A Question for Cyclists

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powerandwisdom	A Question for Cyclists	Lead	[-]
(10/05/08 9:05 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Tags : None I was told a week ago that my running days are over due to a degenerative condition with the discs in my lower back. I guess I've known this for a while, but the news is nonetheless difficult for me to accept as I love running and have been doing it (for mental/physical fitness) for over 25 years. I work out regularly on an elliptical trainer and also have access to other cardio machines, but I am seeking something to replace the "thrill" I get from running outdoors without the lower back impact/pounding. This morning I took a 90-minute "power" walk, and while I find walking to be a decent exercise, it's just not the same as running, and I have to go a lot longer to really feel as though I've accomplished a comparable fitness workout. Cycling is an activity that interests me. I don't own a road bike, but I do have a very nice older mountain bike. The roads in the rural where I live are not very "friendly" for biking, but I could forsee establishing a route around our small town. I used to run very early in the morning (4:30 am) - staying primarily within the town limits on well-lit streets. Not sure how/if I will be able do this on a bike (lights, safety, etc.). For those of you who ride for fitness - I'd love to have some feedback about how you maintain a steady excercise heartrate, particularly in areas with abundant hills. How do you maintain a "workout" when you're going downhill? Also, I have seen devices that enable a bicycle to be used as a stationary bike - are these worthwhile (I'm thinking winter months)? I realize these are probably very basic questions for experienced cyclists, but it's all new to me. Thanks for your thoughts. Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire. -William Butler Yeats
Paniolo Cowgirl		#1	[-]
(10/05/08 1:36 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I am an avid cyclist and have been for about 25 years. Do some shorter rides when you start. Depending on your current fitness level - maybe 45 minutes long. Don't "maintain your workout" while going downhill. Leave it all out on the road during the climb. Use the downhill to recover and work on you descending skills. There are indoor trainers that can help you maintain fitness during the winter months. I can't help you out much with that cause I live in a part of the country where I can ride year round. I don't own one of them things. Happy riding to you. Cycling is a great sport. Style 2 Ukulele ca. 1940 2004 Custom HD-28V 1998 Everett L Body Guitar Gibson J-45
chasmatt		#2	[-]
(10/06/08 12:19 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Watch out for Mountain Bikes if you have a disk problem. The bike position is more upright than a road bike which will put more stress on you lower back. If you ride before sunrise, make sure you invest in a very bright headlight and a very bright flashing tail light. I have been bike commuting for 13 years (26 miles round trip). You must make the cars see you.
Mac Mechanic		#3	[-]
(10/06/08 11:03 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	There are different kinds of trainers: there are rollers, on which you have to keep concentrating (if you steer off the rollers, you can get banged up pretty seriously); and there are the kind that you take off your front wheel and clamp it to a jig, so that the bicycle remains upright, even when you're not on it. I always loved the rollers, since you are actually riding the bicycle just as you would be outside, but the other kind make a lot of sense if you want to watch TV or read a book while working out. They are an excellent way to keep your riding workout going during the winter. Like the others, I would recommend a good front light and rear light. I, too, recommend the road bike scenario for your back; riding my bicycle often takes the kinks out and straightens my back when I have problems. The bent-over position takes some getting used to, but it's worth it... Paul I may be wrong, but I'm not far from it... America's Guitar 175th Anniversary Ltd. Edition (D-28MMk - #15), LBenito Grand Auditorium, Running Dog Minijumbo, Kay String Bass, 1950 Steinway S Grand
Jason Verlinde		#4	[-]
(10/06/08 11:59 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I ride both a road and mountain bike. Each puts a different level of stress on different muscles, but both are fun. My best / biggest advice would be to go find a REAL bike shop (one that actually has a storefront and isn't a huge chain) and get professionally fitted for your new bike. Find a shop that serves the local racers and you'll find, most likely, some seasoned sales vets who know their stuff (even if you never go racing). It may cost a little more, it may result in you passing up some local / used / chain store deals, but it's a world of difference. Each bike model from each brand has a different geometry and knowing what to look for and what fits you best will save you a lot of aches and pains in the long term. You can always upgrade individual components or get better wheels, etc, but the frames fit is sooo important, esp based on your needs. There are lots of cyclocross and hybrid bikes now that are rugged enough to take on dirt roads or potholes but look, feel and boast the efficiency of a road bike. So don't worry about the local conditions too much. I will say this much: mountain biking can be a lot of fun, so don't rule it out just yet if you see yourself doing that someday. I had a wind / resistance trainer like Paul mentions... they aren't as nice as actual riding but they work well when the weather stinks. Just plant a TV or a book in front of you and you'll be set. As you get immersed in the sport you'll discover how varied your training can be on a single bike... just changing your gearing / cadence on any given stretch can change the focus of your workout from strength to cardio to "get me home NOW i need a beer." Jason Verlinde The Fretboard Journal
Lonesome Picker		#5	[-]
(10/06/08 9:20 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Everybody has good advice. I second the notion that you should huff & puff on the uphills and then recover on the downhills. Don't worry. You'll be getting plenty of exercise.
