The Cycling Clubhouse

[DaveK]

For all discussions related to man powered bikes. The weather here has been terrible lately so I haven't gone out much, and since DST is over it's pitch dark when I get home from college most days so I just do laps around my area. What you guys been up to lately? I've made a new 12km route to workout on as it's the same distance to my college so I can cycle in Spring when the weather picks up. I've been slacking the past week and haven't gone out due to the shit weather.

I'm trying to get my average speed up to about 20kph, this is my progress so far:

Date: Avg Speed | Max Speed
15/08/2010: 14.0kph | 31.8kph
17/10/2010: 17.0kph | 32.7kph
29/10/2010: 16.8kph | 33.1kph

Those are the only 12km runs I've done, I've done some other 2-5km runs recently but they don't really count. It's funny how the workout in August is so much slower than the recent ones, I was out of shape then and still am now, I've just been going to college now compared to a summer of nothing haha.

Feel free to post pics of your wheels, here's mine, it's like 7 years old at this point and I'm dying to get a newer bike but am going to go mountain biking on this for about a year or so then see what my financial situation is like next summer, I might get lucky and be able to afford a Lapierre Zesty 314 (http://www.lapierre-bikes.co.uk/lapierre/all-mountain-bike/2011/zesty-314-2011) lol I doubt that, I'll just slap on a rear disc on this bike and hold off until 2012. There's almost no info on the spec of this bike, other than the fact it's spring suspension, has a front 160mm rotor, is 18 speed and has a crap Shimano revo-shift setup. I bet it weighs a shit ton more than newer bikes too.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1090105.jpg

[Kurosagi]

oh i would love to go cycling again but there is no where good to cycle in my town =/ I have no idea about my average speed.
Your got some cool bike there davek i love rayleigh bikes well made and really reliable,i had a old one which wasn't good for kurbs because it didn't have any suspension to absorb impacts from drops and happenly my brother broke it. =/
I got a new bike though from 2 years ago which is a 22" frame i think reebok apex can't remember specific model but i will show picture of it sometime soon.

[yogurt_21]

shoot my bike's been racked for a couple years now, need to pull it down and see if I still remember how to use it.

[entropy13]

http://i.imgur.com/oIIlQ.jpg

May this not happen to anyone of us here.

@DaveK: Your bike is 7 years? I had mine for almost half of my life so far (I'm 20 now, got it in 2001).

[FreedomEclipse]

no idea about average speeds, but heres my bike

http://www.thebikelist.co.uk/imagecache/file/width/800/images/models/Apollo/apollo-xc.26s-22-mens-mountain-bike/apollo-xc.26s-22-mens-mountain-bike.jpg

its just a cheap POS to get around on - will be investing in a GT Agressor or something similar around the £600 mark when i finally get the cash to splash - or just go to EvansCycles and build my own bike like you would build a pc.

my apollo has served me alright so far - not really the lightest bike in the world, handles like obese rainsoaked hippo but it will do until i get the funds for something more high quality

----

If the frame is still in one peice in 2years time, i might take it to Evans - get all the shit components scrapped and build a completely new bike using the same frame

[DaveK]

Went out today but was just a quick run, 9.75km, 17kph AVG, 35.7kph Max.

I don't understand why people are so ignorant towards cyclists. Every time I go out there's always someone who tries ignoring me on the road. I was at traffic lights turning right and a van pulls up right beside me instead of behind me. I don't know why because I was inches behind him going through the turn, drivers don't seem to realize how fast cyclists can accelerate and I'm out of shape.

my apollo has served me alright so far - not really the lightest bike in the world, handles like obese rainsoaked hippo but it will do until i get the funds for something more high quality

My handlebar wobbles because the stem is loose and as a result of that the handlebar rotates so the brakes end up pointing up so I have to keep rotating it back. I just don't have an allen key to tighten it :(

[Kurosagi]

Went out today but was just a quick run, 9.75km, 17kph AVG, 35.7kph Max.

I don't understand why people are so ignorant towards cyclists. Every time I go out there's always someone who tries ignoring me on the road. I was at traffic lights turning right and a van pulls up right beside me instead of behind me. I don't know why because I was inches behind him going through the turn, drivers don't seem to realize how fast cyclists can accelerate and I'm out of shape.



My handlebar wobbles because the stem is loose and as a result of that the handlebar rotates so the brakes end up pointing up so I have to keep rotating it back. I just don't have an allen key to tighten it :(

I am pretty sure you can get allen key cheap in halfords or some hardware store? get a small one to carry around in your pocket or something lol something portable.

[DaMulta]

Me and the boy are thinking about buying a couple of motors for our bikes.
The go around 30-40Mph are are around 100USD for the full kit. You can also still use your bike....as a bike :P
http://www.shop.motorizedbikeparts.com/product.sc?productId=32
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m186/mr_anonymous_2009/brick.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/5/5/9/4/2/4/webimg/339714698_o.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/5/5/9/4/2/4/webimg/339714503_o.jpg

You also get around 100-150Mpg out of it.

[Kurosagi]

lol more like killing yourself and spoils the point of "cycling" putting on a motor.
If i was going to be keen on cycling i would get a carbon fibre bike like this:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_51 8257_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

[FreedomEclipse]

lol more like killing yourself and spoils the point of "cycling" putting on a motor.
If i was going to be keen on cycling i would get a carbon fibre bike like this:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_51 8257_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

I suppose there are people out there in the world that would pay £979 & over for a bike.

[Cuzza]

Here's my bike


http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/57/145447857_full.jpg

Well that's not actually mine, it's someone elses but it's identical except mine doesn't have clip in pedals.

A quick calculation tells me I average 21km/h riding my 11km commute to my college. But I have to go through about 12 sets of traffic lights which are a pain in the ass.

[de.das.dude]

Me and the boy are thinking about buying a couple of motors for our bikes.
The go around 30-40Mph are are around 100USD for the full kit. You can also still use your bike....as a bike :P
http://www.shop.motorizedbikeparts.com/product.sc?productId=32
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m186/mr_anonymous_2009/brick.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/5/5/9/4/2/4/webimg/339714698_o.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/5/5/9/4/2/4/webimg/339714503_o.jpg

You also get around 100-150Mpg out of it.

can you put this on any bike??

[DaMulta]

yep

[dr emulator (madmax)]

Me and the boy are thinking about buying a couple of motors for our bikes.
The go around 30-40Mph are are around 100USD for the full kit. You can also still use your bike....as a bike :P

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/5/5/9/4/2/4/webimg/339714698_o.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/5/5/9/4/2/4/webimg/339714503_o.jpg

You also get around 100-150Mpg out of it.

that's one cool addon, i wonder how noisy it is?

[DaMulta]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/80CC-Bicycle-Engine-Kit-GAS-Motor-Motorized-Bike-EPA-FS-/220694531421?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33626b4d5d

here is a link to one on the UK Ebay site. The stinger seems to be the better of them....

It didn't sound to loud on YouTube. Kind of like a weed-eater engine, but not that.....

The one pad with all the bolts in a circle bolts around the sprockets, and lets you mount the other freewheel in the rear.

[DaveK]

Went for a quick cycle today, up a small bridge then down again then a long straight down past my local shopping centre then down a steep hill to the village. 50kph down a wet road that was dark because it has no lights while at the same time only having one hand on the handle bar because I was holding my phone to stop it falling out of my ghetto rubber band mount because of speed bumps and pot holes. That was fucking fun haha, didn't even run out of gears so I'm gonna go down it again when it's day time and just bomb it down :D

I am pretty sure you can get allen key cheap in halfords or some hardware store? get a small one to carry around in your pocket or something lol something portable.

