down and only pass safely, what I find crazy though is cyclists on a shared footpath where there are dogs, toddlers and people just dandering along, the bike cost 3 grand and no bell on it to warn anyone, they think if the back track the pedals that noise should be enough, there is one bloke I'd love to shove into the lough he goes like the clappers, if a toddler walks out in front of him I'd fear for the child, and if he hits my dogs he'll struggle to use a bike again!

Other than that cyclists are lovely people!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 08, 2024, 12:21:48 PM
Pre pandemic when we used to work in city centre id often cycle in. Road in as it was early and then canal towpath back. Nearly every single jogger on the towpath would have head phones in. So when you caught up with them they would react like you appeared out of nowhere. Bell wasnt much use then and yes i had one.
Saw the other night a flipping deliveroo guy on a bike. All in black no lights nada. Darwin award material.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on January 08, 2024, 12:27:13 PM
If you're on a towpath on a bike you just can't be going silly speeds. You'd do a lot of damage to a kid or a dog then there's runners etc too and i have found peoples awareness in getting out of your way not good even when you're coming from a distance. (I cycled up the one in Belfast once and 4 or 5 guys were walking towards me - I assumed as they'd get closer they'd move but they didn't so I stopped dead and the one who I stopped dead in front of looked at me with a look of shock. Peoples lack of awareness never ceased to amaze me when I was on the bike on the towpath.) Same goes for when I run there and people with dogs on retractable leads.

No reason cyclists shouldn't go two abreast. No reason at all.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: quit yo jibbajabba on January 08, 2024, 12:35:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 12:09:41 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 08, 2024, 10:28:46 AMAs a "cyclist" of sorts thing that drives me mad is the petrol heads that will happily put you in a ditch but then you see them coming up on a couple of people on horseback and they are all smiles and waves. What the f**k is that about?

Where I drive, commute and whatever I generally never meet too many groups of cyclists, but when I do its about taking the safest option, we are in too much of a hurry to be places nowadays, patients has went out the window.

Slow down and only pass safely, what I find crazy though is cyclists on a shared footpath where there are dogs, toddlers and people just dandering along, the bike cost 3 grand and no bell on it to warn anyone, they think if the back track the pedals that noise should be enough, there is one bloke I'd love to shove into the lough he goes like the clappers, if a toddler walks out in front of him I'd fear for the child, and if he hits my dogs he'll struggle to use a bike again!

Other than that cyclists are lovely people!

Hope you're not an ambulance driver.

I'll get me coat 😋
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 12:39:23 PM
Yeah I get that, people wearing headphones and poor awareness of what to do, but I'm only giving you my versions.

My dogs on the toepath are not on a lead, they have great recall and generally never leave my side, they hear me saying bike, and they move in behind me, the worst are people with the long bloody leads and forget about bikes, just ordinary walkers have problems with them!

If the tide is out I walk along the beach away from the path, easier for everyone.. Was out yesterday morning, frosty and ice on path, did that deter runners or cyclists? Nope! I never ran on ice and would never consider cycling when icy.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 12:40:46 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on January 08, 2024, 12:35:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 12:09:41 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 08, 2024, 10:28:46 AMAs a "cyclist" of sorts thing that drives me mad is the petrol heads that will happily put you in a ditch but then you see them coming up on a couple of people on horseback and they are all smiles and waves. What the f**k is that about?

Where I drive, commute and whatever I generally never meet too many groups of cyclists, but when I do its about taking the safest option, we are in too much of a hurry to be places nowadays, patients has went out the window.

Slow down and only pass safely, what I find crazy though is cyclists on a shared footpath where there are dogs, toddlers and people just dandering along, the bike cost 3 grand and no bell on it to warn anyone, they think if the back track the pedals that noise should be enough, there is one bloke I'd love to shove into the lough he goes like the clappers, if a toddler walks out in front of him I'd fear for the child, and if he hits my dogs he'll struggle to use a bike again!

Other than that cyclists are lovely people!

Hope you're not an ambulance driver.

