). Got out last Thursday for a 10+ mile ride around the local area, then again yesterday evening for another ride, this time with the OH. GMCC had a ride around the city centre as part of the space for cycling campaign.
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Think I hardly ever stand up. I can do it but I would be expending too much energyI have only been getting in rides of about an hour lately, been a little busy with other things like work and house chores.Have been having to save some of the energy for those but I have gone out to one of the hills (I call it the beast
) that made me get off in the rain and push my Townie up it. It is only about a half mile but some of the grades get up to near 10 percent, which isn't too shabby for the roads around here. I have been climbing it with standard gearing and notice I am making it up much easier these days. It still gets me winded and I do have to sit down to finish it, but I am recovering much faster than before. New goal to accomplish before the end of the year for me is to climb it all the way while standing.
I miss my highway rides this time of year because of the evening sunlight, it keeps me warmer. It gets a little nippy riding in the shade of the trees on the country roads near dusk, although it hasn't been cold enough yet to get me out of shorts and short sleeve base layer t shirt, yet. I hope it stays that way another month or so but I can feel the cool air moving in. The country roads are just so much cleaner that I don't really have to worry about punctures (knock on wood).
I haven't put on my GP 4000s tires yet but I am getting antsy to try them.
I have had a look at the specs of the bike on Halfords, from what it says the rear mech will only do a 26th rear, as you know the biggest difference between the two is the Grypon is a compact double as opposed to the triple on the Triban, the easiest option is to replace the rear mech with a M.T.B. one anything from an Acera up, (this is what I have fitted, the sora I have only does 26th), this will give you the option of going up to a 32 or 34th rear, something like 13-15-17-19-21-23-26-30, giving you a gear in of 29.81" (not sure the lowest on the triban but presuming its a 26th that would be 30.35"), the ratios arn't to bad so no big jumps between gears.Phew!!! Just completed 450 miles for thedaymonth - but then leeds(dropped the Super after seeing them last Wed) and Nigel come along with their mileages
- the elevation of 38000ft is incredible-1200ft of ascent each day - respect to you both. I'm averaging 14-14.5mph but getting quicker and lots of urban riding so stop/start.
Interested in the gearing discussion that went on a couple of pages back- Nigel seems to be very knowledgeable on this - could I ask a couple of questions directly through PM to you Nigel? One of the reasons for the interest is I ride a Triban 3 and seem to have no problems with getting a low gear to churn up the hills but my son rides a Carrera Gryphon and struggles and I have tried and struggled on some hills - the Gryphon is a 36*26 at its lowest - so 36.4 - I'm wondering is it easy to change the gearing to get a lower set up or is 36.4 about right for bottom gear?
I know from reading your posts Nigel that you regularly change the gearing-what tools are needed, level of knowledge, time etc?
But you take the super long way round usually.
I couldn't when I started, but it helps in two immediate ways, in that it uses different muscle groups, giving the others a brief respite, and also can help with other aches caused by being in the same position, I always find a ride where i am am in and out of the saddle less taxing in some ways than one where I am in the saddle almost all the time. It's like anything practise a little at a time, on small climbs like short bridges ect and you will get better, and then be able to tackle longer climbs.
@Supersuperleeds Well done on completing the Eddy Mercxx challenge with loads of time to spare. Now how about we all send you our GPS to attach to your bike and you can finish ours too!
Pretty breezy here this morning so did pretty much an out and back course to try and balance it out. Stayed in the same gear for the whole ride again. I think I could get used to this. Just as well I never have any spare cash or I think a single speed might be on my N+1 list
This will have strava in a twis.@Supersuperleeds Well done on completing the Eddy Mercxx challenge with loads of time to spare. Now how about we all send you our GPS to attach to your bike and you can finish ours too!
Pretty breezy here this morning so did pretty much an out and back course to try and balance it out. Stayed in the same gear for the whole ride again. I think I could get used to this. Just as well I never have any spare cash or I think a single speed might be on my N+1 list
Seems to be lots of bugs appearing
Hope it doesn't come to anything. Probably better not working too hard if you do go out. Maybe a nice gentle run in a very easy gear and hopefully you will feel better by at least getting some fresh air.
Just f'ing get out ride a few miles and see how you feel, you dont lose fitness for a few days off, I can take up to two weeks off with out to much detriment to fitness. In fact I usually come back fitter, because my body has had time to repair all the damage that has been imposed on it.
