The My Vibe Thread

[Yankee Traveler]

When

Winn Dixie opened their flagship store in Weddington NC, I shopped there frequently and got to know people there.
One day a woman I kne there was signing up customers for their rewards card.
I filled out the app and she looked at it and said, "that's not your phone number"
I told her it was a phony number. She said they would not use my number for anything.
I laughed and told her that she would soon hear in the news of an insurance company declining a claim for a cancer patient because their shopping records showed that they started smoking. You'd also read that some divorce attorney was able to prove you were a drunk because of all the beer you bought. She was shocked!
2 years later I found that every checker in the store used my phony number when people did not have their card with them.
I had over $2000 worth of credits saved up!
What's the moral of this story?

757-495-9180.

Who's phone number is that?

Fucked if I know, but I give it to businesses...

 

[Yankee Traveler]

Anyone here an expert on bikes? I've only been doing it a couple years and bought my first real one today. Decent ones are not cheap and there are a lot of pretenders making comparisons very difficult.

A great starter for full suspension mountain bikes.
Disc brakes, good derailleurs, good shifters.

And upgradable to better parts as well. Something I found out is a good thing, as parts wear out and new improved pieces become available.

Full Suspension - Mountain - Shop Bikes | Diamondback Bikes

www.diamondback.com

 

[nefansince75]

Specialized makes great bikes.
Mine is a mountain bike but if I bought another road bike, I would buy carbon fibre and a really good lock!

I looked through a lot of bikes and the predominant question I used was "why not this one?" and other than the higher end Specialized, this was the only one I couldn't find the answer to. Cannondale would have been on that list too but my local guy didn't carry it and I bought from him.... and he treated me really well (like for starters, immediately leading me to the right bike and not even hinting at more bike/cash).

 

[NWPATSFAN]

More looking for a discussion of what I bought. I'm pretty certain I over bought, but it's easier to overbuy and accept it than underbuy and not have something you later want. Ultimately I fell back on spending more on something worth it's value though I may not need it all. For example, I went with a carbon frame, not because it's lighter but rides smoother. Did I need that? probably not but it's difficult turning aluminum into carbon later.

Really depends on what kind of riding you plan on doing?

I have a Trek Domane. I ride 20-35 miles 2 to 3 times a week, with about 60-80 miles on Sunday. It's aluminum with a front carbon fork. The roads I ride are pretty good. But even then on long rides with some secondary roads you can feel it in your arms and shoulders.

I'm getting ready for a 900km, 7 day ride in January.

 

[nefansince75]

A great starter for full suspension mountain bikes.
Disc brakes, good derailleurs, good shifters.

And upgradable to better parts as well. Something I found out is a good thing, as parts wear out and new improved pieces become available.

Full Suspension - Mountain - Shop Bikes | Diamondback Bikes

www.diamondback.com

Those seem to rival what I bought. I quickly found the good makers listed all the specs while the discounted guys (Amazon bikes, Bike direct) seemed to highlight the desirable specs and hide the less desirable ones. They wanted you to think "carbon frame, $700 cheaper, we have a winner".

I know I over bought, but what I bought is worth the price.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

This is the one I bought (in 56, not 44)

Roubaix

With seven wins at Paris-Roubaix, our Roubaix has proven that Smoother is Faster. Until this moment, however, smooth has admittedly come with some compr...

www.specialized.com

I have a Dawes road bike. Old.
I've had it since the early eighties.
I basically ride my full suspension on and off road. Just so much more comfortable.

 

[nefansince75]

Really depends on what kind of riding you plan on doing?

I have a Trek Domane. I ride 20-35 miles 2 to 3 times a week, with about 60-80 miles on Sunday. It's aluminum with a front carbon fork. The roads I ride are pretty good. But even then on long rides with some secondary roads you can feel it in your arms and shoulders.

I'm getting ready for a 900km, 7 day ride in January.

I wasn't set on carbon until learning it's the smoothness of the ride that carbon gives and if you want to ride a lot, anything that doesn't discourage the ride is a good thing. But make no mistake, I'm still a newbie.

 

[Southieinnc]

I wasn't set on carbon until learning it's the smoothness of the ride that carbon gives and if you want to ride a lot, anything that doesn't discourage the ride is a good thing. But make no mistake, I'm still a newbie.

