New to cycling

[mcnews]

Won't cut the steerer until I am sure I have it set up right. But after the epic run in ride I didn't pull up too sore, exhausted and sitting in the corner sucking my thumb, but not too sure, which is a good sign.

It is the top of the line endurance model, so big 28 tyres and plenty of compliance, rolls sooo smooth and is comfortable. Not a real lightweight as it is Di2 and disc brakes, but Dura Ace everything apart from the cranks which are Cannondale's top of the line set. Everything on it is as it comes standard. As for carbon gears, dunno, I think some of the Dura-Ace cassette is carbon or something. Like my Strava profile says, "Know absolutely nothing about bicycles, just push the pedals and look at the scenery..." :-)

[prydey]

Originally Posted by CoolBFWagon

Well done Mc.news. 5 hours if a BIG effort.

.

It's not so much the 5hrs, but more the 4800verts that's the impressive bit.

Saw the pics on your strava feed Trev, very nice. Love the cranks.

[mcnews]

Yeah it's a hard core ride that one. The last 30 is always mentally tough on that run. I'm still near on 90kg too so no lightweight. I broke a PR today on a much easier 60km jaunt, it's a short but steep segment and Strava had me averaging 637 watts for the segment which was certainly a new record for me, even over a 1m14s segment. I know I felt dizzy at the top lol and was cranking more than 180bpm.

[DBourne]

Is a gorgeous bike, Trev!

[GASWAGON]

Picked up my bike from shop today.

The repairs came to $630 so not too bad.

Just got back from a ride and damn I am unfit......Had to stop and have a rest a few times.

My legs feel like jelly!

[DBourne]

Pretty damn nice ride home tonight. Though I really hate that daylight savings is over :(

Ride Home by Dave Bourne, on Flickr

Ride Home by Dave Bourne, on Flickr

[prydey]

so... my wife thinks a shiny new bike might help to motivate her... hmmm.

any recommendations for a hybrid type womens bike? flat bar roadie's aren't really the best geometry. she would prefer a more upright style.

i think something entry level (have looked at many websites but know zero about mtb componentry, which most commuter bikes run) would do the job but don't mind spending a bit extra if its worth it.

i like my cannondales, and notice a cannondale quick 6 or 5 can be had for around $800, but while thats nice, i think a $400 Reid would probably do the job just as well.

any tips/advice most appreciated.

amart (goldcross) had a flight city 1 on their site yesterday for around $550 i think with full shimano deore, but it appears today that bike is now obsolete. not even on flight's website. oh well.

[mcnews]

Mate go on bike exchange, there are specialist womens bikes on there, I think in Specialized they are called Livio and in Giant they are Envie I think. It looks from on there as though some of the big makers have made a heap of mid-high end stuff especially for women but then women not been buying it, thus you can get Ultegra fitted out women's bikes on there by the look of it a lot cheaper than mens. As they try to clear 2015 stock etc. I think I remember seeing carbon roadies with full Ultegra fit out going for 3k or less.

But yes there will be plenty of lower end stuff heavily discounted on there. Try to get Shimano 105 fit out at least, Shimano ladder explained below and cut and pasted from elsewhere.

A cyclocross bike would suit her well by the sound of what you are after. On the facebook bicycle buy sell and swap page I picked up a hardly ridden full carbon Trek Cronus CX Pro cyclocross bike for $1250, it was basically new and was a 4k bike when in the shops.

---

Shimano

Japan's Shimano offers the widest range of groupsets for road cycling.

The range starts with the budget priced Claris, which is usually found on bikes at around AU$500 to AU$999. Claris is an 8-Speed system (eight gears at the rear) combined with either a double or triple crankset.

Next is Sora, which can be found on bikes from around AU$800 to AU$1,200 and is a 9-speed system. Both of these groups are available in either standard double cranksets or a wide range triple.

