Cycling

[Samdy Gray]

Well called Reginald.

[Bennett]

Out tomorrow?

nah! too sleepy

[Samdy Gray]

Pfft... weekend cyclists...

[Samdy Gray]

I hate stupid segments like this that finish through traffic lights etc.

I didn't even turn left to go through the end of the segment and it still recorded a time for me, after I'd patiently sat waiting at the lights (no RLJing for me, thank you).

http://www.strava.com/segments/1388376

[Bennett]

I am aware this might be a slightly self indulgent post, but bare with me chaps:

I'm pretty nippy on my 11kg ish (inc tyres, pedals) Triban 3, and don't think i have that much more i could lose in terms of body fat.

I want to be able to take it to the next level (having gone travelling for a quarter of 2014), but am really not sure how much of a difference getting a bike 2.5-3kg lighter will actually have.

Would anyone like to offer an opinion?

[Samdy Gray]

What kind of improvements are you looking for/expecting?

A lighter bike will probably help with climbing and acceleration.

You'll just have to splurge £2k on a full carbon steed and let us know

[Nomoreheroes]

I am aware this might be a slightly self indulgent post, but bare with me chaps:

I'm pretty nippy on my 11kg ish (inc tyres, pedals) Triban 3, and don't think i have that much more i could lose in terms of body fat.

I want to be able to take it to the next level (having gone travelling for a quarter of 2014), but am really not sure how much of a difference getting a bike 2.5-3kg lighter will actually have.

Would anyone like to offer an opinion?

Getting rid of the Triban

[Bennett]

good question! not sure if i'm honest, i might ask chaps who have significantly lighter bikes if they'd mind me having a ride on their steed!

[4D]

I am aware this might be a slightly self indulgent post, but bare with me chaps:

I'm pretty nippy on my 11kg ish (inc tyres, pedals) Triban 3, and don't think i have that much more i could lose in terms of body fat.

I want to be able to take it to the next level (having gone travelling for a quarter of 2014), but am really not sure how much of a difference getting a bike 2.5-3kg lighter will actually have.

Would anyone like to offer an opinion?

Just checked a bike forum, someone suggested having a dump before you go out 

[fuzzy]

When I upgraded from my 2004 Cannondale R800 (CAD8 Aluminium frame- ALUMINIUM NOT ALUMINUM! and carbon fork) to my 2013 Wilier Izoard XP (full carbon)  I did notice the difference. This difference was caused by a few factors though-

1) Lighther package overall.
2) Stiffer frame- less flex when putting the power down.
3) Compact double chainset as opposed to a traditional double.
4) Far better wheels.

Here is the last ride I did on it-

http://www.strava.com/activities/130998304

I regulalrly ride to work in Maidenhead and ascend Quarry Wood Road. On this ride I did an ascent, turned at the top, hacked down, turned and climbed, hacked down, turned and climbed, did a loop with a couple of other climbs followed by another hack down Quarry Wood Road, another ascent and descent. The last ascent was pushing it though, as by the time I summited, I was riding a bit slower than walking pace A classic bonk.

[Honkytonk]

Cover yourself in lighter fluid before the ride and then as you start light a match.

You'll have to go faster to put out the flames.

[Bewster]

Having recently traded up I can say that it makes a difference -I even let the wife have a go at the weekend (  ) and the first thing she said other than complaints about the saddle was that it was easier to go up hills on.

What is it that you want to achieve ? Going faster or more comfort ? There are a lot of bikes specifically design to go faster or to have longer days in the saddle.

A lot of shops will let you try out bikes before you buy if you leave a credit card - why not take a few steeds out for a ride ?

Another point that Fuzzy metnioned is lighter wheels. The wheels that came with my new bike were very heavy and got swapped out immediatedly for my Fulcrum Racng 3s - if you are thinking about a new bike then consider building into the budget another £400 for better wheels. 

[Samdy Gray]

He already powers away from me up hills on a heavier bike than mine, I don't want him powering away even more!

Having watched Bennett ride (ooh-err), the Triban does have a very upright style. Perhaps you may benefit from something with a bit more racier geometry? Although, having said that, I don't think I've ever seen you riding on the drops, so maybe upright is how you prefer to ride.

[Bennett]

What is it that you want to achieve ? Going faster or more comfort ? There are a lot of bikes specifically design to go faster or to have longer days in the saddle.

He already powers away from me up hills on a heavier bike than mine, I don't want him powering away even more!

Having watched Bennett ride (ooh-err), the Triban does have a very upright style. Perhaps you may benefit from something with a bit more racier geometry? Although, having said that, I don't think I've ever seen you riding on the drops, so maybe upright is how you prefer to ride.

I want to be able to go faster and for longer, and on my bike (wayo!). I don't think it's too much of a knobby thing to say i can go faster and longer than people i currently ride with so have a good starting position.

I've never really used the drops, the hoods are comfy enough and i've got thumb shifters, so i'd only have to come off them to change up a gear or two anyway.

In my head:
lighter bike + better kit = better ride, with some variation between models and brands for comfort/fit etc.

[Bennett]

A lot of shops will let you try out bikes before you buy if you leave a credit card - why not take a few steeds out for a ride ?

Another point that Fuzzy metnioned is lighter wheels. The wheels that came with my new bike were very heavy and got swapped out immediatedly for my Fulcrum Racng 3s - if you are thinking about a new bike then consider building into the budget another £400 for better wheels. 

both of these are excellent points, many thanks!