Right, I've been looking at bikes all week but think I might actually spring for more and get a new bike from Evans. I know they're common as muck but thinking about the Specialized Allez Sport 2016. Gets really good reviews and I can get it on finance too.
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MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2017
Moderator: Regional Reps
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MR2Jay
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Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
No complaints here bud....Seems a really good bike 
Another couple to consider at that price range are
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/avanti-giro-ar-1-2016/
**Biased Choice** http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-z100-2016/
Can't hurt to have options....I know I tried a couple before I settled on my Kona. That's the beauty of buying new. Trying it for size, you'll know if it feels right
Another couple to consider at that price range are
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/avanti-giro-ar-1-2016/
**Biased Choice** http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-z100-2016/
Can't hurt to have options....I know I tried a couple before I settled on my Kona. That's the beauty of buying new. Trying it for size, you'll know if it feels right
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baileydom
Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
Even better I've just found I can get discount through works rewards system.
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MR2Jay
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Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
Haha, the old "cycle to work" scheme? Good effort
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baileydom
Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
Nope not cycle to work. We're administered by Kent county council and they have something called 'Kent rewards'. 15% off at Evans
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MR2Jay
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Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
Awesome... I think we have a winner then? 
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baileydom
Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
Absolutely. Tomorrow afternoons job sorted.
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MR2Jay
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Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
Ok, so here we are....we roughly know the team that is attempting this, most of us have bikes which will do the job. Now comes the gruelling part. Training.
What we are effectively aiming for is achieving approximately 90 miles a day for 2 days straight. Throw into that a day of quite intense hills and I think it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that rocking up on the day and expecting it to just happen is a bit optimistic to coin a phrase.
So how do we prepare for this? Thankfully, we have plenty of time to get to a level where we can cope with this provided we know what we are doing and understand how to push that little bit further without injuring ourselves.
What do people think? What should we be aiming for at this early stage?
Personally, I am looking to increase my distance on a bike over the week as a target (last week was 40 miles for example, this week I'm looking to beat 60). I'm also spending time in the gym working on strength training to increase the muscle capacity I have. Whether this is right or wrong, I have no idea. Personally I'd like a bit of guidance as to what I should be looking to achieve.
On a side note, I am gradually upgrading my road bike for this event. I have now fitted the bike with a pump and a small emergency wheel repair pack (inner tube and tyre levers) mounted in a small bag under the saddle. I've also bought a new saddle for the road bike as I am finding the longer I spend in the stock one, the more uncomforatble it becomes. This is due to the design and shape of the saddle concentrating pressure in places. Combine this with the new handlebar tape and it is gradually coming together. I have a spare set of wheels I might swtich in with new tyres soon for training but I'll be upgrading the wheels before May.
What we are effectively aiming for is achieving approximately 90 miles a day for 2 days straight. Throw into that a day of quite intense hills and I think it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that rocking up on the day and expecting it to just happen is a bit optimistic to coin a phrase.
So how do we prepare for this? Thankfully, we have plenty of time to get to a level where we can cope with this provided we know what we are doing and understand how to push that little bit further without injuring ourselves.
What do people think? What should we be aiming for at this early stage?
Personally, I am looking to increase my distance on a bike over the week as a target (last week was 40 miles for example, this week I'm looking to beat 60). I'm also spending time in the gym working on strength training to increase the muscle capacity I have. Whether this is right or wrong, I have no idea. Personally I'd like a bit of guidance as to what I should be looking to achieve.
On a side note, I am gradually upgrading my road bike for this event. I have now fitted the bike with a pump and a small emergency wheel repair pack (inner tube and tyre levers) mounted in a small bag under the saddle. I've also bought a new saddle for the road bike as I am finding the longer I spend in the stock one, the more uncomforatble it becomes. This is due to the design and shape of the saddle concentrating pressure in places. Combine this with the new handlebar tape and it is gradually coming together. I have a spare set of wheels I might swtich in with new tyres soon for training but I'll be upgrading the wheels before May.
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vinp182
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Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
I'll be sorting a bike out and getting out on it after my holidays
I already go running/training (instructor lead) twice a week and circuit training once a week at least along with the odd trail ride over Cannock chase to keep my fitness up
I already go running/training (instructor lead) twice a week and circuit training once a week at least along with the odd trail ride over Cannock chase to keep my fitness up
Cars suck donkey balls
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MRturboTom
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Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
https://www.strava.com/clubs/214040
strava club made up, would be good to get you all on there.
