Bicycles!

[Apex]

I don't miss the snow when riding. Especially the moment when you are riding in snow, and suddenly realize that you front tire hit some ice that was tricky and disguised itself as snow. Then you have a nice trip down to the pavement. Yeah, I don't miss that at all.

Times like that I am glad I am in Texas. hahaha

[thisisbenji]

I usually only ride my MTB in the snow. I don't go out on the road as I don't like having to clean all of the salt off. So slipping on ice isn't really a problem.

[choneofakind]

MTB is fun on snowy stuff. The road bike is going to have to keep getting cleaned because I'm going mad with the weather. The sidewalks and parks are impossible to safely run since the snow is not uniformly packed and you twist ankles/slide all the time.

So I'm biking when the roads are clear. It's not as bad as I thought it would be.

[thisisbenji]

Rollers! I just got a sweet Netflix setup.

[Apex]

awesome! I wouldn't mind a set of rollers.


I meant to get out for a ride this week. Installed a garage door opener for my mother-in-law on Monday, and it rained the rest of the time. No bike ride for me.

I am getting out on the bike next week...I am determined!

[Apex]

Ok, that is it. I was thinking about passing up on the Houston to Austin BP MS150 for 2013. Now I am itching to do it again. It was a crazy year last year, and I had to dump a lot of money towards the fundraising. However, now I think the fundraising would be a little less of a headache than last year.

So I am planning on doing it again. If a friend of mine can get some guest passes for Team BP, then I'm going to ride for another team. That will give me some flexibility. I can ride for a team I want to ride for, yet still have access to hang out with him.

Would anyone be interested in donating some $$ to my fundraising campaign? It can be done securely online. I'd appreciate all the help I could get.

Here is some information on the ride:
2013 BP MS 150

[CynicalC]

Originally Posted by thisisbenji

Chain's loose yo.

[Apex]

Move the wheel much further back, and it will be struggling to stay connected to the frame.

Also, I liked that I didn't have to run a super tight chain on my old fixie. The sprocket teeth were much taller so, some slack was ok.

[Apex]

I have decided to ride in the Houston to Austin 2013 BP MS 150 bicycle ride. A friend's brother has MS, and I ride for him each year. If you feel in your heart to give, I would be very thankful for your donation.

The link below is to my fundraising page. I really appreciate your help. Even if it is $1...it is $1 closer to my goal!

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/si...al&fr_id=20226

Hoping to hit $500 this year. Last year I got to $450.

[choneofakind]

MS ride = very cool.

Fixie = very cool, but not for me at the moment.

What's the difference between rollers and a trainer that has resistance like I want to buy? I just want something basic so I can ride more when it's cold.

[Apex]

Trainer is cheaper than rollers. Fluid trainers tend to be more quiet than others.

I tossed my bike on the trainer on Monday. I did a little 10-mile ride. The problem is that my trainer, when it says I am doing 15 or so MPH, it actually feels like I am doing 18mph in wind. So it isn't really 100% accurate to road. It is still better than nothing. I was on it for 10-miles (so my Garmin Edge 500 said). It felt like a tougher ride though. I am sure if I was outside I would have gone much further than 10-miles, even in the wind. Still, a good workout.

If I ever upgrade my trainer, I'll let you all know and I'll sell this one cheap.

[choneofakind]

Actually, I bought one already it's just a basic Nashbar Fluid Trainer, and it seems to work just fine. It's really quiet, gets the work done, and now I can bike in my room.

I felt the same thing. I only did a 15 mile ride, but it felt like I was pedaling up a slight hill or a headwind the whole time, and my average indicated speed was my normal 17-18. I was impressed how nice of a workout it was.

It gets nice and hot biking in my dorm though. I'ma have to turn my AC on full blast

[antiant]

I am into folding bikes, so with that said, I have a Downtube 7 Speed Nova folding bike, which is awesome for easy portability (fits in car trunk nicely) and on the go biking. When it's folded it also rolls as you stroll/walk.

Link to original page on YouTube.


This is the color I have and here are high resolution pics from the site:
1. http://downtube.com/images/2010_Bike...va_Grey_11.JPG
2. http://downtube.com/images/2010_Bike...ova_Grey_1.JPG
3. http://downtube.com/images/2010_Bike...ova_Grey_6.JPG
4. http://downtube.com/images/2010_Bike...ova_Grey_7.JPG

I changed the stock seat, to something more comfortable and added a bike rack on the back of it, oh and I have this little bag to add to my rack: http://shop.pocampo.com/collections/...e-yoga-satchel

[Apex]

I wouldn't mind a folder, just have no need for one right now.


