Bicycle riding

[MadDog]

Looks like it even has a kickstand!

[JVShocker]

Prior to this past winter, I had only been bicycling 1 time when the temperatre was 50 degrees or lower. I was freezing the entire ride.

That being said,Saturdays and Sunday bike rides this past winter were just amazing. Some of the best rides were 35 degree rides in the winter sunshine. We dress in layers and appropriate cycling winter gear, and the rides were quiet and unforgetable. I'm being honest when I say I don't ever recall feeling cold on the bike rides either. I was one of those people who LOATHED winter weather. Cold. Ugh. Depressing. But the bike rides this past winter, have given me a whole new perspective. I'm actually looking forward to winter weather, and I can't believe I''m saying that.

I got home from a 22 mile ride tonight and it was dark outside. The nighttime riding (with appropriate lighting) is now something I look forward to. With the lighting, I'll be able to ride weeknights in the dark cold weather, though not nearly the distances I cover now. Can't recommend it enough.

[JVShocker]

JV, got bad news for you on the new path from 159th to the K-96 path. I ventured down the path between 143rd and 127th. They are doing major construction to build a new bridge. You can’t see that construction from either 143rd or 127th. Had I not ventured down the path a ways, I never would have known there was a bridge there. Anyway, talked to the construction foreman and he said the bridge wouldn’t be ready for about 3 months. I would guess that would be about right from what I saw. However, it may be possible they’ll open the section from K-96 to 127th soon. I think the bridges in that section are closer to being finished. Every little bit helps!

Thanks for the update. I knew I set the bar pretty high hoping for September. Agreed that every section helps (especially the road bicycllists).

[revenge_of_shocka_khan]

Shaka, when you talk about a “folder”, are you talking about one of those folding bikes? Not up on all of my bike tech terms.

Yes. I have a Dahon Mu Lx. I bought it because I like to be able to haul a bike with me when I go out of town. The one I have weighs about 18 pounds, but I have an old (heavily modified) Schwinn Loop 7 (7 speed handlebar shift) that weighs 37 pounds. I got that bike for free (from my employment) and used it quite a bit (probably put a couple thousand miles on it) . I put a bigger crank (more speed) mega ring gear (for climbing) and clipless pedals on it. My biggest complaint was the weight, which the Dahon fixed for me. Plus (and even though I think the number of teeth on my crank is a little weak) it is a 10 speed SRAM Red, What I have right now is plenty good for part-time riding, it's light, relatively fast (I'm sure some of the people on here could get and keep it at about 20, but if I maintain 15 I think I'm doing well.

Here's one I found and am investigating. I really don't have a reason to buy it unless I get a second home and want something to keep there.
https://www.bikeconnection.net/produ...=121013,121014

[revenge_of_shocka_khan]

Here's what I consider a positive on why exercise is so important, especially as we get older.....

I went to my orthopedic surgeon yesterday to start my second round of Suparz injections in my knee. They took X-rays (which I thought was a little odd, but figured this out later) and the doctor kept asking me how my knees felt., specifically the left one I told him they were what they were (some days one hurts more than the other, most days I have no pain) and I was riding around 80 miles a week.

He checked out my quads and explained to me that my left knee had colapsed a little more since my initial treatments and told me that if I wasn't active I would be begging him to replace my knees. Right now, the only thing keeping me going is my muscle tone in my legs (and specifically the quads).

I know I will need the surgery at some point, but my intent is to keep going until I can't anymore and then it will be time for surgery.. But this is a testament to the importance of staying active (which everyone on this thread does) and the side benefits that you get from exercising.

[revenge_of_shocka_khan]

So I got my LL Bean mountain bike shorts yesterday and had to try them out yesterday. I thought 11 miles at a moderate pace would be a good test, and although I was getting a shade uncomfortable in them, but I was surprised at how well the padding protected my bottom given the lack of padding. The shorts are well-made but I will need to go out again tonight and ride a little further before I decide to order more pairs (my cycling short inventory is n bad shape - I have not bought anything for 3 or 4 years and the best shorts I had were old Fox shorts that I've had for around 10 years).

I'd like to buy another 3-4 pairs (over time) but want a good value and quality. That will allow me to recycle the 10 year old stuff out. I would like to make sure that anything I buy can work well for me for a 40 mile or so ride.

I miss Bike Nashbar. After Performance bought them, they kind of ran them into the ground. Nashbar always had decent stuff and great prices.

If anyone has any suggestions (other than LL Bean), please share them.

Thanks, and everyone ride safe!

[revenge_of_shocka_khan]

Prior to this past winter, I had only been bicycling 1 time when the temperatre was 50 degrees or lower. I was freezing the entire ride.

