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 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.

[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]

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.

[alessia55]

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]

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.

[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]

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]

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.

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???

[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]

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.

[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).