Road Bike - All advice welcome
Discussion
Hi,
Just treated myself to a Carrera Vanquish.
I have checked all the bolts and made sure all are tight, fitted a couple of bottle cages and given it a good spray of GT85.
Set the seat, and while I wait for some SPD mtg style pedals, I have whacked on some Wellgo Alloy flats that were spare.
Took it for a few miles ride, now the acceleration is excellent. However I only feel completely stable and relaxed in the drops. On the hoods the bike doesn't seem to be as stable and the brakes just are too big for my rather small hands!! I can reach the levers, not a problem, but its so much of a stretch that there is insufficient leverage to generate enough braking force!
I was on the bike for about 40 minutes nearly all of it in the drops. Now I am not sure, if this is a normal position to be in, I feel fine so far, except some mild aches last night.
All advice is most welcome
Just treated myself to a Carrera Vanquish.
I have checked all the bolts and made sure all are tight, fitted a couple of bottle cages and given it a good spray of GT85.
Set the seat, and while I wait for some SPD mtg style pedals, I have whacked on some Wellgo Alloy flats that were spare.
Took it for a few miles ride, now the acceleration is excellent. However I only feel completely stable and relaxed in the drops. On the hoods the bike doesn't seem to be as stable and the brakes just are too big for my rather small hands!! I can reach the levers, not a problem, but its so much of a stretch that there is insufficient leverage to generate enough braking force!
I was on the bike for about 40 minutes nearly all of it in the drops. Now I am not sure, if this is a normal position to be in, I feel fine so far, except some mild aches last night.
All advice is most welcome
I'm no expert on bike fit - but I would start with :
Moving the seat forward on the rails a bit to improve reach.
Flip the stem and whilst re-securing the bars just rotate a few degrees - the hoods do look low.
Try that - then prepare for more work.
The stem does appear quite long - too long for me on any bike - a replacement shorter stem.
I am assuming you have bought the correct size bike to start with - subject to some modification. I'm just about to take the plunge (again) and as usual its always reach that is the mod that I need to make.
And loose all the reflectors !
Moving the seat forward on the rails a bit to improve reach.
Flip the stem and whilst re-securing the bars just rotate a few degrees - the hoods do look low.
Try that - then prepare for more work.
The stem does appear quite long - too long for me on any bike - a replacement shorter stem.
I am assuming you have bought the correct size bike to start with - subject to some modification. I'm just about to take the plunge (again) and as usual its always reach that is the mod that I need to make.
And loose all the reflectors !
You could try rotating the bars in the stem up a little so the hoods are higher and closer to you.
However my bike came with the same (or similar looking) Tektro brakes. After the first ride I took them off in favour of some by Shimano. I could reach them OK from the hoods, but I just couldn't generate any meaningful retardation unless I used them from the drops. Awful things, in my opinion. The Shimanos are much better, using the original levers. I still go into the drops on fast descents, in case I need to do any really hard braking, but am able to ride on the hoods the rest of the time.
ETA - And the brake pads too. Binned the supplied single piece blocks for cartridge style holders and pads. I went for Clarks. They were cheap and do the job.
However my bike came with the same (or similar looking) Tektro brakes. After the first ride I took them off in favour of some by Shimano. I could reach them OK from the hoods, but I just couldn't generate any meaningful retardation unless I used them from the drops. Awful things, in my opinion. The Shimanos are much better, using the original levers. I still go into the drops on fast descents, in case I need to do any really hard braking, but am able to ride on the hoods the rest of the time.
ETA - And the brake pads too. Binned the supplied single piece blocks for cartridge style holders and pads. I went for Clarks. They were cheap and do the job.
Edited by SixPotBelly on Thursday 2nd July 08:03
ClassicMercs said:
I'm no expert on bike fit - but I would start with :
Moving the seat forward on the rails a bit to improve reach.
Flip the stem and whilst re-securing the bars just rotate a few degrees - the hoods do look low.
Try that - then prepare for more work.
The stem does appear quite long - too long for me on any bike - a replacement shorter stem.
I am assuming you have bought the correct size bike to start with - subject to some modification. I'm just about to take the plunge (again) and as usual its always reach that is the mod that I need to make.
