General Cycling Discussion - Can you believe I did a century on this?

I did the NYC transpertation alternatives century ride this Sunday. It is a fantastic ride around the city of New York.

It is my third time doing it. This year I actually trained for it riding between 30 and 60 miles a day for almost a month.

My mode of transportation has been my 5 speed Raleigh with high handle bars. My riding position is almost straight up. I know my bike and my position defy all riding convention and wisdom, but I did it. Although I was a little tired today, my body feels great with no aches or pains.

I am proud to say I averaged 13.6 miles an hour and 15 MPH average over the first 75 miles. There were several hills in the last 25.

I love my bike and my riding position. However, during my training I decided to get a more efficient machine. So I bought a Specialized Sequoia. I decided after training on it for about 80 miles, that I felt more comfortable and could actually go longer and faster on my 5 speed raleigh.

So I did the ride on my old bike. I got many looks of astonishment and praise as I sped by the many expensive road bikes on the tour. I even drafted for a while with a great group of roadies where I was averaging about 20 MPH over a 5 mile span.

Does this make any sense to you?

Perhaps I do so well on my old bike because I've been riding almost daily for 10 years. Or it could be that I haven't gotten used to the Sequoia yet.

In any case, i wanted to share this.

I can think of only one word: cooooool! :beer:

Hey Adley,

:beer: Good for you! I wasn't able to join you guys on the 75 route since my services as a "captain" was needed elsewhere. Maybe I'll see ya next year. Italia

It takes your body a while to get accustomed to a riding a road bike, especialy if you're body is used to riding a more upright position. Imagine how fast you can go once you're body gets accustomed to your new bike! :)

I took the drop bars off my old road bike in 1980 and have never looked back! Although your body offers more wind resistance, the upright riding position is way more comfortable. I won't ride anything but uprights anymore.

Would have loved to see the sight Adley! :D

sounds like you're the ideal candidate for getting yourself a recumbent :) the great thing about 'bents is that you're BOTH more upright AND more aero!!

Thanks for all your comments. i would love to submit a photo of my bike, but I can't quite figure out how.

As to the comment about me riding a recumbent, I think they are dangerous in NYC.

Also, the question I have about my riding position is: Is it bad for my body? In other words, is it better ergonomically to tide a road bike? Also, I would rather give up some speed fro comfort. I am not a racer.

To Randya, How high are your bars? How does your body deal with the position? My bars are about 15 inches high. Like on the old schwinn spider bikes I rode as a kid. When I'm on my bike, I feel like a kid again.

My concern is that my riding position could be keeping my hamstrings tight. Could riding in the drops on a traditional road bike actually lossen my hamstings?

Adley, My take on the whole thing is if you were comfortable and you did it that's all that matters. Sure a road bike with drops may have increased your time or comfort, but at least you did it and that is the important thing. Been awhile but when I did my 100 miles it was on a POS bike. Nothing fancy, but it was all I had along with the desire to do it and it worked for me!

KUDOs on your century! And you should be PROUD!

adley,

Great job! I have also done some group rides on my 70's Sam Benotto. looks like junk, but very light. No problems keeping up at all.

group: I hate drop bars also. is there any other advantage besides wind resistance? is there a power advantage? I am trying to decide wether to buy a cyclocross or a top end hybrid, i do a lot of dirt roads.

FXjohn

What I have heard is that when you are straight up you are using mostly your quads, but that when you are in the drops you are using your gluts and your hamstrings as well.