Ultimate Bike Thread....

[herr_oberst]

I've had at least three different indoor trainers; all of them have disappeared because of the mind numbing boredom of sitting on a fitness trainer going nowhere.

If I had the money I'd look into Zwift and Wahoo, as mentioned above, subscribe in the winter and shut it down when cycling season starts up again.

I'm currently contemplating joining a spin class - if I can find one I like that's not too far from my house. I'm on the cusp of medicare; I think my taxes might pay my class fees...

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by Paul_Heery

What are everyone's thoughts on indoor bike trainers? I've been trying to get outside for a ride every day, but when the temperature is in the 20s it's not a great experience. So, I've started looking at indoor trainers.

The choices and prices vary wildly. There are magnetic, fluid, roller trainers and who knows what else. Any experience or recommendations?

My daughter said, "just get a Peloton". I hesitated at first because i didn't want to spend over $1.5K for the bike then needed to pay a $44 a month membership fee. Then I saw that they have a rental plan for $89 a month that includes the membership fee and a free pair of cycling shoes. I can cancel at any time. There is a $150 delivery & setup fee. But they will pickup the bike for free after I cancel.

If I used the Peloton for 3 months it would cost $417. That would get me to March. So, I got back to my question about buying a decent indoor trainer. That would be a one-time investment.

I like rollers, as you have to pay attention and keep your balance.

https://youtu.be/Ye8cOQzsY6c?si=KcmpQkpavJByS9go

[CurtEgerer]

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

That is Fricking sweet build , great job.

Thanks Byron! I don't know if you scan CL for bikes regularly but the last 2-3 weeks there's been a crap-ton of vintage BMX frames/bikes in Florida. Maybe it's you!

[CurtEgerer]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

I've had at least three different indoor trainers; all of them have disappeared because of the mind numbing boredom of sitting on a fitness trainer going nowhere.

My thoughts exactly. I never last more than a couple of weeks before I want to just jump out a window and put myself out of the misery! Luckily, I now live in a location where I ride year round. If I still lived in freezing cold snow country, I'd have a fatbike set up specifically for snow/ice.

[CurtEgerer]

[tcrykken]

The Pedal Pusher/Bike Pro Catalog is available on the Wayback Machine. You can search 'BikePro.com' there and view scans of the mail order website over the years it was available.

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

^^^ I don't recall that catalog at all but it looks like an excellent reference! Maybe someone should scan and upload it

[tcrykken]

Originally Posted by "A"

I had two copies, maybe still in my basement.

If you're interested, I'd love to buy one of your copies. I've been looking for a paper copy of the BikePro catalog off and on for years. I had one until it disappeared in the 00's.

[CurtEgerer]

^^^^ thanks for the tip. I'll check it out.

Just back from running the fire roads in the wildlife refuge ...

[ZAMIRZ]

Is that a rigid mtb frame/fork with drop bars?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

I've had at least three different indoor trainers; all of them have disappeared because of the mind numbing boredom of sitting on a fitness trainer going nowhere.-snip-

Back in the 90's I used to do a fair amount on days I didn't ride but always while watching "Love Connection" on TV with Chuck Woolery.......one of the best shows ever to air on TV!

[CurtEgerer]

Originally Posted by ZAMIRZ

Is that a rigid mtb frame/fork with drop bars?

Yes. Sometimes referred to as a monstercross bike. Single speed 29er. So much fun. Haven't ridden a road bike in 2 weeks. I normally just ride it on graded gravel roads (so no need for suspension). But I was doing some recon today of this area in anticipation of a fat bike I'm buying specifically to ride this refuge (it's less than a mile from my house). It's all sand pine scrub and I really need the right tool for the job (4.5" tires and gears).

[CurtEgerer]

My Fat Bike experiment: can a bike be ridden through a sandy wildlife refuge said to be unsuitable for bike travel? The guy bought this for his wife at full retail in 2018 and she put a grand total of 10 miles on it I paid $300. This is one of the 'good' Mongoose bikes, not a Wallymart Mongoose. Very nicely done aluminum frame with plenty of gusset plates and other reinforcements. It's all Shimano including 180mm hydraulic discs, 2x10, through-axle wheels, 4.5" Kenda tires, etc. This monster is going to take some getting used to for sure. No real problem going through the sand.

[CurtEgerer]

[herr_oberst]

Jeez, the tires are worth 300 bucks. If I found a deal like that I'd be all over it, too!

(I think you meant to say 1x10...). :-)

[Baz]

NICE score, Curt! Have fun - some nice weather for riding this time of year!

[look 171]

Byron, you gonna to be doing this siht at 71?

[CurtEgerer]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Jeez, the tires are worth 300 bucks. If I found a deal like that I'd be all over it, too!

(I think you meant to say 1x10...). :-)

It's a 2X - 36/22T. I actually used the 22 yesterday on loose sand on a slight uphill. Knees are a bit sore today from the extremely wide spacing of the pedals (probably 3-4 inches wider than normal!!). I'm a bit concerned with that - very weird feeling when pedaling. These are big effort bikes with all that rotating mass. Definitely a strength training ride.

The big problem in the area I'm riding is thorns. Whatever these plants are, they do not like to be ridden on. The tires were covered with thorns embedded right into the rubber. Had to pull them out with tweezers. No flats since they are small and I'm running under 10psi. But a real PITA if I've got to do this after every ride.

[herr_oberst]

Those are called goat heads where I come from, and they're a cycling menace for sure.

A 22! That's tiny, and I apologize for doubting you.

[CurtEgerer]

I had no idea carbon bikes were being built in the USA. This vid is fascinating. Today's version of a custom framebuilder from the 70s/80s. I want one.

Allied Cycle Works Bentonville Arkansas

[fanaudical]

In my experience, a Q-factor (width between outer crank arm edges and subsequently peddle centers) is a major contributor to knee pain and joint longevity. I know I have a definite upper limit for Q-factor and it keeps me off fat tire bikes.