Bicycles!

[choneofakind]

Hardrock frames can take some abuse. Pretty basic, but I've had friends ride them with success on trails. Good starter.

[Apex]

I still have my Hardrock Sport Disc 29er. The thing has taken some abuse.

[greenaero]

I tried the Hardrock out today after getting it adjusted and installing a new longer seatpost. I tried it on my usual route doing laps on the trails at a park near my house. It worked great; lighter, easier to climb with, softer ride , better handling on the steep downhills. The brakes may need some better pads but they were no worse than on my previous mtb. I enjoy it so much I did na extra lap!

[TnNinjaGirl]

@greenaero what size MTB frame do you ride?

[greenaero]

Hi CB, The GT Talera has 19" frame, and the Hardrock has an 18" frame. I'm 5'10" and have a 32" inseam so these are a bit on the smaller size for me. Hence the extra long seatpost. I still have some more tweaking to do on the derailleurs. I got the front working well but the rear allows some slips w during hard cranking. Still, it offers more potential than the Talera and it was free.

[choneofakind]

Pedal smoothly. That will get rid of that slippage.

[Apex]

My hardrock would occasionally ghost shift. I found that I was over torquing for the frame. It is a entry frame, so it really isn't designed for the hard torque some people can put out at lower RPM. Just keep your cadence up at around 85+, and it should stop (if the rear-d is set up correctly).

[rojoracing53]

@greenaero if you ever want to swing by my shop during lunch I'd be more then happy to inspect your derailers and adjust or give a suggestion, I'm kinda the guy all my cycling friends takes it to after they take the bike to the shop and it still won't shift.

As for the not so recreational side of cycling I raced the 12hrs of Temecula this last weekend and won the Single Speed class with a 4 lap lead the goal was to get the most laps as a solo overall so I was going against every solo class including the open experts and pros. I was all motivated and pushing hard the first 6 hrs since I had no idea what position I was in(6hr solos, 6hr multi person teams and 12hr multi person teams all start at the same time) that was until I got lapped my "Tinker" aka god of endurance MTBing at the 6th hour. I was like **** I've been riding my ass off trying to keep my lap times from slipping any more then they already were and Tinker just passes me like it was his first lap

The three solo's with the most laps split a $450 purse $200, $150, $100 so I just said **** it and kept pushing hoping I could still get on the podium for a $100. The race posts live results every 30 mins via paper on the lap board but I didn't want to waste time figuring where I was currently placed among all the classes so I just told myself to push the whole way and leave it all on the course and hope for the best. In the end Tinker stopped early with only 12 laps but I'm not sure why but apparently the damage had already been done because the other to pros had quite a few laps earlier probably after realizing they had no chance of winning. When before Tinker quit I was I was apparently neck and neck with another guy in the open expert class for second overall but as my lap times slowed a few mins here and their the other rider overtook me and started to pull away. I finish my 14th lap of the race at about 11.5 hrs so with my current lap times being just over 50mins I could make another one before 12hrs so I was done. The expert I was battling with was about 15-20 mins ahead of me and was able to squeeze in a 15th lap with only a few mins to spare. So I ended up second and walked away with some more motivation to ride harder on my weekly rides so I don't fade half way through.

Here's the strava data for those who care. The max HR wrong because of a glitch the first couple mins but after that it should be correct.
http://www.strava.com/activities/107655748

[choneofakind]

That's fantastic dude!

Lol at everyone coming to you with bike problems. Sounds like something I allegedly do.

[greenaero]

Chris, Mark, Jason, Thanks for the advice and offer of help!

Jason, Amazing performance, not that I would expect anything less from you. Second overall and on a single-speed
very well done!!!

[Apex]

I wish I could do an enduro ride. The last MTB race I did, I felt like it took me at least a lap to feel like I was settling into a a nice rhythm. Of course, a flat not even 1/4 of the way into the first lap didn't help either. Even with the flat, and having to change it out myself (getting out the tools, tube, inflate, etc), I still didn't finish last. I powered through on the remaining laps and passed a few people. It was fun. Still, I like longer rides.

I still want to do the Leadville 100. Maybe one day.

Oh, and I watched a documentary recently called "Ride the Divide". It is a race from Canada to Mexico along the Grand Canyon. I found it on youtube. Check it out if you have a spare 1.4 hours.

Link to original page on YouTube.


