What of tool set should i get for my bike?

best spinning bike for under 500 image

tater snac

I don't want to spend a tonne of money on it, but i want a good bang for my buck.
im a mediocer to harcore mountain biker who is getting tired of going to the bike shop.
so nothing too serious like a $6000 dollar set but in the range of 500 or less. thanks.

Answer
Park Tools makes a great "advanced mechanic" set for like $300-$400 and Spin Doctor makes a similar set in the $250-$300 range.

Personally, I've got a Spin Doctor "Pro Tool Kit" that ran a little under $200 and I can do just about anything I want to my bike except for wheel truing... that and I dont have a headset press so no headset installs either but thats about it...

How to get a toned butt in a week?

carlie

Ok so idk if the is possible but I have alot of cellulite under my butt so u can see it even with shorts on . it makes me so insecure an I hate it. Will doing 100 squats everyday for a week help? I'm desperate please answer

Answer
The right cardio exercise and weight training activities (like squats
and deadlifts) can make a difference in your backside and help you get
those buns of steel. Find out the best cardio and strength training
exercises for strengthening and firming up your rear.
1. Squats.
Squats are one of the best exercises you can do for your hips, butt
and thighs. Stand with feet hip-width apart and squat, keeping back
straight, abs in and knees behind your toes. Let your butt lightly
touch chair and squeeze butt to stand up. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 8-12
reps and add weights for more intensity.
2. Lunges. Stand in a split
stance, with feet about 3 feet apart. You want both knees to be at
about 90-degree angles at the bottom of the movement, so adjust
accordingly. Hold weights in each hand (or place a barbell behind the
neck) for added intensity. Bend the knees and lower the back knee
toward the floor, keeping the front heel down and the knee directly
over the centre of the foot. Keep the torso straight and abs in as you
push through the front heel and back to starting position. Don't lock
the knees at the top of the movement. Perform 1 to 3 sets of 10 to 16
reps according to your fitness level and goals.
3. Step Ups. For step
ups, you simply place one foot on a step or platform and push through
the heel onto the step. This is an excellent exercise for the glutes.
4. Hip Extensions. Lie on the floor with feet propped on the ball,
legs straight. Keeping abs tight, slowly lift your hips off the floor
(squeezing the buttocks) until body is in a straight line. Hold for a
few seconds and lower, repeating 10 to 15 times.
5. One-Legged Deadlifts. You should skip this exercise if you
have any back problems. To do this move, take the left leg back just a bit, lightly
resting on the toe. With the weights in front of the thighs, tip from
the hips and lower the weights as low as your flexibility allows. Keep
your back flat or with a natural arch and make sure you keep the abs
contracted to protect the back. Squeeze the glutes of the working leg
to raise back up. Do 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps.
6. Hiking. Now the
exercises listed above aren't the only strength moves for the glutes,
but we often forget that there are cardio activities that will also
engage the backside. Hiking is one of those activities and it also
burns tons of calories. Also, walking up an incline automatically gets
your glutes more involved and, if you're wearing a backpack, you're
really getting a workout. A 140-lb person burns about 390 calories in
about an hour!
7. Biking. Riding a bike is great for your heart and it
also targets almost every muscle in your hips, thighs and butt. On a
stationary bike, alternate 3 minutes at 70-80 RPM with 2 minutes at
100-110 RPM for a calorie-blasting 30 minute workout. You can also try
Spinning at the gym or riding outside. Gear up to really work your
glutes! A 140-lb person burns 335 calories in 45 minutes.
8. Running. Running, like walking, is accessible, easy to learn, reduces stress,
helps in weight loss, and it makes you feel good. Plus, it really
works your butt, especially when you add a few hills to your regular
running route. A 140-lb person burns 475 calories during a 45 minute
jog.
9. Kickboxing. Kickboxing was a hot item back in the day, but it's
still a great workout. Controlled kicks work your hips, thighs and
butt while complex combinations that include punches will target your
abs to make them stronger. A 140-lb woman will burn up to 500 calories
with 45 minutes of kickboxing.
10. Walking. Walking is easy: you can do
it anywhere, anytime with no special equipment. There's no learning
curve and it's something you can incorporate all day long. If you walk
up hills, you can really target your glutes and, if you pick up the
intensity, you'll burn some of that extra flab off your buns! A 140-lb
person burns about 300 calories an hour during a brisk walk.

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Are there cyclometers for stationary bikes?

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Ian F

With fall and winter coming on, I am finding myself indoors a lot more. My school has some very nice spinning bikes at the gym set off by themselves. However, they don't give any output (cadence, watts, mph, etc). I want to put in a good winter of training but I would like some readings to track my progress. I could get a stand alone heart monitor and try that but do they make cyclometers for stationaries?

Answer
get a heart rate monitor


that;s the bottom line anyway

how many hours did you do, and in what aerobic zones?

miles don;t mean anything
watts either really

a lot of stationary bikes have HRMs, it;s easy to sense heart beat through the hands, but they may not have a lot of statistical reporting

the most basic HRM just says what your heart rate is, right now, no history, no % of max, no nothing, just beats per minute



wle

How can I fix my Gold's Gym Power Spin 210u exercise bike?

