How many cyclists are out there?

**madmacs** · 3rd October 13, 09:32 AM

I'll be attempting my first century on the 20th... How hard can it be right..???

Sadly most of my training has been on my 20 year old mountain bike (bridgestone mb5, I think the 5 stands for the weight in tonnes) though my Scott S10 should be back from its tune up friday (featherlight and ultegra here we come)

Considering a season of track next year... Stl has one of the 27 remaining velodromes in the US.

**Southern Breeze** · 3rd October 13, 12:04 PM

I have noticed one thing since I started riding again - where did all these hills come from??

I'm thinking about adding a set of saddle bags, any recommendations?

**mookien** · 3rd October 13, 12:33 PM

If you're set on saddlebags, I can't help you. I use a handlebar bag and a rather large under-the-saddle bag. It is about 10" long, 6" deep, and flares from 5" at the front of the saddle to 6 1/2" at the back. I can carry LOTS of stuff on long day rides (off road), including an accidental bear gun. Fortunately, I have never had to use it, though over the years I have seen two bears - one close up and personal. He was more afraid of me than I was of him, but at least he didn't have to send his biking pants to the cleaners.

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 3rd October 13, 07:48 PM

We use Nashbar's daytrekker panniers on the KATY trail. They're smaller than most panniers but you can put a lot of stuff in them. My fair lass also goes to farmer's market using them.

**cmcbeth** · 3rd October 13, 08:19 PM

Cyclist here..both skinny tire - did two century rides this year in addition to 60 miles/week commuting and another 30-40 weekend - and MTB on my 29er hard tail doing single track here in UT and a Telluride holiday. In addition, I ride a BMW K1200GT motorcycle...guess I'm addicted to two-wheel travel.

**ForresterModern** · 5th October 13, 03:08 PM

Roller here too. Yet another of the addictions. Mostly roadie these days with a couple centuries or metrics per year and our annual 2day 150 mile charity ride in Wiscosin in memory of my wife's first son, who died of leukemia twelve years ago. As with every hobby I tend to dive right in and learn everything there is to know about it, now building my own bikes frame up because I am finicky about what i ride and a tough fit for off the rack. Road, commute/trekking, rails trails, and mountain bikes in the stable although my mtn bike has not seen as much use of late. That may change as I just recently found some new trails nearby. Wife and I used to ride both on and off road together, but The Boy and Wife's back and hip surgery have limited our time out together (baby sitters can get darn expensive when you may be out for several hours several times a week) so I mostly ride solo road training these days.

Same issues with the hills and the weight as time and miles go by. For the dedicated roadies out there, though, I have found a little bit of magic can help out a lot. Because most off the rack bikes have wheels that are crap compared to the rest of the components, investing in a good set of wheels makes a big difference. Then upgrading those wheels even further by swapping in hybrid ceramic bearings can turn your dragginass into a real hill climber, besides making the flats smoother and easier and the downhills downright frighteningly fast.

Keep riding', keep Rollin', and keep the rubber side down .

**James Hood** · 6th October 13, 06:42 AM

Aye, 'owned and ridden since being a wee lad.

Auld Schwinn Sierra "mountain bike" does not get as much use as it should, tho it is clean and tires filled, helmet and gloves hanging from the bars.

Time for an autumn morning ride, thank you!

Best of health!

(Oh and BTW, 'am another Tiki culture enthusiast!!!)