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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jun 16, 2022 15:38:56 GMT
In years past I posted that I felt little difference in ride quality when comparing my steel and aluminum bikes; I was wrong, just fat. Two years ago I tipped the scale at 217 pounds, at that time my aluminum bikes were comfortable and felt similar to my steel bikes. Today I weigh 173 pounds and find (on rough roads) my aluminum bikes to be punishing and my steel bikes significantly more comfortable. As for weight loss, I weighed 246 pounds when I retired in May 2013; in May of 2022 I weighed 173 pounds which is a good weight for me. I credit the change to cycling, portion control and adequate rest. One reason I build so many bikes is to keep my interest fresh.
BTW, the 2016 picture was taken during the ride in which I had my big heart attack; nearly died.
Ride Happy Jim
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Post by wheelson on Jun 16, 2022 17:13:33 GMT
In years past I posted that I felt little difference in ride quality when comparing my steel and aluminum bikes; I was wrong, just fat. Two years ago I tipped the scale at 217 pounds, at that time my aluminum bikes were comfortable and felt similar to my steel bikes. Today I weigh 173 pounds and find (on rough roads) my aluminum bikes to be punishing and my steel bikes significantly more comfortable. As for weight loss, I weighed 246 pounds when I retired in May 2013; in May of 2022 I weighed 173 pounds which is a good weight for me. I credit the change to cycling and adequate rest. One reason I build so many bikes is to keep my interest fresh.
BTW, the 2016 picture was taken during the ride in which I had my big heart attack; nearly died.
Ride Happy Jim
Good story, Jim. I need to drop about 20lbs. myself. A bit slow going post-op but moving in the right direction. Your inspirational story helps. No doubt about the ride of aluminum vs steel. I have to take extraordinary measures to “tame” my Cannondale H600 “truck”. That includes a shock seat post and a Girvin stem. I have an identical setup on a Nashbar steel double butted frame and there’s just no comparison. As it stands right now, the C’dale will be the first to go in future downsizing. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jun 16, 2022 18:08:51 GMT
My best advice on losing weight. When in my 30s, I burned about 13 Calories per pound. Now, in my senior years, I have calculated a very accurate figure of 10.7 Calories per pound. Any more and I gain, less and I lose. Take your desired weight and multiply by 10. I would think that a good starting point and adjust from there. You will need (as I do) to honestly log the Calories of everything you eat. Your eating habit will slowly adjust to the new levels. When you reach your goal you must continue logging your Calories, least you fall into sin. An extra 3800 Calories and you gain a pound. Skip 3800 Calories and you lose a pound. Do not lose more than a pound per week; otherwise your body thinks there is a famine and starts compensating. You may then give up on the regime and end up gaining weight for your trouble. Be patient, it takes time. I now am the same weight that I was in high school; but not as trim. When older you lose elasticity and your skin sags instead of contracting.
Cheers
Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Jun 16, 2022 19:33:56 GMT
Another uncomfortable aspect of modern bikes is the straight fork (i.e. absolutely no rake). Maybe steel is the only material where it is feasible to build a flexible raked fork. I certainly would not ride a carbon bike with a raked fork, not sure about aluminum. I think the straight-through road shock accounts for part of the punishing ride. I have a plain-gauge Reynolds 531 bike and it is a bit harsh but still flexes a little. I rode only aluminum for about 20 years then carbon for a few years before returning full-time to steel.
Brian
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Post by triitout on Jun 17, 2022 1:53:48 GMT
Good for you Jim! I've been fortunate over the years regarding weight management. Two things that I feel work well for me. I'm not a foodie as I like to say I eat to live, not live to eat. The second has been consistency. Jim, I totally agree that having a large stable of bikes to ride keeps it more interesting. It's gotten to the point that each "rider" only gets out 2-3 times a month in season so there's always one I'm itching to ride. My wife is a big walker so I've substituted more walking for running. Easier on the joints and more together time! Now that I'm retired, I get to see more of the wifee and I discovered she's very nice! I'm lucky I fell into triathlons back in the late 1980's as I felt I was getting bored just riding the same bike on the same roads. The balance of three sports has kept the calories burned at a sufficient level to maintain a good weight. I've actually dropped down into the 130's from a high of 170 and it's just made everything, especially running easier. The kind of steady, distance riding in the aerobic zone I prefer without a lot of caloric intake during the ride trains your body to burn fat vs carbs. Another factor I guess. I'll continue with this strategy as long as nothing breaks down as it seems to be working.  Started the first two sprint tri races of the season with a rare back to back first place 65-69 age group finishes! Going racing again this upcoming Sunday!  race_54915_152808_c5730d05-409f-4c28-823b-fb69b88ae9ae  race_54915_152807_b65ecf43-7177-4a62-aaaa-600d7e55d6c4 |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jun 17, 2022 5:45:42 GMT
Back in the 80s I participated in a few team triathlons. Fun stuff! I remember a long wait for my brother-in-law to tag me so I could start my ride. He burned so much energy in the swim that he basically crawled up the beach. I remember urging him on by screaming "crawl crawl crawl you (expletive deleted) crawl". We used to recover by eating ice cream! Like I said, fun stuff.
Cheers
Jim
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390 
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Post by Jem on Jun 17, 2022 20:07:07 GMT
Very interesting thread. I'm having to flip between web pages here to do a conversion of kg's to stone & pounds.
I take my hat off to you Jim, that takes some self discipline and effort to get that system of calories worked out and working for you. Sounds like you have cracked it.
Interesting observation on the frame comfy-ness.
My only tips on the weight are cut out the crisps, biscuits and eating too much pasta or bread. Making food from scratch has always got to win over pre-prepared or processed food, and have a 'go to' snack that is relatively healthy for when you get peckish - for me, a handful of macadamia or pecan nuts and a square of 75-80% dark chocolate.
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Started the first two sprint tri races of the season with a rare back to back first place 65-69 age group finishes! Going racing again this upcoming Sunday!