I'm psycho...I want to do it. LOL
http://tourdivide.org/

[Apex]

Oh, I did watch this movie previously, but it was on my iPhone, and I was partially distracted last time I watched it. I actually sat down and watched it last night. Talk about motivation to ride. Kind of like watching Race Across the Sky.

[choneofakind]

Hmmm I'll have to set aside some time tomorrow and watch/nap after my pool workout. Thanks for the movie link mark!


I'll post up pics of my bike build once it's done by the end-ish of February. The bang-for-the-buck-build is coming along nicely

[Apex]

Got back from a trip to the market. It was raining pretty good. I brought gloves and a rain jacket, no other protection than that (and my helmet/hat). Sure it was 45* outside, but I enjoyed it anyway. On the ride back I realized that I need to get some warm, weatherproof, shoes and pants. That would make life grand.

Watching tour down under on NBC sports right now. I'm glad to see cycling on TV more these days. Now we just need to get the UCI World Cup XC MTB series over here too. I love watching MTB racing.

[TnNinjaGirl]

ERRRMAHGHERD!!!! I got my baby back!! She was being held hostage at my ex's house but I got her back today and I'm so happy!!!




Sadly I have to sell my hardtail so if any of ya'll have a wife, girlfriend or short person in your life then buy it.

Shameless plug over... I'm so glad to be able to get back into mountain biking. My Dad got a place out in Colorado and I'm hoping I will be in good enough shape to try some downhill out there.

[choneofakind]

Downhill? Lol. Not my style. I like pedaling too much. I also suck at descents.

[TnNinjaGirl]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

I also suck at descents.

Lean back and relax baby!!

I like fast single track but I HATE long ascents. You guys are probably in pretty good shape though. That's why I tend to stay out of this thread. It embarrasses me talking to a bunch of fit dudes who are like "you know what I like? Running and cycling uphill against a headwind in the snow, both ways and barefoot"

No thanks...

[Apex]

LOL

No, this thread is about anything bicycles. No matter the shape you are in.

I'm an enduro rider. I like long rides. Of course, I've lost a lot of fitness because I haven't done a proper training ride in over 6 months.

This week that will change. I'm going to prep my HiFi and head out for a good 30-40mile ride.

I wan to get back in marathon shape so I can compete next year. The closest marathon is coming up soon (just kidding, that sucker is insanely far away). The half-marathon is 26-miles, the full is 54. That is my kind of riding.
Here is info on the race:
https://www.facebook.com/events/406604346141164/

I am officially selling my Hardrock, and my Trek 1.5 will be up for sale soon as well. I will be looking for a hardtail to replace those two (a 29-er). No carbon, just aluminum.

Race pt 1

Link to original page on YouTube.

Race pt 2

Link to original page on YouTube.


I'm telling you, I was a born enduro XC racer. I just didn't realize that until a year or two ago.

I just want to start training again. I'm happiest on two wheels...with my HR at 90% or so.

[TnNinjaGirl]

@Apex that's some nice XC. I like to do that kind of riding but more like 10 miles instead of 54 (WTF?)

hopefully you will be recording your endeavor when it happens

[Apex]

I have a GoPro HD that needs the dust knocked off of it.

My typical workout is 40-miles, and it is rather hilly. I just need to get to the fitness where I can tackle that without stopping. I'll get my FS rig all tuned up and I'll take a video of a small section of the bike trail I ride on. Some of the climbs are steep, and often; then there are long flats. It is fun.


This is my local racing org that I'm going to join next season.
http://tmbra.org/

I was thinking about doing a typical XC race at the end of this season, but I think I'll pass. I need to get my engine tuned up again. Way too long off the bike. I'd burn out way too fast.

54 isn't bad.

The MS150 that I typically ride in is 160-miles over two days, and it gets very hilly. It is just something you train for. Just get out on the bike for an hour, and find a comfortable gear, and cycle at 90rpm or so. Get the legs used to a higher cadence. That seriously helps for longer rides. After a while, then add some gear and start cranking up the HR.

[TnNinjaGirl]

Originally Posted by Apex

My typical workout is 40-miles, and it is rather hilly.

Yup.. going back to the motorized section...

[Apex]

Originally Posted by TnNinjaGirl

Yup.. going back to the motorized section...

You know, when I started training, I got burned out at 10-miles.

