New to cycling - Page 36

GTpilot · 30-06-2013, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

http://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/...-xc/charger-9/

This is the one I got, he said if I wanted even after using it for a few months he can swap it over no charge when I get more confident if I like.

Also 4 free services in the first 12 months

Sweet - Nice ride dude. Well done.

ratter · 30-06-2013, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

Now that was pure chaos. A bus blocks the finish line and forces a photo finish 3km from finish. Then an insane crash involving cav, sagan greipel and contador. Bus gets removed and marcel kittel takes the win. Wow. Just wow.

although feeling a little ripped off with the lack of sprint classification riders at the finish, wow what a finish an exciting last 15 minutes, think it was scripted though,

by Alfred Hitchcock

blueoval · 02-07-2013, 01:10 AM

Gerro!!!! Well done to aussie Simon gerrans for a close stage win against peter sagan to take the stage victory. This is the first tdf win for this team. Honorable mention goes to clarke for his effort to get the polka dot jersey against pierre rolland. Nice job by the orica green edge boys.

ratter · 02-07-2013, 08:23 AM

2 great finishes so far 3 exciting finishes though

blueoval · 02-07-2013, 10:46 AM

Hey Mick, Im finding these late nights are killing me. After last nights OGE win, I found it hard to go to bed and sleep due to the excitement. TTT tonight, so I'm gonna tape the highlights package tomorrow night and watch it all then. How you coping?

ratter · 02-07-2013, 10:54 AM

starting to feel a bit tired, the time trials are not that exciting so will just tape that one and watch when I can

TZENU · 03-07-2013, 08:13 AM

What an awesome ride from the OGE team... Leading team classification and the GC!!!!

Hyped up on caffeine but I would do it again and again!

blueoval · 03-07-2013, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TZENU

What an awesome ride from the OGE team... Leading team classification and the GC!!!!

Hyped up on caffeine but I would do it again and again!

I heard the news this morning and thought they might get close to winning but didn't think they could take the leaders jersey so soon. Awesome work by the OGE boys. Hope they enjoy the accolades of the yellow while they have it.

Franco Cozzo · 05-07-2013, 09:51 PM

Any tips on safety gear I require for my new bike? I've got the helmet.

I'm guessing some sort of high vis gear? Do I need a flashing light or is that only required for night time riding?

Cuyper · 05-07-2013, 09:58 PM

Damo, flashy lights are good either in the day or night. It only depends on how visible you want to be and how much you trust drivers.

I found shoes the most important thing when it comes to gear at least as far as performance goes. Depending on the roads you are on and how much pressure you are running and type of frame/forks gloves can be super important to stop numbness in your hands let alone keeping your skin in a stack. A bright coloured shirt or rain jacket are good too (I'm using orange and it seems nice and visible to drivers)

prydey · 05-07-2013, 10:02 PM

i run lights at all times, day and night. i started with some cheap stuff but now have this rear light which is ultra bright

http://www.cellbikes.com.au/Echelon-...con-Rear-Light

and this front light, which as far as front lights go, is fairly entry level but does the job i need it to. plenty bright enough even at only 250 lumens

https://www.serfas.com/products/view/141/

cheaper options with higher lumen rating are available online but i needed one at short notice so just hit up my local bike shop.

some hi vis or reflective striped clothing wouldn't go astray either.

i do anything i can to make sure i am ultra visible on a bike.

ratter · 06-07-2013, 02:43 PM

don't forget gloves and glasses

prydey · 06-07-2013, 02:57 PM

yep, buying a bike is the cheap bit.

ratter · 06-07-2013, 03:27 PM

Only 1 week in to the Tour and I'm buggered

and I'm only watching it on TV

blueoval · 07-07-2013, 11:24 AM

I don't know how I'm gonna endure another 2weeks of late nights with the tour. Its just starting to get interesting.

Visibility is crucial for riding. Bright colored clothing helps but I get stuff that has reflective panels also for evening riding. Good quality lights with charged batteries a must.

Gloves with gel padding are excellent. Always bring I.d. with in case of emergency.

Franco Cozzo · 07-07-2013, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuyper

Damo, flashy lights are good either in the day or night. It only depends on how visible you want to be and how much you trust drivers.

I found shoes the most important thing when it comes to gear at least as far as performance goes. Depending on the roads you are on and how much pressure you are running and type of frame/forks gloves can be super important to stop numbness in your hands let alone keeping your skin in a stack. A bright coloured shirt or rain jacket are good too (I'm using orange and it seems nice and visible to drivers)

I'll get a shirt with reflective stripes on it, I work around the corner from a safety shop.

I'll be wearing my steel capped boots as they're the most comfortable pair of shoes I have, they work well standing on concrete all day long so they'll probably work well on the bike, I did the test ride with them on, it was alright.

