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wt. loss=better/faster on bike???

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wt. loss=better/faster on bike???

Old 02-08-13, 01:07 PM
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wt. loss=better/faster on bike???

2 years ago, I was 215lbs, 6'1, not really 'fat' but a little bigger. I got in awesome shape with running, lifting, sometimes swimming, and watching what I eat 90% of the time.

I got down to 170lbs pretty easily, size 30 pants.

I was then able to fly when I ran; my first 5K I got 5th place out of about 200 people. I could run 8 or 9 miles no problem at a really quick pace, maybe around 7:00.

But then I slacked, and returned to 215, doh!

Around this time, I took up Road biking and enjoyed it and struggled with it too. At some charity events, it seemed like everyone was an expert and flew past me.

My question: if I drop the weight again, will this right away make me a lot better cyclist?

Thanks for any stories.

Benny
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Old 02-08-13, 01:17 PM
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Yes.

I went from 250 to 205. I'm 2.5 inches taller than you.

One of my favorite routes I struggled to average 13.5 mph. Just did it three days ago, it was cold and windy, and I wasn't pushing to my maximum given a run the day before. Averaged 16.
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Old 02-08-13, 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by bennybenny
2 years ago, I was 215lbs, 6'1, not really 'fat' but a little bigger. I got in awesome shape with running, lifting, sometimes swimming, and watching what I eat 90% of the time.

I got down to 170lbs pretty easily, size 30 pants.

I was then able to fly when I ran; my first 5K I got 5th place out of about 200 people. I could run 8 or 9 miles no problem at a really quick pace, maybe around 7:00.

But then I slacked, and returned to 215, doh!

Around this time, I took up Road biking and enjoyed it and struggled with it too. At some charity events, it seemed like everyone was an expert and flew past me.

My question: if I drop the weight again, will this right away make me a lot better cyclist?


Thanks for any stories.

Benny
Since you are the "engine" that moves your bike the math says the less total weight has to be moved (you and the bike) the faster you can go and the easier it will be for the rider.
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Old 02-08-13, 01:25 PM
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...Not to mention that getting "back in shape" will make your engine more efficient and will allow you to pedal harder, longer...
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Old 02-08-13, 01:47 PM
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yes you will be fast as all get out if you get back to that weight, however, i do not think cycling is nearly as good at burning off lbs as running is, it's just that cycling is much kinder on the body. Being that you aren't seriously obese I'd focus on running to get the weight down but don't neglect the bike entirely, or you will find yourself light weight but not in "bike shape" it's funny how being in shape in one discipline doesn't necessarily translate to being in good shape in other disciplines.
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Old 02-08-13, 03:10 PM
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"It never gets easier. You just go faster." -- Greg Lemond (although it may or may not be his quote)
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Old 02-08-13, 04:06 PM
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It will not matter much on flats, but a huge amount on uphills.
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Old 02-08-13, 05:58 PM
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Yeah, weight makes a huge difference on hills, not so much on flats or even short hills that you can power through.

If you just took up road biking, I'd stop worrying about speed until you get 500-1000 miles in your legs, just for a point of reference. Those guys that flew by you have been riding for years and yes, it makes a difference.

Welcome to this goofy corner of the internet though!
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Old 02-08-13, 09:34 PM
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I have to admit I like biking a heck of a lot more than running these days. I can't go slow enough on a run to have enough energy to go five hours. 5 hours on the bike on the other hand is fine.
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Old 02-10-13, 11:32 AM
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Yes, I am up 40 from ideal (still down 60 from immense) and it is just like carryng two 20 pound bags of flour on the bike - don't notice so much on flats but on the inclines its like having a drag chain
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