The biking thread
- Thread starter Bram Turismo
- 4,902 comments
- 271,798 views
- 34,949
- Indian Falls, NY
- slashfan7964
Any advice for getting a bit in shape bike riding? I'm an avid rider, but I don't cover many long distances. I average about 2-3 miles a day, sometimes more. Today I rode about 8-9 miles give or take. Should I just continue this daily or? I do have some mild discomfort in my tush which is normal but I did adjust some things today and it helped. I have ridden 12 miles in a day before and it killed me (it was like 90+ degrees with no shade) but other than that when it's cool outside it doesn't bother me to much. I'm thinking about going back to my 12 mile a day route (roughly 360 miles a month) as it doesn't seem like too much for me.
What should I expect as far as muscle toning and strenght? Are core strength building techniques? Where I live is very hilly and my bikes are slowly falling into disrepair (one needs tires, breaks and cables, the other needs cables). I seriously want to get into this pretty good. Even got myself a pair of riding gloves
What should I expect as far as muscle toning and strenght? Are core strength building techniques? Where I live is very hilly and my bikes are slowly falling into disrepair (one needs tires, breaks and cables, the other needs cables). I seriously want to get into this pretty good. Even got myself a pair of riding gloves
ExigeEvan
Premium
- 17,192
Is this road cycling?
I'd go on google maps, or even better a website like map my ride, and plot a route about 20km long. That could take you anything between 1 and 2 hours and will give you a chance to gauge your fitness.
Keep doing that, or similar, and when the time starts dropping then plot a 30km route! And just build from there. You'll be surprised how quick your legs adapt, 100km will become a easy days ride before you know it.
I'd go on google maps, or even better a website like map my ride, and plot a route about 20km long. That could take you anything between 1 and 2 hours and will give you a chance to gauge your fitness.
Keep doing that, or similar, and when the time starts dropping then plot a 30km route! And just build from there. You'll be surprised how quick your legs adapt, 100km will become a easy days ride before you know it.
- 4,159
- United States
Any advice for getting a bit in shape bike riding? I'm an avid rider, but I don't cover many long distances. I average about 2-3 miles a day, sometimes more. Today I rode about 8-9 miles give or take. Should I just continue this daily or? I do have some mild discomfort in my tush which is normal but I did adjust some things today and it helped. I have ridden 12 miles in a day before and it killed me (it was like 90+ degrees with no shade) but other than that when it's cool outside it doesn't bother me to much. I'm thinking about going back to my 12 mile a day route (roughly 360 miles a month) as it doesn't seem like too much for me.
What should I expect as far as muscle toning and strenght? Are core strength building techniques? Where I live is very hilly and my bikes are slowly falling into disrepair (one needs tires, breaks and cables, the other needs cables). I seriously want to get into this pretty good. Even got myself a pair of riding gloves
Well.. what I've experienced for the past few months of commuter/work out riding is that my legs have gotten a-lot stronger. You may know that obviously your legs are what push the bike along the path or road. You'll get used to the hill climbs. Your body adapts to things it repeats. You'll be knocking out longer rides and you'll notice how much energy you'll have left after the ride since your legs have gotten used.
Upper body wise, I haven't noticed much since I've started but I do know that if I continue I will see some changes. Granted I am 230lbs so of course I will. For you, if you have a smaller frame and aren't used to riding that much then you'll see some changes, but physically not as much visually. Cycling can build the upper body. Your arms and shoulders will be impacted since you're constantly straining them keeping yourself up on the bike.
I would say cycling is good for getting into cardiovascular shape, but if you want to get into muscular shape from riding, you should try lifting with a combination of biking. Just some things I think, and kind-of know.
Also bike in good standing is the best. Just try and keep them up. Tighten bolts every once and a while and check the tire pressure, and make sure that things are working properly before every ride. And judging from the description, and sound of the shape of your bike... you should probably get a new and reliable one. What do you ride right now?
- 4,498
- Limburg,Belgium
- (GTP_) dustdriver
Only impact I feel in my arms and shoulders if I'm on steep climbs and i'm using my arms to pull on the handle bar to get more leverage on the pedals.
Other than that, it's mostly legs and cardio that you train with cycling.
I don't see how you strain them while keeping yourself up on the bike while riding on the road.
- 4,159
- United States
My wording is kind of weird. It really depends on the riding position and posture. I keep my momentum while riding on the roads by using my upper body.
- 1,847
- Poland
- dar-kos
- Yes, i do own X
I've exchanged in my Cannondale stem to OPI + 6 degree and handlebar from straight to bend + 25mm.
