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The steel forks on my commuter are so springy that my brake blocks rub when I'm out of the saddle. Carbon forks would fix this.
FWIW, I don't think frame material makes much difference to comfort. How much do "laterally stiff yet vertically compliant" carbon frames actually flex up and down when ridden? Run 25 mm tyres instead of 23. What steel really has going for it is longevity. Aluminium and Titanium frames are much more likely to crack around the welds.
I think that a fillet brazed steel frame is somewhere in my future, but probably with a carbon fork.
my commute features a number of exciting street installations that examine the core of the urban cycling experience, my favourites are 'Tarmac Moonscape', 'Glittering Shards' and the interactive 'Threat Of Collision'. All very stimulating.
Aside from the evidence that he's wrong about what was said, he's wrong when he says: "Also, when I turn left, I have no need to indicate as it's a left only lane."
a) it's not a left only lane (see the road markings in the video)
b) the Highway Code doesn't say anywhere that you don't have to signal in a left only lane. In fact, quite the opposite - it says you should always signal.
c) there was a cyclist on his inside, it might be a Good Idea to let him know what you're up to
This is a constant theme of cycling provision in the UK. Not enough money is spent; it is always "Given our tiny budget, how can we bodge things to make them a little better for cyclists?"
Well at least he didn't say, "It wasn't me, a big boy did it and ran away."
But the explanation seems about as plausible. It's interesting to see how many other drivers managed the overtake without having to feel the need to comment.
I have to say though, from this video clip at least the cycling silk doesn't claim his lane as much as I reckon the IAM would suggest.
Weight saving, I'd guess, would be the reason for the CRABON fork. Not sure how differently they ride, as I've not ridden a steel bike with a CRABON fork. I suspect Steel would have a longer life & be easier to repair is that's a concern.
British makers - you don't say where you are, or what your budget is, but Bob Jackson, Brian Rourke & Mercian would be where I'd be looking, if I had the cash.
okay now you have three display options for the big list: all the riders, all the riders currently selected for the next race (this list will get shorter as the race approaches) and just the popular riders.
he's not down in Sky's published start list for the milan san remo - they're the only team so far to have published a start list. that's why he's greyed out.
he shouldn't disappear from the big list though so i've reinstated him for now while we work out why that is.
This is outrageously expensive for what is ostensibly a functional bit of kit that is only worn as a temporary measure. For something a fraction of the price that does the same job check out - http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/SID-0B137E3B-DB945715/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/...
PPF. Invest in a good quality cycle tool kit.(Park or Pedros or simular) It will pay for itself many times over! Recommend you strip the parts on the bike you have first, Observe how they come apart and reassemble them after you have cleaned them up. learn from your mistakes on old, tired components. There are some good cycle maintainence books,or watcH some video's on the net.If you need help there are many of us cycle technicians that will help you!
Solentine, you're absolutely right about that. And most of the visitors are dead drunk by about 4PM...
As presented in the Argus the other day this scheme makes no sense. It was suggested that the scheme would start in the centre of town and be aimed at visitors to the city.
The centre of Brighton - the bit the tourists want to see - is small enough to be comfortably walked, and is hilly with many tiny and narrow streets and lots of traffic: not ideal territory for cruising around and relaxing. And who would go to the hassle of registering, entering credit card details, and so on, for the sake of one holiday ride?
On the other hand - aimed at full-time residents - it would be a great way of linking the suburbs of Brighton to the centre of town, and of letting people hop from area to area in the course of their day. Brighton's the right size for this to be manageable. Though the hills would remain a problem..!
Anyone no what's happened to Geraint Thomas?
He was there, he was a steal at 14 points, I had him in my team, checked it today he was greyed out and he has vanished from the list of domestiques!!
PPF. Agree with the others, bonti racelite hardcase give good performance,life and puncture resistance,good value too, only downside is that they are tricky to fit on some rims (tight!) and lack the "feel" of a thin lightweight tyre,so lack a bit of responsiveness.(This is typical of all heavier puncture resistant tyres) It's a personal thing! the more tyres you try,the more you discover what type of tyre you will feel confident on. Enjoy your rides!
Having watched him attack on just about every stage on the Tour of Britain in 2009, it is nice to see Thomas de Gendt get a big win!
My favorite is definitely the last one: "Cyclists should be allowed on the road at stipulated times - from 1.30pm to 3pm and from 9pm to 5am." 2.77% (61 votes) I think those voters have shares in the bike lighting industry...
PPF. May I advise you not to use your mavic sl's during the winter/salt period. The alloy nipples seize to the alloy spoke and the threaded rim via electrolytic corrosion! Don't be put off the wheels tho, they are great! Use old or cheaper wheels for winter training etc. I have serviced many makes of wheels over the years and alloy nippled wheels in salt conditions suffer the most breakadges. So keep them clean!
Looking good Mat. Road report when you first take it out mate? thanks ...
Good story. Have to disagree about the advice not to use patched inner tubes, though. Once the patch has properly cured, it cannot be removed by heat and is perfectly safe for any riding. Of course, this only true for patches with rubber cement. Glueless patches are a bad idea (not just for the Etape).
At least 10-speed Tiagra means people like me, who prefer the ergonomics of the old bulbous-topped STIs, appreciate being able to brake from the hoods by pushing forward on the exit points for the gear lines, and dislike cramming two cables cables underneath their bar tape, will have a 10-speed option from Shimano. Tiagra is a bit low-rent for one's best bicycle, but fine for a training bike. The gear-selection indicator is a bit of an odd feature. Anyone who needs to be told what gear they are in surely isn't at a stage where they need 10 speeds.
As for electronic shifting, I'm sure there are many people who like the idea of plugging their bike in to recharge at the end of a ride, along with their iPhone and Garmin, before sitting down to watch a Grand Designs marathon on More4. I'm not one of them.
Truly amazing storey!
I want one, but I just don't feel I've earned the right to wear one
Depends how fit you are. I ran compacts x 12-27 and was fine.
This year I'll have 52/36x11-28.
Worst case, compact doubles 50/34x11-28 or 12-27 and you''ll be sweet.
And do some training!
I honestly wouldn't about the limits. If you do some training, and don't bonk on the day, you'll be fine. Remember, from the top of the Galibier down to Bourg d'Oisans is basically downhill all the way.
ADH really isn't too hard. I did it around 50 mins in 2009.
Training is easy! Depending on your level of fitness, you can get ready for this in 3 months. Given you're doing Etape Alpes, just ensure you do specific hill training. You won't need to spend hours riding, just get the intensity right (check out tourdefrancetips.com/training-for-letape/.
Transfers are interesting, check this out in the L'Etape 2011 guide. Depending where you stay and how confident your gf is with driving (presuming she is driving), I recommend going around via the Glandon, the drive is a bit easier than up over the Galibier. She could go via Briancon too.
If your gf isn't driving, then it's a bit trickier. Probably, you could stay in Jean de Maurienne, ride up to Modane early, do Etape, then from ADH spin back around to JdM. It's a bit of a hike.
You could roll the dice with the official transfers but I've been caught out before in this regard. Alternative is to have 2 cars. One at finish, one at start.
Next option is to drive to ADH a few days before, leave the car there, then ride back. You'll have to stay in Valloire or StMdM the night before and won't have your car for a couple of days.