New to cycling

[mik]

speaking of bike tyres , after buying some car valve adapters to fit the petra valves, bloody hell , i never heard about these petra valves until i went to put some air in and found the valves had changed to these weird things, i suppose they have been out for a while and the bike shop just expected me to know about them, anyway i bloody dont like em much , at tyre change i might drill the rim out and put the old car valve style back in.

After putting some extra air in , it was a whole lot easier of a ride tonight, the tyres did not actually feeel low on air, though they are big spongy mountain bike tyres, i put the auto air thing on inflate from flat....... (full throttle) and put my thumb into the tyre while putting pressure on it with my other hand to get a feel how far i could pump them up before popping , woweee what a difference.
I felt stuffed before i left , been full on today, i felt pretty good on the bike after a k or 2 though , knocked over 10.7 k`s tonight.
i used the cycling app on my galaxy note for the first time tonight, ive had galaxy notes for 3 years and never opened the app up until recently on walks , and bikes , dam good it is , you set a target distance , say 6 k`s and it will tell you your distance every half and full k`, at the full k it tells you the average speed, expected time to finish , and at the end it gives all the details , calories burned, max hills over distance , etc , etc and it tracks you with the gps and leaves you with a map and thew route you took with the details , ............ very cool i reckon.

[Captain Stubing]

Mik, the Presta valves aren't hard to get used to. If you get a floor standing pump they're easy to get up to pressure. I've got them on both my road bike and my 29'er.

To pump up the Presta type, I loosen the little knob on the end, press on the valve to break the seal, screw on the pump, add air, then tighten the little knob at the end.

[mik]

Originally Posted by swanny

Mik, the Presta valves aren't hard to get used to. If you get a floor standing pump they're easy to get up to pressure. I've got them on both my road bike and my 29'er.

To pump up the Presta type, I loosen the little knob on the end, press on the valve to break the seal, screw on the pump, add air, then tighten the little knob at the end.

Thanks Swanny . i will have to get a floor standing pump.
cheers.

[DBourne]

So this happened...

propel-1 by Dave Bourne, on Flickr

[prydey]

Awesome!

[GTpilot]

Originally Posted by DBourne

So this happened...

imagepropel-1 by Dave Bourne, on Flickr

Man that's harsh.....I hope you recover!

[Batmobile]

Originally Posted by DBourne

So this happened...

imagepropel-1 by Dave Bourne, on Flickr

Nice bit of bling ! Mmmm , I like a lot

[Captain Stubing]

Wicked looking machine, Bourney!

[mik]

yes indeedy , nice bike , Oooooh that seat .............. , im having nightmares all over again from my own seat, i think i now know what its like being in a cell with Bubba .

Edit : that looks like its made to go really fast , is it made of carbon fibre or something Bourney ?

[blueoval]

That's pimp Dave. Sexual chocolate indeed

[mcnews]

Mik, I hate the valves with a passion, I got a floor pump that actually screws onto the valves rather than has a thumb lock or the like, that way it's 100% reliable and pretty much frustration free. I would have set fire to my bikes by now without it :-) I splashed out and got a Lezyne one, same with the pump I carry on the bike I got one that screws onto the valve rather than presses, same with my gas cartridge adaptor I got one that screws onto the valves rather than presses... Yes, I really hate bicycle valves :-)

But Mik you do know you have to loosen the little thing on the top of the valve a few turns in order to get a pump on to them? As in unscrew the top of the valve before put pump on, then when pumped up, screw the little knurled thing on the top of the valve back shut again.

[mik]

Originally Posted by mcnews

Mik, I hate the valves with a passion, I got a floor pump that actually screws onto the valves rather than has a thumb lock or the like, that way it's 100% reliable and pretty much frustration free. I would have set fire to my bikes by now without it :-) I splashed out and got a Lezyne one, same with the pump I carry on the bike I got one that screws onto the valve rather than presses, same with my gas cartridge adaptor I got one that screws onto the valves rather than presses... Yes, I really hate bicycle valves :-)

But Mik you do know you have to loosen the little thing on the top of the valve a few turns in order to get a pump on to them? As in unscrew the top of the valve before put pump on, then when pumped up, screw the little knurled thing on the top of the valve back shut again.

Hmmmm the screw on fitting sounds like the go , I'll keep an eye out for one, I must confess I'm not fond of the bike valves either, I did eventually work out you had to unscrew that little knurled screw ,
but thanks for the heads up Trev.
I'm a bit confused why they would change the valves from a nice easy system to a fiddly pain in the rectum, but that's progress I suppose.

If the valve buggers up can you change it, or is it new tube time. ???

[mcnews]

Originally Posted by mik

I'm a bit confused why they would change the valves from a nice easy system to a fiddly pain in the rectum, but that's progress I suppose.

If the valve buggers up can you change it, or is it new tube time. ???