It literally changed everything in my bike. Now i had different center of gravity, different seating position. It feels much more conformable now.
Previously i had -5 degree stem with straight handlebar and some times after 50 kilometers ride my left shoulder hurt like hell. I thought this was caused by Lefty Shock, but now it's just stupid that i think'd that way.
As you can see my left hand had nothing to do except some breaking so it's just there getting bored
It literally changed everything in my bike. Now i had different center of gravity, different seating position. It feels much more conformable now.
Previously i had -5 degree stem with straight handlebar and some times after 50 kilometers ride my left shoulder hurt like hell. I thought this was caused by Lefty Shock, but now it's just stupid that i think'd that way.
As you can see my left hand had nothing to do except some breaking so it's just there getting bored
- 34,949
- Indian Falls, NY
- slashfan7964
Well like I said I was a bit tird on the last 12 mile route simply because I was dying of heat but it wasn't too bad of a ride. I just made an account and want to keep up on it. Should I start asap?
Interesting. I bike frequently as it is and never really see any difference...is it because I'm not going long/far enough?
I was figuring this. I do want to get it back up again. I can no longer play sports due to a head injury I suffered years prior so I've fallen out of shape.
The bikes are fine, great even, just lack some general maintenance on my part. One of them is a 1992 Murray Country Road 18 Speed road bike (I can't even find this model online) and the other is a Huffy Stalker LX2 MTB. The saddles on both do bother me a little bit but right now another bike is out of the budget. And my parents won't allow another, I'm lucky I have 2 as it is.
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- 4,159
- United States
No not really. You said you bike frequently, so I'd say that your legs are already conditioned. I started biking again after I got my daily rider and I noticed that I lost some of the speed that I had before. Seems like you have a great start, especially since you want to get more serious with biking.
That's unfortunate. If sports are the only things you cannot play are take activity in then I say if you're just interested in getting into shape, you'll be fine. Just take weight lifting into consideration. If I were you, I'd do light lifting until I were feeling the impact properly.
The two bikes you mentioned look decent. Any bike is good to ride as long as it's maintenance. As for the seat/saddle. Usually people get used to a specific seat after riding on it for a while. You should look into getting a new saddle. I've gotten used to the one on my Schwinn, but it's still not cutting it in some places. The padding is non-existent since the bike was bought second hand.
- 34,949
- Indian Falls, NY
- slashfan7964
I bike frequently but not enough I don't think. Depending in the day I ride anywhere from 2 to 8 miles. Really depends on if I'm bored and want to hit the high road.
I did consider lifting before and have acess to the weights in my girlfriends basement but I don't know. Only way to get there is ride 6 miles 1 way. Then I'm burnt when I leave.
I did consider lifting before and have acess to the weights in my girlfriends basement but I don't know. Only way to get there is ride 6 miles 1 way. Then I'm burnt when I leave.
- 7,901
- Horbury, West Yorkshire
- GTP_Sprite
Ok I took your advice and I'm more confused than ever and my budget has been doubled.
After looking into commuter bikes, I was then directed to Cyclecross and I'm tempted by those too. I haven't ridden a road bike in 20+ years so super light and a slim footprint are going to be tough to get used to.
I've looked at three bikes from Whytes. The sterling, Montpellier both are commuters, but have a huge difference in price. The other bike from Whytes is the cyclecross bike Saxon Cross. They all seem like very capable bikes, the thing that worries me is the parts list, SRAM and the brakes used all seem a little low in quality considering the price point. I would've hoped for 105 set all round etc.
I've also checked out Scott, Cannondale even Yeti, but I can't make up my mind. I visited a store today and the owner was keen on me buying a Ridley CX bike, it was 105 all round and looked capable for my needs, but I hadn't read much about them as a company and there bikes so discounted it and left empty handed (I think his pressure tactics also turned me off too).
Any thoughts guys? Budget is about ÂŁ1300 could be pushed to ÂŁ1500 if it was the perfect bike.
- 550
- Canada
- Ya-Shoe
If you ride competitively its almost like cheating, for mtbing atleast. I was like you before I decided to try it out and see what all the fuss is about. They keep their momentum better, so going uphill is better to an extent. Going downhill is better and flats are a dream. I really hated them before and also thought they were a scam. If your just buying a bike for a daily commuter then just stick with the cheaper 26, which are still very fun. If your thinking about racing or seriously riding MTB then go ahead and buy or atleast try a 29 for a good while.
