New Rider with ?s

[neshanic]

Hi everyone. Chris here. I'm new to riding but am quickly getting really into it. I'm 41 and have 2 kids. My husband is a serious rider. He's been riding for years and I started riding just to have some time alone with him! Who knew I would grow to enjoy it so much :) .

I do have some ?s and am hoping someone can help me out.

1. I don't really have much weight to lose, but alot of toning that I need done - esp butt and thighs. My husband always downs alot of pasta after his rides and makes it for me as well. I was told by my friends at the gym just to eat protein. I'm confused. Which is it? Carbs or protein?

2. I want to pick up a computer/hr monitor to track each ride with. I want a wireless one. I've been looking at the new delphi Blackburn 5.0. Any recommendations?

3. I still have toe cages on my pedals. I really want to change to clip-ins. Can you suggest a good shoe that isn't super $$ (over $100) and which clip system you prefer?

Thanks again!!!
Chris

[KnottedYet]

I just got Speedplay Frogs a week ago. Before that I used cages for 10 years. Frogs are kind to your knees, have no moving parts, and are very very easy to clip in and out.

I'm becoming quite fond of them!

www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.frog

[DeniseGoldberg]

1....My husband always downs alot of pasta after his rides and makes it for me as well. I was told by my friends at the gym just to eat protein. I'm confused. Which is it? Carbs or protein?

You definitely need carbs to support your activity. You need some protein too, but just eating protein is not going to fuel your rides. There are three sports nutrition books that I've found very helpful: Sports Nutrition Guidebook, and The Cyclist's Food Guide, both by Nancy Clark (http://www.nancyclarkrd.com), and Eat Smart, Play Hard: Customized Food Plans for All Your Sports and Fitness Pursuits, by Liz Applegate. Two of the books are available at Amazon.com, and both of Nancy Clark's books are available via her web site.

On the pedals front, I'm a Speedplay Frog advocate too. They are classified as mountain bike pedals, but I use them on my road bikes.

Welcome to the world of cycling, and welcome to TE too!

--- Denise

[Nanci]

I'll put in my two cents worth on question #1. During the ride, you need mostly carbs, with a little protein if it's longer than a couple hours, and a little fat if it's really long. After the ride, you need something with a 4:1 carb/protein ratio ASAP, preferably within the first 30 minutes (even if you plan on eating a real meal as soon as you get home). This will help your muscles recover, and you won't be as sore/tired the next day as if you hadn't had a recovery drink/meal right away. There are commercial drinks, or choc milk, or a peanut butter sandwich, for example.

I think just riding is going to take care of your butt and thighs!!

Nanci

[fatbottomedgurl]

I was shopping by price and ended up with the CatEye CC-HR200DW. I like it a lot. It took me a while to get the sensor on the spoke in just the right spot. Setting the unit up is *not quite* rocket science.:)

[neshanic]

So carbs ARE my friend. LOL. Now I won't feel so guilty when I sit down for some pasta after my ride. I just won't overdue it.

As for the computer, I was able to get the Delphi 5.0 for under $80 so I just went with it. I think my husband had the cateye model that fatbottomgurl had. He likes his alot too but the Delphi has the cadence feature which I plan to use eventually.

The Speedplay Frog pedals do seem really popular. Do you like the cleat or the pedals? That will be my next investment. I'm happy to hear that they are easier on the knees. I'm currently nursing tendonitis of my quad and will be taking it easy for the next month or so.

Thanks for all your replies! I appreciate the help. You are such a friendly bunch!

ps - Nanci I hope you are right about the butt & thighs! I'm thinking they are looking better (before the injury made me stop) and am counting on further improvement to come!!!

[EvilTwin]

I'm a new rider too, got into it because of the new BF. I hadn't noticed a change in my butt and thighs by just looking in the mirror, so it was a bit discouraging... until.... I tried on a pair of my summer shorts this weekend, and man, did they ever fit better than they had in years!!! So, that was proof enough for me that the effort is well worth it.
Barb

[bcipam]

There are alot good threads and info on this forum re nutrition and what to eat while active. If active and doing sustained exercise such as cycling, carbs, proteins and fats are essential, all at the right time. Each body is alittle different so you'll have to experiment with what works for you. It has taken me years to get the combo correct.

As to eating carbs like pasta, moderation is the key. Small bowl, add veggies to the sauce or better a piece of chicken.

Shoes: cycling shoes are like regular shoes you have to find one that works for you - can't go by price you need to go by fit. If doing short rides it probably won't matter but going over 30 - 40 miles, good shoes will save your feet. I am a fan of Sidi's - they fit my feet like a glove and I've never had any problem with them. They can be very expensive. For road shoes I like the Genius 5's they run about $239, less if on sale. Sidi does make shoes for less than $100 but buy a good pair if you can, again your feet will thank you.

Computer: depends on what you what a computer for. There is a cheap little Cateye out there that works great and records mileage, trip distance , time and speed. I think its less than $30. I'm jonesing for the New Garmin GPS system made for bicycles that run about $400. But it does everything - probably more than I'll ever need. I just want it because...

Pedals like shoes are very individual. I think good beginner pedals are either Speedplays (X2 or X3's), or SPD 939's. Once you start with a pedal you won't begin you rode with cages! You also need to decide if you want to use a road or mtn bike pedal. Difference? The Shoes. With a Mtn bike pedal you can wear a "walkaround" shoes, spmething with a recess cleat. Either SPD's or better yet, Crank Brother Egg Beaters.

Have fun. Check around on the Forum for more information - there are ots of posts on shoes, cleats etc.

[Brina]

I am not real good on the nutrition side of things, so I will leave the experts to answer those quesitons.

Glad you found a computer you are happy with. I have the same cat eye as FBG and your dh. I really like it.

As to pedals, I have been spinning and riding my hybrid with spds and look shoes. Since I am keeping my hybrid (need somehting to pull the burley) I looked for new pedals and knew that I wanted something with a bigger platform underfoot. I went with Look Keo peddels and specialized wsd shoes.

[neshanic]

thanks again everyone for your information. Its so helpful to me. I'm really enjoying this site.

Chris