Discussion
God I miss it!!!
I've done quite a few 10-15k rides on my MTB now having got it a few weeks back now. I'd say 60/40 off road / road.
Climbs are absolutely killing my legs. I'm strong in the gym in terms of maximum lifts but I have NO stamina anymore.
I'm also thinking that I have bought the wrong sized bike. I thought I'd go for a small frame as I prefer it when going down a trail but climbing when I can't fully straighten my legs are just killing me.
Now... Will this just improve the more I ride or am I fighting a losing battle riding a bike that is too small?
I've done quite a few 10-15k rides on my MTB now having got it a few weeks back now. I'd say 60/40 off road / road.
Climbs are absolutely killing my legs. I'm strong in the gym in terms of maximum lifts but I have NO stamina anymore.
I'm also thinking that I have bought the wrong sized bike. I thought I'd go for a small frame as I prefer it when going down a trail but climbing when I can't fully straighten my legs are just killing me.
Now... Will this just improve the more I ride or am I fighting a losing battle riding a bike that is too small?
If it seems too small, raise yer' saddle and/or fit a longer seatpost.
If you're not getting best leg extension then you're not pedalling efficiently (assuming saddle fore/aft is correct), and then yes, it may be harder work. However - and I hate to sound like an arse saying this - 10-15Km is nothing at all, so no wonder you're feeling it. Stop worrying about equipment/bike size, and just bang in the miles until it hurts. And then bang in a few more for good measure. Rinse, repeat. Anything else (bike, kit etc) is just denial.
If you're not getting best leg extension then you're not pedalling efficiently (assuming saddle fore/aft is correct), and then yes, it may be harder work. However - and I hate to sound like an arse saying this - 10-15Km is nothing at all, so no wonder you're feeling it. Stop worrying about equipment/bike size, and just bang in the miles until it hurts. And then bang in a few more for good measure. Rinse, repeat. Anything else (bike, kit etc) is just denial.
The small bike certainly won't help. When I got back into it I was using my old Raleigh daytona and on the down stroke I couldn't fully extend my leg. This made the whole ride more tiring than it should have been and it kinda put me off.
I've now got a proper sized bike and it's made a huge difference. Just drop the saddle for the downhill stuff.
To give you an idea, I'm overweight and unfit but I can now feel the benefits of the bike. Just tonight I did 20 miles in 1.5 hrs and afterwards I felt fine. When I got my bike 3 months ago it took me 2 hrs+ and I was waking like John Wayne for 2 days afterwards.
I've now got a proper sized bike and it's made a huge difference. Just drop the saddle for the downhill stuff.
To give you an idea, I'm overweight and unfit but I can now feel the benefits of the bike. Just tonight I did 20 miles in 1.5 hrs and afterwards I felt fine. When I got my bike 3 months ago it took me 2 hrs+ and I was waking like John Wayne for 2 days afterwards.
Lol, you don't sound like an arse!! It's true! I was doing 40+ mile rides on a 15" hardrock when I was younger! I've now converted to KM as I get it in to double figures!!!
I will keep on pedalling. Hopefully I can start improving.
I do raise the seat etc, but it's still not high enough. I'm guessing if I go for a much longer seat post the it won't go down as far... Catch 22 I guess. I live on box hill so descents / climbs are 50/50!! Especially off road.
I will keep on pedalling. Hopefully I can start improving.
I do raise the seat etc, but it's still not high enough. I'm guessing if I go for a much longer seat post the it won't go down as far... Catch 22 I guess. I live on box hill so descents / climbs are 50/50!! Especially off road.
Your legs shouldnt be fully extended anyway, there should be a slight bend. If your hips are rolling side to side on the saddle then that will kill your thighs.
Try this site for a few pointers in setting it up (hopefully im not teaaching a granny to suck eggs!)
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
What size is your bike and how tall are you?
Try this site for a few pointers in setting it up (hopefully im not teaaching a granny to suck eggs!)
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
What size is your bike and how tall are you?
sit on the bike and check, when the pedal is at its highest point, if your knee is bowing out to the side. if it is, adjust the set up by raising the saddle so your knee is closer to the top tube. not only will this increase efficiency but it will also prevent knee injury. you need to use all hte muscles in the leg, not just the thigh or the calf and correct set up will encourage this. also check where your foot is on the pedal, this will be affecting which musccles are engaging on the stroke.
loads of info on pedal efficiency on tri websites which should be relevant
loads of info on pedal efficiency on tri websites which should be relevant
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff