[Other Sport] Cycling geeks

[1066familyman]

This made me laugh. A novel way to sell a bike.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=281125914852&clk_rvr_id=493776605395

Quality!

 

[Pogue Mahone]

This made me laugh. A novel way to sell a bike.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=281125914852&clk_rvr_id=493776605395

Brilliant. I didn't look at the photos first time, so it's the listing that keeps on giving.

 

[1066familyman]

Just a had cursory look at the TdF fantasy roster.

David Veilleux valued at 19.1 is almost as funny as that ebay ad

Tough picking with so few small credit riders.

Edit: Blimey!, that was surprisingly painless to cobble together a provisional team in about 10 minutes. Might even go with that if they all start too.

 

[Pantani]

Just a had cursory look at the TdF fantasy roster.

David Veilleux valued at 19.1 is almost as funny as that ebay ad

Tough picking with so few small credit riders.

Edit: Blimey!, that was surprisingly painless to cobble together a provisional team in about 10 minutes. Might even go with that if they all start too.

I feel you just have to go with two big name riders and pick sparingly from the lower priced riders. Did you see they have doubled the points for the Team Time Trial? Rather changes my tactics as that was going to be a no transfer day for me, there were so few points before but now two riders from the winning team is a 40 points, get two more from the second placed team and 76 points are yours, could make a difference now. The big points for intermediate sprints is also good as breakaway riders will always score big (ish) points even on flat stages, and the riders going for green will be picking up something everyday too.

 

[Stat Brother]

I feel you just have to go with two big name riders and pick sparingly from the lower priced riders. Did you see they have doubled the points for the Team Time Trial? Rather changes my tactics as that was going to be a no transfer day for me, there were so few points before but now two riders from the winning team is a 40 points, get two more from the second placed team and 76 points are yours, could make a difference now. The big points for intermediate sprints is also good as breakaway riders will always score big (ish) points even on flat stages, and the riders going for green will be picking up something everyday too.

It's a shame they don't make the rules available for everyone to read, inwardly digest, take note of, and apply them to their team.

I'm doing my usual, sprint (cav) backed up by Classic riders, 2 of which are in place for the TTT, swap Cav for Sagan, and bring in 2 more TTT'er for that day.

BOOM, first week in the bag, ahead in the league by 97 points. Simples.

I wonder how many people Boohoohani will kill on the first day, just to get the Yellow Jersey?


I also have just ordered my Tour companion piece:-

Domestique: The Real-life Ups and Downs of a Tour Pro - Charly Wegelius.


I may well hand it over to the overall NSC league winner, as a prize.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

It's a shame they don't make the rules available for everyone to read, inwardly digest, take note of, and apply them to their team.

I'm doing my usual, sprint (cav) backed up by Classic riders, 2 of which are in place for the TTT, swap Cav for Sagan, and bring in 2 more TTT'er for that day.

BOOM, first week in the bag, ahead in the league by 97 points. Simples.

I wonder how many people Boohoohani will kill on the first day, just to get the Yellow Jersey?


I also have just ordered my Tour companion piece:-

Domestique: The Real-life Ups and Downs of a Tour Pro - Charly Wegelius.


I may well hand it over to the overall NSC league winner, as a prize.

Have you asked 1066? He may already have a copy.

 

[Stat Brother]

Have you asked 1066? He may already have a copy.

He's the only one that has a copy.
I assume P hacked into his account just to get us those nuggets of info.

There's no way that info is available to the likes of us.

 

[1066familyman]

Not overly confident of winning our overall fantasy league this year but I do know I got bugger all for winning it last year

However, our friendly resident postie did send me two, as good as new, jockey wheels completely free of charge just for the love of helping me do up my new secondhand bike, so I'm not complaining

 

[Stat Brother]

I had Sky fitted today, and was able to watch one of Pantini's favourites stages from last years TdF, Froomes win up to p d Belles.
Harmon's commentary wasn't grating, but the highlight was watching in HD for the first time.
Some of the shots were noticeably even more stunning.

I'll definitely be starting on ITV4 HD, a little out of loyalty, but mainly because of the rest of the team, who are brilliant.
It'll be interesting to see what, if anything, has me moving over to Eurosport, for the race commentary.




