Bicycle brahs (literally bicycle)

[KReyn]

My rides have been going awesome lately. I didn't have to get off the bike for a break once a couple days ago and made it through the course in record time. I had to hop off a few times on the steep up's but that was it. I'm really enjoying riding lately and it's a blast using Strava to track everything. Think I'm going to go out again tomorrow after my weightlifting and yoga session!

[Smaxmid]

cycle lol

[RockyIV]

My rides have been going awesome lately. I didn't have to get off the bike for a break once a couple days ago and made it through the course in record time. I had to hop off a few times on the steep up's but that was it. I'm really enjoying riding lately and it's a blast using Strava to track everything. Think I'm going to go out again tomorrow after my weightlifting and yoga session!

Strava is the best and worst thing to happen to cycling.

Enjoy but keep it safe brah

[SpyderTT]

Back on the tri bike (Trek Speed Concept) twice in the last week. Haven't been on in 6 months. Anybody else use trainers? I have a Kurt Kinetic Rock N Roll trainer and a set of rollers that I used once. Trying to figure out space in my workout room for the trainer and a good size TV.

I have a Cycleops Fluid 2 trainer that the wife uses... and I use my aluminium rollers for all of my indoor rides. Most often in from of the computer with a fan on me.

I have a Kurt trainer; I basically watch anime (subtitles, cause the trainer is loud) on my laptop or listen to music and ride for 30-60 minutes. If you have an ipad you can just get a microphone stand for it for $30-50, no TV needed. Or a laptop, just stick it on a table in front of you.

I watch tv shows usually. It's always sunny in philadelphia, the league, dexter, californication, etc...

all my indoor WO are interval base so I just basically watch the computer counting down every second until the interval is done... :-/

indoor riding for me is just base miles and constant watts.

Strava is the best and worst thing to happen to cycling.

Enjoy but keep it safe brah

For real... it is better to compare yourself to yourself instead of comparing to other riders... you never know how they achieved their times (group rides, solo, tt, etc...)

[Boagrius]

Bike brahs, runner checking in. Well I've finally made the jump. I signed up for a sprint tri in June (might be late May I can't remember), and then an Olympic tri in the fall along with my marathon...fuark. Never done a tri before so I'm looking to get a road bike to train in. I don't need anything even remotely serious as I won't be going for a set time, just to have fun and do a tri.

People come in to the running thread all the time and say "what shoes should I get" or "what should I wear" so to avoid being that guy...are there any brands of bikes or beginner models that I should look at? I know as close to nothing as you can about bikes so any help is appreciated. Thank you bros.

[SpyderTT]

Bike brahs, runner checking in. Well I've finally made the jump. I signed up for a sprint tri in June (might be late May I can't remember), and then an Olympic tri in the fall along with my marathon...fuark. Never done a tri before so I'm looking to get a road bike to train in. I don't need anything even remotely serious as I won't be going for a set time, just to have fun and do a tri.

People come in to the running thread all the time and say "what shoes should I get" or "what should I wear" so to avoid being that guy...are there any brands of bikes or beginner models that I should look at? I know as close to nothing as you can about bikes so any help is appreciated. Thank you bros.

What you are looking for in a road bike is an aluminum frame, with probably Shimano 105 components, or SRAM Rival or better.

[RockyIV]

Bike brahs, runner checking in. Well I've finally made the jump. I signed up for a sprint tri in June (might be late May I can't remember), and then an Olympic tri in the fall along with my marathon...fuark. Never done a tri before so I'm looking to get a road bike to train in. I don't need anything even remotely serious as I won't be going for a set time, just to have fun and do a tri.

People come in to the running thread all the time and say "what shoes should I get" or "what should I wear" so to avoid being that guy...are there any brands of bikes or beginner models that I should look at? I know as close to nothing as you can about bikes so any help is appreciated. Thank you bros.

If you already have a mountain bike go with that with slicks instead of knobby tires. If not then start looking at Craigslist or even your local bike shop. They usually have some used bikes they are selling. You'll hear both sides telling you to get as much bike as you can afford or to get something entry for a couple of hundred dollars and see if you like it. If you do like it you can sell it and "invest" in a new nice road bike. I say invest in quotes because it's an expensive hobby once you get into it. As far as brands go it's more about he components than the frame it self. For a starter bike an aluminum bike is just fine and if you can find a Shimano 105 groupset in your budget then go with it or a SRAM APEX.

Stay away from Walmart or Target store bikes. Those things are complete crap.

What is your budget?

