veloman Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 OK Trent - well you are getting a lot of good advice here. Perhaps if you want to buy new, look at Wiggle, Chain Reaction and Evans - see what takes your eye and put it up here for discussion. As was said earlier second/hand is a great option 'cos you are likely to get a higher spec groupset and, apart from chain and cassette, the kit usually lasts a good while. So you could look on Ebay. Only other info is how tall are you (feet/inches !!) as you want as small a frame as you can, without having too much seatpin sticking out. You don't go near Tamworth do you as I have a mate with a shop there who is a big Villa supporter - ex National track sprinter too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMFy Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 Only other info is how tall are you (feet/inches !!) as you want as small a frame as you can, without having too much seatpin sticking out. My Cannondale is 58cm, but my Orange hardtail MTB is 19". I agree on the flexibility of a smaller bike for off-road or downhill, but I was under the impression you needed a bigger frame for road cycling? Don't quote me on that though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veloman Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I agree on the flexibility of a smaller bike for off-road or downhill, but I was under the impression you needed a bigger frame for road cycling? Don't quote me on that though... Aye - that was the thinking for some time. But that seems to have changed - poss because of improved stiffness etc in frames. I am 5'8" ish and when I had hand made frames (Brian Rourke at Stoke on Trent) he measured me for a 21.5" frame (about 51cm). My current Pinarello is 50cm (C - C) and seems ok - just the legs that are no good ! PS - Orange are nice aren't they. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 It's a long story but after several quality issues and 3 different bikes I no longer have a Boardman Pro HT. Decided to go full bounce and ordered myself one of these http://tinyurl.com/77h2t2u It's coming direct from Germany so have an agonising wait of around 2 weeks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kkr Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 Greetings Villatalkers. I am looking to purchase a bike for a commute from Shirley to West Brom and for general exercise purposes etc. Thinking of getting a cheap(ish) road bike for this and have been looking around for a few, so now i would appreciate some advice before i commit and make the purchase. First of all frame size, im 5'11 so what size frame would be best? Should i go with a road bike or hybrid? Anyone bought from Halfords? Considering this as a possibility. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyp102 Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 Not sure if this should be in this section or the Olympics, but as I imagine specialised cyclists are in here I'll post.... Just watching the men's omnium race, and can understand how it all works.. One thing that is confusing though Is how the Danish rider got 6th place...yes he lapped the peloton and so understandably "made a lap" but he also crashed and missed a few laps..does he not have to make those up? On a non related Olympics note I recently taken to cycling a couple days a week to work as due to dodgy knees have had to stop playing football and doing the odd run... It's not so much breathing that tires me out but my calfs become very tight...any experts no any recommended activities/stretches to avoid this when cycling? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veloman Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 but he also crashed and missed a few laps..does he not have to make those up? I'm no expert on the Omnium but I believe he is allowed a couple of laps out in the event of crash or mechanical. As for the rest ...... no idea !! It's not so much breathing that tires me out but my calfs become very tight...any experts no any recommended activities/stretches to avoid this when cycling? Hmm - again not a real expert would suggest a couple of possibilities. First - you are using muscles that you ain't used for a while and I reckon it will improve. Second - yep stretch before a ride - possibly that one where you stand on a stairstep on your toes and lower and raise (see YouTube) Third (and poss the best) make sure you aren't pushing too big a gear - so large sprocket on the back and high(ish) cadence (like Lance Armstrong ) Are you on Mountain bike or road bike? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisH Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 Not sure if this should be in this section or the Olympics, but as I imagine specialised cyclists are in here I'll post.... Just watching the men's omnium race, and can understand how it all works.. One thing that is confusing though Is how the Danish rider got 6th place...yes he lapped the peloton and so understandably "made a lap" but he also crashed and missed a few laps..does he not have to make those up? He has 5 laps to rejoin the pack, due to the fact things are moving so quick (15 secs per lap ish) he would have no chance of ever making up the laps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyp102 Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 but he also crashed and missed a few laps..does he not have to make those up? I'm no expert on the Omnium but I believe he is allowed a couple of laps out in the event of crash or mechanical. As for the rest ...... no idea !! It's not so much breathing that tires me out but my calfs become very tight...any experts no any recommended activities/stretches to avoid this when cycling? Hmm - again not a real expert would suggest a couple of possibilities. First - you are using muscles that you ain't used for a while and I reckon it will improve. Second - yep stretch before a ride - possibly that one where you stand on a stairstep on your toes and lower and raise (see YouTube) Third (and poss the best) make sure you aren't pushing too big a gear - so large