Please guide me

[begincycling]

Hello,
I have been reading posts on this forum and found that it is very helpful so finally decided to register and ask some basic questions. I have been doing cycling for fun since last few years, but never participated in any cycling race except for an adventure race (MTB). I would like to participate in Category 4 Races (Road Races) throughout UK and see how it goes.

I want to find out what would be a good road bike to participate in these races. I already have a Cannondale R400 (Aluminium Frame) which I use for cycling now and it is in excellent condition, but I think I can go faster with a better bike. I am happy to invest a decent amount(approx 1K) for a new bike.

I would also like to find out that where I stand now so that I can focus more on my training. About my stats in brief –

I can comfortably do around 40 miles with some climbs in 150 minutes approximately
Average Hear Rate – 160
Average Speed – 18.8 to 20 MPH
Age 27
I do around 100 miles every week, but planning to increase it slowly.

Many Thanks in advance for all your suggestions.

Cheers!
Ash

 

[fossyant]

You won't go much more quickly as the Cannondale is a good bike, but the components etc. will be better. Although you always need more than one bike. Planet X or Focus bikes are good for the cash

 

[accountantpete]

Keep the frame and invest in a decent pair of wheels/tyres and a decent pedal/shoe combination.

Have a look at Campag Zonda's (£300) for wheels and Shimano Ultegra SL pedal systems.

 

[monnet]

I'll second fossyant.

As for your fitness/training. You only really know once you start racing. It sounds like you're in the right area if you're going out on yuor own. Start going out with a club or even better on a chaingang (a pretty serious training ride) and you'll get find out just how fit and fast you really are. They will help with group riding (essential in a race). I fin the chaingang, in particular, is great for learining the skills of group riding - nothing sharpens the reflexes better than handling a bike at 40+km/h with the back wheel of the man in front 10cm away, a guy behind doing the same to you and someone else 5cm to your side. It's great fun - the most exilherating thing I know.

Good luck with the racing. You'll only need a couple of placings and you'll be collecting your 3rd cat licence and aiming for a 2nd (which will be a fair bit harder to get!). Also check if there's a TLI league near you. These are great introductions to racing and you don't have to have a BC licence.

 

[monnet]

Keep the frame and invest in a decent pair of wheels/tyres and a decent pedal/shoe combination.

Have a look at Campag Zonda's (£300) for wheels and Shimano Ultegra SL pedal systems.

I'd say 105 pedals would be good enough. If there's a stack pedals are sticky out bits and those are the bits that go first. On the same principle I know a few guys who race with 105 (or equivalent) rear mechs.

 

[Big John]

Lots of good advice from Monnet. The TLI is a great (and CHEAP!) intro to racing without the expensive licence that BC offers. And don't enter a race until you've gained experience riding fast in a group (chaingang that Monnet mentioned) otherwise you're a danger to yourself and, more importantly, to others. Oh,and get used to coming off ;o)

 

[begincycling]

Many Thanks for all your suggestions. I already have a BC license and have been to few rides with clubs in Maidenhead and Reading. I will look for a chain gang and as Monnet suggested, try to practise more when I am riding a group.

Thanks again, I will keep coming back to you guys for inputs.

Regards,
Ash

 

[RedBike]

Forget changing bikes. There's nothing out there under 1k that can touch the Cannondale. Spend your money on a good set of wheels AND tyres.
The carbon tubulars wheels from planet-x are worth a punt or if you want to run clinchers something like Campagnolo Zondas /Eurus

BTW, 40miles in 150mins is only 16mph.

Cat4 races can be VERY quick. A lot of the riders wont be cat4. They're only there to get enough points to move up. Get used to holding someones wheels and sticking on it like glue. If you let a gap form then you're out of there!

 

[begincycling]

Thanks RedBike,
I was hoping someone to give feedback on my speed. The 40 Miles in 150 mins is what I did on Chesire Cycle Route in Peak District. I will be faster on flat(lesser elevation) roads. I can safely say that my average speed will be around 20 to 22 MPH at current level. I am not sure if that is any good. I understand that one of the most important aspect is maintaining the same speed when I will be riding a group with competitive riders all around me.

I will appreciate your inputs on this.

Many Thanks!
Ash

 

[RedBike]

I was hoping someone to give feedback on my speed. The 40 Miles in 150 mins is what I did on Chesire Cycle Route in Peak District. I will be faster on flat(lesser elevation) roads.

I tend to ride the Cheshire cycleway because it's flat!
There are some tough hills around the Bollington area but the rest of the 150 odd miles is about as flat as you can reasonably expect.

I can safely say that my average speed will be around 20 to 22 MPH at current level. I am not sure if that is any good.

Yes, thats extremely quick. I can't maintain that sort of speed on a ride but i've got no issues about entering cat 2,3,4 races. (I dont stand a chance in hell of winning mind).

I understand that one of the most important aspect is maintaining the same speed when I will be riding a group with competitive riders all around me.

Maintaining that sort of speed in a group is a LOT easier. If you can maintain 22mph on your own then you're unlikely to get shelled out of the back of a group due to the speed. Provided you can sprint out of bends and you don't spend too long on the front you should be in the sprint for the line.

When group riding don't do any sudden moves.

 

[honestal]

Hiya, I've got no chance of averaging 22 mph around here, but I tend to ride around Marlow / Henley / Stokenchurch / Maidenhead area, not with a club or anything so you might pass me sometime. If you see an old bloke on a nice new Giant TCR Advanced it could be me. Give me a wave