Evondo's Group - CLOSED! (Page 13)

NRG42 - 2009-12-18 9:07 AM I will be getting a Tri bike in the next couple of weeks, i have be riding a mountain bike to date....yuck!!!!

I am 5"10 and have a really long torso.....does 56 cm bike sound right???  Been to a couple different shops in the chicago land area and the bike seem really big?  Any thought or words?

NRG42 - 2009-12-18 9:18 AM

I spending 2-4 hours on a spin bike right now and becoming very comfy.  I felt more comfortable on the 54, but but both places want me to buy the 56.  They are the experts ....right?  They said once I get outside and riding the 56 is going to help with my machanics

NRG42 - 2009-12-18 9:18 AM

I spending 2-4 hours on a spin bike right now and becoming very comfy.  I felt more comfortable on the 54, but but both places want me to buy the 56.  They are the experts ....right?  They said once I get outside and riding the 56 is going to help with my machanics

KeriKadi - 2009-12-17 9:40 AM

That sounds lovely, however, if I did all that I wouldn't have time left to run.  Once I check the girls in I have about 90 minutes and if I took the time to do all that I wouldn't be able to run longer than 4 or maybe 5.

I did the ice bath once, not sure I'll ever muster the courage to do it again.  This coming from a woman that gave birth w/o pain meds 5 times!  I took me several hours to warm up after my run yesterday w/o the ice bath and with a hot shower.

On a good note I do hold my stretches and I don't bounce or anything though I am positive I don't stretch enough.  I will give the dynamic stretching a shot.  What is a good stretch for the hip flexors?  Mine really start aching at 6-7 miles.

Trin2bfast - 2009-12-18 9:15 AM

In general, a 54 might be better for ya... it is better to go just a bit smaller than go too big.  But it really depends on the bike.  QRoo, Cervelo, Trek, Specialized, etc... all have slightly different specs... some a 54 or 56 is smaller/larger based on other manufacturers.  Additionally, the top tube may be shorter or longer.  The best bet is to try several different ones... narrow it down to comfort/fit and price... unless of course price (like me) is a greater issue, then try and work around that.  Good luck!  What brand is peaking your interest?
my .02 - the Cervelo P2... a darn good  bike for the price!  I personally am a proud member of the QRoo mafia... but price, quality, reliability, performance... the P2 is HAWT! (just my HO)

KeriKadi - 2009-12-18 9:13 AM

I'm 5'9" but my length in is my legs and I ride a 56cm.  I'd say try the bikes on.  Don't hesitate to ask them to put the bike on a trainer or take for a spin around the parking lot if you can.  You may find a 54 that is perfect or figure out you need a 56.

Ken is 5'10" and my bike is taller than his bike - his height is also in his torso.

KelliD - 2009-12-17 8:12 AM This is old news now   We already discussed this in the old thread while you were still in hibernation.

evondo - 2009-12-17 3:45 PMYou bring up a good point, a PowerTap in and of itself will not help you if you don't know how to train with it.  My broad advice is there are many books and coaches that can help you with this. For my athletes that train with power they know how to race with power and train at the level I tell them... Some know the method behind the numbers but not all, it's not their job to it's mine

The most important data with the power meter is the power. HR has its benefits in certain situations, especially racing, but rarely for training although there are some tests that can be done to measure fitness with power & HR drift.

For racing, (so yes I race with it as well) it allows you to accurately pace yourself for longer bikes and regardless of the course, heat, humidity, headwind, tailwind, etc you will have your optimal bike split.  I won't use it for pacing in sprints but Olympic and up it makes sure that you're not pushing to hard in the beginning of the bike. Especially the longer HIM/IM races your RPE will feel very low in the beginning and you won't know you've over exerted until it's to late. I don't even set race goals based on mph anymore because it's pointless all I can control is the power I put to the pedals. My mph is determined by the course and weather on that day.

The other time a Powertap shines over HR/GPS is intervals which are a necessity to get big gains in biking after the intial base.  During shorter interval durations (3-8') your HR does not respond to the stress quick enough to give you an acurate indication of effort not to mention HR changes on a day-to-day basis due to weather, sleep, nutrition, etc...

For me personally it taught me to learn how to suffer on the bike, as bad as that sounds it was what allowed me to push above my comfort zone. During intervals pre-powertap I was slacking near the middle and never even knew it because RPE lies and since my HR was already elevated HR would remain stable giving me the sense I was working hard.

Once you establish your FTP you can create a power curve that says for a given interval duration you should push X. So when you goto train mph, HR, wind, heat, course doesn't matter all that matters is you push X for Y duration.

Clear as mud?

NRG42 - 2009-12-18 9:23 AM

I can not seem to get comfortable on the Cervelo....it was my first choice just because everyone who has one loves it?  I am now on to the QRoo and Blue bikes, the Blue is nice becasue it comes in a 55.  Money of course is a contender in choice but I have a reasonable budget....so I should be able to pick up a nice frame and build from there,

evondo - 2009-12-18 9:21 AM Do they have 54s in stock?

trying1 - 2009-12-16 3:44 PMI'm totally psyched, I might be buying a new/used computrainer for $650.  My friend's friend bought them for his company and he unfortunately got fired for it but is now selling them.  I'm told they've only been used 4-5 times.  I'll know for sure by Sunday.  If I do get it does anyone want to buy a slightly used cycleops fluid 2 trainer?

Newtons1st - 2009-12-17 1:58 PM Holy cow a few days working in the middle of Wisconsin and there are 12 pages. I have been repremanded by EvD to get a bio up. I am at milwaukee airport now and will post when I get back and catch up. Excited about the new group.

NRG42 - 2009-12-18 9:10 AM

Funny that your asking for pictures of the ugly sweater and not the Black Tie-LOL  but I surely post a picture if that makes you happy! 

evondo - 2009-12-18 9:21 AM Do they have 54s in stock?

golfpro - 2009-12-18 10:36 AMI wish I had read this sooner