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**raghavtlwr** · 02-04-2018, 12:06 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Originally posted by atulmnh View Post

Yes, you are right. Problem was did not got enough time to change to lowest gear in time. As to change to lowest gear we need a bit of decline/flat so that gear can be changed with low pressure on pedal. This being a entry level model, changing from 2 to 1 at front requires effort if you have already started incline.

I see.

When buying the Downtown, did you compare it to the Montra Helicon by any chance?
I'm looking to buy a bike myself

**atulmnh** · 02-04-2018, 01:30 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Helicon was never on my radar as I wanted a hybrid as my purpose was only road specific riding. Sometimes our roads makes one desire for mtb, that's another story.

**raghavtlwr** · 02-04-2018, 02:13 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Thanks for the input.

Guy at the TnT store yesterday tried to sell me the Helicon saying that the Trance Pro isn't a good bike... poor frame etc.
I guess he was just trying to sell it off...

Thanks for the input

I'm looking to buy a bike for mostly road use as well.

**atulmnh** · 02-05-2018, 11:16 AM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Originally posted by raghavtlwr View Post

Thanks for the input.

Guy at the TnT store yesterday tried to sell me the Helicon saying that the Trance Pro isn't a good bike... poor frame etc.
I guess he was just trying to sell it off...

Thanks for the input

I'm looking to buy a bike for mostly road use as well.

Montra downtown is a very good beginner level hybrid bike. I might upgrade in the future only if i intend to do 200km rides or mountain trail rides.

**leech** · 02-05-2018, 01:26 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Originally posted by atulmnh View Post

Montra downtown is a very good beginner level hybrid bike. I might upgrade in the future only if i intend to do 200km rides or mountain trail rides.

Is it capable of handling potholes at 20-25 kmph?

**The Monk** · 02-05-2018, 02:37 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Originally posted by atulmnh View Post

Today went for a ride towards Pirangut, which is approx 25kms from my house. During the ride, there was one steep upward slope. I was in 3rd gear at back and 2nd at front. Stretch was of 1km and after 700m I was not able to pedal anymore as last 300m was very steep. Instead started walking that part. Roads are not good after hinjewadi and felt need of MTB. On bike it doesnt feel that much but its very different on cycle. Attaching couple of pics from today's ride.

Imagine you are riding a motorcycle, you are in 3rd gear and a steep slope is in front of you. Instead of downshifting you just twist the throttle a bit more, the engine lugs and sputters and you go agonisingly slow up the hill. You are going to screw that engine up pretty soon.

Now imagine the same scenario, except that you are the engine! That is exactly what a cycle is. The manner in which you will predict the correct gear required for the correct gradient on a motorcycle, the same thing you need to do on your cycle! Grinding the pedals on a higher gear than necessary will harm you (the engine) in the long run.

The idea is to keep your cadence (engine rpm) in the correct power band, so your legs are least stressed at any point of time in the ride. To do this you will need to change gears frequently to maintain that cadence.

Also, really good to see you riding regularly

**atulmnh** · 02-05-2018, 02:56 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Originally posted by leech View Post

Is it capable of handling potholes at 20-25 kmph?

Yes. it is possible but let me tell you it hurts where you don't want it to.

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Originally posted by The Monk View Post

Imagine you are riding a motorcycle, you are in 3rd gear and a steep slope is in front of you. Instead of downshifting you just twist the throttle a bit more, the engine lugs and sputters and you go agonisingly slow up the hill. You are going to screw that engine up pretty soon.

Now imagine the same scenario, except that you are the engine! That is exactly what a cycle is. The manner in which you will predict the correct gear required for the correct gradient on a motorcycle, the same thing you need to do on your cycle! Grinding the pedals on a higher gear than necessary will harm you (the engine) in the long run.

The idea is to keep your cadence (engine rpm) in the correct power band, so your legs are least stressed at any point of time in the ride. To do this you will need to change gears frequently to maintain that cadence.

