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Beginners Questions...

  • 02-03-2012 12:13pm
    #1
    BrianBoru00
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,035 ✭✭✭


    Hi, have a mountain bike but have been advised I'm better off getting a racer and getting out on the roads so I have a few questions...

    1. I've read a lot of advice about spinning at 90 RPM approx in a low gear as opposed to lower RPM at higher resistance. So how does this equate to speed - does it not mean that I'll be pedalling like mad and only have travelled about two miles in half an hour??

    2. At the moment when I'm on a mountain bike and facing any incline, I need to stand up and pedal harder. I've been told I should sit down and just cycle on a racer. Is this correct?


    CLOTHING
    3. I'm told that I need padded shorts so what should I be searching for on ebay?


    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    el Bastardo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 573 ✭✭✭el Bastardo


    BrianBoru00 wrote: »
    Hi, have a mountain bike but have been advised I'm better off getting a racer and getting out on the roads so I have a few questions...

    1. I've read a lot of advice about spinning at 90 RPM approx in a low gear as opposed to lower RPM at higher resistance. So how does this equate to speed - does it not mean that I'll be pedalling like mad and only have travelled about two miles in half an hour??

    2. At the moment when I'm on a mountain bike and facing any incline, I need to stand up and pedal harder. I've been told I should sit down and just cycle on a racer. Is this correct?


    CLOTHING
    3. I'm told that I need padded shorts so what should I be searching for on ebay?


    Thanks

    1. Yes to higher RPM - It's better for your knees - and no, you won't be going slower if you get the balance between gearing and RPM right. It takes a while to get fit, so you may find yourself going slower than you would like and perhaps being sore in certain areas.

    2. You don't really need to stand up and pedal harder. Again, it get's back to RPM and point 1 above.

    3. No need for ebay. You can pick these up in Aldi, Lidl and elsewhere (even in a your local bike shop :eek:). They're not strictly necessary, but the make things comfortable instead of sore :)


  • #3
    Dermot Illogical
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,131 ✭✭✭Dermot Illogical


    BrianBoru00 wrote: »

    CLOTHING
    3. I'm told that I need padded shorts so what should I be searching for on ebay?

    As long as they're as colourful as your text they'll be fine. :)


  • #4
    Conneff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26 ✭Conneff


    BrianBoru00 wrote: »
    Hi, have a mountain bike but have been advised I'm better off getting a racer and getting out on the roads so I have a few questions...
    Why ?? Keep the mountainbike, and go biking in the mountains! Its better craic, and a better workout too.*

    In fairness though, if you're just starting cycling for fitness/weight loss it makes no difference wether its road or off-road. As already said though, get yourself a good pair of shorts with a pad from your local bike shop (not ebay!) and ease yourself into it. Dont get too hung up on RPM/cadence or any of that, just ride your bike. If you can, you might look into joining a club to go out with others. Again your local shop can and will help you.

    * I'll get shot for saying that here!


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