https://silca.cc/products/omata-imperial

Just got a text from Silca bout this product. I think it's fancy and all. As I understand it, it has a GPS unit inside but that data is converted into analog gauges and lacks a lot of the "distractions" we've come to love. It's $800 cheap but, IMO, has a very high "wow factor." I'm not sure though if i'm wowing it for coolness or its audacity.

I don't have "throw away" money but if I did, I'm not convinced I'd throw it away on this....not convinced I wouldn't, either.

Hi,

I just got rainbow jersey (the exact as tadej was riding in, from his shop) as a gift.

Is using this shirt still a faux pas?

I know people spend a lot of money on this gift, also jersey is great quality. But it feels like I would be embarrassed wearing it, as I didn't earned it.

Let me know what you think

I did a ride today on my e-bike, not super far maybe like 2-3 miles and back just down the road. But had to ride on the typical american 4 lane stroads (2 one way 2 the other). I only top out at like 22 mph and I just get constant anxiety being on the road. I've been driving (a car) for like a decade now, I know how cars think and the rules of the road. But something about being on a bike changes things.

I'm so slow at 20 mph or so, that cars awkwardly have to scoot around me constantly or stay stuck behind me (and I feel bad because of that). Every minute I spend on the road I want to go back to the sidewalk to stay out of people's way. But every minute I spend on the sidewalk I want to get off the rough sidewalk (and away from home & business driveways) to get back to more space on the road to breathe and cruise.

Makes me wish I just had a motorcycle in that case, at least I could keep up with traffic and not be as much of a bother to people.

Context: Live in rural (small town) Tennessee, USA, if that helps at all.

Got into an accident recently(shoutout nyc delivery drivers), it’s a bit hard to source a rear wheel so looking at a new wheelset completely. Here are the details on my bike

135 x 10mm rear axle, center lock, 11 spd shimano free hub, disc brake, 700c, QR

Bike shop is recommending western wheels which are in the $600-700 range (Alloy) and I am looking at the Chinese carbon options that are significantly cheaper but I’m not sure if they’ll be a perfect especially as the bike shop doesn’t recommend them at all. The carbon brand is Tukus. Please share thoughts and experiences with the wheelset especially if you have similar weird dimensions that I do.

The front axle is 100 x 10 QR, center lock,disc, 700c

What has your experience been with these pedals over long term use, purchased these today.

​A few weeks ago I completed a bucket-list challenge: riding solo and unsupported from London to Paris on my Brompton to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

​It was an incredible 4-day adventure, but doing long-distance touring on 16-inch wheels definitely brought some unique challenges.

​Quick Trip Stats:

​Total Distance: ~350 miles (took a few scenic detours!)

​Time: 4 Days

​Setup: Solo & Unsupported with front bag & gear

​Punctures: 2

​Ferries Missed: 1 (by about 5 minutes!)

​Highlights & Surprises:

​The Good: Riding along French canal paths and quiet countryside roads on day 2 and 3 was absolute bliss. The folding bike is surprisingly comfortable for long flat stretches once you hit a good rhythm.

​The Bad: The off-road / gravel cycle paths in Kent and northern France were ruthless on small tires. I got stuck in thick mud that completely jammed up my mudguards (had to use a stick to scrape it out on the trail).

​The Brutal: Strong headwinds on Day 2 really slowed my average speed down to about 7–8 mph, and pushing up steep Kent hills meant walking the bike a few times.

​Reaching the Eiffel Tower on Day 4 after fighting through Parisian traffic was an unbelievable feeling!

​I filmed the entire journey—from the Greenwich start line, tire changes, missing the ferry, to rolling up to the Eiffel Tower. If you'd like to check out the full vlog, you can watch it here:

https://youtu.be/710EzXYU43k

​Happy to answer any questions about route planning, packing gear, or touring on a Brompton if anyone is planning a similar trip!

Doing a Century ride Sunday in N England and temps are dropping to lowest of the season so far. Calling for a high of 52, so it will be in the 40’s (starting at 7 am😬). I am nervous about gear. I did 67 mi in the 50’s I believe it was a few weeks ago and was fine, but 40’s is different. Will I need shoe covers? My face covered? Need to switch to long-fingered gloves? My bottoms are ~ 3/4 length (“knickers” from Terry, I do not like the chamois but it is what I have), was going to do a long-sleeved base layer w/ vest. Any input appreciated! I need to up my gear game but this is only 3 days away:(.

A question for all Fairlight Strael riders: With 32mm tires, how well does it handle bumpy forest trails with some large, sharp rocks? I ordered it in blue three months ago and just realized that my best commute to work is actually the forest trail which is mostly a straight dirt path but also has some boulders here and there.

Hi, I got an old but nice second hand Ridley Crosswind that I want to use for commuting and sunday trips.

I'd like to mount a front rack, but I am not aware of anything compatible with a Drop Handlebar.

Any tips? Thank you!

EDIT: important missing information: it must be V-brakes compatible!

Compared to a traditional smooth, padded saddle, will the textured and perforated surface of a 3D printed saddle hinder small movements fore/aft or side to side as weight is shifted or position changed throughout a ride? Is it more grippy?

