Road Cycling - questions, questions, questions.

Ok,


Yes to let everyone know that I am a newby to this but I am into sports in a big way. I play basketball at a high level, let's say equal to your Collage Ball. But I have roled my ankle bad (again) and I am taking up Cycling instead of running 15Km. I have purchase a Giant OCR2 for a good price compaired to other places around Australia. Now I have the problem of learning to ride proplery and what setup to use.

I have got proper race pedals on it as ones were you need the proper shoes because I may look to do a couple of Races later on. But I have to ask a couple of stupid questions first. -

What do you were under your Nix (if that's what you call them)??

Now the bike is new and I have ridden about 60km in the last 2 days (yes I know it's not much) but there are small cracks in the back and front tyre, there about 1cm up from the rim but it's not tread?.is this meant to happen? Also the back wheel isn't straight. I mean when you spin it you can see it get closer and father away from the brakes. Should this be like this on a new bike?

Go let say "if" I did want to go in a race. What time is a good time to do lets say 40km's in?? There is also a quick time trial localy over about 10km's as well? Just wondering what time people do them in? and under what conditions?? I am in the country and have strong winds to come up against as well.

I have purchase the bike OCR2, helment (Met), shoes. computer, goves and Nix? what else is need and what should I buy? riding shirt? and bag for under the seat?

Is saddle sores a big thing to worry about???

Now I have got a computer with cadence. How does this work? It's getting fitted later this week.

I am sorry about this being long but I am trying to figure this stuff out. I would like to thank everyone for there help in advance. If someone want to PM or ICQ me please feel free.

Locker

Originally posted by locker
What do you were under your Nix (if that's what you call them)??

Let's see... I've a mate at RMIT, he uses "nix" to mean shorts... In the case of cycling shorts, you don't wear anything under them. That can take some getting used to, but it is MUCH more comfortable. Underwear will bunch up and chafe... and that's no good.


Now the bike is new and I have ridden about 60km in the last 2 days (yes I know it's not much) but there are small cracks in the back and front tyre, there about 1cm up from the rim but it's not tread?.is this meant to happen? Also the back wheel isn't straight. I mean when you spin it you can see it get closer and father away from the brakes. Should this be like this on a new bike?

No. Insounds like your wheel is out of true. The first thing you should do, though, is open the quick release on the wheel, make sure it's properly seated in the rear dropouts [the hook in the frame where your wheel connects] and re-close the quick release. If that doesn't solve it, take the bike back to the shop right away and have them true [straighten] the wheel.

It depends on the tire, but what you're seeing migh just be due to having the bike sit around in the shop for eight months. Rubber dries out, and that COULD be the problem. You might want to insist that the shop replace your tires, though, if you've oly just bought the bike.


Go let say "if" I did want to go in a race. What time is a good time to do lets say 40km's in?? There is also a quick time trial localy over about 10km's as well? Just wondering what time people do them in? and under what conditions?? I am in the country and have strong winds to come up against as well.

It really depends on the race. In a 50 km criterium, for example, racers can average 50 km/h and hit maxes in the 60 km/h range. For now, try to focus on (a) getting some ditance under your belt, (b) varying your routine -- climbs one day, long steady rides another day, (c) seeing if you can get averages over, say, 50 km in the 26-30 km/h range. THEN, start thinking about greater speed.


I have purchase the bike OCR2, helment (Met), shoes. computer, goves and Nix? what else is need and what should I buy? riding shirt? and bag for under the seat?

You have most of what you need for now. A wedge pack and some safety and repair supplies are a very, very good idea, particularly if you're out in the country.


Is saddle sores a big thing to worry about???

They can be, particularly if you do very long rides. Basically, they're bacterial infections at the points on your butt that are abraided by contact with the saddle. The best precautions are to lubricate your butt a littl bit [you heard me right]. I smear a little lubriderm hand lotion at the contact points before I put on my shorts, some people use Bag Balm... whatever...

The other thing to do is to make sure you shower and wash thoroughly soon after every ride. Make sure you dry the area very well. Bacteria love dampness. Always wear clean shorts [nix].


Now I have got a computer with cadence. How does this work? It's getting fitted later this week.

Cadence is the speed at which you pedal. You should be aiming for about 90 rpms on most flats. At that cadence, your pedalling will be most efficient.


I am sorry about this being long but I am trying to figure this stuff out. I would like to thank everyone for there help in advance. If someone want to PM or ICQ me please feel free.

Hey, we all started somewhere. It's part of the culture of the sport to ask and answer questions.

The most important thing at this stage is to get on the bike and ride, ride, ride.

Keep us informed.

Velocipedio gave some very good advice. The only thing I would say is that if there's a problem with a new bike, take it back to the shop where you got it and ask them to put it right. I think they owe you that much at least.

Chris

Thanks for that velocipedio.

I think wearing nothing under the bike shorts is going to take a bit of getting use to, you can say that again. I think that I will have to try it one time.


As the matter of of racing at 50km/h I think I tryed at just as a sprint and I could just get that speed but seem to be spining out at that speed. I did 30km on saturday for my first ride and mangaged 25km/hour so I was happy with that manily because I have 50km/h winds here, so yeah.

i will let you guys know how things go and that. I just wish I had better weather for it.


Locker

Yeah I think that they owe me for fixing the problems that I have. I have to take it back to get the cadence kit put on it and pick up a Polar Pacer HRM.

The bike had the wrong front derailer on it so that has to be changed as well.


Question - it's a 8 speed does that make that much difference??? is It possible to upgrade at a later date????


Locker

Originally posted by locker
Thanks for that velocipedio.

No sweat. That's what we're here for, mate.


I think wearing nothing under the bike shorts is going to take a bit of getting use to, you can say that again. I think that I will have to try it one time.

It gets better... most of the roadies I know [including me] also lube their butts with hand lotion or bag balm before a long ride. If you think wearing nothing under your shorts takes a little getting used to...


As the matter of of racing at 50km/h I think I tryed at just as a sprint and I could just get that speed but seem to be spining out at that speed. I did 30km on saturday for my first ride and mangaged 25km/hour so I was happy with that manily because I have 50km/h winds here, so yeah.

Give it time. Speed comes with the mileage. The more you ride, the faster you'll be. Seeing a bike race up close can be pretty humbling -- you FEEL the air being torn away by the passing peleton -- and these guys go FAST. But it's something you build up to. Try to average 25 km/h over 50 km, then try to average that over 100 km... then try to average 28 km/h over 100 km... work at it and build on your successes. The speed will come.


i will let you guys know how things go and that. I just wish I had better weather for it.

Yeah... when the weather sucks and I can't ride, I climb walls. I use those occasions as opportunities to cross-train. I'll go for a run instead. That way, I get a workout, and I get wet, but I don't have to spend three hours cleaning rain crud off my bike.

Well that way that I am going at the moment I won't be able to get for a ride for a while the way these winds are going.


Locker

If no one has told you about "spinning" yet, LEARN TO DO IT.
Your first goal is to learn to pedal at at least 90-110 rpm, comfortably, before you try to work on your speed and power. It will feel strange at first, and will take time to develop.

Ride with a spin on
Pat

hmmm, I think that's going to be something that I will have to try.

Have to wait to get the cadence put on.


Locker