Staci B

Our Power Spin bike with the "virtually silent" magnetic resistance system has suddenly started to make really loud knocking sounds when we ride it. The sound comes and goes but is so loud that others in the room can't hear the tv when someone rides the bike. Anyone know what the problem could be?

Answer
if u wana lose weight at home without exercising......
the best way to lose weight
http://lfjghgf.notlong.com

and u will find so many tips for weight loose and weight loose reciepes.
u can try them and lose weight at home easily.

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How effective are exercise bikes in achieving weight loss?

best spin bike for weight loss image

Q. I have just aquired an exercise bicycle from a friend of mine who was moving that didn't wish to take it with her.
When I go to the gym (rarely) I usually use the elliptical machine, but since I have this bike now, I would much rather stay at home and workout.
My question is for those of you who ride exercise bikes, is it really just as effective as other machines at weight loss, or will I have to ride at longer intervals to achieve any type of results?
For the record, I'm 26 yrs old, 5'6 and weigh 130lbs, trying to get down to 120lbs, or at least stay in that range.

Answer
stationary bikes are awesome for weight loss. Ever hear of spinning? That burngs nearly 800-1200 calories an hour. And you can do it now in your own home. Look up on google some spinning tips, and you'll be on your way to slimming down fast!! I have heard that bikes are the best way to lose weight..you're working out your abs, thighs, calves, butt. Do some arm movements while you're riding, and you'll slim down in no time.

How long should it take to see weight loss results?

Ciara

I got up to 230 pounds and i'm gonna start cycling again. I bought a new spin bike and I am gonna cycle for 45 minutes for 5 days a week. How long do you think it will take to see results?
I will be eating healthy too by the way.

Answer
In the first few weeks, it may seem like you're losing weight because the numbers on the scale are going down, but that is not fat loss. That is water weight, and you will notice that your pants may fit better etc etc.

After that, your weight plateaus and it becomes more difficult to lose fat. This can happen a few weeks in. Don't let that discourage you, because it means you're doing things the way you're supposed to.

After that, you have to work harder to burn the fat. The more you weigh, the more calories you burn... so the more weight you lose, the harder you have to work in order to lose pounds. So every so often you'll have to adjust the intensity of your workout. 7-8 weeks in you'll start seeing results.

Also I would start off doing 20 minutes, then 25 minutes, then eventually graduating up to 45 minutes. If you add some strength training you'll boost your potential results as well

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where can i buy a fixie bike? (australia)?

best spin bike in australia image

rodenburge

preferably in the Perth area, if you don't know any places where i can get one, could you please give me some names of some brands of fixie bikes so i can ask a shop to order one in? :D
thanks, any help would be great (:

Answer
Unless you're planning to track race, don't buy a complete bike, as a fixie. The cool thing to do is to find a old road bike at a garage sale, (must have horezontle dropouts) and refit to be fixed. That's how you get a classy fixie. You don't even need to buy new wheels. You can ditch the freewheel and screw on a track cog and then use an adjustable BB lock ring as the cog lock ring. This setup is called a "suicide hub" because of the slim chance of it spinning off when backpedaling and should be used with a front brake installed. However, lots of people use this setup and I've yet to hear of it failing.

Some cool resources: www.fixedgeargallery.com for inspiration
www.sheldonbrown.com for the "how to"

Need help looking for a BMX bike?

anonymous

Hi guys, i'm looking for a BMX bike, but i'm just starting out.

So on previous bikes, which were regular mall store bikes, i could do some tricks and basic stances. Now that im into BMX riding i need help looking for a bike that is for tricks and stunts, but can also be ridden normally.

So these are the things that im looking for in a bmx:

1) Lightweight so you can do air tricks on it.

2) One that you can spin the frame around (like spin the frame around and the handle will stay in the same position - for tailwhips)

3) You can spin the handle around and the frame/body of the bike would stay there

4) One which you can attach pegs to (4 pegs)

5) One which you can pedal backwards

6) With brakes

7) Hopefully a complete bike, because i suck at putting together parts and because im a beginner

8) And hopefully cheap :S

I live in Australia btw, just in case you can refer me to some good online stores that ship to australia :)

Also, can someone tell me the main differences between a flatland and a street bike? Can you do flatland tricks on a street bike?

Also, can someone tell me what type of bmx bikes the guys in the X Games Street BMX use?

Thank you! :)

Answer
Hey Go To Ebay.com Australia ( under Sport-full BMX bikes) contact PHIL a good dealer with positive feedback --- 0421 052 961---he's selling this cool Custom BMX for only $125 ( AU $$$ !!! )---it was advertised and didn't have much time for buyers so YOU may be the lucky dude for the great bike!

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How to train for marathon, apart from run?

best fitness spin bike parts image

Anon

I'm training for a full marathon. I live I a dodgy area so jogging outside on my own isnt really an option and I don't own a treadmill and can't afford a gym membership. I'm going to be running twice a week with a local running club as part of a group of people training for a marathon, but wanted ideas on what other forms of training I can do on the other days of the week.

I own an exercise bike so was thinking of spinning some days. Is this a good idea?
Should I do some strength training? If so does anyone have any specific suggestions?