! Give it a chance đź‘Ť
- 1,847
- Poland
- dar-kos
- Yes, i do own X
I've invested to much money in my current bike so this is main reason why i don't want to ride 29 inch wheeler.
Also i like this classic feeling from how 26 is handling.
By the way i just found the photo of my and my brothers bike. Quite rare view for this one. Grey is mine and yellow belongs to brother of mine.
Also i like this classic feeling from how 26 is handling.
By the way i just found the photo of my and my brothers bike. Quite rare view for this one. Grey is mine and yellow belongs to brother of mine.
- 3,460
- Hollywood
Ok I took your advice and I'm more confused than ever and my budget has been doubled.
I know that feeling *looks at bike that cost twice the original budget*.
Ok, a few questions.
What kind of use will it get? Daily commuting? Mostly flat routes, or undulating? In all weathers? If so would you prefer disc brakes? Does it need to be compatible with a pannier rack/satchels?
Do you really want to spend so much or would you be happy with a less expensive bike (lets say, alloy frame with a full 105 set), maybe around the ÂŁ1000 mark?
- 7,901
- Horbury, West Yorkshire
- GTP_Sprite
Well it will get short rides daily between 4-6 miles (at the moment until my partner gets more confident and the will increase, im already plotting rides on google earth) with possibly longer rides at weekends and holidays. Mainly road and flat with some gravel/grass/light mud. I won't be using panniers or anything like that, mud guards maybe fitted. All weather.
I'd be ok with an ally frame, the Stirling I've been looking at is but has carbon fork. I'd prefer disk and hydraulic over mechanical. 105 would be fine but I don't mind to be honest as long as I'm not going to regret a clunky and ungainly system.
I guess anything though would be better than a GT outpost and the SIS it's got at the moment. I love the idea of a cyclecross for its weight but change the seat post and bars etc on a Stirling and I could get the weight down to about 9kg.
I'd be ok with an ally frame, the Stirling I've been looking at is but has carbon fork. I'd prefer disk and hydraulic over mechanical. 105 would be fine but I don't mind to be honest as long as I'm not going to regret a clunky and ungainly system.
I guess anything though would be better than a GT outpost and the SIS it's got at the moment. I love the idea of a cyclecross for its weight but change the seat post and bars etc on a Stirling and I could get the weight down to about 9kg.
Like I said, I wouldn't buy something like this from the internet. Since it's so costly, and like you said - an investment, I'd rather buy it in person, knowing it's right for me and that everything fits. Plus, since I bought it in person, if there's ever any problems or I need to ask the guys any questions, I can always take it in - plus I get free maintenance checks every six weeks, if I so choose to have them.
I bought the Bike from Bikes of Inverness, which is owned by the Riddle Brothers, Kenny and Roddy - So I trust I'm in safe and honest hands when it comes to starting off with cycling.
That wasn't my absolute limit but I didn't want to go all out on my first road bike. I'd quite like to get into the sport a bit more before I even think about upgrading. Besides, if I get really in to it, even if I had gone with better equipment in the first place, there's always going to be things you'd like to add and buy later on. Now that I know that Tiagra isn't as good as 105, if I see the need for change in the future, I'll know what to look for.
Thanks for the advice though, MD. You're like a sponge for knowledge and information. Here's a pic.
Spec. Allez Road Bike by GTPYukon, on Flickr
- 3,460
- Hollywood
The Stirling is a great bike, and seems to suit what you need, but if you want a cyclocross bike, get one!
Obviously wanting discs over rim brakes pushes the price up (discs have only just been made UCI race-legal for cyclocross), but for ÂŁ1200 you can get a Specialized Tricross Elite, with discs. A great bike and a good price.
I'm not trying to push you into spending more on a bike, but for ÂŁ1500 you can get a Cannondale CAADX, with discs and Ultegra. An insane bike, and I can't quite believe how little it is being sold for.
If you are sticking with local bikes shops, it's more a case of what you can get rather than what is the best value.
I see where you guys are coming from but, for me personally, I really enjoy and prefer maintaining my own equipment, even if that means buying specialist tools and spending a weekend trying to figure something out.
I don't need the knowledge of my local bike shop, and online is cheaper and more convenient for parts 99% of the time (especially with sites like Chainreactioncycles offering free returns with no questions asked refunds/swaps). A good friend of mine recently opened a local bike shop in town after the last one went out of business, and I really don't understand how it stays afloat.