I haven't got money to get a set myself, I've been meaning to get a lend off my brother in law.

I suppose there are people out there in the world that would pay £979 & over for a bike.

Like me, I'm holding out on buying a new bike until I can afford a Lapierre Zesty 314 for €2,600 lol.

[FreedomEclipse]

Unfortunately after bad experience dealin with halfords Im not going to do business with them again. EvansCycles are definitely the place to go - if i had the money to splash Id go and talk to them about building a bike from scratch - a custom MTB thats rugged enough to bunny hop cliffs and light enough to give lighter racing bikes a run for their money pulling away from a redlight -- thats assuming the other cyclists actually stop at a red light, ive seen some go through it reguardless but i prefer to assess the situation before deciding if im going fast enough to make it to the otherside before traffic starts rolling.

I dont think such a bike exists but I'm quite a big guy and cant keep forking out money for the shitty tyres that usually come with racing bikes so its MTB all the way

[DaveK]

Unfortunately after bad experience dealin with halfords Im not going to do business with them again. EvansCycles are definitely the place to go - if i had the money to splash Id go and talk to them about building a bike from scratch - a custom MTB thats rugged enough to bunny hop cliffs and light enough to give lighter racing bikes a run for their money pulling away from a redlight -- thats assuming the other cyclists actually stop at a red light, ive seen some go through it reguardless but i prefer to assess the situation before deciding if im going fast enough to make it to the otherside before traffic starts rolling.

I dont think such a bike exists but I'm quite a big guy and cant keep forking out money for the shitty tyres that usually come with racing bikes so its MTB all the way

I'm in the same boat, I want to get a new bike for mountain biking but it also has to do for commuting to college in Spring-Autumn. It's 12km to my current college and I cycle that distance in about 45 minutes, I'm already faster than the bus I currently get which takes an hour and the bus company is changing the route so I'll have to get two buses starting from next week, one goes literally 5 minutes down the road to get the other one, it's a 30 min walk and I can't cycle to the bus stop as there's no bike parking. With a heavy MTB and me being out of shape I'm already faster than public transport, I just need to get into better shape so there's no need for me to get a road bike, it just means I have to push it harder to go as fast.

As for red lights, I tend to run them in my area as it's a fairly quiet residential area and I only go when there's no traffic but most of the time it's because the lights are pressure sensitive so only go green when there's a car there and my bike doesn't trigger them so I'd end up stuck at a red light for 5 minutes until a car pulled up behind me. And since it's less than 5C out and/or pissing rain, I'd rather not wait. Once I'm on main roads though I stick as close to the kerb as I can to allow cars and faster cyclists to overtake though going down the hill to the village I go into the middle of the road as there's no lights and there's leaves on the path/inside of the lane and are very slippy, I stick with the traffic though as I do 50kph down it so I'm not holding anyone up, they're actually holding me up lol.

[DaMulta]

If you put a strong rare earth magnet under your bike. It will set the lights off for you...more or less help it see you to change the lights.

[FreedomEclipse]

If you put a strong rare earth magnet under your bike. It will set the lights off for you...more or less help it see you to change the lights.

but the magnet would pick up coke cans while on route to your destination

[DaveK]

Cycled to college for the first time today, 46 minutes on the way in at 12.9km and 58 minutes on the way home at 14.8km for a total of 27.7km today, I'm happy with that :)

I think I'll cycle to college 3 times a week instead of cycling to workout when I get home. The only problem is the rain, I got soaked going into college and the cold made it worse. It was fine on the way home but my shoes were still cold and wet, it was mainly just cold. I had 2 t-shirts, a hoody and a scarf and was still cold after cycling for an hour :(

[WhiteNoise]

Mine:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g307/lubetek/SANY0010.jpg

I've had it up to 41 mph downhill according to my bike computer. Thats going down a fire road not single track. It was crazy fun. Everytime I'd hit a hump in the road I would catch air...lots of fun!

This pic was taken near the middle of Bear Mtn in So Cal.

[FreedomEclipse]

Well the ultra bright light i bought from the £1 Shop has snapped off n turned into an ultra bright torch. an i dont know if i should get a more expensive super bright or ultra bright from halfords as they got some big winter discounts going. i do admit i like to blind fellow road users with a ultra bright 7 LED cycle light. and better the driver in the car gets blinded and crash then not knowing im within shagging distance of his wife. so £33 will be money well spent not just for my own personal safety but it lights up sign posts n big holes in the tarmack too!

[DaveK]

Still slowly getting into shape, managed to cycle 11km in 35 minutes with an average speed of 18kph, a new record :) And this was after a day of college and after walking 3km at a fast pace. It must have been that can of Monster I had for lunch lol.

[DaMulta]

http://www.walmart.com/ip/29-Men-s-Mongoose-Impasse/13398137

My Dad is wanting to get me a new bike for x-mass, and does not want to spend to much.

I seen this today. What do you guys think? It has 29'' tires, and has disc brakes in both front, back.

Also doing some reading 700c road tires fit on it....

[FreedomEclipse]

http://www.walmart.com/ip/29-Men-s-Mongoose-Impasse/13398137

My Dad is wanting to get me a new bike for x-mass, and does not want to spend to much.

I seen this today. What do you guys think? It has 29'' tires, and has disc brakes in both front, back.

Also doing some reading 700c road tires fit on it....

looks very much like my bike but without the front suspension forks

[DaveK]

Nearly went out on my ear when cycling into my estate today lol. Snow is damn hard to cycle on, it's like constantly cycling up a hill, the roads are easier to cycle on as it's mainly just ice and is flat and smooth. The back end slips left and right going over the thick snow, good fun :D

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/2010-12-03154744.jpg

[DaMulta]

I bought a new cheap bike today 700c Men's Mongoose Paver.

It's only 7 speed, and that is the only real issue I have with it. It does not go super fast, but the frame is alright, and the welds look good on it. It's really light, and has 700c tires on it.

I bought it new at 75.00USD. A price that just could not be beaten for me right now. Cause I want to get other things at the moment. So the bike will do, and I'm happy with it. So I guess that's all that matters.

Plus the handle bar sets really high on it, and I don't have to lean over to ride.

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/03/86/75/48/0003867548748_500X500.jpg

[DaMulta]

What do you guys wear in the cold not to freeze yourself to ride in the current below freezing weather?

I about died earlier today.....lol my fingers were really pissed at me I can tell you that:P

[DaveK]

I just priced up some riding gear. Helmet, gloves, goggles, jersey and pants. Even the though it's in the budget range it's still pricey, €320...I'm glad I don't race motocross, the boots are another $100 :P

I won't have enough money by my birthday in February for that, especially since I need money for my college ball in April, but hopefully I'll get it by the start of Summer once I finish my exams but that means I won't get to start mountain biking until then, but it gives me 6 months to get into better shape.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/Image3-4.jpg

What do you guys wear in the cold not to freeze yourself to ride in the current below freezing weather?

I about died earlier today.....lol my fingers were really pissed at me I can tell you that:P

I wear a t-shirt, a long sleeve jersey and Fox Dirtpaw gloves, it's currently around 0-6C here. I don't dress too heavy as I warm up when cycling but just make sure you're covered, a hat, scarf and gloves and an extra t-shirt will help, depending on how cold it is.

[DaMulta]

Took my bike back, and bought the 29'' bike with disc brakes front back. Got out in the parking lot, and god is this bike ever fast.

Then I noticed my front tire was bent.... So I took it back again.

The had it listed more in the store I brought my 7speed back, and so I made 20 dollars when it was all said and done for.