That being said,Saturdays and Sunday bike rides this past winter were just amazing. Some of the best rides were 35 degree rides in the winter sunshine. We dress in layers and appropriate cycling winter gear, and the rides were quiet and unforgetable. I'm being honest when I say I don't ever recall feeling cold on the bike rides either. I was one of those people who LOATHED winter weather. Cold. Ugh. Depressing. But the bike rides this past winter, have given me a whole new perspective. I'm actually looking forward to winter weather, and I can't believe I''m saying that.

I got home from a 22 mile ride tonight and it was dark outside. The nighttime riding (with appropriate lighting) is now something I look forward to. With the lighting, I'll be able to ride weeknights in the dark cold weather, though not nearly the distances I cover now. Can't recommend it enough.

I'd need those little booties if I went out on a 35 degree day. I have several old cycling jackets (bought them at Nashbar) that never seem to wear out and work really well, as well as a number of long-sleeve jerseys (I don't usually wear jerseys, but I make an exception during the winter). But I think I can tolerate a little more cold where I'm living now than what I did in Houston. It's humid there and when it's below 50, it just seems like the humid cold cuts straight through you.

I bought a NiteRider light (OLED 1100 got a great price on it as it's a two year old 'new' model) and will start using it once I get two tail lights. Days are getting shorter and in another month I will for sure need it.

[MadDog]

So Shaka, I’m going to assume a folding bike would be considered a niche product? I have to admit I’ve never seen one on the streets or paths before. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in a bike shop before either, but I haven’t really checked all the offerings so they may carry them, don’t know. Just curious... what requirement do you have that would lead you to a folding bike?

[MadDog]

On the subject of bike clothing... I have a heck of a time finding jerseys and shorts that fit at a reasonable price. The LBS wants from 80-150 dollars for shorts and up to 200 dollars for a jersey. That really seems excessive to me, but maybe I’m just cheap. So in the past I’ve ordered 3 or 4 made in China biking jerseys and a pair of made in China biking shorts from Amazon. None of the jerseys fit. I’m 5’11” and weigh 175, wear size L in a golf shirt and XL in a US brand cycling jersey. The Chinese jerseys are way too tight in an XL, and way too long in an XXL. The shorts seemed to fit, but the padding was so insufficient I only rode in them twice before they found the bottom of the drawer never to be seen again. I’ve had one pair of shorts For the last 10 years and those are Pearl Izumi’s and I’m afraid they’re wearing out.

About a month ago I ordered another jersey off of Amazon, this time from a company called World Jerseys. Good quality, and it actually fits! I believe their products are made In Mexico. I think I paid 59 dollars, which was a whole lot cheaper than anything the LBS was selling. So last week, being all depressed about the delivery of my gravel bike, I decided I needed another jersey. I went directly to the World Jerseys web site and this deal pops up... seven jerseys for 99 dollars! Several caveats of course. They pick the jerseys for you from the overstock and discontinued models, and you can’t return them. But having just bought one from that company, and feeling good about the size and quality, I pulled the trigger! I’ll post a picture when I get them and let you know what I think. I also bought a pair of shorts from World Jerseys. We’ll see how those work out. So all told, seven jerseys and a pair of shorts for 139 dollars which includes free shipping and no sales tax. Heck of a deal if this works out!

[JVShocker]

Here's what I consider a positive on why exercise is so important, especially as we get older.....

I went to my orthopedic surgeon yesterday to start my second round of Suparz injections in my knee. They took X-rays (which I thought was a little odd, but figured this out later) and the doctor kept asking me how my knees felt., specifically the left one I told him they were what they were (some days one hurts more than the other, most days I have no pain) and I was riding around 80 miles a week.

He checked out my quads and explained to me that my left knee had colapsed a little more since my initial treatments and told me that if I wasn't active I would be begging him to replace my knees. Right now, the only thing keeping me going is my muscle tone in my legs (and specifically the quads).

I know I will need the surgery at some point, but my intent is to keep going until I can't anymore and then it will be time for surgery.. But this is a testament to the importance of staying active (which everyone on this thread does) and the side benefits that you get from exercising.

I feel like Ralphie in Christmas Story.....yeah....SIDE benefits. Although the girl walking her dog on the Redbud trail last night had her hair up and she was wearing a short cropped tshirt and cut off jean shorts, they were (after all) both blonde. And it was a different breed of dog, if anyone were to be looking at a dog on the Redbud trail last night.

