My first long ride
05-16-11 | 03:34 PM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,898
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From: Vlaamse Ardennen, Belgium
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
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
Last edited by AdelaaR; 05-16-11 at 03:38 PM.
05-17-11 | 07:02 AM
#27
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Joined: Oct 2010
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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.
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.
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.
05-17-11 | 08:33 PM
#28
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Joined: May 2011
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I was thinking about buying the Origin-8 drop bar ends but don't know how they'll feel..
05-18-11 | 06:34 AM
#29
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Joined: Oct 2010
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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.
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.
05-18-11 | 08:16 PM
#30
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What do you think about these? I'm on a budget so I'm looking for something basic
https://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.
https://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.
Last edited by HoneyDutch09; 05-18-11 at 09:03 PM.
05-19-11 | 09:40 AM
#32
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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!
05-20-11 | 11:01 AM
#34
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 230
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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.
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.
05-20-11 | 11:06 AM
#35
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Joined: Apr 2011
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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.
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.
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