emeralds

i'm 5'11", have read frequently that guys my height typically fit a 57cm in most brands, kilo's run large and to size down. went with the 55cm. now if i'm sitting ass flat on the saddle and my feet only my toes can reach the ground, is that a sign that i should've went another size down? also is there anyway to check that the bike i was sent isn't bigger than advertised on the box? i ride it fine but it's hard to stop and get going and i've banged the sides of my inner knees against the frames a few times that's leaving them pretty sore after a straight 7 mile ride.

kringle

get out of your saddle to put your foot down.

jet sanchEz

Sounds like you just have to get used to the bike a bit. You can lower your seat if you need to but yeah, don't worry, tippy-toes is fine.

iansmash

yeah i can barely touch my toes to the ground while leaning if i'm in the saddle


the most important thing is that your leg is almost fully extended at the bottom of your downstroke

ADSR

If you can put both feet flat on the ground while you're on the saddle your bike is too big. Welcome to riding bikes for adults. May I suggest leaning to one side or moving forward off of the saddle while you stop?

birthdaytronic

You mean the bike is too small?

PluperfectArson

That or he meant the rider is too big and put "your bike" instead. >_>

emeralds

if you guys say so then. makes sense as it is a smooth ride in motion, i just feel like an ass whenever i'm pulling up to an intersection.

what is the easiest way to get your feet in those feet straps? i'll come to a stop, put one in before taking off and just hope i can slide the other in but i always miss and end up riding one in one out with the strap hitting the street. i didn't have trouble riding it like that and was actually thinking maybe just removing one strap and ride like that always. what do you think

also my hands were really sore after just that relatively short ride. it's a stock kilo tt so i'm sure the bars are bad but is there anything you would suggest i put on it until i upgrade?

PluperfectArson

You only need to remove one foot to step down, not both.

Also, the cages that come on the TT are not the best for sliding into. I always end up stepping on the cage when I go to slide my left foot in while taking off because the cage is flimsy.

JacoKierkegaard

No.

It's pretty easy, just use your foot to flip the pedal over, kind of rolling your toe into the clip. I don't know about the stock Kilo pedals, but most of this kind will have some kind of little spur or lip on the back of the pedal to help with this. It takes a little practice to get where you can get in consistently, but it's definitely not hard.

Overall it sounds like you just need to spend more time getting used to your bike. Go ride more, it's fun.

emeralds

so what are a good pair of upgrade pedals or can i just upgrade the actual straps? also is there anywhere online with video that shows good technique that isn't just tricks and hill bombing? it's hard getting used to having to come up off the seat and move forward/lean in to stop. it's scary.

willfcc

Learn to trackstand?

emeralds

well i've decided that the pedals/clips are too flimsy to even want to get used to. what all is a decent upgrade and where online is a good place to purchase? would also like a suggestion on good pair of comfortable bars that aren't going to grip burn the **** out of my hands.

doubledribble

i just built a 55cm, i would be too small. i'm just shy of 6'2" and the standover is just perfect. i do wish the top tube was a bit longer so i could go with a stem shorter than 110mm.

so your frame may be just a hair big, but you'll get used to it. not such a big deal on a road bike.

as far as the bars go that all depends on your stance preference. do you ride in drops or find your self up top most often? i went with a standard nitto road bar for now, but may pick up a set of bullhorns for more relaxed riding.

emeralds

also my knee opened up on the pavement right in front of my house today. my legs were really tired, made my half assed slowdown took one shoe out and couldn't get the other out and i fell right down dragging my bike by the shoe with me. is there a technique to this because i can't say i learned anything from the experience.

ADSR

It can be frustrating at first. Just learn to flip the pedal over as you slide in. To get out, pull straight back. Ride around the block and just get used to clipping/unclipping. It becomes second nature, I promise. You can also practice tightening/loosening your straps at low speeds.

Hang in there.

ianjk

double-gate toe-clips.

emeralds

riding's coming more naturally but i still want to replace these pedals asap. i don't need the best but despite riding a stock beater would be willing to go for something high end. since it looks like you can mix and match between pedals/clips could someone recommend a set to go with? i wear a size 12 shoe so maybe something a little bigger too than what comes on the kilo. straps as well but are those actually necessary or can you get by with just the clips?

i'd also be open to just some standard pedals without the clips but something that i can still ride in a standard pair of chucks and the like. no cleats or anything.

edit: and these are for very casual easy paced riding in a flat surfaced burb which is why i think i could get by on just pedals without the add-ons. if i do go with clips/straps i want getting in/out as easy as possible.

emeralds

anyone?

Raiden

I might get beat on for this, but: You could just remove the straps and clips, and leave just the flat pedals installed. As long as you have a brake or two installed, you'll be fine- you just wont be potentially able to generate as much power.

Before I started running clipless shoes/pedals (the kinds that snap together mechanically), I (usually) rode fixed with no retention. I hate clips and straps and/or I'm an uncoordinated dummy.

Steve90068

is this thread a joke? god my head hurts

fucdemas

i love this thread!

my first long (2 miles) ride on a track bike i had come up to my apartment building, slowed down gracefully and came to a stop. i gingerly lifted my foot to place on the ground not remembering i was in straps. well of course i couldn't get my foot out in time and i slowly and peacefully fell right off to the side. it was a quiet little moment of hilarious embarrassment.

there are other people just as ****zy as you out there.

emerald: please tell me you were scared of the ball in little league and we'll be best friends.

bboysubhuman

Look man, you sound like you're completely new to riding a bike. Therefore, you shouldn't be worrying about upgrades. The stock parts are perfectly fine to ride. You just need to learn to use them. Really...it's just a bike. You don't need a video to show you how to ride it.

emeralds

i can ride it fine now. still can't skid for **** but i got the riding part down for the most part. doesn't mean i don't want to upgrade the pedals though. so as i said:

"since it looks like you can mix and match between pedals/clips could someone recommend a set to go with? i wear a size 12 shoe so maybe something a little bigger too than what comes on the kilo. straps as well but are those actually necessary or can you get by with just the clips?

i'd also be open to just some standard pedals without the clips but something that i can still ride in a standard pair of chucks and the like. no cleats or anything.

edit: and these are for very casual easy paced riding in a flat surfaced burb which is why i think i could get by on just pedals without the add-ons. if i do go with clips/straps i want getting in/out as easy as possible."

ADSR

I hear MKS GR-9 pedals are very nice and comfortable. I would look into a set of those if I were you.