Who's into Cycling?

Post by **Diablo0** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 12:43 pm

I picked up a bike last week in order to try and get into better shape this year and keep me in shape. I lost quite a bit of weight about a little over a year ago and am trying to make sure it stays off.

I haven't really gotten a chance to really ride since it's been a little cool here. I've ridden around the neighborhood which is a little hilly and yah... my legs need some exercise judging by the pain I felt afterwards.

I've never been a runner or anything so my leg muscles don't get used much other than for walking.

I'd like to get to a point where I can ride at least 30 miles, not sure how long that's going to take me but we'll see.

So who's into cycling? How long have you ridden at once? Any tips for someone starting out?

Toast · Post by **Toast** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 12:58 pm

I'm a cyclist, bike path and mountain. Furthest I've ridden in one day is about 50 miles and I usually average 30-40 every weekend. (In Pa we have the Great Allegheny passage from Pitts to DC- flat rails to trails). Starting out, do what you've been doing: walk/cycle around your neighborhood. Progress in distance as you feel you're able to. I originally rode dirt bikes and as land was developed and no trepassing signs popped up I switched to bicycles. Within 2-3 months I was biking 25-30 miles and later even more. What I usually do is bike 15-20 miles out, stop, eat lunch somewhere along the trail, pedal back. Takes 3-4 hours.

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:14 pm

You wouldn't know it to look at me now, but I have quite a bit of experience with cycling. I worked in a pro shop for a year before I got into the automotive field.

First things first...your bike. The biggest mistake people make is buying an inexpensive bike. Most of the time the rational is along the lines of "Well, I don't want to drop a lot of money on a bike and then not use it." While that is something to consider, very few people who buy retail chain bikes continue to ride after a few months. Those that do quickly buy a better bike.

If you take the time and test ride a bike from a bike store that has been assembled by a professional and has been adjusted to fit you properly, you will immediately discover what the extra money is for. There is just no comparison between a $200 Mongoose and a $500 entry level real bike. Above that it just keeps getting better. The biggest thing to get away from is weight. Cheap bikes are very heavy. Most of your effort will go into moving that mass forward (or upward). The lighter the bike the easier it is to ride. You also want a bike that doesn't flex. Cheap bike frames twist around more than Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction. Your pedal effort should go into moving yourself forward, not sideways then forward.

Let's say you have a bike already. Depending on it's age, condition, care history, size, etc. you should take it to a bike store and have it checked out. Also, make sure it is the proper frame size and that the seat and handlebars are adjusted correctly for you. Nothing is worse than trying to enjoy a ride on a bike that doesn't fit or isn't adjusted correctly.

I could go on and on, but that should cover the basics. Shoot me questions...I love educating people about bike riding

Post by **Diablo0** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:39 pm

@Toast -
There's a trail here locally that everyone rides that from what I hear is about 13-14 miles long in each direction... so up and back would be about 26-28. Not having done it yet I don't know how my body is going to do on it but I hope not too bad. I'm rather curious just how far I can go on my first run.

Do you just go out about once a week or several times a week?

@Dante -
I did not know this about to John.... learn something new everyday.

I didn't go with a "cheap" bike. I talked to the people at the shop here quite a few times before I settled on what I wanted. My bank account isn't speaking to me at the moment but it'll get over it with time.

I went through the whole fitting process. Took all sorts of measurements and whatnot. Had me sit on it and make several petal strokes to figure out how bent my knees are... I'd like to do it right so I don't give up on it a few weeks into it. I'm determined to stay on this and make it part of my regular routine.

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:49 pm

I'm very glad to hear you went that route. It will make the whole experience much more enjoyable.

What kind of bike did you end up getting?

Post by **Diablo0** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:56 pm

That's what I've heard many many times. lol After looking at the bike shop and comparing to what's offered at big box retail stores, it's really no comparision.

I picked up a 58cm 2011 Trek Ion Super.

Toast · Post by **Toast** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:01 pm

Diablo0 wrote:@Toast -
There's a trail here locally that everyone rides that from what I hear is about 13-14 miles long in each direction... so up and back would be about 26-28. Not having done it yet I don't know how my body is going to do on it but I hope not too bad. I'm rather curious just how far I can go on my first run.

