For fitness does the bike really matter?
02-20-22, 10:29 AM
#151
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I find a well set up drop bar bike a lot more comfortable. BUT the key is that it does have to be well set up. If's not just slapping a drop bar on a bike with a flat bar. When you do that, you'll be all stretched out and spend all your time on the tops.
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02-20-22, 11:14 AM
#152
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OTOH, North Road style touring bars with a long stem, grips, flat bar levers and wrapped forward of the brake levers are my preferred bar for riding SS on our trails. They give a better and more useful overall mix of seated and standing riding positions than drop bars. It ends up being a lot like the posture on a Jones bike. YMMV.
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02-20-22, 11:50 AM
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It all boils down to heart rate. For cardio workout take 220- your age. Approximately 70 - 80% of that number is your target range. Get a good fitness watch like an Apple or Fitbit and you'll know---whatever bike you're on....tht you are getting the best "fitness" workout.
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02-20-22, 11:58 AM
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02-20-22, 12:16 PM
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02-20-22, 12:26 PM
#156
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It all boils down to heart rate. For cardio workout take 220- your age. Approximately 70 - 80% of that number is your target range. Get a good fitness watch like an Apple or Fitbit and you'll know---whatever bike you're on....tht you are getting the best "fitness" workout.
No. And literally nothing to do with the thread.
The two year old cyclist has a really high target rate, btw.
Last edited by livedarklions; 02-20-22 at 12:37 PM.
02-20-22, 12:36 PM
#157
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02-20-22, 05:19 PM
#158
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No, pretty much none. The only climbing I do is up onto bridge decks, which are short and usually not very steep. I usually only get about 300-400m of climbing per 100km at most. Obviously if there were more hills here I might feel differently about the weight of my bike.
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02-21-22, 11:20 AM
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No, pretty much none. The only climbing I do is up onto bridge decks, which are short and usually not very steep. I usually only get about 300-400m of climbing per 100km at most. Obviously if there were more hills here I might feel differently about the weight of my bike.
Also if you have to carry the bike upstairs.
02-21-22, 12:21 PM
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In this case a heavier bike would be better because it would give you a better workout while carrying it upstairs...I've carried my 28 pound bike up to the 12th floor of my high rise building where I live several times already. Some days I purposely skip the elevator and take the stairs just to get an extra workout.
02-21-22, 12:33 PM
#161
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In this case a heavier bike would be better because it would give you a better workout while carrying it upstairs...I've carried my 28 pound bike up to the 12th floor of my high rise building where I live several times already. Some days I purposely skip the elevator and take the stairs just to get an extra workout.
Mazel tov. Personally, I just find the extra weight on the bike just makes it more awkward to carry on the stairs, the few additional pounds are not enough of a difference in workload as to get any weightlifting benefit.
Would tying a dead truck battery to the bike make it an even better workout?
02-22-22, 03:33 AM
#162
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02-22-22, 07:12 AM
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02-22-22, 07:35 AM
#164
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For most people, yes, the bike matters.
Yes, a half hour of effort on bike A is approximately equal to a half hour of similar effort on bike B, regardless of the bikes. The limiting factor is how often you are motivated to get out and ride. A slow, heavy, malfunctioning, bike, or a bike that is inappropriate for the type of ride, or a bike that is uncomfortable for the rider will leave the rider less likely to be motivated to go out next time.
For instance, if you are motivated by the feeling of high speed and carving highspeed downhill corners on a mountain road, a cruiser bike with soft 2.2" tires will not be very satisfying.
If you are motivated by the challenge of extreme technical terrain and rocky trails, a skinny tired road bike will not be satisfying.
If you are motivated by challenging yourself to ride long distances on mountain roads, a fat bike with 4.8" tires with steel studs will not be satisfying.
Finally, if you are motivated by a relaxing cruise and comfy upright position, a hardcore road racing bike will not be satisfying.
And the main result of being unsatisfied is that you are less likely to go out and ride again.
Of course, everyone is different, and some people are exercise junkies who delight in putting out massive efforts simply for the endorphins or 'exercise bliss' and the type of riding is irrelevant, but if that's not you, it's best to match your bike to the type of riding that will keep you motivated, and keep the bike in good condition so your aren't losing energy to square bearings and a rusty chain.
Please note this does not mean that you need an expensive or fancy bike, just a properly maintained bike suited for the type of riding you wish to do. An old 10 speed from the 1970s with good tires and properly maintained moving parts will be 99% as satisfying as a new $3000 carbon fibre road bike, and a full rigid vintage or single speed mountain bike provides a similar technical challenge to a full suspension mountain bike, if a bit slower.
Yes, a half hour of effort on bike A is approximately equal to a half hour of similar effort on bike B, regardless of the bikes. The limiting factor is how often you are motivated to get out and ride. A slow, heavy, malfunctioning, bike, or a bike that is inappropriate for the type of ride, or a bike that is uncomfortable for the rider will leave the rider less likely to be motivated to go out next time.
For instance, if you are motivated by the feeling of high speed and carving highspeed downhill corners on a mountain road, a cruiser bike with soft 2.2" tires will not be very satisfying.
If you are motivated by the challenge of extreme technical terrain and rocky trails, a skinny tired road bike will not be satisfying.
