Road Cycling
Posted by: garyi on 19 June 2004
Having wanted a racer for sometime I was tempted by a bike I saw in Halfords of all places, so I got it:
Because Halfords is staffed by monkeys they wern't able to process the payment on Thursday, so I started on one Today about how they offered to throw in a helmet etc (different monkeys). So by the end of it I had a 50 quid helmet, riding gloves, two water bottles and fixtures and Sigmas most expensive speedo (well in the shop anyway) at no extra charge. So I am well pleased.
So does anyone ride in the Herts area want to allow a newbie on board?
One question regarding the gearing, its fully 105 throughout (I believe this was a good level in my youf) but when I was younger I didn't have the new fangled gearing that this bike has, its all built into the brake levers, to moving up the gears you push the brake lever in, I seem to have to move it a fair old way before it moves the gears, can this be adjusted?
I have been out for a jaunt and remember just how dangerous racing is, no one see you, I don't know why its different to being on the road with a mountain bike, but I nearly got killed twice today, I never felt this unsafe on a mountain bike
Because Halfords is staffed by monkeys they wern't able to process the payment on Thursday, so I started on one Today about how they offered to throw in a helmet etc (different monkeys). So by the end of it I had a 50 quid helmet, riding gloves, two water bottles and fixtures and Sigmas most expensive speedo (well in the shop anyway) at no extra charge. So I am well pleased.
So does anyone ride in the Herts area want to allow a newbie on board?
One question regarding the gearing, its fully 105 throughout (I believe this was a good level in my youf) but when I was younger I didn't have the new fangled gearing that this bike has, its all built into the brake levers, to moving up the gears you push the brake lever in, I seem to have to move it a fair old way before it moves the gears, can this be adjusted?
I have been out for a jaunt and remember just how dangerous racing is, no one see you, I don't know why its different to being on the road with a mountain bike, but I nearly got killed twice today, I never felt this unsafe on a mountain bike
gary -
Nice bike - those Carrerras look like good VFM.
You can't adjust the shift in the way you suggest - but you'll get used to it. I suspect you're referring to the change down in gear by moving the LH brake level inwards. I've never really seen it as a problem - maybe it's a question of getting used to it. Campag has a slightly nicer shift action, but I prefer Shimano for other reasons. 105 is a good groupset and should last a long time.
You'll get more comfortable and more stable on the road in time. After a while you might consider replacing the pedals and straps with clipless Look or Shimano pedals, and flipping the handlebar stem to give you a lower position at the front. Oh, and take the reflectors off the wheels...
Tim
Nice bike - those Carrerras look like good VFM.
You can't adjust the shift in the way you suggest - but you'll get used to it. I suspect you're referring to the change down in gear by moving the LH brake level inwards. I've never really seen it as a problem - maybe it's a question of getting used to it. Campag has a slightly nicer shift action, but I prefer Shimano for other reasons. 105 is a good groupset and should last a long time.
You'll get more comfortable and more stable on the road in time. After a while you might consider replacing the pedals and straps with clipless Look or Shimano pedals, and flipping the handlebar stem to give you a lower position at the front. Oh, and take the reflectors off the wheels...
Tim
Gary
Well done !!
I've recently bought a bike too and I am loving it. Just remember that each time you go out is better than the last and the next time will be better again
I was also a little concerned by the gearshift action but you'll soon get used to it. I have teh Ultegra groupset and I am sure the "feel" is similar.
Get new pedals ASAP - I bought LOOK ones at £37 that use shoeplates. Absolutely superb to use once you master the clip/release method.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Well done !!
I've recently bought a bike too and I am loving it. Just remember that each time you go out is better than the last and the next time will be better again
I was also a little concerned by the gearshift action but you'll soon get used to it. I have teh Ultegra groupset and I am sure the "feel" is similar.
Get new pedals ASAP - I bought LOOK ones at £37 that use shoeplates. Absolutely superb to use once you master the clip/release method.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!