Search found 82 matches

by beetroot
27 Jun 2014, 7:41pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Weight
Replies: 158
Views: 12907

Re: Weight

Mick F wrote:
Brucey wrote:...... a 1% weight reduction might make for almost 1% increase in speed.

Almost?

1% ....

I weigh 75kg plus a bike of 10.5kg making an all-up weight of 85.5kg
I cycle at 7mph up the hill from the river into Devon for 1.5miles (2,650yds) and take 13mins

Say I swapped my bike for a light CF 7.5kg, my all-up weight would be 82.5kg - ie minus 2.5%

Therefore I'd climb into Devon 2.5% faster - ie 7.175mph.
This means I'd save ..... what? 5 seconds? 4 yards? .............. maximum?

What's the point unless I'm Wiggo?


LoL. Once you've honed your body shape and weight to a TDF winner, you can start on your bike!
by beetroot
8 Jun 2014, 11:29am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Gearing Question
Replies: 3
Views: 1234

Re: Gearing Question

Brucey, thanks for reply :D
by beetroot
7 Jun 2014, 9:32pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Thirst Whilst Cycling
Replies: 81
Views: 20124

Re: Thirst Whilst Cycling

Psamathe wrote:Or rather maybe lack of it.

I know full well of the need to keep hydrated, etc., but now the weather has warmed-up a bit, the last few days I've noticed whilst out riding that I don't seem to get thirsty. I've reduced my mileage (thanks to my knees) and am doing around 25 mile rides. I'm deliberately stopping after 10 miles or so because I know I should drink, not because I'm thirsty. And that seems to start "saliva issues" (see, we really do need a "men's section" on the forum to discuss spitting, and other similar subjects). And the surprise when I got home was I has several large glasses of squash straight after each other, yet never really felt thirsty.

So, as things warm-up, should I just stop and drink every so many miles'ish or just wait until I'm thirsty ? Do others get to feel thirsty or just get in the habit of drinking?

Ian


I'd have thought that if well hydrated before setting out, unless very hot, no need for water in a ride of less than two hours. Take a single bottle and just drink as you feel the need. Obviously on a longer ride a more structured approach may be appropriate
by beetroot
7 Jun 2014, 8:31pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Gearing Question
Replies: 3
Views: 1234

Gearing Question

Help please, I'm looking for some technical know how advice.

I have a Shimano 105 (5600 series) compact, with a 12-28 cassette. Bits are getting a bit worn, so will need replacing. I thought I might chose to extend the gear range by fitting a Sram 12-32 cassette, and replacing rear derailleur with a 105 (700 series) medium cage, oh and a new chain.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... -prod85966

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sra ... e-ec023318

Would this work?
Will I need any other parts?

Thanks in anticipation,

David
by beetroot
17 Dec 2013, 9:16pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: What is the definition of a cycle tourist?
Replies: 74
Views: 5457

Re: What is the definition of a cycle tourist?

horizon wrote:
al_yrpal wrote:Blah blah blah!

Its very simple, someone who tours for leisure by bike, for a day a week, a month or whatever, with or without luggage, staying in a tent or any other place overnight. Its really very simple. Why make it so complicated?

Al


I don't know why they make it so complicated. First of all they remove all the road signs from town centres. Then they close down half the YHA network. Then they stop you getting on a train with your bike without a reservation, having got rid of the guard's vans. Then they make it cheaper for a family to take their car across the Channel than their bikes. Then they whack up the charges to fly with a bike. Then they turn most of the pleasant touring roads into fast and unpleasant dual carriageways. Then most bike shops stop selling the bicycles that are most suitable for cycle touring. Then they try to make it illegal to cycle without a helmet (and have done in Spain).

Actually I agree, it still is really simple despite your having rightly pointed out that they have tried to make it so complicated.

