Biking

[Kneo]

Anyone else into biking? My wife and and I just got bikes and are having a blast taking rides. This morning we took a 5 mile ride and plan to increase our distance with each ride?

So who else rides? Any tips for some beginners?

[Fordman4ever]

I'm getting a bike as soon as we get into our new house. Its a great workout and a great way to clear your mind. Probably just gonna buy a road bike off of craigslist or walmart.

[hammondc]

I do a good bit of trail riding. What kind of bike did you get?

[Kneo]

We just got some walmart bikes to start off with. If we stick with it we will upgrade. We put our daughters in a trailer. We are going to get my 6 year old a tag along soon

[AlohaStyle]

I do some riding... although I'm a total newbie. I bought my first road bike in February as I signed up for the 42-mile road bike leg of the Ski-to-Sea race in Bellingham, WA on Memorial Day weekend. This year was the 100th anniversary of this race that starts up on the mountain with cross country skiing, then downhill skiing, 8-mile downhill run, them my 42-mile road bike race, then canoe down the river, then mountain bike course finishing up with a kayak leg in the bay. Wow, was the race fun! I didn't realize how steep downhill my leg would be... I topped out at 45 mph screaming down the mountain! :)

I have family members who are into biking and I've always wanted to join but never made the plunge until now. If you plan to bike regularly, I would really recommend getting a nicer bike as it really makes a world of difference. Make sure you have a comfortable seat and the bike fits you well... everyone is different and bikes fit differently. You won't enjoy it if you're not comfortable. Oh, and get a diaper! okay, that's just what I called it, but padded shorts make a world of difference too!

[Zeuceone]

Just ordered my fixed gear bike from the local bicycle shop in town. I'm going to try to and ride to work at least 3 times a week.

[Ranger_B]

I am waiting on delivery and then I will be able to start biking again. Never been too into it but this time I hope to. I found some good apps for the Iphone and am looking forward to a long summer of riding. Any tips you find helpful I would love to hear.

[GreekGodX]

I'm thinking about riding my bike to work as it's at most a mile away. Otherwise I just take my dog out occasionally on the bike.

[jesseboston81]

I used to cycle heavily, both recreational road cycling and commuting (8 miles each way). However, the time pressures of the last year of law school and studying for the bar have kept me down for the last year or so--I hope to get back into it in August. I love cycling, and it helped me get through some really stressful and difficult times in my life. In fact, a few years ago I got this to commemorate my love of cycling:
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3936/img05201k.jpg

[thebayratt]

Thats a cool 'tat!

Me and a buddy do a fair amount of trail riding. There is one place thats about 30mins away that has some nice trails and we usually get in 20+ miles in the park. Then on the other side of the area there is a hospital that has some woods and trails on the property. Even though they aren't very long, the trails have a few hills that you can get some good speed on and have to have some suspension to make it down.
We ride Trek mountain bikes. He has a few road bikes, Felt, Specialized etc...

[Kneo]

I used to cycle heavily, both recreational road cycling and commuting (8 miles each way). However, the time pressures of the last year of law school and studying for the bar have kept me down for the last year or so--I hope to get back into it in August. I love cycling, and it helped me get through some really stressful and difficult times in my life. In fact, a few years ago I got this to commemorate my love of cycling:
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3936/img05201k.jpg

Nice ink. I need to find the tattoo thread. I have added some new tats since I was last on here

[Kneo]

I am waiting on delivery and then I will be able to start biking again. Never been too into it but this time I hope to. I found some good apps for the Iphone and am looking forward to a long summer of riding. Any tips you find helpful I would love to hear.

We downloaded a couple apps that work very good. I am looking at some handlebar mounts that will hold the iPhone 4. The apps we downloaded are called mapmyride+ and cyclemeter. I think I like cyclemeter better, but going to use both a couple more times

[AlohaStyle]

A good thing for route planning is simply Google Maps. Instead of using driving directions, you can click on the bicycle symbol above the address bars and they will suggest bike routes for where you want to go. It's very easy to change the line of the route if you want to make any modifications too.

I just used it today for a nice 40-mile ride. My wife's friend was throwing a bbq and I decided to bike there 40 miles while my wife drove. :)

[cobra03]

I love to ride. I actually just finished a week long bike patrol school last friday. Now i get to combine work and bike ridding. i can't complain.

[imthegoal]

I love cycling as well. I ride between 50-100 miles a week. I just got myself a new Trek Madone carbon ride bike as a gift to myself for finishing my recent deployment to Afghanistan.

[Blak Smyth]

I have a mountain bike and use to try some extreme downhill, but now I just use it to ride to the lake. From my house the lake it less than a mile away. This weekend me and a friend rode to the lake to go fishing, drink beers and smoke some cigars. Good time. There is a 30 mile trail that surrounds the lake, I've only gone about 6 miles though. We have a bad problem with ticks here, keeps me from going out to much. I HATE ticks.

