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Bicycle age
- Thread starter elrechazado
- Start date
to my great surprise, she really enjoyed it! granted, we were going really slow but when she was done the first thing she asked was when we can go again. her biggest problem wasn't pedaling, but handling the bike. i think that's pretty normal for people unaccustomed to a road bike and i gave her some tips such as using your body to steer and how to enter and exit curves and turns. she also has legitimate fears about descending, particularly descents that are technical but once her handling gets better she'll begin to embrace them.
at first, she was all over the trail from left to right and vice versa. there was a couple times i thought she was going to end up in the woods but she eventually got the hang of it to the point where she could maintain a stable cadence. she even took care of some steep kickers with relative ease ( i think 27 years of wearing heels has paid off...).
we're going to go 3 times a week and once she feels like it's something she wants to continue, i'm going to get a bike that fits. right now, she's borrowing my mother's 44cm(!) cannondale roadie which is far too small for my fiance, who is between 5'5''-5'6''.
at first, she was all over the trail from left to right and vice versa. there was a couple times i thought she was going to end up in the woods but she eventually got the hang of it to the point where she could maintain a stable cadence. she even took care of some steep kickers with relative ease ( i think 27 years of wearing heels has paid off...).
we're going to go 3 times a week and once she feels like it's something she wants to continue, i'm going to get a bike that fits. right now, she's borrowing my mother's 44cm(!) cannondale roadie which is far too small for my fiance, who is between 5'5''-5'6''.
Soodanim
Member
Gaf, I need some advice. I have wanted to buy a bike for a while now, but I have never gotten round to doing the research. Apparently it's bike week here in England, and Halfords (sell cars and bikes) have an extra 10% off (some stuff already on sale), so I can jump in tomorrow if I feel comfortable. But I basically know nothing. It's been about 10 years since I last owned a bike, but I can still ride. So that's covered.
I will mostly use my bike for rides on concrete in a suburban town with nearby villages/country lane areas, with bike rides occasionally moving onto fields. The rides will be both for leisure and fitness. My assumption based on this is that I'll be best off with a hybrid, as I won't need a mountain bike. I've never ridden a road bike, but I saw John Bishop fall off of one.
I have no idea about what brands to go for or avoid, suspension, number of gears and gear type, brakes, etc. No clue. And what sort of price range I need to be looking at to not have a piece of crap that will fall apart but not bankrupt me. Is £200-250 be a legitimate price range? That's not my limit, I'm just trying to figure it all out.
It's not the only place I can go, but the brands Halfords sell online are mostly Carrera, Boardman (I'm not made of money), Apollo, and British Eagle.
There's a place in Reading that I can get to calls Evans Cycles, and they seem to be a specialist shop. They sell mainly Dawes, Norco, Ridgeback, and Mongoose.
My details: male, 26, 6'4", ~35½" inside leg.
I will mostly use my bike for rides on concrete in a suburban town with nearby villages/country lane areas, with bike rides occasionally moving onto fields. The rides will be both for leisure and fitness. My assumption based on this is that I'll be best off with a hybrid, as I won't need a mountain bike. I've never ridden a road bike, but I saw John Bishop fall off of one.
I have no idea about what brands to go for or avoid, suspension, number of gears and gear type, brakes, etc. No clue. And what sort of price range I need to be looking at to not have a piece of crap that will fall apart but not bankrupt me. Is £200-250 be a legitimate price range? That's not my limit, I'm just trying to figure it all out.
It's not the only place I can go, but the brands Halfords sell online are mostly Carrera, Boardman (I'm not made of money), Apollo, and British Eagle.
There's a place in Reading that I can get to calls Evans Cycles, and they seem to be a specialist shop. They sell mainly Dawes, Norco, Ridgeback, and Mongoose.
My details: male, 26, 6'4", ~35½" inside leg.
Psychotext
Member
I'd get one of the Boardman CX bikes at Halfords. They're awesome. Sadly they're also out of your price range. I'd consider going for something used for that money.
