Fast group ride and Northwave shoes and shorts review

And the group grows… Today there were six of us. The more the merrier, the safer and, more importantly, the faster. It seems a long time since I was riding as Billy-no-mates. After a slow start we soon wound it up and were set for a fast ride when four decided to head back for various reasons including family, church and to nurse a hangover. That just left me and Eric, ex Olympic competitor. The tempo was already set high and with only two of us there was no where for me to hide. I was going to have my work cut out. I have worked hard over the last three months and I can now ride on the pain limit. It’s not nice or fun but immensely satisfying to both maintain a high speed at the front and to keep legs and lungs going through the pain barrier. I’m all set for the first race of the season. Roll on Goodwood!

What about the gear?

Wilier Cento Uno

The bike is my Wilier Cento Uno and it needs a full service. I have a bike shop but haven’t done any work on the bike since the prep for my Pyrenean trip last summer. I need new cables and a big boy’s cassette. This bike is stiff and perfect for racing but not so stiff that you can’t take it on a sportive. My tyres are Schwalbe Ultremo ZX, weigh 190g, roll fast and I have not had a puncture since fitting them last April!

Northwave Evolution bib shorts

The Northwave Evolution bib shorts have now done about 350k of hard riding and I am really impressed. The pad is amazing really comfortable and doesn’t feel as if it is there. The cut is superb and fits like a glove. Best of all they make me feel “Pro”. The pad is perforated with hundreds of tiny holes but as each ride has still been rather chill I can only assume that they’ll be even better once the sweat really begins to run. The Bio-map cut is so good that I’ll be having a Northwave Evolution jersey just as soon as it’s warm enough. Bio-map is Northwave’s way of tailoring the garment to fit snug when actually in a riding position.

Northwave Extreme Tech shoes

Northwave Extreme Tech shoes have done over 500k and are really very comfortable. The one piece upper is so soft that they were perfect from new but having been used a few times a week for several weeks they have got even more comfortable. I like my shoes and pedals to be really tight and with the Boa style lacing and soft upper I can crank up the shoes with no discomfort at all. The venting on the sole is incredible. I don’t like hot feet, however, with the weather that we have had recently the sole of my foot has, until today, been a bit cold. Roll on the summer.

Speedplay Zero pedals

What can I say, these are better than anything else that you can buy. They look tiny but offer the widest pedal feel. They are double sided so you never look down to clip in. In fact they are so good that unless a rider’s sponsorship deal forces a Pro to use Shimano/Look/Time they’ll buy themselves some Speedplay Zeros.

Here is the ride on Strava

Way out of my league

Fourteen weeks ago I decided to make an effort to get fit. I’m not there yet but I am doing OK, or at least I thought that I was until this morning. Last Sunday I felt that the ride was hard and quick and that it was in part down to me. Tuesday I set out to do some Strava busting and Friday we really pushed it on the way back from Hastings. I was feeling pretty chuffed that I was definitely getting back some form and after such a hard week, not feeling too tired. Then I went for a ride with Will.

He came round and we set off fast, I felt as if I was in a race straight from the house. It takes me about an hour to fully warm up so I was hanging after the first climb. It was raining and the roots were greasy as can be – just waiting for some one, pushing past their limit, to make a mistake. The front wheel seemed to have mind of its own. My legs were screaming on each climb and yet I was the one that chose the route. Why go down the Lion Trail when it means the Mouse Lane climb?

About half way through the ride I started to find some power without pain and we even had a few moments when you might even have guessed that we were riding together as a pair – albeit not that close. Thankfully I had a two hour time limit and I was able to cut back home just a few minutes early.

I’m heavier, my bike is heavier, I’m even older than his Dad and to make matters worse he’s ask to ride with me the two times that I have been at my worse: after a couple of indulgent weeks skiing and after a 170 odd mile hard week. I’ve loads more excuses but the list is too long and even if they were all sorted, I’d still be left behind!

I’m never going to be a match for him but I am determined (and stupid enough) to keep riding just so that one day I can have another ride and at least keep him in my sights. In the mean time I’ll keep racing my virtual Strava buddies as it doesn’t hurt so much.

Will has everything going for him, the right genetic make up, age, strength, supportive parents, a good coach, self discipline, motivation and enthusiasm and he is only just starting out as a racer. Watch out for him!

Whyte 829 & Whyte 29C

I was riding the Whyte 829 and Will was on a Whyte 29C two great bikes with virtually the same geometry.  How often do you get a bike that is both perfect for racing and trail riding? You are welcome to try the 829 demo and are encouraged to buy one of the 29C that we have ordered as they’ll be a lot more money next year. Once our bikes have sold there’ll be no more in the UK until August.

