Got a question for Cycling Plus experts? Ask it here!

Gingagimp

mog812 wrote:

just a quick question...
I keep on reading about people eating bananas, as a good source of food while being out on a ride... :shock:
am I the only person in the world that can not stand these awful yellow herbs, that not only smell foul, and puts me of eating anything, but also the taste, and feel of the thing in my mouth?
I ate one, one time (recently), and it was sickening...
so enough of the rant...
Is there an alternative to the banana (including all things that might have bananas in it) ?

Thanks for your time and thoughts

Mog.

Get yourself energy gel sachets or energy bars, take one sachet/bar for every hour you will be riding, so if you ride 4 hours, take 4 sachets/bars on your journey and take one every hour. The sachet/bar should not have more than 60grams of carbohydrate or 20 grams of protein as your body cannot absorb any more than this amount per hour........this info was in one of my bike magazines recently purchases and still fresh in my head, I'm a newbie so don't quote me on any of this...and if you die from malnutrition or obesity from my advise, please don't sue me....I have nothing :O)
Andy

mog812

and if you die from malnutrition or obesity from my advise, please don't sue me....I have nothing :O)
Andy

lol, and thanks for the reply

seanorawe

I have been reading the 109% method for measuring your saddle length. After you measure your inseam length. What do you measure on the bike to then adjudt your saddle post?

tobycarey

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about buying a good road bike but I only have a budget of a £300. I found a few bikes that are priced within that range:

Barracuda Blackfin
Viking San Marino
Raleigh AIRLite 100

Which one would you recommend out of the three?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

buzzwold

What gear should I be in for cruising with the pack. I was in my first group ride on Sunday and I noticed that most of the guys around me seemed to in a lower gear than me. I've tried dropping a cog but all that happens is I spin the cog for no appreciable differnce other than I seem to use more energy. As the guys were all faster than me, what am I doing wrong?

DonH

Hi. I've been road cycling for just over a year and am looking to upgrade my bike - which has a triple chainring....can someone please explain the difference between a standard double chainring and a compact - and give me a recommendation as to what I should opt for? I ride 40-50 mile training runs in the countryside and have just started 100 mile sportives. Thanks....I need some guidance.

Baumer14

I am brand new to biking and I was offered two bikes to purchase, both brand new... a 2010 Scott Speedster S40 and a 2011 Fuji Newest 1.0. The S40 is bring offered to me for $680 and the Newest 1.0 is being offered for $800; both are brand new from quality dealers.

I hear that the Fuji is a better bike, but I am looking for some un-biased help on this. Which one should I get?

edschof

Hello, I have recently bought a bike and am looking at helmets, I have narrowed it down to a few but I can't decide, expert opinion please?

Helmets:
1. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/hardnutz-hi-vis ... ng-helmet/ (HardNutz Hi-Vis)
2. http://www.rutlandcycling.com/40662/Gir ... ours-.html (Giro Savant)
3. http://m.evanscycles.com/products/speci ... t-ec025853 (Specialized Echelon)
4. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mobi ... elID=70004 (Giro Monza)

Is there any difference between 2&3?
Is it necessary to have a neon helmet? (I will be using this go racing as well as normal cycling)
Is 4 any better than the rest?

And which would you recommend?

Thanks ed

edschof

tobycarey wrote:

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about buying a good road bike but I only have a budget of a £300. I found a few bikes that are priced within that range:

Barracuda Blackfin
Viking San Marino
Raleigh AIRLite 100

Which one would you recommend out of the three?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I was in this situation a while ago and trust me buy a specialized allez/giant defy 5/trek 1.1. You will not regret it. Honestly

Uselesshound

Dear CP experts,
pain in my delicate area

Since November my girlfriend has taken up cycling again after years of not doing it. She always experiences pain down below after a long cycle. She bought padded cycling shorts, just cheap ones from Sports Direct and the pain is just the same. She has even tried wearing lots of vaseline but doesn't make any difference. She bought another pair of cycling shorts with decent padding from Halfords but it feels just the same when she sit on her saddle. Is it worth her buying a more expensive pair of padded shorts which have more padding or different cream or a padded saddle or can anyone suggest anything else ??