Who is they :?:
by beetroot
15 Nov 2013, 9:54pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Boris Johnson - Slot-brained, jovial psychopath or just mad?
Replies: 79
Views: 6381

Re: Boris Johnson - Slot-brained, jovial psychopath or just

It'a a trick question isn't It? The answer is all of them.
by beetroot
13 Nov 2013, 9:17pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Ten Miles a Day
Replies: 400
Views: 112200

Re: Ten Miles a Day

Mick F wrote:My Garmin 705 records everything it can of course, and I upload the ride history into Ascent - a Mac based activity program. All of the data is re-calculated using HR, elevation profile, speed, rider weight and age and bike weight. The power readout is as good as a program can get I suppose.

You can, of course, use a PowerTap hub.


Or you can just ride your bike
by beetroot
26 Oct 2013, 4:48pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Cyclists beware
Replies: 35
Views: 6847

Re: Cyclists beware

661-Pete wrote:I'd like to see all glass banned from pubs and other drinking places, and from use as alcohol containers in shops. No buts - maybe expensive vintage wines could be excepted, but that's all. Broken glass is a scourge in our streets around the town pubs, especially on New Years day and after big football matches. And, how many admissions to A&E at night are glassing injuries in which alcohol has played a part? Yes I know a pint of cask-conditioned Real Ale (e.g. our local Harveys Best Bitter) doesn't taste the same out of a plastic cup, but that's a sacrifice worth making. What about bringing back metal tankards?


Why vintage wines? I could understand if you suggested real ale, but vintage wine should be served in plastic cups, have you any class?
by beetroot
25 Oct 2013, 8:57pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: barbags and carbon handlebars
Replies: 10
Views: 2575

Re: barbags and carbon handlebars

foxyrider wrote:Because the bar is designed for that, its not designed to have something wrapped around it with a bunch of weight constantly jumping up and down against it.

I stick by my advice.


You mean like a pair of hands, and weight of the rider?
by beetroot
11 Oct 2013, 10:23pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Driver-less cars are coming
Replies: 44
Views: 6163

Re: Driver-less cars are coming

If this happens there will be a manual override option, so don't get too excited. Boy racers will still have their toys
by beetroot
11 Oct 2013, 8:15pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Fixing a puncture on the road
Replies: 140
Views: 11923

Re: Fixing a puncture on the road

I did it today (fixed a puncture on the road - bloody hedge cutters!). Well I replaced the punctured inner tube with a spare. The biggest problem I had was the pathetic pump, which couldn't have been more than two or three inches long. So I couldn't get a decent pressure, but sufficient to get home. So it got me thinking, I need a better pump. I like frame fitted pumps, once that fit discreetly on the frame for example in conjunction with bottle holder attachment. Any recommendations?
by beetroot
9 Oct 2013, 8:32pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Yorkshire TdF stages backlash starts
Replies: 82
Views: 18312

Re: Yorkshire TdF stages backlash starts

LittleGreyCat wrote:O.K. - TdF is in Yorkshire.
La Vuelta has stages in France.
Where is the next Tour of Britain due to be held? Belgium? Portugal? Greece?

Geographically confused.

LGC


Wherever they can make money
by beetroot
9 Oct 2013, 8:29pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Drafting when commuting
Replies: 99
Views: 9476

Re: Drafting when commuting

Big T wrote:Define drafting?

You come up behind a slower rider, but don't want to or can't overtake - how far back should you stay - a few feet, a few yards. Surely, the rider in front will still be aware that you are following them and may still find this disconcerting, especially if it's a woman. So what do you do?


Good question, that was on my mind too. What is difference between drafting and following? How far back would one have to stay to avoid 'aggressive' drafting?
by beetroot
9 Oct 2013, 8:13pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: best bike carrier for Mini Cooper?
Replies: 19
Views: 14859

Re: best bike carrier for Mini Cooper?

The best bike carrier for a Mini Cooper? You're going to need one big bike!
by beetroot
9 Oct 2013, 7:49pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: gps for audax rides.
Replies: 47
Views: 9599

Re: gps for audax rides.

andymiller wrote:
jags wrote:
Ayesha wrote:I had a Garmin eTrex Legend. It was pony.
I had a Garmin Edge 605. It was worse.
I have another manufacturer's product now. It is Ace.


so would you like to share please.


Do a quick search on Ayesha's posts you'll soon find out.


So Andy, you don't know either