iPhone bike mount (or not) and getting fit...
Discussion
2 threads. Sortof.
I'm trying to get fit and lose some weight (about a stone if I can) and have taken to cycling (turns out running does a real number on my shins) - I'm up to 15 miles in one ride and do this in about an hour which, considering I've only got back into this in the past 2 weeks, I'm happy with (for now).
I've 2 questions and it seems pointless starting 2 threads:
Firstly - I have an iPhone 4and I'm trying to find a mount kit for it for my bike (Giant SCR 4) - I've seen a few on Amazon and around, but they all get real mixed reviews and aren't exactly cheap. Are these worth it, if so, which one? Or do I go for a simple bike "computer" - if so which and should I go with wired or not and how easy are they to calibrate?
Secondly - As I want to get fit and try to shift this spare tyre I've "discovered" - what tips can anyone give me (dieting sucks, but I can see it's a neccesity (sp)? I've a target of 60 miles a week at the moment (4x rides a week) but I want to increase this and increase my fitness. I know 60 miles a week is relatively nothing in this company, but although I've had my SCR for a couple of years, it's had very little use.
Lastly - What kit "should" I carry with me - puncture kit wise as I don't have anything (nor do I have the first idea of how to fix a puncture - I'll figure that one out for myself)?
I'm trying to get fit and lose some weight (about a stone if I can) and have taken to cycling (turns out running does a real number on my shins) - I'm up to 15 miles in one ride and do this in about an hour which, considering I've only got back into this in the past 2 weeks, I'm happy with (for now).
I've 2 questions and it seems pointless starting 2 threads:
Firstly - I have an iPhone 4and I'm trying to find a mount kit for it for my bike (Giant SCR 4) - I've seen a few on Amazon and around, but they all get real mixed reviews and aren't exactly cheap. Are these worth it, if so, which one? Or do I go for a simple bike "computer" - if so which and should I go with wired or not and how easy are they to calibrate?
Secondly - As I want to get fit and try to shift this spare tyre I've "discovered" - what tips can anyone give me (dieting sucks, but I can see it's a neccesity (sp)? I've a target of 60 miles a week at the moment (4x rides a week) but I want to increase this and increase my fitness. I know 60 miles a week is relatively nothing in this company, but although I've had my SCR for a couple of years, it's had very little use.
Lastly - What kit "should" I carry with me - puncture kit wise as I don't have anything (nor do I have the first idea of how to fix a puncture - I'll figure that one out for myself)?
The dahon/biologic mount is meant to be good. Pricey though at £40 or so. I use a Garmin Forerunner strapped to the bars which does a good job of both GPS bike computer (for distance, time, speed, etc) plus recording where I've been to look at later. Can also plan out a route on the PC and transfer it - just an arrow with a black line to follow but works well enough. Battery lasts all day easily too, wheras an iPhone won't if it's doing GPS with the display on - I'd rather keep it tucked away and just use it to check a map if I'm lost.
Forerunner 205 is £86 at the moment: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000F5HZHQ
As for tools/spares, I always have a spare tube, levers, a few patches and some way of inflating the tyre (pump or CO2) along with a small multitool (allen keys, etc). That will get you home almost all the time. Further afield I'd take a leatherman-type tool, chain splitter, spoke key, maybe a second tube.
Forerunner 205 is £86 at the moment: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000F5HZHQ
As for tools/spares, I always have a spare tube, levers, a few patches and some way of inflating the tyre (pump or CO2) along with a small multitool (allen keys, etc). That will get you home almost all the time. Further afield I'd take a leatherman-type tool, chain splitter, spoke key, maybe a second tube.
sjg said:
Stuff
Thanks - The forerunner is a bit pricey - I can't justify spending that (just replaced a lens that I hadn't anticipated needing to replace) - I'm not at that stage where I'm out for more than an hour yet either.Kit advice there is helpful
ILoveLamp said:
Other stuff
Inner tube advice is sound there, thanks - I'm cycling with a mate at the moment, it's not too leisurely, but I think it could do with being a bit harder - I need to plot my route too, as where I live isn't that hilly, although, I'm sure I could cycle out to somewhere that is...I am trying to cut the crap, but I seem to be working a lot from home which is, I've found, fatal...