Prep is key, I can comfortably manage a 20mph average speed, I'm not expecting us to be doing that, but I think it's good for the group to at least have one strong rider to keep you all motivated.
I think the goal would be for people to try and aim to get themselves to a 15mph average speed,this is where strava helps.
You don't need to be doing 90 mile rides before this event, but doing a few 90+ miles a week will certainly help, longest day in the saddle I have had is 12 hours and felt completely fine and rode the following day .
You need to make sure the bicycle is set up comfortably, clothing is comfortable and versatile, try different drinks, like SIS Go for energy and hydration. try light snacks like flapjacks and jelly babies for energy food on the go.
Getting to grips with what you need on the journey,
I have a saddle bag with inner tubes, pump,levers, patches and multi tool,few energy bars and energy drink powder sachets.
I will probably wear bib shorts and a short sleeve jersey,so weather dependent may need sun cream, I will likely wear a gilet and have pocket sized jacket in my jersey pocket,along with a bag of jelly babies.
I recommend you all getting yourself a tub of chamois cream and maybe some recovery drinks to aid you for the following day.
I will literally take my house door key, cash card and a couple notes,wallet and all other bulk left at home.
I'll keep the stuff for the evening/overnight bag to an absolute minimum.
Lights may be required if it becomes over cast or the day gets on.
I'd advise getting yourself some good drinking bottles,good ones don't have the strong plastic taste.
I'd also train ride with the bottles full for added weight, getting used to that will help
strava club made up, would be good to get you all on there.
Prep is key, I can comfortably manage a 20mph average speed, I'm not expecting us to be doing that, but I think it's good for the group to at least have one strong rider to keep you all motivated.
I think the goal would be for people to try and aim to get themselves to a 15mph average speed,this is where strava helps.
You don't need to be doing 90 mile rides before this event, but doing a few 90+ miles a week will certainly help, longest day in the saddle I have had is 12 hours and felt completely fine and rode the following day .
You need to make sure the bicycle is set up comfortably, clothing is comfortable and versatile, try different drinks, like SIS Go for energy and hydration. try light snacks like flapjacks and jelly babies for energy food on the go.
Getting to grips with what you need on the journey,
I have a saddle bag with inner tubes, pump,levers, patches and multi tool,few energy bars and energy drink powder sachets.
I will probably wear bib shorts and a short sleeve jersey,so weather dependent may need sun cream, I will likely wear a gilet and have pocket sized jacket in my jersey pocket,along with a bag of jelly babies.
I recommend you all getting yourself a tub of chamois cream and maybe some recovery drinks to aid you for the following day.
I will literally take my house door key, cash card and a couple notes,wallet and all other bulk left at home.
I'll keep the stuff for the evening/overnight bag to an absolute minimum.
Lights may be required if it becomes over cast or the day gets on.
I'd advise getting yourself some good drinking bottles,good ones don't have the strong plastic taste.
