Cyclists - help me spend my money

[CJ 5]

Wow I came into this thread late.

First of all you can finish a race that is about double the distance you train at... so that should give you a fairly good idea.

the best spinervals for your situation would be mercy ride because you could easily do numerous combinations with that one. I also think that suffer O Rama.. muscle breakdown.. and mental toughness are excellent. The recovery and technique is a good high spinning vid for days you aren't in the mood to go crazy but need a nice light spin ... COACH TROY STYLE OFCOURSE

I higly recomend the following gear with links if I can find them

Clipless pedals ( DH has shamono.. I have speedplay frogs)
WALKABLE SHOES. I found an excellent pair for 25 dollars and love them so much more than road shoes because I found that sometimes I might have to get off and walk up steep hills.. My 200 dollar sidi road shoes are just sitting in a drawer.

As for pedals. If you have bad knees .. the frogs are excellent. Do your research and buy them from a shop that is friendly and will let you try them out. Everyone is different. Make sure that you have them fitted. I also have a pair of speeplay X that are road pedals that I hate because they are impossible to walk in. For me that is paramount as I am not a confident rider.



good sites to check out for great prices
www.nashbar.com
performance cycle
http://www.performancebike.com/
sierra trading post ( just do a search on the net)
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

I have never met someone who has tried padded shorts and been sorry. you can slide around on the seat and it just makes a huge difference for comfort after the first hour. I have a pair that have mucho cushion so look around I too had my doubts but have never been sorry and would not absolutely ride without them. If I bought one thing.. that would be it.

As far as a top.. Go for something with pockets in the back.. you won't regret having little places to stick your stuff.


I also love my cateye astrelle computer that hooks on the back tire and has a cadence monitor and also works on the trainer... The best computer for the money in my mind
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ory_rn=4500778

I also love I mean love.. the Trek WSD biking gloves. They are made for a womans hand and don't bunch up in your palm while riding.
http://www.trekbikes.com/accessories...ategory_id=122

As far as bike lights I am convinced the very best one is an OLED CATEYE
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ory_rn=4500820


The best way to ensure a nice comfortable ride and to be able to handle all conditions is to go with modular clothes ..Layering makes it easier to go for a great all day ride without being too hot. you just kind of peal yourself like a banana and stuff the items in your pouch that the jersey has..I have made my own leg and arm warmers. I bought a great jacket that was a ultralight hiking jacket that I use but the links before would be my dream outfit.

For example here are some ideas for layering. I will just use pearl izumi as an example

Jersey with pockets
http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi...tColorsTB=4937

ARM WARMERS THAT CAN BE WORN AND STRIPPED OFF RATHER THAN A LONG SLEAVE SHIRT
http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi...tColorsTB=4452

JACKET THAT CAN BECOME A VEST
http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi...tColorsTB=5504


Shorts ( These are the ones I love)
http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi...tColorsTB=5376

YOU CAN EASILY MAKE THE SHORTS INTO TIGHTS WITH THESE AND PEAL THEM OFF WHEN YOU GET TOO HOT
http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi...tColorsTB=4452

I ALSO RECOMEND SMART WOOL SOCKS FOR GOOD ALL AROUND FEEL. In hot weather try the coolmax kind

Also if you are a cold water fanatic.... there are great insulated bottles you could have a look for. Also hydration packs can be great if you need to go for long rides with know water available. Mostly we just use water bottles though

Other equipment you might find useful to know about are the following
If pedals aren't your thing or are out of reach financially. These work fairly well and are a good transition to be able to use more of your leg muscles in each stroke. I can't find a link but I am talking about baskets that fit on your pedals. Your shoe slides into them.. hopefully you know what I am talking about.


THESE WILL KEEP YOUR TOES/HANDS WARM IN COLD WEATHER but unless you are hardcore out in the slush.. I doubt you will need them

http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi...tColorsTB=4468

http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi...tColorsTB=4485


http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...813&Store=Bike


Also last but not least.. A GOOD FLAT REPAIR SET UP.. I carry an extra tube in a little repair kit that straps to my seat. Know how to do this.. big time.. you don't want to be out of the game for just not knowing how to change a silly tire. You will also need a pump or C02 system.
Hope that helps. I will edit this post if I think of anything else


.

