New to cycling

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by kocho

I've got a road bike. Still got my flat bar though.

I had those bar extensions on my flat bar and they were a nice change up.

I just find on the road bike (which I've had for probably 6 months now) that I find to ride on the hoods only. Sometimes I'll mix it up and go on top but I never use the drops. I'll try some gloves as you guys have recommended. I really hope they are the fix because my hands get numb before my legs get tired. :(

Gloves are a must for any serious road rider. I haven't seen one road rider where I live that doesnt have ergonomic gloves. Comfort should be your number 1 priority when riding otherwise you will be more reluctant to go out again.

[XR6_661]

Been training on a roadie at the moment for a Triathlon on the weekend…

I’m wearing my dirt jumping camo helmet, troy lee design XC full finger gloves and I’ve put my downhill flat pedals on the bike, complete with steel pins.

Been doing about 35-40km a day. Just cruising along, not laying into it…did 20km in one hit…took about 40 mins. Not sure how good that is? Or if it’s good at all haha.

Aero bars are a life saver though! Heart rate gets up a tad, lean down onto the aero bars and you can feel your BPM drop…Although they are a tad twitchy to steer with haha.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by XR6_661

Been training on a roadie at the moment for a Triathlon on the weekend…

I’m wearing my dirt jumping camo helmet, troy lee design XC full finger gloves and I’ve put my downhill flat pedals on the bike, complete with steel pins.

Been doing about 35-40km a day. Just cruising along, not laying into it…did 20km in one hit…took about 40 mins. Not sure how good that is? Or if it’s good at all haha.

Aero bars are a life saver though! Heart rate gets up a tad, lean down onto the aero bars and you can feel your BPM drop…Although they are a tad twitchy to steer with haha.

Cool. Your tri bike sounds killer.

20km in 40mins is some serious speed dude. That's some decent cadence no doubt. Were you on the flat or any hills?

I rode about 30km on a combination of hills and flats. Average speed of 20kph. I thought that was reasonable as it took me 1.5hrs to do that. But 20km in 40mins is exceptional.

[XR6_661]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Cool. Your tri bike sounds killer.

20km in 40mins is some serious speed dude. That's some decent cadence no doubt. Were you on the flat or any hills?

I rode about 30km on a combination of hills and flats. Average speed of 20kph. I thought that was reasonable as it took me 1.5hrs to do that. But 20km in 40mins is exceptional.

No major hills...but the there is a progressive climb and head wind on one part of the loop I do...

I honestly thought it wasn't a good pace...had a bit left in the tank. My goal is 1 hour per 25km...the tri is 90km ride. See how I go.

I think with clip in I could go a bit faster with the same/less effort...but I'm just not comfortable with it.

[HLC]

Originally Posted by XR6_661

No major hills...but the there is a progressive climb and head wind on one part of the loop I do...

I honestly thought it wasn't a good pace...had a bit left in the tank. My goal is 1 hour per 25km...the tri is 90km ride. See how I go.

I think with clip in I could go a bit faster with the same/less effort...but I'm just not comfortable with it.

On a tri bike you should be able to maintain a speed of 30-35kph easy!! Did a ride the other week - 90km in just under 3 hours. 32kph avg speed with a killer headwind for about 35km. And that was fixed gear with no aerobars!

Sounds like you are makingnsome good progress. P,ease get some proper pedals though. If not clip less, get some MKS sylvan track pedals with toeclips. You will become much more efficient!

[XR6_661]

Originally Posted by HLC

On a tri bike you should be able to maintain a speed of 30-35kph easy!! Did a ride the other week - 90km in just under 3 hours. 32kph avg speed with a killer headwind for about 35km. And that was fixed gear with no aerobars!

Sounds like you are makingnsome good progress. P,ease get some proper pedals though. If not clip less, get some MKS sylvan track pedals with toeclips. You will become much more efficient!

I'm just lending the bike at this stage for the race, but I will probably purchase something for myself...I feel it's good training for the downhill mtb I do as well.

Did 30km last night, no worries at all...Think it took me an hour or a bit less, doing the same small 4km loop is quite boring. Oh I also came a small cropper too fishing around for the water bottle.

My only worry is i'm competing in the half iron man and some guys will be guns at it.

[DBourne]

20km in 40min is 30kph isn't it?

Not a bad speed (what I aim to do most of the time) if there are decent hills involved then it is definitely a good speed!!!!

The whole cleat debate, if you want to use MTB shoes that bad, just get some MTB pedals?

Definitely agree gloves are a must.

On a side note, my boss found an ultegra front and rear derailer in his office, nice little upgrade for the bike Also bought an ultegra cassette since it was cheap.

Just leaves the leavers and brakes as Sora.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by SgtBourne

20km in 40min is 30kph isn't it?

