Tips for a newbie cyclist?

[Beej]

I have been entertaining this. I just haven't been able to talk myself into the $$$ they cost!

I have heard nothing but great things about aerotech, and the pair I have are great. My only complaint is the chamois shape. It has several different zones or sections. Two of which go from the but pad to the front. Where they end at the front of the shorts, it looks like a friggin camel toe.

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Who cares what it looks like, what matters is how it works.

[samuel642000]

I weigh 125. According to Strava I only burn 141 calories in a half an hour ride averaging 14 mph and a cadence of 85-90.

I would think only riding 30 min you wont need to carry any snacks, just fluids!

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I'm about 100 lbs heavier fat boy gotta eat.

[black2002ls]

Who cares what it looks like, what matters is how it works.

True. Though it makes me feel awkward knowing any time I am off the bike walking around it looks like I have a huge moose knuckle!

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[Beej]

True. Though it makes me feel awkward knowing any time I am off the bike walking around it looks like I have a huge moose knuckle!

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You will forget about that after awhile. I go to the store after a ride or go wherever, I don't really care what anyone thinks.

[black2002ls]

Got a chance to ride with my dad today. He is getting back in shape so we rode 8 miles. It was a good learning experience for me. I am bad about tearing down the road looking for speed only to burn out, go at it again, etc and my legs are fried 7-8 miles in.
We pushed along averaging 13.6 maintaining a fairly steady pace 12-16 mph. I could have gone another 8 or more riding like that. It definitely helped boost my confidence to make the 31 mile ride next month!

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[no4njnk]

If you think bike shorts are bad, try being seen in public wearing tri shorts. Like they said you get used to wearing them and not even think about it. And get shorts with more of a matte material, shiny reflects more so things can be a lot more visible.

Play with nutrition, everyone is different. I never have solids on the bike and have gone 6 hours then run afterwards. First Endurance EFS and Salt Sticks are the best for me. My wife easy Stinger Waffles and Clif bars.

85+ cadence is ideal for burning calories, try to keep your heart rate above 130bpm.

And the biggest thing is consistency, go up a little each week and before you know it you will be doing century rides.

[black2002ls]

I am sure more stuff will pop up. However, I want to thank everyone who has stepped in and offered insight and tips for us new guys!

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[black2002ls]

Another 8.5 miles tonight, averaging 13.8. I need to work on maintaining a specific speed speed. I fried my legs in the first half, maintaining 17 mph. Then They started burning. I have got to learn to set a target average and maintain that average

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[black2002ls]

What are you guys using for chain lube? They recommended some finish line and some stuff in a blue bottle. Though I can't remember which they recommended for what. I have been using the finish line. Two weeks ago I cleaned the chain and gears, applied the finish line, spun the chain about 10 times and wiped the chain down. It was gunked up in no time. My dad used to use chain wax, but we can't find it anymore (paste)

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[Beej]

I use prolink. I relube about once a week or every 100 miles. I am anal about my chain though. I clean the chain real good with brake cleaner on a rag, let it dry then apply lube, spin it in and wipe off the excess. You are going to get some black gunky stuff, but shouldn't be too bad. Don't expect it to stay clean for long.

[black2002ls]

I use prolink. I relube about once a week or every 100 miles. I am anal about my chain though. I clean the chain real good with brake cleaner on a rag, let it dry then apply lube, spin it in and wipe off the excess. You are going to get some black gunky stuff, but shouldn't be too bad. Don't expect it to stay clean for long.

Thanks. It isn't flying off, I just wasn't sure if it was normal as quick as it is building up. I need to get in the habit of cleaning and lubing it once a week. I think I am riding 50-75 miles a week now

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[black2002ls]

How about front and rear hubs? We noticed when I ws riding with my dad that his old trek coasted much better than my bike. What do I need to do to clean and relube my hubs? I hit the front with some blue cleaner lube I have and it seems to spin better. Recommendations?

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[Beej]

well it can be a number of things, yes clean and relube can help but if its a ball and cone hub it could be a disaster to take apart. I wouldn't waste your time or money messing with the hubs. Usually the best investment when getting serious is a nice set of wheels. Lighter weight and smoother hubs. Plus you can always move them to the next bike.

[CJ5]

There's a guy at RBM who rides a 36" unicycle... says it's a great workout.

I'm in the process of refurbishing a 72 Dawes, it's old and parts are hard to find. Hotter N Hell is on my list for next year.

[black2002ls]

15.5 mi this morning at an average pace of 13.8 mph. It seems right now my comfort zone is 75-85 rpm and 13-16 mph

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