O/T Road Cyclists and Mountain Bikers (Merged thread)

[smarm]

Matt Goss

[Osqar]

Finally finished the parts bin kludge single speed. It actually turned out half decent, and rides nicely. Steve, you might dig this.

sweet looking single. the oppy's weren't a bad bike. nice!!

[Osqar]

Finished the Convict 100. Nearly killed me. http://app.strava.com/activities/7956548
My knees and legs are shot. Now have a target for next year. Not breaking my arm prior will be useful. Great weekend overall with Tank / Osc & others at monkey farm.

yeah, brilliant weekend. I was surprised we did so well, and without injury or mechanical fails.
I've recovered totally, except for falling asleep in front of the tv sunday night. It all makes me think that Tank was right, we were all holding something back, and it was mostly a psychological hurdle (or, it definitely was for me!).
beautiful day up here today, will go chop some wood and some other house work stuff, and then hopefully get out on the roadie. sweeeeet!

love the photos Aaron!! awesome!

If I can figure a way to post shots, I'll put up all the convict photos once they come through. Epic event! When we finished, I didn't ever want to do it again, now I'm planning next year's assault!

[steve2gtis]

Matt Goss

Yeah, how good is that? Cavendish crashed, though. Would love to see the highlights package to see how it all went down.

Finally finished the parts bin kludge single speed. It actually turned out half decent, and rides nicely. Steve, you might dig this.

I do. Wish I could get a frame like that for a single or similar.

[J-Tim]

Thinking about getting my son a 20'' Mountain bike as he is truly struggling on the bmx we've got him last year. I recon, something with gears that is slightly easier to ride would give him a bit more confidence and motivation.

Any suggestions on brands/models ?

[Tank Engine]

Thinking about getting my son a 20'' Mountain bike as he is truly struggling on the bmx we've got him last year. I recon, something with gears that is slightly easier to ride would give him a bit more confidence and motivation.

Any suggestions on brands/models ?

I'm a big fan of the 1x7 or 1x8 gearing for kids. Just gives them one dimension to work with that they can get their head around.

Elder Tank has a Giant, #2 Tank has a Mongoose - both service their purpose well. The Giant has front suspension - so he enjoys using it at the local MTB park.

[J-Tim]

I'm a big fan of the 1x7 or 1x8 gearing for kids. Just gives them one dimension to work with that they can get their head around.

Elder Tank has a Giant, #2 Tank has a Mongoose - both service their purpose well. The Giant has front suspension - so he enjoys using it at the local MTB park.

I like simple set ups as well. To be honest with you I've no idea what gearing does my son's bike have. All I know is that he isn't exactly a big kid and he really struggles with the bike.

[Osqar]

so,... today was quiet, and for some reason i felt like writing something. I blame the baked beans.

Below is a blog page I created with a blerb on the Convict 100. You Might Giggle. You might have seen it from a different angle. That's ok.... its was damn good fun!

Also,.. I didn't include any photos simply because the Monkey Race Team already have the photos, and I wasn't sure how to post them in the blog. Besides, I kinda like the idea of a blank blog. =)

If anyone wants to paste the blog link on any other bike forums, please feel free. It would be nice to make other people chuckle. =P
Clicky.

http://osqar-osqar.blogspot.com.au/2...nvict-100.html

[J-Tim]

so,... today was quiet, and for some reason i felt like writing something. I blame the baked beans.

Below is a blog page I created with a blerb on the Convict 100. You Might Giggle. You might have seen it from a different angle. That's ok.... its was damn good fun!

Also,.. I didn't include any photos simply because the Monkey Race Team already have the photos, and I wasn't sure how to post them in the blog. Besides, I kinda like the idea of a blank blog. =)

If anyone wants to paste the blog link on any other bike forums, please feel free. It would be nice to make other people chuckle. =P
Clicky.

http://osqar-osqar.blogspot.com.au/2...nvict-100.html

For whatever bizarre reason, my mind can only comprehend your posts while intoxicated, so I am going to wait until around 10pm before clicking that link.

[monkeysrus]

Here are some pics from said weekend.

Pre race at the start line



Monkey crossing canoe bridge



Walking up hill @ 70k mark



Finished!



Post race bike cleaning




10 points to whoever added the 'cocaine a hell of a drug' comment to osqars blog.

[vwlatino]

cool pics, looks like it would have been a fun day.

Sorry not trying to be rude, but don't know which one is which, which one is osqar? the skinny biatch in bike bug kit??

**** dood, you're half the man I remember....

[Osqar]

hahhaha! well,... whether you're taking the p1ss or not, you can call me skinny b1yatch any day,.... but I still need to drop another 5 kg!!

it was a brilliant race, my only regret is that I spent about 55-60km of it a fair way behind Monkey, Tank and our mate Will (Slinky). ie: I didn't get to see them ride!! i really need to build mojo over the technical sections! The guys were kind enough to wait for me at a few points, and then I caught up with them at other points, but it occured to me when I was writing that babble that I really knew nothing of how their race actaully went!! I only rode with them over the last 30km, and by then poor monk was too faaarqed to really motor, and Big Tank had also backed off a bit. meanwhile, I was powering on Gels, and back in my element on the smoother dirt roads. (will was simply powering everything, he was definitely KOM in our team!!)

