Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: lucydad on January 23, 2015, 09:55:15 AM
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All,
I grew up on bicycles and rode a lot in various places we have lived. When I got back into motorcycles 4 years ago the bikes were put outside and rusted up. No room for the Kawa and bikes. We also had the two summers of blistering heat in Houston. Anyway for health reasons, and fun I am looking at buying a new bicycle. There is a very local bike shop,with neighbor (bicycle obsessed) that works there, and they recommended this bike. It is a hybrid type good for riding local paved bike paths, streets and also some of our flood control levees. The bike would also work just fine for a bit more rugged riding when we get off the Gulf Coast. I want a bike that will keep me happy for ten years in a variety of riding environments.
http://www.cannondale.com/nam_en/2015/bikes/fitness-urban/fitness/quick-cx/quick-cx-3
Health wise riding a bicycle is excellent for cardio and core strength. And I will use it after work and some on weekends (although Guzzi riding is priority on weekends). We have some excellent local bike paths.
Ok, here is a concern: last summer Ms. LD talked me into a stationary bike class. Ok, fine. But the result of a hard seat, and inability to unclip shoes (stuck) was a damaged prostate/dangly bits. The injury took a while to heal. And I am a bit concerned that bicycle riding could repeat? But a better adjusted seat height and ability to pace myself, and simply get off should help? And they make gel bicycle spandex thingys
Looking for advice and comments here. Some interweb searches on male anatomy and bicycle riding are a bit concerning. Knees and back and such are in ok shape for bicycles, I think.
thanks in advance
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If you buy from a good bike shop they should be able to fit the bike to you correctly. Tell them your issues.
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Behold the recumbent bicycle.
(http://www.longbikes.com/img/slipstream/Slipstream-G.jpg)
You can tough it out on an "ass hatchet", as we call them, and you can improve your endurance - tougher butt, neck, hands - but any time you go past the time/distance you're accustomed to, you're back to the same uncomfortable reality: bicycles are hard on the human anatomy. Conventional bicycles that is, not the recumbent. Go 10 times farther than you're used to, and you'll be tired, but uninjured. (Careful with your knees, though - you can hurt yourself, if you don't gear down and pedal fast rather than hard.) I ride a conventional bike some of the time, but short rides only.
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I won't ride on the road anymore as that's too dangerous. About a year ago I went looking for a bike path bike a when my sister said that she had my old Peugeot UO9. I cruise old school now but I was about to pull the trigger on a Fuji hybrid that was on sale. I think the model is now the Crosstown and depending on which version you get they run around $300-$600. I found it very comfortable for a "seasoned" man.
Although my Peugeot gets looks I think I am going to switch to a used mountain bike. At the local park there are some trails and I want to give those a try.
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If you buy from a good bike shop they should be able to fit the bike to you correctly. Tell them your issues.
This. Get the bike fitted properly. Don't let the bike shop just give you a bike then walk out the door. Get a frame size that fits than make sure they spend time with you getting it set up and adjusted correctly. It will make a world of difference.
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As an old fart who's started riding 10 speeds with wool shorts, leather saddles and sew up tires I'd suggest getting a decent "hybrid bike" with bigger tires and a suspension post. Also if its not to hilly a one speed works just fine. You don't need to get clip-ons. I've XC raced mountain bikes and been beaten by a fella with "flats". Platform pedals work just fine but get the bigger ones with better bearings. Being able to get your foot off the pedal is a plus.
I remember when I picked out a bike for my father, when he was 60, this setup worked really well for him. He wore out the original wheels and I built him up some decent wheels which rolled much better. Here's a Diamondback REI sells.
(http://www.earlsbicycle.com/images/library/zoom/dback_trace_grey_1_13_z.jpg)
A shock seatpost - and you don't want to go real cheap on these.
(http://www.testberichte.de/imgs/p_imgs/Tamer+Pivot+Plus-305277.jpg)
Bar ends to give you more hand positions that relieves pain in hands.
(http://www.pricepoint.com/_productimages/default/350x350/190_ergsg3_blk_0.jpg)
Finally and foremost get a decent pair of bike shorts, bike shoes and gloves -- you're body will thank you. lycra is still by far the in best shorts - if you're brave enough to wear them the first time - I still do at a chubby 60 because I don't give a dam
Also I'd talk to some local cyclists and see what they say about shops. Just like everything else there's at least 30 shops in the area I live and only about 3 I'd suggest. The rest could be selling women's shoes for all they know.