[Wanger]

He he...I wouldn't call myself a cyclist, but due to doing triathlons, I have to spend some time in the saddle. :p

Just this past Saturday, I did a group ride over the course I'm going to do my next race on. Got a little off course and added a little over a mile to the final tally (57.3 miles). LOL

As I've gotten more into it, I've made improvements to my bike. Clip in pedals, aero bars, a new (MUCH more comfortable saddle), and a cyclocomputer, to name a few. Comfort is key, IMO. If you can't get it set up comfortably, you're not going to get out of it what you need, in order to keep going.

My setup at my last tri:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/5828279360_5cbd8a4156_b.jpg

...and this is the saddle under my jersey:
http://cf.mp-cdn.net/12/f7/7e5d33dade3bfd3345f6b00473b7.jpg

[Blak Smyth]

Does that jersey have a redskins logo on it?

[Noodles]

I started late this year. I ride 2 to 3 times a week. MUP with my wife, road with my club. I usually do between 100 to 150 miles a week.

[E.J.]

LOVE getting out on the bike....doesn't matter, road(Madone 5.2) or dirt(BLT)...

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i397/EJB21/BLT.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i397/EJB21/Bike6.jpg

Here is a post from an EPIC ride we did last year around the White Rim Trail...

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?p=861426#post861426


As far as tips.....RIDE, RIDE, RIDE....and wear a helmet...:tu

[nofeardiver]

wow those are sweet setup... dont have one personally but want one...

[Sled Dog]

I like to take a ride with the wife a couple times a week. (I live on a great bike trail so I have no excuse either). I need a comfortable seat, i'm not a real big guy (5'11 200lbs) but the seat that came on my Walmart special is NOT comfortable.

[Starscream]

My mom bought a bike for me at a yard sale and gave it to me a couple of months ago. Haven't used it much, but plan on getting on it while I'm out for the summer. It's a Schwinn World Sport.

[Blak Smyth]

http://s.wiggle.co.uk/images/haro-flightline-comp-08.jpg

This is my bike, nothing great.
Rigid frame, Haro Flighline Comp

[Wanger]

Does that jersey have a redskins logo on it?

Ha ha..no...UND Fighting Sioux! :D

http://www.bikejerseysonline.com/images/north_dakota_fighting_sioux_cycling_bike_jersey.jp g

LOVE getting out on the bike....doesn't matter, road(Madone 5.2) or dirt(BLT)...

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i397/EJB21/BLT.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i397/EJB21/Bike6.jpg

Here is a post from an EPIC ride we did last year around the White Rim Trail...

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?p=861426#post861426


As far as tips.....RIDE, RIDE, RIDE....and wear a helmet...:tu

Nice rides, EJ!

And I second his advice. The kids get upset when I tell them to wear one every time they ride, but I do, so why shouldn't they?

[imthegoal]

Here is a picture of my ride. Trek Madone 5.1


http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq289/imthegoal/Bike%20pictures/th_DSC_0224.jpg (http://s456.photobucket.com/albums/qq289/imthegoal/Bike%20pictures/?action=view&current=DSC_0224.jpg)

On my ride on Wednesday got bit by a Great Dane. Was in the ER for about 4 hours and the damn thing bled for 2 days because they didnt want to stitch it.

[Stogie ZM]

Ya, did you get road bikes or mountain bikes? I ride road bikes mostly, and enjoy a walk with a stogie afterwards usually. If you are looking to increase your speed/distance, I would say change up the pace. Which ever type of bike you ride, if you mix in some "sprint" rides where you go a shorter distance but ride faster, the longer rides at an easier pace will feel like a breeze.

-Stogie ZM-
www.cigarwarehouse.com

[E.J.]

Here is a picture of my ride. Trek Madone 5.1


http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq289/imthegoal/Bike%20pictures/th_DSC_0224.jpg (http://s456.photobucket.com/albums/qq289/imthegoal/Bike%20pictures/?action=view&current=DSC_0224.jpg)

On my ride on Wednesday got bit by a Great Dane. Was in the ER for about 4 hours and the damn thing bled for 2 days because they didnt want to stitch it.

Ouch...!

We have a 5.1 in the garage as well....:tu

[Stogie ZM]

Big Ouch! I hope you get better soon so you can get back to riding. You definitely have a nice set of wheels there. If you have all the computers you need to track speed, cadence, distance, time, etc, you will have no problems getting your distance up.

Live Strong!

Stogie ZM
www.cigarwarehouse.com

[E.J.]

Just changed out all the batteries in my computer(Sigma Rox 9.0), main unit, cadence & speed....it was harder than my ride into work....

Guess I should be pleased that the local Radio Shack had the batteries that I needed. Not even sure I needed them for the Cadence and Speed sensors, but figured I might as well get them changed out as well....

[hammondc]

Specialized Hardrock here.

http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Specialized/6307?$Display$

[E.J.]

