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[matthat]

Hi folks! I'm planning a c2c this yr and through doing some research came across this site and now can't do a surf session without having a read!! I started as a commuter cyclist with a modest 12 mile round trip 5-6 yrs ago. Now my commute to work is smaller but still get out on days off as much as possible and enjoy solo rides or days out with friends and family!! I'm eagerly awaiting arrival of new giant defy 3 which to me will be like riding a Rolls Royce!!Happy cycling!!

 

[Biker Joe]

Hi and
I'm glad you enjoy the forum. Loads of good stuff and friendly people here.
Enjoy your new bike.

 

[Joe Mac]

Hello everyone, I am Joe from Belfast planning to cycle Malin Head to Mizen Solo any advice welcome (late May early June)

 

[thegravestoneman]

Hello everyone, I am Joe from Belfast planning to cycle Malin Head to Mizen Solo any advice welcome (late May early June)

hi Joe
Hello and welcome

 

[Biker Joe]

Hi Joe and
Just make sure you get plenty of time in on the bike and build up the miles gradually to the point that your ride to Mizen will be just an extension of that. Make sure you have enough fluids and food with you on the longer rides and that you have everything you need to take care of punctures and mechanicals.
That's all I can think of at the moment. I'm sure you will get more advice here.
Any problems then just ask and keep us informed of how you are doing.
Good luck for your plans.

 

[sittingbull]

Hi folks! I'm planning a c2c this yr....I'm eagerly awaiting arrival of new giant defy 3 ....

Hello &

Good luck with your training and hope you like the new bike.

There are of a few of us in this area riding fairly regularly (weather permitting), usually over the Runcorn Bridge to Delamere and the surrounding area.

 

[TimDunne]

Hi
My name is Tim and I'm from Walsall, in the West Midlands of the UK.
I like hub gears, drop bars and cross bikes, but I'm seriously eyeing up a 29er.
I'm in my mid 40s and cycle about 7-10k a year, mostly commutes and long summer rides.
I'm not a weight weenie, but I lover bike tech - belt drive (I converted my favourite ride), GPS etc. I'm more Yehuda Moon than Wiggo, and love utility cycling.
Cheers
Tim

 

[Biker Joe]

Hi Tim and to our happy community.
How do you find belt drive vs chain drive?
Any observations?

 

[TimDunne]

Hi Tim and to our happy community.
How do you find belt drive vs chain drive?
Any observations?

Hey, thanks for the welcome!

Far better, IMO. The centertrack system cures the early issues as it naturally expels rubbish, snow and dirt. Very low maintenance, no stretch and it's clean. Only snags really are needing a modified frame, and the challenge of sorting out the chain/belt line. Combined with a hub gear they are an excellent low-maintenance solution.
As to cost, I've done 10,500 miles on the current belt, ring and sprockets, so it's actually been a tad cheaper than a chain drive (I'd have been through 3 chains and a pair of rings by now).
Sadly, I'm having to return to a chain for a bit as I've got a Di2 alpine to play with and the belt system won't fit without mods.
I wouldn't go back by choice.

Cheers
Tim

 

[Biker Joe]

That's interesting.
I don't know a lot about belt drive, ( next to nothing actually) and it's nice to hear some ones experience of it.
Thanks for that and the best of luck with the Di2.
Take care.

 

[TimDunne]

Cheers Joe
I'll get the Di2 running somehow. Just going to take a bit longer than I thought...
A gallery of my bike and the (very worn) belt drive, just before I stripped it http://www.flickr.com/photos/93061596@N03/
Thanks!

Tim

 

[zigz]

hi guys im in the process of buying a hybrid bike going to be on cycle paths and a few roads got a budget of £250ish just cannot make my mind up due to so much information........by the way my last bike was a chopper and grifter i need some help!!!

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

hi guys im in the process of buying a hybrid bike going to be on cycle paths and a few roads got a budget of £250ish just cannot make my mind up due to so much information........by the way my last bike was a chopper and grifter i need some help!!!

Hi Zigz . Have you been looking at any bikes in particular?

 

[zigz]

Hi phil I'm looking at a chinook butler it's on for 247 and looks quite nice

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Hi phil I'm looking at a chinook butler it's on for 247 and looks quite nice

That will be this one? If so, that looks very nice if you can get it for that price.

This is effectively a flat barred road bike so will be best suited to fast rides on tarmac.