Just a bit of advice in case you have fitted a compact like me for the trip. I've found that I've needed to invest in a long arm rear derailleur too - as a normal one wouldn't cope with the range of big and small ring options front and back.
So if you've found your chain keeps dropping off in the easier gears: this could be the answer.
Weather forecast for the weekend looks very good at the mo.
I know stating the obvious: but please check your bike is in good condition - especially brakes and tyres. There's still time for a dash to Trisports...
Just wondering if you've planned for any team spares/kit? Track pump, tool kit, spare tyre, replacement cable ... bucket and sponge ... anything else that'd help keep us all on the road?
Guessing that I'll need to bring my own lube + oily rag, spare mech hanger and a few inner tubes. What else?
I'd go with Pearce - it will take you less time than getting to cycledelia & back, it's straightforward and once learnt really useful for roadside repairs too.
Thanks guys The money could be spent better elsewhere anyway!
By the way, don't know if any of you caught the TDF hilights last night but they were reviewing the Yorkshire stages, and apparently this is the hardest it has been for "a good 40 years"
The only spare space in the car will be on Peter and Will's knees. So if you have a matchbox you can't fit in your kit bag on the train we might be able to carry it, otherwise I am afraid the car is full.
My preference would be to get changed at the Velodrome.
Can bring stuff up on Friday evening if you get it to me. Can't help with getting it back on Sunday though. Also could help/demo setting your gears up if you want.
You have to understand that when Peter did the Etape du Dales a few years back there was a bit of a breeze and light drizzle. The experience seems to have become etched into his memory.
Comments
think I might need some team crampons to go with my team shirt
the white's not so bad!!
really psyched for next weekend!! I better get some training in, slacked off recently.
Just a bit of advice in case you have fitted a compact like me for the trip. I've found that I've needed to invest in a long arm rear derailleur too - as a normal one wouldn't cope with the range of big and small ring options front and back.
So if you've found your chain keeps dropping off in the easier gears: this could be the answer.
Weather forecast for the weekend looks very good at the mo.
I know stating the obvious: but please check your bike is in good condition - especially brakes and tyres. There's still time for a dash to Trisports...
Just wondering if you've planned for any team spares/kit? Track pump, tool kit, spare tyre, replacement cable ... bucket and sponge ... anything else that'd help keep us all on the road?
Guessing that I'll need to bring my own lube + oily rag, spare mech hanger and a few inner tubes. What else?
J
I've booked my bike in to cycledelia for a gear index (getting fed up of having to double shift) because trisports are too busy this week
Tried it on Saturday and worked fine and is surprisingly easy. Save yourself the £££!
Good luck all.
I'd go with Pearce - it will take you less time than getting to cycledelia & back, it's straightforward and once learnt really useful for roadside repairs too.
By the way, don't know if any of you caught the TDF hilights last night but they were reviewing the Yorkshire stages, and apparently this is the hardest it has been for "a good 40 years"
Got some of these brake pads pre-Dragon ride. Were/still are superb for stopping on scary downhills !
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/swissstop-flash-pro-green-high-performance-pads/
do they fit standard blocks? I currently use koolstops....
it says "supplied in 2 pairs" - is that actually true? you get 2x pair, so 4 pads?
cheers
Pretty sure I haven't read anything about this yet in an Email...
What are we doing about luggage? (bag of clothes) - are we taking it on the train from MK?
^ if not, are people wearing cycling clothes under casual clothes for the journey up there
Same question really for the return journey
I'd keep your kit bag with you there and back on the trains. Anything really big: see if there's room in Daniel's car up.
You might not want to sit on a warm train for 1.5hrs in lycra. Maybe better to change on the train when near Manchester or in the Velodrome.
And yep, you do get 4x pads which makes them even more of a bargain !
My preference would be to get changed at the Velodrome.
Daniel
Lucky you.
Daniel
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/6940582
Daniel
Oh and the guy who 'just can't go on, I just can't go on'
good times