Show us your.......newbie progress!

[Big_Dave]

O/h is getting the bike fit tomorrow for the trek so I will try and get a test ride on 1 or 2 see what they feel like.
But to be honest I think my mind is made up on the 2015 synapse full 11 speed 105 and upgraded wheels, geometry is the same more or less as my winter Raleigh and it's cheaper.
If I go with cannondale they won't get them in till 2nd week in November I think it will be worth the wait. Also deciding whether to go tubeless or not.

I've run tubeless on my mtc for a couple of years, it was the best thing I ever did, if you find eg a big thorn in your tyre, pull it out carry on, seals vitually instantly, mtb's tryes are more high volume and low pressure whereas road tyres are low volume high pressure so I wouldn't know how well they would seal, I've not really looked into road tubeless

 

[Stonechat]

Just noting that I think the tapering has worked and legs really good this morning
Legwarmers fine (maybe didn't even need them coming home) and had merino base layer and winter shirt (Aldi), maybe don't even need so much if I start of with an extra layer (Gilet or pakcable waterproof)

 

[stevey]

I've run tubeless on my mtc for a couple of years, it was the best thing I ever did, if you find eg a big thorn in your tyre, pull it out carry on, seals vitually instantly, mtb's tryes are more high volume and low pressure whereas road tyres are low volume high pressure so I wouldn't know how well they would seal, I've not really looked into road tubeless

Nor me i will have to do some research

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I took mine off again. Two punctures in five weeks but maybe I was just unlucky. Going to stick with the Durano Plus over the winter months at least.

I'm wondering if you were just unlucky @Mo1959 I still have mine on, with no fairy visits (fitted them 3,500km ago).

I suspect I will take them off for winter though and go back to my Durano pluses, but I will see how we go over the next week with the commutes (Sunday, Monday & Wednesday at my parents' and Tuesday at college) which should give me an idea of their handling in the wet... but I think it is likely as the temps drop I will go back to the others...

 

[Stonechat]

Nor me i will have to do some research

I saw a GCN video the other day, you may need new wheels
Here's the video

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nit55MSaFJ4

 

[stevey]

@Stonechat Yeah i have watched this, well after a little research my upgraded wheels these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/fulcrum-racing-quattro-clincher-wheelset/
are not tubless ready and would require a full conversion kit. Think i'll stick with tubed for the moment.

 

[Stonechat]

I saw a GCN video the other day, you may need new wheels
Here's the video

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nit55MSaFJ4

Further to this the following GCN video says you will need tubeless ocmpatible wheels and tyres

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG28gAJpo_c

 

[SpokeyDokey]

16.3 miles @ 13.7mph av' - about 0.6 miles slower than when I last did this route as the skinny lanes were running with water and covered in leaves. With the Big 60 not too far away now I am in self-preservation mode more often than not these days.

897' ascent with max gradient 10.2% on a long undulating switchback.

***

There is a climb out of Sedbergh to the East of me that is at least 1.5km long and is relentlessly steep (goes to 16.3%) - I keep looking at it and might put it down as 'aspirational' for next year. It could well be beyond my capabilities so we'll see.

***

MTB madness today (second time in last month) - going up hill (7.4% - I like this RWGPS malarky) on a blind left-hander (slippery single track lane) just getting ready to 'overtake' two walkers and a mutt when down comes 2 MTB-ers at some speed.

Cue locked up brakes. One shimmied all over the place but was ok. The other skidded down a short track that forks off the lane and hit a 5 bar steel gate. He was ok but his front wheel was absolutely wrecked - v.expensive bike too.

Too his credit he did apologise to the two walkers who he had given a hell of a fright to.

I have no idea why anyone would ride round a blind bend on a steep-ish very wet and leaf strewn skinny lane so quickly. (Sorry about tortuous grammar!)

***

Stay safe all - whatever you are riding!

 

[SpaCyclist]

Nice ride in the sun this morning. Not too cold and some breeze, but not too windy while I was out. 35km in 1hr 46, and 473m of climbing according to Strava.
It seems that in addition to the leaves, this is the season for ploughing. Cycled through three long mud trails on minor roads. Came back looking as if I had a strange brown form of measles all over my legs! (no mudguards on my bike).

 

[Big_Dave]

@Stonechat Yeah i have watched this, well after a little research my upgraded wheels these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/fulcrum-racing-quattro-clincher-wheelset/
are not tubless ready and would require a full conversion kit. Think i'll stick with tubed for the moment.

I've been looking at those wheels, I quite like the look of them, since my chocolate carrera rear hub gave up after just over 500 miles, the press fit bearing cup is no longer press fit and no longer fits square into its recess, although I've opted for just a new 105 hub to get me thru winter as the cheapest option, I'll wait til next next spring now for new wheels, so let us know your feedback of what you think to them.

 

[stevey]

Yeah will do @Big_Dave Dave These are part of the upgrade from the original rs11's on the cannondale upgrade to these for £26 seems a no-brainer

 

[Big_Dave]

Yeah will do @Big_Dave Dave These are part of the upgrade from the original rs11's on the cannondale upgrade to these for £26 seems a no-brainer

Too right

 

[Mo1959]

I've been looking at those wheels, I quite like the look of them, since my chocolate carrera rear hub gave up after just over 500 miles, the press fit bearing cup is no longer press fit and no longer fits square into its recess, although I've opted for just a new 105 hub to get me thru winter as the cheapest option, I'll wait til next next spring now for new wheels, so let us know your feedback of what you think to them.

If my memory is serving me correctly I think @SatNavSaysStraightOn maybe got these wheels? She might be able to give you an idea how they have been.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

If my memory is serving me correctly I think @SatNavSaysStraightOn maybe got these wheels? She might be able to give you an idea how they have been.

I got the Fulcrum Racing 7 CX's which have been excellent wheels (until you have to replace all the bearings 6 of them.... then it is still cheaper than new wheels but I guess this was going to be a problem with all wheels - just hadn't expected to be doing it every 6 months!)

 

[stevey]

Get your thermals ready guys and girls

http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/520672/Winter-weather-2014-UK-forecast-cold-snow-November