Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Advice for hopeful distance rider

As a novice cyclist, I'm hoping to get some advice as to whether I could ride a 190 mile charity ride (over 2 days) on this bike ('84 Univega Maxima). It seems that most distance riders I've seen are using bikes worth several thousand dollars, and as a college student, it's a little tough to afford one. While out riding today, I obviously went a lot slower than some of more experienced riders around me, but that can be expected. If you have any other suggestions as well, I would appreciate them. Thanks

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A week and a half ago, I rode 106 miles on the industrial cruisr bike seen in my avatar photo. Now, I didn't have to do it again the next day, but still it helps show that the bike isn't quite that critical.

If your bike is working and is comfortable, you're fine. If you want a better one, go for it. If people are riding faster, that's liable to be more because of the people than the bikes. I've passed some awfully nice bikes on my cruiser. (I wasn't fast, they were slow).

If you haven't done it, work up to some longer rides, and try at least one 100 mile ride several weeks prior to your long ride and see how you feel.

Check the elevations on the 190 mile ride to make sure it isn't hillier than where you normally ride.

I don't see any water bottle holders. Figure out how to carry some water along.

Practice standing to pedal. Increases blood flow to your back and legs and gives the butt a rest.
Eat and drink while riding.
Go at a pace that is comfortable for you.

As StephenH said, the rider is far more important than the bike. Assuming everything is in working order, that bike is totally capable of doing a 190 miles in two days. The more important question is, are you capable of it? I'm sure you can be, it just takes some training and the right attitude. Also, if you haven't already, take the bike to a shop and have them make sure the wheels are true; cables, brake pads, tires, chain, etc. are in good shape; everything is properly adjusted. Then start riding.

it is not about the bike but about the engine powering it.

so long as the bike is roadworthy and will not fall apart it is good for a century.

it is all about the training my friend.

My "distance bike" is a 1985 model :). The furthest I have ridden on it in a day is a century, and I'm not totally sure I'd have wanted to do it again the next day, but that part was ALL about the rider, not the bike! And this summer I am hoping to complete my first brevet series on that same bike :)

- Make sure you are totally comfortable on the bike - you can shift smoothly, etc
- Make sure the bike is in top mechanical condition - I rode a metric century last weekend with a badly adjusted front (cantilever) brake and was quite annoyed
- You may want to consider a different saddle if that is the stock one. If it's a Brooks-style leather, ignore me.
- Ride lots to work up to your distance!
- Have fun!

Good advice and wisdom from everyone else. My only contribution is to consider putting some toe clips on those pedals (this might entail replacing the pedals completely, but even this should be inexpensive), which would let you pedal more efficiently (especially if there is any rolling or hilly terrain). Ask at your local bike shop about them. Don't do this the week before the ride! They take a little getting used to. Have fun!

yeah i say go for it, as long as the bike works well (mostly drivetrain i'm thinking about).

i did a 600k on a miyata 312 from 1980-something last year - it was similar to that bike, and didn't stop me from finishing (something else did).

While out riding today, I obviously went a lot slower than some of more experienced riders around me, but that can be expected. If you have any other suggestions as well, I would appreciate them. ThanksSure, just avoid the "no confidence trap." As long as you really pay attention to your pace, and not try too hard to keep up with faster riders, you'll be fine.

Now, of course, the other "real" problems are likely to be a stiff neck, a saddle sore or chafing in the crotch. As far as the "technical" part for the bike, if you can get some newer high pressure tires and have them pumped up to the max - that will help.

Sure, just avoid the "no confidence trap." As long as you really pay attention to your pace, and not try too hard to keep up with faster riders, you'll be fine.

For the longest time, this was my problem. I just couldn't learn to pace myself, and I'd be all burned out by the time I hit 75 or 80 miles. Getting past the century mark to a 200k was the toughest thing for me. Once I figured that out, going to 300k or a full double century was not an issue.

There's nothing inherent in your bike's design that would preclude it from making long-distance rides. Assuming the tires, tubes, and mechanicals are all road-worthy, it's ready to go. Getting yourself ready will be the main task.

OBTW: the folks you see with the newer, more expensive bikes have them because they can - likely they're not college students. If they are faster than you, it's not because of your bike. It's that "novice" part. :-) The good news is that you'll only be a novice for a few training rides before the big one.

Sure, just avoid the "no confidence trap." As long as you really pay attention to your pace, and not try too hard to keep up with faster riders, you'll be fine.

Now, of course, the other "real" problems are likely to be a stiff neck, a saddle sore or chafing in the crotch. As far as the "technical" part for the bike, if you can get some newer high pressure tires and have them pumped up to the max - that will help.

Decent, newer, touring tires will also work. They're high pressure compared to 1984 tires, but low compared to today's racing tires.

As long as it's in working condition, why not.

Wow, thanks a lot for all the advice and encouragement. It's a relief to know you guys believe I'll still be alright riding distance on this bike. I know it'll take a lot of work and time in the saddle to prepare for the ride, but it's definitely good to know I'll still be able to accomplish it on my Univega. I'm planning on riding the hell out of these tires before I invest in some better ones, along with possibly a new saddle and clipped pedals. Thanks again for all your help.