Cycling

[Reg Smeeton]

Going to be interesting who gets the nod in Sky to support Froome, as they have a very strong squad with a number of riders making a case. I'd go something like Thomas, Porte, Stannard, Kiryenka, Konig, Kennaugh. Pouls and Bernie Eisel

So...Thomas, Porte, Stannard, Roche, Konig, Kennaugh, Pouls and Luke Rowe.....the excitement builds.

[Bewster]

Declaration of interest- fuzzy works in a Trek stockist.

Good to know 

[Bewster]

Loyalty. Can't really be snobbery when most look down their noses at B'twins surely?

Yeah - sorry I read it as people didn't want a BTwin because of brand snobbery.

[Samdy Gray]

So...Thomas, Porte, Stannard, Roche, Konig, Kennaugh, Pouls and Luke Rowe.....the excitement builds.

Strong team. I completely forgot they'd signed Roche.

A little surprised they've gone with Rowe over Viviani, but I suppose Rowe is a bit of a better all-rounder and will give better support in the mountains.

[Reg Smeeton]

Strong team. I completely forgot they'd signed Roche.

A little surprised they've gone with Rowe over Viviani, but I suppose Rowe is a bit of a better all-rounder and will give better support in the mountains.

Think that Sky are worried by the flat stages in N France and Belgium, as Froome says they're a bit like mini classics, so have gone with the spring team, so Rowe gets the gig.  I'll miss Kiryenka though, love the way he just churns out miles of hurt on the front....he showed his class winning the TT in the Giro.

Speaking of hurt, did the ride to Marlboro and back earlier....warm.   Lager later to take the pain away 

[Batch]

Other than being a bit fugly (less nickable hopefully) can anyone see any reason not to buy this:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/elite-88-2014-mountain-bike-ec042080

Complete overkill for what I need, but on cycle-to-work and without getting into salary/child benefit specifics, it seems completely bonkers NOT to do it.
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This way I get a better MTB and have money in savings to maybe buy an aluminium Felt road bike from a guy at work - not sure I'll enjoy road riding so this seems the best way..

[Samdy Gray]

If I was being really picky I'd say the fork travel was quite short for the money. Other than that, SLX groupset and Bontrager components is pretty sweet.

I do note they only appear to have a 19.5" in stock though. Unless you've grown a bit since I last saw you, that might be on the large side.

[Batch]

Thanks Sam.

Yes I know what you mean on the forks, I bet I don't trouble 100mm too much though. I'll risk it, think rebas are light so I'll sacrifice travel for wight

On size - I dunno, I'm 5,11 - 180.34cm, I know its only a guide but "Suitable for heights: 178 to 185 cm, 70 to 73 inches". I'm sure I can swap out for something else if not right come fitting day.

[Samdy Gray]

If your bollocks touch the top tube when you stand over it, it's too big (and it'll hurt when you slip off the saddle too).

[Batch]

Ta! Current bike is a 19 and just right so 19.5 may be a bit big. May go to the local shop see what they have that is 19.5 to see..

Damnit
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Scratch that, Current must be a 20 (C-T) or  18.5  (C-C), . Guess I'll have to risk it and reject if too big!

[Bewster]

Orange Clockwork 120 has turned up. Looks ace, will test ride it later.

Ended up getting 24% discount on RRP - happy days.

[fuzzy]

Ta! Current bike is a 19 and just right so 19.5 may be a bit big. May go to the local shop see what they have that is 19.5 to see..

Damnit
-----------
Scratch that, Current must be a 20 (C-T) or  18.5  (C-C), . Guess I'll have to risk it and reject if too big!

I tried to fiond the bike on the Trek site for size and fitting details, particularly standover height but it isn't on there, not even going back to 2013...

If it helps, I am 5'10" with a 31" inside leg and my go to frame size for a 26" wheel is 19.5 inches.

[Batch]

thanks fuzzy,  a guy at work is the same size as me and also goes for 19.5. think it depends on the model/manufacture, and if it's wrong I can change the size to a different bike...

I've kicked off the process and Evans take cyclescheme too, so if the bike isn't there when I finally get the voucher issued by my company (can take 1 month!!) then I guess I have more flexibility to find an alternative. no rush.

hopefully they will hurry up and email me that quote

[WEBBERhyde]

Had a fucking disaster trying to get home from work today.

Got out to the bike desperate to get home (had enough of this fucking heat) to discover a flat back tyre.
Spend about 15 minutes wrestling the tyre off (new vittoria paves I'd never changed before, that bead did not want to come off), turns out the heat in the bike shed was too much for the patch I'd put on the tube a few weeks ago too, the adhesive wasn't having any of it.

Stick a new tube in but the valve is just a tiny bit too short for my co2 pump. Try it anyway but the rubber seal on the pump that binds to the valve pops off with an almighty bang (ears were ringing for a few minutes). So I'm left with two useless tubes and a fucked pump!

Threw the towel in at that point and rang home for a lift back. Wasn't in the mood at that point to try any bodges. Proper shit day.

[Bewster]

Sorry to hear that WH. Always a pisser when that happens. I replaced a tube and then bent the top of the presta valve and had to repair the old one, which then didn't go well.

One of life's little mysteries is that it take a matter of minutes to change a tyre/inner tube whilst sat at home but on the side of the road it never goes right.