[Other Sport] Cycling geeks

[Indurain's Lungs]

More interestingly, I think stannard is a better bet for Paris roubaix but sky won't dare upset dear old Brad. Especially difficult if stannard does a good ride in another classic.

 

[Stat Brother]

More interestingly, I think stannard is a better bet for Paris roubaix but sky won't dare upset dear old Brad. Especially difficult if stannard does a good ride in another classic.

The main surprise about Stannard today was the fact it wasn't raining, snowing with hurricane winds.

He strikes me as a man who jumps around like a loon when he throws open the curtains and it's filthy outside.

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

The main surprise about Stannard today was the fact it wasn't raining, snowing with hurricane winds.

He strikes me as a man who jumps around like a loon when he throws open the curtains and it's filthy outside.

He is nails! You'd think he was born in Belgium and not Brad!

 

[1066familyman]

More interestingly, I think stannard is a better bet for Paris roubaix but sky won't dare upset dear old Brad. Especially difficult if stannard does a good ride in another classic.

Agreed.

To be fair, Brad did do a fair old bit of work to keep Stannard at the front today and ready for the attacks when they started from the Taaienberg.

I'm curious to see where G fits into the equation as well. Started his season off very well in the Algarve.

And talking Sky - Luke Rowe had a blinder today. Finished first in the bunch sprint ahead of Demare and Kristoff and was quite active early on too. He'd be a good outsider for tomorrow, but he's probably spent too much energy today compared to those that will have fresh legs.

 

[1066familyman]

The main surprise about Stannard today was the fact it wasn't raining, snowing with hurricane winds.

He strikes me as a man who jumps around like a loon when he throws open the curtains and it's filthy outside.

It was for that very reason that I didn't back him for today.

That, and the fact that he was 16/1 compared to 40/1 last year, and was sure to be a marked man. Not marked enough though by a certain team

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

Agreed.

To be fair, Brad did do a fair old bit of work to keep Stannard at the front today and ready for the attacks when they started from the Taaienberg.

I'm curious to see where G fits into the equation as well. Started his season off very well in the Algarve.

And talking Sky - Luke Rowe had a blinder today. Finished first in the bunch sprint ahead of Demare and Kristoff and was quite active early on too. He'd be a good outsider for tomorrow, but he's probably spent too much energy today compared to those that will have fresh legs.

He did but that's in the same mould as his champs elysees lead out for cav - very much on his own terms.

I think they're pushing G more towards the stage races as a garage had some big climbs in.

Rowe is another victim of the sky system. He'll never be the leader and there is he is more likely to benefit from an opportunistic approach.

 

[Stat Brother]

 

[JoePrecious]

Thanks for all the links to yesterday's race - ashamed to admit that I wouldn't have known anything about it if it wasn't for this thread, but thoroughly enjoyed watching the highlights.

Apologies for the shameless "look at me" post, but finally getting a first outing on this today:-



Been waiting ages to get out on it so looking forward to a gentle shakedown before I start proper training for those things that aren't bike races.

 

[Pantani]

Gutted to miss yesterdays race looks like it was exciting in the end, never quite the same on highlights is it? Unfortunately, I had the misfortune to be in Bolton watching a boring game in the most soulless football stadium I've ever been to.

 

[Stat Brother]

Gutted to miss yesterdays race looks like it was exciting in the end, never quite the same on highlights is it? Unfortunately, I had the misfortune to be in Bolton watching a boring game in the most soulless football stadium I've ever been to.

Very true.
Although you do get the opportunity to think:-

'Terpstra couldn't have been that bad, could he'?
'Oh, it turns out he was'.

[MENTION=12665]TrickyOne[/MENTION] it was you who was looking at buying from Shoreham Giant, wasn't it?
The club have finally linked them as an 'Official Partner', with a promo.
I'm sure the details will be on the main site at some point soon.

 

[JoePrecious]

Bit breezy out there! Had a couple of hairy moments on the new bike. Also noticed that a couple of gusts seemed to instantly drop my speed by about 10km/h - never seemed to get the equivalent boost from behind though!

Going to have to get a new saddle - with the aero position the pressure on my pelvic bone was quite noticeable. Probably going to try one with a cut-out section as they certainly look like they should ease the pressure. Suspect it will be difficult to find somewhere I can try one first so anyone got any recommendations? Happy to spend up to about £50, but could stretch this a bit if necessary.

Thanks

 

[Motogull]

Thanks for all the links to yesterday's race - ashamed to admit that I wouldn't have known anything about it if it wasn't for this thread, but thoroughly enjoyed watching the highlights.

Apologies for the shameless "look at me" post, but finally getting a first outing on this today:-

View attachment 63460

Been waiting ages to get out on it so looking forward to a gentle shakedown before I start proper training for those things that aren't bike races.

Very nice.

Stone me that wind was tough this morning. Limped home in the granny ring last couple of miles. Absolutely knackered. Mind you, I opted to do the final climb in the middle ring for a change. Despite the bonus rest due to a chain off at the bottom, that can't have helped.

120 miles, in my funking dreams.

