Silly commuting racing

UnworthyPapaLazaru

cjcp wrote:

Shimano or Campag? At that price, can you get full carbon from Planet X or Focus? I'm not saying you should buy those brands, just check out the spec for wheels (look like Ultegra or Zonda options) and groupset too. Focus are meant to provide VGVFM.

Im sure at even the most basic level I would be very happy. I dont have the road bike experience that would notice the difference. I would say if I went with the lowest level I would probably get Shimano. I want a frame I will fall in love with and can be upgraded with the best bits and bobs at a later date.

I have other irrational feelings. I dont want a full carbon bike. I dont want a FOCUS they look far too busy. I wasnt simple, I want a retro look, I want old school.

Im a fussy bastard.

Edited - to clean up a very messy post...

Wrath Rob

Twas quiet for me last night and this morning, no scalps worth of reporting. I had a blue klingon last night that took some dropping. Honestly, the skys cloud over and all of a sudden everyone is out in full waterproofs. Get a grip people, if you react like this when there's a little drizzle the roads will be a lot quieter in 1 months time.

Actually, what am I saying? I should be encouraging them to get tooled up as then they won't be littering the road and getting in my way when the weather closes in and they scarper for the nice, heated trains/tubes/busses. People like the numpty-lady I had this morning will then hopefuly not be in my way. She did the really annoying trick of partially jumping the red lights, just enough so that she can't really see when they go green and so hold up other cyclists and the normal road traffic as she potters away. My comments were not kind as I was forced to undertake her away from the junction.

il_principe

UnworthyPapaLazaru wrote:

cjcp wrote:

Shimano or Campag? At that price, can you get full carbon from Planet X or Focus? I'm not saying you should buy those brands, just check out the spec for wheels (look like Ultegra or Zonda options) and groupset too. Focus are meant to provide VGVFM.

Im sure at even the most basic level I would be very happy. I dont have the road bike experience that would notice the difference. I would say if I went with the lowest level I would probably get Shimano. I want a frame I will fall in love with and can be upgraded with the best bits and bobs at a later date.

I have other irrational feelings. I dont want a full carbon bike. I dont want a FOCUS they look far too busy. I wasnt simple, I want a retro look, I want old school.

Im a fussy bastard.

I'm ducking out at this point then! I like modern, carbon and colourful (and have a soft spot for Focus).

Have a look at Sunday bikes: http://www.sundaybicycles.co.uk/

UnworthyPapaLazaru

Thanks Jash. I had never heard of them.

cjcp

UnworthyPapaLazaru wrote:

cjcp wrote:

Shimano or Campag? At that price, can you get full carbon from Planet X or Focus? I'm not saying you should buy those brands, just check out the spec for wheels (look like Ultegra or Zonda options) and groupset too. Focus are meant to provide VGVFM.

Im sure at even the most basic level I would be very happy. I dont have the road bike experience that would notice the difference. I would say if I went with the lowest level I would probably get Shimano. I want a frame I will fall in love with and can be upgraded with the best bits and bobs at a later date.

I have other irrational feelings. I dont want a full carbon bike. I dont want a FOCUS they look far too busy. I wasnt simple, I want a retro look, I want old school.

Im a fussy bastard.

Edited - to clean up a very messy post...

The feelings or views are never irrational, merely subjective. If you like it, buy it. (See Jash's post ).

There's plenty of scope to upgrade with that frame before you feel like you're matching a pair of Church's shoes with a Burton suit.

Shimano 105 will do you fine if you don't want to stretch to Ultegra. There's very little difference between the two in terms of weight and shifting. As far as Campag goes, I've only ever used Campag Veloce (2004 model).

UnworthyPapaLazaru

I should state that this is a long (short as possible! - permission to go ahead required) term research project. I am liable to change my mind many many times!

Thanks for the opinions on Condor and the Sunday link - I'll leave this now to get the thread back on topic. Take it away scalpers!!

m0scs

Snooks

Just wondering how you are getting on with your new steed.

Very interested your views on the pro's and cons of a road bike verses slicked MTB as Im seriously considering buying a road bike via our cycle to work scheme.

Also, will you use it in the winter for commuting? Not sure I would be too happy about having my shiney new toy covered in crud all the time.

Can you fit mudguards to that model or are you not bothered about this?

Just as a general question to everyone, do you use the same bike all year round.?
If so what winter changes do you make ie tyres. etc.


Cheers

cjcp

m0scs wrote:

Just as a general question to everyone, do you use the same bike all year round.?
If so what winter changes do you make ie tyres. etc.

