New to cycling

[blueoval]

Was just speaking to a few cycling officianado's and they seem to think the latest groupsets are far less prone to cross chaining. It's still possible to happen and Im not writing that one off, but I think the lack of RD maintenance could be more to blame than the RD itself.

How often should a road bike get serviced and maintained by an LBS if you doing about 250km a month?

[ratter]

cross chaining is the term of using either the inner or outer most gear but the opposite at the other end, newer groupsets still cross chain, but the wear may not be an issue as with earlier models

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by ratter

cross chaining is the term of using either the inner or outer most gear but the opposite at the other end, newer groupsets still cross chain, but the wear may not be an issue as with earlier models

That's pretty much the nail on the head. Gonna get the bike checked regardless this week.

[TZENU]

Although overkill; for you piece of mind (given what has already occured) I would be looking at half yearly if you do 250 per month (So every 1500ks); unless you want to give it a go yourself
I usually get mine fully serviced once a year (always before a main ride) and make little adjustments in between

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by TZENU

Although overkill; for you piece of mind (given what has already occured) I would be looking at half yearly if you do 250 per month (So every 1500ks); unless you want to give it a go yourself
I usually get mine fully serviced once a year (always before a main ride) and make little adjustments in between

I'd rather it be overkill than complacent. That being said, I just went and got my bike adjusted and only just got back. Bike mech said the front derailleur needed more attention than the rear. The RD being a brand new item. But I'll take it in again just before Amy's ride in November.

[ratter]

Well had a busy week, finally assembled my new bike on the Friday and rode it around the block to test it out, well it still has no bidon holders or bar tape, but the bar tape will go on when I settle bar and hood position

On the Sunday the wife and I did the 100 leg of the around the bay in a day ride, her pace dictated the ride speed and at one stage there was quite a strong headwind which slowed most riders down. last year she averaged 20.5 klm per hour this year she managed 24.7 so she had a huge improvement.

Thursday I bit the bullet and signed up for a 3 race licence and headed out to sandown race track to compete in my first race, a criterium event using my old bike.
As I never raced before the officials suggested I start in G grade (the easiest/slowest grade) but after watching races last season and hoping I was stronger than that (but never know until put to the test) I elected to start in F grade.

The weather was cold and the track was wet and we even got slightly rained on, which made the track very slippery with quite a few riders going down across the different grades, 1 needed an ambulance. The officials said the race pace was slow to the low numbers in our group and the wet slippery track.
I had nerves occurring all day thinking about it, but tried to think about it as a 1 hour training ride with a different group of people.
The race went quite well, but the nerves jumped up a bit on the last lap as the pace picked up a little.

Overall finished well and will have to head out again and give it a go another day with some bigger fields and a faster track and see how I stack up against them then, and then bring out the new bike and see how I go on that one

[blueoval]

That's awesome to hear ya Mrs average speed improving. Also great work on the crit.

I did a small 40km ride after not being out for a fortnight. Man my legs and lungs could feel it. Gotta get out for a few more rides this week as Im doing the tonne next Sunday for Amy's ride and that route includes the dreaded willunga hill.

Thinking about getting tri bars too to improve overall flat speed. I'm ok in the drops but I think my aero position restricts me a bit.

[ratter]

Thanks mate, was happy with the ATB ride and wrapt with the crit race

be careful with the tri bars, not normally generally accepted as a safe thing in a group ride unless the leader, but can be frowned upon when used close to other riders

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by ratter

Thanks mate, was happy with the ATB ride and wrapt with the crit race

be careful with the tri bars, not normally generally accepted as a safe thing in a group ride unless the leader, but can be frowned upon when used close to other riders

Yeah understand in group circumstances but thinkin for when Im on my own.

[ratter]

well, done another race this morning, bigger field this time and dry track, interesting to see some of the experienced riders trying to test the rest of the field.

Have been told they are moving me up a grade (or 2) for the next race I enter

[blueoval]

That's a good thing mate.

[blackf6]

My new wheelset.

[XLMONT]

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/montr...me-/1008383076

[blueoval]

Teak - how do u find those wheels? Can u feel the difference?

[HLC]

Retired my Hillman frame and bought a NOS Ciöcc from the late 90's / early 00's. (no one knows!)

[sgt_doofey]

Shav,
I'll see you at the finish line on Sunday. I'm only doing the 65km ride again this year due to lack of kms on the bike in the last few months. I'm aiming for the full 127km for the TDU next year though!

