Active Community: Message List

Re: What is the best chain lubricant?

bcherney1 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:51:43 GMT

thanks, I was able to get to my local bike shop today and they said almost the exact same thing about wd-40, "leave it in the shed".

What is the best chain lubricant?

bcherney1 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:20:08 GMT

An earlier discussion about chain replacement was really informative. But what is the best for lubrication? I tried some kind of bike lube, liquid wax thing, that you need to shake up before use. It is suppose to cut down on gunk build up. But was it lubricating right? I couldn't tell. I also don't know how often it should be applied. So I cleaned everything with WD-40, It looked brand new. Until I went for a ride. Got back and the cassette had all kinds of gunk in it. So I dosed it again with WD-40. That can get very messy and wasteful.

So what is best?

Re: a different wetsuit question

bcherney1 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:25:20 GMT

Thank you Gbirch, I was hoping to hear that answer. I intend to get in about 6 to 8 swims in the suit.

a different wetsuit question

bcherney1 — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:11:19 GMT

My first open water event is coming up, so I went for my first swim in my new (bought used) wetsuit today. It is a full, long sleeve wesuit, 3mm. Although it fits very nicely, I found it a bit restricive on the arms, especially around the elbows. I do the side strike and back stroke and the shoulders were fine.

My question is, Should I cut the sleeves off? I would take it to a tailor and have it done right. Or would I be killing the suit. The lakes around here could be quit cold, 50-55 degrees, in spring and summer, but go up to about 65 in late summer.

Re: Swimmer doing first Tri - Need bike tips

bcherney1 — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 22:14:27 GMT

To me, buying a bike has a lot to do with budget. A Wal-mart $99 bike will get you through a 13 mile ride, but not as well as a $4000 carbon fiber bike. If you are going to buy a bike, do a lot of research on the internet. Just go to your local bike shop, get the name and model you like, then google it. You will find reviews of every bike made. www.bikepedia.com is a cool sight too. Usually, the bike shop reps are avid riders and can give good advice.

I ride a hybrid, because it was the best I could afford at the time, which I do not recommend for tri's. Too heavy, I get passed uphill all the time. You want a light bike. There are a lot of nice low end road bikes that start around $800. I have seen Trek, Fuji, and Specialized in my local bike shops, all around $799. If your budget allows, Tri bikes start around $1300.

Generally, you get what you pay for. The better bikes are going to run $1600 and up.

You need to be able to go 13 miles at full speed, and still have enough left for the run. If you can get up to 30 mile rides you might be ok. Be sure you ride up some hills for practice. Try doing them in the standing position.

Finally, keep reading the threads/blogs on Active.com. I have learned so much in a short time.

Re: Health/training question

bcherney1 — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:38:37 GMT

Be sure to get enough amino acids and protien to repair the muscles.

Re: Bathrooms and assorted other

bcherney1 — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:21:07 GMT

You are never too old. I usually get my butt kicked by people 20 yrs my senior. Take your time, it is just as important to finish without injuring yourself as it is to just finish. Try to releave yourself just before start time. But be warned, the lines for the potties are always long then. When you are in a race, you may feel the urge to go, but you will be amazed how long you can hold it when your body in under the physical duress of compettion.

Re: Nutrition

bcherney1 — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:11:36 GMT

I am no expert. I like to keep things simple before a race so I do not upset my stomach. I like a bowl of high fiber creal, like rasin bran, a bagel, and a banana or two. I like to stay away from anything acidic. I drink coffe every day, but on a race day I'll reduce it to half a cup. Then drink a bottle of sport drink. Nothing greasy or spicy. I have never had any issues with stomach or energy doing this.