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!
Congratulations on your new road bike. I don't have anything near as sleek, as my Salsa Casserol is more of a light touring bike, but this is what I do. Spare tube, multitool, and extra food in a seatbag. Frame pump mounted on the bike. Two 22 to 24 oz bottles of water in bottle cages. Cellphone, keys, and money/credit card/id in my jersey pockets. I am 5'9" and 252 lbs. I used to be over 300 lbs. Get yourself a jersey. A couple of recommendations. Bontrager Solstice in XL or XXL. Primal in 3 XL. Twin Six in 3 XL. Pearl Izumi in XXL. Plenty of other options out there. Bike jerseys are a little bit snug. Not loose like an oversized T shirt. You will get used to it.