New To Forum-Strangely Obsessed With 2 Wheels

[kamikazejane]

Not really new to riding but new to the forum. My name is Jane and I am from Michigan. Been using road biking for training for motorcycle racing over the years but never really got too hardcore into it, however repeated damage to my back from crashing has forced me to give up motorized 2 wheels. Just recently I have found myself becoming obsessed with road biking and trying to get faster and faster. Probably something to do with my competitive nature. I picked up a Felt F65 from a friend a few years back and just splurged on a Specialized Crux Expert Force (which I love) for cross training. Now that I am riding more I am realizing the Felt really doesn't fit me right and I am finding excuses to buy a Specialized Amira to take its place. Can't have just one bike, have to have two because you never know

I would like to get into racing but still trying to figure out if I can hang in the bike race scene as well as all the different types of races to do etc. Any suggestions or advice would be great.

Looking forward to learning a few things from you ladies about the bike scene and possibly meet a few of you if you are from the SE Michigan area.

[pinsonp2]

If you can fit on a 51 CM Amira, Jack's Bikes in Dearborn has a left over 2010 that I bet you could get a deal on.

Welcome to TE from another SE Michigander. I just ride for recreation so I can't help with anything racing.

enjoy,
P2

[Jo-n-NY]

I don't race but have an Amira. The bike excells like a rocket and climbs beautifully. It certainly will make a great race bike for sure!

[TigerMom]

Another Amira lover here.

I think that we are all obsessed with n+1 bikes.

Just got my new road bike this year and still dreaming of all the other bikes that I would love to have in my stable. For me, personally, give me a new bike over jewelry anyday!
_______________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[Eden]

If you absolutely *cannot* crash anymore because of your back, I'd suggest going for a different competitive route than road racing.... Challenge yourself in other ways, try non-competitive rides, if those aren't challenging enough, look into randonneuring and ultra distance events, do time trials or triathlon, but avoid pack racing.

No one wants to go into a racing event with the mindset that you will crash... then you will.... but you do have to be realistic that it is quite possible, in fact probable to inevitable that if you race with any sort of consistency and you are actually competitive (in other words not always directly off of the back and alone) that you will at some point be involved in a crash. While I'm sure that the impacts are less than in a motorsport crash, not every tumble is as benign as patching up road rash. If you are fragile in any way, you can still get hurt and being obsessively conservative, perversely will likely put you in a position where it is actually more likely that you'll be caught up when crashes do occur...

[MGM]

The Amira's a great bike! I just helped a male friend buy his first road bike last week, and I was so pleased when we found a good deal on an '11 Tarmac - the male or unisex version of the Amira - and he loved the bike so much that decided to get it. It's a fast, fairly light bike, good at climbing. I have the Specialized Ruby, which I absolutely love, so right now I'm very partial to Specialized. I won't try to talk you out of the Amira, get the bike that gives you joy to ride. Felt makes a nice bike too, but hey, it's the wrong size. So you'd be doing yourself a favor to get a bike that fits.

I'm very good at enabling...

Have you considered other kinds of competitions than just pure racing? Like maybe triathlons - something you could push yourself on and compete, but not as hazardous as road racing. Just a thought.

[murielalex]

Hi. Just wanted to say welcome. I grew up just outside of Flint, Mi. and miss having real trees and four seasons.

[Kiwi Stoker]

+1 about crashing. I am not a hardcore Category road racer but have crashed in an event (caused by another person) and broke my collar bone. The next year I caused a more serious accident and destroyed my shoulder joint on a friendly ride (only myself hurt).

Part of cycling on roads is that even if you are the most careful rider there is always someone else, either a motorist or another cyclist who can cause you to have an accident. And those accidents can mean major damage.

But enough about the downside of cycling- there's so many good parts too. And yes you can never have too many bikes. Enjoy yourself!

[kamikazejane]

Thanks ladies for the welcome and advice as well. My local bike shop is bringing over a 51cm Ruby from their other store for me to test out size wise. They analyzed the Felt size situation for me yesterday and agree that no matter what adjustments they make it still won't be the most beneficial route to take. Can't go any smaller on the stem, putting the seat forward more causes me to peddle with my knees instead etc.. I did 50 miles on the Crux yesterday pain free...can barely make 20 miles on the Felt without discomfort It's amazing what a world of different a proper fitting bike makes. Peddling is so effortless on the Crux while the Felt I feel like every portion of my body is moving with each peddle stroke which I am sure uses up more energy.

Thanks again for the advice and welcome. I appreciate it.

[kamikazejane]

If you can fit on a 51 CM Amira, Jack's Bikes in Dearborn has a left over 2010 that I bet you could get a deal on.

Welcome to TE from another SE Michigander. I just ride for recreation so I can't help with anything racing.

enjoy,
P2

Thanks. I will have to give them a call. The shop by me only has a 51cm Ruby in stock. I think the Amira is more of what I am looking for.

Do you know of any local women's riding groups at all? Unfortunately I am all the way up in northern Macomb County : (

[kamikazejane]

Another Amira lover here.

I think that we are all obsessed with n+1 bikes.

Just got my new road bike this year and still dreaming of all the other bikes that I would love to have in my stable. For me, personally, give me a new bike over jewelry anyday!

lol I hear you. That's how I was with motorcycles. Unfortunately my ex husband gave me a ring for our engagement instead of a Ducati like I asked for.....maybe that's why he is the ex now

[kamikazejane]

If you absolutely *cannot* crash anymore because of your back, I'd suggest going for a different competitive route than road racing.... Challenge yourself in other ways, try non-competitive rides, if those aren't challenging enough, look into randonneuring and ultra distance events, do time trials or triathlon, but avoid pack racing.

No one wants to go into a racing event with the mindset that you will crash... then you will.... but you do have to be realistic that it is quite possible, in fact probable to inevitable that if you race with any sort of consistency and you are actually competitive (in other words not always directly off of the back and alone) that you will at some point be involved in a crash. While I'm sure that the impacts are less than in a motorsport crash, not every tumble is as benign as patching up road rash. If you are fragile in any way, you can still get hurt and being obsessively conservative, perversely will likely put you in a position where it is actually more likely that you'll be caught up when crashes do occur...

Great team you have there Eden. How awesome!!!! Such inspiration.

Unfortunately crashing is always the furthest thing from my mind which can be a good thing and a bad thing, even with my back. I've been trying to train for a century ride to see if I can make it and I think I am going to try a local low key crit as well. We will see.

[kamikazejane]

The Amira's a great bike! I just helped a male friend buy his first road bike last week, and I was so pleased when we found a good deal on an '11 Tarmac - the male or unisex version of the Amira - and he loved the bike so much that decided to get it. It's a fast, fairly light bike, good at climbing. I have the Specialized Ruby, which I absolutely love, so right now I'm very partial to Specialized. I won't try to talk you out of the Amira, get the bike that gives you joy to ride. Felt makes a nice bike too, but hey, it's the wrong size. So you'd be doing yourself a favor to get a bike that fits.

I'm very good at enabling...

Have you considered other kinds of competitions than just pure racing? Like maybe triathlons - something you could push yourself on and compete, but not as hazardous as road racing. Just a thought.

I would love to do tri's but running kills my back. I have 3 compressed vertebrae, spinal joint deformity and disc deterioration from one of my bad crashes so the constant pounding requires some pretty heavy pain pills after a run so I had to rule that one out Taking up knitting is probably the best choice for me lol

Oh and trust me, please enable away so that I can find more reasons to buy another road bike