***General Cycling Thread***

[BoxsterCy]

Stepped into one of the Erik's bike shops here in the Twin Cities last night to buy some chain oil. Wow, was that odd. Place usually has at couple hundred bikes in two tiered racks. Damn, looked like a going out of biz sale had happened, place was empty.

And nobody has either the Giro or Specialized helmet models I was looking at earlier this year in my size or a color that isn't odd (for me). Maybe the supply chain will catch up over the winter.

 

[Tri4Cy]

Stepped into one of the Erik's bike shops here in the Twin Cities last night to buy some chain oil. Wow, was that odd. Place usually has at couple hundred bikes in two tiered racks. Damn, looked like a going out of biz sale had happened, place was empty.

And nobody has either the Giro or Specialized helmet models I was looking at earlier this year in my size or a color that isn't odd (for me). Maybe the supply chain will catch up over the winter.

It's the same at their shop in DSM (Rassy's). They were finally able to get my new bike in a couple weeks ago (N+1 baby!). I took it in last week to have them check something out and the racks were damn near bare. I think they said they sold 16 bikes or something like that off the racks that weekend. I'm telling you man, I'm drooling at the prospects of used bike sales in the next 2 years. My fiance is going to ******* kill me

 

[BoxsterCy]

It's the same at their shop in DSM (Rassy's). They were finally able to get my new bike in a couple weeks ago (N+1 baby!). I took it in last week to have them check something out and the racks were damn near bare. I think they said they sold 16 bikes or something like that off the racks that weekend. I'm telling you man, I'm drooling at the prospects of used bike sales in the next 2 years. My fiance is going to ******* kill me

At least someone is retail is doing well. They usually have bikes from the previous year or even two years prior on sale. Got both my hybrid and roadie as prior year models at a decent discount. Think the roadie might have been a two years prior (got lucky on sizing).

Trying to motivate myself to clean my chain today. Going to storm later but nice tomorrow for a ride. Yesterday was pretty streamy, dew point was 71 when I went out for a ride. Caught me off guard as the previous days had been low humidity and cool evenings.

 

[DSMCy]

I purchased my first road bike last year (Norco Search) and really got into riding.
This year, with other things going on, I haven't been able to ride as much as I'd like, but the past couple weeks I've finally been able to get out.

I'm sure it's been discussed in here, but what recommendations are there for either padded biking shorts, or a more comfortable saddle?
I purchased a few different types of shorts off Amazon last year but it seems the padding doesn't sit back far enough. I end up with all the padding coming forward, and my butt is sitting basically directly on the seat.

My bike saddle just came with the bike. I didn't realize this was something I could be "fitted" for. Have any of the rest of you done that, and did it help if you did?

 

[SpokaneCY]

Studies show that classic good looks are less important for women than men, and women are much happier in relationship where they are the better looking of the couple. So your in luck.

Other than personality and personal hygiene he should be killing it?

 

[BoxsterCy]

I purchased my first road bike last year (Norco Search) and really got into riding.
This year, with other things going on, I haven't been able to ride as much as I'd like, but the past couple weeks I've finally been able to get out.

I'm sure it's been discussed in here, but what recommendations are there for either padded biking shorts, or a more comfortable saddle?

I purchased a few different types of shorts off Amazon last year but it seems the padding doesn't sit back far enough. I end up with all the padding coming forward, and my butt is sitting basically directly on the seat.

My bike saddle just came with the bike. I didn't realize this was something I could be "fitted" for. Have any of the rest of you done that, and did it help if you did?

Awaiting the short recommendations. I have a couple pair of Pearl Izumi 3D padded shorts that I like a lot but the new version of them is crap. Looking for a substitute.

The real experts can weigh in but he's my 1000 miles a year old man take on saddles: I got fitted for a seat at Erik's when I bought my Raleigh carbon from them. Specialized Power Expert Saddle 155mm , had to take it back for exchange as the measurements had me at a size narrower than this but it didn't work out. After sizing the setup is critical. Even after "pro" setup I found my could be better. Was doing physical therapy last year for rotator cuffs and my guy was an avid biker and told me to bring my bike in. He did a better job "fitting" than the bike shop did and I could tell the difference. If I rode longer distances, I am at mostly a sub 30 miles per ride, I'd look at a Brookes leather or their Cambium rubber saddle, still might go that direction.

