Remember when producer Emily said she doesn't like to be in the videos? I do and it's been one of the best decision reversals ever as she has become an integral part of these podcasts!
Neil here from Kingston Wheelers - thanks so much for your positive comments about our ethos. We've put a lot of work into our policy of inclusivity over the last few years and it's great to be recognised for it. This ethos is already being reflected in the diverse make-up of the club. We've got rides from 12mph cafe rides to nosebleed -inducing training rides - we're living proof that the 'broad church' approach can work if you have the right attitude!
Hot waxing chains is soooo convenient. I get hundreds of kilometres out of a single application. I got two chains and just switch between them back and forth. I don't need to clean my chainring and cassette like ever. I can just wash and wipe the whole bike down with a single sponge, cuz there's no oil. Surface rust on the chain is no issue if you just wipe it dry after a wet ride. Literally no component wear. The only use case where I think it's reaching its limit is when it gets proper muddy. Because you can't apply new wax mid ride. The drip on wax stuff usually has to dry over night. So that doesn't really work. I was sceptic, too. But now I just can't imagine ever going back to oil.
@@markj.a351 Once a year I throw the cassette, chain and chainring in a pot of boiling water to strip off dirt and wax. Then pour off hot water. Dry components. Rewax chain. And done.
@@wufler28 Francis have that "wild" factor which Nick misses. There's nothing wild about these two "wild ones" anymore. For me, without Francis and his energy show is getting boring. Nick have very lovely personality thou, yawn, very lovely indeed.
Nick is right that he cannot recommend re-using quicklinks. KMC says on the package that you can re-use the quicklink, Shimano says you can't. This is for the same reason, liability. If a quicklink breaks, there is no way for Shimano to tell whether it has been used three times (as recomended by KMC) or 16 times. Thus, it is safer to say do not re-use at all. Off course, if you try to re-use the links you will find that it work just fine. I have 6 chains which I rotate on both my outdoor- and indoor bike and I always re-use the quicklinks, both Shimano and KMC. Never had any problems, and you can actually feel whether or not the quicklink snaps into place securely. When the connection gets too loose, just get a new quicklink. And yes you can use KMC quicklink for Shimano chains.
46:00 where I’m from, 90% of the clubs are just macho guys, racing (usually not at the races but at coffee rides) and not caring about others, teasing/laughing at the newcomers, let them always drop/not waiting on the climbs, etc. I’m now a pro cyclist and I often organize proper coffee rides (non-racing), where also beginner cyclists can join, learn,… a few of them even inspired to start training and racing. When I started back then as 15yo, all groups were just racing oriented, never finished together, never stopped for a coffee/talk,…I really lost the will for (road)bike and training back then.
Wax user for last 5 years in rainy Denmark on road n off road. Squirt is great and simple. Clean and very low friction compared to oils. Just remember to change your quick link when it begins to become loose.
heya, as a woman being into MTB and BMX for the last 20 years, i really have to appreciate how the mentality is finally changing and we have seen that on reception of that really nice speech in the last episode. Also the kids grinding pumptracks and skateparks are much more equally represented. Can not say much about road bikes but as far as i see, lot of woman there too. Listen friends, world is scary place right now but at least some things are better.
hey hey! Waxing in a proper and convenient way is possible, like: Use once a new chain with a new ql and it gets a bath in hot wax and then got the way the manufacturers want it and then get re dripped with the specific liquid waxes. so it works like a oil treatment. My dirty oiled chains were always an pita. Nic sounds so "Very German" when points to the law situation in case of reusing the chain quick links more the one time when people wax their chain and reuse it more then one time. He has a point there. So use the hot wax with new chain and new quick link an then drip on until its time to take the chain off. . You don´t have to hot wax it every week, imho. Kudos!
While not an "official club" in the fact that there are memberships and dues and such, Neighbourhood Gravel and Portuer CC out of Brighton & Hove are both focused around being really inclusive and are both super welcoming to new riders. I used to always be the slow guy at the back and never felt like I was dragging the group down (or even if I did it was made very clear that I wasn't and they were happy I was with them) One of my favourite things to do on our rides is to hang at the back or meet new folks who are just getting in to riding and to make sure the same welcome that was extended to me is extended to them on an even greater scale.
Sram Rival/Force D2 (not the one in the chainring) powermeter is def single sided. The PM is placed in the axle, but takes the measurement from the left crank only. The spider PM is the only one wich measures the actual combined power output from both sides. Just the left/right balance is calculated.
Yeah, the axle one measures the amount of "twist" between the right and left side, but it's effectively only the power from the left, as the right crank is attached directly to the chainrings (its power doesn't go through the axle).
Must have waxed my chain (in a hot wax bath) every week for 5+ years. In that time, had two quicklinks fail (both in similar circumstances - going uphill, and putting down whatever power *I* can muster). Both times sorted at the side of the road using the *spare* quicklinks I've always carried (and have had to use them on other club riders' failed chains more often than mine!) In return, the chain looks cleaner for far longer, takes longer to wear out, and is a lot less fuss than any of those squirty bottle products. Of course bike shops aren't going to recommend it - they sell the squirty bottle stuff, and don't sell plain candles! And some quicklinks ARE reuseable, and are marked as such (although TBH I've found the "non-reuseable" ones work for several years)..
And added to that we have a designated rider leader in each level which controls the ride. They get a coffee voucher for them volunteering that day. That's works ok generally 👌
I took the plunge and got a wippermann connex link for my waxed chain. You don't need to buy the whole chain, you can just get the reusable link. They are expensive but I expect to get 15000km out of it.
I bought my first Connex link for safety reasons; I happened to read the manual on the Shimano link and was rattled to learn they are single use. Yes, the time and frustration that a Connex link saves you is well worth the $30 price. Even if you don't wax your chains.
Ive used my last Shimano 12sp quicklink for 8000k until i got a new chain. Opened it pretty much every week for half a year. Same thing now on all my Bikes with waxed chain. I just use it until i have to replace the chain and get a new one with it.
Great cycle chat again Jimmi, Emily & Nic: When it comes chain care, for me a decent quality synthetic ' light oil' works for me and my 2 road bikes....Silca & morngan blue Pro Oils......both easy to apply: Both appear to wear well & then wash off well 👍. Reapply & you're good to go again. Split links only for that emergency 👍
Not just cycling but pretty much every social group advertises as they are welcoming to beginners even if they are not. I get that a lot of groups really want new members but being a novice and joining an intermediate group can be pretty rough if you aren't already in love with whatever you are doing.
With the recent craze for cycling I was expecting to make a lot more cycling buddies but what happened is a lot of people came into the sports expecting great achievements with minimal efforts. Idk if you got out with your fully kitted self on a 10k bike and talk the talk people naturally expect a bit more... People often don't help themselves 😂
Learning to ride in a group is extremely intimidating and people need actual clinics on how the etiquette of it works. Just getting thrown into a group and then having a rider yell at you for not holding a wheel or drifting off your line, when you don't even know what that is, turns people away in a heartbeat.
I've once joined an MMA club. They seemed really pro, biggest and most famous from the city. They had different disciplines like boxing, MMA, kickbox. Each discipline had around 3-5 training session per week. I've joined the kickboxing beginners group, right when they started a new course. It was full with experienced pro fighters, who joined because the 5 / week wasn't enough for them or the schedule didn't work as they were at different hours. Let me tell you, it wasn't fun, neither for me or for them when we had to do sparring. I've quit after max 2 months...
@@arthurnagy I was part of a touch rugby group that said it was open to beginners. The only beginners who could really be welcome were those that played rugby at a decent level before hand or another sport at a real high level. I had fun but we definitely lied about it. I took up sim racing and joined a “beginner friendly” league and got lapped and yelled at 10 minutes into my first race and didn’t hang out much longer.
Route planning: super underrated. Went on a long ride using Google maps and it tried to take me on a rocky trail named "agony" with my 23mm tires and I had to circle back.
