Fuji_cyclist

Someone mentioned training with a vehicle in a jokeingly manner. However, I actually see some valid benefits to training this way.

I don't think it is that extravangant either. I have a SUV that can used be used for this purpose. All I need to do is get a friend to help me out.

Benefits:

1. No need to carry extra equipment on you. People spend thousands of dollars to shave weight. Why carry it with you? Kind of defeats the purpose of having a 15lb bike and makes it a poor use of money

2. Extra wheels can be carried in the truck with spare tires already mounted. I guess I'd have to order another wheelset.

3. Food and snacks are always available.

4. You can push yourself in the absolute hardest manner and always use the truck as a "bail out" if neccessary.

5. Music can be played from the truck. Much safer than headphones.

mrwizard

Having a way to "bail out" is just what you don't want to have. If you are really wanting to push yourself, and run into a situation that would truly test your abilities to the limit, YOU will probably bail out given the option. Especially considering you are so worried about every little gram even though you seem to know next to nothing about cycling. Research your aerobars and other things before you start wasting a couple hours a day of your buddies time in order to pace you with your SUV. Keep the #$&*ing gas guzzler off the road and carry the weight yourself.

I imagine you of all people would bail out. You are worried about every little piece of your bike and being lighter, when you should worry more about putting some miles on the pavement. If you really are into racing and want to train on the hills, then train with the weight and race without. That way its like a boost of energy when you start off so much lighter than usual.

Crash Dummy

Carrying extra weight on training rides doesn't defeat any purpose. Extra weight makes you work harder.

Working harder in training -----> Better performance on race day

Also, I think an SUV following a cyclist who's NOT in a major race for which roadways are already closed down would infuriate drivers to levels never before seen by mortal men. Leave the car at home, save the environment and the gas money. Wait to have a support team until you get paid to ride your bike. Anyway, with those 100 grams or so you're saving by ditching your "abysmal" 350s, you'll be winning races left and right by next Thursday right? A contract and endorsement deals ought to be right around the corner.

corysold

I think it is a great idea, but Crash Dummy is right, an SUV trailing you would upset people. So, get yourself a team name and colors and paint the SUV accordingly. People will respect you more as a rider if you have a "team" car. Then, don't just put the wheels inside, get a roof rack with a couple of extra bikes on top, you never know when you might have bike trouble. You shouldn't have to stop to snack, just grab your food from the passenger window. Shoot, if you have a friend willing, have him be your domestique, he can get you water bottles and everything from the car, you will never have to stop. In order to raise your speed, always ride downwind for your rides. Then when you get tired, just stop and take the SUV back, that will raise your average speed more than any wheels. Good luck and be sure to post of pic of the "Team SUV"

jsharr

Have you checked with the major automotive manufacturers to see stress analysis on their rims? Which has the most carbon fiber look dash appliques? Do they make a color that matches your team jersey, or will a repaint be necessary? All valid points to consider.

noisebeam

The only right way to do this is to tow the SUV.

Al

UmneyDurak

Yeah make sure to paint your SUV in team colors. Heck why settle for SUV get H2! Only that powefull shopping cart can keep up with your fast bike, and carry those 100 grams of equipment.
Actually here is a better idea. You are going to love it! Skip the whole trainning and racing phase alltogether. Here is the real secret to success, build yourself a trophy stand. Make it as flashy as you can. Put a bike under it. Preferably if you never rode it. That way it will look great without any scratchies, or other signs of use. Go buy some trophies or have them custom made. Remember bigger is better. Then put them on a stand above your bike. Also look in to hiring a professional photoshop editor. You can do great things with photos. You can actually make them look like you raced in TDF. That will surely impress your friends, next time they come over on their daddys car.

borg

How I effectively train with a vehicle. (this is what i thought this thread would be about)

Find an appropriate road with little to no traffic on a straight stretch of about 2-3 miles. Have a motorcycle lead out a couple of cyclists and build up to a certain speed. Cyclists maintain that speed behind the motorcycle for some period of time and then try to sprint around the motorcycle or other cyclists.

H23

When you have a matching H2 SUV following you on your 18 mph training rides, be sure to periodically raise both arms in the air in a "V" gesture as though you are crossing a finish line. Gasp for air and blow kisses to pedestrians.

Smaug

Monument Man

troll

OneTinSloth

*waits patiently for 55/rad to show up.*

Crash Dummy

Smaug: 1

Rest of post: 0

roadrider_va

Hello! Yes, training with an SUV sounds like an EXCELLENT idea! My suggestion would be (so as not to bother any of your friends):

- Start riding the bike. Increments of 5 miles would work well (but you can do less or more if you wish).

- Chain bike to a tree or railing.

- Run back 5 miles to get the SUV.

- Drive SUV past the bike 5 miles.

- Park SUV, run back to get bike.

- Repeat.

Good luck, and happy cycling!

BikeInMN

Good luck with that. Having a support car/suv on training rides would be freaking fantastic but I don't know too many people with 15-20 hours a week free time that don't have anything else going on.

ZackJones

Until you get the SUV painted in your team colors tape a team jersey to the rear, and side windows. Be certain to do this on the inside of the SUV. You don't want your team jerseys out flapping in the wind, plus you don't have to worry about kids stealing them from the vehicle when you stop to refuel it every 20 or 30 miles.

Also, avoid "spinner" style wheels. The put off too much dirty air an it can mess up a pace line in a hurry.

markhr

not sure about the whole spares/truck/bail out thing but a school mate and occasional ride partner would have his dad motor pace him on his scooter. He said it helped a lot with leg speed and sprints. He, the cyclist, would slip stream at a fast speed for interval work and/or practice sprinting from the slip stream(as if he was sprinting around the scooter toward a finish line). He'd often do multiple repetitions of these exercises. Anyway, to cut a long story short he's now a pro in Europe so they must have helped.

Fuji_cyclist

Thank you. Nothing extravagant about having a support truck if you are truly serious about going pro.

mrwizard

You have a long ways to go before you could even think of becoming a pro judging by the threads you have started and other comments you have made. I won't say that it can't happen, but you better get your head on straight before you start setting wild goals.

hotrod1961

Well, I guess I'll just have to grab a seat and watch this for a while, might be amusing, kind of like masturbating with a cheese grater. Amusing, but ultimately painful........

ProParadox

OMFG, ROFLOL.

UmneyDurak

I wonder how long this is going to last. It's obvious the guy is just screwing around, no one can be that stupid.

markhr

I think not - https://www.darwinawards.com/

Fuji_cyclist

Wow.....Just got back from a training ride with someone driving ahead of me.

Guess what I found out?

Drafting a SUV is fun!

Best upgrade ever. Who would have thought the best bicycle upgrade was a SUV in front of you?

TheKillerPenguin

Thats the only reason I love flying down Main street here. Drafting cars rules.