You're Not a Pro: Tips for Amateurs!

[@rayF4rio]

I'm 65. And over the past 10 years I've transitioned from 53/39 and 11-25 on 25mm tires to now running 46/33 and 10-36 with 35mm tires. And I'm so glad I made those changes. And you are correct about energy intake....I base it on my average Kj/hr energy output....I ignore the 90-120 gram/hr hyper fueling. I've also noticed that chains and cassettes last much longer now compared to when I was in my 30's - that's one advantage of a reduction in power output.

[@Forest_velo]

😃👍 Sounds an ideal set up!

[@CycleXplorer]

105 is a banging groupset. Sleep and rest is probably the best thing to copy 😴

[@Forest_velo]

I wish I could copy the sleep 😂

[@DSoltys]

Claris is the best value groupset. If you are not into racing you will don't need extra 3 gears.

[@freenational]

​@@DSoltysClaris works well but awful heavy.

[@toddpalmer2129]

Also, I’m quite jealous of the scenery in your vids! Particularly the beginning of this one. Are these roads just out your front door? Beautiful!

[@Forest_velo]

Pretty much, yes! 👍

[@rodneytaylor5922]

A great video with many truths. I do believe that cycling in senior years is best done with a heart rate monitor, just so that you can spot any issues early and get them attended to.

[@Forest_velo]

Great point!

[@williamlott7612]

I have two road bikes that I picked up secondhand, a Trek 1.9 and a Specialized Allez Sport. Both serve me well and are completely satisfactory as I know my limitations, physical and financial. I recently had an ankle replacement so I installed mountain bike pedals on the Specialized allowing me to wear regular shoes. Eventually I’ll go back to clip-ons once the ankle is 100% healed. I am 68 years old and stopped worrying about what other people think years ago; it is more important to be on the bike than trying to impress other people. Darlington, South Carolina USA

[@Forest_velo]

Thanks for your comments! Yep just being out riding is paramount! 👍

[@David-jl6hr]

Thanks for sharing, great perspectives and info.

[@Forest_velo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andyCyclistNorthNorthants]

Good video as ever! I had same gear ratios as you on 105. Now I'm 66 I have changed crank set to 46 /30 to cope with hillier terrain, it helps a lot as you lose strength with age .

[@Forest_velo]

Thanks! Yes, easier gears are the future! 😃

[@jered2177]

I'm on a old 10 speed, I'd love to have better climbing gear

[@fabianmolyneux2308]

A very good vid. Thanks I pretty much concur with all your thoughts. I think pros also have a bank of professional services ranging from mechanics, nutritionists, physios, coaches, massagers and everything in between, we lesser mortals don’t. Once over 40 years you’d be lucky to even still be in the pro ranks.

[@Forest_velo]

Thanks for your comments 👍

[@adisapoet]

Great video. Loved the way you switched up the camera shots. Made watching far more enjoyable. Wishing your channels grows daily.

[@Forest_velo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hobmarg]

Ultegra and 105 12 speed Di2 perform the same as Dura Ace IMO, just weigh savings. 52/36 11-34 is perfect IMO, 36-34 is plenty for climbing unless you have sustained 12% or worse climbs which are rare. I think a power meter is extremely useful for amateurs for pacing efforts, especially climbs.

[@JayBD626]

Agreed! Liked and subscribed!

[@Forest_velo]

Thanks!

[@alexandercrisp9994]

Excellent. Thanks!!

[@toddpalmer2129]

I’m wondering about Carbon. I’m doing fine on an Aluminum gravel frame, but I’d be interested in more comfort (I hear carbon absorbs some of the shock) and I’d be interested in going farther/faster with the Watts I can put out. So is a carbon wheel-set or full carbon frame likely to help me go further/faster - or just help lower my bank account?

[@Forest_velo]

Definitely will lower your bank account! If you’re on the road deeper carbon wheels can help you go faster for sure! The frame not so much. Comfort depends on the frame you get… a fast road frame might be harsher than an endurance frame for example. Having said that I’ve got an aluminium gravel bike (Topstone) and it’s the most comfortable bike I have!

[@ulycination978]

Carbon frame will reduce the vibrations. That said, just having a carbon fork will help a lot for a fraction of the price.

[@pheel.the.fletcher]

Going wider tires will probably dwarf any benefits from going carbon.