I'll get me coat 😋

patience... Auto spell! Can't spell!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: imtommygunn on January 08, 2024, 12:47:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 12:39:23 PMYeah I get that, people wearing headphones and poor awareness of what to do, but I'm only giving you my versions.

My dogs on the toepath are not on a lead, they have great recall and generally never leave my side, they hear me saying bike, and they move in behind me, the worst are people with the long bloody leads and forget about bikes, just ordinary walkers have problems with them!

If the tide is out I walk along the beach away from the path, easier for everyone.. Was out yesterday morning, frosty and ice on path, did that deter runners or cyclists? Nope! I never ran on ice and would never consider cycling when icy.

Most people are fine but about 10 or so % aren't. I thought I was getting set on by a dog recently and it was the owner. Tbh there is a common theme. The problem is not cyclists, runners or dog owners it's just people   :(
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 12:54:34 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 08, 2024, 12:47:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 12:39:23 PMYeah I get that, people wearing headphones and poor awareness of what to do, but I'm only giving you my versions.

My dogs on the toepath are not on a lead, they have great recall and generally never leave my side, they hear me saying bike, and they move in behind me, the worst are people with the long bloody leads and forget about bikes, just ordinary walkers have problems with them!

If the tide is out I walk along the beach away from the path, easier for everyone.. Was out yesterday morning, frosty and ice on path, did that deter runners or cyclists? Nope! I never ran on ice and would never consider cycling when icy.

Most people are fine but about 10 or so % aren't. I thought I was getting set on by a dog recently and it was the owner. Tbh there is a common theme. The problem is not cyclists, runners or dog owners it's just people   :(

That's true, entitled arseholes!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 08, 2024, 12:59:04 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 12:39:23 PMYeah I get that, people wearing headphones and poor awareness of what to do, but I'm only giving you my versions.

My dogs on the toepath are not on a lead, they have great recall and generally never leave my side, they hear me saying bike, and they move in behind me, the worst are people with the long bloody leads and forget about bikes, just ordinary walkers have problems with them!

If the tide is out I walk along the beach away from the path, easier for everyone.. Was out yesterday morning, frosty and ice on path, did that deter runners or cyclists? Nope! I never ran on ice and would never consider cycling when icy.

Black ice and 25c tyres. Forget about it. Local cycling club just auto cancel weekend rides if under 3c
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 05:11:22 PM
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 10:11:03 AM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...

If you want to be treated like 'any other car' don't ride two abreast and don't ride in groups.

And since your groups travel at the same speed as an agricultural vehicle, show some courtesy to the trail of 15 cars behind you or the HGV that hasn't a hope of getting past safely, and pull over into a lay-by every once in a while.
Riding two abreast is safer.
When in groups we always single out on narrow roads to allow cars to go past. And we'd pull over if there was traffic behind and we knew the road ahead was winding.
Cyclists are entitled to use the road the same as anyone.
It's usually idiot motorists who cause the danger
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Tony Baloney on January 08, 2024, 06:33:11 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 05:11:22 PM
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 10:11:03 AM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...

If you want to be treated like 'any other car' don't ride two abreast and don't ride in groups.

And since your groups travel at the same speed as an agricultural vehicle, show some courtesy to the trail of 15 cars behind you or the HGV that hasn't a hope of getting past safely, and pull over into a lay-by every once in a while.
Riding two abreast is safer.
When in groups we always single out on narrow roads to allow cars to go past. And we'd pull over if there was traffic behind and we knew the road ahead was winding.
Cyclists are entitled to use the road the same as anyone.
It's usually idiot motorists who cause the danger

Definitely been an improvement over the past few years but still plebs out there (as there is behind the wheel) who remain totally oblivious to the snake of traffic behind them most of whom have places to go and aren't out on "leisure time" with the lads.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 07:04:15 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 08, 2024, 06:33:11 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 05:11:22 PM
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 10:11:03 AM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...

If you want to be treated like 'any other car' don't ride two abreast and don't ride in groups.