No. I have a dedicated winter steed and a race/sportif bike. But I didn't have the commuter until earlier this year, so, prior to that, I went from 23mm Krylions to 25mm Gator Skins, but, I'm back using 23mm instead of 25mm Gator Skins at the mo, because I intend to use those for the minimal winter racing I intend to do - and buying a dedicated set of race tyres just ain't gonna wash with the good lady - so am trying them out, but will shortly revert to the 25mm Gator Skins.

<And breathe>

Greg T

Speaking of winter kit.....

It's looking wet out west (London not the Wild West Of Bristol or other Yokel stocked, cider fueled hovels) - be careful on the road gamers and remember puddles are filled with concrete piranhas (how do you spell that?) that will have you off sharpish.

I'm off - Shepherds pie for my Tea and big glass of thick Aussie Shiraz - Bonus!

GT

cjcp

Greg T wrote:

I'm off - Shepherds pie for my Tea and big glass of thick Aussie Shiraz - Bonus!

GT

It's only 5.13pm in this part of the City. Thanks for popping in anyway.

Presumably, now the Summer's over and you can't walk around with your sunnies on in the Square, you chaps in Canary Wharf are winding down for Christmas.

Greg T

cjcp wrote:

It's only 5.13pm in this part of the City. Thanks for popping in anyway.

Are you paid by the hour?

Marvellous, if you can beat 10 quid I'll sack my cleaner and you can get the gig.

il_principe

Greg T wrote:

I'm off - Shepherds pie for my Tea and big glass of thick Aussie Shiraz - Bonus!

GT

I have a bottle of rather excellent Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc chilling in the fridge at the mo - looking forward to cracking into that this evening along with a plate of...


... fish fingers and beans (I'm re-discovering my childhood)

Please resist the urge to make any "fish finger" jokes!

lost_in_thought

jashburnham wrote:

Greg T wrote:

I'm off - Shepherds pie for my Tea and big glass of thick Aussie Shiraz - Bonus!

GT

I have a bottle of rather excellent Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc chilling in the fridge at the mo - looking forward to cracking into that this evening along with a plate of...


... fish fingers and beans (I'm re-discovering my childhood)

Please resist the urge to make any "fish finger" jokes!

Well I've been at home tinkering since 3pm! Have fitted the new brakes to the Bowery, taken the old chain off it (still in a reusable condition) but am having a mare with the 'easy install reinforced links' on the new one...

Easy my @rse.

And I've got a homemade (by me) venison pie in the oven for dinner with some veggies!

As soon as I fix this bl**dy chain I'll check the pie... :x

il_principe

lost_in_thought wrote:

jashburnham wrote:

Greg T wrote:

I'm off - Shepherds pie for my Tea and big glass of thick Aussie Shiraz - Bonus!

GT

I have a bottle of rather excellent Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc chilling in the fridge at the mo - looking forward to cracking into that this evening along with a plate of...


... fish fingers and beans (I'm re-discovering my childhood)

Please resist the urge to make any "fish finger" jokes!

Well I've been at home tinkering since 3pm! Have fitted the new brakes to the Bowery, taken the old chain off it (still in a reusable condition) but am having a mare with the 'easy install reinforced links' on the new one...

Easy my @rse.

And I've got a homemade (by me) venison pie in the oven for dinner with some veggies!

As soon as I fix this bl**dy chain I'll check the pie... :x

Venison Pie eh? What time do you want me round?

cjcp

jashburnham wrote:

Greg T wrote:

I'm off - Shepherds pie for my Tea and big glass of thick Aussie Shiraz - Bonus!

GT

I have a bottle of rather excellent Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc chilling in the fridge at the mo - looking forward to cracking into that this evening along with a plate of...


... fish fingers and beans (I'm re-discovering my childhood)

Please resist the urge to make any "fish finger" jokes!

You git. Not the Te Koko variation, is it? Not that it matters as, either way, you are a git.

lost_in_thought

jashburnham wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

jashburnham wrote:

Greg T wrote:

I'm off - Shepherds pie for my Tea and big glass of thick Aussie Shiraz - Bonus!

GT

I have a bottle of rather excellent Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc chilling in the fridge at the mo - looking forward to cracking into that this evening along with a plate of...


... fish fingers and beans (I'm re-discovering my childhood)

Please resist the urge to make any "fish finger" jokes!

Well I've been at home tinkering since 3pm! Have fitted the new brakes to the Bowery, taken the old chain off it (still in a reusable condition) but am having a mare with the 'easy install reinforced links' on the new one...