Here is the ride on Strava. All climbing and slippery singletrack

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Not just for posers – Niner Air 9 Carbon SS review

I spoke to Niner and asked if they could give me another couple of days with their gorgeous bikes as I wanted to try one. I particularly wanted to try the Air 9 Carbon. Now I’ve already ridden one, see my review here, but this demo version was special. First it was in Quest Adventure colours (as good a reason as any to want to own one) but this one was a single speed and, to top things of, was with a Niner Carbon fork.

My view on single speeds and rigid bikes is pretty poor. Of course I’ve ridden single speeds but only in races, the last was the European Champs held at one of the Cheddar Events. That was back in the day. We’d come 3^rd in the Team Enduro the day before and then after copious amounts of alcohol (compulsory in those days to enter and get gridded) they held the Euros all organised by Chips Chippendale. I got a respectable 19^th. I even downed a beer at the top of the climb on the last lap. But for me single speeds and rigids are for loonies and masochists.

I take great pleasure in trying different bikes and so, to add to my growing portfolio of experience (it helps to be old) I thought that I should try a 29er rigid single speed, to some a purist’s dream to me a harp back to ancient tiimes. After reading Jimbo’s review I left convinced that I’d be shaken to bits and not enjoy it.

The big wheels and 38 x 20 gearing worried me so I wanted to start easy and headed for the Mount Carvey climb. I do more road miles now than off-road and immediately I felt the benefit. I had spent the last two years trying to ride like Contador and the Schlecks. I can now ride out of the saddle for long distances, sometimes for the whole climb. Mount Carvey proved a relatively easy pound out of the saddle. The ride was beginning well and the lack of front suspension not a problem. Next came the Sheep Track which is in perfect condition apart from the loose stuff as is has been so dry. Running my favourite tyres, Maxxiss Crossmarks, the bike just railed every corner. A quick climb up to the top again and then down the North East single track. It began with a good bit of air followed by a safe but hard landing – no suspension fork. The down hill was awesome but I have to confess to taking the chicane cautiously as this part of the hill was wet and I hadn’t had any real experience of cornering with a rigid fork.

I didn’t want to be out for long but succumbed to the temptation of Strava. I thought that with this bike I had as good a chance as any to nail the Wiston Bostal in good time. I made my way to the bottom via some of the really steep sections in the woods. With the saddle high, no suspension fork and summer tyres this took me back to the early days. I made it all and can only put my lack of crashing down to the 29 inch wheel. There’s a big one looming as I have spent the last few months getting away with murder, relying entirely on that massive looking front hoop.

The climb up the Bostal was tough as the gear was so hard. It was really wet but I had to climb out of the saddle for virtually the entire climb. Wet and being out of the saddle don’t usually mix, again the 29 inch wheels got me out of trouble with such good grip – the Crossmark is a remarkable tyre. I was spurred on by the thought of a fellow rider who I hold in great respect but have never ridden with but have seen him on Strava.

At the top I was too puffed to speak but bumped into said rider as there was a group waiting at the top. I must have seemed rude and manic as my breath returned – sorry guys. I was a bit hyper and motor-mouthed. The journey back was typical single speed – manic pedalling and then free wheeling. The Sheep Track climb back was amazing and I really notice the effect of this svelte 18lbs dream machine. I flew up!

So, in conclusion, I can and did enjoy not having any gears and on a ride like that the Carbon fork offered just about enough shock absorption to make the ride fun. I am a good pedaller and so get away without being strong but felt that I could really benefit from riding a single speed as there are times when strength counts – what better way to get stronger. I also found this large frame far more comfortable than the very small medium that I tried last year despite only having a carbon fork. I would have one but it would have to be my third or fourth mountain bike and, to justify it I’d have to have sold the business and had the pension cashed in. No one ever said the Niners were budget bikes and you do get what you pay for, no one asks how much a Mercedes is, so if you want a Niner, don’t ask, but be assured that you’ve got something really special.

 

 

Here is the spec.

Niner Air 6 Carbon frame and forks, large and perfect to my 5’10” frame. American classic wheels with Maxxiss Crossmak tyres, e.thirteen crank set, Niner stem and Flat top bars and the ugliest looking Synchros saddle but very comfortable on top of a Hope seat post. Hope Race Carbon brakes. A concentric BB allows Niner to use vertical so you can run a QR which is good news if you don’t have tubeless tyres and change back to gears when the legs give up. Price approx £3,199. Weight 18lbs.