I think the presta valves hold pressure better and are probably lighter.

If you root the valve proper then it would be new tube time I guess. But I always have at least one tube spare on any ride, often two if I know I am going far afield.

Recent ride with eight of us (all experience riders with good tyres, tubes and pressures) saw 15 flats, we ran out of tubes and resorted to patching, was crazy day. I did a ride the other month where I had five flats on a rail trail, ridiculous. Then on another day you get none. Just luck of the draw.

[mik]

Originally Posted by mcnews

I think the presta valves hold pressure better and are probably lighter.

If you root the valve proper then it would be new tube time I guess. But I always have at least one tube spare on any ride, often two if I know I am going far afield.

Recent ride with eight of us (all experience riders with good tyres, tubes and pressures) saw 15 flats, we ran out of tubes and resorted to patching, was crazy day. I did a ride the other month where I had five flats on a rail trail, ridiculous. Then on another day you get none. Just luck of the draw.

Thats a lot of flats , ..... hmmm note to self must carry a spare tube, (thanks Trev), im getting a little further away every day , no doubt my lucky number will come up eventually.

[NTF6]

Originally Posted by mcnews

I think the presta valves hold pressure better and are probably lighter.

If you root the valve proper then it would be new tube time I guess. But I always have at least one tube spare on any ride, often two if I know I am going far afield.

Recent ride with eight of us (all experience riders with good tyres, tubes and pressures) saw 15 flats, we ran out of tubes and resorted to patching, was crazy day. I did a ride the other month where I had five flats on a rail trail, ridiculous. Then on another day you get none. Just luck of the draw.

Go tubeless my friend and all your woes will be gone. I got home from a ride the other day and pulled at least 30 big double gee prickles from my front tyre alone that all leaked air when I pulled them out, then I spun the front wheel a few times and no more leaks, I even reckon it only lost a half a PSI in total while sealing back up. Brilliant.

I carry a spare tube but that is just in case I rip a side wall.

[mik]

Originally Posted by NTF6

Go tubeless my friend and all your woes will be gone. I got home from a ride the other day and pulled at least 30 big double gee prickles from my front tyre alone that all leaked air when I pulled them out, then I spun the front wheel a few times and no more leaks, I even reckon it only lost a half a PSI in total while sealing back up. Brilliant.

I carry a spare tube but that is just in case I rip a side wall.

How does that work , if you go tubeless do you have to get rid of the spoked rims ?
i like the idea of tubeless and some goop in the tyre, i really detest doing road side repairs.

[mcnews]

Originally Posted by NTF6

Go tubeless my friend and all your woes will be gone. I got home from a ride the other day and pulled at least 30 big double gee prickles from my front tyre alone that all leaked air when I pulled them out, then I spun the front wheel a few times and no more leaks, I even reckon it only lost a half a PSI in total while sealing back up. Brilliant.

I carry a spare tube but that is just in case I rip a side wall.

On the five punctures in one ride I was running tubeless. First puncture sealed itself, second time wouldn't seal until I played with it a fair bit and pumped it up again only to get further up the track for it to fail to seal in another hole so had to pull the tubeless valves out and put a tube in, then 10km later, another tube etc. etc.

T

[DBourne]

Thanks guys

Mik, it is indeed Carbon Fibre frame / fork.

The seat is actually very comfy, though it is a lot higher than I'm used to, due to me being on a slightly too large bike before hand.

I'm really excited to take it out for a shake down, but I'm being precious about the rain atm, so haven't had a chance to take her out yet.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by DBourne

The seat is actually very comfy, though it is a lot higher than I'm used to, due to me being on a slightly too large bike before hand.

i assume the shop fitted you up?

you may find it takes a few weeks for your muscles to readjust to the new seat position.

last time i had a bike fit, i had the seat raised by about 10mm, and even that was noticeable.

[mcnews]

I paid the big bucks for a computerised fit up with the sensors on my body joints etc. and the bike.

My right ankle is fused, as in no movement at all, so I knew my right leg would be shorter as I'm missing that joint (they ground both faces away and then screwed it together, you can't even see where the ankle once was on an x-ray these days, it's been fused for 20 years), but he measured everything up and my right leg is a whole 17mm shorter than my right, so my cleats are spaced out a fair bit on my right cycling shoes to try and make up for that. I got the proper fit done as I have enough injuries (Have had a disc out of back too, another disc shot, no PCL in left knee and left medials shot too, auxillary nerve dead as well plus probably more stuff that I have forgot) to contend with so got it done so as for cycling not to cause more injuries than I already have etc. Cost about $400 though.

Quite scientifically done though, and considering how hilly everything is around my place I think smart money spent, I did 2500 metres of climb in 88km on Friday evening, and that's not driving anywhere, that's just riding out of my gate and back. I'm not built for climbing either, as I am a pretty big boy.

