Road Cycling Essentials

touch · 23 Jul 2013 at 16:26

londonbairn said:
Are headsets easy to fit? Done everything else bar this, wondering to invest in the tools or not. My commuter badly needs a new one

Depends what type of headset.
Integrated headsets usually just sit in a recess in the head tube and dont need any special tools at all.
Old-style headsets need to be pressed into the headtube. You can get a proper headset press to do this, i'v always just used a block of wood and a hammer. As long as your careful at the start and get it going in straight it'll be fine.

dunker · 23 Jul 2013 at 16:26

easy when using something like this,
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=12326
just take your time and go slowly, if the new headset cups ar'nt that tight going in
you might wanna use a loctite medium bearing retainer, worked well for mine

[DOD]Asprilla · 23 Jul 2013 at 16:33

touch said:
Depends what type of headset.
Integrated headsets usually just sit in a recess in the head tube and dont need any special tools at all.
Old-style headsets need to be pressed into the headtube. You can get a proper headset press to do this, i'v always just used a block of wood and a hammer. As long as your careful at the start and get it going in straight it'll be fine.

A star-nut tool also makes it a lot easier to get the star-nut properly aligned. Saves a lot of time getting it right first time.

I've tried using the ghetto headset press made from a threaded bar and some big washers but I've never got it to work.

SoliD · 23 Jul 2013 at 16:37

Whats the default/go to replacement hub if I wanted to purchase one for my rear wheel?

touch · 23 Jul 2013 at 16:39

[DOD]Asprilla;24653663 said:
I've tried using the ghetto headset press made from a threaded bar and some big washers but I've never got it to work.

Yep, i'v tried that also and found the block of wood + hammer method to be much better.
I usually go for a long block of wood (4ft+) as it's easier to keep it flat when you hammer it.

[DOD]Asprilla · 23 Jul 2013 at 16:42

SoliD said:
Whats the default/go to replacement hub if I wanted to purchase one for my rear wheel?

Depends. I recommend Hope Pro3 hubs and Shimano 105 depending on budget.

topgun06 · 23 Jul 2013 at 17:06

[DOD]Asprilla;24653663 said:
I've tried using the ghetto headset press made from a threaded bar and some big washers but I've never got it to work.

I managed to get it to work after many attempts. Such a pain! I had to take the bike to the lbs to get them to remove the old cups though.

I think ill get the proper tool to remove them for next time.

touch · 23 Jul 2013 at 17:19

topgun06 said:
I think ill get the proper tool to remove them for next time.

A removal tool is basically just a bit of metal that you use to hammer them out, isnt it?

grudas · 23 Jul 2013 at 17:20

isn't this like massive value for money?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/facet-9-2011-road-bike-id_8127611.html

if only i had 2k laying around.

InQ · 23 Jul 2013 at 17:41

grudas said:
isn't this like massive value for money?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/facet-9-2011-road-bike-id_8127611.html

if only i had 2k laying around.

No....its very good!

http://www.dolan-bikes.com/index.ph...bike-carbon/dolan-tuono-carbon-road-bike.html

Red 22....

But crap wheels!

Saytan · 23 Jul 2013 at 18:05

touch said:
A removal tool is basically just a bit of metal that you use to hammer them out, isnt it?

it's essentially a split pipe.

SoliD · 23 Jul 2013 at 18:39

[DOD]Asprilla;24653707 said:
Depends. I recommend Hope Pro3 hubs and Shimano 105 depending on budget.

The lower end

Thanks.

godinman · 23 Jul 2013 at 20:17

Got a cat 3 climb in tonight. Good stuff! Jibbed it at first, immediately regretted it so went all the way to the bottom and made myself do the whole thing, and then then back up the other side too, that'll learn me!!

http://app.strava.com/activities/69263072

topgun06 · 23 Jul 2013 at 20:35

touch said:
A removal tool is basically just a bit of metal that you use to hammer them out, isnt it?

Yep. I did toy with the idea of making my own at the time. There were loads of tutorials online.

Vonhelmet · 23 Jul 2013 at 21:45

Managed to get out for a bit over 20 miles this evening. The weather said it was going to bucket down, but I took my raincoat so of course it didn't. I tried to do a cat 2 climb, but I stopped quarter of a mile too short, which is irritating. I was already a mile beyond a sign that said no cycling anyway, and I'd got pretty close to the Winter Hill TV mast and wasn't sure about going any closer. The last bit wasn't even uphill, so I think for all intents and purposes I've done a cat 2, but Strava doesn't have a segment to the point I stopped at. To be honest it was boring once I got to the trespassy bit - nothing to see and a terrible road surface.

My speedo is broken. It's a wired one and one of the wires has come out at the handlebar mount. I can fix it if I solder it back in place and glue the housing up again. DIY project...

touch · 23 Jul 2013 at 23:10

Anybody had a look at the classic segments on strava yet? Looks like a great way to plan your next holiday

A list of the best climbs around.

I'v ridden 3 of the segments (Coll De Soller - Mallorca, Hardknott - Lakes, Bealach Na Ba - North west Scotland). They are all very different climbs but they are all great to ride up. Definitely worth a visit for anybody nearby.
In fact, this has inspired me to go and ride the Bealach Na Ba again. It's only 60 miles from my house and it's been a couple of years since i last did it. I think i'll pop over this weekend and see if i can bag another KOM

platypus · 24 Jul 2013 at 08:24

godinman said:
Got a cat 3 climb in tonight. Good stuff! Jibbed it at first, immediately regretted it so went all the way to the bottom and made myself do the whole thing, and then then back up the other side too, that'll learn me!!

http://app.strava.com/activities/69263072

Great ride

.

platypus · 24 Jul 2013 at 08:28

touch said:
Anybody had a look at the classic segments on strava yet? Looks like a great way to plan your next holiday A list of the best climbs around.

I'v ridden 3 of the segments (Coll De Soller - Mallorca, Hardknott - Lakes, Bealach Na Ba - North west Scotland). They are all very different climbs but they are all great to ride up. Definitely worth a visit for anybody nearby.
In fact, this has inspired me to go and ride the Bealach Na Ba again. It's only 60 miles from my house and it's been a couple of years since i last did it. I think i'll pop over this weekend and see if i can bag another KOM

Hmmm, anyone fancy a week in Mallorca hiring bikes?

platypus · 24 Jul 2013 at 08:36

[DOD]Asprilla;24653707 said:
Depends. I recommend Hope Pro3 hubs and Shimano 105 depending on budget.

How difficult is it to replace a hub?

Though having said that I'm thinking that the next upgrade for me will be some climbing wheels.

Saytan · 24 Jul 2013 at 08:38

platypus said:
How difficult is it to replace a hub?

Though having said that I'm thinking that the next upgrade for me will be some climbing wheels.

it's not difficult, but it is involved. Roger Musson's ebook is a great start.