Easy my @rse.

And I've got a homemade (by me) venison pie in the oven for dinner with some veggies!

As soon as I fix this bl**dy chain I'll check the pie... :x

Venison Pie eh? What time do you want me round?

If you can fit the chain the pie is yours... OK half the pie.

Flippin' bl**dy thing...

Coriander

jashburnham wrote:

Greg T wrote:

I'm off - Shepherds pie for my Tea and big glass of thick Aussie Shiraz - Bonus!

GT

I have a bottle of rather excellent Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc chilling in the fridge at the mo - looking forward to cracking into that this evening along with a plate of...


... fish fingers and beans (I'm re-discovering my childhood)

You don't deserve that wine - baked beans and a Sauvignon Blanc? I despair...

m0scs

According to my wife, Im getting Toad in the Hole. :shock:

Snigger Snigger

Littigator

Ker-rist

I turn my back for half an hour and this thread turns into something akin to the b*stard child of Jamie Oliver and Gilly Goulden

wine and dinner chat FFS!

:shock:

Wrath Rob

Hi m0cs,

I had the same dilema last year. I started on my MTB in November to see if I could cope with the commuting, after the 2nd week I knew that I would never return to the vile clutches of the tube network so I bought a shiny new road bike in December, so in the depths of winter. I run it on 23mm tyres at 100psi on London's streets. I fitted some SKS RaceBlades to it and I washed and lubed it every 2 weeks. Its held up very well doing 18 miles a day, at the recent service it only needed new brake blocks, chain and rear cassette so not too shabby for 2000 miles. Its been fantastic and is far faster than a hybrid or MTB.

Unless your commute involves some off roading I'd strongly suggest getting a road bike. Unless of course you like being overtaken alot :twisted:

itboffin

Well I've been at home tinkering since 3pm! Have fitted the new brakes to the Bowery, taken the old chain off it (still in a reusable condition) but am having a mare with the 'easy install reinforced links' on the new one...

Easy my @rse.

And I've got a homemade (by me) venison pie in the oven for dinner with some veggies!

As soon as I fix this bl**dy chain I'll check the pie... :x

Ditto on the easy link, my a%$e!!! - but let me get this right you have veggies coming for dinner and your serving venison pie?

itboffin

Greg T wrote:

(London not the Wild West Of Bristol or other Yokel stocked, cider fuelled hovels)

Not me surely, i'm retired from the Game, he must be talking about you Attica, the cheeky toad. :P

itboffin

Coriander wrote:

jashburnham wrote:

Greg T wrote:

I'm off - Shepherds pie for my Tea and big glass of thick Aussie Shiraz - Bonus!

GT

I have a bottle of rather excellent Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc chilling in the fridge at the mo - looking forward to cracking into that this evening along with a plate of...


... fish fingers and beans (I'm re-discovering my childhood)

You don't deserve that wine - baked beans and a Sauvignon Blanc? I despair...

It's okay the wine doesn't mind

Jay dubbleU

Just because some of us live in the far west, marry our cousins and play the banjo rather a lot doesn't mean we don't understand the fine art of commuter racing - I'm about to take delivery of a Giant Escape M2 - and before Greg T goes off on one about MTBs half of my commute is on green lanes

snooks

m0scs wrote:

Snooks

Just wondering how you are getting on with your new steed.

Good, good, good, doing a 26 miles ride on saturday and rode past some yoofs on bikes and heard "Man, I want one of those" So the feel good factor is well um..good...there were no cars around btw, just 4 guys on mtbs going slowly up a hill.....Now I usually ride away from anyone else unless I'm on a retrobike group ride, but I've never heard that said about a bike I've been riding before....only down side at the mo is I must change the saddle :shock:

m0scs wrote:

Very interested your views on the pro's and cons of a road bike verses slicked MTB as Im seriously considering buying a road bike via our cycle to work scheme.

Road bike
pros:
Speed
Speed
A bit more speed
Comfort over long distances (which can be traveled further cos yer traveling faster)
Faster cruising speed (5 mph more ish)
Can take it for long rides in the country without using the car

Cons (for me)
Still getting used to the different handlebar positions
Bumps in the road at speed do rattle my brain around
Looking at the weight of everything you want to put on the bike, from bottle cages to pumps :?

