anything with 2 wheels can also do road cycling I do long distance (100km+) on my MTB.

I can't really comment much about road bikes choices on your budget, as I don't use them, but normal gear that you'll need are as follows:
- helmet (compulsory)
- cycling shorts (very very important for cycling more than 20km)
- front and rear lights (if you cycle at nights. there's quite a number of groups who does night rides on weekdays)
- water bottle and water cage (should be able to get this for free with your bike)

optional
- gloves
- cycling computer (get one with the cadence sensor)

as for groups, it depends a lot on where you stay at. you'll need to look for a group that's close by to you so you won't need to travel halfway across the state just to join in the ride all the time (unless its a group trip to somewhere more remote)

ps. don't forget 130spf sunblock for when you cycle during the day time. unless you wish to have tan lines to wear as your badge of honor

This post has been edited by malleus: Apr 28 2012, 06:16 PM

I've done 180km on my MTB before. well, cycling on road and off road both has got similar basic gear. Helmet, lights, cycling shorts.

This post has been edited by malleus: Apr 28 2012, 08:59 PM

my Chosen hub used to drive other cyclists crazy They can tell whenever I'm behind them, and grumbles that it sounds rather intimidating whenever they hear the high pitched wrrrrrrrriiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee sound right behind them But its gotten a lot quieter now since I had it serviced and greased. But still a higher pitched sound from the higher engagement points that it has.

I'm doing the Broga loop tomorrow. should be some monkeys to see too

argh! the detonating tires!

come to think of it, a cycling buddy did have disastrous results with his new conti ultra sports. seemed to be a manufacturing flaw or something, found a patch on the side wall near the bead where you can see through it

see you at LeTua

The main killer is in how much you need to spray to clean it all up. he did say that it doesn't make it completely clean, but just clean enough.

I'll just remove my chain and cassette, dump them into a small bucket and spray degreaser in, shake the bucket around, followed up with a rinse with dish detergent, then finally water. works very well. 1 can of degreaser (probably costs more than RP7) can last me quite a while that way

very simple actually if you've got one of those quick release links that you can take out without any tools needed

I use the KMC ones. Don't need to have pliers or anything, just use your hands. Been doing this once a week without any problems so far.

I would really like to see you fit that onto your bike, and climb hills with it

Just avoid going onto the Kesas during rush hour and you'll be fine. Best times will be very early morning on weekends or after 9pm.

hmm.. bad timing.. me riding frasers this sunday

Gear too high?

I'll be in Penang Island for a ride during September

Frasers Hill! 40km distance, 1.1km elevation. Managed to finish in 2:45

That's why quick release links on the chain is important. So you can quickly release the link, take out the chain, wrap it around your fist and whack them a good one

would have thought that bikes meant for leisure rides would be cheaper

How frequent are your gear changes? Also, easing up on your pedaling helps to reduce the jerk when you change gears. not to mention, its easier on your gears too

definitely not how I'll do it. mashing the pedals like that is a good way to tire yourself out unnecessarily

Doing the kesas route, I use my big chain ring (42T) all the way. For cassette, 17T on flats, 15T to 13T on downhill descends, and 21T or 19T on the climbs. This is a fast cruising speed, without any sprints.

Your chain ring and cassette are different sized from mine, but the T numbers should give you an indication of how to adjust.

Usually finish the Puchong -> Summit -> Sri Petaling (Endah Parade) -> Puchong route in less than an hour (26.5km)

This post has been edited by malleus: May 7 2012, 12:54 PM

you just need practice. you'll eventually be able to get the gap down to just 6 inches or less