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I think recumbents are pretty cool, but I'm scared of not being seen and getting run over. I have enough problems on my Bianchi Ero's with people trying to kill me!
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Well, even professional riders with well fitted saddles/bikes are prone to pudendal nerve injury. So we're all at risk
I've read that recumbent bike riders don't seem to have that issue, but to me recumbents on the road look like death traps - way to low and out of drivers' lines of sight - even with their little flaggy things.
Best bet IMHO is a well fitted bike and saddle, padded shorts, and changing riding position frequently - take hills standing
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Ok, here is a concern: last summer Ms. LD talked me into a stationary bike class. Ok, fine. But the result of a hard seat, and inability to unclip shoes (stuck) was a damaged prostate/dangly bits. The injury took a while to heal. And I am a bit concerned that bicycle riding could repeat?
Was this a one-time injury caused by something like slipping and banging your crotch on something, or was it a long-term thing? I'm not far from 60 and ride a bicycle an hour a day, every day. Sometimes it's 20 miles on the road, and sometimes it's an hour of strenuous mountain biking. So far I have not had any injuries like you describe.
Spandex bicycle shorts or long pants (tights) tend to keep things in place, and contrary to the norm for young folks, I find I need to wear underwear as well. You can get seamless jockey shorts made for cycling.
As far as seat hardness, it's my experience that it's nearly irrelevant. The human rear end adapts to the seat, but it takes several weeks. I've gone from a hard seat to a padded one and gotten sore, just because it was different. I've also gone from daily running to cycling with a padded seat, and found that it still takes several weeks to adapt. When starting out, the second and third days of riding were so bad that I had to put a lot of weight on the pedals for a couple miles, and ease back onto the seat. But after riding daily again for a couple decades, I can go 100 miles on my relatively hard seat with no problem.
The Cannondale you're looking at should be a great all-around bike.
Edit: wrbix makes a great point about standing on the pedals occasionally. That's so normal to me that I don't even think about it, but it really does cut down on rear-end soreness.
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I'm not far from 60 and ride a bicycle an hour a day, every day. Sometimes it's 20 miles on the road,
Wow, 20mph AVS - you da man.
I have a hard time doing 16 at 62yo!
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When I was a young lad of 60 I could still ride a bike.
I am trying to now but my feet keep falling off the pedals, I have no muscle control below the knees
and the feet flop where ever they want. In am going to a bicycle shop today to see if I can get some
longer pedals. I can't use the ones that snap onto the shoe because with no muscle control I would not
be able to unsnap if I began to fall.
They say once you learn to ride va bike you never forget. They lie! The muscles of my lower legs have forgotten
but I am working on it.
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When I was a young lad of 60 I could still ride a bike.
I am trying to now but my feet keep falling off the pedals, I have no muscle control below the knees
and the feet flop where ever they want.
Here's your pedals you can do it yourself with an 8mm allen and 15 mm wrench. Just remember there's a left threaded pedal and a right threaded pedal. my youngest son ruined two sets of cranks using brute force and not paying attention to pedal threads
(http://media.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/500/RF-AP-RD-ANGLE.jpg)
There are other models that are cheaper but they also have cheaper bearings.
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I like the Trek 7.4 FX You should go to the trek site and read about it's specs. I had a similar one 10 years ago!!! Still great. I did swap out the pedals for rubberized, it's amazing how many times you end up riding barefooted.
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Wow, 20mph AVS - you da man.
I have a hard time doing 16 at 62yo!
I'm 57 now, it'll catch up to me. 10 years ago I could average 21 mph for an hour. Now if I don't really work at it, I won't make 20. Keeping old-age at bay as long as possible is more important than speed. And it's been shown that brain decline is slowed by regular aerobic exercise, so it's not just the body we're preserving.
There's an ex-racer who escaped from East Germany way back, that I occasionally ride with. He's somewhere around 70 and keeps up with me just fine, so there's hope.
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Knowing a bit about where you live (Houston, Texas = very hot and humid much of the time) I wonder why you are giving up on the stationary bike workouts? I don't see riding a bicycle in Houston as a part of any "real" exercise program. You'll have "comfortable" riding perhaps as few as two months of the year (when you add up every day that you get to ride "comfortably").