I have one of those little zip up pouches that hangs from the underside of the saddle and loops around the seat post to hold my iPhone (and keys) in, works fine and the fact the phone is inside doesn't seem to affect the GPS for my Mapmyride app.
As for stuff to carry, if you don't fancy trying to repair a puncture just get one of those multitool Allen key plus jobbies, a couple of tyre levers a small pump and a couple of spare inner tubes. I normally carry that round in a small rucksack which also has one of those drinks bags with a tube attached, plus a lightweight wind/waterproof jacket. Also, if I'm out for a few hours I might carry a couple of snacks too.
As for stuff to carry, if you don't fancy trying to repair a puncture just get one of those multitool Allen key plus jobbies, a couple of tyre levers a small pump and a couple of spare inner tubes. I normally carry that round in a small rucksack which also has one of those drinks bags with a tube attached, plus a lightweight wind/waterproof jacket. Also, if I'm out for a few hours I might carry a couple of snacks too.
If you want to lose weight, aim for 200km a week. Not to start, obviously, but after (say) 2-3 months of +10% a week.
In my experience, that's the point at which weight control becomes easier - you just have to mind the portions and skip the odd evening meal and the weight will drop off.
Think of training to train, you want to get the point fitness-wise where you can ride at a decent pace for 7-8 hours a week without constantly shoving food into your gob.
In my experience, that's the point at which weight control becomes easier - you just have to mind the portions and skip the odd evening meal and the weight will drop off.
Think of training to train, you want to get the point fitness-wise where you can ride at a decent pace for 7-8 hours a week without constantly shoving food into your gob.
I (and a few others here) use a RAM mount for our iPhones. These are made specifically for the iPhone and very secure. Approx £20 on Amazon.
There were howls of derision and predictions of broken phones, but I don' know of any that have been broken yet. For riding in unfamiliar forests, a good app running OpenCycle maps makes a huge difference to where you will be prepared to go.
There were howls of derision and predictions of broken phones, but I don' know of any that have been broken yet. For riding in unfamiliar forests, a good app running OpenCycle maps makes a huge difference to where you will be prepared to go.
HundredthIdiot said:
Stuff
And there's my weakness - food... I'm trying to be better, but working from home a lot doesn't help!I need to get fit, I need to stop eating so much and I need to lose weight - At least I have the motivation, however, sometimes it's too easy to just slack off and not bother.
I intend to draw up a plan, but I don't want to be out all the time - I want to ensure I try to maintain a balance with work/home/three year old
Raven Flyer said:
Stuff
This one?http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ez--Ez-Off-Bicycle-Handleb...
james_tigerwoods said:
And there's my weakness - food... I'm trying to be better, but working from home a lot doesn't help!
I got fat when I worked from home. You need to time-lock your office. Or the kitchen.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0BWjkA1IIA
1) Use endomondo. It's a great app that tracks you on GPS, slaps it on a map, tells you how many calories (roughly) you've burned, and uploads it all onto a diary so you can monitor your progress. I've found it inspiring and I'm no app w
e. Personally I dislike bike mounts... too exposed ,too risky, you drop sweat into your phone, can't see it in sunlight..... Plan a basic route out on googlemaps, then get out and ride it. Use the phone for getting your bearings if you get lost.
2) I'm in the same boat. I've put on about 10km over the last few years, but I've given myself a kick up the are this year. I made a resolution to got from 89Kg to under 81Kg this year. So far I'm kicking the arse out of it: 84Kg.
