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Your cycling
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| tylew |
Posted on 08-10-2013 00:13
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Junior Rider
Posts: 47
Joined: 18-02-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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How can i measure my progress without a powermeter?
I am able to make it in a trainer with power sensor from a friend, but which test is the best?
For now i'm only thinking in Conconi Test in order to measure my lactate threshold, threshold power and max power.
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| nils erik |
Posted on 08-10-2013 00:20
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Domestique
Posts: 477
Joined: 28-04-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Aaah. finally back on the bike after 2 months suffering from mononucleosis! Feels great. Unfortunately the season is soon to be over here in the icy north. How is the conditions in other countries now? Spain and Portugal has perfect conditions the whole season I know, but what about GB and Benelux. Still ok temperatures? |
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| ianrussell |
Posted on 08-10-2013 00:31
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3440
Joined: 09-10-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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nils erik wrote:
Aaah. finally back on the bike after 2 months suffering from mononucleosis! Feels great. Unfortunately the season is soon to be over here in the icy north. How is the conditions in other countries now? Spain and Portugal has perfect conditions the whole season I know, but what about GB and Benelux. Still ok temperatures?
Glad to hear you are well again, just in time to put in some serious off season training?!
GB would be great if I could get to my bike (see earlier post)...
It's still fairly mild in Britain atm with temperatures in the mid to high teens where I am but apparently it's going to be turning a bit colder later this week. |
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| Avin Wargunnson |
Posted on 09-10-2013 06:11
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World Champion
Posts: 14236
Joined: 20-06-2011
PCM$: 300.00
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nils erik wrote:
Aaah. finally back on the bike after 2 months suffering from mononucleosis! Feels great. Unfortunately the season is soon to be over here in the icy north. How is the conditions in other countries now? Spain and Portugal has perfect conditions the whole season I know, but what about GB and Benelux. Still ok temperatures?
Here in central Europe, my MTB season (disrupted comletely by that broken collarbone) is nearing to its end. Few last nice days now and i am not that motivated to ride when it is under 10 degrees. So waiting for spring starts soon. 
Edited by Avin Wargunnson on 09-10-2013 06:11
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| Aquarius |
Posted on 09-10-2013 07:09
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5220
Joined: 29-11-2006
PCM$: 200.00
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tylew wrote:
How can i measure my progress without a powermeter?
I am able to make it in a trainer with power sensor from a friend, but which test is the best?
For now i'm only thinking in Conconi Test in order to measure my lactate threshold, threshold power and max power.
There's more or less 4 parameters that can be measured and give an indication of your performance : weight, critical power output, threshold 2 ("anaerobic"), threshold 1 ("aerobic").
You can also have an idea of your progress by measuring your power indirectly, like finding a long enough climb and timing yourself on it, in comparable conditions (wind, distance before, fatigue, etc.).
There are also some indirect measurements, like fatigue, mood, etc.
Or some other tests, like Ruffier & Dickson's. Rest heartbeat, heartbeat after 30 movements (movement is from standing still to "sitting" on your heels then to stand still again) in 45 seconds, then heartbeat after 60 seconds. Sum the three numbers, remove 200 and divide by 10, that's your Ruffier-Dickson's Indicator.
You could also measure your heart beat at rest, when you're tired or stressed it increases.
High range Polar heart monitors can also analyze heartbeat differently, with the interval between each beat and the regularity of the beat, which provides more insight, but it's an expensive model.
Edited by Aquarius on 09-10-2013 07:09
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| VoetsT |
Posted on 09-10-2013 07:49
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 851
Joined: 29-06-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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Avin Wargunnson wrote:
nils erik wrote:
Aaah. finally back on the bike after 2 months suffering from mononucleosis! Feels great. Unfortunately the season is soon to be over here in the icy north. How is the conditions in other countries now? Spain and Portugal has perfect conditions the whole season I know, but what about GB and Benelux. Still ok temperatures?
Here in central Europe, my MTB season (disrupted comletely by that broken collarbone) is nearing to its end. Few last nice days now and i am not that motivated to ride when it is under 10 degrees. So waiting for spring starts soon.
Here in belgium I will ride until novermber on my roadbike and after that its all MTB until the sun comes back. During the winter I will also ride on the rolls (or how you call it in english), that really helps to stay in condition.
