New obese cyclist + experience of Decathlon

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Welcome...

My OH & I both have the 'old' Triban 3 and have fitted them with Schwalbe Durano pluses which have been excellent in all weather conditions. I can't compare them to anything other than the originals. I don't know about the new Triban 5A but the T3 has clearance issues and will only easily take 700x25c tyres. So stick with 700x23c if you are considering ride with any clubs - they will require you to fit mudguards and with the clearance issues of old (I am assuming it has not changed, but I could be wrong, I have not seen the T5A but it looks good) you will have rubbing issues if you try 700x25c tyres and mudguards - at least I have - my OH has decided against mudguards. Once I have worn through this set of tyres, I will be looking at dropping back down to the 700x23c tyres to deal with the issue. My OH got around 500 miles from the original stock tyres before they perished, the ones on my bike lasted longer, but I just keep them as emergency spares, so you have plenty of time in which to make a decision. I have much more confidence in the Durano pluses than the originals when it comes for cornering. Most of us have changed the brake pads as the first change we have made. Stock pads on the Triban 3 had little stopping power, but give us all a yell when you have taken possession of the bike and decide you want to do something about the brakes; they were actually our first change - the brake pads, not the tyres.

 

[Candaules]

Writing and cycling go well together (though not at the same time, obviously!).
I put on weight after I started writing. Sitting at a computer all day is not very healthy. I tried going for walks as a break from writing, but found I couldn't go very far without taking a big chunk out of my working day. But an hour or so's cycling offers a good variety of routes, fresh air, a change of scene, and time to think out ideas. I am also thinner and fitter than I used to be.
I just wish the weather would improve so I could cycle more often.

 

[compo]

Hi fatCyclist, welcome to the group and enjoy your cycling.
I cycled for nearly three years with my weight about 19 1/2 stone and lost no weight even with regular rides up to 50 miles. It wasn't until this year when I looked at my diet and made a determined effort that the weight began to shift and with some fairly small changes to my food I am getting on for nearly 3 stone lighter already. So, good luck with your cycling and with the weight campaign.

 

[Ozzrahog]

Good luck mate I have lost 6.5 stone (from a start weight of 21) with a small change to diet and plenty of cycling

 

[fatCyclist]

Slowly slowly as they say. Here is the link http://www.ctchavering.btck.co.uk/

Thank you for the link. I shall definitely check these out.

And thanks for the info there, SatNav. I spoke to the guy about mudguards and he didn't mention if the 5a had the same problem as the old 3 and we spoke about the various options of mudguards available so hopefully that means it has a bit more clearance, but I'll see once I pick it up next week.

Candaules -- that's exactly one of the reasons I wanted a bike. I have nowhere nice around my area to walk, and frankly I find it dull and I like speed, so getting a new bike seemed the most obvious solution. Out of interest, what is it that you write?

Congratulations on the weight loss, Ozzrahog and Compo—that's really encouraging to hear! I'm teaming up the cycling with a fairly strict diet and using the excellent 'MyNetDiary' to track all my calories and macronutrient rations and suchlike. Hopefully with those two combined I can finally say goodbye to a decade of drinking and eating pizza.

 

[Candaules]

Candaules -- that's exactly one of the reasons I wanted a bike. I have nowhere nice around my area to walk, and frankly I find it dull and I like speed, so getting a new bike seemed the most obvious solution. Out of interest, what is it that you write?

I write novels, so thinking time is important. As is a change of scene if ideas run out.

 

[fatCyclist]

I write novels, so thinking time is important. As is a change of scene if ideas run out.

Same here. And yeah, I often have my best ideas while doing something non-thinky.

 

[tribanjules]

Welcome...

My OH & I both have the 'old' Triban 3 and have fitted them with Schwalbe Durano pluses which have been excellent in all weather conditions. I can't compare them to anything other than the originals. I don't know about the new Triban 5A but the T3 has clearance issues and will only easily take 700x25c tyres. So stick with 700x23c if you are considering ride with any clubs - they will require you to fit mudguards and with the clearance issues of old (I am assuming it has not changed, but I could be wrong, I have not seen the T5A but it looks good) you will have rubbing issues if you try 700x25c tyres and mudguards - at least I have - my OH has decided against mudguards. Once I have worn through this set of tyres, I will be looking at dropping back down to the 700x23c tyres to deal with the issue. My OH got around 500 miles from the original stock tyres before they perished, the ones on my bike lasted longer, but I just keep them as emergency spares, so you have plenty of time in which to make a decision. I have much more confidence in the Durano pluses than the originals when it comes for cornering. Most of us have changed the brake pads as the first change we have made. Stock pads on the Triban 3 had little stopping power, but give us all a yell when you have taken possession of the bike and decide you want to do something about the brakes; they were actually our first change - the brake pads, not the tyres.

