tyre life & seat

[Dusty Bin]

Well now, that's a bit of a sweeping statement, for most saddles you are correct but not for all, I know of 2 without having to think too hard about it that recommend a tilt, one up and one down.

I'm not aware of any saddle manufacturer that specifically recommends that its saddles should be set at anything other than level. That sort of advice would (at the very least) be very dangerous from a liability point of view. Interested to hear which ones you know of though...

 

[Doyleyburger]

Not sure I agree with that - the A484 between Cardigan and Pentrecwrt is a pretty good 15 mile stretch with only a couple of small climbs on it. I'm out on it most days. Will be out tomorrow if you're around..

I will be out tomorrow but not sure when. Working nights at the moment, not finishing till 6 so it depends what time i wake up.Yes that road isn't too bad at all in terms of climbing.
Bit of a boring road though !
Found a lovely little 20 miler route the other day, perfect for cramming a ride in when I haven't got much time. Quite hilly at the start then eases off

 

[GrahamS]

Hello my TDF brother. I can't get the standard saddle into a comfortable position, upgrading it to a charge spoon saddle soon. The standard tyres packed up after less than 1,000 miles, I understand this is partly because I am on the wrong side of 16 stone.

You might find thus interesting if you have steep climbs near you!http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/easier-gears.144348/

 

[totallyfixed]

I'm not aware of any saddle manufacturer that specifically recommends that its saddles should be set at anything other than level. That sort of advice would (at the very least) be very dangerous from a liability point of view. Interested to hear which ones you know of though...

Cobb and Adamo

 

[Dusty Bin]

Cobb and Adamo

ISM (Adamo) state in their own setup videos that tilt is entirely subjective and down to the individual - so hardly a recommendation. Cobb recommends a 1deg tilt (that's all, just 1 degree), but neither of those saddles are what you might call 'normal' anyway.

 

[icky]

Hello my TDF brother. I can't get the standard saddle into a comfortable position, upgrading it to a charge spoon saddle soon. The standard tyres packed up after less than 1,000 miles, I understand this is partly because I am on the wrong side of 16 stone.

You might find thus interesting if you have steep climbs near you!http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/easier-gears.144348/

Hello my TDF brother. I can't get the standard saddle into a comfortable position, upgrading it to a charge spoon saddle soon. The standard tyres packed up after less than 1,000 miles, I understand this is partly because I am on the wrong side of 16 stone.

You might find thus interesting if you have steep climbs near you!http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/easier-gears.144348/

Graham s I to ride a tdf and have swapped to a charge spoon best move I made could not get comfortable on standard saddle and suffered on long rides as for the stock tyres don't think its anything to do with weight pal mine only did 800 miles and had to be changed was sick of punctures and I'm a mere 13 st .

 

[Doyleyburger]

Hello my TDF brother. I can't get the standard saddle into a comfortable position, upgrading it to a charge spoon saddle soon. The standard tyres packed up after less than 1,000 miles, I understand this is partly because I am on the wrong side of 16 stone.

You might find thus interesting if you have steep climbs near you!http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/easier-gears.144348/

Thank you. I took a look at your link......I had thought about going to a compact set up before, but as my fitness has increased over time I kind of forgot about the idea.
Be interested to know what you've decided to do in terms of chain rings or cassette????
Must admit iv never heard of a charge spoon!
Regarding the tyres.....I was planning to run with the stock kenda tyres until they need replacing. Done close to 1000 miles also and no issues (tempting fate now)
However I will be purchasing rubino tyres in the new year as everyone has recommended these as a great all rounder.

 

[GrahamS]

Graham s I to ride a tdf and have swapped to a charge spoon best move I made could not get comfortable on standard saddle and suffered on long rides as for the stock tyres don't think its anything to do with weight pal mine only did 800 miles and had to be changed was sick of punctures and I'm a mere 13 st .

One of my mates might have a compact going spare which I can try out, but failing that the cassette option seems to be the best. I don’t know what it is like round your way but there is a place near me called South Harting which was a killer hill, touches 30% in places. Tried it twice with current gearing and am nowhere near being able to do it in one go. At the moment I am scared of it and it is annoying route planning to avoid it. There are a couple of similar climbs near me plus loads I can do now, but could do quicker with more gears.


The Charge Spoon has a good rep and you’ll get some change from £25.


My tyres started puncturing on exactly 1,000 kilometres, it was eerie, like an apple product failing as the warrantee ran out. My wife thinks I jinxed them by saying “1,000 kilometres without a puncture, that good going aye?”. (I switched to thinking kilometres to make it easier to feel inadequate when watching the Tour De France). Currently have some £8 Vitori Zaffiro’s on my bike but will upgrade them when I can.

And lighter wheels, combined weight of 3.5kg for the wheels on the TDF, saw some deals on Merlin Cycles website where I could get wheels under 2kg combined for £80ish. Should make a big difference.


I have skinny friends to keep up with!

 

[Doyleyburger]

I don’t know what it is like round your way


Has its ups and downs......big ones !
I have stupidly signed up for a big charity bike ride next year which will require some intense training and a few mods I would think also.
its always good to hear of others with the same bike and the feedback on the upgrades

 

[GrahamS]

I don’t know what it is like round your way


Has its ups and downs......big ones !
I have stupidly signed up for a big charity bike ride next year which will require some intense training and a few mods I would think also.
its always good to hear of others with the same bike and the feedback on the upgrades

I'm hoping to do a 100 mile sportive or something next year. Current best is 50 miles with a lot of climbing, last 10 miles was all pain. I did put a shorter stem on which has made it more comfortable, I was getting kidney pain before I changed it.

Overall pleased with the tdf, might have spent more if I had known how much I would love cycling though! Halfords wouldn't post my largely positive review as I had a dig at the gearing.....