IMHO, if you really want to exercise to benefit your health you need to do it at least four days a week every week. To pull that off in Houston you're going to have to plan on "indoor" exercise, and if you want to emphasize "pedal power" that means a stationary bike. Which leads me to this - spend the money and effort on getting your stationary bike set up right for you and then ride the thing for twenty minutes a day at least four days a week, preferably five. Otherwise you'll soon have "another" bicycle sitting out back with the others turning into rust.
Just my two cents.
Good luck!
Bill
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I've read that recumbent bike riders don't seem to have that issue, but to me recumbents on the road look like death traps - way to low and out of drivers' lines of sight - even with their little flaggy things.
You don't need a flag. My recumbent is a Ryan Vanguard, ancestor to the one I pictured. Some recumbents lay you down more, and that's not for me - I mean, I've never tried it, but the neck position looks cramped and I doubt it does much for stability. On a more sitting-up version like this, I'm as tall as the average car, plenty visible. And it's like a lawn chair with wheels, ultimate comfort. The one visibility issue it does have, I can't really look behind like I can on a conventional bicycle. If there's a place to put a rear view mirror, possibly a helmet mount, that's a real good thing.
My recumbent isn't great for "off road", which includes gravel shoulders. The transition from riding to walking is more awkward, starting is more awkward, the long wheelbase with lightly loaded front is poor for loose surfaces. It's also at some disadvantage in hilly terrain - no standing up, and at slow speeds the long wheel base takes a lot of steering. (Downhill is sweet, though, nothing like it.) But the point is: lawn chair with wheels/no soft tissue damage. If I'm pedaling for miles, that's what I'm riding.
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I ride a stationary bike 20 minutes averaging six days a week besides other exercises. I walk instead when time and weather permits. If it was practical for me to ride a bike outdoors instead that would be much better. I have been forcing myself to ride the stationary bike for about two years now because I really need to, but I HATE THE THING!!! If I could not watch TV while riding it I don't think I could continue to do it. I have to have my mind occupied elsewhere. It really does suck. :P I also keep my mind occupied thinking about what various firearms would do to the bike.
GliderJohn
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:+1 ++ on going to a good shop for proper fit. Be sure handlebar height is above seat height, and you may want to experiment with different bars. I've found straight mountain bike bars to be uncomfortable -- put your hands out in front of you and you'll see that they naturally require a little pullback. You want bars that allow multiple hand positions to reduce fatigue. There are plenty of choices and bicycles are much easier to work on than motorcycles.
Single speed can work if you're in relatively flat territory or in good shape. Internal-shift hubs are an acquired taste -- they've probably improved since the Sturmey-Archer junk of my youth (hey, something has to make an Italian motorcycle gearbox seem good in comparison :) ). The most comfortable saddle I've found is the Brooks (leather) with the big rivets, seems more supple than the less-expensive variety. YMMV…
cr
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I ride a stationary bike 20 minutes averaging six days a week besides other exercises. I walk instead when time and weather permits. If it was practical for me to ride a bike outdoors instead that would be much better. I have been forcing myself to ride the stationary bike for about two years now because I really need to, but I HATE THE THING!!! If I could not watch TV while riding it I don't think I could continue to do it. I have to have my mind occupied elsewhere. It really does suck. :P I also keep my mind occupied thinking about what various firearms would do to the bike.
GliderJohn
In the winter I ride a stationary bike, trying to get 20+ miles or 60 minutes in every morning before work. When it's nice outside I try to ride the same distance/time outdoors. I hate riding indoors also. Since I do not have cable TV, the programing available on OTA at 5:30AM is nil. I tried listening to music but even that got boring. So, since I've discovered video games (PS3) within the last couple of years, I now play video games while I ride. :BEER: :BEER: Much more interesting....so much so that sometimes I find myself riding longer than I had planned....which is a good thing. 8)
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LD, that bike will do you fine. Your seat should be comfy and you should not require special clothes or shoes to ride for anything under 10 or 15 miles at a time if it's put together right.
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The kids finally grew past the WalMart quality bikes so after putting them on a Verza and GT, and another GT for the wife, the local shop gave me a deal on a used Specialized MTB. I was riding my '80s Lotus Challenger but being a road bike it wasn't at all good for camping with the fam. The best thing I did with the Specialized is to remove the MTB tires and install hybrid skins. Thick road tread in the center, knobs on the sides. Completely transformed the bike for greenline and road use.
Dang fun to ride too!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/eroman/902432_10201808321750576_8543708999246945376_o.jpg)
Tobit.
