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SchumieRules wrote:

Asphalt_World wrote:

SchumieRules wrote:

Asphalt_World wrote:My front light is the xmoon 500. Rather pricey but once you use a light this good you'll never ride with anything less again. The light it produces is simply stunning and considering its quite light, it's still built really well.

It has the facility to aim it off to the side while riding so that when using it on full power the drivers coming the other way don't get blinded. It really is that bright. Cars slow down well before they get close when I'm riding on narrow roads because they assume it's a motorbike coming I think. Since getting it last January it's transformed my night time riding.


http://www.wiggle.co.uk/moon-x-power-50 ... ont-light/

Looks good. But for that price and only 500 lumens, I'd think about it twice. The one I got is on the heavier side, but it is around 1200 lumens and also has a smaller scale in order to prevent blinding the drivers when riding in the city.

It was scary out in the forest actually, turned it on and immediately spotted tens of pairs of eyes looking at me from the trees!!!!!! Scary as hell to be honest

Depends on the type of riding you do. Riding on the roads I don't need every detail lit up as I'm not constantly looking for every lump and bump. 500 lumins gives me a massive range in front of me but also means the size and weight is kept down which is important for me. Also gives good battery life and short charging times. When you consider I hardly ever use it on the brightest mode I am not actually using its full potential.

I agree completely, I was talking about off road. I also use it in the small scale when in town and I have never been to a ride that it ran out of juice. So for me I can use it in all types of riding. The weight is the thing to consider with the one I got, but the price makes it all the sweeter!

Well SchumieRules recommended light has arrived. Maybe not the best quality but excellent amount of light.

And when it comes direct from China for £23 delivered!!!!!!!! rather than £40 from Amazon, it might as well be a disposable item.

After a discharge and recharge test or two I'll probably buy two more for the kid. He hates head torches so I'll be good with one handlebar mount and the Lenser I've already got.

Looks like a GREAT cheap option Schumi Updates will follow.

First ride on newly fitted winter tyres and puncture after 8 miles during heavy rain fall.

Love cycling!........

Question for those with trainers.


I have a Flow trainer and dedicated bike which I fitted with a proper trainer wheel to minimise noise and wear. All was great until it fell out of use over the summer for a couple of months. With the weather changing it has been dusted off. SQUEAKING is dreadful!

Cleaned the 'drive' wheel. Cleaned the tyre. Even resorted to gently sanding/roughing the surface of the tyre itself to remove anything invisible...... Still SQUEAKING

Any ideas?

Jezick wrote: Well SchumieRules recommended light has arrived. Maybe not the best quality but excellent amount of light.

And when it comes direct from China for £23 delivered!!!!!!!! rather than £40 from Amazon, it might as well be a disposable item.

After a discharge and recharge test or two I'll probably buy two more for the kid. He hates head torches so I'll be good with one handlebar mount and the Lenser I've already got.

Looks like a GREAT cheap option Schumi Updates will follow.

Wow, I didn't know that you went on with that.

I think it is a good light. Arguably on the heavy side, but it is quite good overall. Just one piece of advice: don't look straight into the high beam! Seriously, you'll get blind for a good few moments. It is painful.

If I had the luxury to spend more I'd probably go for the one that Asphalt went for.

Asphalt_World wrote:First ride on newly fitted winter tyres and puncture after 8 miles during heavy rain fall.

Love cycling!........

Do you need winter tires now?

SchumieRules wrote:

Jezick wrote: Well SchumieRules recommended light has arrived. Maybe not the best quality but excellent amount of light.

And when it comes direct from China for £23 delivered!!!!!!!! rather than £40 from Amazon, it might as well be a disposable item.

After a discharge and recharge test or two I'll probably buy two more for the kid. He hates head torches so I'll be good with one handlebar mount and the Lenser I've already got.

Looks like a GREAT cheap option Schumi Updates will follow.

Wow, I didn't know that you went on with that.

I think it is a good light. Arguably on the heavy side, but it is quite good overall. Just one piece of advice: don't look straight into the high beam! Seriously, you'll get blind for a good few moments. It is painful.

If I had the luxury to spend more I'd probably go for the one that Asphalt went for.

As I said, for the money well worth a punt either way. It won't get used daily, as in a commute, so decided not to invest in something that sees more of the inside of a drawer

dizlexik wrote:

Asphalt_World wrote:First ride on newly fitted winter tyres and puncture after 8 miles during heavy rain fall.

Love cycling!........

Do you need winter tires now?

Well as my summer slicks were showing thread in places I had to change them so went for winter ones.

They have a slick line down the centre with a small amount of tread on each side for cornering. Hardly studded or anything!

Tread is for mud / sand as slick road tyres are fine in wet conditions anyway.