Next up is Shimano Tiagra, a 10 speed group that is found on bikes between AU$900 to AU$1400, it shares some of the designs and technology of the higher priced 105 system.

Next in line is Shimano 105, widely considered to be the Japanese company's first serious performance groupset. As of 2015, it's 11-speed and is found on bikes from around AU$1,200 to AU$3,000.

Shimano Ultegra sits one below the professional-level Dura-Ace. This 11-speed group has the same design features as the range topping Dura-Ace and offers all the performance most riders will ever need, but is 258g heavier than Dura-Ace. It can be found on bikes at AU$2,500 and above.

Dura-Ace is the pinnacle of Shimano's range. It offers 11-speed gearing and combines top-end design with lightweight materials such as high-grade alloys, carbon fibre, and titanium.

Shimano also offer both Ultegra and Dura-Ace in its latest electronically-operated Di2 design. This system does away with traditional cables in favour of a system that is actuated by motor driven mechs powered by a battery, which can either be frame mounted on hidden within the seatpost or seat tube, the advantage of the electronic system is consistent gear shifts and very low maintenance.

The downsides are mainly related to cost, but there’s also a minor weight penalty and remembering to occasionally recharge the battery is another.

The Di2 groupsets shares the same crankset, cassette, chain and brakes of the respective mechanical groupset (so Ultegra Di2 has the same as Ultegra).

Shimano's groupsets are designed to work with each other (providing they share the same number of gears), so you can easily upgrade 105 with a mix of Ultegra or with the pro-level Dura-Ace parts.

[prydey]

Thanks Trev. I'm familiar with Shimano road bike groups but most commuter bikes have mtb groups. If I'm honest I reckon even the base would do the job. My bike only has tiagra and that has served me well for over 3 years and 20k km. I haven't ridden anything higher so don't know any different.

Will check bike exchange.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Danny

Will do mate. Yeah those are the bars.

Skipped the Renthals and went some Nukeproof Warheads as i love the 800mm width. Along with some Nukeproof grips

[mik]

Originally Posted by mcnews

So, this happened on the weekend. New bike and epic run in ride :-)

It is, take a deep breath as it's a long name....

Cannondale Synapse Carbon Hi-Mod Black Inc.

A few phone pics.

http://s612.photobucket.com/user/tre...deshow/Cycling

wow , good effort, nice bike too, jeez the front big gear looks like a monster , you must be getting a bit of speed up with that .

[mcnews]

I think it is pretty standard endurance stuff so shorter geared than the more full on race bikes, this is 34-50 front must be the pic that just makes it look mega.

[prydey]

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/...2/22284/84240/

Bought my wife one of these this morning. Was looking around online and had all but decided on a Reid urban x1, but they were out of stock. We went to our local bike shop just for a look so she could get an idea of the different styles etc. Ended up with the above bike. Really nice looking bike and will certainly do the job. The Reid had some niceties like hidden cabling but the steerer/head tube design is much nicer on the giant. Value wise the Reid was probably still in front considering the use it is likely to get but I didn't mind spending the extra$150 supporting my local shop. I bought some new tyres for my flat bar which he threw in for free so that was a bonus.

Knowing how this bug can bite, I can see me having to sacrifice some of my riding time to stay home with the kids while she goes riding. What have I done

[Captain Stubing]

Now you need to find baby sitters to go join your wife, Prydey! I hope she enjoys it, with the 28/32 low ratio she'll be following you up your mountains in no time!

[prydey]

Originally Posted by swanny

Now you need to find baby sitters to go join your wife, Prydey! I hope she enjoys it, with the 28/32 low ratio she'll be following you up your mountains in no time!

i have 2 girls, 15 and 7. the eldest has always been a dream child and would be fine left for a bit, but the youngest is a terror. you couldn't get more chalk and cheese. no way i'm leaving her alone with just her sister, and i wouldn't put anyone else through what she can dish out nah, she's not that bad but you get the idea. thankfully i do shift work so there are plenty of opportunities to be able to ride together for an hour or 2.