[CJ 5]

One last thing about the shorts. You go cammando in them so basically you don't get any bunching or friction in long rides. The slick fabric makes it so you can move around on the seat. IMHO that is even more important than the padding. I truly truly could not live without mine even though I want to cry wearing them because I am overweight and spandex is not my friend :rolleyes: Clearly since I am willing to go out in public in them... that is a good indication of how truly effective they are..

[CJ 5]

OK the very last thing I forgot to add. for rides over 1 hour try mixing your water 50/50 with gatorade or a similar homemade drink. Seriously you won't believe the difference in your endurance and stamina at keeping your blood sugar level during the ride. Don't go straight gatorade.. all the sports studdies claim that 50/50 are the best. I personally like this better than the bike goo and such. I have found that the constant sip of a little sugar makes all the difference in my rides.

[Sue B]

I've never done a century, but I used to ride 60-80 miles on weekends, pre-baby, on roads and trails.

Padded shorts - like shoes, every mfr. cuts theirs differently so it's worthwhile buying at a bike shop first, where you can try them on, then buy more online once you find a brand you like. I'm a high-waisted, "bubble butt" and Bellweathers fit me best. Pearl Izumis are too low cut and not enough rear room for me! Avoid the fluid-filled shorts; they leak.

Gloves!! Even for short distances, they really keep your hands from numbing. I have Pearl Izumi gel-filled.

Jerseys with zippered pockets. Nashbar's clearance area is a good source for cheap ones.

SLIME!! This wonderful goop has saved my buns on several rides. You put it in your tires, and it seals small punctures. One bottle, about 5 bucks, fills both tires and lasts a year or two.

Cycling computer, one with time (watches don't fit very well with gloves), speed and distance, at least.

[CJ 5]

Sue Darlin

SLIME!! This wonderful goop has saved my buns on several rides. You put it in your tires, and it seals small punctures. One bottle, about 5 bucks, fills both tires and lasts a year or two.

Didn't this make your bike weigh a ton. I would learn to change a tire before I would EVER go with slime. my SIL put it in her bike tires and it made the whole bike double in weight.

[Sue B]

I know "weight weenies" don't care for Slime, but it weighs no more than the average pump and I carry along so much other stuff that it really doesn't matter. I also do have a pump, spare tube and patch kit, since Slime doesn't fill all leaks. On trails, it keeps me from having to change tires four times per ride instead of just once!

[CJ 5]

OH what while were on the subject of flats. If slime is not your thing.....There are some excellent liners that you can put inside your tires to keep them from getting flat. They are thin and much ligter than slime.

[Sue B]

Liners, slime... fine, whatever works for you.

(This is why I don't like posting to cycling threads. I like to just ride my bike and do my thing without worrying about keeping up with the latest fashions or what accessories are "cool" or "uncool". Sometimes I even wear a T-SHIRT instead of a jersey! How nerdy can you get! )

[ScooterChick]

I don't know anything about slime, but I just went to flat repair class last night at my LBS, and it was great. Very useful. The instructor taught me how to change a flat on my particular bike. I bought a small pump, patch kit, tire lever, and small tube. (Everything but the pump fits in my little wedge, and the pump clips onto my frame next to the bottle cage). Then I went home and typed up everything I learned, printed it out, and put it in the wedge, too, so I won't freak out and forget everything when I actually do have a flat.

The instructor dude also said that if you have a problem with your tire that can't be patched, put a dollar between your tire and tube, and that should help you get home. Cool tip, huh?!

[erin b]

I have been out of town for a few days and a bit down about things. So I am just now checking VF and thinking about the bike. All these ideas and answers are great.

A LBS called me and they have found a copy of Uphill grind and it can be mine for only $40 I think I will get it as it is something. Probably the one least suited to my needs but it is better than nothing and will at least allow me to see Coach Troy and decide if him and his expensive tapes are for me. I figure I need to use it a lot for that price though.

It will be a while before I buy things like Jerseys and other cool bike clothes. T-shirt and jacket to start I am sure. Padded cycling pants sound like a good idea though. And gloves.

Thanks again
erin