Guitone		#6	[-]
(10/07/08 8:28 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I am also an avid rider, I have a disk problem too. I ride more upright than most but still stretch out. I use an interesting bar, called an albatross available at Rivendell, but I place my hands at the curve which means for all intents and purposes I am like being on the hoods. I also use a wider saddle to give me more support. Having said that with bad knees I still manage to ride almost daily but can never get winded. You need to make sure you get a bike that is a good fit, for me that means a larger than any shop wold recommend bike, just go out and ride, get yourself 3 rings in front if you have lots of hills (I use a 48/38/28) with a 13-26 in back. Running killed my knees and back, cycling is much more friendly to your body. Here is one of my bikes, I could not get the other to show up in a file for some reason, they are both set up for comfort, and they do offer great exercise. Do not worry about weight and try to get the lightest bike, do not try to be a racer boy, just ride, but a mountain bike is not a good road bike, gearing is awful for it. Trainers, I use rollers in my basement, but since my last knee operation I did get a mount for the front wheel, take it off and put the fork there. It is not a great work out per se but for my pruposes of keeping my knees lubricated it works perfectly. I now have a different saddle onthis bikes, no springs as I do not need them, but the same shape. All things retro, Martin guitars, Rivendell bicycles, Converse Chuck Taylors. Last Edited By: Guitone 10/07/08 9:04 AM. Edited 1 times.
robjh22		#7	[-]
(10/07/08 11:59 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I have a beautiful Italian Viner touring bike. Up in the attic. I just don't trust auto drivers enough to ever get on the road again. I like the off road concept, but it's a pain in the ass to hook a bike to your car, drive out to the country, burn all that gasoline, etc. Then some bear will just chase you down and eat you. Well, it might! Are you sure you wouldn't be happy with a very nice exercise bike with all the calorie counters etc. on it? I have one that my wife uses regularly, watching the news in 100% safety and nothing to haul around or clean or lubricate. In fact, I think I'll go get on it myself. Tomorrow.
powerandwisdom		#8	[-]
(10/07/08 5:01 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Running killed my knees and back, cycling is much more friendly to your body. Me too Joel. I had ACL reconstruction 15 years ago (skiing and running issues). Thanks to all of you for the great advice! I do have an older (10 years) Cannondale mountain bike that seems to fit me pretty well and is comfortable to ride. I'm going to visit the local bike shop this weekend to inquire about lights. I'm really looking forward to getting started and having cycling as a workout option to add to the mix. We have a commercial-grade elliptical trainer at the house and I will continue with the power walking (went 90 minutes yesterday ). Hopefully I'll be able to get some bike rides in before the bad weather starts. Are you sure you wouldn't be happy with a very nice exercise bike with all the calorie counters etc. on it? I find the elliptical a tad less boring than the stationary bike and I don't sweat quite as profusely. I listen to podcasts and audiobooks to "check out" while using the indoor machines. Thanks again all! Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire. -William Butler Yeats
Mike1951		#9	[-]
(10/07/08 8:33 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	A knowlegable cycling shop can help you make a good first choice. I suggest starting with a moderate priced hybrid or road bike. See if there is a recreational cycling club in your area. One I found with a google search is the Winchester Wheelmen http://www.virginia.org/s...cription.asp?attrID=41904. You will discover enjoyable rides, nice people to ride with and learn a lot about cycling. One of the important skills to learn is spinning at a high cadence (80-100 rpm), this not only allows for an elevated heart rate, but you gain endurance and speed over time. Like guitars, the more you ride, the more you discover what you really want in your cycling experience and in a bike. If you discover you love to ride, don't be surprised if you end up with a $x,000s dream bike in the future. Enjoy the journey. Mike Helmet (a must) , bike gloves, padded shorts, cycling shoes and cyclometer are highly recommended Last Edited By: Mike1951 10/07/08 8:36 PM. Edited 1 times.
