Cycling forum suggestions.

[Terranaut]

So I have discovered cycling. I like a mix of road and trail riding.
I bought a Specialized Rock Hopper last week and have almost 100 km of riding in already. I have not been on a bike in years but this is finally the thing that will get some of this belly off. I stepped on a scale last week and was shocked. Got to lose about 40lbs asap. I used to lift quite a bit so diet changes are going to be easy but I want to make sure I maximize my calorie burn (and enjoyment) while riding. So I am looking for a great forum. I don't like going on multiple sites for hobbies. I like one. Like this one is for herps.
Can some of you cyclists please point me in the right direction?
Thanks.

[alessia55]

I ride a lot...haven't joined a forum yet, but want to. I have some in person cycling friends who like BikeRadar.com • Index page (http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/) so I'm considering joining there. Congrats on your new Specialized. Would love to see a photo. I ride a QR tt bike.

[Terranaut]

It's an XL frame with 29" wheels. I still need lights for night riding. Couldn't afford the extra $700 for full suspension but won't be actually Rock Hopping anyway.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/20140419_165455_zpsj6gczsfx.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/user/terranaut0/media/20140419_165455_zpsj6gczsfx.jpg.html)

[Lankyrob]

From experience there are a lot of elitists on the cycling forums and I left every one within two days of joining. I was lambasted on a couple because I used my bike for commuting and not just for "proper cycling"!

[Terranaut]

From experience there are a lot of elitists on the cycling forums and I left every one within two days of joining. I was lambasted on a couple because I used my bike for commuting and not just for "proper cycling"!

Good to know. Thanks.

[alessia55]

It's an XL frame with 29" wheels. I still need lights for night riding. Couldn't afford the extra $700 for full suspension but won't be actually Rock Hopping anyway.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/20140419_165455_zpsj6gczsfx.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/user/terranaut0/media/20140419_165455_zpsj6gczsfx.jpg.html)

XL frame? Geez! How tall are you?? I ride an XS frame, hah! That is a sweet mountain bike though. Love the color scheme. What year is the frame? did you buy it new or used? Looks like a fun ride.

Here is my QR

https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1601392_10202082602562194_3582200123107120723_n.jp g

[Terranaut]

XL frame? Geez! How tall are you?? I ride an XS frame, hah! That is a sweet mountain bike though. Love the color scheme. What year is the frame? did you buy it new or used? Looks like a fun ride.

Here is my QR

https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1601392_10202082602562194_3582200123107120723_n.jp g
Wow nice bike Alessia. Mine is a 2013 frame. Bought it new. Saved about 40% getting last years model. I'm 6'1" but have long legs. I amrigjt on the cusp of large or XL frame. I like the seat to handle bar length of the xl way better.

[Tsubaki]

Just curious, but i've heard cycling isn't all that popular in the US? Over here you can't go anywhere without seeing tons and tons of cyclists, and nearly every road has bicycle lanes. An American friend of mine who visited the country was amazed by the amount of cyclists.

[Terranaut]

I am Canadian ;)

[LadyWraith]

Just curious, but i've heard cycling isn't all that popular in the US? Over here you can't go anywhere without seeing tons and tons of cyclists, and nearly every road has bicycle lanes. An American friend of mine who visited the country was amazed by the amount of cyclists.

Yea, cycling isn't nearly as big here as it is in Europe from what I understand. Where I live in the US, cyclists are looked down upon as either too poor to own a vehicle or annoying because they are "hindering" traffic. Considering I live in one of the unhealthiest states in the union, that's no surprise though. In some of the more health conscience states like Minnesota, it's not too unusual to see a majority of people forgoing vehicles for walking, cycling, skating, etc. I find it exhilarating... like when I was a kid and lived on my bike lol. Alessia, I love your bike!!

[alessia55]

Just curious, but i've heard cycling isn't all that popular in the US? Over here you can't go anywhere without seeing tons and tons of cyclists, and nearly every road has bicycle lanes. An American friend of mine who visited the country was amazed by the amount of cyclists.
I'm in south Florida...and it's not a bicycle-friendly place. I usually have to ride over to a quiet residential area, or drive out to bicycle paths. Car drivers really hate cyclists here. However, once a month, we have something called "Critical Mass" where huge masses of cyclists ride around Miami on a pre-determined route, to bring awareness, and encourage people to leave the car and use a bike for a change.

I find it exhilarating... like when I was a kid and lived on my bike lol. Alessia, I love your bike!!
Cycling is so freeing... I can't get enough of it. I can ride away all my troubles... I love, love, love my bike. Do you still ride at all???

http://i.imgur.com/m7seVFX.jpg

[Divinity]

Living in Austin,Texas there's so many bikers. I really want to get into it, but don't know where to start D:, any suggestions on newcomer bikes?

[Terranaut]

Figure out where you want to ride first. Bikes are very specialized (no pun intended) to the surface you will ride on. Look at Alessias bike. Built for pavement now look at mine. Built for packed dirt. Both bikes can be driven on the other surface but at a disadvantage. I knew I wanted to drive both so I bought an in between style bike. Next is to pick your budget. Then go shopping. Just like herps a bit of research before buying will go a long way.

[alessia55]

Living in Austin,Texas there's so many bikers. I really want to get into it, but don't know where to start D:, any suggestions on newcomer bikes?
Get a used bike off craigslist or ebay, and see if you really enjoy cycling before committing to anything more expensive. The type of bike you want depends on what you'll be riding on (pavement, dirt, etc) :) Find another cyclist to show you some bike routes, and teach you how to take care of your bike.

