Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 17 to 28 of 28

Thread: Getting back into cycling

  1. #17
    Va Va Voom Lowe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Newcastle Under Lyme
    Posts
    6,748
    Thanks
    323
    Thanked
    358 times in 266 posts
    • Lowe's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Gigabyte Z97MX Gaming 5
      • CPU:
      • Intel i5 4690K
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Crucial Ballistix Tactical
      • Storage:
      • Crucial M550 256GB and 1TB spindle drive
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Palit Geforce GTX1080 Jetstream
      • PSU:
      • EVGA 600w
      • Case:
      • Coolermaster Silencio 352 m-ATX
      • Operating System:
      • Win 7/Mac OSX
      • Monitor(s):
      • 27" 1080p AOC, Oculus Rift CV1
      • Internet:
      • 200mb Virgin VIVID

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    Quote Originally Posted by Allen View Post
    Well, the route is very flat except for one railway bridge which is probably less than 100m of uphill climb at a pretty low angle. However, the Decathlon bike I'm looking at has handlebar mounted remote lockout and rebound adjustment. Maybe a bit OTT but nice to have adjustment available whilst you ride.
    Sorry I totally forgot about this thread. Remote lockout is handy, but if it's a relatively flat ride then won't be a real necessity.


    Thanks for the advise on the tyres. What would be the real difference between MTB and road tyres, just a little more drag if you use MTB tyres? If it's not a huge difference, maybe I should stick with MTB tyres to push myself a bit more, help the fitness?
    Decent MTB tyres aren't cheap. You're looking at 60 quid or more for a pair in some cases and the rubber compound is very soft. They will also wear out very quickly on the road, don't provide you with decent grip or stopping power in the wet, and slow you down. If you're going to use the bike on the road, I really can't stress how much better having proper road going tyres is. Huge difference. You don't need a separate set of wheels (not to mention this causes problems with changing gear due to chain/cassette wear) since swapping them over is a relatively quick job.


    Nice hint about the padded undies, didn't think of that. As for other clothing, I guess since it's just a bit of on road cycling I should just stick with whatever I feel comfortable with. Would hi vis be really necessary if I'm mainly on the pavements?
    As much as you say you'll be on the pavements, once you get confident you'll find yourself using the road more since you don't have to slow down for side roads etc. On the other hand look at it as a safety measure for those who (should) be on the pavement, pedestrians. The whole 'riding on the pavement' is a pet peve of mine, and best left for another thread.

    With regards to brakes, hydraulic discs are superb. They're better for off road riding really but in the middle of winter and it's lashing down I was certainly glad I had my Avids on more than one occasion. Mechanical discs are a bit pants in my own opinion, they need a fair bit of looking after and adjustment. I much preferred the hydraulic option.

    Oh, by the way - bikes soon get very expensive. You'll get the biking bug, then get a severe case of upgraditus. Have a look at Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle and Merlin Cycles for offers.
    Last edited by Lowe; 11-06-2010 at 08:50 AM.

  2. #18
    Pre-Cambrian nibbler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    London
    Posts
    3,668
    Thanks
    913
    Thanked
    266 times in 216 posts
    • nibbler's system
      • CPU:
      • i5-2410m
      • Memory:
      • 6GB ddr3 1333mhz
      • Storage:
      • 256GB Plextor M5S SSD
      • Graphics card(s):
      • 1GB 6650M
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 64 bit

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    Another thing to bear in mind is that although it will be a lot harder to make the trip on MTB tyres and it will get you fitter, slicks are just so much better. I fell in love with the tyres on my trek and I hate riding on other people's bikes as a consequence. Getting slicks will encourage you to go out on your bike more. I have some 700x32C slick bontrager racelites on my trek and they are hardcase (kevlar) and in a year and a half of riding on roads and rougher stuff (cutting across muddy paths and gravel etc) I haven't had a single puncture.
    Join the HEXUS Folding@home Team!!


  3. #19
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    7
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked
    0 times in 0 posts

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    It is well known to all the cycling adventures, Once I have to ride for more than two hours of 25 Kms, Now a days I am not to do that very often though I had yesterday with 20kgs rice at back carrier. Oh, so tough but I had the same way 6 days of week no problem.


