Bicycle Fans - official thread for people who love riding th

andyj1984

I have just started getting back into riding, and I love it, and can't believe I stopped for so long! I prefer off-roading it, so I have a big mountain bike which gets me everywhere. Its better for exercise as well, since you have to work much harder riding a mountain bike on roads. On the weekend I covered approximately 28 miles in two days, mostly off-road. I love it more than running (which I have also just started doing), since it doesn't hurt my ankles! LOL

I have plans to buy myself a really nice super-duper Giant mountain bike, in a few months time... Then maybe treat myself to a holiday in Wales for a few days with it (riding & camping).

sillygoose1977

I just moved up from my Trek 7.5 hybrid to a Trek 2.1. My mom just got a brand spanking new Madone 5.2 (holy crap, is it sweet bike!) so she gave me her "old" bike. I haven't gotten a chance to ride yet but I am super excited about going roadie and clipless. I normally ride at least 30 miles every Saturday but I need to bump it up to get ready for the Venus de Miles ride in August.

kent4j

When the weather's been icy, too cold, snowy, or rainy I've been using the statrionary bike at the gym at work. I also have a trainer that I can hook my bike up to but I haven't used that in a couple of years (fell off the fitness/diet wagon). Hopefully next winter that's what I'll be using.

mrecker

I really started getting into cycling last year. I was riding on a $200 mountain bike (mostly road riding) and I pretty much took that as far as it could go. I *really* enjoyed cruising past people on their more expensive road bikes. I don't think they much liked being beat by a mountain bike out on the road.

I had to upgrade this year. My bike was literally falling apart when I finally got myself a road bike. I got a great deal on a 2010 Trek 1.5 and absolutely love it. Now that the weather is finally warm again, I'm doing ~100 miles a week. M,W,Th are 20 mile days and Sat is usually longer, around 30-40 with Sunday being a toss-up. Sometimes I go hard on Sunday, sometimes I go easy.

I'm counting down the minutes every day until I can leave work and start my ride.

rydn4h2o

I just moved up from my Trek 7.5 hybrid to a Trek 2.1. My mom just got a brand spanking new Madone 5.2 (holy crap, is it sweet bike!) so she gave me her "old" bike. I haven't gotten a chance to ride yet but I am super excited about going roadie and clipless. I normally ride at least 30 miles every Saturday but I need to bump it up to get ready for the Venus de Miles ride in August.

OMG a Madone 5.2?? I'm jealous!! LOL

What is the Venus de Miles?

rydn4h2o

Okay. This may be a really dumb question, but what do y'all do in the winter when the weather's either too cold or crappy to ride?

Our bikes stay parked in the garage, but we have a stationary bike, and elliptical, and a treadmill at home....it's boring as he** using the machines that don't go anywhere, but it's better than nothing!

sillygoose1977

I really started getting into cycling last year. I was riding on a $200 mountain bike (mostly road riding) and I pretty much took that as far as it could go. I *really* enjoyed cruising past people on their more expensive road bikes. I don't think they much liked being beat by a mountain bike out on the road.

I had to upgrade this year. My bike was literally falling apart when I finally got myself a road bike. I got a great deal on a 2010 Trek 1.5 and absolutely love it. Now that the weather is finally warm again, I'm doing ~100 miles a week. M,W,Th are 20 mile days and Sat is usually longer, around 30-40 with Sunday being a toss-up. Sometimes I go hard on Sunday, sometimes I go easy.

I'm counting down the minutes every day until I can leave work and start my ride.

Show off!

sillygoose1977

I just moved up from my Trek 7.5 hybrid to a Trek 2.1. My mom just got a brand spanking new Madone 5.2 (holy crap, is it sweet bike!) so she gave me her "old" bike. I haven't gotten a chance to ride yet but I am super excited about going roadie and clipless. I normally ride at least 30 miles every Saturday but I need to bump it up to get ready for the Venus de Miles ride in August.

OMG a Madone 5.2?? I'm jealous!! LOL

What is the Venus de Miles?

It is a beautiful bike. Not to mention has every cool component you can imagine. The Venus de Miles is a women's ride that benefits Greenhouse Scholars. I'll be doing the 67 mile route. There is no way I'll be ready for the 100.

BryanAir

I really started getting into cycling last year. I was riding on a $200 mountain bike (mostly road riding) and I pretty much took that as far as it could go. I *really* enjoyed cruising past people on their more expensive road bikes. I don't think they much liked being beat by a mountain bike out on the road.

