Jaysus
Good times!
I have a cheap amazon one. It works fine, but I don't like how close it is to my junk when I am straddling my top tube - it is awkward to open then, and probably looks like I am playing with myself.
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Bicycle Guys! (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter goldenchild
- Start date
dawgtrails
Footballguy
What are you pulling out of there on a regular basis? I just have repair tools and such, so I don't need to get in there much, if at all
Jaysus
Good times!
dawgtrails
Footballguy
You can use those. The smaller tube has to stretch more though and you will likely lose tire pressure more quickly. Exchange it if it easy enough though
Tick
Footballguy
Brony
Footballguy
some closure on this and maybe someone else will learn from my newb mistakes.
The local bike shop looked at my tires (about 3 years old, call it 3,000 miles) and noticed that the sides were worn funny. It seems that my brakes were causing some extra wear and made it really susceptible to punctures. First they replaced the front tire (replace orginal 700 x 23 with 700 x 25). A couple weeks later I brought in the rear before that tube went. Same issue and they replaced that with 700 x 28. LBS worker "Why are you riding this bike with 700 x 23?" Me: "Because that's what you sold me 3 years ago"
Anyway, the results are great. The bike handles much better, the tires are holding high pressure and I'm moving much better...
I don't have a bike computer but I ride with GPS watch set for alerts every 5 miles. If I'm just putzing around, I expect to see 22-23 minutes. If I'm feeling peppy, 20 minutes is good. If I'm working out, I like to see 18 minutes. Earlier this spring, I busted my butt on a 7 mile loop and had a 17:02 lap alert that I think was my best 5 miles to date.
With my new tires on today and needing to blow off some steam from work, I got a move on... first alert 16:52! that was nice but I had the wind mostly at my back. Started working a litle harder for the 2nd 5 mile lap into a breeze. second alert 16:00.
I like the new tires.
beer 30
Footballguy
Jaysus
Good times!
I am going bikepacking this weekend... in the rain. Yay.
What tips do you guys have for riding in the rain? I am pretty much just planning on wearing my backpacking rain gear (including the worlds baggiest rain pants) and sealskin socks. Not sure what I will have on my head under my helmet. Maybe my Buff or a fleece toque.
ETA: I love the word toque.
What tips do you guys have for riding in the rain? I am pretty much just planning on wearing my backpacking rain gear (including the worlds baggiest rain pants) and sealskin socks. Not sure what I will have on my head under my helmet. Maybe my Buff or a fleece toque.
ETA: I love the word toque.
El Floppo
Footballguy
does your helmet have a cap to it? I found that to be the most useful thing in the wet, along with the wet weather clothing. Keeps the water flowing/dropping out in front of you rather than down onto your face. you could also get a rain-proof cap to wear under the helmet or a hood to go over
the moops
Footballguy
Is it going to be cold rain? If so, bring like 3 pairs of gloves. And also - get yourself a non baggy pair of rain pants. Good chance you ruin the baggy ones when it gets snagged in your chain.
And also - have fun!! Nothing brings me greater joy than a several day bikepackign trip. Especially if it takes me through small rural towns and I can get cheap drinks and food and not have to worry about cooking at camp
And also - have fun!! Nothing brings me greater joy than a several day bikepackign trip. Especially if it takes me through small rural towns and I can get cheap drinks and food and not have to worry about cooking at camp
Jaysus
Good times!
It will be cool rain... good tip on the extra gloves. Having at least a dry pair for camp sounds fun. I am planning on cuffing my pants legs for that Z Cavaricci look, I will also have extra Voile straps with me to "tie" them down. They are Frog Toggs, so if they get wrecked they are easy to replace... I will just be wet until then. The REI rain pant selection I encountered last night was not a big enough upgrade (or WAY to big of an upgrade).
@El Floppo I am hoping the hood on my Marmot Precip fits over the helmet... I was thinking it may work under it though? No cap on my helmet.
beer 30
Footballguy
Tape your rain pants with masking tape or painters tape. You'll look stupid but you'll be comfortable.
