Team BKool CycleChat

[gbrown]

I need to work on my starts, how do you guys get off the line so fast? Bill, Adam and Kipster have usually gone before I've even started moving! I wait for the beep at zero then start pushing but it seems to delay moving off the line for a second and you've all gone!

Also the KICKR does often bounce when the speed drops to zero then very briefly back to 1-2 mph before settling at zero. This confuses the simulator, which doesn't register that I have stopped pedalling. Need to get Bkool to look at this, I think.

My KICKR was making a lot of noise, so I tried adjusting the belt tension as shown on the Wahoo web site. They suggested a quarter turn is usually enough, but I ended up doing 2.5 full turns before it sounded right, so the belt must have been really loose. Seems to spindown a bit quicker now, comparing the spindown times with the previous ones, but the offset is always exactly the same.

Geoff

 

[Paulf1566]

Think I'm going to by a second bike for turbo use, an Alloy Giant Defy 0 I think, to save the carbon bike for summer rides outside. Comes with an 11-32 so good for the Goats, sounds like a 52 or 53 crank would be good for the descents!

Sounds like you guys enjoyed the session, I'm looking forward to Thursday ...

Geoff

My main road bike is the Alloy Giant Defy 0 and I love it. My first road bike for 30 years!

 

[BILL S]

Think I'm going to by a second bike for turbo use, an Alloy Giant Defy 0 I think, to save the carbon bike for summer rides outside. Comes with an 11-32 so good for the Goats, sounds like a 52 or 53 crank would be good for the descents!

Sounds like you guys enjoyed the session, I'm looking forward to Thursday ...

Geoff

I'm in the process of trying to get my old Trek 9 speed alloy bike set up on the turbo. Did a session on Sunday but it was noticeably slower which I think was mostly the tyre. I don't think the 9 speed will slow it much or the extra weight of the bike. I think the biggest effect is the tyre so I've just ordered a continental trainer specific tyre. I think this could make a big difference. Previously when I couldn't get power on flat and downhill or on the FTP test that was just down to the tyre. Too much friction at high speed. Woops, I've just remembered that tyres are irrelevant for you.

 

[BILL S]

I need to work on my starts, how do you guys get off the line so fast? Bill, Adam and Kipster have usually gone before I've even started moving! I wait for the beep at zero then start pushing but it seems to delay moving off the line for a second and you've all gone!

Always top gear in the big ring Geoff. Even if its an uphill start. You soon have to change down but this seems to be the way to get away fast. Its initially a bit slow and some get off the line quicker but then you just pass everyone who started in a low gear.

 

[RickB]

I'd like to do this http://www.lapthelough.org/

Funnily enough so would I! Had looked at that one a few weeks back.

 

[Randyberlin]

Always top gear in the big ring Geoff. Even if its an uphill start. You soon have to change down but this seems to be the way to get away fast. Its initially a bit slow and some get off the line quicker but then you just pass everyone who started in a low gear.

I was thinking about putting my old Klein Pinnacle on for the goat climbs.

 

[RickB]

Sounds like you guys enjoyed the session, I'm looking forward to Thursday ...

Geoff

That's a great course you picked there Geoff. Suited the Realtour perfectly too as it didnt go over 6%. Thanks again for all your work in the league. And to Bill for the goats! Hope I'm fit enough to go again Thursday.

 

[BILL S]

I was thinking about putting my old Klein Pinnacle on for the goat climbs.

Looks like everyone's trying to get their carbon fibre pride and joys off the trainer and ready for the road. I spent all 2015 & 2016 bike budget last year or I'd be thinking about a new bike for the road so I could keep my latest on the turbo. Best bike really needs to be on the road I suppose.

 

[gbrown]

My main road bike is the Alloy Giant Defy 0 and I love it. My first road bike for 30 years!

Great bike, had a quick ride round the car park today. Fantastic value too.

What size is yours? Bit confused about the sizes, but it seems Medium is right for me (my Trek is a 54) and the missus can use it too if need be.

Geoff

 

[Add]

Looks like everyone's trying to get their carbon fibre pride and joys off the trainer and ready for the road. I spent all 2015 & 2016 bike budget last year or I'd be thinking about a new bike for the road so I could keep my latest on the turbo. Best bike really needs to be on the road I suppose.

Your best bike?!? You guys are too minted! I have the Giant Defy Composite 2! Love it, but then I was restricted in choice by my sheer lankiness. But I certainly can't squeeze another bike out just to keep for the turbo. Broke my heart lashing out £150 for a spare wheel to use on the turbo. It's not like I can share a bike with the Mrs either, when she is over a foot shorter than me.
I look like a clown sat on her bike, and she can't reach the pedals at any point past a quarter turn on mine.

 

[Randyberlin]

yeah i big ringed it all the way, good route, have to do it again.. lucky me

Taking it easy they said. Stay together they said. Pah! I had some sort of glitch which threw me ahead of you guys by a few seconds and then it rectified itself when I slowed way down putting you 8 seconds in front of me. I couldnt get back to you at all - couldnt generate enough power!! Felt ok when I was able to draft though.

Great riding guys. Really shows me how far I have to go yet. Could only average around 180 Watts for the distance.

Can I ask how long have you guys been riding and how many times a week do you be on the bike?

I've been doing a 1500 mile 3 week solo credit card tour every year for the last 10 years and used my old VR trainer to get marginally in shape using the same 6 courses. When I had to cancel a trip last fall because of work I used it as an excuse to upgrade to the Bkool. It has now been so addictive I'm riding 5 or 6 days a week and am in better shape than I have been in a long time. Ive never been competitive before, never even rode with anyone else but this group has turned out to be a blast.

 

[Rob H]

I was drafting kip at the start for a fair time and it definitely made a difference on the flat and steady gradient.

 

[Rob H]

Your best bike?!? You guys are too minted! I have the Giant Defy Composite 2! Love it, but then I was restricted in choice by my sheer lankiness. But I certainly can't squeeze another bike out just to keep for the turbo. Broke my heart lashing out £150 for a spare wheel to use on the turbo. It's not like I can share a bike with the Mrs either, when she is over a foot shorter than me.
I look like a clown sat on her bike, and she can't reach the pedals at any point past a quarter turn on mine.

Watt Bike?....

 

[burndust]

I've always been a bit concerned about sticking my carbon roadie on the trainer tbh....so i stick my boardman CX on

 

[kipster]

i use a heavy giant cx bike on the turbo and for winter road rides, the carbon is for the spring and summer rides. The carbon is due to be replaced late this year, negotiations with the wife are still ongoing as to how much the budget is, we are currently miles apart.