Cycling UK Forum

I am sorry I had meant to leave this thread. But, I only drew attention to the Ryan Smith web page to show that there was at least one coma patient in the same hospital at the same time as my son, not to advocate the wearing of helmets.
The other rider did not as I inferred clip the kerb with his bike but clipped the kerb with his head when he fell of his bike.

Sorry I was not that clear.

Four months may not be a long term coma to a doctor but to the family it seemed like it.

Now, goodbye, I am of out my bike, wearing my helmet.

Ok, I can accept what you say, about helmet research, I have studied it in the past and made my own mind up. Is that so wrong?

The lad Ryan Smith was not wearing a helmet for his own reasons and all I ask you do is look him on the net and see the results.

I am now leaving this thread as I am not trying to change anyone's mind but just reporting what happened to my family

Bye and good and safe riding.
.

The story is true, as well as the doctors comments, at least one of the victims was reported on both local and national tv. The young man was in a coma for a number of months and his father set up a website in his name, check the archives of Look North TV for August 2013.

I am not advocating helmet wear, just what happened to my son, who himself is a responsible adult of some 57 years.
No car or other vehicle was involved, but from what he now recalls, he was trying to overtake his brother in law and clipped his rear wheel, and fell.

Easy done and our whole family is grateful he was wearing a helmet, but each to his own.

Also look up the website for Ryan Smith, the young lad involved, I just have.

The other coma victim was not a cyclist as such, but was cycling home from the pub, clipped a kerb and ended up in the Pilgrim Hospital, Boston with my son and Ryan Smith, who was in a coma for four months.

Hi,a bit late but just came across this thread. On 10th August last year out for coffee shop ride with my son and son in law,
When we came a little z bend climb, the two of them sprinted ahead of me and when I got round the last bend it was to see my son laid across the road, not moving. Caught up and found him asking where he was and had happened.

Long story but got an ambulance and to A & E where he spent three days with a fractured skull and two broken bones in his left thumb. The senior doctor said I see your we're wearing a helmet, I have two other cyclists in the next ward who did not have them on and they are both in long term comas.

My son is back at work but is still recovering and on his last visit to hospital was told not risk riding his bike for at least another six months.

I will never forget coming around that bend and seeing my son lying there.

Have a look at the 2014 model of the Specialized Sectuer Triple Sport. It comes with full mudguard and rack fittings and 25mm tyres. A triple chainset of 50/39/30 and a 11/32 cassette.
It also has the sporty feel I think you might be looking for. I think the list price is about £850.

I got mine two weeks ago for a 0 birthday and so far 200+ miles in does what it says on the tin. "Road bike but able to take mudguards and a rack".

Best wishes,

emil.

Hi, I think you will find that the cables do not go under the bar tape. The tapes under the bar start at 105. Have not used Claris but have the new Sora on my winter bike and it has very smooth gear changes. My LBS says that Claris, at 8 speed is equally good.

Did something very similar. Upgraded from a Tiagra compact double 50/34 to a 105 triple 50/39/30 with a 12/30 cassette. My lbs did it for£395 for the 105 complete groupset , but I also bought
an Ultegra cassette. Much more enjoyable. I then managed to sell the Tiagra set and defrayed a lot of the cost.

Last July I bought a Specialized Roubaix, the base model with Tiagra and DT Swiss wheels fitted with Specialized tyres. Early this year I got a very good deal on a set of 2013 Mavic Kysirium Elite S wheels. They now come with Mavics own tyres and the 23s came out about 20mm! My very good LBS changed the tyres for Ultremo DD in a 25 size.

The difference to the initial set up is very marked. The complete bike weight has dropped by just over a kilo. Much better ride and I still have the DTs as spares.

I am a bit of belt and braces person, I have a Leyzne mini pump, with hose, and the hose doubles up as a co2 connector. One pump and two cartridges, and I feel a lot happier.

Hi, no direct knowledge of SRAM Apex but there was a thread on this forum, and I think it highlighed some difficulties. I have a Tiagra compact 50-34 with a 12-30 cassette and this covers much of the same range as the SRAM, but not quite as low. Shimano are bringing out a 105 rear mech that will handle the 12-30 cassette. Dont' worry about your age of 61, I am 78( and a bit!) so you are OK for some time yet! Good luck on the trip.

Just remembered I do have a Sirrus hybrid with flat bars and a SRAM groupset it has 48-34 and 12-36 cassette. Climbs walls!

Thanks everbody, I am going to try using my compact to its fullest extent with the 10 speed 12-30 cassette. Havent yet! However I do have a 9 speed triple setup on an older bike with a close ratio
cassette of 14-25 and I like the "shifts" better. So as the compact Roubaix is my good weather bike I will have a good think over the winter before spending any more money! Again thanks for all
the advice.

Thanks andrew, my thoughts. Chain and cassette fairly new, as of today,s ride, 742 miles for both. Cassette is wide enough, 12-30. Again thanks.

Hi, need some advice. I have a 2012 Spesh Roubaix with Tiagra 50-34 compact setup. For various reasons,age mainly, I am considering changing to a Tiagra triple. Will I get away with just changing;
the chainset, front changer, left hand STI lever and chain or will I need to change the whole groupset apart from brakes and cassette?

Hi TT, welcome to the area. I think Arrow Cycles In North Hykeham,Lincoln will be your nearest LBS that I know of. No Info about the shop itself, sorry.I am from the Sleaford area and travel to Terry Wrights at Market Deeping for all my needs. My son and son in law also go there as do most of my cycling friends. Been going there for 20 years now and have always been treated fairly and well.
I have changed my mind now and then and things have sorted out straight away.

I know its a bit far for me to travel ( and further for you) but it's been worth it.

It might be worth asking the Lincoln Area CTC organiser for his advice.

Now then youngsters, I am 79 next year and a greatgrandad, still cycling. So far this week 92 miles . Keep going, it gets better with age!