TZ Cycling/Bike Appreciation thread!

[den77]

Thanks I'll do a bit of research into it.

I'm fancying making it look like an 80's early 90's bike but with modern frame.

If you don't buy it please let me know who is selling it...

Thanks

[senwar]

Anyone have an idea what this noise could be?

I've had it back to the shop 3 times now. It is an ebike but there is a noise coming from below that sounds like a rattling stone or something. It's not always happening and doesn't happen when they've had it although they said it was loose bolts yesterday. However I'm getting a little fed up toing and froing hence asking here. Appreciate it isn't the easiest to hear and I know what I'm listening for but the noise/'rattle' is definitely there. The bike is 3 months old and this has been happening basically since I got it. It's more prominent towards the end.

[rdesouza]

Hi, i want to do some leisurely riding on the road and cycle paths along the thames and maybe a little bit off road but very occasionally. Been looking at different options. Mainly hybrids with thicker tyres and front suspension that can be tuned on or off. Maybe a Specialized or Bwin 540.

What would everyone recommend? Between 300-500 preferably.

[rdesouza]

Picked this up on Thursday. I got an ebikes earlier in the year and decided I wanted a full suspension bike so decided to upgrade. A fantastic bike to ride really enjoyed being out on it early morning yesterday. I can see me going a lot further and doing some distance and trails this year.

hi, what bike is this?

[senwar]

hi, what bike is this?

it's a haibike sduro allmtn sl, 2016. 27.5 wheels

[rdesouza]

looks great.

How does it work in practice? When do you use the motor?

[senwar]

looks great.

How does it work in practice? When do you use the motor?

Despite the noise issue I've got the bike is brilliant. I usually keep it in Eco mode but switch to standard or high IF I need the extra assistance. It only helps you at low speeds (up to 15mph) and if you go above that it cuts out whatever mode you are in. I love the bike it's a great ride. The benefit for me is the ability to go a lot further than I normally would and the assistance up the huge 1 mile hill I live at the top of at the end of every ride.

Having it in Eco means the battery is used rarely but is there if you need it. Is my second ebike but by far the best one. I love it.

[rdesouza]

sounds great, why are they so pricey? A moped would cost the same right.

[senwar]

sounds great, why are they so pricey? A moped would cost the same right.

I have a Vespa that I bought new last year. It only cost 400 quid more.

Thing is bikes can get expensive. I've never understood them but now do. The previous ebike I had was like a mini metro in comparison to this one, which is like a top marque car. I suppose it's all relative.

[mab]

Anyone have an idea what this noise could be?

I've had it back to the shop 3 times now. It is an ebike but there is a noise coming from below that sounds like a rattling stone or something. It's not always happening and doesn't happen when they've had it although they said it was loose bolts yesterday. However I'm getting a little fed up toing and froing hence asking here. Appreciate it isn't the easiest to hear and I know what I'm listening for but the noise/'rattle' is definitely there. The bike is 3 months old and this has been happening basically since I got it. It's more prominent towards the end.

Sorry, I'm not sure what that noise is (I can just about here something).

However, I suggest you sign up to http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/ and post your question there - lots of knowledgeable individuals with experience of all the different brands and ebike motors, so hopefully someone there can help.

[mab]

This is my eMTB, which arrives in one week's time - the Specialized Turbo Levo HT 6Fattie.

Getting excited now!

[senwar]

Sorry, I'm not sure what that noise is (I can just about here something).

However, I suggest you sign up to http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/ and post your question there - lots of knowledgeable individuals with experience of all the different brands and ebike motors, so hopefully someone there can help.

Thanks - I'm actually already a member on there and didn't think of posting there. Doh

By the way, your bike looks fantastic. Especially the battery integration

[doctorj]

Canyon Ultimate, Etap (with Dura Ace brakes), Reynolds 46 wheels, topped with my old Charge Spoon.

I like it a lot.

[den77]

Canyon Ultimate, Etap (with Dura Ace brakes), Reynolds 46 wheels, topped with my old Charge Spoon.

I like it a lot.

That's nice I have admired these from distance for a while, it will be good to hear what you think of it.

[Josh B]

Canyon Ultimate, Etap (with Dura Ace brakes), Reynolds 46 wheels, topped with my old Charge Spoon.

I like it a lot.

How's the Etap? And compared to what?