[DJake]

Bike brahs, runner checking in. Well I've finally made the jump. I signed up for a sprint tri in June (might be late May I can't remember), and then an Olympic tri in the fall along with my marathon...fuark. Never done a tri before so I'm looking to get a road bike to train in. I don't need anything even remotely serious as I won't be going for a set time, just to have fun and do a tri.

People come in to the running thread all the time and say "what shoes should I get" or "what should I wear" so to avoid being that guy...are there any brands of bikes or beginner models that I should look at? I know as close to nothing as you can about bikes so any help is appreciated. Thank you bros.

I've seen people on Walmart mountain bikes and beach cruisers in sprint races. If you really want to get into biking, get a decent bike with at least Shimano 105 or SRAM Rival components. If you buy a new bike, make sure the dealer you buy it from gives you a proper fit to the bike. I also recommend a double front instead of a triple sprockets. Lower on weight and the gearing normally isn't all that much different.

Also remember that after buying a bike, you will need a good pump, bag for under the seat, c02 cartridges, helmet, gloves, shoes, clip on pedals (I love Speedplays), and extra tubes among other things. Cadence sensor is great to have so you're not wasting energy. Also, I don't know what budget you're working with, but if you'll be doing a lot of training, pick up a GPS watch. They can be as cheap as $100 or you can get what I have which is the Garmin 910xt, which tracks swim in open water, pool laps, running, and biking, and is freaking amazing.

If you just want to try it out to see how you like it first, I'd say pick up a bike and helmet and pedal with your running shoes on. Watch fit videos on YouTube and try to make yours feel as good as possible, but there truly is nothing better than a good fit by a dealership.

As far as brands go, any road bike will do good for you, but I like Trek, Specialized, and Felt myself.

[Rambostyne]

As I was getting my bike ready to head off to work this morning I realized that some ****ing bumbaclot stole my lights and patch kit out of my bike while I was at work Sunday. The lights aren't very useful without the mounting brackets and the patch kit is only a few bucks so it's like it was done just to inconvenience me. On the plus side, my frame mounted air pump is still there.

Hell in a handbasket.

[DJake]

Bike brahs, runner checking in. Well I've finally made the jump. I signed up for a sprint tri in June (might be late May I can't remember), and then an Olympic tri in the fall along with my marathon...fuark. Never done a tri before so I'm looking to get a road bike to train in. I don't need anything even remotely serious as I won't be going for a set time, just to have fun and do a tri.

People come in to the running thread all the time and say "what shoes should I get" or "what should I wear" so to avoid being that guy...are there any brands of bikes or beginner models that I should look at? I know as close to nothing as you can about bikes so any help is appreciated. Thank you bros.

Forgot in my earlier post, but check out the forum at beginnertriathlete.com. Tons of great information and they will answer any questions you have.

They also have specific State forums so you can talk to people near you and even set up group rides. Also they will tell you the best bike dealerships around the area.

[camaleom]

If you already have a mountain bike go with that with slicks instead of knobby tires. If not then start looking at Craigslist or even your local bike shop. They usually have some used bikes they are selling. You'll hear both sides telling you to get as much bike as you can afford or to get something entry for a couple of hundred dollars and see if you like it. If you do like it you can sell it and "invest" in a new nice road bike. I say invest in quotes because it's an expensive hobby once you get into it. As far as brands go it's more about he components than the frame it self. For a starter bike an aluminum bike is just fine and if you can find a Shimano 105 groupset in your budget then go with it or a SRAM APEX.

Stay away from Walmart or Target store bikes. Those things are complete crap.

What is your budget?

x2 with this... put slicks on that biatch and ride it hard then if you like the tri-scene you can think about a road bike.

[camaleom]

As I was getting my bike ready to head off to work this morning I realized that some ****ing bumbaclot stole my lights and patch kit out of my bike while I was at work Sunday. The lights aren't very useful without the mounting brackets and the patch kit is only a few bucks so it's like it was done just to inconvenience me. On the plus side, my frame mounted air pump is still there.

Hell in a handbasket.

da fuq!??!?!?!

[camaleom]

indoor riding for me is just base miles and constant watts.

I did that one year and in all honesty I think it was a wasted off-season. IMHO the best time to get better and push your FTP up is the off season with a heavy load of 90-95% intervals then come sprint time u can add the hard stuff (vo2).

[Boagrius]

What you are looking for in a road bike is an aluminum frame, with probably Shimano 105 components, or SRAM Rival or better.

Excellent. Thank you.