[JVShocker]

So I got my LL Bean mountain bike shorts yesterday and had to try them out yesterday. I thought 11 miles at a moderate pace would be a good test, and although I was getting a shade uncomfortable in them, but I was surprised at how well the padding protected my bottom given the lack of padding. The shorts are well-made but I will need to go out again tonight and ride a little further before I decide to order more pairs (my cycling short inventory is n bad shape - I have not bought anything for 3 or 4 years and the best shorts I had were old Fox shorts that I've had for around 10 years).

I'd like to buy another 3-4 pairs (over time) but want a good value and quality. That will allow me to recycle the 10 year old stuff out. I would like to make sure that anything I buy can work well for me for a 40 mile or so ride.

I miss Bike Nashbar. After Performance bought them, they kind of ran them into the ground. Nashbar always had decent stuff and great prices.

If anyone has any suggestions (other than LL Bean), please share them.

Thanks, and everyone ride safe!

Are mountain bike shorts different from regular cycling shorts? I always buy Louis Garneau shorts. Spend enough time on your bike and you want to do it correctly. usually get them from LBS, but would guess that Sporting Goods stores have them. I also like Pearl Izumi brand.


Ran across these looking up mountain bike shorts......you wear these UNDER your MTB shorts???

https://www.lightinthebox.com/en/p/a...d7632bcb8b7c.0

[JVShocker]

On the subject of bike clothing... I have a heck of a time finding jerseys and shorts that fit at a reasonable price. The LBS wants from 80-150 dollars for shorts and up to 200 dollars for a jersey. That really seems excessive to me, but maybe I’m just cheap. So in the past I’ve ordered 3 or 4 made in China biking jerseys and a pair of made in China biking shorts from Amazon. None of the jerseys fit. I’m 5’11” and weigh 175, wear size L in a golf shirt and XL in a US brand cycling jersey. The Chinese jerseys are way too tight in an XL, and way too long in an XXL. The shorts seemed to fit, but the padding was so insufficient I only rode in them twice before they found the bottom of the drawer never to be seen again. I’ve had one pair of shorts For the last 10 years and those are Pearl Izumi’s and I’m afraid they’re wearing out.

About a month ago I ordered another jersey off of Amazon, this time from a company called World Jerseys. Good quality, and it actually fits! I believe their products are made In Mexico. I think I paid 59 dollars, which was a whole lot cheaper than anything the LBS was selling. So last week, being all depressed about the delivery of my gravel bike, I decided I needed another jersey. I went directly to the World Jerseys web site and this deal pops up... seven jerseys for 99 dollars! Several caveats of course. They pick the jerseys for you from the overstock and discontinued models, and you can’t return them. But having just bought one from that company, and feeling good about the size and quality, I pulled the trigger! I’ll post a picture when I get them and let you know what I think. I also bought a pair of shorts from World Jerseys. We’ll see how those work out. So all told, seven jerseys and a pair of shorts for 139 dollars which includes free shipping and no sales tax. Heck of a deal if this works out!

$200 seems completely out of the ballpark to me. Yes, Bike Nashbar was great. Here's another option.

https://freestylecycling.com/men-cyc...eatured&page=1

[MadDog]

I like your supplier assuming the fit would be right. I’ll be looking for a long sleeve jersey at some point this fall and they had some nice options.

Rode my 20 mile route this morning. Checked out the bridge work on Redbud path just east of K-96. Pictures to follow. Not sure why they couldn’t open that section from K-96 to 127th in September. It looks close to completion to me.

[MadDog]

[revenge_of_shocka_khan]

Are mountain bike shorts different from regular cycling shorts? I always buy Louis Garneau shorts. Spend enough time on your bike and you want to do it correctly. usually get them from LBS, but would guess that Sporting Goods stores have them. I also like Pearl Izumi brand.


Ran across these looking up mountain bike shorts......you wear these UNDER your MTB shorts???

https://www.lightinthebox.com/en/p/a...d7632bcb8b7c.0

Here's LL Bean's $54.99 MTB shorts.....
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1198...ing-short-mens

They fit pretty true to size. I have a few pairs of the underwear liners, but I need to see how the LL Bean shorts will work out before i make a decision to purchase any more of them. On these, I'm between a M and a L (M is 32-34, L is 36-38). I ordered an M, it was a little tight getting them on (I wear my tighty whities when I ride, if I just put the shorts on they would fit better). I may try the L's if I order more (probably only one pair, though, as I would think the extra 2" would make them hang off of me).

MTB shorts are somewhat baggy. I prefer them. I'm don't look like Adonis (and I never have) so I prefer baggy clothing. I wear those (and a pair of the underwear liners if needed) with MTB shorts or city shorts (commuters) and a Columbia shirt.

I don't want to look like a professional cyclist.