Cycling

[UnrealMachine]

What kind of frame?

It's an unbranded frame. Just give me a couple more days and I'll have it all out there

 

[RayP]

Want to go for a ride, but have felt like **** all morning and have a head cold or something. Still might go, but maybe not, not sure. This sucks.

 

[RayP]

Well, made it out for a 25 mile ride today in some pretty rough conditions - really, REALLY windy with a windchill in the 20s. All in all it was a good ride, and glad I got off my ass to do it. Ass is definitely holding up noticeably better this week vs last week, but still awfully sore and tender when I'm in my saddle.

 

[UnrealMachine]

Well, made it out for a 25 mile ride today in some pretty rough conditions - really, REALLY windy with a windchill in the 20s. All in all it was a good ride, and glad I got off my ass to do it. Ass is definitely holding up noticeably better this week vs last week, but still awfully sore and tender when I'm in my saddle.

Those are days when it pays off to have a good bike trainer and programs to train to. I did this workout today: http://www.thesufferfest.com/training-video/fight-club/. 5 short Time Trial intervals with 23 sprints mixed in. I was a sweaty mess.

 

[Nunymare]

Well, made it out for a 25 mile ride today in some pretty rough conditions - really, REALLY windy with a windchill in the 20s. All in all it was a good ride, and glad I got off my ass to do it. Ass is definitely holding up noticeably better this week vs last week, but still awfully sore and tender when I'm in my saddle.

I always find that wind is the killer in the winter more so than the cold. Wind chill is absolutely brutal and its effects seem to be magnified when on the bike.

 

[Nunymare]

That trip sounds amazing. Would really love to do something like that one of these days. Did you use a tour guide/group of any sort?

Last time I got out on the road on long downhills, when possible, I'd take the lane. It's something I definitely need to work on. Although I don't see myself riding around too many spots out here where blind curves will be an issue.

It wasn't as much that I didn't want to ride, but more of I honestly didn't know if my ass could handle it. So far this week has been much better, and after having spent 1.5 hours in the saddle Monday, and 2 hours on it yesterday, I'm feeling "good." I'm a big runner, and I swear all of my best runs are on days where I really, really didn't want to run that day. The days I feel the best, usually tend to be my worst runs.

Good luck with the weather and riding in it. It's getting colder here, but nothing in terms of snow or ice that would stop me. I bought some nice gortex gloves, and have enough running thermal wear that I have no excuses not to get out there on the bike. But I do enjoy it, so I don't really see myself stopping anytime soon.

I have 2 half Ironmans next year (bike portion is 56 miles), but the first one isn't until April, and I might even switch which city it's in which would then be May. Other than that, nothing else really planned at the moment. A buddy of mine who has some history cycling brought up the idea of a century ride, which I'd be open to training for.



Right now I don't have any actual hill training that I'm doing, but I'm just trying to spend a good amount of time on the bike and just get comfortable being on it. I mean, I'm comfortable now, but Atlanta traffic is insane so I want to be really comfortable before I get on the road. This is the elevation chart from yesterday, which was a 30 mile ride over about 1h 50m.

No, I didn't go with a tour company, but there are many out there. Some even provide the bike for you. Planned this one out with a family member and it worked very well. Perfect weather (only rained on once, minimal winds), like I said, would definitely recommend.

You're lucky that blind curves aren't much of an issue for you - where I live there are so many drivers with the "must get in front" mentality in that they will and have to pass a bike if it's the last thing they do. As you can imagine, that leads to some pretty dangerous situations...

How do you find the cross from running to cycling to be? I ran a marathon last year with little to no running experience prior to and with minimal (in comparison to what others so) training and fared decently. Cycling is great for building up cardio, and I think that played a huge part in helping me finish that marathon... I must say though that it is way easier to go out for a bike ride when feeling crappy than it is to do for a run, personally .

I'll need to invest in some more Gortex gear I think - I have a pair of Gortex pants and they work great in the cold temps. As I said previously it is usually the wind that is the killer in cold temperatures and they work great in shielding that out. Are the winds that bad where you live? Where I am it is quite windy in the spring and fall and though I dread the headwinds, it always helps to think that they turn into tailwinds eventually on my rides...