Uselesshound

cmacd85

I recently bought a Genesis Aether 10, and while it is a great ride there is one thing that puzzles me...

The low gear of the chainring seems very low, no matter what gear I shift it on to. My old bike I was used to putting a lot of effort into so it feels very odd to have my pedals wizzing around with no effort or movement. I'm sure it's for going up massive hills, but is there something that can be done about it? Add a third chainring? As I prefer a harder ride, could something be done about the gear ratio? Or should I just not worry and enjoy the bike and wait for that big hill to come?

Lot's of questions but that's how you learn! Thanks for any advice you can offer!

cmacd85

mog812 wrote:

am looking to get my first road bike, see something on here about vikings, that looked interesting, but am now somewhat confused...
Viking Torino : http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B3890.html £369.99
and then there is an (apparent) upgrade...
Viking San Marino : http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B3879.html £307.99
now, apart from the most obvious point of price, any ideas which one might be the better bike or what differences there might be?
perhaps the Marino is last years model or something...
thoughts, ideas, opinions would be great welcome.
thanks for your time.

I'd stay away from Viking bikes. TBH they both look fine but I bought a viking for £180 and a year later I'm replacing it. Fair enough, I am a little bias but maybe have a look at Decathlon bikes, their starter bike is £299...

SunburntStar

Hello
I am about to do my first 100mile ride and I'm wondering what I should carry as essential kit. My aim is to complete it (but an alright time would be a bonus!) So I don't want to carry too much, but don't want to get caught short!

I generally carry a spare tube, levers, multi tool and a waterproof. I generally group ride so borrow a pump if needed, but will need to carry one or one of those fancy gizmos this time!

Thank you for your help
Faye

rob churchill

Hi,

My eldest, who's twelve next month, is desperate to race, TT, or do some sportives (my fault, we followed the coverage of the TdF together this year, then there was the Olympics, now the Vuelta - he's hooked). He's fairly fit, has been playing rugby for five years, swims once or twice a week, and does a bit of rowing with the Sea Cadets. As he's so active, we've never previously thought it necessary or even sensible to do any specific fitness training.

What I'm looking for is a source of information and advice on safely building fitness and endurance for young riders. Is there anything you can recommend?

keithspriggs

Hi Guys,
Back cycling after having some back problems and having an Knee op.
Unfortunately I ballonned on the weight and I taking it slow while I get back into the swing of things.
I hava simple question, what should I clean my chain and sprockets with as at this stage there not bad but getting there?
I'm Cycling a Specialized Tricross as when I started back I was 136.5 Kg
Could anyone help?

Ps I'm doing 23Km a night which is very tough. I currently weigh 126KG

rogerrally

Hi All,

New to the forum Do i keep my old Peugoet Performance 200? Is it worth anything? Upgarde it? Or just buy a new bike? Which one?

Sorry for all the questions :oops:

Roger

Takira12

Yo!

I'm obviously a new rider and i'm thinking of purchasing a Cube Agree Pro 2013 but I haven't been able to find any reviews so far!!! and I could probably find it easier to get hold of plutonium than find a 60cm 2012 edition of the pro or race version soooo I thought I would ask you guys or girls for a rundown if it's worth getting or not? I was also looking at the Peloton 2013 alu bike but i'm looking for a comfy ride so a few peeps have said go Carbon. I'll be using to commute to work which is only about 10 miles there & back but i'll also be going on recreational rides plus i'm moving to Oz in Feb so will definitely be venturing out for rides as much as possible!

Anyway what say you experts!!??

Thanking you.

giant defy 2 2013

Rob Spedding wrote:

We're after your cycling questions - we want your queries on bike and gear buying, training, nutrition, injury, racing...basically anything about bikes and biking. You can either post your question here or email us with the subject Reader Rescue at cyclingplus@futurenet.com

Hi

Appreciate any help on here. I have just bought the above bike and picked up some accessories incl. computer, mudguards, water bottle, cage, mini pump and the likes. The bike is great for what I wanted initially (get fit) but I feel like this could become a serious hobby more so than a leisure pursuit.

My query/plea for help, is what should I be looking to upgrade on the bike? I have looked at the BIkes & Gear section on here, but the titles of components and accessories seem double dutch to me to be honest.