I'll chuck some lights on too, how do they mount up to the bike, will I have to drill holes in the frame or do they sell specific mounts for this stuff?

I got some of those safety glasses which look like clear sunnies, I'll make sure I wear those too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

yep, buying a bike is the cheap bit.

I've got 4 cars, cycling looks to be a bit cheaper haha.

There sure is a lot of stuff to customise your bike with though, I probably won't touch the bike itself though, just add lights and stuff to it.

LG17 · 07-07-2013, 02:32 PM

All the lights come with mounting brackets (think bell) so no drilling is required.
Proper wrap around cycling glasses are pretty cheap.

blueoval · 07-07-2013, 03:56 PM

Dont drill anything on a bike. Just about any accessories will have a self mounting system.

Another thing is a saddle bag with spare tubes, puncture repair kit, tire levers, c02 cannister and also invest in a mini bike pump which can attach to your seat post. Super handy to get you out of a spot of bother.

Franco Cozzo · 07-07-2013, 05:10 PM

Whats the c02 canister do? Apart from the obvious storing c02 lol.

ratter · 07-07-2013, 05:22 PM

inflates a flat tyre pretty quickly

blueoval · 07-07-2013, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Whats the c02 canister do? Apart from the obvious storing c02 lol.

As ratter said, you use them to inflate a tire very fast instead of hand inflating with the mini pump. You'll find the mini pump will get you out of trouble ok but you'll be hard pressed to get the tire to recommended pressure by hand, and could take about 5-10mins plus a sore forearm to get the tire up. About 70-80psi max pressure if you have arms like popeye, again it will get you home but youll be pumping a fair while, and your ave speed will be lower. but the c02 will inflate the tire within 3-5seconds to optimum pressure and get you on your way a lot faster. Particularly good if you are time poor.

Can buy the c02 for 99c each at cell bikes website. You'll need a c02 pump to operate the cannister. About $15 for one. I tend to buy 10 cannisters at a time and depending on how often you puncture your supply will last months if not years.

ratter · 07-07-2013, 05:47 PM

what pump do you have Shav, got a link? does it work as a hand pump if you have no co2?

blueoval · 07-07-2013, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratter

what pump do you have Shav, got a link? does it work as a hand pump if you have no co2?

It screws on to the presta valve like a hand pump but thats where the similarities end. Twist the inflator gently, listen for the tire to pop a little as it settles on the rim, turn off the inflator, unscrew, reassemble the wheel, pack up and away you go. Seen guys do a tube change with c02 and wheel back on within 3 minutes. And no it is not a hand pump. I still carry a hand pump on my seat tube in case of multiple punctures.

I think I have a BBB branded inflator. Cost about 40 buck at an lbs. Cheaper bought online. Pretty much most brands will be ok, just slightly different designs.

This is one is good value. Comes with 3 cannisters too
http://m.cellbikes.com.au/Birzman-Za...2-Inflator-Kit

ratter · 07-07-2013, 07:39 PM

I only have a mini hand pump at the moment on the bike, but are able to get 100psi + as confirmed with my floor pump when at home, but like the idea of co2 but a pump that can either operate as a hand pump or a co2 inflator

prydey · 07-07-2013, 09:09 PM

same, i only carry a pump at the moment, and have had to use it a few times and can get to 100+psi as well.

with the co2, it won't hold pressure, so once you are back home you need to drain the tube and pump it up with a normal pump. there are differing opinions on this but the general consensus seems to be that it won't hold pressure.

on that note, get yourself a decent floor pump for home. should be able to get a reasonable one for $50, give or take.

Franco Cozzo · 07-07-2013, 09:31 PM

Whats the recommended tyre pressures to run?

Keep in mind mine is a mountain bike if that makes any sort of differences.

GTpilot · 07-07-2013, 09:36 PM

Best run the pressures recommended on the tyre side wall. On my mountain bike I usually run close to the lower range (45-50) for off road and upper range (80) if I'm riding on a sealed surface.

ratter · 08-07-2013, 10:30 AM

tyres will have a maximum pressure on the sidewall, do not exceed this as it may cause a blow out, if you are heavy you may need to run the max pressure

blueoval · 08-07-2013, 10:40 AM

You guys must have arms of steel coz I struggle to get 80psi in a tire from a mini pump. The floor pump I have a home, no problem. I just find the c02 convenient. And yes, c02 is a not a fix all, it does go down after a day. Using c02 will just get you out of trouble faster.

ratter · 08-07-2013, 11:25 AM

yes I have arms of steel, well you can believe that if you want, there is a basic difference in mini pumps, some are high volume and some are high pressure, the high volume ones are ideal for mountain bikes that need a lot of air in the tyre but at a low pressure while the high pressure ones do not flow as much air but can deliver more pressure, but yes you still need to persevere with them to get the tyre up to really high pressure, most people give up too easily

Co2 would be easier