***General Cycling Thread***
- Thread starter Tre4ISU
- Start date
You can ride in snow or on sand, and it makes gravel roads feel like butter. But it is an insane amount of work.
Was kinda glad I opted for my hybrid and it's 700x30 tires today rather than my road bike. Damn, the shoulders on Cedar Lake Road and Plymouth Road west of Mpls were brutal. Was worried about getting into some of the pavement crevasses and augering in. Would have been worse with narrower tires. As it was I shook the hell out myself. Using the hybrid to explore some alternate routes for road biking since I am avoiding my way too crowded normal routes (social-distancing).
On the plus side the car traffic is light with so many peeps working from home and so much retail closed. Although one right turning dude did try to run me over when I was in the bike lane. One of those shared bike lane/right turn lanes that dudes cannot seem to understand. I figured he'd try and run me over and he tried.
On the plus side the car traffic is light with so many peeps working from home and so much retail closed. Although one right turning dude did try to run me over when I was in the bike lane. One of those shared bike lane/right turn lanes that dudes cannot seem to understand. I figured he'd try and run me over and he tried.
I ride them, but I chose the safer roads...i guess that is relative. Example, the road from Runnels to Monroe, is dangerous. Main road for those headed to red rock with thier boats...too many close calls I been a part of and have seen..
Can’t go wrong with a CheckPoint, a friend rides one and loves it. SIAP you were looking at a CAADX which is one I’ve always had interest in but haven’t been around one. I don’t think you can do wrong with either.
For clothes my advice is to invest in good liners which others have already said. That is the one area don’t ever go cheap. I personally wear liner shorts underneath some baggier shorts that are either bike specific from brands like Specialized or PI and other times it’s just my plain old Prana hiking shorts over my liner. I personally hate cycling jerseys but will wear the more casual cycling shirts If they fit. Generally I just wear either hiking t-shirts or button downs. I’ve switched away from clips and have gone to big flat pedals, that’s just my preference based on the riding I do. 90% of my group clips in and it works perfect for them.
One other piece of advice that ties where the bike and clothing meet is to upgrade the saddle. Most bikes come with a cheaper general use saddle. Work with your bike shop to find one that fits you, your ass will appreciate it.
Like myself and others have already said just find what fits you and your style of riding. Most of my riding is just trying to get lost for the day or weekend. Which generally means I’m carrying bags that can be carrying anything from beer, hammock, camping gear, fishing gear, etc based on whether I’m doing a fun downtown ride with friends to going bike packing/fishing on a multi night trip. Over the years my clothes have evolved to match my riding which is very different from where I started.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/tour-bib-short
My brother gave me a pair of these (he's been an avid cyclist for a long time) and it's my #1 most important piece of cycling gear. You don't get any belt line chaffing or nipple chaffing (these are both real things in endurance sports), you get significant seat padding, and you can adjust the rest of your clothing around it. Want to wear something baggier? Perfect. Want to wear cycling jerseys and what not? Go for it. Either way, this thing will fit under it and keep you comfortable. I bought another set of bibs that were cheaper, but they aren't as good as the Giant ones.
I've personally gravitated towards cycling jerseys, because I like the back pockets. I can have my phone, wallet, water bottle, etc in there. I realize there are ways to attach all of these things safely to your bike, but I like the convenience. Especially if you stop somewhere on a more social ride. Plus, it's kind of fun to collect different jerseys. I have an ISU one (posted up thread), a Pulpit Rock one, a New Glarus one, and a Cresco Bicycles one.
I just got this bike also and I love it. very comfortable and a nice ride. I bought mine used 2019 for $1500.00
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What a bunch of wienies! I ride my old one speed on the trails in Western Iowa. Uphill all the way and no seat.Boomers are tougher than you think.
**** that ****. I am moving to Holland. No hills. FTW.
I’ve been talked in to cycling today as well. Hope the OP hasn’t gone too far down the rabbit hole. PULL THE TRIGGER
This is the truth. I do a lot of walking with the dog and I always thought the % of phone distracted drivers was 50%. I think the number is closer to 75%. It is also not only the younger drivers. The distracted phone use while driving does not discriminate against age.
I've found middle age women in large SUVs are the worst offenders. Younger people know how bluetooth works.
105 is good stuff. Tiagra is, as well, but I'd go for 105 unless it is cost prohibitive. It's usually not much of a price leap and it's good stuff.