Now, I've called 10 wal-marts looking for this bike, and found on in another city 20 miles from here. My dad is fixing to come get the funds from me to get it while I'm work.

So tomorrow I should have the bike I really want. A 29'' front/back disc brakes, handles bars don't make me lean over really bad, and 21 gears with the shimano tourney gears.

[FreedomEclipse]

What do you guys wear in the cold not to freeze yourself to ride in the current below freezing weather?

I about died earlier today.....lol my fingers were really pissed at me I can tell you that:P

I just wear 1 Thermal shirt 1 Tshirt 1 Light fleece 1 'gillet' heavier fleece and my long sleeve high vis which i nicked while working for Royal Mail - I do get strange looks when i go past other Royal Mail workers but none of them have ever tried to stop me n ask me where i got it from. and lastly I wear some cycling gloves - after a few mins huffin n puffin goin up a hill on a bike you'l be more then warm enough

[DaMulta]

http://img.techpowerup.org/110104/newbike.jpg

I'm in love, but the front derail-er needs to be aligned a little more. Front forks should be a little tighter, but you can't adjust that at all. I guess that's part of a 200usd bike, but overall it's the best bike I have ever rode.

I went around town around 2-3 miles, and shortly puked after I was done. I haven't really rode in 2 months.

I almost topped it out, but didn't get it all the way there. It's damn fast for my blood.

He he on the way up my drive way I popped a wheelie on it. I don't know if I've done that before on a bike:P

[DaMulta]

Mine:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g307/lubetek/SANY0010.jpg

I've had it up to 41 mph downhill according to my bike computer. Thats going down a fire road not single track. It was crazy fun. Everytime I'd hit a hump in the road I would catch air...lots of fun!

This pic was taken near the middle of Bear Mtn in So Cal.

I have to say dude, you has a bad ass bike!



Well for cold weather a t-shirt, my leather jacket, hat, and some gloves kept me plenty warm. After just a little bit I was sweating out the (u)

[DaveK]

Paid for this today, picking it up on Saturday but have to wait til my birthday on the 13th of Feb to get it lol

Got the biggest frame they have, a 56. My crotch touches the top tube, you're supposed to have about 2 inches of space but since it will be used mainly for commuting I got the bigger frame since the smaller one could lead to back problems. As for moutain biking, a smaller frame would be a bit easier to handle and I wouldn't wreck my sack if I needed to jump off but those aren't issues. I cycled them in the shop, it was nerve wrecking lol, had to cycle a really narrow space while trying to not hit over €20,000 worth of bikes lol. It felt solid and smooth, I can't wait to get it :) It was 15% off in their Christmas sale so I got the next model up, 500g lighter, an extra gear and it's blue :D

I also get 10% off everything for life for being a customer :) Being a hardtail it's naturally lighter, has less moving parts/maintenance and I won't lose pedalling power so it's better for commuting, the only downside is it will be a harder ride for mountain biking but I feel more in control with a stiffer ride.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/1190.jpg

[DaMulta]

KICK ASS!

Love the front spring set on that K!


Noticed my front handle bars were on backwords.>WTF> Not a big thing I had to fix though.

Thinking about converting it to tubeless tires.

[DaveK]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1100071.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1100052.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1100057.jpg

Sexy.

Went out cycling on my old bike this morning on a 12km run and got 18kph Avg/32kph Max and on the new bike 22kph Avg/40kph Max. Cycling it is effortless, it's a much bigger frame and the front end is so light. I feel much more in control. I was doing 40kph easily on a long flat road without any effort, pretty sweet.

It was supposed to be for my birthday in just under 4 weeks but they want me to return the bike in 4-6 weeks for a service so I have to use it, no complaints there it's fucking awesome :D

[DaMulta]

What BB, and Derailers are you running K??

Is yours a 29er?

[DaveK]

What BB, and Derailers are you running K??

Is yours a 29er?

CH51/68/113 bottom bracket, Shimano FCM430 Alivio crankset, SR Suntour FD8-XCR414-48 front derailleur and Shimano Alivio RDM 430 SGS rear derailleur. It's 26" but with a 56cm/22" frame, I'm 6' 4" and I only have about 1" of room over the top tube, it's so much bigger than my old bike. Much better reach to the handlebars too and I love the Shimano Alivio Rapidfire shifters.

[Odameyer]

I did 35 miles today on my single speed 20" including going down a small mountain brakeless. I think I broke my ass. :(

[twilyth]

Ouch. Sucks when you have have the seat surgically removed from your ass crack.

[FreedomEclipse]

Ive decided to start saving for a new bike - Ive had enough of my Apollo and i cant stand it anymore. the general weight of the bike has become unbearable and it has to go. If im serious about riding - I need something lighter. the bike weighs a fucking ton and being on roads with it does wear me down.

I looking at getting a GT Aggressor XC 2 or the XC 3 model

[Odameyer]

Ive decided to start saving for a new bike - Ive had enough of my Apollo and i cant stand it anymore. the general weight of the bike has become unbearable and it has to go. If im serious about riding - I need something lighter. the bike weighs a fucking ton and being on roads with it does wear me down.

I looking at getting a GT Aggressor XC 2 or the XC 3 model

Weight seems always a complacent issue with ANYTHING concerning bicycles, but I think part of it is also conditioning yourself physically to be able to have a good amount of control over your bike. But who doesn't want a lighter and more controllable bike in the first place :p

[FreedomEclipse]

well Ive had the bike for a year - so its not as if i didnt give myself time to 'adjust' to the bike

[DaveK]

My Lapierre is so much lighter than my old Raleigh, my average speed has increased by 5kph. Granted, it is a hard-tail, but cycling around is much more fun and I feel so much more in control. With the Raleigh, no matter how much I cycled and got in better shape I seemed to be stuck at a brick wall, I couldn't improve.

About 6km of my 15km journey to college is on a canal cycle track which has a number of pedestrian gates to lift my bike over, it's nice to be able to easily lift it over the gate with 1 arm while using the other arm to keep the gate steady. Than again, they're fucking tards for ruing a cycle track with pedestrian gates :mad:

[FreedomEclipse]

My bike definitely weighs about 20kg (lol???) I know what a 20kg box of frozen shrimp feels like and the bike definitely weighs about the same or a little more, no doubt about it - I even struggle to lift it with 1 arm and lifting 20kg of frozen shrimp is a peice of piss

[Wile E]

My bike definitely weighs about 20kg (lol???) I know what a 20kg box of frozen shrimp feels like and the bike definitely weighs about the same or a little more, no doubt about it - I even struggle to lift it with 1 arm and lifting 20kg of frozen shrimp is a peice of piss

Then you don't need a new bike, you need to get stronger. 20kg is child's play.

[FreedomEclipse]

Then you don't need a new bike, you need to get stronger. 20kg is child's play.

Im saying it weighs MORE then 20kg

[Wile E]

Talk to me when it's 30 or more.

[twilyth]

My Lapierre is so much lighter than my old Raleigh, my average speed has increased by 5kph. Granted, it is a hard-tail, but cycling around is much more fun and I feel so much more in control. With the Raleigh, no matter how much I cycled and got in better shape I seemed to be stuck at a brick wall, I couldn't improve.

About 6km of my 15km journey to college is on a canal cycle track which has a number of pedestrian gates to lift my bike over, it's nice to be able to easily lift it over the gate with 1 arm while using the other arm to keep the gate steady. Than again, they're fucking tards for ruing a cycle track with pedestrian gates :mad:

I think weight matters less than rolling resistance. Skinny, high pressure racing tires will get you more speed than a few kilos in weight. The only difference weight makes is in the amount of inertia, and in that regard, you're body weight is a much more significant factor.