Good luck on your Ironmans... I honestly don't know how you guys do it. Hell the marathon I did had me walking with a limp for a few days after...

 

[RayP]

No, I didn't go with a tour company, but there are many out there. Some even provide the bike for you. Planned this one out with a family member and it worked very well. Perfect weather (only rained on once, minimal winds), like I said, would definitely recommend.

You're lucky that blind curves aren't much of an issue for you - where I live there are so many drivers with the "must get in front" mentality in that they will and have to pass a bike if it's the last thing they do. As you can imagine, that leads to some pretty dangerous situations...

How do you find the cross from running to cycling to be? I ran a marathon last year with little to no running experience prior to and with minimal (in comparison to what others so) training and fared decently. Cycling is great for building up cardio, and I think that played a huge part in helping me finish that marathon... I must say though that it is way easier to go out for a bike ride when feeling crappy than it is to do for a run, personally .

I'll need to invest in some more Gortex gear I think - I have a pair of Gortex pants and they work great in the cold temps. As I said previously it is usually the wind that is the killer in cold temperatures and they work great in shielding that out. Are the winds that bad where you live? Where I am it is quite windy in the spring and fall and though I dread the headwinds, it always helps to think that they turn into tailwinds eventually on my rides...

Good luck on your Ironmans... I honestly don't know how you guys do it. Hell the marathon I did had me walking with a limp for a few days after...

Yeah, I browsed at the Trek ones one day. Crazy expensive, but they take care of everything other than flights. Would love to do something like that one day, but I don't think I could trust planning it myself.

The areas that are like that just aren't areas I'd ever ride in... Too far away. Where I'm at all I have to worry about is hills, but all those nasty uphills almost always have a median I could sneak over to and get out of the way if it's the heavy.

I'm finding that my cardio is perfectly fine with it, and that I could cycle for hours and hours and hours... Honestly, it's just my ass that's holding me back. After 3-4 straight days of riding 1-2 hours a day, I'm really hurting midway through the last ride. Other than that, I'm loving it. I'm definitely weaker on the bike than I thought I'd be, since I've spent the last 2 summers training for marathons... But never really spent a lot of time in the gym building quad and glute strength. And I definitely agree that it's a lot easier to get out on the bike when your'e sick, or in my case, hungover.

The gloves really, really held up well today. I was nervous how they'd do when you figure the windchill when I started was in the teens, and then add on being on the bike on top of that. My hands were a little cold the first 5-10 minutes, but after that, they were noticeably warm the rest of my ride (about 90 minutes today I was out there for). I can't find the ones right now that I have, but can take a pic later if you'd like. They ran me about $80 at a local bike shop.

Do those Gortex pants let any wind through? I need some pants. I've been wearing my bike shorts with like track pants over that. And while that keeps me warm, it's still kind of a loose pant just flapping out there. I have had zero issues with it getting caught in my chain or anything, but would still like to get some legit bike pants. Wind usually isn't an issue here, but it has been the last 3-4 days.

Thanks. I just like endurance training and events. This might sound demented, but I need to train for something that scares me. It's what keeps me in check, and out of getting into trouble partying and with my diet. That, and I just like the challenge and buildup of training.

I always find that wind is the killer in the winter more so than the cold. Wind chill is absolutely brutal and its effects seem to be magnified when on the bike.

Yeah... I underestimated what even a slight breeze on the bike would feel like today. It was 26 F this morning when I left, not factoring in the wind chill, or the bike factor. I only had 2 pairs of socks on, and my toes were numb 10 minutes into my ride. My goal was 25-30 miles today, but after 10 miles I just had to turn around. Even 20 was a struggle. It's a shame, because everything else felt fine. My face was a little cold, but it wouldn't have held me back or cut my ride short or anything... But my toes were frozen. Going to have to invest in some better and thicker socks.

Those are days when it pays off to have a good bike trainer and programs to train to. I did this workout today: http://www.thesufferfest.com/training-video/fight-club/. 5 short Time Trial intervals with 23 sprints mixed in. I was a sweaty mess.