Carbon fibre is more ridgid. It flexes less under hard pedaling.
Since you are a newbie, there are a few things to know:
Carbon fibre is very strong but can fail completely with little warning.
Don't throw it in the back of your truck - don't get any scratches or nicks!
Inspect the frame frequently!
Absolutely do not over-tighten components - you will crack the frame!
Read the owners manual page by page - every line.
buy a stainless steel chain if you need to.
Buy a good air pump from your dealer.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Carbon fibre is more ridgid. It flexes less under hard pedaling.
Since you are a newbie, there are a few things to know:
Carbon fibre is very strong but can fail completely with little warning.
Don't throw it in the back of your truck - don't get any scratches or nicks!
Inspect the frame frequently!
Absolutely do not over-tighten components - you will crack the frame!
Read the owners manual page by page - every line.
buy a stainless steel chain if you need to.
Buy a good air pump from your dealer.

Yes this was the next thing I was going to speak of. Things as simple as over tightening bottle rack screws can easily strip and begin to weaken the frame.
Some critics will say the weight saved isn't worth it unless you're racing or riding long distances.
The softer ride given the flex is a nice feature.

 

[YankeeRebel]

Really depends on what kind of riding you plan on doing?

I have a Trek Domane. I ride 20-35 miles 2 to 3 times a week, with about 60-80 miles on Sunday. It's aluminum with a front carbon fork. The roads I ride are pretty good. But even then on long rides with some secondary roads you can feel it in your arms and shoulders.

I'm getting ready for a 900km, 7 day ride in January.

Do you wear those faggy little wanna be Tour De France clothes?

 

[nefansince75]

Carbon fibre is more ridgid. It flexes less under hard pedaling.
Since you are a newbie, there are a few things to know:
Carbon fibre is very strong but can fail completely with little warning.
Don't throw it in the back of your truck - don't get any scratches or nicks!
Inspect the frame frequently!
Absolutely do not over-tighten components - you will crack the frame!
Read the owners manual page by page - every line.
buy a stainless steel chain if you need to.
Buy a good air pump from your dealer.

Yes this was the next thing I was going to speak of. Things as simple as over tightening bottle rack screws can easily strip and begin to weaken the frame.
Some critics will say the weight saved isn't worth it unless you're racing or riding long distances.
The softer ride given the flex is a nice feature.

I did a lot of reading before buying. My old bike held me back at times and I wouldn't have bought if it hadn't. I don't plan to buy again soon (or ever actually) so I really wanted the best (for me). I rarely spend money on myself so this became my "perfect storm".

I appreciate the advice. When I'm a newb I can be a total idiot and show it (not that I care since showing it can lead to stop being it). But I catch on quick.

 

[nefansince75]

Do you wear those faggy little wanna be Tour De France clothes?

Since I don't care what anyone else thinks the answer was no for a long time when the "fashion" dictated I should. Then my indoor setup created the need. They're built that way for a reason and they work.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Do you wear those faggy little wanna be Tour De France clothes?

You bettcha.

I also use chamois (butt cream) on longer rides.

 

[YankeeRebel]

Get a rowing machine much better work out

 

[nefansince75]

Get a rowing machine much better work out

The best workout is the one you are willing to do. The same holds true for diets.

 

[YankeeRebel]

The best workout is the one you are willing to do. The same holds true for diets.

Noatradmus is that you?


My only point is rowing machines work out 86% of your muscle. if you just want to ride a bike cool, if you are looking for a workout rowing machines are a great option

 

[nefansince75]

Noatradmus is that you?


My only point is rowing machines work out 86% of your muscle. if you just want to ride a bike cool, if you are looking for a workout rowing machines are a great option

I may be but clearly you are not Nostradamus or you would have saved me a lot of effort by posting this before I bought the bike.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Noatradmus is that you?


My only point is rowing machines work out 86% of your muscle. if you just want to ride a bike cool, if you are looking for a workout rowing machines are a great option

So is swimming and lifting. Which I also do.

Cycling is a way of life. It's an escape. Outdoors, by yourself. Great solitude just you and your thoughts. Riding with friends can enhance it and on occassion push you harder than you planned. With friends it can be a workout with also some time to break bread or have a nice adult beverage.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

I may be but clearly you are not Nostradamus or you would have saved me a lot of effort by posting this before I bought the bike.

Really? You'd give up the great outdoors to sit in a room rowing. I'd rather watch paint dry. When I'm away and my only option is a stationary bike, after 30 minutes I want to shoot myself. You know with one of those assault weapons.

 

[YankeeRebel]

So is swimming and lifting. Which I also do.

Cycling is a way of life. It's an escape. Outdoors, by yourself. Great solitude just you and your thoughts. Riding with friends can enhance it and on occassion push you harder than you planned. With friends it can be a workout with also some time to break bread or have a nice adult beverage.

Mehh rowing is still the better work out over cycling. But I get what you mean, I never owned a treadmill b/c I like hiking. Someone can row for 15 minutes get a great workout then take a hike for leisure. In the end it's all about please you personally.