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Original poster

Cycling Thread - pleasure peddlers to serious cyclists sign in here!

994 replies

Thistledew · 13/08/2011 16:41

Hi All

I thought I would start a cycling thread. It would be great if we could make it all inclusive, so whether you currently just enjoy bike rides but are interested in taking it further, or already train seriously, please post what you are up to and what your aims are. By sharing knowledge and experiences, hopefully we can spur each other on.

If you want to, please post a quick biog of how long you have been cycling, how much you currently cycle, and what your goals are.

And for those who wish to engage in a bit of bike porn, please feel free to post what sort of bike you ride!

Happy peddling!

OP posts:
Original poster
Thistledew · 22/07/2012 12:00

I am a recent convert to going commando under cycling shorts after a long time not wanting to try it, but it really does make a big difference and is definitely to be recommended.

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ILoveLemonCurd · 22/07/2012 09:19

Thanks for the link Thistle, I'm not sure about going commando though! I think it is a chafing problem so I'll nab some of DS's sudocrem.

My route is quite undulating so for every up there is a down. I do like digging in to a good hill though and I am finding it so much easier on a proper bike Grin. hoping to get a 30 miler in later.

marge2 · 20/07/2012 18:41

Oh My Thistledew - I just couldn't wear those. I'd be too embarrased. - Don't you look like you are wearing a huge sanitary towell?? when you get to the pub

A really wide gel saddle sounds good. We need to get DS1 a new tyre and inner tube, before we go away at the weekend, as his are knackered . I'll see what they have in the shop.

BlueChampagne · 20/07/2012 12:27

gel saddle covers are also nice.

Original poster
Thistledew · 20/07/2012 12:12

these are an example of the padded undershorts I mentioned.

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Original poster
Thistledew · 20/07/2012 12:10

Jeans are really not good for cycling in. You can buy what are essentially padded pants for cycling that you can wear under ordinary leggings, track suit bottoms, or loose fitting cotton trousers (although you would then need bicycle clips to stop the trouser leg catching in the chain) or even a skirt if you want. You can wear a long top as well if you are worried about scaring the horses.

It does sound like there is a problem with your seat though, as you should definitely feel you are bearing the weight on your sit bones. Have a try in jogging bottoms or leggings first to rule out it just being the jeans causing you discomfort, and if that does not help, get yourself down to the bike shop and get a new saddle. If you cycle to the shop they will almost certainly fit the new one for you.

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marge2 · 20/07/2012 11:39

No shorts - too fat - can you imagine the view from the back?? Doesn't bear thinking about.

Jeans and a loongg top for me. I know jeans probably makes it worse, but I ride horses in jeans and chaps and that's fine - and the saddle is definitely very firm.

It's the sit bones that kill me on a bike. I have to perch on one or the other as the saddle just goes up the (uh-hum) middle nowhere near any bones if I don't.

Original poster
Thistledew · 20/07/2012 11:26

*counter intuitive
*squashy one

OP posts:
Original poster
Thistledew · 20/07/2012 11:23

Marge- it's a bit counter initiative but you are better off with a firm saddle than a really big squashy on. I forget the reasoning behind it, but have heard this advice again and again. The most important thing is that it is the right width for your sit bones to be properly supported, and to wear a decent pair of padded shorts. A specialist bike shop will be the best place to get a seat that is the right width for you.

Other than that, you just need to toughen the F up! Grin The more you get out on the bike, the less uncomfortable it will be. 18 months ago I was getting a sore arse after 7 miles. Now I can get to 70 before it starts feeling uncomfortable.

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marge2 · 20/07/2012 11:16

Cool thread. I hate most forms of exercise, but I do quite like cycling. My BIG problem with it though is that it HURTS MY ARSE SO MUCH. I used to go off with DH and the kids for a few miles, but my bum was so sore after just a really short distance, I have given it up.

Can anyone recommend a good W-I-D-E wide saddle?

I only want to do fun rides - noting too far and certainly not competitive.

Original poster
Thistledew · 20/07/2012 11:12

17 mph is a good speed btw- please tell me that your route is pretty flat?

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Original poster
Thistledew · 20/07/2012 11:10

Is it a pressure pain or chafing pain? Cycle shorts are designed to be worn without any underwear. You could also try chamois cream, if the issue is chafing.

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ILoveLemonCurd · 20/07/2012 11:05

Thanks Thistle. I didn't wear padded shorts for the first ride but did for the second, but they are only cheap Aldi ones. I might invest in a higher spec short! The saddle is a women's design as the whole bike is. I'll pop back to the shop where I got it and see if they can make some adjustments/recommendations first. The pain isn't while riding it just feels sore afterwards. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

Original poster
Thistledew · 20/07/2012 10:52

Are you wearing padded shorts Lemon? A pair with a decent pad is a must.

Other than that it may just be that the saddle is not suitable for you. A saddle with cutout sections in the middle is usually better for women. I had a ride on a bike with a Selle Italia saddle the other day, and although it was a decent saddle it was really uncomfortable after about half an hour.

Pressure on your sit bones is normally just something you have to get used to, but pressure on your lady bits requires changes. Some local bike shops have seats you can borrow and try, or you can buy a seat on eBay and if you don't get on with it, stick it back on to sell and get another one.

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ILoveLemonCurd · 20/07/2012 10:11

Sounds fabulous Poached! You're braver than me, I tried mountain biking a few years back and it scared me witless Shock! My rule now is wheels for the road and feet for the tracks! Sounds like you have been bitten by the bug Grin

I've managed two rides on my new road bike, 20 miles on weds eve and 15 last night Grin. It's amazing and I'm really getting used to the gears and riding position already and managed to average 17mph. DH was a bit taken aback by this as he's quite competitive. He is going to do the same route and see if he can beat me Hmm (I did run a marathon 4weeks ago so am fairly fit).