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| ianrussell |
Posted on 09-10-2013 12:20
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3440
Joined: 09-10-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Anyone have any 1st hand experience of the super budget Btwin Triban 3 road bike? It's supposed to be far better than the £300 price tag gives it any right to be, weighing in at 10kg and even including a carbon fork for your money!
I'm thinking of making the move to cheap road bike in the spring rather than waiting almost a year until the September sale of 2014 models. |
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| ianrussell |
Posted on 11-10-2013 16:04
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3440
Joined: 09-10-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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ianrussell wrote:
So someone has something against me enjoying the last bit of sunshine of this year. Latest mishap was not being able to get into the bike storage room over the weekend due to a broken lock 
Finally got a chance to ride again today and had it down for a long one (for me long = 60km+). Low and behold the sunshine was replaced by pouring rain for the entire ride.
Plus point - I followed it through and resisted the temptation to sit inside or cut short the ride, plus, while thinking nice weather for ducks, I had to literally ride through a herd of ducks.
Negative - I started losing feeling in my hands a bit after half way and it took me about 5 minutes to get my pump out of the holder at the end of the ride 
Edited by ianrussell on 11-10-2013 16:08
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| Aquarius |
Posted on 13-10-2013 19:40
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5220
Joined: 29-11-2006
PCM$: 200.00
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I read somebody here is becoming a cycling coach (no, it's not me).
Congratulations to him, that's the way !
Meanwhile, seeing how I do on Strava against local riders from different categories, and considering the fact that I get injured much too frequently when I run, I'm thinking the following. Run one more season (I've paid my licence anyway), try to set a decent time on 10 k and 21,1 k and do the cross-country events (if I'm fit), while doing the cyclosportive rides during Spring and Summer. There's like 5 or 6 of them in the neighbourhood. Depending on how it goes and how the injuries go, I might consider signing a cycling licence again (in 2015). Not sure. |
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 23-11-2024 16:59
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Bot Agent
Posts: Countless
Joined: 23.11.09
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| Strydz |
Posted on 15-10-2013 12:39
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Team Leader
Posts: 5894
Joined: 02-08-2011
PCM$: 1625.00
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A bit of fun in the mountains today including a fun little dirt climb. My legs completly gave up on me before the last section of sustained climbing but not a surprise as the winds were pretty hectic out there today..
https://www.strava.com/activities/8916...s/89163546
Hells 500 Crew and 6 x Everester
Don Rd Launching Place
Melbourne Hill Rd Warrandyte
Colby Drive Belgrave South
William Rd The Patch
David Hill Rd Monbulk
Lakeside Drive Emerald
https://www.everesting.cc/hall-of-fame/ |
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| wogsrus |
Posted on 17-10-2013 02:23
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1200
Joined: 12-01-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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https://connect.ga.../391484990
Bloody windy as hell. Need to get a bit more stamina for the climbs. Can do them without to much trouble when they are each 10 to 15 ks apart, but l had three climbs off 1k at 5% within 10 ks. |
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| SSJ2Luigi |
Posted on 17-10-2013 21:25
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World Champion
Posts: 11971
Joined: 21-07-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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SSJ2Luigi wrote:
thanks Aquarius
well I got what I asked for. I did something that was told to me was a watts test (basically keeping padeling at 100 RPM for 3 minutes) and I got +/- 250 watts.
personally not to bad considering that the guy giving the test underestimated me and put the bike at a too low gear
did another test today where you improved your RPM with 15 RPM every minute until you reached 85% of your maximum heartrate (175 in my case). got calculated on 4.24 W/kg. last test I did I got 3,6 W/kg. and that in 3 months of not training 
beat that Sky with your marginal gains  |
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| rjc_43 |
Posted on 17-10-2013 21:50
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Team Leader
Posts: 6716
Joined: 13-10-2007
PCM$: 200.00
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Aquarius wrote:
I read somebody here is becoming a cycling coach (no, it's not me).
Congratulations to him, that's the way !
Meanwhile, seeing how I do on Strava against local riders from different categories, and considering the fact that I get injured much too frequently when I run, I'm thinking the following. Run one more season (I've paid my licence anyway), try to set a decent time on 10 k and 21,1 k and do the cross-country events (if I'm fit), while doing the cyclosportive rides during Spring and Summer. There's like 5 or 6 of them in the neighbourhood. Depending on how it goes and how the injuries go, I might consider signing a cycling licence again (in 2015). Not sure.
It is the way!