[alessia55]

So long as you just want to ride recreationally, you'll be good to go with a hybrid (a "mix" of mountain and road bike, made for comfort and flexibility on different surfaces).

[LadyWraith]

Cycling is so freeing... I can't get enough of it. I can ride away all my troubles... I love, love, love my bike. Do you still ride at all???
Sure do! One of my favorite things to do when I have time. My son and I go around the neighborhood a few times almost every day. We have some pretty extensive bike trails that are part of an upgrade to the local parks system that we frequent as well. :)

I have a hybrid as well. We take our bikes camping so I need something that will work on terrain as well as asphalt.

[Lankyrob]

Cycling is so freeing... I can't get enough of it. I can ride away all my troubles... I love, love, love my bike. Do you still ride at all???

http://i.imgur.com/m7seVFX.jpg

I was carer for my wife and also had a stressful job, I used to find the cycle to work gave me time to clear my "home" worries and then the cycle home cleared my "work" worries.

I certainly miss that feeling of whiz zing around on a bike.

[Terranaut]

Going here Saturday morning. 10 minutes from my house.
Can't wait. Don't worry a more experienced ride is taking me ;)
umwD0uULyjc

[alessia55]

Going here Saturday morning. 10 minutes from my house.
Can't wait. Don't worry a more experienced ride is taking me ;)

Wow the part in the woods was incredible!

[LarryS]

I've loved bicycles as long as I can remember. I'd be embarrassed to show my old ride though, your bikes are beautiful Alessia and Terranaut.

Bought mine new in '94, can't even guess how many miles I've put on it. It's old and not high quality, but I love riding the thing.

Good luck with your new wheels T. Like that a lot.

[alessia55]

I've loved bicycles as long as I can remember. I'd be embarrassed to show my old ride though,
Don't be ridiculous! I would LOVE to see your bike! Old bikes are great. I only ride this new TT bike for fast rides and racing, but for everything else I use a 1962 Schwinn ;)

[LarryS]

Don't be ridiculous! I would LOVE to see your bike! Old bikes are great. I only ride this new TT bike for fast rides and racing, but for everything else I use a 1962 Schwinn ;)

This old thing just takes a beating and keeps going. I've wanted to get rid of it so many times for a nicer one, but I've grown quite fond of it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/inkahootz/imagejpg1.jpg

T I loved that video. That took someone a lot of effort to build. Is it public or private?

[alessia55]

This old thing just takes a beating and keeps going. I've wanted to get rid of it so many times for a nicer one, but I've grown quite fond of it.

T I loved that video. That took someone a lot of effort to build. Is it public or private?
That's a great Trek bike!
Just realized you're in Vero Beach... have you ever gone over to the Lake Okeechobee scenic trails? it's a long bike trail that goes around the entire lake. I'm hoping to get up there this summer.

[Terranaut]

The best part is that is is public and maintained by the city.

[Terranaut]

So i did not end up at the Hydrocut on Saturday but still hit the trail. I did manage to get up and ride 24km Saturday along a dirt trail. It was insane my legs were burning at first and then just like tingling rubber after about 30 minutes. Sunday late afternoon I did another 18km (road)with my 12 yr old son and another 18km last night. When my cardio catches my leg strength I plan to try a couple Northern Ontario bush trails. The bike is great and when weather permits I plan to ride it to work daily. (About 10km). Gonna get a camera mount for laughs. Hopefully I lose the weight from this :)

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/20140424_144650_zpskc44zadg.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/user/terranaut0/media/20140424_144650_zpskc44zadg.jpg.html)

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/20140424_143147_zpscp87chtq.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/user/terranaut0/media/20140424_143147_zpscp87chtq.jpg.html)

[LarryS]

Terranaut, how's the cycling going?

I was looking at bikes the other day and remembered this thread. I've been trying to ride a few miles every day after work. Also hoping to trim a little off the mid section.

[LarryS]

Well, I went and got a new (to me) road bike. Darn daily rain is preventing me from getting in the amount of riding I'd like, but I'm really enjoying it so far.

Anxious to hear how y'all are doing with your cycling.

[Lankyrob]

Well, I went and got a new (to me) road bike. Darn daily rain is preventing me from getting in the amount of riding I'd like, but I'm really enjoying it so far.

Anxious to hear how y'all are doing with your cycling.

Get out in the rain you wuss! :D:D

I used to cycle to work year round, wind, rain, sleet snow shouldn't stop you!

[LarryS]

Get out in the rain you wuss! :D:D

I used to cycle to work year round, wind, rain, sleet snow shouldn't stop you!

Lol, true I guess! I took a fall a,few weeks ago right after a rain when I hit some slime where water had been standing. Put the bar end of the old mountain bike right into my chest and fractured a rib!

I still hurt from that but have been riding the new bike as often as possible, but trying to a avoid wet roads for now.

[alessia55]

Well, I went and got a new (to me) road bike. Darn daily rain is preventing me from getting in the amount of riding I'd like, but I'm really enjoying it so far.

Anxious to hear how y'all are doing with your cycling.

Get out and ride in the rain! :D

My riding is at a standstill :( I moved cross country and I'm waiting for a good bike box to be delivered to my parents' house so they can safely ship my TT bike up for me. I miss it every darn day.