Cycling

[Kevin1708]

I loved to cycle when I was younger, fitter and lighter . . .

Anyway the reason for writing this thread was to hopefully canvas the advice and support of my fellow WLS and cyclists. I understand that an 11 mile ride taking 55mins will burn 736 calories (being 55mins x 12mph @ 253lb) ~ in reality some of the time will be spent freewheeling as the route I have chosen (being in the Vale of York) is flat(ish) but even allowing for this the calorie burn must still be in excess of 550! Interestingly, if I attain my goal weight of 196lb and then cycle 30 miles in say 2hrs 30 I will, on paper, lose 2,008 calories – again making the deduction for freewheeling the will be a burn of approximately 1,750 calories.

I was so disappointed in my own ability (or lack of it!) when I tried to lose weight pre-op by cycling. I managed about a mile and felt like death!

Anyway 10 weeks post op and 5st lighter; I thought it was time to try again. This time I decided to invest in the right equipment . . . a beautiful Specialized Crostrail Pro (with hydraulic discs) to keep at work for (with the best intention) an eleven mile ride during my lunch break and a SpecializedRockhopper Expert Disc M/B for the weekends and maybe something more adventurous. Lights, water bottles and the correct clothing and I am ready to go. I was somewhat daunted by my pre-op failing but my last couple of 11 miles rides have been a doddle ~ I could have gone on and maybe even doubled the mileage but sadly ran out of time (though in fairness, my a*se is sore!).

I am undecided about using the cleats, I did opt for them fitting and have bought the shoes but I am rather concerned about that level of ‘connection’ with your bike – I just picture myself slowing down and forgetting about them and falling over in some Charlie Chaplin like comedy moment ~ I guess I will have to suck it and see so to speak . . .

In addition to the cycling, I like to train with free and residence weights ~ again nowhere near the level I once would (or should I say, could!) but this is a guess with age as much as anything else. Things are beginning to take shape literally but on a cold and sobering note ~ why the **** did I let myself get to 325lb ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Great to chat bikes and exercise.

 

[Mixman]

There's no getting away from one fact. Your arse will always be sore. Over a year since I started riding, padded shorts as well, and still gets sore. But then you just get used to it and do longer rides.

The vast majority of us on here will have very good leg muscles. After all, we've been carrying an extra person on our shoulders. But we will also have bad knees. Cycling is an excellant form of exercise as it's relatively zero impact.

Try adding some hills, yes, hard I know around York, but this will also add upper body exercises as you stand up in the pedals.

Try also changing your routines. Don't just see if you can go further, see if you can go faster.

I have recently got Shimano SPD pedals and wish I'd got them months ago. You're much more controlled on the bike. It's just takes a couple of embarassing falls in front of people to learn how to unclip.

 

[joffy01582]

i used to love riding me bike ............... dodgy ears have messed up my balance a touch ................but i'm going to push myself a bit harder after the bypass

 

[suepat10]

I have no advice as I haven't cycled since Choppers were the in thing and BMX wasn't even dreamed of but wanted to say thank you for this post as it has made me think about what I could do post-op

 

[Karlos]

I know Mickie rides a mountain bike long distances but I have always preferred road bikes for distance work on roads because the light weight allows for greater distance and speed.

I use a real classic Dawes frame but with new Mavic wheels and a Campag groupset and brakes. It weighs chuff all and with a new modern seat even with the sore tail bone issues pre hospital stay I could easily manage 47 miles in around 2 hours 30 minutes.

My target for this year was the Manchester to Blackpool run and if I'm fit enough then I'll do it. My mate and I intended to stay over and cycle back the next day but that might be a bridge too far now.

Good luck with it. Cycling is great exercise and providing you vary your route to avoid getting stale, use the right equipment, and take it one mile at a time you'll soon be reaching great distances is ever decreasing times.

 

[Kevin1708]

Thanks for the advice guys . . . I have a road bike – a Raleigh Pursuit which I might just dust down and give a go . . . my plan though is to ride 10 miles per day (Monday ~ Friday) and see what happens at the weekend. Hopefully after a couple of weeks I will be able to up the distance to say 15 miles which I should be able to ride in say an hour – one hour 15 mins. I have found the Crostrial much easier on longer rides as it weighs very little indeed. I have had new tyres fitter to the Rockhopper which I understand are more road friendly. I will have to get my fitness levels up before I can do any real off roading. I have a new route to try today so I will report in later.

