HeatherB 0 #26 July 25, 2007 Thank you for your thoughts. Yes, I tried the women specific designs since I'm only 5' 1" (and a half). I didn't feel too stretched out on them, and yes, the 1600's shifters seemed nice. The ones on the 1000 were a bit puny...the little thumb ones. (bike whuffo terminology) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 284 #27 July 25, 2007 Re. the bike - unless you are doing maxed out time trials i would personally stick with a normal road frame. Also with the tri bars you would be unwelcome at some races if there are group rides involved. As for the speed? i do a regular 100k ride on a sunday in a group. the first half is usually between 32kmh and 35kmh, and then the fast boys at the front start stretching it out. (in the last few k they are doing about 50-60kmh on the flat - at least i believe they are because i have dropped off the back by then! ) 32-35 is a nice comfortable pace in a group, and i would think a pretty good pace as a solo, especially with any conditions to deal with. Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scoop 0 #28 July 25, 2007 Cool, yeah, looking at it I want something I can ride comfortably to get the most out of it. But those frame designs don't half look purdy! From a former engineers eye they look a work of art. I'm also considering the new Boardman Bikes if anyones familiar with them. I just wish I actually knew something about bikes. BOARDMAN BIKES Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 284 #29 July 25, 2007 You want some cycling porn? check this out http://www.bmc-racing.com/time_machine+M5d637b1e38d.html Just don't look at the price.... I am guessing that the amount you want to spend is roughly in the region of that trek? In that sort of price range i would have a look round and go for an alloy frame, with a carbon fork (and carbon rear stays/triangle if possible). I personally like the lemond stuff - and the condor frames are lovely. if you in london i can recommend a couple of good bike shops. But it depends what fits you - all the major manufacturers do nice gear around this price. Go for Shimano 105 or above for the groupset if you can. The next best thing you can do is upgrade your wheels. I just rode a set of fulcrum race 1's on my bike. Wow - what a difference from the stock wheels, i will be ordering a set. Rotating weight is one of the most important places to have light gear. Dont skimp on your attachment points - saddle, pedals, cleats, bar. And if at all possible, find someone who really knows their stuff to fit it for you. PM me if you want any specific questions answered!!! Hope this helps Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,501 #30 July 25, 2007 More porn! SlobberDo you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #31 July 25, 2007 As far as road bikes go, not time trials, I dont think there are any bikes out there nicer then the Orbea Orca. http://www.orbea-usa.com/fly.aspx?mid=a100&layout=viewproduct&taxid=226 The lines are just suberb. The Guru's arent bad either http://www.gurubikes.com/store/index.php/cPath/22_76 Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluheelrtx 0 #32 July 26, 2007 Quote I'm still riding my 1993 Cannondale. The frame, fork, stem and handlebar are the only original parts. Everything other component has been replaced at least once, (most twice or more), due to wear. Unless I was actually competing in organized races, I just can't see burning money just to have the latest and greatest. 1985 Trek. Only replaced the wheels, rear switch gear and wear items. Haven't ridden seriously in several years (Houston sucks - good planes and bad drivers -- Jason -- Some people never go crazy. What truly boring lives they must lead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrFreefall383 0 #33 July 26, 2007 I average about 16mph right now, but I'm brand new to road cycling, and haven't yet become one with the bike."If at first you don't succeed... well, so much for skydiving." - aviation cliche Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,501 #34 July 26, 2007 I'd never seen the Guru before, and it definitely is pretty! I'm confused though, "# Optional Extreme Series: Recommended for riders weighing between 220 - 275 lbs." Why the hell would someone weighing that much want to get a bike like that? Do you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grue 1 #35 July 26, 2007 My ride to work is about 15km, takes me ~40-45 minutes, depending on wind. That having been said, there are some pretty nontrivial hills, and I have to stop at lights, etc.cavete terrae. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmsmith 1 #36 July 26, 2007 I ride about 100-mi/wk on this titanium bike. