I just had the worst ride ever!

I can't believe it. I've only been out of the saddle for 35 days, and right now, I'm soooo unfit. I didn't know that fitness level can go downhill this quickly.

Today was supposed to be a relatively short ride (100km) with some head wind. However, I got a cramp at the 40km mark , and had to drag my ass for another 60km. Such a bad day...

Ok, I'm going to cry now.

Ah yeah a long break is always hard to come back from, don't worry the fitness comes back

Biggest thing for me is learning to listen to my own body.. knowing what pace I can sustain. So yah take it down a notch. Many believe that training should incorporate varying levels of intensity too.. a very easy ride can still benefit your cardiovascular system a lot.

Crying because of a disappointing bike ride?
That's certainly not going to help shed your image here on RFD.

Originally Posted by Rehan

Crying because of a disappointing bike ride?
That's certainly not going to help shed your image here on RFD.

LoL...hum...do I care? It's not like Suziecute will PM me anyway....

At least you probably have decent riding conditions:

http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/forecast/city_e.html?ywg

If it makes you feel any better, I can't drive 100 km without getting p_ssed off, much less ride it.

My longest bicycle ride ever was about 40 km for some charitable thing and I never ever did that again.

Originally Posted by chatbox

I can't believe it. I've only been out of the saddle for 35 days, and right now, I'm soooo unfit. I didn't know that fitness level can go downhill this quickly.

Today was supposed to be a relatively short ride (100km) with some head wind. However, I got a cramp at the 40km mark , and had to drag my ass for another 60km. Such a bad day...

Ok, I'm going to cry now.

geez... Ranting... no wonder you're approaching the 10,000 post mark ! .... I would too if I posted everytime I brushed my teeth!

Originally Posted by mtevel

geez... Ranting... no wonder you're approaching the 10,000 post mark ! .... I would too if I posted everytime I brushed my teeth!

You, too, will soon reach the 10,000 post mark if you keep on complaining like that

Chatbox, any place you know of where I can find reviews on teh Marzocchi MZ-Comp 80mm?

I test rode a Kona Blast with Marzocchi Comp 100mm, and then a Trek 4900 with a Pilot XC (i think) and I liked the Marzocchi soooo much more. But I can't find any reviews to confirm my suspicions (that the marzocchi is better).

The Blast was wayyy better in my opinion in case you wanted to know. And it was only $600, but alas, it was too small.

So I do not have a new bike

Originally Posted by swifferman

Chatbox, any place you know of where I can find reviews on teh Marzocchi MZ-Comp 80mm?

I test rode a Kona Blast with Marzocchi Comp 100mm, and then a Trek 4900 with a Pilot XC (i think) and I liked the Marzocchi soooo much more. But I can't find any reviews to confirm my suspicions (that the marzocchi is better).

The Blast was wayyy better in my opinion in case you wanted to know. And it was only $600, but alas, it was too small.

So I do not have a new bike

I don't do mtb riding anymore, but go with the Kona Blast. The Marzo comp is a bit nicer than the pilot xc (IMO), it's not as "springy" or bouncy.

Originally Posted by swifferman

Chatbox, any place you know of where I can find reviews on teh Marzocchi MZ-Comp 80mm?

I test rode a Kona Blast with Marzocchi Comp 100mm, and then a Trek 4900 with a Pilot XC (i think) and I liked the Marzocchi soooo much more. But I can't find any reviews to confirm my suspicions (that the marzocchi is better).

The Blast was wayyy better in my opinion in case you wanted to know. And it was only $600, but alas, it was too small.

So I do not have a new bike

MTBR.com has the MOST reviews. However, I think many people are really STUPID when it comes to filling out these reviews. So always take it with a grain of salt:

Hmm theres a Comp Air, Comp Coil, and Comp ETA. Comp ETA has the most reviews, check it out:

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2004_fro...t_122895.shtml

I tend to find Trek a bit overpriced, if you compare component by component. However some would argue then you're paying for the things you can't compare as easily, such as frame, geometry, etc. But yeah with Trek often only a few select shops will sell it.. something like Kona will be sold at many Canadian shops, so often theres less markup.

But yeah its all about fit.. make sure the bikes are as simliar as possible before you test ride. Bring measuring tape so you can get seat height good, and check tire pressure.

If you want more tips, start up a thread! But the biggest question I ask people, is what do they see them using their bike for. Cause if you're just planning to jet around town, then a mountain bike isn't necessarily the best choice at all.

-xan-