Getting my lard arse fit again - getting a road bike
Discussion
I've decided that I really ought to do some exercise. I used to do a lot of mountain biking when I was a kid but then found booze and girls... well it's all gone a bit downhill since then and I've put on a couple of stone.
So I want to get myself fit, I have a mountain bike which I seldom use as it just seems inefficient on the road and I don't have anyone to go out on the hills with
So, a mate of mine is into road biking and is keen to get me out on a road bike and this has given me some motivation... which in fact is something I've been lacking.
So firstly I need a bike, it'll be on a work cycle scheme so I can spend a decent amount. My mate has suggested a budget of around £1000 to include bike and accessories, the bike costing £650. He suggested:
Focus Variado Expert Triple £650
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Variado_Ex...
Pedals £35
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shimano_PD-R540_...
Shoes £60
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shimano_R086_Roa...
Shorts £20
Jersey £40
Waterproof £50
Lights £30
Bottle cage £10
Next I need to really motivate myself (something I'm lacking) to get out and do it, so a training program to follow from 'generally unfit' to 'jumping on my bike and doing 50+ miles isn't a problem'.
So I look to the PH collective for inspiration!
So I want to get myself fit, I have a mountain bike which I seldom use as it just seems inefficient on the road and I don't have anyone to go out on the hills with
So, a mate of mine is into road biking and is keen to get me out on a road bike and this has given me some motivation... which in fact is something I've been lacking.
So firstly I need a bike, it'll be on a work cycle scheme so I can spend a decent amount. My mate has suggested a budget of around £1000 to include bike and accessories, the bike costing £650. He suggested:
Focus Variado Expert Triple £650
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Variado_Ex...
Pedals £35
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shimano_PD-R540_...
Shoes £60
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shimano_R086_Roa...
Shorts £20
Jersey £40
Waterproof £50
Lights £30
Bottle cage £10
Next I need to really motivate myself (something I'm lacking) to get out and do it, so a training program to follow from 'generally unfit' to 'jumping on my bike and doing 50+ miles isn't a problem'.
So I look to the PH collective for inspiration!
Edited by Mag1calTrev0r on Wednesday 11th August 15:20
OP, are you me?
I'm in exactly the same position in that being a desk meister has curtailed my ability and subsequent ambition to get fit.
I used to race DH as a kid, but that stopped when I moved to uni. I bought a MTB last year, but living in a flat in town means that I ahave to drive somewhere to ride it, which seldom happens.
So last week, in a bid fight my ever-expanding waistline, I ordered one of these:
And for added impetuous, I've agreed to take part in some distance challenge thing for charity, to force me into riding the tits off it.
My advice to you is to buy the best (lightest) bike you can afford. The frame (IMO) is the most important aspect, so this is where you should direct your cash; group-sets can be upgraded later.
Good luck
I'm in exactly the same position in that being a desk meister has curtailed my ability and subsequent ambition to get fit.
I used to race DH as a kid, but that stopped when I moved to uni. I bought a MTB last year, but living in a flat in town means that I ahave to drive somewhere to ride it, which seldom happens.
So last week, in a bid fight my ever-expanding waistline, I ordered one of these:
And for added impetuous, I've agreed to take part in some distance challenge thing for charity, to force me into riding the tits off it.
My advice to you is to buy the best (lightest) bike you can afford. The frame (IMO) is the most important aspect, so this is where you should direct your cash; group-sets can be upgraded later.
Good luck
I look at this from the completely opposite point of view. I cycle to keep fit, so I use my mountain bike for the very reason that it takes more effort than a road bike, as for me it means I'm working harder to get up the hills and keep up with mates on hybrids etc.
If you are trying to win a race by all means get the latest lightest gear, if you are trying to get fit why waste money making the cycling easier?
If you are trying to win a race by all means get the latest lightest gear, if you are trying to get fit why waste money making the cycling easier?
Bluequay said:
I look at this from the completely opposite point of view. I cycle to keep fit, so I use my mountain bike for the very reason that it takes more effort than a road bike, as for me it means I'm working harder to get up the hills and keep up with mates on hybrids etc.
