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16-08.-2007, 01:39 PM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Antonio, TX, USA
Posts: 5
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A few questions about training
I have a few questions about training, but first I suppose I should give you some pertinent information. I am 6'2" (1.87 m - 1.88 m), weigh around 272 lbs (123 kg, This is down from 130 kg earlier in the year), and have just turned 40 years old. I started riding last year around April but I still am a novice cyclist. I ride a Giant Cypress DX (20 inch frame, I believe).
Now the questions: 1). When riding, I use energy gels. The ones I have used are Power Bar, Hammer, and GU. Which ones are best for long (often hot) rides? How often should I use them? Are they worth it? 2). Is there a way to estimate how many calories one burns on a workout? 3). How hard should it be to pedal? I've never figured out gears. I have a a 24-speed (3 front, 8 back) and generally ride in the 12th to 15th speeds (2 front sprocket, 4th - 7th rear sprocket I think.). 4). Are specialized clipped shoes and pedals really that useful for a non-competitive cyclist? 5). Is there any gear that you would recommend, beyond the basic helmet, gloves, Camel-Bak, and water bottles? |
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16-08.-2007, 10:50 PM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 54
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Re: A few questions about training
Hi there,
As a fellow novice i'll ansnwer what i can for you, based on my ability. I'll pass on the gel's question as i've never used them. 2) If you don't have a bike computer, i'd strongly suggest getting one. I have a cheap Schwin one which displays calories burned, and i've compared it to online calculators such as: http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/cbc and it's quite reliable. 3)It shouldn't be too hard to pedal. A cadence of 65 to 80 rpm i think is where you should be, but from what you've described, i'm in the same gear range, and my pace is usually between 16 and 18 miles per hour. 4)YES! I am by no means a competative cyclist, but with the shoes and pedals, you can begin to learn how to pedal properly, whick will increase your efficiancy and power. I have an entry pair of Specialized shoes,(paid 145 cdn, and i have an old set of Look pedals, but pedals are cheap, ebay,ebay,ebay...) 5)As i stated previously, computer,(mine was 28bucks cdn), displays speed, distance, time, max speed, avg speed, temp, calories burned, fat burned. Shoes and pedals, a little more of an investment, but the payoff is great Cycling shorts: buy the good ones, and look for a good pad. Just upgraded mine last week, wow! Jersey: These can be found fairly cheap as well. Being a big guy like yourself, the wind is our enemy, grrrr, and i find the jersey helps, plus the pockets are great for a spare tube, extra water, etc. Total i've spent this year on "comfort stuff" (cdn pricing) Shoes: 145.00 LBS Pedals: Used, 25.00 shorts: Bib ones from ebay: 56.00 Jersey: ebay 21.00 Computer: 28.00 Total: 275.00 Hope this info helps. |
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