I know this may all seem a little stupid but I really want to do this and really don't want to be running these streets alone (and no, I don't have any friends willing to run with me unfortunately)

Thanks in advance
I'd still be running in the same area with the club, it's just a safety in numbers thing. I guess I could get the train somewhere nicer to run alone, but that will be expensive on a regular basis :/

Answer
You are probably going to have a very unpleasant marathon experience trying to train only 2 days per week. Typically 3 days per week is the minimum, but my personal experience is that the consistency of 4-5 days per week gives much better results. Better meaning you will enjoy the marathon more and hurt a lot less.

Cross training has its place, but it doesn't really replace running, it supplements running. Some biking and strength training can be good, but they won't do a lot for your running fitness.

Where do the members of the running club run when they aren't meeting? Are there areas you can drive to nearby to run alone, in better neighborhoods or parks?

How do you maintain a bike?

smiley

I'm very new to cycling and plan on getting a fuji absolute 3.0 for fun and fitness. I will most likely be using the bike 4-5 times a week mainly on roads. How often do I get a tune-up? How do I clean it? (I heard some parts get bad if water gets on it). If anyone recommends any specific items I should get, like a good chain lubricant, that would be great. Thanks!

Answer
If I could give Julian's answer 10 thumbs-down, I would! lol. Please don't follow that advice. At all.

Bike maintenance can be a simple thing, but of course bike mechanics is a complex thing...and they go together a little bit. The basics are to try and keep your bike dry...if it gets wet, just dry it off as soon as you can and you might want to wipe it off with a damp sponge or towel. Don't use a hose or a car wash/pressure nozzle...that can force water into places you don't want it to go, and can totally ruin bearings causing them to rust or fail. If you want to use waxes or polishes, have at it, but that's something I've never felt the need to do and today's bike paints/coatings are really durable.

Your biggest maintenance area will be cleaning and lubing the chain. Use a good quality bike lube. If you're in a wet and rainy area, the "wet" lubes will last longer and protect better, but they're oily and dirty and cleaning your chain will be necessary more often. "Dry" lubes are the favorite choice...resistant to picking up sand, last a long time, and with some you can just reapply lube without needing to clean the chain so frequently. There's no way to tell you how often to lube the chain, but before it gets dry and squeaky...or after it gets wet so it doesn't rust. My favorite by far is the ProLink Pro Gold lube, but there are several good ones available. Ask your bike shop and see what the locals prefer...sometimes your local environment dictates what's best. Don't balk at the higher price of bike lubes compared to other stuff. If you use it properly and don't waste it, it's not that expensive and it does the job the best.

Other than that, most "tune-ups" will be very infrequent. If your gears and brakes and all the other bolts and bits are set up properly, then they'll often go a long time without needing anything at all. The cables will need to be replaced occasionally (every year or two, give or take, depending on how much you use them). When you first get your bike, it's more than likely that the cable adjustments will need some attention once or twice during the first 100 miles or so...that's normal, but after that they should be mostly attention-free. At some point you'll start wearing out the chain and gear teeth, but that will take a long time.

Other parts of maintenance get more complex and you can either learn to do them and buy some tools, or have a shop take care of it for you....things like changing the grease in the wheel bearings and/or headseat bearings, adjusting those same bearings, replacing brake pads and/or adjusting them as they wear. Your wheels should spin nice and smooth, without wobbling. Hopefully your new bike comes that way. lol. If that changes over time, have the bike shop "true" them for a few bucks.

Best new bike accessories include: helmet, bike pump, spare inner tube, patch kit, and chain lube.

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How much time on a spinning bike should i spend daily to get reallyyy thin?

best spinning bike image

Chrisy

Im 17 and when i was long distance running my legs got soooo thin but toned. But i hurt my knee awhila ago so i cant run anymore :(
but im buying a spinning bike for my room.

how can i ride a spinning bike the right way
and how long to get really thin thighs, hips, ect. ???

Answer
Start out with an easy 10 min warm up in 3 steps. You want to pedal at 70-90 rpm with just enough resistance to get your heart rate to 85% of max. Start out with a 30 min goal and extend it to a hour or more. I shoot for two 60 min sessions, cut back on the food and you can lose weight like crazy.

You want a cold place like a garage or a fan so you don't sweat like crazy.

Is this too long to exercise on a Spin Bike?

Saint

I started exercising on my spin bike 4-5 days a week, for about 2 and a half hours each day. Is that too much? I know over exercising can be bad for you so just thought of asking to play it safe. Also, the way I do it is I do a really hard setting for 30 minutes to get the muscles nice and active, and the rest of the time on an easier setting, thought that may be important.

Answer
Not too long. Now, not so sure about your plan and what you want to accomplish, where are you and where you wan to be. What are your goals?

I often ride 75-100 miles so I put more time on the saddle but not so many times a week. Yet most of my rides are about 2 hours at an average speed of 16-18 mph.

You should be doing warm up and cool down (15 minutes each). There is no logic to start up hard with cold muscles. That will lead to injury. It is much better to do the hard work towards the middle of the work out. Rather than just working hard once, is better to do intervals. That trains your heart to accelerate on demand and slow down for recovery. Also rather than work hard for 30 minutes and then slow down for 2 hours. Try to find what is the speed that you can sustain for all that time. For instance, if you work our 30 minutes at 20 mph and then 2 hours at 12 mph, you will not get as good a work out as if you do all that time at 16 mph.

