Bikes again, racers
Posted by: garyi on 08 January 2004
guys I have been recently interested (new year and all that) in purchasing a bike.
I feel that throwing money at gadgets which enable me to sit on my arse more is gradually doing me no favours.
The distinct lack of off road in the area and the fact I already have a mountain bike is making me more and more interested in a racer.
I used to have a racer (cheap) and did enjoy it a lot, so I want one again.
Thing is budget is tight, no more than 500 quid, can anyone recommend anything to me, either web or shop.
Cheers
Posted on: 12 January 2004 by Tim Jones
Steve -
'Easy' is 40 miles, about 17mph average. 'Moderate' is around 60 miles, maybe a sizable hill in the middle, 18 mph average. Bear in mind that a faster pace is easier when riding in a group.
As you get into the summer and people get fitter these rides get longer and faster. Also people make the jump from one ride to another, up to the serious training ride. Then they get interested in racing.
The problem sometimes is the people who have started to get a bit good, make the jump to moderate or long rides, and begin to regard what should be training rides as all-out competitive events. A good group leader will let these immature types go. You tend to see them again later on in the ride, after their legs have fallen off on a climb or into a headwind...
Bruce - You're right - there's fault on both sides. I've seen cyclists behaving badly too. The thing is, in a bunch we tend to lose our sense of inferiority to cars and have a go back. Must be nice riding in North Yorks - do you know the area between Thirsk and Northallerton?
Tim
Posted on: 12 January 2004 by Bruce Woodhouse
Tim
I live at the other side of the county, so I ride around Malham, Settle and increasingly out into the Forest of Bowland/Ribble valley. This is the land that cars forgot, great roads and minimal traffic. Hilly though.
Bruce
Posted on: 13 January 2004 by Dan M
Roddy,
No big. Club riding can be very enjoyable and rewarding. It helps if you have a thick skin, and don't take it too seriously. If Gary gets the cycling bug, he should seriously consider giving it a go, but maybe after he's developed a fitness base and comfort level on his new ride. Many bike shops here have weekend pickup rides. If he finds a good local shop, he might find some fellow riders around his level for group rides.
cheers,
Dan