Will Woodchip be coming back into the fold, anytime soon?
He seems to have been AWOL for a while now.

 

[1066familyman]

I'm not a fan of Eurosport myself, having had it on the player last year and watching it on free streams now. Sean Kelly is ok and so is Dan Lloyd, but that's about it for me. I'd never get Sky personally anyway so am quite happy to go with ITV on Freeview, record and watch back skipping all the adverts. Also, and I know this goes against the grain here, but I'm still not completely sick of Phil & Paul to be quite honest as they still feel so comfortable to me having grown up with them.

Hopefully Woodchip will get back on board for the big one.

 

[1066familyman]

I feel you just have to go with two big name riders and pick sparingly from the lower priced riders. Did you see they have doubled the points for the Team Time Trial? Rather changes my tactics as that was going to be a no transfer day for me, there were so few points before but now two riders from the winning team is a 40 points, get two more from the second placed team and 76 points are yours, could make a difference now. The big points for intermediate sprints is also good as breakaway riders will always score big (ish) points even on flat stages, and the riders going for green will be picking up something everyday too.

I hadn't seen that, no, so thanks for the heads up. As you say, that changes things a bit.

 

[Stat Brother]

I'm not a fan of Eurosport myself, having had it on the player last year and watching it on free streams now. Sean Kelly is ok and so is Dan Lloyd, but that's about it for me. I'd never get Sky personally anyway so am quite happy to go with ITV on Freeview, record and watch back skipping all the adverts. Also, and I know this goes against the grain here, but I'm still not completely sick of Phil & Paul to be quite honest as they still feel so comfortable to me having grown up with them.

Hopefully Woodchip will get back on board for the big one.

I've always resisted Sky, but this time they made me an offer I couldn't refuse, leaving me little choice in the current climate.

I lay the P & P blame solely at the feet of Phil.
His Murray Walkerisms are fine, but his standard commentary seems to get worse each season.
His rider recognition can be non-existent, and that's what gets right on my tits.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I had Sky fitted today, and was able to watch one of Pantini's favourites stages from last years TdF, Froomes win up to p d Belles.
Harmon's commentary wasn't grating, but the highlight was watching in HD for the first time.
Some of the shots were noticeably even more stunning.

I'll definitely be starting on ITV4 HD, a little out of loyalty, but mainly because of the rest of the team, who are brilliant.
It'll be interesting to see what, if anything, has me moving over to Eurosport, for the race commentary.




Will Woodchip be coming back into the fold, anytime soon?
He seems to have been AWOL for a while now.

Adverts. They're on at different times. I often turn over between the channels, and forget that I have done so.

I love Eurosport, firstly because they cover so much, secondly because despite what many say, I think that Harmon is brilliant. And Magnus, when he's on.

 

[1066familyman]

I've always resisted Sky, but this time they made me an offer I couldn't refuse, leaving me little choice in the current climate.

I lay the P & P blame solely at the feet of Phil.
His Murray Walkerisms are fine, but his standard commentary seems to get worse each season.
His rider recognition can be non-existent, and that's what gets right on my tits.

Agreed, but it's not unknown for me to have a rider startlist window open in another tab whilst watching Eurosport so I can identify the riders myself, so shite is the rider recognition on there at times. They also have a habit of talking shite as well whilst trying to pass it off for incitefulness, only for Sean Kelly to rescue it by taking a long pause, sucking in his breath and saying... "well, I wouldn't quite agree with that" At least with Phil & Paul you know Sherwin is going to do the tourist board adverts and Phil is going to be....well, Phil, I suppose. But as a double act and for generating genuine enthusiasm, I still like Phil & Paul. The old comfy slippers are dog eaten and whiff a bit too, but they're still comfy slippers nonetheless.

 

[1066familyman]

Adverts. They're on at different times. I often turn over between the channels, and forget that I have done so.

I love Eurosport, firstly because they cover so much, secondly because despite what many say, I think that Harmon is brilliant. And Magnus, when he's on.

