New to cycling

[TZENU]

Yet another 500 user and love it... The bianchi has a polar which has been operating flawlessly for the past 7 odd years.

HLC what rims are you looking at going with??

[HLC]

Originally Posted by TZENU

Yet another 500 user and love it... The bianchi has a polar which has been operating flawlessly for the past 7 odd years.


HLC what rims are you looking at going with??

I'm going to be using H+Son TB14's. Same rims I was using on my Lo-Pro.

They are a eyeleted box section rim 23mm wide which I love! I was thinking about running Araya Gold NJS Tubular Rims but the roads over here aren't suitable for running tubs full time!

[blueoval]

tubulars I heard are a pain if your swapping tires over. Im not sure on the benefit of the tubulars over clinchers but for me, I go with what ever is the easiest to fix. Unless there is unparalleled performance.

Cheers for the recommendations on the cycle computers. I have seen deals with the GE 500 here for about $260 from LBS but without the HR and Cadence bundle. Thing is I don't want nor need the HR portion so it would be a waste for me. I just want the cadence part of it.

[HLC]

Originally Posted by blueoval

tubulars I heard are a pain if your swapping tires over. Im not sure on the benefit of the tubulars over clinchers but for me, I go with what ever is the easiest to fix. Unless there is unparalleled performance.

Cheers for the recommendations on the cycle computers. I have seen deals with the GE 500 here for about $260 from LBS but without the HR and Cadence bundle. Thing is I don't want nor need the HR portion so it would be a waste for me. I just want the cadence part of it.

You are better getting off the bundle Shav whether you use the HRM or not! The bundle can be had for about $288 online!

[HLC]

And tubs are great on the road, except when pumped up to 180psi on 36 spoked wheels laced 4-cross (read extremely stiff).... Then they are only good for the smoothest of velodromes

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by HLC

You are better getting off the bundle Shav whether you use the HRM or not! The bundle can be had for about $288 online!

Can I ask where? All the ones I have see are $299 or more and only in blue. I want the black and red to match my bike

[HLC]

Pretty sure I saw a link in this thread somewhere ha ha

I agree the blue ones are horrible, but about 50 beans cheaper at least lol!!!

[blueoval]

My lbs has an ok deal on the red one as a bundle. $335 with premium hr monitor and cadence sensor. $320 for standard one. considering supporting my lbs as they have been good to me. costs probably $50 more but at least ill get immediate warranty without waiting.

[chamb0]

Hey guys, I have a question about purchasing a second hand bike. I've posted a thread up on the Cycling Australia forums but the web traffic there seems a little slow at the moment and I'd like some advice before the ebay auction finishes... hoping some of you knowledgeable cyclists can give me some pointers.

There's a 2005 Giant CRX 3 for sale near me which has done some work (seller rode 16km round trip 3-4 times a week for 5 years). Over that time he says it was regularly serviced and had all major components replaced at least once. It's last service not too long ago showed a worn front chain ring and front hub (no wheel wobble though). It's going reasonably cheap, but is it worth it? How well do these hold up under these circumstances and would I be better off looking elsewhere if it's going to get expensive?

I'm looking for a second hand flat bar roadie to use for short commuting (8km round trip a couple of times a week) and the odd recreational bike path ride. I'd like to fit it up with rear panniers to carry uni books and a bit of grocery shopping. I have a Giant ATX 860 but want something lighter and quicker, and it doesn't have mounting points for any gear. The reason I'm looking at second hand is that I don't want to invest too much money buying something new if I don't end up using it much... if my interest develops further then I may consider it.

The current components on this particular bike are:

Size Medium (56.5cm top tube)
Colour Silver
Frame ALUXX alloy: double butted, FluidFormed
Fork Cr-mo tapered 1 1/8th ahead
F. Derailleur Shimano R443
R. Derailleur Shimano Sora 8 speed
Crankset TruVativ Iso Flow 28x38x48T
Shifters Shimano SL-R440 flat bar 24 speed
Cassette SRAM PG830 8 speed
B.Bracket Sealed Cartridge
Wheelset Formula 20/24H w/stainless spokes
Tyres Maxxis Detonator 700 x 28c
Brakes/Levers Tektro alloy v-brakes w/Tektro Tenera levers
H. Bar/Stem Alloy flat bar/alloy adj. ahead stem
Seat Post Alloy suspension micro-adjust

If it sounds worthwhile I will take it for a test ride beforehand. Thanks guys, slowly reading through the whole thread... about 3/4 the way through

[HLC]

Had a couple of mates come around this morning and shared a few redcans while I built my new Track Bike (lacing wheels and all), then took it for a casual 48km Loop up to Swan Valley for some Brews. First day back in the saddle after 5 weeks too!

Frame / Fork: 2005 Bridgestone NJS 54cm ST, 53.5cm TT
Headset: Dura Ace 7710 NJS
Stem / Bars: Nitto NJPro AA w/ Nitto RB201AA Riz0rz with Oury's (street) OR Nitto Pearl AA w/ Nitto B125AA with Champs (track)
Seatpost / Saddle: Nitto Crystal Fellow (NJS Post's are too short for my long legs) / Kashima MFG Turbo-81 NJS soon to be recovered
Hubs / Spokes / Rims: Dura Ace 7600 NJS / Hoshi NJS Laced 4-Cross / H+Son TB-14's wrapped in Gators - soon to be Panasela gumwalls.
Sprocket / Lockring: Dura Ace NJS 16T / Dura Ace NJS Lockring
BB / Cranks / Chainring: Dura Ace 7610 NJS Sealed BB / Dura Ace 7600 NJS / Dura Ace 7600 NJS 49T
Chain: Daido NJS
Pedals: MKS Royal Nuevo NJS / MKS NJS Alu Clips / MKS NJS Fit Alpha Double Straps
Misc: Kashimax TT Protector

(Note, saddle has been moved back, and straightened since pics were taken! I'll get some pics with drops tomoz too! Been having too much fun. feelsgoodman.jpg)




And for those that don't know what 'NJS' is, NJS is the governing body of Keirin Track Racing in Japan (like UCI I guess)... All parts used on Keirin Bikes in Japan need to be 'NJS Approved' and every component needs to have the 'NJS' symbol stamped or printed on it to signify that it is an approved part. If I put the drops on this, replaced the seatpost, and laced up some Araya Gold NJS Tubular rims, this bike could hit the Keirin Circuit in Japan - (where the frame started life anyway - i purchased it second hand ex-raced from Japan, all other parts are new)

[ratter]

looks good, what does it weigh?

[HLC]

Cheers,

8.12kg as it stands!

Rims/tyres are the killer. 500grams each for the rims alone.

The frame/fork/headset/BB combo weighed in at 2775grams. Steel is Real!

[HLC]

Few more pics with Drops (Bar angle is spot on - i used a spirit level - just looks off in the pics it seems)

[blueoval]

credit goes to you Henri. That looks tops. Love it.

I have Gatorskins on my bike as well and find them excellent for resisting debris and glass, how do you find them?

Again, top job mate, well done.

[TZENU]

Sweet ride!!!!... Came up a treat...

[HLC]

Thanks guys! Can't wait to take it to the track!

Re: Gators, I think they are rubbish. Skid resistant, yes, but I flat just as often on gators as I do on other tyres.. Especially since the sidewall is so thin,they just slice open. I wouldn't use them if I didn't buy like 10 at once because I got them stupidly cheap online lol

[blueoval]

oh right that's unfortunate. I ride veloways here in SA and have ridden on numerous patches of glassed bitumen and still no punctures yet (touch wood) so it sounds like a 50/50 issue.

Perhaps some GP4000s could be the next best bet.

I have heard the gatorskins are sketchy in the wet. I havent ridden on them in pouring conditions so dont know.

[HLC]

Yeah I've run GP4000's as well, they are a softer compound, which means, more grippy, but less wear resistant. Good solid performing tyres, but don't give me what I need on the track bike.

We have bike/shared paths here too, but that only covers so much of where I ride! And even them, I picked up thorns in my tyre on a Ike path yesterday! (wtf?!?!?!)

And yeah, they are slippery as all hell in the wet, almost dangerous! But that's what you get from a hard compound tyre!!

[robbyj]

Here's my bike i just recently built, it certainly gets the legs burning, single speed and you dont really want to sit down on it.

[blueoval]

wow, you are either really short or just a lad robby. haha

Nah well done for building it yourself mate. I reckon the reason your legs burn is due to your saddle height yes?

[HLC]

Originally Posted by blueoval

wow, you are either really short or just a lad robby. haha

Nah well done for building it yourself mate. I reckon the reason your legs burn is due to your saddle height yes?

Saddle height would be slammed to avoid it smacking you up the backside when slamming down some sweet trails!

If you can man, shorten the brake cable/housing to neaten it up a bit and prevent it from accidentally catching on something!

But anything SS is usally sweet!!

[robbyj]

Originally Posted by blueoval

wow, you are either really short or just a lad robby. haha

Nah well done for building it yourself mate. I reckon the reason your legs burn is due to your saddle height yes?

haha na im 6ft2" stav,

and yea what HLC said, slammed so you dont nut yourself when jumping off stuff

Originally Posted by HLC

If you can man, shorten the brake cable/housing to neaten it up a bit and prevent it from accidentally catching on something!

Yea i ran it around the otherside of the stem and cable tied it up, all sweet

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by robbyj

haha na im 6ft2" stav,

and yea what HLC said, slammed so you dont nut yourself when jumping off stuff



Yea i ran it around the otherside of the stem and cable tied it up, all sweet

You got me mixed up with the other fella

[TZENU]

Not sure if many people watch the road cycling, but I know you would all haved heard that we are not far from the start of the Tour De France... The prologue begins on the 30th June and with Andy Schleck confirming he is NOT racing , if Cadel can keep his nose clean in the first several stages, he may well take out his second TdF...
Can't wait to see the likes of Matty Goss, Baden Cooke, Stuey O et al take the tour head on with Greenedge.

In other news looks as though Lance Armstrong is in the spotlight yet again.. Lance has been one of my sporting hero's since he won his 3RD straight tour and it's getting tiresome, the constant back and forth of USADA... Regardless of what many think, he is and will forever be one of the greatest cyclist of all time; right up there with the likes of Eddy Merckx and Gino Bartali

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by TZENU

Not sure if many people watch the road cycling, but I know you would all haved heard that we are not far from the start of the Tour De France... The prologue begins on the 30th June and with Andy Schleck confirming he is NOT racing , if Cadel can keep his nose clean in the first several stages, he may well take out his second TdF...
Can't wait to see the likes of Matty Goss, Baden Cooke, Stuey O et al take the tour head on with Greenedge.

In other news looks as though Lance Armstrong is in the spotlight yet again.. Lance has been one of my sporting hero's since he won his 3RD straight tour and it's getting tiresome, the constant back and forth of USADA... Regardless of what many think, he is and will forever be one of the greatest cyclist of all time; right up there with the likes of Eddy Merckx and Gino Bartali

I thought I was the only one here who keeps an eye on the pro cycling tours. haha.

I have spent many late nights watching the likes of the Giro, Dauphine, Tour de Suisse, and a lot of other tours leading up to the TDF. I must say it's becoming a habit to watch as much cycling as much as V8/F1 racing. LOL

I too was shocked to hear of Andy not participating in this years TDF. But on the other hand I think it may add in Cadel's favor. I reckon it will be a tussle between Cadel and Wiggins, mixed in with the likes of Basso, and some sprint finishes by The Cav. Also keeping an eye on Voekel as he was strong last year, but not sure if he will be strong enough to hold out for the entire GC.

Im gonna do the velogames tipping this year. Would be cool to have a few of you guys to join as well for a bit of fun.

[Captain Stubing]

I learnt something today, about bitumen roads with newer overlays.

I was riding the trusty Merida Speeder on an hour ride this morning, when I decided to go along a road I'd not ridden before.

Scooting along at about 30, I found myself on the wrong side of a ridge of bitumen, and suddenly the front tyre was sliding out to the right, and I was cursing!

I still can't get the dynamics of how it happened right in my head. Why did the tyre slip that way? There were a few spits of rain, but nothing heavy.

So anyway, the end diagnosis is the front v-brake has snapped and the left side of my helmet is broken away. There's two easily fixed pieces!

For myself, I've got a wonderful bruise and graze on the hip, and a broken scapula.

Looks like I'm off the bike for a month or so

[HLC]

^^^ hope you have a speedy recovery! Can't really explain how our crash happened, but bitumen ridges are something I avoid like the plague!!!!


Anyways, I've been hitting the velodrome over here the last few weeks! Great fun!

[blueoval]

That sucks swanny. Hope you get better soon mate.

[TZENU]

Not good Swanny... Hope you have a speedy recovery....

[TZENU]

It's been a bit quiet in here; must be because we are all catching some sleep from staying up late watching the tour!!!!

What a week it has been at the TdF... Going into the rest day Wiggins has taken a lead of close to 2 minutes over Cadel who is second in the GC, followed closely By Wiggins' team mate Fromme (who unbelievably beat the TT champions in Tony Martin and Fab Cancellara!!!!!)... Sky is in a pretty damn good position going into the next week of racing..

Having said that though, we are about to hit up stages where Cadel's strengths will shine (climbing and thanks to his experience in mountain biking; descending).. I'd expect several teams to go on the attack incl BMC, Liquigas, Lotto and of course Radio-shack during the mountain stages to put some pressure on Wiggins and Fromme. This years Sky team is similar to last years Leopard Trek team (Shleck Bros), in that you easily have two strong contenders for GC.
Disappointing to see Sammy Sanchez get knocked out - who is an exciting climber to watch also Martin Kettel for Lotto who really did struggle.
The opening stage sprints were great to watch and even without his usual lead out team Cavendish still proved that he is the best sprinter in the world. Its awesome watching the likes of Cavendish, Goss, Renshaw, & Griepel go for the stage win all in one go

Orica Greenedge has shown so much potential from this opening week; Matty Goss getting involved in the sprints for the green and Gerrans, O'Grady getting up there for the yellow (although 35min off the pace)... Great to see Greenedge providing Goss with a leadout train from the best in the business earlier on..

Notable mention must go to the Aussie Sky rider; Michael Rogers who is sitting in 24th overall in the GC and who does a hell of a lot of work for Wiggins and Fromme.

Can't wait till we get into the mountain stages!!!