ROAD CYCLEING

[motorcyclelarry]

I just got back from a 37 mile ride on my other bike, the 17 pound one. If anyone out there is looking for a great way to stay in shape and meet new people look into cycling. The group I rode with this morning are pretty hard core so I skipped some of there ride but still got in 3 hours of riding and had a great time.

I have been riding seriously for a year and had a stress test last week from a cardiologist just for safety sake. My resting heart rate now is in the mid to low 50's, and drop from 145 BPM to 95 BMP in less than 2 min. and the cardiologist after taking a ultra sound said I had the endurance and heart better than most 20 year olds. I enjoy this over running as it is low impact and also you get to jazz out your bike and I can do it longer than I can run for.

Another big PLUS is my cholesterol today is lower than it ever was over the last 6 years when my OLD doctor had me taking Lipitor to lower my cholesterol, I stopped taking it 6 months ago. So give it a thought, all you got to lose if you don't get in shape is your life.

Larry

[killerST6]

The wife and I try to ride 5-8 miles a night 3-5 times a week. :)

[Gonzo]

Hey Larry,
When I lived in the San Fernando Valley, I was a member for many years with the San Fernando Valley Bicycle Club, and they ride in Simi a lot. If this is not the group you were with, check them out. They have multiple rides of different distances every Sat, Sun and holidays.
gonzo

[st11ray]

Larry,
My son told me two years ago that I was getting fat. He's a cycling coach and put me on a program. At first I could only ride 5 miles a day at best. But I stuck with it and now two years later I ride 2 - 3 hundred miles a week and I am 40 pounds lighter. On 9/16 I did the Bridge to Bridge ride from Lenoir, NC to the top of Grandfather Mtn, NC 101.5 miles and 10,500 feet of total climbing. It took me 7.5 hours but the first guys did it in just under 5 hours!!

[bcst1300]

I have always loved bicycles and have raced and road them fast for 22 years. Not too many 350-400 km weeks anymore. I think I probably average 500 km per month now. I generlly average around 28 kph.

[motorcyclelarry]

Wow you guys are awsome, that is a lot of riding. The best I have done in one day is a metric century, 63 miles but this Oct 20 and 21 I am riding 75 and 75 miles for the MS 150 in Ventura and Santa Barbara county.

I was lucky to ride with Chris Carmichael (Lance's trainer) on a 30 mile training ride 2 weeks ago in Santa Monica. He gave me some pointers, lose 30 pounds, and climb more for better riding. He is involved with the MS rides.

I think what I really like about cycling besides being able to ride with my girlfriend is that you get to go somewhere and see something unlike working out at home or in a gym. Then there is you get to vent all that anger at SUV's that try and hit your elbows (just kidding).

Larry

[Jeff F]

So if I wanted to get started riding - something I've thought of periodically - what type of bike should I buy?

Would you recommend the Lance Armstrong style of bike - 18 speed (or is it 24?) with skinny tires bent over handle bars, or is there something better for learning casual riders?

TIA

[thesmithiz]

I used to be a very avid rider until arthritis in my neck made bending over into the bars to painful for any decent legth of time. I am about to start riding again this time on a cross over bike or cycle cross I've seen them refered to. They have an upright position and handle bars like a mountain bike, a lighter frame like a road bike, much thinner tires than a mountain bike andsome with small knobbies for dirt. Very fun to ride, wont go as fast as a road bike or off road like a mountain bike but for a guy chasing 50 and needing to lose 40lbs I think the bike would be that least o fmy concerns off road or getting fast!!!!

[Gonzo]

For just beginning, I recommend getting a mountain bike from a big box store like Costco. New they are about $250 with full suspension. Later you can upgrade to a road bike. The components are just OK but not great, so I don't recommend spending $$$ to upgrade the components.

I have one with street slick tires which pump up to 100 psi and the mountain bike frame is rugged. I have no suspension on mine.

My race bike is carbon fiber set up for time trials and triathlons. I got a super deal on a dealer leftover, frame only, $1500. I ported my components from my older bike.

gonzo

[Pat Thompson]

I've done lotsa years/miles of road cycling. I originally picked it up in the early '80s as a form of rehab from my 13 months of chemo. Then, 4-5 years ago, I got into these darn heavy motorized cycle things and my good ol' bikes just sit in the garage gathering dust. :(

I keep meaning to get back into it. :o:

[motorcyclelarry]

Never thought I would get this much feed back on the sport of cycling, but then I guess that is how we all learned to ride on 2 wheels first.

Last year I bought a hybrid bike which is basically a combo between a mountain bike and a road bike that has the skinny tires. You have a upright seating position and the tires are smaller than a mountain bike which makes the bike easier to peddle on the street. You can ride off road on say fire trails or a gravel road but would not want to take it up in the hills or mountain's or do the "Leadville 100" with it.

