aerobars, shoes, and computer...OH MY!
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jhudalla posted 3 weeks ago.
It sounds like you just getting into the sport. IMO, a computer is a must have for alllll new(er) riders - egg-specially a computer which measures cadance (the number of pedal revolutions per minute). and shoes. The aerobars can wait.
for the bike:
be sure to get a good bike fit. your knees, back, and neck will thank you down the road.
for the computer:
you can get one w/ cadance for less than 70bux. As for cycling - a cadance or (rpm) around 90-100 is optimal. Sure there are pedal mashers out there but pushing a big gear puts strain on you knees and muscles. let your lungs to all the work!
for the shoes:
you don't need the tippity tops, just something decent. as you may notice your tennies flex when you bend the toe back... bike shoes don't, giving you a better distribution of power from your leg to the wheel.
trust me on the sunscreen.
Weary is the path that does not challenge.
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beads1985 posted 3 weeks ago.
Don't get aerobars yet. At most consider getting jammer bars to clip on your regular road handlebars. They are under $100.
A bike computer is cheap enough and is probably worth it to give you and idea of your cadence.
I have a CatEye that I got for less than $50 and the bike shop installed it.
Definitely go with bike shoes. You can get some decent ones for about $100 or less. They will make the most of your pedal stroke.
Good Luck!!
''Nothing to it, but to do it''
http://beads1985.trifuel.net/
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advobwhite posted 3 weeks ago.
what is the diff between jammer and aerobars?
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kaolelo posted 3 weeks ago.
the jammer bars are just clips on for road bars, while full aero bars are either a separate base bar + clip ons, or an integrated (1 piece) bar and extensions. for a beginner, the jammers are more appropriate, because it is sometimes difficult to get both an aero and ergonomic position with full aero bars on a road bike (because of the angles of the tubes of the frames).
kawika
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advobwhite posted 3 weeks ago.
suggestions on good jammer bar and good cheap(i mean "economical") computer?
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wrstlngkayak posted 3 weeks ago.
Cateye Strada Cadence is a good computer for the money. The one feature it doesn't have is average cadence but you still can't beat it for the price.
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TriSooner posted 3 weeks ago.
If it comes down to bars, computer, or shoes . . . go with shoes. Cylcing shoes (affixed to clipless pedals) will have the most dramatic impact (of the three) on your cycling ability because they aid you in the most immediate and efficient transfer of power in y our pedal stroke. But of the three, you will probably spend the most $ on shoes because you also have to buy clipless pedals. Plus, you get to experience the joy of falling in slow-motion at a stoplight.
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jhudalla posted 3 weeks ago.
I have some pedals I'll send you if ya want. they're some Time pedals, you'll have to buy the lil clip that goes on the bottom of the shoe, but if you wanna pay for shipping.. heck you can hav'm!
Weary is the path that does not challenge.
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advobwhite posted 3 weeks ago.
i have the pedals w/ the toe cage, and i'm not going clipless yet. i'm gonna try out the toe cage, and for my next race(probly just gonna be a bike race and not a triathlon) i'll go all out and get the clipless. do i need certain shoes for the toe cage, or would running shoes be good for that?
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olivestri posted 3 weeks ago.
been awhile since i've been shopping, but i use a schimano touring shoe that fits in the toe cages or whatever you call them. there must be other versions of this, perhaps something more light/areo for racing, but i was bike touring at the time and got these for easy walking around town/campsite.
definately a benefit because of the stiffer footbed. transfers more power to the pedal, plus probably protects your feet some.
on the other hand, if you think you will soon (year or so) graduate to cycling shoes and clipless pedals, i'd say skip the investment in shoes and just wear your running shoes for now.
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fpugsley posted 3 weeks ago.
The Profile Design Jammer is what everyone is referring to:
http://www.profile-design.com/products/aerobars/jammer-gt/
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kylie posted 3 weeks ago.
Yeah just wear running shoes with them: then it also saves some transition time to make up for not having clipless pedals ;)
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TriSooner posted 3 weeks ago.
Just kidding, race in whatever you have (apparently you can only edit the last message you posted and you can't delete any message you posted. No?)
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groovyjen posted 3 weeks ago.
So, at what point did folks here get aero bars, or jammers?
I'm still relatively new to road biking, so I haven't made the leap yet. Plus, truth be told, I don't want to be the giant tool at the back of the cycling pack with the aero bars.
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
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jtrimom posted 3 weeks ago.
