The Velotard Thread.

[lemonjelly]

Unless anyone really needs them don't get and fit mudguards, an absolute pain in the backside to fit.

Interesting. I've been considering whether they're worthwhile. I only really commute (though maybe when the weather is better I may go out a bit more) so instead I wear waterproof trousers my dad gave me instead. They keep me dry enough in the 3.5 miles I do. I'm useless at anything technical/mechanical, so looks like I'll give them a miss...

 

[machin05]

You can get something called an ass-saver which just clips onto the seatpost which helps keep your bum and lower back dry.

 

[Tredman]

Interesting. I've been considering whether they're worthwhile. I only really commute (though maybe when the weather is better I may go out a bit more) so instead I wear waterproof trousers my dad gave me instead. They keep me dry enough in the 3.5 miles I do. I'm useless at anything technical/mechanical, so looks like I'll give them a miss...

I would, they were a nightmare to fit - had to take bolt cutters to the front stays to cut them to size.

I also commute, but only 2.5 miles to the train station - i want to just go in normal clothes, so that's why i thought mud guards would be good.

 

[Wombat del combate]

You can get something called an ass-saver which just clips onto the seatpost which helps keep your bum and lower back dry.

Pfft. If you don't go out on a ride and come back looking like you've sharted catastrophically you've no right to call yourself a cyclist.

 

[lemonjelly]

You can get something called an ass-saver which just clips onto the seatpost which helps keep your bum and lower back dry.

I don't want to google ass-saver...:yikes:

 

[machin05]

I don't want to google ass-saver...:yikes:

Here you go:

 

[Deleted Cyber]

Here you go:

thats not a saddle thats a razor blade!

 

[lemonjelly]

I don't think that'd do the job tbh.
Think I'll stick with the waterproof trousers. Fin I only have to wear them a couple of times each month.

 

[machin05]

Ooooh, shiny new drive train...

 

[machin05]

I don't think that'd do the job tbh.
Think I'll stick with the waterproof trousers. Fin I only have to wear them a couple of times each month.

I think GCN tested out different methods of keeping dry. Will try and find the video later.

 

[Parkins left foot]

Here you go:

Really wouldn't want to brake hard & go back onto that :icon_biggrin:

 

[lemonjelly]

I would, they were a nightmare to fit - had to take bolt cutters to the front stays to cut them to size.

I also commute, but only 2.5 miles to the train station - i want to just go in normal clothes, so that's why i thought mud guards would be good.

I cycle in my normal clothes. Plus cycle jacket, and a jumper when it is cold. In fact, aside from 1 cycle jacket that is hi vis & waterproof, that was a birthday present I don't have any specific cycle clothing.
I leave a spare old pair of work trousers at work, that I can pop on if I get caught in a bad downpour on the way in. Have had to spend the odd day without socks when they got drenched, but it is a rarity tbh.

 

[lemonjelly]

For interested peeps:
https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/support-us/fundraise/events-and-challenges/cycle/london-paris-cycle?utm_source=VirginMoney&utm_medium=Display&utm_campaign=Challenges&utm_content=VMAd728x90&dclid=CI76tsyDxtkCFcpIGwodVIoDmw

 

[machin05]

That looks amazing. I'm sure Cure Leukaemia are offering the same ride but they wanted £999 up front!

Very tempted to seriously consider this one....

 

[machin05]

Booked my first Sportive of the year - https://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/no-excuses-sportive-shropshire/

£40 but you get your money back if you actually turn up for it. 75 miles around Shropshire, nothing too challenging on the climbing front. Should be a good tester for the start of the new season.

This was cancelled last night due to the weather. Probably for the best and I'm kind of relieved. We can transfer the entry fee to another event so I'll probably do that.

 

[Wombat del combate]

I decided against Velo South, as I don't think I'll be able to train to the level I want to be at, plus the route looks like it'll cause some accidents: there's a long drag from km5 which leads into a few kilometres across country and then a ~10% drop with a sharp left turn at the bottom. From a standing start at the top I was nudging 80kph by the bottom when I tried it. I foresee carnage when you mix the wannabe pros and pootlers, plus those whose ego exceeds their skill.

 

[machin05]

Took on some meaningful gradients yesterday, including this:

My Garmin actually autopaused as I was crawling up as it thought I'd stopped! :icon_lol:

 

[lemonjelly]

My Garmin actually autopaused as I was crawling up as it thought I'd stopped! :icon_lol:

:icon_lol:
On my route to previous job there was a hill I used to have to get off and push (I had an old crap bike then). I keep meaning to go back and check it out on the newie, see if I can make it.

 

[machin05]

You can't beat the feeling of conquering a climb that has previously befell you!

Thought my legs were going to explode going up this section through Wyke Farm though - the roads were in awful condition and my bike tyre was slipping when I was out the saddle. This came after riding through what could only be described as a small river near the Wrekin. A good couple of hundred metres of half wheel deep standing water on the road. My feet were going into the water at the bottom of the pedal stroke and I couldn't see what the surface was like underneath. Pretty hairy stuff to be honest.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.6...4!1slK3TEGZDEe_L_kgg0Uz83g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 - Taking a left at the top of the road.

 

[machin05]

Looks like this mini-beast is going put a halt on the 50 mile "Reliability Ride" I was meant to be doing on Sunday. Forecast as it stands is -2c, heavy snow and 40mph gusts with a "feels like" temp of -10. Yeah, fuck that!

2 out of 2 sportives cancelled so far this year due to the weather. Can we have some normal spring weather soon please?