Any help greatly appreciated. Current spec below if that helps.

Frame : NEW AUDACIO ALLOY 7005
Fork : LP ALLOY/CARBON
Headset : ALLOY SEMI INTEGRATED 1"1/8 BLACK
Bottom Bracket : SHIMANO HOLLOWTECH II
Crankset : SHIMANO TIAGRA TRIPLE 30X39X50
Stem : RITCHEY OE OS 4BOLTS
Seatpost : LAPIERRE SP65 FULL BLACK 31,6x300MM
Handlesbars : RITCHEY COMP CURVE 31.8 BLACK
Front derailleur : SHIMANO TIAGRA TRIPLE
Rear derailleur : SHIMANO TIAGRA 10S
Brakes : SHIMANO TIAGRA
Shifters : SHIMANO TIAGRA 3X10
Saddle : ITALIA X1 WHITE/BLUE
Wheel : SHIMANO WH-R501
Sprocket : SHIMANO TIAGRA 10S 11-25
Tires : MICHELIN DYNAMIC SPORT 700x23
Weight : 9,4 kg

DLW

Evening all

I'm looking to buy my first road bike, something to commute to and from work on (12 miles per day). I'm 5' 11", I'm told that means I need a frame sized between 56 and 58cm. I've been looking fairly intensively and it seems that to buy new the best I can get for value is Decathlon's B'Twin Triban 3 - http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html

The 'spec':

Aluminium frame/Carbon forks
Groupset: Shimano 2300
Wheels: Btwin Sport
Weight: 10.5kg

I would be perfectly happy buying that bike in a couple of weeks time when they get stock in. However I've been offered a second-hand Flanders frame bike, and am asking you guys if it's better 'spec' and better value. The B'Twin would cost £300 and the Flanders £200. Here's the details of the Flanders:

Frame: Flanders 7005 Aluminium/Alu forks
Shimano gear shifters
Kalloy seatpost wih a Sora seat
Shimano sora gears/casette
Shimano RS20 wheels (16 spoke front, 20 spoke rear)
Tyres: Continental Sport
Look pedals
Size: Medium (current owner 5' 9")
Age: 8 years
Weight: '8-9kg'

The above doesn't mean too much to me. Basically, I know that carbon and Shimano is good, that's about it! My only real worry is that if the Flanders is better, is that it's too small for me. But I can try it out for size first. Would appreciate big time any help and also suggestions as to which bike you would go for

Thanks.

Kingsmill1

Hi
Got my first road bike from Evans to which they offered a free service about 4-5 weeks after I've done a few miles on it, now my nearest Evans is some distance away I can't ride it there so it would mean taking it by car or train for what they say is a 15 minute while u wait job. I think they charge about £15.00 ( it's going to cost me that and some more to get it there) now I don't usually pass by a freebie but in this case I might but is there anything I can do which they might be worth doing for 15 mins work. I have some basic bike tools just need to know what to check and if there is any tool which would be very hand to have to complete my first service. I intend to put the cycle in a bike shop anyway for a 6 month service .

Thanks

jaywol

Hi. I am looking to buy my first serious road bike. My budget is £600 and at the minute I'm torn between a Giant Defy 4 and a Cannondale Synapse 2300. Could you advise which is the better of the two or suggest another bike within that price range. Thx.

noaddedsugar

Hi
Im in the market for a new bike next year, something for sportives and hilly tours. I've read a loads of reviews and comparisons, and could have easily bought a few! But each bike gets described as good climbers, good peloton bikes, distance bikes, good sprinters...
You can second guess a few things & lead by price, but what makes a good pelaton bike over a climber and so on? When does the specific geometry come in ! :?: :!: :?:
:?

hamkor04

Road wheel sets for students in budget
Hi
Please can you give some advice regarding wheel upgrades when in tight budget.
I have defy 3 2010 (shimano 9 shifters)
And really want to upgrade my wheelset
But couldnt afford for reasonables ( at leadt over £300)
And there few wheelsets on wiggli and ccr, Campagnolo Khamsin Clincher £115,
Shimano R501 Black Clincher £116. But these ones not for performance or not light to excite, since
Their price.
I was wondering if there is an option, if i buy rim and spokes sepparately, and build my self.
Can you recommend any particular wheel set for about £100 or any building options
Many thanks

hamkor04

jaywol wrote:

Hi. I am looking to buy my first serious road bike. My budget is £600 and at the minute I'm torn between a Giant Defy 4 and a Cannondale Synapse 2300. Could you advise which is the better of the two or suggest another bike within that price range. Thx.