The problem is that you're have to be much, much, much more observant. A sewer grate or a small pot hole and you'll jacknife your front end and find yourself body surfing on the asphalt - if you don't end up being road kill.

I used to have a folding Dahon bike. Still have it actually. It weighs about 35lbs with 10" wheels but it's all steel construction. As a folder, you can't compromise much on frame strength. But I thought newer road bikes had alloy frames. If steel is still the main ingredient, 40lbs sounds about right. Maybe 50 for a mountain bike since you have the extra suspension components.

[FreedomEclipse]

Talk to me when it's 30 or more.

but it IS 30 or more :)

[DaMulta]

My frame weight on my new bike is 4.5lbs.

[FreedomEclipse]

Ive been looking at retiring my northface racksack is as its been on the road with me for many years and looks pretty ragged. Ive been looking at messenger bags pretty much all day and it suprises me that some of these bags cost upto £150 (just for 1 freakin bag) Ive looked at rucksacks too but im leaning more towards messenger bags because it looks fucking cool when your cycling down the road with them on

[Wile E]

but it IS 30 or more :)

No it isn't. You are saying your bike weighs over 65lbs. Yeah, maybe if the frame was cast iron.

[FreedomEclipse]

No it isn't. You are saying your bike weighs over 65lbs. Yeah, maybe if the frame was cast iron.

but my bike sunk the titanic!!

[Gas2100]

my bike, built by me, used for dirt jumping/comuting:

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/2541/dsc00063zs.jpg

specs:
Frame - NS Bitch 22" - 26" wheel
Fork - Marzocchi Drop Offs 04 130mm travel pumped to 50 psi
Front wheel - alex rims on a generic hub
Back wheel - Atom labs (but forget the model) single speed conversion
Bars/stem - Ideal Scrambler
Brakes - Shimano and hayes cable as i perfer
Cranks - Charge 2pc crank w/ 32T sprocket
Tyres - DMR

gear ratio 32/15

yea, im quite into my bikes..i have a few oldschools too.

[WhiteLotus]

So what are the main difference between road bikes and mountain bikes? Road bikes seem to be way more expensive for some reason?

[FreedomEclipse]

So what are the main difference between road bikes and mountain bikes? Road bikes seem to be way more expensive for some reason?

Materials mainly - road bikes are smaller then mountainbikes and generally less durable compared to mountainbikes. Road bikes need to be made from strong but light materials - have a look at the frames. one of my friends has a road bike that i could lift with my little finger - no joke. its amazing but i dont ride it because Im 6fft1 & over over 12stone :P LOL *grumbles* mutherfuka....

.:edit:.

Oh yeah - the tyres are thinner too

[DaMulta]

http://forums.mtbr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=593944&stc=1&d=1296096996http://forums.mtbr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=593945&stc=1&d=1296096996

[FreedomEclipse]

http://forums.mtbr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=593944&stc=1&d=1296096996

http://meowcheese.com/files/lolpics/2009/01/oh-hai-.jpg

I fixed your linkage - Secondly you need to be a member of that site to view the link posted

[DaveK]

Just serviced, got new stem fitted and for free, got mudguards and a chainstay protector. Gonna ride it and make sure nothing falls off :D The rear mudguard is quick release, it's handy but a bit flimsy. Figures, the sun has to be beaming down so I can't get soaked in puddles lol, great day for a cycle none the less :D

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1100514.jpg

[twilyth]

Mud guards were the first thing I got for my mountain bike. When I used to ride regularly, I did laps around a local park. There were fucking geese everywhere and without the guards, I'd have been eating goose shit for most of my ride.

[DaveK]

Mud guards were the first thing I got for my mountain bike. When I used to ride regularly, I did laps around a local park. There were fucking geese everywhere and without the guards, I'd have been eating goose shit for most of my ride.

Most of the on-road cycle tracks here are full of dirt, mud and gravel on the inside half of the lane and a lot of the puddles in them are straight up mud/dirt so without mud guards I usually arrive at college with a bunch of dark dirt splats on my face, always a pain in the ass having to check myself out in my phone to wipe them off then go to the toilets and wipe dirt off my trousers.

I went out to a business park because they have an unfinished dirt road and it has lots and lots of pot holes with puddles, very fun. My back and face were clean though my legs were full of splashes from going a bit wild, I won't have that problem on the roads and my rear mudguard stayed on despite the bumpy ride :) I just need an allen key to adjust the angle of the rear guard.

I had to leave the business park though, a truck pulled up to me so I knew I wasn't wanted there. It's not trespassing as it's an open business park I just went onto the dead end dirt road. This, however, is probably trespassing. A small field beside an unopened car-park, it has easy access from the main road looking down on it, step over a small ~1ft crash barrier, go down the hill between the small trees then over a 3-4ft fence. The second pic is a gentle slope up then steep down where you can't see.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/2011-02-26172857.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/2011-02-26172910.jpg

[FreedomEclipse]

Most of the on-road cycle tracks here are full of dirt, mud and gravel on the inside half of the lane and a lot of the puddles in them are straight up mud/dirt so without mud guards I usually arrive at college with a bunch of dark dirt splats on my face, always a pain in the ass having to check myself out in my phone to wipe them off then go to the toilets and wipe dirt off my trousers.

I went out to a business park because they have an unfinished dirt road and it has lots and lots of pot holes with puddles, very fun. My back and face were clean though my legs were full of splashes from going a bit wild, I won't have that problem on the roads and my rear mudguard stayed on despite the bumpy ride :) I just need an allen key to adjust the angle of the rear guard.

I had to leave the business park though, a truck pulled up to me so I knew I wasn't wanted there. It's not trespassing as it's an open business park I just went onto the dead end dirt road. This, however, is probably trespassing. A small field beside an unopened car-park, it has easy access from the main road looking down on it, step over a small ~1ft crash barrier, go down the hill between the small trees then over a 3-4ft fence. The second pic is a gentle slope up then steep down where you can't see.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/2011-02-26172857.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/2011-02-26172910.jpg

one day im gonna have to hire a C-130 and parachute myself & my bike in for an odd ramble. may i have the co-ordinates please?

[DaveK]

Sometimes roads get a little boring and it's time to take it off-road and do a little exploring. The field looks boring but was very bumpy, though the real fun was the gravel road and dirt hills hidden further in. It's not much, but it's better than nothing :)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/2011-03-13155650.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/2011-03-14154144.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/2011-03-13160124.jpg

[twilyth]

I got out my dual suspension Mongoose yesterday and took it out for a few miles. Have to adjust the seat and handle bars. Might work on that today. Will try to remember to take a picture and post.

Somehow hurt my wrist though. Was quite painful last night, but better today.

[DaveK]

Added a pic to my previous post showing the road in the field, you can see the red and white concrete blocks in the top right. Done a little more exploring today, I went to the left of the field this time in the dead construction zone, top left of the first picture you can see an electricity pylon, that's where I got in, there's a missing section of a wall. I have a slight fear of electricity pylons and I was less than 20 feet away from it, that's why I didn't go yesterday :o

It's mainly just mud and unfinished roads, I tore me legs up on a thorn bush in the grassy section between the two areas :( The first picture is looking West just after the entrance and the second picture taken on a small hill is West to East, with a park on the left and the basically abandoned construction zone on the right.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/2011-03-14155129.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/2011-03-14155519.jpg

[WhiteNoise]

I want to buy a set of rims and street tires for my MTB. I never ride it in the city because I don't want to ruin/use up my expensive as all hell kenda's. I also don't want to swap tires off the rims all the time so I need two rims, two street tires and discs to mount to them.

