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2/29/2012 9:01:24 AM

I just got my new Trek Ion CX Pro today. Looks sweeeeeet. See...

3/10/2012 6:44:58 PM

^ How do you like the SRAM shifters? Having always used shimano, I don't know if I could get used to those.


Just finished a ~45mi ride with one of my friends. Started late afternoon when it was the warmest, but when the sun starting going down it got cold fasstttt. It's quite an incentive to pick up the pace and finish the ride.

3/10/2012 6:54:11 PM

My first bike has shimano 105, and my second and third have SRAM Rival. On a touring bike, I would go with shimano (it shifts smoother) and on a race bike I'd go with SRAM (it shifts faster). Really, once they're dialed in both sets work just fine, it just becomes a personal preference. I think the SRAM hoods are also a little shorter/fatter.

3/10/2012 7:03:44 PM

Dorked around in Duke Forest today on my cyclocross bike because I'm on spring break. Rode for a few hours and took my Weim mix, who stayed by me the entire time and carried his pack.

Can't wait to take him mountain biking on different trails later this season.

3/12/2012 7:33:20 PM

Ok so my road bike has a triple in the front, 52/42/30, and a 12-25 9spd cassette in the rear. I'm thinking about going to a 11-23 cassette. I don't ever use my smallest front as it is right now, so if 23 turns out to be too tall on the hills, then I figure I always have the option of dropping to the low in the front. The 12 is just really hurting my top end, especially since one of my buddies that I ride with actually has a freaking mtn bike XTR rear derailleur/cassette. He doesn't even have to shift to the top ring in the front to out-pace me. Anybody think this change is a bad idea? What say you, TWW?

3/18/2012 9:08:42 PM

What is it about the XTR cassette you think is making him go faster?

At 90 RPM, that 52-12 should put you at 31mph. An 11 will hit 34mph if you can crank the extra 20% in power it'll take. You can also get that 52-12 to get you there by spinning about 100 RPM instead.

If you aren't hitting these speeds, you can put some speed drills and intervals into your workouts, they'll make you faster than any cassette change ever will. For the speed drills, experiment to find a gear you can pedal 100 rpm for a minute and be a breathing moderately, not out of breath. Start doing these at 100 rpm, and then build up to 120 or more. You should be working a little, but these aren't sprints, these are teaching your muscles to move around in circles really fast. When you get proficient, make them 90s or 2 min spins. For a short workout, do 10 of these, 1 min work, 1 min rest. For a long workout, put 5@1x1 after the warmup and before the intervals. There are many variations on the intervals, but if your goal is sprinting with your buddy, a good place to start is 1 minute sprints. At the end of one of these sprints, you should be breathing heavily, almost gasping for breath, but don't push so hard you can't finish the sprint. If you are measuring heartrate, you should be about 95% max. Do 10 sets of 1 min work, 1 min rest. Youll know you found the right intensity if you can just barely finish the last set and your legs are burning. If you can't do the last set at all, you're just jello and falling over, bring the intensity down a bit. Don't do these sprints two days in a row, your muscles will get stronger faster with a rest day (which is a great day for the speed drills).

3/25/2012 4:17:22 AM

Went on a ride yesterday and got battered by hailstones. Eghhhhh.

Can't wait for it to dry out a bit-I want to shoot anyone who keeps telling me "I'm glad we're getting more rain
to make up for this dry winter" (what??)

3/25/2012 11:36:17 AM

^^ Haha, sorry, that part was a bit of hyperbole. He just always seems to be able to pull way from me. He most likely has the same 52-11 as I do now (threw the new cassette on there earlier this week) so there's really no difference. The 11 is nice to have in case I want it, and I barely notice the step down to 23. I had come up with the same numbers using the calculator at http://home.earthlink.net/~mike.sherman/shift.html but I wasn't sure how much of a real world difference it would make. I picked up a heartrate monitor and cadence sensor at the same time as the cassette, so now I'll start paying a bit more attention to how hard I'm pushing myself. Thanks for the tips.


I don't have anybody to ride with today, and when that happens I usually just grab my mtb and hit the trails. Trails are all closed because of all this rain *and* my mtb is in the shop

3/25/2012 2:34:21 PM

^^no shit. its finally nice enough to be outside all the time and its fuckin raining every day

This probably goes in the mountain bike thread, but did the San Lee race today. Not fun. Course is just too rough for my liking and the technical parts are ridiculous. I'm sure everything being wet and slick didn't help either. Racing mountain bikes is definitely fun, though. It's pretty laid back and accessible even for new riders.

3/25/2012 3:29:27 PM

anybody in this thread up in northern virginia? i would love a buddy to go out on the longer rides with.

