Cycling forum suggestions.

Terranaut · 04-21-14, 03:11 PM

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 · 04-21-14, 03:42 PM

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 so I'm considering joining there. Congrats on your new Specialized. Would love to see a photo. I ride a QR tt bike.

Terranaut · 04-21-14, 04:51 PM

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.

alessia55 · 04-21-14, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Terranaut · 04-21-14, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alessia55

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

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.

Lankyrob · 04-21-14, 05:22 PM

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 · 04-21-14, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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"!

Good to know. Thanks.

**Tsubaki** · 04-22-14, 11:36 AM

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.

LadyWraith · 04-22-14, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · 04-22-14, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyWraith

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???

LadyWraith · 04-22-14, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alessia55

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 · 04-23-14, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alessia55

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???

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 · 04-22-14, 01:59 PM

I am Canadian

Divinity · 04-22-14, 02:46 PM

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?

alessia55 · 04-22-14, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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?

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.