Domestic "tit for tat", ends in BMC pro-machine. Problems.
Discussion
In scenes reminiscant of a Cold War arms build up (wife keeps booking frikkin holidays, so I need new shiny stuff), I've just acquired a new bike. Bought on a total whim as it seemed a whole lot of bike with Ultegra vajazzle for not a lot of dosh (yes, yes, yes I know I could have got a Canyon or Cube for slightly less but I wanted it now and LBS says no Carbon Cubes til 2013, anyway I digress).
I'll try not to repeat threads, but I have 2 problems that I would benefit with some advise on from the PH collective hive.
The first problem is, I'm possibly "over-biked", and fear a lot of inverse snobbery / all the gear, no idea tag. I'm not a total beginner (nor is it my first bike, I have a LeMond Tourmalet, although suspect the wife will E-bay it) riding on and off (solo) for a few years, but recently my riding has been confined to the gym bike due to "Fair Weather" cycling disease. In order to reduce "over-bikededness" I want to get out more, but the local clubs seem to have 2 rides. The one for bearded types on all manner of mixed stuff (even some sort of odd lie-down contraption) wanting to do 20miles @ 14mph (rest halfway) and with lots of rules about maintaining the slowest riders pace (which I guess is fair enough), or all out chain gang 20mph / 50 mile minimum rides. I "seem" to fall between the 2 groups. Should I just start with the lower group and train up myself (solo) or is there a non-gay way / etiquette of meeting people to cycle with? Is there an ideal frequency of rides that I should be doing to at least look remotely competent. I had been riding 20miles in circa 1:07 (17-18mph) outside, and on the gym-bike (currently) 20 miles (over the hill program, middle resistance) in 1.02. Am I deluded that I fit between the 2 groups? I don't want to waste anyone's time or be sneered at, but it seems all a bit daunting; especially as it seems cyclists come in 2 shapes - bearded militants with helmet cams or the bronzed 6ft 2 Adonis on a Cervelo.
The second problem I have is a bit vain, and I fear the wrath; but I assume it's a bit passé to wear branded jerseys or be head to toe in Rapha (I'm neither). I want some new cycling gear to ride in, but want to get the balance right. Of course some will say Lidl etc; but if I feel good in riding gear / what I'm riding there has to be a psychological impact and I will get out more. I realise this is making me sound like a ponce, but what are the fashion faux-pas to avoid? I fear the day I will be picked off by some guy on a Boris bike or dreadlocked single speeder, for looking too flash. How do I avoid this?
I'll try not to repeat threads, but I have 2 problems that I would benefit with some advise on from the PH collective hive.
The first problem is, I'm possibly "over-biked", and fear a lot of inverse snobbery / all the gear, no idea tag. I'm not a total beginner (nor is it my first bike, I have a LeMond Tourmalet, although suspect the wife will E-bay it) riding on and off (solo) for a few years, but recently my riding has been confined to the gym bike due to "Fair Weather" cycling disease. In order to reduce "over-bikededness" I want to get out more, but the local clubs seem to have 2 rides. The one for bearded types on all manner of mixed stuff (even some sort of odd lie-down contraption) wanting to do 20miles @ 14mph (rest halfway) and with lots of rules about maintaining the slowest riders pace (which I guess is fair enough), or all out chain gang 20mph / 50 mile minimum rides. I "seem" to fall between the 2 groups. Should I just start with the lower group and train up myself (solo) or is there a non-gay way / etiquette of meeting people to cycle with? Is there an ideal frequency of rides that I should be doing to at least look remotely competent. I had been riding 20miles in circa 1:07 (17-18mph) outside, and on the gym-bike (currently) 20 miles (over the hill program, middle resistance) in 1.02. Am I deluded that I fit between the 2 groups? I don't want to waste anyone's time or be sneered at, but it seems all a bit daunting; especially as it seems cyclists come in 2 shapes - bearded militants with helmet cams or the bronzed 6ft 2 Adonis on a Cervelo.
