What have you learned about cycling?
08-17-12, 12:08 PM
#1
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What have you learned about cycling?
So now that we are all cycling experts, or experts in training, what have you learned since you've been messing about on bikes? I've learned....
don't cheap out when purchasing a saddle, you butt will thank you.
cheap tires are cheap for a reason.
a properly tuned low end groupset works just as well as your brand new ultegra.
frame material is vastly overrated. proper frame fit is not.
gloves and eye protection always.
ride in the rain? get some fenders...
yer an awesome cyclist? great. how well do you run?
don't cheap out when purchasing a saddle, you butt will thank you.
cheap tires are cheap for a reason.
a properly tuned low end groupset works just as well as your brand new ultegra.
frame material is vastly overrated. proper frame fit is not.
gloves and eye protection always.
ride in the rain? get some fenders...
yer an awesome cyclist? great. how well do you run?
08-17-12, 12:18 PM
#2
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I've learned not to post every random thought on the 41.
LBS vs web purchasing, Team kits vs plain, guns on a ride, how to deal with dogs, are dangerous topics.
LBS vs web purchasing, Team kits vs plain, guns on a ride, how to deal with dogs, are dangerous topics.
08-17-12, 12:33 PM
#3
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So now that we are all cycling experts, or experts in training, what have you learned since you've been messing about on bikes? I've learned....
don't cheap out when purchasing a saddle, you butt will thank you.Correct
cheap tires are cheap for a reason. Correct
a properly tuned low end groupset works just as well as your brand new ultegra.Incorrect and besides, who says Ultegra is high end?
frame material is vastly overrated. proper frame fit is not.Both are equally important although what is done with whatever type you choose is more important that what you choose, each has it's advantages.
gloves and eye protection always.Correct
ride in the rain? get some fenders...Why bother, just as much fun without as with.
yer an awesome cyclist? great. how well do you run? Who cares, running sucks, why ever would you want to run if you can cycle.
don't cheap out when purchasing a saddle, you butt will thank you.Correct
cheap tires are cheap for a reason. Correct
a properly tuned low end groupset works just as well as your brand new ultegra.Incorrect and besides, who says Ultegra is high end?
frame material is vastly overrated. proper frame fit is not.Both are equally important although what is done with whatever type you choose is more important that what you choose, each has it's advantages.
gloves and eye protection always.Correct
ride in the rain? get some fenders...Why bother, just as much fun without as with.
yer an awesome cyclist? great. how well do you run? Who cares, running sucks, why ever would you want to run if you can cycle.
08-17-12, 01:16 PM
#4
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concerning running, im just saying don't soley rely on a bike for cardio. mix it up a bit for more well rounded athleticism....but yeah, running sucks. im really bad at it but trying to get better.
08-17-12, 01:19 PM
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Do I understand you correctly that getting yourself sprayed with nasty street run-off is just as fun as not?
08-17-12, 01:24 PM
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- there is always a better component or bike out there. The best is yet to come, contrary to the marketing hype of the day
- the collective force of the 41 makes me buy stuff
- bikers vs cagers..both have compelling, hard positions; deal with it
- the collective force of the 41 makes me buy stuff
- bikers vs cagers..both have compelling, hard positions; deal with it
08-17-12, 01:29 PM
#7
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08-17-12, 01:29 PM
#8
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Actually, I am not allowed to run. Used to do a fair amount but had a hip replaced 3 years ago and my orthopod says no running. As far as cycling he says as hard and far as I want to go is fine.
08-17-12, 01:40 PM
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I'm to fat for this sport.
I can't afford the bike I really want (which isn't some $10k super-bike, just a 105/apex carbon bike)
Life/Family plays havoc with any training I want to do.
I need a new saddle and a fit.
Getting old and out of shape sucks.
I miss my guitar time.
I can't afford the bike I really want (which isn't some $10k super-bike, just a 105/apex carbon bike)
Life/Family plays havoc with any training I want to do.