And loose all the reflectors !
Hi Thanks, yes correct size bike, I managed to rotate the handlebar, will order a shorter stem to see.Moving the seat forward on the rails a bit to improve reach.
Flip the stem and whilst re-securing the bars just rotate a few degrees - the hoods do look low.
Try that - then prepare for more work.
The stem does appear quite long - too long for me on any bike - a replacement shorter stem.
I am assuming you have bought the correct size bike to start with - subject to some modification. I'm just about to take the plunge (again) and as usual its always reach that is the mod that I need to make.
And loose all the reflectors !
Cool
All of the reflectors? Isn't it illegal without them?
SixPotBelly said:
You could try rotating the bars in the stem up a little so the hoods are higher and closer to you.
However my bike came with the same (or similar looking) Tektro brakes. After the first ride I took them off in favour of some by Shimano. I could reach them OK from the hoods, but I just couldn't generate any meaningful retardation unless I used them from the drops. Awful things, in my opinion. The Shimanos are much better, using the original levers. I still go into the drops on fast descents, in case I need to do any really hard braking, but am able to ride on the hoods the rest of the time.
ETA - And the brake pads too. Binned the supplied single piece blocks for cartridge style holders and pads. I went for Clarks. They were cheap and do the job.
Thanks.However my bike came with the same (or similar looking) Tektro brakes. After the first ride I took them off in favour of some by Shimano. I could reach them OK from the hoods, but I just couldn't generate any meaningful retardation unless I used them from the drops. Awful things, in my opinion. The Shimanos are much better, using the original levers. I still go into the drops on fast descents, in case I need to do any really hard braking, but am able to ride on the hoods the rest of the time.
ETA - And the brake pads too. Binned the supplied single piece blocks for cartridge style holders and pads. I went for Clarks. They were cheap and do the job.
Edited by SixPotBelly on Thursday 2nd July 08:03
Tried rotating till it was horizontal, and helped a bit, but now the drops are not so comfy.
What do you think of the Claris brakes, saw some on EBay.
I am going to order clarks ones, is it the 55mm ones?
DozyGit said:
Thanks.
Tried rotating till it was horizontal, and helped a bit, but now the drops are not so comfy.
What do you think of the Claris brakes, saw some on EBay.
I am going to order clarks ones, is it the 55mm ones?
I haven't experienced the Claris I'm afraid. They're probably OK but I'd be inclined to spend enough pennies to get some that are reputed to be very good. My thinking being if you're going to change something you may as well only do it once. I was restricted to long reach calipers (my is frame designed for 28mm tyres and mudguards) so went for the BR-451. Otherwise I'd have bought the 105 5800 brakes for £20 each:Tried rotating till it was horizontal, and helped a bit, but now the drops are not so comfy.
What do you think of the Claris brakes, saw some on EBay.
I am going to order clarks ones, is it the 55mm ones?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-105-5800-brake-cal...
Note that Shimano say they should ideally be used with matching levers for the correct pull ratio, but they say the same for my BR-451 calipers I kept my existing (Sora) levers with much success.
And these are the pads I bought:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/clarks-road-brake-pad-hold...
Because they are a cartridge design you could then even slide better pads (eg Swisstop) into the Clarks holder if you wanted, but I haven't felt the need.
DozyGit said:
All of the reflectors? Isn't it illegal without them?
Plenty of (plain and much simplified) advice regarding ligts and reflectors here. Fill your boots... http://www.ctc.org.uk/cyclists-library/regulations...
Basically, if you NEVER intend to ride during the "Hours of Darkness" (30mins after sunset, to 30mins before sunrise) then you require no reflectors or lamps whatsoever. After dark you need a red rear reflector, amber pedal reflectors, and a white front/red rear lamp.
In the UK 'The Pedal Cycles (Safety) Regulations' state that a new bicycle must be sold fitted with additional amber or 'white' reflectors fitted to the wheels and a 'white' front reflector, and I believe they require a bell too, but when in use these are not a legal requirement, even after dark.