I feel you! I tried to cut my route short, and I simply did the rerouting with Wahoo's built-in option. Not a good idea - I ended up in a 10cm deep sand "road" with my road bike. Paid for Komoot the same evening :)
Top tip; when planning a route use Google Street View to look at turning points and awkward parts, so you know what to look out for on the ride. It can feel like you've been there before.
Without clubs Young guys with potential talent will never rise to the top without filthy rich parents. Oldtimers took care of me. My first big race an older member showed up and gave me his race day tubs for the race. I never forgot that. Never forgot the hand me downs all of it. My parents couldn't afford that hobby for me they did. Picked me up and took me to races
Currently waxing all my chains and re-using the split links no issues with KMC, Shimano or Sram. Even before waxing I used drip lubes I would remove my chain to clean the bike. In 12+ years never had a chain break or split link break on me.
@@miklm I've used KMC single-use and reusable links. The difference is that the single use ones are harder to close and to open initially, but then become progressively looser on subsequent uses, whereas the reusable ones are pretty easy from the first use. Anyhow, I think it's more legalistic ass-covering than anything else. I been reusing links dozens without any issue. I've gotten 20 000 km out of an Ultegra chain with just hot candle paraffin, rewaxing every 300-700 km, even then its elongation over the whole chain length was 0.3%. I've gone over 2 or 3 sets of quicklinks with that chain, once because I've lost a half, and once just to use the gold link so it's easier to find.
I'm a commuter/6 day a week rider in Seattle. My bike is wet all the time. For me, wax is 10x better. I hot bath wax my chains every two to three weeks in a dedicated $15 slow cooker that lives on my garage workbench. It's quick and easy. Just pop it back on the bike with *the same split links* -- I've literally never had a problem. Every few months I swap them out. I do carry spare links with me, but I haven't had to use one on the road. (They've come it handy for other folks in my group rides tho :) -- I know I'm N=1, but I suspect the "do not reuse links" is about liability rather than practicality.
You can reuse quick links a couple times without issue. But yes, hot waxing does consume more quick links and that adds some cost. You can buy quick links independent of chains. Shimano's (for example) are kind of expensive but YBN sells big packs for lower cost. That's part of why most people hot wax infrequently and replenish with drip-on wax in between. I have never had a quick link snap or fail, but I only use them 2-4 times. Also: KMC quick links are not infinitely reusable. Just like Shimano/SRAM they will eventually no longer 'snap' into position and then they need to be replaced.
speaking about the name of the team, yes, should be constant and also numbers of the riders should be constant. Same as in football or basketball. They can print those numbers then on the kit and that would be the thing to sell
Got a possible topic to discuss. Are Turbo trainers a rip off in the longer term? I say this because I have an Elite Direto X. £600, 2.5 years in, so 2.5 winters in, roughly 5000 turbo miles. Bearings are shot in the flywheel axle and large pulley. Both are glued in according to elite, so needs sent back to them to be fixed. All in its gonna basically cost me the same as a new trainer for replacing some bearings. Fair to say they didn't receive a very polite response back from me. Looking at other means at getting it sorted at the moment. Looking about a lot online, servicing what should be fairly easy maintenance parts on the turbo comes across quite troublesome. So suppose another question to add to that. Is the whole turbo training market from leading manufacturers taking the piss by basically making them perishable items, by making them a pain to fix if outside warranty? Many thanks David
For clubs: Farnborough and Camberley CC, they have an amazing Zwift racing set up, great summer TTs and a huge mix of members from all walks of life/speeds!
run down for powermeters: (9:45) pedals and crank arms are either one or two sides whereas spiders and crank spindles (? I think that's what they're called...like the ones sram or rotor uses) technically don't have a side so they don't differentiate between output of each leg, although they are more accurate then single sided powermeters as the measurement is more true compared to an estimated average given by a single sided. I hope it makes sense
I did appreciate Emily's point of view last episode. I didn't personally feel that the muck-off ad was offensive, but I am a fairly fit pasty white man in his late 40s. I thought it was funny to see less serious adverts in cycling. because what we do need in cycling is more consumer targeted products, not stuff for the pros being sold to everyone else. I am not interested in aero gains, or what the top athletes wear or ride. That said, I think it's ridiculous , the ELITIST ATTITUDE that goes on in cycling circles, how fast you go, what you ride, how much did you spend on kit, what you wear , did you shave your legs, are you fit (i mean like skinny to the point of concern) etc, etc, and I'm a guy! I can only imagine the sorts of problems a woman would face in these male oriented spaces. God forbid you are some other ethnic background or gender ! OH NO ! Anyone of any size or fitness level should NOT be judged for wanting to get out on a bike and HAVE FUN !! We need more cyclists to get out on the road and trails, but this IS an expensive pass-time and the gate keeping is real folks.
Hot wax is amazing! So clean! I've hot waxed my chains for a couple of years. Last bike was 10 speed and used the kmc re usable links without issue. Currently have a 12 speed ultegra and will reuse the Shimano links up to 5 times (1500km) or until they don't have a nice snap when installing. I always use a proper quick link tool and carefully remove and re install.YBN 12 speed links are supposed to be reusable and cheap but I haven't used them.
i've been waxing my chain for over 15,000mi. I used to use a wipperman connex link, but I lost it when transporting bikes. I didn't have a problem when I had it. I then started to use the quick links that needed a tool. My first and only failure was on the 1st pair of links that I had opened and closed either 10 or 11 times. By the end, a tool wasn't necessary. I'm now more proactive about replacing worn quick links, which I evaluate by how easy it is to open/close them (usually somewhere between 3-6 times).
I just wanted to say congratulations and thank you for your content. I’m a mountain biker and have little to no interest in road/ gravel riding however the depth and variety of your discussion has kept me coming back every week for the last 6-8 months to get my fix. Keep up the good work 👍🏼
Quick-Step: I had no idea who they were or what they did before getting into cycling, despite owning a home. Having started cycling, I heard of them, and felt more positive towards them, and actively considered their products. Ditto Skoda...think how many Skodas you see with bikes on compared to other car brands.
I buy KMC quick links for $3 each, and I know there's others out there that are even cheaper. I can't understand why people seem to make a big deal about trying to reuse them when it's not much of an expense to replace them after waxing a chain.
I currently hot dip wax my road bike chain during summer use. It's really a mostly summer/dry riding sort of product but it is great. Quiet and clean. Love it. Prior to waxing, or during the wet season I typically remove a chain 5-7 times during the life of the chain to thoroughly degrease and clean the chain along with the rest of the drive train. I have been doing this for many years and I have never had any issues with quick links snapping. Recently, I have thought about buying one of the 'reusable' quick links for peace of mind, but also because I do not need a tool if I need to take my chain apart on a ride. If you are not supposed to put a new quick link on an old chain, why do they sell replacement quick links? That seems like a liability issue as well. Great work guys!
Regarding quick links. I think there are issues with tolerances. Have had the links cause skips on my red and DA groupset but no issues on ultegra or 105. No problem in reusing them on my commuter on a waxed chain . But then I’m not pushing them too hard. Also taken to using squirt which needs a thorough drive train clean once every 2000 km. As it does leave residue in cogs and in the cassette. Hot wax is still a bit of work as it needs to be done every 300km, being lazy I just wipe the chain and add squirt and it’s done in 5 min. No need to remove the chain links to mess around with either. 6000km and still no sign of replacement required.
Finally, someone on TH-cam speaks the truth about most chain links not being reusable - even the reusable version of the KMC link is only recommended for 3 uses. If your chain breaks, it will be when you're putting the power down, and it's never a good experience 😮. The Connex reusable links are expensive, but essential in making hot waxing both easy and safe. Thanks also for the link 😂 for the winter gloves - just bought a pair, and hope you enjoy the huge commission!
