Prospect Park (not the murder)
Comments
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Idlewild wrote: I'm curious. What kind of bikes do you guys ride and how do you like them?
I ride a Giant TCR Team ONCE. Its a replica of the Tour bike Pantani won on. I bought it new in 98, switched off the Campy Record for Ultegra (less maintenance IMHO) and haven't looked back. The only change I made since then is CXP-33 wheels for strength. It came with Campy wheels and I kept noodling them. Ever knock a rim out of round when climbing? Well, that'll happen with those lightweight deals. I am a clydesdale. Not easy on equipment. I've been suffering with a nasty autoimmune problem and haven't been able to ride and I've gained weight because of it.
My next buy is a Independent Fab or Dahon road bike with the S&S couplings and hard travel case. -
kosherdave wrote:
Outside of possible Dr.'s bills and race entries, I think you guys need to see a running accountant. There's no reason to spend more than a few hundred dollars a year on running gear. I've never spent more than $90 for running shoes, I'm still wearing running shorts that I had in college (I'm 29), and a pair of socks as mittens works just as well as the $40 thinsulate ones at JackRabbit.
Yeah, I have a GPS watch (garmin, which sometimes works) and replace my shoes every 300-500 miles too. It is expensive. But I gotta say, despite replacing things less often, my cycling "hobby" is muuuuuch more expensive. My carbon roadie was +3 grand, not to mention what I've added, and that's not even considering the clothing/helmet/shoes/bla bla bla...
*coughGARMINcough* think running can be an expensive sport as well. You gotta replace your $100 kicks every 500 miles (which for me is about 5 months or less). At least with cycling gear, you really only have to buy it once...In my humble opinion. Both can cause an athlete bankruptcy.
True Dat!
The GPS watches, heartrate monitors, fuel belts, $140 shoes, $200 jackets, and $50 shorts are all typically unneccesary American/Western ways to make a bare-bones sport expensive. Many of the best runners in the world have never heard of GPS, let alone drop their hard-earned cash on it. -
I never go running in anything less than $200 Nikes, but that's not to mention the Versace running shorts, space age synthetic sweatproof shirt from Gucci, and of course, Prada ankle socks. And I have a Tagheur running watch to keep my pace, naturally.
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escap wrote: I never go running in anything less than $200 Nikes, but that's not to mention the Versace running shorts, space age synthetic sweatproof shirt from Gucci, and of course, Prada ankle socks. And I have a Tagheur running watch to keep my pace, naturally.
Doesn't your personal home Star Trac Elite treadmill have it's own timer?
http://store.yahoo.com/gofitness/sttreltrtopo.html -
OnEasternParkway wrote:
Depends on what you like and how good/serious you are. For me, there is nothing better than running, cycling comes close second. I invest in a lot of shit cause it makes me happy, not cause I need it. I work hard for my pay check and it's my way of rewarding myself every once in a while.
Outside of possible Dr.'s bills and race entries, I think you guys need to see a running accountant. There's no reason to spend more than a few hundred dollars a year on running gear. I've never spent more than $90 for running shoes, I'm still wearing running shorts that I had in college (I'm 29), and a pair of socks as mittens works just as well as the $40 thinsulate ones at JackRabbit.
The GPS watches, heartrate monitors, fuel belts, $140 shoes, $200 jackets, and $50 shorts are all typically unneccesary American/Western ways to make a bare-bones sport expensive. Many of the best runners in the world have never heard of GPS, let alone drop their hard-earned cash on it.
Here's a pic of me winning my age group this weekend in the PPark 5K race. Could I do as well as I do without gadgets, of course, but it's more fun to have more to play around with...
Oh, I'm the bald guy with the grey brooklyn hoodie, holding the trophy.
http://www.teenchallengebrooklyn.com/html/5k_winners_pictures.html -
Idlewild wrote: I'm curious. What kind of bikes do you guys ride and how do you like them?
I ride an 06 Madone 5.2 Sl carbon roadie. The one lance rode in the Tour(well, his is more expensive I'm sure, but mine is a replica of Postal's ---without the Postal decals). I reaalllyy like my bike. Great ride, very responsive.
