Introduce Yourselves!
#2176
2 Fat 2 Furious
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: England
Posts: 3,996
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc, 2009 Specialized Tricross Sport RIP
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Guess this is as good a place as any for my second post here (after my Intro post)
I bought my bike about 18 months ago as a way of getting around faster, having not cycled for 20-odd years and having not taken any meaningful exercise for 4-5 years (with a waistline to prove it). When I signed the credit card slip I honestly didn't know whether I'd found myself a new passion or bought myself a very expensive shelf for surplus dust.
I found the first 20-odd pounds just fell off me in the space of about six weeks but then slowly came back. But despite my weight being much the same I've dropped almost four inches off my waist and most of my clothes that were tight are now loose.
In terms of what I ride, a 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc. Everything coped just fine for the first 8 months or so, then I broke four rear spokes in as many months so put a Mavic Crossline rear wheel on it and despite being rougher with the Mavic than I was with the standard wheel it's holding up admirably.
I bought my bike about 18 months ago as a way of getting around faster, having not cycled for 20-odd years and having not taken any meaningful exercise for 4-5 years (with a waistline to prove it). When I signed the credit card slip I honestly didn't know whether I'd found myself a new passion or bought myself a very expensive shelf for surplus dust.
I found the first 20-odd pounds just fell off me in the space of about six weeks but then slowly came back. But despite my weight being much the same I've dropped almost four inches off my waist and most of my clothes that were tight are now loose.
In terms of what I ride, a 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc. Everything coped just fine for the first 8 months or so, then I broke four rear spokes in as many months so put a Mavic Crossline rear wheel on it and despite being rougher with the Mavic than I was with the standard wheel it's holding up admirably.
#2177
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 12
Bikes: Diamondback Serene Citi
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Happily Riding My New Bike
I ended up buying a Diamondback Serene Citi bike at Dick's on clearance and I couldn't be happier. I have been riding several times a week through my neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods which include some inclines, which are challenging. It's amazing how much better I feel.
I am deathly afraid of dogs and that is what has kept me from getting out and walking or riding before and decided I couldn't let this anxiety rule my life. I bought some pepper spray which I carry with me and just getting out of the house and trying to overcome that fear has been very freeing for me.
Does anyone else use daily mile to keep track of their progress? I have friends there and it keeps me accountable.
I am deathly afraid of dogs and that is what has kept me from getting out and walking or riding before and decided I couldn't let this anxiety rule my life. I bought some pepper spray which I carry with me and just getting out of the house and trying to overcome that fear has been very freeing for me.
Does anyone else use daily mile to keep track of their progress? I have friends there and it keeps me accountable.
Last edited by AustinEm; 11-30-10 at 07:24 AM.
#2178
Watching and waiting.
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mattoon,Ill
Posts: 2,023
Bikes: Trek 7300 Trek Madone 4.5 Surly Cross Check
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I ended up buying a Diamondback Serene Citi bike at Dick's on clearance and I couldn't be happier. I have been riding several times a week through my neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods which include some inclines, which are challenging. It's amazing how much better I feel.
I am deathly afraid of dogs and that is what has kept me from getting out and walking or riding before and decided I couldn't let this anxiety rule my life. I bought some pepper spray which I carry with me and just getting out of the house and trying to overcome that fear has been very freeing for me.
Does anyone else use daily mile to keep track of their progress? I have friends there and it keeps me accountable.
I am deathly afraid of dogs and that is what has kept me from getting out and walking or riding before and decided I couldn't let this anxiety rule my life. I bought some pepper spray which I carry with me and just getting out of the house and trying to overcome that fear has been very freeing for me.
Does anyone else use daily mile to keep track of their progress? I have friends there and it keeps me accountable.
#2179
Cat 5 field stuffer
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Hammond, La
Posts: 1,426
Bikes: Wabi Lightning RE, Wabi Classic
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I am deathly afraid of dogs and that is what has kept me from getting out and walking or riding before and decided I couldn't let this anxiety rule my life. I bought some pepper spray which I carry with me and just getting out of the house and trying to overcome that fear has been very freeing for me.
