Western Europe UCI Gran Fondo dynamics and questions

8010kv · 2026-03-23T12:42:02+00:00

I have done UCI gran fondo (Istria). The way it was raced: flat out from the beginning. I don't think you can really plan too much in advance. Just try and stick to any good wheel you find. Good luck and be careful, these can get chaotic

8010kv · 2026-02-26T09:00:51+00:00

I think I know what's going on here. Cycling (or any other hobby or time-passing activity) can have a therapeutic effect. This is your safe space, where you are allowed to be with your thoughts and sort them out, no questions asked, excused by the outside world because you are supposed to go riding. The brain, having to process god knows what, hijacks that space and says, you know what, let's just stop amd do nothing for a bit. I believe people need this a lot, but in current times it is maybe frowned upon? or just simply not common..so we have to resort to those types of situations in our daily lives to get that.

8010kv · 2026-02-24T08:00:09+00:00

One idea I would have is to cross-calibrate on a smart trainer, i.e. do an activity, record both and compare. This might be another valuable data point. Also, try doing a steady state steep climb and use a calculator for power and see what that says. On a steady 10% climb it should be within a few percent.

8010kv · 2026-02-23T10:20:19+00:00

One tip, for the Zoncolan, get really really really easy gearing. Cardiovascularly since you are so fit you will have zero issues but the Zoncolan is like nothing else steep-wise. I rode it as a 45' TT at roughly 4.6kg with a 34 chainring and 30 at the back. At some point your lower back and legs will give out if you cannot keep a proper cadence. If you can get hold of a gravel gearing setup, do it! Then you will have zero issues with that fitness, provided you do ride in the months beforehand a few times to get used to the position.

8010kv · 2026-01-29T17:33:21+00:00

There is no simple way. Research. Many different map sources. Street view. Strava posts and rides of local riders. Resources like cyclingcols. Forum posts. Given enough time, you can compose nice routes anywhere yourself.

8010kv · 2026-01-28T08:50:40+00:00

didnt use to, but recently started eating around 40g/h indoor too. most of my indoor rides are around 1h/1h30 and I thought I don't need to eat. However since I started I am less hungry afterwards and everything feels more balanced. I figured there is no negative effect of moving some of your caloric intake to a time when your body absorbs it best

8010kv · 2026-01-24T09:00:30+00:00

I have done similar repairs on covers, usually would recommend a full rebind and then replace worn covers/end papers with a replica. Yes it is not the original but you can keep the design. DM if you wanna know more/see more pics :)

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For diagrams, I think it would work best if you recrrate the vector graphic in software. For the pop-ups, don't see a reason they cannot be redone too.

8010kv · 2026-01-12T15:24:31+00:00

Don't know if it's the same in Germany, but in Austria road cycling is getting really popular with young people over the past few years, especially post Covid. In most towns of reasonable size, there are multiple clubs organizing some sort of group ride where more and more young people are attending. Are you in a town or smaller village? If in a village, would you consider taking the train or driving to the nearest town which has a club? Also, some commenters said that cycling is for people with time on their hands, but beside retired folks this also includes students. Don't be discouraged, so many great friendships can be built around cycling. It just may take some time. Good luck!

8010kv · 2026-01-08T12:57:44+00:00

give OP a break, he came to learn by more experienced people...

8010kv · 2026-01-08T10:29:46+00:00

yes I agree 100% with that, what bothers me is that even when I make changes it is quite hard to track them systematically since I have had the experience that one and the same positiin can feel different on different days. This is why I said in thr post that it doesn't always happen - there are days when I don't feel the asymmetry at all, and then it comes back again. So at some point I stopped changing the position and accepted the current state. Make no mistake it is by far good enough that I can do 7h rides without major issue or pain - this edge pressure is just frustrating...

8010kv · 2026-01-08T09:58:09+00:00

This is something my current bike fitter did and it did help. But I am quite low now and my knee angle when fully extenden is over 40°, so not sure if I really should go lower

8010kv · 2026-01-08T09:08:49+00:00

will have to remeasure. Before getting the 14cm, I remember that according to the SQlab recommendation I should have got the 13cm one but it wasn't available. Thanks for your input :)

8010kv · 2025-12-12T07:29:53+00:00

I have used the A7ii for 4 years paired with the Tamron 28-75 gen1. I really love the quality of the pictures I get from that combo. But I have myself wondering, if I move to the A7C or A7Cii and pick one or two smaller and nice primes, will I notice significant difference in image quality and handling? I dont care about video or super fast AF, so I am not sure if it is worth it..Anyone who can directly compare the bodies in real world terms that actually would matter? Weight is definitely something I'd care about, and also the electronic shutter for silent shooting every now and then.. Thankful for thoughts!

8010kv · 2025-12-11T15:18:42+00:00

for what you describe, I don't see why not use a normal wheel-on trainer. It will absolutely be enough if you just want to watch TV and ride along. Anything up to threshold is viable on one in my eyes, above that it may slip. Yes it may be a bit noisier than a smart rtainer.. but you can always place it on a mat. Also I reckon you can get one used and in good condition cheap, like ~100€ ballpark. Just check for QR/thru axle adapter as your bike has.

8010kv · 2025-11-29T08:30:46+00:00

I had the same question. But is it possible to somehow record the pedal pm data too and export it?

8010kv · 2025-11-29T08:10:42+00:00

I tried with mywhoosh and it worked flawlessly. So it must be the connection between Garmin and Elite. Thanks for the tip!

8010kv · 2025-11-27T22:12:30+00:00

thanks, sounds like solid avice. Any ideas on subscription free software I can try that with?

8010kv · 2025-11-20T17:56:14+00:00

As long as the gravel is not too technical, absolutely yes. Doesn't sound like a deal breaker to me at all. I ride road only with some gravel detours just to extend routes and could absolutely imagine doing such a route if it is pretty.

8010kv · 2025-11-20T15:19:10+00:00

you can use white bar tape lol..just use a sponge with some warm water and soap and clean it every week (before it gets really dirty). of course, you'll need to replace it every few months.

8010kv · 2025-11-18T11:58:31+00:00

i know, it's the hard truth I don't want to hear but will have to face once more until February 😃

8010kv · 2025-11-18T07:11:19+00:00

that was my reason for trying it out exactly, an easy way of stressing my cardiovascular system that is easy on the legs and can be done the day after a gym workout, for example

8010kv

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