If you want to get a good idea of what people are riding, I suggest this message forum:
http://www.bikeforums.net/
VERY informative site and there are a lot of Prospect Park/NYC cyclists on it all the time. -
kosherdave wrote: Depends on what you like and how good/serious you are. For me, there is nothing better than running, cycling comes close second. I invest in a lot of shit cause it makes me happy, not cause I need it. I work hard for my pay check and it's my way of rewarding myself every once in a while.
Believe me, I am guilty of buying running toys and gadgets. My point is that not one of them will make you a better runner, and not one of them is an indicator of being a serious runner. I suppose my points (rants) were spurred by the previous assertion that serious biking is as affordable as serious running, which is absolutely false. -
Carnivore wrote: [quote=escap]I never go running in anything less than $200 Nikes, but that's not to mention the Versace running shorts, space age synthetic sweatproof shirt from Gucci, and of course, Prada ankle socks. And I have a Tagheur running watch to keep my pace, naturally.
Doesn't your personal home Star Trac Elite treadmill have it's own timer?
http://store.yahoo.com/gofitness/sttreltrtopo.html
Of course. And I never fail to drink specially imported vitamin infused water from Tibetan springs. -
kosherdave wrote: [quote=Idlewild]I'm curious. What kind of bikes do you guys ride and how do you like them?
I ride an 06 Madone 5.2 Sl carbon roadie. The one lance rode in the Tour(well, his is more expensive I'm sure, but mine is a replica of Postal's ---without the Postal decals). I reaalllyy like my bike. Great ride, very responsive.
If you want to get a good idea of what people are riding, I suggest this message forum:
http://www.bikeforums.net/
VERY informative site and there are a lot of Prospect Park/NYC cyclists on it all the time.
I've hit all those forums, cycling.com, bikeforum.com, mtbkr.com, etc, etc.......to say that peoples' opinion vary is an understatement. I ride a Cannondale f-2000, I bought it for the all the sidewalk jumping and pot hole hitting life of NYC. It's a good bike to run around the boros and the park in. However, speed is not it's forte. I am still doing research on road bikes. I test rode a couple of Co-Motions when I was in Eugene last November and I was very impressed. I am narrowing it down to a couple of Co-Motion models, a Raleigh and a Klein. My guess is it will be a Co-Motion because their Nor'Wester and Americano can handle my weight and the NYC in general. -
OnEasternParkway wrote: My point is that not one of them will make you a better runner...
I disagree in part because a good watch can help you keep track of splits, and a GPS watch can help you manage your pace (when it is working)I suppose my points (rants) were spurred by the previous assertion that serious biking is as affordable as serious running, which is absolutely false.
That I agree with. -
Idlewild wrote: My guess is it will be a Co-Motion because their Nor'Wester and Americano can handle my weight and the NYC in general.
I've ridden several Klein and Raleigh, and I really like the Klein. They have a nice look to them too. -
muteflute wrote:
Did you get it at Bicycle Station? Those guys are great.
New black Pake track trame, sugino 75 cranks, purple deep v's. It's fabulous.
I won't be able to keep up with y'all on road bikes on the hills, but I'll compete the rest of the time.
Anyhow, I'll hang back for moral support. What ratios do you ride? -
I was out tonight from 6:30-7:30 for 6 laps wearing a yellow jersey (I know, very OCP) anyone else out there? I saw about 8-10 or so other roadies.
I also saw a large group of runners, anyone part of that? Looked like a good group doing an easy lap or so. -
metulj wrote: [quote=muteflute]
Did you get it at Bicycle Station? Those guys are great.
New black Pake track trame, sugino 75 cranks, purple deep v's. It's fabulous.
I won't be able to keep up with y'all on road bikes on the hills, but I'll compete the rest of the time.
Anyhow, I'll hang back for moral support. What ratios do you ride?
yeah, I got the frame with basic parts there, and then sold the cranks, chainring, and wheels on craigslist to finance the sugino stuff (from online) and deep v's (from trackstar).
I run a 49-15. Not too bad. I can handle a good sprint up that final hill, but more than once and my legs are toast. I'll appreciate the support! -
muteflute wrote:
When I lived in Tennessee, I did centuries with my single speed. 38 on the front with a flip-flop 12/18 on the back. The 18 was on the freewheel side so I could coast down hills until the flats. Hop off. Flip the rear over and gouge on the fixed 12 on the back making sure to not touch that rear brake. Nothing freaked people out more than seeing a single-speed come in under 4 hours for 100KM. It could get lonely getting shelled on the climbs but you got respect when people looked down at your kit and saw simplicity.
