Luigi - back on track
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[quote name='Luigi']<br />
<br />
Finally, I am back on the bike. Sadly I had my very expensive mountain bike stolen so I have got back into road cycling on my Scott AFD Expert. It's not a bad bike - certainly good enough for me. but like NtA, I have a bit of a addiction to bike exotica and would love to upgrade. Part of my evil plan to convince Mrs Luigi has been to buy her a bike too so we can go out [i]together[/i]. I've lashed out on the Trek 1500 with the Shimano Ultegra groupset for her, thinking that when it's time for my new steed I will similarly be able to get something up the scale. I have a hankering for a [b]Colnago with Campagnolo throughout, but we'll see.[/b]<br />
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[/quote]<br />
<br />
don't be a sheep every bastard has a colnago.. and for someone of your weight it'll be like riding a wet noodle.<br />
<br />
Get a Pinarello F4:13. Decent price as the stock setup (about half the cost of a colnago)... then of course you can do what i did and stick on full record groupo and some ksyruim ES's and you'll want to go riding that sucker everyday!<br />
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Super rigid fulla i'm still hanging around the 100kg mark and it is the nuts. A defo crowd pleaser too. -
The bastards are doing a nice price on the Trek 1500 over here - $2200 Aussie pesos and Mrs the Aussie won't give me budget approval :evil:<br />
<br />
Luigi - I also looked at getting a Lemond Poprad (yes - a cyclocross rig) in order to get something a bit stronger to cart my chubby arse around on, and getting it kitted out with full Ultegra gear and some of these:<br />
<br />
[url="http://velocityusa.com/wheels/road-deepvroad.php"]http://velocityusa.com/wheels/road-deepvroad.php[/url]<br />
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Strong buggers. I'm not a fanatic for super light weight but if I ever get budget approval then these are definitely going on the next rig. A mate of mine just got his Merckx frame in and is just waiting for his components to arrive before slapping it together. He's promised me a go on it but he's got a 63cm frame which might prove a bit of a stretch for me. -
Thanks for the advice!<br />
<br />
I was thinking of a new bike only when I have - ahem - slimmed down a little. Â
<br />
<br />
My Dad has a Colnago mouldering in his garage, but I think it will be too small for me. Plus, now that Colnago is outsourcing some of its production to Korea (?) it does seem to have lost some of its cachet as a brand. At a recent Tri exhibition here the UK importer had bikes on show clearly marked as 'made in' the Far East. <br />
<br />
I will check out the Pinarello though. -
[quote name='Nick the Aussie']<br />
The bastards are doing a nice price on the Trek 1500 over here - $2200 Aussie pesos and Mrs the Aussie won't give me budget approval :evil:<br />
<br />
Luigi - I also looked at getting a Lemond Poprad (yes - a cyclocross rig) in order to get something a bit stronger to cart my chubby arse around on, and getting it kitted out with full Ultegra gear and some of these:<br />
<br />
[url="http://velocityusa.com/wheels/road-deepvroad.php"]http://velocityusa.com/wheels/road-deepvroad.php[/url]<br />
<br />
Strong buggers. I'm not a fanatic for super light weight but if I ever get budget approval then these are definitely going on the next rig. A mate of mine just got his Merckx frame in and is just waiting for his components to arrive before slapping it together. He's promised me a go on it but he's got a 63cm frame which might prove a bit of a stretch for me.<br />
[/quote]<br />
<br />
Hey Nick, there's also a bit of a renaissance here in fixed-wheels. Bit of an old-school vibe about riding fixed. Not sure it's for me though.<br />
<br />
Specialized are doing some interesting things with their version called the Langster, plus a cyclocrosser called the TriCross. Some people just don't get on with Specialized, but might be worth a look.<br />
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You can drive yourself nuts with bikes aye. -
Not to mention broke mate <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> I'm going to keep it simple - strength, durability, and Ultegra.<br />
<br />
This mate of mine with the Merckx (and the Scott CR-1 and the Merlin Cyrene and the Trek 2200 <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rolleyes:' /> prick) recently rode Adelaide to Darwin in 18 days on his Merlin towing a Yak and loved it. Clocked up 250km (160 miles) one day which is not bad for a bloke in his 40s. Then again, he rode Perth - Sydney in his 30s :nta<br />
<br />
He can't understand why Mrs TA won't give me $3K to blow on biking gear - but then, he's about to sell his shares in the company he owns for a tidy sum <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> -
[quote name='Nick the Aussie']<br />
Not to mention broke mate <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> I'm going to keep it simple - strength, durability, and Ultegra.<br />
<br />
This mate of mine with the Merckx (and the Scott CR-1 and the Merlin Cyrene and the Trek 2200 <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rolleyes:' /> prick) recently rode Adelaide to Darwin in 18 days on his Merlin towing a Yak and loved it. Clocked up 250km (160 miles) one day which is not bad for a bloke in his 40s. Then again, he rode Perth - Sydney in his 30s :nta<br />
<br />
He can't understand why Mrs TA won't give me $3K to blow on biking gear - but then, he's about to sell his shares in the company he owns for a tidy sum <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /><br />
[/quote]<br />
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You have to give to get Nicky. <br />
<br />
Now that Mrs Luigi has her lovely Trek, operation 'reciprocity' will kick in sometime soon. :twisted:<br />