If you are trying to win a race by all means get the latest lightest gear, if you are trying to get fit why waste money making the cycling easier?
When you aren't cycling with a group, there is nothing to stop you putting in exactly the amount of effort and just going faster/further, which in turn will make it more fun and feel like more of an achievement, which will keep you doing it when you might have otherwise given up.If you are trying to win a race by all means get the latest lightest gear, if you are trying to get fit why waste money making the cycling easier?
(that's my excuse anyway!)
Mr Will said:
Bluequay said:
I look at this from the completely opposite point of view. I cycle to keep fit, so I use my mountain bike for the very reason that it takes more effort than a road bike, as for me it means I'm working harder to get up the hills and keep up with mates on hybrids etc.
If you are trying to win a race by all means get the latest lightest gear, if you are trying to get fit why waste money making the cycling easier?
When you aren't cycling with a group, there is nothing to stop you putting in exactly the amount of effort and just going faster/further, which in turn will make it more fun and feel like more of an achievement, which will keep you doing it when you might have otherwise given up.If you are trying to win a race by all means get the latest lightest gear, if you are trying to get fit why waste money making the cycling easier?
(that's my excuse anyway!)
An MTB is an inefficient road device. You wouldn't be deliberately inefficient at work, so why do it during exercise?
Exercise is just as much about mental fitness, as it is about physical fitness. If you're getting nowhere on a heavy MTB, your mental stamina will suffer as a result.
IMO.
Great Pretender said:
OP, are you me?
I'm in exactly the same position in that being a desk meister has curtailed my ability and subsequent ambition to get fit.
I used to race DH as a kid, but that stopped when I moved to uni. I bought a MTB last year, but living in a flat in town means that I ahave to drive somewhere to ride it, which seldom happens.
So last week, in a bid fight my ever-expanding waistline, I ordered one of these:
And for added impetuous, I've agreed to take part in some distance challenge thing for charity, to force me into riding the tits off it.
My advice to you is to buy the best (lightest) bike you can afford. The frame (IMO) is the most important aspect, so this is where you should direct your cash; group-sets can be upgraded later.
Good luck
Yeeouch, how much! So you're not really just dipping a toe in the water then?!I'm in exactly the same position in that being a desk meister has curtailed my ability and subsequent ambition to get fit.
I used to race DH as a kid, but that stopped when I moved to uni. I bought a MTB last year, but living in a flat in town means that I ahave to drive somewhere to ride it, which seldom happens.
So last week, in a bid fight my ever-expanding waistline, I ordered one of these:
And for added impetuous, I've agreed to take part in some distance challenge thing for charity, to force me into riding the tits off it.
My advice to you is to buy the best (lightest) bike you can afford. The frame (IMO) is the most important aspect, so this is where you should direct your cash; group-sets can be upgraded later.
Good luck
Great Pretender said:
Mr Will said:
Bluequay said:
I look at this from the completely opposite point of view. I cycle to keep fit, so I use my mountain bike for the very reason that it takes more effort than a road bike, as for me it means I'm working harder to get up the hills and keep up with mates on hybrids etc.
If you are trying to win a race by all means get the latest lightest gear, if you are trying to get fit why waste money making the cycling easier?
When you aren't cycling with a group, there is nothing to stop you putting in exactly the amount of effort and just going faster/further, which in turn will make it more fun and feel like more of an achievement, which will keep you doing it when you might have otherwise given up.If you are trying to win a race by all means get the latest lightest gear, if you are trying to get fit why waste money making the cycling easier?
(that's my excuse anyway!)
An MTB is an inefficient road device. You wouldn't be deliberately inefficient at work, so why do it during exercise?
Exercise is just as much about mental fitness, as it is about physical fitness. If you're getting nowhere on a heavy MTB, your mental stamina will suffer as a result.
IMO.
PS: If you do have an issue with motivation get yourself a heart rate monitor so you can monitor the effort you are putting in, stops you from cheating yourself into pretending you are really trying.
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 11th August 15:59
Great Pretender said:
OP, are you me?