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Another thought on recumbents - this is kind of out on the fringe of the fringe:
(http://cruzbike.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/400x400/Silvio-Recumbent-Bike-h-s.jpg)
Cruzbike makes front wheel drive recumbents. So the drive train, so to speak, is much shorter and more efficient. I've never been on one, but talked to a rider who was very pleased with his. It was a mountain bike conversion job - they used to sell a kit with which you could make a front wheel drive recumbent out of an ordinary mountain bike, ideally one with a low top tube and rear suspension. It looks like they quit doing that, don't know. He was a committed no-car type biker, and that was the bike for him.
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Holy Schwinn Stingray, I go do laundry, walk poodles, and fill a Rx and the Guzzi forum comes through again.
Ok, to answer a bit: the stationary bike injury was a one-off quirky thing.
On riding a bicycle in Houston (hot humid half the year, fairly nice to cool/rainy other half) yeah I hear you. The deal is: yes I have a gym membership I use about once a week for stretching and lifting weights. I can hardly stand to go there, and as far as the ellipse and stationary bike machines: boring boring.
I think a new bicycle would encourage me to get out and get more cardio. Being outside is key for me, and yes I find bike riding fun, mostly. Forget dense traffic streets, etc or long distance My riding is informal and on local trails and there are lots here. Neighbor is a fanatical rider, and she has time and is ten years younger and leads typical rides twice a week over 25 miles around this area. Bike shop and owner are first rate: will get the right fit. I doubt I have ever had a bicycle the right size or fit.
Likely this afternoon I will go run errands and drop by the bike shop. It is cold and rainy so I doubt he will be busy and I will talk to him.
thanks to all ;-T
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I would hope your bike obsessed neighbor could properly set you up. Most importantly, get a nice wide gel seat. They make 'em for cruiser type bikes, and they bolt right on.
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LD,
I used to race bicycles and would put lots of training time in. 12-16 hours per week, this was usually done on very firm racing saddle. I've also suffered some short-term issues on my "man parts". Many saddle manufacturers make saddles with cut-out centers to relieve pressure on the important parts. I no longer race and only ride occasionally but I've since put new saddles on all my bikes, similar to the one on the link below. Bike fit is paramount as others have stated. Another thing is a good pair of cycling specific shorts, they will run $75 for a decent pair. If you're self-conscious, you can wear some baggy shorts over them. On another related note, I'm recovering from a double hernia operation. 10 days post-op. back at work but still sore. How long was it before you felt like you back to normal?
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/selle-italia-max-flite-gel-flow-saddle (http://www.coloradocyclist.com/selle-italia-max-flite-gel-flow-saddle)
Andy
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If you buy from a good bike shop they should be able to fit the bike to you correctly. Tell them your issues.
Truth... if it's a good shop.
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Get something that will turn YOU on.
I have a mountain bike (Kona Smoke) and a road bike ( Cannodale CAAD 9), My son has a cyclocross (Kona Jake) that does both exceeding well 99% of the time. That's what I'd get if I had to do it again. Put flat pedals & keep it simple.
Decent mountain bike short will have the appropriate padding on the private bits that will add comfort. No need for the Lycra Lance Armstrong look. Cheap bicycle gloves will prevent a nurse spending an hour removing embedded dirt in your hand. A decent bicycle helmet will prevent a Schumacher incident.
For a little more than your chosen Cannodale you could get this ( & unsold previous year model could be cheaper) :
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0261/0217/products/jake_4_1024x1024.jpg?v=1396547889)
Edit: and the cyclocross handlebar add comfort due to the variation of hand positions over a straight flat bars
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Another thought on recumbents - this is kind of out on the fringe of the fringe:
(http://cruzbike.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/400x400/Silvio-Recumbent-Bike-h-s.jpg)
Cruzbike makes front wheel drive recumbents. So the drive train, so to speak, is much shorter and more efficient. I've never been on one, but talked to a rider who was very pleased with his. It was a mountain bike conversion job - they used to sell a kit with which you could make a front wheel drive recumbent out of an ordinary mountain bike, ideally one with a low top tube and rear suspension. It looks like they quit doing that, don't know. He was a committed no-car type biker, and that was the bike for him.
That looks really kool. I have a Rans recumbent (I'll ride their bicycles,but not fly their airplanes) ;D that is really comfortable, but isn't *fun* to ride. The long wheelbase just doesn't get it. I'll look into it.
