Cross continent racer.

@hippy

After much internal debate I bought some SPD MTB shoes. Think they're the right choice for distance riding.

Gone for the XC61 for the stiffer carbon comp sole. As shimano as they make good shoes that fit my feet. Looked at teh Giro Private but they're not carbon comp sole and a bit ugly (though maybe a bit lighter - not sure how).

I agree.

Bonus is things like spare SPD cleats being ubiquitous. Being able to walk around - useful when going for a piss in the middle of the bush while freecamping, buying food, etc.

Yeah. Makes sense. I wore out a pair of SPD-SL cleats in 2000miles while away last and I didn't even walk in them much.

The thing that concreted it for me, was the 40k of dirt roads above 7000ft I'll have to traverse in Transcontinental.

I think you made the right choice, I didn't says much about using road/MTB cleat as I never use road cleat bar the Speedplay.

No more clear wear FTW.

Yeah. I do think road cleats are better when putting big power out. As of the interface size. But let's face it, big power isn't going to be needed!

I'll run them in training as soon as I get them so I'll be able to see if they work.

Impressive,
I can't help but picturing you,
road cooked,
walking wearily to your seat on the Eurostar.
You must have been a very quiet neighbour.

@edscoble my right hand shifter has some play, this hasn't always been there. It will move a few mm forward and back without engaging the brake, no resistance in moving it.
Does that mean it needs bleeding?

Mine had that, then the brake pistons got a bit sticky. Once I'd cleaned them and lubed them, the movement went.

So clean the brakes?
Is there a good guide somewhere?

Clean the piston.

Take out pads.

Squeeze lever carefully, clean brakes, dabs a bit of mineral oil on the piston.

Back in again, see how it run.

I found one on YouTube I think. Will dig it out.

Thanks. To both.

That sounds simples

http://www.youtube.com/watch?t=89&v=swwA2PwCIAw

You do need sponsors man...

Got to do something first to earn them.

Thats already done.

Damn. New bike time.

Wonder if focus will sponsor me!?

http://road.cc/content/news/154050-focus-izalco-max-disc-road-bike-launched-worlds-lightest

Did you, did you just destroyed your bike?

I think he just wants the new frame

This. I read the word LIGHT and needed it.

Indeed, I think you do need a new bike. Good to see a race bike with the potential to run slightly bigger tyres.
Email em, tell em what yer upto, see if you can be a long term test pilot.

not sure what levels of sponsorship you're after but your Strava happens to be in Royston a lot, are you from there? If so have you spoken to Johnson Matthey they're usually keen to get their name in the paper with anything local.
link

It was my home, where my parents live still. Great roads for training hard.
Fair shout, I'll have a think about it. Thanks

After much internal debate I bought some SPD MTB shoes. Think they're the right choice for distance riding.

A lot of Audaxers would agree with you. My long distance shoes are Spesh Pro MTB with carbon soles. It was funny seeing people waddling around in road cleats at the controls on PBP and LEL.

Being able to walk around easily off the bike makes a huge difference and the carbon sole mitigates any 'hot foot' that you may get with a less stiff sole and the (relatively) smaller pedal/cleat interface.

@edscoble @andyp

I did the pistons. Seems to have sorted the play in the lever mostly.
But there is squish when I pull the lever in all the way, it bites the rotor then squish. And the lever comes in further than when new I think, although they did pull in a long way.

I've done what, 7000miles since bled.

The rear brake level make a click noise when pulled all the way in.

Opinions?

http://youtu.be/EGgVgJA11-s

I've done what, 7000miles since bled.

Get them rebuilt / bled at your LBS for an easy life. That's a whole load of miles on newish tech. I'd be lucky if my Hopes and Maguras do that mileage in my lifetime.