3/25/2012 6:58:43 PM

^^ I got talked into doing an Xterra tri in June sometime in western NC near Asheville. I have no idea what I signed myself up for, really. Until then, I will figure out how this mountain biking concept works.

3/25/2012 11:16:51 PM

Quote :

"Can't wait for it to dry out a bit-I want to shoot anyone who keeps telling me "I'm glad we're getting more rain to make up for this dry winter" (what??)"

Really. Rain has kept the trails closed quite a bit... and here lately it seems like for every one day the trails are open there are at least five days where they are closed for being too wet.

3/26/2012 12:44:36 PM

My boss is a big mtn biker, but, unfortunately, he mostly rides illegal trails in the area. Him and his friends will go out there even if it's muddy, which I think is kinda shitty.

Quote :

"anybody in this thread up in northern virginia? i would love a buddy to go out on the longer rides with."

I'm not, but I have a friend that lives and rides up in that area. I'm not exactly sure where she lives, but I believe it's in Fairfax County. I'm pretty sure she would love to have someone to ride with if you're interested.

3/28/2012 9:26:58 PM

[Edited on April 1, 2012 at 10:39 PM. Reason : wtftww]

4/1/2012 10:35:12 PM

Llama, I am not an abstract artist. What the hay?

4/2/2012 8:22:15 AM

Sorry. That's the inside of my helmet, and in the very center is the crack that I put in it yesterday.

I'm replacing it with a Specialized S3 that should be here in a couple of days.

4/2/2012 11:08:49 AM

anyone else do the MS Spring Fling today? I did 30 miler, in exactly 2 hours flat. I'm tired

4/7/2012 7:16:05 PM

Nope, I was occupied with the Cary Short Course Duathlon this morning. Fuck running, then biking, then running.
It felt weird, because I didn't wake up in the water like I normally do in a tri.

Casual ride tomorrow ~ 25 miles, then hanging out with the dog on trails with the cross bike. He gave
me the stinkeye today when I was loading my bike into the truck and didn't take him.

4/7/2012 10:16:29 PM

Anybody else doing the Goin' Coastal this weekend in New Bern? http://www.coastallandtrust.org/goincoastal

My friend's mom runs the land trust, and they'll be a group of us doing the 75-mile route. My understanding is that's the same route as the MS150.

5/2/2012 9:20:08 PM

^ Nope, although saw some nice fliers for it. I was busy completing the White Lake Half-Ironman this morning.
Finished in my time goal of under 7 hours. First time doing it, although I will say fuck the stiff headwinds in the Bladen Lakes State Forest area .

I may do a short recovery ride if I can move tomorrow, ibuprofen and compression stockings should help with that.

Durham has some Bike Month rides this month I'll probably do; casual commuter.

5/5/2012 8:35:47 PM

^Nice. It was hot as hell out there today. Completing it was an accomplishment.

5/5/2012 9:09:31 PM

ugh, don't remind me of headwinds. It was an out and back, so 40 miles of insane wind on the way back in. Congrats on the half ironman. I might try a recovery ride to see how my legs feel, because I need to get an idea of how my legs are going to feel on the second day of the Tour de Cure next month.

5/5/2012 9:28:41 PM

Quote :

"The largest bike-share system in North America will be sponsored by one of the world’s largest financial institutions. At City Hall today, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a $41 million, five-year sponsorship arrangement with Citigroup that will fund most of the cost of implementing NYC’s bike-share network. The system will go by the name “Citi Bike,” and its distinctive blue bikes will be available in late July, with the full 10,000-bike, 600-station network in place by spring 2013."

5/7/2012 2:08:14 PM

Who can tell me the true quality of this bike?
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/2978210923.html

5/7/2012 3:45:01 PM

^ What are you trying to do with it? And how much does it weigh? Can you get more specs on the components?

5/7/2012 4:02:11 PM

I'm just trying to buy a cheap bike (via craigslist, per many recommendations) to use ~70% for travel, 30% for fitness / triathlons etc.


Anything entry level that strikes a fine balance between quality and price.

5/7/2012 4:05:55 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Katana-Road-Bike/dp/B000GZT6PO

considering you can buy it brand new for 350, thats not a good value for a used bike. All in all, its a pretty low end bike with low end components. You would be better off going with something else.

How tall are you, btw? Although their ad says differently, on most bikes 58cm is 6'1 and up.

For example, something like this: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/wellington3_IX.htm

is a much much better value for just a little more money.

[Edited on May 7, 2012 at 4:16 PM. Reason : d]

5/7/2012 4:15:00 PM

Craigslist is an awesome place to find bikes, I've bought and sold several there. But it can be very slow and will require patience and legwork. Make sure you've checked retail competition (local shops, internet discounters), it's a good way to get a feel for what a good deal might be. I see a lot of Bikesdirect bikes listed on CL for just a bit shy of their retail price.