Did another Wiggle event today but it was far too hot. Swapped from the Epic to the Standard so I could get out of the sun faster. Was really struggling in the heat. Thankfully it started to cool down a bit towards the end, so I time trialled the last few miles... and absolutely blew up my thighs in the process.
Couldn't stop moving after finishing for fear of massive cramps.
Did another Wiggle event today but it was far too hot. Swapped from the Epic to the Standard so I could get out of the sun faster. Was really struggling in the heat. Thankfully it started to cool down a bit towards the end, so I time trialled the last few miles... and absolutely blew up my thighs in the process.
Couldn't stop moving after finishing for fear of massive cramps.
I am interested into getting into biking. I have been looking at the Giant Escape 1. Basically, I am not looking for extreme speed, but a bike that I can take pretty much anywhere, will be comfortable, and will let me watch the nice scenery while doing it.
Is this a good choice? Price-wise, it is pretty much at the max I am willing to spend, so don't recommend me some 1k bike. I don't think used bikes would make much sense to me since I get 200 bucks from work to spend on exercise. I don't think some random dude will give me a nice looking receipt or if he did, HR would take it
Is this a good choice? Price-wise, it is pretty much at the max I am willing to spend, so don't recommend me some 1k bike. I don't think used bikes would make much sense to me since I get 200 bucks from work to spend on exercise. I don't think some random dude will give me a nice looking receipt or if he did, HR would take it
outunderthestars
Banned
I am interested into getting into biking. I have been looking at the Giant Escape 1. Basically, I am not looking for extreme speed, but a bike that I can take pretty much anywhere, will be comfortable, and will let me watch the nice scenery while doing it.
Is this a good choice? Price-wise, it is pretty much at the max I am willing to spend, so don't recommend me some 1k bike. I don't think used bikes would make much sense to me since I get 200 bucks from work to spend on exercise. I don't think some random dude will give me a nice looking receipt or if he did, HR would take it
I think the Escape series is one of the best all around bike platforms out there right now. Get out there and enjoy it.
I think the Escape series is one of the best all around bike platforms out there right now. Get out there and enjoy it.
Thanks for the response. Quick question though, how does the Escape 1 compare to a similarly priced road bike? If I am biking with someone with a decent road bike, am I going to be left in the dust?
I doubt it will change my plans since if that happens I think I would get a new riding buddy over a new bike, but I am rather curious
outunderthestars
Banned
Depends on the fitness level of each rider, but a road bike will be a bit lighter, have less rolling resistance, and higher gearing. I have seen people on bikes just like the Escape 1 ride group rides, charity rides, and century rides and totally hang in there!
Don't worry about it. Just ride your bike.
But cow-leanage was out of the question
Agree, I wouldn't trust a cow with a bike. But I pass a lot of horses on my routes, and have thought about using them for leanage. They're so serene and aloof, and probably wouldn't give a shit about the silly antics of lower life-forms such as myself. Only problem is that they're always behind electrical fences, which I don't fancy climbing.
Any advice for online shops for good (cheap) bike clothes in the US?
I have never bought bike shorts and I'd like to get a few pairs. Ideally I would like to be able try on a few sizes and return the ones I don't need. I have no idea how to size myself as I've never bought them before.
I have never bought bike shorts and I'd like to get a few pairs. Ideally I would like to be able try on a few sizes and return the ones I don't need. I have no idea how to size myself as I've never bought them before.
outunderthestars
Banned
I disagree. Mine are £8 a pop from Lidl, and I find them superb. I've got two pairs of Cannondale ones that cost three times as much and are nowhere near as good. The only negative against the Lidl ones is that they look a bit naff, but (being a MTBer) I always wear cargo shorts over the top anyway.
Wax Free Vanilla
Member
yes there is, the cycling clobber from these sites: http://www.aliexpress.com/category/200003570/cycling.html & http://www.cyclingmonton.com/ is quality stuff.
i just wish there was an ebay shop based nearer to me that sold this stuff as you have to wait weeks for the goods to be delivered.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
I just put a new chain on and I'm having the same problem. It's odd becuase I've never had this problem before and suddenly it's happening when I push hard or go over bumps even. I checked the chain length and it's fine. I checked the teeth and they're all in good shape as well. It's driving me crazy.
