Saddle/Shorts/HRM/Training Tips ???

JP said:

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

Make sure your saddle is a good fit for you, whatever you buy. My road bike has a semi-soft saddle
that I think I need to replace with a hard leather one. I haven't ridden for almost a week now due
to saddle sores. My mtb's hard leather saddle is much more comfortable.

Quoted message said:

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.

A HRM might be overkill, but it's cool to have for a while. I don't use mine often now that I know
my heart's #s, but it is useful for enforcing discipline on a recovery ride. I got the cheapest
Polar model. If I were a serious competitive athlete, I'd want one with better features and would
use it more. But I'm just interested in getting in better and better shape.

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

You can't have too many, but one for each day of riding per week is probably enough. You can usually
get by with two rides between washing, depending on your hygiene and biology.

Quoted message said:

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.

People sing the praises of bib shorts, which can be had for <$100. I've heard good things about
nashbar.com and performancebike.com.

Quoted message said:

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. 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.

It's a non-competitive ride (right?) so all you need is the saddle time. The MS ride they had here a
while ago wasn't a 75/75 mix, so find out which day is longer, and get yourself to being able to
ride at least 80% of that distance, with another "meaty" ride the day before or after.

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