I got a new app

"OPPOsaurus WRX" (opposaurus) 07/26/2017 at 09:30 • Filed to: None

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I went with Strava. One thing I liked about Mytracks was that you could set it to give you an update every 5 minutes or something. It would tell you the distance covered, average speed and time riding. It doesn’t look like thats an option with Strava.

I also have a broken spoke. I’ve never tried fixing one before.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > OPPOsaurus WRX 07/26/2017 at 09:38

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i think iirc thats why i stopped using strava cause it didnt give me updates about my time, speed and distance and went back to using runkeeper

facw > OPPOsaurus WRX 07/26/2017 at 09:41

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Runkeeper and MapMyRide both have spoken distance/time/pace updates, though Runkeeper being primarily a running app gives your speed in minutes per mile instead of miles per hour by default (you can change this).

I believe they are both free so you can try them out.

I’m currently using MapMyRide, but have been meaning to try Strava.

I had a broken spoke earlier this summer. Annoying but a little money and some time wandering around the bike shop got it fixed. Cheap enough that it seems worth it just to have someone else take care of it.

TheRealBicycleBuck > OPPOsaurus WRX 07/26/2017 at 09:53

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Broken spokes are an easy fix. A good shop should be able to cut a blank to the proper length and thread it for you. Call ahead to make sure they have a spoke cutter on site. After you get it off the wheel, take the broken spoke with you so they can measure it. When reassembling the wheel, remember to put a drop of oil on the nipple so that it doesn’t wind up as you are tensioning the spoke.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > OPPOsaurus WRX 07/26/2017 at 10:01

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Is there a reason why you’d prefer an app over a bike computer for real-time metrics?

OPPOsaurus WRX > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 07/26/2017 at 10:16

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I have the phone, so there is no cost, I can also use it for running. I usually have headphones on so I can hear the updates.

OPPOsaurus WRX > TheRealBicycleBuck 07/26/2017 at 10:17

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yea the place I brought my bike the last time it needed work does all that. they guy does a lot of business just building custom wheels.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > OPPOsaurus WRX 07/26/2017 at 10:22

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I would like to get back into riding bicycles - I did it again for the first time in 20 years and realized that I enjoy it.

I have a helmet - a Giro Atlas II that I found brand new for $10 on LetGo. What I need is a bicycle that can easily support my 320-pound heft. I’ve done some research and found I probably need about a 19-22 inch frame depending on the type of bicycle. But I also need to buy used and I’d like to spend under $300.

Any suggestions?

benjrblant > TheRealBicycleBuck 07/26/2017 at 10:22

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I have never heard of a shop that cuts and threads spokes.

TheRealBicycleBuck > benjrblant 07/26/2017 at 10:24

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Sheesh, two of the three shops in town when I was in college had the equipment. I’m sure two of the four shops here in Baton Rouge do it.

benjrblant > OPPOsaurus WRX 07/26/2017 at 10:24

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If the spoke broke at the spoke, you may be able to measure another spoke on the wheel. If the nipple broke, you can measure the spoke and order a replacement. Spoke lengths may vary based on hub flange size and some hubs have different flanges from left to right. Fortunately my MTB takes the same size, f/r, l/r, so I always carry 3-4 292mm non-butted DT Swiss spokes and matching nipples.

Wheel repairs and hub rebuilds were my favorite stuff to do when I worked in a shop. I miss it.

benjrblant > TheRealBicycleBuck 07/26/2017 at 10:25

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That’s nuts! Every shop I’ve worked at or been to will measure and sell you a packaged spoke.

Cutting and threading spokes is some old school stuff right there! Sounds like the Ural factory.

TheRealBicycleBuck > OPPOsaurus WRX 07/26/2017 at 10:26

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That’s great! Custom wheels built by a talented builder are worth every penny. I had a rear wheel built for my Super-V after I had tacoed two factory wheels. The custom wheel is still straight and true.