If you already have a mountain bike go with that with slicks instead of knobby tires. If not then start looking at Craigslist or even your local bike shop. They usually have some used bikes they are selling. You'll hear both sides telling you to get as much bike as you can afford or to get something entry for a couple of hundred dollars and see if you like it. If you do like it you can sell it and "invest" in a new nice road bike. I say invest in quotes because it's an expensive hobby once you get into it. As far as brands go it's more about he components than the frame it self. For a starter bike an aluminum bike is just fine and if you can find a Shimano 105 groupset in your budget then go with it or a SRAM APEX.

Stay away from Walmart or Target store bikes. Those things are complete crap.

What is your budget?

Well I was initially thinking like $500, but I had no idea that that really isn't even in the realm of possibilities for a decent road bike. I guess I never realized I could just buy tires for now. I do have a mountain bike that is a total turd, but gets me around.

I've seen people on Walmart mountain bikes and beach cruisers in sprint races. If you really want to get into biking, get a decent bike with at least Shimano 105 or SRAM Rival components. If you buy a new bike, make sure the dealer you buy it from gives you a proper fit to the bike. I also recommend a double front instead of a triple sprockets. Lower on weight and the gearing normally isn't all that much different.

Also remember that after buying a bike, you will need a good pump, bag for under the seat, c02 cartridges, helmet, gloves, shoes, clip on pedals (I love Speedplays), and extra tubes among other things. Cadence sensor is great to have so you're not wasting energy. Also, I don't know what budget you're working with, but if you'll be doing a lot of training, pick up a GPS watch. They can be as cheap as $100 or you can get what I have which is the Garmin 910xt, which tracks swim in open water, pool laps, running, and biking, and is freaking amazing.

If you just want to try it out to see how you like it first, I'd say pick up a bike and helmet and pedal with your running shoes on. Watch fit videos on YouTube and try to make yours feel as good as possible, but there truly is nothing better than a good fit by a dealership.

As far as brands go, any road bike will do good for you, but I like Trek, Specialized, and Felt myself.

Great info, thank you. Like any sport, it's not surprising that it's costly. I never thought running would cost a lot, but shoes/gear/gels/fuel belts/watch, obviously adds up. I'll also be sure to check out that website.


You guys are great, thanks again for the info. I've been hesitant to go to my local bike shop in Bmore because I'm afraid they are just going to try and sell me something I don't need. Craigslist is incredibly overwhelming when you don't know what you are looking at too. I'll be checking in later!

[RockyIV]

Check

Bikesdirect.com for good bikes at very reasonable prices. Do your homework and order according to your budget. Have fun with it it's very addictive.

For your first race just put slicks on that crappy mountain bike and see how you like it. If you don't like it you're only out a set of tires. If you do then pepper ur angus

[DJake]

Great info, thank you. Like any sport, it's not surprising that it's costly. I never thought running would cost a lot, but shoes/gear/gels/fuel belts/watch, obviously adds up. I'll also be sure to check out that website.


You guys are great, thanks again for the info. I've been hesitant to go to my local bike shop in Bmore because I'm afraid they are just going to try and sell me something I don't need. Craigslist is incredibly overwhelming when you don't know what you are looking at too. I'll be checking in later!

I'm not sure if I can put this here but if you want some cheap gels I have a ton I can sell you. PM me if you're interested. Also, you don't really NEED anything more than a bike, water bottle or 2, and a spare tire and helmet, but the other things really help if you will get serious about it. Oh and a good small multitool lol.

[SpyderTT]

I did that one year and in all honesty I think it was a wasted off-season. IMHO the best time to get better and push your FTP up is the off season with a heavy load of 90-95% intervals then come sprint time u can add the hard stuff (vo2).

I hear ya... except I treat each sesh like on big ass interval.

Excellent. Thank you.

Be careful with the tri scene... lots of people with high disposable income that will make you think that you need to spend a ton of money on a bike. You do NOT need to spend $3000+ on a bike... after all, you are actually racing against yourself, not as much the guy who bought a $3000 wheelset to save 80 seconds on a 40k bike split.

Once you are competitive at the top of the pile, start thinking about really dropping money, but for now, don't get caught up in the gear chase.

[DJake]

Be careful with the tri scene... lots of people with high disposable income that will make you think that you need to spend a ton of money on a bike. You do NOT need to spend $3000+ on a bike... after all, you are actually racing against yourself, not as much the guy who bought a $3000 wheelset to save 80 seconds on a 40k bike split.

This. Everybody talks about getting Zipp wheels or something similar but when the numbers add up, unless you're doing something like 25mph consistently, you're barely saving any time. Sure it helps but not necessary unless you're competitive with other people. If you want to get faster, work on the "engine." This is the number one tip any cyclist will tell you if you want to get faster.

