Show us your.......newbie progress! [4 Sep 2012 - 4 Oct 2014]

[puffinbilly]

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.
To replace the cassette you will need a chip whip £5.96 if resevered on the net, and a cassette tool (aldi have a resonable tool kit in at the moment, not the highest quality, but I still use the tools from mine from four years ago),
You will need a new chain too, as the one you have most probably wont be long enough, but dont hold me to that one.
If you want to know how to make up your own ratios let me know as the cogs from a 9 sp cassette will fit (there only being .02mm difference in width of the cogs, so this would give you greater ratio options).
And as Chris said 450 miles is no mean feat. Well done.

Thanks for all the help and advice Nigel - I was a little puzzled that I was struggling to climb when I tried his bike - I'd only had a couple of tries where he was struggling uphill and got off so I would jump off and ride his and show him how to do it. Then found it really difficult and handed it back at the top of the climb (I'm generous like that). Quite puzzled I borrowed it on Tuesday for a longer run -seemed to be even worse than I remembered it and that was on the flat - trying to check in heavy traffic if anything was wrong - gear was ok etc etc...Then onto a cyclepath that I'd previously crossed with this bike at 20-22mph - struggling to get 12-13mph - jumped off.....the wheel was sticking to the frame big time...DOH....it was like riding with anchors on. Cursing myself for not checking the obvious before.
Continued into town to local Halfords - as soon as I jumped off and dragged the back wheel stuck against the frame into the shop their mechanic was laughing - quick way to get fit being one of the comments. One wheel truing later rode away on a bike that was quick and able to climb hills with ease again - bike was like a different machine. Pleased with the service Halfords offered - quick hour in and out - noticed they've even pumped both tyres up (nice touch) then.....noticed the front wheel's quick release move....it hadn't been tightened.
Intend to be out this w/e so see if that's fixed the problem for son with climbing - if it has I'll then fit one of those giant tractor tyres on a rope to the back of his bike just to see if he notices . If he needs the gearing changed I will take your advice - however riding hills in that condition the hills should now be a breeze without the resistance training

One footnote - looking for cheap rear light - Smart r1 or Blackburn Mars?

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Moonsoon conditions now - lane up to the house is flooded.

Even my SKS S Blade is having none of it!

View from my Brekky Room:

View attachment 30303

Patio!

View attachment 30304

I was out in that, twice.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

One footnote - looking for cheap rear light - Smart r1 or Blackburn Mars?

I have the Smart Lunar R2 rear light, great little light, not sure about the two you mention though.

 

[GreigM]

Done my first 20 mile run (21.1 to be precise) felt pretty good and think I could do a bit more which is surprising considering 2 months ago 4 miles would leave me out of breath and legs of jelly

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@GreigM Well done.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Thanks for all the help and advice Nigel - I was a little puzzled that I was struggling to climb when I tried his bike - I'd only had a couple of tries where he was struggling uphill and got off so I would jump off and ride his and show him how to do it. Then found it really difficult and handed it back at the top of the climb (I'm generous like that). Quite puzzled I borrowed it on Tuesday for a longer run -seemed to be even worse than I remembered it and that was on the flat - trying to check in heavy traffic if anything was wrong - gear was ok etc etc...Then onto a cyclepath that I'd previously crossed with this bike at 20-22mph - struggling to get 12-13mph - jumped off.....the wheel was sticking to the frame big time...DOH....it was like riding with anchors on. Cursing myself for not checking the obvious before.
Continued into town to local Halfords - as soon as I jumped off and dragged the back wheel stuck against the frame into the shop their mechanic was laughing - quick way to get fit being one of the comments. One wheel truing later rode away on a bike that was quick and able to climb hills with ease again - bike was like a different machine. Pleased with the service Halfords offered - quick hour in and out - noticed they've even pumped both tyres up (nice touch) then.....noticed the front wheel's quick release move....it hadn't been tightened.
Intend to be out this w/e so see if that's fixed the problem for son with climbing - if it has I'll then fit one of those giant tractor tyres on a rope to the back of his bike just to see if he notices . If he needs the gearing changed I will take your advice - however riding hills in that condition the hills should now be a breeze without the resistance training

One footnote - looking for cheap rear light - Smart r1 or Blackburn Mars?

Generally if you just loosen the wheel whilst it on the ground it should seat itself properly, then retighten, just spin the wheel to be sure, I had an occasion recently where the front became dislodged and rubbing, but as I was only a mile from home I did it then.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I was out in that, twice.

You're fibbing Nigel. I've only seen myself and Mrs SD on the patio today.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

You're fibbing Nigel. I've only seen myself and Mrs SD on the patio today.

I have an invisibility bike cape. it's a bit dangerous on the road mind, but has it's uses.

 

[stevey]

Ok peeps got the week off work from today o/h wants to go and look at bikes we are planning on getting on a train to go somewhere for the day if there is a bike shop.... Bonus.

Question is can anyone point me in the right direction for a day out to look at bikes.... or recommended bikes shops.

Thanks

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Ok peeps got the week off work from today o/h wants to go and look at bikes we are planning on getting on a train to go somewhere for the day if there is a bike shop.... Bonus.

Question is can anyone point me in the right direction for a day out to look at bikes.... or recommended bikes shops.

Thanks

What about Birmingham? You have a Specialized Concept Store there http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/birmingham-store

Isn't there a Decathlon store in Birmingham as well? Plus you are bound to have some of the bigger chains there.

 

[stevey]

What about Birmingham? You have a Specialized Concept Store there http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/birmingham-store

Isn't there a Decathlon store in Birmingham as well? Plus you are bound to have some of the bigger chains there.

You are correct Supersuperleeds problem being wanna go out of birmingham especially on a week off.

 

[Stonechat]

Went out this afternoon to WGP this afternoon with intention of visiting my parents afterward. Conditions were good apart from a lot ofdebris on road - chestnut/conker cases and leaves.
Did my loop and apparently was signalling left on a normal part of my route and did not make it.
(Turn is not sharp or difficult in any way)
Apparently hit my head and woke up in an ambulance.
Have the all clear - take it easy for 48 hours.
Bike was in the ambulance and got locked up at the hosp.
Chain is off tomorrow need to see if rear mech is working.

I am ok apart from some bruises, and sore hands.
Ride can be seen here, with the ambulance ride cropped off
http://www.strava.com/activities/86869961

Bike is home, came home in the back of the car. Will look at it tomorrow bruises permitting

 

[Mo1959]

@Stonechat Really sorry to hear about your off. Take it easy. You can't take any chances with head injuries. Forget about the bike for a few days at least and make sure you are well before turning your attention to the bike.

 

[RWright]

@Stonechat I hope you heal up quickly and without a lot of pain.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Went out this afternoon to WGP this afternoon with intention of visiting my parents afterward. Conditions were good apart from a lot ofdebris on road - chestnut/conker cases and leaves.
Did my loop and apparently was signalling left on a normal part of my route and did not make it.
(Turn is not sharp or difficult in any way)
Apparently hit my head and woke up in an ambulance.
Have the all clear - take it easy for 48 hours.
Bike was in the ambulance and got locked up at the hosp.
Chain is off tomorrow need to see if rear mech is working.

I am ok apart from some bruises, and sore hands.
Ride can be seen here, with the ambulance ride cropped off
http://www.strava.com/activities/86869961

Bike is home, came home in the back of the car. Will look at it tomorrow bruises permitting

Crikey that sounds bad - get mended soon!