kil0ran

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Viewing 15 replies - 1,006 through 1,020 (of 1,124 total)
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  • in reply to: Tiagra 4700 shift cable installation? #899777
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    kil0ran

    Ah, good advice about
    Ah, good advice about shifting with the hoods peeled back, that explains why it wasn’t shifting when I did a temporary cable run

    in reply to: First road bike: BTwin Triban 540 or BTwin Ultra 900AF ? #899685
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    kil0ran
    TypeVertigo wrote:
    The usual omissions from a full groupset are the crank and brakes.

    If you’re going with rim brake calipers, they’re a very cheap item to upgrade.

    For cranks…I’ve used Shimano’s non-series cranks (the older FC-R565 and more current FC-RS500) and they’re basically 105-level cranks with some more weight, due to the hollow manufacturing methods not being used. As long as you’re happy with the gearing (these cranks usually come in 50/34T and 46/36T flavors), they’re dependable workhorses that shouldn’t let you down.

    Needless to say, I’d pick the Triban 540. Good luck

    Agree re the non-series kit, I’ve got an a RS500 chainset on my CX bike. Personally prefer the looks to the 105 version.

    The 105 brakes are the absolute best in terms of price/performance and a very cheap and easy upgrade to fit. If you don’t want to change the calipers immediately at least go for some better pads. The Ultegra and Dura-Ace versions are basically same performance with added lightness/cost.

    in reply to: Tiagra 4700 shift cable installation? #899767
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    kil0ran

    Thanks, will take another

    Thanks, will take another look at the cable orientation tonight. Almost there on the build, just shift cables, adjustments, and chain to do 😀

     

    in reply to: groupsets for small hands #899605
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    kil0ran

    Moving away from the braking

    Moving away from the braking issues Di2 also gives you the option for satellite/climbing and sprint shifters which can make changing gear easier. I used to run 6870 and have relatively small hands and had no issues braking from the drops with two fingers on rim brakes – discs are going to give you more stopping power anyway. If you wan’t to steer away from hydro discs there’s always the option of TRP HY/RD or Juin Tech R1s which will give you loads of power.

    in reply to: First road bike: BTwin Triban 540 or BTwin Ultra 900AF ? #899669
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    kil0ran

    Buy the 540 and spend the

    Buy the 540 and spend the difference on pedals/shoes/kit. The wheelset is the same so you’re paying an extra £150 for a stiffer frame with internal routing, and some extra bits of 105.

    Not sure the 900 is that great value (they’ve got a carbon bike cheaper than that in the range). The frame is the same as the other AFs (starting with the green and black 700AF) and is well regarded. Not a fan of the chainstay rear brake though, not for British roads.

    Are you likely to do your own maintenance? 540 is easier to work on than the 900 as cables are external. 540 is more versatile as it will take mudguards and from memory some decently wide tyres.

    On bikes of this level/price range the thing that makes the biggest difference to performance is the wheelset and as its the same on both bikes I’d go with the cheaper one, particularly as you say you won’t be racing.

     

    in reply to: Sweaty helmet #899571
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    kil0ran

    Thanks all, plenty of useful

    Thanks all, plenty of useful advice. Think I’ll try a cap first as that’s the cheapest option. Not really looking to replace my helmet at the moment as it’s comfy and relatively new. Just a mid range BTwin one. As I’m riding every day whatever I do needs to be relatively cheap and quick to wash. Time to pay Prendas a visit 🙂

    in reply to: Pains #899491
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    kil0ran

    I think pad position is

    I think pad position is important as sometimes I can ride for hours with no issues and sometimes I’m getting sharp/pinching pains within 20 minutes. Same bike, position, and shorts (in my case Decathlon 700 bibs and waists).

    Waist shorts will compress your groin less than bibs which might deal with the immediate pressure you feel. Worth a go – I’ve started to prefer them over bibs even for longer rides. 

    The other rabbit hole to go down is saddle design. Remember a bike fit won’t necessarily deliver a comfortable position – the aim is usually a fast position. Do you ever get any arse pain? It might be that your weight is too far forward and putting pressure on your perineum. Not sure what age you are but if you’re in your 40s might be worth getting a prostate check done. Peeing more frequently with a weak stream is usually the symptom of swelling in that area and cyclists are more prone to such issues.

    in reply to: Pains #899487
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    kil0ran

    Are you left or right leg

    Are you left or right leg dominant?

    Which shorts/brands have you already tried?

    Are your bollocks low slung?

    Wonder if you’re bashing them from side to side with your pedal action. Some shorts have a specific area devoted to bollock management, ideally you need them held close to your body otherwise you’re going to suffer from Linford’s Lunchbox syndrome. 

    in reply to: Deliberately hit by a driver, what next? #899399
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    kil0ran

    They’ve got 14 days to get a

    They’ve got 14 days to get a NIP to him so keep the pressure up. Or you can issue a private NIP if you don’t think they’ll er, follow through. Low priority as you weren’t injured so they probably won’t.

    in reply to: Ribble R872 105SE vs Planet X ProCarbon SRAM Rival? #897991
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    kil0ran

    Another plus for an LBS is
    Another plus for an LBS is they may let you pay up front for a C2W bike whilst you wait for your voucher, which can take several weeks to arrive depending on how efficient your payroll dept is. I’ve done this twice, just time it so it goes on a credit card at the right time so the refund comes through before it’s due…

    in reply to: Reflectors on pedals. Legal requirement? #899203
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    kil0ran

    Shimano sell commuter SPDs
    Shimano sell commuter SPDs with built-in reflectors. Click’r range. Double sided and low release tension, well built too, mine are three winter’s old and still going strong

    in reply to: Ribble R872 105SE vs Planet X ProCarbon SRAM Rival? #897985
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    kil0ran

    Just got an offer through for
    Just got an offer through for the Ribble Evo Pro carbon at £699…

    in reply to: Basic offline route-tracking / recording app on iOS #899155
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    kil0ran

    Komoot will let you plan

    Komoot will let you plan offline routes. Very cyclist-friendly in that you can specify whether you want a road, mountain bike, or gravel route, and it will provide estimated ride times based on your fitness. I think the offline map for your local area is free, or you can purchase upgrades to unlock other areas. I know my area pretty well now so don’t use it much on-road but it has been excellent for finding gravel tracks and varying my usual on-road commute routes.

    in reply to: Mallorca routes – advice please #899085
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    kil0ran

    Definitely drive to Formentor

    Definitely drive to Formentor – its a big slog over the spine around Lluc to get there otherwise – and then you’ve got to do exactly the same on the way home. 

    Roads are pretty narrow in places and its peak tourist season so expect lots of coaches – hopefully not an issue if you’re out at sunrise. The locals will be familiar with cyclists but don’t forget you’ll have a ton of Brits there in hire cars. No reason to assume their driving standards will be improved by 30 degree heat and multo cervezas 🙂

    in reply to: Buying first road bike online #898693
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    kil0ran
    don simon wrote:
    Duncann wrote:
    drosco wrote:
    I’d check out Planet X too. They always have something half decent around £500.

    Indeed they do – this is pretty amazing value, although I wonder what the weight might be…

    http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBHOLELANSORA/holdsworth-elan-shimano-sora-r3000-disc-road-bike

    Any bike at the £500.00 price point is going to be heavy, I wouldn’t have weight as a consideration.

    Define heavy. Sub 10kgs at that price point is doable and to my mind pretty light for an aluminium frame

Viewing 15 replies - 1,006 through 1,020 (of 1,124 total)