herneweb

The usual Box Hill loop

We were out on a rare afternoon ride just short of 60 miles today; me having been on babysitting duties this morning. Luckily the gloomy skies remained just that, without releasing the summer storm they were threatening. I was riding with a friend and who is training for the Forestman Triathlon in July; I am training to train with him :-). Last week's Whitehorse Challenge did wonders for my legs, we did the usual route up to Ranmoor Common, over Box Hill and into Sussex in a much better time than the last effort round this loop in the Surrey Hills, although in the last 20k we paid the price for the slightly over enthusiastic out leg.

The only disappointment on a otherwise great day of riding was the puncture which I got in the Vittoria Open Corsa tyre which I used for the sportif last week. The tyres feel great on the road, really fast and supple, but the number of punctures I have got since fitting them has been a real disappointment. I will return to the tried and trusted Schwalbe Stelvios for the next ride. One piece of kit I will not be changing any time soon is the Planet X saddle I have been using. It's essentially an affordable version of the Fizik Arione and it's sooo comfy. For years I have been swearing by the Selle Italia Flite and the ProLink but with the Planet X I have found myself happily sitting and spinning up the climbs in the saddle when previously I might have been beginning to feel the pressure. Along with my trusty 8 year old Oakley M Frames the saddle is definitely earning its place in my top 5 kit list. Speaking of which:

1. Oakley M Frames - I wear contacts and these are simply the best eye protection I have found for the bike. After 8 years they are still crystal clear.
2. Schwalbe Stelvio Tyres - lasted longer and punctured less than most I have tried.
3. Campagnolo Neutron/Nucleon wheels - light, strong and true for years, unlike their owner ;-)
4. Planet X Superlight saddle.
5. Windstopper gloves - never returned home with cold fingers.

Comments:

The Open Corsa CX are great tyres, much more supple and grippy than any other clinchers I've tried but they are only really suitable for racing on decent roads and only good for about 5,000-6,000km before they wear out.

For winter and training I find Vittoria Rubino Pros pretty good - puncture resistant and still hold the road well. At the moment I'm trying out some Schwalbe Blizzards which are quite similar to the Rubino Pros - hard compound but still quite grippy and they apparently have some NASA nylon insert to avoid punctures... so far so good.
By  phill
 

Decent roads is something that we definitely don't have in the Surrey Hills.

I have settled on some new Schwalbe Stelvios. I could only get hold of a two-tone Black/Blue pair which perform great but don't look quite as nice as the plain black with the Ti frame :)
By  iain
 

Post a Comment

Archives