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,590 #37 July 26, 2007 QuoteI ride about 100-mi/wk on this titanium bike. I've been tempted by Litespeed for years. If I do ever buy another bike, it would likely be a custom-fitted Litespeed cyclocross."There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #38 July 26, 2007 Quote Why the hell would someone weighing that much want to get a bike like that? FUCK OFF! I'm 225. I've been riding about 100 miles a week for the least year. My weight just isnt going down: my pants just arent fitting well on my thighs anymore! lol I rode with a guy who was 240 lbs last month. And pretty skinny. He he 6'8".Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simplyputsi 0 #39 July 26, 2007 Quote I'm 225. I've been riding about 100 miles a week for the least year. My weight just isnt going down: my pants just arent fitting well on my thighs anymore! lol Quote maybe you are just big bonedI don't loose weight from cycling usually, but from running I do. Do you use a heart rate monitor?? You'd be surprised how much you aren't pushing it sometimes on a bike. You might not be in the target area for weight loss. Pedal faster remi!!!!! Skymama's #2 stalker - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #40 July 26, 2007 Quote I ride about 100-mi/wk on this titanium bike. Met a older rider with a Lighspeed on Sunday on our ride. He called it his "beater bike"! lol... All in Dura Ace too! Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,501 #41 July 26, 2007 Quote FUCK OFF! [Tongue][Mad] Eeep! Quote I rode with a guy who was 240 lbs last month. And pretty skinny. He he 6'8". Damn! Well I'll give him thatDo you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,590 #42 July 26, 2007 Quote I'm 225. I've been riding about 100 miles a week for the least year. My weight just isnt going down: my pants just arent fitting well on my thighs anymore! lol I rode with a guy who was 240 lbs last month. And pretty skinny. He he 6'8". My friend the ex-bike-racer gives me shit about my weight. I'm 6'2" and 190 lbs. He is 6'1" and 150. Now you get an idea why I don't try to ride with him."There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #43 July 26, 2007 QuoteDo you use a heart rate monitor?? I'm pretty much In my zones 3 and 4 (70% to 90% of max) 75% of the time.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #44 July 26, 2007 I refuse to climb with skinny fuckers! Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simplyputsi 0 #45 July 26, 2007 QuoteQuoteDo you use a heart rate monitor?? I'm pretty much In my zones 3 and 4 (70% to 90% of max) 75% of the time. I might be wrong, but those %s might be too high for weight loss. At that point you are building endurance and cardio. Yeah I don't get it either. That is probably why I don't loose weight on the bike, i'm probably at the same percentages you are.Skymama's #2 stalker - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simplyputsi 0 #46 July 26, 2007 Quote I refuse to climb with skinny fuckers! Yeah but you have all the fun on the decents thoughSkymama's #2 stalker - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,501 #47 July 26, 2007 Quote Quote I refuse to climb with skinny fuckers! Yeah but you have all the fun on the decents though Nah, they just crash biggerDo you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #48 July 26, 2007 QuoteQuoteQuoteDo you use a heart rate monitor?? I'm pretty much In my zones 3 and 4 (70% to 90% of max) 75% of the time. I might be wrong, but those %s might be too high for weight loss. At that point you are building endurance and cardio. Yeah I don't get it either. That is probably why I don't loose weight on the bike, i'm probably at the same percentages you are. When I was going to a gym regularly, I had some decent succes at getting in overall better shape (cardio AND weight) in the higher zone (I was targetting 160-165 bpm which is the mid/top end of my zone 4). I'm not sure I buy into the "zone 3 is better for weight loss thing". Maybe if you go for longer at that level, but if you're gonna go for 2 hours, just go! lol Any health pro's here care to address this?Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Royd 0 #49 July 26, 2007 QuoteI don't loose weight from cycling usually, but from running I do. Do you use a heart rate monitor?? You'd be surprised how much you aren't pushing it sometimes on a bike. You might not be in the target area for weight loss.Maybe it's just me, but I find that maintaining the same heartrate on a bike as running, tends to build up the lactic acid in the legs much faster. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scoop 0 #50 July 27, 2007 Erm, I'm pretty sure any increase in heart rate will help with weight loss. Theres no magic figure or cut off point where you are wasting your time. As long as you are increasing the demand on the body, its simply the calories you burn vs the calories you consume. No doubt there is an optimum area though, but thats just about pacing yourself, finding a reasonably high demand on your body that you can maintain for a long period of time will obviously be beneficial. I think the magic figure for this type of cycling is approximately 800 calories an hour. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