[camaleom]

Be careful with the tri scene... lots of people with high disposable income that will make you think that you need to spend a ton of money on a bike. You do NOT need to spend $3000+ on a bike... after all, you are actually racing against yourself, not as much the guy who bought a $3000 wheelset to save 80 seconds on a 40k bike split.

Once you are competitive at the top of the pile, start thinking about really dropping money, but for now, don't get caught up in the gear chase.

I always lol when somebody buys a new bike or a new set of wheels and the first thing they say is: "watch out cause I got a new bike"

[RockyIV]

I always lol when somebody buys a new bike or a new set of wheels and the first thing they say is: "watch out cause I got a new bike"

"It's not about the bike"


who said that?

[camaleom]

"It's not about the bike"


who said that?

and it wasn't

[Rambostyne]

"It's not about the bike"


who said that?

Why, that would be the name of Lance Armstrong's book It's Not About the Bike, the only book I've read more than ten times.

[max1122]

I always lol when somebody buys a new bike or a new set of wheels and the first thing they say is: "watch out cause I got a new bike"

i was thinking about this the other day. Why do some people spend hundreds to thousands to upgrade the bike when they're not trying to improve their fitness level? that'll be where they'll the most improvement from.

[KRANE]

i was thinking about this the other day. Why do some people spend hundreds to thousands to upgrade the bike when they're not trying to improve their fitness level? that'll be where they'll the most improvement from.

Snob appeal. Its a simple as that.

[SelleItalia]

i was thinking about this the other day. Why do some people spend hundreds to thousands to upgrade the bike when they're not trying to improve their fitness level? that'll be where they'll the most improvement from.

For a lot of people it's simply a cock measuring contest..more expensive the bike the bigger the dick..




..when blatantly that is not the case (obviously in a few cases it is, CEO 10k/day miscers with 15inch dongs)

[camaleom]

^^^^^

"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to SelleItalia again."

[Carloswithac]

For a lot of people it's simply a cock measuring contest..more expensive the bike the bigger the dick..




..when blatantly that is not the case (obviously in a few cases it is, CEO 10k/day miscers with 15inch dongs)

So glad I only ride poverty bikes.

[RockyIV]

i was thinking about this the other day. Why do some people spend hundreds to thousands to upgrade the bike when they're not trying to improve their fitness level? that'll be where they'll the most improvement from.

There are things that can make your ride more comfortable like a carbon frame on a road bike. That is more expensive but going with carbon wheels and deep aero wheels that set you back $1k+ is foolish if your fitness is lacking. I saw a guy at one century I did that had to be pushing tree fiddy with a top of the line trek time trial bike complete with aero helmet and skin suit.

not cool


I'd like to get an old Raleigh steel frame and restore it but put integrated shifters on it to keep it modern from a mechanical aspect.

One guy I ride with has an old Huffy and he is fast as hell.

[counterfit_hero]

There are things that can make your ride more comfortable like a carbon frame on a road bike. That is more expensive but going with carbon wheels and deep aero wheels that set you back $1k+ is foolish if your fitness is lacking. I saw a guy at one century I did that had to be pushing tree fiddy with a top of the line trek time trial bike complete with aero helmet and skin suit.

not cool


I'd like to get an old Raleigh steel frame and restore it but put integrated shifters on it to keep it modern from a mechanical aspect.

One guy I ride with has an old Huffy and he is fast as hell.

I restored an Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra steel frame (Colombus S.L.X) and built it up with Campy 10 speed and carbon wheels. It was amazing to ride and always drew a crowd! in short, do it!! there is a pic of the Merckx somewhere earlier in this thread.

[SpyderTT]

I always lol when somebody buys a new bike or a new set of wheels and the first thing they say is: "watch out cause I got a new bike"

Lol, I know lots of guys who constantly get new gear/wheels/power meters/shoes/helmets and claim that they will save all of this time in a race... And then they ask me why I am so fast.

i was thinking about this the other day. Why do some people spend hundreds to thousands to upgrade the bike when they're not trying to improve their fitness level? that'll be where they'll the most improvement from.

As long as you have decent reliable gear, your engine/fitness is always the issue... guys like to spend mone to save time and maybe get a pr because it is easier than training.

For a lot of people it's simply a cock measuring contest..more expensive the bike the bigger the dick...

For real... for real. Newbs and amatuers are most often impressed by people who look fast, not who are fast.

So glad I only ride poverty bikes.

Lol, I consider my TCR to be a poverty bike (it cost about $2500)