But again you have to decide what your goals are: recovery, fat burning, cardio, endurance, stamina, strength....

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What are the special trainers used for spin classes and where can I buy them?

best spin class bike image

Regina Pha

I go to spin classes and i know that there are special trainers that stick to the pedal, to help me go faster, but I don't know what they're called or where to buy them-can anyone help me?

Answer
You are talking about clipless pedals.

Spin bikes generally use SPD pedals and cleats for your shoes. You can buy the SPD clips at any bike shop or online. They are shaped like a little arrow and are metal. They are the mountain bike shoe cleats. They are under $20.

You will likely have to buy bike shoes too. I strongly recommend mountain bike shoes because they have tread on them whereas road bike shoes have a slick (sometimes carbon) sole. I have taken a bad slip wearing my old road shoes in spin class and then jumping off the bike and walking the tiled hall to the restroom.

check out these links
Shoes:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=2120

kinda pricey but will last you for years.

Cleats:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=1844&subcategory_ID=10047

The cleats are shown on a black shoe insert. You typically will not use that part. Once you get your gear, take it to a bike shop and have someone put on your clips for you. ( or buy it from your local bike shop)
But if you do it yourself, start with your clip placement exactly in the middle. If knee pressure or pain results, they you can play with repositioning the cleats on the bottom of your shoe.

Just verify with your spin instructor that they use SPD compatible pedals. For a time we had 2 bikes with Look system pedals and that is very different ( and highly unlikely in spin class)

What is the best indoor group spin bike for the price? And also if money were no object?

shanana

Hoping to hear from group fitness directors, spin class teachers, and any salepeople who can give an unbiased opinion. Looking to buy 20-30 new spin bikes within the next 2 months.

Answer
I'm a customer not an instructor, but I've been to a lot of clubs and rode a lot of spin bikes. The best one I've been on was a Lemond Revmaster. There have been other good ones, but the little design details of the Lemond made it really good for a hard-core roadie like me.

If money were no object, I'd get the CycleOps - link below

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is there a wii program to use with your exercise bike?

best at home spinning bike image

Villagequi

My husband has a spinning bike at home and I'm hoping there's a wii program (like the wii fit) that you can use to make the workouts more fun.

Answer
try the following:
punchout
walk it out
thebiggest loser
wiifit plus
wii sports resort

what is the smallest hydroelectric system?

seth

i was thinking about taking a water pump and trying to light an LED using a small stepper motor or something. what is the smallest application of this. today i bought a small dc motor and got it to light an LED by putting the spindle to a spinning wheel (bike tire) but there is no way i could get enough power from a water pump to turn that little motor fast enouph to light an led. so maybe i need a bigger dc motor and turbine? anyway...basically what is the smallest application possible to light the smallest energy using light. thank you!

Answer
Pico hydro power. It is a term used for hydroelectric power generation of under 5 kW. It is useful in small, remote communities that require only a small amount of electricity - for example, to power one or two fluorescent light bulbs and a TV or radio in 50 or so homes. Even smaller turbines of 200-300W may power a single home in a developing country with a drop of only 1 meter. Pico-hydro setups typically are run-of-stream, meaning that dams are not used, but rather pipes divert some of the flow, drop this down a gradient, and through the turbine before being exhausted back to the stream.

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Heart rate monitor compatibility with stationary bike?

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hanna a

I'm taking a spinning class at school and the bike does not show the amount of calories burnt unless I have a heart rate monitor recording my heart rate. My question is do I have to buy the heart rate monitor from the same manufacturer of the stationary bike (LaMond RevMaster Pro) or would any generic HR monitor do the trick?

Answer
A generic HR monitor, like I use, will not give you the calorie count. Just the HR which is a good thing to know anyway.

To know calories burned you have two options, to get the right monitor or just make and estimate. In average we burn 35 calories per mile, and 3500 calories (100 miles) is a pound of fat. A pound of fat burned is not a pound of weight lost. In any case, 35 calories per mile is about as much accuracy as you probably need.

Do Exercise Monitoring Watches/Bands Work on Stationary Machines?

starsnlaug

Specifically, I was looking at the Nike SportBand. Would it give an accurate reading if I did the treadmill, elliptical or spinning bike at my gym? Would it be best to just get a heart rate monitor?

Please only answer if you have a clue as to what I'm asking =) I've seen where people just throw out answers just to get the points. Thanks!

Answer
Well I assume you are talking about the pulse and heart rate monitors on gym equipment. These are fairly accurate, although they will never be 100% accurate but you will get a pretty good idea of your heart rate. Actual heart rate monitors are usually calibrated for the individual so may give a slightly more accurate reading but the ones on the stationary equipment wont be completely wrong. I have seen some that are very accurate.

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When is the 3DS update time?

best spin bike in australia image

Christian

For me it;s 7:45 and I was wondering at what time today the update will me?

Answer
IT'S 9:35PM PST!!! UPDATE DOWNLOADING, well that or it's taking forever to tell me my 3DS is already up to date. GO UPDATE NOW!!! :3 I like how I got a thumbs down for having the right answer. XP Not my fault you guys assumed Evening Pacific Standard Time was the same day and time all around the world...

