Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

[Labarum]

Been planning this for months.

Going to see a frame builder to have a cusom built bike made. Surprisingly it will not cost very much more than an equivalent stock bike. I am tall and have long legs for my hieght so it is not easy to get the fit I want on a standard frame.

Something like this:

http://www.robinmathercycles.co.uk/will12.htm

a very English bike.

I have worked up to 20 miles a day on a heavy old bike - the new one will weigh one third less. How much faster will I go?

[Desertthorn]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

Wonderful. Post some pictures when you get it.

[Analog6]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

Very classy looking, Laburnum. Yes, I second post a pic (with you on it, preferably) once it arrives. You'll be going so fast you'll have to watch out for coppers!

[2big4mysize]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

good for you. Wasn't this going to be a reward for accomplishing soimething good?

[ttdriver]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

Cool Beans, Brian! Let us see it!! (with you on it!)


Betty

[Rick]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

Very nice looking bike! Did you get it ordered? I love riding my bike, a lot better than being on the treadmill, and I get a longer workout. It's winter time here though, so no biking just yet. I can't wait until this year, starting out quite a few lbs lighter should make it easier. Last year, with my old bod, I rode my mountain bike quite a bit, and had a nice 22 mile loop that I'd do, big hills and winding roads... it was great.

I hope you get it soon and can tell us all about it! Happy trails!
Rick

[Labarum]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

good for you. Wasn't this going to be a reward for accomplishing something good?

No, just a way to torture myself in the nicest possble way.

[Analog6]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

Rick, I have seen a 'thingy' (sorry to be so technical!) which is a rack with rollers front and back tha you put your bike on and you can use it as a stationary bike in winter. It holds the bike vertical and there are 2 rollers for each boke wheel. May be this would be an option for you in the cold weather?

[Labarum]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

Rick, I have seen a 'thingy' (sorry to be so technical!) which is a rack with rollers front and back tha you put your bike on and you can use it as a stationary bike in winter. It holds the bike vertical and there are 2 rollers for each boke wheel. May be this would be an option for you in the cold weather?

Yes, a trainer. I couldn't be bpthered with that. I have a cross trainer anyway. Boring.

If you wear the right cycling clothes the temperature and even light rain make no difference. I still prefer to be on the road.

[Rick]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

Ok, ok...you've inspired me!!! Way to go, you just cost me $$$!! I just today bought a used TREK 1200 road bike. I'll pick it up this weekend and will get some winter clothing so that I can ride it now. Thank you for the inspiration!




Looking forward to hitting the roads again!

And, don't forget to send us pics of your bike and you!

[dreamof145]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

Congratulations on both you and Rick for your new bikes. I'm sure they will pay for themselves 100 times over in the fun you'll have and the inches you'll shed!!!

[Labarum]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

Wonderful. Looks a nice bike.

Toe clips would make you a lot more secure on the bike. The sort of trainers used for running are not good for cycling. The bouncy soles decrease your efficiency and reduce your contact with the bike. Firm soled cycling shoes are best. If you have got that far the next step is clipless pedals. I have been using them three months now and wouldn't go back.

Missouri cant get that cold, but I expect you will need long cycling pants. Whether short or long be brave and wear lycra. They are padded in all the right places to protect a man. The more expensive shorts and longs have straps that come up over the shoulders - Bib shorts and bib longs. The extra is worth it. The latest high tech fabrics are wonderful - a wicking fabric base layer (Tee shirt) and as many layers on top as necessary.

In winter when the light is poor I ride with flashing LEDs front and rear and wear a reflective sash. Local laws vary.

A helmet is a must - when its cold there are special "skull caps" you can wear underneath to keep your head warm.

The big source of info:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/



Happy cycling.

[Rick]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

Well, there's bad news, and good news.... The person that had agreed to sell me that bike backed out. Bummer, I thought at the time. But, instead of dwelling on that I went down to St. Louis (about an hours drive from my home) on Saturday and looked at new ones. So, I'm going down next week to be all set up. I'll be getting a new Trek 1200, with clipless pedals, and some riding shoes and pants. I have everything else from my mountain biking times. Anyway, it should be exciting.

And yes, it does get pretty cold here in Missouri, though it's been a mild winter so far. Temps get well below freezing normally from Dec - Feb. So, I'm looking forward to some short rides soon, to get my "butt" in biking shape. Even with the padded shorts I always seem to have a problem with that ache. From what I've read it's from overdoing it to start with, going for longer rides that you should. So, maybe that's the way I'll start out. Of course, it probably wouldn't hurt if I wasn't putting so much of a load on it, right?

Labarum, have you got your new bike yet?

Rick

[Labarum]

Re: Tomorrow's the day I order a new bike

Labarum, have you got your new bike yet?

No. I am ordering a custom frame in Reynolds steel equpped with Shimano 105 (2006). It will be a few weeks before I get it.