 

[BigBake]

Question for the mechanically inclined MTB'ers. I just put 29 x 2.4 tires on my bike and the tubes I have are 1.9-2.3. Will those tubes work or should I try and find a different tube? I've looked and 1.9-2.3 seems to be the common size for 29rs.

 

[Tri4Cy]

I purchased my first road bike last year (Norco Search) and really got into riding.
This year, with other things going on, I haven't been able to ride as much as I'd like, but the past couple weeks I've finally been able to get out.

I'm sure it's been discussed in here, but what recommendations are there for either padded biking shorts, or a more comfortable saddle?
I purchased a few different types of shorts off Amazon last year but it seems the padding doesn't sit back far enough. I end up with all the padding coming forward, and my butt is sitting basically directly on the seat.

My bike saddle just came with the bike. I didn't realize this was something I could be "fitted" for. Have any of the rest of you done that, and did it help if you did?

I don't hesitate at all when it comes to shorts (or bibs for me). That is THE primary contact point and the area I want to protect the most One of my favorite set of bibs are Specialized SL Bibs. Everything holds nice and tight and the shammy doesn't move on me. I've done cheaper shorts/bibs in the past and they just don't feel as nice/consistent.

I too have been sized for a saddle but thankfully I'm the most common size out there which makes it easy. I have two favorite saddles depending on purpose. Specialized Power line for my road and gravel bikes. Adamo saddles for my TT bike. Mtn bikes or fat bike...doesn't matter. You're up out of the saddle and moving around all over the place I don't feel like I really need a different saddle there. I've heard a LOT of great things about Brooks. If I had something a little more geared towards bike packing they'd be high on my list. They look amazing and if you take care of them they can last decades.

 

[Tri4Cy]

Awaiting the short recommendations. I have a couple pair of Pearl Izumi 3D padded shorts that I like a lot but the new version of them is crap. Looking for a substitute.

The real experts can weigh in but he's my 1000 miles a year old man take on saddles: I got fitted for a seat at Erik's when I bought my Raleigh carbon from them. Specialized Power Expert Saddle 155mm , had to take it back for exchange as the measurements had me at a size narrower than this but it didn't work out. After sizing the setup is critical. Even after "pro" setup I found my could be better. Was doing physical therapy last year for rotator cuffs and my guy was an avid biker and told me to bring my bike in. He did a better job "fitting" than the bike shop did and I could tell the difference. If I rode longer distances, I am at mostly a sub 30 miles per ride, I'd look at a Brookes leather English saddle, still might go that direction.

Bike fits change frequently. I can't tell you the number of times I've had mine done. Hell, I've had to adjust mine three times in the last year or two since I rehabbed from a herniated disc. The type of riding/racing also has a big impact. You can be set up for speed or comfort and the bike can feel vastly different between the two. It's why it's easier for me to have a bike for each purpose. One set up aggressive for hard rides/races and others that are less aerodynamic but a hell of a lot more comfortable for longer rides or social activities.

 

[Tri4Cy]

Question for the mechanically inclined MTB'ers. I just put 29 x 2.4 tires on my bike and the tubes I have are 1.9-2.3. Will those tubes work or should I try and find a different tube? I've looked and 1.9-2.3 seems to be the common size for 29rs.

Most 29'r tubes I have run up to 2.5" Check out amazon. I've used plenty of Continental tubes through them without much issue.

 

[Gunnerclone]

Stepped into one of the Erik's bike shops here in the Twin Cities last night to buy some chain oil. Wow, was that odd. Place usually has at couple hundred bikes in two tiered racks. Damn, looked like a going out of biz sale had happened, place was empty.

And nobody has either the Giro or Specialized helmet models I was looking at earlier this year in my size or a color that isn't odd (for me). Maybe the supply chain will catch up over the winter.

modernbike.com

based out of Des Moines. Great company, great site.

