New to cycling

[trippytaka]

Originally Posted by swanny

Well, I've reached a milestone in my cycling life... I now ride the 22km trip to work and back on my trusty Merida! There's a few hills to get over on the way, but I do the trip in about 50 minutes. I've turned over 800kms on the odometer this afternoon (isn't a lot compared to some, I know)and I feel like I have a spring in my step now

I do get passed a bit by more seasoned riders. I've been tracking my progress using Sports Tracker on the iPhone, and I'm averaging about 23-24km/hr. Still have to build up the quads, I guess.

Having fun, though!

Nice work! Pretty quick too! I do 14km on the 29er mountain bile / quite hilly in about 50min.

[Captain Stubing]

Originally Posted by trippytaka

Nice work! Pretty quick too! I do 14km on the 29er mountain bile / quite hilly in about 50min.

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!

[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

[blueoval]

Great progress Swanny, thanks for sharing. Keep it up mate, you only get better from here.

[ratter]

Had 2 friends compete in the ironman on the weekend, so spent the day watching and following where I could on my MTB, was good to be out on it again, those guy/gals that competed are legends, 3.8 klm swin, 180 klm ride, 42.2 run. Followed a friend in to the finish, she took just over 11 hrs to finish and still had a smile on her face the last part of the run

[blueoval]

I watched the Cairns version of that event ratter. Incredible feat by anyone who does this discipline event. Amazing to just keep going. Well done to all who have entered past and present. My hat goes off to ya.

I only can dream of doing long rides like that. I will eventually do one, perhaps not 180km's, but maybe a 100km ride one day.

[TZENU]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I only can dream of doing long rides like that. I will eventually do one, perhaps not 180km's, but maybe a 100km ride one day.

You got to walk before you run... When I started out I could not see myself doing 30km let alone 100. Even after a year I still struggled, but if you keep being persistent and patient you'll get there!.. And before you know it you'll be making your way down to Melbourne to complete the ATB ride!
One day i would love to sign up for an Ironman challenge and complete it before the cut-off, but I am still a couple of years away from even contemplating that!!!!

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I watched the Cairns version of that event ratter. Incredible feat by anyone who does this discipline event. Amazing to just keep going. Well done to all who have entered past and present. My hat goes off to ya.

I only can dream of doing long rides like that. I will eventually do one, perhaps not 180km's, but maybe a 100km ride one day.

Just start with Amy's Ride this year Shav.
I'm going to aim to do the 100km ride this year. Means climbing up Willunga Hill though, but as I did Mengler's Hill in the TDU earlier this year, I should hopefully be able to get up Willunga.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

Just start with Amy's Ride this year Shav.
I'm going to aim to do the 100km ride this year. Means climbing up Willunga Hill though, but as I did Mengler's Hill in the TDU earlier this year, I should hopefully be able to get up Willunga.

Haha, thanks Sam. Im gonna enter the 65km event this year for Amy's. I should have my new bike by then so it should be a bit easier to push on. 100km one possibly the year after?

Small steps....

[trippytaka]

Erg! New rear cassette needed. Grr. Why am I so unkind to bikes.

[blueoval]

Yeah it's a bit deflating when you see some riders on MTB or something like that outriding you.

I was pushing up a hill once and had a 60yo dude pass me like he was on a sunday cruise. Made my huffing and puffing look stupid.

[TZENU]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Yeah it's a bit deflating when you see some riders on MTB or something like that outriding you.

I was pushing up a hill once and had a 60yo dude pass me like he was on a sunday cruise. Made my huffing and puffing look stupid.

If you ever have a chance to visit your local crit track on raceday, don't hesitate... Some of the guys who race crits in A grade are into their 50s and are pace setter's too

[TZENU]

Well no news of the old boys stolen bike... So as a surprise (for his bday on Saturday) my sis and I decided to get him a suitable replacement. Afterall he was the one that got the both of us into cycling and bought our first road bike.. Apologies for the dodgy pic... It's a 2012 Ridley Excalibur with Ultegra groupset and Cirrus build kit.

[blueoval]

Will do. There is still a few rides happening in and around the city in the next few months that I want to check out.

Great bike u bought for your boy. Nice choice the Ridley.

[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!!!

[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...!

[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)

[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.

[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)

[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

[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

[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.

[blueoval]

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

[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.