[Osqar]

10 points to whoever added the 'cocaine a hell of a drug' comment to osqars blog.

Well,.. I could be wrong,... but I am certain it Manning or Hieu, or one of those guys. A few weeks back I found that Charlie Murphy you tube footage from one of the other threads. There's that fantastic Dave Chappell footage with Rick James ....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqD6q...eature=related

[J-Tim]

That looks like fun.... and painful!

[mikinoz]

I'm off to Cell in Stanmore now. Only taking limited cash so I don't get carried away.

- shoes
- flight deck
- cleats
- knicks
- helmet

I'm sure I'll get sold other stuff as they see the n00b coming a mile off.

[TheHamofMam]

Got carried away this morning at Fitzroy Revolution...



Might wait a little until I start building it up.

[dkr]

Got carried away this morning at Fitzroy Revolution...

Understatement of the year...

[vwlatino]

hahhaha! well,... whether you're taking the p1ss or not, you can call me skinny b1yatch any day,.... but I still need to drop another 5 kg!!

Nah I meant it, you look skinnier, a lot skinnier. Way to go. I really have to try to get that going too. Done bugger all road riding since last Nov, still have power, done some sprint training, but have zero endurance. Don't think I have gone on a ride longer than maybe 30km since Nov.

MIke that frame looks incredible, I don't even like mountain bikes really. That one is awesome, best looking frame I have ever seen.

[TheHamofMam]

I was pretty intent on sticking to my new hardtail acquisition but when i saw this bike in the flesh, i went berko. The price was pretty much the best i could find as well. Its good to see some aussie stores respecting the intelligence of their customers and their hip pockets. Im going to fluff this frame tonight. The cats earned a respite.

[steve2gtis]

I'm off to Cell in Stanmore now. Only taking limited cash so I don't get carried away.

- shoes
- flight deck
- cleats
- knicks
- helmet

I'm sure I'll get sold other stuff as they see the n00b coming a mile off.

Save your $ with flight deck. Just get to know your gearing.

Before buying too many knicks from cell, or anything else for that matter, check out Wiggle and ChainReactionCycles and other web vendors. Wiggle's brand DHB is cheap and good quality and doesn't say Cell all over it... Shoes and others will be cheaper too. If you plan to race, buy a helmet in Australia. Otherwise...

Mammy - FARQUHAR!!! Nice, bud. Very nice. Drool.

[Osqar]

Save your $ with flight deck. Just get to know your gearing.

Before buying too many knicks from cell, or anything else for that matter, check out Wiggle and ChainReactionCycles and other web vendors. Wiggle's brand DHB is cheap and good quality and doesn't say Cell all over it... Shoes and others will be cheaper too. If you plan to race, buy a helmet in Australia. Otherwise...

Mammy - FARQUHAR!!! Nice, bud. Very nice. Drool.

1) totally agree with everything steve says. try it on in Oz, then buy online from overseas.
2) flight deck are crap. I had one. it never worked properly. the connections to the buttons under your brake hoods are easily damaged and never seem to work properly. I replaced mine 3 times, and eventually ripped the whole lot out.
3) best cycle computers are those that simply give a clock, distance, time, average speed, max speed and cadence. nothing else matters. I've had a little cateye infrared jobbie that has been briiliant for the last 3 years. cost me $120. bargain.
4) Mike? you're nuts. Gorgeous frame, but it will ride like sh1te. it's a roadie TT head mixed with an MTB XC geo, and then trying to run a mid range trail rear end. it would look mad, and I'm totally cheering you for being nutto enough to buy it, but as a real world MTB on gnarly trail, it is too much of a comprise. Having said that,.... it will defintely look mental. go you for taking the punt!
5) aaron? yeah.... been very diet concious since feb. Am not fanatical about it, I still love a pie, a beer, a pizza etc,... however, there's a tonne of fish and vegies in my diet, and that works wonders. As mentioned above, I want to lose another 5kg.... and sit comfortably on 77 or 78kg. Based on numbers and muscle mass ratio's etc, 77.5kg or there about is my prime power to weight ratio.

[mikinoz]

Thanks boys. The experience at Cell was ****. The only reason I went in was that their website looked pretty good but the shop experience was crap.

I did buy some Shimano R087 shoes because the price was no different to online. Thought best to get a pair and work out what I'm going before I drop bigger money in this area.

Appreciate the feedback on Flight Deck. They don't sell it in store at Cell which confused me as it is online.

I'll put an order in from OS soon once I know a bit more about what I want like a set of handlebars.

[steve2gtis]

Wiggle are faster, but CRC have better deals periodically.

I reckon GPS is a big plus for a computer. Bryton is essentially a re-engineered Garmin at a reduced cost.

Before replacing handlebars, ride the bike for a while. See what you think. Whats wrong with the current bars? Also, I have picked up some farking cheap bars on ebay recently. Don't forget to look there for bits.

[smarm]

Wiggle are faster, but CRC have better deals periodically.

