Jimi Michiel

Anybody else out there road bike? I've gotten really into it and will be taking the plunge and buying a decent bike to start taking it seriously. My goal is to eventually bike from Boston to Tanglewood (summer home of the Boston Symphony). It's about 130 miles, which sounds like a lot, but I think it's do-able. I'm not going to speculate about how it will affect my playing, but it can't hurt to get in shape...

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mike ansberry

Be careful, pay attention to road signs, wear your helmet, and did I say pay attention? Road biking is great fun, but can be very dangerous. In any competition with a vehicle, the bicyclist loses. Doesn't matter who's fault it is, the bicyclist loses. My son was killed when he was hit by a pickup truck 2 years ago. Did I say be careful? It is easy to get going, feel the wind blowing by you, and get into the joy of riding. So be careful.

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"Music is a fire in your belly that has to come out of your mouth, so you'd better put a horn in the way before someone gets hurt" (paraphrase of Bleeding Gums Murphy)

tom turner

Mike, I'm so sorry to hear about your son's death while on a bicycle. I can't imagine how painful that was, and is.

My cousin lost her husband, a very avid cyclist, in Tallahassee (my hometown) last year. He was quite well known in the local scene. Someone claimed they didn't see him and they weren't charged.

A month before the 2005 Tour de Georgia another cyclist and TRUMPETER that I knew from Tallahassee flew off the side of a mountain road by Vogel St. Park that the tour went down a month later. This guy LOVED speed though, and was in a crouching position to get more speed when something happened in a curve. He sailed off the road at over 60 mph and hit a tree about 50 feet down. I'd NEVER do something like that, but it was sad going up there, during the Tour de Georgia to the spot where Matt lost his life.

Bicycling is probably one of the most dangerous sports someone can take up as an adult . . . yet also one of the best, for it is low impact and wonderful for aerobics.

My wife and I, both in our 50's also ride road bikes . . . and try to be very careful. Still accidents happen. A big dog darted out in front of my wife two springs ago and her front wheel actually stopped instantly when it hit the dog, causing the bike, along with her still clipped to the petals, to radius 180 degrees forward.

She hit the pavement on the top of her helmet and her wrist had the tendons messed up as the handlebars hit the pavement. She also broke a rib . . . all as we were doing 16mph on a country paved road! That was the end of her cycling that year.

To jmichiel I say this: DO NOT think I'm trying to scare you!!! Take up road biking, it is a GREAT sport, and a wonderful way for an adult to get back in shape! You'll soon discover that the miles will peel away quickly, and you will absolutely love the feeling!

Naturally, get a great "brain bucket!" A helmet should NOT be skimped on. A good bike shop will make sure you are fitted correctly.

ALSO . . . get fitted for a comfortable, quality bike! If you can, spring for at least Shimano 105 gearing and shifters . . . for this can be upgraded later (as it wears out) for either Shimano Ultegra OR the ultimate . . . Dura Ace. Most road bikes will be outfitted with this brand of gearing.

The fit of the bike is sooooo important, as is the weight of the bike and the way you choose to ride. Each five pounds of weight can slow you down several minutes on a moderate climb of just a few miles, so the racers go as light as they can.

HOWEVER . . . for an adult who won't be concerned with racing for wins with the young guns, a slightly less aggressive frame with allow you MUCH more riding comfort even though it is a little heavier of a bike.

Don't worry . . . all decent bike shops can discuss your needs and help you find a bike that's right for you.

I'm still on the heavy side, and in my mid-50's, and LOVE my 2003 Specialized "Sequioa" road bike. It is made for folks who want to ride 100 miles or more and not have the bike kill 'em. The super light road bikes are just made for ultimate lightness and speed and this means a very low riding position, lots of jarring . . . and no comfort.

It is made for more comfort . . . a seat post with GIVE . . . a saddle that's got a little padding . . . a SLIGHTLY more upright ride. These things make a HUGE difference when one is out doing a "century" (a 100 mile road ride event) or a leisurly 25-50 mile ride in the afternoon in the country! I selected one with 105 components, which is perfect for my "speed," and totally upgradable. The weight of the 105 components is only a little more than Ultegra too so it really doesnt' matter . . . to me.

