***General Cycling Thread***

[cycloner29]

I've been riding a few times this season and finally got my front tire wobble fixed for $16. Guy goes, "It's probably just the tire." They put in on the stand and the sure thing the rim was out of true.

Then I noticed an idler on my derailleur was split. Going to replace them, just waiting for Amazon to deliver.

 

[Turn2]

I'm in a similar state only it's my lower back, with "dead thigh" and numbness on the inner knee and shin. I should probably consult my PT on whether there's a happy medium of boosting strength and flexibility without additional trauma.

Golf and cycling have never been missed as much as they are RN.

 

[BoxsterCy]

Not sure how your bike is setup, but consider raising your stem, get a stem with more rise, look at bars that come back to you, redshift stem, ... Anywho, there are some things you can do to help you get back in the saddle, just don't overdue it and listen to your body. Some people simply have to buy a different bike that has a more upright/touring setup.

I've got two bikes, a Specialized hybrid and a carbon Raleigh roadie. Definitely staying away from the roadie. I have thought about seeing about rising the handles on the hybrid to lesson the neck cranking posture. Have to bring the bike in anyway, it has the hydraulic disc brakes and they need bleeding.

Thanks for the redshift suggestion. Didn't know what that was until I looked it up, seems like something that might move things back to bit more upright.

 

[cycub51]

Ordered a trek domane. Curious on thoughts on pedals. I’ve always had flat pedals and have thought about getting clips. I’m nervous about learning to use them and falling/hurting myself.

 

[PineClone]

Ordered a trek domane. Curious on thoughts on pedals. I’ve always had flat pedals and have thought about getting clips. I’m nervous about learning to use them and falling/hurting myself.

Assuming you mean clipless, or do you mean toe clips? Clipless pedals are so far improved these days that there is little effort in getting your cleat in and out of the pedal. If you're wanting to get more pull on the upward motion, I think research shows that you don't get much more efficiency. I like clipless on my MTB just for more control of the bike.

 

[Yaz]

Ordered a trek domane. Curious on thoughts on pedals. I’ve always had flat pedals and have thought about getting clips. I’m nervous about learning to use them and falling/hurting myself.

Lots of choices from road specific to crossover like spds. Spds more versatile so you can have a pair of road shoes and then a pair that allows to go tourspeed...like walking around...hitting farmers market, ragbrai... for example. Road specific like Speedplay limits your shoe and flexibility on and off the bike. It will come down to how roadie and kitted out u want to be.

Don't worry about clipping in and out as you will get used to it. When learning, my best advice is to unclip both shoes not one...you will learn why that's important when you dont at first and do it earlier than you need too like coming up to a light, regardless of color, a crosswalk, stop sign, traffic slowing...as well as more often than needed. Once you have some muscle memory, u won't even think about it. Just takes time in the saddle.

 

[cycloner29]

I went to clip ins a couple years ago. Biggest thing was adjusting the clip tension to we’re it was easy to pull out of them. Never had an issue falling over as the tension was set so pulling out of was like taking your foot off the pedals. I also got pedals for clip in on one side and flat surface on the the other. I’m just trying to find some good clip in sandals now.

 

[NWICY]

Ordered a trek domane. Curious on thoughts on pedals. I’ve always had flat pedals and have thought about getting clips. I’m nervous about learning to use them and falling/hurting myself.

I was in my 50s when I learned to use clips go somewhere where it isn't busy to practice. I did take a slow speed tumble or 2 while learning.
Once your moving you just keep practicing locking and unlocking while you have momentum. My tumbles were when I didn't get unlocked in time while slowing down.
A big empty parking lot maybe a park trail is your friend. IMO.

 

[simply1]

Lots of choices from road specific to crossover like spds. Spds more versatile so you can have a pair of road shoes and then a pair that allows to go tourspeed...like walking around...hitting farmers market, ragbrai... for example. Road specific like Speedplay limits your shoe and flexibility on and off the bike. It will come down to how roadie and kitted out u want to be.

Don't worry about clipping in and out as you will get used to it. When learning, my best advice is to unclip both shoes not one...you will learn why that's important when you dont at first and do it earlier than you need too like coming up to a light, regardless of color, a crosswalk, stop sign, traffic slowing...as well as more often than needed. Once you have some muscle memory, u won't even think about it. Just takes time in the saddle.

I will add speed play offers a 15% float, which I needed for a unique stroke.

 

[JP4CY]

I like SPD pedals because if you buy certain sandals like Keen they can "nest" in the sole, so when you walk it isn't all clickity clack.
Did many RAGBRAIs with sandals.

 

[bostrem00]

Ordered a trek domane. Curious on thoughts on pedals. I’ve always had flat pedals and have thought about getting clips. I’m nervous about learning to use them and falling/hurting myself.

I’d go with Shimano PD EH 500 pedals. They have both the clipless attachments and the normal flat pedal on the other side.

 

[cycub51]

Thanks everybody for the advice