The second problem I have is a bit vain, and I fear the wrath; but I assume it's a bit passé to wear branded jerseys or be head to toe in Rapha (I'm neither). I want some new cycling gear to ride in, but want to get the balance right. Of course some will say Lidl etc; but if I feel good in riding gear / what I'm riding there has to be a psychological impact and I will get out more. I realise this is making me sound like a ponce, but what are the fashion faux-pas to avoid? I fear the day I will be picked off by some guy on a Boris bike or dreadlocked single speeder, for looking too flash. How do I avoid this?
1/ ride your bike and dont give a f
k what others think. You can tell people who have ever owned a Boardman in the past because we all have this attitude. Do you think the bald guy in his fifties in the ferrari gives a flying toss he only uses it in the summer to drive to a country pub and make a fuss in the car park? Also, its funny how we (me included) refer to it as "over-biked" but never "under-performing" 
2/ Any idiiot can be uncomfortable on a bike. If i see a rider head to toe in Assos/Castelli i simply think "git, i bet hes comfier than me". if i see a rider in "lidl" or "sports direct" gear I cringe becuase i know how uncomfortable they must be after 50 miles....
k what others think. You can tell people who have ever owned a Boardman in the past because we all have this attitude. Do you think the bald guy in his fifties in the ferrari gives a flying toss he only uses it in the summer to drive to a country pub and make a fuss in the car park? Also, its funny how we (me included) refer to it as "over-biked" but never "under-performing" 2/ Any idiiot can be uncomfortable on a bike. If i see a rider head to toe in Assos/Castelli i simply think "git, i bet hes comfier than me". if i see a rider in "lidl" or "sports direct" gear I cringe becuase i know how uncomfortable they must be after 50 miles....
Well if its any consolation, I am definately over biked - a hybird would suit my needs and over dressed.
But what the hell, I ride for me and will wear what makes me feel good.
TBH I don't understand this over-dressed/ biked marlarky. I mean I wear an fancy watch to work, or an expensive shirt to an office, no-one says I am over dressed.
In terms of the club thing, I think you would get bored in the slow group and the fast group would probably encourage you to raise your game. So I am plumping for the fast group
But what the hell, I ride for me and will wear what makes me feel good.
TBH I don't understand this over-dressed/ biked marlarky. I mean I wear an fancy watch to work, or an expensive shirt to an office, no-one says I am over dressed.
In terms of the club thing, I think you would get bored in the slow group and the fast group would probably encourage you to raise your game. So I am plumping for the fast group
Quick question, where do you live? have you checked out the CTC for local groups? You might also want to look at www.goskyride.com for lead rides, they are spreading around the country now, and even have a section for organising group rides. The Ride Well standard might be a little slow for you, but the ride strong might do for adding to your cycling with the wierdy beardy types.
To add to the above post there is also http://www.cyclingbuddy.com where you can search for other local riders of a similar fittness level to ride with.
Ride with the fast group for as long as you can keep up, then peel off and go home or complete the distance at your own pace.
Comfort is the main thing with your gear - there's plenty to choose from the likes of Altura, Endura, Pearl Izumi etc etc that doesn't have to be massively branded.
Just don't expect anyone to talk to you if you buy a Foska Marmite jersey...
Comfort is the main thing with your gear - there's plenty to choose from the likes of Altura, Endura, Pearl Izumi etc etc that doesn't have to be massively branded.
Just don't expect anyone to talk to you if you buy a Foska Marmite jersey...
IroningMan said:
Ride with the fast group for as long as you can keep up, then peel off and go home or complete the distance at your own pace.
Comfort is the main thing with your gear - there's plenty to choose from the likes of Altura, Endura, Pearl Izumi etc etc that doesn't have to be massively branded.
Just don't expect anyone to talk to you if you buy a Foska Marmite jersey...
Funny enough, when I bought my last bike, I got one of their "London Pride" jerseys. Comfort is the main thing with your gear - there's plenty to choose from the likes of Altura, Endura, Pearl Izumi etc etc that doesn't have to be massively branded.
Just don't expect anyone to talk to you if you buy a Foska Marmite jersey...
I must have got carried away on the whole "jaunty" dress thingy. With the riding cap as well, I must have looked more "festive" than Christmas.
