Bike Forums - My first long ride

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)

- Hybrid Bicycles (https://www.bikeforums.net/hybrid-bicycles/)

- - My first long ride (https://www.bikeforums.net/hybrid-bicycles/734605-my-first-long-ride.html)

That's the spirit :)

As a beginner you shouldn't focus on your speed too much.
Try focussing on:

-position & especially saddle height (most newbies have their saddle way too low)
-pedalling cadence and technique
-breathing (most people breath too fast and don't exhale enough)
-handlebar height and general comfort

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoneyDutch09 (Post 12651216)

Thanks for all the positive posts everyone! I did another 16 mile ride, then followed up with 21 miles. Tomorrow, I'll be going back to the park and shooting for 30. My last ride, I ended up meeting this group of cyclists who let me tag along with them and they WORKED ME HARD! I did 14 miles with them and cruised at a steady 20 MPH the whole time (according to their computers). The other 7 miles, I probably averaged 15-16 MPH.

For the record, yes I am a newbie and I ride in a park that is nothing more than a 7 mile loop. It's hard to really go anywhere else because of all the traffic and narrow roads in my neck of the woods. Not to mention, most of the residents are retiree's (AKA "snowbirds") and I've witnessed one of them hit a man on his bike...

I don't really know much about freehub/cassette systems or bike mechanics in general. But, I have a lot of time to learn so I'm stoked. I'll let you know how my 30 miles goes tomorrow :]]

EDIT: about the bike saddle...I'm going to suck it up and get used to the pain. But, I'm going to buy a pair of gloves for my hands. I noticed my pinky finger went numb after a while.

Don't forget to take a day off from time to time. It is very easy to overexert yourself on the bicycle without noticing, so it's essential to make sure your muscles have enough time to rest and rebuild.

As far as saddle comfort goes, if it's just pain in your sit bones, that's something that will go away with time. If you feel soft tissue pain or numbness, it's time to start looking for a different saddle.
For hand pain and numbness, invest in some bar-ends for varied hand positions. A lot of people like the Ergon grips too, and I think they do make a lot of sense for road riding with flat bars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiery (Post 12653802)

For hand pain and numbness, invest in some bar-ends for varied hand positions. A lot of people like the Ergon grips too, and I think they do make a lot of sense for road riding with flat bars.

I was thinking about buying the Origin-8 drop bar ends but don't know how they'll feel..

Do you see yourself riding in the drops for extended periods of time? They don't really offer the "on the hoods" position that you'd have on a standard drop bar.
I have recommended those bar-ends to another user, but he wanted a lower, more aerodynamic position. For general riding and hand comfort, I don't think drop bar bar-ends are the best option.

What do you think about these? I'm on a budget so I'm looking for something basic

http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Ergo-L...ef=pd_sbs_sg_4

The reviews I've read online about the drop bar ends say the same thing. They have a more "wider" feeling than a typical drop bar but these don't look too bad.

They look kind of narrow to me. Why don't you just go to a bike shop and try out as many different styles as you can to see what general shape would work best for your hands?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiery (Post 12663902)

They look kind of narrow to me. Why don't you just go to a bike shop and try out as many different styles as you can to see what general shape would work best for your hands?

That is a great idea!! I keep forgetting about that place; the guy is so nice too. Actually, he came into my work the other day and we got to talking. He wants me to bring the bike back soon for it's tune up. I'll go today before I go to the park later. Thanks for the help and advice, Fiery!

No problem :)

Your LBS seems like a great place, you should definitely support those guys.

Some cyclists amaze me.

As if disparaging a strong young rider wasn't enough, dropping into highly specific and technical details about things the majority of riders don't care about is a pretty good way to take long rides without ever passing another cyclist. Name dropping S.B. level distance measurements and breathing exercises in a thread about a new rider is like asking a mountain biker to compete in a century. You guys do realize 90% of the people who actually ride bikes don't care about this even after years of riding, right?

HoneyDutch69, 16mph is pretty good - and if you can hang with people running laps with computers & all that other tech, it just means your running stronger than they are even as a newb. Good for you.

A mile is a mile & fast is whatever keeps your heart rate up. All the technical details will just keep you from time in the park. Having fun and riding often is the only way to improve which actually works. Sounds like your doing great.

Oh, and consider good gloves instead of / in addition to bar ends. They might run you a little more, but your wrists are worth it :)

I can take or leave bar ends depending on the bike - but after riding with gloves a couple hours, they're permanently glued to my hands no matter what the riding conditions.