  4. #20
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    London
    Posts
    2,456
    Thanks
    100
    Thanked
    75 times in 51 posts
    • Mblaster's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS PK5 Premium
      • CPU:
      • Intel i5 2500K
      • Memory:
      • 8gb DDR3
      • Storage:
      • Intel X25 SSD + WD 2TB HDD
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Nvidia GeForce GTX 570
      • PSU:
      • Corsair HX520
      • Case:
      • Antec P180
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 Professional x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • HP w2207 (22" wide)
      • Internet:
      • Rubbish ADSL

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    I think if I was looking for a commuter bike at around £500 I'd be looking at this: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec020017

    But if you're looking to get back into off road riding at some point then the Carrera Fury you mentioned in your first post is a great option at that price. I've heard lots of good things about it from owners and here's a review: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego.../fury-10-35495

    Add to that a pair of slick tyres and you'll be flying
    I don't mean to sound cold, or cruel, or vicious, but I am so that's the way it comes out.

  5. #21
    hexus.zombeh! format's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Strath Uni, Glasgow
    Posts
    2,747
    Thanks
    510
    Thanked
    178 times in 130 posts
    • format's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Abit IP35 Pro
      • CPU:
      • Core2Duo E6750 @ 3.2ghz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB GSkill PC8000
      • Storage:
      • WD500GB+750GB F1 + 250GB external drive
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Geforce GTX260
      • PSU:
      • Corsair HX520w
      • Case:
      • Antec P182 + 3 x Nexus fans
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7
      • Monitor(s):
      • 24" DGM
      • Internet:
      • BeThere* Pro

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    Can anyone take a look at this bike? http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwP...c018333c018338

    Looking for a single speed bike for city riding, sick of fiddling with gears that constantly break. Is that bike worth it?
    ~'Armaments, universal debt, and planned obsolescence--those are the three pillars of Western prosperity'~ Aldous Huxley




  6. #22
    Registered+
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    29
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked
    1 time in 1 post

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    I got an electric hub motor and NIMH battery pack inside panniers - no one see it but gosh it helps !

  7. #23
    HEXUS.social member Allen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Brighton
    Posts
    8,536
    Thanks
    363
    Thanked
    262 times in 168 posts
    • Allen's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS Maximus VIII Gene
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core i5 6600K
      • Memory:
      • 2 x 8GB Kingston HyperX Predator DDR4-3000
      • Storage:
      • 256GB Samsung 950 PRO NVMe M.2 (OS) + 2 x 512GB Samsung 960 EVO in RAID 0 (Games)
      • Graphics card(s):
      • ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti OC
      • PSU:
      • XFX P1-650X-NLG9 XXX 650W Modular
      • Case:
      • Fractal Design Node 804
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10 Home 64-bit
      • Monitor(s):
      • 27" BenQ XL2730Z + 23" Dell U2311H
      • Internet:
      • Virgin Media 200Mbps

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    After a bit of change recently, a new bike is now out of the question. My one is fine for the moment, although it needs a bit of TLC (brakes and gears need servicing and lubricating etc).

    However, I think new tyres are a must have. It's a Saracen RuffTrax with 26" wheels, anyone know the best tyres I could get for road use with some kind of puncture resistance (either kevlar weaving or something on the inner tubes or whatever)?

    Cheers.

  8. #24
    Va Va Voom Lowe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Newcastle Under Lyme
    Posts
    6,748
    Thanks
    323
    Thanked
    358 times in 266 posts
    • Lowe's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Gigabyte Z97MX Gaming 5
      • CPU:
      • Intel i5 4690K
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Crucial Ballistix Tactical
      • Storage:
      • Crucial M550 256GB and 1TB spindle drive
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Palit Geforce GTX1080 Jetstream
      • PSU:
      • EVGA 600w
      • Case:
      • Coolermaster Silencio 352 m-ATX
      • Operating System:
      • Win 7/Mac OSX
      • Monitor(s):
      • 27" 1080p AOC, Oculus Rift CV1
      • Internet:
      • 200mb Virgin VIVID

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    Conti Travelcontact. About 25 quid a pop, you get an inner tube with it and 12 months guarantee against any punctures. Should you get one, you just return it to the shop and you get a new one off the shelf. I never had a problem with them despite riding over a broken piece of glass by accident which virtually sliced through the entire tyre - the kevlar held it back.