Do you just go out about once a week or several times a week?

If the trail is flat, I think endurance won't be a problem. The biggest issue you'll have is a sore butt. Your pelvic bones aren't accustomed to sitting on a seat that small for a long period of time. As Dante posted about getting a decent bike, I'll add you may want to consider upgrading the seat/saddle.

As for me I ride on the trail once a week weather permitting, during the week I ride a stationary bike whenever I work out.

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:04 pm

Nice choice

I am partial to aluminum bikes. I have been a Cannondale fan boy since they came out in the 80s.

Getting a bike like you did will allow you to upgrade components down the road should you want to without worrying about the frame set. You can always hang new and better parts, but if the frame is crap then it won't be worth it.

Toast · Post by **Toast** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:07 pm

Sweet bike!

Post by **Diablo0** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:15 pm

@Toast - I've already experienced the sore butt. I was only on it for about 15min and the next day I would get a little pain anytime I sat down. I guess that'll go away the more I ride.
*waits for sore butt comments* lol

@Dante - That's what I plan on down the line as I get more experienced. Quite a few upgrades appear to be available so it seems like I'll be able to keep this bike for a while which is what I really wanted. No sense in me buying a bike only to outgrow it and have to buy another in a few years. Didn't seem very smart.

mrsixstrings12 · Post by **mrsixstrings12** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:50 pm

padded shorts will become your best friend haha anytime i ride with my grandpa (rides ALL the time) i always wear some compression shorts with padding in the butt to help out.

ZeroChad · Post by **ZeroChad** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:35 pm

I picked up a Felt F95 about a yr and a half ago. About 2000miles on it now. Love it so far. Definitely pick up some clipless pedals if you haven't yet. They're a little tricky to learn at first, but awesome once you get them down.

My commute on it now is about 25mi round trip. Now that its getting warmer, probably going to start riding more to work again. The hills around here are brutal though. I need to lose more weight.

Post by **Diablo0** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:47 pm

Shorts is next on my list of things to purchase.

Clipless pedals are also high on the list. I tossed on some cheap strap pedals but they're already annoying the crap out of me since I keep pulling my foot out of them. I'd like to get some dual purpose pedals. One side to use clipless and the other just flat platforms so I can use casual shoes.

UriahRR · Post by **UriahRR** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:05 pm

I used to ride bikes all the time... Used to fly down hills and go around turns so fast I could put a knee down, but got tired of flying over the handlebars all the time (speeding addiction) and then I got a car.

Quick serious question, though. What is the purpose of the hanging handlebars and vertical brake levers? Besides getting down lower for speed, I never understood the benefits. It seems like it would be a drawback for harsh mountain trail biking. Thanks.

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:19 pm

They are there so you can ride in a tucked position. During downhill descents, you want your upper body out of the airstream as much as possible.

UriahRR · Post by **UriahRR** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:23 pm

Yes, aerodynamics obviously. But how does that help over rocks and stuff? Or are they strictly smooth surface bikes? Seems like it'd be harder to catch yourself with them.

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:38 pm

The bars you are describing are road bike bars. Mountain or downhill bikes have this style bar for that...

I don't use them myself.

UriahRR · Post by **UriahRR** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 5:43 pm

Yea, those are what my bars look like. Seat all the way down, bars all the way up for proper dinner table posture while riding. I don't get how you guys ride with those ram's horn bars. My back would be shot after a mile of riding 'tucked' like that. Ouch. Same reason I prefer old man touring bikes to crotch rockets, bad back must remain vertical.

Sorry to drag off topic.

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 5:46 pm

I'm with ya there. My back decided years ago that crouched road riding was no longer a fun thing to do. I ride my mountain bike everywhere instead, and just switch wheels depending on the terrain I'm going to be on.

Post by **occasional demons** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 6:28 pm

Danteneon wrote:I'm with ya there. My back decided years ago that crouched road riding was no longer a fun thing to do.

Oldness FTL.

I got one of those fat ass gel seats with lots of cushion, and the old school springs. After an hour on the original seat, I needed no more convincing that my bony butt wasn't going to like me much.

Marcel · Post by **Marcel** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 3:30 am

well i kinda feel obliged to react since i'm dutch

'into' cycling: no. But since i don't drink and drive and the bars are within cycling range (<10 mi) i take my bike and drive to the bar/club/whatever..

Toast · Post by **Toast** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 11:19 am

We're getting 3-4" inches of snow today, not enough to go XC skiing, so I might just try to take the bike out. This will be the first year in a while that I don't have studded tires (I traded that bike away last year) so I'm a little apprehensive...

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 11:23 am

Without the right tires, riding in the snow becomes an exercise in futility

jckevns · Post by **jckevns** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 10:40 pm

i just ordered myself a trek 2.1 today

im a runner done 2 marathons training for my 3rd. once i get the bike im gonna start training for my first triatholon this summer

danteneon, what kind of upgrades would you recomend for what i plan on doing?

Paul56 · Post by **Paul56** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 1:28 am

I was into cycling until I moved to Texas.

Too bloody hot for cycling here in the summer.

Too many lunatic motorists at other times to even
consider going out on a bike... at least for me.

Like today for instance... I pull out onto the exchange
road in the right lane and some hot-head in the left
lane decides to pull in behind me and get on the horn
when I'm not moving fast enough. Bloody hell... get
back over to the left lane you redneck!

LowNSlow · Post by **LowNSlow** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 11:41 am

I lost 30 lbs by just biking and softball... (so I'm guessing more biking)

Last summer I use to ride 10 miles a day....plus aggressive park trails.

The sore ass thing eventually gets better but shorts are your best friend.

I bought a cheap ole Mongoose for my first bike to make sure I'd stay in it before I spent the coin on a nice one..... so 10 miles on the ole mongoose probably felt like 20...lol.

ZeroChad · Post by **ZeroChad** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 1:50 pm

^ You should sign up for the MS150 this year John. I'm going to ride it with some people I know that work at FMC. If you need a team, I'm sure we could sign you on.

Paul, I hear ya. I got hit on my way to work a year ago. It was some yong girl though; so it probably could have happened anywhere.

Post by **occasional demons** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 6:15 pm

Danteneon wrote:Without the right tires, riding in the snow becomes an exercise in futility

Meh, I rode my bike through about anything when I was pre 16. Snow never stopped me. We would even ride down the river when it would freeze over. Riding on crystal clear ice is pretty awesome. You would think you would just end up with the bike on top of you, but it is really pretty easy, as long as you don't try to make quick moves. The river was actually pretty fun, you could do some awesome slides, and didn't have to worry about getting run over.

LowNSlow · Post by **LowNSlow** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 6:32 pm

ZeroChad wrote:^ You should sign up for the MS150 this year John. I'm going to ride it with some people I know that work at FMC. If you need a team, I'm sure we could sign you on.

Paul, I hear ya. I got hit on my way to work a year ago. It was some yong girl though; so it probably could have happened anywhere.

Dude, there is no way I'd make it from Houston to Austin...lol

On a Mongoose at that...

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Mon Feb 13, 2012 9:06 am

jckevns wrote:danteneon, what kind of upgrades would you recomend for what i plan on doing?

I wasn't familiar with Shimano's latest groupsets, so I had to look up what the 2.1 came with first.

The 105 groupset has always been the entry level competition set, and it looks like it still is. The 105 will give you reliable performance and decent weight.

As far as upgrade recommendations, it comes down to how much weight can you afford to lose? Lighter groupsets get very expensive very fast. The new hotness from Shimano looks to be electronic shifting. Both the Ultegra and Dura Ace line offer this. Another company to look at for components is Campagnolo, but you are talking big money there.

Wheels are another thing that can make a big difference. Not only being lighter, but having extremely smooth hubs that don't need constant adjustments are very important.

Do some window shopping at a pro store. More than likely they will have not only the group your bike will have, but also upgrades for it. Pick them up and see the difference in workmanship, weight, smoothness. Better yet, ride a bike with the higher groupset on it. It will make it a bit easier to justify the added expense.

Keep in mind that what your bike comes with is pretty good. If you don't want to upgrade right away then by all means, don't. Just enjoy your bike