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Thread: TZ Cycling/Bike Appreciation thread!

  1. #2901
    Quote Originally Posted by Paradiddle View Post
    The bike to work scheme is available from work but it seems to limit the options. I'm happy to pay upfront at reputable shops or take a 0% finance option.
    My employer’s scheme is Cycle to Work (Halfords) where you can buy from Halfords or search for your LBS on the Cycle to Work website (or the scheme your employer uses). I think this really opens up the options rather than limits.

    The limiting factor may be remaining within the £1000 limit but this is at employers discretion or the bike shop who may permit a top up. Not sure how they apply that.

    The bike shops seem to accept many schemes.

    I cannot advise on the bike choice or upgrades as I know nothing about bikes and have recently become an owner through the scheme.

  2. #2902
    Craftsman Paradiddle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by prexelor View Post
    My employer’s scheme is Cycle to Work (Halfords) where you can buy from Halfords or search for your LBS on the Cycle to Work website (or the scheme your employer uses). I think this really opens up the options rather than limits.

    The limiting factor may be remaining within the £1000 limit but this is at employers discretion or the bike shop who may permit a top up. Not sure how they apply that.

    The bike shops seem to accept many schemes.

    I cannot advise on the bike choice or upgrades as I know nothing about bikes and have recently become an owner through the scheme.
    Thanks. My employer offers the same scheme. Glad to hear that it worked out for you.

    I'll have a search around the website for an LBS and contact them for recommendations. Mind you, the non-Halfords shops I can see from the list so far are the ones that I know specialise in refurbished classic road bikes or city bikes.

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    Last edited by Paradiddle; 8th June 2021 at 21:39.

  3. #2903
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    £1k limit seems to be set by the employer. My work scheme is £3.5k.

  4. #2904
    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    £1k limit seems to be set by the employer. My work scheme is £3.5k.
    £3.5k? You could buy a watch with that!

    Imagine if employers had a wear a watch to work scheme.

  5. #2905
    Craftsman Paradiddle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by prexelor View Post
    £3.5k? You could buy a watch with that!

    Imagine if employers had a wear a watch to work scheme.
    I had the same first thought! Tax free watch purchase. Imagine.

    That is really generous though. Our scheme is also limited to £1k. Even less at my previous employer.

    Sent from my HD1903 using Tapatalk

  6. #2906
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    This is the company/scheme my work uses. https://www.cyclesolutions.info/cycl...uidance-update
    Traditionally the scheme has always been capped at £1,000.00 as a maximum package value but thanks to the Cycle 2 Work Alliance this has now been changed to allow employers to choose their own limit to better suit the needs of their employees.
    For a watch would be lovely.

  7. #2907
    That Pinarello is beautiful. Really like the thin tubes, horizontal top, chrome lugs, diamond reinforcements (with filled in paint), the curve of the fork and just all the attention to detail. Feel almost guilty about mentioning it, but I think if I was lucky enough to own and ride that one, I'd put a shinier less modern-looking crank on it #retrogrouch

  8. #2908
    You’ve suggested none and also questioned my past decision.

    Where I bought my current bike, when and where I lock it, and how I’m going to pay for a new bike is my own business.

    I’ll take my question elsewhere or figure it out myself.
    Done nothing of the sort, I offered advice on bike choice in my first response, suggested bike to work as way to up budget etc.
    Good luck with your new bike whatever it is, I’m sure you will find one without any more contributions from me.
    Suns out, time for another ‘not at my desk’ ride.

  9. #2909
    Master ~dadam02~'s Avatar
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    After awaiting for what feels like forever my patience finally paid off and this was delivered yesterday:






    Set it up last night and went for a 15 mile burn round the block this morning to try it out, just beaming smiles all the way round, absolutely loving it. Will switch it over to tubeless next week, but so far Di2 is a dream to use and will set up wireless unit to connect this to my garmin soon also.

    One thing that's bugging me on my short ride, the freehub is really noisy. Is it possible to get quiet/silent freehubs?


    This and also finally getting a call from my Rolex AD yesterday after a 2 year wait for a unicorn piece, this is looking like being a mega week.

  10. #2910
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    Yes, you can get quieter freehubs, though buying a new hub and getting the wheel rebuilt to achieve a reduction in decibels sounds rather extreme.

    Shimano ones are quiet.

    Personally I like a loud one, I find it more mechanically reassuring. And I don't have to shout to get by pedestrians.

  11. #2911
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    I always thought the noisier the hub the more expensive it was.

  12. #2912
    Quote Originally Posted by wileeeeeey View Post
    I always thought the noisier the hub the more expensive it was.
    Depends. My DT-Swiss are quiet, Hope are loud, King have the swarm of bee’s
    Engagement points are what often dictates price.