Psychotext
Member
Your chain length might be wrong. Beyond that the only real answers are to use a clutch derailleur, thick thin crankset or a chain retention device.
It's not unusual when you really push in mountain biking. People have spent a lot of money to sort it out.
Thanks for the help guys. I think I piece something simple together to start with. Once I actually try some out I can get a better idea of what I am looking for going forward.
...
This was not that helpful.
outunderthestars
Banned
I ran a bicycle shop for 7 years. During that time I sold over a dozen brands of shorts, and received samples of dozens more. I have never seen a decent set of padded shorts for under $60 Cheap shorts use absurdly weak padding, poor stitching, and subpar materials.
Every few months some customer would come in to tell me about some off-brand shorts they found on the internet. A few weeks later they'd come back to buy a real pair of shorts, and express disdain for the crappy shorts they had tried before.
I would suggest investing in a good pair of shorts, like a Sugoi Evolution..
They will last for years instead of weeks, and are dramatically more comfortable and effective. The best way to hate something is to buy cheap junk instead of investing in decent gear.
Thanks, bud! I'll look into this!
Cool, thanks!I ran a bicycle shop for 7 years. During that time I sold over a dozen brands of shorts, and received samples of dozens more. I have never seen a decent set of padded shorts for under $60 Cheap shorts use absurdly weak padding, poor stitching, and subpar materials.
Every few months some customer would come in to tell me about some off-brand shorts they found on the internet. A few weeks later they'd come back to buy a real pair of shorts, and express disdain for the crappy shorts they had tried before.
I would suggest investing in a good pair of shorts, like a Sugoi Evolution..
They will last for years instead of weeks, and are dramatically more comfortable and effective. The best way to hate something is to buy cheap junk instead of investing in decent gear.
As I had said I am totally new to this, so advice like this is really helpful.
I think I'll order a pair of those from amazon now.
My first solo imperial century; 164km with 3000m ascent, total time 8hours and change.
From one fjord
From one fjord
over a mountain
Down through pitch black tunnels
to a different fjord
and back across another mountain to complete the loop. Frequency of photos taken decreased with increase in exhaustion
Psychotext
Member
/applauds
Psychotext
Member
Are those carbon rims?
Who's kid is this? Show yourself.
Itt helmet in mass start, jogging shoes and toe clips? Definately not my kid. Thought at first that he had Lightwheight wheels which cost a fortune
That looks like a wonderful ride
Just gotta ask: what did you bring with you to eat on such a long trip? I find that I have to eat something at about every 20-25 kilometers when I do rides of 50 kms or more.Psychotext
Member
If you fancy cooking, you wont go far wrong with what's in here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1937715000/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Absolutely delicious.
Absolutely delicious.
Thanks, that looks useful! There's a book for everything. On the few longer rides I've had, I brought a banana, a couple of slices of bread with salt meat, and maybe a chocolate or bar. Also, one bottle with some kind of sports drink, and a hydration pack with plain water. Enough for 100 kms, but I think I would need much more for a ride like Kottila's.
Psychotext
Member
I usually eat a flapjack or some shot bloks (like gels, but tasty) every hour. If I'm on a really long ride then I take some of the feed zone portables stuff with me too and pig out every few hours.
That looks like a wonderful ride
One banana to be eaten in the first hour, two/three sandwhiches with mayo and fårepølse (cured sheeps sausage) wrapped in alu foil - I eat one about every hour. I have two/three energy bars in case I need more food towards the end of the ride and I always bring a credit card so I can stop and get hamburgers/baked goods/ice cream on extra long rides (100kms and up), it does wonder for the motivation.
Two large bottles with energy drink and electrolyte tablets which I fill up with water when I have the chance (usually buy a coke along with food on rest stop). I probably overeat, but I prefer that to bonking.
