Tips/critique for a new rider
Discussion
Fair comment but at the moment my two priorities are burn calories and not fall off! Seriously though, wedding in 10 days or so, I am playing it safe, sticking to a route I know (where all the potholes are etc) as I cannot afford any hiccups.
Once all that is out of the way I promise to be more adventurous. I am looking at bikes already the bug has bitten for sure.
Once all that is out of the way I promise to be more adventurous. I am looking at bikes already the bug has bitten for sure.
Talking of new bikes help me out here fellas.
So firstly I wasn't aware of how restrictive the C2W scheme is. I wrongly thought that "C2W" was an umbrella term for all the schemes but I now realise it is its own thing and very Halfords/Tredz-centric. I have seen a lovely titanium Planet X that I really like the look of but they only use "Cyclescheme". I also like a particular Canyon (a pink one!), but same story. Because I don't *need* a new bike I can only really justify it by taking advantage of the scheme, so buying one of these outright is not really a good option for me.
So... take a look at these for me. Particularly the sizing. I am 179-180cm so 5'10"-5'11". The Tifosi L is for 5'10"-6' but the top tube is 58cm which seems very big. On the Orbea 179-180 puts me between the 53 and the 55, the 55 having a top tube of 56cm (why can't they all be listed the same way!) which seems more reasonable. I think there is a question in there somewhere?!
The bikes:
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Tifosi-Auriga-Disc-Ultegr...
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Orbea-Orca-M30-2022-Road-...
So firstly I wasn't aware of how restrictive the C2W scheme is. I wrongly thought that "C2W" was an umbrella term for all the schemes but I now realise it is its own thing and very Halfords/Tredz-centric. I have seen a lovely titanium Planet X that I really like the look of but they only use "Cyclescheme". I also like a particular Canyon (a pink one!), but same story. Because I don't *need* a new bike I can only really justify it by taking advantage of the scheme, so buying one of these outright is not really a good option for me.
So... take a look at these for me. Particularly the sizing. I am 179-180cm so 5'10"-5'11". The Tifosi L is for 5'10"-6' but the top tube is 58cm which seems very big. On the Orbea 179-180 puts me between the 53 and the 55, the 55 having a top tube of 56cm (why can't they all be listed the same way!) which seems more reasonable. I think there is a question in there somewhere?!
The bikes:
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Tifosi-Auriga-Disc-Ultegr...
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Orbea-Orca-M30-2022-Road-...
the GCI c2w scheme you can pick pretty much any bike going and it has a 10k limit,
https://www.greencommuteinitiative.uk/
https://www.greencommuteinitiative.uk/
After 40 years as a distance runner I have finally got a damaged left hip ! Running has come to an end
I dont want to lose too much fitness so I am joining you people and will be hitting the roads on a bike . I have been on the roads on my mountain bike this week but that dont count It feels like an old traction engine .
As I am a courier I am all over the UK everyday and I am on the look out for a decent road bike on my travels at a good price this week
If I enjoy this bike game I will invest in a brand new machine .
I understand they are the same price as a new Tesla
I dont want to lose too much fitness so I am joining you people and will be hitting the roads on a bike . I have been on the roads on my mountain bike this week but that dont count It feels like an old traction engine .
As I am a courier I am all over the UK everyday and I am on the look out for a decent road bike on my travels at a good price this week
If I enjoy this bike game I will invest in a brand new machine .
I understand they are the same price as a new Tesla
Not updated this thread for a long time, partly due to much less frequent rides over winter.
However, perhaps inevitably, I have now upgraded my bike! With that and better weather coming I intend to get properly back into the swing of things. I also treated myself to a load of new gear (clothing, glasses, few tools, etc) and, both most importantly and most worryingly, some clip-in pedals! I've gone for Look Keo Max and all I need now are the shoes (awaiting delivery).
Can't wait to get out on the new bike with all of the above. I have been around the block with trainers on and it feels light, smooth and shifts very nicely (Ultegra R8000). As before, I will use this thread to seek some advice if that is ok and a couple of questions will follow but I'll share the bike first:
However, perhaps inevitably, I have now upgraded my bike! With that and better weather coming I intend to get properly back into the swing of things. I also treated myself to a load of new gear (clothing, glasses, few tools, etc) and, both most importantly and most worryingly, some clip-in pedals! I've gone for Look Keo Max and all I need now are the shoes (awaiting delivery).
Can't wait to get out on the new bike with all of the above. I have been around the block with trainers on and it feels light, smooth and shifts very nicely (Ultegra R8000). As before, I will use this thread to seek some advice if that is ok and a couple of questions will follow but I'll share the bike first:
Edited by WhisperingWasp on Saturday 15th April 20:51
…it looks tiny in that second pic for some reason
So, questions:
1) when I rode it there is a slight rubbing sound coming from somewhere. I assumed brakes or tyres (tyres are a chunky 28) but I put the spare wheels on (25) and it was the same. I can’t replicate the noise on the bike stand so I think having my weight on the bike is causing it/bringing it out. I know I’m not giving much to go on here but - if not the brakes - any ideas?
2) I notice this hole in the frame (looks like a mounting hole). Can I/should I plug this with a rubber bung?
Cheers all.
So, questions:
1) when I rode it there is a slight rubbing sound coming from somewhere. I assumed brakes or tyres (tyres are a chunky 28) but I put the spare wheels on (25) and it was the same. I can’t replicate the noise on the bike stand so I think having my weight on the bike is causing it/bringing it out. I know I’m not giving much to go on here but - if not the brakes - any ideas?
2) I notice this hole in the frame (looks like a mounting hole). Can I/should I plug this with a rubber bung?
Cheers all.