I'd also train ride with the bottles full for added weight, getting used to that will help
'94 Mk2 Rev 3 GT-S 295 fwhp @1.2 bar
'93 Mk2 Rev 2 GT-S 296 fwbhp @ 0.9bar
'93 Mk2 Rev 2 GT-S 296 fwbhp @ 0.9bar
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MR2Jay
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Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
Joined the Strava club
90 miles a week? That sounds like a lot but I'm gradually getting there. It's the average speed I think I need to work on first. I'm currently averaging at about 13mph so I'm not a million miles away. I'm right on target for my 60 mile goal for this week though. Thankfully we have a while before the event to bring up my stats
Just ordered a new rear cassette and chain for the Felt so I can put the Maddux R3.0 wheels I bought a few weeks ago at a car boot on. The replacement cassette is an 8 speed 11/32 Shimano unit which gives a great range of gears on this bike. With the new chain, new tyres (Michelin Lithion 2) and inner tubes as well as the new cassette, it rapidly becoming a new bike for a fraction of the cost
Saddle has arrived today so it looks like the entire bike is going to get an overhaul this weekend. Think I'll be skipping the main run and concentrate on rebuilding and tuning the bike. I'll have a short blast once it's all together just to make sure it's all good
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90 miles a week? That sounds like a lot but I'm gradually getting there. It's the average speed I think I need to work on first. I'm currently averaging at about 13mph so I'm not a million miles away. I'm right on target for my 60 mile goal for this week though. Thankfully we have a while before the event to bring up my stats
Just ordered a new rear cassette and chain for the Felt so I can put the Maddux R3.0 wheels I bought a few weeks ago at a car boot on. The replacement cassette is an 8 speed 11/32 Shimano unit which gives a great range of gears on this bike. With the new chain, new tyres (Michelin Lithion 2) and inner tubes as well as the new cassette, it rapidly becoming a new bike for a fraction of the cost
Saddle has arrived today so it looks like the entire bike is going to get an overhaul this weekend. Think I'll be skipping the main run and concentrate on rebuilding and tuning the bike. I'll have a short blast once it's all together just to make sure it's all good
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1993 Revision 3 Turbo - Restoration Underway
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MR2Jay
Topic author - Posts: 4966
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Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
Busy weekend ahead of me on the bike
Managed to get to 53 miles so far this week with an extended ride home tonight taking it up to 65 miles - ahead of my target distance
Upgrade time tomorrow though, got this little lot to install along with new wheels I managed to pick up at a bargain basement price at a car boot a few weeks ago
Plan is to fit all of that and make adjustments tomorrow to get it where I want it and then tackle a 30 mile ride out on Sunday.
My biggest problem seems to be my average speed, it's nowhere near high enough cruising at around 13mph. I need to raise this by 2mph while working on my endurance. If I can get my average distance per week up to the 90 miles, I can then start seeing about tackling longer distance rides at the weekend to train my body to cope with the prolonged effort
Fundraising is going REALLY well already and thanks go out to whoever has already supported us, both from the OC and elsewhere. We have now reached 6% of our target already with new supporters coming in all the time
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MR2OC
Managed to get to 53 miles so far this week with an extended ride home tonight taking it up to 65 miles - ahead of my target distance
Upgrade time tomorrow though, got this little lot to install along with new wheels I managed to pick up at a bargain basement price at a car boot a few weeks ago
Plan is to fit all of that and make adjustments tomorrow to get it where I want it and then tackle a 30 mile ride out on Sunday.
My biggest problem seems to be my average speed, it's nowhere near high enough cruising at around 13mph. I need to raise this by 2mph while working on my endurance. If I can get my average distance per week up to the 90 miles, I can then start seeing about tackling longer distance rides at the weekend to train my body to cope with the prolonged effort
Fundraising is going REALLY well already and thanks go out to whoever has already supported us, both from the OC and elsewhere. We have now reached 6% of our target already with new supporters coming in all the time
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MR2OC
1993 Revision 3 Turbo - Restoration Underway
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MRturboTom
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Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
http://guides.wiggle.co.uk/beginners-sp ... campaign=-
Some useful training information with this link, although we aren't doing a sportive it's a very similar event.
Speed comes with time, but the only way to get faster is to go faster. Also no traffic /junctions really aid average speed
Some useful training information with this link, although we aren't doing a sportive it's a very similar event.
Speed comes with time, but the only way to get faster is to go faster. Also no traffic /junctions really aid average speed
'94 Mk2 Rev 3 GT-S 295 fwhp @1.2 bar
'93 Mk2 Rev 2 GT-S 296 fwbhp @ 0.9bar
'93 Mk2 Rev 2 GT-S 296 fwbhp @ 0.9bar
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MR2Jay
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Re: MR2OC Way Of The Roses Macmillan Cycle Challenge - May 2
Some great advice there Tom
OK, clothing? What do people think is a bare minimum that we'll need for this?
I've already done something I swore I'd never do and bought some bib shorts (which look ridiculous I have to say) but what about waterproof layers? Long sleeve/short sleeve? Footwear?
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OK, clothing? What do people think is a bare minimum that we'll need for this?
I've already done something I swore I'd never do and bought some bib shorts (which look ridiculous I have to say) but what about waterproof layers? Long sleeve/short sleeve? Footwear?
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1993 Revision 3 Turbo - Restoration Underway