BeaterGT > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 07/26/2017 at 10:32

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See what’s on Craigslist! You might be able to pick up a few year old Trek or something. Start slow, keep it fun, and you’ll be shedding and shredding in no time :)

TheRealBicycleBuck > benjrblant 07/26/2017 at 10:33

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Keeping an inventory of packaged spokes seems nuts to me. It’s cheaper to keep an inventory of longer spokes and cut them to size.

functionoverfashion > OPPOsaurus WRX 07/26/2017 at 10:33

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I’ve heard good things about Strava but never used it myself. I used to use an android-only app called OruxMaps but that was more just for mapping out the unmarked trails I ride. Most of the guys I ride with don’t use apps for this stuff, but those who do use Strava.

I recently used MTB project - a free app affiliated with REI - when I went to an area called PRKR Mtn (Parker Mountain, but “hip” for “the kids” or something) in Littleton, NH. It was an area I’d never been, and all the trails were marked with this app so you could find your way around and see your location via GPS. Maybe worth checking out if you go out exploring far from home. You could also find biking trails near wherever you might be.

I liked with OruxMaps that you could download whole sections of maps for offline use, so you could have an interactive GPS-located map without cell service. I’d use it for hiking, too, just as a backup - download the area I’m going to ahead of time. I also used it to map out a spaghetti-pile of trails near where I work. Literally everyone I know rides it the same way - ride until you’re lost, then work your way back to familiarity. But mapping it out and studying it on Google Earth, I now have a much better feel for the layout.

OH and how did you break the spoke? The only time I did that, I had several bruises to go with it.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 07/26/2017 at 10:46

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https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/d/large-er-performance-bikes/6233567243.html

I’d get something with a front fork, even if you are just on the street, they sell ‘hybrid’ bikes which are in between a road bike and a mountain bike with a light duty fork. Disc brakes are amazing. I’d never ever ever go back. Mine are hydraulic which does have a noticeable difference.

A 29er will make getting over bumps easier. I think it takes some agility away but its definitely a plus. It will probably be better if you are a bigger guy. If you are 100% never going to hit a trail then just get a road bike as the mountain bikes definitely take more effort to move along.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > BeaterGT 07/26/2017 at 10:48

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I would probably prefer something like that. I’d like to get a hybrid - but with enough girth to handle downhill rims and big, stiff tires. Like a road bike frame with mountain bike handlebars and a nice, wide saddle so my balls don’t fall asleep during my ride.

OPPOsaurus WRX > functionoverfashion 07/26/2017 at 10:53

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i have no idea how it broke. could have been a stick, could have been a child.

have you even been to Highland?

BeaterGT > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 07/26/2017 at 11:10

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I would suggest a mountain bike for trail/road riding as hybrids usually have skinny tires. Happen to have an REI near you? They have bikes at a fair price point and will help you get fitted as well.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 07/26/2017 at 11:17

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I’m a big guy and I’ve always had to be careful about picking appropriate hardware to support my heft. Frames haven’t been much of an issue, but I’ve been hell on wheels. After tacoing two rear wheels on my MTB, I finally went with a custom-built Velocity Deep-V rim.

One of my favorite commuters was a steel-framed MTB with slicks. I wouldn’t look at road bikes since most of those are meant for much smaller guys.

That being said, my “road” bike is actually a cyclocross bike. These are designed to take more of a beating and have the space for bigger tires. Larger tires require lower pressure and make the ride more comfortable by taking the edge off the bumps. I love riding watching the guys with super-skinny tires take a beating on our rough roads while I ride in relative comfort.

Your biggest problem will probably be finding a comfortable saddle. Just remember that tires and saddles can be changed. I swear by the Brooks B-17. It’s expensive, but worth it. Don’t fall for the gel covers or super-wide seats. The seat width should support the ischial tuberosities, aka your “sit bones”. These will naturally squish down through soft layers until they get to something firm. The squished material will move to the center and edges, putting pressure on your own soft parts. The end result is numbness and pain where you don’t want it.

Remember that an uncomfortable bike is one that will never be ridden.