I'd forgotten about Magnus Backstedt. Another good ex pro working as a pundit on there that has to constantly rescue the inept commentators.

 

[Stat Brother]

Agreed, but it's not unknown for me to have a rider startlist window open in another tab whilst watching Eurosport so I can identify the riders myself, so shite is the rider recognition on there at times. They also have a habit of talking shite as well whilst trying to pass it off for incitefulness, only for Sean Kelly to rescue it by taking a long pause, sucking in his breath and saying... "well, I wouldn't quite agree with that" At least with Phil & Paul you know Sherwin is going to do the tourist board adverts and Phil is going to be....well, Phil, I suppose. But as a double act and for generating genuine enthusiasm, I still like Phil & Paul. The old comfy slippers are dog eaten and whiff a bit too, but they're still comfy slippers nonetheless.

Oh yeah, best part of 200 riders, nobody is going to nail it.
Which is my problem, if I'm watching and saying that's not blah it's blah esp with 200 metres to go, then somethings wrong.

 

[sten_super]

Right, the moment several of you (I'm looking particularly at you, @Stat Brother) predicted has come. I need a new bike.

Quick reminder - I am a rather unfit (less than when I started!) 29 year old with a 27-mile round commute (through the ridiculously flat South Cambridgeshire countryside), which at the moment I've been doing on average 3 times a week since the clocks went forward. However I've got fed up with it feeling like an absolute slog on my Giant Escape Hybrid and would like to buy an entry-level road bike. If I buy a new bike it will have to be for all seasons (which may or may not mean mudguards, happy to take advice here).

So far so good, however there is one major hitch; in order to get permission from 'er indoors, I am going to purchase the bike through the cycle to work scheme (particularly, Bike2Work). This gives me an absolute maximum retail price of £1000, and limits (based on the shops that are members of the scheme) the bikes that I can get. I have none of the required kit (e.g. pedals with cleats, or indeed compatible shoes, and will need a new helmet), so if we can come in under budget and I can get some/all of this also in the scheme, all the better.

I've done some initial research (I think it was an earlier post in this thread that pointed me towards bike radar) and compared that to what is available at the stores in the list (plus Halfords, who apparently run their own scheme) and have come up with the following shortlist as a starting point; however I know very little and may be way off-base, please let me know if so. I'm also ever-so-slightly worried that I may be going a bit OTT for what is a relatively easy commute, and may end up horribly out of my depth (as someone who's never embarked on anything longer than a 30-mile ride) on one of these machines.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/cheap-road-bikes-our-pick-of-the-best-35756/
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/best-road-bikes-under-1000-29719/

Scott Speedster S20 (£949) http://www.townsends-lb.co.uk/products/bikes/race/speedster20
Trek Domane 2.0 (£1000) http://www.benhaywardcycles.co.uk/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=832
Boardman Road Team Carbon Bike (£999) http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_165710#tab1
Giant Defy 1 (£999) http://www.giant-cambridge.co.uk/bikes/model/2013.giant.defy.1.white.black.red/11833/56802/

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

Right, the moment several of you (I'm looking particularly at you, @Stat Brother) predicted has come. I need a new bike.

Quick reminder - I am a rather unfit (less than when I started!) 29 year old with a 27-mile round commute (through the ridiculously flat South Cambridgeshire countryside), which at the moment I've been doing on average 3 times a week since the clocks went forward. However I've got fed up with it feeling like an absolute slog on my Giant Escape Hybrid and would like to buy an entry-level road bike. If I buy a new bike it will have to be for all seasons (which may or may not mean mudguards, happy to take advice here).

So far so good, however there is one major hitch; in order to get permission from 'er indoors, I am going to purchase the bike through the cycle to work scheme (particularly, Bike2Work). This gives me an absolute maximum retail price of £1000, and limits (based on the shops that are members of the scheme) the bikes that I can get. I have none of the required kit (e.g. pedals with cleats, or indeed compatible shoes, and will need a new helmet), so if we can come in under budget and I can get some/all of this also in the scheme, all the better.