I really don't like training inside, to be honest. That, and I hate stationary training. I'm not saying it's not beneficial or anything, but it usually just bores me... And the classes that likely wouldn't bore me are just out of my budget at the moment.

 

[Nunymare]

Yeah, I browsed at the Trek ones one day. Crazy expensive, but they take care of everything other than flights. Would love to do something like that one day, but I don't think I could trust planning it myself.

The areas that are like that just aren't areas I'd ever ride in... Too far away. Where I'm at all I have to worry about is hills, but all those nasty uphills almost always have a median I could sneak over to and get out of the way if it's the heavy.

I'm finding that my cardio is perfectly fine with it, and that I could cycle for hours and hours and hours... Honestly, it's just my ass that's holding me back. After 3-4 straight days of riding 1-2 hours a day, I'm really hurting midway through the last ride. Other than that, I'm loving it. I'm definitely weaker on the bike than I thought I'd be, since I've spent the last 2 summers training for marathons... But never really spent a lot of time in the gym building quad and glute strength. And I definitely agree that it's a lot easier to get out on the bike when your'e sick, or in my case, hungover.

The gloves really, really held up well today. I was nervous how they'd do when you figure the windchill when I started was in the teens, and then add on being on the bike on top of that. My hands were a little cold the first 5-10 minutes, but after that, they were noticeably warm the rest of my ride (about 90 minutes today I was out there for). I can't find the ones right now that I have, but can take a pic later if you'd like. They ran me about $80 at a local bike shop.

Do those Gortex pants let any wind through? I need some pants. I've been wearing my bike shorts with like track pants over that. And while that keeps me warm, it's still kind of a loose pant just flapping out there. I have had zero issues with it getting caught in my chain or anything, but would still like to get some legit bike pants. Wind usually isn't an issue here, but it has been the last 3-4 days.

Thanks. I just like endurance training and events. This might sound demented, but I need to train for something that scares me. It's what keeps me in check, and out of getting into trouble partying and with my diet. That, and I just like the challenge and buildup of training.

The pants have been great so far for me this year (as in a few weeks). I have another pair of rain pants under them (and beneath those, cycling shorts) and they pretty much don't let any wind in. Mine have velcro cuffs at the bottom to prevent them from getting caught in the bike. So far so good this winter, but I've yet to see a -30C day...

I always find that it's even easier to get on the bike and go for a ride when I'm sore or hurting. The thing with running that I found when I trained and ran a marathon is that I'd get more and more sore if I didn't rest. (I used bike rides to recover from my marathon.. haha) When I ran it though, kind of like your situation on the bike, it was my sore knees and calves that held me back, not cardio.

Do you mainly do city riding, or are there country roads around where you are? That's where I do my long rides in the summer and those are pretty much my favourite roads to ride on. Minimal traffic, beautiful scenery, and pretty much the road to myself. There some smaller towns/cities within biking distance from where I am so it makes for some day trips.

Yeah... I underestimated what even a slight breeze on the bike would feel like today. It was 26 F this morning when I left, not factoring in the wind chill, or the bike factor. I only had 2 pairs of socks on, and my toes were numb 10 minutes into my ride. My goal was 25-30 miles today, but after 10 miles I just had to turn around. Even 20 was a struggle. It's a shame, because everything else felt fine. My face was a little cold, but it wouldn't have held me back or cut my ride short or anything... But my toes were frozen. Going to have to invest in some better and thicker socks.



I really don't like training inside, to be honest. That, and I hate stationary training. I'm not saying it's not beneficial or anything, but it usually just bores me... And the classes that likely wouldn't bore me are just out of my budget at the moment.

I wear a pair of ski socks along with a pair of sweat socks underneath. Has worked well this year. I'm not sure if you're wearing cycling shoes with clipless pedals but I'm just using the flats during the winter. Easier to bail if I lose control on ice. Cycling shoes are harder to keep warm in though with all the mesh... I froze my feet off during the late days of fall when it was around -3 to -6 celsius here.