If I were in the market, I’d choose to spend more and would lean toward a mountain bike, a cyclocross bike, or a touring bike. I’d also be prepared to spend money on a decent saddle ($50-100) and a good set of larger slicks ($50-100). If you buy from a shop, they may be willing to swap out at a discount.

Good luck!

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 07/26/2017 at 12:30

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Buy my mountain bike. It’s overbuilt (I was 240-ish when i bought it) and have kept it mostly stock. It’s not the lightest thing, but far from the heaviest, it also rides really nicely and it’s built of quality parts, the lowest grade component is still (9-speed) Shimano Deore, added to which is the aluminum frame, Marzocchi fork and crazy-strong wheels.

I’d sell for your price range and it would give me an excuse to upgrade, haha. Pic from April:

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > facw 07/26/2017 at 12:35

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I have been MapMy___ MVP for 4 years, I’m letting it lapse this year for Strava. The reason being, MM___ dropped their support for Bluetooth connected devices that aren’t sold by them. So my cadence and HR monitor are both uselss to them, meanwhile they work beautifully with Strava or even RidewithGPS.

Oh well...

functionoverfashion > OPPOsaurus WRX 07/26/2017 at 12:39

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Ha. I took a big stick in my rear wheel last year that actually locked up the wheel rather than breaking anything. It certainly bent a spoke, but didn’t break it.

I haven’t been to Highland yet... I do really need to go. Part of the problem is that we bought a new (to us) boat and have been using that a bit more, biking a bit less. Have you been there? I hear you should just rent one of their DH bikes, don’t bother with your own unless you have a serious DH bike already.

facw > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 07/26/2017 at 12:39

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Interesting. I’ve just got a Garmin Ant+ heart rate monitor which works fine with MMR, but otherwise don’t know much about the strength of their device support.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > facw 07/26/2017 at 12:43

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Right, they support ANT+, but not Bluetooth HR or Cadence monitors or peripheries.

OPPOsaurus WRX > functionoverfashion 07/26/2017 at 12:49

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yea... I spent about $1200 on a nice 29er front suspension. I felt like I was running a Camry at LeMans. The second time I went, I did some package deal. I think it was $100 but it gets you a lesson, body armor, lift ticket and a top of the line full suspension monster. I think they said my bike had cost about $6k

Captain Brotatohead > OPPOsaurus WRX 07/26/2017 at 13:33

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I’m a hardcore Strava user who’s on pace to log 9000 miles on my 4 bikes (2 road, 1 MTB, 1 CX). All of my activities are recorded using my Garmin. On the road I feel like having a computer in site is an absolute necessity; power, cadence, heart rate, distance, and time are very important metrics for me to see in real time. However, on the trail I almost never take a look at my data since I’m pretty concerned with not crashing into trees or obstacles. So having the phone app recording in your back pocket is more or less the same as using a computer mounted to your bars.

As others have mentioned, your local bike shop should be able to replace your spoke in a few minutes, should only cost like $20.

Another thing about Strava is that you can log in on a standard web browser and access tools that might not be available through the app. I know that casual users often forget to upload their ride before they hop in their car and they inadvertently steal KOMs from road riders. The browser version let’s you crop the ride if you happen to do this. There’s nothing like getting an email that reads “uh oh, Joe Schmoe just stole your KOM by 55 seconds.” I’m just like, come on dude.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Captain Brotatohead 07/26/2017 at 13:55

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yea i’m not into the whole social aspect of this, I just want something that tells me how far and how fast. You are 100% about the trail riding part. I could see all that stuff you said being important on the road, but on the trail, I’d like to just not crash.

functionoverfashion > OPPOsaurus WRX 07/27/2017 at 08:26

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That’s the way to go. I rented one at another ski area last fall, and it was well worth the $70 I think - there was no instruction or anything, but full padding was included. This was in the morning, the day we were attending a wedding, so I was a little cautious. Running a DH bike down a ski slope isn’t what most would call cautious, but you know what I mean.

I’m only like 25 minutes from Highland, I really should go. My friend is a mountain biking coach at Holderness School (a prep school), so he’s always looking to go places like that, and can take a school van so only one person has to drive.