Std, not the originals. I don’t have the right tools to do it myself, will ride in and out of my lbs who will fix it.
Another 60 yesterday. I bumped into Local Legend Wiltshire Man for the second time, he was with a small group all on recumbents. One of which is in his eighties and partially paralysed following a stroke.
It’s been a Long timing coming since I Got my new machine for a birthday present early last year…. Got around to putting an Invisiframe kit on it as I like the paint and want to keep it good nick. Went out early sat and ahead of the stupid heat for a short 15 mile warm up. Saw some local wildlife and picked up a free bonus for the bbq later. (seriously, it’s always sad to see something like this-I’m lucky enough to get badgers my back garden regularly). nice run now to do more!
I dropped my Cervelo Aspero with 1 x Apex group set in at the LBS for an upgrade to 2 x Rival Etap. I ummed and ahhed about buying a new bike but in the end decided I’d throw some money at what has been my favourite bike, not the fastest but the one I go for first. It needed new pads, chain, cassette, bb bearings so the timing was right.
Jesus, the perfect excuse to N+1 and you came over all sensible and balanced. Please don’t do it again or it’ll collapse the new bike market.
Today I collected my upgraded Aspero with its Rival Etap group set. Cost me £1,260, rides like a new bike, the new bar tape helped. I now need new tyres, ive been running Panaracer gravel king 700 x 38C (40-622) TLC with DT Swiss G1800 wheels. They have punctured several times and have a number of pro racer plugs, but I have also be reducing my pressure to 40 psi and haven’t punctured since running the lower pressure. Somebody I bumped into was extolling the virtues of Strada Bianchi, but they are very expensive. I don’t mind paying but I’d hate to buy expensive tyres that prove to be another mistake. I mainly ride on asphalt with some light tracks, nothing gnarly. Anyone offer some real world advice.
I use whatever is within my cheapskate budget, Gatorskins are my go to no punctures for me.Whereas a cycling buddy tried them and had nothing but punctures. His go to were Vitoria Pave from memory they’re 300tpi and very expensive. I don’t really see the difference in cycle tyres to be honest hence my budget mentality, my most important criteria is price. Motorcycles tyres I get it as experience has taught me which tyres I prefer and I know I’ll trade dry grip for wet weather performance and prefer longevity.
I had Vittoria on my road bike they were bloody fast but punctured for a pastime. I run Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 700c Tyre 700x40C in the winter and they are great, but so very slow.
Only run wide tyres when I did the Japan thing but couldn't make a comparison as all up bike and luggage were 29kgs.
I have been using these for gravel and road as they were only £15.00 from go outdoors. They seem to work fine except I got passed by a woman on the road section the other night, so figured it must be the tyres. I have now switched to these as they were £20.00 from go outdoors. I doubt she will be passing me again!
The gravel ones at about 65-70 psi as the gravel section I use is fairly short and basically a farm track. Not tried the other pair yet but it states between 70-100 psi on them.
Don’t beat yourself up over it, everyone round my way is used to it as the previous LEJOG female record holder lives local so it’s just a matter of knowing her training routes and avoiding them.
Good week, just over 90 miles finished off with today’s 53 mile ride to the New Forest. Lunch at the Potting Shed at Hyde and coffee at Downton. Managed to stay reasonably dry.
Took Robbie the Roubaix out for very nice 60miler. Not sure what to do about the weekend, it's going to be flippin' hot!
Does anyone else use clif bar bloks energy chews, they seem to have shot up in price. Googling for a deal, but if anyone knows a well priced supply please let me know. I buy them by the box.
