After a load of grief trying to mount some tyres that I got from e-Bay onto the Bontrager rims that I've purchased, I've relented and got some different rubber for them, leaving me with a spare set of red tyres. Brainwave yesterday, stick them on my Alex rims instead and (relief) they fitted no problem. Riding out today with North Cheshire Clarion, I found the new tyres gave my speed a little lift as they are 700x23 rather than 700x25 (less rubber on the road). Only problem is my go faster tyres don't make me go faster UP hills, only down. At the back end of todays ride, I did struggle and found myself lagging behind the group only to get some (well deserved) jip about tyre colours and climbing! On the up side, on the flats, I was comfortable achieving 18-20mph. So my achilles heel continues to be stamina on hills, so I plan to work on that during the winter and improve. Ride stats for today. 3hrs 41 Mins, Total Distance 55.8 miles (90km), 3888 Calories burnt, Average speed 15.1mph, Fastest Speed 26.7mph, Average Cadence 86, ride profile can be seen on the graphic. One thing I will say is that riding in a group does help bring you on, so if you're getting into road cycling and you live in Warrington or the surrounding areas of Cheshire, why not join us?
Nice writeup Phil. I think you do yourself a great disservice, you've only been riding a few months and are doing a lot better than I was at the same stage...
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