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That mate of yours has some serious miles under his wheels aye? At the minute I think 40 miles + is a long drag. <br />
<br />
There's a group of us who might try and get on the London-Paris ride next year - the one that arrives in Paris the day before the Tour. Should be a giggle, cycling through the Kent and French countryside for three days and then watching the finish down the Champs Elysses. -
[quote name='Luigi']<br />
Now that Mrs Luigi has her lovely Trek, operation 'reciprocity' will kick in sometime soon. :twisted:<br />
[/quote]<br />
<br />
Ah yes - not an option for me until Little Aussie can move under his own pedal power :nta A couple of years methinks... She doesn't get why a $400 MTB breaks down so often but given she and the bike share some common ground :shifty: i.e. occasionally being ridden by me <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rolleyes:' /> she'd know better <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> -
[quote name='Nick the Aussie']<br />
[quote name='Luigi']<br />
Now that Mrs Luigi has her lovely Trek, operation 'reciprocity' will kick in sometime soon. :twisted:<br />
[/quote]<br />
<br />
Ah yes - not an option for me until Little Aussie can move under his own pedal power :nta A couple of years methinks... She doesn't get why a $400 MTB breaks down so often but given she and the bike share some common ground :shifty: i.e. occasionally being ridden by me <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> she'd know better <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /><br />
[/quote]<br />
<br />
<img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rolleyes:' /> Classic.<br />
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You could try the 'medical scare' con. You're already part way there with the migraines. Imagine if the doc said your long-term health was at risk if you didn't shed some major pounds (which is true anyways), while you worry (out loud) that the life assurance might not kick in as you would like if your health doesn't improve. -
[quote name='Luigi']<br />
[quote name='Nick the Aussie']<br />
Not to mention broke mate <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> I'm going to keep it simple - strength, durability, and Ultegra.<br />
<br />
This mate of mine with the Merckx (and the Scott CR-1 and the Merlin Cyrene and the Trek 2200 <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rolleyes:' /> prick) recently rode Adelaide to Darwin in 18 days on his Merlin towing a Yak and loved it. Clocked up 250km (160 miles) one day which is not bad for a bloke in his 40s. Then again, he rode Perth - Sydney in his 30s :nta<br />
<br />
He can't understand why Mrs TA won't give me $3K to blow on biking gear - but then, he's about to sell his shares in the company he owns for a tidy sum <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /><br />
[/quote]<br />
<br />
You have to give to get Nicky. <br />
<br />
Now that Mrs Luigi has her lovely Trek, operation 'reciprocity' will kick in sometime soon. :twisted:<br />
<br />
That mate of yours has some serious miles under his wheels aye? At the minute I think 40 miles + is a long drag. <br />
<br />
There's a group of us who might try and get on the London-Paris ride next year - the one that arrives in Paris the day before the Tour. Should be a giggle, cycling through the Kent and French countryside for three days and then watching the finish down the Champs Elysses.<br />
<br />
<br />
[/quote]<br />
<br />
buying the missus a bike a good ploy.. what i had to do to get my mountain bike.... used to race moutain bikes years ago, haven't been on one for years, the new dual suspension is the shit. My sat arvo racing has gone out the window in favour of hitting the forest with the boys (and missus occasionally!)<br />
<br />
had to get her a coaching clinic thing cause i can't be arsed teaching her. that went all day so managed to get in a decent 5 hours on sat! -
[quote name='Luigi']<br />
Thanks for the advice!<br />
<br />
I was thinking of a new bike only when I have - ahem - slimmed down a little. Â<br />
<br />
My Dad has a Colnago mouldering in his garage, but I think it will be too small for me. Plus, now that Colnago is outsourcing some of its production to Korea (?) it does seem to have lost some of its cachet as a brand. At a recent Tri exhibition here the UK importer had bikes on show clearly marked as 'made in' the Far East. <br />
<br />
I will check out the Pinarello though.<br />
<br />
<br />
[/quote]<br />
<br />
i think the standard build in the uk was about 2300..<br />
<br />
other bikes that are good value and sweet rides are the kuotas and cervelos -
[quote name='Nick the Aussie']<br />
The bastards are doing a nice price on the Trek 1500 over here - $2200 Aussie pesos and Mrs the Aussie won't give me budget approval :evil:<br />
<br />
Luigi - I also looked at getting a Lemond Poprad (yes - a cyclocross rig) in order to get something a bit stronger to cart my chubby arse around on, and getting it kitted out with full Ultegra gear and some of these:<br />
<br />
[url="http://velocityusa.com/wheels/road-deepvroad.php"]http://velocityusa.com/wheels/road-deepvroad.php[/url]<br />
<br />
Strong buggers. I'm not a fanatic for super light weight but if I ever get budget approval then these are definitely going on the next rig. A mate of mine just got his Merckx frame in and is just waiting for his components to arrive before slapping it together. He's promised me a go on it but he's got a 63cm frame which might prove a bit of a stretch for me.<br />
[/quote]<br />
<br />
63! is he 7 foot tall?! <br />
<br />
treks are dropping their price big time over here as they just haven't been competitive.. Giant have been kicking their arse, seriously about 1-2k cheaper for comparable bikes -