And since your groups travel at the same speed as an agricultural vehicle, show some courtesy to the trail of 15 cars behind you or the HGV that hasn't a hope of getting past safely, and pull over into a lay-by every once in a while.
Riding two abreast is safer.
When in groups we always single out on narrow roads to allow cars to go past. And we'd pull over if there was traffic behind and we knew the road ahead was winding.
Cyclists are entitled to use the road the same as anyone.
It's usually idiot motorists who cause the danger

Definitely been an improvement over the past few years but still plebs out there (as there is behind the wheel) who remain totally oblivious to the snake of traffic behind them most of whom have places to go and aren't out on "leisure time" with the lads.
They're entitled to their leisure time though
Same as pedestrians on the road
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 07:08:21 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 07:04:15 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 08, 2024, 06:33:11 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 05:11:22 PM
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 10:11:03 AM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...

If you want to be treated like 'any other car' don't ride two abreast and don't ride in groups.

And since your groups travel at the same speed as an agricultural vehicle, show some courtesy to the trail of 15 cars behind you or the HGV that hasn't a hope of getting past safely, and pull over into a lay-by every once in a while.
Riding two abreast is safer.
When in groups we always single out on narrow roads to allow cars to go past. And we'd pull over if there was traffic behind and we knew the road ahead was winding.
Cyclists are entitled to use the road the same as anyone.
It's usually idiot motorists who cause the danger

Definitely been an improvement over the past few years but still plebs out there (as there is behind the wheel) who remain totally oblivious to the snake of traffic behind them most of whom have places to go and aren't out on "leisure time" with the lads.
They're entitled to their leisure time though
Same as pedestrians on the road

Cars aren't trying to overtake pedestrians
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 08, 2024, 07:32:49 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on January 08, 2024, 12:47:49 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 12:39:23 PMYeah I get that, people wearing headphones and poor awareness of what to do, but I'm only giving you my versions.

My dogs on the toepath are not on a lead, they have great recall and generally never leave my side, they hear me saying bike, and they move in behind me, the worst are people with the long bloody leads and forget about bikes, just ordinary walkers have problems with them!

If the tide is out I walk along the beach away from the path, easier for everyone.. Was out yesterday morning, frosty and ice on path, did that deter runners or cyclists? Nope! I never ran on ice and would never consider cycling when icy.

Most people are fine but about 10 or so % aren't. I thought I was getting set on by a dog recently and it was the owner. Tbh there is a common theme. The problem is not cyclists, runners or dog owners it's just people   :(

Exactly, the selfish prat in the car will be the same on the bike and most other aspects of life.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 09, 2024, 06:13:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 07:08:21 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 07:04:15 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 08, 2024, 06:33:11 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 05:11:22 PM
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 10:11:03 AM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...

If you want to be treated like 'any other car' don't ride two abreast and don't ride in groups.

And since your groups travel at the same speed as an agricultural vehicle, show some courtesy to the trail of 15 cars behind you or the HGV that hasn't a hope of getting past safely, and pull over into a lay-by every once in a while.
Riding two abreast is safer.
When in groups we always single out on narrow roads to allow cars to go past. And we'd pull over if there was traffic behind and we knew the road ahead was winding.
Cyclists are entitled to use the road the same as anyone.
It's usually idiot motorists who cause the danger

Definitely been an improvement over the past few years but still plebs out there (as there is behind the wheel) who remain totally oblivious to the snake of traffic behind them most of whom have places to go and aren't out on "leisure time" with the lads.
They're entitled to their leisure time though
Same as pedestrians on the road

Cars aren't trying to overtake pedestrians
If a pedestrian is on your side of the country road then you are
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 09, 2024, 06:50:31 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 09, 2024, 06:13:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 07:08:21 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 07:04:15 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 08, 2024, 06:33:11 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 05:11:22 PM
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 10:11:03 AM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...

If you want to be treated like 'any other car' don't ride two abreast and don't ride in groups.