The Commish
Footballguy
Alright chumps.....I just got the bike I ordered in January. Well, I got the 2021 version for the 2020 price....It's a Giant Roam. I was ecstatic until I got my fat ### on it and realized how fat and out of shape I am. I need some sort of program to follow so I don't kill myself. I struggled with two miles 
My legs were absolute jello, but my cardio wasn't as bad as I thought.
Bottom line is, I need something to pace me. I'm not good at that myself it seems.
My legs were absolute jello, but my cardio wasn't as bad as I thought. Bottom line is, I need something to pace me. I'm not good at that myself it seems.
beer 30
Footballguy
Get a bike computer or a fitness watch that does biking. I'm partial to Garmin but there are a lot of options out there so pick one that fits your budget/needs. This will allow you to see speed, cadence which will allow you to do a better job pacing yourself and learning where your sweet spot is.Alright chumps.....I just got the bike I ordered in January. Well, I got the 2021 version for the 2020 price....It's a Giant Roam. I was ecstatic until I got my fat ### on it and realized how fat and out of shape I am. I need some sort of program to follow so I don't kill myself. I struggled with two miles
Bottom line is, I need something to pace me. I'm not good at that myself it seems.
Something this Garmin Edge 130.
Last edited by a moderator:
The Commish
Footballguy
beer 30
Footballguy
I'm sure there are. I have a bike on a smart trainer so everything I do is according to a program called Zwift that interacts with the trainer. That's much, much more than what you are wanting or needing to do.
I know Garmin has internal training programs you can access via their bike computers although I've never used one.
Dickies
Footballguy
I would recommend getting a fitness watch and join Strava. There is an FBG group comprised of mostly runners, but there are some cyclists mixed in there as well. I don't have a meter that tells me cadence or watts, but it will give me my heart rate and speed. Strava will keep track of your average speed for the ride, and track your progress through segments of the ride so you will know if you're improving. It's fun coming in from a ride and seeing you got 10+ PRs across various segments in the ride.Alright chumps.....I just got the bike I ordered in January. Well, I got the 2021 version for the 2020 price....It's a Giant Roam. I was ecstatic until I got my fat ### on it and realized how fat and out of shape I am. I need some sort of program to follow so I don't kill myself. I struggled with two miles
Bottom line is, I need something to pace me. I'm not good at that myself it seems.
Invest in some quality padded shorts if your intent is to start doing longer rides. Also, make sure you have a good helmet.
While I never subscribed to a "program" I did set personal weekly distance goals for myself when I was starting. For me I started at 50 miles per week, but increased it to 75 miles when I got a new bike and found the 50 to be too easy. You can obviously pick whatever number you want, but try to make it achievable. Find destinations that you want to ride to instead of just aimlessly riding around town. There is also enjoyment to aimlessly riding around and exploring the surrounding areas, but I found it beneficial to find a tangible reason to ride somewhere.
As for actual technique, try to find a cadence that you can sustain for the entire ride and adjust your gears if your cadence is falling outside of your comfort zone. If your cardio is holding up, but your legs are burning out it suggests you are running gearing that is too high. Trying lowering the gear you are riding in and doing more pedal rotations to compensate. Start slow and build yourself up. You're not racing anyone. Enjoy the fresh air and take some time to take in your surroundings.
The Commish
Footballguy
ive been sedintary for almost two years. The first ride ws a wake up call for sure. Need to go slower and think the different park trails here are the wy to start
beer 30
Footballguy
Slow and steady is the way to build your base. Not saying you can't work in speed work, which you should, but you have to establish what's comfortably sustainable first. Depending on how much you want to dump on this I'd recommend a heart rate monitor too, whether on your wrist or as a strap. The more time you put in and better shape you get in, the corollary between HR & cadence is pretty solid. A cadence sensor isn't expensive and worth an investment if you are riding roads. If you're sticking to trails then probably less so as cadence is so up and down on trails.
ive been sedintary for almost two years. The first ride ws a wake up call for sure. Need to go slower and think the different park trails here are the wy to start
The Commish
Footballguy
Trails here aren't like up there. They're paved and relatively flat. Might as well be a road honestly. Think I'm going to pick a couple different ones and start with "comfortable rides" and time them, then over time see if I can get faster. First I need to see how far I can go comfortably for 30 minutes.
