Cycling Thread

[Coys1882]

the phone app is great. Hit record when you start, stop when you're done - then save it.

The webpage is a great way to create and view segments (if you're into that) and routes.

I love the numbers... even though mine aren't great.

[Baron von Kriterium]

Originally Posted by Coys1882

the phone app is great. Hit record when you start, stop when you're done - then save it.

The webpage has a great way to create and view segments (if you're into that) and routes.

I love the numbers... even though mine aren't great.

I have always used MapMyRide and there are far fewer riders on that app so my numbers look better! On Strava, however, I'm ranked 720th going up the Shag Ripper. That's humbling; some dudes are going up that in under 40s. This morning I was about to hit the base of it and my legs were just not willing and I was about ready to walk. However, I saw four women jogging up the hill so I had to man-up. It still took me 1:45. I don't think I recovered until I reached work at Currie Barracks.

[Coys1882]

Originally Posted by Baron von Kriterium

However, I saw four women jogging up the hill so I had to man-up. It still took me 1:30. I don't think I recovered until I reached work at Currie Barracks.

It's a killer feeling when you start smashing the hills that used to ragdoll you. When I first started riding there's a big hill on the east side of the bow by Douglasdale estates and I had to walk up it the first couple time of times. The feeling I had when I first made it all the way up was immense. By the end of that summer I pulled my two kids in a chariot up it with my son's strider thrown on the back. /humble brag

[Timbo]

Originally Posted by Coys1882

It's a killer feeling when you start smashing the hills that used to ragdoll you. When I first started riding there's a big hill on the east side of the bow by Douglasdale estates and I had to walk up it the first couple time of times. The feeling I had when I first made it all the way up was immense. By the end of that summer I pulled my two kids in a chariot up it with my son's strider thrown on the back. /humble brag

I just did that hill today was I ever happy to make it to the top I wasn't hauling two kids but I have a world class old man fat couch butt. It took its toll on me as I was gassed by the time I got to the hill behind Annies (the Ranche) up to Parkland.


For those worried about bad numbers on the CP Strava Club don't worry I got that covered.

[Baron von Kriterium]

The next two weekends showcase two of the season's premier cycling races. The Tour of Flanders tomorrow and Paris-Roubaix next weekend. There is more action in these two days than in the three weeks of a grand tour.

Tour of Flanders:

http://www.steephill.tv/classics/tour-of-flanders/

Photos of the Friday recon of the Koppenberg, a nasty little ramp with a 22% grade in spots. Add muddy cobbles and it can create quite the chaos.

http://www.steephill.tv/2016/tour-of...hotos/page-01/

Alas, it doesn't look like Sportsnet will televise either race this year. They televised (meaningless) races at the start of the season but have just stopped with the start of the Spring classics. Shame.

[millhouse11]

so, I have been tasked with building a "Bike with MS" for my friend Crystal. Crystal has MS, and she started the Branch Out Foundation. On June 18th will be the annual Branch Out Bike ride to raise money for Neurological disorders. Crystal would like the bike for that weekend, so people can try it out. So, what I need is an old steel road bike that I can mess up. If you know anyone who would like to donate a bike not being used, let me know please. It would be great if we could do this.

Also, if anyone is interested, check it out
http://www.branchoutfoundation.com/b...bike_tour_2016

it's an awesome cause and a super fun weekend.

[Northendzone]

Big shout out today to Chris and the boys at Cyclepath south today as they got my bike rolling again nicely, in short order on a Saturday, and they showed me that hey value my business by taking care of me as a customer.

As I posted a few weeks ago, I had them install a 42t climbing gear and new rear derailleur on my rocky mtn. This morning a buddy and I were riding at nose hill, when I started to have a ton of problems with my rear derailleur kept wrapping up into my rear cassette. Took my bike back to Cyclepath, expecting to have to leave it there for a week, instead the boys got to work on it and after trying a couple of things, they finally replaced my new medium cage derailleur with a long cage version and Chris dialled it in and it now seems to be working great. The issue seemed to be because I am running 2x up front it was causing an issue in the back end. Because I am old and fat, I want options up front, and Chris was able to make that happen.