The "get rid of the reflectors" thing? I don't really understand it. If there's even half a chance that you're going to be riding after dark you'll need them, for safety and compliance with the law. By all means, if you NEVER intend to ride after dark, get rid of them. But getting rid of them seems to be driven by only one thing - "because cool". Don't kid yourself that you're removing them so 'save weight' or to 'get more aero'. They'll not have much effect on either of those things. Personally, I'd recommend that you leave them where they are as the potential safety benefits after dark massively outweigh any perceived "coolness" or weight/aero benefits in normal use. Especially (and I sincerely mean no offence) when it's a bike from the lower end of the price spectrum, like your Vanquish. Looking at your photo, I'd slide the rear reflector down to the bottom of the seatpost, and flip the front one upside down (to hang below the handlebar) simply to 'tidy up' the aesthetic, and leave it at that
ClassicMercs said:
I'm no expert on bike fit - but I would start with :
Moving the seat forward on the rails a bit to improve reach.
Flip the stem and whilst re-securing the bars just rotate a few degrees - the hoods do look low.
Try that - then prepare for more work.
The stem does appear quite long - too long for me on any bike - a replacement shorter stem.
I am assuming you have bought the correct size bike to start with - subject to some modification. I'm just about to take the plunge (again) and as usual its always reach that is the mod that I need to make.
And loose all the reflectors !
Stem looks to be 100mm, which is pretty standard on off the shelf road bikes. Moving the seat forward on the rails a bit to improve reach.
Flip the stem and whilst re-securing the bars just rotate a few degrees - the hoods do look low.
Try that - then prepare for more work.
The stem does appear quite long - too long for me on any bike - a replacement shorter stem.
I am assuming you have bought the correct size bike to start with - subject to some modification. I'm just about to take the plunge (again) and as usual its always reach that is the mod that I need to make.
And loose all the reflectors !
As for the brakes, try replacing the calipers with 105 brakes and swissstop pads and that should give you a bit more power and feel.
Get your self an app on your phone to track speed, distance etc etc.
I haven't had reflectors fitted to any of my bikes. I picked up a Brompton today. I noticed it has them fitted. It will probably be the only bike where I keep them on.
SixPotBelly said:
I haven't experienced the Claris I'm afraid. They're probably OK but I'd be inclined to spend enough pennies to get some that are reputed to be very good. My thinking being if you're going to change something you may as well only do it once. I was restricted to long reach calipers (my is frame designed for 28mm tyres and mudguards) so went for the BR-451. Otherwise I'd have bought the 105 5800 brakes for £20 each:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-105-5800-brake-cal...
Note that Shimano say they should ideally be used with matching levers for the correct pull ratio, but they say the same for my BR-451 calipers I kept my existing (Sora) levers with much success.
And these are the pads I bought:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/clarks-road-brake-pad-hold...
Because they are a cartridge design you could then even slide better pads (eg Swisstop) into the Clarks holder if you wanted, but I haven't felt the need.
Thank you, Brake pads ordered, but callipers when budget permits, will keep you posted.http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-105-5800-brake-cal...
Note that Shimano say they should ideally be used with matching levers for the correct pull ratio, but they say the same for my BR-451 calipers I kept my existing (Sora) levers with much success.
And these are the pads I bought:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/clarks-road-brake-pad-hold...
Because they are a cartridge design you could then even slide better pads (eg Swisstop) into the Clarks holder if you wanted, but I haven't felt the need.
yellowjack said:
Plenty of (plain and much simplified) advice regarding ligts and reflectors here. Fill your boots...
http://www.ctc.org.uk/cyclists-library/regulations...
Basically, if you NEVER intend to ride during the "Hours of Darkness" (30mins after sunset, to 30mins before sunrise) then you require no reflectors or lamps whatsoever. After dark you need a red rear reflector, amber pedal reflectors, and a white front/red rear lamp.
In the UK 'The Pedal Cycles (Safety) Regulations' state that a new bicycle must be sold fitted with additional amber or 'white' reflectors fitted to the wheels and a 'white' front reflector, and I believe they require a bell too, but when in use these are not a legal requirement, even after dark.