Enjoy your ride!
#2180
Bikaholic
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Western, Michigan
Posts: 1,461
Bikes: Trek Fuel 90, Giant OCR, Rans Screamer Tandem
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Welcome. I grew up with a fear of dogs so I understand your fear. I have been chased on my single and my wife and I have been chased on the tandem. So far, the adrenalin rush has provided enough energy to outrun the dogs long enough to get them to turn back since most dogs chase for Territorial reasons. She now carries a whistle which we hope will break their concentration in any future encounter.
As far as daily tracking, I use live-strong.com which will allow the tracking of both food and excessive through their daily plate connection.
As far as daily tracking, I use live-strong.com which will allow the tracking of both food and excessive through their daily plate connection.
#2181
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Austin
Posts: 11
Bikes: Trek Mountain bike
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Hello All,
I'm another big guy (although, I'll have to start using the term Clydesdale.... it's much more elegant than fattie), who has recently moved to Austin, TX. I've been trying to get into shape and I have been doing machine workouts during the week and biking on the weekends. I'm on a Trek 3500 mountain bike, with road tires. I've been working up to 30 mile rides so far, but all solo.
I've been here a month, and I've lost 9lbs so far. As I get in better shape, I hope to build a road bike. I'm looking to go from my current of 291 (5'8")to around 200.
So, hello to all my fellow Clydesdale and Athena Austinites...maybe we should get together for a ride?
I'm another big guy (although, I'll have to start using the term Clydesdale.... it's much more elegant than fattie), who has recently moved to Austin, TX. I've been trying to get into shape and I have been doing machine workouts during the week and biking on the weekends. I'm on a Trek 3500 mountain bike, with road tires. I've been working up to 30 mile rides so far, but all solo.
I've been here a month, and I've lost 9lbs so far. As I get in better shape, I hope to build a road bike. I'm looking to go from my current of 291 (5'8")to around 200.
So, hello to all my fellow Clydesdale and Athena Austinites...maybe we should get together for a ride?
#2182
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 8
Bikes: Cervelo P2k, BP Stealth
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6'2" 240lbs and built like a NFL linebacker. This is my first season back in training for triathlons since major back surgery in '06. I've always felt a sense of comraderie with the Clyde's and Athena's. We are genetic oddities in the cycling world and many manufacturers didn't have us in mind when they created their bikes. We were more of an afterthought when it came to aerodynamics.
My new ride is an ebay frankenstein pieced together to fit my weight, crank/BB torque, and aero positioning requirements. Cervelo P2K frame, Sram Red aero group, HED 3 wheels front/rear, and adjustable stem(for my back). My other frame is a Y frame BP stealth that I'm chomping at the bit to put together.
All hail Gary Fisher, father of the elongated top tube for us big & talls.
My new ride is an ebay frankenstein pieced together to fit my weight, crank/BB torque, and aero positioning requirements. Cervelo P2K frame, Sram Red aero group, HED 3 wheels front/rear, and adjustable stem(for my back). My other frame is a Y frame BP stealth that I'm chomping at the bit to put together.
All hail Gary Fisher, father of the elongated top tube for us big & talls.
#2183
Watching and waiting.
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mattoon,Ill
Posts: 2,023
Bikes: Trek 7300 Trek Madone 4.5 Surly Cross Check
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Welcome ElChefe and Clyde Tri Good to have you with us.
#2184
Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Interesting thred. I have been called Clyde by many people on group rides and centry/double centries. I ususally hear the comment from small people behind me--lets get behind this guy, this is great. Cycling has been great for me, no joint or back pain and the only thing to stop you is endurance and your training.
I 6'4" 240-245 currently. Before I got into road cycling almost 4 years ago I was 270 -275, then was told by my PCP that I may need to take oral diabetic medication soon. That kicked it over the edge. Picked up a road bike and just topped off 11,000 miles before the snow started coming down. Now I bug my Doc to get on a bike and loose the weight.