Well, I don't know about that. Maybe for things related to mountaineering and old farm equipment, but that's about it
. I'm glad I could help a little, you've ended up with a great bike that I'm sure you'll really enjoy.
- 5,500
- Vic, Australia
- gundalini
I'm exactly the same, matter of fact I spent a few hours today stripping down all the parts from my bike and putting the ones that I using onto my new frame.
Now to just wait for the other bits to turn up (should be this week) so I can finish it off.
An example of the difference in part prices for LBS in my area and web based.
One of the parts I'm waiting on are a set of 105 cranks.
Sourced from the UK including postage. $145
LBS, he said oh around $300 when I enquired of the price out of interest while buying some small bits and pieces.
The differences are absolutely crazy.
- 35,440
- Downtown North Dakota
- Cy-Fi
It (they?) did alright. Legs, on the other hand... going upstairs after watching a bit of TV was a challenge.ShaunBut did the rear end feel good to be back in the saddle?
Planning on heading out again tonight. After I put a bit more air in my tires.
- 7,901
- Horbury, West Yorkshire
- GTP_Sprite
Today i'm just chilling and resting after yesterdays 68km = 42 mile race. 94 Fahrenheit hot. Was a nightmare
Mine mad friends Bikes resting after
Anyone else is doing Cross country races or XC?
I'd love to but I just don't think my fitness level is up to that at the moment. If I can get enough milage under my belt I'm tempted as my work do allot of charity rides across the UK so I'm hoping to tag along with those guys.
- 1,457
- Exeter
- Emptyone-77
I may have had a week to make the road bikers here jealous 
So anyway, my travels took me to the town of Luz-Saint-Saveur, in the Pyrenees, which just happens to be the start of both the Col du Tourmalet and Luz Ardiden. Climbed Luz Ardiden for fun, which took over 70 minutes the first time on a friends Giant.
Then hired a bike one day for the extreme cost of 55 euros, but got the Tourmalet done in the morning, boy it is breathtaking. The views, and the climb is phenomenal. In the afternoon I did the Col de Tentes , 30km with the Col proper being less than half that, but fairly steep towards the end. Good day, loved the bike!
Had a break from cycling for a couple of days, then did the Hautacam, which is frankly annoying to climb, given how wildly the gradient varies. That took 1:05.20, showing my increasing fitness, even if on the friends bike. The descent of that is frankly amazing, stringing together a 3km section with sweepers at 40mph+ was such a rush.
Finally, I did Luz Ardiden again last night, powered up in 55:44, at an average of 8.8mph, and topped 50mph on the way down. Frankly, descending is an absolute joy I have discovered, I shall miss having those Tour de France climbs next door ever so much. Great trip though, got a few pictures too đź‘Ť
So anyway, my travels took me to the town of Luz-Saint-Saveur, in the Pyrenees, which just happens to be the start of both the Col du Tourmalet and Luz Ardiden. Climbed Luz Ardiden for fun, which took over 70 minutes the first time on a friends Giant.
Then hired a bike one day for the extreme cost of 55 euros, but got the Tourmalet done in the morning, boy it is breathtaking. The views, and the climb is phenomenal. In the afternoon I did the Col de Tentes , 30km with the Col proper being less than half that, but fairly steep towards the end. Good day, loved the bike!
Had a break from cycling for a couple of days, then did the Hautacam, which is frankly annoying to climb, given how wildly the gradient varies. That took 1:05.20, showing my increasing fitness, even if on the friends bike. The descent of that is frankly amazing, stringing together a 3km section with sweepers at 40mph+ was such a rush.
Finally, I did Luz Ardiden again last night, powered up in 55:44, at an average of 8.8mph, and topped 50mph on the way down. Frankly, descending is an absolute joy I have discovered, I shall miss having those Tour de France climbs next door ever so much. Great trip though, got a few pictures too đź‘Ť
ExigeEvan
Premium
- 17,192
So my housemate is looking to drop ÂŁ500 on a "training bike". Basically he wants to get fit.
I've suggested he gets a hybrid, there's plenty of cycle paths around but the one that leads straight to his home (Taf Trail). However, I know little of them. My thoughts were first a Carrera, then a specialized, and maybe a cube? Thoughts? You guys have far, far better knowledge of the market place than me!
I've suggested he gets a hybrid, there's plenty of cycle paths around but the one that leads straight to his home (Taf Trail). However, I know little of them. My thoughts were first a Carrera, then a specialized, and maybe a cube? Thoughts? You guys have far, far better knowledge of the market place than me!