I rode that bike for only about 400 miles when I got the road bike bug and bought a all carbon Cannondale for about 3K which was a great price for the model I got. My girlfriend and I both bought the hybrid bikes at the same time and she kept riding hers as I started putting on mileage on my 17 pound new bike, the hybrids weighed about 30 pounds. After waiting for her to catch up with me as my new light weight bike was faster I bought her a Carbon road bike also. The model I got her is a Trek Pilot. It is a awesome 30 speed bike with all the features of a fast lightweight road bike but with a more upright seating position, this is a big plus if your back doesnt like the bent over position of a road bike. Another excellent bike that is designed not to be to extreme and more comfortable to ride long distances is the Specialized Roubaix. The Specialized Roubaix is not a cheap bike but you can find some real deals on Craigs List also the Pilot shows up there a lot.

Caution in buying a bike at Costco or a department store. Bike sizing is way more important than motorcycle sizing in many regards. My suggestion is to go to a couple bike stores and let them tell you what size you need and if you buy it let them adjust the bike to your body, this takes at least an hour for them to do. Be careful not to let them sell you, what they have, on the floor as you will be sorry latter if it is the wrong size. If you are say 5'6 to 6' tall it is easy to buy a bike but if you are like myself 6'4" it is hard to find one in stock as most bike stores will not stock the LARGE frame size, let them order on and wait. If you live in the greater Los Angeles area check out Helen's bikes. They have several stores around So. Cal and are a good outfit.

The post above where he peddled 10,000 feet of climb in just over 100 miles is just plain painful. Climbing is what separates the species of bike riders. Lance Armstrong won all his Tour de France races by killing them in the climbs. Last night I rode 38 miles (2 1/2 hours) and only had 1600 feet of climb per my little Garmin bike GPS and I was pretty waisted when I got home.

Larry

[Mark]

I grew up in Santa Barbara and rode everywhere (even fishing and surfing).
After the navy and getting married Chris and I parked the car and rode through college in SB and at Cal State Long Beach. Then in Sacramento to work (for me). I don't ride much anymore here... I don't really like long rides in 100+F; but, I see the groups out.

Larry is right about sizing. I have never ridden a bike that is sized for me.
5'10" with a 27" inseam puts me on a tiny bike that when I lean into puts my nose way out in front; getting a bike that fits my torso makes for very difficult stops and starts (and I speak in a higher voice). I haven't ever had the option of dropping over a grand on a bike (or even near a grand!)... that would be the right way to go... :)

Ride safe!
Mark

[st1300r]

+1 on the sizing. Even if you go ebay on a decent rodie with the right frame size a good shop will be able to get you set up properly. You've got some adjustability with different stems and seat post choices. Make sure you got the shoes cleats and pedals you are happy with when you get fitted.

BTW The difference between a 17lb and 15lb bike is $$$ :eek: Way cheaper to loose it in the spare tire :)

:04biker:
Also Colnago blue of course :)

[rbs]

Larry,

I read your post several days ago and became inspired....again! Several years ago (6) while living in KC I was a bicycle nut, riding every chance I got, and would come in from the office and get out and ride 20 miles before dinner.

Well time passes, I retired, moved off, did more motorcycle touring, golf.....! So had quit riding the bicycle. Since reading your post I have been thinking, I sure was in better shape while cycling.

So yesterday I pulled the touring Cannondale off the garage wall, put air in the tires for the first time in several years and took a short ride. I have clip in pedals but yesterday just rode with my tennis shoes, but today I put on the bike shoes, clipped me feet in the peddles and went for a ride.

Only rode about 3 miles, but we have some small hills that in my shape today caused me to down shift to my hill climbing gear! I am sooo out of shape, and will probably have leg cramps tonight!

Just thought I would pass along that I appreciate your post.

Mellow, possibly this type of posting should be on the health forum your discussing. It certainly is better than meds.

[Viggo]

My wife is the (non-motorized) 2-wheeler in my family. She has 2 very nice bikes, a hybrid and a true road bike, both Cannondales. I bought a good used hybrid about 10 years ago but I never could keep up with her so we don't ever ride together.

Biking is definitely an excellent way to get in shape. I can't seem to find the motivation though.

[Spotthegerbil]

I've set myself 2 challenges...
1. cycle from my house to Glasgow (50 miles) before 10 december.
2. Maintain more miles on my mountain bike than my wife (learner rider) makes on her motorbike. we both got our respective motor/mountain bikes at the same time.

So far she is winning on point 2 and the weather is looking like it will prevent point 1. Still, I'm determined to keep cycling over the winter, so I'll be fit for the sumer. And I'm taking part in ACL's weight loss plan!

