I bought a new bike in April. Coincidentally my 14 year old 105 Rim Brake Ribble had a small issue with the crank that I didn't get around to fixing (mainly because I had a new bike I wanted to ride). After riding many thousands of kilometers on my new 105 Di2 Disc brake bike, I finally got around to riding my old bike again. I posted something similar right after I got my new bike, but I thought it's worth updating with more experience on the new bike.

OMG, the old Ribble is a good bike. To be fair, I spent the last 14 years learning how to set up the brakes and shifting correctly :-). The bike is also in very good shape. It has nice tires (only 25 mm, but running at 75 PSI, which works well on the roads around here).

Rim brakes on aluminium brake tracks in the dry are awesome. Yes, they require a bit more force than Shimano 105 disc brakes, but the braking power is sufficient and they feel nice. The force requirement is most obvious braking from the hoods, but in the drops they are so buttery smooth. You can even 1 finger brake from the drops very easily. Simano 105 disc brakes are very binary and a bit grabby. 105 rim brakes with standard Ultegra cartridges/pads have much more modulation. It's very surprising. In the wet... Yeah, disc brakes any day of the week. The old bike is going to be for nice weather :-)

Shifting on the old bike is great. Really positive feel. I find Di2 a bit "dead" in that you click an electronic button and it shifts. You aren't really connected to the shifting. With mechanical shifting, you can feel all of the tension in the system. I love the feel of the bike as the gear engages.

However, there are issues. The old 10 speed 105 gears can drop the chain pretty easily on the way down because the spring tension is very high. You learn how to do it over time, but with new Di2 (and I suspect even new mechanical) it's not something you really need to think about at all. You also need to trim the gears. That's baked into my brain by now, though.

The main "problem" is that it's just not nearly as fast as the Di2. With Di2 you can shift down 3-4 gears in a single pedal stroke. I just can't do that with my 10 speed 105. I also got into the habit of downshifting the front derailleur coming into a stop. You just need a half a pedal stroke to have it all get settled. This is not a good strategy on the 10 speed. The lack of gears is also surprisingly an issue between 25-30 km/h on a compact chainset with a 11-28 in the rear. There just aren't a lot of good options and it's awkward deciding whether or not you want ot be in the big ring. With 12 speed, you can easily just get into the big rin at 25 km/h and not even think about it. Then obviously, 28 on the back is a pretty hard gear for your granny gear :-)

Tire clearance is obviously an issue as well. Reaslistically for most bikes you are stuck at 25 or 28 mm. I think my bike could actually fit 30s (just), but you would need a pretty wide rim to make it perform well, IMHO. My new bike has 32s and they are cushy, but... at slower speeds on relatively good roads 25 is not nearly as bad as I remembered it being. I still really enjoyed my ride.

Basically, I just want to encourage people who don't have the money for the latest and greatest to think hard about picking up a good quality used road bike. If you send it to the shop and get it in very good working condition I think you will be really surprised at just how good these bikes can be. In some places in the world, rim brake bikes are going for astonishingly low prices. This is a great time to pick up a bargain. I do like my new bike and will still be riding it more than the old bike, but I'm currently thinking about some upgrades to the old bike because it's got a lot of good years left in it.

Hello, I have been looking for a good documentary on Cyclings steroid era. Sadly, I haven't had much success as most just seem to focus on Lance Armstrong. While he is a good example case none of them go into great detail about other players who were using them and the consequences for these other competitors. I want to know more about the lesser known cases and the impact on cycling at a larger scale. Do you know of any?

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.

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.

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

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

My synthetic stuff smells fine out of the dryer, then reeks the second I start sweating again. Tried regular detergent, vinegar soaks, extra rinses — nothing really sticks. What actually works for you, or am I cooked?

Looking to buy the wahoo kickr can anyone tell me is this first site legit and are they the same? Price difference of £150 what am I missing?

https://ninabox.com/products/wahoo-kickr-core-2-with-zwift-cog-smart-turbo-trainer?currency=GBP&country=GB&variant=55095335813457&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=12b69cb2f1e1&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24353876778&gbraid=0AAAABE7juaRJcWmMLKiYp31IvhbuMNYOx&gclid=CjwKCAjw88HWBhA3EiwAo2Zd6M0si2RNyO0_F-d36jNTNI0YJYFOSSY6v1vJIEBxuKbeRTim1FfbnhoCaXwQAvD_BwE

https://uk.wahoofitness.com/devices/indoor-cycling/bike-trainers/kickr-core-2-zwift-cog-and-click-buy

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:(.

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!

Hello! Im From Mexico and bike computers can get expensive here so i made my own as a webapp, i use it on a really old iphone se 2nd gen and it last more than 5 hours of continue usage, it was build to consume very little battery and data as it has turn by turn map guidance, auto pause, you can download gpx data after the ride as it auto saves it, it has multi language english and spanish, its free to use enjoy. if you use it please leave me a review!

https://unsimplegps.com/

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.

Not confirmed, but reported by Cycling News that we’re likely back to the traditional finish. Someone leaked it to the press.

Bummer; i had hoped to see the energy on Rue Lepic next year.

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!

My idea is a drone that hovers 50 feet above you and like it watches out for cars behind you

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!

I have tried everything to get my Schwalbe S One (700 x 28) tires back on to the Hollowgram 35mm wheels after changing the inner tube, and have had no luck. I made sure I was keeping the beads in the rim channel center, I used heat, soap, zip ties, and I even bought a bead jack, and it simply will not budge.

Anyone have experience with these wheels? My next thought is to find tires that might be a bit more forgiving. Thanks!

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.

I’m super new to cycling, I was out for a ride and hit a the edge of the curb with my back wheel very hard. Rim doesn’t look bent. It doesn’t look the tire is punctured, was just wondering if there’s a way to fix it and a kit to carry around to be able to fix it on the road in the future.

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 switched to immersion wax from regular lube and I swear biking seems easier, even achieving the same amount of wattage on my PM seems easier. Is this all in my head?

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?

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?