I agree with you on not liking indoor training. Just doesn't feel the same. Nothing can replace that feeling of riding outside. I'd much rather ride out in -40C weather or torrential rains with 50km/hr gusts than go on a stationary inside (I may have a few loose screws )

 

[RayP]

The pants have been great so far for me this year (as in a few weeks). I have another pair of rain pants under them (and beneath those, cycling shorts) and they pretty much don't let any wind in. Mine have velcro cuffs at the bottom to prevent them from getting caught in the bike. So far so good this winter, but I've yet to see a -30C day...

I always find that it's even easier to get on the bike and go for a ride when I'm sore or hurting. The thing with running that I found when I trained and ran a marathon is that I'd get more and more sore if I didn't rest. (I used bike rides to recover from my marathon.. haha) When I ran it though, kind of like your situation on the bike, it was my sore knees and calves that held me back, not cardio.

Do you mainly do city riding, or are there country roads around where you are? That's where I do my long rides in the summer and those are pretty much my favourite roads to ride on. Minimal traffic, beautiful scenery, and pretty much the road to myself. There some smaller towns/cities within biking distance from where I am so it makes for some day trips.


I wear a pair of ski socks along with a pair of sweat socks underneath. Has worked well this year. I'm not sure if you're wearing cycling shoes with clipless pedals but I'm just using the flats during the winter. Easier to bail if I lose control on ice. Cycling shoes are harder to keep warm in though with all the mesh... I froze my feet off during the late days of fall when it was around -3 to -6 celsius here.

I agree with you on not liking indoor training. Just doesn't feel the same. Nothing can replace that feeling of riding outside. I'd much rather ride out in -40C weather or torrential rains with 50km/hr gusts than go on a stationary inside (I may have a few loose screws )

What brand of pants? I think I'm going to buy some Castelli's. Although I also saw some the other day on a closeout sale from another brand there were $40, normally $130, and had great reviews. I don't care what they look like, how much they weigh, I just want the most comfortable pair I can get.

When I ran, I never really got sore from running. I don't get sore from cycling either, but my quads are so fatigued the next day walking up and down stairs. Have been after every ride so far.

There is a running/cycling path that I drive out to, that this time of the year is pretty empty. Every other mile or so I'll have to slow down a bit, but I normally don't have to stop during the actual ride itself. It's a path that goes essentially from Atlanta all the way to somewhere in Alabama, and is 60 miles on way. Bunch of bathrooms and fueling stations along the way, too. I still haven't gotten into cycling out on the road yet, but would like to. Problem is around me, if I were to do that, it would be stop and go the entire time.

I haven't gotten pedals and shoes yet, and have just been wearing my running shoes. Hoping to get some in the next week or two, but had a couple unexpected bills pop up that were awfully hefty, so had to put getting the pedals on hold for now. I have no issue staying on the bike like that, and my feet never slip up or anything, but realize my foot placement is probably far from perfect. I'm not saying it's a good setup to have or anything, but I can at least get on the bike for the time being like that and still log miles.

I love the challenge of riding/running in nasty weather, and love that sense of accomplishment that comes with it afterwards. When I logged 30 miles the other day when the windchill was in the single digits, and all my friends used it as an excuse to not do anything or get a crap workout in at the gym indoors... Well, I just love that feeling. If that makes me a d-bag, then so be it.

 

[T Low]

I like the foul weather, too, but not the ice on asphalt that comes with it. We'll mtn bike in a couple inches of snow, no problem, though.

The usual problem with cycling shoes in cold temps is that they fit snug, which compromises the thermal protection when trying to add the bulk of a warm sock layer. The insulation properties of the sock are minimized when it is compressed into the more snug fit of the cycling shoe.

Plus, I've got an outside hot tub to jump in after I get off the bike, with a beer and a view of Bellingham Bay and the city.

 

[RayP]

The forecast is calling for the windchill to be around 9 when I am scheduled to start my bike ride tomorrow...


In Atlanta.

 

[Nunymare]

The forecast is calling for the windchill to be around 9 when I am scheduled to start my bike ride tomorrow...


In Atlanta.

That would be pretty deadly I'm assuming (is it the damp kind of cold?). But you'll feel more accomplished if you do go out. Over here it is unrelenting, blistering cold that kills. That's around -12C here and that's considered a good winter day for me.. haha.

