Forgot to mention- in the trek and the cannondale I was a 15" or 48" which both classified as "small". In the Giant brand I was an extra small. I'm 5'2 and 3/4, (though my license says 5'3) so I am kinda on the cusp. But, I wouldn't have known that the extra small was right unless I had also tried the small, which I did, (even though I had to drive to the other store across town), and it was definitely too big (when I stood over it the bar was up to the crotch area). So be sure to get "fit" but also get on each bike you're considering and test it out for comfort.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
This seemed easier when I was a kid...
I just got back from my first outdoor ride on my NEW BIKE! That's right, I bought one today! I bought the Giant FRC3 W.
It came down to that one or the Trek (forget the model) and this one was a bit less expensive and seemed comparable so I went with it. (after checking reviews online of course) It's classified as a "comfort road bike", meaning it's lightweight for speed but has flat bars for comfort.
The hubby picked up a bike from a friend to borrow and we headed out on about a 3 miler around the neighborhood. I must say that we both did not remember our childhood bike riding as being so challenging. Some of those hills really got the heart pumping. And going down hill was downright scary....the speed could easily get out of control! I haven't figured out all the gears yet and how they all work for the optimal ride.
I also bought a helmet with a "visor" for some sun protection (I let the sales guy talk me into the more expensive helmet (they started at $35 and I got the $58 one) that boasted more ventilation ( I live in NC ya'll, it's hot!), and all in all felt like a more secure fit. I got two water bottle cages mounted on the bike ($6 each with bottles), and also picked up a lock with a 6 foot chain ($29.95).
Oh! And I almost forgot that I found a bike rack for $25 on craigslist, which I convinced the bike store manager to show me how to set up on my car.
So I have to say that I'm not as confident as I was before about the bike part "only being 17 miles". The 3 miles I did today seemed a bit hard even at a leisurely pace....so 17 miles "racing" after swimming in a lake is not quite going to be the "cake" I thought...but the good news is that I have the bike now and can start practicing.
So people that are indoor cycling still, get outside! It's completely different and something I know I'll have to get used to. But I think the indoor cycling definitely helps from a fitness standpoint. I'm subbing classes on top of the ones I teach coming up in May, so I'll be doing plenty of cycling both indoor and out!
It came down to that one or the Trek (forget the model) and this one was a bit less expensive and seemed comparable so I went with it. (after checking reviews online of course) It's classified as a "comfort road bike", meaning it's lightweight for speed but has flat bars for comfort.
The hubby picked up a bike from a friend to borrow and we headed out on about a 3 miler around the neighborhood. I must say that we both did not remember our childhood bike riding as being so challenging. Some of those hills really got the heart pumping. And going down hill was downright scary....the speed could easily get out of control! I haven't figured out all the gears yet and how they all work for the optimal ride.
I also bought a helmet with a "visor" for some sun protection (I let the sales guy talk me into the more expensive helmet (they started at $35 and I got the $58 one) that boasted more ventilation ( I live in NC ya'll, it's hot!), and all in all felt like a more secure fit. I got two water bottle cages mounted on the bike ($6 each with bottles), and also picked up a lock with a 6 foot chain ($29.95).
Oh! And I almost forgot that I found a bike rack for $25 on craigslist, which I convinced the bike store manager to show me how to set up on my car.
So I have to say that I'm not as confident as I was before about the bike part "only being 17 miles". The 3 miles I did today seemed a bit hard even at a leisurely pace....so 17 miles "racing" after swimming in a lake is not quite going to be the "cake" I thought...but the good news is that I have the bike now and can start practicing.
So people that are indoor cycling still, get outside! It's completely different and something I know I'll have to get used to. But I think the indoor cycling definitely helps from a fitness standpoint. I'm subbing classes on top of the ones I teach coming up in May, so I'll be doing plenty of cycling both indoor and out!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Slacker I am...Sorta
I am a bad blogger! Life has been kinda crazy with tons of work and work related stuff and traveling and visitors. Not much time to "train".
Although, on Friday my 'rents were here and we went to a few bike shops to check out a bike for me. I tried out some road bikes and some hybrids. I was pretty confused after on which one to get...I emailed my cousin (the freakishly fit triathlete, marathon runner, etc.) and she told me to ask about "comfort" road bikes. I still can't really figure out what that is since all the bike store people and my googling pointed me towards hybrids as "comfort bikes". So basically, the hybrid is a bit heavier than the road bike, so like my cousin said, it will be a bit slower and harder to ride in a race situation. But, they have smooth wheels like a road bike so you can still get speed. And they make a bunch of light models too so not a bad choice for someone who isn't doing a ton of racing. Hybrids also have the straight handle bars, as opposed to the curled bars of the road bike.