I miss riding around the city.

[DaveK]

Got a flat today, so I'm gonna buy a new tube tomorrow and hopefully change the tire. Never done it before so hopefully it goes smoothly. Such a pain in the ass, I went out for a 30km run to hit the 1,000km mark on my Lapierre but got the flat at just under 15km and had to walk 10km home :S

After that experience I'm putting a hydration pack on the top of my wishlist. After cycling 45 minutes then having to walk an hour and a half without food, water or money, shit gets bad. I barely made it home. So if there's one bit of advice on safety gear I say avoid a helmet, get a hydration pack, spare tubes, a toolkit and bring a snack. That'll save your ass sooner than a helmet, after all you have hands to break your fall. I'm talking on roads of course, a helmet off-road is a no brainer.

I gots a mofuckin' unicycle! I also found washing "instructions" on the bottom of the frame lol, nice to see Lapierre have a sense of humour :D

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1100583.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1100581.jpg

[twilyth]

Got back from a ride about an hour or so ago. Decided to finally take a pic of my bike. It's a beast. In a lot of ways I prefer my old racing style bike with skinny tires, but in this area, with pot holes, construction and the fact that I have to go off-road to avoid traffic at times, it's perfectly suited for riding around here.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x206/twilyth/76ab0385.jpg

[DaveK]

So I passed the 1,000km mark on my bike yesterday, I also changed my first bike tube on Saturday. It was easier than expected although the rim tape was slightly covering the valve hole so it was difficult to get through. 15 minutes to fix my first flat, it's actually really simple not to mention free and a spare tube is also only about €7.

I also finally lubed my chain. The tutorials on the internet are slightly misleading and not all are thorough. Some tutorials put lube on the outside of the chain and most failed to mention the derailleur pulleys, holy shit. I just done my pulleys a while ago and the amount of dirt that came off them is crazy.

I'll need a service pretty soon too, only 636km left until I need one and I do between 96-120km a week. I may need a new chain too which is about €30, but I could probably hold off until the next service if the chain flex isn't too severe.

[twilyth]

So I passed the 1,000km mark on my bike yesterday, I also changed my first bike tube on Saturday. It was easier than expected although the rim tape was slightly covering the valve hole so it was difficult to get through. 15 minutes to fix my first flat, it's actually really simple not to mention free and a spare tube is also only about €7.

I also finally lubed my chain. The tutorials on the internet are slightly misleading and not all are thorough. Some tutorials put lube on the outside of the chain and most failed to mention the derailleur pulleys, holy shit. I just done my pulleys a while ago and the amount of dirt that came off them is crazy.

I'll need a service pretty soon too, only 636km left until I need one and I do between 96-120km a week. I may need a new chain too which is about €30, but I could probably hold off until the next service if the chain flex isn't too severe.

Put talcum powder in the tire before you mount it on the rim so that the tube doesn't bind up when you inflate it. You can use another lubricant but talcum powder is cheap and easy and unlike most petroleum based lubricants won't degrade the rubber. You never want to ride on degrading rubber. :D

I used to change my own tires too but could never figure out why they would pop the first pot hole I hit. I finally found out and hence forth always used the talcum powder trick.

Put small palmful in the tire and then spin it around to distribute it evenly.

edit: also, while filling, stop a few times at different pressures and press on and rotate the tire. This will also help to prevent binding. If you didn't take either precaution, I would dismount the tire and redo it. You'll thank me later.

[DaveK]

Put talcum powder in the tire before you mount it on the rim so that the tube doesn't bind up when you inflate it. You can use another lubricant but talcum powder is cheap and easy and unlike most petroleum based lubricants won't degrade the rubber. You never want to ride on degrading rubber. :D

I used to change my own tires too but could never figure out why they would pop the first pot hole I hit. I finally found out and hence forth always used the talcum powder trick.

Put small palmful in the tire and then spin it around to distribute it evenly.

edit: also, while filling, stop a few times at different pressures and press on and rotate the tire. This will also help to prevent binding. If you didn't take either precaution, I would dismount the tire and redo it. You'll thank me later.

Well I've done about 100km on the tire and all is ok, even hit some big ass pot holes that I keep forgetting to complain about. Apparently if you complain about a pot hole they come out and fill them pretty quickly and there's like 4 huge ones in a row on my journey :S

But I did press and rotate as I was filling up the tube to make sure it didn't get pinched against the rim.

[KieX]

This thread is making me want to get my bike out of the shed. But commuting is a pain. Can't help racing other cyclists to work and that then means 15min washing and changing clothes when I get to work.

A few other londonders here, any good places to go weekend for something that isn't road or Richmond Park?

[Frederik S]

Rolling resistance, drivetrain efficiency and weight are the three main factors.
Will take a few snapshots of my old steel bikes.

And that Lapierre sticker is EPIC!

[DaveK]

This thread is making me want to get my bike out of the shed. But commuting is a pain. Can't help racing other cyclists to work and that then means 15min washing and changing clothes when I get to work.

A few other londonders here, any good places to go weekend for something that isn't road or Richmond Park?

When I cycle to college in the mornings my back gets really sweaty from where my school bag is, I cycle in a t-shirt and have my hoody in my bag to wear when I get to college as sometimes I need to hide the sweat mark so I'm just going to wear my long sleeve Monster jersey then change to a t-shirt as the jersey is a really lightweight polyester and has mesh vents, I think I'll also bring some wipes to freshen up when changing.

It also opens up my wardrobe a little, some of my t-shirts are a little on the short side so usually show my underwear on the bike but I'll only be wearing them in college and the jersey for cycling and that's long and has a droptail :D

Rolling resistance, drivetrain efficiency and weight are the three main factors.
Will take a few snapshots of my old steel bikes.

And that Lapierre sticker is EPIC!

From what I've read on the net, the rotational weight of the wheels is more of a factor than the weight of the bike itself. So it would be better to buy lighter rims and tires than say a lighter fork.

[Frederik S]

From what I've read on the net, the rotational weight of the wheels is more of a factor than the weight of the bike itself. So it would be better to buy lighter rims and tires than say a lighter fork.

That is true but loss of intertia only happens when you brake. So for mountain bikes where you brake all the time rotational mass is a killer, for road bikes not that much. Plus the lighter wheels might be less rigid thus lowering the total transmission efficiency.

[DaveK]

Got a reply back from my bike shop about truing wheels:

Hi David, Retruing wheels is included in a service, provided that there are no broken spokes. There is an extra charge of €15 plus the price of the spoke, if there are broken spokes.

So that's good, I can get it done on my next service which will be in the next few weeks, just need to get €50 from somewhere lol.

[Kurosagi]

I haven't posted screenshot of my bike yet,i have just taken some pictures for Huskie.My current bike is an Reebok Apex 21" frame Speed Bike:
http://img.techpowerup.org/110423/IMG-20110423-00025.jpg
http://img.techpowerup.org/110423/IMG-20110423-00026.jpg

[DaveK]

My brother in law gave me the tires of his Lapierre, so now I have 2 replacements which is handy as my rear tire is going to need replacing in the next few weeks :D

[KieX]

Well.. finally got round to cycling to work every day (4.4Miles each way). First two weeks was seriously painful from saddle sore and general lack of fitness. Has become a lot easier now though.

