Biking Stats and questions...

[Lostsheep]

Since I've been sidelined from running lately, I've gotten on a stationary bike at the gym and had some questions about my stats.

The bike the gym has only has 1-6, 12, 18, & 24 minute programs available. It reads out the RPM average at the end and that is about it. It's nothing fancy by any stretch.

I measured the flywheel on the front to calculate distance and it's not flattering at all.

Apparently, I have been completing 2.5-3mi in the 24min program with an average of  90 RPM's. That equates to between 6.2-6.8mph and just under 9min mile. Does this sound right at all? What seems to be the average that you cover? Does something seem odd, or am I not training hard enough, long enough, fast enough, etc.?

I was hoping that after a bit of training, the 15mi commute to work would be feasible, but not if it's going to takes almost 2hrs.

If everything looks normal, well then, I'll be at Oak Mtn. on the weekends getting some trail miles in!

[Slade]

I am not in great shape so I think you will be dissapointed in this answer. On a 16 mile ride I average just over 4 miles per hour. That does not include rest time. I can finsih a 16 mile trail ride in 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

[theprocon]

I think the general average of a mountain bike ride is about 7mph. A road bike should double that. The 15 miles you have to commute can easily be done in an hour and a half assuming there are no climbs on the way. I love to ride, but I must admit that 15 miles is a long way to ride one-way on a mt bike.....knowing you have to do it again to get home. I would recommend making that ride on a roadbike.

[Lostsheep]

Procon, yes I am definitely hoping to get a road bike for the commute and a cheaper trail bike for Oak Mtn. I'm no expert, but I have heard that the two are incompatle w/ each other.

Hopefully my endurance and what not will increase so I can do the loop at Oak Mtn. It seems like a great new hobby to persue, since my running days may be up for a while.

Thanks for the help.

[theprocon]

Oak Mt is a great place to ride. Definitely dont try it on a road bike though. If you do, I want to watch. :-)

There are special tires you can buy to fit a mt bike that will make it ride faster and more like a road bike. Imo, mt bikes are where its at. And don't skimp on one or you'll be replacing it yearly. That's from experience.

[Lostsheep]

My current Mtn. bike is the hand-me-down from college. It's green, came from Sears, 21speed, has 26x1.05 tires, a gel seat, and has the front only suspension. Definitely nothing fancy.

Currently I'm looking at purchasing a new Mtn. bike that will last but I'm still undecided on what to spend the money on. I'm on a budget and it'd be nice to find something around $300 or so, but not over $500 just yet. I really like the Trek 3900, 4300, & FX 7.2, the Raleigh Mojave 4.0, the Specialized HRXC or the Giant Boulder & Boulder SE. I haven't narrowed it down too much yet.

You wouldn't by chance have any thoughts on any of those would you?

[Slade]

I have the Specialized Rockhopper and I love it. The Hard Rock is a bit heavier and beefier but should be a good intro bike. From my year of riding I wish I had upgraded immediately to a full suspension.

[Lostsheep]

Full suspension, really? From what I gathered, that is something most starters definitely want to stay away from. I'd consider it now, but it's a little out of my budget right now.

I have found an older 21 speed Fuji Appalachian Mtn. bike for sale and could use some guidance on it if anybody would be willing to help out. The seller says is has the solid fork w/ no shock on the front, and is in need of a minor tuneup. His price is $75 and he only has one picture. Would any of you biking experts know much more about this and just how much it really is worth? Also, would I be better off on my handmedown for now?

Thanks.

[theprocon]

Dead link.


Save up and spend at least $1,000 on a full suspension. Look on ebay, you can really get a lot for your money.

My opinion is this.....I have been through 2 cheap bikes and I have seen friends go through cheap bikes. It is what you make it. If you are happy spending less $$ and feeling like a busted bag of *%#@ after riding, then do it. If you want to be comfortable, enjoy the ride, and feel secure that your frame won't break out from under you....then spend a little $$ the first time around so it isn't wasted on something you aren't going to like.

[Lostsheep]

Thank you Procon. You put it very blountly to make a great point. I've heard if you don't enjoy your bike, you won't enjoy your ride, which means you'll want to sell the bike quickly.

Guess I will save up before I go looking for the cheapo to get me on the trail. You're advice and points are greatly appreciated!

[theprocon]

No sweat man. I got sick of being the straggler at the end of the line. I got as far as I could get on a cheap ride. As soon as I got the good bike (Santa Cruz Superlight), I began riding more.....and more comfortably. Now I am normally at the front and ready for more when the others poop out. I put over 700 miles on my bike last year alone and probably hadn't broken 100 in any year prior.