Virtual Tour Group: gear questions

I've got two gear questions that I'm hoping I can get some answers from...

1. Shoes

Does anybody run in a pair of Brooks Beasts? Does anybody know where I could read some reviews or info on them, besides the Brooks website? Apparently, those are the shoes I'm supposed to be in (instead of Nike Structure) and would like some info on them. The going rate I'm seeing is $110-$130 and I'd like to check those numbers.

2. Bikes

This one is more down Steve's alley I think, but anybody can feel free to answer. I talked of bikes a while back, and just didn't buy one. Didn't feel right. Now, I've gone to a local bike shops, found some that I like and need a little help covering the mechanics on them. This is where I'm hoping I getting the most for my money.

Bike 1 - Giant TCR http://bobs-bikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=37770

Bike 2 - Giant Defy 2  http://bobs-bikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=48428

Bike 3 - Specialized Allez http://bobs-bikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=48653

Opinions? Comments?

Right now, I'm just starting out, so it'll be predominately road biking.

By May, it'll be sprint course triathlon racing. I'm not going w/ a tri time trial bike b/c I will not become a full time triathlete. I want something I'll be able to ride on weekends too.

I've sat on them all (on a trainer), but just haven't gotten them out for some miles. I'm a little apprehensive about that part for some reason. I'm a little afraid that I'll be hooked forever once I do.

E, I looked at your Jan totals and you crushed it. Congrats and keep it up!

I had the Brookes Beasts; they didn't last more than a month before the back of the heal wore through on the inside of the shoe, and theres a hard plastic liner in there that gives blisters. These shoes were about 50% more expensive than my normal shoes which last a year to 18 months!

I'm not going to buy Brookes again, but I guess everyones feet are different...

I forget the exact model I am wearing now, but I can check and post it if you are interested.

ehirning:

Thanks Lost. I have a cycling addiction. I'm sure once you get your bike and start riding it, you will fall in love with it (my wife calls mine "the other woman")!

I have a picture of my bike on facebook in my photo album titled "my family". They eventually learn to accept it.

Thanks for the recommendations.

Welcome Bendy. Glad to see you joined our little group. It's a fun place. And thanks for the recommendation on the shoes. I went to an orthopedist b/c of shin splints and he realized I'm a pretty severe overpronator. His recommendation is the Beasts. I'm hoping to buy them, try them at his office and see what it does to my footstrike. If it fails, I'll take it back.

I've been wearing Nike Structures, but I'm retiring them at 200mi and that's stretching it. That and it seems that I still continue to fight with the shin splints.

Glad you approve the bikes Steve. I knew you'd help. I have good vibes from two of the local shops, but it seems the one I posted has a larger selection and is a little more willing to help. I like the other one, but they only have 3 lines and 2 of those are out of my budget and the 3rd is barely in my budget.

I called Bob's Bikes (local - see sites above) and they want to fit me tomorrow (free) and help get me on some wheels and he says he has some in that price point that I'll be happy with. That's good news.

I'm pretty excited!

Thanks Dan. Seems like I skipped the most obvious place to look at shoes.

Seems that both the adrenaline's and beast's are on the list for motion control and stability shoes. I called the track store (local shop) to see what they had, and will be going over there tomorrow to do some shoe shopping.

I'm just having a real hard time pulling the trigger on a $130 shoe.

 all three bikes are ok.but if you want to do a couple of sprint tris pick the giant tcr,as it the best of the three.The  defy 2 as got a triple groupset and bigger tyres and would make a good tourer.the specialized allez would be ok as a entry level bike,but would need upgrading sooner than later.

It looks like it'll be the Beasts. I'm supposed to go pick them up today from the store. I tried them on (diff size though) and liked them. A bit heavy, but I still liked them. They seem to have the "roll bar" that I need to help. A video analysis from the doctor was done to help show me how I strike and how the shoe helps.

I still rolled in the Adrenalines, Asics 1240s, and the Hurricanes. I rolled in the Beasts, but it wasn't as much and the doc's hoping w/ the insoles that will brought to a minimum.

We'll see. 

I'll probably buy the first pair from them, then go out and buy yet another pair online to save a little dough.

I think I caught something from you guys, because on Saturday I found myself at the local running store trying on shoes.  I must have tried on 8 or 10 pairs of shoes before buying a pair of  Brooks Adrenaline GTS9s.  Then I went jogging with my wife this afternoon (she runs a lot).  We ran and walked 4.2 miles, and best I can tell from my GPS, I ran a little over 3 miles.  I felt great at the time, but my shins are extremely tired and feeling stiff this evening.  I suppose I over did it.

