About two weeks into regular rowing sessions and really happy with my progress thus far. For those row veterans, any feedback/thoughts on what you're seeing here?
Edit:
39yo
Male
6'4 and 235lb
I've gone back and forth on whether to even ask this because GLP-1 medications can be a bit of a polarizing topic, but I'm hoping to hear from people with firsthand experience rather than assumptions.
A little background: I'm 6'4", currently around 235 lbs (down from 275lbs at my heaviest in 2021, right when I began cycling), and have been a pretty serious recreational cyclist ever since. I've done countless centuries and even larger events like SBT (2024), the Cherohala Challenge (2025) ,The Triple Bypass in CO (2025), regularly ride with faster local groups, train with power, and generally take cycling pretty seriously. A couple years ago I got my weight down to about 220 lbs, but between a job change, life getting busy, and just letting some habits slide, I've gradually found myself back up about 15 pounds. Prior to creeping back up to the 230lb range, I felt like I had plateaued around that 220-225 range as I had held that for years with no additional weight loss. While I am admittedly tall, I know there's more room on the scale for weight loss, and I am seeking to understand what my best course of action is to realize my goals.
The good news is I've been back into a consistent routine for the last few weeks. I'm riding 3-4 times a week, rowing, doing kettlebell strength work, and I genuinely enjoy training. My fitness is coming back. The weight...not quite as quickly. GLP-1 medication would be partnered with a consistent workout/riding program but I am cautious of the former negatively affecting the latter.
I'm not looking at a GLP-1 because I want a shortcut or because I don't want to do the work. If anything, I'm worried about the opposite. My biggest concern is preserving cycling performance while making it easier to get back to a healthier weight.
A few questions for those of you who have actually ridden and trained while taking one:
I'm especially interested in hearing from people who still train consistently or ride longer endurance events. I know the advice for the average person isn't necessarily the same as someone trying to ride 50-100+ miles on a regular basis.
I'm not looking to start a debate about whether people "should" or "shouldn't" take these medications. I'm simply trying to understand what the experience has actually been like for cyclists who've been there.
Thanks in advance.
The frame on my Emonda SL6 was cracked and Trek warranty was awesome getting me into this Gen 8 Madone SLR frame as a replacement. They swapped over most of my old components so let's just call the build an SLR 6? To be clear, the SLR frame was on sale for $3,499 compared to the SL's retail price of $3,299 so I only had to pay the $200 difference in addition to the seat mast, headset components, bar tape, new crankset, and the build-up labor.
- Madone Gen 8 SLR Frame in XL
Ive never been able to find a seat other than the C17 that works well for me. I know I can ride it for 120+ miles with no issue so, yes, I hate how it looks on a bike like the Madone but it works super well for me.
All in, the build weighs 18.05 lbs with pedals, bottle cages, and computer mount. Could easily be 17.5 with some lighter components. Im absolutely stoked and cant wait to log big miles on this ride!
Received some really great feedback after my first row session a week or so ago. Have been watching technique videos and trying to be as smooth as possible. Really happy with the progress!
Have recently had a real nice run of PvE matches where the only things that killed me were ARC. A lot of successful loots, good long runs, really a nice run of it.
That ended this morning.
Dam Battleground. Used my Control Tower keycard, looted the top floor and had a real nice stash in the pack. Two other guys were rummaging around, we were helping each other out, it all felt good. As we head to extract, I went to go down the zipline in the tower and, as I am halfway down the rope, I hear a "don't come down, rat!". Too late. I landed and ate a face full of lead for breakfast.
Lights out.
The killer then just...did nothing. Two of us crawling around like babies bitching at him for killing us. Then, he just...watched us die. No bullet to the head, no fist to the face, nothing. Just waited. Then looted - presumably, anyways.
Whoever you are - I hope you enjoyed the spoils of your efforts. And I hope karma is a swift form of vengeance heading your way.
I fucking love this game. You truly never know what's going to happen and, while I was suuuuper bummed, I genuinely enjoy being reminded that, sometimes, you just don't know.
I recently installed my new wheel/tire setup, and am obsessed with how it looks, but I am very surprised that there is no-to-minimal discussion around how this size offering neuters the steering feel rather substantially. I keep my steering in +R mode and, on stock wheels/tires, I absolutely loved the steering feel - by far the best I have felt. Unfortunately, after getting the new setup installed, it has significantly reduced the steering feel/feedback to the point where I am considering selling the wheels/tires and rebuying them in a 18x9.5 +50 sizing in hopes of clawing back some of what I am missing.
I see tons of people here running the 18x10 +40 size setup, even referred to as "god spec" and I cannot be the only one where the steering feel has been so significantly impacted. Am I just overly sensitive or is this the price of form over function?
Notes:
I've have 2x full alignments completed post-installation.
BBS MK001 18x10 +40
Conti Extreme Sport 02 in 275/35/18
Eibach Pro Kit
Moderate endurance cyclist coming over to rowing for cross training. This is my second ever row. First one was also 30:00 and distance was 5,655m, marking a nice improvement between my first and second rows. Admittedly, I have no idea how these stack up so would welcome any feedback. Admittedly, just working on form and efficiency within a "Zone 2" approach.
BBS MK001 RI-A
18x10 +40
275/35/18 Conti Sport 02
Eibach ProKit
Eibach Pro kit.
BBS MK001 RI-A
18x10 +40
Conti Extreme SportContact 02
275/35/18
These wheels are stunning. Purchased through Garage IMMI. 18x10 +40 BBS MK001 RI-A in Diamond Black. Tires are Conti Extreme Sport Contact 02 in 275/35/18. Springs are getting installed on Saturday.
Seller agreed to $600. Original owner. Shimano Sora drivetrain. Seems like a fair buy, no? Any issues with these?
Just ordered a new set of wheels and need new tires to go with them. I want the tires to be exceptional spring/summer/fall tires but they will not be used whatsoever in the winter. Dry grip and wet grip are most important - if it's chilly and wet, I likely wont drive the car. I also likely will not auto-x or track the car (and if I do, it won't be with the aim to be competitive).
Not gonna lie, aesthetics matter, so I really dont want a set of all-seasons even if they're objectively the best solution. What UHP summer tires have the best wet weather traction? I just dont want to run the risk of hydroplaning if I get caught out in a summer shower.