Cyclocross on the East coast of the US is very similar. Interestingly, the collegiate cyclocross season is double the length of the road season. Partially because of the interest, but also because of the barrier to entry imo. Cyclocross is a lot less intense at the lower level and more interesting that road racing which is why we have so many new members on our team racing cx. Compared to a crit which is a lot faster and higher risk, and a road race which once you are dropped, all the fun is gone. That is why road racing is dying and cx is thriving
Hi Guys, love your bit on inclusiveness. I've never been in a cycling club because the only rider I can keep up with is myself. I particularly liked emily's reference to inclusiveness outside of the confines of cycling ability. I have suspected aspbergers syndrome (no test to confirm) which is a form of social challenge (I don't like the term disability) and in every club of any form that I have ever joined I have felt 'not included', indeed excluded. To coin a phrase not all forms of social difference are obvious. I would say that to be truly inclusive you cannot stop at not allowing misbehaviour, you actually have to reach out and make people feel part of the group. Inclusiveness must be positive and not just passively avoiding noninclusive. Emily, I thought your remarks last week were right on it and very welcome. Have a gold star for it.
Aspergers isn't recognized by the modern medical community as anything distinct. It's just part of the autism spectrum, and they totally have a test for that.
@@SpicyTrifongo You're quite right. My doctor had no test at the time (about 15 years ago) but symptoms were consistent with what was then called Aspergers. It was enough to know so that I could apply coping strategies to get by. I may be wrong but a positive diagnosis doesn't carry any benefit to the older generation and is only of practical benefit to children as regards schooling. However my point was that there are other less vissible factors affecting social interactions and to be trully inclusive it is necessary to be actively inclusive not fail to be exclusive. I have never found any sort of club where people go out of their way to get new commers involved and/or make any efforts to engage those with social difficulties. Thus they were not really inclusive. So if you want welcoming and flourishing clubs then that is one extra mile someone has to take.
56:43 been hot waxing chains for a couple of years now. I am very happy with the results but it is a huge process compared to the alternative. I am constantly doing maintenance on my bikes or tweaking things, so the waxing process just becomes one more thing to do while I have the bike on the stand. I actually like to do it as it gives me chance to check things, it is definitely not for everyone though. I have reused Shimano quick links a few times, it will work but they get loose pretty quickly. I used to exclusively use KMC reusable quick links. These work pretty well but they are not meant to last forever. In fact I snapped one on a climb last year, fortunately I wasn't going fast and there were no cars or riders around me when I took the fall. I always keep a spare link in my bag so I just swapped the broken one but it could have been worse. Since then I have been using a connex chain and connex quick link. This is a significantly better set up for me but the chain is heavier than the Shimano chain and the shifting is slightly off on mechanical UT, no issues on Di2. On the other hand, in my experience the connex link does not well on Shimano chains when paired with mechanical UT, Di2 is better but not as fluid.
I’m a waxed. I reuse the single use quick link maybe 3 times then replace. So, submersible wax, then use compatible drip wax for a while then do a rewax at maybe 1000k. So 3000k per quick link. They don’t cost that much. Works for me, but I know they are single use and am taking on that risk. My last chain in the gravel bike in dry dusty conditions and road, lasted about 9000k to get to 0.5 wear.
i think if your like me with upgrading your bike then, for example, if you were looking at a carbon fibre road bike and the frames throughout the range are exactly the same then id go for the lowest entry level because ill upgrade everything else over time to my personal taste anyway.
I've reused the same quick link dozens of times. Not only have I never had an issue, one time on a mountain bike the pin literally fell out of the link. I was in a pinch so I just shoved it back in and set up the chain as normal. It lasted for another several hundred miles before I replaced the whole chain.
THANK YOU for clarifying the situation with split links - all the stuff you see online about removing your chain to clean it or wax it has always confused me since reading the packaging on my split links! I assumed content creators were using a new split link each time, which negates any cost saving benefit!
Re chains: I take my chain off fairly regularly, to travel with the bike dismantled and sometimes when Im servcing or deep cleaning the bike. I've reused the split link without issues many times.But I do change the split link maybe twice in the lifespan of the chain and I get through chains because I ride rough and dirty off road which increases wear. It's easy enough to inspect the quick link in place when cleaning the drive chain which I do almost every ride, certainly every off road or wet ride. I was aware that the manufacturers say not to reuse the quick link, my take is that everyone is just trying to cover their ass, so I take that with a pinch of salt and carry a spare quick link in case it fails....it never has yet. Interms of is it dangerous ? My chains actually used to break more in the old days, before I'd even heard of quick links, than they do nowadays, at least that's how I remember it. Sometimes they'd come off when shifting under load, especially when out mountain biking. I can't remember those failures ever causing me to crash at speed so far. Whereas a lot of other things have caused crashes in the meantime, mainly rocks, loose surfaces and my limited ability, combined with pushing the boat out. I've writren off front and mechs and gear hangers even wheels, but the quick links have been fine up to now !
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I love Nick's definition of Gravel riding! 💜 And I would love to hear more stories from ultras. Nick, you love riding through the woods, like I do, and I'm really surprised that you don't like wax. I've never got my bike that clean out of the woods since I use wax and I don't want to go back to other lubrications. But I'm also way to lazy to hot wax my chain every week. I hot-wax them once and use drip wax and rotate to the next of my three chains every 300k and I never had problems with re-using shimano quicklinks so far. Keep up the good work people, I really enjoy watching your podcasts 👍🏻
For me the main benefit of waxing is simply keeping the drive chain clean. I live in a flat with no real place to clean my bike other than a small balcony. It also saves a lot of time if you have the right tools. I used to use squirt lube. While it keeps a chain way cleaner than other lubes, it will get dirty after a while and you'll need to thoroughly clean your drive train. I have reused chain links up to 4 times and nothing has happened... so far. I'd like to know the reason why the big three groupset manufacturers discourage you from doing so?
Hi, i’d say; if your chain is not deemed suitable by the manufacturer to be taken off and joined, chuck out that dummy chain and get one that allows to do it so that you can experience how amazing a feeling it is to ride with a waxed chain:) Nevermind the longevity, or watt savings (though the latter is also indicative of minimised friction) but the feeling that matters when you think ‘yeah we’re sliding baby’ or don’t even wanna listen to your favourite song list but prefer to listen to your bike when riding, which is absolute silence. Another note is that the trouble of your chain getting wet is soo overrated. I ride in the rain (downpour) all the time, rusting is not a problem; chain needs to have been waxed accordingly though. Greetings from Brisbane; love your podcast.
When I started to cycle in 2019 I seemed to have missed the golden age of fast group rides and racing in my county. My local club had few people out in the winter (3-7 usually) up to 15 if you were lucky on a summers day. We always rode at a sedate pace with it being a hilly area it was always a surgy ride which I found is not uncommon for a club ride. Most people were twice or even three times as old as me.
My local (smallish) cycling club accomodates different ability riders within a collective group ride by focussing on a common cafe stop but with faster riders fitting in 'extended loops'. Seems to work well.
It's interesting to hear Nic's perspective on chain waxing. What I heard was in line with what my LBS has said. They don't like waxed chains either. They have seen too many issues with waxed chains and the excess wax gumming up the other bits of the drivetrain. (Similar to what Nic mentioned.) The "don't reuse split links" issue is new to me. I should replace mine before I head out again. (Once the snow melts in late March... 😞) Thanks for all the info!
There was a huge cycling scene in London way before 2012-15. It was mainly centred around Crystal Palace (for the crits) and Herne Hill for track. And you could also include Eastway and Hillingdon.
14:50 still have ride London for world tour womens racing, I know it’s not the same as tour of Britain but at least we still have that, also didn’t mention tour series going down as well I know that’s a bit more domestic teams but have had international teams sometimes enter
Had plenty of cases working on triathlon bikes when the chain link could be unlocked by just looking at it (usually the people who switch between a training chain for flat and hilly setups and a ceramic speed one for racing) Finally someone who knows you cant reuse some of the quick links!
I'm a full wax w*anker. Keep two chains on rotation, thinking of maybe rotating 3 this summer, so you're only actually doing the rewaxing process every couple of months. Will re use the sram powerlinks only once, you can usually pick up a pack of 4 on sale. No problems & honestly can't recommend the process enough 👍
Every team could have a motto as Quick-step with "The wolf pack" Your northern team could take up the viking theme. Bora could likely take up something with the wings related to RedBull in the future anyway.