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All,
Ok, I ran errands then went to the bike shop. It is less than a mile from our house. Went in and talked and asked questions and got great answers. Place was quiet since weather today is cold and wet and windy. Chose the Cannondale CX3 as recommended after discussion. He set me up on his stand and adjusted and tweaked the bike for best fit. Said he would readjust as necessary. Bike is 2014 model so he knocked off 90 bucks, and I got all the accessories ten percent off too. Nice guy, very competent. I pick it up tomorrow morning and will have Ms LD drop me off Saturday and I will ride it home. This area has built out a lot more bike paths in the past few years, some really excellent trails. Got some bike shorts with gel and also felt the saddle fit to bones. Seems ok, and shop owner said he would trade out saddles if I did not like this one. Also got gel gloves, a new helmet, a slick odo/speedo, side stand and chain lube. May get a jersey when it gets warmer.
So yeah more cardio and core and having a nice bike will motivate me.
Here it is:
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y495/lucydad1/Cannon_CX3_zps263ed6fc.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/lucydad1/media/Cannon_CX3_zps263ed6fc.jpg.html)
Pretty thing. Bikes have changed a lot since the last time I bought one in 1984.
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Attaboy..
Bikes have changed a lot since the last time I bought one in 1984.
Oh, yeah....
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Cool!
Another thought to get some AC'd pedaling in on your new bike in the summertime is to get a set of rollers for use with your new ride. Keeps the bike in action, cheaper than a full stationary bike setup, and I'll almost guarantee nothing trains you to a smooth course/cadence like rollers. Once you get used to it, it's as easy as it looks IYKWIM.
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Cool!
Another thought to get some AC'd pedaling in on your new bike in the summertime is to get a set of rollers for use with your new ride. Keeps the bike in action, cheaper than a full stationary bike setup, and I'll almost guarantee nothing trains you to a smooth course/cadence like rollers. Once you get used to it, it's as easy as it looks IYKWIM.
Just sayin.. but I blew out a knee with rollers in a cold garage. You have to go fast from the get go. Yep, they'll train you to be smooth all right.
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(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y495/lucydad1/Cannon_CX3_zps263ed6fc.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/lucydad1/media/Cannon_CX3_zps263ed6fc.jpg.html)
Pretty thing. Bikes have changed a lot since the last time I bought one in 1984.
That's the year I bought my Lotus I mentioned earlier. Yes things have changed, like night and day. Nice bike you got there, congrats. By the way, that Kona pictured above is a fine piece too.
Now you'll need a bike stand!
Tobit.
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Cool! Just don't get too weenied out by the racers, have fun, and when in doubt use an easier gear (at least for now).
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Andy,
I had my hernia operation just before Thanksgiving. Dr. Sawbones said no lifting or strenuous stuff for at least a month. Felt a lot better after first week and 3 weeks later pretty much normal. Started light workouts Christmas week and took the Guzzi for a ride just after Christmas. Here it is 2 months after surgery and I feel just fine, and figured out having all the plumbing in the right spot is a very good thing.
Yeah I will let my body adjust to riding a bicycle. Forget the racers and such, I will build up strength and endurance with time. Good time of year to do it, not so brutally hot.
Thanks for interest and advice, I will give updates and get an in action picture sometime this weekend.
I think bicycle riding and motorcycle riding will be complementary. Increased core strength from bicycle = longer motorcycle rides. ;D
And the healthier I am the longer I can ride both types of machines.
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Here's your pedals you can do it yourself with an 8mm allen and 15 mm wrench. Just remember there's a left threaded pedal and a right threaded pedal. my youngest son ruined two sets of cranks using brute force and not paying attention to pedal threads
(http://media.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/500/RF-AP-RD-ANGLE.jpg)
There are other models that are cheaper but they also have cheaper bearings.
Looks painful for barefoot riding.
My problem is that as the crank goes round it comes up behind the foot and when it touches the heel it lifts my foot off the pedal. Both sides do this.
Poking around on the internet under velocipedes I began looking for pedal-less bicycles. I found this.
(http://joride.com/images/Bicycles/freedom-2011.jpg)
So instead of buying one I will just take the pedals off mine and give it a try for free.
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All,
First ride picture, picked it up today:
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y495/lucydad1/ride_one_jan24_2015_zpsab76a819.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/lucydad1/media/ride_one_jan24_2015_zpsab76a819.jpg.html)
Rode about 7 miles on local trails and Memorial Park. Love the bike! Rolling resistance much less than old TREK mountain bike.
