Comments on: Is cycling nirvana possible?

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:41:54 +0000

I did some research on bike fits and found that Richardson Bike Mart does a starter fit for $50 which covers Reach, Stem Length and Angle, Cleat Alignment, Knee Over Pedal Spindle Alignment, Comfort Issues, Frame Size, Saddle Height and Position, and Handlebar Size & Position. I'm going to call another shop to see what they charge. I would like to get fitted for a proper saddle at the same time.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:15:16 +0000

I agree with you on the bike fit and core exercises.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:13:56 +0000

Thanks for the advice Tracy. I'm definitely looking for an affordable bike fit session.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:11:47 +0000

I have to move my hands around a lot too. Maybe I should be more cognizant, like you, that I coast at 9/3 o'clock and ease out of the saddle a little to relieve some pressure.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:09:57 +0000

Combined approach sounds like good words of wisdom.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:08:39 +0000

I'm sure ride surface has a lot to do with it too. There's one section where I ride (from my car to the loop around White Rock Lake) that I hate because the trail has seems that are sometimes very uneven and can be jarring.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:06:48 +0000

Good point on core exercises. I'll be doing that when I start my 12 century training program here in a couple weeks.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:05:45 +0000

I'm riding plenty but I think I'm at the point I need to fork out the cash for a fit and quality bibs.

By: Gerhard

Gerhard — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:06:31 +0000

+1 on Tracy and others who put fit in the #1 spot. I also discovered that after you ride for a while ( a year plus) and build up stamina it is not a bad idea to go back and get refit.

+1 on Weiland – core exercise has helped my older body and planks (three times a week) have become my friends

By: Tracy

Tracy — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:07:39 +0000

I would strongly suggest a bike fitting session with a reputable shop. I think you'll find it worth the money. Even if you weren't heavier than you were 15 years ago, your body has undergone a lot of changes in that timeframe. For me, flexibility is not nearly the same at 49 as it was at 35, let alone 25.

With that said, I can usually ride 3-4 hours on my properly fitted bikes without significant discomfort. After that, fatigue begins to set in and it's not nearly as fun as when I started the day!