Road Wheels & Road Wheel Recommendations?

Just had a look at it, I'd commit to doing it in an hour and a half, pushing under that would probably hurt.

The profile is near identical to dalsnibbe. So long as you don't plan to run up after, 90mins sounds right.

But you should run up after.

Dare ya.

The profile is near identical to dalsnibbe. So long as you don't plan to run up after, 90mins sounds right.

Bullshit. Ventoux has 10 kms at around 10% average. Your poxy climb doesn't.

My poxy climb only has 5km of 10%.

But they are right at the end.

and they are on ripped up gravel, and clay.

Fancey french tarmac. pfffft.

TBH Ventoux has 100m of elevation gain more over the same distance.

So furry muff.

I'm just joshing. Each climb has it's own challenges.

That clay/gravel mix was quite something, being 10% was the icing on the cake.

Did'nt take it seriously. :)

I watched it on the TdF and their elevation gain/ distance seemed the same.
100m extra elevation gain is going to add a bit of time. I guess I'd look to do 2 hrs.

Going to start doing some bike weekends, and hit these big climbs.

I think that the "not having to run up the fucker" aspect is a strong selling point here.

I've been fortunate with the wind on Ventoux, but less fortunate with the heat. When I did it as the finishing climb in the 2009 Etape, it was over 30 degrees in the shade, and the forest section was like riding in an oven. No wind, lots of trees and an unrelenting gradient. It was hellish.

I destroyed a pair of Rapha GT gloves that day, due to sweat.

Andy how late in the year will it stay enjoyably rideable?

How late are you thinking? It's 1900 metres high, so once the temperatures start to drop it can get damn cold up there, but on a nice autumnal day in October it'd be beautiful.

That was roughly when I had in mind, but didn't know whether I'd climb into what looked like Santa's grotto.

That said I might try to do some touring next year that takes in Ventoux, Huez etc etc., see how many I can climb in a couple of weeks tooling around la belle France.

That clay/gravel mix was quite something, being 10% was the icing on the cake.

Its due to be tarmac'd at the end of the month I think.

I cant believe this. But I'm gutted.

I've fought through some pretty intense suffering in my time. But the last time I rode dalsnibbe fixed is top of the list.

It was mild but wet at the bottom. Probably 15C, which up here counts for summer. I headed up wearing bibs, knee warmers, and a fitted cycing soft shell with nothing under. I was physically in good shape from an intense rugby season. But I hadnt been riding much. Still I have to admitt the legs felt good, and after getting the steep first section out of the way. I was slowly passing peolpe, and making good time.

When I climbed over the plateau I was hit by the the sudden intense cold of frozen fog. It was -2C, visibility was barely a few meters, and the fog seemed to penetrate every piece of clothing. Just holding the bars in my fingerless mitts took massive determination. I really wanted to get out of the saddle. My legs simply couldnt push the gear I had on this 10% section, while seated. But each time I did my rear tyre span, killing what little momentum I had.

I knew it was only a matter time before my dodgy right leg cramped up. But I also knew I did'nt want to be on this mountain anymore, and I wasnt about to turn around. There must have been a hundred or so other riders, and runners. But in the fog it felt for all the world like I was alone on there. So I pushed through. Cramping up, getting off, or falling off the bike, walking 10 or 20 meters, and climbing back on. I was totally broken when I eventually got over the line.

Thats a somewhat dramatic year. But that gravel path has beaten me 5 times. Now itts gone, and I'll never stamp my revenge on it.

Boast post, CSB, etc.

^^ text needs to be overlaid onto one of these images or similar:

(in all seriousness it was nicely written and would read again)

So I pushed through. Cramping up, getting off, or falling off the bike, walking 10 or 20 meters, and climbing back on.

^ I think I have this written inside a jersey pocket somewhere.

LOL. Excellent work

TBH i stole it from the monologue of a mens watch advert.

I dont even own a bike.

Anyone used or seen a decent review on the new Shimano RS 81 C35's? Interested to see if they're any good and how they compare to last years Dura Ace C35's.

Who do people recommend for wheel building ? I am SE London / Kent.

Harry Rowland comes highly recommended but is quite far away
Arup is Sydenham - Could drop off myself...

I have come Mavic Open Pro Ceramics (36h) & Dura Ace 7800's that I need building up....The tubs that came with the Masi i bought are going to get on my tits as winter wheels.

Arup's built me lots of wheels, at least 7 pairs off the top of my head, and I've never had a single issue with any of them, so I'd definitely recommend him.

I'm in a position of being able to recommend Harry Rowland based not just on a recent pair of wheels he built me (postal delivery, well packaged), but also one he built me over 20 years ago which, after several years' use, never needed truing. If it were me I'd happily pay the delivery costs and ship it out to him.