Er, slightly embarrassing question here .... How does one protect one's lady garden? The saddle is comfy while riding but there is a certain amount of soreness afterwards Blush. I would like to do some longer rides but would also like to be able to have sex again! Any tips? Or will it just toughen up!!

Thanks for the advise on cleats, I think I will see how I go, and maybe put shoes and pedals on my Christmas list.

poachedeggs · 20/07/2012 06:25

Hi again folks :)

I had a great ride yesterday, just went out for an hour but I'm really starting to get the hang of it I think. I set off on a local long distance route (an old railway line)but got totally bored so I cut back through into the woods. I amazed myself that I went for hills and hard work by choice, so I think this mountain biking bug has properly bitten me Grin

I'm feeling much braver and tackled a couple of really fast downhill bits, had so much fun I did a big loop and tried it again. It was a case of forgetting about all the rocks and roots and just hanging on and hoping to avoid big obstacles, which got DH all excited when I told him because apparently that's proper mountain biking HmmGrin

I felt a bit silly, an overweight Lycra-clad thirty-something woman wobbling along happily, and I kept thinking 'I'm someone's mother!' but what fun I had!

Original poster
Thistledew · 17/07/2012 23:41

Hi Lemoncurd and Neverme - There is no magic secret to riding clipped in; as you guessed it is just a matter of unclipping whenever you think that you might have to stop. I just got into the habit of unclipping whenever I think I might have to stop, so well in advance of actually having to do so. I also started off with SPDs, which you can adjust to be quite loose, so even on a few occasions when I have had a near-miss because I have had to do an emergency stop, my natural reaction of trying to get your foot on the floor has been enough to release the mechanism.

I am lucky that I have only been hit by the Topple Goblin (close relation of the P*ncture Fairy) twice. The first time was when I took my cyclo-cross bike off road for the first time, and learnt the hard way that my bad roadie habit of only unclipping my left foot is not such a good idea when riding across a hill, where gravity is already pulling you to the right! The other time was when I had a sudden mechanical issue and my chain jumped and jammed when I was standing up to get up a steep hill. Falling off lots is not inevitable if you think ahead and are mindful of being clipped in.

It is a good idea when you first use a new clipless system to practice clipping in and out with the bike stationary - holding onto a wall or fence for balance. Then find a quiet bit of road, and just spend 10 mins riding up and down practicing unclipping with the pedal in various positions (although it is easiest to unclip when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke). If you feel nervous about unclipping in time, it is better to unclip early even if you are not sure you will need to stop. You should be able to move your food a little to the side or forward or backwards, so that it is still resting on the pedal but not clipped in. You can used the leg still clipped in to keep pedalling with so you don't have to put pressure on the one that is out of the clip and risk it skidding off. This makes it easier to keep moving, and change your mind and re-clip if you need to. The only thing to watch out for is inadvertently clipping back in without realising it.

I hope this helps a bit!

OP posts:
Neverme · 17/07/2012 14:54

Lemoncurd have been looking around online and there are various articles/youtube vids on it. I suspect it's practice practice practice and making it habit i.e. when you approach a junction in a car you automatically start braking/de-clutching - the same thing needs to happen with de clipping the pedals before you need to stop on the bike. Thing is, I've got myself a bit worried about it now, so probably being tense isn't the best thing in the world!

ILoveLemonCurd · 17/07/2012 13:31

Hi Neverme, I'm thinking of doing the same, but am a bit nervous! DH uses them and fell off three times, twice at junctions and once going uphill Blush. He hasn't fallen off for well over a year now.

I'll watch to see if someone experienced comes up with some pearls of wisdom Grin.

Neverme · 17/07/2012 11:47

Hello,

Have been watching this thread off and on since it started.

I've recently updgraded from my hybrid to a Felt Ladies road bike (ZW95 I think). Which is fabulous.

Took the jump at the weekend and invested in clipless pedals (road shoes and cleats rather than SPD). Can anyone tell me any magic tips to not fall over??? Is it just a case of training yourself to de clip before you brake etc? I've had to stop myself going out today on a lovely sunny day just because my legs can't cope with any more bruises!!

ILoveLemonCurd · 16/07/2012 22:09

Well I took the plunge and I picked it up today Grin and saved the best part of £500 off the list price Grin Grin.

If you're after a bike upgrade Halfords have some fab deals online until Weds. Also if you join British Cycling you get another 10% off.

I had a quick whizz tonight and although the different riding position and gears will take some getting used to, I love it.

ILoveLemonCurd · 15/07/2012 17:32

Ooh I've found a cycling thread! I'm a runner at heart really but love cycling too. I've been borrowing DH's Boardman hybrid and love it, but am ready to invest in a road bike for me Grin

There is a good on line deal at Halford's for a Boardman women's specific carbon road bike. I am drooling over it, does anyone have any experience/advice? My DH who is Mr Bike Fanatic thinks it's a fab deal and as he has far more bikes than me I think I might take the plunge!

BlueChampagne · 09/07/2012 14:28

Yo poachedeggs in a similar boat here - have been running but just picked up an achilles problem. Must dig out bike rack and bring my bike to work for lunchtime bike rides so I get some exercise. Used to cycle more but DS1 is getting too big for trailer but still learning to ride his bike, and won't be up to the sort of cycling I want to do for a bit.

FredFredGeorge · 08/07/2012 22:27

Doh, wrong forum... Cycling Fans

FredFredGeorge · 08/07/2012 22:27

If you go [url=www.cyclingfans.com]Cycling Fans[/url] there are links to all the places on the internet you can watch video coverage of the tour.

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