And an FYI....I can find ZERO apps like "couch to 5k". Anyone want to go in on a programming venture?
Dickies
Footballguy
Strava will do this for you. It's a free app on the phone, and no other equipment is needed. As you get into it more you will want some type of fitness watch to pair with Strava as it's way more convenient and gives you more detailed info. You're just starting so don't run out and start buying a bunch of gear until you've been going at it for a while and have a better understanding of what you are looking for.
You can stick to predetermined routes and see how your time differs each time, or you can just go ride and see what your average speed was at the end of the ride. Don't beat yourself up if you're not always faster than the last ride because there are a lot of variables that play into it. Wind, hot/cold weather, traffic, hills and your nutrition/hydration will all play a role. There will be rides where you feel really strong, but ride slow, and rides where you feel slow but PR a dozen segments.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Generally, I don't love the way they ride as I'd rather spend the $ on a good carbon frame, but Ti frames are really really pretty.
Dickies
Footballguy
I posted about it a little in the diet/fitness thread, but will add it here since this is a more appropriate place.
About 3 weeks ago I did my first ever bike race. It was a XC mountain bike race. The course was 18 miles and 2,500 feet of elevation gain. I was in 40-49 CAT3 (the slowest category) and my only goals were to complete the race and not be last. The week prior I had pulled my right quadricep playing slow pitch softball of all things, but decided that since I was already registered I would race. Probably not the wisest decision, but there was a level of excitement about doing something like this.
I told myself going in I would just ride my own race, and maintain a slow and steady pace. That all went out the window when everyone around me shot out of the starting line super fast. My heart rate shot through the roof, and I never recovered. Normally when I mountain bike with friends we stop at the top of the hill to catch our breath, drink some water and enjoy the scenery. This was all about maintaining forward movement. The only time I stopped was when a fellow rider looked to be in a lot of pain, and said he was cramping up and out of water. I gave him about half the water in my camelback and continued on. He crossed the finish line after me, so I was happy he made it.
In the end I finished 57/81. It took me about two and a half hours, and my average heart rate over that span was 167..... peaking at 186. My heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest the whole time, but it was still a lot of fun and a good experience. I may sign up for another race in April and hopefully do some actual training beforehand. A year and a half ago I was asking for advice on a bike purchase, and completely out of shape. I wouldn't have physically been able to even walk this course, much less bike it, so I'm proud of how far I've come with my fitness
About 3 weeks ago I did my first ever bike race. It was a XC mountain bike race. The course was 18 miles and 2,500 feet of elevation gain. I was in 40-49 CAT3 (the slowest category) and my only goals were to complete the race and not be last. The week prior I had pulled my right quadricep playing slow pitch softball of all things, but decided that since I was already registered I would race. Probably not the wisest decision, but there was a level of excitement about doing something like this.
I told myself going in I would just ride my own race, and maintain a slow and steady pace. That all went out the window when everyone around me shot out of the starting line super fast. My heart rate shot through the roof, and I never recovered. Normally when I mountain bike with friends we stop at the top of the hill to catch our breath, drink some water and enjoy the scenery. This was all about maintaining forward movement. The only time I stopped was when a fellow rider looked to be in a lot of pain, and said he was cramping up and out of water. I gave him about half the water in my camelback and continued on. He crossed the finish line after me, so I was happy he made it.
