When does it get easier?
04-25-08 | 07:32 AM
#27
Prefers Cicero
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From: Toronto
Bikes: 1984 Trek 520; 2007 Bike Friday NWT; misc others
Some of things that newbie cyclists often do that make it harder than it should be:
-- They mash their pedals rather than spin. You should aim for spinning your pedals at 90 rpm or higher. Mashers -- that is, cyclists who push big gears at a low cadence -- tend to tire out quicker and injure their knees. There are always exceptions, but in general spinning is much easier on your body and will improve your endurance more.
-- They ride bikes that aren't set up properly for them -- that is, saddles too low (rarely too high); handlebars too low (rarely too high); stems too long; saddle too far forward or back. Have an experienced person at a bike shop check out your fit. That could be the source of some of your problems.
-- They don't warm up enough. You should pedal easy for at least the first 5 minutes of riding. Hammering as soon as you get on your bike is a great way to get injured (and tire out), particularly if it's cold outside.
-- They don't wear the right gear. Cycling shorts, shoes, jerseys do make a difference. They are more comfortable and aerodynamic, and dry quickly.
Also, it might just take time to get into shape. You didn't say anything about your level of fitness. Many new cyclists are former runners or swimmers who already have the aerobic conditioning, so they can work up to faster and longer rides fairly quickly. However, if you seldom excercised before you started bike commuting, you probably are just out of shape.
-- They mash their pedals rather than spin. You should aim for spinning your pedals at 90 rpm or higher. Mashers -- that is, cyclists who push big gears at a low cadence -- tend to tire out quicker and injure their knees. There are always exceptions, but in general spinning is much easier on your body and will improve your endurance more.
-- They ride bikes that aren't set up properly for them -- that is, saddles too low (rarely too high); handlebars too low (rarely too high); stems too long; saddle too far forward or back. Have an experienced person at a bike shop check out your fit. That could be the source of some of your problems.
-- They don't warm up enough. You should pedal easy for at least the first 5 minutes of riding. Hammering as soon as you get on your bike is a great way to get injured (and tire out), particularly if it's cold outside.
-- They don't wear the right gear. Cycling shorts, shoes, jerseys do make a difference. They are more comfortable and aerodynamic, and dry quickly.
Also, it might just take time to get into shape. You didn't say anything about your level of fitness. Many new cyclists are former runners or swimmers who already have the aerobic conditioning, so they can work up to faster and longer rides fairly quickly. However, if you seldom excercised before you started bike commuting, you probably are just out of shape.
All good advice except that it's probably not necessary to worry too much about getting specific cycling wear for a three mile commute. I often do my five mile commute in my work clothes, since, like you, I can coast in in the morning as it's mostly downhill.
04-25-08 | 07:51 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Hammonton, NJ
Bikes: Dawes Lightning sport, Trek 1220, Trek 7100
yup, we need some more info on your bike setup and history with biking... i.e. did you just start to ride? because when I started 2 miles was a good jaunt for me too...
04-25-08 | 08:02 AM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
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That's it right there. I've been commuting for about a year now and my legs still burn, and I'm puffing like crazy going up the same hill I always go up. The only difference is I'm going up a helluva lot faster than when I first started commuting.
Oh, and the constant never-ending headwind I experience biking home from work pretty much guarantees it will never ever ever get easy, regardless of how in shape I get.
Oh, and the constant never-ending headwind I experience biking home from work pretty much guarantees it will never ever ever get easy, regardless of how in shape I get.
04-25-08 | 08:07 AM
#30
stole your bike
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: North Bergen, NJ
Bikes: Orbea Orca, Ridley Compact
I remember the days of struggling to do a few miles but I just kept on going, and the struggle actually motivated me to rid better. It took a while to really understand riding in the right gear because I used to be a gear masher. I too would recommend some longer rides so your muscles get used to the work out, and LeMond's quote says it all because now I'm much faster than I used to be but it isn't any easier.
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04-25-08 | 08:44 AM
#32
master of bottom licks
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Lou-evil, Canned-Yucky USA
There's a lot of good advice here so I don't have much to add. Keep cadence up if possible, alternate your route and intensity on a daily basis (variety is the key) and more importantly, keep riding. Probably the best advice I can offer is to remain relaxed. I find a lot of cyclists allow their legs to stiffen because they keep muscles tensed unnecessarily. If you find your legs getting tired during a ride, stretch them while pedaling by flexing your ankles for awhile... almost an exaggerated walking motion while pedaling. It's a technique I started using almost 30 years ago during long rides and to help me get through the day as a bike messenger.
04-25-08 | 08:46 AM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Norman, OK
Bikes: Trek520
If it doesn't get easier, than you're not doing it right. You should be able to ride the same pace you struggled with a month ago comfortably today. That quote doesn't really apply to her situation at all...I doubt she's out there racing up that hill.