One thing I have been keeping an eye on lately is a Superfly Comp (click to view link):


Man it would tear up some trails. I have the HiFi full suspension 29-er...but a light hardtail would be great for MTB racing.

[choneofakind]

Eh, I ride for pleasure, not racing. Hardtails are too much work with the knees when braking down hills.

[antiant]

Zomg! @ the price of that bike... you could get a ninjette for that amount.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by antiant

Zomg! @ the price of that bike...

Yeah, but it's a carbon frame. Look at the component group/brakes/fork that comes on it. That's a lot of bike.

[antiant]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Yeah, but it's a carbon frame. Look at the component group/brakes/fork that comes on it. That's a lot of bike.

Yeah, I know, I was just messing.

[choneofakind]

Haha I also think Mark should get another ninjette instead of another bike. It's impossible to not miss riding a motorcycle.

[antiant]

Haha, true. I don't even have one yet and I want to ride.

[choneofakind]

They both are great, but each just isn't a substitute for the other. I wish I had more time for both.

Whenever you have time to ride the motorcycle but not the roadbike/MTB, you have a void left from not riding the bicycles, and vise-versa.

[Jono]

Originally Posted by antiant

Zomg! @ the price of that bike... you could get a ninjette for that amount.

Look at the price for the Trek Superfly Pro SL. You could get a 600 for that kinda of money.

[antiant]

Originally Posted by Jono

Look at the price for the Trek Superfly Pro SL. You could get a 600 for that kinda of money.

OMG. I just **** myself.

[Apex]

LOL Yeah, they do add up.

As far as the motorcycling goes, I'd love to get another one. It is just that I don't have room for bikes and a motorcycle. Too many tools required. I sold off all my motorcycle specific tools. I have no plans to purchase them again for a while. I do miss it, but I'd miss bicycles more. I need that physical aspect in my life.



Oh, and don't freak out about the SF Pro SL. That is nothing. I customized a Trek Madone not too long ago, talk about expensive. Go ahead...have a go and see how expensive those things get....

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/colle...ct_one/models/
I recommend starting with the Madone 7-series.

[choneofakind]

^^ I just managed to get it up to $17,597.98. Who can beat that??

[Apex]

LOL

Yeah, the last one I configured ran around $14k.

[Apex]

Oh, and here is a good video for you MTB fans:

Link to original page on YouTube.

[mlj2093]

So... I'm looking for a nw bike. I havent really ridden in a few years. I used to race mountain cross when I was younger (12-16) and I rode a Specialized Rockhopper. The primary use for my bike will be commuting but I want a bike that can also handle trails. My commute is just back and forth to campus. About 8-9 miles round trip. Looking for a used bike. Unless you know of shops that finance. Any suggestions??

[choneofakind]

That's not too bad of a commute. Should be nice little exercise to stay awake in class

What kind of trails are you going to be riding and how often? I think that's really going to be the important part of choosing a bike. You can commute on anything for a distance as short as 8-9 miles round trip.

[mlj2093]

Most of the trails are in Western VA. Lots of hills and rocks. Ample time in the Mountains. Most weekends unless there is some heavy rain.

[mlj2093]

What do you think of this one?

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/bik/3528480879.html

[Apex]

Lots of rocks...yeah anything full suspension would do well. Depending on the trail, you may be able to get away with a 29" HT.

[Apex]

Oh, and I forgot, make sure you have pro pedal on the rear shock and a lockout on the front. Remote if possible. Will make climbing those hills much much easier.

[choneofakind]

Haha I do it old school on a no pro-pedal and I always forget to lock out the fork. Extra workout

[Apex]

I just leave PP on. It never gets shut off. As for the front fork, I rarely adjust it. This is mainly due to the fact that I don't have a remote lockout on it. If I can get my hands on that Superfly Comp later this year...I'll have my remote lockout.

[choneofakind]

to be honest with you, I'm really not sure what pro-pedal is. But I know I don't have it because my shock is just a basic Giant Air shock. It does what I need it to do. A better fork, on the other hand, is still on my list of things to buy. Eventually.

