Cycling

[Bears]

Here's the deal... I'm getting bored of running. I run 3 miles during my cardio sessions outside. Sometimes I'll do HITT to switch it up but that's grown pretty boring as well. So I've looked into other options.

I've become really interested in cycling. The thing is I don't know much about it. I'd like to know what kind of distance I should shoot for. What kind of bike would be good? Things like that.

My current goal is to burn fat. I think my body has adapted to all the running I've done and the results are minimal at best now. So I feel this is a good move. Anybody here have some tips for me? :) Thanks in advance.

[Sportsmedjosh]

S54MCoupe would be a good resource to talk to, he does a lot of cycling. I sent him a PM about this thread.

[Bears]

Originally Posted by Sportsmedjosh

S54MCoupe would be a good resource to talk to, he does a lot of cycling. I sent him a PM about this thread.

Thx :)

[S54MCoupe]

Hey! First of all, the type of bike that will be best for you depends on your terrain. If you want to ride road, get a road bike, and if you're planning on hitting the trails, get a mountain bike. A mountain bike can be ridden on the street, but it's not ideal, and you will probably get burned out pretty quick... but it is possible.

A road bike is only going to be good for the road.... no crossing over there.

There is somewhat of a compromise: A Cyclocross bike. Look up cyclocross on youtube. It's gonna take some time and skill to ride a cyclocross bike on a trail, but it is possible, and the bike will stand up the abuse you'll be dishing out. Cyclocross bikes are way tougher than road bikes (but not as tough as a mountain bike, like i said, a compromise.) It's got slim, but knobby tires, and the geometry lends itself to the trails a bit more.

Cost wise, if you're gonna buy a bike new, you're gonna have to spend at least $1k for anything worthwhile. Less than that, and you're gonna outgrow it (skill wise) pretty quick. You can always find one used for cheaper... let me know what you're looking at and I'll give you my opinion on it. There are a lot of variables, and it will be overwhelming if you've never looked before. The major companies, like Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Bianchi, Felt... those are reliable and easy to find. You're also gonna want to make sure you find the right size bike. I'm between 5'9 and 5'10, and I ride a 54cm. Your best bet for a good quality fit is a local bike shop that knows what they're doing.

Distance is all up to you, but make sure to ease into it. If you go crazy right off the bat, you risk screwing up your knees and hip flexors (among other things) It also depends on terrain. Mountain biking tends to be a bit more demanding than road. 20 miles on a flat road ride is a whole lot easier than 20 miles of non-stop climbing. It's all up to you, but you're going to find that covering distances is a whole lot easier on bikes than it is running. A good starting point might be 30 miles a week... If that turns out to be way too easy, bump it up to 50 the next week.... or, depending on your location, find some mountains and ride up em. On the flats, you can coast, on a hill, you earn every mile you put in.

Also, look into some good cycling shorts with padding... you'll thank yourself for the purchase. Without the padding, you're gonna want to quit biking soon. With padding (and some time for the muscles around you butt to develop and get used to being in the saddle for a long time) you'll be able to enjoy yourself.

I rode close to 300 miles this last 7 days, and the only complaint I might have is my left knee bothering me a bit.

I probably left a lot out... let me know what other questions you have.

[Sportsmedjosh]

Thats a lot of good info. I think you covered a lot of material in that post.

[shawnyboy]

i mix my cardio sessions up like that...one day ill run 5.5 miles then ill bike 20 miles the next day..

[Bears]

Originally Posted by Sportsmedjosh

Thats a lot of good info. I think you covered a lot of material in that post.

Definitely! :)

Thanks again S54Mcoupe

[S54MCoupe]

Originally Posted by Bears

Definitely! :)

Thanks again S54Mcoupe

No problem. If you're looking for a used bike, try craigslist. Post links to bikes you're looking at and I'll give you an opinion. How tall are you?

Also, where do you live?

[Daegus]

Originally Posted by Bears

My current goal is to burn fat. I think my body has adapted to all the running I've done and the results are minimal at best now. So I feel this is a good move. Anybody here have some tips for me? :) Thanks in advance.

Low heart rating running then switch to speed work and muscle endurance running. Rinse and repeat. You'll continue to drop weight as long as you have a proper diet and you'll become faster and resist fatigued longer at speed.

Because your body has become more efficient and adapted to your current running, you need to switch it up for lengthy periods of time. Worked out great for me so far and my training. :bdance

As for the cycling, I'll leave that up to S54M. I love my Felt bikes though. Specialized and Bianchi also make some really nice bikes.

[S54MCoupe]

Originally Posted by Daegus

Low heart rating running then switch to speed work and muscle endurance running. Rinse and repeat. You'll continue to drop weight as long as you have a proper diet and you'll become faster and resist fatigued longer at speed.

Because your body has become more efficient and adapted to your current running, you need to switch it up for lengthy periods of time. Worked out great for me so far and my training. :bdance

As for the cycling, I'll leave that up to S54M. I love my Felt bikes though. Specialized and Bianchi also make some really nice bikes.

You can't go wrong with a Felt. They really put out some good bikes for a really good price.

[Daegus]

Originally Posted by S54MCoupe

You can't go wrong with a Felt. They really put out some good bikes for a really good price.

They certainly do. I would have went with a Specialized, but a friend of mine works at a local shop and gave me a deal on a new 2007 Felt F80(All Shimano 105 parts) with shoes/helmet for $970. :wtf

[Bears]

Originally Posted by S54MCoupe

No problem. If you\\'re looking for a used bike, try craigslist. Post links to bikes you\\'re looking at and I\\'ll give you an opinion. How tall are you?

Also, where do you live?

I'm 5'7

I live on Long Island, NY. Sorry I didn't answer sooner

Originally Posted by Daegus

Low heart rating running then switch to speed work and muscle endurance running. Rinse and repeat. You\\'ll continue to drop weight as long as you have a proper diet and you\\'ll become faster and resist fatigued longer at speed.

Because your body has become more efficient and adapted to your current running, you need to switch it up for lengthy periods of time. Worked out great for me so far and my training. :bdance

As for the cycling, I\\'ll leave that up to S54M. I love my Felt bikes though. Specialized and Bianchi also make some really nice bikes.

That's some good info thanks

[S54MCoupe]

Have you gotten a bike?

[Bears]

Originally Posted by S54MCoupe

Have you gotten a bike?

Yes. Well I didn't buy one, I was given one. It's a ross carrera road bike. I have no idea how old it is, as it was a hand me down from one of my dad's clients. He asked if I wanted it and since I was bikeless I took it.

As you know I no nothing about bikes so don't flame if it's a POS I plan on buying a new bike in the future. In the meantime while I save money though I'll use what I've got.

That being said, I've got a question... What bike would you recommend at a reasonable price. I'm a full time college student, working full time for the summer then back to part time during the school year; so please keep that in mind :)

P.S. sorry I took sooo long to respond