New to cycling

[graham_h]

Originally Posted by GT 160

Thought i'd get back into mtb after a long, long break. Wasn't after anything too hardcore just something i can mess around with go riding with the kids, wife etc without going overboard.

Picked this up today, got a cracking deal from my LBS.

2012 Merida Big Nine TFS XT-D (29er)

image

Looks like just what I'm after...how much ?
ok never mind..just googled it....over 2k !!!

[ratter]

a small shot of some of the 1600 bikes ready to take on the ironman

[ratter]

Check out the gels tapped to the top bar to help get him through the ride

[Till_Lind]

I recently got back into it, having got quite lazy since coming back to Australia with regards to riding. Still have a sweet Trek MTB back in Qatar that my folks are looking after.

Never had a "road" going bike before, but this Orbea Carpe was in the price range and really caught my eye for the looks. Not as many gears as I'm used to, but enough for casual and commuting.

Lightest bike I've ever had, even if it is aluminium. Was skeptical about going back to V-brakes after having discs for my last two bikes, but they do perform satisfactory for stopping.

[trippytaka]

Originally Posted by swanny

Although I get a few hills, there's a lot of flat areas on my route. Road tyres make a difference, too.

I was a bit put out when this girl passed me, and I couldn't keep up with her. I mentioned it to a workmate, who is right into triathlons and such, and he offered a description. Came out that she is a sponsored rider, who was out for a ride after recovering from surgery! No wonder I couldn't keep up!

Haha! I can't keep up with most girls, sponsored or not :P

[Love My Ford]

Originally Posted by Sam_Boss260

So, on doctors orders I need to drop some kilos and exercise. Running is out due to my calves, so I am really keen on cycling.

Tonight I gt the old mountain bike out and went for a ride, and thought I was going to die. Man am I unfit.

My question is more around those cyclists out there, what difference does a bike make? There are guys at work who are right into it and spend thousands on their bikes but you can pick it up with two fingers. So does a decent road bike make the difference? I mean my bike is old and is like a hybrid mountain bike, but on track today, there were guys pedaling the same as I was but they were justing taking off.

So does a good bike really help?

Sam,

I ride a fair bit, ~100 - 200 km's a week typically (weather dependent) I will not ride when it is wet - too dangerous.

Yes cycling really does help burn up the energy in a fairly quick fashion but diet is important too (not that I can talk at the moment cos I'm carrying a few too many kilos!) ( a few weeks of no exercise and if you don't adjust your diet you will pack it back on)

Remember that cycling is also a very energy efficient mode of transport !

In terms of bikes - yes weight does make a difference but not that much - in fact some of the super-light bikes (<6.8 kg) can be 'too light' and flighty on the steering - but again - each to their own.

Comfort should be considered first because if you are uncomfortable you will not ride much.

By way of example I went from a ~9.5 kg bike to ~7.0 kg bike and I'm not riding significantly faster - slightly better up hills (But Mt Coo Tha is still a struggle) and less rolling resistance and the ride comfort is a lot better due to improved geometry, better frame flex in the right directions etc (bike technology has moved a long way in 10 years).... Cost me a bit though!.

I think you can get a fairly decent Road bike (consider flat bar hydrids as well) for around the $1000-$1,500 mark, this is a good starting point - if you find you get right into it (after a year or two) you can do your research, look around and then consider splashing out the big bucks for really nice bike. Too much choice and too confusing otherwise.

if you have an Iphone - consider the Cycle Tracker App (About$6) tells you how much energy you burn for each ride.

- LMF

[TZENU]

Had a quick look at the results of the Ironman event

The first overall did the following times

3.8km Swim : 0:50:33 --> Avg 4.5km/h
180km Ride: 4:24:44 --> Avg 40.8km/h
42.2km Run: 2:38:45 --> Avg 15.9km/h
Total Time: 7:57:44 --> Total Avg 28.38km/h

The last place getter (noting a cut off of 17hrs in total)

3.8km Swim : 1:44:58 --> Avg 2.2km/h
180km Ride: 7:52:36 --> Avg 22.9km/h
42.2km Run: 6:59:29 --> Avg 6km/h
Total Time: 16:57:27 --> Total Avg 13.32km/h



Swim Cutoff time: 02:20:00 after the age/group start (non professionals)

Ride Cutoff time: 10:00:00 after the official start

Run cutoff time: 17:00:00 after the official start


Total Average required to finish before cutoff time is 13.29 km/h..



After looking at those times I am fairly confident (judging by my current fitness) that I would need at least 20+ hours to do something like this!!!!!.
I can say that after swimming for 1km, I couldn't jump straight on a bike and do a 180k ride and the swim is 3.8km/h.....
I have been able to do the ATB 210km ride in around 7.25hrs and there would be no way I could get off the saddle and run a further 42.2 km.... And the longest run I have done in my life is a 16km run!!!

[blueoval]

It certainly takes an incredible amount of fitness and endurance to do an event like this.

I would be more than happy just to do 100km of the ride alone!.

On a side note, has anyone been to The Bike Shed in Mortdale NSW before? Can they recommend them?