[Skool]

My new budget commuting e-bike for when I'm feeling lazy. It's heavy, robust and can handle any incline with minimum physical effort. It has both pedal assist and a twist and go throttle and is surprisingly fast -



This is my favourite bike though -

[Montybaber]

I have just bought myself a bike as i am looking to do something about my fitness and lose a few pounds

I decided to go for a hybrid as my days of hooning around a forest are sadly behind me and I have never got on with drop bars, my riding will be slow ambles along cycle paths/trails so it should be ok for that

I did some mountainbiking as a kid and like watches I have always had a soft spot for bikes, a few years ago I bought a Cube FS MTB and after a few rides I realised I had lost my nerve and then after a minor 'off' I decided to grow up and got rid

I went for a Whyte Whitechapel in the end after looking at/trying various bikes in local bike shops, I did find the advice I was given in these places were always conveniently biased towards models they had in stock in my size and after so much conflicting advice (size, materials, brakes, suspension etc) I decided to go with my gut and choose something that felt comfortable and was in budget

Anybody got any advice for an unfit greenhorn returning to the saddle? also have I made a good decision with the bike? any thoughts welcome (but please be aware I have made the purchase now) it wasnt a huge amount so it isnt the end of the world if I have made a blunder

[ach5]

It is an ebike

Are you man or mouse?

Although, a part of me is keen to welcome all forms of cycling, so I can't be too harsh!

Someone asked me the other day to suggest three things most important for happiness, or that might contribute to happiness; I have been debating and changing my mind constantly e.g. "show kindness to everyone", "be humble" etc etc but the only constant taking up one of the three positions has been "ride a bike".

Can anyone disagree with that? It's just such a shame that the majority of those who would most benefit from this advice would never give it a go and therefore would never know the truth.

[senwar]

Are you man or mouse?

Although, a part of me is keen to welcome all forms of cycling, so I can't be too harsh!

Someone asked me the other day to suggest three things most important for happiness, or that might contribute to happiness; I have been debating and changing my mind constantly e.g. "show kindness to everyone", "be humble" etc etc but the only constant taking up one of the three positions has been "ride a bike".

Can anyone disagree with that? It's just such a shame that the majority of those who would most benefit from this advice would never give it a go and therefore would never know the truth.

Drinking on a Sunday always makes Monday's feel worse

[ach5]

Drinking on a Sunday always makes Monday's feel worse

I'll take your word for it; I'm as good as teetotal these days!

[senwar]

I'll take your word for it; I'm as good as teetotal these days!

Makes your post even more baffling then!

[gunner]

Rode this from London to the south of France a couple of months ago after building it pretty much from scratch. Enjoyed the build and REALLY enjoyed the ride.

7.2kg (inc. pedals etc) is pretty respectable for a 10yr old frame built up to be comfortable enough for 300km in a day.

[Schofie]

Can anyone disagree with that?

- Seeing a beautiful woman naked for the first time
- Killing another Khal
- Conquering a city and taking her people as slaves, and taking her idols back to Vaes Dothrak
- Breaking a wild horse, Forcing it to submit to your will.

[Taylor]

Here are a few from my collection-

The Fixie Commuter


The White Whyte


The Stealth Roadie (right)


Also have a GT Dirt Jump and a BMX for the VW festivals

[den77]

Rode this from London to the south of France a couple of months ago after building it pretty much from scratch. Enjoyed the build and REALLY enjoyed the ride.

7.2kg (inc. pedals etc) is pretty respectable for a 10yr old frame built up to be comfortable enough for 300km in a day.

I can't see your picture.

[samswatch]

Are you man or mouse?

Although, a part of me is keen to welcome all forms of cycling, so I can't be too harsh!

Someone asked me the other day to suggest three things most important for happiness, or that might contribute to happiness; I have been debating and changing my mind constantly e.g. "show kindness to everyone", "be humble" etc etc but the only constant taking up one of the three positions has been "ride a bike".

Can anyone disagree with that? It's just such a shame that the majority of those who would most benefit from this advice would never give it a go and therefore would never know the truth.

Sure you didn't mean ride an e-bike! Lol

I can see myself getting some sort of assist for the winter commute.

