The "what bike bits have you just bought" thread Vol 2

[tertius]

Isn’t it a bit late for a winter bike?

[lauda]

tertius said:

Isn’t it a bit late for a winter bike?

A little bit. My new summer bike arrives tomorrow!

[Dannbodge]

tertius said:

Isn’t it a bit late for a winter bike?

Nope I'm still riding my current as the weather has been so wet.
Perfect time to invest in a new one, gives me plenty of time to get everything sorted on it

[emicen]

Every field in the land seems to be draining across the roads just now, plus I got hail stoned earlier today. Definitely still winter bike weather!

[tertius]

Dannbodge said:

tertius said:

Isn’t it a bit late for a winter bike?

Nope I'm still riding my current as the weather has been so wet.
Perfect time to invest in a new one, gives me plenty of time to get everything sorted on it

Well I can see that but it won’t be long now … hence “a bit” late.

Mind you I don’t really have a winter bike … just an any old pottering about on bike and a “nice” bike that I will ride whenever I feel like it.

[Dannbodge]

To be fair. I hadn't planned on buying one for a new one for a while but this popped up for a decent price and my annual bonus is this month, so thought why not.

Old winter bike (S-Works Tarmac) will be retired to the turbo/starter race bike once I switch to my summer bike.

[Stereolab]

Julian Scott said:

Wash bibs every time you wear them, health hazard, and pretty disgusting if you don't...!

Great thanks -do you recommend using that chamois cream detergent stuff? I’ve never spent any money on Rapha type kit so just want to make sure it keeps performing.

[Your Dad]

Stereolab said:

Great thanks -do you recommend using that chamois cream detergent stuff? I’ve never spent any money on Rapha type kit so just want to make sure it keeps performing.

Normal wash detergent is fine, but don't use fabric softener.

[Stereolab]

Your Dad said:

Normal wash detergent is fine, but don't use fabric softener.

Thanks Dad!

I’ve always been wary of marketing bullplop in cycling (are your socks aero etc.) but these quality bib shorts are well worth the money compared to my old stuff.

[Julian Scott]

Stereolab said:

Julian Scott said:

Wash bibs every time you wear them, health hazard, and pretty disgusting if you don't...!

Great thanks -do you recommend using that chamois cream detergent stuff? I’ve never spent any money on Rapha type kit so just want to make sure it keeps performing.

No, especially if you don't use Chamois Cream ;-) (which I don't unless over 6hrs riding).

I use a non-bio/gentle detergent (Woolite etc) which will easily clean the bibs, as long as you do't let them fester for days, and will do wonders for protecting the lycra AND the chamois. I also wash at 30 degrees for the same reason.

If I'm doing a multi-day ride, I'll just wash my bibs, jersey & base-layer in the shower which I shower myself. Works wonders and saves having to take a load of kit.


With bibs, it is worth spending money on them....but it is also a very personal preference. For under 4-5hrs, any bibs will be comfortable for me. Over 4 hours, I know I need to go for certain brands for them to remain comfortable. PAS Normal, Cafe du Cycliste & MAAP being my go-to.

I used to use Assos, which is arguably more premium than those, but I just don't find it as comfortable for longer periods. Likewise Le Col, a lot of people swear by them, I just don't get on with the fit.

[Stereolab]

[quote=Julian Scott]

No, especially if you don't use Chamois Cream ;-) (which I don't unless over 6hrs riding).

I use a non-bio/gentle detergent (Woolite etc) which will easily clean the bibs, as long as you do't let them fester for days, and will do wonders for protecting the lycra AND the chamois. I also wash at 30 degrees for the same reason.

Great thanks-will get on and find some woolite- never heard of that before.

Looking forward to getting some longer days in the saddle this summer.

[M1K3]

Julian Scott said:

Cafe du Cycliste.

GREAT call mate on the above brand. Never heard of it until now, and now you made this happen...

[lauda]

M1K3 said:

Julian Scott said:

Cafe du Cycliste.

GREAT call mate on the above brand. Never heard of it until now, and now you made this happen...

CDC stuff is really nice. I've got a few of their jerseys although I was a good few kilos lighter than I am now when I ordered them so need to slim down a bit more before summer if I'm going to fit back in to them!

My only grumble is that their shipping can be really slow so don't expect to receive anything just yet.

[mooseracer]

New Ultegra DI2 to replace clearly old,rubbish, no longer fit for purpose 11spd version
Would have gone for the power meter variant but getting hold of that proved difficult.

[redrabbit29]

I basically neglect my road bike and mountain bike by rarely cleaning them so can anyone help me with what I could buy to turn this around?

I did have some muc off stuff, both the drivechain cleaner and the pink cleaning liquid.

My chain looks really dry and I can never get it clean, always just feels sticky and horrible. On the turbo trainer I can hear it's not quite right.

Any advice on what type of things I can buy as I'd like to get a bit better?

[Julian Scott]

M1K3 said:

Julian Scott said:

Cafe du Cycliste.

GREAT call mate on the above brand. Never heard of it until now, and now you made this happen...

It is great stuff, very well made, but a little 'quirky' - if you've ever ridden in Nice, you see why ;-)

Their winter stuff is cool too, old school fabrics etc.

[Julian Scott]

lauda said:

CDC stuff is really nice. I've got a few of their jerseys although I was a good few kilos lighter than I am now when I ordered them so need to slim down a bit more before summer if I'm going to fit back in to them!

My only grumble is that their shipping can be really slow so don't expect to receive anything just yet.

Actually, their shipping is now great. Now they have their post-Brexit st together, they charge a flat €25 for UK Delivery (including all taxes/duties) and it usually arrives within 48hrs.

[Julian Scott]

mooseracer said:

New Ultegra DI2 to replace clearly old,rubbish, no longer fit for purpose 11spd version
Would have gone for the power meter variant but getting hold of that proved difficult.

I had the same issue with Dura-ace Di2. Ended up getting the Wahoo POWR Speedplay pedals. They work great and it worked cheaper than getting the pwoermeter variant (or a third party crank arm power meter) - plus I can swap them over to other bikes that don't have power meters on.

[Julian Scott]

redrabbit29 said:

I basically neglect my road bike and mountain bike by rarely cleaning them so can anyone help me with what I could buy to turn this around?

I did have some muc off stuff, both the drivechain cleaner and the pink cleaning liquid.

My chain looks really dry and I can never get it clean, always just feels sticky and horrible. On the turbo trainer I can hear it's not quite right.

Any advice on what type of things I can buy as I'd like to get a bit better?

Removing the chain and giving it a good soak, then scrub is not a bad idea. Ot just get a new chain.....they are fairly inexpensive. Then just keep on top of (very light) lubrication and cleaning (and drying) the chain when it gets dirty.

[lauda]

Julian Scott said:

lauda said:

CDC stuff is really nice. I've got a few of their jerseys although I was a good few kilos lighter than I am now when I ordered them so need to slim down a bit more before summer if I'm going to fit back in to them!

My only grumble is that their shipping can be really slow so don't expect to receive anything just yet.

Actually, their shipping is now great. Now they have their post-Brexit st together, they charge a flat €25 for UK Delivery (including all taxes/duties) and it usually arrives within 48hrs.

Good to hear that they've upped their game a bit in that area. The shipping used to be a bit cheaper than €25 but not a lot and stuff took well over a week to arrive.