Just looked online at some of their bikes and are amazed at the prices they are selling some of their Focus bikes for. Yes, I know you wont get fit or advice right like an LBS would offer, but these prices are exceptionally tempting.

http://tbsm.com.au/bikes/road/road-race-training

[ratter]

We left St.Kilda at 11 pm and saw a few stragglers still shuffling in, looking at the distance they had to go and the shuffle they had going on, I think a few of them were not going to make it back in the 17 hrs, infact in the Herald Sun they were complaining 1 competitor was less than 5 minute after the closing and they did not give him a medal for completing it in the required time.

I guess they have to have a definite cut off time and have to stick to it.

The 2013 entries opened a few minutes ago, wonder how quick they will sell out this time? Last year they sold the 1600 spots in less than 5 minutes

[TZENU]

Originally Posted by ratter

The 2013 entries opened a few minutes ago, wonder how quick they will sell out this time? Last year they sold the 1600 spots in less than 5 minutes

And entry isn't cheap either!!! 800 odd per entry... But for me personally, that would be a small price to pay to finish before the cut-off! Man what an achievement that would be...!

[TZENU]

Originally Posted by blueoval

On a side note, has anyone been to The Bike Shed in Mortdale NSW before? Can they recommend them?

Just looked online at some of their bikes and are amazed at the prices they are selling some of their Focus bikes for. Yes, I know you wont get fit or advice right like an LBS would offer, but these prices are exceptionally tempting.

http://tbsm.com.au/bikes/road/road-race-training

Mate that Cayo is really well priced... Have seen the 2011 Cayo's going for 2.2k + at LBS' with 105s

[ratter]

Originally Posted by TZENU

And entry isn't cheap either!!! 800 odd per entry... But for me personally, that would be a small price to pay to finish before the cut-off! Man what an achievement that would be...!

You've got nearly a full year to train

[TZENU]

Originally Posted by ratter

You've got nearly a full year to train

I'm a bit of a realist (read pessimist) when it comes to my fitness... TBH I would need minimum 2 years of solid 3-4 sessions per week!!! Having said that If I had someone to train with... (hint hint)

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by TZENU

Mate that Cayo is really well priced... Have seen the 2011 Cayo's going for 2.2k + at LBS' with 105s

That's not bad. I wanna go for Ultegra's from the start though. I think Im gonna stick with my LBS. Im hoping I can strike a good deal and let them know about the online price and see what happens. Maybe get a few extra thrown in.

[HLC]

Originally Posted by blueoval

That's not bad. I wanna go for Ultegra's from the start though. I think Im gonna stick with my LBS. Im hoping I can strike a good deal and let them know about the online price and see what happens. Maybe get a few extra thrown in.

If you want anything thrown it, get a proper bike fit. Who cares about saddle bags and bottle cages and rubbish like that. A bike fit is far more valuable, both in dollars, and for your riding/self management in general.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by HLC

If you want anything thrown it, get a proper bike fit. Who cares about saddle bags and bottle cages and rubbish like that. A bike fit is far more valuable, both in dollars, and for your riding/self management in general.

Agree, that's why Im sticking with getting my LBS to fit me up. As far as extras were concerned, I was thinking of pedals and possibly a wheel & kevlar tire upgrade. Lights and saddle pouches I can buy cheap online. I already have a saddle pouch with the required tools and tubes on my current bike.

[XYGTHO]

Originally Posted by graham_h

Looks like just what I'm after...how much ?
ok never mind..just googled it....over 2k !!!

How much you looking at spending mate? Seems my budget is also alot less than most. I think 1000-1500 for a bike is alot. My flat bar roady was $550 and my MTB was $700. Maybe if I get real serious with MTB will spend just over 1g. Dont think my financial controller (wife) would let me anyhow lol.

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by XYGTHO

Dont think my financial controller (wife) would let me anyhow lol.

Just come home with it one night. They only stay mad for a certain period of time anyway. Usually, they just get even by going out and splashing some money on themselves...

[HLC]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Agree, that's why Im sticking with getting my LBS to fit me up. As far as extras were concerned, I was thinking of pedals and possibly a wheel & kevlar tire upgrade. Lights and saddle pouches I can buy cheap online. I already have a saddle pouch with the required tools and tubes on my current bike.

youll be looking at approx 3-3.5k then!

Mate of mine got a Trek Madone (full carbon) with full ultegra, keo's and a garmin 500 thrown in for 3399 at his LBS with a fit.

And thats with generic Bontrager wheels/tyres. Nothing that special.

But this is Perth, so everything has the Perth Tax on it. Still big coin to drop for the money that you can save online - even from Australian online retailers. Buy online, find a bike fit specialist (they do exist) and go and get one done!

OR, get a bike fit done first on one of the bike fit machines, then order online.

I like LBS's but I wont make big purchases there until they stop trying to make a months rent out of each customer.

