Going Armstrong???

[submarinerssbn]

I have recently been interested in purchaseing a rode bike(bicycle). My wife and i have only one car which for know is working out just fine, beating gas prices, but i am thinking about getting into biking. I figure riding to and from work will be great PT 5 times a week, maybe get into triathalon's, ironman stuff.

My question for you guys/gals is, have you heard any downfalls long term of riding rode bikes and training for triathelete type stuff. ie burns out your knees, causes lower back problems, etc.

 

[TopShot]

Testicular cancer.

 

[Junkball]

What's a rode bike?

 

[Picaroon]

Testicular cancer.

Too soon! :icon_glas

 

[xmid]

I've considered doing the same thing a couple times a week to get in a workout and save some gas. To be honest my road bike has sat idle for a coouple months now...

Make sure if you get clipless pedals that you have them set up correctly. I've been told that the amount your feet can turn while clicked in to the pedals is the main thing that can hurt your knees. I'd have them set up in a bike shop if I were you, along with a bike fitting to cut down on pain while riding. The more you ride the more your ass and lower back get used to it and it will feel alot better.

 

[a-6intruder]

I'd make sure you actually have what you consider to be a fairly safe route to take from home to work (or wherever you plan to bike). Dueling w/ 4 wheeled idiots almost always ends up w/ the 2 wheeler being the loser. Without a dedicated (ideally physically separated) bike lane, you're going to constantly be brushed by vehicles, especially during the commuter road race in the morning. And none of them plan for "what if the bike needs to veer into traffic to avoid a pothole" contingency. While it sounds like a good idea, I know lots of people who gave up commuting by bicycle as it was too dangerous and stressful. They stuck to weekend events where there was a lot less traffic.

 

[Harrier Dude]

I ride my bike about 3-4 days a week. It's 10 miles, so it only takes 35-50 minutes depending on winds, etc. I have a mountain bike since some of the routes I take are canal roads and such. It's not a bad way to burn off some stress, stay in shape, and save money.

I'll echo what Intruder said. I could get here via a shorter distance, but it's much safer to take the back roads and canals. I figure that I save about $4 per day that I ride, vice drive my truck.

Be sure to get some slime for your tires. One disadvantage of taking the "road less traveled" is that if you break down, there's not a lot of help available.

 

[helo_wifey]

As far as physical aspect of riding make sure you go to a shop that can fit you correctly and takes their time (measurements, trying you out on different bikes and then fitting you on each bike you test ride). You'll have more problems from a bike that doesn't fit you correctly than just riding in general. My first road bike wasn't fit correctly and I had shoulder and arm issues (numbness, pain, etc) because of it. Many places offer a fitting even if you're not going to buy from them (if you plan on buying online...) for a small fee which is well worth it.

Biking is easier on the knees and a lot of people turn to biking as a lower impact activity if they've had knee problems in the past. If you're going to be training for a triathlon or even a bike race make sure you're not advancing in your training too soon (no more than 10% distance, etc each week). There are many good books out there that can help as well as websites. Road Bike Review Beginner Triathlete Crossfit Endurance

 

[GroundPounder]

If you get a road bike, fitting is a must. Get it done at a shop that sells road bikes, and that is willing to take the time to do it correctly. If they ask you how tall you are, and tell you the size bike to get, run away, as that is not fitting you for a bike.

My first road bike was fitted that way, and it gave me wrist problems. My 2nd bike was fitted correctly and I've never had any problems.

Look around at the shops in your area, and most will have at least one or two bikes from the previous model year that you should be able to buy at a discount. Don't always equate high dollars with a better bike, as you're paying for lightness after a certain price point. As long as you get a good frame set, the rest is going to be ok unless you plan on competing at some point.

As goofy as they look, wear a helmet. Your head hitting the pavement at 30 mph tends to decrease you IQ.

The bike is going to be good for you PT wise, and is a low impact work out, but don't think it will replace running. I hate to run, and have not much since I got out of the Army. I can ride fairly well, but being in bike shape is different than being in running shape.

 

[submarinerssbn]

thanks everybody

i am in washington state so the tree hugging bike routes, as well as 80% awareness of bikers to cars is there.
definitely going to get fitted, that is a great idea.
but if it is less impact than running it is defintely something i will look into after i get picked up for OCS. During all the changes in duty stations from ocs to pinning on my wings, i figure riding into work everyday will help me stay in shape due to all the studying i will be doing and of course save gas, car payment, insurance etc.

thanks for the advice everybody....

 

[UVaMarine]

Any opinions on bike brands (Trek, GT, etc)?

 

[gotta_fly]

Huffy.

 

[Max_Power]

Any opinions on bike brands (Trek, GT, etc)?

Seconded. I just recently found myself with a small sum of money and I was wondering what you guys would recommend in the $300-400 range. I'm looking for something decent to ride the mean streets of Tucson but also some desert trails. Any recs?

Thanks in advance

 

[Harrier Dude]

Seconded. I just recently found myself with a small sum of money and I was wondering what you guys would recommend in the $300-400 range. I'm looking for something decent to ride the mean streets of Tucson but also some desert trails. Any recs?

Thanks in advance

I have a Trek 3700. I love it, and it was $325. I'm no expert by any means. Just a guy who needs to get to work and have a little fun.

 

[Renegade One]

What's a rode bike?

I guess it's one what's already been rode. Me, I'd get me a new not-yet-rode bike. But that's just me...only costs a little more to go first class in life.:icon_tong