My problem with the road bike was that I felt pretty unsteady on it...it was almost too light- I was shaky. (well part of that was probably b/c I hadn't ridden a bike since I was in high school.) But when I rode the hybrid it was more comfortable and familiar, like "riding a bike". So I'm thinking I'm going to go hybrid. The bonus? Hybrids are cheaper. Which is good just in case this whole triathlon thing doesn't "take" and I only end up doing one. Who needs a $1800 bike sitting in the garage if you're not going to use it?
So I pretty much found out that bikes can range between $500 and $5000 or more! I'm looking in the under $1000 range....preferably in the $600 range so I have some room for new shoes, pedal clips (actually they're called "clip-less" pedals...where you can get your bike shoes in and out from the side and not just the back...but in spin we call them clips), a helmet, and whatever accessories I need.
I've been looking for used bikes on craigslist, but so far nothing that seems either a) reliable and/or b) like that good of a deal. And I've only seen one or two that would actually be my size. (Be sure to get fitted at the bike shop or else you'll have no idea what to look for!)
But, I think I may have found a bike rack for $25 on craigslist, which would be key to getting my bike a) home and b) out of state for the race. I'm confused by the whole bike rack thing too...some of them you have to hook into a hitch (which I don't have driving a compact car) so you need an SUV or truck. But some do work with cars so I just have to make sure the one on CL is really a good deal and will work on my car. I guess I need a lock of some sort too....So much to get!
Taught spin three days in a row this week- subbing for someone on Sunday then my class on Monday and Tuesday night. Did some elliptical tonight but I really need to get back in the pool ASAP.
Next week will be another challenge- business trip for 4 days and then off to Vegas with the girls!
Although, on Friday my 'rents were here and we went to a few bike shops to check out a bike for me. I tried out some road bikes and some hybrids. I was pretty confused after on which one to get...I emailed my cousin (the freakishly fit triathlete, marathon runner, etc.) and she told me to ask about "comfort" road bikes. I still can't really figure out what that is since all the bike store people and my googling pointed me towards hybrids as "comfort bikes". So basically, the hybrid is a bit heavier than the road bike, so like my cousin said, it will be a bit slower and harder to ride in a race situation. But, they have smooth wheels like a road bike so you can still get speed. And they make a bunch of light models too so not a bad choice for someone who isn't doing a ton of racing. Hybrids also have the straight handle bars, as opposed to the curled bars of the road bike.
My problem with the road bike was that I felt pretty unsteady on it...it was almost too light- I was shaky. (well part of that was probably b/c I hadn't ridden a bike since I was in high school.) But when I rode the hybrid it was more comfortable and familiar, like "riding a bike". So I'm thinking I'm going to go hybrid. The bonus? Hybrids are cheaper. Which is good just in case this whole triathlon thing doesn't "take" and I only end up doing one. Who needs a $1800 bike sitting in the garage if you're not going to use it?
So I pretty much found out that bikes can range between $500 and $5000 or more! I'm looking in the under $1000 range....preferably in the $600 range so I have some room for new shoes, pedal clips (actually they're called "clip-less" pedals...where you can get your bike shoes in and out from the side and not just the back...but in spin we call them clips), a helmet, and whatever accessories I need.
I've been looking for used bikes on craigslist, but so far nothing that seems either a) reliable and/or b) like that good of a deal. And I've only seen one or two that would actually be my size. (Be sure to get fitted at the bike shop or else you'll have no idea what to look for!)
But, I think I may have found a bike rack for $25 on craigslist, which would be key to getting my bike a) home and b) out of state for the race. I'm confused by the whole bike rack thing too...some of them you have to hook into a hitch (which I don't have driving a compact car) so you need an SUV or truck. But some do work with cars so I just have to make sure the one on CL is really a good deal and will work on my car. I guess I need a lock of some sort too....So much to get!
Taught spin three days in a row this week- subbing for someone on Sunday then my class on Monday and Tuesday night. Did some elliptical tonight but I really need to get back in the pool ASAP.
Next week will be another challenge- business trip for 4 days and then off to Vegas with the girls!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
StrepThroat...
is keeping me from working out so far this week. Got back Monday night....tired yesterday, sick today. Damn you streptococcal!
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