Edited by WhisperingWasp on Saturday 15th April 20:52
So I've just done a) my first ride on my new bike and b) my first ever ride with clip-in pedals! I thought I'd share my thoughts for anyone to comment on and for the benefit of other novice riders.
On the new bike firstly:
+ felt very smooth and more comfortable than my old bike - 28 tyres and lower pressures a factor here I guess
+ it seems to coast a lot better in that it carries speed better, perhaps due to the higher quality wheels
+ having 11 gears probably the biggest difference for me. Where before I would get to that point, downhill, where you pedal but it doesn't give you any more 'go' I did not experience this on my new bike. Even in the fastest sections on my route I was still able to add more power through the pedals. This gave me the feeling that this is a bike I can grow into, in that it is more capable than me, which I like
- saddle not as comfortable as my old one but I expect that is just a familiarity thing
- could I feel the lower weight on the go? Hand on heart I'm not sure. I'm sure my body feels it even if my brain doesn't if you know what I mean. In any case, when getting into it last year I lost ~9 kilos so the improvement needs to come from me rather than the bike in this regard! Easier to carry the bike over the car on the drive though!
And the pedals:
+ most importantly, I am fine clipping out of them! I was sure I would forget I was clipped in at some point but I didn't thank god and found the little rotation you have to do quite easy (pedals are on their lowest tension I believe)
+ I'm fairly confident the pedals had a positive effect on my speed but given I have a new bike too it is difficult to say for sure of course
- feet ached a bit. Nothing to do with the shoes I'm sure but more a case of not being able to rest my feet as such, ie they are constantly rooted to the pedal, can't move them about
- back ached when stood up and climbing. Not sure if due to the fixed nature of my feet or just getting used to new bike
- find it difficult to clip-in in the first place. Had a few moments where I came to a complete standstill until I could get one foot clipped-in. Luckily never with a car behind. I was finding the pedal needed to be in a certain position and then when setting off (right foot first) I found I was having to look down to seat my left. The pedal was often upside down and it didn't feel that safe to have to concentrate on doing that tbh. Sure this will come with practice but any comments/tips welcome
Overall, despite a number of faltering starts and being more cautious than I would usually be I managed 17.0mph average. Last ride was 15.6. The wind did feel quite favourable today so I won't read too much into this but I was pleasantly surprised with my time and pace.
Any thoughts/comments/tips welcome.
On the new bike firstly:
+ felt very smooth and more comfortable than my old bike - 28 tyres and lower pressures a factor here I guess
+ it seems to coast a lot better in that it carries speed better, perhaps due to the higher quality wheels
+ having 11 gears probably the biggest difference for me. Where before I would get to that point, downhill, where you pedal but it doesn't give you any more 'go' I did not experience this on my new bike. Even in the fastest sections on my route I was still able to add more power through the pedals. This gave me the feeling that this is a bike I can grow into, in that it is more capable than me, which I like
- saddle not as comfortable as my old one but I expect that is just a familiarity thing
- could I feel the lower weight on the go? Hand on heart I'm not sure. I'm sure my body feels it even if my brain doesn't if you know what I mean. In any case, when getting into it last year I lost ~9 kilos so the improvement needs to come from me rather than the bike in this regard! Easier to carry the bike over the car on the drive though!
And the pedals:
+ most importantly, I am fine clipping out of them! I was sure I would forget I was clipped in at some point but I didn't thank god and found the little rotation you have to do quite easy (pedals are on their lowest tension I believe)
+ I'm fairly confident the pedals had a positive effect on my speed but given I have a new bike too it is difficult to say for sure of course
- feet ached a bit. Nothing to do with the shoes I'm sure but more a case of not being able to rest my feet as such, ie they are constantly rooted to the pedal, can't move them about
- back ached when stood up and climbing. Not sure if due to the fixed nature of my feet or just getting used to new bike
- find it difficult to clip-in in the first place. Had a few moments where I came to a complete standstill until I could get one foot clipped-in. Luckily never with a car behind. I was finding the pedal needed to be in a certain position and then when setting off (right foot first) I found I was having to look down to seat my left. The pedal was often upside down and it didn't feel that safe to have to concentrate on doing that tbh. Sure this will come with practice but any comments/tips welcome
Overall, despite a number of faltering starts and being more cautious than I would usually be I managed 17.0mph average. Last ride was 15.6. The wind did feel quite favourable today so I won't read too much into this but I was pleasantly surprised with my time and pace.
Any thoughts/comments/tips welcome.
Edited by WhisperingWasp on Saturday 29th April 18:07
Edited by WhisperingWasp on Saturday 29th April 18:08
Lovely bike, enjoy it. It’s amazing how little things like pedals can add up to big improvements. In terms of aching, a bike fit may help. Especially as you’ve lost weight and gained form over the past cycling. Only other thing to add, never ever take a picture of the non drive side of your bike. 
The back ache could be due to riding position, if the bike geometry is more race oriented then this may take some adaptation, there is a reasonable saddle to handlebar drop there so quite an aggressive setup.
Foot ache could be the shoes, most cleat shoes have stiff soles which can cause foot ache, especially if you have a pronounced arch in your foot as it won’t be as well supported. I have special insoles in my shoes to help with this and support my foot bones, may be worth looking into if it persists.
The hole in your frame looks like a port for di2 cables or similar, probably worth bunging it to prevent water getting into your BB.
Foot ache could be the shoes, most cleat shoes have stiff soles which can cause foot ache, especially if you have a pronounced arch in your foot as it won’t be as well supported. I have special insoles in my shoes to help with this and support my foot bones, may be worth looking into if it persists.
The hole in your frame looks like a port for di2 cables or similar, probably worth bunging it to prevent water getting into your BB.
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