I've only been close to it twice and that was halfway through a 10km run and pn a 30km ride. Both times i knew I hadn't eaten in a while, but thought I'd get through ok since I was just doing an hour. When I ram out of energy on the bike, I was paranoid that the brakes were rubbing the wheel and stopped to check two times untill I realized that I was just completely out of energy, ate a big bowl of chocolate the minute I finished the ride
Psychotext
Member
Yes, there are both good and bad sorts of bonking. I guess it's technically possible to bonk from bonking too.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
That's funny, I go the completely opposite and just assume that I'm a tired old fool who should just give up riding and it's usually the brakes are rubbing. :lol
The one time I bonked I was 15 miles from where I needed to go but at least I had my credit card on me so I stopped at a gas station and bought two gatorade bottles, a bottle of coconut milk, and a payday candy bar. All of it was gone in less than 5 minutes and I was back on my way. Slower, sure, but I had more energy than when I stopped.
PjotrStroganov
Member
Time to post my monster.
In other news. I also decided to act healthy and bought a Cube Acid 29er.
A 7 speed 28er with drum brakes and a front axel dynamo and a disused travel computer. To be honest, I've never been entirely satisfied with this bike. It's build like a tank (it survived a side impact from a car) but due to its steel frame it just is a bit too heavy. Front suspension is still a bit too stiff at its softest settings and the saddle damper is stiffer than I would like. To be honest, I'd rather have a cheaper tourer without suspension. I've ridden on my parents' aluminium Gazelles and those are glorious in comparison.
In other news. I also decided to act healthy and bought a Cube Acid 29er.
I've had a "mountainbike" for years but this one will be the first serious attempt on real off roading.
Nice! Welcome to the fold.
A mate came up this weekend to do some mountain biking. Drove 100 miles all the way here then realised he'd forgotten:
- his shoes
- his biking clothes
- his helmet
- his gloves
- his glasses
- his bike
Lesser mortals would have conceded defeat and just gone to the pub, but his parents live nearby and he thought they might still have his old ~20-year-old Specialized in the garage. Sure enough they did. With a bit of improvisation and borrowed kit (a pair of gym shorts, old trainers, my old 25-year-old helmet that was in a box in the loft, Chachi's teeshirt from Happy Days, a pair of safety specs) we were good to go. Check out THIS relic from the last century:
Specialized chromoly-frame skinny stiff with Pace forks (!) and a Girvin Flex-Stem (!!). Pre-veebrake brakes (!). Thumb shifters (!!). Tan-walled tyres (!!!). Toe clips (!!!!). FUCKING BAR-ENDS (!!!!!!!).
Credit where it's due though, this beast took everything we could throw at it. They don't make them like they used to.
Nice! Welcome to the fold.
A mate came up this weekend to do some mountain biking. Drove 100 miles all the way here then realised he'd forgotten:
So, basically everything.
- his shoes
- his biking clothes
- his helmet
- his gloves
- his glasses
- his bike
Lesser mortals would have conceded defeat and just gone to the pub, but his parents live nearby and he thought they might still have his old ~20-year-old Specialized in the garage. Sure enough they did. With a bit of improvisation and borrowed kit (a pair of gym shorts, old trainers, my old 25-year-old helmet that was in a box in the loft, Chachi's teeshirt from Happy Days, a pair of safety specs) we were good to go. Check out THIS relic from the last century:
Specialized chromoly-frame skinny stiff with Pace forks (!) and a Girvin Flex-Stem (!!). Pre-veebrake brakes (!). Thumb shifters (!!). Tan-walled tyres (!!!). Toe clips (!!!!). FUCKING BAR-ENDS (!!!!!!!).
Credit where it's due though, this beast took everything we could throw at it. They don't make them like they used to.
Your friend doesn't seem like the brightest bulb in the box. I mean, I can understand forgetting one thing, but everything?
Haha, that's ridiculously funny
Glad you found a solution!Set a new pr today. 131,27 kilometers. First 60 were with a friend. I think I could go longer today because I ate more than on the last long trip:
- 15 minutes before starting: oatmeal with added honey, milk and strawberries, plus some coffee.