I believe it will be around 9:00 pm pacific standard time. Right now it's 7:30pm so approximately 1 hours 30 minutes to go, but if they decide to, it could take up until 11pm, so that would be 3 hours and 30 minutes to go. Just be patient, it'll be here soon enough. Keep in mind, that if you are further East, 9:00pm could be 1 or more hours ahead. Pacific standard time equals the time in California, Washington, Oregon, etc. The left side of the US, for those who have problems with geography. Just because you live further East, doesn't make your update come sooner, it'll be available to everyone at the same instance, no matter where you live in the world. Otherwise people would fly to Hawaii to get the update 2 hours earlier than evening PST. So, while it's Monday here in California, it's Tuesday Europe, Asia, Australia, etc. That's why some get the update a day later, it's not really a day later, they're just living in the future. haha

I don't think people understand what pacific standard time is...Nintendo should have just said it would be available on June 7th and 8th. That way everyone would be happy thinking it was released early.

Excite bike will be free to download until July 6th, so you have 1 month after the update to get it, for those who are wondering.

If you want, you can just imagine that the update was delayed until June 7th for everyone in Canada, US, and Latin America, and June 8th for everyone in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica. lol

P.S.
OMFG PEOPLE!!! They said, EVENING PACIFIC STANDARD TIME!!! If you are too stupid to know what "evening" and "Pacific Standard Time" are, then you should stop playing with your 3DS and go learn how the world isn't flat and that there are different time zones. Go read about how the days and years and seasons work. It has to do with the world spinning, orbiting, and the tilt. If you live in Eastern United States or Canada, your update won't be available until 12am or later...so yes, that's June 7th for you people in the East Coast. Sucks to live in the future of the Pacific, doesn't it? haha

Questions about BMX bikes!!!!!!!??????

the_fall_o

i have alot of questions regarding the assembly and parts required for a new bmx bike. if you REALLY know what you are talking about please help me throught email or something:D
im desperate!

Answer
I ride Flatland BMX, and I'm constantly messing with my bike. If you give me some contact details, I can help you out.
I'm in Australia, by the way, so maybe I can answer your questions on MSN messenger, or something..??

Alternatively, here's a link to a forum on PedalBMX, the 'Tech/Repair/Parts' section, a website for riders, by riders... it has a lot of F.A.Q.'s on repair and maintenance.

http://www.pedalbmx.com/forums/view/17:tech-repair-parts

Most people usually have trouble with Bottom brackets (where the crank arms attatch to the bike), headsets, gyro's(what makes the bars able to spin without tangling in the brake cables), and even lacing spokes to rims and hubs.
It's all easy peasy to me, so feel free to contact me or give me your details and I'll show u how.

You know what? I'll fly across the world, come to ur house, and put ur bike together for you. After that, I'll clean your house, wash your car, then walk your dog, in an effort to out-do all the other answers to your question. lol
Not really, but at least it made me seem extra helpful. :) lol

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What's a good way to get started in cycling?

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Lov3sSci3n

I was a competitive swimmer for more than a decade and swam division I in college and have recently found out I'm not a bad runner either. The obvious next step for my overly competitive nature is to see if I can do some triathlons but I have to admit I know NOTHING about cycling. I'm in Austin, Tx and am wondering how people get into this sport. Any info helps thanks.

Answer
Lov

Pick up magazines on tri and cycling. I like Bicycling for the latter. See if you can borrow a good road bike. Buying an inexpensive bike is a waste of money.... if you like cycling you will want to upgrade immediately and you will take a loss on your first bike. If you want to spend $1200 to $1800 you can pick up a great bike on Craig's list or Ebay. BUT you must know exactly what you want!

There is a lot to learn in cycling. Techniques you need to learn right away are pedaling and bike handling. Spinning, and clipless pedals being the major issues. All three of the sports are different. If you thought cycling and running were similar.... get that out of your mind. They are not.

If you have friends who cycle hitch a ride with them to learn. If not join a club through a local bike shop. There are also clubs that are dedicated to tri-athletes.

Have a great summer!

Soccerref

How should I start training for the biking part of a triathlon this summer? I've always been a runner.........?

Someone

So I've had no experience competitively biking before but I'm a runner. I'm 16 years old and looking to do a sprint triathlon this summer. I need to get a bike before then too... so what kind of bike should I get? and how much do you think that would cost? (possible examples please?) and how should I go about training for it.. thanks

Answer
I 95% agree with the answer above, except that I think that for a 16 yo and first road bike and triathlon shopping for a used road bike makes FAR FAR more sense and that a used Steel frame road bike wouldn't be a problem. Steel makes great frames although the commenter before me is correct that the lighter frames of late have mostly been aluminum and that if you are looking only at less than 10 years old you will be mostly looking at aluminum. But I think that have 9 speed rear shifting vs 8 speed rear shifting or even 7 is really inconsequential at your riding level. And a 17lb bike vs. a 20lb bike isn't really that much difference either. Even indexed shifting is not that necessary for a 16 year old novice.