I'm in exactly the same position in that being a desk meister has curtailed my ability and subsequent ambition to get fit.
I used to race DH as a kid, but that stopped when I moved to uni. I bought a MTB last year, but living in a flat in town means that I ahave to drive somewhere to ride it, which seldom happens.
So last week, in a bid fight my ever-expanding waistline, I ordered one of these:
And for added impetuous, I've agreed to take part in some distance challenge thing for charity, to force me into riding the tits off it.
My advice to you is to buy the best (lightest) bike you can afford. The frame (IMO) is the most important aspect, so this is where you should direct your cash; group-sets can be upgraded later.
Good luck
Where did you order it from???I'm in exactly the same position in that being a desk meister has curtailed my ability and subsequent ambition to get fit.
I used to race DH as a kid, but that stopped when I moved to uni. I bought a MTB last year, but living in a flat in town means that I ahave to drive somewhere to ride it, which seldom happens.
So last week, in a bid fight my ever-expanding waistline, I ordered one of these:
And for added impetuous, I've agreed to take part in some distance challenge thing for charity, to force me into riding the tits off it.
My advice to you is to buy the best (lightest) bike you can afford. The frame (IMO) is the most important aspect, so this is where you should direct your cash; group-sets can be upgraded later.
Good luck
To the OP:
Where do you live? Cycling is fun socially too, and there are PHers all over the place with alsorts of skill levels.
In terms of a training program, just get out and ride whilst the summer is still with us. We'll discuss interval training on a Turbo when you can't get out in the evenings!
Bluequay said:
I look at this from the completely opposite point of view. I cycle to keep fit, so I use my mountain bike for the very reason that it takes more effort than a road bike, as for me it means I'm working harder to get up the hills and keep up with mates on hybrids etc.
If you are trying to win a race by all means get the latest lightest gear, if you are trying to get fit why waste money making the cycling easier?
For me I just find using the mountain bike on the road draining and therefore frustratin and unenjoyable... which in turn makes me not enjoy it.If you are trying to win a race by all means get the latest lightest gear, if you are trying to get fit why waste money making the cycling easier?
I think a road bike will let me get out of the city quicker and venture further on my rides for the same energy spent. This in turn adds variety (more route options) and therefore keeps my interest up.
louiebaby said:
To the OP:
Where do you live? Cycling is fun socially too, and there are PHers all over the place with alsorts of skill levels.
In terms of a training program, just get out and ride whilst the summer is still with us. We'll discuss interval training on a Turbo when you can't get out in the evenings!
BristolWhere do you live? Cycling is fun socially too, and there are PHers all over the place with alsorts of skill levels.
In terms of a training program, just get out and ride whilst the summer is still with us. We'll discuss interval training on a Turbo when you can't get out in the evenings!
Mag1calTrev0r said:
Great Pretender said:
OP, are you me?
I'm in exactly the same position in that being a desk meister has curtailed my ability and subsequent ambition to get fit.
I used to race DH as a kid, but that stopped when I moved to uni. I bought a MTB last year, but living in a flat in town means that I ahave to drive somewhere to ride it, which seldom happens.
So last week, in a bid fight my ever-expanding waistline, I ordered one of these:
And for added impetuous, I've agreed to take part in some distance challenge thing for charity, to force me into riding the tits off it.
My advice to you is to buy the best (lightest) bike you can afford. The frame (IMO) is the most important aspect, so this is where you should direct your cash; group-sets can be upgraded later.
Good luck
Yeeouch, how much! So you're not really just dipping a toe in the water then?!I'm in exactly the same position in that being a desk meister has curtailed my ability and subsequent ambition to get fit.
I used to race DH as a kid, but that stopped when I moved to uni. I bought a MTB last year, but living in a flat in town means that I ahave to drive somewhere to ride it, which seldom happens.
So last week, in a bid fight my ever-expanding waistline, I ordered one of these:
And for added impetuous, I've agreed to take part in some distance challenge thing for charity, to force me into riding the tits off it.