 

[Nunymare]

What brand of pants? I think I'm going to buy some Castelli's. Although I also saw some the other day on a closeout sale from another brand there were $40, normally $130, and had great reviews. I don't care what they look like, how much they weigh, I just want the most comfortable pair I can get.

When I ran, I never really got sore from running. I don't get sore from cycling either, but my quads are so fatigued the next day walking up and down stairs. Have been after every ride so far.

There is a running/cycling path that I drive out to, that this time of the year is pretty empty. Every other mile or so I'll have to slow down a bit, but I normally don't have to stop during the actual ride itself. It's a path that goes essentially from Atlanta all the way to somewhere in Alabama, and is 60 miles on way. Bunch of bathrooms and fueling stations along the way, too. I still haven't gotten into cycling out on the road yet, but would like to. Problem is around me, if I were to do that, it would be stop and go the entire time.

I haven't gotten pedals and shoes yet, and have just been wearing my running shoes. Hoping to get some in the next week or two, but had a couple unexpected bills pop up that were awfully hefty, so had to put getting the pedals on hold for now. I have no issue staying on the bike like that, and my feet never slip up or anything, but realize my foot placement is probably far from perfect. I'm not saying it's a good setup to have or anything, but I can at least get on the bike for the time being like that and still log miles.

I love the challenge of riding/running in nasty weather, and love that sense of accomplishment that comes with it afterwards. When I logged 30 miles the other day when the windchill was in the single digits, and all my friends used it as an excuse to not do anything or get a crap workout in at the gym indoors... Well, I just love that feeling. If that makes me a d-bag, then so be it.

Goretex I think. Expensive but very good quality so far. Doesn't really let any wind in which is my main concern. I remember being sore/fatigued when I started cycling as well. The ass and quads particularly. I think that went away after a month. For running though it definitely uses more and takes more out of you. The hours following and day after my marathon weren't that fun .

That's nice that there's a cycling path you can go on - usually in the summer the ones in my city are full of runners/dog walkers with headphones blasting music on (pet peeve). I'm usually going around 27-35km/hr (16-21mph) so that's not always good. At least when I ride on the road there are red lights/stop signs that I can rest on (and catch my breath on a hot day). Would recommend getting a decent lighting system on your bike if you were to go on the road though. Seems that cars are less likely to do something stupid if you light yourself up like a Christmas tree.

Pedals and shoes have been great for me - I just started this year after two years of a lot of mileage (over 7000km). Some people have a hard time adjusting to the prospect of being attached to their bike but I seemed to do okay (no rite of passage stand-still fall... so far). Stiff soled shoes also allow for better energy transfer and foot position.

 

[RayP]

Goretex I think. Expensive but very good quality so far. Doesn't really let any wind in which is my main concern. I remember being sore/fatigued when I started cycling as well. The ass and quads particularly. I think that went away after a month. For running though it definitely uses more and takes more out of you. The hours following and day after my marathon weren't that fun .

That's nice that there's a cycling path you can go on - usually in the summer the ones in my city are full of runners/dog walkers with headphones blasting music on (pet peeve). I'm usually going around 27-35km/hr (16-21mph) so that's not always good. At least when I ride on the road there are red lights/stop signs that I can rest on (and catch my breath on a hot day). Would recommend getting a decent lighting system on your bike if you were to go on the road though. Seems that cars are less likely to do something stupid if you light yourself up like a Christmas tree.

Pedals and shoes have been great for me - I just started this year after two years of a lot of mileage (over 7000km). Some people have a hard time adjusting to the prospect of being attached to their bike but I seemed to do okay (no rite of passage stand-still fall... so far). Stiff soled shoes also allow for better energy transfer and foot position.

I'll probably hold out on pants and just stick with shorts, because I have been tossing these somewhat tight sweats over my shorts and they aren't getting caught up in my chain, and are keeping me war. Although if the temp is 30+ out here, I could probably wear just the shorts. Probably just going to look for a much nicer pair of shorts than what I currently have, and figure out if those are worth the price.

