hybrid for aerobics?

Quoted message said:

I would like to ride on dirt roads outside
the city. My question is, is a hybrid good for aerobic exercise?

Thanks,

Kang

Not to be snide...but any bike is

[email hidden] (Kang) wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

In aftertoons and weekends, I would like to ride on dirt roads outside
the city. My question is, is a hybrid good for aerobic exercise?

Hybrids are fine for shorter rides (up to 2 or 3 hours). On longer rides, a
regular road bike is more comfortable because of the multiple hand positions
and more athletic riding position. Because of the riding position and
thinner tires, a road bike is also faster on flat roads, up hills, and down
hills.

"Kang" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi,

I want to do less running and start biking. Hopefully it is gentler
on my legs. I am considering a hybrid instead of a road bike. I will
use the bike for city commuting, and I do not think a road bike is good
for this. And I do not like riding with drop bars.

In aftertoons and weekends, I would like to ride on dirt roads outside
the city. My question is, is a hybrid good for aerobic exercise?

Yes they are good for aerobic exercise. The larger tires will
certainly help when you get on rough dirt roads and I just
saw a Trek hybrid tonight that was equipped with puncture
resistant tires.

I didn't get any specifics about what made them puncture
resistant, but you can bet that I wouldn't want to take my
road bike down a dirt road with lots of sharp rocks. The
tires wouldn't last very long if I did this on a regular basis.

(Kang) said:

Hi,

I want to do less running and start biking. Hopefully it is gentler
on my legs.

Yep. Uses some different muscles in different ways, also.

Quoted message said:

I am considering a hybrid instead of a road bike. I will
use the bike for city commuting, and I do not think a road bike is good
for this.

Road bikes are great commuters. Wider tires can be helpful.

Quoted message said:

And I do not like riding with drop bars.

🙂 This is the important thing, not whether a road bike is right. No
sense having a bike if you don't like riding it.

Quoted message said:

In aftertoons and weekends, I would like to ride on dirt roads outside
the city. My question is, is a hybrid good for aerobic exercise?

Thanks,

Kang

Any bike is good for aerobic exercise. Find a good bike shop and test
ride a bunch of different bikes, different styles. Try to do longer
test rides when you settle on a couple of models. To get the same
aerobic workout on a bike takes more time than when running, so think
about being on the bike for long periods.

(Kang) said:

My question is, is a hybrid good for aerobic exercise?

Yes. If you want to track your workout get a heart monitor, it really helps to find your
zones. I use an inexpensive Polar A3, it's a basic model, but works great. I ride a
Bianchi Milano, and usually keep my workout 80-85% of max.

http://www.bianchiusa.com/milano.html , in black, not quite a hybrid, but not a road
bike. I ride my local bike paths, half hour to two hours 4 to 6 times a week.
http://www.ci.eugene.or.us/PW/transportation/bike/bikeindex.htm
http://www.ci.eugene.or.us/PW/transportation/bike/MapsInfo/EugeneMap.PDF

Get a bike, get out and ride, you will get a workout if you can make the time to ride.
Just do it, as they say at Nike.

:-)

---
"BitwiseBob" - Bob Anderson
Eugene Oregon

Kang said:

Hi,

I want to do less running and start biking. Hopefully it is gentler
on my legs. I am considering a hybrid instead of a road bike. I will
use the bike for city commuting, and I do not think a road bike is good
for this. And I do not like riding with drop bars.

In aftertoons and weekends, I would like to ride on dirt roads outside
the city. My question is, is a hybrid good for aerobic exercise?

Yes (any bike is). But many "beginner" cyclists push hard against
high gears as they think it's more efficient. This is of course
anaerobic - for aerobic exercise you need to spin the pedals
faster in a lower gear.

Hybrids in general are designed to offer just the compromise
you need - comfortable road use and not fragile enough to prohibit
some off-road too.

--
jc

Remove the -not from email

(Kang) said:

And I do not like riding with drop bars.

When was the last time you tried to ride on drops, and how were they
set up?

I ride drop bars, and spend 90 percent of my time with my hands either
on the brake lever hoods, or on the bend of the bar just behind them.
I go to the drops when I need to go very fast (or fight a headwind),
and go to the tops when I need a break (drinking water, say).

My handlebars are set level with my saddle, and I have a comfortable
reach to the hoods and drops. Yes, I am hunched forward a little, but
this to me is far more comfortable than being bolt-upright.

