Bold Rover Posted September 9, 2018 Share Posted September 9, 2018 9 hours ago, The Master said: I disagree to an extent, although I guess it depends on your motivation for doing it. For me, I simply enjoy the ride. Sure, finishing at Ingleston (aka a field with some buildings) isn’t as glamorous as Murrayfield, but it is more about the getting there for me. I also think the Ingleston finish is because the event is a victim of its own success. They tried fully-closed roads in Edinburgh once, and it was an utter disaster. I think on balance, having a completely traffic-free route is better than “nearly-traffic-free-except-for-the-final-5-miles”, and if that means finishing just outside Edinburgh then so be it. I make up the final miles anyway to catch my train home. Fair dos. Hope you have a good day. I'm doing a local ride of about the same length, instead. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorlomin Posted September 9, 2018 Share Posted September 9, 2018 On 03/09/2018 at 20:58, The Master said: 2) I'm looking to create a bit more frame-mounted space to avoid carrying a rucksack if I absolutely don't have to. What do people think of top mounted bags, like this one: https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-burra-burra-toptube-pack-EV292776 It sits on top of the crossbar behind the handlebars and, apparently, has the added benefit of making the bike more aerodynamic. The other option is one of those ones where you slide your phone in the top and use it as a speedo. But I'm always a bit wary of the protection they give should I have a spill. Here are a video looking at the aerodynamics between differing bag types for commuting. The result is a frame bag is the most aero while bag and panniers much less aero by about 20watts. Though I am not really sure too many will be going fast enough to notice the difference. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
statts1976uk Posted September 9, 2018 Share Posted September 9, 2018 I did the 10 mile Pedal for Scotland with my 8 year old son as he wanted to do it with me and I know that my shoulder definitely wouldn’t have held for the 100 miler. A really good turn out and good to see so many families out today. The only problem is that I’m really in the mood for a long cycle now after that warmup! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Master Posted September 9, 2018 Share Posted September 9, 2018 (edited) PFS done in just under 3h15. Pretty uneventful this year. One corner that was very greasy, and I passed as they were seemingly disposing of Strathclyde's finest’s latest cocaine haul as a way of drying the road. The bit to the finish needs improved, though. Technically my bike is a “gravel bike”, and it was well suited to the surface. It surely isn’t impossible to lay a temporary road made out of rubber or something? Tempted by the big belter next year. My legs definitely have more miles in them but not sure if it’s 45. Proper training would help though. For now though, just the extra 8 miles to Waverley. Edited September 9, 2018 by The Master 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
well fan for life Posted September 9, 2018 Share Posted September 9, 2018 PFS done in just under 3h15. Pretty uneventful this year. One corner that was very greasy, and I passed as they were seemingly disposing of Strathclyde's finest’s latest cocaine haul as a way of drying the road. The bit to the finish needs improved, though. Technically my bike is a “gravel bike”, and it was well suited to the surface. It surely isn’t impossible to lay a temporary road made out of rubber or something? Tempted by the big belter next year. My legs definitely have more miles in them but not sure if it’s 45. Proper training would help though. For now though, just the extra 8 miles to Waverley. Yeah I saw that corner as well.I wasn’t sure how I would go today but by the time I got up High Street I felt good. Tanked it out in 3h2.The last bit is horrendous. I know it’s not exactly a regularly used bit of road but it’s vile. Surely they could chuck something over it. I also noticed that the ride fragmented out after Drumpellier and even more so after Slammanan. I got caught at traffic lights on Duke Street and there were so hairy moments getting stuck behind folk pulling away.Overall the organisation was good. Very much appreciated a Scotch pie at The Peel. I understand why they can’t finish at Murrayfield any longer as driving from Newbridge in to that part of Edinburgh is a shambles at best, never mind attempting to close roads. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unleash The Nade Posted September 13, 2018 Share Posted September 13, 2018 Lumpy wee 50 mile run on the mountain bike yesterday Callander to Killin Felt like I was pedaling a tractor after last 4 months on road bike 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