And getting a licence is definitely worth it. Less injuries, more fun, and you get to shave your legs! What's not to love? |
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| CrueTrue |
Posted on 20-10-2013 00:21
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 29989
Joined: 20-10-2006
PCM$: 200.00
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Bumping this for any additional comments.
I've tested both the Focus and Giant today and couldn't really feel a difference. Liked the service of the Focus vendor better, though, so that's the preferred one right now.
Will be trying out the Scott Speedster on Tuesday. It has a small + in terms of many positive reviews while I haven't really been able to find much on Focus.
CrueTrue wrote:
So, I've asked for help on the subject before, but now it's serious 
As a motivation to finish my thesis, I promised to get myself a race bike once done. I'm completely clueless on what to look out for, though, since I've never had one before and aren't really into the tech part of cycling.
Anyway, it does appear that it's recommended to get a gear group better than Sora and perhaps also better than Tiagra, so I've looked for bikes with Shimano 105 and found the following three. Are they any good? Is one better than the other?
Focus Culebro SL 3.0
Scott Speedster 20
Giant Defy 1
I'm also keen on the Canyon Roadlite Al 6.0, but due to my inexperience I really prefer non-internet shops. Canyon don't have any shops in Denmark, but what speaks in its favour is that the bike is very highly rated in reviews. |
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| Strydz |
Posted on 20-10-2013 06:26
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Team Leader
Posts: 5894
Joined: 02-08-2011
PCM$: 1625.00
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CrueTrue wrote:
Bumping this for any additional comments.
I've tested both the Focus and Giant today and couldn't really feel a difference. Liked the service of the Focus vendor better, though, so that's the preferred one right now.
Will be trying out the Scott Speedster on Tuesday. It has a small + in terms of many positive reviews while I haven't really been able to find much on Focus.
You might not have found many reviews on the Focus but have been talking to a few people and they really do rate them, as I have said previously my love of Giant's so there is a little bias there See how you go with the Scott but everything I have heard from people (not online reviews) is that they just don't cut it (high end models excluded) Did you check out the Canyon at all?
Most of all is if you like the bike, if you are stuck with the choice of the Giant or Focus then it really comes down to who offers you the better deal. Oh and of course which ever you think is the better looking machine
Hells 500 Crew and 6 x Everester
Don Rd Launching Place
Melbourne Hill Rd Warrandyte
Colby Drive Belgrave South
William Rd The Patch
David Hill Rd Monbulk
Lakeside Drive Emerald
https://www.everesting.cc/hall-of-fame/ |
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| Strydz |
Posted on 20-10-2013 06:33
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Team Leader
Posts: 5894
Joined: 02-08-2011
PCM$: 1625.00
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https://www.strava.com/activities/8994...s/89947514
My little adventure was going so well until a fool let his unleashed dog run across a very narrow and steep descent (15 to 20%) and yeah managed to miss the dog but hit the road, bent the bars and one of my shifters went sideways, also a badly bruised elbow and missing skin on the leg and a cut on my lip. Bent the bike back into shape but feeling a little stiff and sore today.
Hells 500 Crew and 6 x Everester
Don Rd Launching Place
Melbourne Hill Rd Warrandyte
Colby Drive Belgrave South
William Rd The Patch
David Hill Rd Monbulk
Lakeside Drive Emerald
https://www.everesting.cc/hall-of-fame/ |
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| Aquarius |
Posted on 20-10-2013 09:15
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5220
Joined: 29-11-2006
PCM$: 200.00
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That sucks.
Bent bars : can't be trusted even if bent back into shape, I'd replace them, especially as you can't see if they're fractured beneath the bars tap.
Unleashed animals, that's always been my fear as well...
Unrelated, but I've gotten my Garmin 510 back, and it's working fine this time (although I got a date and time issue on the first ride). I'm just waiting for my Powertap to arrive now. |
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| CrueTrue |
Posted on 20-10-2013 10:41
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 29989
Joined: 20-10-2006
PCM$: 200.00
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Strydz wrote:
CrueTrue wrote:
Bumping this for any additional comments.
I've tested both the Focus and Giant today and couldn't really feel a difference. Liked the service of the Focus vendor better, though, so that's the preferred one right now.
Will be trying out the Scott Speedster on Tuesday. It has a small + in terms of many positive reviews while I haven't really been able to find much on Focus.
You might not have found many reviews on the Focus but have been talking to a few people and they really do rate them, as I have said previously my love of Giant's so there is a little bias there See how you go with the Scott but everything I have heard from people (not online reviews) is that they just don't cut it (high end models excluded) Did you check out the Canyon at all?