I dislike flat handlebars because of the position they force my wrists
into taking. If you stand up and let your hands fall to your sides
loosely, then bend them at the elbows, you will note that your wrists
would fall into the position that they would be if you were riding on
the brake lever hoods of a drop handlebar--NOT where you'd put them on
a flat handlebar.

The advantages to drops are:

1) A variety of hand positions. Important for relieving fatigue,
staying relaxed, and avoiding tedium.

2) A more natural wrist position. ditto.

3) Increased aerodynamic efficiency. Yes, even on the hoods.

Do NOT dismiss drop handlebars out of hand. They require a bit more
attention to set-up and fit than flat handlebars, but, once set-up
comfortably for you, will be more comfortable and versatile for road
riding. Dropped bars have existed for over a hundred years of road
cycling--they would not have persisted if they were not useful,
comfortable, and efficient.

-Luigi

[Yes, I know. the standard drop-bar-newbie rant. But someone has to
say it]

Jeremy Collins said:

Kang said:

Hi,

I want to do less running and start biking. Hopefully it is gentler
on my legs. I am considering a hybrid instead of a road bike. I will
use the bike for city commuting, and I do not think a road bike is good
for this. And I do not like riding with drop bars.
In aftertoons and weekends, I would like to ride on dirt roads outside
the city. My question is, is a hybrid good for aerobic exercise?

Yes (any bike is). But many "beginner" cyclists push hard against
high gears as they think it's more efficient. This is of course
anaerobic - for aerobic exercise you need to spin the pedals
faster in a lower gear.

Hybrids in general are designed to offer just the compromise
you need - comfortable road use and not fragile enough to prohibit
some off-road too.

Hybrids are also heavier (ask me how I know :-P ). This can mean more
work for your legs.

Not that I'm not eagerly awaiting the appearance of the 2005 road bikes
at the local bike shops, mind you. I'm a weenie; I can't wait to buy a
lighter bike.

-km

--
the black rose
proud to be owned by a yorkie
http://community.webshots.com/user/blackrosequilts

the black rose said:

Jeremy Collins said:

Kang said:

Hi,

I want to do less running and start biking. Hopefully it is gentler
on my legs. I am considering a hybrid instead of a road bike. I will
use the bike for city commuting, and I do not think a road bike is good
for this. And I do not like riding with drop bars.
In aftertoons and weekends, I would like to ride on dirt roads outside
the city. My question is, is a hybrid good for aerobic exercise?

Yes (any bike is). But many "beginner" cyclists push hard against
high gears as they think it's more efficient. This is of course
anaerobic - for aerobic exercise you need to spin the pedals
faster in a lower gear.

Hybrids in general are designed to offer just the compromise
you need - comfortable road use and not fragile enough to prohibit
some off-road too.

Hybrids are also heavier (ask me how I know :-P ). This can mean more
work for your legs.

Not that I'm not eagerly awaiting the appearance of the 2005 road bikes
at the local bike shops, mind you. I'm a weenie; I can't wait to buy a
lighter bike.

-km

Remind me, km, which bike you have. Ever thought of replacing the wheels
and front fork? Of course no way am I discouraging you from buying a new,
lighter bike. Which one do you have in mind?

-Badger

On Tue, 27 Jul 2004 09:36:16 -0400, Luigi de Guzman <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

(Kang) said:

And I do not like riding with drop bars.

When was the last time you tried to ride on drops, and how were they
set up?

I ride drop bars, and spend 90 percent of my time with my hands either
on the brake lever hoods, or on the bend of the bar just behind them.
I go to the drops when I need to go very fast (or fight a headwind),
and go to the tops when I need a break (drinking water, say).

My handlebars are set level with my saddle, and I have a comfortable
reach to the hoods and drops. Yes, I am hunched forward a little, but
this to me is far more comfortable than being bolt-upright.

I dislike flat handlebars because of the position they force my wrists
into taking. If you stand up and let your hands fall to your sides
loosely, then bend them at the elbows, you will note that your wrists
would fall into the position that they would be if you were riding on
the brake lever hoods of a drop handlebar--NOT where you'd put them on
a flat handlebar.

The advantages to drops are:

1) A variety of hand positions. Important for relieving fatigue,
staying relaxed, and avoiding tedium.

2) A more natural wrist position. ditto.

3) Increased aerodynamic efficiency. Yes, even on the hoods.

Do NOT dismiss drop handlebars out of hand. They require a bit more
attention to set-up and fit than flat handlebars, but, once set-up
comfortably for you, will be more comfortable and versatile for road
riding. Dropped bars have existed for over a hundred years of road
cycling--they would not have persisted if they were not useful,
comfortable, and efficient.

