I'm back ... :)

[Cat]

Hi All....

I haven't been on the forum for just over a year now.... and i hadn't rode my road bike since the 13th June 2008.....

I bought the other half a Scott Speedster s20 2010 a couple of days ago, so out comes my bike, straight in for servicing and I managed to get out on it the other day... only for a short 20 mile ride..... I totally forgot how much i missed it....

Since last year i have lost 5 stone 3lbs just from doing an extreme VLC Diet & going to the gym in just 20 weeks and been maintaining my current weight since November 2009.

I have been a member of my local gym for nearly a year now..... They started up xbiking classes a few months ago now, that i attend a couple of times a week, if work permits....

Now i need a few recommendations for the various pieces of kit below, as their are so many various makes etc now...

Cycle Hat
Bike Lights front and Rear
Cycle computer with HRM too
Cycle pump (the one i have just takes to long to get to the correct psi)
Shimarno Road shoes
Waterproof cycle bag for under the seat

I'm going to pop to Evans Cycles tomorrow, what are people’s recommendations or experiences when shopping here?

Thanks All in advance

 

[Garz]

Actually evans do a pricematch system so if you can prove it costs less elsewhere they take it on the chin, not bad id say if you need something there and then!

 

[Cat]

I’ve had a look in decathlon, but they don’t have much range for the above stuff i need.

The mini pump that i last bought from their, i cant even pump up the tyres to the correct PSI, and even the other half struggled with it

and they don’t have no cycle bags to fit under my seat I have a connector already under my seat, the Topeak bags fit, but none are waterproof.

It might be just my store and they sell out pretty quick of all the decent stuff

I can’t even find my size of cycle shorts as they have all sold out gggggrrr

that’s why i was hoping for recommendations so i can search the net and find the cheapest prices..

 

[Garz]

Cycle Hat
Bike Lights front and Rear
Cycle computer with HRM too
Cycle pump (the one i have just takes to long to get to the correct psi)
Shimarno Road shoes
Waterproof cycle bag for under the seat

Heres where I got mine from if its any help:

Hat - Aldi (came with overshoes for £5) good
Lights - wiggle (were on sale) good
Computer - Halfords bikehut branded 16 function, good
Pump - Halfords about tenner not bad, leightweight
Shoes - LBS northwave, good if you have broad feet
Seat bag - LBS bontrager, good

 

[Cat]

Heres where I got mine from if its any help:

Hat - Aldi (came with overshoes for £5) good
Lights - wiggle (were on sale) good
Computer - Halfords bikehut branded 16 function, good
Pump - Halfords about tenner not bad, leightweight
Shoes - LBS northwave, good if you have broad feet
Seat bag - LBS bontrager, good

Thanks Garz...

What make are your lights? and are they good? I have been looking at Cats eyes, but they are so expensive and im looking at buying all these items for two bikes.

I think im a bit late for Aldi's cycle gear, it normally sells pretty quick, i was hoping to get some more fingerless gloves and jackets from their

 

[Banjo]

Hello Cat 5 stone 3 gone in a year is impressive.

I have been impressed with my Topeak underseat bag.http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_220315_langId_-1_categoryId_165643It is expandable but big enough unexpandeed for spare tube tools phone cable lock and some food. Expanded it can just take a lightweight jacket as well.

Quite waterproof on its own but comes with a rain cover as well for real rain.Also has strap on back to clip rear light to.

I have al;so found Tredz pretty good for accessories.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/default.aspx

 

[Cat]

Thanks Banjo, ill have a look now!

yup 5 stone 3lbs in 20 weeks

 

[Banjo]

Thanks Banjo, ill have a look now!

yup 5 stone 3lbs in 20 weeks

Crikey I misread your post and thought that was over a year.That is amazing.Good Luck in keeping it off. I lost 4 stone over 12 months and get paranoid now if I put on a couple of pounds.

 

[Cat]

Crikey I misread your post and thought that was over a year.That is amazing.Good Luck in keeping it off. I lost 4 stone over 12 months and get paranoid now if I put on a couple of pounds.

I know tell me about it, its an awful feeling......

I've just had the erge for chocolate tho and ended up walking to the shop in order to buy some.... Ill just have to work extra hard at the gym tomorrow to burn it off...

Well done on losing the 4 stone, isnt it a great feeling to be slimmmer? Im looking forward to the summer, wearing nice dresses etc

I'm sure the extra riding we do on our bikes helps us maintain our weight

 

[snorri]

Welcome back to the forum

Cycle pump (the one i have just takes to long to get to the correct psi)

The price range is dramatic and I cannot give a personal recommendation, but I suggest you get one of these..

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/tools/cycling-tools/floor-track-pump

and take the mini-pump with you for emergencies.

 

[Shaun]

I was just going to say the same thing - think of your mini-pump as a "get you home" pump, and get a track pump to get your tyres up to a really high psi.

Last time I used my mini-pump after a p******* on a ride, I think I got it to about 40-50 psi. With my track pump I get the same tyres up to 125+ psi (check your tyre first for max. psi - they frighten the buggery out of you when they go bang! ).

There are also Co2 pumps that can give you high psi and get you going quickly, but beware of the nozzle because the gas can freeze it so cold it can stick to / cold-burn your hand after inflating. Just take care and you'll be fine.

Cheers,
Shaun

BTW. When I looked for the Co2 link I put "evans.co.uk" into the browser address - not much good for bike bits ... lol

 

[Cat]

Thanks all, the other half managed to get the tyres to 100psi using the mini pump, having pop eye arms, i think that was the recommended PSI for the tyres with a max of 120... I had a go but couldn’t even move the pump lol

At the moment im struggling to find cycle shorts in my size that fit comfortably and that doesn’t feel like ive got a huge nappy between my legs lol

And all the other stuff I listed above its becoming a nightmare rather than fun

 

[Cat]

Yay, just got my cycle shorts and 3/4 length ones too and have ordered my new road shoes x

 

[johnr]

Edinburgh Bicycle coop are doing 15 percent off this weekend - on line and in store