- 22 km: slice of bread with cured ham and mayo.
- 67 km: a banana.
- 90 km: another slice of bread.
- 120 km: a peanut/macadamia bar.
Was empty at around 110, and was handily overtaken by an old guy on a hybrid. But the bar worked and made the last bit tolerable. Should probably bring a little more to keep from tanking, maybe another bar or some gels.
Also: saw an eagle! So big. Rode the currents higher and higher. A crow in a nearby tree was audibly shitting itself.
Psychotext
Member
That's a seriously retro bike. It's so crappy that it's probably worth loads now.
PjotrStroganov
Member
Makes me wish I hadn't sold my Giant Granite.
Any recommendations on bike racks? Or is one actually needed? I think I might eventually get this one since I would eventually like to check out other bike trails around the city and maybe to some biking up north as well.
Do you guys go with a bike rack to do that, or simply catch a bus to your destination? I can definitely see the benefits of a bus because you wouldn't have to back-track at all, but I have always been a bit wary about sticking a bike on one of those things and actually navigating the confusing jumble that is the bus transit system.
Do you guys go with a bike rack to do that, or simply catch a bus to your destination? I can definitely see the benefits of a bus because you wouldn't have to back-track at all, but I have always been a bit wary about sticking a bike on one of those things and actually navigating the confusing jumble that is the bus transit system.
Psychotext
Member
Thule Proride 591 for me: http://www.thule.com/en/gb/products...nted-bike-carriers/thule-proride-591-_-591018
I'm getting a Thule EuroClassic 929 for my next car: http://www.thule.com/en/gb/products...ke-carriers/thule-euroclassic-g6-929-_-929003
I'm getting a Thule EuroClassic 929 for my next car: http://www.thule.com/en/gb/products...ke-carriers/thule-euroclassic-g6-929-_-929003
I've got two of those black-and-yellow Halfords shitracks. Never had the confidence to trust either one of them. I just sling the bike in the boot.
Talking of hanging bikes from stuff, I want to kickstart July's NeoGAF Bicycle Age Ultimate Hangage competition a day or two early. Usual rules apply: while on a ride, hang your bike from something and take a photo. The overall winner will represent NeoGAF in the World Internet Forum Ultimate Hangage Finals early next year in Las Vegas.
Funnily enough I saw an eagle too today (or some other big-ass bird of prey, anyway). It swooped low overhead as I was bombing through the quarry, and had one of the extras from Watership Down in it's talons, no doubt wondering what the fuck was going on.
Talking of hanging bikes from stuff, I want to kickstart July's NeoGAF Bicycle Age Ultimate Hangage competition a day or two early. Usual rules apply: while on a ride, hang your bike from something and take a photo. The overall winner will represent NeoGAF in the World Internet Forum Ultimate Hangage Finals early next year in Las Vegas.
Funnily enough I saw an eagle too today (or some other big-ass bird of prey, anyway). It swooped low overhead as I was bombing through the quarry, and had one of the extras from Watership Down in it's talons, no doubt wondering what the fuck was going on.
Psychotext
Member
Got to get me one of these:
I on the other hand saw sand hill cranes on my bike trip.
Minutes after I took this picture a mild thunderstorm rode through and I ended up biking through various stages of rain for the next ten miles.
so....have you guys seen this? (NSFW-ish)
https://vimeo.com/77502064
couple of hills I'd like to tackle if you know what I mean
https://vimeo.com/77502064
couple of hills I'd like to tackle if you know what I mean
Quote
Member
I haven't ridden seriously (serious in my terms) in just about a year now. I've gained a stupid amount of weight and I'm in a bad position where I don't want to ride my carbon bike while riding single track because of my weight. So instead I'm sticking to dirt roads to keep it more interesting than the bike lane or worse I ride my road bike in the garage on a trainer. I cannot wait to get back into real riding.
outunderthestars
Banned
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