Asphalt_World wrote:

dizlexik wrote:

Asphalt_World wrote:First ride on newly fitted winter tyres and puncture after 8 miles during heavy rain fall.

Love cycling!........

Do you need winter tires now?

Well as my summer slicks were showing thread in places I had to change them so went for winter ones.

They have a slick line down the centre with a small amount of tread on each side for cornering. Hardly studded or anything!

Tread is for mud / sand as slick road tyres are fine in wet conditions anyway.

For me winter tires are something like that: Anyway no sane person rides a bike on snow or ice.

I just do basic service for my bike (tyre pressure, some lubricant) and only accessories are helmet and lights. I don't like these cycling clothes. I never considered anything like winter tires for bike.

hmm yeah I was looking for recommendations for lights. Not sure how I feel about riding in the dark (for fitness / training purposes). The roads around here are not especially busy, so I'm not so concerned about being visible enough / traffic, but I am bothered about not seeing potholes / obstacles etc and I am bothered about going over a certain speed in the dark. Never done it before

Any "riding in the dark" experiences? Is morning dark better than evening dark? Any particular recommendations?

domdonald wrote:hmm yeah I was looking for recommendations for lights. Not sure how I feel about riding in the dark (for fitness / training purposes). The roads around here are not especially busy, so I'm not so concerned about being visible enough / traffic, but I am bothered about not seeing potholes / obstacles etc and I am bothered about going over a certain speed in the dark. Never done it before

Any "riding in the dark" experiences? Is morning dark better than evening dark? Any particular recommendations?

Ok, it depends. I mean, if it is a road you regularly cycle, then eventually you'll note in your head every little pothole. I've been doing this for years, subconsciously. But I am not much of a road cyclist so maybe Asphalt could help you more here.

For off road cycling, it is different. I need to see where I am going in advance as the terrain is ever changing. If you have the light fixed on the steering then it may not always be the best option. It is worth considering a second light on your helmet, that you can point ahead where you want to see. That's what most of my mates do anyway.

Overall, there's nothing like your own experience. Go out a couple of times and see what suits you.

yeah I'd be road cycling. I'm all kitted out for my first cycling winter (at least, since I was 15 years old and I'm now 38 - times have changed since then!).. just need to get the lighting sorted and the courage to go out in the dark (not that I'm scared of the dark..).

Oh damn, forgot, I also need a light packable waterproof - I already have a water-resistant wind-proof warm jacket from Mavic, but need a shower-proof jacket to roll up in my back pocket and pull on if it starts p*ssing down.. I can only seem to find expensive full water-proof jackets..

A good front light (and I appreciate they're not cheap) will light up all bumps in the road often better than in the day as you get shadows defining the bumps due to a single light source. If I get a chance I'll post some pics using different bike lights I own from 10 quid up to over 100.

Asphalt_World wrote:A good front light (and I appreciate they're not cheap) will light up all bumps in the road often better than in the day as you get shadows defining the bumps due to a single light source. If I get a chance I'll post some pics using different bike lights I own from 10 quid up to over 100.

That'll be helpfull Asphalt, cheers

SchumieRules wrote:

domdonald wrote:hmm yeah I was looking for recommendations for lights. Not sure how I feel about riding in the dark (for fitness / training purposes). The roads around here are not especially busy, so I'm not so concerned about being visible enough / traffic, but I am bothered about not seeing potholes / obstacles etc and I am bothered about going over a certain speed in the dark. Never done it before

Any "riding in the dark" experiences? Is morning dark better than evening dark? Any particular recommendations?

Ok, it depends. I mean, if it is a road you regularly cycle, then eventually you'll note in your head every little pothole. I've been doing this for years, subconsciously. But I am not much of a road cyclist so maybe Asphalt could help you more here.

For off road cycling, it is different. I need to see where I am going in advance as the terrain is ever changing. If you have the light fixed on the steering then it may not always be the best option. It is worth considering a second light on your helmet, that you can point ahead where you want to see. That's what most of my mates do anyway.

Overall, there's nothing like your own experience. Go out a couple of times and see what suits you.

Agree a single 'good'/bright light is fine for road work. I don't bomb around at 25mph+ so a really long pencil beam is just not necessary But off road you really do need a secondary source with a wider beam. I prefer a head torch so I can 'look' where I'm going but know plenty of people who go for a double handle bar mount.

cheers all - ideas / pics for lights much appreciated!

I'll try to get pics taken this evening unless it's pouring with rain.

Oh, and I try to avoid dusk and dawn as although you can see where you're going, your lights are less effective so cars don't see you as well. Also cars tend to use dipped beam or side lights so any reflective clothing is less obvious. I'd take pitch black over dusk any day if road cycling.