So.. today my first proper cycling trip.. and with my Android using "mytracks" app to record the trip. Found a website that allows you to upload the .gpx file and plots your journey on google maps with things like elevation and speed:

http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=1146650

Oh, and here's the Cannondale F6 that I use:
http://img.techpowerup.org/110604/IMG_20110604_142822.jpg

[twilyth]

Well.. finally got round to cycling to work every day (4.4Miles each way). First two weeks was seriously painful from saddle sore and general lack of fitness. Has become a lot easier now though.

So.. today my first proper cycling trip.. and with my Android using "mytracks" app to record the trip. Found a website that allows you to upload the .gpx file and plots your journey on google maps with things like elevation and speed:

http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=1146650

Oh, and here's the Cannondale F6 that I use:
http://img.techpowerup.org/110604/IMG_20110604_142822.jpg

Congrats man. That's a big accomplishment and a nice bike (toast) (toast)

[Frederik S]

I ride this bike to school pretty much every day.
http://img.techpowerup.org/110606/photo1.jpg

http://img.techpowerup.org/110606/photo2.jpg

Takes a good beating but seems to be holding up nicely.

[DaveK]

Switched from CardioTrainer to Endomondo on my phone, the Endomondo website is much, much better. The app doesn't have many details with logged workouts but it's not a big deal as it has time, distance and averave speed. Here's some of the features on the site, one of my favorites is that I can set a cycle as either transport or sport so I can compare the stats independently.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/Image6.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/Image5-2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/Image1-24.jpg


Well.. finally got round to cycling to work every day (4.4Miles each way). First two weeks was seriously painful from saddle sore and general lack of fitness. Has become a lot easier now though.

So.. today my first proper cycling trip.. and with my Android using "mytracks" app to record the trip. Found a website that allows you to upload the .gpx file and plots your journey on google maps with things like elevation and speed:

http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=1146650

Oh, and here's the Cannondale F6 that I use:
http://img.techpowerup.org/110604/IMG_20110604_142822.jpg

Nice, have you considered slick tires for commuting? I'm hoping to pick up a set of 26x1.50 Schwalbe City Jets soon for road use.

[KieX]

So, whilst my body shape doesn't suggest it I've been getting fitter and fitter, or at least building up stamina. Today was a big day, did about 60KM off-road.

http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripid=1250549

Still looking for a better website to upload the gps files to. Mytracks android app has a lot more information than most sites display.:mad:

[twilyth]

38 miles. Very nice! (toast)

[DaveK]

Dropped my bike into the shop today. The front wheel was wobbly and there was a weird rubbing like motion on the rear wheel. It turns out the front quick release was really loose and I need a new freehub on the back. The front was fixed there and then but the freehub I need is out of stock and isn't expected back for several months. I'm waiting for them to call me back as they're getting in contact with Madison their supplier to see if they can get one. If they can, it's €25 for it, if not I need a new wheel which is €80...

[Wile E]

Hey, maybe it's time for an upgrade?

[Nozoned]

I got on a bike for the first time in about fifteen years this past Saturday. Some friends talked me in to going on the VA creeper trail. I was doubtful at first but, I had a friggin blast. When I got home I looked for trails around Charlotte and was surprised. Apparently there are a s*** ton around town. I've been keeping a close eye on Craigslist, have to get a bike now.

[WhiteLotus]

Hey UK people. I need a bike now please. I have looked into Gumtree, and eBay. Also Amazon and Tesco. I just need something cheap (by cheap I mean less than £80) to get me down to the station and then onwards to work... and back obviously. Walking takes me 20 minutes, and then another 20mins after the half hour train. So yea, hour 10 commute sucks balls.

Anyone got any decent sites, second hand they want to shift? I'll be your best friend for life.

[HossHuge]

Does anyone else use an aluminium frame? I've had my bike for about 5 years and have ridden about maybe 100km total. It's so stiff and causes pain in my shoulders and wrists. I need a suspension fork.

Pics of my bike to come later.

[KieX]

Hey UK people. I need a bike now please. I have looked into Gumtree, and eBay. Also Amazon and Tesco. I just need something cheap (by cheap I mean less than £80) to get me down to the station and then onwards to work... and back obviously. Walking takes me 20 minutes, and then another 20mins after the half hour train. So yea, hour 10 commute sucks balls.

Anyone got any decent sites, second hand they want to shift? I'll be your best friend for life.

Halfords might have bikes in that price range, but expect them to fall apart. Better get a cheap second hand one, gumtree is absolutely the best way to go.

Does anyone else use an aluminium frame? I've had my bike for about 5 years and have ridden about maybe 100km total. It's so stiff and causes pain in my shoulders and wrists. I need a suspension fork.

Pics of my bike to come later.

Suspension is one way to fix it, but have you tried softer grips (gummy plastic?) and padded bike gloves? Would be cheaper and may be all you need to get a more comfortable ride.

Depending what tires you have, you could run them slightly under the recommended PSI for a softer ride although more prone to punctures.

[twilyth]

Hey UK people. I need a bike now please. I have looked into Gumtree, and eBay. Also Amazon and Tesco. I just need something cheap (by cheap I mean less than £80) to get me down to the station and then onwards to work... and back obviously. Walking takes me 20 minutes, and then another 20mins after the half hour train. So yea, hour 10 commute sucks balls.

Anyone got any decent sites, second hand they want to shift? I'll be your best friend for life.
I rode my bike to the train for a few years and the more important consideration - even than price - is durability. Magnesium alloys seem to hold up very well to getting wet from snow and rain, time after time. The 10 speed I used for most of that time had a steel frame with mag alloy components like handle bars, stem, etc. and never had an ounce of rust.

Since you seem to want to take your bike on the train and then ride it at your destination, I would suggest a good folding bike. You can bring this inside when you get to your class/office, etc. If you get one with an aluminum or mag frame, it will be light and strong.

A couple things to know though: 1. riding on wheels with a 14" or smaller diameter can be tricky and will require some practice. They are very twitchy and you can inadvertently jacknife the front wheel if you're not always on your guard. 2. Pay close attention to the weight and see what a bulky item of the same weight feels like to you. 35 lbs may not sound like much, but when you are trying to carry it in a bulky canvas case and swinging it from one hand to the other, it gets tiring very quickly. So get the lightest model you can afford.

I realize that given the price limit you've stated, something like a good folder (like a dahon) is probably going to be at least 3 times over your budget. Even so, give it some careful consideration as to the advantages and disadvantages. You may decide it's worth it.

edit: Dahon is probably the oldest and best know maker of folders - http://www.dahon.com/folding-bicycles

Bickerton is (or used to be) a good brand - http://www.bickertonportables.co.uk/

They're a uk company and I have an old Bickerton that is very nice.

[HossHuge]

My bike. It's a Giant Flight M2.

http://img.techpowerup.org/110908/2011-09-09 09.58.50.jpg

[Buck Nasty]

Been riding a Kona Kikapu Deluxe for the last 6 years. It's still holding up great after several thousand off-road/downhill miles, but decided to upgrade to All Mountain. Got my Felt Virtue Expert last week. Took one ride and was not used to the geometry. I ended up messing up my ankle/ligament falling down the side of the hill/trail. Now i'm gonna be off any type of bike for 2 weeks minimum:mad:. Love my Road/Mountain bikes and can't stand not being able to ride!