[GTpilot]

Originally Posted by mcnews

I paid the big bucks for a computerised fit up with the sensors on my body joints etc. and the bike.

My right ankle is fused, as in no movement at all, so I knew my right leg would be shorter as I'm missing that joint (they ground both faces away and then screwed it together, you can't even see where the ankle once was on an x-ray these days, it's been fused for 20 years), but he measured everything up and my right leg is a whole 17mm shorter than my right, so my cleats are spaced out a fair bit on my right cycling shoes to try and make up for that. I got the proper fit done as I have enough injuries (Have had a disc out of back too, another disc shot, no PCL in left knee and left medials shot too, auxillary nerve dead as well plus probably more stuff that I have forgot) to contend with so got it done so as for cycling not to cause more injuries than I already have etc. Cost about $400 though.

Quite scientifically done though, and considering how hilly everything is around my place I think smart money spent, I did 2500 metres of climb in 88km on Friday evening, and that's not driving anywhere, that's just riding out of my gate and back. I'm not built for climbing either, as I am a pretty big boy.

Bike fits are well worth it when done right. Who did you see Trev?

[mcnews]

Originally Posted by GTpilot

Bike fits are well worth it when done right. Who did you see Trev?

Andrew at Body Care Solutions. It was very professional and in depth, but I have never had a proper one done before so have nothing to compare it to. Idf you get a second bike done at the same time it is about $100 extra, and if you get another bike in the following six months it is $100 to take that one in and get done too. I needed so many spacers for my cleats due to my gimpness so mine was more expensive than others probably will be.

[DBourne]

They did do a fit Rob, but nothing overly scientific, though he did take a few measurements etc, but honestly I just made sure i didn't lock my knee out, and felt comfortable.

You are right, he said that my quads will feel it for a while, due to the new seating position, but that's fine by me.

Now just need good weather next weekend to take her out (and for me to stop being a princess.. think we're more likely for good weather haha)

[Captain Stubing]

I got a dynamic (computerised) fit a couple of weeks ago... I was getting sore knees after long rides, and aching between the shoulder blades.

It was interesting, they have video cameras to the side and in front of the bike on a trainer, and could draw lines on the computer screen to measure distances and angles. They got my cleats positioned properly to suit my pigeon toed stance, got the seat height right so my legs straightened to the correct angle, and got the reach to the handle bars right.

I've done one long ride since then, and didn't feel it in my knees afterwards. It was cheaper than going to the physio to be told I need a bike fit!

[mcnews]

Originally Posted by swanny

I got a dynamic (computerised) fit a couple of weeks ago... I was getting sore knees after long rides, and aching between the shoulder blades.

It was interesting, they have video cameras to the side and in front of the bike on a trainer, and could draw lines on the computer screen to measure distances and angles. They got my cleats positioned properly to suit my pigeon toed stance, got the seat height right so my legs straightened to the correct angle, and got the reach to the handle bars right.

I've done one long ride since then, and didn't feel it in my knees afterwards. It was cheaper than going to the physio to be told I need a bike fit!

Did they put sensors on you too? As in about five different points on each leg etc. for the computer to track and map etc. and draw out all the geometry? Mine did that, but not sure if that is normal.

Like I say I have no previous points of reference to draw from thus will not say x better than y, unless I had experience with both x and y :-)

[DBourne]

Awesome! Always nice when changes actually work for the better

[Captain Stubing]

There were no sensors, Trev. The guy doing the fit used it as a tool, and backed it up by using a spirit level and rule as well. The computer would record me while pedalling (from the front and from the side), and when it was played back he could pause it at any point, and mark lines on the screen, which the computer turned into angles or measurements.

I also got a list of measurements to take with me, in case I wanted to set up another bike the same way.

Here's the link to where I went ->
http://www.avantiplusnorthbrisbane.com.au/bike-fit

[mik]

just wondering what sort of lights you guys have, i lashed out and bought the best one the shop had , it came with both front and rear lights , (Cygolite Metro) , both can be charged up by micro usb (the slightly fatter connection) , god dam bright little bastards , (progress is sometimes really good ),

the head light has multiple modes, half light with/without flash , full light with without flash and that annoying fast flash, rear one has similar modes, both just clip onto the mountings and unclip , the headlight had a good beam and lightly floods the side with a dimmer light, i stopped and took a pick last night .

[Whitey-AMG]

Front light
http://www.wiggle.com.au/cateye-volt...c-front-light/

Rear light
http://www.knog.com.au/blinder-road-r70.html

Both lights have been excellent for output and runtime.

[NTF6]

Originally Posted by Bluey-GT

Front light
http://www.wiggle.com.au/cateye-volt...c-front-light/

Rear light
http://www.knog.com.au/blinder-road-r70.html

Both lights have been excellent for output and runtime.

I run the same front one, bloody brilliant light.

My rear uses a flat disc type battery CR2032 and lasts about 70 hours and that is insanely bright.