My first 30 mile ride on the 500SE
Oct 21, 2014 11:04:33 GMT
Paulinblack, ChrisD, and 3 more like this
Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2014 11:04:33 GMT
Hello folks,
I thought I'd provide you some feedback on my first two rides on my shiny new 500SE:
Ride 1
I rode into Central London from Essex along Cycle Superhighway 3 at the weekend, and learnt a great deal about the bike and riding in general - especially as my first road bike. The weather was dry, temperature around 13 C. Pretty perfect.
The seat numbness hit me 10 or so miles in however I soon got used to that. I got into central London - this was a dry run before I used the 500SE for commuting in the week.
First thing I wanted to ask was about the gears. The microshift gears were pretty on point. I didn't have a need to really use the higher gears. I pretty much stayed on the biggest cog from the front rings and only used my right hand.
Should I be using the full range of gear more often? Will my use of the gears affect help or hinder the preservation of the bike?
Right, so I was loving the speed and nimbleness of the 500SE and 15miles in decided to turn back. As soon as I set off after a short water and muesli bar break, I got a flat on my front wheel!
Luckily, I had watched a youtube video in preparation and had no problems changing the tube. Pumping up was another matter. The cheap minipump I had bought from eBay was useless, I got to a certain point but couldn't really get the hardness I was after (no jokes please!). Luckily I found a bike shop and finished the rest with a floor pump.
Is it my lack of pumping practice or are minipumps just useless? Perhaps a bit of both? Any recommendations for a replacement?
Whilst I was happy to get the practice changing a flat in a non pressure situation, I was slightly worried that I had gotten a flat on my first run. How often should I expect this?
I have the Hutchinson Equinox's, which came with the 500SE. They are slicks. Are they worth changing? I've heard about sealant / slime. Any one with any experience of those?
The ride back was a joy after that as I got to know the bike. Enjoyed using the toe clips and am already thinking about the possibility of cleats.
Ride 2
This morning, I rode into work, the same route however it was in heavy rain. I was slightly paranoid about getting a flat initially, however this was offset my my enthusiasm and enjoyment of riding the 500SE in the rain.
Not sure if this is weird but I really enjoyed it though I was soaked through.
I hit a couple of manholes and wobbled a bit as the tyres slipped, once hard enough that I needed to take a foot off the peddle to avoid a tumble.
This has got me thinking about changing the tyres again. Is it worth changing the tyre to something with more tread or is this handling just part and parcel with riding a road bike with skinny tyres in the rain?
Overall, I am thrilled to own the 500SE and look forward to really pushing myself along with it. Happy to be a part of this forum with all you knowledgeable posters and look forward to taking advantage of your experience.
That's all from me!
I thought I'd provide you some feedback on my first two rides on my shiny new 500SE:
Ride 1
I rode into Central London from Essex along Cycle Superhighway 3 at the weekend, and learnt a great deal about the bike and riding in general - especially as my first road bike. The weather was dry, temperature around 13 C. Pretty perfect.
The seat numbness hit me 10 or so miles in however I soon got used to that. I got into central London - this was a dry run before I used the 500SE for commuting in the week.
First thing I wanted to ask was about the gears. The microshift gears were pretty on point. I didn't have a need to really use the higher gears. I pretty much stayed on the biggest cog from the front rings and only used my right hand.
Should I be using the full range of gear more often? Will my use of the gears affect help or hinder the preservation of the bike?
Right, so I was loving the speed and nimbleness of the 500SE and 15miles in decided to turn back. As soon as I set off after a short water and muesli bar break, I got a flat on my front wheel!
Luckily, I had watched a youtube video in preparation and had no problems changing the tube. Pumping up was another matter. The cheap minipump I had bought from eBay was useless, I got to a certain point but couldn't really get the hardness I was after (no jokes please!). Luckily I found a bike shop and finished the rest with a floor pump.
Is it my lack of pumping practice or are minipumps just useless? Perhaps a bit of both? Any recommendations for a replacement?
Whilst I was happy to get the practice changing a flat in a non pressure situation, I was slightly worried that I had gotten a flat on my first run. How often should I expect this?
I have the Hutchinson Equinox's, which came with the 500SE. They are slicks. Are they worth changing? I've heard about sealant / slime. Any one with any experience of those?
The ride back was a joy after that as I got to know the bike. Enjoyed using the toe clips and am already thinking about the possibility of cleats.
Ride 2
This morning, I rode into work, the same route however it was in heavy rain. I was slightly paranoid about getting a flat initially, however this was offset my my enthusiasm and enjoyment of riding the 500SE in the rain.
Not sure if this is weird but I really enjoyed it though I was soaked through.
I hit a couple of manholes and wobbled a bit as the tyres slipped, once hard enough that I needed to take a foot off the peddle to avoid a tumble.
This has got me thinking about changing the tyres again. Is it worth changing the tyre to something with more tread or is this handling just part and parcel with riding a road bike with skinny tyres in the rain?
Overall, I am thrilled to own the 500SE and look forward to really pushing myself along with it. Happy to be a part of this forum with all you knowledgeable posters and look forward to taking advantage of your experience.
That's all from me!