Road bike...

[boogielicious]

  TN94z said:

Well, I've started off slow to get used to the gears and just slowly building stamina. I rode the same 3 mile loop Sunday and Monday. Sunday I finished at 13.17 with an avg speed of 13.5. Today I finished in 12.45 with an avg speed of 14.1. It's a hilly ride. I know it's slow but I have to start somewhere, right? I'm going to shoot for 6 miles on the next ride

I used to race. You are on the right path. The endurance will come. Make sure on the hills that you shift down to an easier gear and "spin" up. Too big a gear and wear you down. It is better to keep and steady pace and lower heart rate at first to build up endurance. You will build up pretty fast and go for 1 - 2 hours soon. Also, try to measure your rides in time and not distance. A lot of things can affect distance, wind, terrain, etc.  Time is a better way to think of it.

Your idea of doing reps on loops is a good one too. This way, you can end the ride or extend depending on how your feel.  When your rides get longer than 1.5 - 2 hours, think about bringing a snack to eat. You can run out of energy or "bonk" if you are low.  Good snack like bananas or good energy bars work best. And drink lots of water. You should finish one large bottle per hour or more depending on temperature, pace, etc.

Lastly, make sure your bike is set up properly (i.e. the seat is not too low). Low saddle height and wear on your knees.

[14ledo81]

A statement about biking I found to be true was "it doesn't get easier, you just go faster and farther"...

[David in FL]

  boogielicious said:

I used to race. You are on the right path. The endurance will come. Make sure on the hills that you shift down to an easier gear and "spin" up. Too big a gear and wear you down. It is better to keep and steady pace and lower heart rate at first to build up endurance. You will build up pretty fast and go for 1 - 2 hours soon. Also, try to measure your rides in time and not distance. A lot of things can affect distance, wind, terrain, etc.  Time is a better way to think of it. Your idea of doing reps on loops is a good one too. This way, you can end the ride or extend depending on how your feel.  When your rides get longer than 1.5 - 2 hours, think about bringing a snack to eat. You can run out of energy or "bonk" if you are low.  Good snack like bananas or good energy bars work best. And drink lots of water. You should finish one large bottle per hour or more depending on temperature, pace, etc. Lastly, make sure your bike is set up properly (i.e. the seat is not too low). Low saddle height and wear on your knees.

+1. Absolutely critical. Reduces your power and efficiency too.

[nevets88]

Depends where you ride, but I always have this

and this. Both saved my skin many times.

[tnull]

Wow, very cool for a cruiser.  On the top end of the scale for a cruiser, like a Scotty putter....

Their bikes use a "flat foot" technology.  Lets you sit in the seat and still basically touch the ground.  My dad rides one, loves it.  Solid frame, good 3 speed (better than a single speed in my opinion, unless you just want to ride short distances on very flat terrain).

If you want that upright and laid back position, little pressure on the hands, then it is a great bike.  Are their cheaper options?  Sure, but not with that same fit.  If you have test ridden it and it feels really good, then go for it.

For a cruiser style, stay away from the "dept store bikes".  They have cheap frames and components.  This brand makes a bike store quality bike, so if you like the ride, go for it.  Plus it just looks so cool .....

Let me know what you decide and if you get it, how you like it.

[isukgolf]

  tnull said:

Wow, very cool for a cruiser.  On the top end of the scale for a cruiser, like a Scotty putter.... Their bikes use a "flat foot" technology.  Lets you sit in the seat and still basically touch the ground.  My dad rides one, loves it.  Solid frame, good 3 speed (better than a single speed in my opinion, unless you just want to ride short distances on very flat terrain). If you want that upright and laid back position, little pressure on the hands, then it is a great bike.  Are their cheaper options?  Sure, but not with that same fit.  If you have test ridden it and it feels really good, then go for it. For a cruiser style, stay away from the "dept store bikes".  They have cheap frames and components.  This brand makes a bike store quality bike, so if you like the ride, go for it.  Plus it just looks so cool ..... Let me know what you decide and if you get it, how you like it.

Thanks for the feedback ... yes I have already tried the "dept store" option with horrible results. I will have to go test ride one.

[treebound]

  TN94z said:

Well, I've started off slow to get used to the gears and just slowly building stamina. I rode the same 3 mile loop Sunday and Monday. Sunday I finished at 13.17 with an avg speed of 13.5. Today I finished in 12.45 with an avg speed of 14.1. It's a hilly ride. I know it's slow but I have to start somewhere, right? I'm going to shoot for 6 miles on the next ride

As long as the bike is set up well for you then work on cadence and efficiency. There are quite a few of us cyclists on the site here with various backgrounds.

[TN94z]

Anyone here use strava? I rode 7 miles yesterday and it felt easier than my first 3 mile ride so I guess I am progressing

[treebound]

RunKeeper on the android phone works well and has a cycling option to track and map bike rides. I'm currently using a Polar M400 watch, but before the watch I used Run Keeper and MapMyRide and a few other apps. I have used Strava but stopped using it and don't recall exactly, probably just preferred one of the other apps more.

[David in FL]

I like mapmyride too. Have never used strava though.

[avmech]

Another for MapMyRide