2012 Cycling thread.

[Al]

Originally Posted by Cee Jay

The wife gets a mention on CTT weekly round up as female winner of Stokesley race on Sunday..

http://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/...4/Default.aspx

Well done her. I see she's listed as VTTA - are you into that age category too? I always assumed you were git young like.

I'm not sure when I will compete next, but maybe not for a while. I've been struggling for energy for a few months now, and it became clear a couple of weeks ago that I have some bastard health problems. A week ago I couldn't have even got on the bike - getting a bit better now but still feeling bloody weak. I am booked in for a sportive this coming sunday but I'd better knock that on the head - there would be a risk of me being pulled out of a ditch by the sag wagon - either that or the wife would kill me if I try to sneak out of the house to do it. Getting old is really fucking boring when your body stops working properly. Sorry, I'm not feeling sorry for myself here - I'm sure it will be sorted OK but maybe not in time for me to get a pb 10 in this year Although at least I have an excuse now

[Manchester Black Cat]

Originally Posted by anth

Can you fit a rack to either of those? From what I have read it is very difficult? I would really rather not have to have a back pack.

Yes. You can definitely do it to the allez sport ive seen photos of it on the web. If you google it you'll see. The elite is what i own. I dont use paniers but ive used a carradice saddle bag. If u search through this thread ive posted photos of it and links to the componants.

[Al]

Originally Posted by anth

I am thinking of getting a new bike and starting to cycle to work, to save money and do more exercise. I work in Newcastle city centre and have done it before on my mountain bike with it taking 1 hour 10mins, mostly on the pavement (past the dogs, through Boldon, A184, Felling bypass). Usually by metro it takes me about 45min including walking time. I have only ever owned mountain bikes and have very limited knowledge of road bikes. But I am thinking if I use my work's cycle to work scheme, I can get a decent road bike and should be able to knock 10-15mins of that time by sticking to the roads as much as possible. I would need some panniers to carry clothes to get changed at work but I need to carry little else.

So my questions are.

1. Do you think that is too far to travel by bike?

2. What bike would you recommend for that price range (roughly £650 leaving £100 for equipment)?

3. Is it worth spending a bit more? Will I get better value for money by spending an extra £100-200

4. Would you use a road bike or hybrid?

5. Is reducing the time by that much a reasonable estimate?

6. Can I cycle on the A184 between testos and Heworth? The path there is crap, or is there a better route from near Seaburn Metro station.

If you are wanting a road bike mainly for commuting I would suggest you look for something which is described as "winter training" or "audax", as these will have clearance and mountng points for full mudguards, probably clearance for 25mm tyres, and probably mounting points for rear panniers.

[Manchester Black Cat]

Originally Posted by Al

If you are wanting a road bike mainly for commuting I would suggest you look for something which is described as "winter training" or "audax", as these will have clearance and mountng points for full mudguards, probably clearance for 25mm tyres, and probably mounting points for rear panniers.

Yeah good points.

Anth have a look at making your own bike on ribble

[SproutMackem]

Originally Posted by Al

If you are wanting a road bike mainly for commuting I would suggest you look for something which is described as "winter training" or "audax", as these will have clearance and mountng points for full mudguards, probably clearance for 25mm tyres, and probably mounting points for rear panniers.

He could just try sticking some slicks on his mountain bike rather than getting a whole new bike.

[Manchester Black Cat]

Originally Posted by SproutMackem

He could just try sticking some slicks on his mountain bike rather than getting a whole new bike.

No don't do that. We need more roadies

[SproutMackem]

Originally Posted by Manchester Black Cat

No don't do that. We need more roadies

Actually this thread is dominted by you roadies and talk of HRMs, km. power output, lycra and gradients, how about a nice mountain bike trail. Here's one I was on today. Ignore the timestamp it was taken today too.

[Manchester Black Cat]

Originally Posted by SproutMackem

Actually this thread is dominted by you roadies and talk of HRMs, km. power output, lycra and gradients, how about a nice mountain bike trail. Here's one I was on today. Ignore the timestamp it was taken today too.

Haha i meant the world in general. Looks good that trail.

[anth]

thanks for all the advice, keep it coming. I have just got back from start fitness on grainger street (Newcastle). The guy was very knowledgeable and gave me some useful advice.

@Al
I think this is the direction I may end up going. From the discussion I have just had, it was suggested that I get a cyclo-cross. That one suggested was this merida cyclo cross 3 I haven't heard of that brand before. It was also suggested that I change the tyres to a thinner, more slick tyre. A one that was mostly rubber was mentioned but I missed the name, he said they were about £30 each. But also that kind of bike can easily be fitted with a rack.

The trouble is always going to be going past the A184. I think it is too fast a road to cycle on, and the path, whilst reasonably smooth, does have ridges and grooves were tree roots have pushed the tarmac, this would make a full road bike struggle.

@SproutMackem
that as something I have just discussed. However my mountain bike is will be too heavy to push it in that direction. I would rather have it as a proper mountain bike for when I got along the coast paths and a commute bike that does well on the road. Means if I damage my mountain bike, I can still get to work.

[Cee Jay]

Originally Posted by Al

Well done her. I see she's listed as VTTA - are you into that age category too? I always assumed you were git young like.

I'm not sure when I will compete next, but maybe not for a while. I've been struggling for energy for a few months now, and it became clear a couple of weeks ago that I have some bastard health problems. A week ago I couldn't have even got on the bike - getting a bit better now but still feeling bloody weak. I am booked in for a sportive this coming sunday but I'd better knock that on the head - there would be a risk of me being pulled out of a ditch by the sag wagon - either that or the wife would kill me if I try to sneak out of the house to do it. Getting old is really fucking boring when your body stops working properly. Sorry, I'm not feeling sorry for myself here - I'm sure it will be sorted OK but maybe not in time for me to get a pb 10 in this year Although at least I have an excuse now

Hope it's nowt too serious and you have a speedy return to the bike..
A very long season so you still have time for the 10 p.b

Aye I'm a VTTA...44 yrs old/young

Not having much luck with cancelled races.
Was hoping/planning to race on the superfast ( pb course)V718 next Saturday but another race falling foul to roadworks.