    I like a loud freehub to let people know you are behind them but when approaching horses I pick a high gear and pedal slowly to stop the noise as a sudden BZzzzzz can freak them out.

  13. #2913
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    Quote Originally Posted by MrSmith View Post
    Can’t see how rim is easier to upgrade than disk, if anything you will be having new rims at some point.
    I think that he means Rim wheels will be a lot cheaper to buy moving forward and maybe more spares. Who knows. I personally have a few sets stashed away as they are always timeless.

    On hubs. Chris King not only ride but also sound sublime.
    RIAC

  14. #2914
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    Quote Originally Posted by ~dadam02~ View Post
    After awaiting for what feels like forever my patience finally paid off and this was delivered yesterday:






    Set it up last night and went for a 15 mile burn round the block this morning to try it out, just beaming smiles all the way round, absolutely loving it. Will switch it over to tubeless next week, but so far Di2 is a dream to use and will set up wireless unit to connect this to my garmin soon also.

    One thing that's bugging me on my short ride, the freehub is really noisy. Is it possible to get quiet/silent freehubs?


    This and also finally getting a call from my Rolex AD yesterday after a 2 year wait for a unicorn piece, this is looking like being a mega week.

    Nice bike.

    Most wheel companies ship the freehubs a bit dry to stop the pawls gumming up if they are stored a long time. Just add some grease/oil and that will quieten it down a lot.

  15. #2915
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    Light oil rather than grease on the pawls...the latter can make them stick.

  16. #2916
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bondurant View Post
    Light oil rather than grease on the pawls...the latter can make them stick.
    I usually make a cocktail. Little grease, oil and a dash of dry chain lube.

  17. #2917
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    I usually make a cocktail. Little grease, oil and a dash of dry chain lube.
    Lovely with an olive on a cocktail stick.

  18. #2918
    Quote Originally Posted by ~dadam02~ View Post
    One thing that's bugging me on my short ride, the freehub is really noisy. Is it possible to get quiet/silent freehubs?
    Shimano place the pawls (the spring-loaded ratchet levers) within the freehub, which makes them near silent. This is patented. Others must put the pawls outside the freehub, nearer the hub body (witness the "hump" often visible on the RHS of rear hubs) which resonates like a bell, causing the noise. I replaced my expensive boutique rear hub with a Shimano hub to reduce the noise. The difference is a blessing.

  19. #2919
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tokyo Tokei View Post
    Shimano place the pawls (the spring-loaded ratchet levers) within the freehub, which makes them near silent. This is patented. Others must put the pawls outside the freehub, nearer the hub body (witness the "hump" often visible on the RHS of rear hubs) which resonates like a bell, causing the noise. I replaced my expensive boutique rear hub with a Shimano hub to reduce the noise. The difference is a blessing.
    The real answer is pedal more.

  20. #2920
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    Did 63 miles after work. Cloudy at first but lovely warm, late evening sunshine later on.

  21. #2921
    Master markc's Avatar
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    Building up the new bike…



    A few bits to do yet, new tyres, tubes, cassette and chain. Plus power meter and a bit of adjustment before I get to ride it.

    I’ve no patience!

    MarkC

  22. #2922
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    RIAC

  23. #2923
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    Quote Originally Posted by markc View Post
    Building up the new bike…



    A few bits to do yet, new tyres, tubes, cassette and chain. Plus power meter and a bit of adjustment before I get to ride it.

    I’ve no patience!

    MarkC
    Looks the part!

  24. #2924
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    Just picked up a new to me bike. So far so good



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  25. #2925
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    Pretty impressed with me new La Passione and MAAP kit, big step up from Castelli and not following the Rapha flock.

    Pitch

  26. #2926
    Quote Originally Posted by Pitch3110 View Post
    Pretty impressed with me new La Passione and MAAP kit, big step up from Castelli and not following the Rapha flock.

    Pitch
    La Passione is a bit plain no? I have a few bits but wouldn’t say it was top level stuff or above assos/Castelli or LeCol It’s good to have so much choice now though compared to 10 years ago.

    Has anyone tried komraid or Universal Colours? (sigma own brand)

  27. #2927
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    I've just ordered some La Passione 'prestige' bibs shorts and a 'duo' jersey. Took a gamble on the size having never tried any in the past. My Castelli gear is all size L but is a touch on the small size. Ordered L in both of those and hope they are slightly roomier than Castelli

  28. #2928
    Master Pitch3110's Avatar
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    I am pretty new into this Mr Smith so not tried many but the new La Passione stuff just landed is far better than my two year old Castelli in terms of fabric and quality, they may have upped their game. Likewise with Maap it’s lovely.

    Regards being a tad plain I like the block finish and with matching socks I think it looks great.