Slicked MTB
Pros:
Cheap
Quite quick (if you get a bigger front rings)
Bullet proof
Maneuverable for quick changes of direction
Unbeatable FCN :twisted:

Cons
Doesn't roll as well
Neither fish nor foul
Bumpier ride due to the smaller wheels
Not pretty..well mine isn't

m0scs wrote:

Also, will you use it in the winter for commuting? Not sure I would be too happy about having my shiney new toy covered in crud all the time.

Are you mad? I've just bought a new bike, last thing I'm going to do is get it wet and salty!!! That's why I'm keeping ol' rusty. It will be my winter commuter, unless I wake up late or don't fancy it, then the train will take the strain

m0scs wrote:

Can you fit mudguards to that model or are you not bothered about this?

Mudguards...nope, While I still have rusty marin, that can get even more rusty and I'll save the Felt for the good days

m0scs wrote:

Do you use the same bike all year round.?
If so what winter changes do you make ie tyres. etc.

I commuted all last year with my Marin....the only thing I did was get a cycling jacket and a skull cap for under my polystyrene carbon and kevlar hat with holes in.

I also commuted with shorts all through the winter...well 'ard me, also I wasn't going to go into a shop asking about tights!! :shock:

But thanx to the nature of my (frankly ridiculously cushy) job I'm only in the office once or twice a week. And because I used to wear glasses (well I still do but in the form of contacts) I never used to ride in the rain, but do now - Showers at work help a lot for me though

I've since bought some tights, but only worn them off road....That might give you some idea of my physique!!!
.

il_principe

Coriander wrote:

jashburnham wrote:

Greg T wrote:

I'm off - Shepherds pie for my Tea and big glass of thick Aussie Shiraz - Bonus!

GT

I have a bottle of rather excellent Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc chilling in the fridge at the mo - looking forward to cracking into that this evening along with a plate of...


... fish fingers and beans (I'm re-discovering my childhood)

You don't deserve that wine - baked beans and a Sauvignon Blanc? I despair...

Well actually you do have a point, I'm going to settle for a rather more ordinary Peter Lehmann Barossa Riesling instead!

lost_in_thought

itboffin wrote:

Well I've been at home tinkering since 3pm! Have fitted the new brakes to the Bowery, taken the old chain off it (still in a reusable condition) but am having a mare with the 'easy install reinforced links' on the new one...

Easy my @rse.

And I've got a homemade (by me) venison pie in the oven for dinner with some veggies!

As soon as I fix this bl**dy chain I'll check the pie... :x

Ditto on the easy link, my a%$e!!! - but let me get this right you have veggies coming for dinner and your serving venison pie?

Aha! Fixed the effing thing! Took a bit of creative chain tool use, but it's on now and looks very pwitty. And Jashburnham that means you forfeit the pie.

And if I had vegetarian friends I'd serve them venison pie. They could eat the cabbage it comes with.

Now, who knows where I can get a cheap as chips replacement chain? And I really do mean cheap... it's for me beach cruiser... the chain off the fixie is too short, by about 7 links I reckon.

itboffin

LITS you're dangerously close to becoming the perfect woman....

"SHUT IT!!! all you veggies out there, you know your to weak to fight back"

In other business I spent all day learning how to repair hubs and build wheels, however there's no way on earth I'm going from a ride on my creations, I value my life just slightly more and I'd have trouble holding the bars with all the cuts and bruises on my hands.

PS. Cheap stuff all round really http://www.totalcycling.com

il_principe

itboffin wrote:

PS. Cheap stuff all round really http://www.totalcycling.com

Kerist - they're already selling SuperRecord at a discount, WANT!

http://www.totalcycling.com/index.php/search.php

m0scs

You have to go with the long tights for the winter Snooks. I get mine by mail order in a brown paper bag to save my blushes :oops:

Great to hear you are so chuffed with the new bike, sounds brill.

I rekon that because I've been training on the MTB, pushing all that extra weight around, (including my not inconsiderable frame), I will be seriously faster on a road bike.

On the subject of being faster, I discovered last night that being real P@ssed off improved my speed no end.

Got delivered the bad news yesterday that my employer is feeling the credit crunch and wont pay for my private fuel any longer , a perk I've enjoyed for about 10 years.

Anyway, in a fit of pure rage, I decided to let off some steam, before my blood pressure blew my head off, so I set out on my short 15 mile training lap I do occasionally.

When I got home I checked my time and was 15 mins faster than Id done some time in the past. I pumped it all the way up the hills, in the process blowing off some unsuspecting commuter types. No scalps as lower FNC unfortunately.

Anyone else found this. Bad Mood = Fast Ride?