Newbee
02-18-06, 11:22 AM
#1
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Newbee
Hello all,
I've just purchased a 2004 Trek 6700 for $475 (I think it was a pretty good deal). After and during my first ride, a couple of things were painfully obvious. 1- I'm terribly out of shape. 2- I might need different tires. Any recommendations as far as diet before and after a ride? What type of ride will benefit me most at the 'just getting back into riding after about 10 years' stage? I'm 35 yrs old, 6-4, 220 soft lbs.
Also any recommendations about tires? I was doing a lot of slipping and sliding up a muddy single track, which I think I'll try and avoid for a while- the 'up' part of single track that is.
Thanks. This is a really helpful forum.
I've just purchased a 2004 Trek 6700 for $475 (I think it was a pretty good deal). After and during my first ride, a couple of things were painfully obvious. 1- I'm terribly out of shape. 2- I might need different tires. Any recommendations as far as diet before and after a ride? What type of ride will benefit me most at the 'just getting back into riding after about 10 years' stage? I'm 35 yrs old, 6-4, 220 soft lbs.
Also any recommendations about tires? I was doing a lot of slipping and sliding up a muddy single track, which I think I'll try and avoid for a while- the 'up' part of single track that is.
Thanks. This is a really helpful forum.
02-19-06, 09:21 AM
#2
Fourth Degree Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: American Gardens Building
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My suggestion would be to ride trails that you are comfortable with, but ride them as often as possible. Riding regularly will allow your body to adjust and get used to the new form of exercise.
As far as the tires, they could be partly to blame. But a lot of the traction you get climbing has to do with your body position on the bike. If you don't have enough weight over the rear wheel, you may find yourself losing traction. At the same time, if you're positioned too far back, you may notice the front wheel coming off the ground. You want to find a place somewhere in between. Some of the more experienced guys on this forum may be able to give a more technical description.
Hope this helps a bit. Sorry, I don't really have any dieting tips. I tend to eat a massive burritto after each ride. I wouldn't suggest that as "good dieting advice".
As far as the tires, they could be partly to blame. But a lot of the traction you get climbing has to do with your body position on the bike. If you don't have enough weight over the rear wheel, you may find yourself losing traction. At the same time, if you're positioned too far back, you may notice the front wheel coming off the ground. You want to find a place somewhere in between. Some of the more experienced guys on this forum may be able to give a more technical description.
Hope this helps a bit. Sorry, I don't really have any dieting tips. I tend to eat a massive burritto after each ride. I wouldn't suggest that as "good dieting advice".
02-20-06, 10:00 AM
#3
I go both ways
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Bikes: Road Bikes: 2002 Litespeed Tuscany; 1996 Prototype Aluminum / MTB: 2005 SC Superlight, 1994 Trek 970
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Diet:
I usually don't eat much before a ride, as a full stomach makes me feel sick very quickly at high effort. I'd suggest some carbs an hour or two before you ride, but for a regular ride don't go crazy - it doesn't have to be pasta, even a sandwich or something with a good mix of protein too.
After the ride, if it's been a long ride (at least an hour), put some carbs back in your body within 30 minutes of the ride. Your muscles are open to fuel at that time - BUT, if it hasn't been a long ride, don't bother. You'll lose some pounds faster and it's not really necessary.
Regarding tires, I've always used Continentals (cross country, then Navigators), but Kenda Nevagals came on the new Santa Cruz and have to say they're pretty good in all conditions. What was said earlier is true tho - climbing in loose conditions on an MTB is a dance between traction on the rear wheel and keeping the front wheel down. If the rear wheel begins to slip, move your weight back towards the nose of the saddle (i.e. back and down). On really nasty climbs I'm hovering just over and in front of the saddle. Also, don't stomp on the pedals, try to spin to avoid sudden increases in torque. And good luck!
I usually don't eat much before a ride, as a full stomach makes me feel sick very quickly at high effort. I'd suggest some carbs an hour or two before you ride, but for a regular ride don't go crazy - it doesn't have to be pasta, even a sandwich or something with a good mix of protein too.
After the ride, if it's been a long ride (at least an hour), put some carbs back in your body within 30 minutes of the ride. Your muscles are open to fuel at that time - BUT, if it hasn't been a long ride, don't bother. You'll lose some pounds faster and it's not really necessary.
Regarding tires, I've always used Continentals (cross country, then Navigators), but Kenda Nevagals came on the new Santa Cruz and have to say they're pretty good in all conditions. What was said earlier is true tho - climbing in loose conditions on an MTB is a dance between traction on the rear wheel and keeping the front wheel down. If the rear wheel begins to slip, move your weight back towards the nose of the saddle (i.e. back and down). On really nasty climbs I'm hovering just over and in front of the saddle. Also, don't stomp on the pedals, try to spin to avoid sudden increases in torque. And good luck!