[Montybaber]

Just received a measage saying my new bike will be delivered this afternoon, hoping the weather is better tomorrow for my maiden voyage

I have a pedal conundrum, trying to decide if I should go 'all in' for clipless

[17bex]

Just received a measage saying my new bike will be delivered this afternoon, hoping the weather is better tomorrow for my maiden voyage

I have a pedal conundrum, trying to decide if I should go 'all in' for clipless

Wouldnt consider anything else...been riding various systems since 1988.. it was a revelation when first tried..

[Montybaber]

Wouldnt consider anything else...been riding various systems since 1988.. it was a revelation when first tried..

Thanks its just a bit daunting to start with

[grey]

FWIW, and apologies if it's being discussed before.

I also have used various clipless pedal systems over the years, and a few things always struck me (as I type, I realise the irony of that phrase, having entered a Vauxhall Viva via the windsreen when using toeclips and straps, and circumnavigated a Corsa when using clipless) about the use of road (racing) shoes and single-sided pedals:

1. Don't worry about being knocked down by the double-decker while you are moving. It's when you unclick at the traffic lights, put you foot down and your shoe plate toboggans on the wet cobbles that you are in bother.
2. Getting the pedal the right way up to click in can be distracting at first, just when you don't need distracting.
3. Mincing in racing shoes to the cafe is not attractive; also you are at a mobility disadvantage if you get into a dismounted argument with a road rager.

Since about 2000 I have been using MTB shoes (Specialised or Shimano) and double-sided pedals (Time ATAC- don't know if they are still available in their original form, but they are terrific).

Clicking-in is half the problem it was, you can click-out and foot-down with relative security.

You can also walk to the cafe like John Wayne (remember we're only talking pedals here, not saddles).

I suspect the requirement only to be seen using racing shoes and pedals is largely a vanity issue (don't get me started ), but a good MTB system is comfortable, secure, has no real weight disadvantage, and can help maintain what dignity you might have left once you get off the bike and start to walk.

[MrSmith]

i use the Time cafe cleats, no problems with skidding around on cafe floors.
trick is to get table service :-)

much prefer the road cleat/shoes as far more stable and they help with my knee tracking. i use mtb spd’s for the commute bike as it’s only a few miles.

[grey]

i use the Time cafe cleats, no problems with skidding around on cafe floors.
trick is to get table service :-)

much prefer the road cleat/shoes as far more stable and they help with my knee tracking. i use mtb spd’s for the commute bike as it’s only a few miles.

I'm a bit out of touch, but the advantage of the Time ATAC pedals was that the system allowed for 'float' to compensate for knee issues, whereas at the time none of the road systems had this feature and caused me any amount of issues positioning the plates mostly laterally, but often for and aft. Also a lot of the road shoes at the time (Sidis especially) had steeply cranked soles with limited fore and aft movement allowed.

Has this all changed? Do SPD systems etc. allow for rotational movement of the foot during pedalling without clicking out immediately?

[benny.c]

Yes. The Shimano SPD SL system has different coloured cleats that give varying amount of float depending on your preference.

[grey]

Yes. The Shimano SPD SL system has different coloured cleats that give varying amount of float depending on your preference.

Thanks benny.c and MrSmith.

I can fully understand the wider platform is better over a distance and once you get into the sport. I would still think MTB systems are better for easing into cycling for the more mature rider.

And as for 'table service' , if you'd tried that at Tommy's in Otley (where meat & potato pie came with chips) in the 1970s, it would have been a case of 'wipe thy bloody feet and get to the counter'.

[magirus]

I've always used Shimano SPD mountain bike pedals on all of my bikes, including road. Decent shoes (I use Sidi) are plenty rigid enough and give ample support. I now have XTR trail pedals on my good bike and the base model on my winter bike. I do rides up to 100 miles and have never had a problem, and of course they are no problem to walk in too. Don't rush into a purchase and don't skimp on shoes.

[MrSmith]

its the rocking left to right of an spd especially as the cleat wears thats not good for my pedalling stability. the contact point is tiny compared to a road pedal. thats why road cyclists mostly use road shoes/pedals you can have variations of float and exit tension depending on the cleat but due to the width of the interface (and distance front to back) the shoe doesn't rock.

[Beaunidle]

I'm another 'SPD on everything' fella. Up to and including my full on roadbike. Hey, if they were good enough for Graeme Obree then they are good enough for me. Cheap as chips and highly durable.