[TnNinjaGirl]

You were normal too? Tell me about how you improved and pushed yourself.

[greenaero]

Mark, thanks for the videos and good luck with your training.

CB, great looking bike!

I got the Hardrock's rear derailleur working a bit better and I'm pleased with its performance in the last 2 rides. I increased my cadence on steep climbs and that helps a lot to avoid slippage. It handles much better on downhills than my old Talera. I think I will clean and re-grease the hubs and crank shortly. I also need to touch up some chips and scratches on the frame and forks. It deserves a little love.

[choneofakind]

When I started, I got beat after 6 miles of easy rolling hills. Now I can do 25 of decent hills and still have the legs to goof off a little. My goal this season is to do two of those 25 mile loops

My secret: triathlon training. Boy do I suck at swimming. But it's a great lung builder. Sleep diet are your friends.



Go Vic! Get it some love! When you do your hubs, don't forget to take apart the freewheel and clean/lube the pawls. For paint chips, use clear nail polish. Yes, there's a bottle of clear nail polish in my tool box for just that reason.




Lean back and relax? Lol, my seat is too high to do either...

[choneofakind]

Also, I need to weigh my bike. It's lost some more weight

[Apex]

Originally Posted by TnNinjaGirl

You were normal too? Tell me about how you improved and pushed yourself.

My first year riding, back in like '09, I could only manage 10-miles. This was in August, and I had a fully rigid Cannondale MTB with road tires. So I just kept riding 10-miles. I started to read about cycling, and read what the Tour de France guys did for cadence, and I did my best to count my pedal strokes mentally (over 15 seconds, then x4). I was pedaling at around 70rpm initially, but quickly moved to 90-110 (currently I can crank out 130+ without thinking about it). That higher cadence is actually better for longer rides. Keeping the pedals moving really helps you react to the elevation changes without getting as burned out. So I went from a cheap computer and invested in a Cateye Double Wireless computer that did the counting for me. Then I learned that there is such a thing as proper seat height, so I adjusted my saddle.

After that, I just kept with 10-miles. IIRC, I managed 12-14mph max during these rides in the Texas heat. I say that, well if I bonked, I was lucky to get 7mph! I did that for about two months, riding twice a week. Then I noticed how it got easier. How when my energy used to start to dive at around mile 8 moved to mile 10, then 12. So I increased my mileage. I also got the Trek 1.5, which helped with my overall speed. The bike shop helped me set the bike up to fit me better. At first 10-mph over 10 miles was tough. Then I just kept pushing myself (which I do without thinking about it, because to me it is fun) Once I got to 20-miles, I just kept it there. Now you have to remember, this was in a flat area of Texas. So zero hills. Hills scared me, so I stayed on flat roads. I just kept the 2x a week riding and 20-miles-per-ride until about a month before my MS-150 ride (which is in April every year). I decided to see what I could do, and I did a lap ride near my house, just in case I bonked or had a mechanical (I was still learning a lot at this point). When I was done with my ride, I was rather surprised to find that I managed 40-miles. That was the first time I ever did that. The rest of my rides I did the 20-mile rides until the big 160-mile, 2-day MS-150 ride.

Just seeing everyone else out there on that MS150 ride, and the motivation they provided (and the rest stops....amen for free food and water!) helped me get to the finish. I couldn't believe how far I came in less than a year.

The biggest thing is to not let mileage determine your desire to ride. If 10-miles kicks your butt, then stick with 10-miles. Just keep at it, but also enjoy the scenery, the smells, the sounds. Make it enjoyable to ride, and you will want to get out more. That is why I rode by myself all the time. I didn't want to think I was "slowing people down". You get out there with seasoned riders and it is easy to be turned off to endurance riding.

Just do what you can do and the fitness will come. A HR monitor is a good tool to help determine the load you are putting out. Be careful though, that can be a limiting move too. I say that because there are times when the HR monitor says "this is enough, don't push harder", yet my body is saying, "dude, you got an extra 3mph in you, have at it!". I did have a time when I limited myself with the HR monitor. Then I turned off my "warnings" and went by feel. I did this because I found myself constantly looking at my computer. I became detached from the riding experience, just focusing on my computer. Once I went back to feel, I was enjoying my riding again. I started to see a hill and think "I'm going to spring up this mutha", while when I stared at the computer it was telling me, "nope, you are maxed out, take it easy". That seriously helped me improve. You have to be willing to push yourself to find improvements, and I love to push myself.

