Old 05-12-20, 06:44 AM
  #13  
eduskator
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Originally Posted by lykbutta
What’s good everyone. My 2020 GIANT Contend AR1 came in today and I took it out for a spin. Wow. Loved it. I was a bit nervous as it was my first time riding a road bike and wearing clipless however I quickly picked it up.

I’m am loving the road bike scene and just a little scared of the speed as my trek Marlin was MUCH heavier and I felt that I had more stability. It will just take getting used to.

One question I had for the group, I started hitting 20 mile rides and I’ve been doing ok I guess, just hit 80 minutes for a 20 min stretch today. I want to start venturing to longer rides and wondered if y’all wear camelbaks by chance. I have my phone, multitool, spare inner tube (they came tubeless) and a few other things to carry, not to mention I could be carrying 80oz extra of water. My friend who road bikes at work says they are frowned upon since they have jerseys they pack them. For me, I’m 6’3 - 256 and not the slimmest (getting there) but these jerseys don’t fit the best so I don’t have pockets. What is everyone’s thoughts on it IF you run one and which one do you run. I’m looking to get one and thought I’d come to the experts!




Nice bike. I am sure you will love it. Take good care of it and it will last very long.

I am not a fan of backpacks. I always ride with jerseys with pockets & do not carry anything other than my cellphone & some sugar/carbs to boost me up mid-rides. I don't carry tubes neither. Two weeks ago I had my first flat tire in a year that didn't seal up by itself. Girlfriend came to rescue. It's a risk I take, but I am never really far from home. If you carry tubes, make sure to have tire levers (hard plastic ones) & a small pump. If you don't, there are good chances that cyclists riding close-by will, but I would not rely on that. If you can't find jerseys with pockets, an alternative is to buy a seat bag & fit everything in there. It's compact and looks good.


Also keep in mind that the more you will ride, the fitter you will get and the less water your body will require. For instance, I use to consume 2 full bottles of water during my favorite ride (50kms (30 miles) & 700m (2400ft) total ascent) and I am now down to 1 or even 3/4 sometimes. I see you have 2 cages installed and it's a good thing. 2 bottles should be enough.

Last edited by eduskator; 05-12-20 at 06:55 AM.
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