04-25-08 | 09:27 AM
#34
Que CERA, CERA
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Kitchener, ON
04-25-08 | 09:56 AM
#35
Senior Member
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From: Reston, VA
Bikes: 2003 Giant OCR2
Just from personal experience, after a month 3 miles should be feeling a lot easier unless those hills are pretty stout.
I can't stress enough the importance of getting your seat at the right height (probably up). If it's an inch two low, even an easy climb will start burning your legs something fierce. I can definitely tell when my seat's slipped down, my legs know it as soon as I hit the hills.
Gearing too, as mentioned. I'm pretty sure every newbie, myself included, uses too high a gear. For me, I felt good if I could get going fast in the highest gear, which is silly. Now I spin a lot faster, my legs don't hurt, and I go a lot faster. Oddly enough, I've found for a while now that the stronger I get as a rider, the less I use the highest gears.
Maybe get a cyclocomputer (speedometer) to see how you're doing. As with the LeMond quote, you might just be going faster now! If you see the improvement, you might not mind the pain.
I can't stress enough the importance of getting your seat at the right height (probably up). If it's an inch two low, even an easy climb will start burning your legs something fierce. I can definitely tell when my seat's slipped down, my legs know it as soon as I hit the hills.
Gearing too, as mentioned. I'm pretty sure every newbie, myself included, uses too high a gear. For me, I felt good if I could get going fast in the highest gear, which is silly. Now I spin a lot faster, my legs don't hurt, and I go a lot faster. Oddly enough, I've found for a while now that the stronger I get as a rider, the less I use the highest gears.
Maybe get a cyclocomputer (speedometer) to see how you're doing. As with the LeMond quote, you might just be going faster now! If you see the improvement, you might not mind the pain.
04-25-08 | 10:05 AM
#36
Arizona Dessert
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: AZ
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
This may be true for racing or competitive recreational cycling, but not in my experience true for commuting or just getting started cycling.
When I first started I was half the speed I am now and worked much harder at it - it wiped me out for the rest of the evening after getting home, back then I did have sore muscles, not any more. After all my commute then was 45min+, now 23min. That was an extra 23min of pushing hard with a body that was in worse shape.
Al
When I first started I was half the speed I am now and worked much harder at it - it wiped me out for the rest of the evening after getting home, back then I did have sore muscles, not any more. After all my commute then was 45min+, now 23min. That was an extra 23min of pushing hard with a body that was in worse shape.
Al
04-25-08 | 10:05 AM
#37
Dave
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Homestead FL
Bikes: Nashbar X-Cross 29r wheels front disc brake
I will tread on Greg Lemond. It does get easier for a commuter. It never gets easier for professional racer. Greg's quote is habitually taken out of context. Very good quote, by the way.
The commuter starting at zero may take months to a year to realize that it is easier than at the beginning.
Two months after I started my 22 mile roundtrip commute, I went to stand up out of my desk chair. I placed my palms on my upper legs just above the knees to push. I had a shock. My upper legs felt swollen in my hands. I thought I had some new malady.
Boy, was I wrong! I didn't realize it at the time but, I had already cut 20 per cent of my commute time.
I didn't start commuting via bike until age 51.
The commuter starting at zero may take months to a year to realize that it is easier than at the beginning.
Two months after I started my 22 mile roundtrip commute, I went to stand up out of my desk chair. I placed my palms on my upper legs just above the knees to push. I had a shock. My upper legs felt swollen in my hands. I thought I had some new malady.
Boy, was I wrong! I didn't realize it at the time but, I had already cut 20 per cent of my commute time.
I didn't start commuting via bike until age 51.
04-25-08 | 10:08 AM
#38
Arizona Dessert
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: AZ
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
Looks like TRUMPHENT and I were picking up the same brain waves simultaneously, must be some wave tunnel between AZ and FL.
Al
Al
04-25-08 | 10:09 AM
#39
It gets easier for a commuter after a certain point. However, if they go faster and keep pushing themselves then the quote still applies. Some of us like to race from here to there. It kept my commute from boring the heck out of me.
04-25-08 | 10:12 AM
#40
Cycle Dallas
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Land of Gar, TX
Bikes: Dulcinea--2017 Kona Rove & a few others
Just stay with it.
It will get easier and you will go faster.
Make sure you are well hydrated and eat something after each ride, (a yogurt smoothie has everything your muscles need to help them recover quickly).
It will get easier and you will go faster.
Make sure you are well hydrated and eat something after each ride, (a yogurt smoothie has everything your muscles need to help them recover quickly).
04-25-08 | 10:12 AM
#41
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From: Sacramento, California, USA
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This may be true for racing or competitive recreational cycling, but not in my experience true for commuting or just getting started cycling.
