• Dear Guest, Please note that adult content is not permitted on this forum. We have had our Google ads disabled at times due to some posts that were found from some time ago. Please do not post adult content and if you see any already on the forum, please report the post so that we can deal with it. Adult content is allowed in the glory hole - you will have to request permission to access it. Thanks, scara

Cycling thread

I just bought a second bike - my race bike was no good for the commute to work...so I got a hybrid. Hate sitting practically upright on a bike, feels weird
 
Today is Milano-San Remo.

Based on the startlist I predict three scenarios:

1. Cancellara attacks on the Cipressa and wins.
2. Philippe Gilbert attacks on the Poggio and wins.
3. Nobody can beat this Sky Team and it's going to be a walk in the park for Cavendish and Boasson Hagen (with Farrar or Boonen 3rd).

And keep your eyes on Peter Sagan on Luquigas, he's one for the future.
 
not pro race related but...

i'm training to do a 500 mile charity cross country ride in may, lands end to broadstairs along the south coast, around 80 miles a day over some punishing hills, gonna be hard work but also great fun

got myself a specialised secteur on the govt cycle scheme (so its practically free)
 
After a bit of advice on road bikes, am thinking of investing in one and am currently suffering from decision paralysis with too many options...

First option is a new bike via the cycle-to-work scheme which has just re-launched at my place; this basically means I can get a bike for up to a grand and pay for it as a salary sacrifice so would save around 42% in tax on the price. I've looked at a Trek 1.2 for ?ú700 which adding some extra for pedals and shoes would cost me about ?ú40 a month. Down sides to this are that it sounds like the scheme got very messy last time around with a "fair value" bit now added at the end of the year to actually own the bike or a further 3 year "rental" period.

Second option is to buy second hand off ebay; the pro's to this are there appears to be lots of choice and you can get a lot more bike for your money, the downside being the lump-sum outlay rather than the salary sacrifice which would be noticed less. The other problem I have with ebay is that I don't really know enough about road bikes to tell what is good value, I've ended up watching a lot of auctions but am still getting to grips with what's what.

Basically, if I go the ebay route I will probably set a maximum budget of around ?ú500, anyone out there who know's their bikes, what should I be looking for, is there any advice in terms of what I absolutely should be looking for or to avoid???
 
japenesegardenlover said:
i swear i had long conversations with someone in this thread that have disappeared, that or im losing my mind...
Click to expand...

Yeah, it was with me and my post has gone as well.

I was saying about looking forward to watching the Tour De France, and you was saying how good it is to watch it live. Also about how the competitors have been getting on in the build up.
 
Went out for a 40 mile ride the other day - stopped halfway to grab some food but would probably have done the full 40 without it anyway. Off on another ride tonight through my local towns; should be about 20-25 miles.
 
Park Lane James said:
Went out for a 40 mile ride the other day - stopped halfway to grab some food but would probably have done the full 40 without it anyway. Off on another ride tonight through my local towns; should be about 20-25 miles.
Click to expand...

Good on you young james, i not been riding much yself as i have been sorting out the house which is taking longer then it should, i even got sewage come up in the garage, no idea how it got there.

My tip is to go out on really windy days, makes a man out of you and you will hate it to start with, but once you learn to love cycling into a head wind then you will train all year round and love it.

Saturday and the tour starts im so looking forward to it.
 
When I'm out cycling, doing a course that makes a full circle, it always feels like the wind is turning as I do to always come head on. A mild wind isn't so bad, but those gusts that stop you dead in your tracks I can do without.
 
Jordinho said:
When I'm out cycling, doing a course that makes a full circle, it always feels like the wind is turning as I do to always come head on. A mild wind isn't so bad, but those gusts that stop you dead in your tracks I can do without.
Click to expand...

Those are the best ones when on a long cycle ride the wind actually changes direction when your cycling, your legs know they have been in a fight then.
 
japenesegardenlover said:
pfft. where is Tbone?

sure wiggins can have a good tour this year but i think both tony martin and menchov can have good tours.
Click to expand...

You're not losing it, my posts have gone too!
I've forgotten what I said now!

Who's doing the Official Tour De France thread then?:p
 
the genre spanner said:
After a bit of advice on road bikes, am thinking of investing in one and am currently suffering from decision paralysis with too many options...

First option is a new bike via the cycle-to-work scheme which has just re-launched at my place; this basically means I can get a bike for up to a grand and pay for it as a salary sacrifice so would save around 42% in tax on the price. I've looked at a Trek 1.2 for ?ú700 which adding some extra for pedals and shoes would cost me about ?ú40 a month. Down sides to this are that it sounds like the scheme got very messy last time around with a "fair value" bit now added at the end of the year to actually own the bike or a further 3 year "rental" period.

Second option is to buy second hand off ebay; the pro's to this are there appears to be lots of choice and you can get a lot more bike for your money, the downside being the lump-sum outlay rather than the salary sacrifice which would be noticed less. The other problem I have with ebay is that I don't really know enough about road bikes to tell what is good value, I've ended up watching a lot of auctions but am still getting to grips with what's what.

Basically, if I go the ebay route I will probably set a maximum budget of around ?ú500, anyone out there who know's their bikes, what should I be looking for, is there any advice in terms of what I absolutely should be looking for or to avoid???
Click to expand...

My advice, get your ass down to Evans and go test ride several. They'll only stock decent brands and at entry level they're all pretty much of a muchness. They'll also make sure you but the right size.
Get what looks good and feel comfortable on. Don't go clipless pedals for the first year. Make sure you actually like cycling in all weathers, otherwise it's a wasted expense.
 
japenesegardenlover said:
pfft. where is Tbone?

sure wiggins can have a good tour this year but i think both tony martin and menchov can have good tours.
Click to expand...

Menchov interesting shout. We both know he's gonna crash out on stage 8, but if he does manage to stay upright who knows? It's now or never methinks.
 
Menchov is one of the riders than can hang on to a break away, but will never go on the attack himself. Every mountain finish he loses a couple of minutes.
 
T Bone said:
My advice, get your ass down to Evans and go test ride several. They'll only stock decent brands and at entry level they're all pretty much of a muchness. They'll also make sure you but the right size.
Get what looks good and feel comfortable on. Don't go clipless pedals for the first year. Make sure you actually like cycling in all weathers, otherwise it's a wasted expense.
Click to expand...
Evans do have some good brands but if they don't stock a specific bike, you'd need to call a few days ahead and pay a refundable £50 per bike to have one built up for a test ride.

... If London, then OnYourBike stock a good range and Mosquito know their stuff.

Hopefully, the genre spanner, you also have a good independent shop local to home.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back