[XYGTHO]

Originally Posted by TZENU

Had a quick look at the results of the Ironman event

The first overall did the following times

3.8km Swim : 0:50:33 --> Avg 4.5km/h
180km Ride: 4:24:44 --> Avg 40.8km/h
42.2km Run: 2:38:45 --> Avg 15.9km/h
Total Time: 7:57:44 --> Total Avg 28.38km/h

These poeple are just incredible arent they. I see myself as fit enough but as you say TZENU I wouldnt be close to being able to do it after years of training I dont think.

[blueoval]

It's always easier to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission too

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by HLC

youll be looking at approx 3-3.5k then!

Mate of mine got a Trek Madone (full carbon) with full ultegra, keo's and a garmin 500 thrown in for 3399 at his LBS with a fit.

And thats with generic Bontrager wheels/tyres. Nothing that special.

But this is Perth, so everything has the Perth Tax on it. Still big coin to drop for the money that you can save online - even from Australian online retailers. Buy online, find a bike fit specialist (they do exist) and go and get one done!

OR, get a bike fit done first on one of the bike fit machines, then order online.

I like LBS's but I wont make big purchases there until they stop trying to make a months rent out of each customer.

That's true. I guess I need to work out what fit I am though and go from there.

[GT 160]

Originally Posted by graham_h

Looks like just what I'm after...how much ?
ok never mind..just googled it....over 2k !!!

I picked mine up from my lbs for $1600

[HLC]

Originally Posted by XYGTHO

These poeple are just incredible arent they. I see myself as fit enough but as you say TZENU I wouldnt be close to being able to do it after years of training I dont think.

yeah agree completely!! It's the running that gets me... but then the 78 laps in an olympic size swimming pool would kill me too!!

I think the picture with the gel's say it all really. That's a lot of food/energy/crap to take in over a 180km ride. I think the trick would be to get through the swim in reasonably good shape with some energy left in the tank and then take in more as you need it in the ride/run when you can - just enough to stay above that line/brick wall/point where you bonk out

In saying that, only 40kmh on a crit course on a full TT bike (which does not need to be UCI legal) with aero helmet etc...... pro's on road bikes push harder than that :P :P (now im just being cheeky)

[ratter]

lol

yeah you'd think they'd push a bit harder ;)

Do the bikes have to be UCI legal? I thought they did
No hiding in bunches with this lot as their not allowed to draft etc.

Craig Alexander, the guy who won it is as pro as they get, he's an aussie, he's the world champ and this was a world record setting result.

[Love My Ford]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Im still relatively new to cycling. did indoor spin classes every week for a year and a half to start with. lost about 8-10kg of body fat and added lean muscle to my legs. only in the past 3 months have i bought a flat bar road/hybrid bike and love being outdoors more. i spent about 800 for my kona dew plus which had good components which i was told was very important. found cycling for me is easier due to having a strong back ground already due to indoor cycling. it will take some time to get used to but over time your legs, and sit bones will get used to it. work through the pain and continue to push yourself overtime

indoor spin classes can be OK - but I love being out and about. Nothing like and early morning ride - watching the sun rise over the sea - clean, crisp fresh air.

Heaps of people out this morning.

Word of warning on the weight loss thing - if you start exercising you can actually add weight (in the form of muscle mass) but lose fat - this can depend a bit on you body type. I know for me - i Joined the gym, and actually put on 2kg after about 3 months - sounds bad but my body fat % had dropped from a rather unhealthy >25% to <15% - but my weight had gone up.


Worthwhile taking a few measurements (waist,thighs, arms) and if you can get someone to measure skin-folds then this is worthwhile. The fat% scales you can buy are good also (don't rely on the absolute number or %) but you can see if you are changing over time

Sounds a bit like you might have been down a similar path - would be interested to hear your experience.

With regard to the bike - good components are highly recommended.

[ratter]

on the road yesterday at 5.30 am for a quick (nearly 40 klms) today was on the road at 7.30 for another 32 klms but a bit more enthusiastic ride in several spots including at 56 kmh sprint towards the end

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by ratter

a bit more enthusiastic ride in several spots including at 56 kmh sprint towards the end

Hahaha! This got me thinking. The ride I do in to work has a nice little hill on it just before you hit one of the bus stations on the O-Bahn. Last couple of times I've tried to see what sort of speeds I can get going down it. On Tuesday, I looked at my GPS watch at the bottom and saw 72.6km/h. Monday, it was somewhere in the mid 60's.
What sort of speeds have people gotten up to? I usually don't go much above 60km/h on most of my rides as it can get quite hairy at those speeds.

[ratter]

Pretty sure I've seen 72 kmh on a downhill, will check my Garmin data to confirm, I know I've seen 60's

[blueoval]

On my flat bar I've gotten into the 50s down hill but I plan to change that when my new bike arrives.

yes I have booked in with the bike station in hove for a bike fit this Tuesday.

I'm looking at either a focus cayo expert with campy Athena and fulcrum 5s. or focus cayo 2 with ultegra and dt swiss rims.

both run the same frame as each other which is carbon but what I find confusing is that the campy based bike is 300 cheaper than the ultegra based bike. anyone know why?

I was always under the impression campy equipped bikes cost more.