In the end I finished 57/81. It took me about two and a half hours, and my average heart rate over that span was 167..... peaking at 186. My heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest the whole time, but it was still a lot of fun and a good experience. I may sign up for another race in April and hopefully do some actual training beforehand. A year and a half ago I was asking for advice on a bike purchase, and completely out of shape. I wouldn't have physically been able to even walk this course, much less bike it, so I'm proud of how far I've come with my fitness
Sand
Footballguy
Seriously - just ride. Pick one day a week to suffer a bit and ride endurance pace the rest. It will come back.Alright chumps.....I just got the bike I ordered in January. Well, I got the 2021 version for the 2020 price....It's a Giant Roam. I was ecstatic until I got my fat ### on it and realized how fat and out of shape I am. I need some sort of program to follow so I don't kill myself. I struggled with two miles
Bottom line is, I need something to pace me. I'm not good at that myself it seems.
Rule 5 is now in effect.
Last edited by a moderator:
Sand
Footballguy
Seriously, when running or swimming I'll happily let someone go if they're faster. On the bike if ####### Lance passes me I'll kill myself to stay on the wheel. I've bumped up my known max HR a few times thanks to stunts like this.
Last edited by a moderator:
Dickies
Footballguy
I totally do this when I ride road, but up until the race I had never done it on the mountain bike because it is so much easier to burn out while climbing up steep hills.
Seriously, when running or swimming I'll happily let someone go if they're faster. On the bike if ####### Lance passes me I'll kill myself to stay on the wheel. I've bumped up my known max HR a few times thanks to stunts like this.
beer 30
Footballguy
Strava probably the way to go for the time being. @Dickiesis correct, it will give you all the feedback you currently are needing to get going.Don't listen to @Sandabout that "just ride" nonsense, he doesn't know what he's talking about
He used to be really good, now he's as good once as he ever was
The Commish
Footballguy
Yeah, I've been this route before (last time was running) so I sorta know the process. Got the app and will give it a go. Looks like you can subscribe and have other stuff at your disposal. For now, I can create my own routes and pace myself it seems.
That said, I need someone to talk to me about the padded shorts I already feel like I've been violated by a space probe.
Would these things be similar to sliding pants for a baseball player?
ETA: Should let you all know, I USED to be good on a bicycle. Raced mountain bikes as a teen etc. That was 30 years ago and technology has changed so much it might as well be like starting for the first time. So SOME of the basics I get, but it's a new surface, new bike type and new technologies and I didn't need padded pants when I was a kid
Last edited by a moderator:
Redwes25
Footballguy
Don't listen to @Sandabout that "just ride" nonsense, he doesn't know what he's talking about
I am a third vote for joining Strava as it is a great tool and has really helped keep me active. Also, the FBG runners who man the group seem like good guys other than they run too much.
Also, added benefit is you can see @beer 30 do a Gran Fondo from his living room.
Dickies
Footballguy
Something like this. I have heard good things about this brand from my neighbors. I was rocking some cheap padded mountain bike shorts off of Amazon, and they help, but before the mountain bike race, there was a booth from Hyperthreads selling surplus custom-printed shorts and bibs for between $10-30. They are WAY better than my Amazon shorts.Yeah, I've been this route before (last time was running) so I sorta know the process. Got the app and will give it a go. Looks like you can subscribe and have other stuff at your disposal. For now, I can create my own routes and pace myself it seems.
That said, I need someone to talk to me about the padded shorts I already feel like I've been violated by a space probe.
Would these things be similar to sliding pants for a baseball player?
ETA: Should let you all know, I USED to be good on a bicycle. Raced mountain bikes as a teen etc. That was 30 years ago and technology has changed so much it might as well be like starting for the first time. So SOME of the basics I get, but it's a new surface, new bike type and new technologies and I didn't need padded pants when I was a kid
Sand
Footballguy
For @The Commish, Just go full spandex. You're going to end up there, so why not just let it all hang out from the start.