[Apex]

Pro pedal (Fox utilizes it) basically just adjusts the valving in the shock. It stiffens up the shock so it acts a bit more like a hard tail.

So in off mode, the shock acts like any other shock. You hit a small bump, the shock gives, large bump, shock gives...and if you are laying down the power, the shock gives. Pro pedal was designed to adjust the valving with a small flick of a lever. Once it is turned on, pro pedal prevents the shock from reacting heavily to the small stuff. By stiffening the rear, you reduce the lost power from suspension squat due to hard pedaling. Most use it on the flats, I just keep it on all the time. To me, it is too soft with it off. Of course, I could just up my air pressure in the rear shock and make it a bit stiffer.

Hope that clarifies it a bit. I am trying to avoid going all techie on you. lol

[Apex]

I am jealous of these trails. I wish we had some mountains around here...

Link to original page on YouTube.

[choneofakind]

Oh no! Don't go easy on me! Go full techy!! I'm an ME student, I eat sleep and breathe techy.

Basically it's just adjustable valving so it has firmer damping over small hits. I've read about that before.

[Apex]

So I talked to my riding buddy recently.

It is funny how things change. Back when I first met him years ago, he was a big mountain biker. He had a Trek 3-series MTB, either a 3500 or 3700...can't remember. It did have the front suspension though. Anyway, he was trying to get me into MTB and I was not really interested. I was kind of interested into getting into cycling again. I enjoyed it so very much as a kid. So I got a Cannondale M400 off of a friend. It was rotting in a storage unit and he gave me a good price for it. I changed the tires to road, gave it a tune up, and started riding. Very slowly at first, but gradually built up my endurance and strength.

Once my friend heard that I had a rigid 26" MTB, he talked me into hitting the trails. I only agreed after I got my Trek 1.5 roadie. So since the MTB wasn't serving road duty, I put some Kenda tires on it and got it ready for the trails. We went out there and I wrecked hard. However, I was hooked. I had a blast.

Still, I was a roadie because it was all I really knew. Also I was training for my first MS 150 ride. I was trying to talk him into getting a road bike and giving the MS 150 a try as well. He was hesitant. Especially since he just got a Titus FS 26" bike for the trails. I did my ride and he asked me all kinds of questions about it. We hit the trails so much I got my 29" Hardrock Sport. We were having a blast.

The next thing I knew, he had a new Fuji in his garage with carbon seat stays. The bike was much lighter and quicker than my 1.5, but I expected that since it cost more. Still, I was in shock he actually got a roadie.

Fast forward to today. He now owns a Specialized Roubaix, fully carbon frame. I am wanting to do more on the MTB. I am pondering investing in a carbon MTB. I currently have a nice full suspension 29-er and he is debating on selling all of his MTB's. WHAT??? We cannot have that! He just doesn't want to drag the bikes out to the trails, says it is too much work. I say he is spoiled.

I plan on keeping my 1.5, but I also hope to get that snazzy Superfly Comp. I want to get my endurance and power up to where I can hang with him on the MTB while he is on the roadie.

Nothing like being on a "heavy" MTB and drafting (or even worse, passing) a roadie. The look on their face is priceless. I've done it on my heavy Hardrock Sport.

So yeah, it is funny how things work out. I just don't plan on doing road riding unless it is a charity ride (or a training ride). I enjoy the solo feeling of MTB way too much. Not much strategy involved in MTB. You just go and if you have the engine that day, you have the engine and do well. However in road racing, there is so much to consider. Drafting, pace line position, aero frame or lightweight frame, etc. It is just so strategy based. Sure, you need to have a good engine and bike, but you can get away with not being in top form by playing your cards right. MTB racing is different. You do have a little strategy, but most of it is simply your technical ability, the weight of your bike, and the size of your engine. A very simplistic formula.

Not to mention, if you have a team out on the road race, you can help determine the outcome of that race. Maybe one guy is feeling super good, you can help lead him out and save his engine until the end of the race, getting him in an excellent position to win. MTB, you just don't do that unless it is a super long marathon race with tons of straight hardpack. Most MTB races are under 2hrs long and quite technical, that doesn't play into it at all.

Oh and did I mention I love being out in the woods?

I think he would enjoy MTB-ing again if I can talk him into joining me for a MTB race. I just have to wait until we both have an open schedule for the same race. He just needs to get out there again.