Finally bought a road bike for 2014...
Discussion
Shoes are very difficult to recommend but the Bont mouldable fit most feet but you really need to try on a few makes.
Shorts will need to be comfy for long distance and Rapha are super comfortable.
Helmets mostly look awful but Kask don't make you look as if you have a bunch of bananas on you head.
Good luck!
Shorts will need to be comfy for long distance and Rapha are super comfortable.
Helmets mostly look awful but Kask don't make you look as if you have a bunch of bananas on you head.
Good luck!
Loyts of LBS near you mate (not a stalker...it's was my Karate thread that ended up with you joining a club and i never got round to it)
SimmondS on here swears by Tribeca in southborough, especially for bike fits. Wildside on Camden road are very good and fairly well stocked, I've only ever had excellent service there.
SimmondS on here swears by Tribeca in southborough, especially for bike fits. Wildside on Camden road are very good and fairly well stocked, I've only ever had excellent service there.
Good purchase. A friend of mine bought a Roubaix last year and loves it.
I can recommend DHB kit from Wiggle. Very good value for money. Altura is also a good too. I commute nearly every day on my bike and my DHB/Altura stuff is holding up very well
As others say, shoes are difficult to advise on. I have basic Shimano R77 shoes which work fine for me
I can recommend DHB kit from Wiggle. Very good value for money. Altura is also a good too. I commute nearly every day on my bike and my DHB/Altura stuff is holding up very well
As others say, shoes are difficult to advise on. I have basic Shimano R77 shoes which work fine for me
Jayfish said:
Loyts of LBS near you mate (not a stalker...it's was my Karate thread that ended up with you joining a club and i never got round to it)
As an aside, I'm 1st Kyu now, but injury and work has delayed me attempting my 1st Dan Black Belt grading!You should join our club - it's really friendly...
Jayfish said:
SimmondS on here swears by Tribeca in southborough, especially for bike fits. Wildside on Camden road are very good and fairly well stocked, I've only ever had excellent service there.
The bike was ordered from Wildside - they were really helpful when I went in to see them a couple of months ago and a friend of mine rates their service highly!I've booked a proper bike fit for a couple of months time, once I've had a bit of practice riding a 'proper' bike!
Bib shorts every time
Warmer no open bit of skin on your lower back
If you crash they offer a little more protection to your lower back
Don't have a waist elastic so don't cut into you and restrict your breathing
As you are going to do a long ride and this requires long training rides buy a top end pair like Assos
Warmer no open bit of skin on your lower back
If you crash they offer a little more protection to your lower back
Don't have a waist elastic so don't cut into you and restrict your breathing
As you are going to do a long ride and this requires long training rides buy a top end pair like Assos
Grandfondo said:
And the better the bibs the more comfortable they are and the pads come in various quality also!
Padding sounds good!How stretchy is the material?
Hypothetically, let's say I have a 'friend' who is carrying a 'few' extra pounds, but who is hoping to lose a stone or two as part of training for a cycling event later in the year. Is he going to end up having to spend out a fortune on a set of decent shorts, only to have to replace them as he loses weight....?!
sidicks said:
Grandfondo said:
And the better the bibs the more comfortable they are and the pads come in various quality also!
Padding sounds good!How stretchy is the material?
Hypothetically, let's say I have a 'friend' who is carrying a 'few' extra pounds, but who is hoping to lose a stone or two as part of training for a cycling event later in the year. Is he going to end up having to spend out a fortune on a set of decent shorts, only to have to replace them as he loses weight....?!
Rapha do a jumper exchange for 50% off if you drop a size!
Another recommendation for decent bibshorts here.
I persevered with cheaper shorts for years, and whilst I've had no 'injuries' in the gentleman's area to speak of, when I switched to some higher quality bibs this summer (LBS had a pair reduced to clear) I noticed the difference straight away. The difference is night and day, but you should try them on to get the right fit before you buy them. I went out wearing an old pair of padded shorts a couple of weeks ago, and felt uncomfortable after only a few miles, and some chafing was evident when I got back. Those old shorts went straight in the bin and I'll stick to 'quality' from now on, as it involves far less 'discomfort'.
I persevered with cheaper shorts for years, and whilst I've had no 'injuries' in the gentleman's area to speak of, when I switched to some higher quality bibs this summer (LBS had a pair reduced to clear) I noticed the difference straight away. The difference is night and day, but you should try them on to get the right fit before you buy them. I went out wearing an old pair of padded shorts a couple of weeks ago, and felt uncomfortable after only a few miles, and some chafing was evident when I got back. Those old shorts went straight in the bin and I'll stick to 'quality' from now on, as it involves far less 'discomfort'.
sidicks said:
Really?
Hmm, I wasn't expecting that...
Its unanimous.... Bibs all the way (biblongs in this weather...)Hmm, I wasn't expecting that...
They are worth spending money on for good ones. Regardless of the preferred brand avoid the budget stuff like the plague...
My personal vote is endura fs-260 pro shorts and endura Roubaix longs... The stealth jacket is amazingly good for the cold and the wet.
Gloves are damn important in this weather too...
TheLemming said:
Gloves are damn important in this weather too...
This times lots.I personally favour Endura Strike gloves - totally windproof and waterproof unless you're actually swimming.
And bibs - I'd say buy some reasonably cheap ones to begin with. Decathlon '5' or Altura. Because after six months cycling you'll need to buy some smaller ones anyway...
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