    @MCDG I’m 5’10, 30w and 11st and I am bang in between M & L but prefer the L, but more give.

    Delivery and returns have been great.

    Pitch
    Last edited by Pitch3110; 18th June 2021 at 18:47.

  29. #2929
    Grand Master
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    I have a pair of LE Col bins shorts in large that are new

    RRP- £130

    If anyone wants them £70


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    RIAC

  30. #2930
    There’s a strava challenge on at the moment for LaPassione kit, think it’s 20%?

  31. #2931
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    Got roped into doing the cycle part of the half Lakesman by my sister, had to borrow a bike as 2 days before I managed to put a hole in my carbon Felt F Series on the chain stay🙄 Was fun but started to hurt after 70km due to not having set the borrowed bike up properly.

  32. #2932
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    TZ Cycling/Bike Appreciation thread!



    Gearing up for UK roads…been riding with my Trek road bike so far, changed from 23mm to 25mm tyres but still haven’t found the right comfort.

    Canyon will go on a second set of wheels with Schwalbe G-One speed for on road riding and keep the OEM 45mm for gravel!

    Biblical waiting times and unfortunate price increase (thanks Brexit!) but still the best VFM out there I think!


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    Last edited by dade.c; 22nd June 2021 at 11:09.

  33. #2933
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    Quote Originally Posted by dade.c View Post


    Gearing up for UK roads…been riding with my road bike so far, changed from 23mm to 25mm tyres but still haven’t found the right comfort.

    Grizl will go on a second set of wheels with Schwalbe G-One speed for on road riding and keep the OEM for gravel!

    Biblical waiting times and unfortunate price increase (thanks Brexit!) but still the best VFM out there I think!


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    28mm is a good place to be, ideally if they actually measure 30mm on callipers
    RIAC

  34. #2934
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    Quote Originally Posted by 100thmonkey View Post
    28mm is a good place to be, ideally if they actually measure 30mm on callipers
    Unfortunately my Trek won’t accommodate 28mm hence why decided to go with a new bike.

    Canyon will come with 45mm as standard but for road use I’m likely going with 30mm or 35mm…still unsure


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  35. #2935
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    Just posted my smart trainer for sale in Sales corner if anyone is interested?

    Can't get on with the riding indoors thing.

  36. #2936
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pitch3110 View Post
    Pretty impressed with me new La Passione and MAAP kit, big step up from Castelli and not following the Rapha flock.

    Pitch
    First ride in my new La Passione ‘prestige’ bibs today. Very impressed with the comfort and fit, highly recommended!

  37. #2937
    Master pacifichrono's Avatar
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    I think I've posted this in another thread, but I'm anxiously awaiting delivery (next week?) of a Sondors Fold XS e-bike. 750W nominal motor output. The seat has at least another six inches of upward travel.


  38. #2938
    Master ~dadam02~'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ~dadam02~ View Post
    Any experience of Planet X bikes, in particular their gravel bikes? Was browsing their webiiste and notice they have stock coming in of:

    - Tempest: https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXTE...um-gravel-bike
    - Roadrunner: https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBTIRR...nium-road-bike

    I've been wanting to get a do it all bike for a while, but usual stock issues being problematic. I currently run a Specialized Allez road Bike and Specialized Rockhopper mountain bike but want to ditch the mountain bike for something that will handle itself on most terrains (the MTB is overkill for what I really need) whilst being closer to my road bike for winter riding. Could either of the above provide medium term replacement if I were to sell both my current bikes? Plan this year has always been to sell the Allez and buy a Canyon Endurace, if stock ever becomes available again, so possibly the Planet X can fill in sufficiently in the meantime?
    Well this finally arrived this week after a 4 month wait, had almost forgotten I had ordered it:





    Had a trip to my LBS to get the brakes calibrated as it was originally like trying to stop the Titanic but now sorted, and this being my first gravel bike, it feels like it's going to be ALOT of fun. Rode a mixture of roads and trails this week and the 35mm tyres just ate up everything, huge smile on face. No issues with the 1x drive train, which coped quite fine and the simplicity of the single lever double tap SRAM Force 1 gear shifters are quite liberating. All in all happy with the blind purchase, and can't wait to get out on it this weekend.
    Last edited by ~dadam02~; 26th June 2021 at 07:09.

  39. #2939
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    That Planet X looks great value for a Titanium framed bike. My Genesis Croix de fer Ti was £2k in 2017 and north of £4k now. I run 28 mm Conti 4 seasons which are a road tyre all year round. They are fine on gravel , rubbish in deep mud but quick enough to do 70/80 mile road rides.

    I did about 2.5 k miles on the 35mm gravel tyres, they were very confidence inspiring on gritty muddy lanes. However they dragged when riding with others in a group riding on more road based tyres.