Favorite pleaces to ride:
Tom Brown Park(local)
Santos(Campground @ Trailhead:D, Ocala, FL)
Snowshoe & ACE(West Virginia)
Stanley Gap(North Georgia)

New Felt

http://img.techpowerup.org/110911/P1010131379.jpg

Pic of my trusty ol' Kona:

http://img.techpowerup.org/110911/Capture009704.jpg

My current road bike:

http://img.techpowerup.org/110911/P1010134.jpg

My back-up Road bike:

http://www.sunbikeshop.com/Orbea/Bikes/Marmolada.jpg

[KieX]

Been riding a Kona Kikapu Deluxe for the last 6 years. It's still holding up great after several thousand off-road/downhill miles, but decided to upgrade to All Mountain. Got my Felt Virtue Expert last week. Took one ride and was not used to the geometry. I ended up messing up my ankle/ligament falling down the side of the hill/trail. Now i'm gonna be off any type of bike for 2 weeks minimum:mad:. Love my Road/Mountain bikes and can't stand not being able to ride!

Favorite pleaces to ride:
Tom Brown Park(local)
Santos(Campground @ Trailhead:D, Ocala, FL)
Snowshoe & ACE(West Virginia)
Stanley Gap(North Georgia)

New Felt

http://img.techpowerup.org/110911/P1010131379.jpg

Pic of my trusty ol' Kona:

http://img.techpowerup.org/110911/Capture009704.jpg

My current road bike:

http://img.techpowerup.org/110911/P1010134.jpg

My back-up Road bike:

http://www.sunbikeshop.com/Orbea/Bikes/Marmolada.jpg

Those are some pretty badass bikes. (toast) I'd love to afford one, but won't be able to for a while.

Here's mine in Mon-Fri attire for commuting. I got some slicks for when I'm not doing trails, swapped SPD clips for flat pedals and got a proper seat. Small investment that makes offroad fun, and the week-day tires make commuting faster.

http://img.techpowerup.org/110914/IMG_20110914_182258.jpg

[Tigger]

Here is what i will be getting tommorow, isn't she lovely.


http://img.techpowerup.org/111002/dmrsidekick2-670-75.jpg

[DaveK]

Came off the bike hard on Wednesday. Hit a speed bump too fast and the bike went into a wheelie. I couldn't run 45kph and rolled then ended up landing on the bike and sliding about 20 feet. Both knees and my right elbow have road rash, the inside of my right knee is bruised pretty bad and it hurts to walk, I can't straighten my left elbow and the bone is very sensitive and my lower back where my right kidney hurts like fuck.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1110927.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1110929.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1110932.jpg

The injuries have gotten a bit worse on the outside. The bike is totaled. Both wheels are fucked, brake rotors are bent and something is up with the freehub. Left pedal and left side of saddle are both worn severely. Left the bike in the shop Thursday, expecting a call Saturday.

[twilyth]

You need to be checked out for any internal injuries - especially since you mentioned pain in the area of your kidney. You can feel find and there still might be damage. At the risk of getting too personal, keep an eye on your urine for any changes and if you see any (cloudy, red or rust tinge, etc), get thee to the hospital ASAP. You should go regardless though.

I'm sorry to hear about the bike. I've done some asphalt body surfing too, but I always seemed to get the worst of it. A bent wheel was usually the worst that happened to the bike.

It sounds like a lot of damage for a wipe out though. Maybe it's not as bad as it looks. Good luck. (toast)

[Tigger]

Heres a bad upto date pic of my bike, its actually a DMR Trailstar 2, i have just put a new deore 2011 rear disc on it (such a sweet brake) has the new cam in the lever. Getting the front one on monday. Its a 4130 Cro-Moly frame, a really sweet ride and tough as nails.

http://img.techpowerup.org/120117/PICT0011.jpg
http://img.techpowerup.org/120120/PICT0012.jpg

[DaveK]

I got a call back from the bike shop today, other than a service the only work that needs to be done is replacing the brake cables so it's estimated at about €65.

You need to be checked out for any internal injuries - especially since you mentioned pain in the area of your kidney. You can feel find and there still might be damage. At the risk of getting too personal, keep an eye on your urine for any changes and if you see any (cloudy, red or rust tinge, etc), get thee to the hospital ASAP. You should go regardless though.

I'm sorry to hear about the bike. I've done some asphalt body surfing too, but I always seemed to get the worst of it. A bent wheel was usually the worst that happened to the bike.

It sounds like a lot of damage for a wipe out though. Maybe it's not as bad as it looks. Good luck. (toast)

I went to the hospital and gave a urine test. They didn't call me after 5 hours so I wasn't a priority over the other patients and I was looking at another 3-6 hours wait just to get into the x-ray waiting room so I left. If there was something bad I would have been put ahead of other patients. Here's my wounds a few days later:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1110941.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1110943.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1110944.jpg

[Tigger]

My bike frame is 4130 steel, I don't know if I would like a alloy frame now, they seem harsh to me were as the steel frame is more flexible, it makes the ride smoother.

[Delta6326]

My uncle owns one of Iowa's largest Biking shops (http://bikeworldiowa.com/). I don't know if anyone here has heard of RAGBRAI (http://ragbrai.com/about/) but we do that.

My newest bike. Giant Seek 2
http://img.techpowerup.org/120121/Capture028132.jpg (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/seek.2/3924/36625/)

[Tigger]

Nice, switch out the brakes for hydro ones though, imo cable disc brakes are not brilliant, i have tried both and would not use cable ones on my bike anymore. The new Deore hydro ones are pretty cheap and are fantastic.

[DaveK]

Got the bike back today, fortunately everything was included in the service other than replacement brake cables.

Nice, switch out the brakes for hydro ones though, imo cable disc brakes are not brilliant, i have tried both and would not use cable ones on my bike anymore. The new Deore hydro ones are pretty cheap and are fantastic.

I've been looking at hydraulic upgrades recently. My brakes have been really difficult to pull recently until I got new brake cables fitted then they were smooth as butter and easy to pull. I had to move my hand to almost grab them, now I can use 1 finger with ease so now they're as easy to pull as hydraulics.

However, they are obviously lacking the bite point of hydraulic brakes which you have to experience to feel it.

[Tigger]

The deore hydro ones are silky smooth and can lock the wheel with the gentle squeeze of a single finger. They are around £60 per brake without the disc,but you can use the ones you already have on your wheels, which imo is cheap for such good quality hydro discs.

[DaveK]

Got a lend of my brother in law's turbo trainer. Even though I smashed out 300km in the first 2 weeks on January for a good start to the year, the last week off the bike seems to have gotten to me. I feel like a fat fuck and can't wait to be back out cycling 175km a week. I'm back in college tomorrow but I'll only be commuting until I start cycling properly next Tuesday.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1110960.jpghttp://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1110963.jpg

The deore hydro ones are silky smooth and can lock the wheel with the gentle squeeze of a single finger. They are around £60 per brake without the disc,but you can use the ones you already have on your wheels, which imo is cheap for such good quality hydro discs.

I was looking at some brakes from Avid but I think I'll aim for the more expensive Shimano ones. Once I get hyrdos and run them on the trails I will then see whether or not to get bigger rotors.

[yogurt_21]

* waits form him to get spinning on the trainer, then I knocks the back wheel off it with a stick.

watches as he hurdles hopelessly towards the wall.

