Any cycling enthusiasts?

Hi gang. I am one year post-op and have recently discovered cycling as a form of physical activity that I really enjoy. I refuse to use the "E" word (exercise) as it induces some sort of psychological block, if that makes any sense. As morbidly obese, I tended to associate the "E" word with things I didn't enjoy, such as weight-lifting at the local gym where all the buffed up and beefed out muscle-heads would watch me with disdain. At any rate, I've been riding a hybrid bike which is pretty heavy and bulky. While I think my current bike probably goes fast enough with 21 gears, I would like to increase my distance. Right now, I get tuckered out after about 25 miles. I feel this is probably from the sheer weight of the bike, a Diamondback Wildwood hybrid. Can anybody recommend a good road bike? I'm not Lance Armstrong so I don't need a $5,000 bike but I would not be adverse to spending $800 or so if that's what it takes. Also, for those of you who cycle regularly, how are your appetites? I estimate that I'm burning a thousand calories a day when I bike and I'm positively ravenous. I used to eat 3-4 times a day. Now it's not unusual for me to eat 6 times a day. I just don't want to blow it! Any help or insight is very greatly appreciated. And, if anybody happens to live in the Portland metro area and enjoys cycling, give me a holler and let's hook up and ride!! Thank you all for your time, ~d

I love cycling, I can't wait to get back on... Have you been watching the Tour de France?? Man, these guys are awesome. Such devotion, and strength.... -Rene'

Isn't cycling great? I have a TREK that I love and my husband has a Specialized. Both are great for road riding. Mine is more of a hybrid than my husband's and doens't have quite the same speed. A new bike will make a tremendous difference in your riding ability. I can attest to that because I replaced an old heavy bike a couple of years ago and I couldn't get over the difference. It made it much more pleasurable to ride. If you go to a good bike store they should point you in the right direction. You'll definitely be able to get something nice in your price range. Happy cycling, Mary 302/205/1??

...At any rate, I've been riding a hybrid bike which is pretty heavy and bulky. While I think my current bike probably goes fast enough with 21 gears, I would like to increase my distance. Right now, I get tuckered out after about 25 miles. I feel this is probably from the sheer weight of the bike, a Diamondback Wildwood hybrid... Doing 25 miles on a hybrid is pretty good, considering how bulky and heavy they are. Plus, the way they're designed, they're more for meandering, recreational rides through art villages, as opposed to strenuous physical activity. I don't like the E word either. For $800, you can get a nice road bike, which is lighter, and built for longer distances like you're wanting to ride. I love Trek, I have a Madone from them, and it's my pride and joy. Also, depending on the area you live in, there are a lot of bike clubs all over the nation. I'm in Kansas City, and I found a website with a local bike club calendar on it. Each day, there are various bike club rides, where I can pick my distance and speed, and ride with a group. That will REALLY improve your distance, and stamina, riding with people better than you. Trust me, it's a great way to improve AND meet other cyclists. ...Also, for those of you who cycle regularly, how are your appetites? I estimate that I'm burning a thousand calories a day when I bike and I'm positively ravenous. I used to eat 3-4 times a day. Now it's not unusual for me to eat 6 times a day. I just don't want to blow it!.... Use your protein supplement immediately after your ride, to help rebuild the muscle mass that you just broke down. It's a wonderful recovery drink. That will also help with your appetite. If what you eat is high in protein and low in fat, you're not going to blow it. I do triathlons, and when I'm training hard, it's not unusual at all for me to eat 4 or 5 times a day, or even nibble all day on carrots, yogurt, beef jerky, chicken, etc. Basically, as long as what you eat is nutritionally valuable, you should be in good shape. If it really does worry you, I ALWAYS recommend calling your surgeon, for a quick pick-me-up. My surgeon and his staff are wonderful about reassuring us worrying bariatric folks when we start to panic. Congratulations on enjoying the most wonderful (in my extremely biased opinion) sport ever! Laura

Go to the below web site and read up on the Trek 1500. I just got a Trek 1500 Alpha SLR Aluminum bike.I love it. http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1442000&f=4

Hope that you are not waiting for advice still> I have a LeMond, but think that more important than the make is getting a bike that fits you when you ride out of the showroom. If it doesnt fit, you will not like it as it will hurt and annoy you. Look for a copy of Bicycling magazine. Always pretty good advice.