Most WT teams kits are bright and colourful so they can be identified on TV - replica kits should be safer! Not sure why everyone is in black or dark blue in UK in particular. Wdyt cade team?
The biggest barrier is now insurance, if you put on a ride you are liable. A lot of clubs are now companies with ltd liability to cover this . Because of this the clubs have to be more structured with AGM etc . Training can not be carried out by club members on the road due to liability etc.
KMC make several quick links, non reusable, (why would you bother in my opinion). Also reusable that they state can be used 3 to 5 times depending on which one you buy. Great show by the way.
I have a little box of shimano quick links - I use them three or four times then toss them. With silca the chain only comes off after a five hundred miles -for me about every three months - every week I add the drip on.
I have been hot waxing my Campy Chorus 11S chains for almost 10 years.. Use KMC quick links and Molten Speed Wax. Keep 3 chains in rotation so I just bulk re wax when they are all ready for re dipping. Never snapped a link or a chain..Or ever heard of same happening to anyone using quick links on Campy chains. I live in NYC so we don't tend to or need to ride in the rain.. but if the wax gets really wet you need to re do it. Thats the only downside.. I expect that could be the only issue with riding in the UK.
Great podcast, I enjoy it every Thursday am with my coffee. I think cycling snobbery is the worst. I enjoy wearing team kit on the roads. Granted the kits are Phonak and Festina. I enjoy watching folks shake their heads. Get over yourselves, we are all out here trying to enjoy our bikes. If you care what others are wearing. You're doing it wrong.
Those winter gloves are absolute rubbish. I bought and tried them - fingers get very cold when only 32F outside. Extremely unflexible. I'll stick with my regular gloves with a latex glove inside for wind protection thanks.
brilliant, I tried to get into cycling in Bradford in the very clicky years, I came from a family with no cycling history,. I love cycling and bought myself a bike from Halfords. I saved enough money to buy a 'proper' bike as a construction manger working all over England, my time on the bike was limited. I went to certain bike store and wanted a 753 frame with campag etc etc, and was told I wasnt good enough to ride one of their bikes because their top riders do this and that and we don't want to see you on one, the whole purpose i came into the bike shop.............. we bow live in Hawkes bay new zealand ride Attacuss kit and have 3 bikes each...all SRAM. You cant enough bikes......
I’ve been hot waxing. The resources I use explicitly say to change the quick link. I don’t change mine every single time, I keep spares on hand but I can tell easily based on how much pressure it takes to open the link if it’s gonna be a problem and I just grab a new one. For me it’s 3/4 waxes I’m also not waxing every week. I don’t ride that much so it usually works out to a new link every 2-3 months.
When I moved to Herts from London 2 years ago I took the leap and joined the local club. I guess I was really lucky that I found one that's really inclusive and caters for cyclists of all abilities. They split the regular rides into average speeds so you can always find something to suit.
Thanks for the Podcast, they have restored my faith in cycling internet shows. On the team stuff you talked about I just want to say Euskadi and orange, always has been always will be, only have to look at the fans at tour of the Basque country Vuelta. Thanks again, tidy
I rode 800 km over the French Alps in 8 days. I waxed before leaving and then topped up with Squirt drip wax in the middle of the tour. If you carefully put a drop on each roller, the whole chain only takes 3 ml of lube.
The thing with the gloves (or very similar winter work gloves… £6 at Toolstation and Screwfix) is great though they are, they’re not at all breathable so unless it’s super cold your hands get a bit sweaty and go all wrinkly like when you’ve been in the bath for ages. They also take days to dry out. Still worth having a pair though -
Wax user here. I change my quick link every time. Reuse a quick link a few times and when installing with the park tool pliars, you can feel the link stops "snapping" into lock like it does when new.
One team that bucks the trend of not being just corporate brand names is Cycle Sheffield. They’re named that then sponsored by local companies in the Sheffield area. Consistent name and colour of kit. They even had Connor Swift in their roster!
Say hi to Francis for us, we hope all is well and congratulations. Hope to see him back soon. Nic has to be a regular now though. Still waiting for bikefit James.
It is like a big bag with mixed candy, the one you like the most you'll find the least. No offence to you both gentlemen because you all rock but I really appreciate Emily her opinion and input. As always great video, keep it up!!
I do wax my chain with the silca hot wax & re-up with thier super secret drip wax. After about 2500 miles I pull it & hot wax again reusing the quick link once. The next time I use a new one. It's not expensive to replace so I do it just in case.
Cool discussion about clubs! There are diferences between clubs and „vereinen“ and british cycling and BDR but the underlying issues you were talking about are just the same in Germany…. Best „verein“ in the world: radtreff campus bonn 😀 keep on podcasting, love your „shows“
Re Clubs we have a club of 150 members but only 40 might turn up for Saturday group rides. We have 4 levels and it's on average speed. It works quite well. Sometimes only 4 to 6 might be in a group but they still work as one on the group ride with regroup points. This is a club in south West of Western Australia in Australia. So just sharing that it can work. Racing weekly has stop because lack of interest and people to run the event and everyone has a race licence, which costs $380.00. Sadly members are getting older so Racing less important.
Pause* I came across the channel this last week & really enjoyed the podcast before this one so much I subscribed. The three of you were really interesting to listen to & it was Emily that I scribed for - talk more, you have such clarity! Play*
You know there are re-usable quick links for shimano and probably all kinds of chains (the stock ones are not re-usable). I rotate 3 waxed chains and all have their own quick links. When I get a new chain I also get a new re-usable quick link for it.
axle based power meter are all one sided, due to the force traversal. they only measure the force going through the left crank arm to the chainring. chainring based powermeters measure total power and use software to attribute left right power, but are the most accurate since they directly measure the power going into the drivetrain.
Coffee stops: you normally ride alone, mostly loaded commuting at about 20kph, you join an 70km ride on your road bike and settle in with the group at about 25kph, you stop 30km in for a coffee and the 2 guys pulling the group (both of whom are named Kevin) order 2 espressos each and the remaining 40km is at 30-32kph.
The team name idea is very good. In the Super league (triathlon) they adopted this a year or two ago and it looks to of massively helped the support to the sport
![POLYCAT - ข้อความรูปยิ้ม [Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/lBhIgPGCgbI/mqdefault.jpg)
Remember when producer Emily said she doesn't like to be in the videos? I do and it's been one of the best decision reversals ever as she has become an integral part of these podcasts!
I agree she balances the show well and a woman's prospective is always appreciated.
@@darrengarvie8832 Not just a woman's point of view, but a more grounded and realist view of recreational riders, which the majority of people are.
Agreed, I think Emily always has interesting comments to make on every subject
When Francis returns, I hope y'all keep Nick around more. The four of you make for a great dynamic.
Neil here from Kingston Wheelers - thanks so much for your positive comments about our ethos. We've put a lot of work into our policy of inclusivity over the last few years and it's great to be recognised for it. This ethos is already being reflected in the diverse make-up of the club. We've got rides from 12mph cafe rides to nosebleed -inducing training rides - we're living proof that the 'broad church' approach can work if you have the right attitude!
Hot waxing chains is soooo convenient. I get hundreds of kilometres out of a single application. I got two chains and just switch between them back and forth. I don't need to clean my chainring and cassette like ever. I can just wash and wipe the whole bike down with a single sponge, cuz there's no oil. Surface rust on the chain is no issue if you just wipe it dry after a wet ride. Literally no component wear. The only use case where I think it's reaching its limit is when it gets proper muddy. Because you can't apply new wax mid ride. The drip on wax stuff usually has to dry over night. So that doesn't really work. I was sceptic, too. But now I just can't imagine ever going back to oil.
Agreed, it's been great working on the drivetrain without covering my hands in bike grease, and then my shirt, pants and every other part I touch.
Do you ever have to do a full strip down once it’s been done?
(Like if you ride in extreme conditions)
I’m on the fence about it.
@@markj.a351 Once a year I throw the cassette, chain and chainring in a pot of boiling water to strip off dirt and wax. Then pour off hot water. Dry components. Rewax chain. And done.
Waxing is the best and fastest option
I hope Bike Mechanic Nick will be a regular on the show.....please 😎
Me too. I prefer him over Francis.