I'm not saying to avoid buying new, but if you budget is tight, and you are still possible growing and this is your very first triathlon, I would NOT PASS UP a good deal on a mid 80s to mid 90s Trek 1100 or a Specialized Allez or a Fuji Team just because it was steel with down tube shifters and 14 speed (7 rear speeds). If you could get something like that for $200 or $250 (very possible) it would be perfectly adequate for your first 1 or 2 seasons and make a great rain bike after that when you get a newer and better #1 bike at your adult height. And if you don't ever ride another Tri - you are out peanuts because you can sell it for what you paid for it easily.

What ever you end up getting invest in toe-clips at least but if at all possible clipless pedals and the shoes to go with them. Much much more efficient riding. Even with toe-straps you don't get as much benefit unless you get the shows and cleats anyway to get locked in properly . You can get by with sneakers and toe straps if you must - don't give up because you can't afford the best equipment for your FIRST race.

Good Luck - Also rather than always riding at full intensity, do some intervals at times - Hard for 2 miles, spin for 1 mile repeat several times. And ride hills.

Riding tips. SPIN SPIN SPIN. most people - guys especially - like to pound on the big gears and push hard at like 50 or 60 rpm (pedal revolutions - CADENCE is the technical term) this is bad training and riding besides not being the most efficient it can lead to knee and back problems You want to SPIN. SPIN at a cadence of about 100 or more (100 rpm). Even better SPIN at 120!!!!! You can race at 90 to 100. You produce more POWER with spinning than with mashing or pounding.

Make triangles to get good circles. A smooth efficient pedal stroke is to cycling what a good stride is to running. Think in three strokes per each circle on your WEAK leg - up to the top, down and back to the start. Focus on Pulling back and up and not mashing down - your legs will automatically do the down. Focus on your weaker leg because your stronger leg will do the same thing more naturally. On the flats always try to spin SMOOTHLY when you get tired on a hard pull, think about pulling UP with each leg, and focus on breathing and smooth strokes.

Cycling will mess up your running stride a bit if you've been training for distance at 6 minute miles or less especially. Your stride will shorten. I'd spend more time on the bike in the first weeks of training to build the conditioning because you need to train those new muscles, but the shift bake to even between running and riding as the race draws near to work on keeping your stride

Just my opinions

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How to convert recorded songs on a keyboard to sheet music?

best spin bike music image

Devin

Ok I just mastered the Animal Crossing introduction from the original GameCube and, I finally decided to make my own spin off. It sounds really good and I would like to document what I created into music form. I have recorded the song on my keyboard and now I'm ready to convert it.

Can someone please point out some good music converter software and, tell me how to take my recording off my keyboard so I can convert the song. I have a MIDI cable that I can use I just don't know how to access the keyboards recording files.

Thank You

Answer
Some are called System; some have my first name. The most obnoxious one is called âTrusted Installer.â Iâve found hundreds of unwanted little programs on my computer. Some are little snips of videos of boys riding BMX bikes (I have no children) and backgrounds called âBaby Boy.â There are audio and music files I didnât ask for, didnât download, and have no use for.

What are some good clean songs that get your adrenaline pumping?

Derek Berk

I'm on a swim team and I want to have some clean music that has good lyrics that will get me ready to swim. could anybody help?

Answer
Ahh... really it depends on what kind of music your interested in....

Thunderstruck-ACDC
Contagious-Trapt
Fake it- Seether
I can ride my bike with no handlebars- Flowbots
I get it- Chevelle
I'm shipping up to Boston- Dropkick Murphys
the only-Static-X
Face down- Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Smooth criminal- Alien Ant Farm
Sound of Madness- Shine Down
Wanted-Jessie James
We Made You- Eminem
You Spin Me Round- Dope
Young -Hollywood Undead
You're Gonna Go Far Kid-The Offspring
Mr. Brightside-The Killers


Um...yea i tried to get a little bit of variety in there because i mostly like rock...but hope this helps

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What are the best types of home exercise equipment?

best spinning bikes for home image

Luke F

I do not have any rooms in my house large enough to have a full gym and I don't have enough time to go to a professional gym, so I want two or three bits of equipment I was thinking a multi-gym compact, a spin bike and a punching ball and bag.
But what bits of equipment will I need to get the best workout at home possible?

Answer
1.dumbells are always good.. u can work your full body with them
2. a bowflex is great.. u can get solid workouts from them.
3. a piece of cardio equipment is always good.... so u can burn fat, bike, eliptical, or treadmill

look to something in this list...

What are some ways to change bad habits?

Olive Cray

I just purchased a New in home Spin bike and I dont want it to become a new piece of furniture....I want to use it and continue to use it, but I am a serious couch potatoe...DVD's and the remote is what I'm used to....How can I get up?
Is it possible to gain new habits...purposly?

Answer
Yes, I too was and am secretly a couch tater. I get up with a good DVD workout, keep a diary of my good and bad habits- for accountablity, and have a secret body fantasy in mind while I workout.
If you dream it, you can acheive it- corny... hell yes, but it works. Get a picture of someone whose body you admire, and look at it everyday to keep sight of your goals. You can be just as hot with time and determination. It's going to be hard, but that is okay. It really is.