Oh yeah, who still finishes a ride with a frijj?

 

[Stat Brother]

Very nice.

Stone me that wind was tough this morning. Limped home in the granny ring last couple of miles. Absolutely knackered. Mind you, I opted to do the final climb in the middle ring for a change. Despite the bonus rest due to a chain off at the bottom, that can't have helped.

120 miles, in my funking dreams.

Oh yeah, who still finishes a ride with a frijj?

View attachment 63466

Headwind home, that's crazy talk from a crazy person

120 is a big step on from 100, you're looking at nearly an extra hour and a half in the saddle.
I doubt there are many centurion virgins who then rode on for another 20 miles.

Work yourself up to 80 miles without feeling daunted, then nail a 100.
From there you can set whatever targets you fancy.


As for Friij, I knew there had to be a good reason why I liked them.
I reckon I'm still in the plus column though as when riding it's the only time I'm not cramming 46gs of sugar into my facr little face.

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

Oh yeah, who still finishes a ride with a frijj?

View attachment 63466

About the only time that amount of sugar is acceptable!

 

[1066familyman]

Oooh, nice little select group of about 20 riders formed now. Super strong and lead by the steppers with Cav and Bennett in there

Some other tasty sprinters though as both Kristoff and Viviani have made the selection.

Decent stream here:

http://www.yopika.tv/20150301/v-haha_sport_9_name-1015761-54f28955c2b505.30365227.html

 

[1066familyman]

Bit breezy out there! Had a couple of hairy moments on the new bike. Also noticed that a couple of gusts seemed to instantly drop my speed by about 10km/h - never seemed to get the equivalent boost from behind though!

Going to have to get a new saddle - with the aero position the pressure on my pelvic bone was quite noticeable. Probably going to try one with a cut-out section as they certainly look like they should ease the pressure. Suspect it will be difficult to find somewhere I can try one first so anyone got any recommendations? Happy to spend up to about £50, but could stretch this a bit if necessary.

Thanks

Specialised have some concept stores where they'll measure your sit bones and you can try some out, apparently. Nearest to Sussex is Kingston, look here for your nearest store www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk

I'm currently using a 143mm specialised evo expert. Has a long cut out and apparently suited to the aggressive style you'll be riding in on your lovely new bike. I don't want it for aggression but more for less pain over longer rides. I'm just about to swap it out for a 155m which I'm hoping will finally end my quest for the perfect saddle.

Have you thought about one of those short stumpy TT saddles btw? I've nothing to recommend there as I've never had the need for one. Good luck.

 

[Pantani]

Oooh, nice little select group of about 20 riders formed now. Super strong and lead by the steppers with Cav and Bennett in there

Some other tasty sprinters though as both Kristoff and Viviani have made the selection.

Decent stream here:

http://www.yopika.tv/20150301/v-haha_sport_9_name-1015761-54f28955c2b505.30365227.html

Looking good for that group. Peloton will not catch this lot up barring some kind of anti QS squabbling up front.

 

[JoePrecious]

Specialised have some concept stores where they'll measure your sit bones and you can try some out, apparently. Nearest to Sussex is Kingston, look here for your nearest store www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk

I'm currently using a 143mm specialised evo expert. Has a long cut out and apparently suited to the aggressive style you'll be riding in on your lovely new bike. I don't want it for aggression but more for less pain over longer rides. I'm just about to swap it out for a 155m which I'm hoping will finally end my quest for the perfect saddle.

Have you thought about one of those short stumpy TT saddles btw? I've nothing to recommend there as I've never had the need for one. Good luck.

Thanks - there's a Specialized store at Covent Garden so may take a lunchtime wander. Is this the one you have:-

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/romin-evo-expert-gel/30967/saddlestritt

Was also having a look at this:-

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/SAISMATYPH/ism-adamo-typhoon-saddle

The consensus seems to be that it takes 2 or 3 rides to get it adjusted and get used to it, but I sounds like it will help with the pressure I was feeling.

 

[1066familyman]

Thanks - there's a Specialized store at Covent Garden so may take a lunchtime wander. Is this the one you have:-

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/romin-evo-expert-gel/30967/saddlestritt

Was also having a look at this:-

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/SAISMATYPH/ism-adamo-typhoon-saddle

The consensus seems to be that it takes 2 or 3 rides to get it adjusted and get used to it, but I sounds like it will help with the pressure I was feeling.

Oh yes, forgot Convent Garden. Ideal then if you're working up there.

Yep, that's the saddle I have. I swapped on the saddle swap bike radar thread for my Fizik Antares. Worth looking there or ebay if you want to keep swapping out until you get the right saddle for you. Remember micro adjustments can make an uncomfy saddle turn out to be the right one after all, so persevere with a few rides and adjustments with any saddle that you try.

 

[Pantani]

As soon as I said that the chasers took a chunk out of the gap. The good thing about these 'lesser' races is we get Eurosport's second string commentators Rob Hatch and Magnus Backstedt, such a relief to have reasoned well informed commentary rather than the repetitive cliches and inaccuracies of Carlton Kirby.