Favorite ride is with my group who are all about my same size and strength (its great to have 2 clydes side by side in front hammering 22-24 mph ripping it up on a flat). Favorite event is the one day Seattle to Portland 200+ miles mostly flat with a few rollers. Best ride for a group of 10 big strong riders that like to crank it up--even if you can't sit down for a couple of hours later without cramping (last time finished with a group at 20.1 mph with a tail wind from Longview in to Portland). Steep long hills are frustrating, despite the training, will never keep up the the twigs.
Bike is a receint upgrade to a Cannondale super six 63cm (just changed mind from a CAAD10). Lots of research on both frames seems like a good fit for someone 6'4" 240. Just put the money down at the LBS, now just wait for Santa to show up. 3 months ago rebuilt my rear wheelset to a velosity deep v with 36 spoke ultegra hub on the old bike. 1000 miles and verry much sold on the deep v build. It is verry responsive, tight, smooth, and solid--no need to tune or retrueing. Of course, had a master wheel builder lace it. I am definatly swapping the rear wheel set on the super six, and off to ebay the new rear wheel set goes. Thats been my biggest challenge with the bike and my size--popping spokes in the last year. Bottom bracket does creaks like an old door hinge on the old bike, hence we will see how cannondale's bb30 holds up to a clyde's torque.
Great thred for big people who like to push endurance and strength in cycling. I am convinced cycling is the great equilizer. Age, size, sex dosen't seem to matter. How hard you train and how many miles on the bike seems to equilize everyone. I am still shocked when a 70 year old guy stays right with me on a centry, then passes me on the hill and I am 46 and thought I was in good shape. Then a 25 year old shows up on a $10,000 Colnago with ooos and aaas and you leave him in the dust on you $1300 Motobecane. Where did that guy on the sweet bike go?
I 6'4" 240-245 currently. Before I got into road cycling almost 4 years ago I was 270 -275, then was told by my PCP that I may need to take oral diabetic medication soon. That kicked it over the edge. Picked up a road bike and just topped off 11,000 miles before the snow started coming down. Now I bug my Doc to get on a bike and loose the weight.
Favorite ride is with my group who are all about my same size and strength (its great to have 2 clydes side by side in front hammering 22-24 mph ripping it up on a flat). Favorite event is the one day Seattle to Portland 200+ miles mostly flat with a few rollers. Best ride for a group of 10 big strong riders that like to crank it up--even if you can't sit down for a couple of hours later without cramping (last time finished with a group at 20.1 mph with a tail wind from Longview in to Portland). Steep long hills are frustrating, despite the training, will never keep up the the twigs.
Bike is a receint upgrade to a Cannondale super six 63cm (just changed mind from a CAAD10). Lots of research on both frames seems like a good fit for someone 6'4" 240. Just put the money down at the LBS, now just wait for Santa to show up. 3 months ago rebuilt my rear wheelset to a velosity deep v with 36 spoke ultegra hub on the old bike. 1000 miles and verry much sold on the deep v build. It is verry responsive, tight, smooth, and solid--no need to tune or retrueing. Of course, had a master wheel builder lace it. I am definatly swapping the rear wheel set on the super six, and off to ebay the new rear wheel set goes. Thats been my biggest challenge with the bike and my size--popping spokes in the last year. Bottom bracket does creaks like an old door hinge on the old bike, hence we will see how cannondale's bb30 holds up to a clyde's torque.
Great thred for big people who like to push endurance and strength in cycling. I am convinced cycling is the great equilizer. Age, size, sex dosen't seem to matter. How hard you train and how many miles on the bike seems to equilize everyone. I am still shocked when a 70 year old guy stays right with me on a centry, then passes me on the hill and I am 46 and thought I was in good shape. Then a 25 year old shows up on a $10,000 Colnago with ooos and aaas and you leave him in the dust on you $1300 Motobecane. Where did that guy on the sweet bike go?
#2185
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: East of San Antonio
Posts: 12
Bikes: Felt F85
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There are some great responses in here. I hadn't heard the term Clyde before but I guess this is where I belong. 6'2" ~225lbs. I was an avid MTB in the 90's but after being hit for the 3rd time, which resulted in a broken neck, I decided to hang it up. Here I am 14 years later and ready to try some road riding. Hopefully my luck changes or my wife will get to enjoy my life insurance b/c I'm sure I've used up all my luck!