The biggest advantage of the SPD system though is that it is intended for MTBs. This means that (although you can attach the cleats to any road shoe I've seen) you can also use MTB shoes with a recessed cleat. Or Shimano touring shoes which have the same effect - ie walking on rubber not on cleat when off the bike. Makes it far more likely that you'll take the bike to the shops too (rather than firing up the car).

But anyway, I digress. 100% go clipless. We all have one 'clipless moment' where we fail to unclip, panic and topple gracelessly sideways but you'll get the hang of it in one ride. The difference in power transfer efficiency is massive - plus you will quickly learn to 'pedal in circles' which sounds daft but isn't.

[magirus]

its the rocking left to right of an spd especially as the cleat wears thats not good for my pedalling stability. the contact point is tiny compared to a road pedal. thats why road cyclists mostly use road shoes/pedals you can have variations of float and exit tension depending on the cleat but due to the width of the interface (and distance front to back) the shoe doesn't rock.

The Shimano Trail pedals have a wider contact area, and coupled with a stiff sole I've not noticed any rocking. There is a degree of float, and a wide range of exit tension.

[Montybaber]

But anyway, I digress. 100% go clipless. We all have one 'clipless moment' where we fail to unclip, panic and topple gracelessly sideways but you'll get the hang of it in one ride. The difference in power transfer efficiency is massive - plus you will quickly learn to 'pedal in circles' which sounds daft but isn't.

Thankyou (and to everyone else who replied) I will be looking around to get some clipless pedals and MTB shoes as soon as possible

Bikes just arrived and I have put it together and i am really pleased, although not to the usual level of eye candy on this thread please afford me a quick proud new bike pic

[grey]

Attractive, stable looking bike, and I hope you enjoy it.

Apologies once more if I repeat the bleedin' obvious, but if you've not ridden on the road for a while, there may be a temptation to ride like you were driving a car, and crank up the gears as soon as you can, all eleven(?) of them.

I would be inclined to stay around the middle gears, (is it a 42 chainring?) and the 16, 17 or 18 tooth sprocket at the back on flattish terrain and get a bit of flexibility (without windmilling) into your legs. It also reduces equipment wear when the chain line is straightest.

The weather here has been vile today with repeated waves of heavy rain and wind. Out on my teatime spin near Beningbrough Hall I caught up (with difficulty) on a group of pensioner cyclists looking sodden, tired and forlorn, with soggy panniers and mud roosters up the back of their anoraks.

I got talking to the lady at the back of the pack, and would have advised her to drop down a few gears (she was on big ring, tiny sprocket), until she told me they had just ridden from Grassington today and were continuing to Bridlington tomorrow.

In true Sunday newspaper style, I made my excuses and left

[Montybaber]

Attractive, stable looking bike, and I hope you enjoy it.

Apologies once more if I repeat the bleedin' obvious, but if you've not ridden on the road for a while, there may be a temptation to ride like you were driving a car, and crank up the gears as soon as you can, all eleven(?) of them.

I would be inclined to stay around the middle gears, (is it a 42 chainring?) and the 16, 17 or 18 tooth sprocket at the back on flattish terrain and get a bit of flexibility (without windmilling) into your legs. It also reduces equipment wear when the chain line is straightest.

The weather here has been vile today with repeated waves of heavy rain and wind. Out on my teatime spin near Beningbrough Hall I caught up (with difficulty) on a group of pensioner cyclists looking sodden, tired and forlorn, with soggy panniers and mud roosters up the back of their anoraks.

I got talking to the lady at the back of the pack, and would have advised her to drop down a few gears (she was on big ring, tiny sprocket), until she told me they had just ridden from Grassington today and were continuing to Bridlington tomorrow.