[m1dg3t]

Cool thread! Some nice ride's in here, gonna have to post some pic's of my ride, custom Scott Ransom 30. Haven't rode much in the last 1-2 month's but if it stay's as warm as it has been i'll be wheelin' again shortly! Think i put on 8Kg in that time span lol

[m1dg3t]

Here's mine:

http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo122/madmaxx_80/ScottRansom30.jpg

Scott Ransom 30
Fox 40 RC2's
Easton Monkey Lite DH bar
ODI Peatey Lock-On's
Avid Juicy 3's with Envy Lever's 203 FR disc / 185 RR disc organic pad's
RaceFace Atlas FR crank Bash/34/22 & Diabolous D2 stem
deore LX shifter pod's, deore LX FD & deore XT RD
Axiom Jump Flat pedal's
Sun SOS rim's Scott 20mm thru FR hub DT swiss 10mm RR hub
Shitty road tire's Bontrager jones XR FR Kenda Kinetics RR
Trail Tire's Nokian Gazzalodi Dual FR Maxxis Minion Dh RR
KMC nitride coated chain (can't remember which model)
FiZik Vitesse tri seat
Scott seat pole

Picked this up 2nd hand so saved quite a bit over building the entire bike myself, i know i need a new wheel set and would like to eventually upgrade the brake's to Formula "The 1". The original owner also kept the chain tensioner so need 1 of those as well but making due without :o The derailleurs/shifter pod's could be updated as well but no budget at this time to make any "improvement's". Been rocking this for the last 2yrs, feel as though i've got myself back into form and lookin' forward to hittin' some serious trail's this season (ch)

Cheers!

(toast)

[DaveK]

Went mountain biking for the first time earlier, went a little too fast going down a series of small jumps resulting in a loss of control, veering left into a series of rocks, coming off the bike head first onto a rock. Helmet smashed so bad it's cracked in two places and I broke a ligament in my right shoulder so I'm in absolute agony and have a bone sticking out. It's a bit worse than in the pictures.

Aside from going too fast, my position was too upright hence essentially getting kicked off, as I'm on a hardtail nothing absorbs the shock on the back so the back end is bouncing like going down stairs and my seat wasn't low enough for me to hang over the rear tire as I was going down. If I was riding full suspension the kick wouldn't be as strong.

I guy stopped to help me when I said I wasn't ok, he picked up my bike for me as it was over on the left past the rocks, I was on the right. He also checked my shoulders to see what happened and was asking what my brother-in-law was riding to go find him.

The private health clinic was great too, I was called to be seen before the receptionist even finished my application. Got xrayed and was out in less than two hours. The hospital would have taken about 6-10 hours just to get to the x-ray waiting room for another long wait. I'm in a sling now and in excruciating pain and have a possible broken nose. Kidneys, neck and spine are all ok. I'll be going back Wednesday to see what they'll be doing surgery/physio wise. My helmet is at my sister's, I'll try get a picture of it. That thing saved my fucking life.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/photo.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/photo2.jpg

Such a shame as it was a lovely day. A bit wet and frosty as it was cold last night but a nice clear sunny sky.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/20120219_114019.jpg

[m1dg3t]

OUCH! Man i hope you heal up quick (ww) Dude you should go easy on the trail first few time's untill you learn it then you can hit it full speed!

I guess since your bike is new to you, relatively, you haven't got the feel for it off road yet. It's like riding a horse, a lot of weight shifting/posting up to get a smooth ride ;) This is my first FS bike and i have the option to run the rear in lockout mode which i do 99% of the time because i am so used to riding hardtail's, nothing ride's better than a Ht IMO. A good HT (like your's) is better than a cheap FS ;) The only time i run the rear with any travel (it has 3 mode's) is when i hit some trail's with 4' - 5' drop's, i'm planning to hit some downhill this summer but not having a car can limit my excursion's as there aren't any serious hill's by me (nutkick)

I have a BMX/single track/cross country background so trail's are like heaven to me (nutlick)

Anyways get better soon and get back on the trail's (toast)

[DaveK]

I was at the health clinic on Wednesday, doctor gave me the all clear on my shoulder. Also picked up some Muc-Off bike cleaner and the Park Tool chain scrubber and gear cleaner.

I picked up my bike today from my sister's house, it's been 6 weeks so I was excited. I got home and spent an hour swapping the tires, cleaning the drive-train and adjusting the brakes then to my surprise I find the seat post is bent and the fork lockout is broken in the locked position...I'm extremely pissed off because my brother in law said he checked over the bike and said it was all good, if I had of known about those problems I could have got them fixed 6 weeks ago so now instead of cycling tomorrow I have to bring it the bike shop and will be waiting all week.

As for the cleaning stuff, the Muc-Off cleaner works great. You spray it on, leave it for 3-5 minutes and wash off. I only used it in the Park Tool chain cleaner, on the cassette and disc rotors. Anywhere it dripped like on the rims looks brand spanking new looking. The parts I cleaned aren't spotless but a lot of the crud is gone.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1120215.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1130053.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1130059.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1130054.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1130064.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1130056.jpg

The chain scrubber is the second time I done it, it was black the first time. It worked pretty well but I'll be picking up a degreaser to give it a proper clean, as for the entire bike. I'll be giving it a thorough cleaning next time, taking off the chain rings and such. I don't think I left the cleaner on long enough before washing off, and I only have a little spray water bottle too so it would probably work better than it did.

[WhiteLotus]

I need some of that stuff. How much it set you back?

[DaveK]

I need some of that stuff. How much it set you back?

If I remember correctly, €8.99 for the litre of Muc-Off, €7.99 for the gear cleaner and €34 for the chain scrubber. Chain Reaction Cycles have the chain scrubber, gear cleaner and a small bottle of citrus degreaser for €33: Clicky (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5783)

I've used just under 1/3 of the Muc-Off so far, twice in the chain scrubber, on the disc rotors and on the drive train a few times so it lasts enough to clean your bike 4 or 5 times and it cleans it pretty well.

[Tigger]

I was at the health clinic on Wednesday, doctor gave me the all clear on my shoulder. Also picked up some Muc-Off bike cleaner and the Park Tool chain scrubber and gear cleaner.

I picked up my bike today from my sister's house, it's been 6 weeks so I was excited. I got home and spent an hour swapping the tires, cleaning the drive-train and adjusting the brakes then to my surprise I find the seat post is bent and the fork lockout is broken in the locked position...I'm extremely pissed off because my brother in law said he checked over the bike and said it was all good, if I had of known about those problems I could have got them fixed 6 weeks ago so now instead of cycling tomorrow I have to bring it the bike shop and will be waiting all week.

As for the cleaning stuff, the Muc-Off cleaner works great. You spray it on, leave it for 3-5 minutes and wash off. I only used it in the Park Tool chain cleaner, on the cassette and disc rotors. Anywhere it dripped like on the rims looks brand spanking new looking. The parts I cleaned aren't spotless but a lot of the crud is gone.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1120215.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1130053.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1130059.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1130054.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1130064.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/davidkinsella/P1130056.jpg

The chain scrubber is the second time I done it, it was black the first time. It worked pretty well but I'll be picking up a degreaser to give it a proper clean, as for the entire bike. I'll be giving it a thorough cleaning next time, taking off the chain rings and such. I don't think I left the cleaner on long enough before washing off, and I only have a little spray water bottle too so it would probably work better than it did.

Second and third pic, the wheel looks like its not on properly, see the gap above the qr nut.

[DanTheBanjoman]

If I remember correctly, €8.99 for the litre of Muc-Off

That's the price of a whole bike, why would you pay that much in maintenance if you can buy a whole bike for that price?

[Tigger]

I just recently spent £120 on my brakes (2012 deore hydro discs), £100 for new forks (2012 rock shox xc 28's), £25 for my pedals (v8's (toast)) and a tenner for my hope seat clamp. I wuv my bike.

[m1dg3t]

I need to pick up one of those chain/sproket service kit's myself, i hate making a mess all over the place with brake clean & WD40 :o Is the Park one any good? I think they are all made by the same mfg TBH but just curious because the Park stuff goes for more $$$ in my part's :(

Second and third pic, the wheel looks like its not on properly, see the gap above the qr nut.

Think he snapped the pic's while prepping/doing the chain service.