[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by chh55

Don't skrimp on clothes.

Exactly. Only female cyclists should ride naked.

[Nigal]

I'm thinking of switching all my cycling clothes to wool. The spandex stuff just doesn't hold up as well and stinks to high heaven. Some of the wool stuff I've found is fairly comparable price wise and it looks so much better (I'm not a fred).

[gatorguy]

I have computers on all my bikes, most recently the Garmin 705 which I have not actually used yet.
Here is why I like them:
I always want to know the distance and time, particularly on frequently traveled routes. I like to log my sessions when I get home and have catagories for time, distance, and now with the Garmin, climbing information. I also log comments about how I felt. This year I will also add a catagory for the food I've consumed to see if I can draw correlations to the ride experience and my diet. I don't train for anything specific, I just like to know how I'm doing. You can get a cheap wireless for $20 to $30 and they don't add much for weight or resistance.

[chh55]

Originally Posted by Nigal

I'm thinking of switching all my cycling clothes to wool. The spandex stuff just doesn't hold up as well and stinks to high heaven. Some of the wool stuff I've found is fairly comparable price wise and it looks so much better (I'm not a fred).

Lycra is probably the toughest material oz/oz that there is! I have shorts that are 30 years old and they are still not worn out. The only lycra cycling clothes that I've ever had to throw away were destroyed in crashes.

Merino wool is nice but recent media reports of how it is produced should make you wince.

As far as odors are concerned all cycling clothes should be washed (or hand rinsed) after every use. If you have problems with odors during a single use try not drinking alcohol or eating meat for 2 weeks and be amazed at what happens!

[baj32161]

There is nothing like getting that first new road bike is there? Now you are finding out that it is just the beginning to a (hopefully) very enjoyable lifestyle. All of the things that were mentioned in this thread can make your cycling more enjoyable, some of them if you use them according to your needs. A cyclocomputer is one of those things. I have one on both of my road bikes and found myself relying on them way too much. Now don't get me wrong, I like them very much but...one of the pratfalls of them is that you find yourself looking at the computer too much to enjoy the ride....paying too much attention to your speed. You will likely be slow at first and your computer will often tell you that you are moving slower than you think you are. I am not a racer by any means so I no longer concern myself too much with my speed. I do like to track my mileage though, so in that aspect, it is still beneficial for my use. A proper fitting saddle is THE most important thing in my opinion and, unfortunately, that involves a lot of trial and error. Once yuou find that you will enjoy your riding even more. Clipless pedals and shoes are another thing that I went for and have no regrets about. The difference in pedaling I felt almost immediately and gained a small bit of speed (but not a whole lot) what made a difference for me was the feeling of my feet being securely attached to the pedals with no chance of slipping off. On a tough climb or when you need to sprint, you will really appreciate this. Don't ever leave for a ride without your flat kit and extra tube in your seat pak (if you have one, and if you don't you should). A cellphone can be invaluable also...trust me on this one (lol!). The more you ride, the faster and further you will be able to go. Just don't expect to make huge leaps, the increases will be gradual....try increasing your distance by 10% per week or so...remember this more than anything though. This is supposed to be fun. Do not let overeagerness get you and go at your own pace.

Cheers,

Brian J.

[chh55]

QUOTE "one of the pratfalls of them is that you find yourself looking at the computer too much to enjoy the ride....paying too much attention to your speed. "

Good point Brian,
It can actually be dangerous. When riding in a paceline your attention must be on the riders around you. When riding alone you have enough to keep your eye on like cars, broken glass and potholes. A quick glance now and again but pressing buttons and checking different screens... no! A GPS can give you a full readout when you get home.

[jagonz456]

I am a tech junkie. Technology is my first addiction with biking coming in around 3rd or 4th. I would recommend a cheap $40 bike computer that lets you know the basics (speed,time,distance).You should look at the technology you already own. If you have a smart phone you can use the build in GPS to track your miles. If you own an Iphone then you can use the B.iCycle app/cycle GPs this is the best tool you can use for the price its a $10/$5 app. it gives you MPH,Trip distance,average speed, calories and altitude with a real time GPS screen that shows you where you are. at the end of you ride you can upload your ride info to a website and you can track your progress. you can also post your rides on facebook and twitter. You can do all of this while your listening to your favorite songs. If you don't want to look at a screen while your riding you can store your phone in your bag or pocket (if your sick like me you also own a pair of Bluetooth wireless headphone) and the APP will give you voice prompts on you speed,distance,altitude. So while your riding listen to music in one ear (so that you can hear traffic and other riders with the other ear) the music will pause and the voice will tell you "you are on your 15mile your average speed 16 MHP and your climbed altitude is 190ft" not bad for a $10 app lol I love my Iphone.

[chh55]

wow, that does sound good!

[Industry_Hack]

Ok, forgive my lack of geek cred, but does the iPod touch run the same apps, with stuff like GPS? I have no need for the phone, but I'm starting to appreciate the apps.

[jagonz456]

no GPS on the ipod touch but you can buy third party GPS adapter but i don't know how well they work. I would check what apps are available for your phone most phones have build in GPS. If your cell phone contract is up buy an Iphone you will be very happy.