    The beauty of Ti is no paint to worry about, just soapy wash after a muddy ride and away you go.

    Steve

  40. #2940
    Master ~dadam02~'s Avatar
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    Yeah build quality and groupset seem decent value for the outlay. I can well imagine a few mph less than a road bike but haven't had a chance to test the numbers against my Canyon yet. Thanks for the tip of the GP4 Seasons, will certainly look into those.

    Question, are you running tubeless on your gravel bike? I presume there are more gains to be had when running a gravel bike tubeless than a road bike? I just set my Canyon road bike up to tubeless and am enjoying the lower tyre pressures instantly.

  41. #2941
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    Did 85 miles, the last 75 in warm sunshine. Glorious out there today.


  42. #2942
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    Just ordered a Planet X Tempest myself. Rival 1 rather than Force 1, as they’ve currently got £200 off the Rival version, which makes it £1599, an absolute steal for a Ti bike IMO. Couldn’t really justify the additional £400 for the Force version, given everything except the groupset is identical, and I’ll probably upgrade it to AXS at some point if I really like it.

    Very excited to see it when it arrives, 35 days build time apparently.

  43. #2943
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    Quote Originally Posted by ~dadam02~ View Post
    Yeah build quality and groupset seem decent value for the outlay. I can well imagine a few mph less than a road bike but haven't had a chance to test the numbers against my Canyon yet. Thanks for the tip of the GP4 Seasons, will certainly look into those.

    Question, are you running tubeless on your gravel bike? I presume there are more gains to be had when running a gravel bike tubeless than a road bike? I just set my Canyon road bike up to tubeless and am enjoying the lower tyre pressures instantly.
    I think if you are running 35 mm gravel tyres, yes tubeless will allow lower pressures, but bear in mind Im coming from an mtb background with high volume tyres.

    Re tubeless Im a bit of a dinosaur here, just this year I have switched to tubeless set up on my Carbon road bike.I too noticed an improved ride but with quicker Strava times.

    My gravel / winter bike is still tubed. Just today I did a 50 miler mixed roads , slow company , lots of gravel and about 1000 m of climbing. The GPs just eat it up with no dramas
    Last edited by higham5; 1st July 2021 at 22:51.

  44. #2944
    Master ~dadam02~'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by higham5 View Post
    I think if you are running 35 mm gravel tyres, yes tubeless will allow lower pressures, but bear in mind Im coming from an mtb background with high volume tyres.

    Re tubeless Im a bit of a dinosaur here, just this year I have switched to tubeless set up on my Carbon road bike.I too noticed an improved ride but with quicker Strava times.

    My gravel / winter bike is still tubed. Just today I did a 50 miler mixed roads , slow company , lots of gravel and about 1000 m of climbing. The GPs just eat it up with no dramas
    Thanks for that, those GP4's are definitely in my radar, just going to keep an eye out if a retailer discounts and I'll jump on.

    Separately, this arrived today, have wanted a crank based power meter but finding one that has enough clearance between the crank and chainstay has proved tricky. Found a retailer selling at a 15% discount so jumped on, it's arrived and it looks to have ample space so I'll chuck this and bike into my LBS to get fitted this weekend.


  45. #2945
    Grand Master
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    Just loving the details on this Special Edition Peter Sagan SL6 and what a rider (Sagan not me!)


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    RIAC

  46. #2946
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    Kerry thats a stunner! The Sagan touches are icing on the cake.

    Steve

  47. #2947
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    Eroica small framed (48/50 cm ) bike wanted

    Big of a long shot , but does anyone on here have a classic steel bike for sale. Ive sold a few motorcycles so I have room in the garage and am enjoying my cycling this year.

    I have a carbon and titanium road and gravel bike. I regret selling my Ribble 653 when I bought my last aluminium road bike. Never mind the buyer had a great bike.

    Please pm if you have anything of interest
    Steve

  48. #2948
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    Quote Originally Posted by ~dadam02~ View Post
    Thanks for that, those GP4's are definitely in my radar, just going to keep an eye out if a retailer discounts and I'll jump on.

    Separately, this arrived today, have wanted a crank based power meter but finding one that has enough clearance between the crank and chainstay has proved tricky. Found a retailer selling at a 15% discount so jumped on, it's arrived and it looks to have ample space so I'll chuck this and bike into my LBS to get fitted this weekend.

    You can fit that yourself in less than 5 minutes.

  49. #2949
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    Quote Originally Posted by 100thmonkey View Post



    Just loving the details on this Special Edition Peter Sagan SL6 and what a rider (Sagan not me!)


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    That is a thing of beauty

  50. #2950
    Grand Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Robxxx7 View Post
    That is a thing of beauty
    Thank you. Will pop some deep rims on it when it gets used.


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    RIAC

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