I've done this by cycling at all opportunities. I've also cut out the junk. I went on a strict calorie counting diet for a month just to see what I was consuming. I enjoyed making smaller portions of healthy meals, cut out fried cafe breakfasts and takeaways etc. I now have a fried breakfast and one takeaways a month. I don't deny myself anything, just moderate my intake and combined with more excersize its working a charm.
When eating:
Am I actually hungry?
Fruit - as much as I like.
Weigh out carbs - its easy to cook yourself a double portion of rice ,pasta or spuds if you're used to big portions.
Don't eat st for the sake of it.
Ask 'what is the healthy option?' Every time... Tea instead of latte, a biscuit instead of the slice of cake, a 2 finger kit kat instead of a mars bar if it has to be chocolate. Apple instead of crisps.
Hand in hand with that: Portion control. As above weigh out carbs until you have a good idea of what a real portion looks like, don't finish your other half dinner routinely... it all adds up.
For exercise, try and build it into your daily routine. Can you bike to work? You're getting your commute done and a health kick at the same time.
Take up something you've always wanted to try so its new and exciting. I started Jim Jitsu. Whilst it doesn't get you fit in itself ,its an inspiration to be more active and lose some weight.
Once you've got a base of fitness there you'll find excessive becomes easier and more fun.
e. Personally I dislike bike mounts... too exposed ,too risky, you drop sweat into your phone, can't see it in sunlight..... Plan a basic route out on googlemaps, then get out and ride it. Use the phone for getting your bearings if you get lost.2) I'm in the same boat. I've put on about 10km over the last few years, but I've given myself a kick up the are this year. I made a resolution to got from 89Kg to under 81Kg this year. So far I'm kicking the arse out of it: 84Kg.
I've done this by cycling at all opportunities. I've also cut out the junk. I went on a strict calorie counting diet for a month just to see what I was consuming. I enjoyed making smaller portions of healthy meals, cut out fried cafe breakfasts and takeaways etc. I now have a fried breakfast and one takeaways a month. I don't deny myself anything, just moderate my intake and combined with more excersize its working a charm.
When eating:
Am I actually hungry?
Fruit - as much as I like.
Weigh out carbs - its easy to cook yourself a double portion of rice ,pasta or spuds if you're used to big portions.
Don't eat s
t for the sake of it.Ask 'what is the healthy option?' Every time... Tea instead of latte, a biscuit instead of the slice of cake, a 2 finger kit kat instead of a mars bar if it has to be chocolate. Apple instead of crisps.
Hand in hand with that: Portion control. As above weigh out carbs until you have a good idea of what a real portion looks like, don't finish your other half dinner routinely... it all adds up.
For exercise, try and build it into your daily routine. Can you bike to work? You're getting your commute done and a health kick at the same time.
Take up something you've always wanted to try so its new and exciting. I started Jim Jitsu. Whilst it doesn't get you fit in itself ,its an inspiration to be more active and lose some weight.
Once you've got a base of fitness there you'll find excessive becomes easier and more fun.
james_tigerwoods said:
That's the one.WeirdNeville said:
1) Use endomondo. It's a great app that tracks you on GPS, slaps it on a map, tells you how many calories (roughly) you've burned, and uploads it all onto a diary so you can monitor your progress. I've found it inspiring and I'm no app we. Personally I dislike bike mounts... too exposed ,too risky, you drop sweat into your phone, can't see it in sunlight..... Plan a basic route out on googlemaps, then get out and ride it. Use the phone for getting your bearings if you get lost.
2) I'm in the same boat. I've put on about 10km over the last few years, but I've given myself a kick up the are this year. I made a resolution to got from 89Kg to under 81Kg this year. So far I'm kicking the arse out of it: 84Kg.
I've done this by cycling at all opportunities. I've also cut out the junk. I went on a strict calorie counting diet for a month just to see what I was consuming. I enjoyed making smaller portions of healthy meals, cut out fried cafe breakfasts and takeaways etc. I now have a fried breakfast and one takeaways a month. I don't deny myself anything, just moderate my intake and combined with more excersize its working a charm.
