The cycling thread

[simon ward 50]

Awful news

[JD]

It is Simon. Absolutely ludicrous to have and downhill finish. 

[charlatan]

Doesn't seem to me that the finish was to blame. The last few hundred metres were flat and this sort of accident would have been just as likely if there had been an extra few km on the flat at the finish as is common.

[JD]

Doesn't seem to me that the finish was to blame. The last few hundred metres were flat and this sort of accident would have been just as likely if there had been an extra few km on the flat at the finish as is common.

Fair enough. I just read some comments from some of the riders. Maybe they were just over emotional.

[simon ward 50]

Doesn't seem to me that the finish was to blame. The last few hundred metres were flat and this sort of accident would have been just as likely if there had been an extra few km on the flat at the finish as is common.

Fair enough. I just read some comments from some of the riders. Maybe they were just over emotional.

I think its is the cumulative effect of a long uphill climb where you need all your energy and then a long downhill chase to the finish that was being criticised?

[simon ward 50]

NO Froome at the TDF this year!

[Jon Crofts]

Have you seen his statement on why? Bad equipment according to Froome.

[usav]

Have you seen his statement on why? Bad equipment according to Froome.

Do the bikes really make that much of a difference?  Surely they all have the same technology and it's 99% down to the rider.  I can see the supporting cast within your team being way more important than the bike itself.

[Jon Crofts]

To be fair he had a couple of mechanicals in the season but at the end of the day if you’re not push the numbers you aren’t riding the tour.

[simon ward 50]

Have you seen his statement on why? Bad equipment according to Froome.

A poor workman always blames his tools?

[Jon Crofts]

No G at TdF but not a surprise as I think he said early season Giro and Vuelta were the A races.

[manic-road]

I'm after some cycling advice: I cycle with toestraps and have done for years, is it worth changing to SPD pedals and shoes? (Giant Defy Advanced 2)

[Jon Crofts]

Definitely worth changing to clipless pedals like SPD SL for the Giant. You’ll transfer power much better and they’ll encourage a much better pedal stroke as you’ll be able to deliver power all the way through the stroke with clipless. Also much easier to get in and out of the pedal without fannying about with toe lips and straps. If you can afford it then a full carbon or carbon impregnated soled shoe will be stiffer and more efficient too. One last thing is get the cleats fitted at your LBS so you don’t end up shagging your knees or heel rubbing the chainstay of your bike with a poorly adjusted cleat.

[manic-road]

Definitely worth changing to clipless pedals like SPD SL for the Giant. You’ll transfer power much better and they’ll encourage a much better pedal stroke as you’ll be able to deliver power all the way through the stroke with clipless. Also much easier to get in and out of the pedal without fannying about with toe lips and straps. If you can afford it then a full carbon or carbon impregnated soled shoe will be stiffer and more efficient too. One last thing is get the cleats fitted at your LBS so you don’t end up shagging your knees or heel rubbing the chainstay of your bike with a poorly adjusted cleat.

Cheers Jon that's much appreciated advice especially about getting them fitted at my local bike store, I'll get some this week.

[Somniloquism]

With the cleats, think about your riding style and how much walking you might be doing as well before purchasing pedals and shoes.

SPD’s. (The ones your probably mentioned) are two screw metal plates with pedals that can be one sided (normally with flat) or dual sided. They are mostly looked at as gravel / mtb ones but I would recommend these if will be walking more or just tootling along rather than exerting with speed. Go for ones with a wider platform for support as the smaller cleat area can cause hotspots on your feet. The cleats are normally recessed slightly on most shoes.

SPD-SL’s are more for racing and the cleats are exposed more. They are normally three bolt ans made from durable plastic, but will wear more with walking, plus awkward to walk in anyway. Go for these if wanting more performance.

As you are going defy which is more endurance then speed, I’m guessing the former is the ones you need.