Pearly Izumi is a good brand, though. And, the most serious thing I'll say in this thread, go get some Body Glide. Apply assiduously to areas that are subject to chafing. Running stores carry it if you have any nearby. This and decent shorts are the keys to biking bliss. As an aside, this is the one item that you can own without anyone else in the house wanting to steal it - apply once and no one else will touch it.
Another aside - don't fall into the trap that a padded saddle makes things better. It doesn't - it makes chafing worse. Pad your shorts and ride a normal saddle.
Ain't that the hard truth. I'm getting back at it. Once I chuck this damn job I'm headed to the GDMBR. Book it.Don't listen to @Sandabout that "just ride" nonsense, he doesn't know what he's talking about
Last edited by a moderator:
the moops
Footballguy
I've had good luck with this cheap'ish brand on Amazon. Have the shorts, 3/4 capri things, and the full length ones. I am a fan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HGSPNCQ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07HGSPNCQ&pd_rd_w=rY0Ix&pf_rd_p=887084a2-5c34-4113-a4f8-b7947847c308&pd_rd_wg=HobnK&pf_rd_r=T8GPB0Z6GCPPHT4PMVSA&pd_rd_r=ffc1cc8b-4a01-451f-ba1a-9850b3243eb1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUzVSN0QwSkROUzVHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjM0MDEzMzRMTzE0M1VZMlRETiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDczNjIxQ1QxV0U5WVRCTUo1JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Dickies
Footballguy
This is a good call. I think some padding is nice to have, but avoid the "comfort saddle" at all costs unless you're riding a beach cruiser. I'm partial to the WTB Volt.
The Commish
Footballguy
I think ill stick with the shorts for now.
Fortunately, i dont have to worry about chaffing all that much. Maybe ill get to a distance where i do.
Fortunately, i dont have to worry about chaffing all that much. Maybe ill get to a distance where i do.
Sand
Footballguy
When you figure out you have to worry about chafing it's way too late.
Prime reason for gloves. Glad you're ok.
Al Czervik
Not wearing pants
Doing my first ever race this weekend. 28 miles, 1200 elevation gain. Same goal; finish and don't be last.
beer 30
Footballguy
Pearl's are quality. I have a pair of their shorts and just got a pair of bibs. These are my go to long ride shorts/bibs.
For everyday training, I wear Sportneer's. They're cheap but I own about 8 pair and they are solid for just everyday riding.
It's like anything, you're going to pay for quality but as others have mentioned, when it comes to the nether region, you want to take of the boys and be comfortable. For the first 3-4 weeks or so your ### is going to feel like you've been in max security but you get over it. You're using muscles and putting pressure on areas you've probably never used before. It's going to hurt.
I'll also echo Sand's comment on the seat. That hybrid I have that started this conversation ages ago had a padded seat on it, not huge but padded nonetheless. Have never been able to get comfortable with it on long rides. My mountain bike has the same non padded seat my road bike has so I swapped it out and it's night & day. It's counter intuitive but it's #truth
Dickies
Footballguy
Good luck! It’s easier said than done, but my advice is to not fall into the trap of trying to keep up with people at the start. Find your comfortable pace and stick with it
ren hoek
Footballguy
It was either a low-end electric bike or a really nice manual, and I ended up getting a Priority Continuum Onyx sometime in the summer. It's a really great bike, other than the tiny little euro butt seat that felt like I was riding my tailbone. I replaced it with a wider one off an old bike a while back.
I have a little route I'll take through the city. I cross the bridge from Indiana to Louisville and then back across the walking bridge. It is nice to have some quality scenery for the ride- the downtown metro areas around the Yum! Center and real nice vistas when I'm crossing the river- I think having a destination is important like Dickies said. It's about 7 miles and takes me ~40 minutes to ride around. I was about 239 at one point in 2019 and really overweight on blood pressure meds, but these days I weigh in around 195 and I don't have to take the meds anymore.
