I'm 6'1" 215 pounds. I have always ridden bikes. As a child I rode and freestyled a bmx. Even now at 38 y.o. I have a freestyle bmx. Yes, the tricks have all but diminished but hey a 21" top tube on my Standard let's me pedal along with my children. I just started riding a road bike, originally as a way to increase my cardio and lose weight for dirtbike (KTM 525)riding. I think I'm hooked. In the past few rides I have had more pleasure with wildlife and smells and observing surroundings than I would ever have expected. My last ride was a little over 30 miles and my favorite thusfar. That being said, I know absolutely nothing about roadbikes and I feel like my lbs is either too busy or too impersonal to field a bunch of dopey questions. So here are some dopey ?s: Why are bike shorts so tall waisted...do they serve as a kidney support? I need to upgrade my pedals...since they will transfer to my next bike is it worth spending Dura Ace type prices..I have the ones(bearings are almost shot) that came stock on my Felt and I'm not sure if I dislike them or if the issue is my bike shoes are a little large. Why do people cut the steering tubes? If you buy a used frame fork with the tube cut what do you do? My bike is a 58 cm, I have heard a hardcore rider advise to go smaller when possible. I am considering going larger because one of the two ten speeds I had access to growing up was an XL and I thought it rode great. Maybe too much info but anyway my inseam is only 32" but my torso is long. In time I hope to buy a Specialized Roubaix or something comparable do I stick with 58 or consider a larger frame. My last question I haven't read the same thing twice whether I should concern myself with higher rpms or higher gears. I have a cateye velo 5. The only info i know is I average 18mph or a little better(it's very flat here). I don't want to replace the cateye but is there a watch or anything else good for keeping cadence. I know it's a lot of questions but I appreciate any help or advice.
Thank you,
Tim
Tom Stormcrowe
07-05-07, 06:49 PM
Bike Shorts: Tall waisted so your butt won't hang out the back when your jersey rides up and it's still going to happen, so I prefer Bibs!
On a road bike: Correct fit is very important. Freestyle and BMX are totally different disciplines in Cycling and require short bursts of effort vs Road Cycling being long miles and fit issues can injure you if not correct. Don't go too large either if you value the family jewels during a fast dismount!:eek:
Cadence: Count your complete turns over 6 seconds and multiply X 10 is a quick and dirty method, or yu can get a cycle computer with a cadence sensor.
Higher cadence, low resistance is better than mashing big gears: Less effort for the same speed and faster sprintouts. It's also easier on the knees!I'm 6'1" 215 pounds. I have always ridden bikes. As a child I rode and freestyled a bmx. Even now at 38 y.o. I have a freestyle bmx. Yes, the tricks have all but diminished but hey a 21" top tube on my Standard let's me pedal along with my children. I just started riding a road bike, originally as a way to increase my cardio and lose weight for dirtbike (KTM 525)riding. I think I'm hooked. In the past few rides I have had more pleasure with wildlife and smells and observing surroundings than I would ever have expected. My last ride was a little over 30 miles and my favorite thusfar. That being said, I know absolutely nothing about roadbikes and I feel like my lbs is either too busy or too impersonal to field a bunch of dopey questions. So here are some dopey ?s: Why are bike shorts so tall waisted...do they serve as a kidney support? I need to upgrade my pedals...since they will transfer to my next bike is it worth spending Dura Ace type prices..I have the ones(bearings are almost shot) that came stock on my Felt and I'm not sure if I dislike them or if the issue is my bike shoes are a little large. Why do people cut the steering tubes? If you buy a used frame fork with the tube cut what do you do? My bike is a 58 cm, I have heard a hardcore rider advise to go smaller when possible. I am considering going larger because one of the two ten speeds I had access to growing up was an XL and I thought it rode great. Maybe too much info but anyway my inseam is only 32" but my torso is long. In time I hope to buy a Specialized Roubaix or something comparable do I stick with 58 or consider a larger frame. My last question I haven't read the same thing twice whether I should concern myself with higher rpms or higher gears. I have a cateye velo 5. The only info i know is I average 18mph or a little better(it's very flat here). I don't want to replace the cateye but is there a watch or anything else good for keeping cadence. I know it's a lot of questions but I appreciate any help or advice.
Thank you,
Tim
chipcom
07-05-07, 06:55 PM
I'm your height, 56-58cm bikes are probably about right for you, depending upon the manufacturer's specific frame geometries.
root11
07-05-07, 06:56 PM
Pretty much what Tom said, and when you go bike shopping make sure they spend time fitting you to the bike. It does make a huge difference. If you are not comfortable you will not ride as much.
And have fun!
Kimber
07-05-07, 07:11 PM
Pedals- pedals and shoes transfer your power so it is worth speeding the money to get high quality. Many times the difference between Dura Ace and Ultegra for instance, isn’t quality but weight. Unless minimal weight is important it may not be worth the money to speed more. Only you can decide.
mjolniir
07-06-07, 01:18 AM
Why are bike shorts so tall waisted...do they serve as a kidney support?
No kidney support - but they're meant to keep your buttocks from magically appearing whilst bent over.
Is it worth spending Dura Ace type prices?
I have done - but not for pedals - DA is 20gms less in weight and harder to fit than Ultegra (no flats for a pedal spanner so you have to use a hex bit)
Why do people cut the steering tubes?
So that their bike can look all perfessional :p
If you buy a used frame fork with the tube cut what do you do?
either extend the steering tube with an extender (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3970) or buy a new fork;)
Sizing question
that's kinda personal - I'm taller than you and ride 58cm ish on most of my bikes.
Cadence Question
if you have speed, and you know what gear you're in you can get approximate cadence on Sheldon's gear page (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/)
braced
07-07-07, 08:04 AM
I appreciate the help. I ordered new pedals...next extra $ will be earmarked for better fitting shoes. Being able to stick fit my forefinger in behind my foot can not be an optimal fit.
Tim