[Captain Stubing]

The joys of shift work! I rode my bike to work last Thursday arvo as I was on call, and took the work car home at 10p, but got called out at 11pm to a lengthy job.

I ended up finishing work at about lunchtime on Friday, having had no sleep and got a lift home.

Today was the first opportunity I had to ride again. Getting 25 hrs overtime makes up for it, though!

I'm lucky my kids are now 17, 18 and 24!

[Danny]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Skipped the Renthals and went some Nukeproof Warheads as i love the 800mm width. Along with some Nukeproof grips
image

Speaking of, the Renthals arrived this week with the Crank Bros Mallets, the SDG Duster saddle in Red, and now it's looking ready to shred and fit in with the extreme sports boys on the trails!

I'm wrapped with the look of it now. Blue and red was the look I was going for. Nailed it.

[GTpilot]

Just ordered a Merida Cyclocross 500 to cater for commute duties, especially over winter.
It's the 2015 model so I got it quite cheap, Aluminum frame, carbon forks, it runs full 11sp 105 5800 group set with TRP Spyre brakes. (not the FSA crank as shown in the pic)
Let the mods begin......
Hydraulic brakes
Ultrega 6800 derailers
Wheelset
Etc. ;)

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Danny

Speaking of, the Renthals arrived this week with the Crank Bros Mallets, the SDG Duster saddle in Red, and now it's looking ready to shred and fit in with the extreme sports boys on the trails!

I'm wrapped with the look of it now. Blue and red was the look I was going for. Nailed it.

image

image

Had these fitted today, Chain Reaction cycles in the UK, 2 orders both arrived within 5 days and bloody cheap IMO. Shifters and brakes need adjusting, the rear sweep is a big difference but everything else is bang on, including the new grips. And i can take em with me when i upgrade in Sept hopefully.

[NTF6]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Had these fitted today, Chain Reaction cycles in the UK, 2 orders both arrived within 5 days and bloody cheap IMO. Shifters and brakes need adjusting, the rear sweep is a big difference but everything else is bang on, including the new grips. And i can take em with me when i upgrade in Sept hopefully.

image

5 days from CRC is good, I've got two parcels that have been stuck in NSW since 31st March still with no indication of delivery. CRC are using a different international courier SkyNet which appear to be having teething problems getting the parcels to their destination via AusPost.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by NTF6

5 days from CRC is good, I've got two parcels that have been stuck in NSW since 31st March still with no indication of delivery. CRC are using a different international courier SkyNet which appear to be having teething problems getting the parcels to their destination via AusPost.

Yeah both Skynet via auspost, id say auspost is the hold up. My first order came over easter and was 4 days.

[blueoval]

Dam you blokes, Im getting bike envy now

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Dam you blokes, Im getting bike envy now

I'm too. I have the opportunity to buy an ex demo carbon framed giant reign hardly ridden for a steal but I'm going to hold off I think.

[GTpilot]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Dam you blokes, Im getting bike envy now

Good time of year for an upgrade, what with new models on the horizon. :P

[Danny]

S'more inspiration Blueoval. I am obsessed with photographing this Enduro. It looks well tough!! Gonna have to crack out the DSLR at Kinglake soon while the sun is setting.



DJM - 5 Days for CRC is pretty good. I was surprised at them as well. My bars, grips, and seat all came in about 5 days. My TLD kneepads took a bit longer though but only a couple of days.

The weak link with them isn't skynet, its that they use Toll Priority when the item lands in AU. They're a nightmare to deal with, as they make you jump through enormous hoops to get your package if you're not at home when they deliver (and who usually is??), and never ever follow through with anything you have supposedly organised with them beforehand. Coupled with 40 minute hold times on the phones, and its a nightmare!

Let us know how you go with your bars too mate, haven't had the chance to shred with the new bars and grips yet. Want to hit kinglake this weekend. Can't wait.

