The Velotard Thread.

[machin05]

Stalker :icon_lol:

Yeah, Strava isn't really reliable for gradients, IME.

 

[Wombat del combate]

I agree. Obviously if it gives a better reading then it is accurate.

 

[machin05]

Good deal if anyone is looking for a cycling jacket - https://www.evanscycles.com/endura-windchill-ii-jacket-EV184258

 

[lemonjelly]

Missed it! (they only have black small remaining)
Need to keep em peeled for a new helmet (fnaar!) and I'd like to get some additional lights. Parents have said they'll give me the cash fro christmas to get them in the january sales, however if a bargain comes up, I'll happily purchase early.

 

[Pompey Wolf]

I'm looking for a new jacket for Christmas. Doing the Ronde van Flanderen sportive end of March so could do with upgrading my winter gear for the months ahead. Shame it was only S left, you pretty much have to be a race weight Nairo Quintana to get into that!

 

[Penk Wolf]

I find these have the best cycling gear whether that's winter or summer.

https://www.lapassione.cc

 

[Pompey Wolf]

Cheers mate, will have a look.

 

[lemonjelly]

Several incidents of the chain slipping on my bike this week. Gonna have to take it for a service, but am confused, as never done this before. I clean it every week. Is it likely to be down to the cold temperatures?

 

[Wombat del combate]

Worn chain is my guess.

 

[machin05]

I think it can affect your cable tensions which would stop it holding gear. Is it slipping out of gear on the rear cassette? If it's dropping down the cassette into a smaller cog (higher gear) then you need to add more cable tension. This can be done using the barrel adjuster on your gear shifter (presuming you have MTB style shifters)

Turn it quarter a turn anti-clockwise. Loosening the barrel adds tension to cable. If it makes no difference, do another quarter turn. If it doesn't get any better you may need a new gear cable or chain. If your chain has stretched, you'll need a new cassette too.

 

[SLA]

Worn chain is my guess.

This. Or worn teeth on the cassette. That was causing slipping on mine in the summer.

 

[Keef]

Probably worn chain,get a chain checker for about a fiver,bit of metal that if it fits between the links on the chain,tells you when your chain is worn

 

[lemonjelly]

Fuck, hope not. Only bought the fecker in january... Only do 35 miles a week too.

PS thanks for the replies all. Will examine it over the weekend. We have a service place at work where I might take it to (can get a free annual service here).

 

[Wombat del combate]

35 miles a week by, let's be generous and say 45 weeks, is over 1,500 miles, mate. That's a fair way and I'd expect to see components such as a chain start to wear out by then. Also depends on how well you've looked after it.

 

[Keef]

If you're not looking after it,a chain wears pretty quick,use the bike often enough it becomes a consumable,like tyres and brake pads,you've done about 1400 miles,could be not far off its last legs tbh

 

[SLA]

So LJ is now feeling pretty good about himself having pedalled enough miles to wear out his bike.

 

[lemonjelly]

Appreciate all the replies folks. Have tried to look after the bike as well as I can, but I'm a novice, so it really helps learning this stuff from you. Will have a proper look at it next week.
Appreciate everyones suggestions as to what to look at on the bike too. Will look at the chain and cassette, and get it fixed over the christmas shutdown.

 

[Wombat del combate]

Or, he's tearfully gazing at his cassette which is now nothing but a toothy cone of grinding paste.

 

[Wombat del combate]

Appreciate all the replies folks. Have tried to look after the bike as well as I can, but I'm a novice, so it really helps learning this stuff from you. Will have a proper look at it next week.
Appreciate everyones suggestions as to what to look at on the bike too. Will look at the chain and cassette, and get it fixed over the christmas shutdown.

Get the following:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/muc-off-drivetrain-cleaner-500ml/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/muc-off-water-soluble-degreaser-500ml-aerosol/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/muc-off-5-cleaning-brush-set/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/muc-off-dry-lube-120ml/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/muc-off-wet-lube-120ml/

And then rejoice in getting your cassette as bright and shiny as it was when new, as I do.

 

[Keef]

If you want to have a bash at fixing it yourself,
Park tools
R j the bike guy on YouTube are great channels and the halfords tool kit is a good starting point