I run a 49-15. Not too bad. I can handle a good sprint up that final hill, but more than once and my legs are toast. I'll appreciate the support! -
metulj wrote: [quote=muteflute]
When I lived in Tennessee, I did centuries with my single speed. 38 on the front with a flip-flop 12/18 on the back. The 18 was on the freewheel side so I could coast down hills until the flats. Hop off. Flip the rear over and gouge on the fixed 12 on the back making sure to not touch that rear brake. Nothing freaked people out more than seeing a single-speed come in under 4 hours for 100KM. It could get lonely getting shelled on the climbs but you got respect when people looked down at your kit and saw simplicity.
I run a 49-15. Not too bad. I can handle a good sprint up that final hill, but more than once and my legs are toast. I'll appreciate the support!
Ok, not to sound tooooo much like an OCP tool, but can someone finally explain what 49-15 means (number of gear teeth?)?
Also, just my two cents, but I think it needs to be said, R&A bicycles in Brooklyn, on 5th, sucks. They have terrible service, and way overprice things, especially clothing. Don't go there. If you want a bike, go to Verazano bikes. I got a shockingly good deal on my Madone. I still don't understand how they did it, It was so much cheaper it almost made me wonder... -
You ain't the only one who feels that way about R&A. I'm a big fan of Mr. C's myself. The owner and his crew seem to go all out in getting you what you need or want.
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Idlewild wrote: You ain't the only one who feels that way about R&A. I'm a big fan of Mr. C's myself. The owner and his crew seem to go all out in getting you what you need or want.
where is Mr. C's, Now that I live in PS, Verazano bike shop is a trek to get to, I'd like to have something in or near the slope that was good to pop in now and again. -
Sunset Park. 7th Avenue between 46th and 47th street. It's a pain to get there because Greenwood cemetery blocks a direct route but like I say it's a great shop.
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escap wrote: [quote=Carnivore][quote=escap]I never go running in anything less than $200 Nikes, but that's not to mention the Versace running shorts, space age synthetic sweatproof shirt from Gucci, and of course, Prada ankle socks. And I have a Tagheur running watch to keep my pace, naturally.
Doesn't your personal home Star Trac Elite treadmill have it's own timer?
http://store.yahoo.com/gofitness/sttreltrtopo.html
Of course. And I never fail to drink specially imported vitamin infused water from Tibetan springs.
I'm with ya there, except I drink Night Train while cruising the park in my hoverround. -
metulj wrote: [quote=muteflute]
When I lived in Tennessee, I did centuries with my single speed. 38 on the front with a flip-flop 12/18 on the back. The 18 was on the freewheel side so I could coast down hills until the flats. Hop off. Flip the rear over and gouge on the fixed 12 on the back making sure to not touch that rear brake. Nothing freaked people out more than seeing a single-speed come in under 4 hours for 100KM. It could get lonely getting shelled on the climbs but you got respect when people looked down at your kit and saw simplicity.
I run a 49-15. Not too bad. I can handle a good sprint up that final hill, but more than once and my legs are toast. I'll appreciate the support!
that's pretty sweet. the longest I've ridden on my fix is...about forty miles or so, back when i was in boston. Hilly route, too, but all the road bikers looked down and gave respect. That's when I was riding a 47-12, I think...those hills were rough. I broke two rear spokes that day.... -
kosherdave wrote: Ok, not to sound tooooo much like an OCP tool, but can someone finally explain what 49-15 means (number of gear teeth?)?
Yeah, gear teeth. There's also an indy bike clothing/t-shirt company called 49-16, but that also refers to a common track bike gearing. As soon as someone says something over 50 in the front (without an insanely large number in the back), you know they're a monster. -
wanted to offer my sincere thanks to all previous posters. i've been following this thread and it has been just about the most informative dialogue i've seen on these topics anywhere. i use the park for running, cycling, and dog walking and agree with the basic lack of courtesy being the main problem. i also regularly run and cycle over the brooklyn bridge and find the discourtesy even more egregious (walking 4-5 abreast? cycling while talking on a CELLPHONE?).
in the park, i run both clockwise and counterclockwise to attenuate the itb probs mentioned (3/4 of a lap and turn around). if you do more than a lap in one direction, imho, and you are over 30, you will suffer.