Depending on your tastes and travel abilities, you might check out the ReCyclery in Chapel Hill (http://recyclery.org/) or the Durham Bike Co-op (http://www.durhambikecoop.org/). They'll work with you to repair a salvaged bike for you. Raleigh had a similar program, 1304 Bikes, but it died, and I'm unclear if it has resurrected in any form.

5/8/2012 9:20:23 AM

^^ I think I posted back in January and you recommended that same bike to me


I really am not picky, and I doubt I'd be dissatisfied with much. I'm just trying to get a feel for things as I ease my way into the cycling world.

On that same note, feel free to provide any tips / expertise to the rookie cycling commuter / triathlete.

5/8/2012 1:16:32 PM

Have been looking at two bikes at a local shop. Interested to get TWW's thoughts on them.

Raleigh Cadent i8 (http://www.raleighusa.com/archive/2011-performance-hybrid/cadent-i8-11/) and Specialized Sirrus 12 (http://mikesbikes.com/product/12specialized-sirrus-sport-6334.htm)

I mainly commute and go on leisure rides, but some of the roads around here are in pretty crappy condition and I would like to ride on some trails as well, so I don't think I want a pure road bike. Probably either a cyclocross or hybrid.

5/8/2012 1:22:40 PM

^^haha...i am on the bikesdirect bandwagon, it's true. If you are patient and know what you are looking for, CL can be a great way to find a deal, but it is convenient and easy to go the bikesdirect route for usually similar pricing.

^I personally would never buy a hybrid. They tend to be sort of mediocre at all applications and not stellar at anything. For commuting, some light trails and some training, I would go with a cyclocross bike. As is, it will be great for commuting and light trails and if you put on some road slicks, you can take it on group rides and hang. I have a Felt F1X and I love it.

Those particular bikes are fine for hybrids I suppose. Not a great deal really, but you would probably enjoy them. Your best bet is to take them for a test ride. Heck, you are missing out on the biggest benefit of buying from a local shop if you don't get on it and see how it feels.

5/8/2012 1:58:26 PM

how do hybrids and cyclocross bikes differ?

5/8/2012 2:02:44 PM

Yeah, definitely gonna test ride. I agree that cyclocross would be ideal, but one thing I'm running into is that most of them seem to be well out of my price range.

5/8/2012 2:05:37 PM

^^ The biggest difference is the weight, components and geometry. It is very rare to see anything but low end components on a hybrid. Because of the low end components, they often weigh more than a road or cyclocross bike. They are built so that you are sitting more upright typically, but that means handling and speed suffers.

Of course, those are just generalities. I'm sure there are hybrids that break that mold.

^yeah, you are probably gonna want to go used or somewhere like bikesdirect for a cyclocross bike.

[Edited on May 8, 2012 at 3:16 PM. Reason : d]

5/8/2012 3:03:00 PM

i've mentioned before, but im happy to do a twwer discount for custom wheel builds

or parts for that matter....

5/9/2012 8:05:07 AM

+1 for a cyclocross bike if you're looking for something versatile. A few friends of mine rock them with
fenders and racks for commuting, and can comfortably go on longer rides too.

If anyone knows of someone selling a 50-52 cm CX bike, I will buy it from them!

Another option for an all around bike is a touring bike, if you tend more towards pavement. They are more comfortable than road geometry, I find.

5/9/2012 11:13:45 AM

On a side note, recovery from a half-IM will drive you crazy. I was putting in 100-150 mile weeks on the bike to get ready for the distance, and with school over for the semester, I have a wide open schedule besides some work in the lab. I want to go on some nice long rides but I need to stay off the bike to let my butt and muscles recover.

To keep busy, I've already signed up for another half-IM in September, an Xterra in June, and contemplating the OBX marathon in November. I've also seriously scrubbed down half the house, caught up on all my outdoor projects, fixed all my bikes, and walked the dogs lots.

Nervous energy/ADHD ftw!

5/9/2012 8:45:28 PM

so my motobecane bike (while i LOVE it) whoever posted that their seats are rather uncomfortable was dead on.

anybody have a recommendation on a better seat? i was at the shop yesterday and they were showing me all sorts of stuff, but i'm trying to find one that doesn't necessarily need to be super padded at all, but better shaped i guess?

maybe i'm being too vague

5/17/2012 9:10:46 AM

Best to try one out from a bike shop before you buy if you are at all particular. Most bike shops have a loaner program that you can try various saddles before you drop the money. They even make women specific saddles that are gentler on the sensitive bits.

Also make sure your fit is good. Sometimes simply adjusting the saddle on the rails or tilting it slightly can have a huge impact on the comfort over a long ride.