Excellent disc brakes, smooth shifting and superb fit. Body knows it had a workout, but no pain anywhere. Did not wear the gel seat shorts since it was fairly chilly 53F or so. Got it pretty dirty, so that is a good sign. Goal is to ride it after work since I can't get myself to do cardio at the gym much anymore.
Fun! Poodles approve, but bicycle riding may cut into their daily fast walk.
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When I was a young lad of 60 I could still ride a bike.
I am trying to now but my feet keep falling off the pedals, I have no muscle control below the knees
and the feet flop where ever they want. In am going to a bicycle shop today to see if I can get some
longer pedals. I can't use the ones that snap onto the shoe because with no muscle control I would not
be able to unsnap if I began to fall.
They say once you learn to ride va bike you never forget. They lie! The muscles of my lower legs have forgotten
but I am working on it.
Yo jim.. there are not a lot of 'big' pedals on the market.. Perhaps visit not a bike shop but a fitness store and look at the broad rubber pedals used on stationary bikes.. they are often oversized
If you dont want to clip-in.. you may also look at these straps
http://www.bikebling.com/Power-Grips-Standard-295mm-p/powergrips-pg-pgk.htm?gclid=CNqxs9CwrcMCFdgvgQodoFkAsw&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc_feed&utm_campaign=comparison_shopping_feeds
they are easier to use than standard toe clips and can bee set up loose.
You would need enough control to insert your foot and twist slightly
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Hey, LD,
Does it rain there? Fenders make the bike very useful. Plus a way to carry items from the market. It can be a viable alternative for trips in a decent radius.
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Congrats on the new bike!
I fell in love with the newer fat bikes. Got a 2011 Salsa Mukluk and haven't looked back.
After awhile you will start riding for the adventure. Pick a destination you want to go to and just go. Finish the trip and wow the feeling is great. Then you plan longer trips. Little steps. Nothing big right away just stay in your comfort. You will know.
Keep your bike shop happy and they will keep you happy with a bike that works well.
Have fun!
Rod
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You know, I'm a semi-serious rider from way back. I commuted to work by bike for many years (including a route from Friendswood to my office on Park Place Blvd) and did a bit of racing. I was very excited to respond to this post, but after reading the input you received from my esteemed Wildguzzi friends I find I have nothing of value to add. Great job, all!
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It's good to hear you like the bike and you had a good ride.
If you find you want the padded shorts but it's cold, you can wear them under the long pants. Another option is padded long riding pants (tights). When it's in the 30s out and I'm riding on the road, I wear shorts under tights just to keep my naughty bits warm.
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3Jim,
I will remember your comment on the gel shorts under jeans, makes sense, I did not think of that concept, thanks.
You know buying this bike brought back some memories of jr. high and such. Around 1967 my brother bought a black Honda S90. At the time I was too young to ride and had a red Schwinn Varsity. Loved that bike, cost $72.05 that I earned myself and bought from Crawley's sporting goods around 1965. Remember my brother riding his cool S90 into the front yard and park next to my Varsity. Man was I jealous. That fast and slick Honda made my Varsity so obsolete and small.
A few years later I got a Honda MT 50 in yellow, then at 16 was old enough for my own motorcycle: A Honda Scrambler 175. Damn fine motorcycle.
I have had a love affair with anything on 2 wheels since about 1963 when Shirley Snooks taught me to ride her Schwinn Typhoon. My parents couldn't find the time and she was a neighborhood pal (and still know her).
Tonight I ponder the differences between a motorcycle, and a bicycle. Both are sublime in their own ways. Yet a motorcycle requires such more skill and may I venture courage to ride. Speed and weight and technique and vigilance are so critical with a motorcycle at speed. Not to take away from bicycle racers, and such, but every day bicycle riding is very relaxed by comparison when I fire up the V7R and go down the Houston freeway at 80 mph with the cagers.
Interestingly the bicycle shop owner is quite interested in motorcycles and chatted me up with questions. I told him I would swing by with Little Goose some day and let him see the Italian masterpiece from Mandello. Who knows I may get him on a different set of 2 wheels? We are all missionaries.
The Cannondale will be very good for my body though. Come spring and longer rides for meet ups I think my body will be able to handle a 200 mile day on the V7R. And why? Partly better cold weather gear (Aerostich leathers), partly better motorcycle riding posture, and partly body strength from riding the bicycle.
