Inspired by Brillo, my fitness training ....

[Mich the Tester]

Couldn't agree more to the bolded parts.

Getting out of the saddle is up to the individual. I just don't do it on the hills, preferring to push through it if we going steep. I have got out to crank it up sometimes, after a drink or snack.

You're in a select group doing those miles! I can't justify the 4/5 hours to be frank, so either pop in a couple of hours on the levels, a couple of times a week, which is about a 50 mile ride, or sometimes with some friends, we have a 2 monthly squirt around Dartmoor, which is more 4/6 hours.

On the levels, it's the wind too, for it comes off the channel straight across. Can be an arse, but conversely, can put you into some big numbers.

Some excellent pubs to cycle around the levels to, too.

Yep, currently cycling about 30km each day from hotel to clientco and back so I'm up to 400 kms a week including a long ride at the weekend. I'd probably lose another stone if the landlady didn't keep cooking steak and chips, beef stews, spag bol etc.

I need to get a new group methinks with this mileage; currently riding a 105 and it needs more and more adjustment and maintenance, but after only a couple of months back in contracting the prices of all that dura-ace or super-record stuff still make me gasp a bit.

[Old Hack]

Yep, currently cycling about 30km each day from hotel to clientco and back. I'd probably lose another stone if the landlady didn't keep cooking steak and chips, beef stews, spag bol etc.

I need to get a new group methinks with this mileage; currently riding a 105 and it needs more and more adjustment and maintenance, but after only a couple of months back in contracting the prices of all that dura-ace or super-record stuff still make me gasp a bit.

What are you using? I jam looking at a SRAM Force groupset, but it's a lot of money, and the wife isn't going to like it.

Currently Boris biking twixt south and north london, but the curries, the curries....

[b0redom]

To be honest OH, if you're 90kg, I don't think you'll notice the extra few grammes of an additional cog. I got a double on this bike (tricross was a triple), and I think cycling up Bar Hatch Lane (21%), Leith Hill etc would be a lot easier in granny gear. I guess it's about flexibiliy.

I'm probably the same weight as you, and it would be far easier for me to drop 5kg off me, and have the added flexibility of another ring. Don't want to upgrade the groupset just yet though.

[Mich the Tester]

What are you using? I jam looking at a SRAM Force groupset, but it's a lot of money, and the wife isn't going to like it.

Currently Boris biking twixt south and north london, but the curries, the curries....

Cannondale Caad 9 with the standard Shimano 105. Great frame but the groupset is getting a bit worn. The guy at the bike shop says it would be cheaper to just buy a new Caad 10 than replace the group, but that frame just works perfectly for me and I've become somewhat attached to the whole feel of the bike. I guess that's just a very personal thing. Plus; it's one of the last Cannondales that was handbuilt in the US, which is expected to make it a collectors item in future.

[Old Hack]

To be honest OH, if you're 90kg, I don't think you'll notice the extra few grammes of an additional cog. I got a double on this bike (tricross was a triple), and I think cycling up Bar Hatch Lane (21%), Leith Hill etc would be a lot easier in granny gear. I guess it's about flexibiliy.

I'm probably the same weight as you, and it would be far easier for me to drop 5kg off me, and have the added flexibility of another ring. Don't want to upgrade the groupset just yet though.

It's all opinion, but I've never needed it. I am about 86 kg's, moving up to 87-88 if I have had a bad week, 83-84 if I've been good. I just think it's frivolous. I talked a couple of friends out of buying a triple and they agree with me, after running both. It's simply not hilly enough to make that difference, to me, and if you're blowing going up a hill, you're going to be blowing with the slightly lower gear. I simply can't see the difference.

[Mich the Tester]

It's all opinion, but I've never needed it. I am about 86 kg's, moving up to 87-88 if I have had a bad week, 83-84 if I've been good. I just think it's frivolous. I talked a couple of friends out of buying a triple and they agree with me, after running both. It's simply not hilly enough to make that difference, to me, and if you're blowing going up a hill, you're going to be blowing with the slightly lower gear. I simply can't see the difference.

I've lost 13kg since stopping rugby, but that still leaves me at 91kg. But one thing I've always been able to do is move my legs quickly as I did a lot of sprinting, so I can get some benefit from a lower gear and just ride high cadence.

[Old Hack]

Cannondale Caad 9 with the standard Shimano 105. Great frame but the groupset is getting a bit worn. The guy at the bike shop says it would be cheaper to just buy a new Caad 10 than replace the group, but that frame just works perfectly for me and I've become somewhat attached to the whole feel of the bike. I guess that's just a very personal thing. Plus; it's one of the last Cannondales that was handbuilt in the US, which is expected to make it a collectors item in future.

I've had too much trouble with Shimanos, so don't buy them.

[Mich the Tester]

I've had too much trouble with Shimanos, so don't buy them.

Dunno, I hear all sorts about the different brands. Someone said he had less trouble with Campagnolo but ordering parts was a pain as they take weeks to deliver. One completely frivolous benefit with SRAM and Campagnolo; their derailleurs aren't so bleeding ugly as the Shimano stuff.

[Old Hack]

I've lost 13kg since stopping rugby, but that still leaves me at 91kg. But one thing I've always been able to do is move my legs quickly as I did a lot of sprinting, so I can get some benefit from a lower gear and just ride high cadence.

I am always told my cadence is too low, and gear too high, but it’s how I ride. I prefer putting the power through, rather than upping the cadence, as when I need to up the cadence, I can, if that makes sense? I guess we’re all weird in one way or another.

I wasn’t far shy of 100 kilos when I played rugby. Now very happy at 85 ish, apart from on Dartmoor with the noodle armed gang...

[Old Hack]

Dunno, I hear all sorts about the different brands. Someone said he had less trouble with Campagnolo but ordering parts was a pain as they take weeks to deliver. One completely frivolous benefit with SRAM and Campagnolo; their derailleurs aren't so bleeding ugly as the Shimano stuff.

I like Campagnolos, I must admit, probably from the old days, they were the gear to have (pun not intended) Good friend in Pau sells retro bike parts, and makes a fortune...

SRAM looks good too, but, whooosh, what, £1300?