And since your groups travel at the same speed as an agricultural vehicle, show some courtesy to the trail of 15 cars behind you or the HGV that hasn't a hope of getting past safely, and pull over into a lay-by every once in a while.
Riding two abreast is safer.
When in groups we always single out on narrow roads to allow cars to go past. And we'd pull over if there was traffic behind and we knew the road ahead was winding.
Cyclists are entitled to use the road the same as anyone.
It's usually idiot motorists who cause the danger

Definitely been an improvement over the past few years but still plebs out there (as there is behind the wheel) who remain totally oblivious to the snake of traffic behind them most of whom have places to go and aren't out on "leisure time" with the lads.
They're entitled to their leisure time though
Same as pedestrians on the road

Cars aren't trying to overtake pedestrians
If a pedestrian is on your side of the country road then you are

You mean in the countryside where there's no path and some header is walking with the traffic?

Nope,  I'm talking cars don't have to worry about pedestrians on a footpath, unless they are drunk
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 09, 2024, 08:44:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 09, 2024, 06:50:31 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 09, 2024, 06:13:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 07:08:21 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 07:04:15 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 08, 2024, 06:33:11 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 05:11:22 PM
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 10:11:03 AM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...

If you want to be treated like 'any other car' don't ride two abreast and don't ride in groups.

And since your groups travel at the same speed as an agricultural vehicle, show some courtesy to the trail of 15 cars behind you or the HGV that hasn't a hope of getting past safely, and pull over into a lay-by every once in a while.
Riding two abreast is safer.
When in groups we always single out on narrow roads to allow cars to go past. And we'd pull over if there was traffic behind and we knew the road ahead was winding.
Cyclists are entitled to use the road the same as anyone.
It's usually idiot motorists who cause the danger

Definitely been an improvement over the past few years but still plebs out there (as there is behind the wheel) who remain totally oblivious to the snake of traffic behind them most of whom have places to go and aren't out on "leisure time" with the lads.
They're entitled to their leisure time though
Same as pedestrians on the road

Cars aren't trying to overtake pedestrians
If a pedestrian is on your side of the country road then you are

You mean in the countryside where there's no path and some header is walking with the traffic?

Nope,  I'm talking cars don't have to worry about pedestrians on a footpath, unless they are drunk
Where else do people in the countryside have to walk? Except alongside the road, against the traffic?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Milltown Row2 on January 09, 2024, 11:49:56 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 09, 2024, 08:44:36 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 09, 2024, 06:50:31 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 09, 2024, 06:13:03 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 08, 2024, 07:08:21 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 07:04:15 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 08, 2024, 06:33:11 PM
Quote from: manfromdelmonte on January 08, 2024, 05:11:22 PM
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 10:11:03 AM
Quote from: markl121 on January 06, 2024, 06:46:16 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 06, 2024, 05:39:14 PMCan youse try to not be on the road when I'm going places. Today had them out in droves. Thanks in advance.
As long as you pass us like you would any other car...

If you want to be treated like 'any other car' don't ride two abreast and don't ride in groups.

And since your groups travel at the same speed as an agricultural vehicle, show some courtesy to the trail of 15 cars behind you or the HGV that hasn't a hope of getting past safely, and pull over into a lay-by every once in a while.
Riding two abreast is safer.
When in groups we always single out on narrow roads to allow cars to go past. And we'd pull over if there was traffic behind and we knew the road ahead was winding.
Cyclists are entitled to use the road the same as anyone.
It's usually idiot motorists who cause the danger

Definitely been an improvement over the past few years but still plebs out there (as there is behind the wheel) who remain totally oblivious to the snake of traffic behind them most of whom have places to go and aren't out on "leisure time" with the lads.
They're entitled to their leisure time though
Same as pedestrians on the road

Cars aren't trying to overtake pedestrians
If a pedestrian is on your side of the country road then you are

You mean in the countryside where there's no path and some header is walking with the traffic?

Nope,  I'm talking cars don't have to worry about pedestrians on a footpath, unless they are drunk
Where else do people in the countryside have to walk? Except alongside the road, against the traffic?