My aim is to be able to ride the Leeds and Liverpool Canal (yes, the tow path) which I understand to be 127 miles . . . maybe ride there one day and ride back the following day ! ! ! ! Cheers

 

[yorkiegal]

I live in York and am planning to get a bike again as soon as my surgeon okays exercise. I'll be sticking to the cycle paths though as the traffic terrified me last time I was on a bike. I don't know the first thing about bikes though. At 18 stone I need one which will take my weight and isn't too complicated when it comes to gears etc. It also needs to be cheap. A friend has offered me her mountain bike for £40 so I may take her up on it. I still have some problems with my knees but I remember feeling so much fitter when I used to cycle into work and back a few years ago.

 

[Kevin1708]

A friend has offered me her mountain bike for £40 so I may take her up on it. I still have some problems with my knees but I remember feeling so much fitter when I used to cycle into work and back a few years ago.

Cycling does give you such a buzzzzz and it’s nice to be the ‘fit one’ riding passed folks (if you know what I mean) . . . I have just returned from a new route I was told about and I am very impressed though it has some ‘off road’ legs so will have to go on MB next time.

I would advise that you go to Evans and ask them to measure you – it is important that you get the right size bike so as not to put strain on your legs, back and shoulders. Once you know what you need you can look on ebay or Gumtree. Please don’t fall in to the trap of buying cheap (Halfords) ~ 18st is not an issue for the more reputable bikes. Perhaps a hybrid would be best for you if you are going on cycle tracks around York.

Good luck xxx

 

[Kevin1708]

I have decided to get rid of the Raleigh Pursuit and am looking at getting new road bike for next summer. I am enjoying riding the Crostrail and the Rockhopper – I had a little job done on the Crostrail and when I went back to the Rockhopper I really noticed the differences. I am considering the Specialized 2011 ALLEZ COMP toward the end of September (hoping there are some deals on) but would also consider a Boardman – I don’t know a great deal about these bike – does any have any knowledge of them ????
My route tonight is 17 miles, I am looking forward to getting out and about. The tail bone issues have faded as has my padding! I am estimating tonight’s jaunt will take approximately 1 ½ hours (bearing in mind I am on a hybrid) – I will post the actual time tomorrow. Cheers

 

[penguina]

Cant say re biking but re:

Anyway 10 weeks post op and 5st lighter

Bloody Awesome!

I would advise that you go to Evans and ask them to measure you

When I read the above I thought you were sending her to Evans to get measured for a sports bra, but then realized that you must be talking about a local bike shop . I did initially think. Hey what does Kevin know about sports bra's? And also that post op most of us women want to avoid Evans and this was one of our only shops when we were large !

The sore bum bit puts me off, I used to get very sore on a exercise bike, even with a cushion plonked on the saddle.

 

[tranquil_butterfly]

The sore bum bit puts me off, I used to get very sore on a exercise bike, even with a cushion plonked on the saddle.

I started cycling again recently and suffered with a sore bottom for days but I have found it wears off as time goes on. I would reccommend a good gel saddle. I am also going to invest in some padded cycle shorts when I shrink enugh to be able to fit into some.

tranquil x

 

[Kevin1708]

ooooooops ! Yes . . . EVANS the cycle shop (though I do know my bra sizes !) xx

 

[Karlos]

I am considering the Specialized 2011 ALLEZ COMP toward the end of September (hoping there are some deals on) but would also consider a Boardman – I don’t know a great deal about these bike – does any have any knowledge of them ????

Of the two the Specialised would be my choice all day. Not only are they great bikes and really well made, but the resale value compared to a Boardman is far greater too. For a couple of hundred quid more however Boardman do a full carbon bike and that's a good price for a full carbon with not bad running gear.

Good luck with your choice, consider joining a cycle forum called cycle chat, lots of good advice there from guys who know their stuff

 

[Karlos]

I am also going to invest in some padded cycle shorts when I shrink enugh to be able to fit into some.

tranquil x

Sadly they give only limited relief I wear two pairs when I go out on mine, but after 30 miles my tailbone is still screaming LOL :cry:

 

[Kevin1708]

I have joined 'cycle chat' . . . . cheers

 

[Kevin1708]

What do you guys think to the Pinarello brand ??

 

[Karlos]

Well if they are good enough for half the teams on the tour including the Sky Pro team they will probably be OK

 

[Kevin1708]

I guess you may be right Karl, bloody expensive though . . . my first car was less than that !

 

[Kevin1708]

Well I have done it - oredered the fp3 !

 

[Kevin1708]

Changed my order - got a great deal on the Pinarello FPQuattro . . . have to wait for deliver of the cycle shoe (hopefully this week) . . .