i NEVER ride against traffic and never walk my dog in a manner interfering with others' transit.
more importantly, on the gear issue. i've been riding the same nishiki road bike i've had since 1985. not a speed freak, obviously. and, i do a lot of long rides through the city, usually on the streets (50-70 miles). i;ve never had a problem with soreness and i wear running shorts for cylcing and have a basic cheapo racing seat (i'm female). i truly believe it is because my body has acclimated to this bike over 20+ years. i would love to upgrade, but i am afraid. bike station has dissuaded me many times from buying a new bike -- they tune me up and sell me better wheels. i am usually quite happy. until i do a lap on a 'real bike.' then i appreciate the diff. anyone think the sunset park bikeshop might be able to steer me right? (i also am a serious not-fan of r&a). ideally, i;d like a road bike that wouldn;t decompensate on the ride from GAP through manhattan via broadway, over the gw, up through nyack, and back down the west side. any input appreciated!!
also, to those of you who are training: what's the triathlon deal here? i don't swim, so my ideal triathlon would be running, biking, martinis at soda:-). might there be any interest in this type of event? and, more importantly, is there an appropriate 'outfit' for such athleticism?
TIA -
withachaser wrote: also, to those of you who are training: what's the triathlon deal here? i don't swim, so my ideal triathlon would be running, biking, martinis at soda:-). might there be any interest in this type of event? and, more importantly, is there an appropriate 'outfit' for such athleticism?
If you wanna do Duatlons, check out nytri.org. I did the central park one --March Madness (in april) and it was GREAT! They have one every month or so. If you can get to the two in Harrimon state park later in the summer, you will LOVE it! I did one there last year, unfortunatly (?) I'll be in Belize scuba diving and then in Maine for a family vacation, so I'll miss them this year.
May 7th, I think, is the Brooklyn Duathlon (they call it a biathlon, but really it's a Du, big deal though) in Prospect Park. I'm racing out of state that day so I'll miss it (I'm missing all the good ones!!) but it should be about 2m run, 12m bike 2m run. Trip to soda afterwards is optional, but probably counts as the post race stretching
On that note, I'd like to get some people together for some Brix in the park if anyone is interested. Bike several laps, then run a lap or two. I live across the street so we could stash our bikes in my 5th floor walk up to keep em safe while we run.
Anyone interested? -
withachaser wrote: and, more importantly, is there an appropriate 'outfit' for such athleticism?
As far as outfits for Duathlons, people vary a lot. Some wear cycling jerseys and padded shorts. I personally wear running shorts and a tighter fitting running shirt. I can't bear the idea of running in padded shorts. I imagine that would be more uncomfortable than the short 12-16 miles you are usually on a bike in that sport.
Also, I don't use them, but you might want speed laces so you can get in and out of the running shoes for the transition and save time. I'm quick at lacing so it's no biggie, but the really serious people want to save every second I suppose.
---This is assuming you use clipless pedals on your bike. If not, I suppose you could bike in the running shoes, but the time you'd save not having to change shoes in transitions is not worth the energy you'd use not having clipless pedals. -
thanks, kosherdave!! your advice is appreciated
i'm going to contemplate the duathlon deal. i am a little self-conscious about my low-tech approach, tho, admittedly. i use toe-clips, but they are just the metal shell, so i ride in running shoes, no prob.
i've never worn padded biking shorts for biking and...for running...?..i imagine that would feel like running with a kotex. eeeeeeewwwww. (sorry;-)
so, would someone who was just into the experience and not concerned with accoutrements or timing "stick out like a turd in a punchbowl" in this environment? i'd hate to make something i find so enjoyable feel weird. nor disrespect my fellow more-serious trainers, for that matter. -
withachaser wrote: so, would someone who was just into the experience and not concerned with accoutrements or timing "stick out like a turd in a punchbowl" in this environment? i'd hate to make something i find so enjoyable feel weird. nor disrespect my fellow more-serious trainers, for that matter.
There are usually sooooo many people of varying competitive degree, I would not worry in the slightest. I've seen people WAY overweight competing, or people who looked like they were pro athletes, and all walks between. I even saw a woman with a basket on her old-shool bike, she was putzin along, not fast, not slow, just there for the fun.
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