The "get rid of the reflectors" thing? I don't really understand it. If there's even half a chance that you're going to be riding after dark you'll need them, for safety and compliance with the law. By all means, if you NEVER intend to ride after dark, get rid of them. But getting rid of them seems to be driven by only one thing - "because cool". Don't kid yourself that you're removing them so 'save weight' or to 'get more aero'. They'll not have much effect on either of those things. Personally, I'd recommend that you leave them where they are as the potential safety benefits after dark massively outweigh any perceived "coolness" or weight/aero benefits in normal use. Especially (and I sincerely mean no offence) when it's a bike from the lower end of the price spectrum, like your Vanquish. Looking at your photo, I'd slide the rear reflector down to the bottom of the seatpost, and flip the front one upside down (to hang below the handlebar) simply to 'tidy up' the aesthetic, and leave it at that
Thanks for the links and advice. I will leave them on. I am not bothered about weight or aero (firstly I need to achieve any significant speed ha ha), and as a first road bike, keeping cost down matters, not really bothered about looks.http://www.ctc.org.uk/cyclists-library/regulations...
Basically, if you NEVER intend to ride during the "Hours of Darkness" (30mins after sunset, to 30mins before sunrise) then you require no reflectors or lamps whatsoever. After dark you need a red rear reflector, amber pedal reflectors, and a white front/red rear lamp.
In the UK 'The Pedal Cycles (Safety) Regulations' state that a new bicycle must be sold fitted with additional amber or 'white' reflectors fitted to the wheels and a 'white' front reflector, and I believe they require a bell too, but when in use these are not a legal requirement, even after dark.
The "get rid of the reflectors" thing? I don't really understand it. If there's even half a chance that you're going to be riding after dark you'll need them, for safety and compliance with the law. By all means, if you NEVER intend to ride after dark, get rid of them. But getting rid of them seems to be driven by only one thing - "because cool". Don't kid yourself that you're removing them so 'save weight' or to 'get more aero'. They'll not have much effect on either of those things. Personally, I'd recommend that you leave them where they are as the potential safety benefits after dark massively outweigh any perceived "coolness" or weight/aero benefits in normal use. Especially (and I sincerely mean no offence) when it's a bike from the lower end of the price spectrum, like your Vanquish. Looking at your photo, I'd slide the rear reflector down to the bottom of the seatpost, and flip the front one upside down (to hang below the handlebar) simply to 'tidy up' the aesthetic, and leave it at that
bakerstreet said:
Stem looks to be 100mm, which is pretty standard on off the shelf road bikes.
As for the brakes, try replacing the calipers with 105 brakes and swissstop pads and that should give you a bit more power and feel.
Get your self an app on your phone to track speed, distance etc etc.
I haven't had reflectors fitted to any of my bikes. I picked up a Brompton today. I noticed it has them fitted. It will probably be the only bike where I keep them on.
Thank you.As for the brakes, try replacing the calipers with 105 brakes and swissstop pads and that should give you a bit more power and feel.
Get your self an app on your phone to track speed, distance etc etc.
I haven't had reflectors fitted to any of my bikes. I picked up a Brompton today. I noticed it has them fitted. It will probably be the only bike where I keep them on.
It was 100mm, thanks to the advice here, new 60mm stem is on order from CRC
Further update:
After a bit more tweaking, bike feels better. I need a shorter stem, which is on order as well as new brake pads.
However disaster today, decided to take it out for a run today after the rain, and I must have gone over a manhole or something and the rear tire blew, 2-3mm cut up to the canvas?? and tube has snake bite style puncture. Only 1.5miles into ride! I was running rears at 100PSI and I am about 64KG, how a snakebite puncture??
I have ordered gatorskins, are the Kenda tyres so bad?
Many thanks for the help.
After a bit more tweaking, bike feels better. I need a shorter stem, which is on order as well as new brake pads.
However disaster today, decided to take it out for a run today after the rain, and I must have gone over a manhole or something and the rear tire blew, 2-3mm cut up to the canvas?? and tube has snake bite style puncture. Only 1.5miles into ride! I was running rears at 100PSI and I am about 64KG, how a snakebite puncture??
I have ordered gatorskins, are the Kenda tyres so bad?
Many thanks for the help.
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