I think its practically very difficult to find any serious road bike for £600, since u considering spend that money,
I would go for defy 3 or defy 2(not sure about price) but u can get defy 3 2010(carbon folks) or 2011with discounted prices if u can find one. I think u won't spend more than £500 for defy 3 for previous models, which is better than deffy 4 IMO. Or check Trek 1.5 for cheapest option

hamkor04

keithspriggs wrote:

Hi Guys,
Back cycling after having some back problems and having an Knee op.
Unfortunately I ballonned on the weight and I taking it slow while I get back into the swing of things.
I hava simple question, what should I clean my chain and sprockets with as at this stage there not bad but getting there?
I'm Cycling a Specialized Tricross as when I started back I was 136.5 Kg
Could anyone help?

Ps I'm doing 23Km a night which is very tough. I currently weigh 126KG

Hi
You can buy chain cleaner for £7 ( http://www.probikekit.com/uk/barbieri-c ... e_base_gbp don't bother to buy expencive ones unles ur a mecanik)
I use normal white spirit, note: dont dispous after as a normal liquid.and clean properly your frames from it,
Buy Finish line wet lube. And u do pritty good few 23k s

hamkor04

SunburntStar wrote:

Hello
I am about to do my first 100mile ride and I'm wondering what I should carry as essential kit. My aim is to complete it (but an alright time would be a bonus!) So I don't want to carry too much, but don't want to get caught short!

I generally carry a spare tube, levers, multi tool and a waterproof. I generally group ride so borrow a pump if needed, but will need to carry one or one of those fancy gizmos this time!

Thank you for your help
Faye

Water bottle (with water;) ), energy gels and lights if you back later a day

hamkor04

Uselesshound wrote:

Dear CP experts,
pain in my delicate area

Since November my girlfriend has taken up cycling again after years of not doing it. She always experiences pain down below after a long cycle. She bought padded cycling shorts, just cheap ones from Sports Direct and the pain is just the same. She has even tried wearing lots of vaseline but doesn't make any difference. She bought another pair of cycling shorts with decent padding from Halfords but it feels just the same when she sit on her saddle. Is it worth her buying a more expensive pair of padded shorts which have more padding or different cream or a padded saddle or can anyone suggest anything else ??

Uselesshound

Try right fitting her bike
First YouTube video when u search for How to fit a road bike, by Christopher

gales22

I am about to buy my first road bike and having researched I was all set to buy a Cube Agree GTC Race, due to excellent reviews, spec and price comparison, but have the following dilemna. I have been advised that due to differences in the geometry the Cube would be a stiffer ride compared to a specialized roubaix or cannondale carbon synapse. As far as I can tell the wheelbases's are very similar but the top and head tubes shorter on the Cube and the rear end of the specialized and cannondale would give more comfort if doing 50,60+ mile rides and longer sportifs. I am confused whether to ultimately spend more on a specialized or cannondale for less spec but more comfort or stick with original plan of Cube????????

newjumper

hamkor04 wrote:

Uselesshound wrote:

Dear CP experts,
pain in my delicate area

Since November my girlfriend has taken up cycling again after years of not doing it. She always experiences pain down below after a long cycle. She bought padded cycling shorts, just cheap ones from Sports Direct and the pain is just the same. She has even tried wearing lots of vaseline but doesn't make any difference. She bought another pair of cycling shorts with decent padding from Halfords but it feels just the same when she sit on her saddle. Is it worth her buying a more expensive pair of padded shorts which have more padding or different cream or a padded saddle or can anyone suggest anything else ??

Uselesshound

Try right fitting her bike
First YouTube video when u search for How to fit a road bike, by Christopher

Different saddle?

I7 Extreme

I've got a question, why are 10spd shifters and brakes so expensive?