I told myself that I needed to do something about my weight when I saw the scale hit 230 a few weeks ago. I used to be in much better shape but I've slowly watched my weight grow from 200 to a high of 230. I think that long work days sitting at a desk and raising kids gave me an excuse to avoid exercise when I had some free time. Not anymore!!! My wife started running 1/2 marathons, which gave me a lot of motivation to get out and ride. I can't run without discomfort so cycling was a natural choice even though I'll tell you that I'm still a bit gun shy when I'm out on the road. I don't intend to race but I would like to do some local rides as well as the MS150 from Houston to Austin. My father-in-law is approaching 70 and rides the MS150 every year. This year I plan to ride with him.
What was interesting for me was to see how much technology has advanced the sport since I quit riding. I was also shocked at the sticker price for some units. I started looking at aluminum frames but after riding a few carbon fiber bikes, I was hooked. I had my choice narrowed down to a 2010 Specialized Roubaix Comp but this morning I got a call back from a guy who was selling a Cannondale Six13 that I looked at week ago. It turns out that he had some things come up and wanted to sell me the bike for what I had offered. So, even though I'm not getting a very trick Roubaix, I am getting a darn good Cannondale for far far less. I figure that if I don't like it, I can always sell it and buy the Roubaix.
See you all out on the roads!
I told myself that I needed to do something about my weight when I saw the scale hit 230 a few weeks ago. I used to be in much better shape but I've slowly watched my weight grow from 200 to a high of 230. I think that long work days sitting at a desk and raising kids gave me an excuse to avoid exercise when I had some free time. Not anymore!!! My wife started running 1/2 marathons, which gave me a lot of motivation to get out and ride. I can't run without discomfort so cycling was a natural choice even though I'll tell you that I'm still a bit gun shy when I'm out on the road. I don't intend to race but I would like to do some local rides as well as the MS150 from Houston to Austin. My father-in-law is approaching 70 and rides the MS150 every year. This year I plan to ride with him.
What was interesting for me was to see how much technology has advanced the sport since I quit riding. I was also shocked at the sticker price for some units. I started looking at aluminum frames but after riding a few carbon fiber bikes, I was hooked. I had my choice narrowed down to a 2010 Specialized Roubaix Comp but this morning I got a call back from a guy who was selling a Cannondale Six13 that I looked at week ago. It turns out that he had some things come up and wanted to sell me the bike for what I had offered. So, even though I'm not getting a very trick Roubaix, I am getting a darn good Cannondale for far far less. I figure that if I don't like it, I can always sell it and buy the Roubaix.
See you all out on the roads!
#2186
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Romeoville, IL
Posts: 28
Bikes: 1986 Schwinn Prelude, 2021 Giant Defy Advanced Pro Zero, 2015 Giant Trance
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#2187
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Romeoville, IL
Posts: 28
Bikes: 1986 Schwinn Prelude, 2021 Giant Defy Advanced Pro Zero, 2015 Giant Trance
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There are some great responses in here. I hadn't heard the term Clyde before but I guess this is where I belong. 6'2" ~225lbs. I was an avid MTB in the 90's but after being hit for the 3rd time, which resulted in a broken neck, I decided to hang it up. Here I am 14 years later and ready to try some road riding. Hopefully my luck changes or my wife will get to enjoy my life insurance b/c I'm sure I've used up all my luck!
I told myself that I needed to do something about my weight when I saw the scale hit 230 a few weeks ago. I used to be in much better shape but I've slowly watched my weight grow from 200 to a high of 230. I think that long work days sitting at a desk and raising kids gave me an excuse to avoid exercise when I had some free time. Not anymore!!! My wife started running 1/2 marathons, which gave me a lot of motivation to get out and ride. I can't run without discomfort so cycling was a natural choice even though I'll tell you that I'm still a bit gun shy when I'm out on the road. I don't intend to race but I would like to do some local rides as well as the MS150 from Houston to Austin. My father-in-law is approaching 70 and rides the MS150 every year. This year I plan to ride with him.
