Under construction

I’ve started to assemble my replacement winter bike. The basis is the Tifosi audax frame in battleship grey – it looks really drab! Oh well, at least it was cheap. I’ve got the 105 groupset along with 3T bars and stem. I’ll be reusing my OpenPro wheels, Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL pedals and Selle Italia SLR XP saddle. It’ll be fitted with full mudguards and I’ll be growing a beard and putting a wicker basket on the front. Rack, panniers, full length frame pump and a map holder. Are you allowed to race with a whicker handlebar basket?

So far it’s been reasonably easy to assemble. The only tricky bit (yet to do) is to cut down the carbon steerer on the front fork. I know, I know – measure three times, cut once. I’ve also had to order long-reach brakes (should have thought that one out before I ordered the 105 group) so will be eBaying the original brakes.

I did my first session in ages on the turbo as well last Sunday, which I really enjoyed. The break from something that seemed to be my nemesis for most of the summer has served me well and I hit the intervals with a new-found enthusiasm. I’m thinking of doing fewer long, steady rides over the winter and trying to fit in a quality turbo session each weekend. It allows for more time with the family and can be done at any time of the day (I hate early starts on winter weekends). Doing the intervals is really good for judging my RPE too, because the kids come out and talk to me. So I can gauge how hard I am going (without looking at the Powertap) by seeing if I can explain why it is fair for them to have different toys and no, the TV remote should not be controlled solely by my daughter in a) paragraphs, b) sentences, c) phrases or d) frantic finger-wagging and gasps!

I’ll post some pictures of the new bike next time – hopefully I will be using it for the commuting in a week or so, and my old Scott will be consigned to turbo-only duty.