In true Sunday newspaper style, I made my excuses and left

Thankyou and all taken on board, I intend taking it very easy and sticking mainly to cycle paths until i have gained a little confidence

It feels very comfortable and light but the saddle is going to take some getting used to

Oh and it has 9 gears, hope its enough

[mickylall]

The Whyte is a very nice bike but with 1x9 gears you may struggle with the big hills, don't think I'd be taking off road either as I think it's aimed more at commuting round town? I looked at the Portobello but decided it wasn't for me in the end, very nice bikes though at a good price

[Montybaber]

The Whyte is a very nice bike but with 1x9 gears you may struggle with the big hills, don't think I'd be taking off road either as I think it's aimed more at commuting round town? I looked at the Portobello but decided it wasn't for me in the end, very nice bikes though at a good price

I think you may be right about going offroad although it would habdle gravel paths with different tyres i think, I bought it for cycle paths and a bit of road riding (nothing too extreme) the gears should be fine, One of the things i like about the bike is its simplicity and if I run out of gears then I get off and push :)

For less than £370 i am pleased and will do me just fine, if I get heavily into it my next bike will be a 'proper' road bike so I didnt want to spend too much or go too racey on this one

[magirus]

Thankyou (and to everyone else who replied) I will be looking around to get some clipless pedals and MTB shoes as soon as possible

Bikes just arrived and I have put it together and i am really pleased, although not to the usual level of eye candy on this thread please afford me a quick proud new bike pic

Send it back! They've forgotten to fit the front mech and the large and small chainrings! ;-)

[mickylall]

I think you may be right about going offroad although it would habdle gravel paths with different tyres i think, I bought it for cycle paths and a bit of road riding (nothing too extreme) the gears should be fine, One of the things i like about the bike is its simplicity and if I run out of gears then I get off and push :)

For less than £370 i am pleased and will do me just fine, if I get heavily into it my next bike will be a 'proper' road bike so I didnt want to spend too much or go too racey on this one

That's a great price, good luck and all the best with the new bike

[grey]

Send it back! They've forgotten to fit the front mech and the large and small chainrings! ;-)

I reckon that, a bit like those give-away imitation chronos with painted on subdial hands, you could sell many modern cyclists bikes with fake small rings, fake front & rear mechs and blocks, and just supply a single speed big ring/tiny sprocket, as they never use anything else but top gear.

Walking the dogs in the park tonight and two very loverly 20 year old girls on road bikes are trying to get through the partly locked park gates. I help them and notice one of them had a Giant/Trek with disc brakes, but the other is riding a gorgeous 80s roadbike, chrome forks, Campag Super Record (or possibly Zeus?) kit. Ask if it's Italian, she says 'no it's Spanish'. It wasn't an Orbea, think it may have been a Portuguese Orbita.

They swap bikes and I joke that the one getting the 80s bike will have to change gear properly. I was wrong of course - they both ride off on big ring/small sprocket. Haven't been changing gear, and unlikely to do so.

Still wish I could do that though - ride away in top gear talking and laughing. Without lungs sounding like pigeon lofts.

[MattMM]

Not hardware related but appreciation of a very worthwhile bike-related cause, there's a guy who lives locally to me who's just about to complete 25,000 miles (mostly on his daily commute) for kids Neuroblastoma awareness and fundraising - link: https://lifecycleforneuroblastoma.com. Some great blogs in there plus Justgiving link

Owing to him just about being finished the 25000, he's now setup a new Strava club with the aim of getting as many riders globally as possible to sign up, fundraise and hit 1 million combined miles. No cost involved and you can log your Strava miles across multiple clubs, so very worthwhile.

Strava link: https://www.strava.com/clubs/LifeCycleForNeuroblastoma

[pastrana72]

share this with one of my son's

[Montybaber]

Managed to get out for an hour today just along some local cycle routes and i couldnt be happier with the Whyte, it is nice and quick, easy and comfortable to ride, the gearing is fine for hills but lacking a little at the higher end but I wont be racing anytime soon!

I have some specialised comp MTB shoes on their way along with a set of Shimano M424's, i promise to post pics of my cuts and grazes after my first topple

Just need to find the 'legs and lungs' section on tredz website and i will be set

Cheers fir the advice all

[warns74]

I have some specialised comp MTB shoes on their way along with a set of Shimano M424's, i promise to post pics of my cuts and grazes after my first topple

Great to hear you are enjoying the new bike. Not sure if this has been mentioned before but a quick tip if you're new to SPDs. Shimano SPD pedals have a tension adjuster on the spring that holds your shoe cleat in place on the pedal. Look for the small allen key hole by the spring, there will be one on both sides of each pedal. While you are getting used to them you can unwind some tension out of the spring so your foot will unclip much more easily, then as you get your confidence you can add tension.

Good luck, (and don't worry, EVERYONE falls off whilst still clipped in at least once in the first week!)