Not a bad speed (what I aim to do most of the time) if there are decent hills involved then it is definitely a good speed!!!!

The whole cleat debate, if you want to use MTB shoes that bad, just get some MTB pedals?

Definitely agree gloves are a must.

On a side note, my boss found an ultegra front and rear derailer in his office, nice little upgrade for the bike Also bought an ultegra cassette since it was cheap.

Just leaves the leavers and brakes as Sora.

That's not a bad option for kocho to consider. Can you get pedals that suit both style of clips at all do you know?

Ultegra F&R Derailleur for free? You serious? That's killer!

[bartsau]

With regards to the above question. Can I drive with bike shoes on?

Well this depends on the type of pedals. The ones in the photo above are a MTB spd pedal. When shoes like above are used you can walk around in them and drive in them. The soles will be a LOT stiffer than any normal pair of shoes though so will be a little un comfy.

You will not be able to drive is using a road type of cleat and road shoe though as the cleat it too big and the soles have no flex.

[kocho]

20k's in 40 minutes is really good!

Alright, I'll grab some gloves before my ride this week.

Thanks for all the info re: driving in the shoes. I don't have a huge drive to where I usually ride (5k's) but I think I'd much prefer the mountain bike shoes and pedals now. Like I said, aero isn't a huge deal for me (don't even ride in Lycra) but I thought some decent shoes would be nice and the runners tend to spill over the side of the pedals.

blueoval - as you posted, my shoes and cleats are just like you posted with the yellow on the cleats.

These were the shoes I purchased: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Shimano-R...item7b677cad42

Should I get something like this? http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nw-120-Sh...item588fe4d92f

or maybe this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Shimano-M...item7b677cad6b

I'm not sure what pedals and cleats I match up to these though.

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by kocho

don't even ride in Lycra

Do you have padded shorts though? They can help quite a bit so your rear end isn't as sore the next day. My wife got me a pair for my birthday earlier in the year, from A-Mart I think, and they look like normal shorts, but have a lycra-like inner and the necessary padding.

As for gloves, I bought some full finger ones over in NZ from Kathmandu last year and the couple of rides I've been on when it's been freezing cold has saved numb fingers.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

Do you have padded shorts though? They can help quite a bit so your rear end isn't as sore the next day. My wife got me a pair for my birthday earlier in the year, from A-Mart I think, and they look like normal shorts, but have a lycra-like inner and the necessary padding.

As for gloves, I bought some full finger ones over in NZ from Kathmandu last year and the couple of rides I've been on when it's been freezing cold has saved numb fingers.

^^^This. Some people don't realize you don't have to wear lycra to ride a bike. It's just a common material associated with the sport. My mate has a phobia of lycra, like it's going to make him look completely naked etc. lol. So he is planning on getting some MTB shorts with the padded lining as he can't handle the sore butt pain he gets. It's more expensive to get these shorts but overall if it makes you feel more comfortable, then do what you need to do. Frankly I don't know what the fuss is about. Lycra is just material in the end. It's NOT like your wearing a bloody thong....

I wanted to get the full fingered gloves during my winter rides but never got around to it. So I didnt bother. My fingerless ones are perfect for riding now as the weather is getting warmer. But come next season, I will invest on the full gloves.

[ratter]

The MTB type shorts with the internal lycra are called Shy Shorts

[X000BOSS]

i hate you guys for this :
after reading this thread i went out and grabbed a flat bar trek, and went for a ride last night. woke up with sore legs and a sore backside. flet good finally doing some excercise and the mrs is excited that i might possibly loose some of my gut if i stick with it.
so i think a thankyou is fair, thankyou.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by X000BOSS

i hate you guys for this :
after reading this thread i went out and grabbed a flat bar trek, and went for a ride last night. woke up with sore legs and a sore backside. flet good finally doing some excercise and the mrs is excited that i might possibly loose some of my gut if i stick with it.
so i think a thankyou is fair, thankyou.

haha. Im glad some of us have inspired you to get on the bike and have a go. Regardless of what bike you have or are getting, keeping active is crucial in a society where obesity reigns supreme. Doing it on a bike is just that bit more fun and who knows, you may just get your mrs into it too when she sees how good you look after a few months. I have noticed vast improvements in leg strength, muscle tone in my thighs and calves, and all round better lung capacity and well being. It's taken me 34 years to find a sports niche I liked and I think I have finally found it.

[DBourne]

Originally Posted by X000BOSS

i hate you guys for this :
after reading this thread i went out and grabbed a flat bar trek, and went for a ride last night. woke up with sore legs and a sore backside. flet good finally doing some excercise and the mrs is excited that i might possibly loose some of my gut if i stick with it.
so i think a thankyou is fair, thankyou.

Good on ya mate. Great part of cycling is that you get results really quickly.