Controversial
Nick or Francis are a nice counterbalance
@@wufler28 Francis have that "wild" factor which Nick misses. There's nothing wild about these two "wild ones" anymore. For me, without Francis and his energy show is getting boring. Nick have very lovely personality thou, yawn, very lovely indeed.
Nick is awesome and says it how it is.
10:00 "left you on red" is just peak humor!
I took it as the pun "left you unread," which is brilliant!
So underrated and straight over Jimmy's head
Nick is right that he cannot recommend re-using quicklinks. KMC says on the package that you can re-use the quicklink, Shimano says you can't. This is for the same reason, liability. If a quicklink breaks, there is no way for Shimano to tell whether it has been used three times (as recomended by KMC) or 16 times. Thus, it is safer to say do not re-use at all.
Off course, if you try to re-use the links you will find that it work just fine. I have 6 chains which I rotate on both my outdoor- and indoor bike and I always re-use the quicklinks, both Shimano and KMC. Never had any problems, and you can actually feel whether or not the quicklink snaps into place securely. When the connection gets too loose, just get a new quicklink. And yes you can use KMC quicklink for Shimano chains.
Agree. Same experience.
YBN quick links officially 5 times reusable and work with Shimano 11 speed for me.
46:00 where I’m from, 90% of the clubs are just macho guys, racing (usually not at the races but at coffee rides) and not caring about others, teasing/laughing at the newcomers, let them always drop/not waiting on the climbs, etc. I’m now a pro cyclist and I often organize proper coffee rides (non-racing), where also beginner cyclists can join, learn,… a few of them even inspired to start training and racing. When I started back then as 15yo, all groups were just racing oriented, never finished together, never stopped for a coffee/talk,…I really lost the will for (road)bike and training back then.
Did you actually lose the will to ride or are you just being dramatic?
Wax user for last 5 years in rainy Denmark on road n off road. Squirt is great and simple. Clean and very low friction compared to oils. Just remember to change your quick link when it begins to become loose.
heya, as a woman being into MTB and BMX for the last 20 years, i really have to appreciate how the mentality is finally changing and we have seen that on reception of that really nice speech in the last episode.
Also the kids grinding pumptracks and skateparks are much more equally represented. Can not say much about road bikes but as far as i see, lot of woman there too.
Listen friends, world is scary place right now but at least some things are better.
hey hey! Waxing in a proper and convenient way is possible, like: Use once a new chain with a new ql and it gets a bath in hot wax and then got the way the manufacturers want it and then get re dripped with the specific liquid waxes. so it works like a oil treatment. My dirty oiled chains were always an pita. Nic sounds so "Very German" when points to the law situation in case of reusing the chain quick links more the one time when people wax their chain and reuse it more then one time. He has a point there. So use the hot wax with new chain and new quick link an then drip on until its time to take the chain off. . You don´t have to hot wax it every week, imho. Kudos!
Right, when the chain is new, strip it clean, do the hot drip wax, put it on the bike, then top-up on the bike with drip-on wax.
Even when Francis is back, bring Nick on! He's a great guest!
Francis who?
While not an "official club" in the fact that there are memberships and dues and such, Neighbourhood Gravel and Portuer CC out of Brighton & Hove are both focused around being really inclusive and are both super welcoming to new riders. I used to always be the slow guy at the back and never felt like I was dragging the group down (or even if I did it was made very clear that I wasn't and they were happy I was with them) One of my favourite things to do on our rides is to hang at the back or meet new folks who are just getting in to riding and to make sure the same welcome that was extended to me is extended to them on an even greater scale.
Sram Rival/Force D2 (not the one in the chainring) powermeter is def single sided. The PM is placed in the axle, but takes the measurement from the left crank only. The spider PM is the only one wich measures the actual combined power output from both sides. Just the left/right balance is calculated.
Yeah, the axle one measures the amount of "twist" between the right and left side, but it's effectively only the power from the left, as the right crank is attached directly to the chainrings (its power doesn't go through the axle).
2inpower has a second strain gauge inside the right crank arm to get true dual sided
Thx ! I talked to a sram service hotline in our shop.The guy on the phone did´t know it.
Must have waxed my chain (in a hot wax bath) every week for 5+ years. In that time, had two quicklinks fail (both in similar circumstances - going uphill, and putting down whatever power *I* can muster). Both times sorted at the side of the road using the *spare* quicklinks I've always carried (and have had to use them on other club riders' failed chains more often than mine!)
In return, the chain looks cleaner for far longer, takes longer to wear out, and is a lot less fuss than any of those squirty bottle products.
Of course bike shops aren't going to recommend it - they sell the squirty bottle stuff, and don't sell plain candles! And some quicklinks ARE reuseable, and are marked as such (although TBH I've found the "non-reuseable" ones work for several years)..
And added to that we have a designated rider leader in each level which controls the ride. They get a coffee voucher for them volunteering that day. That's works ok generally 👌
I took the plunge and got a wippermann connex link for my waxed chain. You don't need to buy the whole chain, you can just get the reusable link. They are expensive but I expect to get 15000km out of it.
I bought my first Connex link for safety reasons; I happened to read the manual on the Shimano link and was rattled to learn they are single use. Yes, the time and frustration that a Connex link saves you is well worth the $30 price. Even if you don't wax your chains.
Ive used my last Shimano 12sp quicklink for 8000k until i got a new chain. Opened it pretty much every week for half a year. Same thing now on all my Bikes with waxed chain. I just use it until i have to replace the chain and get a new one with it.
the glove link is sold out, I'd suggest you add a North American Amazon line where some are still in stock
KMC chains supply split links with an R in the code that can be reused.
Great cycle chat again Jimmi, Emily & Nic: When it comes chain care, for me a decent quality synthetic ' light oil' works for me and my 2 road bikes....Silca & morngan blue Pro Oils......both easy to apply: Both appear to wear well & then wash off well 👍. Reapply & you're good to go again. Split links only for that emergency 👍
BTW - the linkfor the gloves is valid for UK only - maybe generate a US link as well?
Not just cycling but pretty much every social group advertises as they are welcoming to beginners even if they are not. I get that a lot of groups really want new members but being a novice and joining an intermediate group can be pretty rough if you aren't already in love with whatever you are doing.
With the recent craze for cycling I was expecting to make a lot more cycling buddies but what happened is a lot of people came into the sports expecting great achievements with minimal efforts.
Idk if you got out with your fully kitted self on a 10k bike and talk the talk people naturally expect a bit more... People often don't help themselves 😂
Already getting replies proving you right
Learning to ride in a group is extremely intimidating and people need actual clinics on how the etiquette of it works. Just getting thrown into a group and then having a rider yell at you for not holding a wheel or drifting off your line, when you don't even know what that is, turns people away in a heartbeat.
I've once joined an MMA club. They seemed really pro, biggest and most famous from the city. They had different disciplines like boxing, MMA, kickbox. Each discipline had around 3-5 training session per week. I've joined the kickboxing beginners group, right when they started a new course. It was full with experienced pro fighters, who joined because the 5 / week wasn't enough for them or the schedule didn't work as they were at different hours. Let me tell you, it wasn't fun, neither for me or for them when we had to do sparring. I've quit after max 2 months...
@@arthurnagy I was part of a touch rugby group that said it was open to beginners. The only beginners who could really be welcome were those that played rugby at a decent level before hand or another sport at a real high level. I had fun but we definitely lied about it.
I took up sim racing and joined a “beginner friendly” league and got lapped and yelled at 10 minutes into my first race and didn’t hang out much longer.
Route planning: super underrated. Went on a long ride using Google maps and it tried to take me on a rocky trail named "agony" with my 23mm tires and I had to circle back.
I feel you! I tried to cut my route short, and I simply did the rerouting with Wahoo's built-in option. Not a good idea - I ended up in a 10cm deep sand "road" with my road bike. Paid for Komoot the same evening :)
Top tip; when planning a route use Google Street View to look at turning points and awkward parts, so you know what to look out for on the ride. It can feel like you've been there before.
