London-Edinburgh-London 2013: The thread

[middleagecyclist]

I intend to have a new bike for fast touring/audax rides in the Spring. My B17 is used on a heavy tourer/commuter and the position in likely a bit more upright than I will have on the new bike. Mr Hewitt will be doing my fitting so I will get his advice but I do like to go ready to ask pertinent questions.

 

[martint235]

Just a touch of reality here. Whatever saddle you choose, you WILL hate it by August 3rd 2013. Just so you know that

 

[mcshroom]

Unless you pick a laid back Lelly, it's just like a deckchair in one of those (so they tell me)

 

[martint235]

Unless you pick a laid back Lelly, it's just like a deckchair in one of those (so they tell me)

Aug 5th 2013:for sale, one titanium bike. One very careful owner. Goes by the name of Lelly.

 

[Tynan]

Aug 5th 2013:for sale, one titanium bike. One very careful owner. Goes by the name of Lelly.

grinch

 

[martint235]

grinch

I will never ever sell Lelly. But expectation wise LEL will hurt. But you get a medal. And to say "I've done it". The medal is me

 

[mcshroom]

And to say "I've done it". The medal is me

I was hoping for a metal one myself. I haven't any room for you in the flat

 

[Hedgehoguk]

I have not been logging in that often as since the demise of the chat room .

But with 2013 fast approaching I thought I had better get back up to speed with all the banter and what everyone else is doing in preparation.

The only things that will stop me now will be work and finances but hopefully they are under control at this point.

Sadly I will not have a my new beast to play with so it will have to be the Roadrunner (alias Miss Piggy - largely due to her weight). That said we know each other well and it should be fun. I could start putting her on diet by changing certain bits and pieces to carbon but I will wait and see.

I was torn between the EuroTour 2013 for velomobiles or the LEL as the dates clash. But LEL won as the EuroTour is over 3 weeks and the boss will definitely not wear that one - that was without time to get there and back so the best part of a month. It could have been fun - but I am sure LEL will be equally enjoyable.

 

[London Edinburgh London]

I shouldn't say this, but I use a Selle Italia gel saddle. Had it for years and rode it for PBP. Never given me a moment of grief.

There's no substitute for miles on the road. The more you do, the easier LEL will be. And no saddle on earth will mitigate this cold hard fact.

 

[Hedgehoguk]

You are assuming your mind will still be working after that many consecutive long days on the road ?
May not be everyone's cup of tea, but once the route is finalized and the GPX tracks published I will be building a time-sheet on Excel which takes account of allocated start time, kilometres, mtrs of ascent, time @ controls, an allowance for mechanicals, and a gradual slowing down from "almost respectable pace" on day 1, through "bloody slow", right down to "arthritic snail" by the end.
That plan will be then be reduced to a scheduled arrival time and departure time at each control, which in a sleep deprived state we can still just about relate to, and figure how much of our "contingency" has been burned up.

Would be good if you published it on here Pete.

 

[Hedgehoguk]

Is there an unofficial list of finishers and timings between checkpoints for the 2009 LEL ?

 

[frank9755]

I have always used Selle Italia Flite that I got back several years ago. Fine for the mtb, where I would not use a Brooks, but not so great for more than >200 km. I am now thinking about a brooks for my road bike, yet not totally convinced due to the reasons you guys mention about rain etc. Any other models that you could recommend Frank?

Hi Alberto,

I use a Selle Italia nowadays. I think it is called Gel Flow or something like that. Main thing it has is the cut-out bit in the middle which works for me in a more leaning-fowards position. I also use their TT one on my TT bike.

I got the Gel Flow because I knew the brooks wouldn't work for the 24-hour TT (I remember being thoroughly sick of it by the end of the Dean and not able to lean forward on the last third of the ride without it being painful), but TT saddles wouldn't be right either as they are really designed for short distances.

But it is trial and error. The Selle Italia suits me but I am sure it would be torture for some people.

 

[Nuncio]

Is there an unofficial list of finishers and timings between checkpoints for the 2009 LEL ?

There is and I have a copy, but it's failing to upload. I'll try again later.

 

[London Edinburgh London]

I have times for all finishers at each control. The data are anonymised. Email info@londonedinburghlondon.com if you'd like a copy.

 

[Tynan]

my first saddle from Condor was a Selle Italia something, I liked it very much indeed unti it split and the electrical tape patching it up got too crappy, been on free saddles since then, god I'm tight