Topic: The Cycling Thread

[Jaeger]

I agree with quad - the $200 option is the way I would go.

[Triple Bob]

Did the first of the Kelso MTB Series yesterday. OMG.

Got cramp in both calves at the beginning of the third lap, really didn't want a DNF so just kept pedaling!  The first half of the course (time wise) climbs 165ft in ten minutes, holy frick it's hard, even harder with cramp! ha ha.  Anyway I finished, which was my goal.  I think it was about 1hr 12mins over about 18Km.  Got to be one of the toughest things I have ever done, back again next week! 

P.S.  Tuesday's race was after riding about 600km on the motorbike too, so my legs were already shot.

[Jaeger]

^^^ Way to go bro!

[quadzilla]

Did the first of the Kelso MTB Series yesterday. OMG.

Great job. I raced mtn bike many, many years ago and know how hard it is. As long as you finish you did a great job.

Amazing how fast some of those guys and girls are.

[SearhardBurger]

Running injuries are forcing me to consider a new sport to take up my time while I heal, and I've decided to buy a bike.  I haven't ridden one since I was a kid so had no idea the vast number of options available nowadays (and the crazy amounts one could spend on a bike!).  I'm hoping to find some guidance on what I should be looking for as a beginner.  Here are some details:

Height 6'3"
Weight 250lbs
I have a big butt so a skinny seat just won't do.

Will mostly ride on roads and gravel trails. 
Mostly flat terrain.
Plan to ride 75-100k per week

What brands should I be looking at?  What is a fair amount to spend?  I'd rather not spend more than $500.  With the details I've posted above, I guess a hybrid bike is the way to go?

Thanks in advance!

[quadzilla]

Stop the insanity! Previous best calendar month was 1,617 kms (July 2013).

Can't stop now. Going to push for a 2,000 kms month which I believe is possible as long as the weather cooperates.

[Triple Bob]

Stop the insanity! Previous best calendar month was 1,617 kms (July 2013).

Can't stop now. Going to push for a 2,000 kms month which I believe is possible as long as the weather cooperates.

Go for it!

[quadzilla]

Running injuries are forcing me to consider a new sport to take up my time while I heal, and I've decided to buy a bike.  I haven't ridden one since I was a kid so had no idea the vast number of options available nowadays (and the crazy amounts one could spend on a bike!).  I'm hoping to find some guidance on what I should be looking for as a beginner.  Here are some details:

Height 6'3"
Weight 250lbs
I have a big butt so a skinny seat just won't do.

Will mostly ride on roads and gravel trails. 
Mostly flat terrain.
Plan to ride 75-100k per week

What brands should I be looking at?  What is a fair amount to spend?  I'd rather not spend more than $500.  With the details I've posted above, I guess a hybrid bike is the way to go?

Thanks in advance!

A lot of runners turn to cycling to heal.

I'd suggest a hybrid bike, no suspension of any kind and 700 x 28 or 32 wide tires. If you think you will be riding a lot of gravel trails, go with the 32's.

If you can, buy from a good bike shop. They should (hopefully) be able to make sure the bike fits you properly which is very important.

Check out brands like Kona, Devinci, Giant, Trek. They all should have something in your price range and all are very similar for parts.

Going from $500 to $800 opens up a lot more options and some better quality parts. But can understand why you wouldn't want to spend that much.

Once you find a couple of bikes you like, come back and report so we can give more opinions on them.

[SearhardBurger]

Thanks, quad!  Will do. 

There are a couple of bike shops here in Regina that I'll check out, but there should be more options in Winnipeg that I'll look at when I'm there next week.  I guess the other thing I should mention is that I plan to transport the bike back and forth between Regina and the peg every two weeks!

[huota]

Stop the insanity! Previous best calendar month was 1,617 kms (July 2013).

Can't stop now. Going to push for a 2,000 kms month which I believe is possible as long as the weather cooperates.

Wow, that's 51 kilometres more than I've done so far this year.  Do it!

[RunsinLight]

Thanks guys, going to try and get one done next week.

My vote is for the $200 option. The $300 option would be better for somebody doing competitive riding/racing.

