Road Bike Problems

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The Jogger

Legendary Member
Location
Spain
I got my new Boardman Comp on Sunday, first road bike in years. I went for a 10 miler to try and get use to it, gears etc. The pedals were very awkward, I tried to put on the SPDs but the spanner I normally use on my hybrid for pedals, wouldn't shift the original cage pedals.When I rode, it felt like I was riding on my tip toes, a bit uncomfortable. Will I need to get a pedal specific spannner, or are they just a bit stiff?

Also I tackled a very steep hill, I normally cycle up on my Trek 7.3 FX without stopping, it has a triple, the Boardman has a double chainring and I had to stop 3/4 of the way up, I'm sure I must have hit a new max HR. Is it a big job to change over to a triple and what would be involved? Apart from that it was a nice light bike to ride and with those changes I should get to really like it. I HOPE ..........
 

Sittingduck

Legendary Member
Location
Somewhere flat
Changing to a triple will mean a new Bottom Bracket, possibly a new front mech too. Outside chance of a new rear mech also, if the cage isn't long enough.

Can't advise much on the hill climbing, as I'm not exactly rapid on the way up myself :blush: I'm sure that it will become easier though, as you get used to the gearing. Were you blasting it around before the hill? The thrill of a new bike and all that...

What is the gearing on the bike? Compact chainset on the front and do you know the range of sprockets on the cassette?
 
A Pedal Spanner is your best bet.

You'd need a new left sti too if you converted to a tripple. Did your Trex have spds; once you fit them to the Boardman and with a little practice you'll soon be flying up that hill, you're nearly there at 3/4 and it'll be a lot easier and cheaper to get a wee bit fitter.
 
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The Jogger

The Jogger

Legendary Member
Location
Spain
A Pedal Spanner is your best bet.

You'd need a new left sti too if you converted to a tripple. Did your Trex have spds; once you fit them to the Boardman and with a little practice you'll soon be flying up that hill, you're nearly there at 3/4 and it'll be a lot easier and cheaper to get a wee bit fitter.

I would alternate the pedals on the Trek for commuting as my shoes click a bit so used the spds on the longer rides at home and was getting use to them.
I'll try the getting fitter route as I don't want to spend too much more than I have already. Cheers HLaB
 
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The Jogger

The Jogger

Legendary Member
Location
Spain
Changing to a triple will mean a new Bottom Bracket, possibly a new front mech too. Outside chance of a new rear mech also, if the cage isn't long enough.

Can't advise much on the hill climbing, as I'm not exactly rapid on the way up myself :blush: I'm sure that it will become easier though, as you get used to the gearing. Were you blasting it around before the hill? The thrill of a new bike and all that...

What is the gearing on the bike? Compact chainset on the front and do you know the range of sprockets on the cassette?

Hi SD this is the one I have, not sure on the techy spec. I was going up the hill after about 2 miles riding so was fairly fresh. Cheers SD

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_comp.html
 

Sittingduck

Legendary Member
Location
Somewhere flat
Hi SD this is the one I have, not sure on the techy spec. I was going up the hill after about 2 miles riding so was fairly fresh. Cheers SD

http://www.boardmanb.../road_comp.html



Hmm, your lowest gear is 38.9 inches which isn't THAT low compared to other compact road bikes. The chainset is a compact but is 36-50 instead of the more typical 34-50 (the small ring is 2 teeth bigger than those of similar bikes, making the low gears less low). Still should be ok with some practice though. I'm betting next time you tackle the hill, you will make it up in 1!

Nice bike btw, I very nearly got one in June but a rush of blood caused me to get the Single speed version instead. Get those pedals sorted and this will help massively :thumbsup:
 
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The Jogger

The Jogger

Legendary Member
Location
Spain
Hmm, your lowest gear is 38.9 inches which isn't THAT low compared to other compact road bikes. The chainset is a compact but is 36-50 instead of the more typical 34-50 (the small ring is 2 teeth bigger than those of similar bikes, making the low gears less low). Still should be ok with some practice though. I'm betting next time you tackle the hill, you will make it up in 1!

Nice bike btw, I very nearly got one in June but a rush of blood caused me to get the Single speed version instead. Get those pedals sorted and this will help massively :thumbsup:


Cheers SD I'll do that. Single speed :ohmy:
 

Fab Foodie

hanging-on in quiet desperation ...
Location
Kirton, Devon.
Jogger
Get the right tools for the job and it becomes easier! With pedals, remember which way they go, one of them IIRC goes the 'wrong' way.

Converting to a triple is really expensive, so best not do it. A 12-27 cassette and a re-ringing the Chainset to a 34 inner would be waaaaay cheaper.

It's all the Governments fault, this wouldn't have happened in the peoples republic of cloud-cuckoo land :biggrin:
 
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The Jogger

The Jogger

Legendary Member
Location
Spain
Jogger
Get the right tools for the job and it becomes easier! With pedals, remember which way they go, one of them IIRC goes the 'wrong' way.

Converting to a triple is really expensive, so best not do it. A 12-27 cassette and a re-ringing the Chainset to a 34 inner would be waaaaay cheaper.

It's all the Governments fault, this wouldn't have happened in the peoples republic of cloud-cuckoo land :biggrin:

Cheers FF the bike bit I sort of understand.

The last bit :biggrin: :biggrin:
 

jimboalee

New Member
Location
Solihull
Get your foot position sorted first. If it felt like 'tippie toes' it probably was. This will make 'ankling' up a hill uncomfortable and inefficient.
A 36 ring on that bike is plenty small enough. Has it got a 25 tooth sprocket? Yes. Then 'Man up' a bit.
 
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