Asphalt - are u on Strava?

domdonald wrote:Asphalt - are u on Strava?

He is, and so am I, although nothing much to show for myself!

domdonald wrote:Asphalt - are u on Strava?

Yes. I use it for most general training / touring rides but not for many, if any high speed rides as I carry nothing I don't need for them. My bike computer does the job then.

Sorry, rained all evening so pictures delayed by 24hrs!

SchumieRules wrote:

domdonald wrote:Asphalt - are u on Strava?

He is, and so am I, although nothing much to show for myself!

User name?

Think I've broken a toe. can't hardly walk let alone cycle.

Asphalt_World wrote:Think I've broken a toe. can't hardly walk let alone cycle.

Ok, how on earth did you manage that?

Get well mate

yes, it must be quite tricky to break a toe!?

Get well soon. You could always just ride with one leg.

At least you'll have time to get the info on the front light options

What sort of minimum luminescence would you expect for total darkness road riding between 27-30kph? (if that's possible!). I have no idea what a "300 L" light looks like in reality on the roads. Not that something like that would be legal on the roads in Germany - there's lots of restrictions here about brightness, different regs for bikes under 11kg and those over.. haven't quite got my head round it yet!

I kicked a chair leg with bare feet. One toe is very dark red/black.....

As for lights, it's not just luminosity but the direction the lights shines it. I've seen brigher lights than mine but they are less good because lighting up the top of tall trees is of no interest to me when cycling.

I'll try to get pics done asap. Tonight if weather permits.

My other half always gets the toe on the bed foot. Even though it's happened time and again, she always does it. Hurts a lot, so good luck mate!


By the way, why did you kick the chair? Can't be that upset with Lewis's tweet now, can you?!!!

Toes feeling a lot better but then I get home from work and now I can't keep my food down!

WILL I EVER GET ON MY BIKE AGAIN?

My legs are getting twitchy. Been 2 weeks or more now. Not gone more than probably 6 days all year without a ride. Normally 3-4 per week.


AAAAGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

Asphalt_World wrote:Toes feeling a lot better but then I get home from work and now I can't keep my food down!

WILL I EVER GET ON MY BIKE AGAIN?

My legs are getting twitchy. Been 2 weeks or more now. Not gone more than probably 6 days all year without a ride. Normally 3-4 per week.


AAAAGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

I twisted my ankle a bit on Wednesday, but have arranged for a cycle on Sunday. I know how you feel

if I have a couple of days without cycling I get twitchy too... terrible, especially when the evenings get darker and the weather gets worse... I'm already planning how I'm going to manage when I'm off to NZ for a month in January wiht the family. Luckily we're visiting my brother, who is a better cyclist than me - I'll just steal his time trial bike and take it for a quick spin to keep the cobwebs at bay!

domdonald wrote:if I have a couple of days without cycling I get twitchy too... terrible, especially when the evenings get darker and the weather gets worse... I'm already planning how I'm going to manage when I'm off to NZ for a month in January wiht the family. Luckily we're visiting my brother, who is a better cyclist than me - I'll just steal his time trial bike and take it for a quick spin to keep the cobwebs at bay!

Have a great time. Should be fab cycling.

I'm feeling a lot better today and hope to get a short and steady ride done this weekend all being well. Will take it east what with beign ill, having a sore toe and not riding in ages, not even on the rollers.

Oh, and just accepted your Strava follow request.

The USADA report is now starting to hit the entire peloton. In shocking news Rabobank has announced it will stop its involvement in professional cycling after 17 years of sponsorship. One of the iconic names of the pro peloton in the last decade and a half.

Rabobank has ended its long association with cycling in wake of the USADA case into doping at US Postal. The Dutch bank cited the reason for announcing that it would end professional sponsorship of its professional men's and women's teams at the end of this season. The Dutch bank announced that sponsorship of both pro teams would end on December 31 2012, potentially leaving dozens of riders and staff without a team for next season.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/raboban ... ling-teams

hmm well, withdrawal of sponsorship deals like this may give people a wake-up call.

On another note, got my CREE LED light yesterday (mactronic bike pro noise 300L for 60€) and went out for a quick test run last night.. well chuffed - opens up a whole new set of training opportunities! Just waiting for my reflective "sash" thingy before I go out in earnest.

Fitted my SKS Race Blades mudguards after reading endless reviews on the pains of fitting all kinds of different mudguards to a racing bike.. they are just fixed to the forks and stays with rubber bands and don't go under the brakes, so whilst they don't keep the brakes clean, they're certainly easier to put on and take off - and since I don't have a winter bike, that's a good thing. Went out for a ride and they didn't budge a millimetre over the bumps!