When I first started I was half the speed I am now and worked much harder at it - it wiped me out for the rest of the evening after getting home, back then I did have sore muscles, not any more. After all my commute then was 45min+, now 23min. That was an extra 23min of pushing hard with a body that was in worse shape.
Al
When I first started I was half the speed I am now and worked much harder at it - it wiped me out for the rest of the evening after getting home, back then I did have sore muscles, not any more. After all my commute then was 45min+, now 23min. That was an extra 23min of pushing hard with a body that was in worse shape.
Al
Loads of good advice here, especially on proper warmup and recovery, making sure the bike fits and is in good mechanical order, and using a low enough gear.
04-25-08 | 10:13 AM
#42
I think if your legs are giving out on you you're relying on your leg muscles too much rather than your lungs/heart. Try spinning the lowest gear you can stand. If you do that for a while you will eventually be able to spin up any hill you want, however long it takes. If you have a race-geared bike you might want to switch to a mountain bike or something with really low gears, esp. for trailering a kid in a hilly place.
04-25-08 | 10:16 AM
#43
Arizona Dessert
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From: AZ
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
Al
04-25-08 | 10:18 AM
#44
Señior Member
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
You're trying to build up the biggest muscles in your body, AND you're trying to rearrange your metabolism. It will take a few months before you see truly noticable improvement.
Your body wants to be lazy. I've been commuting daily for 3 years now, and I took 7 weeks off a couple of months ago to drive my son to school (he'd broken his ankle). When I got back on, it took me 2 weeks to feel right again. So starting cold and expecting much change in 4 weeks is probably a bit optimistic.
It'll be worth it though. Honestly, I feel better now when I've got a cold (as much as they're able to get me anymore) than I did when I was "healthy" at the end of those 7 weeks of not riding.
Your body wants to be lazy. I've been commuting daily for 3 years now, and I took 7 weeks off a couple of months ago to drive my son to school (he'd broken his ankle). When I got back on, it took me 2 weeks to feel right again. So starting cold and expecting much change in 4 weeks is probably a bit optimistic.
It'll be worth it though. Honestly, I feel better now when I've got a cold (as much as they're able to get me anymore) than I did when I was "healthy" at the end of those 7 weeks of not riding.
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04-25-08 | 10:25 AM
#46
multimodal commuter
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+1. You may actually want to try spinning in a gear LOWER than you can stand until it becomes a habit. Once it becomes a habit, it'll start getting easier.
04-25-08 | 11:03 AM
#47
Large Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Virginia
I disagree with the recovery posts to some degree. Coming from a powerlifting background, I can honestly say that the idea of "overtraining" can often be anathema to progress.
True signs of overtraining are: depression, insomnia, injury. It's when the thought of doing your workout makes you want to lie down and cry. It's when your workout log shows a loss of strength over a period of weeks. It's when you train hard and don't eat enough.
Soreness is just soreness and can be worked through, especially with something like cycling. An athlete (or commuter) can be overtrained and not even be sore.
All the posts about spinning and bike setup are spot on of course.
True signs of overtraining are: depression, insomnia, injury. It's when the thought of doing your workout makes you want to lie down and cry. It's when your workout log shows a loss of strength over a period of weeks. It's when you train hard and don't eat enough.
Soreness is just soreness and can be worked through, especially with something like cycling. An athlete (or commuter) can be overtrained and not even be sore.
All the posts about spinning and bike setup are spot on of course.
04-25-08 | 11:42 AM
#49
Large Member
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From: Virginia
Thanks. I know you're being sarcastic but I'll take it as a positive.
Whether training to move a loaded bar 14 inches or to turn a crank 10,000 times in a session, many of the training principles are the same. Overtraining is a valid concern; the only point I was making was that soreness =! overtraining, and often times an athlete can do far more than he thinks. In lifting, it's easy to think you know your limitations, and guess what... those become your limitations.
Do all the people in the multitude of countries where bicycles are transportation mode #1 stop going places because they feel sore the day after a ride?
Whether training to move a loaded bar 14 inches or to turn a crank 10,000 times in a session, many of the training principles are the same. Overtraining is a valid concern; the only point I was making was that soreness =! overtraining, and often times an athlete can do far more than he thinks. In lifting, it's easy to think you know your limitations, and guess what... those become your limitations.
Do all the people in the multitude of countries where bicycles are transportation mode #1 stop going places because they feel sore the day after a ride?
04-25-08 | 11:43 AM
#50
I do too. I push myself most commutes and also on very competitive recreational rides. I still have never felt worse than when pushing myself when I was out of shape and starting commuting. Perhaps you don't remember how terrible you could make yourself feel way back then (or perhaps more likely you never were at such an out of shape level when starting out)
Al
Al
Anyhow, perhaps y'all are correct but it is just a saying.