statts1976uk Posted September 15, 2018 Share Posted September 15, 2018 I wonder who the new poster “the new Kia Ceed” is and why he’s visiting the cycling forum!! Out today and 30 miles done with the shoulder feeling better, no Strava records broken today though. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshbairn Posted September 15, 2018 Share Posted September 15, 2018 Strange route Leigh Timmis is taking for Portugal to the Urals record, compared to Sean Conway. It's not really a race as Leigh is doing it supported, but I thought Leigh was heading home for a bit instead of heading East. https://www.leightimmis.com/ https://www.yellowjersey.co.uk/sean-conway-cycling-world-record-attempt/ 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Master Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 That was an interesting morning. Roll back to yesterday when I took the hybrid to work for the first time in a while. Noticed not long after I started that the rear tyre was a little soft; but fine to continue. Forgot to top it up at work, and really felt it on the way back so filled it as soon as I got home. This morning, after going for a mile or so it felt like something was caught in my wheel. Just as I was stopping...BANG. Sound like a gunshot; one instantly flat rear tyre. I knew it wasn't recoverable and I was closer to home than work, so turned round and pushed. When I got home I noticed the rear tyre was completely worn at one point, so I can only guess the inner tube got into the gap and ended up being pinched. These are the same tyres I asked about the cracking on a year or so ago; so it turns out, yes it does eventually become a problem A quick reattachment of the rack onto my CX bike and I was only 20 minutes or so late for work... 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnash Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 I'm not usually one to boast, but what the heck, I'll do it anyway. This morning I broke my distance record for solo riding at 20+mph average. 49 miles with 2000 feet of climb, 20.2 mph average. Will probably be my last big solo ride for a while with the weather turning. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unleash The Nade Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 31 minutes ago, Gnash said: I'm not usually one to boast, but what the heck, I'll do it anyway. This morning I broke my distance record for solo riding at 20+mph average. 49 miles with 2000 feet of climb, 20.2 mph average. Will probably be my last big solo ride for a while with the weather turning. Cracking effort 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unleash The Nade Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 7 hours ago, The Master said: That was an interesting morning. Roll back to yesterday when I took the hybrid to work for the first time in a while. Noticed not long after I started that the rear tyre was a little soft; but fine to continue. Forgot to top it up at work, and really felt it on the way back so filled it as soon as I got home. This morning, after going for a mile or so it felt like something was caught in my wheel. Just as I was stopping...BANG. Sound like a gunshot; one instantly flat rear tyre. I knew it wasn't recoverable and I was closer to home than work, so turned round and pushed. When I got home I noticed the rear tyre was completely worn at one point, so I can only guess the inner tube got into the gap and ended up being pinched. These are the same tyres I asked about the cracking on a year or so ago; so it turns out, yes it does eventually become a problem A quick reattachment of the rack onto my CX bike and I was only 20 minutes or so late for work... Good tip but too late for your escapade today Try and always carry one of the new £5 notes when out on your bike . If you do have a tyre blow out or it gets damaged and the tube sticks through , it’s thin and tough enough to be out inside the tyre to act as a temporary repair to get you on your way 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
endieinreekie Posted October 8, 2018 Share Posted October 8, 2018 Looking for some advice. Looking to pick up a 2nd hand mountain bike for stoating around in the Pentlands/off-road in nearby countryside but not having done a lot of mountain biking I'm not sure what I should be looking for. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
statts1976uk Posted October 8, 2018 Share Posted October 8, 2018 2 hours ago, endieinreekie said: Looking for some advice. Looking to pick up a 2nd hand mountain bike for stoating around in the Pentlands/off-road in nearby countryside but not having done a lot of mountain biking I'm not sure what I should be looking for. Depends on your budget, are you looking to use one of the many cycleschemes out there as there are some great bargains around the £1000 mark at this time of year. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