The downside is that my bike now weighs probably twice what it did in the summer lol

Got my winter jacket (Mavic Espoir Thermo) sorted out, wore it once when it was 8 degrees out, and it was too warm.. went back to a long-sleeved jersey with a base layer (9€ from Aldi)

Hmm so, all kitted out for my first cycling winter (since adulthood anyway). Just gotta convince the wife that doing a 5 hour club run on Sundays is a good thing....

Oooh I'm all excited!

domdonald wrote:hmm well, withdrawal of sponsorship deals like this may give people a wake-up call.

On another note, got my CREE LED light yesterday (mactronic bike pro noise 300L for 60€) and went out for a quick test run last night.. well chuffed - opens up a whole new set of training opportunities! Just waiting for my reflective "sash" thingy before I go out in earnest.

Fitted my SKS Race Blades mudguards after reading endless reviews on the pains of fitting all kinds of different mudguards to a racing bike.. they are just fixed to the forks and stays with rubber bands and don't go under the brakes, so whilst they don't keep the brakes clean, they're certainly easier to put on and take off - and since I don't have a winter bike, that's a good thing. Went out for a ride and they didn't budge a millimetre over the bumps!

The downside is that my bike now weighs probably twice what it did in the summer lol

Got my winter jacket (Mavic Espoir Thermo) sorted out, wore it once when it was 8 degrees out, and it was too warm.. went back to a long-sleeved jersey with a base layer (9€ from Aldi)

Hmm so, all kitted out for my first cycling winter (since adulthood anyway). Just gotta convince the wife that doing a 5 hour club run on Sundays is a good thing....

Oooh I'm all excited!

Happy for you! I went out in Brighton last weekend, took the bike on it's first off road ride. It is phenomenal. The 29'er is amazing, I went uphill in places that I couldn't do it before (not that easy anyway). I am well impressed.


If anyone has any second thoughts about getting a 29'er, well, don't... It's totally worth it

first quick night run with the new light last night... very pleasant indeed. Drivers seemed to be able to see me well enough (reflective strips on clothing, a reflective "cross-belt" thing, lights and flashing lights) and the new light was easily bright enough to do 35kph on roads I know.. in fact, turned it down to conserve power.. Riding at night was somehow "comforting"!

Even better, I raced up some short hills because I couldn't see them and there was no psychological barrier

Since it's such lovely weather here (20-21C) I might go out again this evening.. hehe..

Did 50k on Saturday of proper MTBing for the first time. Ususally I go on well-made cycle paths but this time it was right through the woods, over rocks and technical bits, plus nearly 1000m of climbing.. I felt the next morning like I'd been in a car crash!!

domdonald wrote:first quick night run with the new light last night... very pleasant indeed. Drivers seemed to be able to see me well enough (reflective strips on clothing, a reflective "cross-belt" thing, lights and flashing lights) and the new light was easily bright enough to do 35kph on roads I know.. in fact, turned it down to conserve power.. Riding at night was somehow "comforting"!

Even better, I raced up some short hills because I couldn't see them and there was no psychological barrier

Since it's such lovely weather here (20-21C) I might go out again this evening.. hehe..

Did 50k on Saturday of proper MTBing for the first time. Ususally I go on well-made cycle paths but this time it was right through the woods, over rocks and technical bits, plus nearly 1000m of climbing.. I felt the next morning like I'd been in a car crash!!

As Asphalt said before, I prefer riding at night rather than dusk. It is better somehow

If you have the correct gear on, nothing beats a cold crystal clear night ride in the middle of nowhere. The stars and planets make the ride so great. Gives me a real sense of calm. The miles just glide by.

sadly foggy at mine atm. hope to ride this evening for first time in weeks. Not in fog though. Too dangerous.

Yet another session on the killer rollers I think....

nooo not the rollers!!

It was 13C when I went out at 8pm yesterday... just a long sleeved jersey and bib tights was enough

I'll try again tonight...

I just bought myself a nice Helly Hansen jacket. It's for running-trekking, but all the same; breathable and waterproof, lightweight as hell. I couldn't resist, it was almost half priced.

Now I got too much month left at the end of my money.....

hmm I'm still looking for a cheap, packable lightweight, softshell (heavy) shower proof jacket - no PVC and no "thermal" or lined jackets - I already have a winter warm jacket, just need one to pull out my back pocket and put on if there's a sudden downpour..

Hmm,

The one I got has the "packable pocket" inside, which means you can fold it into a nice pouch and fit it nicely anywhere. But not that cheap. I mean it was close to £80 with the discount...


I am also looking for something like what you describe, but for trousers.


Also, I want to change my seat, as it is way way too hard. I thought it was just me, but after almost two months on the bike I still can't get used to it. My friends also tried it (and they are serious riders) and they said the same thing, that it is too hard. Any suggestions on what to look for? Mine is a selle Italia