Saddle/Shorts/HRM/Training Tips ???

Hey All,

I'm riding in an MS-150 and am about to purchase some new items for the
training and ride. I've ridden once before, but it was years ago.

I'm considering a new saddle, shorts and maybe even an HRM. I'd like to
make the most out of my training rides and have heard good things about
HRMs. I have very little saddle time this year and 2months to prepare. I'm
6' 195lbs.

In the past I've experienced numbness after rides (saddle) and some pains
shooting from my knee down my leg I changed to a better shoe when I was
experiencing burning in the middle of my foot as well.

I'd like to approach this ride as best as possible and could use suggestions
on those pieces of equipment in particular. I've read thru reviews on
roadbikereviews.com. Still, I'm wondering if there isn't a better place to
be looking for reviews.

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

Shorts: I've read some good things about both the Sugoi and Performance
Elite Multi-L in terms of longer rides.

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.

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.

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.

Endurox R4 is a drink I used last time I trained for the ride and remember
feeling as if it helped. Anything newer/better that I should consider?

Thanks for any info. I know I've bounced all over with topics. I sincerely
appreciate any suggestions.

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.

Thanks again,
JP

In article ,
JP wrote:
Hey All,

I'm riding in an MS-150 and am about to purchase some new items for the
training and ride. I've ridden once before, but it was years ago.

I'm considering a new saddle, shorts and maybe even an HRM. I'd like to
make the most out of my training rides and have heard good things about
HRMs. I have very little saddle time this year and 2months to prepare. I'm
6' 195lbs.

In the past I've experienced numbness after rides (saddle) and some pains
shooting from my knee down my leg I changed to a better shoe when I was
experiencing burning in the middle of my foot as well.

I'd like to approach this ride as best as possible and could use suggestions
on those pieces of equipment in particular. I've read thru reviews on
roadbikereviews.com. Still, I'm wondering if there isn't a better place to
be looking for reviews.

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

Fine choice if it fits you. Saddle reviews are worthless since it is
only YOUR anatomy that the saddle needs to fit. How it fits anyone else
is of no interest. You might also consider the SI model ($50-60).

Shorts: I've read some good things about both the Sugoi and Performance
Elite Multi-L in terms of longer rides.

Likewise a personal choice. I like the Sugoi but some shorts are right
for some people, others not. Sugoi Ultimate is $50 and I think it's a great
deal.

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.

Shorts, saddle and a very nice HRM fit easily in a $500 budget.

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"?

If you're riding once a week then I can't see needing two pair.

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

This is a personal preference. I suggest avoiding cotton.

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.

Endurox R4 is a drink I used last time I trained for the ride and remember
feeling as if it helped. Anything newer/better that I should consider?

No, just about anything will do. If the ride is around 2 hours or less then
I'd just drink water.

Thanks for any info. I know I've bounced all over with topics. I sincerely
appreciate any suggestions.

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.

Here's the problem that no amount of equipment is going to solve.
You need at least 1 long ride and 2 short rides a week if you expect
to make any appreciable progress and adding a 4th ride in the week would
yield a great deal more.

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.

Your stuff is all fine, you could do the MS150 once a week on that
equipment. Can you use the $500 to buy some days off for more rides?
You're going to need the extra mileage.

--Paul