Other makes also offer fine bikes too.

Good luck . . . and BE CAREFUL!

Sincerely,

Tom Turner

PS: I also have a bright, flashing rear bike light . . . and wear bright yellow or bright red jerseys when I ride. It helps the rednecks in their pick-up trucks to see me better out in the country!!!

Have fun . . . I know I do!

Robert Rowe

Hello, All --

First of all, our sympathies are for you Mike; and your family, as well.


jmichiel -- I can offer some advice, also. I have been riding, for sport and fitness, since the mid-1960s. I occasionally compete in triathalons, and must train on a good road-bike. I am fortunate in having acquired (back in early 1970s) a professional-grade "Paramount" bike, for training and pleasure-riding. It's actually a little too stiff for pleasure-riding, but back in the early 1970s, there weren't too many options, like there are today.

(I am now too concerned to leave the bike "casually" parked in front of coffee-shops, and such. The guys at the bike shops tell me I'm "nuts", because the bike has Italian "Campagnolo" componenets, worth more than $2500 alone ... and I paid only $600 for the entire bike!). Hence, I tend to use my Trek road-bike, which is "replaceable".

The "mountain bikes" are a lot of fun (if there are hills and trails in your area). I have a "Mongoose" and like Tom Turner (small world, Tom!), a "Specialized" (a 2005 "Hardrock Pro").

What I might offer as an interesting alternative to a single-purpose road-bike, is what is called a "Hybrid-Bike" -- which is exactly as the name implies: something of a cross between a road-bike and a mountain-bike ... sorta "dual-purpose". The better ones have front forks with adjustable shocks, and a rear suspension that "gives" (some with adjustment, also).
I have a "Raleigh" (an old, well-known brand, that is still of fine quality)
"hybrid", and I use it a lot.

One-hundred miles per week of riding is "not a big deal". With gel-saddles (seats), adjustable/sprung stem-posts, adjustable shocks and suspensions, a pleasant and comfortable ride is easily attained.

Helmets are a must! Even if you think you look "goofy", or like a giant alien bug, WEAR ONE!

Mirrors, bells, strobes, LED arm & leg bands, specialized reflective clothing, riding gloves (with gel palms), hydration bladders, moisture-wicking shorts and shirts ... all provide safety and comfort. Other aids are available in bike shops.

Ride on the RIGHT-side of roadways ... with the vehicular traffic. Use hand and arm signals to alert motorists of your intentions. Obey traffic signs and signals. Give way (yield) to pedestrians. Try not to ride on sidewalks. Acquire and use a real good (not cheap) lock. Equip the bike with gear and tool bag(s). Bring along a cell phone. Plan and familiarize yourself with your intended route.

Sounds like a lot involved; but, it all adds-up to make your endeavor fun and safe as possible. Watch-out for the morons!

Best of luck!
Robt
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Effort = Results

Martin Williams

I agree with the great advice being left by the others here - START RIDING!!

I ride for the Ohio State team, and also as one of my summer jobs I attend many bicycle tours with a group called "The Bike Detail" where I aminly fix, clean, repair,etc on bikes.

As has been said - Get a helmet, get a helmet, GET A HELMET!! After some of the stupid accident Ive had, I think a helmet is the only reason I am not vegetable or worse, dead

Also, Fit of the Bike is Important! Allow a bike shop to help you choose a bike that is correct for the riding you want to do, and the right size for you. Getting a bike that is the wrong size for you will have you cursing like a sailor and in pain before the end of your ride, and leave you very discouraged.

When riding, dont try and push big gears to go fast. It requires less energy and power to move a smaller gear at a higher tempo, and its a much better cardio workout that way

Lastly, DONT EVER try to ride with headphones of any kind, or answer your phone while riding, etc. I carry my phone, but dont answer it unless Ive stopped somewhere. And also obey all traffic laws, we areheld to the same exact rules the cars are, and they arent gonna pay attention to them

Oh, and have fun!! feel free to email me, or shoot me some PMs if you've got any questions!

mike ansberry

A really good bike is a cool thing. My son, Joey, found a Cannondale at a pawn shop for $50. He was freaked out when he came home. He said they didn't know what it was. It was a couple of years old and needed some work, but wow! The bike hardly had any weight to it.