What was interesting for me was to see how much technology has advanced the sport since I quit riding. I was also shocked at the sticker price for some units. I started looking at aluminum frames but after riding a few carbon fiber bikes, I was hooked. I had my choice narrowed down to a 2010 Specialized Roubaix Comp but this morning I got a call back from a guy who was selling a Cannondale Six13 that I looked at week ago. It turns out that he had some things come up and wanted to sell me the bike for what I had offered. So, even though I'm not getting a very trick Roubaix, I am getting a darn good Cannondale for far far less. I figure that if I don't like it, I can always sell it and buy the Roubaix.
See you all out on the roads!
I told myself that I needed to do something about my weight when I saw the scale hit 230 a few weeks ago. I used to be in much better shape but I've slowly watched my weight grow from 200 to a high of 230. I think that long work days sitting at a desk and raising kids gave me an excuse to avoid exercise when I had some free time. Not anymore!!! My wife started running 1/2 marathons, which gave me a lot of motivation to get out and ride. I can't run without discomfort so cycling was a natural choice even though I'll tell you that I'm still a bit gun shy when I'm out on the road. I don't intend to race but I would like to do some local rides as well as the MS150 from Houston to Austin. My father-in-law is approaching 70 and rides the MS150 every year. This year I plan to ride with him.
What was interesting for me was to see how much technology has advanced the sport since I quit riding. I was also shocked at the sticker price for some units. I started looking at aluminum frames but after riding a few carbon fiber bikes, I was hooked. I had my choice narrowed down to a 2010 Specialized Roubaix Comp but this morning I got a call back from a guy who was selling a Cannondale Six13 that I looked at week ago. It turns out that he had some things come up and wanted to sell me the bike for what I had offered. So, even though I'm not getting a very trick Roubaix, I am getting a darn good Cannondale for far far less. I figure that if I don't like it, I can always sell it and buy the Roubaix.
See you all out on the roads!
It's good to hear your story and good to know you're getting back in the saddle. I wouldn't mind riding year round but something about snow and frigid temps just turn me off to riding...time to bulk up in the gym! (not like i need it at 330...)
This year was the first year I rode and lifted and I seemed to lose weight (sorry fat...my weight hasn't shifted down yet) much easier. Check out Chad Waterbury's Muscle Revolution...google scribd and muscle revolution and you'll find it. Great routines for all types of goals.
Take care and ride safe and good luck shredding the pounds!!
#2188
VLP
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
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im 15 6'4 and 260, I play football, and plan to start biking more for fun and to stay in shape during the off season.
#2189
Confuzzled
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Upstate, NY
Posts: 6
Bikes: Masi Gran Criterium, Surly Traveler's Check (frame - current project!), Fuji Crosstown 1.0
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I am 5' 11 1/2" and check in between 220-230lbs. I have a large frame, but also I carry fat as well. I am riding a Masi Gran Crit (2009) - and it is by far my favorite bike, hand;es like a dream, and is FAST.
My travel bike is just getting finished, a customer Surly Trav Check with S&S couplers I am planning on taking with me on my (frequent) travels. It isn't as fast, but it feels much more rugged and heavy. I have 2 sets of tires - a 38mm monster-Cross set for fire trails and light mountain biking, and a 35mm one for road.
I think the bikes built today are much sturdier than in the past (except the really truly high end ones - but even the group-sets at the top of the line are built for weight and not durability - the SRAM Red I understand will wear out much quicker than Force or Rival for instance).
I have found if I can cycle a few times a week, and watch what I eat (the latter being the most important part!) I can lose weight without feeling much like sacrifice. I dropped fomr 265lbs to 221lbs this past year (and gained again to 230 - which I will work on).
It is DEEP in snow here (Rochester, NY) so the riding season is really closed (except spinning) unless I'd go for one of those really fat tire bikes like the Fatback, Pugsley, Mukluk, etc). Except in my travels I'll end up in warmer climates ... so perhaps I will be stealing my season back!
FOrgot to add: Had so much fun biking that I signed up for a half century "Tour de Cure" with my fiancee (She'd be an Athena)
My travel bike is just getting finished, a customer Surly Trav Check with S&S couplers I am planning on taking with me on my (frequent) travels. It isn't as fast, but it feels much more rugged and heavy. I have 2 sets of tires - a 38mm monster-Cross set for fire trails and light mountain biking, and a 35mm one for road.
I think the bikes built today are much sturdier than in the past (except the really truly high end ones - but even the group-sets at the top of the line are built for weight and not durability - the SRAM Red I understand will wear out much quicker than Force or Rival for instance).
I have found if I can cycle a few times a week, and watch what I eat (the latter being the most important part!) I can lose weight without feeling much like sacrifice. I dropped fomr 265lbs to 221lbs this past year (and gained again to 230 - which I will work on).
It is DEEP in snow here (Rochester, NY) so the riding season is really closed (except spinning) unless I'd go for one of those really fat tire bikes like the Fatback, Pugsley, Mukluk, etc). Except in my travels I'll end up in warmer climates ... so perhaps I will be stealing my season back!
FOrgot to add: Had so much fun biking that I signed up for a half century "Tour de Cure" with my fiancee (She'd be an Athena)
#2190
old un
Join Date: Dec 2009
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i dont keep track used to but if i have time i like 20 to 40 miles do roads and trails as for dogs i like a 357 discourages them from chasing bit noisy though
#2191
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: St Louis
Posts: 13
Bikes: Trek, Bacchetta
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Bromo:
Welcome to the group.
For long rides, check out your local MS society. It's likely that they will have a 150 mile bike ride (usually two days, 75 miles each day) scheduled at some point during high biking season. These are a lot of fun - don't let the 150 mile distance scare you as the route is typically chosen for riders of all abilities. The MS 150 in our area (Columbia, MO) has routes of 40, 75 and 100 miles each day with plenty of stops. My wife and I use the MS150 as out big bike event each year and train accordingly. We are also lucky to have a number of cycling groups who schedule training rides throughout the year so there is always someone to ride with.
Welcome to the group.
For long rides, check out your local MS society. It's likely that they will have a 150 mile bike ride (usually two days, 75 miles each day) scheduled at some point during high biking season. These are a lot of fun - don't let the 150 mile distance scare you as the route is typically chosen for riders of all abilities. The MS 150 in our area (Columbia, MO) has routes of 40, 75 and 100 miles each day with plenty of stops. My wife and I use the MS150 as out big bike event each year and train accordingly. We are also lucky to have a number of cycling groups who schedule training rides throughout the year so there is always someone to ride with.
I am 5' 11 1/2" and check in between 220-230lbs. I have a large frame, but also I carry fat as well. I am riding a Masi Gran Crit (2009) - and it is by far my favorite bike, hand;es like a dream, and is FAST.
My travel bike is just getting finished, a customer Surly Trav Check with S&S couplers I am planning on taking with me on my (frequent) travels. It isn't as fast, but it feels much more rugged and heavy. I have 2 sets of tires - a 38mm monster-Cross set for fire trails and light mountain biking, and a 35mm one for road.
I think the bikes built today are much sturdier than in the past (except the really truly high end ones - but even the group-sets at the top of the line are built for weight and not durability - the SRAM Red I understand will wear out much quicker than Force or Rival for instance).
I have found if I can cycle a few times a week, and watch what I eat (the latter being the most important part!) I can lose weight without feeling much like sacrifice. I dropped fomr 265lbs to 221lbs this past year (and gained again to 230 - which I will work on).
It is DEEP in snow here (Rochester, NY) so the riding season is really closed (except spinning) unless I'd go for one of those really fat tire bikes like the Fatback, Pugsley, Mukluk, etc). Except in my travels I'll end up in warmer climates ... so perhaps I will be stealing my season back!
FOrgot to add: Had so much fun biking that I signed up for a half century "Tour de Cure" with my fiancee (She'd be an Athena)
My travel bike is just getting finished, a customer Surly Trav Check with S&S couplers I am planning on taking with me on my (frequent) travels. It isn't as fast, but it feels much more rugged and heavy. I have 2 sets of tires - a 38mm monster-Cross set for fire trails and light mountain biking, and a 35mm one for road.