Without clubs Young guys with potential talent will never rise to the top without filthy rich parents. Oldtimers took care of me. My first big race an older member showed up and gave me his race day tubs for the race. I never forgot that. Never forgot the hand me downs all of it. My parents couldn't afford that hobby for me they did. Picked me up and took me to races
Currently waxing all my chains and re-using the split links no issues with KMC, Shimano or Sram. Even before waxing I used drip lubes I would remove my chain to clean the bike. In 12+ years never had a chain break or split link break on me.
I’ve reused links SO many times. For the life of me I can’t understand why they should be “single use”.
@@miklm I've used KMC single-use and reusable links. The difference is that the single use ones are harder to close and to open initially, but then become progressively looser on subsequent uses, whereas the reusable ones are pretty easy from the first use. Anyhow, I think it's more legalistic ass-covering than anything else. I been reusing links dozens without any issue. I've gotten 20 000 km out of an Ultegra chain with just hot candle paraffin, rewaxing every 300-700 km, even then its elongation over the whole chain length was 0.3%. I've gone over 2 or 3 sets of quicklinks with that chain, once because I've lost a half, and once just to use the gold link so it's easier to find.
I'm a commuter/6 day a week rider in Seattle. My bike is wet all the time. For me, wax is 10x better. I hot bath wax my chains every two to three weeks in a dedicated $15 slow cooker that lives on my garage workbench. It's quick and easy. Just pop it back on the bike with *the same split links* -- I've literally never had a problem. Every few months I swap them out. I do carry spare links with me, but I haven't had to use one on the road. (They've come it handy for other folks in my group rides tho :) -- I know I'm N=1, but I suspect the "do not reuse links" is about liability rather than practicality.
You can reuse quick links a couple times without issue. But yes, hot waxing does consume more quick links and that adds some cost. You can buy quick links independent of chains. Shimano's (for example) are kind of expensive but YBN sells big packs for lower cost. That's part of why most people hot wax infrequently and replenish with drip-on wax in between.
I have never had a quick link snap or fail, but I only use them 2-4 times.
Also: KMC quick links are not infinitely reusable. Just like Shimano/SRAM they will eventually no longer 'snap' into position and then they need to be replaced.
speaking about the name of the team, yes, should be constant and also numbers of the riders should be constant. Same as in football or basketball.
They can print those numbers then on the kit and that would be the thing to sell
Got a possible topic to discuss. Are Turbo trainers a rip off in the longer term? I say this because I have an Elite Direto X. £600, 2.5 years in, so 2.5 winters in, roughly 5000 turbo miles. Bearings are shot in the flywheel axle and large pulley. Both are glued in according to elite, so needs sent back to them to be fixed. All in its gonna basically cost me the same as a new trainer for replacing some bearings.
Fair to say they didn't receive a very polite response back from me.
Looking at other means at getting it sorted at the moment. Looking about a lot online, servicing what should be fairly easy maintenance parts on the turbo comes across quite troublesome.
So suppose another question to add to that. Is the whole turbo training market from leading manufacturers taking the piss by basically making them perishable items, by making them a pain to fix if outside warranty?
Many thanks
David
For clubs: Farnborough and Camberley CC, they have an amazing Zwift racing set up, great summer TTs and a huge mix of members from all walks of life/speeds!
run down for powermeters: (9:45) pedals and crank arms are either one or two sides whereas spiders and crank spindles (? I think that's what they're called...like the ones sram or rotor uses) technically don't have a side so they don't differentiate between output of each leg, although they are more accurate then single sided powermeters as the measurement is more true compared to an estimated average given by a single sided. I hope it makes sense
Rival and Force spindle-based power meters only measure left-side power (and double the reading before sending it to your computer).
I did appreciate Emily's point of view last episode. I didn't personally feel that the muck-off ad was offensive, but I am a fairly fit pasty white man in his late 40s. I thought it was funny to see less serious adverts in cycling. because what we do need in cycling is more consumer targeted products, not stuff for the pros being sold to everyone else. I am not interested in aero gains, or what the top athletes wear or ride.
That said, I think it's ridiculous , the ELITIST ATTITUDE that goes on in cycling circles, how fast you go, what you ride, how much did you spend on kit, what you wear , did you shave your legs, are you fit (i mean like skinny to the point of concern) etc, etc, and I'm a guy! I can only imagine the sorts of problems a woman would face in these male oriented spaces. God forbid you are some other ethnic background or gender ! OH NO ! Anyone of any size or fitness level should NOT be judged for wanting to get out on a bike and HAVE FUN !!
We need more cyclists to get out on the road and trails, but this IS an expensive pass-time and the gate keeping is real folks.
Spot on.
Hot wax is amazing! So clean! I've hot waxed my chains for a couple of years. Last bike was 10 speed and used the kmc re usable links without issue. Currently have a 12 speed ultegra and will reuse the Shimano links up to 5 times (1500km) or until they don't have a nice snap when installing. I always use a proper quick link tool and carefully remove and re install.YBN 12 speed links are supposed to be reusable and cheap but I haven't used them.
i've been waxing my chain for over 15,000mi. I used to use a wipperman connex link, but I lost it when transporting bikes. I didn't have a problem when I had it. I then started to use the quick links that needed a tool. My first and only failure was on the 1st pair of links that I had opened and closed either 10 or 11 times. By the end, a tool wasn't necessary. I'm now more proactive about replacing worn quick links, which I evaluate by how easy it is to open/close them (usually somewhere between 3-6 times).
I just wanted to say congratulations and thank you for your content. I’m a mountain biker and have little to no interest in road/ gravel riding however the depth and variety of your discussion has kept me coming back every week for the last 6-8 months to get my fix.
Keep up the good work 👍🏼
Quick-Step: I had no idea who they were or what they did before getting into cycling, despite owning a home. Having started cycling, I heard of them, and felt more positive towards them, and actively considered their products. Ditto Skoda...think how many Skodas you see with bikes on compared to other car brands.
I buy KMC quick links for $3 each, and I know there's others out there that are even cheaper. I can't understand why people seem to make a big deal about trying to reuse them when it's not much of an expense to replace them after waxing a chain.
I currently hot dip wax my road bike chain during summer use. It's really a mostly summer/dry riding sort of product but it is great. Quiet and clean. Love it.
Prior to waxing, or during the wet season I typically remove a chain 5-7 times during the life of the chain to thoroughly degrease and clean the chain along with the rest of the drive train. I have been doing this for many years and I have never had any issues with quick links snapping.
Recently, I have thought about buying one of the 'reusable' quick links for peace of mind, but also because I do not need a tool if I need to take my chain apart on a ride.
If you are not supposed to put a new quick link on an old chain, why do they sell replacement quick links? That seems like a liability issue as well.
Great work guys!
Re Clubs - The Heavy Metal Cycling Club is a welcoming and fun club - Mainly based in London, with a newer chapter in Sussex!
Regarding quick links. I think there are issues with tolerances. Have had the links cause skips on my red and DA groupset but no issues on ultegra or 105.
No problem in reusing them on my commuter on a waxed chain . But then I’m not pushing them too hard. Also taken to using squirt which needs a thorough drive train clean once every 2000 km. As it does leave residue in cogs and in the cassette. Hot wax is still a bit of work as it needs to be done every 300km, being lazy I just wipe the chain and add squirt and it’s done in 5 min. No need to remove the chain links to mess around with either. 6000km and still no sign of replacement required.
Finally, someone on TH-cam speaks the truth about most chain links not being reusable - even the reusable version of the KMC link is only recommended for 3 uses. If your chain breaks, it will be when you're putting the power down, and it's never a good experience 😮. The Connex reusable links are expensive, but essential in making hot waxing both easy and safe. Thanks also for the link 😂 for the winter gloves - just bought a pair, and hope you enjoy the huge commission!
Cyclocross on the East coast of the US is very similar. Interestingly, the collegiate cyclocross season is double the length of the road season. Partially because of the interest, but also because of the barrier to entry imo. Cyclocross is a lot less intense at the lower level and more interesting that road racing which is why we have so many new members on our team racing cx. Compared to a crit which is a lot faster and higher risk, and a road race which once you are dropped, all the fun is gone. That is why road racing is dying and cx is thriving
Hi Guys, love your bit on inclusiveness. I've never been in a cycling club because the only rider I can keep up with is myself.