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What's a good playlist for a beginner who wants to spin?

best spinning bike dvd image

delorpompo

I have an iPod and I'm a beginner when it comes to using a stationary bike, so are there any suggestions for a playlist?

Answer
Clap for the Wolfman by The Guess Who
Peter Gunn by the Blues Brothers
Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood
Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
The Overture to the Barber of Seville by Rossini.
Check out a DVD of the movie Breaking Away to understand my suggestion
Ghost Riders in the Sky by The Outlaws
Twilight Zone by Golden Earing
Good Luck

is the Huffy Plague a good flatland bike for beginners?

i want to get in to flatland and dont know what bike to get.any other suggestions or links?

Answer
Ignore the dude above me, he doesn't know what he's talking about. lol

I don't know what the Huffy bike looks like, but I DO know Flatland, and Huffy is not a brand that any serious Flatland rider will use.
If you want a bike that is grear for flatland, and not too expensive, here are 2 bikes I recommend... both are perfect beginner bikes for Flatland, and both are not too expensive, either...

http://www.flatlandfuel.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1322
http://www.flatlandfuel.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1331

The good thing about both of these bikes is that even though the parts are beginner orientated, the frames are jsut as good as pro-level frames, so if you stick with Flatland and you want to upgrade your bike, you can just upgrade the parts without having to get a whole new bike. All the parts you'll need are on that site... ( http://www.flatlandfuel.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=2 ) I get all my parts from these guys, they are awesome :)
Flatland bikes are different to regular BMX's, in the sense that they are designed with light weight in mind, and frame and parts geometry to allow for easier spinning and one-wheel riding (shorter top tube).

To become more knowledgeable on all things Flatland, check out this site, and while ur there, join up and ask a few questions... you'll learn a lot :) http://www.global-flat.com/news/

Also, I highly recommend you get this dvd, it helped me a lot when I first started riding Flat... http://flatlandfuel.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=630 The description of the product explains what it is, exactly. If you don't know many Flatland tricks, you will after watching this dvd.

Best of luck, bro...!! Flatland, as awesome as it is to pull tricks infront of hot chicks (lol), it's really frustrating to learn, so be patient, and don't give up. Every trick feels really awkward at first, and sometimes even impossible, but stick with it, and they will surely become easier.

Email me if you have any more questions, bro.

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What makes/models/year of auto have alternators with magnetized rotor, internal regulators?

best spinning bike with power meter image

dinotheori

I would like to make an electric exercise bike that produces 12 volts and allows me to adjust the resistance simply by increasing/decreasing the electical load. Driving the right alternator via a belt from a back bicycle rim should be the simplest way to make that.
Thank you Tony and Bruce, these answers are very helpful. I'm most interested in being able to use an as-is alternator without internal modification. I would be going with the motorcycle battery idea. I would use this bicycle to get exercise because the traffic is too bad to keep up a good cardio rate. It seems ridiculous to not capture that energy if it is technically possible to do so. I would running an air compressor, water pump, a hydrogen generator or whatever will store the energy... maybe even just a car battery, but if I could vary the power setting on a compressor or a pump and change my resistance that way... yee ha!

Answer
I understand what you are trying to do. However I've never heard of an automotive alternator with permanent magnets. They USED to have generators that had perm mags but that was a very long time ago and they don't make them that way any longer.

Being a Power Generation & Distribution engineer, I know a little about alternators. They work by sending a varying voltage to the coil (rotor) that is spinning within the outer coils (stator). The AC is rectified by diodes and then is sent to the cars electrical system, recharging the battery and powering other electronics.

To make what you are describing I have seen videos of people who remove the rotor (inner coil of wire) and replace them with speaker magnets. That's the only way I believe you are going to create what it is you are looking for. Now, if you don't want the expense and trouble of doing all that work then you can go to most any bicycle shop and buy this same generator you are looking for. I don't know how much they cost but they're out there.

OR you can just hook up a regular alternator to a car battery (or motorcycle battery) and build the circuit the same way as it is in the vehicle and make the same thing. The only drawback with that is you need to do some wiring and have a battery hanging around. But building a generator on your own, you still have wiring to do.

And you haven't even considered how you're going to meter the load. You may accomplish that by several switches that turn on different wattages of light bulbs. Using a little "Diode Logic" you should be able to create a varying load to suit your desires. However, isn't it just easier to get out there and ride? That's what I do.

Hope this helps.

'av'a g'day mate.

")

Can you recommend a make/model of a good indoor spinning bike?

mrmagoo

Any advice on a good make/model for an indoor spinning bike? thanks

Answer
Hands down the best indoor bike is the CycleOps with a PowerTap for $1900:
http://www.rei.com/product/736225

Without the power meter you can get it for $1100:
http://www.rei.com/product/736222

Another one that's good is the Lemond RevMaster, also $1000 and up:
http://www.lemondfitness.com/products_info.php?id=5

I would recommend a trainer or rollers though, to use with a regular outdoor bike. Much cheaper!
http://coachlevi.com/cycling/pros-cons-stationary-trainers-and-rollers/

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What type of resistance trainer will work with my bike?

best budget spinning bike image

xkailyn23

even though i am seventeen, my mom refuses to let me ride my bike any where alone.
i am looking to get in some training for a ride i want to take that is really long.
i know that resistance trainers are not cheap, but please consider i have a very tight budget.
what would work for my mountain bike?
on it, it says giant sedona sram max.
thanks in advance.