So yeah there it is on a Saturday night after a wonderful home grilled steak, wine, spud, squash and a bit of artisinal gin and cheesecake.
Poodles say good night and sweet dreams.
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Toe clips and straps won't work for me. They require you to pedal from the ball of the foot, I can't do that.
I have no muscle control below the knees. I am removing the pedal crank from the machine and will use it as a two wheel walker
as shown in the photo I posted. I won't go as fast but will still get some exercise for parts that otherwise don't get used.
I just need some cane brackets for carrying my stick.
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the wifey bought me a Nashbar AT1 29er for my birthday last year.
It's a great bike, especially for the money.
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Serious racing on a bicycle is about as exciting as racing anything else. I'm sure there will be other voices describing a fast descent on a twisty mountain road or the bell lap of a crit..
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Toe clips and straps won't work for me. They require you to pedal from the ball of the foot, I can't do that.
I have no muscle control below the knees. I am removing the pedal crank from the machine and will use it as a two wheel walker
as shown in the photo I posted. I won't go as fast but will still get some exercise for parts that otherwise don't get used.
I just need some cane brackets for carrying my stick.
SJ - is the objective to exercise your legs or get out on a bike? If the latter have you considered a hand cranked bike?
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Serious racing on a bicycle is about as exciting as racing anything else. I'm sure there will be other voices describing a fast descent on a twisty mountain road or the bell lap of a crit..
Ha, yes, I raced a bit and you're right, it was often scary. I was in a couple crashes and one was on a slight downslope sprint to the finish. In the '70s, bicycle racers typically wore silly leather strap helmets that did nothing except hold their hair in place. The only alternatives were hockey helmets and MSR mountain climbing helmets. I had a CCM hockey helmet on, and when the guy in front of me went down at something near 40 mph and took me with him, I almost slid across the finish line. I remember the medics on duty ignoring me and helping the guys who couldn't answer when asked their names.
The part of bicycling that scares me now is the difference in speed between me and motor vehicles, and the high percentage of drivers I see who have cell phones glued to their ears. When I mentioned motorcycling to a friend I've done a lot of bicycling with and he commented about it being the most dangerous possible form of transportation, I pointed out that I'm traveling at the speed of other motor vehicles and there's a lot less chance of being hit by one. He understood immediately and even rented a scooter on a recent vacation.
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Congrats on the bike LD ;-T. I started in May, needed cardio b/c I quit running due to foot problems, lost a little weight & developed glutes, sold all my suspenders & wear a form fitted kit now! I love going out in public wearing lycra & no underwear, is that weird? Feet are more manageable now so last week I signed up for a triathlon in August. Out of character b/c I'm not a fitness buff but the bike helped me push through some limits.
Picture taken today on a 20 mile run avg 20.13 mph over 12.88 miles on the bike path... I'm catching up to you Jim ;D.
(http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/vv17/Rander/WP_001145_zps55cc1906.jpg) (http://s665.photobucket.com/user/Rander/media/WP_001145_zps55cc1906.jpg.html)
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Picture taken today on a 20 mile run avg 20.13 mph over 12.88 miles on the bike path... I'm catching up to you Jim ;D.
If you did 20 miles and averaged 20.13 mph, you've done caught up. Better get some rest though, you look a little blurry. :)
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Yes I have been looking at hand cranked devices and might get one, but it is my lower legs that desperately need help
so I will opt for a walking bike for now. I just need the bars a little higher and a non painful saddle. I am removing the derailleur and pedal crank now.
It already has disc brakes so I should be able to keep the speed below ticket levels.
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It took me some time to get used to the saddle, It started painfull too. But now even when I didn't use it a time, no problem anymore. The racebike bar makes that you have a lot of positions you can use, the higher bars mostly have only one position for your hands
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Speaking as a new cyclist myself, the seat is one of the first :o eye opening issues to get through. After the initial shock my seat was tolerable & I ran it for months but became convinced I could do better.
Someone on WG mentioned Specialized brand seats & I found indeed they have a large following, I use a Roubidoux, it has the channel cut out to help relieve pressure on your perineum as do many now, I also hear the Romin has become a favorite.
Anyway, hopefully the stock seat will work out but if it don't there is a seat out there for you.
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A treated and well broken-in Brooks B17 is the only saddle that works for me.