Haha, thanks man! This bike is getting more and more sacrilegious by the day. And I agree, the way the frame is set up is very aggressive feeling...makes it very easy to put good power down.
Just got back from my test run with the new SPD pedals and shoes. Nothing major, just a 16 mile ride or so.
My findings were mixed, probably because more adjustments were needed. I had to raise the seat again (I swear I've had to raise the thing at least three inches, and it wasn't low before at all!).
I again felt more efficient...until I got further into the ride, then something seemed to go wrong. I was maintaining good speeds for longer than usual (I think) up until then but I started getting tired...really tired...and slowed down a fair amount. The positioning of my feet on the pedals just felt completely wrong, it felt like I wasn't getting good power down at all. Completely out of breath, worn out, everything. Not a good sign! I remembered how I used to ride with the arches of my feet over the pedals, so I moved the cleats all the way back on the shoes. Problem solved...I was getting good power down again, and not getting tired as quickly. Searching the internet later, I found others who have done the same thing so I guess I'm not completely weird in my pedal style.
Other than that, I definitely noticed how the clipless pedals transformed my power from a brief spurt to more of a complete cycle. This was especially beneficial on hills. Before I got tired on the original cleat position and after I fixed them, I was getting up hills much faster than usual. I was also able to maintain a higher cadence without sending my feet and self flying all over the place.
So, by the end of the ride, I feel like it was a worthwhile upgrade. I'm sure I still have some more adjusting to do and muscles to strengthen, I just hope I can still keep up with our local fast group this week. I plan on starting off running and riding with them for 40-50 miles this coming Saturday, as well as the usual Wednesday night rides that last for 20-30 miles or so. It's the Saturday ride I'm more concerned about.
Good stuff! Not sure what's next for the Denali.
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