robjh22	!	#10	[-]
(10/07/08 9:13 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Pardon this digression, but that part about meeting people remind me of a funny story I haven't thought of in years. This couple in Baton Rouge, LA started a social bike club that I joined, lots of gear and club patches on shirts and clubby type stuff. One day they organized a ride by the levee on the river road. They had everybody huddle up at the beginning and announced this whole micromanaged route and itinerary they had worked up. Real organizer types, you know? Lots of racers showed up that day for some reason. Now, hard core racers are not "clubby" people in my experience. Especially young male racers. They looked like mean greyhounds. We rolled out at 7 am and came to this donut shop after only about 2 miles. Needless to say it was on the itinerary. The leaders yelled out "okay everybody, 10 minute stop for donuts! 10 minutes, that's all!" I can still remember them raising their right hands, all legal and everything, to signal the turn. The racers ignored the turn, of course, and whooshed right on past the donut shop. The rest of us were too ashamed to stop so we grudgingly followed the racers. I can still hear that club leader bellowing at us from behind: "HEY, YOU GUYS! THE DONUT SHOP'S OVER HERE! OVER HERE! WHERE'S EVERYBODY GOING? STOP!!! " He couldn't believe the mutiny. Of course the racers left us all the rest of us behind about 3 minutes later. I shoulda stopped for a donut.
Guitone		#11	[-]
(10/08/08 8:26 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	If you are considering a road type bike look at the Jamis Aurora, great bike (touring so the geometry is relaxed and comfortable), get fit, do not let them cut the steerer tub, keep it so you can have it high and have relief for your body, and still you can stretch out by riding on the hoods or in the drops. This bike is nice because the components are very good quality, it is steel (steel absorbs shocks well), it uses cantilever brakes and a fatter tire, so it is comfortable and you can put fenders on if you choose (if you are going to ride in inclement weather fenders will be important. The last ones I looked at with a friend were really reasonable, they do well for around list price, I would try to get an '08, these were especially nice. And fit, get the largest ont that will work, but the top tube has to be right, not too long for you. Let us know what you do. Joel All things retro, Martin guitars, Rivendell bicycles, Converse Chuck Taylors.
DalmationDexter		#12	[-]
(10/08/08 1:32 PM) Local user Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Man, lots of great advice here. If you get a good bike, the thrill could very possibly exceed running (at least for me it did). If you just want to keep your mt bike, get a set of street tires for it - it will feel like greased lightning compared to knobby tires. I picked up a Specialized Tri-Cross - which is basically a bomb-proof road bike that can soak up some rougher roads/terrain. I have really enjoyed it and have gotten myself to where I can ALMOST keep up with the speedy road bikes I encounter on my way to work. Now I am ready to get a dedicated skinny tire road bike....I am really loving the speed! I have been commuting to work for years and love it. I am looking forward to the winter rides. My own little personal eco-challenge. Don't skimp on the gear - good gloves, shorts, helmet, front light, back light. And definitely get to a good shop. A good shop is worth it's weight in gold. Mike
Paniolo Cowgirl		#13	[-]
(10/08/08 1:36 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	This looks to be the perfect thread to post a bike pic. . Style 2 Ukulele ca. 1940 2004 Custom HD-28V 1998 Everett L Body Guitar Gibson J-45
robjh22	!	#14	[-]
(10/09/08 8:37 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I have been commuting to work for years and love it. Mike, I admire you for this. Does your job have a place to shower upon arrival? It hits 103-105 regularly here in the summer. I guess on most days you don't really need that.