That's grand your point is clear as mud. The pesky absentminded pedestrians having leisurely walks on roads, they are up there with cyclists who ride bikes on the ice!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 10, 2024, 02:21:11 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 08, 2024, 10:53:44 AMHave ordered a rocker plate for zwifting sessions as i cant do more than 45mins without getting "sore". Anyone any experience of them?

Friend of mine bought a lifeline rocker plate. Hated it at the start but swears by it now. He couldnt manage more than 45 mins previous.
   He did say it took a while to get used to the side to side motion particularly when out of the seat. His power was down as well he said but not overly bothered as he dosen't race on zwift.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on January 10, 2024, 04:24:48 PM
anyone with a shimano 105 di2 12 speed noticing a serious battery drain? I'm not sure if its the cold weather, but I checked my battery level on Sunday, it showed green (50% plus) - done my normal commute on monday (10km each way) and it died on my journey home on Tuesday, less than 40km since it showed green.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 11, 2024, 08:07:51 PM
Quote from: majestic on January 10, 2024, 04:24:48 PManyone with a shimano 105 di2 12 speed noticing a serious battery drain? I'm not sure if its the cold weather, but I checked my battery level on Sunday, it showed green (50% plus) - done my normal commute on monday (10km each way) and it died on my journey home on Tuesday, less than 40km since it showed green.


Could be a number of different issues.
   Battery itself, the firmware or a short in one of the components(most commonly the right shifter).
  Quickest way would be take it to the bike shop who can plug the bike in and diagnose the problem with shimano box.
   Otherwise you can try to isolate each of the components (derailleurs and shifters) and see if the battery is still draining.
   These bikes are getting as complicated as cars! Lot to be said for an older mechanically geared, external cable routed, rim brake.
    Good luck with it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 12, 2024, 01:06:20 PM
Thought something similar had happened me a while back but it was the CR2032 coin battery in the shifter that had died.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: scout on January 12, 2024, 11:54:33 PM
Anyone ever done a Spanish cycling trip to Canary Islands?

If so: where's the best sort of location/area to base yourself out of? Any hotel recommendations etc..
And bring your own bike or rental?

Thanks
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on January 13, 2024, 07:21:12 AM
Done multiple cycling trips to Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Playa de las Americas/los Cristianos/Ajede area in Tenerife and Playa Del Ingles / Maspalomas in GC - but by no means the only areas that cater for cyclists. Bikepoint & Free Motion are your bike hire go tos but there are other smaller operators too. Bike hire is 100%, never have taken our own bikes. Wouldn't concern myself with hotels, they all seem to cater for cyclists, one handy to your collection shop is an idea, some can deliver to hotel for a fee (never done that).
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 13, 2024, 12:10:52 PM
As Benny says +1 on bike hire. By the time you factor in paying for the bike box and paying the extra baggage costs its not worth it.
      Also you have to partially disassemble your bike and reassemble both ways. Your reliant on some halfwit not breaking your bike as well during transport.
    I would say to reserve bike(s) early as they can run low during busy times. 
    Although most come with a spare tube/levers, i would take a few spare tubes, levers, multi tool and maybe a rear light.
   
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: ThomasMullan on January 13, 2024, 02:05:18 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 13, 2024, 12:10:52 PMAs Benny says +1 on bike hire. By the time you factor in paying for the bike box and paying the extra baggage costs its not worth it.
      Also you have to partially disassemble your bike and reassemble both ways. Your reliant on some halfwit not breaking your bike as well during transport.
    I would say to reserve bike(s) early as they can run low during busy times. 
    Although most come with a spare tube/levers, i would take a few spare tubes, levers, multi tool and maybe a rear light.
   

