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Old 03-30-08, 08:17 PM
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Lessons

Hello.

Does anyone here want to teach a new guy some lessons on becoming/being a road cyclist?

At the moment I'm riding on an OCR2 5 miles to work. I believe I'm a masher, but would like someone to "diagnose" me, and train me to cycle correctly.

I would also like to learn how to adjust my bike to fit me, and how to tune it up.

Jason
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Old 03-30-08, 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Jason762
Hello.

Does anyone here want to teach a new guy some lessons on becoming/being a road cyclist?

At the moment I'm riding on an OCR2 5 miles to work. I believe I'm a masher, but would like someone to "diagnose" me, and train me to cycle correctly.

I would also like to learn how to adjust my bike to fit me, and how to tune it up.

Jason
I wouldnt mind but Im a ways from you. Perhaps Jonathan is closer to you.
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Old 03-30-08, 09:18 PM
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Perhaps sign up for some of classes offered by local instructors here...Lorri of Velogirls offers lessons.
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Old 03-30-08, 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by BigSean
I wouldnt mind but Im a ways from you. Perhaps Jonathan is closer to you.
Holy cr*p, you're not referring to me, are you?!

I picked up the sport again barely more than a year ago, after not riding for more than 10 years. I've gotten some great coaching over the last year by participating on Team in Training teams, but I'm definitely not the best choice for the kind of advice the OP is looking for. Of course, if the OP wants to learn how to climb (slowly), then maybe I could help.

Maybe Pete (Taxi777) would be a better choice - very experienced cyclist with a wealth of knowledge. And tulips.

JB

Last edited by jonathanb715; 03-30-08 at 10:09 PM. Reason: clarity
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Old 03-30-08, 11:49 PM
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The road cycling sub-forum has some good advice if you can wade through the chaff.

First thing is you need to determine what your goals are (lose weight, climb better, have more endurance, etc).

For bike fitting, you can find a good shop to help but this is a very good starting point.
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
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Old 03-31-08, 11:04 AM
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You will want to work with an expert for your fitting. If you bought the bike new, the selling shop should have done that for you. If you bought it used or don't trust your shop, you might check out Cycle Sports in Oakland (by Lake Merritt) for a fitting. They seemed pretty good when I talked to them. City Cycle in SF is also well known for fitting services.

In terms of learning skills and technique, I doubt anyone here will personally tutor you for free. Instead, you should check out some local bike clubs. This is a good starting point: https://www.bikecal.com/index.asp# The big clubs in your area are probably Grizzly Peak Cyclists and Oakland Yellowjackets. They both have nice websites. Start with a couple of easier, shorter group rides and you will find many folks there willing to teach you. Your skills and confidence will grow quickly and then you should start joining the BF rides of death!!!

Good luck and let us know if you have any specific questions.
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Old 03-31-08, 11:11 AM
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Join a local recreational cycling club. Most clubs have faster and slower rides. Most club riders are very friendly and glad to help beginners, especially on the slower rides. The clubs will also show you all the best cycling routes in your area.
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Old 03-31-08, 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by BlastRadius
The road cycling sub-forum has some good advice if you can wade through the chaff.

First thing is you need to determine what your goals are (lose weight, climb better, have more endurance, etc).

For bike fitting, you can find a good shop to help but this is a very good starting point.
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
Thanks for the link.

Goals are fitness related; lose weight, gain endurance/stamina, etc.

Will be wading through the road cycling when I'm finished with work. Gonna be a long night! Have any tips on what to look for?

Originally Posted by ROJA
You will want to work with an expert for your fitting. If you bought the bike new, the selling shop should have done that for you. If you bought it used or don't trust your shop, you might check out Cycle Sports in Oakland (by Lake Merritt) for a fitting. They seemed pretty good when I talked to them. City Cycle in SF is also well known for fitting services.

In terms of learning skills and technique, I doubt anyone here will personally tutor you for free. Instead, you should check out some local bike clubs. This is a good starting point: https://www.bikecal.com/index.asp# The big clubs in your area are probably Grizzly Peak Cyclists and Oakland Yellowjackets. They both have nice websites. Start with a couple of easier, shorter group rides and you will find many folks there willing to teach you. Your skills and confidence will grow quickly and then you should start joining the BF rides of death!!!

Good luck and let us know if you have any specific questions.
I bought my bike off of eBay a few years ago. Since then I've just ridden my bike as-is. Only recently did I start adjusting stuff. I learned to adjust my deraileur though it's not right yet

Will be looking for bike groups. I probably won't be able to ride with 'em though, I work Saturdays and Sundays. This week I have Thursday/Friday off, and next week Tuesday/Wednesday. Unpredictable schedule
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Old 03-31-08, 02:55 PM
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Once I get this set up come join us: Group Lesson thread

Also check out the link in my thread to Sterling Sports. They offer various training classes and I was told other classes will be added later on. I did the Climbing ad Descending class last year and it was a beginner class. Tough, but doable. Although I cramped up near the end. I didn't hydrate properly.

I used to be a masher too... but I had a good buddy in Dallas teach me the benfits of high cadence (spin faster not harder) to save your legs for longer distances. Getting a cycling computer w/ cadence will be helpful. I shoot for a cadence (rpm's) in the 80's for regular spinning. I find that works for me. As you get better that number may rise some.

And get a good floor pump to keep your tires inflated properly. I see many commuters in SF riding on improperly filled tires.

Also, toe straps or a good set of clipless pedals and cycling shoes will help a lot as you will learn to push and pull up the pedals for a more efficeint pedal stroke. Spinervals makes good workout DVD's that helps with technique.

If you have a trainer (or even if you don't) these videos will help with technique: Spinervals Competition 8.0 - Recovery and Technique and Spinervals Competition 23.0 Time saver I

Good luck! Hopefully we'll see you on the rides soon.
Gary
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Old 03-31-08, 03:01 PM
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You can go on this BF ride on April 12th: https://www.bikeforums.net/northern-california/395521-april-twenty-observed-international-oddball-ride-april-12-a.html

Pete's (taxi777) supposed to take it easy on everyone. Unfortunately I have to join my daughter's walk-a-thon at her school so I'm gonna miss this ride.

You'll get to meet Pete and a bunch of other knowledgeable riders without the worry of getting left in the dust. (which is my problem!) hehe!

TTYL,
Gary
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