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

Shav,
I'll see you at the finish line on Sunday. I'm only doing the 65km ride again this year due to lack of kms on the bike in the last few months. I'm aiming for the full 127km for the TDU next year though!

Yes no problem Sam. I'm giving the 100 crack this year. I'll text u at the finish line. Im biting off more than I can chew but willing to give it a go.

[TZENU]

Ratter good work... Which club did you join to get the race licence? I'm looking at joining the Southern Masters and have been to watch a few of the crits to get a feel of how they are run and looks like alot of fun!

To fellow SA residents Im looking at making the "trek" across for the TDU and jumping in on the 127k ride on the 25th... Im also wanting to catch the last 3 stages of the race. Which areas would you guys recommend I stay?

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by TZENU

Ratter good work... Which club did you join to get the race licence? I'm looking at joining the Southern Masters and have been to watch a few of the crits to get a feel of how they are run and looks like alot of fun!

To fellow SA residents Im looking at making the "trek" across for the TDU and jumping in on the 127k ride on the 25th... Im also wanting to catch the last 3 stages of the race. Which areas would you guys recommend I stay?

If your doing that leg I recommend somewhere north of the city. iirc its starts in Modbury, depending what kind of accommodation your looking for it can vary:

http://www.sferas.com/ACCOMODATION/accomodation.html
http://www.clovercresthotel.com.au/accommodation
http://www.mawsonlakeshotel.com.au/h...mmodation.html

But generally if you can stay somewhere close to the start it's usually better that way rather than having to travel miles.

[ratter]

Originally Posted by TZENU

Ratter good work... Which club did you join to get the race licence? I'm looking at joining the Southern Masters and have been to watch a few of the crits to get a feel of how they are run and looks like alot of fun!

I got the 3 race licence at this stage with Southern Masters. They wanted to start me in g but I nominated f, next race is going to be a grade higher or possibly 2 higher I was told by an official, but not sure if they normally do that

[blueoval]

sounds like they think your capable ratter. Show em hows its done son...

[bArNsY]

I picked up a new bike a few months ago. Huge different to a Mountain bike!
Alloy Frame, 105 group set, carbon forks. picked it up for $1800. It is lighter than some carbon frames.



Do many of you guys in Melbourne ride along Beach road often?

I am looking at joining a cycle club, so many to choose from, any recommendations?

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by TZENU

To fellow SA residents Im looking at making the "trek" across for the TDU and jumping in on the 127k ride on the 25th... Im also wanting to catch the last 3 stages of the race. Which areas would you guys recommend I stay?

If you have a car, then as Shav said, anywhere north/northeast of the city. Look for near Tea Tree Plaza shopping centre as the start is across the road at Civic Park.

As for catching stages, then a car would be required due to the location of each stage.
I'm also going to do the 127km ride. Looking forward to it!

Shav, I probably won't be able to catch up after the ride on Sunday as I've got to get up to Murray Bridge afterwards for a family BBQ lunch.

[blueoval]

Ok Sam. One of these days we will get it right. Lol

[TZENU]

Thanks Boys for the recommendations!...

Barnsy nice rig...
I ride along beach road maybe three times a month.. Its a good training ground for flat riding and time trials/triathlons
As for a club it all depends what area you are in and whether you want a social or competitive club.

[blueoval]

I also recommend getting on the BNA-Australian Cycling Forums for further info on cycling clubs and groups.
http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/index.php

[TZENU]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I also recommend getting on the BNA-Australian Cycling Forums for further info on cycling clubs and groups.
http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/index.php

Yep !!! already a member there under the username pauls51

[blueoval]

my username on there is rpmspinman

[sgt_doofey]

One day Shav!
TZENU, let us know if you need/want any more info. Happy to help out. I grew up around that area.
The TDU is very convenient for me next year! The start is about 5km from my mum's house and the finish is about 2km from my house. Couldn't ask for anything more!

[TZENU]

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

TZENU, let us know if you need/want any more info. Happy to help out. I grew up around that area.
The TDU is very convenient for me next year! The start is about 5km from my mum's house and the finish is about 2km from my house. Couldn't ask for anything more!

Thanks mate appreciate that... In the process of convincing the Mrs!! (she thinks two cycling holidays in one year may be excessive )