-Luigi

[Yes, I know. the standard drop-bar-newbie rant. But someone has to
say it]

Having a hybrid with a straight bar, I have to say I agree completely with
you, and my next bike will be one with drop bars for the very reasons you
mention.

What ppl don't realize is that just b/c you have drop bars does not mean
you can have a more or less upright position. You just need to purchase a
bike with the right geometry for you.

I tried the Trek 1000C and it was very nice, and though I could -not- get
into the dropped position on a Trek 2200, I could easily do so on the
1000C. (just replace the seat post with a regular one).

A bike set up for racing -will- have a rather extreme difference in seat
height vs handlebar height, but this is not a -requirement- just b/c a bike
has drop bars.

-B

Badger_South said:

the black rose said:

Jeremy Collins said:

Kang wrote:

>Hi,
>
>I want to do less running and start biking. Hopefully it is gentler
>on my legs. I am considering a hybrid instead of a road bike. I will
>use the bike for city commuting, and I do not think a road bike is good
>for this. And I do not like riding with drop bars.
>In aftertoons and weekends, I would like to ride on dirt roads outside
>the city. My question is, is a hybrid good for aerobic exercise?

Yes (any bike is). But many "beginner" cyclists push hard against
high gears as they think it's more efficient. This is of course
anaerobic - for aerobic exercise you need to spin the pedals
faster in a lower gear.

Hybrids in general are designed to offer just the compromise
you need - comfortable road use and not fragile enough to prohibit
some off-road too.

Hybrids are also heavier (ask me how I know :-P ). This can mean more
work for your legs.

Not that I'm not eagerly awaiting the appearance of the 2005 road bikes
at the local bike shops, mind you. I'm a weenie; I can't wait to buy a
lighter bike.

-km

Remind me, km, which bike you have. Ever thought of replacing the wheels
and front fork? Of course no way am I discouraging you from buying a new,
lighter bike. Which one do you have in mind?

I've got a Cannondale M300, bought in early '99, so it's a '98. Heavy
sucker, but it's very comfortable, at least up to 25 miles (which is all
I'm up to yet). It's so heavy that I'm not sure if replacing the wheels
and front fork will make *that* much of a difference. It's an
exaggeration to say it weighs twice as much as my 18-yr-old's R400, but
dang if it doesn't feel like it.

I'm considering the C'dale R1000 feminine, the Specialized Dolce Comp,
and maybe the Trek 2200 WSD. Can't do any test rides until the 2005's
come in, unfortunately. These are all women-specific and reasonably
light. If money becomes more of an issue -- we're going to have one kid
going into college, and a high schooler taking college courses as well,
so it might -- I'll have to ramp that back to R500, Dolce Sport, and
1500, but I'll pout for months if I have to do that.

I'm shopping for an LBS as much as a bike -- the Cannondale/Jamis store
was downright friendly. I've been in there now a bunch a times, picking
up small things -- there's always a wave, a greeting, hey how ya doing,
what can I do for you today, friendly natter. Excellent customer
service. No matter what I buy, I just might take it there to be
serviced. It was the only store I walked into where I felt welcome.

-km

--
the black rose
proud to be owned by a yorkie
http://community.webshots.com/user/blackrosequilts

Thank you guys for the information.

Maybe I should re-consider drop bars. I do not think I am quite
concerned
about aerodynamics and speed per se. I do want to get efficient and
effective aerobic exercise (with a comfortable posture). I am
thinking about heart rates around 170 bpm, which I routinely do in
running. Maybe a slower bike is not good for that purpose.

I think the other thing I should pay attention to is not to get
injured while
riding for long periods.

Thanks a lot.

Kang

Badger_South <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

On Tue, 27 Jul 2004 09:36:16 -0400, Luigi de Guzman <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

(Kang) said:

And I do not like riding with drop bars.

When was the last time you tried to ride on drops, and how were they
set up?

I ride drop bars, and spend 90 percent of my time with my hands either
on the brake lever hoods, or on the bend of the bar just behind them.
I go to the drops when I need to go very fast (or fight a headwind),
and go to the tops when I need a break (drinking water, say).

My handlebars are set level with my saddle, and I have a comfortable
reach to the hoods and drops. Yes, I am hunched forward a little, but
this to me is far more comfortable than being bolt-upright.