Will it wear out bibs faster?

Or should I not worry about it?

Thanks!

I ride a Tarmac, Aethos and Crux for my bikes.

But I still have my trusty old 2012 Felt F2. Light as hell, looks super cool and fast, and just a great bike overall in perfect condition.

Been talking with a riding partner of mine that's been getting his old Colnago C40 out and loving it. So I'd love to get this out and not just leave it sitting in storage.

This led to me getting a compact crank/wider gear cassette ordered (its old dura ace 10 speed) with 160mm crank arms to match my other bikes.

But it has older Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 wheel set on it. They're perfect aside from being super narrow. 26mm tires measure 23 when installed.

SO: I'd like to order some lower end rim brake wheels like the Elitewheels rim brake options.

They are 28mm outside width.

Is anyone out there running newer rim break wheels with these older frames that were built around the old school 23mm standards? It looks to me like there is more room for tires/wheels that are a little wider.

I'd love to ride this bike with some wider rubber like we use now. Just feels so much better and safer.

I know people on amazon seem to make it work...but I don't want to order if the Dura Ace brake calipers don't do well at that width? I assume if other bikes from this generation are using these wheels it should probably work?

what maps app that has TTS/direction announcements are you using for cycling? google maps has gone to absolute shit and i can’t take it anymore. i’m on an iphone but would love recommendations for other OS to share with others too. i’m an urban rider so i don’t need anything fancy, just something that knows how roads and bike paths work, because apparently gemini integration has broken google maps.

Hi ALL, a few friends and I want to travel to Spain (from New England-US) in the second half of April 2027 for a week or 10 days of road cycling camp.

About our group: We ride about 15 hrs per week, 8K miles per year, including a few longer than 200 mile rides. Our idea of fun is riding 100+km per day with 1,000 to 4,000m elevation gains, through nicely paved roads, nice views, coffee stops, and sunny weather. We plan on bringing our own bikes.

Considering the profile above, do you know a guide or operator that have open groups with similar goals? We are originally considering Calpe, Almeria, Granada, or Estrepona as basis to explore the region.

We have come across a few operators, but don't have recommendations on any:

- https://www.vuelta-turistica.com/en/

- https://www.sierranevada.cc/cycling-tour-guides

- https://www.eatsleepcycle.com/tour/malaga-winter-ride-camp/

Any first hand experience is most appreciated!

Thanks

I am looking for a chain lock that is fully enclosed and that doesn't rattle during transport in my car. My LBS recommended the Abus Goose Lock. Does this lock rattle less than other chain locks? I am interested in it but a slight con is that it is 3.6 ft long. Are there fully enclosed chain locks that don't rattle and are 5(+) feet long?

Which one would you buy? Both are moreless for the same price. Pro RL-1 is only one Side but newer technology. Assioma Duo is duo sided, old but tíme prooven to be really good

Hi!

I have been in contact with someone to buy a second-hand Triban RC520 bike. It is the version with a Shimano 105 groupset and semi-hydraulic disc brakes, and I have an agreement to buy it for 350 euros.

Does this seem like a decent deal? And what are things I should look out for when buying it? I've heard that you should check the chain at the big ring to see whether it is loose or not. The bike does seem like it was used quite a bit.

Any recommendations of bike shops to pack up a bike for flying? I don’t own a hard shell case and don’t want to spend that money, heard that bike stores can pack up a bike in a box w padding?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9kgjx66d1x7o

Ongoing murder trial of a driver who knocked a cyclist off then drove for a mile with them under his car. Happened on one of local routes (occasionally get a quick 15 miles in round there at lunch when WFH), knew the guy had been killed, didn't know how horrific it was.

I've been cycling 5000 to 10,000 miles/year, year-round for close to five decades. My coldest ride was 3 hours at -4° F and there have been countless rides into the high teens and low 20's.

Not saying I'm an expert in cold weather survival but I think it qualifies me to say a thing or two about cold weather riding. Since its the time of year when everyone asks about dressing for the cold, I thought a list of my most trusted gear would be appropriate.

All disclaimers apply - All links are to manufacturer's websites. Better prices can likely be found elsewhere. There may be better performing or less expensive gear. This isn't a claim that anything is best or better than anything else. YMMV. The list is nothing more than some (hopefully) useful data points for those who may be looking for winter gear.

Don't neglect to shop the archive and clearance sales. Many times a previous generation product will be on deep discount.

LMK if you have questions about anything in the list and I'm looking forward to hearing what stuff you guys have found to be fantastic for the cold.