Will be interested in hearing how the fitting went and any improvements you noticed post adjustment.  Also think that is money well spent as fit is the most important part of cycling.  Just think how much faster you will be while riding over to get that butter tart(s).

I agree with quad - the $200 option is the way I would go.

[Brig]

I have a big butt so a skinny seat just won't do.

Luckily for you, bike seats are changeable.  Most bikes come with those flat, skinny seats; don't discount a model based on that, because you will be able to buy a different seat for it.

As Quad suggested, a hybrid is the way to go for your needs.  That's what I have, and it's more than adequate for the limited amount of road riding that I do.

Lots of choices out there!  Happy shopping.   

[Brig]

Stop the insanity! Previous best calendar month was 1,617 kms (July 2013).

Can't stop now. Going to push for a 2,000 kms month which I believe is possible as long as the weather cooperates.

You are a nutjob.  But we love you nonetheless.   

[Jaeger]

Running injuries are forcing me to consider a new sport to take up my time while I heal, and I've decided to buy a bike.  I haven't ridden one since I was a kid so had no idea the vast number of options available nowadays (and the crazy amounts one could spend on a bike!).  I'm hoping to find some guidance on what I should be looking for as a beginner.  Here are some details:

Height 6'3"
Weight 250lbs
I have a big butt so a skinny seat just won't do.

Will mostly ride on roads and gravel trails. 
Mostly flat terrain.
Plan to ride 75-100k per week

What brands should I be looking at?  What is a fair amount to spend?  I'd rather not spend more than $500.  With the details I've posted above, I guess a hybrid bike is the way to go?

Thanks in advance!

A lot of runners turn to cycling to heal.

I'd suggest a hybrid bike, no suspension of any kind and 700 x 28 or 32 wide tires. If you think you will be riding a lot of gravel trails, go with the 32's.

If you can, buy from a good bike shop. They should (hopefully) be able to make sure the bike fits you properly which is very important.

Check out brands like Kona, Devinci, Giant, Trek. They all should have something in your price range and all are very similar for parts.

Going from $500 to $800 opens up a lot more options and some better quality parts. But can understand why you wouldn't want to spend that much.

Once you find a couple of bikes you like, come back and report so we can give more opinions on them.

What he said.  All of it.  And since I traditionally post pics of my departed Trek at times like this...



I replaced the OE 32s with 28s and felt like the bike was a little quicker and handled a little better on the road, which was probably mostly in my head, but there you are.  Most of my trails look like the pic below which obviously won't challenge the 28s much.

[quadzilla]

Still chipping away and almost there. If the weather is good in the morning you should hear a big YIPPEE around 10am. 

If the heat/humidity keep up like this I might just start taking my water intravenously to avoid dehydration. Lost count of how much water I've drank over the last week.

At least its easy to decide what to wear in the morning. So much better than picking what 3 or 4 layers to wear today.

[quadzilla]

And with two days to spare.

[Bubba]

And with two days to spare.

Will you pass the drug test? 

Seriously, congratulations!

[huota]

And with two days to spare.

Awesome, well done! 

I just crossed 1,000km and I'm okay with that. 

[Triple Bob]

And with two days to spare.

Great job Derek!

[YURKBC]

Running injuries are forcing me to consider a new sport to take up my time while I heal, and I've decided to buy a bike.  I haven't ridden one since I was a kid so had no idea the vast number of options available nowadays (and the crazy amounts one could spend on a bike!).  I'm hoping to find some guidance on what I should be looking for as a beginner.  Here are some details:

Height 6'3"
Weight 250lbs
I have a big butt so a skinny seat just won't do.

Will mostly ride on roads and gravel trails. 
Mostly flat terrain.
Plan to ride 75-100k per week

What brands should I be looking at?  What is a fair amount to spend?  I'd rather not spend more than $500.  With the details I've posted above, I guess a hybrid bike is the way to go?

Thanks in advance!

I concur with the previous posters recommending buying a reputable brand. I recommend checking pawn shops and kijiji. Lots of good bikes there in decent condition and at a decent price. For $500 you would be able to find a bike that retailed for $800 to $2,000 (depending on age and condition). Keep in mind that high quality parts and components are designed to withstand a lot of heavy use and abuse, a lot more than occasional trail riding. So, you should be safe buying a used bike.