I dislike flat handlebars because of the position they force my wrists
into taking. If you stand up and let your hands fall to your sides
loosely, then bend them at the elbows, you will note that your wrists
would fall into the position that they would be if you were riding on
the brake lever hoods of a drop handlebar--NOT where you'd put them on
a flat handlebar.

The advantages to drops are:

1) A variety of hand positions. Important for relieving fatigue,
staying relaxed, and avoiding tedium.

2) A more natural wrist position. ditto.

3) Increased aerodynamic efficiency. Yes, even on the hoods.

Do NOT dismiss drop handlebars out of hand. They require a bit more
attention to set-up and fit than flat handlebars, but, once set-up
comfortably for you, will be more comfortable and versatile for road
riding. Dropped bars have existed for over a hundred years of road
cycling--they would not have persisted if they were not useful,
comfortable, and efficient.

-Luigi

[Yes, I know. the standard drop-bar-newbie rant. But someone has to
say it]

Having a hybrid with a straight bar, I have to say I agree completely with
you, and my next bike will be one with drop bars for the very reasons you
mention.

What ppl don't realize is that just b/c you have drop bars does not mean
you can have a more or less upright position. You just need to purchase a
bike with the right geometry for you.

I tried the Trek 1000C and it was very nice, and though I could -not- get
into the dropped position on a Trek 2200, I could easily do so on the
1000C. (just replace the seat post with a regular one).

A bike set up for racing -will- have a rather extreme difference in seat
height vs handlebar height, but this is not a -requirement- just b/c a bike
has drop bars.

-B

the black rose said:

I've got a Cannondale M300, bought in early '99, so it's a '98. Heavy
sucker, but it's very comfortable, at least up to 25 miles (which is all
I'm up to yet). It's so heavy that I'm not sure if replacing the wheels
and front fork will make *that* much of a difference. It's an
exaggeration to say it weighs twice as much as my 18-yr-old's R400, but
dang if it doesn't feel like it.

Googling on the C'dale, it looks like a MTB, with knobby tires. If so,
you're gonna be very happy with a road bike, and the 2200 WSD is nice.
(I've test ridden the 2200), but the geometry for me was a little too
extreme. I see the WSD has a shorter top tube, nice for the smaller rider
like yourself.

Quoted message said:

I'm considering the C'dale R1000 feminine, the Specialized Dolce Comp,
and maybe the Trek 2200 WSD. Can't do any test rides until the 2005's
come in, unfortunately. These are all women-specific and reasonably
light. If money becomes more of an issue -- we're going to have one kid
going into college, and a high schooler taking college courses as well,
so it might -- I'll have to ramp that back to R500, Dolce Sport, and
1500, but I'll pout for months if I have to do that.

Might try the 1800C, too. Less extreme angle between seat and bars.

Quoted message said:

I'm shopping for an LBS as much as a bike -- the Cannondale/Jamis store
was downright friendly. I've been in there now a bunch a times, picking
up small things -- there's always a wave, a greeting, hey how ya doing,
what can I do for you today, friendly natter. Excellent customer
service. No matter what I buy, I just might take it there to be
serviced. It was the only store I walked into where I felt welcome.

You might ask them if they can get in the bike you want at a competitive
price, even if they don't normally stock that. That way you'll get free
adjustments and stuff.

I took in the printout from Mike J's site:
(http://www.chainreaction.com/04roadaluminumtrek.htm) and since he has
really good prices, I had a good place to start haggling.

-B

Quoted message said:

-km

[email hidden] (Kang) wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Maybe I should re-consider drop bars. I do not think I am quite
concerned
about aerodynamics and speed per se. I do want to get efficient and
effective aerobic exercise (with a comfortable posture). I am
thinking about heart rates around 170 bpm, which I routinely do in
running. Maybe a slower bike is not good for that purpose.

Drop bars allow you to use more muscle groups (e.g., climbing while standing),
thus giving you a better overall workout. You can get some of the same effect
by putting bar ends on MTB handlebars, but you have to be careful of bar ends
on the street since you cannot brake from that hand position.

Ken said:

[email hidden] (Kang) wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Maybe I should re-consider drop bars. I do not think I am quite
concerned
about aerodynamics and speed per se. I do want to get efficient and
effective aerobic exercise (with a comfortable posture). I am
thinking about heart rates around 170 bpm, which I routinely do in
running. Maybe a slower bike is not good for that purpose.