Just did this ride yesterday(mile 8 to 40) http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36673022 It is such a fun way to get out and get a few miles in and a BEAUTIFUL ride....a little climbing, some fun descents....good stuff!

Pic from the top of climb 1(mile 12.9ish)...
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i397/EJB21/TopofJordanellePCRide.jpg

[boom]

My 3G Cruiser....
http://3gbikes.com/bikes/venice/men/regular/Venice(Men)_ElectricBlue.jpg

[RevSmoke]

Do some riding - off and on road, much of it gravel trail riding. I don't do the double diamond stuff, just easy off-road. I have an old GT Outpost and it serves me well. Interestingly, I am thinking about a tandem bike for Pauline and myself. I am a bit put out by the cost of a car-top carrier though, as we would have to get it camping with us and then up north and... (you see what I mean).

Am not sure if I will pull the trigger or not. Anybody got suggestions on what is a good tandem?

[imthegoal]

I had Friday as an extra day off. I took this as an opportunity to get in a nice long ride in the morning. I am working up to a Century in September. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/99293603

[mosesbotbol]

Just bought an Assos Mille Jersey. Much better fit for me than the Prosline jersey's. Very high quality construction. Also bought Assos gloves which are really grippy and have no velcro to them. Takes some getting use to putting them on, but I like them.

I am sticking only with Assos from now on. Have had like 3 different bib shorts all bite the dust while my Assos bib's are still going strong 10 years later.

[Samsquanch]

I am a bicycle commuter in Seattle, live north of the city and bike 12 miles a day into downtown. I started a couple years ago and absolutely love it. I have been using my Raleigh mountain bike but am ready to make an upgrade. I'm most likely going to go with the Surly Long Haul Trucker, they have a new disc brake version out this year that I love. It's not the best commuter but I'm planning on getting into a little more touring and longer distance rides in the near future.

Anyone else have experience with Surly's?

[mosesbotbol]

Anyone else have experience with Surly's?

Seem like good values in the durable commuter/courier segment.

[maverickdrinker]

just got back into riding. i have a marin bear valley se and a klein attitude XV.

[gnbikes]

Here are 2 of my custom steel bikes:
http://home.ix.netcom.com/~lksbks/index.html
G-

[PCR]

Anyone else have experience with Surly's?[/QUOTE]

Surly's are really nice bikes. Try before you buy, i.e. make sure the frame fits you. They're long for my short torso. I commute on a Gunnar Sport about 15 miles (one way) to work and the fit is like a tailor made suit!

[mosesbotbol]

Here are 2 of my custom steel bikes:
http://home.ix.netcom.com/~lksbks/index.html
G-

A Greg LeMond throw back! Very nice.

[Jasonw560]

I just have a WalMart special. Was iding for weight loss, but honestly we've been havin 20-30 mph winds daily, so I've gotten away from it. Starting back up, and I'll probably start off again with a 3 mile ride on my days off.

[gnbikes]

A Greg LeMond throw back! Very nice.

I spent a very cool day w/ Roland when we designed that frame. Italian sandwhiches for lunch...he even let me paw through has piles of "stuff", he even had the NOS Super Record headset that went on that bike.
G-

[mosesbotbol]

I spent a very cool day w/ Roland when we designed that frame. Italian sandwhiches for lunch...he even let me paw through has piles of "stuff", he even had the NOS Super Record headset that went on that bike.
G-

What year was that frame made? Super Record looks like it would've been norm for when that frame was current. I have had a few steel frames in my day... Was a USCF Intermediate back in 1982....

[gnbikes]

What year was that frame made? Super Record looks like it would've been norm for when that frame was current. I have had a few steel frames in my day... Was a USCF Intermediate back in 1982....

It was built in 2002 useing SLX main tubes, SP chainstays and modern True temper seat stays. It was basically a "classic" Itailian bike with a few nods towards nods that I wanted(flat crown fork, double taper seat stays, heavier duty chainstays). The Masi lugs where a must....Obviously a mix of Classic Campag parts, some of which were NOS when the bike was built. I'll be honest, this bike was a lust bike, not a ride everyday bike. The Stevenson is more a ride everyday bike...especialy here in the great north-wet...

Sweet that you did so well back in 82', everything was a mess back then what with the Olympic's and blood dopeing....
G-

[mosesbotbol]

Sweet that you did so well back in 82', everything was a mess back then what with the Olympic's and blood dopeing....
G-

Can't say I did so well, but at least I tried and was into it. I did not realize Masi made their own lugs. I assume Masi of CA... I thought Cinelli had pretty much dominated the lug market. There's only a handful of companies really doing well in lugged-brazed frames. For me, it's hard to imagine not using a carbon fork.

I've considered getting another steel frame. There are some new tube sets, epecially the stainless steel one that looks to be pretty cool. I am riding on aluminum and like it.