Thanks for all the input everyone is giving me (even the wittier responses
)
I have a singlespeed track bike, which I do sit down on more than I ever have on my mountain bike. Even on longer 50-75 mile bike rides I selectively stood up) However, the roads in philly (at least the ones I travel on) are horrible. There is also tons of construction happening and very bumping roads otherwise. After having to get my wheels trued more than I ever have had to with my mountain bike, I realized that I should just use my mountain bike for city commuting. Perhaps I just need a different wheelset.
I did have a crappy mongoose bmx bike that I used to ride going to my friends houses when I was younger, and I always stood on that.
Originally Posted by
mtnwalker
OP, how often do you pedal when riding standing up? The whole trip or do you coast most of the time?
Pedaling while standing up uses more energy than sitting down. That's why its used mainly for sprinting or gaining speed when already in motion. I was forced to stand up for 3 miles before because my seat post clamp broke and had to ride it standing up to the nearest bike shop. I'll have to say that I did not pedal the whole way because it was hard even when I'm not sprinting. I can't imagine doing this for 10 miles or more.
Long term problems when pedaling the whole trip, quicker muscle degeneration, maybe, because you are redlining all the time. Coasting, not so much long term issues.
I am pedaling most of my trip and rarely coast. To answer exile's question, I am used to constantly pedaling because the singlespeed is in fixed gear, so I am used to it I suppose. I am also aware that I lose aerodynamics while standing.
These preferences aside and my own abilities as a cyclist, I was just wondering about potential long term affects. Perhaps I should look into smaller wheels or hybrid bikes that are closer in geometry to track bikes (I really need something that can handle winter weather and bumpy/pothole ridden roads.). I'm not really sure, essentially I was just wondering about health issues that could arise, and some of you touched upon that, so thank you.
And thanks icebiker, never knew I would die