I need a new saddle and a fit.
Getting old and out of shape sucks.
I miss my guitar time.
08-17-12, 01:58 PM
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I've learned that being a weight weenie doesn't make a whole lot of sense when you add on two water bottles full of liquid, a computer/mount, and a saddle bag full of things.
08-17-12, 01:59 PM
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I've learned that getting into this sport for the women was a bad idea.
08-17-12, 02:09 PM
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If a skinny person becomes a cyclist, he instantly becomes a fat a$$
Being a road cyclist will make you much less financially comfortable
08-17-12, 02:12 PM
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I am too old to keep up with 20 year olds.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
08-17-12, 02:19 PM
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08-17-12, 02:20 PM
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Learning how to keep a bike running when I really need more of those to buy me a lighter framed MTB with 29 inch wheels lol.
How to adjust my gears, strip down, clean, repack and put a BB back together, well sort of.
When to can get my bike worked on for nothing and when to spend the dosh for a repair they cant do.
That there are organisations and kind folks out there who do professional led rides that I wouldnt do on my own.
Just lots about bike care and the benefits of cycling and how to handle myself on the road and in busy traffic meaning I am lots more confident on the roads and also confident enough to stop and help another cyclist with a puncture but not the kit to fix it.
08-17-12, 02:21 PM
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I think I've learned that there are a lot of differing opinions regarding everything about cycling!
08-17-12, 02:22 PM
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08-17-12, 02:38 PM
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Also, don't cheap out on shorts or bib shorts
Bib shorts keep the chamois in place a lot better than non-bib and are more comfy on longer rides
My Aluminum Allez Elite frame is not nearly as stiff and comfortable as my carbon Look frame.
There is a difference between a cheapo no-name chinese carbon bike vs. a name-brand carbon bike.
As I get older comfort outweighs race geometry.
As I get older stretching becomes more important.
No baby sitter means time on the trainer instead of on the road.
Park Tools online repair guide is better than the actual book. And it's free.
I used to think my 105 group was just fine until I upgraded to Ultegra. Night and day in feel and performance. The Ultegra is much more precise. (I see Ultegra as the Dura-Ace from a couple years ago, a la trickle down technology.)
Light wheels were probably my best upgrade.
High performance race-type tires will wear out faster than their cheaper counterparts.
Drafting behind someone with a hole in their shorts is not cool!
I better stop... lol!
Bib shorts keep the chamois in place a lot better than non-bib and are more comfy on longer rides
My Aluminum Allez Elite frame is not nearly as stiff and comfortable as my carbon Look frame.
There is a difference between a cheapo no-name chinese carbon bike vs. a name-brand carbon bike.
As I get older comfort outweighs race geometry.
As I get older stretching becomes more important.
No baby sitter means time on the trainer instead of on the road.
Park Tools online repair guide is better than the actual book. And it's free.
I used to think my 105 group was just fine until I upgraded to Ultegra. Night and day in feel and performance. The Ultegra is much more precise. (I see Ultegra as the Dura-Ace from a couple years ago, a la trickle down technology.)
Light wheels were probably my best upgrade.
High performance race-type tires will wear out faster than their cheaper counterparts.
Drafting behind someone with a hole in their shorts is not cool!
I better stop... lol!
08-17-12, 09:13 PM
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I learned the hard way not to over-torque a carbon seatpost.
After winning a full kit, helmet and shoes I learned that it does sometimes pay off to enter those online giveaways.
After winning a full kit, helmet and shoes I learned that it does sometimes pay off to enter those online giveaways.
08-17-12, 09:15 PM
#24
Descends like a rock
You can have a lot of fun on a bike and hardly spend anything.
You can have a lot of fun on a bike and spend a small fortune.
Being happy with what you have is the key.
You can have a lot of fun on a bike and spend a small fortune.
Being happy with what you have is the key.