[@toddpalmer2129]

@@pheel.the.fletcher Good comments from several here, I have a Carbon fork and I'm currently riding 40mm tires for gravel. If I were to keep those for gravel and get a second wheelset for road rides at say 28mm, does that buy me some speed at same Watts?

[@karelvandervelden8819]

Since we all embrased wider softer tyres an alu bike will suffice.

[@StayInTheWord]

Again, another great video, “Coach Forest.” Mere mortals don’t need power pedals, dedicated mechanic, or obsess over aero gear. At least, I don’t. Have a good one! Grace & Peace

[@David-jl6hr]

What is your opinion on carbon handlebars versus alloy? Thanks

[@Forest_velo]

Both my bikes have carbon handlebars which are aero bars… I like them and they may help with road buzz. But I haven’t noticed a lot of difference with aluminium bars.

[@Aragorn.Strider]

Even Tiagra is pretty good if you only ride alone

[@neilkennington2397]

Do you really need a bike computer like a Garmin $$$ when to me all you really need is a speedometer/ odometer like the Cateye Padrone.Thanks for the video keep up the great work.

[@Forest_velo]

Thanks! Yes, for lots of users a simple computer is more than enough…

[@stevenlurie1215]

Get some xoss computer they cheap and work well

[@chuckhunter77]

My road triple is 30/40/50 and my gears are 14-34. It's sufficient gearing for all but one hill in my area.

[@Forest_velo]

Wow! Must be steep! 😃

[@MrDrinksprite]

What is.your take on using meters for power, cadans and heartrate as an amateur. Is itt worth the investment?

[@Forest_velo]

I do use a power meter but find it more useful for gauging efforts rather than training on the road. Where they are really useful is when training inside or using a smart trainer. Outside a heart rate monitor can be useful to if you don’t have a power meter.

[@burronorteno]

what do you eat on a 2-3 hour ride?

[@Forest_velo]

Hi! On a 2 hour ride, not a lot… Depends how hard I’m riding. If it’s zone 2, I may just have water up to 2 hrs. If it’s going to be over 2 hrs I’ll more consciously eat something every 30 mins or so, from the start and have a carb drink too. Trying to take in around 80g of carbs an hour.

[@alexwilsonpottery3733]

What do I think? I think those hedges need laying. On cycling - I don’t even have a bike computer. Everyone else seems to be obsessed with statistics. I just ride.

[@Forest_velo]

😅 sounds like a nice way to ride… I should do it more! 😂

[@jay297610]

I think the smart trainer is the place for metrics, out on the road is for enjoying the ride. I'm enjoying both while the weather holds.

[@Forest_velo]

Yes I mainly use it inside as you say but like to see how much I’ve suffered outside too 😃

[@freenational]

I wouldn't buy Dura-ace even if I have the money. Not money well spent in my opinion. Ultegra is as good as it gets for me. I am 60 and just rediscovered cycling recently. Have not cycled since school days. Deteriorating health led me to pick up this form of exercise because my knees are not up to the task for running anymore.

[@Forest_velo]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Chris._P._Bacon]

I know I never been a Pro......since 1992, when I had 700x20. But one thing is for sure......I will never ever, never!!!! use disc or battery powered shifters. Never!!! I am pretty sure I can get a rim brake frame from a Chinese company, reason why I got an extra rear and front dereilleur 11 speed, 11 men-powered shifters, and that! Is how I keep it non-Pro. 12 speed crankset works for the 11 speed drive train and not only that, the 11 speed crankset is fugly and it's on Shimano's defective /listprogram.

[@Forest_velo]

Thanks for commenting! I have a rim braked bike with manual gears which I’d like to do up but I love di2 and disc brakes.

[@flyoverstateresident2890]

Approaching 40,000 miles on Dura Ace Tarmac.

[@Forest_velo]

Nice! 👌

[@TimProctor4323]

So, what you're saying is filling my bottles with sugary drinks and my pockets with chocolates and cakes to fuel my recovery ride is a no-no?🤣🤣

[@Forest_velo]

Er… yeah! 🙄😅

[@jered2177]

😢

[@smaug3045]

I have been on Keto all spring and summer, and I find burning fat instead of carbs is more efficient. Having said that, I only go on 3 hour rides, and I can miss the carbs in the red zone, but normally, I have no problems not having carbs in my system.

[@mokasusa]

You need disc brakes either. Neither are pro's, but the are dictated