Hi all! Newbie to Road Cycling

artemidorus

Yes, we're all sprung and suitably chastised!! Thank you for pointing out the error of our ways!! I admit it - I don't always get out the torque wrench when I'm adjusting my seat height or attaching a new bottle cage. And yes, I do sometimes need to tighten my seatpost clamp or bottle cage on the road due to my negligent mechanical skills!!! My god, I could have killed hundreds of people, as we all could when our bicycles go down in flames from 30,000feet!!

Carrying a multitool is a good idea.

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"All that we see and seem is but a dream, within a dream..."

artemidorus

Sometimes I understand how boudreaux was created...

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"All that we see and seem is but a dream, within a dream..."

matagi

No, it's called RIDING ..... rough roads, dissimilar metals, etc etc. These things can cause you problems on a ride even if you have made a pre-ride inspection.

And if, like me, you live 40-odd kilometres from the nearest bike shop and at the furthest point of your ride you are likely to be many kilometres from anywhere and out of mobile phone range, then you carry tools with you when riding.

BTW, putting a bike together is not rocket science, nor is it even remotely equivalent to aircraft maintenance. Anyone can service and adjust their own bike, provided they have a modicum of mechanical knowledge and have taken the time to learn about the componentry on their bike and how it hangs together.

matagi

Hey Flavzz, if you haven't made a computer purchase yet, check out Phantom Cycles

We've used them for lots of purchases, they are very good.

artemidorus

****** +1******

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"All that we see and seem is but a dream, within a dream..."

thomas_cho

You seem to think that your bike is one complex piece of equipment requiring a highly trained person to work on it. Does it have a motor on it?

I guess you are one of those that sends your bike to the workshop if the brakes squeal, or perhaps your handlebars are not pointing straight. By your previous declaration re: touching the bike, I gather if you get a flat, that means the bike going to the workshop as well. You were certainly taught well by your local bikeshop.

I'd rather not be stuck kms away from home in the event I take a tumble, and jar something loose. I'd also rather educate myself in basic maintenance and repair so that I can perform simple adjustments and repairs to get myself home.

Regarding the computers, no doubt the Astrale 8 can switch cadence to the main display, but I'd prefer to be able to view the speed, and cadence together. I find the display of the Astrale8 too small in the secondary data line to be able to do that. With the Sigma there is no strain to view both data lines. The Sigma also has an indicator which tells you if you are going faster/slower than your average. I find this a good motivator for me, but its not an essential must have feature.

The Astrale 8 has a rear wheel sensor. I find this style of cabling less neat than a front wheel cabling. But rear wheel cabling is useful if you want to get speed information while on a trainer.

Its best if you can go into a shop and have a look at both and compare them side by side.

I was just at my local bike shop, and they are selling the Sigma BC1606 (with cadence) for $60.

quickbuck

No, I do not send my bike to the shop for a brake squeal.

I am actually an RNZAF trained Aircraft Technician, and how I perform maintenance on my (very expencive to me) bicycle is really my business.
All I am trying to say is, anything that is tightened up properly (torqued) has stuff all (read next to none) chance of coming undone.

If it does come undone due to a bit of wear then it needs a little thread stiffener on it, or the fastener needs replacing, as it is possible that it has been overtorqued in the past, and the thread has streched.

Oh, and 40k from the nearest bike shop? Luxury!

artemidorus

Before you give us all a little lecture on bicycle mechanics, you should be aware that fastenings have been debated extensively on various threads on these forums, and some posters on this thread have participated. Show some humility, as many of us do, or you'll be shot down in flames when you cross swords with some of the really clever and professionally qualified people contributing to these forums.

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"All that we see and seem is but a dream, within a dream..."

matagi

Ah hah! There's the problem! You are accustomed to dealing with high quality tightly specced componentry which no doubt comes with reams of data on torque settings, etc. etc.

Bicycles, unfortunately do not fall into that category. Nor are torque settings readily available for every fastener on a bicycle (I'm sure you could find it if you spent enough time looking for the information, but frankly, I'd rather be riding)

Flavzz

Thanks mate, i had a look on their site and the prices look quite good compared to ebay.. Still yet to make a decision on my bike tho so it might be a little while before i get a computer. I think the Sigma is definately the way to go as well. Large display and cadence for $60. Cant go wrong..

Also guys I think we all need to relax about carrying a multi tool. Maybe you can just agree to disagree as it seems like a personal preference. I think its a good idea due to unexpected circumstances, but ill leave it at that.. Cheers for all your insights.

It did raise one good point tho and that was to always inspect your bike before every ride for any possible problems ie. tire pressure, brake tension, seat and handlebars, wheel spokes etc..

flipper

Here's a pic of my Sigma and Cateye to give you an idea of screen size etc...

Attached Thumbnails

 

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rodman

Thanks that is great!

Wilchemy

Does NZ have an airforce??

quickbuck

Really???
Have you ever wondered why they stamp the torque settings on critical areas?
Or is that just my bike??

I doubt mine is a "one off" especially for me.