Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Road cycling for pleasure.. seeking feedback/advice.

Jimellow · 07-19-2006, 10:49 AM

I am distantly considering getting into road cycling..

While hiking, I often see people cycling on the roads in and around the parks, and it might be something that interests me. I used to have a mountain bike as a kid and would ride often with friends; not in a mountain environment, but instead around the city, etc.

I also see mountain bikers on the trails I am hiking, but of the two types of cycling, I am drawn more to road riding.

At this point, I suspect I am generally just seeking feedback in general regarding road cycling.. I tend to be a bit streaky in my physical interests.. I used to rollerblade daily, then shifted to running, outside and on a treadmill. Prior to all that I used to swim, and was on the swim team during the summer in my high school years. Lately, I've been hiking and enjoying it immensely.

Road cycling tends to be an activity that requires more of an investment financially, and thus I'd really like to think this through before "wasting" money on a bike, etc.

Also, one concern of mine is that I am a pretty tall (6' 2" ish) and thin fellow, and I am not sure if my body type is the best suited for leaning over handlebars for extended periods of time.. I am not concerned about leg strength, as that is where the majority of my muscle is, but my height makes me wonder if cycling might be hard on my back, etc.

If anyone has experience road cycling, on any level, I'd really appreciate any and all comments you are willing to share. I tend to favor physical activity outdoors, and generally my legs end up doing the brunt of the work. Cycling wouldn't be an exception here, and thus I suspect that is also why I may be drawn to it.

Lastly, at this point I don't really want to get into the specifics of bike recommendations, etc, but I would be curious if you could provide a ballpark price range for one interested in getting into road cycling at an entry level. I wouldn't need top of the line gear (obviously), but I'd also look to invest in quality gear.. I gather cycling can be quite a pricey investment, and certainly one of the most expensive I've considered pursuing, outside of buying a car.

Thanks.

07-19-2006, 10:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jimellow Junkie	Road cycling for pleasure.. seeking feedback/advice. I am distantly considering getting into road cycling.. While hiking, I often see people cycling on the roads in and around the parks, and it might be something that interests me. I used to have a mountain bike as a kid and would ride often with friends; not in a mountain environment, but instead around the city, etc. I also see mountain bikers on the trails I am hiking, but of the two types of cycling, I am drawn more to road riding. At this point, I suspect I am generally just seeking feedback in general regarding road cycling.. I tend to be a bit streaky in my physical interests.. I used to rollerblade daily, then shifted to running, outside and on a treadmill. Prior to all that I used to swim, and was on the swim team during the summer in my high school years. Lately, I've been hiking and enjoying it immensely. Road cycling tends to be an activity that requires more of an investment financially, and thus I'd really like to think this through before "wasting" money on a bike, etc. Also, one concern of mine is that I am a pretty tall (6' 2" ish) and thin fellow, and I am not sure if my body type is the best suited for leaning over handlebars for extended periods of time.. I am not concerned about leg strength, as that is where the majority of my muscle is, but my height makes me wonder if cycling might be hard on my back, etc. If anyone has experience road cycling, on any level, I'd really appreciate any and all comments you are willing to share. I tend to favor physical activity outdoors, and generally my legs end up doing the brunt of the work. Cycling wouldn't be an exception here, and thus I suspect that is also why I may be drawn to it. Lastly, at this point I don't really want to get into the specifics of bike recommendations, etc, but I would be curious if you could provide a ballpark price range for one interested in getting into road cycling at an entry level. I wouldn't need top of the line gear (obviously), but I'd also look to invest in quality gear.. I gather cycling can be quite a pricey investment, and certainly one of the most expensive I've considered pursuing, outside of buying a car. Thanks. __________________ Desperation is no excuse for lowering one's standards.