Upgrades I’d choose: YAWYD top cap and Carbon RDO bars and possibly a Rock Shox SID.

Here is the ride on Strava

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Sunday’s ride and Northwave Extreme Tech shoe and Evolution short reviews

Yesterday was our MTB demo day which meant that I was spoilt for choice with all the demo bikes. I suppose the top of the list of most desirable would be the Niner Air 9 Carbon single speed with carbon fork (18lbs all up) and the Tomac Supermatic 120 carbon (23lbs), probably the most bling spec’ced bike we’ve ever had. Choices!

I also had an Argon 18 Gallium with SRM power metre to try. I feel that I am a bit of a whimp when it comes to all out power so, whilst it was in for some work, I was offered a chance to ride it to check out my wattage, or lack of it.

However, last night I was too tired and it was too late when I finally left the shop so I didn’t set up the Argon but grabbed my trusty Wilier Cento Uno, my new and super bling Northwave Extreme Tech booties and an Northwave Evolution bib short (more on those later). Forgetting that I would have all those tasty mountain bikes to try I had arranged a road ride for today and all five of the gang would be out.

Unlike mountain biking, apart from the social aspect, road riding in a group is often much quicker…. And it was. You can afford to hurt as there will always be an opportunity to tuck in a take a breath. Despite the heavy frost at 8am we had a great ride and I was able to put some effort in on some of the Strava climbs. Gels really do work too and the SIS Smart gel that I squirted down in Houghton kicked in as we stormed through Lyminster and I was able to crank it up knowing that there were only a few miles to go. I led the group down to he sea front for them to contest the Marine Garden’s sprint, I did all I could to lead them out but it seems that everyone was too tired to break any records. Hills, wind, sun, sprints and some great group riding meant we had a superb ride. Thankfully Eric was down so I would not be thinking that our ride was either tough or long. You see he’d ridden from Haywards Heath and then rode back home. There is always some one tougher…..

Northwave Extreme Tech shoes

The Northwave Extreme Tech shoes are very good as you’d expect with so many of the World’s best riders using them. They look a bit Renaldo with the shiny one piece upper but it is really soft and is already moulding to my foot. I got cold feet but that is a good thing. They don’t look well vented but they are, that is what I wanted, cool feet in the summer. I can always use my Fahrenheit boots when it’s too cold. The sole is incredibly stiff and yet even in the most ragged sprint they were comfortably snug.

Northwave Evolution Bibshorts

We all know that men will spend a lot of time thinking about and fiddling with their crotch but it is surprising how few will invest in protecting it. Some guys have been cycling regularly for years with only a worn out Hummvee liner to protect what for most, is there most important physical asset. If I’m going to be riding flat out for 60 miles I reckon its worth spending a few bob on a really comfortable nicely tailored pair of shorts. I’ve needed a new pair for a while and I was waiting for these Northwave shorts to arrive.

They call it Biomap which means they are perfectly shaped for when you are in a riding position on a bike. The pad is a double layer and perforated to allow air to pass through. The ultimate test was to ride them and after a hard 90k I was still able to jump on the bike to nip down to Tescos and I didn’t even feel as if I’d been out for a ride. Thumbs up!

Here is the ride on Strava

Life without Strava

I rode yesterday and today without my GPS. Now that might not sound like a big deal but life has begun to change. I am used to having a speedo when on my road bike but yesterday’s ride was just a pre work whizz over the hill so it didn’t really matter. I don’t (should say didn’t) usually bother on a mountain bike ride unless I am doing something special. However, that was all before Strava. Even though I wasn’t planning on going hard yesterday I already knew the Strava Segments and was looking forward to riding them with my virtual buddies. These riding friends I have never met. However, I know who they are, who they ride for, where they ride and how often they ride but I don’t actually know them. Yesterday, I missed them. I forgot that I had lent my Garmin to a fellow riding to every Sainsbury’s in the area for Sport Relief (about 80 miles per day).

Today was even worse as I was mountain biking and was really flying. Even though I didn’t have a speedo I knew that I was climbing fast. I was on a 29er (the Whyte 829), several gears up on what I usually use and I was turning the pedals way faster than normal. I’d usually be content with my form but I’ve got used to seeing my name on the leader board  and I’m sure that I’d have smashed my previous bests.

I can always do the climbs and descents again but today really was magical. The trails were in mid summer condition, the sun was up and it was really warm. It was riding bliss. I want my Garmin back.

By the way you can get a Garmin Edge 200 for only £129.99 and it will do all that you need.

