More bike advice please

What kind of bike computer do you have? Depending on what you have, you may be able to mount the speed sensor on a seat stay, or chain stay(left side).

kevin

I have a rear wheel puter now, but previously had one on the front wheel, but just took some wires and extended the sensor to work rear wheel, lasted until I decided to get a new computer, never an issue.

A cheap soldering iron and a few feet of any wires will make it happen.

I've been riding a road bike for years and just got clip on aerobars for Christmas. They are a great add-on that helps relieve fatigue on longer rides. Both, through aerodynamics and posture.

Aerobars are not required and can be scary to get used to, but it will take some pressure off your upper body for the 56 miles. As you know from riding your road bike, your arms probably feel pretty tired after a long ride, so being able to "rest" on your forearms will be welcomed. Not to mention the better aerodynamics if it happens to be windy that day.

Here's how one bike shop puts it: The rider’s upper body is supported by the skeleton while using aero bars (resting on the elbows), while on the standard road, drop handlebars a rider must rely on the use of upper body muscles to support their body and maintain the riding posture. Visualize the difference between leaning on a counter with your elbows (easier) and supporting your torso over the counter in a kind of “half push-up” posture (harder).

Oh, if you do decide to use clip on bars have the local bike shop install and fit them for you, It'll save you some back and leg discomfort. Also, they do take some time to get used to as your body position on the bike will change.

Hope this helps. good luck with your HIM

To address your first question... I just estimate my mileage on the trainer. I know how fast I ride outside, and I just log the same distance per time I put in on the trainer. If you get a Cateye Astrale 8, it will mount to your rear wheel, and you could just take the mileage and speed off that. Problem is, my trainer miles are more difficult than outdoor miles, so I tend to be "slower" on my trainer.

As far as clip-ons go. I highly reccommend the Jammer GT from Profile design. They are a shorty design, well suited, for a road bike. They make a carbon version too, if you are into that sort of thing Whatever aerobars you get, stick to shorty style ones to keep your position correct.

I have a computer on my bike that tracks my cadence, mph and how many miles I have traveled. A $40 Cateye will do the job.

Although, I don't log my trainer miles under the bike workout section. I want all my miles on my bike to be true road miles. So I log my trainer miles under "bike trainer" under "Sports". Then in the comments section I give all the details of miles, average, HR, etc.

I have a tri bike and a road bike (no areo bars on it). I took my road bike to my HIM, and it was fine. I picked the roadie because of the hills the course had.



Edited by KSH 2008-02-15 8:17 AM

And to add: You should consider a professional bike fitting when you have the clip ons added. Good luck

I don't have a rear wheel sensor, so I just keep track of the time, and then estimate the distance using 15 mph average speed. That's conservative, and I'm sure my totals are off a bit, but I like to have a rough idea of the miles I rode when I look back on the month, year, etc.

Thanks everyone...now I have lots to think about....better go hit that trainer

I ride for time most of the time so I don't worry about it. I know my gears and what I'm pushing to be in that gear, so I go by that.