Posts: 3,889
5/31/09 1:45 P

SWTPRPGRL:
No, it never becomes easy. However, the more you do it, the speed at which it becomes hard goes up. You've only put 35 miles on the bike in 2 years, that's not a lot (I don't like to ride long distance but I still average 3500 miles a year). Just get out and ride, you'll get better.

John;
Saddles are unique to the individual. First thing to do is check tilt - make it level or slightly nose down. Then try it. I'm assuming that your saddle fore-aft puts you in the correct position. When you get your new saddle, put it in the EXACT same position as the old one so that you can compare. Most shops have a buy-try-return policy - I should know, I went through a half dozen last winter.

As far as I'm concerned, there are no men/women specific saddles. Saddles come in different widths - you need to measure the distance between your sit bones to determine what width saddle would suit you. In terms of cutout, it's personal choice - if I have the width right then cutout or not generally doesn't really matter for me.

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5/30/09 11:17 P

John - for a saddle you can try nashbar.com or Google cycling stores.

Posts: 741
5/30/09 8:13 P

John - I didn't even leave the bike shop with the seat it originally came with, ooooh nooooo....I had 'em take that off and put on a nice gel girl-specific seat....ahhhhhh! Go for the guy-specific seat, it'll make things much more comfortable.

I like the flat handlebars on mine, they keep me in just the right position. The lower back appreciates a little lean forward, and the upper body appreciates having just a little less pressure then road bike handlebars. For awhile I thought I would end up with a bike for every busted piece of my anatomy, ha!!!

One day, when I am not so hefty, these problems will not be much of a problem anymore. It's the extra weight that is putting too much pressure on my lower back, not any lifting I may do at work. Workin' on it!!!

I am looking forward to a nice long ride tomorrow morning, weather's supposed to be nice here. Hope everyone has great rides this weekend!!!!!!!!!!

Posts: 8,845
5/30/09 3:49 P

Oh, wow. Why don't they allow the bike in the elevator? Do they at least have a service elevator?

Does it get easy? Probably not. Does it get easier? Yes. And as it gets easier I pust harder, which is probably why it never gets easy...

Posts: 13,559
5/30/09 12:38 P

Really? I heard of gel seats or the split seats ?
The store I bought the bike doesnt have many seats for sale I think I need to find another bike store for that

thanks John

PS I just found out Im not allowed to have a bike in my building & elevator so Im going to carry it up 6 flights of stairs

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5/30/09 12:02 P

John - I am sure you're aware they make boy-specific seats. It really pays to get one. I have a girl-specific seat and it helps keep the pressure of sitting in the correct place.

Posts: 101
5/30/09 8:39 A

CARLATL- I have to lug my bike up 2 flights of stairs as well and the new bike is much lighter.

Thanks everyone for the great comments

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Posts: 62
5/30/09 8:25 A

Hi,

I love a quote from Greg LeMond the first
American to win the Tour de France about
climbing uphill, "it's never easy but you do
get faster." Pretty much applies to mountain
biking too. Just keep riding, you will get better.
Mountain biking takes quite a bit of skills as well
as road riding.

Slim

Posts: 13,559
5/30/09 8:04 A

Carolyn- I went to a spin class few years ago and never been back since, its for the advanced athelete

I was wiped out of cardio, and my legs were like rubber

Carla- yes shes a fast horse I almost thought did I I make a mistake, maybe I should have bought a city/trail straight handle bike for my first one.
The seat is not easy on the boys.
I need to get to that point where the bike & I are one. I was amazed at how I rode the Hills- Woo Hoo
JOHN



Edited by: FREEDOMSTAR at: 5/30/2009 (08:08)

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5/30/09 7:35 A

Yes, as the previous posters have said, it gets easier as you work up the cardio and muscles to ride.

I am a new road rider - I bought my bike last year. I think I put only 450 miles on the bike in a year, which averages out to less than 9 miles a week. That's really not enough to get in decent cycling shape. After NOT seeing my average triathlon time change in 2 years, I joined a cycling group that is coached by a tri coach. I am really slow right now, but watching the group get 1/2 mile ahead of me in a 2 mile ride is only making me want to get that much better.

I have heard that taking spin classes really helps build your muscles. I took one of those classes a couple of years ago and it kicked my butt so much that I haven't been back. But I will go back now that I know it will be worth it.

Posts: 741
5/30/09 7:01 A

Angie - It will get easier as you go along. I have that same bike, and she FLIES!!!! Since I've started with it this season I've moved up in the gears as I got stronger, and that packs on the speed. You'll get there too, keep at it!!!

I love it, especially when carrying it up 3 flights of stairs to my apartment...much lighter then my other bike.

John - Your new baby is working out well, huh? Great!!

Hope everyone has a good weekend and good weather to get outside!!

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5/29/09 11:40 P

Welcome to the world of cycling. I wouldn't worry about not flying down the trails. DH and I usually make about 6 MPH on trails, more on dirt roads. But if you are not VERY familiar with the trail I don't advise going fast on it. That said, as you become more accustomed to riding your bike, how and when to shift/brake you will get faster.

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5/29/09 10:45 P

I am a new biker myself as of Mother's Day. I've only been out 3-4 times since due to my work schedule and the weather. I've always been accompanied by family as young as 8 years old. We've averaged over 10 mph despite waiting for the youngest members of our team.

I've been able to bike hills even my 21 yo son who's in good shape hasn't. I believe it's due to my cardio training, especially on the elliptical, and the many, many hours of strength training with lots of squats & lunges.

I believe we will both increase our speed in time, meanwhile I'm enjoying the heck out of sharing my ride with my family. Good luck to you.

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5/29/09 10:39 P

It comes with time. When I got my first decent mtn bike, I rode for a mile, up a hill, came back, and threw up. LOL BUT I kept at it, rode daily, tagged along with some women that rode quite a bit, and eventually got very strong. A bit over a year later, I rode in, and won, a mtn bike race. I now ride road and mtn bikes. I do century rides now. Things can and do change IF you keep at it. Don't get discouraged.

Posts: 13,559
5/29/09 9:46 P

Hi
I just went for my first ride with my new bike.
I found it very easy. (I've been RUN training for 6 months) I think the cardio strength helps, also a road bike will make your ride easier, (if you want to fly by like you mention in your post)

JOHN

Edited by: FREEDOMSTAR at: 5/29/2009 (21:49)

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Posts: 289
5/29/09 9:36 P

That is probably why, it takes a while to build up the power in your legs. At the start of the season, I always start out just trying to put a few miles on. Then when I've been out several times, I might try to do the same distance as the night before, but try to cut some time off.

I biked a lot last year, and tried to use a trainer over the winter. When I got out this year, I could only go about 13 miles per hour on average, but I'm out about 5 days a week, and now I always hit 15, and even hit 16 twice. It just comes gradually. Maybe by the end of the year, I'll even manage to hit 17. I just love biking. Once I can talk myself into getting out, I love it. But it's the getting off the couch that is hard for me.

Posts: 101
5/29/09 9:24 P

Last year I had a mountain bike that I probably only put 20 miles on the whole year. Cycling has always interested me so this year I bought a Trek 7.2 wsd. I thought that it would be easier riding on a lighter bike. idk. So far I have put 15 miles on this bike this year, I hope to get tons more. My question is I see other bikers flying by me on the trails. Some people that are bigger then me. Why am I going so slow? Is it because I haven't been riding long? Out of shape? Thanks

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