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08/03/2010 20:33:46
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Anita
Posts 26
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Hiya
Does anyone have any recommendations for what tyres to use for the Tour of Flanders? Thinking of the cobbles... ! Oh and while we are on the subject, any other recommendations for surviving one's first tour? Other than 'jack' at regular intervals...
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08/03/2010 21:18:54
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ant
Posts 1047
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not cheap but these http://www.totalcycling.com/index.php/product/TI_VITTORIA_PAVE_CG.html?action=currency&id=GBP
edited by ant on 08/03/2010
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09/03/2010 11:42:54
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Paul
Posts 152
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Its a pity the Vittoria Pave clinchers don't come in 27mm like the tubbies like the pros use in the Paris-Roubaix. Do you have any reccomendations for 28mm tyres. I have some Armadillos but find them really sliippery in the wet.
edited by Paul on 09/03/2010
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09/03/2010 12:07:31
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TomF
Posts 1040
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Ride the Pavé clinchers. They'll be fine, and you'll be in good company, as so many others choose them (or 4Seasons - which are 25mm, I think).
Belgian cobbles are kept in much better condition that those of Paris-Roubaix. Indeed, cobbles are genuinely a source of naitonal pride in belgium, and the sectors of pavé are maintained in good nick. 28mm tyres not really needed.
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09/03/2010 12:59:17
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Anita
Posts 26
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Cheers for all the tips guys! Think I will invest in these tyres cause im sure they will come in handy riding round saddleworth in the winter!
Im looking forward to the cobbles actually, must be the mtbiker in me coming out!
Where are you lot staying? Becks, Pip, Rach and I have booked accommodation in Brussells near Midi station, be good to hook up and hear how everyone got on!
Oh, and do you have any tips re where to go to watch to get the best action on the sunday?
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09/03/2010 13:08:08
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TomF
Posts 1040
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Nick, Mrs Nick, Mrs Tom and I are staying in Bruges for the duration. JC is staying in Bruges too.
We'll watch the Sunday race start in Bruges and then, depending on weather, either head down to Geraardsbergen to watch the big screen half way up the Kapelmuur or into the nearest bar.
You need to be fairly positive about where you want to catch the race and, if driving, be prepared to hack across country as Nick and I did last year, as the number of people - this is a national festival in Belgium - makes getting to the major bergs tricky. Best thing to do is find a spot, hit the beer tent and wait for the race to arrive while thousands and thousands of yelling fans scream at the riders as they pile up the bergs. It makes spectating at the TdF look tame... 
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09/03/2010 14:15:47
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andyr
Posts 443
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We too are staying:
edited by andyr on 09/03/2010
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09/03/2010 19:11:17
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Paul
Posts 152
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I'm "In Bruges" (have to check out that church tower) for 1st and 2nd then Aalst 3rd and 4th so will ride out and back to Geraardsbergen on Sunday
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09/03/2010 21:19:54
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Anita
Posts 26
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bollocks! looks like everyone has had the same idea and ordered the paves for flanders! ribble now out of stock, as is wiggle. will have to do a bit of a ring around tommorrow to see if anyone still has these in stock, or can get them in time...
thanks for the tips re where to go to watch.... I get panic attacks in crowds so this is gonna be shock therapy!
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09/03/2010 22:30:44
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TomF
Posts 1040
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Er, Anita, you do know there will be getting on for 20,000 people riding the sportive.... 
For tyres, try Highonbikes - it's an eBay shop but pretty reliable. He may have some.
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10/03/2010 08:35:00
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andyr
Posts 443
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I've ridden the event twice on gatorskins (front 23mm, rear 28mm, both pumped to 80psi), I suspect most tyres are fine for the event.
Watching the race is great anywhere along the route. Two years ago we went to *downtown* Oudenaarde (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn6CFj1pyTc) to watch them go by, then drove 10 mins to the Koppenberg and saw them again. Then back to Oudenaarde for beers and telly and to look at Freddy Maertens in the Tour of Flanders museum shop. In 2007, I rode out to the Molenberg which was very jolly. Not been to the Muur to see it but it looks more like going to a football match there.
edited by andyr on 10/03/2010
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10/03/2010 11:43:30
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Si Bridge
Posts 322
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Mark Turnbull (Viva La Velo) is showing 10 in stock. Send me a PM if you want his mobile number.
http://www.vivalavelo.com/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=214
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10/03/2010 12:09:31
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.JPG)
James
Posts 240
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Anita wrote:
bollocks! looks like everyone has had the same idea and ordered the paves for flanders!
If you read bike forums, they are currently the cycling Fad of the moment, and that's why they've all been bought up probably.
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10/03/2010 12:50:41
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TomF
Posts 1040
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andyr wrote:
Then back to Oudenaarde for beers and telly and to look at Freddy Maertens in the Tour of Flanders museum shop.
When we had the trip to the Gent 6 Days, sitting there for the afternoon while it snowed outside watching a cross race on TV and in the presence of Mr Maertens was great fun.
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10/03/2010 20:13:51
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Anita
Posts 26
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got some! bargain price too.. at ukbikebits so im happy! : ) cheers guys.
now i just have to work on the legs of steel bit, since it doesnt seem like ribble or wiggle or ukbikebits stock those...
oh yeah, sorry i think this is my last question.... does anyone wear mtb shoes to do this? - im think of the falling off aspect and having to walk to the top of the climb....
edited by Anita on 10/03/2010
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10/03/2010 21:52:36
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TomF
Posts 1040
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Anita wrote:
oh yeah, sorry i think this is my last question.... does anyone wear mtb shoes to do this? - im think of the falling off aspect and having to walk to the top of the climb....
edited by Anita on 10/03/2010
I'm sure they do..! The bergs are rideable, but if someone topples in front of you and you put a foot down, they can be too steep to get going again, though friendly spectators will always give you a push..!
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11/03/2010 09:22:10
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TomF
Posts 1040
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If Mr Doom Warrington proves right, see here: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vittoria-Open-Pave-EVO-CG-II-Road-Bike-Tyres-Folding_W0QQitemZ350313185851QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR?hash=item51904b023b
I've had various things off Mike at Highonbikes over the years, and he's always been reliable. Price is not the lowest, but tyres should turn up sharpish.
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13/03/2010 19:36:10
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Anita
Posts 26
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you had me a bit worried there nick, but im pleased to say I ordered them on tues and they were on my doorstep by friday! PHEW! i checked and ive definately got what i ordered...so maybe you were unlucky. Having said that, now i know, i wont order from them again!
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15/03/2010 11:37:40
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Ed
Posts 1084
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NickW wrote:
I must just bring out the worst in people
Lawyers, what can you say...?
--
Ed Rollason Photography I Twitter I Facebook
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