endieinreekie Posted October 8, 2018 Share Posted October 8, 2018 1 minute ago, statts1976uk said: Depends on your budget, are you looking to use one of the many cycleschemes out there as there are some great bargains around the £1000 mark at this time of year. I already have a hybrid for road cycling, so looking for something as cheap as possible, probably second hand, but advice about which bikes are best to look out for and what I should be looking for. Not looking for anything serious, and no way I could justify to the wife spending anywhere near £1000!! Just general advice on a mountain bike for doing a bit of riding in the Pentlands and maybe further afield. Which makes are better than others and what they should be equipped with. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unleash The Nade Posted October 8, 2018 Share Posted October 8, 2018 (edited) 5 hours ago, endieinreekie said: I already have a hybrid for road cycling, so looking for something as cheap as possible, probably second hand, but advice about which bikes are best to look out for and what I should be looking for. Not looking for anything serious, and no way I could justify to the wife spending anywhere near £1000!! Just general advice on a mountain bike for doing a bit of riding in the Pentlands and maybe further afield. Which makes are better than others and what they should be equipped with. It’s the old “ you get what you pay for “ scenario Unless you’re going to be going down some seriously steep and rugged terrain , a hard tail would probably suffice . My advice would be to keep an eye on Gumtree and Facebook marketplace as there’s always lots of bikes for sale there, I’d definitely recommend disc brakes , hydraulic if you can get them Try and stick to brands like Specialized, Trek, Giant, Merida, Scott, Cannondale etc if you can However, beware that some secondhand bikes can seem good value at first , but depending on usage can end up costing you a lot more on replacement worn out parts. Eta. Here’s an example of a good looking buy on Gumtree https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/scott-scale-30-black-mountain-bike-size-medium/1316476515?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social Edited October 8, 2018 by Unleash The Nade 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
statts1976uk Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 14 hours ago, endieinreekie said: I already have a hybrid for road cycling, so looking for something as cheap as possible, probably second hand, but advice about which bikes are best to look out for and what I should be looking for. Not looking for anything serious, and no way I could justify to the wife spending anywhere near £1000!! Just general advice on a mountain bike for doing a bit of riding in the Pentlands and maybe further afield. Which makes are better than others and what they should be equipped with. You don’t need to spend the whole £1000, a lot of retailers are now selling their 2018 models with substantial discounts and using the cycle to work schemes that your employer may have means that you can get up to a 42% discount as the monthly payment is taken off before tax. You can also get accessories as well with that. The first year I did it I bought a Giant MTB from Paul’s cycles for about £500 and it ended costing me about £300 all in all. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
endieinreekie Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 Cheers guys, much appreciated. Are decathlon any good for mountain bikes? Have heard that their road bikes are pretty decent 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bold Rover Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 Endie - I can't give technical advice but, for your information, there are a few mental health charities which employ mechanics to restore and sell bikes. One of my sons was delighted with the bike he picked up from a place in Maryhill. I believe there are similar facilities in the other cities. He found the Glasgow one on the internet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu_mfc Posted October 9, 2018 Share Posted October 9, 2018 17 hours ago, endieinreekie said: I already have a hybrid for road cycling, so looking for something as cheap as possible, probably second hand, but advice about which bikes are best to look out for and what I should be looking for. Not looking for anything serious, and no way I could justify to the wife spending anywhere near £1000!! Just general advice on a mountain bike for doing a bit of riding in the Pentlands and maybe further afield. Which makes are better than others and what they should be equipped with. Minimum you should look at is hydraulic disc brakes and possibly air sprung forks with a tapered steerer (mainly because everything else is phasing out and impossible to replace). Would also go for 27.5" wheels (again 26" phasing out and hard to replace tyres now). If you stick with a decent frame from a brand Unleash The Nade has mentioned everything else can be easily upgraded as you go. Decathlon are better than they used to be, just apply same logic as above! Vodoo from halfords or the Bossnut from Go Outdoors are also decent budget options. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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