More Manatee Mayhem - 2017 Edition - Closed (Page 3)

The route has changed significantly since when I did it, so may be more limited in help. Lisa has done it too, possibly on the new route, but can't remember. Think I saw it might be a little harder now, so it's probably a good idea for you especially given where you're coming from.

Gearing is really the ratio between the front (the chainring size) and the back (the cassette, what's listed). The bigger the ratio, the higher the speed you'll be at when using it (front size divided by back). A lot of people get lazy and only state the cassette size. Double check the chainring size too. It's probably something like 50/34 or 52/36, but you want to be sure. I'm still on a 53/39 and often raced with a 54/42. It's a pretty big difference that could notably change what cassette I ran.

For a hilly course, the more important part is the lower end, which is the 25 vs 28. You really want enough gear to get up the hills without mashing. That can really drain your legs. Might only notice some on the bike, but it'll really show up on the run. The 12 vs 11 on the fast end of things should matter very little at most. You should be able to spin that up past 30 mph in which case I'd guess you might start coasting soon anyway? Otherwise you just don't go quite as fast for that brief time period.

Something to note with changing cassettes is that the gap between gears can get larger or smaller. The faster half (roughly) tends to be about the same, but somewhere in the middle to lower half the gaps could get a little larger with each gear shift, depending on exactly what sizes the manufacturer put in. Is your bike 10 or 11 speed? The gaps will increase with either, but will be a little more noticeable if still with 10 spd. This used to annoy me some, but now I really don't notice as I can put out power better at a wider cadence range.

ok cyclists, I've got a bike gearing question.  I understand that I have a 12-25 cassette on my P2.  Looking at posts on the IM Louisville FB page there is a discussion that most people use 11-28.  Other than knowing what the numbers represent, I don't really know how one or the other would be a benefit or  detriment for a hilly route.  Any advice and education is appreciated!

NAME: Ben

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: I'm on in a few places, but not many. Tend to not like checking 18 places for slightly different info.

STORY: I'm a lifelong athlete who has been involved with numerous sports. Lots of soccer & basketball growing up along with just being in the outdoors on trails, biking, or on the water. Decided not to play anything in college as things would have turned into another job, losing the fun. Picked up on weight lifting in college, but tired of just lifting bigger stacks all the time. Got back into running & riding more until a friend decided to give triathlon a shot. Backed down on tri recently, but still running & riding. Looking forward to this year after being held way back by injury last year.

FAMILY STATUS: Single. No pets at this time.

CURRENT TRAINING: Mostly running and riding. XC skiing when there is actually snow. Swimming a little bit with masters to work my shoulder, but likely stopping soon.

THIS YEAR'S RACES/EVENTS: Nothing definite, but lots of possibilities. By not doing MDOT events it's not necessary to know so far ahead!

GOALS/OBJECTIVES/DESIRES: Fun, exploration, health.

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD MANATEE: Been in the group for a few years now and still don't understand it.

Think the date move was when MDOT picked it up.

The "good for first timers" marketing note is because it's really flat. That may or may not be a good thing as that can also mean really boring with nothing changing and no downhill breaks.

The 12 is what use when you are doing flat stuff and going fast.  The 25/27/28 is what you use to spin up hills.  You'll probably want a different cassette.  I expect that your P2 already has a compact crank.

Not an i$$ue at all. Manufacturer matters. As a general statement, if you are running Shimano, stick to Shimano. Campy=Campy and so on.  Would you be doing the change or is this going to the LBS? It is a fairly simple change with the right tools. And fairly easy to find them. Here is an example of a Shimano Ultegra 10 speed in a variety of options - https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-CS-6700-Ultegra-Cassette-10-Speed/dp/B003933G06

I don't know if that is compatible with what you are running, it is just an example. 

Related question, are you training at Clermont a bit this spring?

Not an i$$ue at all. Manufacturer matters. As a general statement, if you are running Shimano, stick to Shimano. Campy=Campy and so on.  Would you be doing the change or is this going to the LBS? It is a fairly simple change with the right tools. And fairly easy to find them. Here is an example of a Shimano Ultegra 10 speed in a variety of options - https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-CS-6700-Ultegra-Cassette-10-Speed/dp/B003933G06

I don't know if that is compatible with what you are running, it is just an example. 

