Saddle/Shorts/HRM/Training Tips ???

In article said:

Hey All,

I'm riding in an MS-150 and am about to purchase some new items for the training and ride. I've
ridden once before, but it was years ago.

I'm considering a new saddle, shorts and maybe even an HRM. I'd like to make the most out of my
training rides and have heard good things about HRMs. I have very little saddle time this year and
2months to prepare. I'm 6' 195lbs.

In the past I've experienced numbness after rides (saddle) and some pains shooting from my
knee down my leg I changed to a better shoe when I was experiencing burning in the middle of
my foot as well.

I'd like to approach this ride as best as possible and could use suggestions on those pieces of
equipment in particular. I've read thru reviews on roadbikereviews.com. Still, I'm wondering if
there isn't a better place to be looking for reviews.

Saddle: So far I think I've narrowed the saddle down to a Koobi Au Enduro per good reviews...not
too pricey either.

Fine choice if it fits you. Saddle reviews are worthless since it is only YOUR anatomy that the
saddle needs to fit. How it fits anyone else is of no interest. You might also consider the SI
model ($50-60).

Quoted message said:

Shorts: I've read some good things about both the Sugoi and Performance Elite Multi-L in terms of
longer rides.

Likewise a personal choice. I like the Sugoi but some shorts are right for some people, others not.
Sugoi Ultimate is $50 and I think it's a great deal.

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HRM: No clue. I'd love one that I can download to PC and see a visual of how my training is going,
but they're soo expensive... and being that I'm just a novice, I'm probably crazy to even be
looking at those higher models.

Shorts, saddle and a very nice HRM fit easily in a $500 budget.

Quoted message said:

I'm so inexperienced at this that I even have fundamental questions such as how many pairs of
shorts is best....any logic to it that escapes me besides the obvious "Depends on how often I do
laundry"?

If you're riding once a week then I can't see needing two pair.

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I could also use some suggestions on shirts/socks material.

This is a personal preference. I suggest avoiding cotton.

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Finally, where can I get the best deal on all these things? I've decided to allow myself a budget
of $500. I may have to do without some things, but I'm sure thats more than enough to get me thru.

Endurox R4 is a drink I used last time I trained for the ride and remember feeling as if it helped.
Anything newer/better that I should consider?

No, just about anything will do. If the ride is around 2 hours or less then I'd just drink water.

Quoted message said:

Thanks for any info. I know I've bounced all over with topics. I sincerely appreciate any
suggestions.

Also, if anybody has any training tips based on: 2months 'til the ride, practically zero saddle
time in the last 6mo... I have an indoor trainer and can manage one good practice ride per week.

Here's the problem that no amount of equipment is going to solve. You need at least 1 long ride and
2 short rides a week if you expect to make any appreciable progress and adding a 4th ride in the
week would yield a great deal more.

Quoted message said:

I have a cyclometer, a decent bike (old schwinn circuit w/newer ultegra gears...downtube
shifters), an ugly pair of Sidi genius 3's, and a camelback along w/some basic tools.

Your stuff is all fine, you could do the MS150 once a week on that equipment. Can you use the $500
to buy some days off for more rides? You're going to need the extra mileage.

--Paul