I leave the gears on the highest torque setting, which I assume is a better workout. Kind of a shame too, I have this really nice Nuvinci gear shift that's totally smooth. Anyway I've gotten pretty good at just standing up on the pedals to ride uphill. Sometimes I'll take one of my little dogs on the ride with me in a backpack, it looks super extra but they go ballistic whenever they get to ride with and I get a better workout so everybody wins.
My knees are rubbish so it's either this or swimming, riding a bike is just so much more practical, simple & less time-consuming. For once this feels like an exercise routine I can stick with and enjoy forever. I'm moving out on my own again so I'll probably be using it to go to the grocery store and stuff like that too.
I have a little route I'll take through the city. I cross the bridge from Indiana to Louisville and then back across the walking bridge. It is nice to have some quality scenery for the ride- the downtown metro areas around the Yum! Center and real nice vistas when I'm crossing the river- I think having a destination is important like Dickies said. It's about 7 miles and takes me ~40 minutes to ride around. I was about 239 at one point in 2019 and really overweight on blood pressure meds, but these days I weigh in around 195 and I don't have to take the meds anymore.
I leave the gears on the highest torque setting, which I assume is a better workout. Kind of a shame too, I have this really nice Nuvinci gear shift that's totally smooth. Anyway I've gotten pretty good at just standing up on the pedals to ride uphill. Sometimes I'll take one of my little dogs on the ride with me in a backpack, it looks super extra but they go ballistic whenever they get to ride with and I get a better workout so everybody wins.
My knees are rubbish so it's either this or swimming, riding a bike is just so much more practical, simple & less time-consuming. For once this feels like an exercise routine I can stick with and enjoy forever. I'm moving out on my own again so I'll probably be using it to go to the grocery store and stuff like that too.
Dickies
Footballguy
You have gears, why not use them? I almost never stand up to pedal, the exception being short but really steep hills that I carry some speed into.
Sand
Footballguy
You do the same amount of work in low or high gears. One is a bit more anaerobic and one a bit more aerobic, but they're both good for you. Do whichever one floats your boat.
Sand
Footballguy
Ti bikes just look awesome. What did you build it out with?
After looking at what I'd use an offroad type bike for I think I need to con the wife into understanding I really need a new one in the stable. Looking at the Waheela C - seems to check all the boxes for me.
the moops
Footballguy
It actually was already built. Some super rich dude bought it while on vacation in Colorado 2 years ago. Had a shop build it up for him. He came back to the twin cities and bought a 7K full suspension rig, so he sold the Ti Timberjack off. I got it for under 3K so I don't feel like I totally splurged, especially because I see that just the frameset is going for over 3K and you can't even find them.
I am trying to not have 5 bikes, so this bike will be my single track and bike packing rig. It came with two forks (RockShox Yari and a super sweet carbon Enve mountain fork - with two titanium king cages on it!), so I will be swapping forks a few times a year.
Bike is pretty well set up though. 1x11 Sram GX, Level T hydro brakes, tubeless 27.5 x 3.0, whiskey carbon seatpost.
I had ridden my buddy's Ti Lynksey a few times and absolutely loved the feel. I have always been a steel guy but wanted something lighter. Was thinking I was going to build up a chinese carbon bike, but when I saw this Timberjack, I couldn't resist.
-edit- That Otso Waheela is a sick ride.
Last edited by a moderator:
the moops
Footballguy
ren hoek
Footballguy
That’s good to know. I wasn’t sure if there was a difference but apparently anaerobic is a little better for fat loss & muscle gain: https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/aerobic-vs-anaerobic
How do you stay warm in the winter? Lately I’ve been wearing longjohns and a hoodie but I know I’m going to need a lot more once winter sets in.
ren hoek
Footballguy
It almost seems easier just to bite the bullet and lean into the hills as best I can than to sit down and toil away in high gear. It goes a lot faster, from the link apparently it’s a little better workout too.
the moops
Footballguy
Spend good money on good socks, gloves, and cap that fits inder helmet. Otherwise just wear what works - although better to avoid cotton so your sweat doesn't just stay on your body.