I've done some initial research (I think it was an earlier post in this thread that pointed me towards bike radar) and compared that to what is available at the stores in the list (plus Halfords, who apparently run their own scheme) and have come up with the following shortlist as a starting point; however I know very little and may be way off-base, please let me know if so. I'm also ever-so-slightly worried that I may be going a bit OTT for what is a relatively easy commute, and may end up horribly out of my depth (as someone who's never embarked on anything longer than a 30-mile ride) on one of these machines.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/cheap-road-bikes-our-pick-of-the-best-35756/
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/best-road-bikes-under-1000-29719/

Scott Speedster S20 (£949) http://www.townsends-lb.co.uk/products/bikes/race/speedster20
Trek Domane 2.0 (£1000) http://www.benhaywardcycles.co.uk/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=832
Boardman Road Team Carbon Bike (£999) http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_165710#tab1
Giant Defy 1 (£999) http://www.giant-cambridge.co.uk/bikes/model/2013.giant.defy.1.white.black.red/11833/56802/

Thanks in advance for your help!

I know you'll get lots of advice but my personal preference out of them would be the Boardman.

As other will say, always worth going and trying out all the options when you're making your first purchase. Also, a decent bike shop will help with the fit - a decent riding position will make all the difference.

Also worth considering -

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/bikes/q/planet_x_drop_bar_road_bikes/planet_x_drop_bar_road_bikes

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

Right, I've done my provisional TdF fantasy team. I have to say I'm seriously lacking motivation for this one (good news for Pantani and Cranky who are sat near me in the overall!).

I think its because fantasy is ruining my enjoyment of the race a bit - even if its a great stage I don't really enjoy it if my team haven't scored well. I might take a sabbatical next year - or go purist.

 

[Bold Seagull]

Right, the moment several of you (I'm looking particularly at you, @Stat Brother) predicted has come. I need a new bike.

Quick reminder - I am a rather unfit (less than when I started!) 29 year old with a 27-mile round commute (through the ridiculously flat South Cambridgeshire countryside), which at the moment I've been doing on average 3 times a week since the clocks went forward. However I've got fed up with it feeling like an absolute slog on my Giant Escape Hybrid and would like to buy an entry-level road bike. If I buy a new bike it will have to be for all seasons (which may or may not mean mudguards, happy to take advice here).

So far so good, however there is one major hitch; in order to get permission from 'er indoors, I am going to purchase the bike through the cycle to work scheme (particularly, Bike2Work). This gives me an absolute maximum retail price of £1000, and limits (based on the shops that are members of the scheme) the bikes that I can get. I have none of the required kit (e.g. pedals with cleats, or indeed compatible shoes, and will need a new helmet), so if we can come in under budget and I can get some/all of this also in the scheme, all the better.

I've done some initial research (I think it was an earlier post in this thread that pointed me towards bike radar) and compared that to what is available at the stores in the list (plus Halfords, who apparently run their own scheme) and have come up with the following shortlist as a starting point; however I know very little and may be way off-base, please let me know if so. I'm also ever-so-slightly worried that I may be going a bit OTT for what is a relatively easy commute, and may end up horribly out of my depth (as someone who's never embarked on anything longer than a 30-mile ride) on one of these machines.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/cheap-road-bikes-our-pick-of-the-best-35756/
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/best-road-bikes-under-1000-29719/

Scott Speedster S20 (£949) http://www.townsends-lb.co.uk/products/bikes/race/speedster20
Trek Domane 2.0 (£1000) http://www.benhaywardcycles.co.uk/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=832
Boardman Road Team Carbon Bike (£999) http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_918473_langId_-1_categoryId_165710#tab1
Giant Defy 1 (£999) http://www.giant-cambridge.co.uk/bikes/model/2013.giant.defy.1.white.black.red/11833/56802/

Thanks in advance for your help!

I've tried the Scott and the Boardman and liked them both. I think they are all well spec'd capable machines, and really the clincher should be which one feels the best when you take it for a test spin. Hard to tell I know, but sometimes you do get on one particular bike and think it just feels right.

The Trek looks like it has slightly lesser spec. with the Tiagra, I wouldn't want to go below Shimano 105 for this price point. The Boardmans you do definitely get a lot for your money.