My Trek fx 7.0 is very heavy for hills .What can I do ?

FMG

I have a Trek 7.0 hybrid , I keep it clean and lubed up so it look good . I use it for short run arounds app 6k a day and the odd once a week maybe a 20-30 k outing . Its a bit on the heavy side and I do get left behind at times but I'm not in a position to move up to a better spec/lighter bike at the minute and its not looking great for the rest of year . Anyway enough self pity I'm just wondering is it possible to drop some weight from the bike which might help me the 30k spins ( I do intend to increase this ) . There's some amount of hills in Cork . All stock parts from new .
Thanks.

kenmc

Cheaper to make yourself lighter

FMG

Working on that Kenny ,down from 95 kg to 80 but still finding the hills tough .Your probably right though but I do need to try and increase distance and manage the hills around here . Wonder is it worth changing wheels etc ?

ford2600

FMG wrote: »

Working on that Kenny ,down from 95 kg to 80 but still finding the hills tough .Probably no easy way around this though ,thanks

It wouldn't be economical.

Better to sell bike snd buy lighter road bike. 600-700 would get you a decent 2nd hand bike.

Or just ride your current bike more. You will get stronger. Well done on losing 15kgs

Lumen

If you+bike = 90kg, and then you drop 1kg from the bike, that will only make you about 1% faster up a hill.

rollingscone

I started out on a similar bike (Giant Escape) really more climbing will make a much bigger difference than anything else.

Your mileage is still pretty low. Maybe start adding some distance to your commute when you have the time and inclination.

I found getting onto interesting routes let me go further and faster to the extent that the old 12km each way commute that used to be an epic slog would only qualify as a very short spin now.

FMG

Thanks to you all for the replies , seems like it will do me no harm to get a few more hills and under my belt . Meanwhile some work might come in and I'll know more on what to get next . Thanks again guys .

Hermy

Make sure the tyres are pumped up to recommended pressure. Or maybe change the tyres for something slimmer. This will help you go a bit faster.

Soarer

I'd like to know how you went from 95kg to 80kg. It's something I'd like to do myself.

PM me if you'd like.

TinyExplosions

Soarer wrote: »

I'd like to know how you went from 95kg to 80kg. It's something I'd like to do myself.

PM me if you'd like.

1. Read this thread
2. Stop eating carbs
3. Watch the weight fly off

Soarer

Thanks TE.

Only read the first post, and I've done something like that before. It was the Ketogenic diet. Loved it as I love meaty things. Found it to be very expensive though so packed it in.
There was great stuff online about different foods, but they seemed very America Orientated. It'll be great to read what petethedrummer did as he's more local.
As luck would have it, I was planning on starting it again tomorrow. Was looking to lose a few pounds before the Rebel 160 in September. Will give that thread a good read.

Sorry for derailling your thread op. Back on topic....

FMG

Soarer wrote: »

Thanks TE.

Only read the first post, and I've done something like that before. It was the Ketogenic diet. Loved it as I love meaty things. Found it to be very expensive though so packed it in.
There was great stuff online about different foods, but they seemed very America Orientated. It'll be great to read what petethedrummer did as he's more local.
As luck would have it, I was planning on starting it again tomorrow. Was looking to lose a few pounds before the Rebel 160 in September. Will give that thread a good read.

Sorry for derailling your thread op. Back on topic....

For me it was a matter of adjusting the diet , I was pigging out on The chips ,cakes and the usual suspects so cutting back was a huge plus . I put in a lot of varied work in the gym and the weight tumbled off . I do have a problem with the junk though and stopping that alone had a huge impact .But I do have to keep an eye on things .A good plus for me was having no problem with fish or chicken (mostly boiled ) 7 days a week .

fixie fox

Soarer wrote: »

I'd like to know how you went from 95kg to 80kg. It's something I'd like to do myself.

PM me if you'd like.

Eat less. It isn't complicated.

FMG

Hermy wrote: »

Make sure the tyres are pumped up to recommended pressure. Or maybe change the tyres for something slimmer. This will help you go a bit faster.

Thanks , I think its 37mm I have so I'll ask the LBS on maybe going slimmer . Also the threads on mine might be a bit heavy . Cheers .

ford2600

FMG wrote: »

Thanks , I think its 37mm I have so I'll ask the LBS on maybe going slimmer . Also the threads on mine might be a bit heavy . Cheers .

Stick 28mm schwalbe marathon plus on or similar

Lumen

ford2600 wrote: »

Stick 28mm schwalbe marathon plus on or similar

Marathon Plus is a city/touring tyre with very stiff sidewalls (for thorn protection) which make them slow and rough riding.

There are plenty of adequately puncture-proof tyres which feel faster, ride better and grip better.