Has anyone taken up Bycyling?

[mbsbike2002 0]

Oh yeah... I dig them smacks!

More of a Tony the Tiger guy, myself:

IIIIII'mmmmmmmmmmmm Gggrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttt!

Or something like that

B

[mbsbike2002 0]

Then, of course, I need one of these...

B

[mbsbike2002 0]

Of course, there's ...

... and ...

... and ...

I'm gonna be such a jersey whore...

B

[OH Juli 15]

Well if you insist......

[JennJenn92 0]

Yeah, after rethinking what you said about the gravity issue, the toe cages are no answer anyhow. I have Speedplay Light Action Chrome-Moly Blacks. Let me tell ya what it says on the back of the box...it's what sold me.

Combines the most user-friendly characteristics found in Speedplay's popular X and Zero road pedals into an advanced hybrid-pedal technology desighned specifically for the recreational cyclist.

Dubbed "Light Action" for its unique low-force, high-security latch mechanism, the system provides the easiest, most intuitive entry and release functions ever offered in a clipless pedal system.

Blends the legendary ease-of-entry and luxurious non-centering free-float of Speedplay's X Pedal System together with the robust spring design and enhanced durability of Speedplay's Zero Pedal System.

The same cutting-edge performance benefits that have made Speedplay Pedal Systems famous, including:

Dual-sided pedal means no flipping, no fumbling, no looking down to engage.

Self-locating cleat guides the entry motion and makes finding the pedal easier.

15 degrees of non-centering free-float increases comfort by reducing stress on the knees.

Large, stable cleat platform for optimal power transmission and all-day comfort.

True-locking engagement mechanism provides security and prevents inadvertenet release.

Precision cartridge and needle bearings for reduced friction and longer life.

Built-in grease-port for fast and easy bearing maintenance.

I love them!

I have sooooo much to learn about biking....here i thought pedals were pedals???!!!

:faint::help::faint::help:

[JennJenn92 0]

J~ My 13 year old son would start biking JUST to have that Ohio State Jersey! Of course, we live in Michigan and are Michigan fans, but just goes to show you, we allow our kids to have their own opinions....no matter how WRONG they may be!

[babygrl1234 6]

Speaking of your son, he was just texting me lol.

[mbsbike2002 0]

J - I do insist, as should you

Jenn - The pedals that come with most bikes today are called "platform" pedals. They're basically what we had on bikes as a kid. The good thing about them is that (1) They're free, (2) They're easy to use - just step on them and go. If things start to get out of hand, take your feet off, stick your feet out and stop. You'll end up landing on your feet.

The not so good things about them are (1) You can, at most get power out of slightly more than half a turn of the pedal crank. You can push forward and down, but you can't pull back or up, and (2) your foot and your pedals can become separated at really inconvenient times. When this happens, the pedals might come up & smite your legs or you can start to lose control of the bike. Fortunately, you're not connected to your bike, so you stick your feet out, apply some brakes and hope for the best. Also, it's difficult to consistently put your feet in the right position to apply maximum pressure while preventing injury to your joints (especially knees).

To solve some of these problems, they came up with toe straps & cages, which became popular in the 80s. You slide your feet into toe cages at the front of the pedals and start going. This solves some of the problems - your feet are consistently positioned on the pedals, and you can pull up. This didn't solve all of the problems - you still cannot pull back on the pedal, and under some circumstances, you and your pedals can still become separated at inopportune moments.

Along the way, they came up with "clipless" pedals, which have a mechanism on the pedal that clips to a special cleat on a pair of shoes. These solve almost all of the problems associated with the platform pedals - once the cleats are adjusted on the shoe, you will always have your foot in the optimal position, and you will almost never slip off (out of) the pedal accidentally. They do, however, have some drawbacks. It will take some time to get used to putting your foot in the right place for the pedal and cleat to engage, and in an emergency, you are attached to your bike, and can't just put your foot down. These take only a short while to get past. Once clipped in to your (clipless) pedals, you can now exert force across the entire pedal stroke - forward & down and back & up.

Now, the problem with all of this is that there are multiple pedal manufacturers and multiple standards on how the cleats should mount to the shoes.

For many people, pedals are like religion, though - there are the speedplay types, who in general seem very happy with their choice. Then there are the shimano, crank brothers, and look types, many of whom seem restless and always trying something new.

Anyway - hope that helps more than confuses...

B

[hoosierpoms 0]

B...you are truly amazing and you are so full of good info...between you and Steph, I learn so much...well from everyone actually.....It is such a great joy to get on and see what you guys are discussing...

The jersey's are awesome.....

Hope you all had a great day!!!

[Suzzzie. 3]

I have sooooo much to learn about biking....here i thought pedals were pedals???!!!

:faint::help::faint::help:

Hahahaa! Me too Jenn!!

[TexasFire 84]

Reminds me of when I was a kid, I'd ride to the 7-11 on Pipeline and Hurstview and get a moon pie and an RC.

B

OMG!!!!!!!!

That is "my" 7-11! In fact, I'm drinking a capuccino from that store right now! We must've been pretty close neighbors, because I've been going to that 7-11 since 1978!

[OH Juli 15]

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/before-after-pictures-pix-only-4642/index72.html#post654722

B posted his pictures yesterday.

You are looking good mister!

[TexasFire 84]

I had NO CLUE about all the fun jerseys!!!!!

This was a BAD discovery...already thinking ahead for when hubby says, "So what do you want for your birthday?"

And Valentines...

And Presidents Day...

And Need No Reason For a New Jersey Day!!!!!!!!!!!

I want a Captain Crunch jersey...surely they make one of those?

[OH Juli 15]

He's general mills...I know Kellogg has all their cereals....

[TexasFire 84]

I didn't know about that pic thread. When is everyone here gonna post? Come on, people!

(I am such a picture-hound! I love pics!)