Need a bike and some help!

[aberimp]

Hi guys

My first post here - I've had a browse around and you all seem a friendly and very knowledgable bunch.

I've been 'volunteered' by my work to take part in a charity cycle ride on 9 June. It's 100 miles of generally flat terrain, mainly on road and towpaths.

I haven't cycled for years. I'm not in great shape either. But, I have 10 weeks to get myself a bike and get into shape and get familiar with it. So, I'm basically looking for a bicycle that's going to make my life as easy as possible when it comes to the ride. I was thinking of a sport-orientated hybrid, as it's going to be more comfortable I presume. My budget would be around the £300 mark, but I could push it a bit if it was really worth the extra.

So far, I've seen the Specialised Sirrus 2011 at just over my budget, which I'm tempted by. I'm 6ft 3'', so I'd need the extra large bike I presume.

So, I'm wondering if any of you could:-
a) recommend a bike to me, and
b) give any of your wise words as to how to train for the ride.

I look forward to seeing your views, and also to contributing to this forum.

Thanks!

 

[Banjo]

Hi there ,welcome to the forum. The Sirrus would be an excellent bike for the job. Not as fast as an all out racer but a bit more comfortable on towpaths etc with the 28 mm tyres.

If you wanted a drop handle bar bike there are still some 2010 model Specialized Allez bikes out there which would also do the job.

Whatever you buiy the important thing is to get the right size . Long rides are all about a comfortable ride position, you wont get comfortable on a bike the wrong size.

Re training just ride. Start off on a 10 miler then try a 20 once your ok with that. Dont overtrain or you will just get tired and fed up. Take at least a couple of rest days each week.

Try and do at least one ride of around 80 miles closer to the event then get lots of rest tapering your training off a week or so before.

Good Luck

Bike Size Guides

 

[aberimp]

Many thanks, Banjo.

I did actually look at the Allez you mentioned (saw it on another thread on here), but I don't think I would be as comfortable with drop bars. And on a 100-miler, I think I would rather sacrifice the extra aerodynamics for the extra comfort.

And as for the tips, they're very useful. I don't want to be in a position where the ride is painful and therefore not fun. However, I don't want to be training so much that I beat all the fun out of it, and never want to cycle again.

I'm pleased that you think the Sirrus would do the job, and your advice will certainly be valuable when I do make my mind up.

Many thanks.

 

[Oldlegs]

Drop bars are (for most) more comfortable especially on long distances. Most if not all the time you will be holding the top bits rather than on the drops. This gives a range of positions so you can shift your body about a bit. Flat bars you are basically stuck in one position and the body doesnt like this especially after 100 miles!

 

[gbb]

Agree with oldlegs wholeheartedly. Its really not often you'll see guys 'on the drops' unless they're racing, serious training or fighting against the wind. They're surprisingly comfortable because of the multiple positions you can use....on the hoods, on the tops or on the drops. It varies things so you dont get uncomfortable being in one position all the time.

100 miles seems a lot, it is a lot if you've no real base to start from, but my first long charity ride, my first ever long ride actually was 50 miles. I tried upping my mileage steadily, eating well, resting well.

100 miles is achieveable, the thing i find is i can ride all day at a steady pace...if you push hard, you'll blow out. Pacing yourself on the day is really important.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Another vote for drop bars here!

Also, there are different types of drop bar bikes. The Allez is a "racer" type where its optimized for speed.

There are "Endurance road" bike like the Spesh Sectuer and Canondale Synapse that are designed to be more comfortable and not quite do heavy on the wrists.

 

[corshamjim]

Towpaths can be quite bumpy, so I recommend you do some of your training on towpaths, and if you find the bumps a bit much, you can always consider a sprung saddle or a suspension seatpost to iron them out a bit.

My advice to anyone training for a specific long ride is be sure to get out in all weathers - that way you'll get to know what waterproofs suit you, and if it rains on the big day you won't then find it too daunting.

Personally I'm happy riding long distances using either drops or flat bars. With a more upright position on a flat barred bike I'm a bit slower, but so long as time isn't critical that doesn't matter.