Most of all is if you like the bike, if you are stuck with the choice of the Giant or Focus then it really comes down to who offers you the better deal. Oh and of course which ever you think is the better looking machine
Despite your love for Giant, I'm afraid it's not going to be my pick  The bike seemed just fine, but I don't like the design, and as I said, the service was better at the other (Focus) retailer.
Scott - well, in addition to the internet reviews, I have a colleague who has the exact same model and is very satisfied with it. That does put some weight behind it as being a good choice (no matter how trustable you and your friends are ).
Canyon? E-retail only which is not for me, because I really need the help and service from knowledgeable people. They look awesome, though, and are regularly featuring as the top pick in reviews in Danish magazines. But that's life. Maybe next time
So it's probably between Focus Culebro SL 3.0 and Scott Speedster 20 (both 2013 models).
The reason why I posted here was mainly to get an opinion on the various parts of each of the bikes. I mean ... I know that a Shimano 105 is preferable over Shimano Tiagra, but other than that I'm lost. For example, do the wheels (Concept EX vs. Syncros Race 28) suck equally much? Crankset - Shimano 34-50 vs. FSA Gossamer Focus? And so on. To me, it's all gibberish |
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 20-10-2013 10:52
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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Pretty simple to just ignore whatever wheels come with the bike, as unless your getting top end models they are just kind of sh*t. And at that price range the crankset will have little difference between them. Get a decent frame, fork, stem, gear set and adjusting from there is fairly easy when the cash becomes available.
If it's between the Focus and the Scott i'd say the Focus. A couple of local cycling mates have had Speedster's in the past, but swiftly got rid of them. Poor ride, poor build quality, slow, clunky, just really overpriced for what it was. They have put me right off the idea of Scotts.
No-one i know has had the Focus, but if it's that or the Scott, get the Focus. Although i would have said get the Giant, as the Defy 1 is the best bike i've ever ridden at that price range, and a mates (the same Scott ridden ones) all now have Giants (or recently had older models of the Defy 1) and love it to bits... But whatever
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| Aquarius |
Posted on 20-10-2013 11:53
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5220
Joined: 29-11-2006
PCM$: 200.00
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CrueTrue wrote:
The reason why I posted here was mainly to get an opinion on the various parts of each of the bikes. I mean ... I know that a Shimano 105 is preferable over Shimano Tiagra, but other than that I'm lost. For example, do the wheels (Concept EX vs. Syncros Race 28) suck equally much? Crankset - Shimano 34-50 vs. FSA Gossamer Focus? And so on. To me, it's all gibberish
It doesn't really matter, really. At least if they're included in the overall bike weight and that you know that one. If you were to make a pick to equip a bike it could be different though.
As I've never used any of the mentioned parts, some clues about them :
Wheels : the profile (low, average, high) of the rim matters for aerodynamics but makes it harder to handle at high speed when there's side wind. Of course the higher the profile, the heavier the wheel.
Rim material also matters, but going for carbon is far from a necessity, aluminium or carbon + aluminium is more than enough for any non pro or close to pro cyclist.
Number of spokes : the closer to high end material you go, the least spokes you have and they're supposedly more solid, so that enhances aerodynamics and weight. Now it might also make the wheel more fragile.
The hub could be a factor, but the differences in mechanical resistances are quite low, you couldn't tell the difference (neither could I). Annular bearings are better, but I think that's standard nowadays.
Cranksets : I'd rather focus on the levers' length than on anything else when picking a crankset. 170 mm is standard, but it varies between 165 and 180. The smaller it is the easier it is to spin legs, but the least strength you have, and vice-versa. If you've got long thighs bones you could go for 172,5 or 175 mm (which I use).
As for wheels, weight would be a factor, especially as it's a part that's almost always moving relatively to the bike. But if it's already included in the total weight of the bike, it doesn't matter.
There might be the choice of a compact versus a normal size crankset.
Weight is the first issue here again, compacts are lighter, but have less momentum. I may be old-fashioned but I don't want a compact on my road bike, I feel more comfortable with big rings and cogs.
The fact that the model is easy to dismount is also a factor. Not that it happens every other week, but f.e. at my local bike shop they couldn't even dismount mine last Spring because they didn't have the special required Campy tool (not the same one as the one used to mount it).
Again, if you don't intend to ride that much, maybe it's just too much thinking for the difference it will make ? |
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![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