Thanks.

[Fuzz]

So with my main beast out of commission until next week, I figured I wasn't going to give up on a ride. So I removed my fenders and lights from my commuter bike, let some air out of the tires, and took her out. She is my old 1997 Rocky Mountain Oxygen Race that I basically learned to ride off road on. Years in the mountains, several races, and now 10 years as a a commuter. It took me a little to get used to it, partially because I basically had slicks on, and partly because it rides so differently than a full suspension 29'er. I really needed to finesse it a lot more, it is not nearly as forgiving! Bumps, corners dips, especially loose gravel....it all required a lot more concentration. I Spent 2 hours on Nose Hill and had a great time! But truthfully, given the choice I'll always grab my Element 950. I'm to old and sore to not ride my Cadillac, given the choice.

[cracher]

Anyone have intel on the Bow Cyclist Club for $125? How seriously do these guys take themselves? I'd like to find a club to get the ABA membership... not that I'd be competitive in anything, but I need to dangle a carrot in front of me if I'm to improve. If there was lazy and weak race league, I'd be on that.

[Fuzz]

SRAM has announced it's 1x12 drivetrain, Eagle. Some reviews:
http://www.bikemag.com/gear/first-lo...A26D9C1AA32C0A
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/sram-ea...t+-+March+2016

I won't be buying a new bike for awhile, but I look forward to being able to ditch the front derailleur. After the past weekend riding my 3x8 (currently have 2x10) I was amazed at how annoying it was dealing with the extra front gear. 1x12 offers more range than a 2x10, which is what worried me with 1x11. Having that bailout gear is awesome. I expect we will see the death of the front derailleur soon enough, there just doesn't seam to be much reason for it anymore. Good riddance.

I love that SRAM exists, because if they didn't Shimano's slow progress would have us a decade behind. I like that SRAM isn't afraid to experiment.

[Northendzone]

I recently had a 42t gear installed on my 2x10 setup, and that gear should allow me to ride all the way up tot he top of merlin (I still wont enjoy that ride).

I'd have to think that with a 50t gear, that you could ride up a wall.

[cracher]

I wonder what the ground clearance for the Eagle derailleur would be while on the 50T. A couple of inches? Can't be good for longevity. I think this may be the point where I go back to 2X if I need the range.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

I recently had a 42t gear installed on my 2x10 setup, and that gear should allow me to ride all the way up tot he top of merlin (I still wont enjoy that ride).

I'd have to think that with a 50t gear, that you could ride up a wall.

The 1x12 chainring is likely a 34T, where as your front small chainring is probably a 24T.

34/50 = 0.68
24/42 = 0.57

Your bike is actually geared 16% lower than a 1x12 setup, so you're already better off for steep grades.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by cracher

I wonder what the ground clearance for the Eagle derailleur would be while on the 50T. A couple of inches? Can't be good for longevity. I think this may be the point where I go back to 2X if I need the range.

They said in the article it is the same.

[Northendzone]

I joined your little strava gang....I am the one who is known as Ross.

I am now happy that I will be able to now have an excuse for riding down the path and whipping by people who are slow - I may give them a friendly warning by yelling ssssttttrrrraaaaavvvvvuuuuhhhh!!!!!

[Northendzone]

tough morning to start strava'ing as I was riding into the wind the whole way to work - 17k in 52 minutes. Hopefully the wind direction does not change this afternoon.

Also, it was decent enough this morning to wear shorts, and long sleeved shirt and a vest......

enjoy the ride!!!

[habernac]

rode in Monday, first time this year. Wow, I am in horrible shape. My floor pump is broken, so my tires were also underinflated, adding to my misery. My work commute is 50km roundtrip. Aiming for two more rides this week.

[Fuzz]

First time in probably a year that I didn't ride in. Have plans downtown tonight so had to take the bus. Ugh. Jealous of you guys today!

[squiggs96]

I joined strava, but don't really like it. I have the Garmin 500, and I get more out of that.

[Coys1882]

Originally Posted by squiggs96

I joined strava, but don't really like it. I have the Garmin 500, and I get more out of that.

doesn't it upload into Strava?