I think the bikes built today are much sturdier than in the past (except the really truly high end ones - but even the group-sets at the top of the line are built for weight and not durability - the SRAM Red I understand will wear out much quicker than Force or Rival for instance).
I have found if I can cycle a few times a week, and watch what I eat (the latter being the most important part!) I can lose weight without feeling much like sacrifice. I dropped fomr 265lbs to 221lbs this past year (and gained again to 230 - which I will work on).
It is DEEP in snow here (Rochester, NY) so the riding season is really closed (except spinning) unless I'd go for one of those really fat tire bikes like the Fatback, Pugsley, Mukluk, etc). Except in my travels I'll end up in warmer climates ... so perhaps I will be stealing my season back!
FOrgot to add: Had so much fun biking that I signed up for a half century "Tour de Cure" with my fiancee (She'd be an Athena)
#2192
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 24
Bikes: 1996 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo & an old dept store cruiser
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#2193
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 138
Bikes: 2005 Specialized Allez elite triple
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Just thought I would drop in and introduce myself. I just found the Clyde section of this site, was previously only in the Road Biking section. I'm 5'9" and 220lbs, built like a short linebacker. I'm a good mix of muscle and fat and am lucky that I have broad shoulders and a minimal gut for someone my weight. I started running earlier this year and ran a few 5k's (30.50 PR) and then started training for a 1/2 marathon in November. Part of my training was a 15k (9.3 mile) local race in October. I ran it well (1:37) but ended up with a foot injury that kept me from running for a whole month. I missed the 1/2 marathon and couldn't even run the 5k. So I got pissed and decided that I was going to start riding a bike. My dad has been riding for the last year, so I knew I would always have someone to ride with. And with it being almost no impact I figured the chance of wear-and-tear injury was less. Granted the chance of falling or getting hit by a car is something to consider but I'll risk it.
Well in the middle of not being able to run and slowly procuring all I needed to start riding I decided to go ahead and have the hernia surgery that I have been putting off for years. So now I am 2.5 weeks out from surgery and am already able to get back on the bike. I think I am going to try to get out of the office and do about 18 miles this afternoon.
I ended up buying an '05 Specialized Allez elite triple (E5 slx Columbus frame) from CL that only had 400 miles on it. It fits me perfectly and am thouroughly enjoying this sport so far. It is one of the more expensive hobbies I have though. Between the bike, pedals, shoes, helmet, clothing, water bottles, etc.. it really adds up. I still have more invested in my golf bag though, and golf costs every time you want to play. But compared to running the cost of entry into this sport is steep. Well sorry for the long post. I look forward to hanging around and learning from you guys.
Well in the middle of not being able to run and slowly procuring all I needed to start riding I decided to go ahead and have the hernia surgery that I have been putting off for years. So now I am 2.5 weeks out from surgery and am already able to get back on the bike. I think I am going to try to get out of the office and do about 18 miles this afternoon.
I ended up buying an '05 Specialized Allez elite triple (E5 slx Columbus frame) from CL that only had 400 miles on it. It fits me perfectly and am thouroughly enjoying this sport so far. It is one of the more expensive hobbies I have though. Between the bike, pedals, shoes, helmet, clothing, water bottles, etc.. it really adds up. I still have more invested in my golf bag though, and golf costs every time you want to play. But compared to running the cost of entry into this sport is steep. Well sorry for the long post. I look forward to hanging around and learning from you guys.
#2194
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 12
Bikes: Diamondback Serene Citi
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#2196
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 24
Bikes: 1996 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo & an old dept store cruiser
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Agreed. That being said, I am not opposed to bringing up the rear!