If you are motivated by challenging yourself to ride long distances on mountain roads, a fat bike with 4.8" tires with steel studs will not be satisfying.
Finally, if you are motivated by a relaxing cruise and comfy upright position, a hardcore road racing bike will not be satisfying.
And the main result of being unsatisfied is that you are less likely to go out and ride again.
Of course, everyone is different, and some people are exercise junkies who delight in putting out massive efforts simply for the endorphins or 'exercise bliss' and the type of riding is irrelevant, but if that's not you, it's best to match your bike to the type of riding that will keep you motivated, and keep the bike in good condition so your aren't losing energy to square bearings and a rusty chain.
Please note this does not mean that you need an expensive or fancy bike, just a properly maintained bike suited for the type of riding you wish to do. An old 10 speed from the 1970s with good tires and properly maintained moving parts will be 99% as satisfying as a new $3000 carbon fibre road bike, and a full rigid vintage or single speed mountain bike provides a similar technical challenge to a full suspension mountain bike, if a bit slower.
Também acho que a bike é super importante.
Ótimo texto. Informaçơes muito importantes.
Parabéns!
02-23-22, 02:47 PM
#166
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In my opinion, get a bike that you like and better yet, get a bike that you REALLY enjoy riding. I don't mean a bike that's smooth ride, light carbon fiber, responsive, cool looking and all of that stuff. Those things might be important, but for me, the most important thing is find a bike that I can't wait to ride every day!
I have two: a Wabi Special and a Kona Cinder Cone (slightly customized with high-end Shimano). I also have a third bike that's very cool, very fast but is not quite as smooth and not "easy" to ride. It's like an unforgiving sports car. I have to focus like a laser riding it. As a result, it doesn't get ridden much.
I have two: a Wabi Special and a Kona Cinder Cone (slightly customized with high-end Shimano). I also have a third bike that's very cool, very fast but is not quite as smooth and not "easy" to ride. It's like an unforgiving sports car. I have to focus like a laser riding it. As a result, it doesn't get ridden much.
02-26-22, 10:12 PM
#167
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For fitness, all you need is a jump rope and 15 minutes a day. An excellent cardio, impact workout. Forget the bike since ropes are so low maintenance.
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02-28-22, 10:28 AM
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So many on the forum tell us they are "training". If that is true why not ride a rather inexpensive heavy bike. Why ride a light weight $10,000 bike?
02-28-22, 10:32 AM
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02-28-22, 10:34 AM
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A ‘bent rider would not fully understand this but I will try. I ride the bike I train on because my body is trained to that particular frame. Now, to address your progressive training issue...simple. I up the intensity in several different ways. Tires, wheels, HILLS, sprints etc etc etc.
02-28-22, 10:41 AM
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A ‘bent rider would not fully understand this but I will try. I ride the bike I train on because my body is trained to that particular frame. Now, to address your progressive training issue...simple. I up the intensity in several different ways. Tires, wheels, HILLS, sprints etc etc etc.
As an aside, I never worry about mine being stolen. Nobody could ride it.
02-28-22, 10:42 AM
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02-28-22, 10:46 AM
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Because one trains with a performance objective and the rider/machine is system. It could as simple as being able to climb with your old Pals on the C- ride. However, fitness is simply about watts and weight. That can be achieved on 50 pound stationary bike.
02-28-22, 12:17 PM
#174
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I'm going to throw a curveball at this one..........the TT bike. Folks always think it's a matter of "open wallet, go faster". Truth be told, without ever training on one, most folks can't hold the posture and sit up and eat wind. Or they cannot make the same power hunched over.
So, yeah, there is a fitness factor to bike choice when it comes to that specific bike. I'd guess there might be also for a recumbent.
So, yeah, there is a fitness factor to bike choice when it comes to that specific bike. I'd guess there might be also for a recumbent.
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02-28-22, 12:17 PM
#175
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Thanks for all of the responses; I didn't expect this to get as much attention as it has ha.
Just for a little background, I recently got an Instep bike trailer from a neighbor which I've been pulling my kids around the neighborhood on my old mountain bike. I got tired of the mountain bike "slog" so bought a Trek FX hybrid. I don't have much experience with road cycling but have started taking some solo fitness rides (nothing over an hour yet) and have really enjoyed it.
Just got me thinking if transitioning to a true road bike at some point in the future would provide any benefits I couldn't get on the FX; other than the obvious of being able to go faster/farther for a given ride time. I've got decent baseline fitness (I play hockey, row, and lift) but I'm far from a cyclists build at 220lbs. Also, my FX is red so I've got that going for me
Just for a little background, I recently got an Instep bike trailer from a neighbor which I've been pulling my kids around the neighborhood on my old mountain bike. I got tired of the mountain bike "slog" so bought a Trek FX hybrid. I don't have much experience with road cycling but have started taking some solo fitness rides (nothing over an hour yet) and have really enjoyed it.
Just got me thinking if transitioning to a true road bike at some point in the future would provide any benefits I couldn't get on the FX; other than the obvious of being able to go faster/farther for a given ride time. I've got decent baseline fitness (I play hockey, row, and lift) but I'm far from a cyclists build at 220lbs. Also, my FX is red so I've got that going for me
there can only be one answer
in fact I think the main issue with your original post is
you only list four bikes, I can't imagine only having four bikes