I had to upgrade this year. My bike was literally falling apart when I finally got myself a road bike. I got a great deal on a 2010 Trek 1.5 and absolutely love it. Now that the weather is finally warm again, I'm doing ~100 miles a week. M,W,Th are 20 mile days and Sat is usually longer, around 30-40 with Sunday being a toss-up. Sometimes I go hard on Sunday, sometimes I go easy.

I'm counting down the minutes every day until I can leave work and start my ride.

So, what is a good price on a Trek 1.5? I looked it up and that is a nice looking bike. (Of course I understand if you don't want to post it online.) I am going to buy a road bike to supplement by road recumbent as it is great for commuting, but not suitable for everywhere I want to go.

stenochick0417

I really started getting into cycling last year. I was riding on a $200 mountain bike (mostly road riding) and I pretty much took that as far as it could go. I *really* enjoyed cruising past people on their more expensive road bikes. I don't think they much liked being beat by a mountain bike out on the road.

I had to upgrade this year. My bike was literally falling apart when I finally got myself a road bike. I got a great deal on a 2010 Trek 1.5 and absolutely love it. Now that the weather is finally warm again, I'm doing ~100 miles a week. M,W,Th are 20 mile days and Sat is usually longer, around 30-40 with Sunday being a toss-up. Sometimes I go hard on Sunday, sometimes I go easy.

I'm counting down the minutes every day until I can leave work and start my ride.

OMG -- I thought I was the only one who counted down the workday just so I could ride! I was absolutely beautiful here yesterday and it was all I could do to just make it to 4:30. :bigsmile:

Well, when I started, I *struggled* on my $15 cheapie mountain bike, so I sure wasn't able to smoke anyone! And who cares if road bikers get irritated at people on "less worthy" bikes passing them. At least those bikers are out there doing something. My hubby, who rides A LOT, told me there's a such thing as bike snobbery out there. Who'da thought? I guess it's the same no matter what physical activity you try, or even if you go to the gym. Meh.

Once I get stronger and build my endurance, I want to be able to ride 100 miles a week. Mostly, I want to be able to keep up with the hubby and go on rides with him.

emmabee87

I just got a bike yesterday and a seat so my 18month old can ride with me! We rode about 4 miles yesterday, loved it!

janesmith1

The only "bike" person we got annoyed with was some guy on the creek trail with a GAS POWERED bike. Picture this, the creek trail, quiet, car-free, safe, pollution-free, walkers, bicyclists....it sounded like a motorcycle was on the creek trail which would be illegal I think, but it was a guy on a gas powered bicycle....and it was flat....I didn't see the point of that. I know about electric bicycles but this was a stinky gas powered thing....and loud too.

omg, it looked exactly like this:

http://compare.ebay.com/like/150477864455?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&rvr_id=226130555120&crlp=1_263602_309572&UA=?*F?&GUID=6f3159a812f0a0a9f6a2eac2ff389a4e&itemid=150477864455&ff4=263602_309572

how funny, had no idea about gas powered bikes before.

BryanAir

I really started getting into cycling last year. I was riding on a $200 mountain bike (mostly road riding) and I pretty much took that as far as it could go. I *really* enjoyed cruising past people on their more expensive road bikes. I don't think they much liked being beat by a mountain bike out on the road.

I had to upgrade this year. My bike was literally falling apart when I finally got myself a road bike. I got a great deal on a 2010 Trek 1.5 and absolutely love it. Now that the weather is finally warm again, I'm doing ~100 miles a week. M,W,Th are 20 mile days and Sat is usually longer, around 30-40 with Sunday being a toss-up. Sometimes I go hard on Sunday, sometimes I go easy.

I'm counting down the minutes every day until I can leave work and start my ride.

OMG -- I thought I was the only one who counted down the workday just so I could ride! I was absolutely beautiful here yesterday and it was all I could do to just make it to 4:30. :bigsmile:

Well, when I started, I *struggled* on my $15 cheapie mountain bike, so I sure wasn't able to smoke anyone! And who cares if road bikers get irritated at people on "less worthy" bikes passing them. At least those bikers are out there doing something. My hubby, who rides A LOT, told me there's a such thing as bike snobbery out there. Who'da thought? I guess it's the same no matter what physical activity you try, or even if you go to the gym. Meh.

Once I get stronger and build my endurance, I want to be able to ride 100 miles a week. Mostly, I want to be able to keep up with the hubby and go on rides with him.