[DJM83]

First ride on them today, whilst im happy the rearward sweep is going to take a little time to get accustomed to, its only 4 degrees but it makes a difference. First shred on them today i noticed it.


Heres a shot of my Reign and my mates Trance.

[Mainlube]

Just put up a new Channel in YouTube called "Stealth Bike Ride"

With rides on bike tracks La Perouse, La Perouse Helipad Nat Park, Opera house, Brighten Le Sands, Cooks River.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn-...SfBzhQxWPcgfmA

And many more to come

Cheers

Steve

[NTF6]

Originally Posted by Danny

S'more inspiration Blueoval. I am obsessed with photographing this Enduro. It looks well tough!! Gonna have to crack out the DSLR at Kinglake soon while the sun is setting.

image

DJM - 5 Days for CRC is pretty good. I was surprised at them as well. My bars, grips, and seat all came in about 5 days. My TLD kneepads took a bit longer though but only a couple of days.

The weak link with them isn't skynet, its that they use Toll Priority when the item lands in AU. They're a nightmare to deal with, as they make you jump through enormous hoops to get your package if you're not at home when they deliver (and who usually is??), and never ever follow through with anything you have supposedly organised with them beforehand. Coupled with 40 minute hold times on the phones, and its a nightmare!

Let us know how you go with your bars too mate, haven't had the chance to shred with the new bars and grips yet. Want to hit kinglake this weekend. Can't wait.

CRC's contract with SkyNet states that SkyNet are supposed to use Australia Post if the parcel is going to a PO Box and a courier if a street address. They will use any courier, my parcel that was to go to a PO Box was sent to Couriers Please who had no idea what to do with it so they returned it back to SkyNet which then sent it to DHL who sent it to Alice Springs via Darwin with Toll Priority. There is a plane everyday straight from Sydney to Alice Springs, God knows why they sent it to Darwin! It's nearly been a month for my parcel to arrive from CRC and I still don't have it yet after being kicked all around the country.

[GASWAGON]

Originally Posted by Mainlube

Just put up a new Channel in YouTube called "Stealth Bike Ride"

With rides on bike tracks La Perouse, La Perouse Helipad Nat Park, Opera house, Brighten Le Sands, Cooks River.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn-...SfBzhQxWPcgfmA

And many more to come

Cheers

Steve

Bloody hell that electric bike is faaaaaast........You could really hurt yourself if you came off.

It appears to be as fast as a small motorbike.

How many kilometres does it do before requiring recharging?

And does pedalling help recharge the battey???

[Mainlube]

Originally Posted by CoolBFWagon

Bloody hell that electric bike is faaaaaast........You could really hurt yourself if you came off.

It appears to be as fast as a small motorbike.

How many kilometres does it do before requiring recharging?

And does pedalling help recharge the battery???

Quite correct Cool BF Wagon,

The trick here is to behave (not something I was good at in my earlier days)

This is my second Bomber, have travelled around 6000 klms on these mostly the rides on YouTube.

When I go past people and especially animals on the bike track I slow down to a walking pace and people love it, looks scary coming up but when you go slow people thank me, it's a no brainier.

Biggest challenge is keeping your speed down

Off road it's a beast and will tackle any hill, big thing is there is no hills which is great as you get older.

Bomber does 80 KPH, if you pedal hard you can get 105 which is the fastest so far. (has a 9 speed sequential gearbox on the pedals so you can pedal at 80 KPH)

There is a button that feels like ABS has engaged but that the re-gen button so you can use this instead of brakes and this recharges.

Does 80 KLM on a charge, could nearly double that in road mode 250W 25 KPH capped, off road it's 5200W 80 KPH.

I've shown the law and asked there opinion and coppers, Nat. Park etc all say if we don't talk to you you can do what you like, otherwise you got a problem!

It's kinda a help being over 10K as it stops the idiots from stuffing this unbelievable fun up.

We kinda fly under the radar

Cheers

Steve