I am in no way the fast guy. Last year I just decided I was going to ride faster and smarter, and I was crazy fast on the MS150, riding a heavy mountain bike. I guess having a more comfy bike also saved some energy too. I dunno. It could be that I started to have fun on the ride again. I pushed myself, but I had fun while I did it. It was great.

Just ride what you ride, and ride how your body tells you to ride. Keep that cadence up, and put in the time. The mileage will improve itself over time if you do push yourself some. Just being in the saddle riding 10-miles is better than not riding at all.

Keep it fun and you will return to the bike often!

Hope that helps you. Ask anything and we will answer! I'm here to chat about bikes, and to help anyone who is wanting to ride. I love it. I mean, c'mon, I sold my Ninjette for my full suspension MTB...so you know I like riding.

[Apex]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Also, I need to weigh my bike. It's lost some more weight

I don't have the pocketbook anymore to invest in weight reduction. I was just happy when I managed to get my Crank Bros Eggbeater 3's on my MTB! lol

[TnNinjaGirl]

Thank you

[TnNinjaGirl]

Link to original page on YouTube.

[choneofakind]

^^ lol, I shared that with Jason a while back on fbook. Haha I loved that one. My room mate was amused, my gf was not. My personal dorm room is already turning into my bike storage/shop. She's worried about after college. Lol.

[Apex]

I used to keep my bikes inside all the time. Now I am a bit more organized. I am selling one of my bikes today (if he likes it). I will then be down to three bikes. One roadie, one FS MTB, and my cargo bike.

I'd love to sell the roadie and get a HT MTB, because I love the comfort the MTB's provide. I'm just not a roadie bike person anymore. It is uncomfortable, and, I mean c'mon, I love passing roadies on a MTB.

However, I may keep the roadie and wait, because I am trying to get my photography/art business up and running.

I think I may try to do event photography for MTB races too (and other events). It would be an easy way to get my name out there.

I don't have much content right now, so I am only getting my FB name out.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/MW-Ph...62202070595148

[Apex]

Originally Posted by TnNinjaGirl

Link to original page on YouTube.

Hahahahahahahha, I love it!

[Apex]

Well, it is official. My Hardrock is going to be going to a new home. A friend took it for a spin and he liked it. Said he would pay be next paycheck. Bye bye to the bike that got me back into mountain biking.

I will be taking the full suspension bike out a lot more for training rides.

Once my biz starts to get going, I'm going to save up for a nice aluminum hardtail with remote lockout.

[TnNinjaGirl]

Bittersweet. I let my Homegrown go. But you know what? It went to a young girl who wanted to get into cycling with her Dad. @Apex maybe your Hardrock will be to your friend what it was to you.

[choneofakind]

Awewh, I'm about to start crying from y'all's sale stories. Hahaha

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Awewh, I'm about to start crying from y'all's sale stories. Hahaha

I'll put a smile back on your face it's all done only thing left to do is test it

[choneofakind]

Lol. That's badass

[Apex]

He has shown interest in it for a while now. I wasn't really trying to sell it (craigslist, etc), but he came back and tried to lowball me. After he took it for a spin, he agreed to pay what I was asking for it.

My FS rig has been sitting a bit too long, and the HRS front fork was crap. SOOOoooooo, this is a good thing.

I'll start riding a good bike once again. Tomorrow, I'm moving the roadie inside on my trainer, and hopefully get a workout done.

[Apex]

Put a seatpost mounted rack on my FS rig to hold my trunk bag (help hold goodies on longer rides), added all the lights I need (for now), and took it out for a training ride today. I pushed hard. It felt so good to push hard, I couldn't just sit back. I rode 13 miles with an insane HR (well, to most people it would be). I felt awesome.

I was making small adjustments as I went. I finally got my Crank Bros Eggbeater 3's installed (removed my old, cheap Shimano pedals). The CB3's are insanely smooth in comparison. Super easy to clip in and out of. Just wonderful. I rode a decent part of the ride on the dirt next to the bike path. I totally forgot about how much resistance grass has. No more of that! hahaha You want a simulated headwind? find some grass to ride through.

I'm definitely a MTB rider over a roadie. I love this bike. I have no clue why I let it sit as long as I did.