I have to tell you, I would be pretty surprised if someone on a mountain bike passed me on a bike trail. I averaged 21 mph for the last 3 miles of my commute today. It wouldn't irritate me though, it would impress me.

BryanAir

The only "bike" person we got annoyed with was some guy on the creek trail with a GAS POWERED bike. Picture this, the creek trail, quiet, car-free, safe, pollution-free, walkers, bicyclists....it sounded like a motorcycle was on the creek trail which would be illegal I think, but it was a guy on a gas powered bicycle....and it was flat....I didn't see the point of that. I know about electric bicycles but this was a stinky gas powered thing....and loud too.

omg, it looked exactly like this:

http://compare.ebay.com/like/150477864455?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&rvr_id=226130555120&crlp=1_263602_309572&UA=?*F?&GUID=6f3159a812f0a0a9f6a2eac2ff389a4e&itemid=150477864455&ff4=263602_309572

how funny, had no idea about gas powered bikes before.

Okay, that bike is awesome. It has a WWII French Resistance look to it. I know what you mean though. I love the serenity of a separate bike trail with no motors.

janesmith1

Okay, that bike is awesome. It has a WWII French Resistance look to it. I know what you mean though. I love the serenity of a separate bike trail with no motors.

Oh yeah, it looked awesome, it was just loud....that was why it was a bit annoying. But definitely very cool looking.

ColoradoRobin

I have the beginning signs of arthritis in my knees, which jogging exacerbated. My doctor recommended biking as a lower impact activity to maintain leg strength, joint stability, and lose weight. I would need to get a bike that fits me, as the frame I bought from a friend many years ago is too tall for me.

I would like to be able to ride on the gravel bike trails along with some road biking. Not thinking of mountain trails yet, although I live in Colorado. I was considering a hybrid or comfort women's bike. I want a flat bar and more upright posture, not a bent over racing bike. Any suggestions of what to look for? Should I join a gym first and do some stationary work before buying a bike? I was considering a gym for weights and cardio classes in any case. Thanks.

vanadia

I just wish my town was more bike friendly. It's not fun having to bike on the shoulder of a road with cars going 50 mph and having few places to chain up the thing.

songbyrdsweet

I LOOOVVVVVE BIKING!

I bike everywhere I can.

That's all. ^_^

janesmith1

I have the beginning signs of arthritis in my knees, which jogging exacerbated. My doctor recommended biking as a lower impact activity to maintain leg strength, joint stability, and lose weight. I would need to get a bike that fits me, as the frame I bought from a friend many years ago is too tall for me.

I would like to be able to ride on the gravel bike trails along with some road biking. Not thinking of mountain trails yet, although I live in Colorado. I was considering a hybrid or comfort women's bike. I want a flat bar and more upright posture, not a bent over racing bike. Any suggestions of what to look for? Should I join a gym first and do some stationary work before buying a bike? I was considering a gym for weights and cardio classes in any case. Thanks.

I have a hybrid comfort bike a Marin Stinson, and it's definitely a great bike! I even have the "boy bar" on it because that bike fit me better than the girl bike. I tried a Trek Navigator and that was really fun....the downside is that online some people said that they had spokes that broke on it, but the dealers fixed it or w/e. The upside about the Trek Navigator is that it comes in a Lilac color, and I really really wanted that color and wanted that bike, it was comfy and great. But my bike, the Marin Stinson just gave me a perfect fit and was totally awesome, plus, we wanted to buy our bikes at the same shop - DH & I, and he wanted his Specialized Crossroad, I mean really wanted it, so I got my Marin Stinson, which is awesome, but not in a pretty Lilac color like the Trek Navigator (it's in silver). So I would recommend you get to a Trek store and try out their Navigator, I'm pretty sure you'll love it.

Allibaba

I have been an avid cyclist off and on for the past several years, I think that it is about to be back ON since I am signing up for this:

http://www.bc.lung.ca/campaigns_and_events/bicycle_trek.html

HayesSanborn

My stable includes Blue Norcross from Cyclocross racing. Waiting on delivery its back ordered. Can't wait to build it up.

Felt DA 2008 for Triathlon and Time Trialing

Serotta CX for road racing

sillygoose1977

I have the beginning signs of arthritis in my knees, which jogging exacerbated. My doctor recommended biking as a lower impact activity to maintain leg strength, joint stability, and lose weight. I would need to get a bike that fits me, as the frame I bought from a friend many years ago is too tall for me.