Drop bars allow you to use more muscle groups (e.g., climbing while standing),
thus giving you a better overall workout. You can get some of the same effect
by putting bar ends on MTB handlebars, but you have to be careful of bar ends
on the street since you cannot brake from that hand position.

I'd like to find some MTB handlebars that are cambered at the hand
position, to put the hand in a neutral but palm down position, but not as
much as a beach cruiser, and only in the horizontal plane. As it is my
wrists are slightly torqued in like this: > < (but not that severe).

Wonder if the shop could =bend= a normal pair, using a jig or something?

-B

the black rose said:

Not that I'm not eagerly awaiting the appearance of the 2005 road bikes
at the local bike shops, mind you. I'm a weenie; I can't wait to buy a
lighter bike.

The lighter bike requires a lighter rider.

Some day, I'll get a lighter road bike, when I've worked off enough
weight not to punish it excessively.

And when I do, I want one of these:

<http://www.merlinbike.com/bikes/cielo.aspx>

*sigh*

Back on the bike for me.

-Luigi

On Tue, 27 Jul 2004 18:58:06 -0400, Badger_South <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I'd like to find some MTB handlebars that are cambered at the hand
position, to put the hand in a neutral but palm down position, but not as
much as a beach cruiser, and only in the horizontal plane. As it is my
wrists are slightly torqued in like this: > < (but not that severe).

Moustache bars?

http://www.stanford.edu/~dru/moustache.html

Incidentally, I used bars fairly similar to these on Bekah, my pink
city bike in London. I liked them for running about in the city.

-Luigi

Quoted message said:

Wonder if the shop could =bend= a normal pair, using a jig or something?

-B

Luigi de Guzman said:

the black rose said:

Not that I'm not eagerly awaiting the appearance of the 2005 road bikes
at the local bike shops, mind you. I'm a weenie; I can't wait to buy a
lighter bike.

The lighter bike requires a lighter rider.

Hmpf. I'm not exactly fat. BMI of 24 isn't that bad; it's even within
"normal" range.

Quoted message said:

Some day, I'll get a lighter road bike, when I've worked off enough
weight not to punish it excessively.

And when I do, I want one of these:

<http://www.merlinbike.com/bikes/cielo.aspx>

Ooh, that's sweet. Pretty, too.

Quoted message said:

*sigh*

Back on the bike for me.

*cracks a whip*

;-)

-km

--
the black rose
proud to be owned by a yorkie
http://community.webshots.com/user/blackrosequilts

Badger_South said:

the black rose said:

I've got a Cannondale M300, bought in early '99, so it's a '98. Heavy
sucker, but it's very comfortable, at least up to 25 miles (which is all
I'm up to yet). It's so heavy that I'm not sure if replacing the wheels
and front fork will make *that* much of a difference. It's an
exaggeration to say it weighs twice as much as my 18-yr-old's R400, but
dang if it doesn't feel like it.

Googling on the C'dale, it looks like a MTB, with knobby tires.

Yeah, you'd think -- but it's got bigger wheels than your usual MTB and
tires that aren't knobby but aren't entirely smooth (they're good for
gravel paths and packed dirt). It does have suspension in the seatpost,
but not in the front fork or the rear seat stays.

Quoted message said:

If so,
you're gonna be very happy with a road bike, and the 2200 WSD is nice.
(I've test ridden the 2200), but the geometry for me was a little too
extreme. I see the WSD has a shorter top tube, nice for the smaller rider
like yourself.

I've been wondering if the geometry on the Treks might be more extreme
than a newbie like me can be comfortable with. OTOH, if that's just an
issue of flexibility, I'm certainly flexible enough, including a
well-stretched lower and middle back.

Quoted message said:

Might try the 1800C, too. Less extreme angle between seat and bars.

Perhaps, but there's no women's model in that one. Um, I also just
looked at the Trek website, and the smallest frame size for it is 50 cm,
which is too big for me.

Quoted message said:

You might ask them if they can get in the bike you want at a competitive
price, even if they don't normally stock that. That way you'll get free
adjustments and stuff.

You mean try to buy a Trek from the Cannondale shop? Er, or am I
completely confused?

Quoted message said:

I took in the printout from Mike J's site:
(http://www.chainreaction.com/04roadaluminumtrek.htm) and since he has
really good prices, I had a good place to start haggling.

Hmm, now there's an idea. Worst he can do is say no. :-)

-km, bailing water out of her basement by the bucketload now *pant* *pant*

--
the black rose
proud to be owned by a yorkie
http://community.webshots.com/user/blackrosequilts