  9. Received thanks from:

    Allen (20-07-2010),chrestomanci (17-07-2010)

  10. #25
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Posts
    12,196
    Thanks
    913
    Thanked
    605 times in 424 posts

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    I got on my bike for the first time in 10 years last weekend, same shoes still fitted and were almost new when I stopped riding, arse was bloody sore tho new seat required..

  11. #26
    Senior Member Tumble's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Right in the Pickle Barrel
    Posts
    7,217
    Thanks
    271
    Thanked
    315 times in 217 posts

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    Trig - one of these will do you matey. The most comfortable saddle you'll ever sit yer bum on, and £80 quality for £20.

    As for tyres - I've got these one on at the moment They're fantastic on the road, very fast rolling and they don't get too squirrely in the really soft stuff either, despite being a "dry" tyre. Light too, and at £10 a pop, worth it even if you don't get on with them.

    Quote Originally Posted by The Quentos
    "My udder is growing. Quick pass me the parsely sauce." Said Oliver.

  12. #27
    HEXUS.social member Allen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Brighton
    Posts
    8,536
    Thanks
    363
    Thanked
    262 times in 168 posts
    • Allen's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS Maximus VIII Gene
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core i5 6600K
      • Memory:
      • 2 x 8GB Kingston HyperX Predator DDR4-3000
      • Storage:
      • 256GB Samsung 950 PRO NVMe M.2 (OS) + 2 x 512GB Samsung 960 EVO in RAID 0 (Games)
      • Graphics card(s):
      • ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti OC
      • PSU:
      • XFX P1-650X-NLG9 XXX 650W Modular
      • Case:
      • Fractal Design Node 804
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10 Home 64-bit
      • Monitor(s):
      • 27" BenQ XL2730Z + 23" Dell U2311H
      • Internet:
      • Virgin Media 200Mbps

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    Quote Originally Posted by Lowe View Post
    Conti Travelcontact. About 25 quid a pop, you get an inner tube with it and 12 months guarantee against any punctures. Should you get one, you just return it to the shop and you get a new one off the shelf. I never had a problem with them despite riding over a broken piece of glass by accident which virtually sliced through the entire tyre - the kevlar held it back.
    http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticy...0contact.shtml

    Those? They look good!

  13. #28
    Va Va Voom Lowe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Newcastle Under Lyme
    Posts
    6,748
    Thanks
    323
    Thanked
    358 times in 266 posts
    • Lowe's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Gigabyte Z97MX Gaming 5
      • CPU:
      • Intel i5 4690K
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Crucial Ballistix Tactical
      • Storage:
      • Crucial M550 256GB and 1TB spindle drive
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Palit Geforce GTX1080 Jetstream
      • PSU:
      • EVGA 600w
      • Case:
      • Coolermaster Silencio 352 m-ATX
      • Operating System:
      • Win 7/Mac OSX
      • Monitor(s):
      • 27" 1080p AOC, Oculus Rift CV1
      • Internet:
      • 200mb Virgin VIVID

    Re: Getting back into cycling

    Quote Originally Posted by Allen View Post
    Aye that's em. Nice and fast on road, and still enough grip for a canal tow path or similar.

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. London to Brighton Cycling marathon
    By j.o.s.h.1408 in forum Consumer Electronics
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 23-06-2009, 03:16 PM
  2. Pain after Cycling
    By kidzer in forum Sports and Fitness
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 19-08-2007, 05:13 PM
  3. Replies: 0
    Last Post: 26-02-2007, 05:28 PM
  4. Neck pain after cycling
    By kidzer in forum Sports and Fitness
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 24-08-2006, 01:40 PM
  5. Cycling
    By kidzer in forum Sports and Fitness
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 27-02-2006, 03:06 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •