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[Darth Pinche]

Question for all you off-road guys, do you use cleats?

U rode with clipless for years until switching to flat pedals 2 years ago. I cannot go back. It is less about the ability to get my foot out than it is the ability to move around on the pedal more. While my foot is very secure, I can also put more "body english" onto the pedal and I found myself clearing technical sections much more easily.

The only downside is having to wear leg and knee armor every time since the pins on my pedals are very aggressive. On misstep and I have a bunch of cuts.

 

[Psychotext]

By the way, I'll start using the bike outside again in 2-3 months. Can I use the Trainerroad phone app to structure my workouts when cycling outside, or is it strictly for indoors?

You could do it on heart rate, but to do it properly you'd need a power meter.

The only downside is having to wear leg and knee armor every time since the pins on my pedals are very aggressive. On misstep and I have a bunch of cuts.

My legs are covered in scars that can attest to what you just said.

WARNING, NON ROADIE LEG:

 

[Darth Pinche]

Yup, exactly.

 

[Mascot]

Question for all you off-road guys, do you use cleats?

Always. Up, down, fast, slow, technical, jumps. Everything.

Feels weird and unsafe without them to me. I did try flat/cleat pedals but never used the flat side, so switched back to full cleats. No problem bailing in an emergency, it becomes second nature.

To each their own, though. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Psychotext]

Flat / cleat pedals are basically worthless. You need the grips on your shoes for flats to work properly, and the last thing you want to be wondering when you put your foot down is if your cleat is going to engage or not.

 

[pelicansurf]

I ended up getting a Cannondale Ultegra 3 a few weeks ago and it rides like a dream. It's also super light. Too bad it's like 20 out + snow. Sigh.

http://www.cannondale.com/nam_en/2015/bikes/road/elite-road/caad10/caad10-3-ultegra

 

[kottila]

I'm sitting here spinning away on the roller every other day, but I don't really know what I'm doing. So far, I've just gone through random programs and films, but I want to follow a program that will make me a better rider, eventually. I want to lower my heart rate at higher intensities, raise the lactate threshold if possible, and so on. Any tips about how I should approach this?

My ultimate goal for the year is to complete a certain mtb-race in August in under 2 hours (did it in 2.20 last year), and to do that I need to better my endurance significantly.

My "group" has some spinning sessions during the winter and we love the sufferfest videos. makes indoor cycling somewhat bearable. I think you even can connect the videos to trainerroad (if you have strava premium, they have a few sufferfest videos for free)

 

[Psychotext]

Yeah, you can do the sufferfest stuff on trainerroad. Will be using it for the Tour of Sufferlandria, starting in just one day's time.

http://www.trainerroad.com/tour-of-sufferlandria-2015

 

[kottila]

Yeah, you can do the sufferfest stuff on trainerroad. Will be using it for the Tour of Sufferlandria, starting in just one day's time.

http://www.trainerroad.com/tour-of-sufferlandria-2015

that January 31st..

 

[Christoff Yurievich]

Flat / cleat pedals are basically worthless. You need the grips on your shoes for flats to work properly, and the last thing you want to be wondering when you put your foot down is if your cleat is going to engage or not.

Nah. I have them and the weight of the flat side means I always clip in. Actually, it's easier for me now because of that whereas before I would have to look down from time to time and figure out what the hell was going on down there.

 

[Psychotext]

that January 31st..

Schedule
Saturday, Jan 24th - Elements of Style + The Long Scream
Sunday, Jan 25th - Blender
Monday, Jan 26th - Fight Club
Tuesday, Jan 27th - Nine Hammers
Wendesday, Jan 28th - Angels
Thursday, Jan 29th - Local Hero
Friday, Jan 30st - The Rookie
Saturday, Jan 31st - Revolver + Violator + Half is Easy
Sunday, Feb 1st - It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time

?

50 hour window for each of those, which means we're about 17 hours out.

Nah. I have them and the weight of the flat side means I always clip in. Actually, it's easier for me now because of that whereas before I would have to look down from time to time and figure out what the hell was going on down there.

Never seemed to work like that when I use them My foot would go from sliding around on the flat side to trying to kick it over to get in. Nearly crashed a few times then took them off for good. Probably fine on the road, but given the lack of advantage off road, I'd rather not take the risk.

I actually still have the pedals on my turbo trainer, so that the missus can use it. Hate the things.

 

[LeroyPantwether]

Continental gatorskin hardshells lasted me only one week before getting a flat. lame

 

[Psychotext]

Just paid attention to the pedals and the issue with the flats vs cleats thing seems down to technique. When I clip in I roll my foot over the top of the pedal from behind (how I feel exactly where the pedal is), which if I do with the flat / cleat pedals means that 95% of the time I end up with the flat side facing upwards.

So there you go!

 

[kottila]

?

50 hour window for each of those, which means we're about 17 hours out.

That sounds a bit easier. I thought they wanted you to do all three in one session

 

[Psychotext]

That sounds a bit easier. I thought they wanted you to do all three in one session

That is what they want, and what most people do (it's certainly what I did last year): http://www.thesufferfest.com/uncategorized/the-tour-of-sufferlandria-9-days-of-suffering/

You have to do the stages on the days specified and do them in the order indicated. Days that have two videos have to be done back to back (not one in the morning, one in the evening. You don’t climb off and take a break in the middle of a Tour de France stage, do you? Neither do you in the Tour of Sufferlandria.)

The idea behind the 50 hours is to give a chance for people to fit it into their schedules, and so if you have a problem you can do it the next day... though you're screwed if you have two days of problems.

Day 8 is particularly hard for a reason:

Our youngest Knight of Sufferlandria, Dame Alissa Schubert, was killed earlier this year when she was hit by a truck while out cycling. Revolver was her favourite video. We dedicate this stage, the hardest stage ever to feature in the ToS, in her memory. We also dedicate it to her parents who also became Knights of Sufferlandria with Alissa. A true Sufferlandrian’s stage. Crush it.

 

[Mascot]

I don't know if anyone remembers, but a while ago a mate of mine bought a 1996 GT STS Carbon bike similar to the one below.

He's now bored of it (like I said he would be) and has offered it to me for £350 with two sets of forks and a set of Grimca mag wheels. I've always loved the look of this bike, especially the engineering detail so am seriously tempted to buy it just to mount on the wall in my lounge (strip the cables, lose the left-hand pedal & cut the bar down so it fits tighter to the wall, sink some chemical anchor studs into the wall and mount it through the hubs).

It needs a new set of decals but apart from that it's in excellent nick. He's ridden it maybe three times.

Waddaya think, BikeGAF?

 

[Psychotext]

Yeah, I'd do it. Bit of history in a way.

 

[Mascot]

Yeah, I'd do it. Bit of history in a way.

I'm really tempted. New decals would add around 10% to the cost (ridiculous when you look at it that way) but it seems a shame to butcher and mount a perfectly-working bike, albeit an old one. And that £350 would be a big chunk of a full-susser if I still decide to go that route.

Think I'll hang fire and mull it over some more. He might need to drop the price before I'll bite.

 

[Psychotext]

I'd probably swap out the bar if it was an original. Wouldn't want to cut it.

 

[Mascot]

I'd probably swap out the bar if it was an original. Wouldn't want to cut it.

Aye, I've got spares.

Heads up: SIS GO hydro tablets are five tubes (of ten) for a fiver, delivered, right now. Just bought ten tubes of berry. Should really buy more at this price...

click, mofo

 

[kottila]

Aye, I've got spares.

Heads up: SIS GO hydro tablets are five tubes (of ten) for a fiver, delivered, right now. Just bought ten tubes of berry. Should really buy more at this price...

click, mofo

Damn, I Just did my spring nutrition shopping on crc a few minutes ago, 6 packs of high 5 tablets and 2 boxes clifbars

 

[jakonovski]

After a rousing ride on the Plug, watching the Cyclocross World Cup on Youtube. I have no idea who anyone is, but I do know the crowd is using selfie sticks to get action shots of the riders. Makes me laugh for some reason.

 

[Lucian Cat]

Finally ordered my new bike. I'm so excited. It's super cheap compared to what you guys seem to be buying (less than $500aud) but seeing as I don't know what my living situation will be in 6 months I don't want to spend a ton only to sell it again. But I can't wait to get back out on the road again just wanted to share the happy.

 

[Psychotext]

Share the shiny pics!

 

[Mascot]

Share the shiny pics!

Note BikeGAF rules: bike must be leaning against a rock or hanging from a tree.

 

[jakonovski]

Finally ordered my new bike. I'm so excited. It's super cheap compared to what you guys seem to be buying (less than $500aud) but seeing as I don't know what my living situation will be in 6 months I don't want to spend a ton only to sell it again. But I can't wait to get back out on the road again just wanted to share the happy.

The good thing about bikes is that as long as it works, it's all about the rider.

And yes, pics!

 

[Lucian Cat]

I'll be sure to post pics when I get it out on its maiden voyage and try to find a rock/tree/post etc Hopefully I'll be picking it up tomorrow. Thursday at the latest.

 

[Mascot]

That's the next 100 rides hydrated. Not too shabby for a tenner delivered, plus a freebie protein pack and glasses cloth.

 

[Psychotext]

Never really went for the SIS ones. I do like the High 5 Zero Xtreme ones though.

 

[jts]

I can't imagine how it will be riding again early next month after a hiatus of almost 2 months.

And my first time with the ice tires to boot.

At least I found my cycling shorts with the padded bottom.

 

[Pinkuss]

I have two bikes, my Cube LTD has become destroyed by Winter, is creaking/squeaking, covered in gunk and the highest gears seem to have been disconnected from the back cog which almost killed me one day. How easy/is it worth it to repair this? (Have a Cube Reaction too which isn't leaving the house until it's dry outside...).

 

[Psychotext]

You'll need to be a big more clear than "disconnected from".

 

[Pinkuss]

Well I aren't great on MTB parts (I used to do BMX stuff in my early 20's.. many years ago). The cassette I believe is a couple of bits?; one with the bigger cogs and one with the smaller one/s? The highest gear just spins around when the chains connected, the rest are fine.

 

[Jobiensis]

Unless mountain bike wheels are different than road bikes. You'll need tools to take the cassette off. If by high gear you mean the smallest cog... The ring that holds the cassette probably loosened up enough that the cog fell off the splines. Take off ring reset cogs, tighten ring.

 

[Psychotext]

Could be. Take a photo!

 

[GamePnoy74]

(reposting from the FigureGAF thread...thought maybe BikeGAF might be interested in this as well =)

My YowaPeda Sakamichi Onoda figma arrived yesterday...sweet figure, yo.

The bike is kinda delicate as you have to assemble it, though.

Spoiler

...and yes, that's a JDM WaveOne Sohoku cycling jersey I use on my rides =)

 

[Psychotext]

Looks like me on the turbo.

 

[thomaser]

So I became a member of the local cycling club. And the first thing I did there was to sign up for a course to become a cycling trainer. It's an expensive course given by the Norwegian Cycling Association, but club members get it for free. So this weekend I'm spending 16 hours in a classroom. Then, 16 more hours of practical coursing next month, plus 35 hours in an online class, capped by 45 hours of training kids before getting a certification. THEN, I can go on to the next step and learn to train older, more experienced riders, which is more what I'm aiming for.

Well I actually don't want to be a trainer for others... it's more for my own sake, so I learn how to train myself better. Also, I'll become a useful part of the club, and more useful to the people I'm riding with (we'll learn how to fix things on the road, for example). The goal is to be able to organize weekly long-trips and maybe get paid for it. We'll see how it goes. If it's too boring I'll just stop.

 

[Psychotext]

Sounds like a plan.

 

[anonymous_abc]

Urgh, don't you just hate it when you are cycling along a cycle path with right of way minding your own business and cars in driveways almost knock you over. And then the drivers have this apologetic hand wave 'Oooops. I'm sooo sorry, that has never happened before.'

 

[Lucian Cat]

Picked up my bike yesterday and took it for a ride this morning. Didn't find a rock or anything for it to hide in, but I did find an old abandoned church in my town

Still adjusting the seat to the level I want. It's all a work in progress

 

[jakonovski]

Nice bike! What's the brand? Also I'm super jealous of your weather. Can't wait to ride on skinny tires again.

For saddle height, this is a pretty good video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVu5Zrktm40 . What worked for me was 88,3% of inseam, measured from the middle of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle.

 

[Psychotext]

I've always used the heel on pedal at 6 o'clock method and slight kink in leg for a quick rule of thumb that works for me. Screw all this measuring bollocks.

If you want to take it to the next level, have a friend help with measurements and: http://www.competitivecyclist.com/Store/catalog/fitCalculatorBike.jsp

 

[Lucian Cat]

Nice bike! What's the brand? Also I'm super jealous of your weather. Can't wait to ride on skinny tires again.

For saddle height, this is a pretty good video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVu5Zrktm40 . What worked for me was 88,3% of inseam, measured from the middle of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle.

It's a Reid Condor with a flat bar. Not super fancy but perfect for me atm. I'll be fiddling around with the seat later today so we'll see how I go

 

[Mascot]

Bwahahaha..!

Check out this fresh-faced pup. Jesus. Twenty-two years ago.
Time, indeed, flies.

 

[Psychotext]

What's that car? My first thought was a MK3 Escort. Maybe a Sierra?

 

[Mascot]

What's that car? My first thought was a MK3 Escort. Maybe a Sierra?

MkIII Escort... In GOLD!

Not sure why the pic is b&w. We did have colour photography, even back then.

Loved that bike though. Brought it back from the USA myself. And check the chainstays on the Scott. Radical design.

 

[Jasup]

Great winter maintenance on cycleways makes cycling safe and easy. At least I didn't have to ride in or even next to traffic..

 

[Quote]

Last weekend and this weekend were my first time MTBing in the California mountains. Lets just say I'm not used to climbing 2000ft when in Florida the most I've done is 250ft. My gearing sucks out here because it was built to get the most out of flat Florida. My current setup was 34tx40 at best, so I went to a local shop and changed out my front ring to 30t. I'm hoping that will make a huge difference.

 

[Psychotext]

What are you running, 1x11?