I particularly liked emily's reference to inclusiveness outside of the confines of cycling ability. I have suspected aspbergers syndrome (no test to confirm) which is a form of social challenge (I don't like the term disability) and in every club of any form that I have ever joined I have felt 'not included', indeed excluded. To coin a phrase not all forms of social difference are obvious. I would say that to be truly inclusive you cannot stop at not allowing misbehaviour, you actually have to reach out and make people feel part of the group. Inclusiveness must be positive and not just passively avoiding noninclusive.
Emily, I thought your remarks last week were right on it and very welcome. Have a gold star for it.
Aspergers isn't recognized by the modern medical community as anything distinct.
It's just part of the autism spectrum, and they totally have a test for that.
@@SpicyTrifongo You're quite right. My doctor had no test at the time (about 15 years ago) but symptoms were consistent with what was then called Aspergers. It was enough to know so that I could apply coping strategies to get by. I may be wrong but a positive diagnosis doesn't carry any benefit to the older generation and is only of practical benefit to children as regards schooling.
However my point was that there are other less vissible factors affecting social interactions and to be trully inclusive it is necessary to be actively inclusive not fail to be exclusive. I have never found any sort of club where people go out of their way to get new commers involved and/or make any efforts to engage those with social difficulties. Thus they were not really inclusive.
So if you want welcoming and flourishing clubs then that is one extra mile someone has to take.
56:43 been hot waxing chains for a couple of years now. I am very happy with the results but it is a huge process compared to the alternative. I am constantly doing maintenance on my bikes or tweaking things, so the waxing process just becomes one more thing to do while I have the bike on the stand. I actually like to do it as it gives me chance to check things, it is definitely not for everyone though.
I have reused Shimano quick links a few times, it will work but they get loose pretty quickly. I used to exclusively use KMC reusable quick links. These work pretty well but they are not meant to last forever. In fact I snapped one on a climb last year, fortunately I wasn't going fast and there were no cars or riders around me when I took the fall. I always keep a spare link in my bag so I just swapped the broken one but it could have been worse.
Since then I have been using a connex chain and connex quick link. This is a significantly better set up for me but the chain is heavier than the Shimano chain and the shifting is slightly off on mechanical UT, no issues on Di2. On the other hand, in my experience the connex link does not well on Shimano chains when paired with mechanical UT, Di2 is better but not as fluid.
I’m a waxed. I reuse the single use quick link maybe 3 times then replace. So, submersible wax, then use compatible drip wax for a while then do a rewax at maybe 1000k. So 3000k per quick link. They don’t cost that much. Works for me, but I know they are single use and am taking on that risk. My last chain in the gravel bike in dry dusty conditions and road, lasted about 9000k to get to 0.5 wear.
i think if your like me with upgrading your bike then, for example, if you were looking at a carbon fibre road bike and the frames throughout the range are exactly the same then id go for the lowest entry level because ill upgrade everything else over time to my personal taste anyway.
If you have a bike fit (and you should!), you'll likely want different cranks/stem/handlebars/etc anyway, might as well get the cheap ones!
The Blob should have it's own segment in future shows. It was clearly craving attention.
I've reused the same quick link dozens of times. Not only have I never had an issue, one time on a mountain bike the pin literally fell out of the link. I was in a pinch so I just shoved it back in and set up the chain as normal. It lasted for another several hundred miles before I replaced the whole chain.
THANK YOU for clarifying the situation with split links - all the stuff you see online about removing your chain to clean it or wax it has always confused me since reading the packaging on my split links! I assumed content creators were using a new split link each time, which negates any cost saving benefit!
Re chains: I take my chain off fairly regularly, to travel with the bike dismantled and sometimes when Im servcing or deep cleaning the bike. I've reused the split link without issues many times.But I do change the split link maybe twice in the lifespan of the chain and I get through chains because I ride rough and dirty off road which increases wear. It's easy enough to inspect the quick link in place when cleaning the drive chain which I do almost every ride, certainly every off road or wet ride. I was aware that the manufacturers say not to reuse the quick link, my take is that everyone is just trying to cover their ass, so I take that with a pinch of salt and carry a spare quick link in case it fails....it never has yet. Interms of is it dangerous ? My chains actually used to break more in the old days, before I'd even heard of quick links, than they do nowadays, at least that's how I remember it. Sometimes they'd come off when shifting under load, especially when out mountain biking. I can't remember those failures ever causing me to crash at speed so far. Whereas a lot of other things have caused crashes in the meantime, mainly rocks, loose surfaces and my limited ability, combined with pushing the boat out. I've writren off front and mechs and gear hangers even wheels, but the quick links have been fine up to now !
I love Nick's definition of Gravel riding! 💜 And I would love to hear more stories from ultras.
Nick, you love riding through the woods, like I do, and I'm really surprised that you don't like wax. I've never got my bike that clean out of the woods since I use wax and I don't want to go back to other lubrications.
But I'm also way to lazy to hot wax my chain every week. I hot-wax them once and use drip wax and rotate to the next of my three chains every 300k and I never had problems with re-using shimano quicklinks so far.
Keep up the good work people, I really enjoy watching your podcasts 👍🏻
I joined RCC because it gave off less of a vibe of the traditional bike club. Was less focussed on racing and a good way to meet people.
For me the main benefit of waxing is simply keeping the drive chain clean. I live in a flat with no real place to clean my bike other than a small balcony. It also saves a lot of time if you have the right tools. I used to use squirt lube. While it keeps a chain way cleaner than other lubes, it will get dirty after a while and you'll need to thoroughly clean your drive train.
I have reused chain links up to 4 times and nothing has happened... so far. I'd like to know the reason why the big three groupset manufacturers discourage you from doing so?
Hi, i’d say; if your chain is not deemed suitable by the manufacturer to be taken off and joined, chuck out that dummy chain and get one that allows to do it so that you can experience how amazing a feeling it is to ride with a waxed chain:)
Nevermind the longevity, or watt savings (though the latter is also indicative of minimised friction) but the feeling that matters when you think ‘yeah we’re sliding baby’ or don’t even wanna listen to your favourite song list but prefer to listen to your bike when riding, which is absolute silence.
Another note is that the trouble of your chain getting wet is soo overrated. I ride in the rain (downpour) all the time, rusting is not a problem; chain needs to have been waxed accordingly though.
Greetings from Brisbane; love your podcast.
When I started to cycle in 2019 I seemed to have missed the golden age of fast group rides and racing in my county. My local club had few people out in the winter (3-7 usually) up to 15 if you were lucky on a summers day. We always rode at a sedate pace with it being a hilly area it was always a surgy ride which I found is not uncommon for a club ride. Most people were twice or even three times as old as me.
27:59 there are regional teams in tour de france. There are teams that are sponsored , but they have the name of the region in the team name.
My local (smallish) cycling club accomodates different ability riders within a collective group ride by focussing on a common cafe stop but with faster riders fitting in 'extended loops'. Seems to work well.
It's interesting to hear Nic's perspective on chain waxing. What I heard was in line with what my LBS has said. They don't like waxed chains either. They have seen too many issues with waxed chains and the excess wax gumming up the other bits of the drivetrain. (Similar to what Nic mentioned.) The "don't reuse split links" issue is new to me. I should replace mine before I head out again. (Once the snow melts in late March... 😞) Thanks for all the info!
There was a huge cycling scene in London way before 2012-15. It was mainly centred around Crystal Palace (for the crits) and Herne Hill for track. And you could also include Eastway and Hillingdon.
14:50 still have ride London for world tour womens racing, I know it’s not the same as tour of Britain but at least we still have that, also didn’t mention tour series going down as well I know that’s a bit more domestic teams but have had international teams sometimes enter
Had plenty of cases working on triathlon bikes when the chain link could be unlocked by just looking at it (usually the people who switch between a training chain for flat and hilly setups and a ceramic speed one for racing) Finally someone who knows you cant reuse some of the quick links!