I'm not good at sticking with fitness programs etc, but cycling just gets easier and easier every time so is very good @ keeping your attention.

[gtfpv]

Originally Posted by X000BOSS

i hate you guys for this :
after reading this thread i went out and grabbed a flat bar trek, and went for a ride last night. woke up with sore legs and a sore backside. flet good finally doing some excercise and the mrs is excited that i might possibly loose some of my gut if i stick with it.
so i think a thankyou is fair, thankyou.

HAHAHAH , enjoy . it gets easier , and now you have a new hobby as well . many accessories to buy at the bike shop , or rebel , or anaconda .
someone on a forum said too me also , as i became time speed and distance orientated , i'ts all good , but mix it up a bit . try different routes , different rides,sprints, endurances, distances , stoppoffs , and sometimes just enjoy the scenery . it's great for the mind too

[TZENU]

I use to laugh at the people wearing the lycra cycling shorts... Now people laugh at me!!!

2 years ago I bought myself a good pair with a decent amount of padding and found them to be the best money I have spent in cycle clothes ever. I can do a 180+k ride and still be able to get up the next morning and go for a beach road burn.. So the investment in some decent knicks are certainly worth it!

One last thing though; there are saddles and then there are saddles but that is opening a huge can of worms!

[Sam_Boss260]

Agree with the lycra thing.... my family is in hyterics about me wearing lycra.

But I find that it is actually comformatable on the bike, and you don't get that sore **** from riding. Pls I love the pockets in the back of the jersey - very handy indeed.

[blueoval]

Agree with TZENU and Sam. Knicks are underrated by far. My family also give me crap about it. But IDGAF as I'm comfortable and have had no issue with butt pain since wearing them for riding. I actually smirk at those who don't wear them now. You'd be silly to do a ride over an hour long without them. Chaffing, saddle sores anyone?

As for saddle's, well I still have my factory Kona saddle my bike came with and its been fine. My mrs Kona saddle has been upgraded to a gel saddle as she refuses to wear 'nappy pants' as she calls them. Go figure.

[blackf6]

i recently bought a mountain bike. for fitness and it is now my daily driver and i leave the xr6 t in the shed for the weekend. i cover 14 km's per day riding to and from work. malverstar xcs 1.0 2011 model. i chose a mtb instead of a road bike because i like to go off road at times and jump gutters and what not. i love it so far. pedaling flat out i have had it up to 45 km's per hour. but i usually average @ 21-25 km per hour and the 7 km's per trip takes me 20 minutes.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by teak81

i recently bought a mountain bike. for fitness and it is now my daily driver and i leave the xr6 t in the shed for the weekend. i cover 14 km's per day riding to and from work. malverstar xcs 1.0 2011 model. i chose a mtb instead of a road bike because i like to go off road at times and jump gutters and what not. i love it so far. pedaling flat out i have had it up to 45 km's per hour. but i usually average @ 21-25 km per hour and the 7 km's per trip takes me 20 minutes.

That's about the same sort of speed I do on my hybrid. I'm guessing you'd go better again if you got a flat bar roadie with slick, skinny tires. One thing I have found with MTB is the tires are a bit harder to turn with the nobbly bits on the tires when it comes to sealed roads. But other than that, it promotes good resistance training for when you get onto a road bike. Keep at it.

[blackf6]

i actually traded a road bike in when i got this mtb. im not into the road race scene. i would rather the reliability of the mtb tires and the off the beaten track capabilities.

[HLC]

I wear my Knicks with cut off jeans over the top! Much more socially acceptable when going to the pub!!! Check these guys out for some socially acceptable cycling wear! I have their Jean shorts and they are amazing! Www.creuxcycling.com

Also in regards to saddles ha ha I had a bare carbon 89gram weight-weenie-esque saddle and it was awesome!!! But would get pretty harsh after about 90 minutes in the saddle! Also rocked a cinelli unicanitor for a while but the sell Turbos are amazing!!! 1986 baby!

[blueoval]

Thanks for that link henri. top idea and great clothing line.

[HLC]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Thanks for that link henri. top idea and great clothing line.

Great guys too! Aussie label!

[wrongwaynorris]

Picking up one of thses today , Hallelujah the day has finally arrrived .

http://www.malvernstar.com.au/range/bike-2624.aspx

[DBourne]

Nice bike, boss just got one as his "trainer" bike. Definitely look great in person.

[xbandrew]

sweet, the oppys are great to ride!!, i got an A5, one of my mates has that one good bike!

[TZENU]

MS make a fantastic bike!! You will be very happy.. I got to ride both the c6 and 7 when the Mrs use to work at PAC Brands.. They are one of the best bang for buck bikes out there

HLC thanks for the link!! Perfect for when taking out the SS Masi!!!