Related question, are you training at Clermont a bit this spring?

Well this was confusing. I couldn't get to the new page with my phone.

I wanna still be in the pod. I just ran out of time to introduce myself. I'll do that this afternoon.

So, are you allowed to come back after a two-year hiatus?? 

Hey, everyone.  Hope you all are doing well!!

Welcome back!  You know the whole Once A Manatee, Always A Manatee saying!  Of course you are in! Just remember that inactive Manatees make us sad so please post early and often.  (And post a bio when you have a chance.)

Whew!! Thought I was going to have to grovel a little bit!! 

Well, maybe update your training blog so it doesn't say 2014 and 2015 anymore.

My info (in a funny font to keep in the spirit of those above):

NAME: Mike, from just outside Baltimore, MD

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: jmhpsu93 "on the FBs" as my wife likes to call it

STORY: Weekend warrior "athlete" for forever (softball, basketball, flag football, volleyball, soccer -indoors and out), became a pretty decent beach volleyball player in my early to mid 20s - just good enough to get smoked by the lower level local pros.  Ran cross country and track in high school, kept running to stay in shape through my 20s and 30s once the weekend warrior thing ended.

I signed up for a half marathon to lose weight in 2007, and I've been hooked ever since.  I have 5 HMs and about ten tris under my belt, and I actually get to MOP when I can stay healthy and train (see below).

FAMILY STATUS: Wife of 15 years and daughter of 14 (yes, the math works out ).  I used to swim with my daughter, but now she breaks a minute in the pool at the 100, so that ship has sailed...).

CURRENT TRAINING: I've been dealing with a back injury for about five years now off and on, and it's become more on lately, so my surgeon and I are working on what to do next (likely fusion).  Up until this latest flare-up I had been doing 10 mpw running and about 3-4 hrs/week on the trainer plus some occasional swims, now it's just some swimming and a little trainer work.

THIS YEAR'S RACES/EVENTS: No events scheduled - we'll see how the next month goes.

GOALS/OBJECTIVES/DESIRES: I found this group to be extremely supportive and everyone comes from a different background and there is TONS of experience here.  Goal for the year...GET HEALTHY!

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD MANATEE: 'Cause it's cool.    In all seriousness, I found I was at my best when training and sharing with others, both the successes and failures.

Just hangin' on to the past. 

NAME: Mike, from just outside Baltimore, MD

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: jmhpsu93 "on the FBs" as my wife likes to call it

STORY: Weekend warrior "athlete" for forever (softball, basketball, flag football, volleyball, soccer -indoors and out), became a pretty decent beach volleyball player in my early to mid 20s - just good enough to get smoked by the lower level local pros.  Ran cross country and track in high school, kept running to stay in shape through my 20s and 30s once the weekend warrior thing ended.

I signed up for a half marathon to lose weight in 2007, and I've been hooked ever since.  I have 5 HMs and about ten tris under my belt, and I actually get to MOP when I can stay healthy and train (see below).

FAMILY STATUS: Wife of 15 years and daughter of 14 (yes, the math works out ).  I used to swim with my daughter, but now she breaks a minute in the pool at the 100, so that ship has sailed...).

CURRENT TRAINING: I've been dealing with a back injury for about five years now off and on, and it's become more on lately, so my surgeon and I are working on what to do next (likely fusion).  Up until this latest flare-up I had been doing 10 mpw running and about 3-4 hrs/week on the trainer plus some occasional swims, now it's just some swimming and a little trainer work.

THIS YEAR'S RACES/EVENTS: No events scheduled - we'll see how the next month goes.

GOALS/OBJECTIVES/DESIRES: I found this group to be extremely supportive and everyone comes from a different background and there is TONS of experience here.  Goal for the year...GET HEALTHY!

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD MANATEE: 'Cause it's cool.    In all seriousness, I found I was at my best when training and sharing with others, both the successes and failures.

I'm so sorry to hear that your back has flared up again. Please keep us posted.

P.S. Are you hidden on FB?  I can't find you there.  (if hidden from search engines is checked, it really really hides you)