I think a lot of people would like to do some strength training,
but the two best exercises, the squat and deadlift, are intimidating.

I'm the guy that stops and helps push some poor bastards car off the road.
I'm in my 60s, and for about 30 years I wasn't that guy. There is an absolutely
fundamental rightness to being strong. You feel good, people don't give you crap,
and you can get done what needs doing. Enough speechifying..


For a couple months I used nothing but dumbells for my deadlifts.
It's easier, and I still use them to warm up. Very easy to get the
thoracic extension that way.
Btw, you can use the partial deadlift to get used to a heavier weight.

I love deadlifts and leg presses.

When I re-joined the gym last year (had let my membership lapse in part because I was spending time on the bike) they gave me two free 1/2 hour trainer sessions. Had the guy show me proper form for dead lift and squats in the first session.

deads are awesome. I feel like those and squats are the primary reason I'm able to climb steep hills despite not having a lot of time on my bike.