Cyclists - Advice Please

LanderRose81

Hello everyone. I am a runner but also really want to get into cycling. What advice could you offer me - I have tried researching bikes but it just made my head spin because I had no clue what I was looking for. Budget does play a big factor, but I also want something that will work for what I need. I plan to road ride - and eventually (down the road) want to train for a Tri.

Any advice you could send my way would be very much appreciated, whether it is on types of bikes or training tips.

Thanks again.

wellbert

I posted about this in my blog on this site--->

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/wellbert

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

BrianSharpe

If you're think there may be a tri in your future then definitely a road bike would be the way to go. You might want to go over an lurk at bikeforums.net - lots of good info on all sorts of bikes there. You're right though, the choices are almost limitless and you can spend a pile of money on a bike.

The single most important thing about your bike is that it fits you properly. This counts for mechanical efficiency, comfort and avoiding injuries.

Avoid the big box stores, usually they're selling poorly made bikes and have staff that don't know the first thing about what they're selling. A bike shop may be a little pricier but you're much more likely to get a lot of added value (proper fitting, free tune ups etc), don't confuse price with value.

Go for substance over style. Everybody gets all excited about saving 25g here and there. Unless you plan on riding a the Tour de France you don't need to obsess over the bike's weight. Carbon fibre may be sexy but don't discount an aluminum frame (there are some incredible steel frame bikes still being made that aren't too heavy or expensive and will probably last forever)

Good wheels are important (no, you don't need the 60mm carbon fibre - you may want them but....) and good tires too (consider having one set for training/commuting and another for racing - lower rolling resistance tire is probably more important than bike weight if you're on a fairly flat course).

When choosing your cleats & pedals think "degrees of float" - if you're like a lot of runners a cleat/pedal combination that gives you zero float is more likely to lead to an overuse injury (my right IT band can tell you all about that but I digress) personally I like the Look red cleats and Keo pedals - lots of float and easy to clip in and out.

mlb929

I have my bike on a stationary trainer for cross training as part of my running plan. I just switched from a mountain bike on my trainer to a road bike - it's one of the better decisions I've made. The road bike feels so much better, is smoother, and a better angle. I was having hamstring issues from the other bike, but boy this has really helped and it's only been a week.

So I'm seconding the suggestion that you need a road bike, they aren't cheap - mine was on the lower end of prices, which was OK since I only really plan on using it on a trainer. Check Craiglist for used ones, and make sure you get properly measured before you go buy one not in a bike shop.

LanderRose81

Thanks for all the great advice!!!