Lanzarote looks like it would be nice for cycling. Tenerife would be tough going surely?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on January 13, 2024, 05:34:41 PM
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 13, 2024, 02:05:18 PM
Quote from: grounded on January 13, 2024, 12:10:52 PMAs Benny says +1 on bike hire. By the time you factor in paying for the bike box and paying the extra baggage costs its not worth it.
      Also you have to partially disassemble your bike and reassemble both ways. Your reliant on some halfwit not breaking your bike as well during transport.
    I would say to reserve bike(s) early as they can run low during busy times. 
    Although most come with a spare tube/levers, i would take a few spare tubes, levers, multi tool and maybe a rear light.
   

Lanzarote looks like it would be nice for cycling. Tenerife would be tough going surely?
Lanzarote is windy. Factor that in. Not as hilly but quiet roads away from the resorts
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: scout on January 14, 2024, 02:55:14 PM
Thanks folks!
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 15, 2024, 09:00:28 AM
Quote from: grounded on January 10, 2024, 02:21:11 PM
Quote from: maddog on January 08, 2024, 10:53:44 AMHave ordered a rocker plate for zwifting sessions as i cant do more than 45mins without getting "sore". Anyone any experience of them?

Friend of mine bought a lifeline rocker plate. Hated it at the start but swears by it now. He couldnt manage more than 45 mins previous.
   He did say it took a while to get used to the side to side motion particularly when out of the seat. His power was down as well he said but not overly bothered as he dosen't race on zwift.

Like it so far. Bought from a company that makes them called turborocks. Went for The Realplate React Stealth. It takes the rigidity out of the static trainer. Takes a little getting used to and on the set up you just have to make sure the inflatables are equal and level. Feels very stable once you are on it.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: majestic on January 22, 2024, 10:01:35 PM
Update on my di2 battery. Took it to the local bike shop - registered shimano service centre located on the Ormeau road (will let yous work out who it is).

They have found the battery to be faulty and are now trying to charge the following:
£30 diagnostics
£30 fitting
£50 warranty admin fee

£110 all in. Ribble have basically laughed at this quote and said they will only cover £50.

So now I am in the position of having to make up the extra £60 for a battery that is faulty and in warranty, or remove the battery myself and post it back to ribble, and be without a bike for I don't know how long.

Am I in the minority to think the quote I got was abit mad? What would yous do?
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on January 23, 2024, 09:04:20 AM
Do some serious howling on twitter. It would surprise you how quick companies act when they get a bit of bad publicity.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on January 23, 2024, 11:43:37 AM
Quote from: majestic on January 22, 2024, 10:01:35 PMUpdate on my di2 battery. Took it to the local bike shop - registered shimano service centre located on the Ormeau road (will let yous work out who it is).

They have found the battery to be faulty and are now trying to charge the following:
£30 diagnostics
£30 fitting
£50 warranty admin fee

£110 all in. Ribble have basically laughed at this quote and said they will only cover £50.

So now I am in the position of having to make up the extra £60 for a battery that is faulty and in warranty, or remove the battery myself and post it back to ribble, and be without a bike for I don't know how long.

Am I in the minority to think the quote I got was abit mad? What would yous do?

I know them v well in there and as much as they're v good at their job and professional that is a bit OTT, if they're the Shimano service centre then you should not have to pay anything for a faulty item. The only thing they're not obliged to do is offer you a new part until Shimano send them the new battery. I have had a part issue before like this with them but luckily it didn't put me off the road as I had an alternative. TBF the part came in 3-4 days, Maddison in England are the UK Head Quarters for Shimano, you can ask that shop would you prefer to contact Maddison directly and see what they say.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on January 23, 2024, 04:17:44 PM
Its one of the main downsides of ordering a bike online instead of a local bikeshop.
  Some local bike shops are great and will cover the warranty of an online purchase particularly if you buy a few bits and pieces from them over the years.
  A few problems with sending off the old battery and fitting the battery may be that you invalidate both the existing warranty on the bike and any potential chain warranty on the new battery(that chain warranty might not even exist for the di2 battery!)
 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 05, 2024, 10:11:20 AM
Quote from: illdecide on December 31, 2023, 08:14:48 PMHad my best year to date. Done 8500 miles (13600km), went to Spain and Tour De France and think the only sportive i done was the Connemara with was really good. Right hip really starting to give bother from Oct/Nov time and i'm struggling now with it now. Looking like another hip replacement coming down the tracks. Got the left side done almost 4 years ago.
You did Calpe? Thinking of a change of scenery from the Canaries. Any recommendations, take your bike or hire?