I reckon GPS is a big plus for a computer. Bryton is essentially a re-engineered Garmin at a reduced cost.

Before replacing handlebars, ride the bike for a while. See what you think. Whats wrong with the current bars? Also, I have picked up some farking cheap bars on ebay recently. Don't forget to look there for bits.

I picked up a edge 500 with HR, speed and cadence sensory for $325 from a local store. As a newb it's quite addictive uploading the data to strava and seeing my segments times, and trying to beat them. It's a bit more coin, but I quite like it.

[TheHamofMam]

I usually just end up going with CRC for most parts. Theyve been a bit sloppy of late with order turn arounds but if you complain loud enough they send out dhl free of charge. I find the wiggle interface annoying.
Mik, what was your beef with Cell? I actually like them. One of the few bike shops that can surprise with intersting stock.

[mikinoz]

I was left a bit wanting Mike. I went in there with expectations they would carry the stock advertised online, however they don't. It was not very busy but despite looking at each shoe on display in depth and having 10 times an assistant walk past with no clear task to do I simply ended up fitting myself. The reality is the service was poor and the experience not great.

Blackmans in Penrith was a similar experience when buying the bike, 15 min in the Giant section pouring over the range and the sales staff (3) laughing and chatting with a single customer. Then the insult was asking my if I needed any help as I was walking out.

I'll admit Panthers Cycles were more helpful than both despite feeling pidgeon holed pretty early on as a n00b, they soon realised I had done some research and changed accordingly to their credit.

Just ordered some new cleats. I'm such a high roller buying my $20 accessories!

[TheHamofMam]

Yeah, that's a shame. I've been to their store on Parramatta rd once but bought many items from them online.
I think the art of 'analogue' customer service is lost in the online shopping era.

[mikinoz]

Spot on that observation.

So how important are serial numbers on your frame?

[J-Tim]

I've had my R087 for over 4 months now and so far I am happy with them. Just like with any "breathing" shoes, expect to get your feet absolutely soaked after first few minutes of rain so always carry a spare pair of socks if you are carrying a backpack. Also, more importantly, wear some warm socks if you're going to ride early the morning, like I do. Oh, and I hope you have some leg warmers. Oh, and a base layer.
Oh, and don't forget a spare tube.

[Zorg2]

any recomend a decent roadie for around $800 smackers happy to go 2nd hand. Have to start training for around the bay in October. Maybe Matty will have upgraded by then.

[TheHamofMam]

Offer 800 for Matt's Colnago. I'm sure he'll take it.

[Osqar]

any recomend a decent roadie for around $800 smackers happy to go 2nd hand. Have to start training for around the bay in October. Maybe Matty will have upgraded by then.

awesome! go you! Around the bay would be a great ride. Which distance?

I've been trying to decide whether to enter this year, I've been wanting to do it for ages. I think I'd be fit enough to rip the 210km, but the 250 would be a bit too much!

here's a quick search on bike exchange. I just used size medium as I don'tknow your dimensions. there's plenty decent 2nd hand roadies out there.

http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bikes...ot_womens%5D=1

there are a number of decent mid range Giants in alu or carbon, and using 105s or ultegra. It doesn't matter if a few years old provided its well maintained. There's heaps of good options for you.

and yeah... you never know what matt will take for his 4 or 5 year old gucci roller.

[smarm]

I've been signed up for the 210km/h. If my fat friend can do it, I figure I can

'tex team?

[Osqar]

I've been signed up for the 210km/h. If my fat friend can do it, I figure I can

'tex team?

well,.. from what a few friends have told me after they rode it, the event is all flat,... although you can get a decent headwind. And... you don't need speed, you just need endurance.

I'll chat with my GF and see if she wants to ride the event. there's plenty time to train. She just got her arm cast off today after breaking a wing during training for the Convict 100. I think she might dig a weekend in melbourne!!

GF was a bit bummed that she could race the event with us boys (because she's just as quick as us), however Tank Engine posted this link below,... half way down the page there's a post from one of the guys that had to get ambulance'd out of St Albans after crashing in the race. Amazing stuff. I feel really sorry for the guy, as we all saw him in the Land Cruiser being driven out of the trail. he was a mess.

http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/show...00-2012/page11

[smarm]

well,.. from what a few friends have told me after they rode it, the event is all flat,... although you can get a decent headwind. And... you don't need speed, you just need endurance.

I'll chat with my GF and see if she wants to ride the event. there's plenty time to train. She just got her arm cast off today after breaking a wing during training for the Convict 100. I think she might dig a weekend in melbourne!!

GF was a bit bummed that she could race the event with us boys (because she's just as quick as us), however Tank Engine posted this link below,... half way down the page there's a post from one of the guys that had to get ambulance'd out of St Albans after crashing in the race. Amazing stuff. I feel really sorry for the guy, as we all saw him in the Land Cruiser being driven out of the trail. he was a mess.

http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/show...00-2012/page11

If it makes a difference, the wife is planning on doing the ATB as well.

She's test riding a specialized ruby comp this weekend, upgrading from her $500 hybrid she's been riding for years. Dunno how I'm going to explain it when she's kicking my ass.