Also, really good to see you riding regularly

Thanks. Yes, thats why i gave up and started walking

**atulmnh** · 02-18-2018, 10:52 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Went for a long ride today towards new katraj tunnel. Total distance covered 71kms. Highest as of now.
Started before sunrise.

Its a hilly region. Towards the last 5 kms or so, i was on 1 gear at front and 2 at back and still it was getting very difficult to pedal. Thoughts started to come like why i am riding this far, I should go back, this is not my cup of tea, etc, etc. But there was some inner voice whispering "one pedal at a time", "one pedal at a time". I just focused on that voice and kept pedaling and finally saw the target for the day. Felt so happy and suddenly all the pain was gone.

Riding thru the tunnel was fun. Return trip was awesome as i was gliding at 40-50kms/hr without pedalling on the highway. Riding uphill does pay

Sometimes i feel like wearing ear plugs or ear phones as the noise made by other vehicles is huge. Thats it for now. Thanks for reading.

**The Monk** · 02-19-2018, 01:06 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Originally posted by atulmnh View Post

Its a hilly region. Towards the last 5 kms or so, i was on 1 gear at front and 2 at back and still it was getting very difficult to pedal. Thoughts started to come like why i am riding this far, I should go back, this is not my cup of tea, etc, etc. But there was some inner voice whispering "one pedal at a time", "one pedal at a time". I just focused on that voice and kept pedaling and finally saw the target for the day. Felt so happy and suddenly all the pain was gone.

This is why we ride. The tougher the ride you undertake, the more you will be needing these lines

**leech** · 02-19-2018, 01:51 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

[MENTION=79113]atulmnh[/MENTION] - please upload any tracking data you have. Also, does the Downtown feels stable at 50 kmph?

**atulmnh** · 02-19-2018, 02:31 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Originally posted by leech View Post

@atulmnh - please upload any tracking data you have. Also, does the Downtown feels stable at 50 kmph?

I use strava. I don't know how to share it here. Downtown is very much stable at that speed and breaks are also good to slow down immediately from that speed. Didn't tried very urgent braking but was able to slow down very quickly.

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Originally posted by The Monk View Post

This is why we ride. The tougher the ride you undertake, the more you will be needing these lines

Yes bro. amen

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I just checked strava stats. Lowest speed was 4.4km/h and highest was 45.7km/h

**leech** · 02-22-2018, 05:46 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Thanks. You can share a screen shot like this :

**raghavtlwr** · 02-24-2018, 08:30 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

After buying my own bike, I discovered the joy that is Strava too

What's the helmet you have there in that picture?
I've been riding around without one and (rightly) feel a unsafe, especially in traffic.

**Anand1983** · 02-25-2018, 01:00 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Hello bro. my downtown is now almost 2 months young now. using it for office commuting twice a week (20km one side) and for a slightly longer weekend rides.

The joy of cycling is getting into the head. Thinking why i didnot start it earlier.

For accessories , i have added a rear light and planning to buy a front light as my return commute from work is after dark.
got my helmet from decathlon.
Lock, bell and bottle cage were provided with bike.

Going to give bike for first service next week. Front gear shifting is a bit hard. have to ask them to tune it.

overall bike is a breeze to ride.
if the pain in you know where is ignored can easily munch up more miles.

Thinking to check cycling shorts. can these be worn under office pants , as i dont think my office security will approve me entering office in shorts[emoji12]

**atulmnh** · 02-25-2018, 02:27 PM

Re: Cycling journey with Montra downtown

Originally posted by leech View Post

Thanks. You can share a screen shot like this :

Sharing screenshots below.

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Originally posted by raghavtlwr View Post

What's the helmet you have there in that picture?

I got it from decathlon, the best one they had for around 2k.

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Originally posted by Anand1983 View Post

Thinking to check cycling shorts. can these be worn under office pants , as i dont think my office security will approve me entering office in shorts[emoji12]

Nice to hear. Enjoy the miles. Its really good.
Cycling shorts should be worn under pants. They should not be worn over inners but should be the worn as the innermost layer of clothing.

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