Well it’s bound to include lots of climbing, don’t forget the Alps and Pyrenees were built for the TdF Also it’s very rare [ or never? ] that a pure climber wins the TdF on GC, and even more rare [ or even more never ] that a pure sprinter wins the TdF on GC, so the enthuses on winner profile is about being a very fit and strong all rounder.
IMO there are too many flat stages, and often too long and drawn-out, and too frequently ending in a bull-charge sprint finish to include a big bone breaking pile up on the final 200 meters of a 200 km race.
However i would agree there are too many ridiculously tough mountain stages, and too many stages that are far too long.
Just pondering but my fantasy TdF would include:
1 x Team TT for Stage 2 [after a Stage 1 flat stage]
1 x Individual TT (flat 40 km)
1 x Individual TT (hilly 30km)
5 x flat stages
6 x hilly stages
5 x mountain stages
2 x rest days
It’s a long time since the tour wasn’t won by the strongest climber in the field (for the duration of that year’s race). Arguably Wiggins in 2012 when Froome was stronger on some days, or Evans the previous year (although he was climbing very well that year). Otherwise it’s perhaps back to Ullrich in 1997 (but he was juiced to the gills so hard to assess overall) and before that Indurain who gained time in the TTs then minimised his losses on the climbs (and was almost certainly also doped to the gills although he has escaped scrutiny due to being such an all-round nice guy).
Out and about on my bike for the first time in a long while - battling against a 20mph head wind which is no fun on Romney Marsh but much better with the wind on the return journey.
My bike is parked up on a bridge over one of the two main Napoleonic defenses we have in this part of the country The Royal Military Canal, the other being a large number of Martello towers. How they thought that a canal 30ft wide was going to stop Napoleon when the Rhine didn’t is quite baffling.
(I’m figuring it’s 1.5mm of stubble left behind after a hair removal cropping…?)
My hair looks more like that woman scratching her butt as she walks pass in your photo.
It’s nice to have hair for head warmth this time of year!
I also wear an under-helmet scull cap in winter, prevents the ears from dropping off with frostbite.
22.5 mile ride yesterday, and same the day before.
Day off today to wash, clean, and re-lube the bike.
The roads have turned really mucky around here, my bike is set up to handle this very well but it’s a too nicer bike to use as a winter hack really.
May have to get an indoor trainer for when the weather gets really horrid.
I think Zwift and similar have made indoor training much more popular. The downside to this is that the more enthusiastic riders are keeping their fitness higher through the winter meaning that there’s no off-season and that I keep getting dropped by my mates
I signed up to the “Ride to Work” scheme back in spring last year and have forgotten all about it!
Luckily Evans have renewed my voucher so I have £1,000 to spend, but not sure what to look for.
Any recommendations as to which bike, I’m a runner and haven’t cycled for awhile but have some good cycle paths near me in Bath, so was looking at a bike that can go on dirt tracks and road.
Could add a little extra to this pot to have something I can keep for some time.
Probably need to trust Evans to give you good advice but make sure your budget includes a comfy saddle, helmet and a few bits of clothing. Don’t skimp on those.
If the bike is mainly for commuting, I wouldn’t stress too much about the frame, just something decent, but I do advise getting the best groupset (including hydraulic disc brakes) your budget will allow. A great groupset will make the quality of your rides much more enjoyable. Gears will shift precisely and exactly when you want them too. The brakes will stop you in less than a heartbeat in any conditions.
Good bearings (headset, hubs and bottom bracket) will increase your enjoyment and reduce the effort you need to put in.
Buy some tools and learn how to use them. I love to support my local bike shop, but when I’m told there’s a two week wait to change a headset, I’m going to do it myself that day. It’s not about the money, just the waiting time.
Don’t skimp on clothing. Also, don’t buy the most expensive.
Genesis Fugio 20 ( 2019 Gravel Bike )
A £1550 bike reduced to £1,085
Has a comfy steal double butted frame, plenty of mudguard room (and you will need mudguards).
Good for dirt tracks, tarmac, commuting.
Don’t be too concerned about the bike weight, better to buy a bike that is fit for the job you want to use it for and it’s very important you buy the correct frame size, so be careful what you choose.
The above bike is only an example, Evans only have this model in Medium and Large size left in stock, if you need a smaller size frame then see what else they offer in your size : )
It is not the number but the spread of ratios. Many modern MTBs have 10 gears with a single front ring, but they cover a big range. If you feel the need you could ask them to exchange the rear cassette for one with a better spread of lower ratios (or get one s/h). The shop should know this stuff.
Also it’s very rare [ or never? ] that a pure climber wins the TdF on GC, and even more rare [ or even more never ] that a pure sprinter wins the TdF on GC, so the enthuses on winner profile is about being a very fit and strong all rounder.