My advice to you is to buy the best (lightest) bike you can afford. The frame (IMO) is the most important aspect, so this is where you should direct your cash; group-sets can be upgraded later.
Good luck
Strange logic I know...
Great Pretender said:
OP, are you me?
I'm in exactly the same position in that being a desk meister has curtailed my ability and subsequent ambition to get fit.
I used to race DH as a kid, but that stopped when I moved to uni. I bought a MTB last year, but living in a flat in town means that I ahave to drive somewhere to ride it, which seldom happens.
So last week, in a bid fight my ever-expanding waistline, I ordered one of these:
And for added impetuous, I've agreed to take part in some distance challenge thing for charity, to force me into riding the tits off it.
My advice to you is to buy the best (lightest) bike you can afford. The frame (IMO) is the most important aspect, so this is where you should direct your cash; group-sets can be upgraded later.
Good luck
I was in the exact same position, got exactly the same bike and haven't looked back. Commute is 14 miles each way and I look forward to since I got the new bike versus on my MTB.I'm in exactly the same position in that being a desk meister has curtailed my ability and subsequent ambition to get fit.
I used to race DH as a kid, but that stopped when I moved to uni. I bought a MTB last year, but living in a flat in town means that I ahave to drive somewhere to ride it, which seldom happens.
So last week, in a bid fight my ever-expanding waistline, I ordered one of these:
And for added impetuous, I've agreed to take part in some distance challenge thing for charity, to force me into riding the tits off it.
My advice to you is to buy the best (lightest) bike you can afford. The frame (IMO) is the most important aspect, so this is where you should direct your cash; group-sets can be upgraded later.
Good luck
No one to ride with but got a Garmin Edge in the US and beating my course record on that keeps me interested. Now all I need is a PH shirt!
Oooh, this thread was made for me as well.
Inspired by the London Triathlon at the weekend my names already down for the Olympic team race next year, i'm only doing the 40km bike leg but aim to do a couple of
So i purchased:
Specialized Allez double (apparently Triples are fr ghey's, and Swerni) - £350.00 - Show offer
DHB RC carbon shoes - £50.00 - Show offer
Shimano SPD pedals - £25.00 - Show offer
Also having delivered today:
Spesh Cage and bottle
Lycra shorts
Sepsh helmet
few other bits and bobs, so i really am all the gear and no idea.
My other motivator is diabetes, over the last couple of years i've lost some serious fitness to this issue, as i refuse to call it a disability, yet.
Inspired by the London Triathlon at the weekend my names already down for the Olympic team race next year, i'm only doing the 40km bike leg but aim to do a couple of
So i purchased:
Specialized Allez double (apparently Triples are fr ghey's, and Swerni) - £350.00 - Show offer
DHB RC carbon shoes - £50.00 - Show offer
Shimano SPD pedals - £25.00 - Show offer
Also having delivered today:
Spesh Cage and bottle
Lycra shorts
Sepsh helmet
few other bits and bobs, so i really am all the gear and no idea.
My other motivator is diabetes, over the last couple of years i've lost some serious fitness to this issue, as i refuse to call it a disability, yet.
louiebaby said:
Great Pretender said:
Mr Will said:
Mag1calTrev0r said:
Yeeouch, how much!
He saved £400, that's the figure that matters
Where did you get your Cannondale from???
Please...
Mag1calTrev0r said:
louiebaby said:
Where do you live?
Bristol.On the hills you'll need to work harder, obviously, and coming down the hills keep your legs moving, even if you're not keeping up with the free wheel. (Should help to relax the muscles after a big climb.
Going from mountain bike to a road bike is a big change. You'll notice it most the first time you set off, the first time ou try to unclip, and the first time you stand up to go up a hill, and the first time you try to get going again in clips on a hill!
Enjoy it and welcome to the gang!
I rode my trusty 7 year old MTB to work the other day. First time any sort of distance for 4-5 months. Whilst it was more comfy than my TT bike that I race and train on. It felt like it was made of elastic and the wheels only wanted to go in straight lines. If I started commuting to work regualrly I'd get a cheap road bike. Obiously NOT a triple though.
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