Originally Posted by
Zerokreap
Personally, I would never pay anyone for a fit. Not to demean anyone's work, but it's not rocket science. There are plenty of information resources available on the web so that you should be able to fit yourself for free. Besides, you will likely find the right setup only after some trial and error. That is to say, you might pay someone to fit you, only to find that the general "rules" they use don't give you the right setup. You might also just start riding with your local cycling club...if you ask, someone will likely help you figure out the best setup for you.
I get it and depending on the situation a fit is probably not needed. I ended up going for the fit, and it was a great experience. Definitely worth doing at least once to have someone show you the ropes.
Originally Posted by
Zerokreap
As far as your legs hurting...you might just not be in good riding shape yet. It takes a little while. Although you have done some short-distance running, cycling is a whole different thing. So you can expect to be sore at first. Of course, how you feel is based on a lot...age, height/weight, bike setup, what type of riding (flats, hills, both), diet, etc. Personally, I wouldn't be too concerned about soreness. Like someone else said above...do some stretching after your ride (10 minutes or so worth). Start with the big muscles and work to the small. Also, your seat height and cleat positioning will have a tremendous effect on what muscles you're using.
I'm not worried about muscle soreness, it's joint pain thats concerning. Surprisingly, even with all the hills. I've had zero muscle soreness believe it or not. Just flat out knee joint discomfort. I expected muscle soreness in quads, hamstrings and calves but haven't experienced any yet. Seems like my knees must be a weak link in regards to the pedaling motion that is specific to cycling.
Originally Posted by
Zerokreap
Take two aleve after your ride, then another 12 hours later (although advil has always worked better for me, the black-box warning and some chest discomfort have pushed me toward Aleve). Icing the affected muscle (10min on/10min off) for an hour the night after your ride would likely help you a good bit as well. Drink plenty of fluids...but not just water. Go see a sports medicine doctor if you keep having these problems.
I take advil as needed, but wouldn't take it directly after a ride or run. NSAIDs when taken during a possibly dehydrated state will wreck havoc on your kidneys.