Things to check...
- If your saddle is too low, you can't get full leg extension on the downstroke, which makes leg muscles fatigue and ache much faster. Newcomers tend to want to set their seats too low-- If your seat is set at the proper height, your feet should NOT be able reach the ground when sitting on your saddle.
- If your tires are underinflated, you have to pedal harder, which fatigues your leg muscles. Properly-inflated tires for normal pavement riding should be quite hard... You shouldn't be able depress the tires with your fingers when you squeeze them.
- Practice your gear shifting. Lots of newcomers tend to "grind it out" on high gear (takes a lot of effort to get going) and consequently fatigue sets in quick. Remember to shift to lower gears before you decelerate and stop, so when you need to start up again you won't have to pedal so hard.
- Make sure you are well-hydrated. Leg cramps can result from electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. If you don't already have them, mount water bottle cages on your bike and carry a bottle of gatorade or two.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by LongIslandTom; 08-17-06 at 08:00 PM.