The GPS data says I was running between a 9:50 and a 10:30 pace.  Is a decent pace for a beginner?

Steve 

I just got back from spinning class.  Wasn't sure how I would feel after overdoing the running yesterday, but I felt great.  I took it easy (I'd also done a hard ride Saturday morning) but the spinning really loosened me up and flushed most of the stiffness from my legs.

I don't think I need the full Couch to __k program - at least not the "couch" part.  I'm already spinning 4 days a week and plan to run only on Sundays.  I probably just need to find more shortcuts on our neighborhood route where I can let my wife run while I walk.

Steve 

Um, during a recession?

Smart-a** aside, I have no idea. I assume there must be an "end of 2009 models" time, no idea when that is.  Anyone else know?

I went and bought in Feb, and wound up w/ a 2009. I'm guessing I missed the end of 2008 models though.

Also, my shop is offering pretty big incentive plans for those that purchase now. Check and see what they can do and will do.

Ours is $0-$1000 - $80 store credit, $1000-$2000 - $150 store credit, $2000 & up, $250 store credit.

The credit is good for anything according to their add. Also, they may not be able to do a whole lot on the bike itself, but some of the accessories, they can probably work w/ you on. My dealer threw in a pair of shorts and jersey top with the purchase.

So, yea, what are you looking at?

I've decided on going with a base model between 500-750 mainly.  I was really looking through Craigslist frequently for a good used bike but since I have never been properly fitted for a bike I wasn't sure if I was looking at the proper size for me.  I've read some online articles and have a general idea what would work but I figure I should just walk down to the bike store first.  Problem is getting motivated/finding time to go.

Problem is I am not sure how often I will get to use it so I don't want to drop too much money on it until I am sure I am getting in regular rides.

So I was investigating how to change the battery on my Timex Ironman watch. I was going to do it myself but I decided that I didn't have a small enough screwdriver to open the case and I was just plain too lazy to do it. So I stopped at this jewelry cart in the mall ( Mistake. I know.) to get the battery replaced. They guy even has a sign "Watch batteries replaced here." So I figured that I could have my watch ready for the race.

Long story short the guy opened and closed the case three times, I had to coach him on reseting the circuitry, and one of the buttons was still stuck. I was so frustrated I paid the $15 bucks and considered my personal contribution to turning the economy around.

Once I got home I rummaged through the junk drawer and found a small screwdriver for fixing bobbins on the sewing machine. Between that and a small pair of scissors to act as tweezers I was able to do what Vjay couldn't.

Moral of the story: Fix your own gear if you can.

Not sure if you guys frequent the general running forum but I thought that I would share this link with you: "Do You Need Brooks Shoes?"

He's a nice guy. Super fast runner too! KDogg is the man!

Had a promotional event at the local shoe store I was invited to to try out the new line of Under Armor shoes.  At first I was leary because I have heard negative things about their other lines of shoes and this being the first run out on running shoes I figured I wouldn't like them. 

After a quick warmup and a mini speed workout I can say I am impressed.  I tried the Illusion which is a stability shoe equivalent to my Asic 2130s.  They have an incline that starts in the heel and decreases as you go forward so every step feels like you are starting off from a block.  They worked really well for the workout I did however I did question their ability to hold up under longer distances.

The UA rep said she completed Ultras in these shoes without problem and one of the guys that worked at the store said his XC coach runs about 40 miles a week in them without problem.  I might pick up a pair sometime and possibly use them just for short/faster distances and hold out using them on longer runs until I see how they hold up.

So UA is now making a running shoe? I thought I saw that in a RW magazine recently. They always billed their shoes "for athletes" that required lateral motion stability so I never even entertained the idea of getting them as running shoes.

I previously ran in Nikes and now I've been in the Brooks for almost a year. Brooks really stole my heart. I tried on some Pearl Izumi's but I just didn't like the feel. ( Too boxie for me.)  Has anyone had any experience with Mizuno?

Unfortunately I had to give the pair back that I was testing and the store would have to order a pair if I wanted it (@ MSRP) that day until they stock it full time.  I have about 3 pairs of brand new Asics 2130s that I accumulated over Xmas (they were discontinued when the 2140s came out and had some great deals last season) so I wasn't in any hurry for the new shoe.  Maybe if the price comes down or if the store has a great sale I'll pick up a pair but until then I am set.

Of friend of mine has a father-in-law that is a Mizuno rep and that's all he runs in.  I dunno cause I've tried Saucony, Brooks and Asics and keep coming back to Asics.  Nothing wrong with the others just seem to get a lot more mileage out of the 2130s.