I would like to be able to ride on the gravel bike trails along with some road biking. Not thinking of mountain trails yet, although I live in Colorado. I was considering a hybrid or comfort women's bike. I want a flat bar and more upright posture, not a bent over racing bike. Any suggestions of what to look for? Should I join a gym first and do some stationary work before buying a bike? I was considering a gym for weights and cardio classes in any case. Thanks.

I'm not sure about the Springs but Denver has the BEST bike paths that are mostly paved. Look for a lighter weight bike and make sure you get a professional to fit you.

johnwhitent

My stable includes Blue Norcross from Cyclocross racing. Waiting on delivery its back ordered. Can't wait to build it up.

Felt DA 2008 for Triathlon and Time Trialing

Serotta CX for road racing

Man you have some super sweet bikes! Way out of my league - even out of my dream capabilities. Congrats.

fasttrack27

I've gotten into biking the last couple years. I also do a lot of spin classes year-round which helps keep my legs and butt ready for summer. I'm not into cold weather biking so I only have 4-5 months of the yr to bike outside. Where I live isnt safe (hilly, narrow, high speed streets) so I have to drive to places where I can go which limits me from going more often. I usually get in a couple 10-20 mile rides a week, and an occasional 30-40 mile trip. Most of my gym workouts are crazy early while its still dark out - its the only time I can fit them into a very busy life. This is another reason I dont get to bike as often as i'd like. I'd like to do a century some day, or join a group the rides from here to the Mackinaw Bridge once a year - we'll see. I just have a pretty basic Giant road bike, but its been very dependable.

Windi38

I am TOTALLY loving biking!!

I've got a mid 90s Specialized Rock Hopper and a 15 mile trail right by the house. I did some riding last year when we moved here, kind of sporadically, never got over 8 miles or so, except a few times when we went out as a family and did a leisure ride.

but this year, I decided that biking would be my main form of exercise and I was going to do it nearly every day. For the last 4 weeks I've ridden at least 5 times a week, and I've gone from 8 mile rides at around 9 or 10mph to 17 mile rides at 12-12.5mph.

I told myself I'd never ride less than an hour, and now I'm out around an hour and twenty minutes every time, pushing myself to do 'just a little more' than the last ride!

I'm burning 500-630 calories at a time, and I've lost 8 pounds in these last 4 weeks!

My goal is now is to get to 30 miles---that's riding the whole trail up and back. We live at the half-way point on the trail.

Anyway, glad to see other bicyclists!

maorifulla

Love cycling, cycle everyday to work 12km there and back on my roady and hit the local mtb tracks right in my backyard on my hardrock. Awesum

billdavismqt

I love to bike. We still have snow on the ground so have not been outside yet. This winter I hit the stationary bike pretty hard at the gym (100 miles or so per week) but I am getting tired of that. One of my goals after my initial weight loss was to ride the Michigander which is a 6-7 day ride covering about 300 miles. It has a different course each year so the distances vary. I am getting ready to send in my registration for this year which will be the third time I have done it. I had to miss one year due to hip replacement. Riding outdoors is the time I feel less like a draft horse and more like a race horse! I have both a road bike and a mountain bike, both made by Specialized. I think that the most important decision in choosing a brand is the local dealer, especially for new riders. A good bike shop will make the difference between pleasure and torture as they will help you choose the right bike and make sure that it fits properly as well as works properly.

leilaphoenix

I my bicycle! I have a Ridgeback Speed hybrid. It is white and shiney and I like to honk my horn at tourists. I love being able to get about the city quicker than anyone trying to drive or use public transport.

Woo hoo for BICYCLES!

A recent test with some of my friends who all happened to have got to the same location for dinner via different modes of transport

Oxford city centre -> my house
Bicycle - 12 minutes
Motorcycle - 13 minutes
Car - 20 minutes
Bus - 35 minutes
Skateboard (!) - 50 minutes

michelegrayson

Great thread! I love bike riding and rode my first metric century this weekend (63 miles). Actually it turned out to be 66 miles as they did not mark the course accurately but who is counting! We climed over 2500 feet in the hills of California and it was quite the workout. I couldn't stop eating at all the rest stops and I'm hoping i don't post my first weight gain this week!

I am in the market for a new bike as mine is a 15 year old Steel Trek. The BF and I ride every weekend so I feel I have earned a new bike. Any recommendations??

janesmith1

@Michele - my husband bought a Specialized Crosstrail that's supposed to be very fast & good. They actually built it for him, he tried it twice and on the 2nd try-out he bought it.

Today it was lightly raining/sprinkling & I saw a bike rider (male) in shorts, with his helmet riding around...