The Audio-Talk Cycling thread.

[JohnG]

Hi All

Here we go,In the past week, I,ve began to cycle as a health kick, to support it I have incorporated a portion of my daily commute to cycling on a full suspension mountain bike, not the best but good to get going. Approx 5 miles round trip at present, a proper battle in last weeks wind, the gears need some TLC. I manged to stay mounted even though jacking in seemed a very good idea when the wind was at it strongest.
When I get a bit fitter and another secure parking place is found I will expand on this to 12 milesish and will be considering a different type of bike.
I am off to purchase a spin bike in the next hour so I can work from home doing additional work outs.

John

[Ray P]

Good for you John; you'll find plenty of support and encouragement here. Cycling is a fantastic cardio-vascular workout and really burns the calories - but you know that already!

After yesterday's long journey I seem to be operating on Kent time today; no early start and a leisurely breakfast. I headed out around 10ish and just did a 20mile 'there and back' run. Straight into a 15mph wind on the outward leg but wind assisted on the way back of course. Overall averages were 17.2mph and 211watts.

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/15218160

Ray

[JohnG]

As a Newbee cyclist, what Free Apps or Tried and Tested Gadgets can I get to support my road work and my static exercise bike workouts..
Looking forward to planning my work outs.

[Max N]

I use an app called Motivo for my turbo trainer sessions - but its commercial, and it was co-developed/owned by my son, so probably disqualified from your criteria on 2 counts - not free and I am biased. But I couldn't resist posting because I'm proud of him for developing it http://www.motivo.cc

[Ray P]

As a Newbee cyclist, what Free Apps or Tried and Tested Gadgets can I get to support my road work and my static exercise bike workouts..
Looking forward to planning my work outs.

Hi John. for road rides I use ridewithgps, which is free for the basic version;

www.ridewithgps.com

you'll need to register on the website.

if you have a smartphone with gps just load the ridewithgps app and it'll record your ride data and sync it to the website. You can then see metrics, like those some of us post here, and it'll notify you of personal bests over segments etc. I have also started looking at Strava, which is more 'fashionable' than ridewithgps. Strava does similar things and is free for the basic version but I personally prefer the ridewithgps interface.

You can also use ridewithgps/strava to monitor/record heart rate (and pedalling cadence) with suitable monitors, which usually interface via Bluetooth. Here's an example;



As you're starting off I suggest you seriously consider monitoring your heart rate so you can stay within the appropriate thresholds and watch the improvements as you progress.

There are also hardware specific solutions such as this Polar device;



Garmin do a good range too.

For gym rides I just use the computer that is built into the static bike and don't record the rides but I probably should. I think both ridewithgps and strava allows you to record static bike rides. I'm not doing static bike work currently but will gradually resume as the cold dark days arrive.

Maintain the motivation and work at a regular routine you'll be quite surprised at how quickly you start seeing the improvements. Let us know how you're getting on.

Ray

[andrew Ivimey]

Ride with GPS,( you can walk too!).

It is simple to use but I cant do the fancy download maps stuff.

[Ray P]

...I cant do the fancy download maps stuff.

A man of your calibre, of course you can Andrew! You just need to apply the learning....

[andrew Ivimey]

Yeah but no but. Even Achiles had his weak spot.

[Dave the bass]

Yeah but no but. Even Achiles had his weak spot.

Achiles weak spot was riding up steep heels wasn't it?


Arf! SWIDT

[andrew Ivimey]

Ooooooooo very witty! Like it.

[jack]

Yeah but no but. Even Achiles had his weak spot.

Achiles weak spot was riding up steep heels wasn't it?


Arf! SWIDT

GMOWAR indeed!

[JohnG]

Thank you fellow cyclists.
Sweat Suit Ordered, is that too much info ?
My exercise bike is a bought at a steal, 2014 model BH Spada Dual Bike. Any one familiar with the computer options on this model. I also believe a chest monitor can be used to sync with the on board computer.

[Ray P]

Any one familiar with the computer options on this model

Is this it?

http://www.bhfitness.hu/shop_ordered/69 ... 2-3197.pdf

if so this is the console info;

http://www.bhfitness.hu/shop_ordered/69 ... 2-3198.pdf

video here;



I suggest you need to be circumspect with the sweat suit as getting dehydrated isn't going to help - you need to burn calories so your body starts to consume your fat reserves. Through diet and exercise a daily deficit of 500 calories is needed to lose one pound a week, 1000 calories a day for two pounds a week...

Ray

[JohnG]

Thank you
That is perfect info for me.

[Ray P]

Another beautiful morning, perfect for another pre-breakfast ride...

Departed: Jun 17, '17, 07:19AM
Starts in: Taunton Deane, England, GB
Distance: 30.6 mi
Elevation: + 1750 / - 1750 ft
Max Grade: 9.5 %
Avg. Grade: 0.7 %
Total Duration: 01:58:15
Moving Time: 01:56:36
Stopped Time: 00:01:39
Calories: 1293
Avg. Watts: 185
Max Speed: 37.0 mph
Avg. Speed: 15.7 mph

Ray