[Edited on May 17, 2012 at 9:16 AM. Reason : d]

5/17/2012 9:15:38 AM

Luna, saddle preferences are highly individual. I've had to change out saddles on nearly every bike
I've bought because I didn't like the saddle it came with.

Check out the women's specific saddles made by Terry. They're usually shorter in the nose and wider under the sit bones to accommodate our wider hips.

I like saddles with the cut out channels in the middle, that take pressure off the perineal nerves.

You'll also find your saddle needs will change depending on what you're doing- I actually prefer a narrower, less padded seat on my main commuter bike, because of all the stopping/starting, but I like saddles with some cushion for off-road and long road rides. Also, I'll take foam padding over gel any day- it doesn't have the opportunity to squeeze into places it shouldn't.

To top it off, my saddle preferences change depending on whether I've gained/lost weight or muscle,
and where I am in my menstrual cycle. (Summary: I am a picky bitch).

+1 on getting professionally bike fitted. I had to go with wider handlebars, an adjustable stem, and fuss
around with my seat position to get a comfy setup on my road bike.

5/17/2012 11:13:09 AM

Bike to work day!

There was kind of a poor showing today, especially considering how many coworkers I ride with on a regular basis

5/18/2012 5:16:04 PM

CNN ran an article on National Bike to Work Week, which follows an obvious anti-cycling bias:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/living/bike-to-work-week/index.html?hpt=li_c1

1) people's excuses for not commuting: too far (ok somewhat valid if you're a newb), wrong climate, no showers
at work, takes too long, no backup public transportation, smog, no bike lanes, too much planning, etc.

Wah.

2) some weak cyclist rebuttal

3) comments section promptly descends into "cyclists don't pay gas taxes, they're communists!" vs. "U lock justice"

5/18/2012 9:09:05 PM

^I'm the only person out of the 450ish people I work with that rides their bike to work. For the last 3 years I've been putting my bike in a storage closet absolutely no one uses for anything. Everyone knew it and had no problem with it. Last week our 300lb "Resource Exposure Manager?" informed me that it was a safety issue and must store my bike on the bike rack out side. I almost quit last week . Thursday he called our "communications specialist" who does the monthly newsletter, website etc. to get there early to take a picture of me for bike to workday or something. Through the disgruntled employee underground I found out. Out of spite I did brick, got up early biked, and then ran the 8 miles to work. LOL. The peon communication specialist was pissed, it was his day off, had been waiting there since 5:30, and I didn't strut in till 6:45 bikeless.

5/19/2012 8:39:53 AM

^ That's awesome. I think I would do the same thing in a similar situation. Fortunately where I work it's a university, so we haul our bikes inside into the lab. PI was also a collegiate cyclist, so work conversations frequently morph into "how was your race/ride/co-op this weekend?"

5/19/2012 10:41:32 AM

Damn, the only one? I just finished a ride with 3 coworkers, and 2 others were doing a 200k RUSA ride today. One coworker doesn't even own a car, and another rides to work rain, shine, and snow.

And I'd like to see someone tell me I can't bring my bike into the office. I'll just remind them that my last bike was stolen from the bike rack right outside the office. And another coworker's bike was stolen out of his vehicle in the office parking deck.

5/19/2012 1:22:31 PM

^ & ^^There is only one other person that I know of that even rides, I've seen him a at couple crits & tris but were not close besides the casual, "eh, saw you last weekend". They did the health care study this year and paid everyone $150 to get their health metrics done and like 90% of the company was overweight, 67% was obese. We have an armed guard, and the bike rack is in the fence, it just sucks that it sits out in the sun. They did tell me though that they would accept full responsibly if my bike got stolen. The were shocked when I told them that my tt/tri bike is worth about 9k. I literally bought a bike cover for my comuter:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FIAUT8/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00

it's actually pretty awesome and fits tight on my road bike. But I haven't found anything to fit my tri bike yet, but I doubt I'll ever ride it again to work, I can only imagine how my powermeter, and everything would hold up out in the rain and heat.

5/19/2012 4:30:58 PM

Wow, that's an expensive bike. I hope you have insurance on it.

5/20/2012 8:53:02 PM

I would never ride my tt/tri bike to work. I could only imagine cracking one of my zipps in a pot hole and realizing that for the next two days I am only working to pay for a new rim. I ride my road bike with a 20 dollar computer and thick ass gatorskins.

5/21/2012 9:32:36 AM

Same, I spend 90% of my commuting time on my steel-frame workhorses outfitted with fenders, racks/baskets, and lights. I treat my MTB, Surly, and road bikes like pretty pretty princesses in comparison.

On a not-related note, I'm doing the Doughman here in Durham this Saturday. Anyone else going to be here?
I just learned we can't use aero bars for the bike portion- which I wasn't really planning on anyway, seeing as it is
8.5 miles.

5/22/2012 9:39:58 PM