Northwave Extreme Tech SBS

Yesterday I tried out my new cycling shoes: Northwave Extreme Tech, they are the lightest and stiffest on the market and the deal that I got meant that I would get the lariest colour imaginable. The Radioshack/Nissan/Trek team with the Schleck brothers and Fabian Cancellara are using the very same shoes. One of the standout features of the shoes is the one piece upper which means that there are no stitching points that could cause discomfort. Mine are supremely comfortable and, despite the look of the one piece upper they have plenty venting. There is an SBS buckle and a BOA type cord closure which is very efficient, keeping the shoes nice and tight without any pressure points. They made me feel fast even if there was no Garmin/Strava proof to back that up. I’ll review these properly once I’ve done a long ride.

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Southern XC Round 1, Checkendon: 5th place Junior

Here’s Will’s race report.

“The week leading up to the race had been fantastic weather, all the trails where bound to be fast, dusty and grippy, that was until Saturday, when after a week of great weather it decided to rain – the day before the race. Thankfully the weather was better on the Sunday, however the rain had made the Checkendon course pretty slippy, with some sections getting a bit boggy.

After a quick practice lap it was clear, this was a course for a 29er! The fast open sections were practically made for the big wheels and even in the tight single track the added grip on the greasy ground was a right bonus! Thankfully I was in luck, since I was riding theWhyte 29er C.

After milling around the start line for a while we were gridded, I was 5th on the first row, as it was based on last season’s series standings. After a very fast start it was into the single track, which required full concentration from the offset. I was sitting in 5th, however after a comical slip I lost touch with 3rd and 4th place. For the remainder of the first lap I rode on my own, around 100metres away from the people in front of me, unfortunately the exposed course meant I struggled to close the gap on them and completely lost touch with them in the early stages of the second lap.

Throughout the next two laps I rode on my own, I was unsure how far ahead the next person was, but I did know I had a sizable gap on the people behind me. In the final section of single track I spotted 4th place, he looked shattered and before I had even thought about it I darted past him. This was a mistake, as we reached the final straight on a field he was right on my wheel, until the last 20 metres when he beat me to the line by just over a wheel length. In hind sight I should have waited, and allowed him to lead me out, instead of my hasty decision causing me to lead him out perfectly.

However I was satisfied with 5th, a good start to the series and season. As well as this it turned out to be an enjoyable day, with a fantastic course providing some interesting racing.”

See all the results here, Will was in Junior Male

You can’t always buy your way to the top

We were all keen to ride today and are all steadily getting stronger. We met up without a plan but I insisted on riding into the sun as I was so cold. It would be warm later and I was dressed for that but leaving home there was ice all over the car roof and I arrived near the seafront freezing.

We decided to go for Ditchling Beacon, over Falmer Hill to Rottingdean and then back via Devil’s Dyke. I’ve created a Strava segment from Hangleton to Devil’s Dyke. I knew that with company it would be quick but with my colleagues I was likely to do a PB but lose my KOM.

We are a mixed bunch of various ages, 30 years between two of us and 22 kilos between another pair. Now running a shop I know that there are some things that you can buy to make you faster. Generally, anything that saves weight will give you an advantage, the more that you spend the faster you go in the battle against gravity. You can spend to reduce the effects of the air. At 20mph 50% of your effort goes into forcing your way through the air. You can spend to improve your fitness and energy. A computer/GPS/phone won’t actually make you quicker but they will help you in your training which will make you quicker.

But there is one thing that you just can’t buy.

We arrived at the base of Ditchling Beacon and I watched everyone ride away from me. I didn’t care as it always happens, I simply focus on my effort and I know that over a long climb I can claw back my early losses. So who was first up? The big guy. 14 kilos over me, 20 over Joe and 22 over Barney. Well I want a bit of that, how much? It’s priceless! Unless I could have a pact with the Devil up on the Dyke I couldn’t buy what Byron has. Age.  He is young. I do my best but I just can’t roll back the years.

Three times I got stuck behind cars on descents and, to keep up my track record with the fairer sex, the blondie at Clayton on the A273 kept pulling over each time that I tried to pass.

The high point of the ride was the run in into Rottingdean, the B2123 is a great road ruined by selfish motorist but it’s worth the aggro for the descent to the sea. A classic car passing drop and I hit 79kpm, nearly 50mph!  I had previously thought that at my old age I’d never have the nerve to do more than 45mph. So whilst I might not be young I am still a teeny bit young at heart.

Great ride guys and I was back on my Wilier Cento Uno, sweet. It’s lighter now as I have stopped carrying gas. My Lezyne Road Drive is so good that I’ve dispensed with carrying CO2.

Here’s the ride on Stava.

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