[quote name='WillieTheWaiter']<br />
63! is he 7 foot tall?! [/quote]<br />
<br />
<img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rolleyes:' /> Nah closer to 6'6" but he likes to stretch out <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> -
Quick update:<br />
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Tuesday evening, a nice 10 mile pootle with Mrs Luigi just to get her used to her new pedals. Only one hill climb + an uphill drag to the high point of the area but it was nice to get out and turn the wheels while the weather is good. We met up with one of Mrs L's triathlon mates who has also just bought a new bike, a Giant TCR T-Mobile Hybrid in stealth black, for £750! Very nice with composite stays and carbon forks but only running Shimano 105.<br />
<br />
Last night went for another trail run - around 4 miles through the woods - and started off well but came to a bit of halt with my left calf starting to seize up. I've been here before with my rubbish right leg and the only way to get past it is to lose some weight and stop stressing it so much. It's a conundrum: I need to be lighter to exercise properly, but I need to exercise properly to lose weight. Yes, there are plenty of other things I can do like cycling of course or rowing and swimming, but to be honest running gets you there much quicker. Plus, when I run, the aerobic boost I get back on the bike is like having a turbo fitted!<br />
<br />
So I'm going to keep at it (the running that is) because at some point there will be shift when my weight will be low enough to let me run more comfortably and I can start to push out the miles.<br />
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Tonight we are off cycling the 'Hilly Mofo' - the 25 mile or so jaunt around the high spots of the area. Mrs Luigi is coming too and she is worried about keeping up, so I have had to talk her through all the hills in intricate detail beforehand, including what gears to be in etc, etc. <br />
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The weather here is absolutely perfect at the minute. Warm sunny evenings with gentle breezes. It's great to be out there making the most of it but I wish I had done the hard yards last winter in preparation. In some ways I envy you guys in your SH winter as all the work you are doing now will be worth it come December. In contrast, I feel I'm getting fit for Christmas. -
[quote name='Luigi']<br />
The weather here is absolutely perfect at the minute. Warm sunny evenings with gentle breezes. It's great to be out there making the most of it but I wish I had done the hard yards last winter in preparation. In some ways I envy you guys in your SH winter as all the work you are doing now will be worth it come December. [/quote]<br />
<br />
Except of course, its too fucking cold. <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rolleyes:' /> Have had three frosts in the last 5 days here in Sydney and its bloody uncomfortable at night. Still, I haven't had a migraine for three days now so I reckon I'll be back out on the aluminium horse this evening for a bit of punishment. -
[quote name='Nick the Aussie']<br />
[quote name='Luigi']<br />
The weather here is absolutely perfect at the minute. Warm sunny evenings with gentle breezes. It's great to be out there making the most of it but I wish I had done the hard yards last winter in preparation. In some ways I envy you guys in your SH winter as all the work you are doing now will be worth it come December. [/quote]<br />
<br />
Except of course, its too fucking cold. <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rolleyes:' /> Have had three frosts in the last 5 days here in Sydney and its bloody uncomfortable at night. Still, I haven't had a migraine for three days now so I reckon I'll be back out on the aluminium horse this evening for a bit of punishment.<br />
[/quote]<br />
<br />
Harden up ya poof!<br />
<br />
-
[quote name='Nick the Aussie']<br />
Its not that bad actually, just need the right gear - I'm wearing leg warmers of course but only summer nix. Hence the meat and spuds get a bit chilly on the downslope :shifty:<br />
[/quote]<br />
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Now there's an area Mrs The Aussie can't begrudge you some investment?<br />
<br />
Keep at it son, the yards you do now will be water under the bridge as spring unfolds. I wish I'd not gone into hibernating over our winter cos I'm paying for it now. -
She's not fussed if the nads get frozen - she's done with them :happy:<br />
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Got to sneak up on the gear purchases these days after forking out a bit recently - the leg warmers were $100 (but they're Pearl Izumi - really bloody good ones) on top of the nix (longs) which were $70. She squeezes every penny til it squeaks! -
[quote name='Nick the Aussie']<br />
[quote name='Luigi']<br />
The weather here is absolutely perfect at the minute. Warm sunny evenings with gentle breezes. It's great to be out there making the most of it but I wish I had done the hard yards last winter in preparation. In some ways I envy you guys in your SH winter as all the work you are doing now will be worth it come December. [/quote]<br />
<br />
Except of course, its too fucking cold. <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rolleyes:' /> Have had three frosts in the last 5 days here in Sydney and its bloody uncomfortable at night. Still, I haven't had a migraine for three days now so I reckon I'll be back out on the aluminium horse this evening for a bit of punishment.<br />
[/quote]<br />
<br />
i'ts been fucking cold here too.. go out for an hour and a half every morning and the last couple of weeks have been wearing every item of clothing under the sun and still get home with no feeling in hands etc.. and covered in snot. not much fun!