Yeah, the path I go to when the weather is nice outside blows until you get 5-6 miles out and away from the runners/walkers... but I can usually just drive to that point of the path, and get on there. And yeah, definitely getting lights when I start riding at night or early morning... but with my work schedule, it's easiest me to go in the afternoon or late morning.

Gotcha. I'll definitely be getting them, but now just realized they're doing a 70.3 Ironman in Chattanooga (a short drive from Atlanta), and that's going to be another $250 taken out of the bank account... and I don't want to wait, because the full Ironman in Chattanooga filled up pretty quickly, so I want to make sure I don't miss out on a spot. Otherwise I then have to pick a city with a much longer drive, or have to dish out for flights. Also could drive up Saturday afternoon, do the race Sunday, and head home afterwards and be home before dark if I want to be.

That would be pretty deadly I'm assuming (is it the damp kind of cold?). But you'll feel more accomplished if you do go out. Over here it is unrelenting, blistering cold that kills. That's around -12C here and that's considered a good winter day for me.. haha.

Nah, it's dry. It was brtutal out there, but got out there for an hour. My day was doomed when I had to change a tube after my pump broke the stem. Then spent the next 20 minutes, in the wind, without gloves on trying to change a tire. My hands didn't warm back up until about 45 minutes into my ride. I wore 4 pairs of socks, and my toes were numb 20 minutes... but none were wool, or all that thick. Quality over quantity, is what I need I guess. My gloves rock, they eventually warmed me up. Will see if they make some socks too, I guess.

Good ride, all things considered, though... Just a few distractions. The rest of my body was comfortably warm, I just gotta figure something out for the toes and then I'll be good.

 

[RayP]

FFS, my pump has now cracked 3 stems... Paid $60 for the god damn thing too.


The only good thing is that it has forced me to learn how to change a flat. Still not great with it, but could manage to do it if it ever happened on my own.

 

[RayP]

You guys post on any cycling specific forums?

 

[T Low]

Funny you should ask: it dawned on me not long ago, that I'm not on white water kayak or biking forums, although those are the two things I'm most involved in.

I'm on three different off road moto forums, three different 4x4 van overlanding forums, and two hockey forums.

I think because I was quite established in those activities before the internet came about.

 

[RayP]

One of my better rides today. I had been pumping my tires to 105 in the back, and 100 up front (as suggested by a guy at the bike shop). Today I went to 110 both in the front and back, and man what a difference that made. 120 is the max, so 110 shouldn't be an issue on days like this when I know there won't be much debris on the path (pinecones and these other spikey things, that are all over the place when it's windy out).

 

[jorbjorb]

One of my better rides today. I had been pumping my tires to 105 in the back, and 100 up front (as suggested by a guy at the bike shop). Today I went to 110 both in the front and back, and man what a difference that made. 120 is the max, so 110 shouldn't be an issue on days like this when I know there won't be much debris on the path (pinecones and these other spikey things, that are all over the place when it's windy out).

what app is that?

 

[Nunymare]

I'll probably hold out on pants and just stick with shorts, because I have been tossing these somewhat tight sweats over my shorts and they aren't getting caught up in my chain, and are keeping me war. Although if the temp is 30+ out here, I could probably wear just the shorts. Probably just going to look for a much nicer pair of shorts than what I currently have, and figure out if those are worth the price.

Yeah, the path I go to when the weather is nice outside blows until you get 5-6 miles out and away from the runners/walkers... but I can usually just drive to that point of the path, and get on there. And yeah, definitely getting lights when I start riding at night or early morning... but with my work schedule, it's easiest me to go in the afternoon or late morning.

Gotcha. I'll definitely be getting them, but now just realized they're doing a 70.3 Ironman in Chattanooga (a short drive from Atlanta), and that's going to be another $250 taken out of the bank account... and I don't want to wait, because the full Ironman in Chattanooga filled up pretty quickly, so I want to make sure I don't miss out on a spot. Otherwise I then have to pick a city with a much longer drive, or have to dish out for flights. Also could drive up Saturday afternoon, do the race Sunday, and head home afterwards and be home before dark if I want to be.




