Cyclists - Please Help :)

[Miss Lee]

I just bought a trainer for my bike so I could finally put it to use (it's been sitting in my garage collecting dust for about 3 years). I did my first workout yesterday and it just about killed me!

I was so depressed when I realized that my old computer wasn't working, so the only information I was able to record was that I completed 2 challenges from CCV1 and that I almost puked -- LOL!

I need a new computer. Is there a brand/model that stands out? I'm totally lost here. I really don't know anything about them.

I also need a new seat and I'd appreciate any recommendations.

Is there anything else I need? Any advice would be welcome.

 

[meowracer]

Michele - I have not been on FB today. Hadn't been on it forever until yesterday or whenever I posted on your page. Anyway, isn't is it just FUN to be on the trainer?? So, first of all, are you sure that your computer isn't just dead, or that the connectors don't need to be moved? And it is a computer that is hooked to the back tire, right? I have a Cat Eye for the rear wheel and like it - also have a Cat Eye for the front and both have served me well. The one on the rear is the Cat Eye Astrale 8. Not sure what models they now have. Mine is a few years old. As for a seat, I need to change mine out too so can't help there. Did you get the riser for the front tire? Other than that, I can't think of anything except for some good towels to soak up your sweat! And if you ride for a while, some bike shorts.

 

[Miss Lee]

Thanks Shana! I'm not sure what the deal is with my computer. It's an Avocet and it's hooked to my rear tire. It's really old and I can't even find the manual for it. And yes, I bought a riser for my front tire.

My seat is all torn up. It's a gel seat and it's surprisingly VERY uncomfortable. I thought gel would be all cushy and soft but I never really liked it.

One thing is very apparent -- my bike is in desperate need of a tuneup. I should probably learn how to do that myself, but I'm planning to take it to the bike shop this week and have them give it the once over, and hook up a new computer.

 

[Netta]

Michellle,
I don't have my computer hooked up on my bike for spinning/indoor workouts. I just use my HRM as those are the only stats I'm interested in. I just use my gear combinations and cadence to raise my heart rate to the zones I want to be in.

As far as the seat, maybe a gel padded cover can be placed over your seat? I think everyone just has to go thru that uncomfortable period. For me, my seat has to be perfectly level on top. Personally, I ride with very little padding as too much gets "bunched up" where I don't want it and chafes more. The seat I use on my road bike is a Terry Butterfly.

As far as a computer for the bike, anything that measures mph/kph, max speed, distance and average is good for me. I have a cadence option too so the sensor is set up on the back wheel instead of the front wheel (measures how many times your pedal goes around).

Have to rush off to work now.

 

[snowbelle]

I do all my biking outdoors on a road bike, and I have a Terry Butterfly Ti, which I like a lot (and has gone MANY miles with me). Don't know if using indoors is different, but thought I'd share since I've been so happy with it. Concur with other poster's comments about using good (properly padded) bike shorts too.

 

[My2girls]

Hi Michele!!

I cannot really help you much, because my DH is the bike expert in the family! He picked out my bike and seat and trainer and they are all so old I could never remember what they are! I do use padded bike shorts -- that is a must, especially the first week or so. WooHoo to you for getting a trainer I love using mine with CC (but then that is the only way I use CC ) You know, I just love CC!!

Have fun!

 

[meowracer]

Ooooo, I want that seat! Thanks for posting it - the pic sells it!!

Michele - I don't want you to think that I thought you were a doofus with your computer hooked to the front tire! I just had that problem once since I have two computers and was supremely irritated that my computer wasn't working...I had hooked the computer into the wrong thing so I was trying to get a reading off of a tire that was not moving! Glad you got the riser - that makes a big difference. I put a rug under mine that keeps it from moving around when I do a lot of standing.

 

[Miss Lee]

Shana, Jeannette, Snowbelle, and Mary -- thank you so much for your replies!!

Jeannette and Snowbelle -- that bike seat looks awesome. I actually had that one bookmarked so I was thrilled to see your recommendations. It gives me the confidence to go ahead and buy it. The big gel seat just isn't working for me.

I've been wondering about a HRM, too. I have one that came with my elliptical -- it's just a chest strap and the data is displayed on the console. If I want to track HR etc on the bike, I'll have to get something else.

Mary -- I did CCV1 and it was SO HARD!! I did the first 2 challenges and then I had to skip ahead to the cool down . I almost puked during the 2nd challenge . In my defense, I haven't been working out much lately, and that was the first time I'd been on a bike in about 3 years. I just couldn't believe how hard it was!

Shana - no worries -- I didn't think you were suggesting that I'm a doofus, although I probably am one. LOL!! My computer is really old and I don't even remember how to use it anymore. I'm going to buy a new one and let the guys at the bike shop hook it up for me.

I think it's going to take me awhile to get used to the bike. I've never used it for REAL exercise before. My DH and I used to ride trails, but it was never anything that got our HR's up -- it was kind of like a Sunday afternoon stroll, only on a bike instead of on foot.

What are some good educational resources? Are there any good websites or magazines for cyclists? I really don't KNOW anything about riding for cardio exercise. I've never taken a spin class.

 

[andtckrtoo]

Michele -

Take your bike to your local bike shop and ask them to tune it up. Ask up front what it will cost, but don't be shocked if it's around $60 - $100. A well working bike shouldn't be easy to ride, but I'll bet it's easIER!. While you're there, have them hook up a odometer - I swear by CatsEye's. I wear out well before they do! But they are all pretty much the same any more. I have a cadence meter - which if you get into Spinervals and such you may want to consider, but they are not necessary.

Second - I know cycling is considered something kids do, but seriously - it's NOT an easy sport. And if you're pushing to Coach Sean, then it's even tougher. I can get my HR up as high as I do when I run distance - so know that you are not weak or anything - cycling is HARD.

Enjoy your time with Coach Sean - I love Cardio Coach.

 

[Miss Lee]

Christine, thank you so much for your reply. I just put my bike in the back of my truck and I'm heading over to the cycle shop! I'm getting a tuneup, a training tire, a new seat, and a computer. I'm pretty excited about my new toy!! I haven't done cardio on anything but my elliptical for over 2 years and I'm really pumped about trying something new!!

You aren't kidding when you say that cycling is NOT an easy sport. I hopped on my bike with CCV1 last night (y'all KNOW how much I LOVE Cardio Coach ) and it brought me to my knees. I was truly humbled by it.