[Steve Cantrelle]

If you have trouble with an aching neck, shoulders or arms (not to mention the usual pain in the ***) try a recumbent. All the fun and exercise of a regular bike without all the pain. I've been riding for 7 years but never did a centry until I got the Bacchetta. In the last 6 months I've done 2 centries and 3 metric centries. 600 miles total in the month of September. All with no problems. Find a recuembent dealer and take a long test ride, you'll never ride an up right bike again.

[BamaRider]

As a avid cyclist and runner I know where ya coming from. Congrats on your recent life change, being in shape makes EVERYTHING you do easier.

[greydog]

Hi
Great To Read
I Also Ride A Road Bicycle Cannondale Six 13:06biker:

[Spotthegerbil]

I'd love to own a recumbent, but they cost $$$. My ministers husband loaned me his one afternoon and it was great fun, very comfortable and a whole different riding experience. I'm saving my pennies. A recumbent in capable hands is far faster than an upright bike.

For anyone wanting to get into cycling, a mountain style bike, with smooth tyres is good for road use, without being too uncomfortable. It's worth speaking to your local bike shop as the frame sizing is critical to your overall comfort.

[VTWINtoxicated]

Hey Larry,

I just ordered on Monday the 17th, a set of highway blades from your site!

Man you guys are good! I got them Friday, tried them yesterday and they are awesome. Talk about an all day bike... Thanks for a great product and great service.

I too just recently got into road riding. I used to run, had a few leg and back issues so converted to the bike to loose about 20 lbs. for track days. Bought a Scott carbon bike. I hated the first two rides, but ever since am hooked. Cycling has many things in common with motorcycling. When riding in groups there are specific rules that must be followed for safety, cars are STILL out to get you and we ride to eat just like the other bike. The team approach to the longer rides is very rewarding. A great day is 50 miles down A1A from Jacksonville and an ST ride to dinner that night.

I'm averaging about 100 miles a week. This helps me keep the miles off the ST.

Enjoy your riding...

[st1300r]

Hey snip....
Bought a Scott carbon bike. I hated the first two rides, but ever since am hooked.
Enjoy your riding...

Get used to it, that happens every year.:rolleyes: If you are a slug like me during the winter, the 1st few rides are torturously slow and painful. After that you can feel every ride making you stronger. Glad you're hooked.

[George]

I rode a lot in the late seventies, early 80s. Not so much the last 20 years. Price of gas could drive me back to it.

I've always said bicycles are the same kind of fun as motorcycles, just takes longer to get there.

Technology has improved the breed since I bought my Trek 728 back in '80 for $700. I can buy a better bike today for $500, big savings with inflation thrown in.

[st1300r]

I've never seen one average more than 20mph. Guess it's all in the engine LOL. Had some fun on a tandem a couple of times, that was a freight train in the flats :)

+1 on getting fitted. 1/2" here or there makes a world of difference.


I'd love to own a recumbent, but they cost $$$. My ministers husband loaned me his one afternoon and it was great fun, very comfortable and a whole different riding experience. I'm saving my pennies. A recumbent in capable hands is far faster than an upright bike.

For anyone wanting to get into cycling, a mountain style bike, with smooth tyres is good for road use, without being too uncomfortable. It's worth speaking to your local bike shop as the frame sizing is critical to your overall comfort.

[st11ray]

I'd love to own a recumbent, but they cost $$$. My ministers husband loaned me his one afternoon and it was great fun, very comfortable and a whole different riding experience. I'm saving my pennies. A recumbent in capable hands is far faster than an upright bike.

For anyone wanting to get into cycling, a mountain style bike, with smooth tyres is good for road use, without being too uncomfortable. It's worth speaking to your local bike shop as the frame sizing is critical to your overall comfort.

A recumbent is faster on the flats, but when the climbing starts the recumbent will be dropped quickly.

[Spotthegerbil]

The owner of the recumbent I had a shot of can manage 30mph on his 'bent with 2 of his kids in the trailer! If he needs to shift a heavy load, he has a rikshaw that looks like it has been fabricated from Chinese tank parts. It will seat 4 passengers in the rear, in limited comfort, with Marc up front with his legs going like a sewing machine.

[toypro1]

If you have trouble with an aching neck, shoulders or arms (not to mention the usual pain in the ***) try a recumbent. All the fun and exercise of a regular bike without all the pain. I've been riding for 7 years but never did a centry until I got the Bacchetta. In the last 6 months I've done 2 centries and 3 metric centries. 600 miles total in the month of September. All with no problems. Find a recuembent dealer and take a long test ride, you'll never ride an up right bike again.

+++1 i have a long wheel base and really like it

[toypro1]

http://www.speed101.com/gallery/videos.htm

the record on a streamline recumbent is over 80 MPH - human powered :bow1: