RiderX - All Comments

re: Faster #2 - Light Wheels

sean — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:52:35 GMT

I think aero is much more important that weight (except in accelerations and uphill).

re: Faster #7 - Heart Rate Monitors

ericgu — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:46:42 GMT

Mark,

The Carmichael book that I have - which I think is "the ultimate ride" - uses zones based not on HR but on their field test.

re: Faster #7 - Heart Rate Monitors

Mark W — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:46:21 GMT

There seem to be 2 sets of training zones: 1 set that is based on max HR (read the Carmichael book) is probably easier for beginners to get started. Another set (read Friel) is based on Anaerobic threshold which I think is more accurate but it presumes you know where your AT is. I totally agree that training in zones get me to slow down. I used to only know one effort and does not have an endurance base. Now in my 2nd year of structured training I can definitely ride longer and seems to be slightly faster. I would recommend buying a cheap HRM like this one and save your money for the next quantum jump that is a power meter. Mark W in Vancouver

re: Faster #2 - Light Wheels

Roadie — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:27:17 GMT

I liked your indepth analysis on light wheels and the marginal benefits you receive from a $2000 pair. It reminded me of a post I recently read analyzing the benefits of gluing down one's number compared with purchasing a set of 'aero' wheels. Take a look! http://lindapatch.typepad.com/dont_stop_believing_journ/2008/02/mit-wind-tunnel.html

re: Faster #3 - Ride with the fast guys

ericgu — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:52:16 GMT

Tommy,

I'm not against riding with other people - just riding with people that are a ton faster than you.

I'll get into that more in a future post.

re: Faster #3 - Ride with the fast guys

Tommy Williams — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:13:48 GMT

There is one big benefit: if you never ride with other people you won't know how slow you are, or how fast you could be.

re: Faster #1 - Aero bars

Mark W — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:15:08 GMT

Ha ha, you must have read my mind...

I actually bought an aero-bar (is this a pair of or does it count as one?) over Christmas with the intention of time trialling this coming year. I am getting the impression that time trials as a discipline is not as emphasized in this part of the world (as say in GB). I also do not have the budget to get a separate TT bike so I am in the phase of establishing my TT position on a trainer.

I read somewhere that the saddle should move up-and-in so your back is flatter.

So hopefully I will get my position ready by springtime, do some mock trials and participate some real races in the summer.

re: 2007 Summary

ericgu — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:13:20 GMT

The Stevens ride will start from Skykomish and go to the top. The lower part is too tight (and as you note, pretty windy at times). From Skykomish to the top, there are a couple of bridges where it's a bit tight, but the majority has a wide shoulder and has a couple of lanes to it.

re: 2007 Summary

dcrainmaker — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 03:01:27 GMT

A Stevens Pass ride would be fun - although a bit scary with all the drivers on the windy road. One of these days I'd like to do STP...but this year it conflicts with a race :( Good blog - keep it up. And Happy New Year!

re: Deep breath...

Mark W — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:05:20 GMT

oh man... hope everything turns out as right as they can be.

re: Deep breath...

matt — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:20:00 GMT

funny how you (at least I) always imagine being hit by a big truck, or being taken out by a paceline during a group ride... but when a crash actually happens it turns out to be a child?! that's life i guess. glad to hear you're more or less OK!

Deep Breath...

Eric Gunnerson's C# Compendium — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:02:23 GMT

An unexpected vacation. Here's why ...

re: Figuring calories per mile...

jmag — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:53:58 GMT

that was very informative, thanks

Popliteus

RiderX — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:19:53 GMT

Question: Popliteus is: The last european book craze The right-hand-man of Alexander the Great The cause

re: The importance of staying salty...

wife PhC — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:05:38 GMT

Nice catch Felix. Gotta read earlier to cause husband grief.