New to cycling

[GTpilot]

Hey Prydey,
What wheels did you have previously?
I was looking to replace the stock shimano R500s that came with my bike but as I do a lot if commute on it I decided against spending on good wheels. after some conversation with a mate from work that is in the know. I decided to replace the tyres instead, I ditched the Vittoria's in place of Conti GP4000S (25mm). WOW what a difference!
I instantly gained 3-4k avge on my commute and they are sooo much more comfortable.
Cycling express are selling them for $40ea ATM. I highly recommend them to anyone.

[prydey]

yeah, gp4000's are a great tyre, but i've gone for the extra puncture protection of the gatorhardshells. had gatorskins but punctured about 5 times so went for the hardshells.

the rims i replaced were the factory rims which were maddux or something. pretty base model.

[fte50]

Schwalbe Ultremo ZX have been amongst the quickest tyres ive used and are great value buying now.

[GTpilot]

Gotta say since I've started riding again just over 12mths ago, I've not suffered one puncture on either the road or mountain bike. Must be lucky!

Schwalbe do make some good rubber I hear however, I've never used their tyres. I have their tubes on my slick tyre rims for the mountain bike, they are great quality tubes.

[DBourne]

GTPilot, if you're wanting some better wheels but want them to be able to cop the commuting abuse then check out Pro-Lite Bracciano's.

I have them and love 'em.

Tyre wise, I use Vittoria Rubino Pro's on my carbon bike and they've done a great job soaking up the miles.

Had the same on my commuting bike but bought a pair of Schwalbe Durano's as the glass starts to build up on my commute thanks to the bogans coming out in the warmer weather.

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by LANKY 1

My Giant roam has this. Shimano shifters i'm pretty sure. One lever has 2 click positions for changing down gears

Yes I discovered that this morning during my ride. I knew the thumb lever for the front derailleur only made one click whereas the thumb lever for the rear derailleur made two clicks. Push it half way, get one click and one gear change. Push it all the way, get two clicks and two gear changes. Only took 13 years to discover that about my bike.

[ratter]

well the year is nearly over, I have not been on the bike very much in the last 4 months or so, but it looks like I'll a little short of getting 6000 klms of riding this year.

Did a 100 klm ride this morning, maybe I can get a few more in before the end of the year to get me over 6000

[bArNsY]

I did my biggest ride on Christmas Day 136km, trying to crack 500km this week and the Festive 500.

As long as the weather continues I'm am sure we all will jump back on the bike for an enjoyable ride!

Safe riding

[blueoval]

You boys are doing some great mileage.

Ive been trying to set my own personal goals. Getting out as much as possible while on holiday is one of them.

Good work fellas

[Syndrome]

Most I did in one day was approximately 60km. Looks like I am about to become a M.A.M.I.L. as I am considering getting some proper cycle clothing.

[GTpilot]

Originally Posted by SgtBourne

GTPilot, if you're wanting some better wheels but want them to be able to cop the commuting abuse then check out Pro-Lite Bracciano's.

I have them and love 'em.

Tyre wise, I use Vittoria Rubino Pro's on my carbon bike and they've done a great job soaking up the miles.

Had the same on my commuting bike but bought a pair of Schwalbe Durano's as the glass starts to build up on my commute thanks to the bogans coming out in the warmer weather.

Unwrapped myself a set of Gardas yesterday. (Santa scored a set for $149 :-) ) I spoke with Deon at pro-lite oz, he was quite helpful - great guy. I decided these over the braccianos as they are a more solid wheel with thicker spokes. Weight is not a concern for me ATM.
Hanging to go for a ride, but I've barely had chance to put them on let alone get out there. Hopeing for a dawn ride tomorrow!!

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by GTpilot

Unwrapped myself a set of Gardas yesterday. (Santa scored a set for $149 :-) ) I spoke with Deon at pro-lite oz, he was quite helpful - great guy. I decided these over the braccianos as they are a more solid wheel with thicker spokes. Weight is not a concern for me ATM.
Hanging to go for a ride, but I've barely had chance to put them on let alone get out there. Hopeing for a dawn ride tomorrow!!

I have heard great things about pro-lite. The hubs/bearings are supposed to roll forever. Enjoy

Originally Posted by Syndrome

Most I did in one day was approximately 60km. Looks like I am about to become a M.A.M.I.L. as I am considering getting some proper cycle clothing.

Your not middle aged are ya? Regardless, nothing wrong wearing proper cycling related clothing. Welcome to the lycra club

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Your not middle aged are ya? Regardless, nothing wrong wearing proper cycling related clothing. Welcome to the lycra club

Lycra does not suit all shapes and sizes

[GTpilot]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I have heard great things about pro-lite. The hubs/bearings are supposed to roll forever. Enjoy

Do they ever! really smooth too.
I had the bike upturned and sat the front wheel in the forks. No skewer. Gave it a spin, not hard just moderate, but geez it spun for a good five minutes whilst I did other things, with no real sign of stopping. It only stopped when I put the skewer in a few turns after I tightened it up.

[Syndrome]

Had my first proper crash this morning. Lost the front end turning on gravel and was down before I knew it. Lost skin on my right leg and right arm. Stack hat did its job. Not a happy camper at the moment.

[bArNsY]

That's not good to hear, glad you are ok.
Gravel and wet roads are evil when trying to turn in or brake hard.

[Syndrome]

I was braking into a corner which I have taken many times without problem. What shocked me is how little warning there was that the front end was about lo lose grip.

[GasoLane]

Prydy's using these at the moment, ask him where he got his from

[prydey]

thats not very nice Rog, you said you wouldn't tell!!

[ratter]

Have we been watching the TDU?
How was Cadel yesterday, I was surprised he rode away from Ritchie like that.

Been on the bike quite a bit lately as I'm trying to get back into it, done over 1000 klms since breaking up for Christmas, how has everyone else been going, I see Barnsy is doing quite well

[prydey]

you need to ride corkscrew to appreciate how good cadel was up there. very impressive.

haven't seen any riding today, but i did do stage 4 which was the BUPA ride. 158km, along with a few thousand other people. if you see it on the news, i'm the one in the yellow and blue top

[bArNsY]

I had the TDU streaming on one monitor at work while I was working on the other screen this arvo.

Mick, is 2014 the best start to a year you have had?

I have been making the most of the longer rides while I can, in a couple of weeks my final CPA subject starts, and I will be limited to 100km a week.

[Syndrome]

Is cycling prone to crashes? I had my second one in two months. :-(

[ratter]

Originally Posted by bArNsY

Mick, is 2014 the best start to a year you have had?

Yes mate, as mentioned I'm trying to back to where I was earlier last year before commencing a targeted programme, Still off work at the moment and staying at home so trying to get out on the mornings when I can depending on the young one, did a 100 klm ride a couple of weeks back on 4 hrs sleep, actually rode alright considering.

You have been getting some good average speeds on your rides

[ratter]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

Is cycling prone to crashes? I had my second one in two months. :-(

not normally but are you riding off road or on road?

What has caused the crashes?

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by ratter

not normally but are you riding off road or on road?

What has caused the crashes?

Sliding on gravel tracks.

[ratter]

using the right sort of tyre?

[blueoval]

Congrats to gerrans for winning the tdu. Again adelaide turns on the great weather for the tour.

Went to a few stages this year and they all did not disappoint.

[GTpilot]

^^^^Damn you. Spoiler!

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by GTpilot

^^^^Damn you. Spoiler!

Ah crap sorry.