I got aerobars after I was sure I was hooked and would be doing this for a while; same with clipless pedals...still not sure if it pays to get a wetsuit living and racing in southern texas
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kaolelo posted 3 weeks ago.
be very sure of your bike handling abilities before you go full aero, and even just the clipless bars, because steering is much different from an aero positio than upright.
kawika
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mlandry2 posted 3 weeks ago.
groovyjen wrote:
So, at what point did folks here get aero bars, or jammers?I'm still relatively new to road biking, so I haven't made the leap yet. Plus, truth be told, I don't want to be the giant tool at the back of the cycling pack with the aero bars.
+1 On the road handling abilities kaolelo. Though steering is completely different in the aeros, learning how to effectively pick your lines and take turns is key when you first start riding. I say this only because you won't be able to get at the brakes in the aeros and you could be in for some hurt. I didn't follow that advice and went the trial-by-fire method and had quite a few almost accidents and life flashing before the eyes moments before I got really comfortable in the aeros. I do find that I choose much better and cleaner lines in the aeros than on my roadie, anyone else notice that?
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groovyjen posted 3 weeks ago.
jtrimom wrote:
I got aerobars after I was sure I was hooked and would be doing this for a while; same with clipless pedals...still not sure if it pays to get a wetsuit living and racing in southern texas
Ditto the wetsuit in NC. Yeah for the gulf stream!
For some reason the clipless pedals weren't such a big deal for me as a newbie. I got them upgraded on my first road bike right off the bat. I haven't even done the slo-mo knee skinning fall.
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
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jsk85 posted 3 weeks ago.
I got clip-on aerobars in the offseason after my first tri...(I had just signed up for 5 races the following summer, so you can say I became an addict). However, I was intimidated by them initially since the handling is much different. You drive a lot more with leaning and your forearms and small movements can make a big difference with veering all over the road. I would only use them on long perfectly straight stretches my first year, then got comfortable with them on the trainer (where I couldn't fall over). Now I feel awkward when I'm not on the aerobars for the bulk of my rides.
My blog: http://jsktri.blogspot.com
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advobwhite posted 3 weeks ago.
alright, so i'll repost this comment on the right thread. sorry i accidentally posted it in the bike gearing thread...
but anyway. i was told about egg beaters becuase they are easy to get into....it seems very flimsy to me, any thoughts?
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tri-ac posted 3 weeks ago.
groovyjen wrote:
So, at what point did folks here get aero bars, or jammers?I'm still relatively new to road biking, so I haven't made the leap yet. Plus, truth be told, I don't want to be the giant tool at the back of the cycling pack with the aero bars.
i got aero bars when i was riding with other triathletes and realizing that i was pedaling when they weren't at a similar speed...so i got some a few weeks before my first race ever
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Leroy Bonkers posted 3 weeks ago.
Speedplays are very sturdy, and also have two sided entry. they also look cool.
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tri-ac posted 3 weeks ago.
i have candy sl's (MTB pedal) which have been very durable for me (commuting + training)
http://www.crankbrothers.com/candy_sl.php
a lot of folks like the shimano 105 (road pedal)
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kylie posted 3 weeks ago.
Even the platform pedals I have (Look) are not hard to get into... they are one-sided entry, but they are weighted to make the pedal hang so that they are in a great position for getting on.
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fpugsley posted 3 weeks ago.
I will transfer my answer over as well:
gshuldes wrote:
fpugsley wrote:Egg beaters pedals have a reputation of breaking in half at the pedal axle.How does this fit in this thread? And where does the "reputation of breaking" come from? I have read many reviews of Egg Beaters, and have used them for years on my road, tri, and mtn bikes with no problems.
well, someone asked if eggbeaters were good pedals, but they changed the question to 'please remove this post' so it did fit until someone changed their mind.
I know of a few acquaintances whose pedals snapped at the axle. they are good about warranty, but still, i dont want to be shipping them back a couple times a year.
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fpugsley posted 3 weeks ago.
double post.... is this forum software really slow for anyone else?
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advobwhite posted 3 weeks ago.
i posted that comment on that thread. and i edited it when i found out it was on the wrong forum. sorry bout that.
I'm getting my bike soon, within aobut 2-3 weeks. it's about a $400 entry level road bike. would aerobars be a worthy investment? and i've heard alot about biking computers...what all does it monitor, an dwould it be a worthy investment? and would just biking in my running shoes be advised or do i need to get super expensive shiny biking shoes as well?
i don't have alot of money to spend on this...so the most effecient stuff i can get, the better.