Bicycle Recommendations.

Arnzinator, the Crosstrail Sport Disc is a great option. I always try to push people toward that level. Gets a the better rear derailleur with the 9 speed cassette, hydraulic disc brakes, and the lock-out front fork without blowing the bank. If you would step up to the Comp to get the 2x10 and better drivetrain it puts you at $1100.

 

The Comp is a little out of my price range. Keep in mind as re-entry rider I still need things like a helmet, shorts, gloves...list goes on. The price difference between the bikes would cover those items. I'm certainly not committed to one model. The shop I went to did have a Comp in my size. Wouldn't be the first time I blew a budget. I'll be doing final test rides before purchasing. I really think the Crosstrail Sport Disc is great bike for my needs. We'll see....you know how it is when your shopping.

 

Does anyone have a harder time riding some days than others? I went for my usual ride this morning. Same distance, same elevations and the same roads. Yesterday was a snap and today was a killer. What gives? I am beginning to think that gravity is a variable and not a constant. I am riding a little over 5 miles every morning.

 

Even the Pros in the Tour de France had bad days, to be expected.

 

Yep, riding every day at the same intensity will get you days when things just don't mesh. Vary your distance, vary your pace, vary the gears, and vary your days off. The last thing you want is for monotony to set in.

 

Picked up my bike over the weekend. I went with the Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc. Was the most comfortable me & I felt it was the best value.



Thanks all for your insight & recommendations!!

 

Congrats, looks great.

BTW the USA Pro Challenge is on NBCSN this week both live and at 8PM.

 

A little company called Dyno used to make a bike named the VFR way back when lol.

 

glad to see you were finally able find a good ride!

 

Great to see members on here into cycling! Feel free to friend me on Strava if you use this service.

http://www.strava.com/athletes/1900143

I have a Giant Rincon that i owned since 2006 for trail riding. I upgraded my crank set and cassette for a more road bike gearing setup. For a road bike I have a Kestrel RT1000.

Get fitted is all I can say. I had the 50 dollar fit on my schwinn which was helpful. I got a 250 dollar BG fit by Specialized on my Kestrel which bumped my average speed up quite a bit to over 2mph faster on some routine rides.

Riding day after day will not benefit you as much as riding every other day with a break in between. I look at my VFR as my break day bike

Bicycles require carbs and plenty of water to run. Dehydrated and you will suffer greatly. Make sure you need to jet into a cornfield every hour to relieve yourself. Carb up on the good stuff. Don't worry about how much you eat but watch the quality of what you eat. Stuff yourself with the good veggies and fruit and you will find their is less room for the bad stuff to eat.

 

Thanks for the diet tips. Thats always been my biggest downfall when it comes to fitness. My patented approach of pizza, chocolate, fries & Captain Crunch hasn't helped me over the years. I like all the wrong foods & hate the good ones.

My work schedule won't allow day to day riding. I can get in at least 4 days a week. This in conjunction with weight training. It's only been a week & I feel better already. Right now I'm riding a 7 mile course that takes about 50 min. All road, no trails yet. I'm going to gave at least one rest day a week. I'll spend that on the other bike.

 

I just got back from my ride and was going to make a suggestion: keep your pedal speed high, around 70-80 rpm if you can. Fast is better than slow. It's easier on your knees than pushing a big gear and spinning won't wear you out as quickly. Just a thought.

 

What do you all think of used bikes? There are lots of low use bikes on CL. Is this a good way to get into a higher end bike at a lower cost? I guess you have to know what you are looking for to start with.

 

Yes absolutely, as long as it fits. I found that most of what was on CL that fit my needs / price range sold very quickly. So if you see something move on it. Also consider a "tune up" from a professional bike shop if your purchasing used.

 

^^^^^^Excellent suggestions. Used bikes are an excellent way to get a higher end bike at a more reasonable price. Do a little research on components and frames and you'll do pretty good.

 

Buying used is great but do research on the bike for sale before jumping in. Good deals are definitely out there but so are shoddy deals tied to a popular brand name. Just as a motorcycle check the drive train out. Look for 'sawblade' teeth on the crank which shows excessive wear, well lubricated chain and not rusty, meat on the brake pads and tires, how new/shiny are the cables and so on. Gives you some more power when you ask for a couple bucks off.

Stay away from used carbon unless you know/trust the person. Very easy to hide damage after some repair work.

Reg, Check out a shop for a bike fit. The 50 dollar fit They get everything in line at a basic level, seat height, seat fore/aft position handle bar reach/height, knee position over pedal. Made a big difference for me and made the 60 plus mile rides doable.

 

My Kestrel and Schwinn in the back. Sold the Schwinn recently.