The Fitness Thread

[Paul]

"I've been advised disc brakes are a pain. Can I ask your views?"

Can't you use the soles of your shoes like we did when we were kids ???

 

[Tredman]

I like the disc brakes on my hybrid. It was also from evans, a specialised.

If possible try and go into the shop and test a few bikes before choosing - I went into an Evans and they were really helpful.

 

[machin05]

I've got disc brakes on my new bike. Been spot on so far. A bit noisy to start with so make sure you bed them in first - spend 10 minutes going up and down a quiet road, pedalling up to speed then braking hard to a complete stop.
But no mechanical issues with them at all. They never rub or fail to release fully, etc. And you get reliable and predictable stopping power no matter the conditions.

 

[lemonjelly]

I'll be popping into Evans this weekend. Had a couple of discussions with other cyclists at work too.
I've concluded that disc brakes aren't for me if possible.

£££ continues to be an issue for me. I might explore Decathalon over wednesbury. It appears their own brand bikes are good value for the money. I might explore this one:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-520-flat-bar-road-bike-sora-id_8322799.html

All feedback/suggestions appreciated folks. I apologies for commandeering the thread a little.

 

[machin05]

What's your reason for not wanting disc brakes, out of interest?

 

[lemonjelly]

Feedback I've had from other cyclists really. They're a pain, difficult to repair when going wrong etc.
It seems the jury is still out on them. I've heard a lot of positive feedback on them too.

It wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. If the right bike was available, I wouldn't say no because of disc brakes. It's just a preference I think.

 

[machin05]

I'd be tempted to put 28mm tyres on it mate. Best decision I made for my hybrid. Takes some of the harshness out of the ride.

 

[machin05]

Feedback I've had from other cyclists really. They're a pain, difficult to repair when going wrong etc.
It seems the jury is still out on them. I've heard a lot of positive feedback on them too.

It wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. If the right bike was available, I wouldn't say no because of disc brakes. It's just a preference I think.

Ah, ok. I'm not much of a tinkerer, so will be getting my road bhike serviced regularly at Leisure Lakes. Hence not worrying too much about repairing disc brakes. From what I understand, they auto align themselves and don't need much doing to them - apart from keeping them clean and advoiding spraying lubricants and degreaser on them!

 

[Wombat del combate]

The other thing to account for when buying a bike is to get fitted for it, that is to say have someone assess your riding position and adapt things like saddle height, handlebar rotation and stem length to match your physiology. If you don't get this done you run the risk of injuring yourself.

 

[machin05]

...If you don't get this done you run the risk of injuring yourself.

Aside from falling off, you mean

 

[lemonjelly]

I'd be tempted to put 28mm tyres on it mate. Best decision I made for my hybrid. Takes some of the harshness out of the ride.

Thanks Machin, I'll look into that when I go to look at it.

Ah, ok. I'm not much of a tinkerer, so will be getting my road bhike serviced regularly at Leisure Lakes. Hence not worrying too much about repairing disc brakes. From what I understand, they auto align themselves and don't need much doing to them - apart from keeping them clean and advoiding spraying lubricants and degreaser on them!

We have on site a bike service, er, service. So I can leave my bike with them whilst at work to have it serviced regularly. Hopefully this'll mean that long term the bike is looked after well. Plus, it means that if the right bike is with disc brakes, that'll be fine (I hope).

The other thing to account for when buying a bike is to get fitted for it, that is to say have someone assess your riding position and adapt things like saddle height, handlebar rotation and stem length to match your physiology. If you don't get this done you run the risk of injuring yourself.

Cheers wombat. Will make sure I do this.

Aside from falling off, you mean

Like I did this morning? (see the annoy thread).

 

[machin05]

Like I did this morning? (see the annoy thread).

I know mate, that's what makes my little joke so hilarious :icon_wink:

 

[Johnny75]

This is going to sound an odd question but what do you boys ride to work in? Coats, jackets, motorcycle leathers, full Team Sky Lycra?

 

[So Long Architect]

This morning as it was about -3, I wore three base layer type thingies under the high vis bike jacket. Running leggings with cycle shorts on top. And a woolly hat. Only thing that got cold was my hands. I've not found gloves yet that keep your hands properly warm in really cold weather.

 

[Penk Wolf]

I have Seal Skinz gloves as yet the cold hasn't beat them nor my Seal Skinz overshoes.

 

[Paul]

This is going to sound an odd question but what do you boys ride to work in? Coats, jackets, motorcycle leathers, full Team Sky Lycra?

I drive to work, its ever so toasty so shirt and light jacket, and LJ, never fell off my car in over 30 years

 

[So Long Architect]

I have Seal Skinz gloves as yet the cold hasn't beat them nor my Seal Skinz overshoes.

I had some of them but I lost one. They were pretty good, especially against the rain, but I still got bloody cold fingers. Currently using some Altura waterproof ones, which claim to work down to -15. They work in that they stay on your hands and don't catch fire, but my hands still get cold.

 

[Penk Wolf]

Conclusion: It's you not the gloves.

 

[So Long Architect]

Conclusion: It's you not the gloves.

Yeah, probably.

 

[lemonjelly]

I know mate, that's what makes my little joke so hilarious :icon_wink:

Ah! That'll be why I got it straight away...:icon_lol:

This is going to sound an odd question but what do you boys ride to work in? Coats, jackets, motorcycle leathers, full Team Sky Lycra?

I cycle in my work stuff. In winter, add a thin jumper & a generic cycling coat that is waterproof, and bloody warm! I just use cheap gloves at the mo. I'm lucky that I only have a 20 min journey. In summer I pop a hi-vis over the shirt and lose the jumper and coat.