Did our 5th winter cycling trip in Canaries there recently, great trip as always and we'll probably end up going back next year but plenty of chat in our group about giving Calpe / Majorca a go in 2025, would have to be spring rather than January tho.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: illdecide on February 05, 2024, 07:28:10 PM
Benny, yeah would def recommend it. Albir/Altea and Calpe are all pretty close together so wouldn't matter which town you stayed in. Some great climbs around and it's got very popular with the Pro's the last few years. Bumped into a few of them last year. If you decide to go I can email you a lot of the rides from Strava and you can upload them onto your Garmin. There are so many different climbs it's unreal, I've been twice and still haven't done them all.
I suppose a big factor too is the cost...We stay in Albir and it's a lot cheaper than France, I'm going back there at the end of April and it cost around £660 for half board, flights and airport connections.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 23, 2024, 11:10:07 PM
https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/how-to/buying-advice/is-it-safe-to-keep-ordering-from-wiggle-and-chain-reaction

Hard to believe wiggle/chain reaction going bust. 
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: bennydorano on February 24, 2024, 07:28:42 AM
Funny I sent a link to a cycling mate of a  superb deal on a bike from the site the other day, just over 3k for a Vitus Evo with Ultegra di2 and reynolds carbon wheels, own brand bike and all but would explain the great deal! Didn't realise it was as close to the lights going out.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: grounded on February 24, 2024, 01:34:03 PM
You would have thought having Chain reaction already set up in Belfast would have been ideally set up given this brexit nonsense.
     Mike ( zero hour contract) Ashley seemingly has bought the intellectual/name rights to wiggle/chain reaction. Most staff 400+ laid off.
    He already owns evanscycles and probikekit.

Funny enough Halfords have said they will honour warranties on parts and accessories purchased from Wiggle.
     Im not sure what the position would be for bicycles especially Vitus/Nukeproof etc
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on February 24, 2024, 01:47:23 PM
Brexit bonus

I remember buying wetsuit and other bits from wiggle pre brexit.
Don't go near UK websites anymore

Sorry to see that shop in Belfast close - anytime I was up there I'd always hop in and see if they had anything

The classics starting this weekend so at least there is some proper cycling action
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on February 24, 2024, 03:10:09 PM
Friend of mine got great deal from wiggle on new 105 groupset. Reduced to £379. Bought Monday delivered yesterday. All I'd say is pay by credit card just in case but never had issue with Wiggle
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: Ardstick on February 28, 2024, 10:16:33 AM
Its probably been asked before on this but what would be the best type of road bike to purchase for very hilly area?? Gear wise, chain wise etc?? Cheers
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: maddog on February 28, 2024, 10:22:30 AM
Quote from: Ardstick on February 28, 2024, 10:16:33 AMIts probably been asked before on this but what would be the best type of road bike to purchase for very hilly area?? Gear wise, chain wise etc?? Cheers

I'd look for something with a 34/50 up front and 11-34 at the back. Should get you up most things.

If its more leisure type rides look at something like a cannondale synapse. Usually has that type of gearing. If its for racing then you might need to customise it yourself.
Title: Re: Cycling
Post by: manfromdelmonte on February 29, 2024, 07:44:44 PM
Quote from: Ardstick on February 28, 2024, 10:16:33 AMIts probably been asked before on this but what would be the best type of road bike to purchase for very hilly area?? Gear wise, chain wise etc?? Cheers
Better legs and lungs!
Hills are all about spinning the legs and maintaining a steady power for 10 mins plus.
Very trainable
Doesn't really matter what bike you have.
Different cassettes and chainsets just make it a bit easier