I've put crud catchers on mine no problems but VERY little clearance !

what pads have you gone for satnav - agree on the triban ones - good job i have a strong grip

 

[tadpole]

Welcome, I don't cycle far but I do cycle a lot faster now, since I've lost the 8 stone plus. Funny thing is I've been losing weight hand over fist for the last 3 years, just from cycling. And I've only recently cut down on the food I eat, (the weight lost slowed and almost stopped just before Christmas 2012.) Started cycling to work one day a week for a year, then two days for another year, last year I tried three days a week for six months and then every day for the last 6 months of 2012 (it's only 18 miles round trip so not really a lot of distance) Strava is a good app for your phone to log and motivate yourself to put a bit more effort in, and a cheap heart rate monitor so you can see how much effort you're really putting in. Have fun and keep at it, it take time but it is worth it.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I've put crud catchers on mine no problems but VERY little clearance !

what pads have you gone for satnav - agree on the triban ones - good job i have a strong grip

I went with the SKS chromo plastics mudguard but with 700x25c schwalbe durano pluses there is only just enough clearance but the biggest issues I have is with a build up of mud around the front brake blocks (mostly because of where I live). I think the durano pluses having the puncture protection strips in them adds to the problems with the 700x25c tyres simply because of the extra 'bulk' around the protected area. Without mudguards (aka my OH's bike) they are fine, with them there is this constant scraping sound the moment mud starts to build up, so when I need to replace tyres I will drop to 700x23c tyres just to regain a little extra clearance.

Brake pads - I went with the Swisstop Flash Pro Green pads that @smokeysmoo recommended back in September last year. Still running with the first set as well despite being out in all weathers over winter and having covered +2,000miles on that bike, they are only just really starting to show any noticeable wear on the front pads. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swissstop...sure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item53f45abf3f

the old thread is this one... http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/what-brake-blocks-please.111349/#navigation

 

[tribanjules]

thanks !!

hows the war wounds going ? u back to full fitness ?

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

thanks !!

hows the war wounds going ? u back to full fitness ?

me? - depends which war currently !

dog bite is progressing nicely, but likely to take another year or two for the body to sort the major arterial diversion out in the left leg. It will apparently re-route itself with time, but it is clearly colder than the other leg, so have to watch that, which is difficult since it is usually under lycra and I can't fully feel it! It still needs weekly professional physio and daily home physio to deal with the scar tissue issues and to encourage circulation. The major nerve that was severed in the attack is gone for good, but the major vein that was punctured has healed thankfully. I can now manage about 3 miles of walking and regretfully considering returning to work part-time which I guess is a sign I am happier with the leg...

the slight disagreement with gravity 2 weekends ago is still visible - black eye & black forehead - forehead still too bruised and too sore for a cycle helmet but the roads in Scotland where we are on holiday at the moment are more than quiet enough for cycling with a woolly hat (and to be honest, it is a touch warmer in a woolly hat right now!) The cracked rib & bruised/sprained thumb is still too sore to be back out on the triban 3, but I am managing the mtb on tarmac if I don't do anything daft like try to stand up and pedal or pedal hard... the rest of the bruises are fading, but still need the full dose of painkillers and am useless first thing in the morning - cracked ribs, painkillers, cold temps and asthma are not a great combination... some could question why I go on holiday to Scotland in March... but I would not be me if I did not go down without a fight

thank you...

 

[tribanjules]

yr welcome !

U and OH are an inspiration to me to get off my bum and get out there -

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

yr welcome !

U and OH are an inspiration to me to get off my bum and get out there -

with the gusts we are having right now, take my advice and stay put on your bum! 96mph was recorded at the local weather station earlier today... -23C wind chill factor... generally around the 60-70mph at the moment and due to get worse overnight. Not sure we will be seeing much cycling tomorrow either if the forecast is anything to go by...
Today's highlight has been 3 batches of scones (2 chocolate chip & 1 plain). I have been out, only to recover our road bikes. bikes are not meant to be tossed around like leaves... and that was my T3 . shall have to get the helicopter tape out and check her over tomorrow - she's got a holiday home to herself right now and with the door opening easterly I don't want to fill that holiday home full of snow unnecessarily. luckily the mountain bikes were attached to the bike rack so they have not gone anywhere yet....

 

[on the road]

Welcome fatCyclist

You might need to change your username soon once you get the miles in