sprocket on the back and high(ish) cadence (like Lance Armstrong ) Are you on Mountain bike or road bike? Will check out the stretches thanks... It's a mountain bike (but I use that term loosely) it is about 20 yrs old, so has 18 gears but no suspension or anything like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyp102 Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 Not sure if this should be in this section or the Olympics, but as I imagine specialised cyclists are in here I'll post.... Just watching the men's omnium race, and can understand how it all works.. One thing that is confusing though Is how the Danish rider got 6th place...yes he lapped the peloton and so understandably "made a lap" but he also crashed and missed a few laps..does he not have to make those up? He has 5 laps to rejoin the pack, due to the fact things are moving so quick (15 secs per lap ish) he would have no chance of ever making up the laps. I just think it is a bit Unfair that he can then lap the peloton to gain a lap, when in theory he is a few laps behind... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veloman Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 Well the "lap out" business is common in road racing on small circuits like ,say, Curborough near Lichfield or Mallory Park - both are motor racing circuits. I don't think you gain any advantage from a lap out 'cos you lose impetus and momentum - but I see what you mean. re. your MTB - mine is hard tail too so no problem there. So -18 gear means six speed cassette or block on rear wheel and triple chain ring. So suggest bigring on front and 4 th and 3 rd sprocket for regular riding. The idea is to 'spin' the gear until you build up power to push on a bit. The number of people you see on the biggest chainring and smallest sprocket trying to get the gear over ... not good in the long run. Hope that helps. Oh and always take a drink with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyp102 Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 Thanks veloman, will check it out.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMFy Posted September 16, 2012 Author Share Posted September 16, 2012 Completed my first 100 mile ride yesterday, then recuperated with a nice curry and a few pints. Also managed to go over the handlebars after 59 miles and had to ride for 12 miles covered in blood. Route Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PauloBarnesi Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Completed my first 100 mile ride yesterday, then recuperated with a nice curry and a few pints. Also managed to go over the handlebars after 59 miles and had to ride for 12 miles covered in blood. Route Impressive! Strava is fantastic isn’t it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PompeyVillan Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Anyone watching 'Road to glory' on Sky Atlantic? It's an interesting insight into Team Sky and professional cycling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMFy Posted September 16, 2012 Author Share Posted September 16, 2012 Completed my first 100 mile ride yesterday, then recuperated with a nice curry and a few pints. Also managed to go over the handlebars after 59 miles and had to ride for 12 miles covered in blood. Route Impressive! Strava is fantastic isn’t it It is very good - the best application I have found so far. Especially liking the segments of routes, so you can compare your speeds and achievements against others in your area. I've had a couple of goes at a hill sprint in Barnstaple, but both times after I have already ridden over 20 miles. I'm also currently sitting 9th/144 on one of my flat sprint sections, and should technically be sitting in 4th/55 on a 14.3km route, but the 5 minute maintenance stop my mate had to take will not discount from the route! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Didiersix Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Chapeau to you MMFy. Strava is great, my only criticism is that it really kills my battery. Initially I was using it on my commute into work (about 13-20 miles depending on how I feel/which route) but now I just save it for 'extra curricular' cycles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veloman Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Completed my first 100 mile ride yesterday, then recuperated with a nice curry and a few pints. Oustanding effort - much respect; I havent cycled that far for years - usual Sunday run is 50-60 run off at ave speed of 18-19 mph trying to hang on to guys who are 20 years younger than me. Was it a Sportive ? However ...... curry and a few pints !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMFy Posted September 16, 2012 Author Share Posted September 16, 2012 Not a sportive, I just cycle with a few friends for leisure. We have some big challenges planned which we hope to complete over the next 12 months: The Exmoor Beast 100km Devon coast to coast (Ilfracombe to Plymouth) The Exmoor Beast 100m Birmingham to Barnstaple in two days London to Paris Which leaves an obvious one to complete before I'm 40... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Didiersix Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Not a sportive, I just cycle with a few friends for leisure. We have some big challenges planned which we hope to complete over the next 12 months: The Exmoor Beast 100km Devon coast to coast (Ilfracombe to Plymouth) The Exmoor Beast 100m Birmingham to Barnstaple in two days London to Paris Which leaves an obvious one to complete before I'm 40... I've just joined British Cycling with the aim of doing a few more sportives.. I'm doing one in St Neots in a couple of weeks - should be pretty flat I'd imagine so not that difficult. There is the Ride around London next week that I would love to do - 110 miles, starting at Herne Hill, over Box Hill and North Downs, then all the way round to Lee Valley (NE London). Unfortunately I don't have the time - or the legs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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