yelbike
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2011
- Messages
- 1,639
- Location
- Near Winnipeg, Mb, Canada
- Tractor
- John Deere 2305, 2320,Z465
Here is my take on things.
Fenders, do not worry until needed. That's an easy add on later.
Lights are a must if your are riding at dawn. You really want to be seen. They are cheap anyhow. I would go front and back. Batteries last pretty long with most lights as most are led now. A pulsing white light in front can be seen from far.
As for single speed, I realize you said your not going that route. That's good. The only guys I know that use single speeds are couriers and winter riders(less parts to freeze up).
Hybrid is a good choice but do not rule out a mountain bike style. The more upright you are, the more pressure you put on your butt. A mountain bike might distribute your weight 30-70 hands-butt, where a touring or hybrid might be 5-95 hand-butt. My experience, to much butt pressure hurts, to much hands pressure, you hands can go numb too if I don't change my hand position enough.
Cardio, ha! Yes it works. I participated in a work place weight lose competition. I got second place, 26 lbs in two months. I rode hard to and from work 30-45 min average speed 26-29 mph five days a week thru traffic. I wouldn't do it anymore, I have 4 kids now and value my life too much. One hard crash, my fault, crushed my bike up. I came in second in the weight lose competition, the winner did atkins. he had more to lose, beat me by 1 lbs. Anyways.
Tires make a huge difference. I ran semi slick tires. Almost totally slick for the rear, but the front I used a different tire with a tiny bit more tread as the semi slicks get too slippery for my liking. Run max pressure also. Way less rolling resistance.
Forget rear suspension bc efficiency. Fork suspension can take the edge off those bumps. On better model of suspension forks they are adjustable, so you can tighten them right up so they still work a little bit but you don't lose too much efficiency. My wife used to use a suspension seat post, she liked it, I didn't. It felt jerky to me. I realize efficiency may not be a big deal to you right now.
Don't go for the fattest seat you can find. If properly set up, you can get used to any modest seat, that's what I found. A tinny wedge seat isn't great either. A gel seat cover can help just about any seat too, they pretty cheap, but you lose a little control.
As for spandex style shorts, yup they are awesome. I bought a short length pair so they fit under a normal pair of short so no one can tell beside me.
As for a heart monitor and bike computer, that's like buying a box blade for your tractor. Don't need at first but makes a nice add on. I use timex and VDO.
For quality of bike, let me say once you use an aluminium bike over the walmart bikes you will see the difference. Weight make a huge difference in feel, efficiency and enjoyment. Pay attention to the components so you know you are comparing apples to apples. Most use shimano, but they have different model lines too.
Now this tread got me going, I want to go for a ride but there is too much snow here. I am trying to get used to my new bike trainer but its not working too well for me.
Fenders, do not worry until needed. That's an easy add on later.
Lights are a must if your are riding at dawn. You really want to be seen. They are cheap anyhow. I would go front and back. Batteries last pretty long with most lights as most are led now. A pulsing white light in front can be seen from far.
As for single speed, I realize you said your not going that route. That's good. The only guys I know that use single speeds are couriers and winter riders(less parts to freeze up).
Hybrid is a good choice but do not rule out a mountain bike style. The more upright you are, the more pressure you put on your butt. A mountain bike might distribute your weight 30-70 hands-butt, where a touring or hybrid might be 5-95 hand-butt. My experience, to much butt pressure hurts, to much hands pressure, you hands can go numb too if I don't change my hand position enough.
Cardio, ha! Yes it works. I participated in a work place weight lose competition. I got second place, 26 lbs in two months. I rode hard to and from work 30-45 min average speed 26-29 mph five days a week thru traffic. I wouldn't do it anymore, I have 4 kids now and value my life too much. One hard crash, my fault, crushed my bike up. I came in second in the weight lose competition, the winner did atkins. he had more to lose, beat me by 1 lbs. Anyways.
Tires make a huge difference. I ran semi slick tires. Almost totally slick for the rear, but the front I used a different tire with a tiny bit more tread as the semi slicks get too slippery for my liking. Run max pressure also. Way less rolling resistance.
Forget rear suspension bc efficiency. Fork suspension can take the edge off those bumps. On better model of suspension forks they are adjustable, so you can tighten them right up so they still work a little bit but you don't lose too much efficiency. My wife used to use a suspension seat post, she liked it, I didn't. It felt jerky to me. I realize efficiency may not be a big deal to you right now.
Don't go for the fattest seat you can find. If properly set up, you can get used to any modest seat, that's what I found. A tinny wedge seat isn't great either. A gel seat cover can help just about any seat too, they pretty cheap, but you lose a little control.
As for spandex style shorts, yup they are awesome. I bought a short length pair so they fit under a normal pair of short so no one can tell beside me.
As for a heart monitor and bike computer, that's like buying a box blade for your tractor. Don't need at first but makes a nice add on. I use timex and VDO.
For quality of bike, let me say once you use an aluminium bike over the walmart bikes you will see the difference. Weight make a huge difference in feel, efficiency and enjoyment. Pay attention to the components so you know you are comparing apples to apples. Most use shimano, but they have different model lines too.
Now this tread got me going, I want to go for a ride but there is too much snow here. I am trying to get used to my new bike trainer but its not working too well for me.