DalmationDexter		#15	[-]
(10/09/08 12:44 PM) Local user Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I have been commuting to work for years and love it. Mike, I admire you for this. Does your job have a place to shower upon arrival? It hits 103-105 regularly here in the summer. I guess on most days you don't really need that. No shower, but I only have at most a 3 mile ride. I do ride in traffic and ride as hard as I can - so I do work up a bit of a sweat during the summer, but I just change when I get to work. Of course I am self employed so I sit here at almost 11 am and have not changed out of my riding clothes yet. Usually when I change into fresh clothes I feel pretty fresh. Deodorant is critical. I keep up the daily rides so I can get away with drinking beer and keep from getting a beer gut. Cheers, Mike
1948D18		#16	[-]
(10/09/08 8:15 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Guitone, I always enjoy seeing photos of your Rivendell. I used to be a big biker until the kids came along. Every time I see your bike, I get the itch to get back out there. 2007 D-18A / 2000 D-28GE / 1967 D-28 / 1969 D-28 / 1966 O-16NY / 1928 O-18K / 1966 00-18 / 000X1 / Felix
12barz		#17	[-]
(10/10/08 6:51 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Well, just a coupla things I'll toss in: If you ride with toe clips (or the equivalent), you can work twice as many muscles... and you ride with tempo, shifting to accommodate wind and hills while maintaining your pace. Even going downhill, you can keep your legs moving without adding acceleration.
gatorski		#18	[-]
(10/10/08 12:48 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	powerandwisdom wrote: Cycling is an activity that interests me. I don't own a road bike, but I do have a very nice older mountain bike. The roads in the rural where I live are not very "friendly" for biking, but I could forsee establishing a route around our small town. I used to run very early in the morning (4:30 am) - staying primarily within the town limits on well-lit streets. Not sure how/if I will be able do this on a bike (lights, safety, etc.). For those of you who ride for fitness - I'd love to have some feedback about how you maintain a steady excercise heartrate, particularly in areas with abundant hills. How do you maintain a "workout" when you're going downhill? Also, I have seen devices that enable a bicycle to be used as a stationary bike - are these worthwhile (I'm thinking winter months)? I realize these are probably very basic questions for experienced cyclists, but it's all new to me. Thanks for your thoughts. I'm way too scared to ride on roads so I stay on trails. If you don't have any trails to ride, try to find a route that has low traffic and preferrably no curbs. Use your old mountain bike - make sure the geometry and set-up is right for you (as previously recommended). Now, whenever a motor vehicle comes near, ride off onto the shoulder and even on the grass. It's much harder to ride over there, but that's better for your workout anyway. As far as keeping a steady heart rate: You might have to let go of that concept and embrace natural interval training. In my training I have found hills fall into two categories: 1) The downhills are short enough that my heart rate does not slow down enough to worry about it; 2) If the downhill is long enough for significant recovery, it means that I just did a nice long climb where I could vary the intensity to keep my heart rate where I wanted it, and now I get instant gratification. As for the indoor cycling devices: I don't use them. First, they are expensive and from what I've read are prone to breaking and if they break, it means oil on your floor. So take precaution if you go that route. Second, unless there is some knd of resistance (like a wind turbine), it is difficult to get a good workout. Third, inclimate conditions are a good reason to take a break from cycling and get on a different workout. Swimming or weight lifting will give you an upper body workout; your elliptical trainer will give you a weight-bearing workout , which is important for your bones and balance muscles/nerves. Finally, in the winter you should check into spinning classes taught somewhere nearby - depending on the leader, they can be a very good workout, better than anything I would force myself to do without a leader.
Guitone		#19	[-]
(10/11/08 10:28 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	1948D18 wrote: Guitone, I always enjoy seeing photos of your Rivendell. I used to be a big biker until the kids came along. Every time I see your bike, I get the itch to get back out there. You should, I gave it up for years, started again around '97 or so. The Rivendell was the bike for m because of the relaxed geometry and added comfort, not cheap and much less cheap now, but you can get some of their production bikes made in Japan and Taiwan for a fraction of the cost of a custom, and they are every bit as good. I rode my Taiwan built Bleriot (rivendell) all summer and loved it. I will go out in a bit today on it. It sure is a nice bike for smooth riding. PS: Thanks for the compliment. Joel All things retro, Martin guitars, Rivendell bicycles, Converse Chuck Taylors.
jbrajkovich		#20	[-]
(10/15/08 6:58 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I use a cycleops fluid trainer on an old beater mountain bike for my daily workout. A half hour on the trainer is easily equal to an hour on the road. I take out my road bike once a week for the real thing. I find the 30 minute daily sessions keep my fitness level up even when I am training for serious distance events (100-200 miles). A good bike shop is essential and also, like a good acoustic guitar shop, hard to find. Check your local paper for cycling events-they are a great way to learn the ropes and the local routes. No need to get caught up in the 'racer-poser' culture frequently found among us roadies. You need to find a bike and equipment that works for you, not something that makes you look like you just returned from the Tour de France. My 2 cents...