 

[Gunnerclone]

Question for the mechanically inclined MTB'ers. I just put 29 x 2.4 tires on my bike and the tubes I have are 1.9-2.3. Will those tubes work or should I try and find a different tube? I've looked and 1.9-2.3 seems to be the common size for 29rs.

IMO no problem.

 

[Yaz]

Question for the mechanically inclined MTB'ers. I just put 29 x 2.4 tires on my bike and the tubes I have are 1.9-2.3. Will those tubes work or should I try and find a different tube? I've looked and 1.9-2.3 seems to be the common size for 29rs.

As long as you are not running pressure unusually low, which you probably wont, regardless you should be good. I run MTB tires in one of my FB that has 4" tires.

 

[cyclonetrent]

I don't hesitate at all when it comes to shorts (or bibs for me). That is THE primary contact point and the area I want to protect the most One of my favorite set of bibs are Specialized SL Bibs. Everything holds nice and tight and the shammy doesn't move on me. I've done cheaper shorts/bibs in the past and they just don't feel as nice/consistent.

I've heard a good rule of thumb is to spend as many dollars on shorts/bibs as miles you expect to ever ride in a day in them.

 

[simply1]

I love my Sugoi bibs, Pearl Izumi upper ends are pretty good as well.

 

[BoxsterCy]

Damn thread, wasted a bunch of time today surfin' saddles. Might have to give the Brooks non-leather Cambium a try.

Got a little productive. Cleaned chain, cleaned bike, adjusted brakes. And now thinking I probably need need new tires. Looking a little thin with some mini "divets" out of rear tire. How do you road bike guys gauge smooth road tires? I've got smooth Kenda Kountach 700x25C tires, a little short of 2000 miles on them.

 

[Tri4Cy]

I've heard a good rule of thumb is to spend as many dollars on shorts/bibs as miles you expect to ever ride in a day in them.

Not sure I agree with that, but I guess it's a rule of thumb. Maybe they should call it a rule of wrist?

It's honestly so subjective. I'll wear my "cheap" gear on my short rides but the miles covered are nowhere close to the cost. I just want to be comfortable, regardless of cost. If it keeps me in the saddle then it's a worthy investment. A primo bib/short with some shammy cream has made a huge improvement in my undercarriage's general happiness. Even then I still occasionally have issues. I wore my favorite kit this weekend and still ended up with some chaffing in a less than ideal spot.

 

[cyclonesurveyor]

Question for the mechanically inclined MTB'ers. I just put 29 x 2.4 tires on my bike and the tubes I have are 1.9-2.3. Will those tubes work or should I try and find a different tube? I've looked and 1.9-2.3 seems to be the common size for 29rs.

Yes they will work.

I would suggest if using tubes, add some green slime or equivalant. Life saver.

 

[VeloClone]

Got a little productive. Cleaned chain, cleaned bike, adjusted brakes. And now thinking I probably need need new tires. Looking a little thin with some mini "divets" out of rear tire. How do you road bike guys gauge smooth road tires? I've got smooth Kenda Kountach 700x25C tires, a little short of 2000 miles on them.

I ride mine until I start seeing fibers rather than smooth rubber. If I ever see even a little fiber somewhere and I don't change that tire immediately, I almost invariably regret it. Generally I don't have a problem up to that point though.

Does anyone rotate tires from front to back when you think they are about worn half way? It just seems like the fronts wear evenly (maintaining a curved profile on the wear surface) while the rears tend to wear flat so they middle of the tire wears out prematurely. I always think of it when it is probably too late to rotate and get any good out of it.

 

[VeloClone]

Not sure I agree with that, but I guess it's a rule of thumb. Maybe they should call it a rule of wrist?

It's honestly so subjective. I'll wear my "cheap" gear on my short rides but the miles covered are nowhere close to the cost. I just want to be comfortable, regardless of cost. If it keeps me in the saddle then it's a worthy investment. A primo bib/short with some shammy cream has made a huge improvement in my undercarriage's general happiness. Even then I still occasionally have issues. I wore my favorite kit this weekend and still ended up with some chaffing in a less than ideal spot.

When training for RAGBRAI I usually have four areas that I feel need to be trained: Legs, lungs, liver and ass.