Nah, it's dry. It was brtutal out there, but got out there for an hour. My day was doomed when I had to change a tube after my pump broke the stem. Then spent the next 20 minutes, in the wind, without gloves on trying to change a tire. My hands didn't warm back up until about 45 minutes into my ride. I wore 4 pairs of socks, and my toes were numb 20 minutes... but none were wool, or all that thick. Quality over quantity, is what I need I guess. My gloves rock, they eventually warmed me up. Will see if they make some socks too, I guess.

Good ride, all things considered, though... Just a few distractions. The rest of my body was comfortably warm, I just gotta figure something out for the toes and then I'll be good.

I can't imagine getting a flat on one of the crappy weather days. That must've sucked bigtime. As for the socks, you might want to try getting a pair of ski socks to layer on with the others. Those work well.

I see you're already improving on avg speed and all...

 

[RayP]

what app is that?

tomtom multisport watch. I love it.

I can't imagine getting a flat on one of the crappy weather days. That must've sucked bigtime. As for the socks, you might want to try getting a pair of ski socks to layer on with the others. Those work well.

I see you're already improving on avg speed and all...

Yeah, ordering some of those this weekend.


And yep, that was a really good rider. Did another 20 miles, and was north of 17mph per mile... But my hip was giving me fits. Going to take tomorrow off and then have a group ride Sunday, and hoping to push for 40 miles.

The last two rides I've gone on haven't need a million layers, and it wasn't windy so there was minimal debris on the path. That makes a huge difference too.

 

[TheOtherScott]

Anyone have strong opinions on budget-friendly road bikes? I'm looking for something that I can commute with on the street, but also handle long rides (50-100km tops) without making me want to die. $750 max, I'd say.

 

[UnrealMachine]

Alright, here is the new bike. Not the best pics and not fit-tested yet, but here is the gist:

Frame/Fork: Zhongwei R-002, carbon, 54cm
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra 6800
Wheels: imitation Zipp carbon clinchers, 50mm
Bars/post: no-name Chinese carbon
Stem: aluminum Bontrager for now, will change
Tires: Continental Gator Skins, 28mm
Seat: Fizik Arione
Weight: ~15.4 lbs (without pedals)

 

[Nunymare]

tomtom multisport watch. I love it.



Yeah, ordering some of those this weekend.


And yep, that was a really good rider. Did another 20 miles, and was north of 17mph per mile... But my hip was giving me fits. Going to take tomorrow off and then have a group ride Sunday, and hoping to push for 40 miles.

The last two rides I've gone on haven't need a million layers, and it wasn't windy so there was minimal debris on the path. That makes a huge difference too.

I think the layers in the winter are the killer for me. Aside from the added weight, I always find I sweat so much more and end up baking myself in body heat. It's always better to be a bit cold when you start out and eventually warm out, but it's hard to find that balance in the winter. Debris for me is the absolute worst part of winter/spring. Just so dangerous... if you hit it and get into a skid it gets pretty scary. In spring it forces me to take up more road than many drivers would like me to... that leads to some whacko motorists showing their true colours too...

17mph is great! Way better than when I started out (I could only pull 14 on a good day, though I rode an old mountain bike with knobby tires).

 

[RayP]

Unreal, that bike looks bad ass.

I think the layers in the winter are the killer for me. Aside from the added weight, I always find I sweat so much more and end up baking myself in body heat. It's always better to be a bit cold when you start out and eventually warm out, but it's hard to find that balance in the winter. Debris for me is the absolute worst part of winter/spring. Just so dangerous... if you hit it and get into a skid it gets pretty scary. In spring it forces me to take up more road than many drivers would like me to... that leads to some whacko motorists showing their true colours too...

17mph is great! Way better than when I started out (I could only pull 14 on a good day, though I rode an old mountain bike with knobby tires).

Yeah, I can already tell the layers are killer. Yesterday it was 75 and sunny out, so I went out in shorts and a tee, and had another ride north of 17mph per mile. Really noticed how less constricted I felt yesterday compared to those days where the temp was in the teens and 20s pre wind chill.

Hoping I can comfortably be in the 18mph range for a 20-30 mile ride by the end of the year. Not sure if that's realistic or not, but I'm not going to do anything other than hit the bike 5-6 times a week for the next few months.