Answer
For a mountain bike, you have two options:
1. A trainer that is rim drive and has little wheels that spin on the rim and provide resistance. I have one made by Minoura.
2. A spare wheel, a slick tire, and the more popular type of trainer that the tire spins. I also have a Cycleops fluid 2 trainer. This option provides better resistance training, but is more expensive.

What are fun things to do around or in the Aspen Colorado area?

Cookie777

Will have about 5 days to do stuff. On a budget but love western history.

Answer
Indoor Climbing:
Aspen is the home of two great indoor climbing facilities:
Aspen Athletic Club and Aspen Recreation Department

On Horseback:
The T-Lazy-7 Ranch is the only place left in Colorado where you can ride to the world-famous Maroon Bells. They specialize in top quality lunch rides, unmatched in scenery. Miles of trails wander around the Ranch and through the mountains.
(970) 925-4614

Capitol Peak Outfitters offers a full range of horseback opportunities: from hourly rides, to all expense wilderness pack trips, to fully guided hunting and fishing expeditions.
(970) 963-0211

Ride a Bike:
Aspen Bike Tours does everything but pedal your bike.
(970) 920-4059

Aspen Velo is Aspen's kick-a-Roo bike shop. Located in "old" Aspen. They feature "next-day" service, a super-knowledgeable staff, and an attitude towards customer-service that would make your Grandma smile. (970) 925-1495

Go Rafting:
Blazing Adventures offers rafting trips on a number of local rivers, with everything from calm float trips designed for the entire family (including children as young as six) to hair-raising plunges through the awesome rapids of the Arkansas River, and just about everything in between. Blazing Adventures also offers bicycle, jeep, hike trips, and on mountain dinners. Blazing Adventures is permitted by the State and US Forest Service for all of these activities. (800) 282-7238

Since 1979, Colorado Riff Raft has brought the excitement of white water rafting not only to families and first time rafters, but also to veteran boaters looking for the ultimate in Class V thrills. (800) 759-3939

Go Fishing:
Aspen Trout Guides is a fly and spin fishing service based out of Stefan Kaelin Pro Shop in Aspen, Colorado. Offering one-on-one with specialized fly casting instruction on the Roaring Fork or Frying Pan Rivers, or take a family for a spin fishing trip to one of our local mountain lakes. (970) 920-1050

Whether you want to fish Drakes on the Pan, chase cuts in the high-country, or splash sofa pillows to pigs off the bow of drift boat, spend a day with the Frying Pan Anglers guides for the time of your life! (970) 927-3441

At Timberline Bicycle Tours, is in their 13th season of guiding mountain bike trips around Aspen and the Colorado Rockies. (800) 842-BIKE

Get Culture:
Aspen Art Museum is one of the few year-round cultural institutions serving the Roaring Fork Valley. They have a great rotating exhibition which is geared towards contemporary art, but also features work from other historical periods and cultures. (970) 925-8050

Aspen Theatre in the Park provides a professional theatre and school in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley that produces contemporary, classical and new works, offers educational programs, and integrates local and national talent. (970) 925-9313

The Wheeler Opera House presents the finest performers in the country in the 1889 Opera House. (970) 925-8043

You could also contact Aspen's Chamber of Commerce and inquire about other points of interest in their city. Enjoy and have fun!

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Have you ever made out with a stranger?

best spin cycle music image

Peach Rose

If so - why, where and how was it?


I once kissed a guy at a music festival, i was so drunk and it was a total spin cycle makeout - not attractive, yeeeuch!

Answer
It was awesome everytime!!

Cyclist do you believe Spinning can imitate a true ride experience?

KidFromBro

If so what are the key things that make this idea? Music? Program? Instructor with cycling experience? Or other?

Answer
I DO believe that some types of spinning are great substitutes for actual riding. I am a triathlete and train about 5 days a weeks on the bike. On the days that i do long extended intervals(10 to 12 min) i like to do this on the trainer because i can up the drag on my trainer to make it harder on my body as well as get in an uninterrupted long interval in. I find that when i try to do intervals on the road something is always going wrong. Flats, having to stop for traffic(which ruins that part of the workout entirely), not having enough daylight....... whatever the situation i can always complete my interval rides on my trainer uninterrupted.

Now for long rides..... You need to do those on the open road to get used to dealing with the weather conditions like wind, and turning, or riding with a group, and holding a steady pace while staying in a straight line.

In the winter time all i do i run on the raods and spin on my trainer. And in early spring when i am trying to get ready for those early road races and individual time trial events, I am on my trainer quite a bit. I love the trainer for high intenity workouts. like intervals or power sprints or even just putting that baby on a high friction level and just grinding for and hour or so.

But when it comes to developing road racing skills like pack riding and the brains to race with higher level cyclists...... the trainer is no comparison for the open road.

Use you trainer for what it is .... A trainer...... not for the entire sport of cycling. Intervals, or your off day slow easy rides are what i find the trainer best suited for.

Good luck and have fun. But remember to get outside some and learn how to develop cycling abilities the trainer cannot develop for you.

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