When eating:
Am I actually hungry?
Fruit - as much as I like.
Weigh out carbs - its easy to cook yourself a double portion of rice ,pasta or spuds if you're used to big portions.
Don't eat st for the sake of it.
Ask 'what is the healthy option?' Every time... Tea instead of latte, a biscuit instead of the slice of cake, a 2 finger kit kat instead of a mars bar if it has to be chocolate. Apple instead of crisps.
Hand in hand with that: Portion control. As above weigh out carbs until you have a good idea of what a real portion looks like, don't finish your other half dinner routinely... it all adds up.
For exercise, try and build it into your daily routine. Can you bike to work? You're getting your commute done and a health kick at the same time.
Take up something you've always wanted to try so its new and exciting. I started Jim Jitsu. Whilst it doesn't get you fit in itself ,its an inspiration to be more active and lose some weight.
Once you've got a base of fitness there you'll find excessive becomes easier and more fun.
I've kindof steered away from the idea of an iPhone mount if I'm honest now - I'm accident prone. Very. Add to that the fact that I use cleats and there are times when I have to stop at junctions, I know I'm going to fall off. A lot. Not to mention, that I know that I'll be somewhere public and leave it on the bike and it'll be lifted. It'll happen. I'm cursed that way e. Personally I dislike bike mounts... too exposed ,too risky, you drop sweat into your phone, can't see it in sunlight..... Plan a basic route out on googlemaps, then get out and ride it. Use the phone for getting your bearings if you get lost.2) I'm in the same boat. I've put on about 10km over the last few years, but I've given myself a kick up the are this year. I made a resolution to got from 89Kg to under 81Kg this year. So far I'm kicking the arse out of it: 84Kg.
I've done this by cycling at all opportunities. I've also cut out the junk. I went on a strict calorie counting diet for a month just to see what I was consuming. I enjoyed making smaller portions of healthy meals, cut out fried cafe breakfasts and takeaways etc. I now have a fried breakfast and one takeaways a month. I don't deny myself anything, just moderate my intake and combined with more excersize its working a charm.
When eating:
Am I actually hungry?
Fruit - as much as I like.
Weigh out carbs - its easy to cook yourself a double portion of rice ,pasta or spuds if you're used to big portions.
Don't eat s
t for the sake of it.Ask 'what is the healthy option?' Every time... Tea instead of latte, a biscuit instead of the slice of cake, a 2 finger kit kat instead of a mars bar if it has to be chocolate. Apple instead of crisps.
Hand in hand with that: Portion control. As above weigh out carbs until you have a good idea of what a real portion looks like, don't finish your other half dinner routinely... it all adds up.
For exercise, try and build it into your daily routine. Can you bike to work? You're getting your commute done and a health kick at the same time.
Take up something you've always wanted to try so its new and exciting. I started Jim Jitsu. Whilst it doesn't get you fit in itself ,its an inspiration to be more active and lose some weight.
Once you've got a base of fitness there you'll find excessive becomes easier and more fun.
I'll plot my route on Google maps as that way I know where I am and where I'm going - and I'll get a cycle computer I think.
I'm going to try to limit my meals as much as I can - I've had a bigish lunch, if I'm honest (homemade chicken broth/soup), but I'll be out on the bike later and I'll have a light dinner after the ride. I ate about 2 hours ago and I'm still feeling content and I don't want any of those chocolate digestives. Nossir....
However, I will limit the crap I eat (the amount of chocolate in this house after easter is ridiculous) - I've already started using smaller crockery which will, at least, provide a smaller surface area for food.
I don't think I have time at the moment for other evening classes as, well, I just don't as cycling is that activity - commuting to work is a bit of a no-no too as it's 42 miles (and 2 motorways) away - not to mention the fact that I work from home a lot.
I am, however, trying to get the motivation for an early morning ride while it's summer - just a short one - 6 or 7 miles - just for that morning boost.
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