IMHO, one can never be over-biked, and "all the gear and no idea" will only apply if you deserve it. There seems little point in buying a cheap bike with the intention of upgrading later when you have learned the tricks of the trade, so to speak. Waste of money.
The very best cycling clubs should have a run to suit you and you ability. If you have normal ability and are keen, you will improve rapidly. Strength and stamina are not all you have to develop - the skills of riding, both alone and in a group need to be acquired.
"The school of hard knocks" and "Survival of the fittest" are good descriptions of club cycling. There is very little active mentoring, you are expected to learn by example.
As for clobber, wear what you think suits you. In most clubs, you are expected to buy a club jersey at the very least. It shows you want to fit in and be one of the boys.
The very best cycling clubs should have a run to suit you and you ability. If you have normal ability and are keen, you will improve rapidly. Strength and stamina are not all you have to develop - the skills of riding, both alone and in a group need to be acquired.
"The school of hard knocks" and "Survival of the fittest" are good descriptions of club cycling. There is very little active mentoring, you are expected to learn by example.
As for clobber, wear what you think suits you. In most clubs, you are expected to buy a club jersey at the very least. It shows you want to fit in and be one of the boys.
This is exactly the problem I had!
Firstly, I asked around for more cycle clubs until I found one which looks like it might fit (Clarencourt in Epsom if you're anywhere near this part of the South East). They have the slow (approx. 30 miles at 12mph) and fast (around 60-80 miles at 16mph) rides on a Saturday morning, but also have an intermediate ride (around 50 miles at 14mph) on Sunday mornings.
I tried the slow ride for the first time this morning, and confirmed it's rather too slow for me, so I just added more on and took myself up to 50 miles. It's the first time I've done 50 miles, and having someone else to ride with for the first half before I split off certainly helped.
Once the mini-rugby season (which I coach) finishes in 3 weeks, I'm planning to ride with the intermediate group over the summer, and hopefully get myself into the top group by the time rugby starts again in September.
As for the bike, I'm riding a £2,300 De Rosa, and even with 18 stone of me sat on top of it, I've had nothing but obviously genuine compliments about it, even from people going past me at twice my speed on the way up Box Hill this morning!
I don't know if it's just because it's not a typical "buying it for the name" sort of bike, but people's reactions have been really nice without exception.
Firstly, I asked around for more cycle clubs until I found one which looks like it might fit (Clarencourt in Epsom if you're anywhere near this part of the South East). They have the slow (approx. 30 miles at 12mph) and fast (around 60-80 miles at 16mph) rides on a Saturday morning, but also have an intermediate ride (around 50 miles at 14mph) on Sunday mornings.
I tried the slow ride for the first time this morning, and confirmed it's rather too slow for me, so I just added more on and took myself up to 50 miles. It's the first time I've done 50 miles, and having someone else to ride with for the first half before I split off certainly helped.
Once the mini-rugby season (which I coach) finishes in 3 weeks, I'm planning to ride with the intermediate group over the summer, and hopefully get myself into the top group by the time rugby starts again in September.
As for the bike, I'm riding a £2,300 De Rosa, and even with 18 stone of me sat on top of it, I've had nothing but obviously genuine compliments about it, even from people going past me at twice my speed on the way up Box Hill this morning!
I don't know if it's just because it's not a typical "buying it for the name" sort of bike, but people's reactions have been really nice without exception. Right ready for tomorrow. Done a bit of research, found the local clubs and approximate route, will shadow them and see if I can keep up (if so politely introduce myself).
The North Kent weather looks ok, albeit a tad cold. Fortunately, Condor has deals on their winter gear, so picked up some end of season Assos winter gear for the same price as a night oat the Romainian ballet (ladies of the pole)...
The North Kent weather looks ok, albeit a tad cold. Fortunately, Condor has deals on their winter gear, so picked up some end of season Assos winter gear for the same price as a night oat the Romainian ballet (ladies of the pole)...
stongle said:
Right ready for tomorrow. Done a bit of research, found the local clubs and approximate route, will shadow them and see if I can keep up (if so politely introduce myself).
Just politely introduce yourself at the start. Whether you can keep up or not, it's going to look better than stalking them from the other side of the road until they head off! 
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