I'm a full wax w*anker. Keep two chains on rotation, thinking of maybe rotating 3 this summer, so you're only actually doing the rewaxing process every couple of months. Will re use the sram powerlinks only once, you can usually pick up a pack of 4 on sale. No problems & honestly can't recommend the process enough 👍
Every team could have a motto as Quick-step with "The wolf pack"
Your northern team could take up the viking theme.
Bora could likely take up something with the wings related to RedBull in the future anyway.
Most WT teams kits are bright and colourful so they can be identified on TV - replica kits should be safer! Not sure why everyone is in black or dark blue in UK in particular. Wdyt cade team?
The biggest barrier is now insurance, if you put on a ride you are liable. A lot of clubs are now companies with ltd liability to cover this . Because of this the clubs have to be more structured with AGM etc . Training can not be carried out by club members on the road due to liability etc.
KMC make several quick links, non reusable, (why would you bother in my opinion). Also reusable that they state can be used 3 to 5 times depending on which one you buy. Great show by the way.
I have a little box of shimano quick links - I use them three or four times then toss them. With silca the chain only comes off after a five hundred miles -for me about every three months - every week I add the drip on.
I have been hot waxing my Campy Chorus 11S chains for almost 10 years.. Use KMC quick links and Molten Speed Wax. Keep 3 chains in rotation so I just bulk re wax when they are all ready for re dipping. Never snapped a link or a chain..Or ever heard of same happening to anyone using quick links on Campy chains. I live in NYC so we don't tend to or need to ride in the rain.. but if the wax gets really wet you need to re do it. Thats the only downside.. I expect that could be the only issue with riding in the UK.
Great podcast, I enjoy it every Thursday am with my coffee.
I think cycling snobbery is the worst. I enjoy wearing team kit on the roads. Granted the kits are Phonak and Festina. I enjoy watching folks shake their heads. Get over yourselves, we are all out here trying to enjoy our bikes. If you care what others are wearing. You're doing it wrong.
Those winter gloves are absolute rubbish. I bought and tried them - fingers get very cold when only 32F outside. Extremely unflexible. I'll stick with my regular gloves with a latex glove inside for wind protection thanks.
brilliant, I tried to get into cycling in Bradford in the very clicky years, I came from a family with no cycling history,. I love cycling and bought myself a bike from Halfords. I saved enough money to buy a 'proper' bike as a construction manger working all over England, my time on the bike was limited. I went to certain bike store and wanted a 753 frame with campag etc etc, and was told I wasnt good enough to ride one of their bikes because their top riders do this and that and we don't want to see you on one, the whole purpose i came into the bike shop..............
we bow live in Hawkes bay new zealand ride Attacuss kit and have 3 bikes each...all SRAM. You cant enough bikes......
on waxing chains, i bought enough quick links from crc for 10p that i could wax my chain every week for the next 2 years
💯💯💯Francis, Jimmy, Nick & Emily 💯💯💯
I’ve been hot waxing. The resources I use explicitly say to change the quick link. I don’t change mine every single time, I keep spares on hand but I can tell easily based on how much pressure it takes to open the link if it’s gonna be a problem and I just grab a new one. For me it’s 3/4 waxes I’m also not waxing every week. I don’t ride that much so it usually works out to a new link every 2-3 months.
When I moved to Herts from London 2 years ago I took the leap and joined the local club. I guess I was really lucky that I found one that's really inclusive and caters for cyclists of all abilities. They split the regular rides into average speeds so you can always find something to suit.
BMN (Bike Mechanic Nick) is a perfect guest.
His answers show every time his incompetence as a bike mechanic.
Thanks for the Podcast, they have restored my faith in cycling internet shows. On the team stuff you talked about I just want to say Euskadi and orange, always has been always will be, only have to look at the fans at tour of the Basque country Vuelta. Thanks again, tidy
I use silca wax, I am fed up with having to wax every 100km. What oil/grease do you recommend?
drip wax - just use it like lube (on a clean chain)
Do you always ride in the rain over sandy tarmac? For me a single waxing is good for 600-1000 km of good weather riding.
I rode 800 km over the French Alps in 8 days. I waxed before leaving and then topped up with Squirt drip wax in the middle of the tour. If you carefully put a drop on each roller, the whole chain only takes 3 ml of lube.
@@ltu42 just remember to allow drip wax time to dry before riding though
The thing with the gloves (or very similar winter work gloves… £6 at Toolstation and Screwfix) is great though they are, they’re not at all breathable so unless it’s super cold your hands get a bit sweaty and go all wrinkly like when you’ve been in the bath for ages. They also take days to dry out. Still worth having a pair though -
Love having Nick on here! Would be great if he features more or even as the 4 of you.
The gloves are currently unavailable, well done Cade Media :)
Wax user here. I change my quick link every time. Reuse a quick link a few times and when installing with the park tool pliars, you can feel the link stops "snapping" into lock like it does when new.
One team that bucks the trend of not being just corporate brand names is Cycle Sheffield. They’re named that then sponsored by local companies in the Sheffield area. Consistent name and colour of kit. They even had Connor Swift in their roster!
the gloves immediately went out of stock, impressive how they can influence the market
and they are absolute rubbish. Fingers get too cold, and they are completely unflexible.
I went to Namur cyclocross a few years back, it was amazing, racing, beer festival, music, the Belgies know how to do it!
Say hi to Francis for us, we hope all is well and congratulations. Hope to see him back soon. Nic has to be a regular now though. Still waiting for bikefit James.
It is like a big bag with mixed candy, the one you like the most you'll find the least. No offence to you both gentlemen because you all rock but I really appreciate Emily her opinion and input. As always great video, keep it up!!
Nick is an amazing guest! Also Nick thank you for your service as a soldier and mechanic 👨🔧
I do wax my chain with the silca hot wax & re-up with thier super secret drip wax. After about 2500 miles I pull it & hot wax again reusing the quick link once. The next time I use a new one. It's not expensive to replace so I do it just in case.
Cool discussion about clubs! There are diferences between clubs and „vereinen“ and british cycling and BDR but the underlying issues you were talking about are just the same in Germany…. Best „verein“ in the world: radtreff campus bonn 😀 keep on podcasting, love your „shows“
Re Clubs we have a club of 150 members but only 40 might turn up for Saturday group rides. We have 4 levels and it's on average speed. It works quite well. Sometimes only 4 to 6 might be in a group but they still work as one on the group ride with regroup points. This is a club in south West of Western Australia in Australia. So just sharing that it can work. Racing weekly has stop because lack of interest and people to run the event and everyone has a race licence, which costs $380.00. Sadly members are getting older so Racing less important.
I was one of those who criticized Emily's stance last week but I'm happy to see that she took it well.
Thanks for attempting to answer my question! :)
Great podcast. Your in a breakaway and pulling away
Pause* I came across the channel this last week & really enjoyed the podcast before this one so much I subscribed. The three of you were really interesting to listen to & it was Emily that I scribed for - talk more, you have such clarity! Play*
You know there are re-usable quick links for shimano and probably all kinds of chains (the stock ones are not re-usable). I rotate 3 waxed chains and all have their own quick links. When I get a new chain I also get a new re-usable quick link for it.
axle based power meter are all one sided, due to the force traversal. they only measure the force going through the left crank arm to the chainring. chainring based powermeters measure total power and use software to attribute left right power, but are the most accurate since they directly measure the power going into the drivetrain.
U.S. Postal was HUGE, So was Coors and 7Eleven, here in this Country back in the Day .. I get "IT"
Coffee stops: you normally ride alone, mostly loaded commuting at about 20kph, you join an 70km ride on your road bike and settle in with the group at about 25kph, you stop 30km in for a coffee and the 2 guys pulling the group (both of whom are named Kevin) order 2 espressos each and the remaining 40km is at 30-32kph.
The team name idea is very good. In the Super league (triathlon) they adopted this a year or two ago and it looks to of massively helped the support to the sport
On Dura Ace I shift under heavy load all the while and shifting is always smooth.