Giro Ambient Cap - wind block on the front and covers most, if not all of my ears. - https://www.giro.com/product/ambient-winter-cap/110000000400000011.html

Smartwool Merino Beanie - https://www.smartwool.com/en-us/products/merino-beanie-sw017047

Generic Balaclava

Smartwool Neck Gaiter - https://www.smartwool.com/en-us/products/merino-neck-gaiter-sw017048

Buff Polar Neck Gaiter https://www.buff.com/us/polar-multifunctional-neckwear-buff-solid-black-black-130003999.html

REI Flash Powerwool Gloves - Amazingly warm for such a light piece. https://www.rei.com/product/223068/rei-co-op-flash-power-wool-gloves

Swany Apex Pro Gauntlet Ski Gloves with Chemical Warmer Pocket https://swanyamerica.com/collections/glove-us/products/sx-47m

Under Armor Cold Gear Mock Turtleneck Base Layer. Found several for $10 each at the local used clothing store. https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p/coldgear_mens_compression_mock_long_sleeve/1366072.html

Isadore Thermerino 2.0 Jersey (discontinued). Mostly worn as a mid layer.
https://isadore.com/thermerino-jersey-castle-grey-1-0

Isadore Signature Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey
https://isadore.com/signature-thermal-long-sleeve-jersey-anthracite-2-0

Castelli Alpha RoS Light Jacket (discontinued)

Castelli Alpha RoS Jacket (discontinued). The Alpha 150 is the newer version but I've not tried it. https://www.castelli-cycling.com/en-us/products/alpha-150-jacket-4525502

Castelli Entrata Bib Knicker - when its too cold for shorts and too warm for tights.
https://www.castelli-cycling.com/en-us/products/entrata-thermal-bibknicker-4521518

Castelli Sorpasso Wind Knickers and Sorpasso Wind Tights (discontinued). I consider these to be the gold standard for dry/cold weather. The new Sorpasso tights are not wind block and I've wanted to try the Polare 4 Tights.
https://www.castelli-cycling.com/en-us/products/polare-4-bibtight-4525516

Assos Equipe RS Winter Tights. These take the Sorpasso Wind Tights above and add a level of wet weather protection. I the previous generation (S9) on clearance and wear these in the most challenging conditions, when nobody in their right mind should be on a bicycle. The newer generation is called the Equipe RS Johdah Ultraz -
S9 clearance version - https://www.assosoutlet.com/us/equipe-rs-winter-bib-tights-s9-11-14-217-18.html
S11Ultraz version https://www.assos.com/us/equipe-rs-johdah-ultraz-winter-bib-tights-s11-11-14-306-18.html

GripGrab Arctic shoe covers. I want to try their new Arctic 2 version.
Arctic - https://www.gripgrab.com/collections/shoe-covers/products/arctic-waterproof-deep-winter-road-shoe-covers
Arctic 2 - https://www.gripgrab.com/collections/shoe-covers/products/arctic-2-waterproof-deep-winter-road-shoe-covers

Chemical hand and toe warmers
https://hothands.com/products

I would like to build a trailer to carry some heavy/long stuff like furniture. Considering that the trailer is attached to rear axle, is the bike limited some how in the amount of weight you tow?

For example, many gravel bikes state a limit of 120kg including the bike a luggage. Does a trailer apply in any way to this? What is the weakest link if the trailer is strong enough, for example to pull 40-50kg (considering it is relatively flat and you are strong enough)?

Hey guys, I've come across this new cycling brand called OWU-Cycling (I think they're based in Germany) and I'm considering getting a full set because it actually looks really good for the price. At least it looks good in the pictures. Its not super cheap so I wanna know if its as good as it looks

Does anyone have any experience with them? I guess I could just send it back if I don't like it but I'd rather hear from anyone else's experience first.

During the warmer months, we ride every Thursday evening and now we've ran out of daylight here in the UK, we're moving these to indoor rides.

Our first ride is happening at 7pm tonight, which anybody is welcome to join - just search for Stamford Cycling in the events on ROUVY.

But as I've never used ROUVY or Zwift before, any tips on what to expect when riding indoors? We're currently trialling ROUVY and then plan to try Zwift during our 5 week free trial before deciding which platform to host regular rides on.

I've heard a fan is a must, but good to get some other thoughts too! Thanks

i’m new to cycling in city, i nearly crashed into someone tonight because i was temporarily blinded by oncoming delivery guy on an ebike with huge light. I could see him coming 2 junctions away, but when i got close i was nearly blinded. it was a narrow bike lane for both directions, the delivery guy was on my side since his lane was occupied and didn’t even trying to avoid me or slow down so i have to go other ways while i can’t see any shit :D

I know it’s not uncommon ppl have very bright front or rear lights, how do you cope with this and not be temporarily blinded by these huge shiny lights?

I'm looking to get into indoor cycling and I'm currently trying to figure out which platform would be the better choice to start with.

Zwift looks fun with its virtual worlds, races and group rides, while ROUVY seems interesting because you can ride real roads from all over the world.

For those of you who've tried either or both:

• Which one keeps you motivated to ride regularly?
• Which one is better for someone just starting out?
• Is one worth paying for more than the other?

I'd love to hear your honest experiences before deciding which setup to go for. What would you recommend to a beginner?

Hello! i have a road bike and a gravel bike.

my road bike is a carbon bike from 2009 and my gravel bike is a carbon bike from 2025.

I really LOVE my Saddle on my gravel bike. it's a selle italia x3 flow or boost or something. it's nothing fancy but it has a hole in the middle and i never have issues with my butt.

I don't love my saddle on my road bike. it's a san marco saddle with no hole in the middle.

I'd like to buy my gravel saddle for my road bike. are they all compatible with eachother? is the fitting universal?

thanks in advance.