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"Music is a fire in your belly that has to come out of your mouth, so you'd better put a horn in the way before someone gets hurt" (paraphrase of Bleeding Gums Murphy)

Jimi Michiel

Thanks everyone for the advice. Mike, I'm so sorry about your son. One of the reasons I really wanted to get a bike this summer is because I am living in a part of Upstate New York that is really perfect for someone who is just starting to seriously road-bike. There are lots of long roads with good pavement and high visibility lines. I think I'm a fairly cautious rider and this is really a great area to start out in. Of course, the helmet is a given. (I still don't understad how you could ride without one, especially the motorcyclists who ride sans helmet...)

So I went for my first ride today on my new Lemond Tourmalet. The clipless pedals will take some time to adjust to, but it was so great to be on a quality bike after dealing with a junker. I also found out how horribly out of shape I am. Looks like it might be a while before I turn pro and enter the Toure, but not too long

-Jimi

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tom turner

Congratulations Jimi!

Lemond makes nice bikes and you'll love it! The Lemond Tourmalet is a great bike for an adult rider to begin on. It's combination of components will work just about as well as Ultegra or Dura-Ace, only a little more weight . . . so it will give you a great ride and serve you very, very well indeed! You made a great choice!

Like Robert, I also have a hybrid with suspension forks on the front. Mine's more of a "Comfort bike" with a more upright seating position and a lot more weight than my road bike. It has fatter 26" tires and is great for riding trails and casual riding, etc. We took ours to Hilton Head Island a few weekends ago, where the entire 15 mile (or so) island has shady, paved bike trails everywhere . . . including in areas with lots of auto congestion. It was soooo relaxing and leisurely. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

My brother-in-law is a 49 year-old radiologist who lives in the mountains just west of Denver. He also has mountain bikes.

Jimi, I say all that to let you know that you'll probably get bitten by the bug and purchase several bikes eventually . . . for different things!

My wife and I take different bikes on different trips we take on weekends. It is a lot of fun!!!

CLIPLESS PETALS?????

How humbling it is when one gets their first set of petals that clip to the bottom of dedicated bike shoes! After being a kid and riding on flat petals . . . to gravitate to locking my feet to the petals took some, errrrrr "adjusting" to!

We do this so we can petal ALSO on the upstroke with our legs. It gives you more power since you are using both sets of muscles on each leg and allows one to make much faster time!

However . . . it is very humbling to roll to a dead stop, like you did as a kid . . . and suddenly realize that your foot won't leave the petal . . . because you forgot to "clip out." You only do this a couple of times before you learn this new bike riding routine . . . so you harmlessly fall over . . . like a five-year old!

BUT . . . once you realize the exercise potential and benefits of this type petal, you'll never go back to a flat petal again!

ENJOY!!!

mhilton

A few weeks ago, I purchased a Trek 3700 to casually ride to help get back into shape. I am 29 years old and my job is relatively stressful and I have actually been in the hospital 2x this year thinking I was having a heart attack, but it was related to stress. On top of that, I have been a 2 pack a day smoker and am trying to eliminate the habit. In the last 3 weeks I have gotten the habit down to less than half a pack a day and my goal is to be completely quit by the end of this month.

I am lucky that where I live just south of the Twin Cities has miles, that we have paved trails to ride and not have to ride on the roads much. You will certainly get the itch to ride more as you get used to it. I have been averaging about 100 miles a week since I bought the bike and I honestly haven't felt this good since I was 18!

Good luck in your new endeavor!

Matt

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Mathew M. Hilton

Jimi Michiel

Tom-

Yes, the clipless pedals take a little getting used to, although I have much more difficulty getting into them than getting out. I got road pedals, which unlike mountain bike pedals, only have a clip on one side. It was a humbling experience going down the street trying to clip into the wrong side of the pedal. Oops!!!

I'm trying to avoid getting bit by the bug. I have too many trumpets to start collecting expensive bicycles. The Tourmalet is a great road bike for me, and I still have the bike I've been riding for the last year, a junker I got off Craigs List for $70, that I will use for commuting. Hopefully I'll be able to upgrade when I get out of school and get a job, but for the time being my buying days are done.

-Jimi

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