#2197
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 12
Bikes: Diamondback Serene Citi
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Okay folks, I don't know if this is a problem for just us larger riders or not, but after riding 10 miles last Sunday and taking some steeper hills than I'm used to, I have horrible pain in my right hip. I know exactly what it is and I have a feeling it came from sitting on my seat for too long because by the time I got back home, I could not wait to get off that seat. 24 hours later, I could barely walk and have a horrible pain in my posterior left thigh with some radiation down towards the knee. I have had bouts of sciatica before and this feels eerily similar to that, yet in a different location. It is getting better. It hurts more when I sit and feels better when I'm walking but I cannot really walk normally, which in the past usually ends up causing me further trouble from imbalanced walking.
I haven't ridden my bike since Sunday except for trying out my new thickly padded gel seat and it didn't hurt at all; in fact, the new seat cover feels wonderful but I'm going to give it another day.
Anyone else ever suffer the same injury, and how long did it take to fully recover? I'm actually excited to try out that new gel seat.
I haven't ridden my bike since Sunday except for trying out my new thickly padded gel seat and it didn't hurt at all; in fact, the new seat cover feels wonderful but I'm going to give it another day.
Anyone else ever suffer the same injury, and how long did it take to fully recover? I'm actually excited to try out that new gel seat.
#2198
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
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Ahhh, yoose guys are light weights. I'm 6'4", down to 280 from 350. 20 yrs ago I started
lifting weights as therapy after being runover. I got a bit carried away. I wasn't a body
builder per se. I was into power lifting, but then after putting on that much meat my joints
just couldn't handle it. As a kid into my 20s I was a cycling fool, but when i got hit it took
8 mos. to get where i could walk so, I spent a lotta time with weights making an upper body
that could move fast and far on crutches. by the time my legs started coming back I"d
forgotten about riding. I love the high country and prospecting so in summer I'd back-
pack all over using two walking sticks still carrying most of my weight with the upper
body. Started riding again at 60; still training hard. I've lost 70 pds. and am shootin
for 70 more by july.
lifting weights as therapy after being runover. I got a bit carried away. I wasn't a body
builder per se. I was into power lifting, but then after putting on that much meat my joints
just couldn't handle it. As a kid into my 20s I was a cycling fool, but when i got hit it took
8 mos. to get where i could walk so, I spent a lotta time with weights making an upper body
that could move fast and far on crutches. by the time my legs started coming back I"d
forgotten about riding. I love the high country and prospecting so in summer I'd back-
pack all over using two walking sticks still carrying most of my weight with the upper
body. Started riding again at 60; still training hard. I've lost 70 pds. and am shootin
for 70 more by july.
Last edited by rawly old; 01-01-11 at 05:28 PM. Reason: omission
#2199
Innocent Bystander
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Euless, Texas
Posts: 6
Bikes: Platinum 2011 Trek 7.5 WSD
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Hello all,
Just back into biking after nearly 30 years away. I'm 56 years old, 207.5 lbs with a BMI of 28.9 - can you say - feel like a slug? Quit smoking last February after 40 years and gained about 18 lbs.
Found this site which is way cool and found out I fit into two categories right away: I am a Clydesdale (pleasant term that) and the 50+ group.
I am looking forward to gaining from the wisdom of the group as I work on my goals for the coming year.
Here's my new ride:
Platinum 2011 Trek 7.5 Disc
Just back into biking after nearly 30 years away. I'm 56 years old, 207.5 lbs with a BMI of 28.9 - can you say - feel like a slug? Quit smoking last February after 40 years and gained about 18 lbs.
Found this site which is way cool and found out I fit into two categories right away: I am a Clydesdale (pleasant term that) and the 50+ group.
I am looking forward to gaining from the wisdom of the group as I work on my goals for the coming year.
Here's my new ride:
Platinum 2011 Trek 7.5 Disc
Last edited by RKDauph; 01-02-11 at 09:34 AM. Reason: Not a woman's frame....
#2200
Watching and waiting.
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mattoon,Ill
Posts: 2,023
Bikes: Trek 7300 Trek Madone 4.5 Surly Cross Check
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Welcome I hope to guit smoking in march or whenever I achieve 210 lbs. Also 54 years old. Looks like your bike is a 7.5 Disc (a 7.5 WSD is a women's frame) Good job I have a Trek 7300 and if i was buying now I would have got one just like yours.