Discussion
Serious question for the men. Haven't done a lot of cycling in my life really, apart from the usual teenage stuff. Now about to make a massive commitment to a road bike and 30 miles per day routine. Problem is, I tried a bike sat on the trainer in Halfords, a Triban 3 which I plan to buy, and there was a LOT of testicle movement. It made me feel nauseous. There was a lot of hip movement too, which made me bounce from side to side when pedalling. Is this something to be concerned about, or will it disappear when I have the bike fitted to me, and wear 'proper' cycling shorts? I don't remember having this problem on my mountain bike.
Justin S said:
Any major hip movement maybe due to the saddle being too high. Decent shorts ( dont have to spend the earth) will support you and make it more comfortable. Also the Triban saddle is quite basic and use it as a starting point.
Just been watching this actually, and it agrees with what you've said about saddle height.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U12rBydlxeI
Can you recommend any decent shorts and/or a saddle to replace the Triban?
Enjoy!Saddles, everyone has their own preferences. I would be looking at a sensible saddle rather than a slimline fancy thing. Dont be illusioned on big saddles giving comfort either. The saddle has to rest on your pelvic bone rather than the padding on your bum. First of all, get some shorts. The more panels on a pair of shorts, the better fitting they are. Try some on to see what fits you. My aunt has taken up cycling a couple of years ago and wont ever get off her bike now. But it took a couple of saddles and a lot of patience to get a sensible pair of shorts to be comfortable. I have some cheapy shorts ( lusso) with next to no padding and give better comfort than expensive stuff I have (assos) ( in my eyes anyway)so its a suck and see really. Then try a saddle change.
Justin S said:
Saddles, everyone has their own preferences. I would be looking at a sensible saddle rather than a slimline fancy thing. Dont be illusioned on big saddles giving comfort either. The saddle has to rest on your pelvic bone rather than the padding on your bum. First of all, get some shorts. The more panels on a pair of shorts, the better fitting they are. Try some on to see what fits you. My aunt has taken up cycling a couple of years ago and wont ever get off her bike now. But it took a couple of saddles and a lot of patience to get a sensible pair of shorts to be comfortable. I have some cheapy shorts ( lusso) with next to no padding and give better comfort than expensive stuff I have (assos) ( in my eyes anyway)so its a suck and see really. Then try a saddle change.
Thanks, great advice for when I get my bike in a couple of weeks.As has been said above, the side to side rocking of the hips will primarily be down to incorrect saddle height. You've already sussed that you may want to change the saddle over for something more suited to YOUR physiology.
Try something here:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=saddle+set+up+roa...
or for a 'one stop shop' approach to cycling advice (if you can ignore the beard) try Sheldon Brown:
http://sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html
Don't fall into the trap that I did when I came back to road cycling after stopping riding in my teens (I joined the forces and discovered carousing in a big way). I bought loads of cheapo Lycra shorts, one after the other, from Lidl/Aldi/Sports Direct et al. Every time, they turned out to be too tight, too loose, lose their elasticity, or to have a plain useless chamois (pad). Do as 'Justin S' suggested and at least buy them from somewhere where you can try them on. You don't have to spend a fortune, nor fall at the feet of the marketing flimflamists, but try to get something that at least stays put and doesn't chafe you to distraction.
Back in the eighties, before the Lycra revolution, I didn't own a stitch of 'Cycling Specific' clothing, but I got by on rides of 40 to 50 miles regularly, without causing any permanent injury to my nethers, so the Lycra isn't essential to feeling good on the bike.
Ultimately, everyone will have their own theories, and golden rules for cycling comfort, but if you are going to hurt, make sure it's because you are pushing yourself, not because you are injuring yourself by 'doing it wrong'. At the Triban 3's price point, you are probably not in the market for a professional bike fitting session, so it's likely that you'll either be fitted "best guess" style at the store, or you'll likely have to tweek the fit yourself. Be patient, and work in small increments. Don't change too many things all at the same time. Setting your bike up 'right' is worth the effort. Welcome to the 'Tribe' and good luck.
PS:
Some other clothing to consider buying when starting cycling are a light weight waterproof jacket, a helmet (your choice, don't be bullied into wearing one or not, it's your risk to assess), and some gloves. The gloves, IMHO, are a MUST. Full finger gloves at this time of year, 'mitts' for the warmer (?) months, but essential if you ever end up orientationally challenged, as gravel in your palms is ALWAYS a painful way to ride home. I would also say that for anything over half an hour on the bike, a bottle and cage are a good idea, as well as a puncture repair kit, any tools you might need to remove a wheel, and at least a vague idea of how to use them.
Try something here:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=saddle+set+up+roa...
or for a 'one stop shop' approach to cycling advice (if you can ignore the beard) try Sheldon Brown:
http://sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html
Don't fall into the trap that I did when I came back to road cycling after stopping riding in my teens (I joined the forces and discovered carousing in a big way). I bought loads of cheapo Lycra shorts, one after the other, from Lidl/Aldi/Sports Direct et al. Every time, they turned out to be too tight, too loose, lose their elasticity, or to have a plain useless chamois (pad). Do as 'Justin S' suggested and at least buy them from somewhere where you can try them on. You don't have to spend a fortune, nor fall at the feet of the marketing flimflamists, but try to get something that at least stays put and doesn't chafe you to distraction.
Back in the eighties, before the Lycra revolution, I didn't own a stitch of 'Cycling Specific' clothing, but I got by on rides of 40 to 50 miles regularly, without causing any permanent injury to my nethers, so the Lycra isn't essential to feeling good on the bike.
Ultimately, everyone will have their own theories, and golden rules for cycling comfort, but if you are going to hurt, make sure it's because you are pushing yourself, not because you are injuring yourself by 'doing it wrong'. At the Triban 3's price point, you are probably not in the market for a professional bike fitting session, so it's likely that you'll either be fitted "best guess" style at the store, or you'll likely have to tweek the fit yourself. Be patient, and work in small increments. Don't change too many things all at the same time. Setting your bike up 'right' is worth the effort. Welcome to the 'Tribe' and good luck.
PS:
Some other clothing to consider buying when starting cycling are a light weight waterproof jacket, a helmet (your choice, don't be bullied into wearing one or not, it's your risk to assess), and some gloves. The gloves, IMHO, are a MUST. Full finger gloves at this time of year, 'mitts' for the warmer (?) months, but essential if you ever end up orientationally challenged, as gravel in your palms is ALWAYS a painful way to ride home. I would also say that for anything over half an hour on the bike, a bottle and cage are a good idea, as well as a puncture repair kit, any tools you might need to remove a wheel, and at least a vague idea of how to use them.
danjama said:
I tried a bike sat on the trainer in Halfords, a Triban 3 which I plan to buy
o/t but isn't that the Decathlon bike I've heard a lot of good things about? In Halfords?Back on topic, it's taken me 2 weeks and nigh on 200 miles to finally get properly comfy on my new steed. Saddle was too low, too far back and pointing upwards. Saddle at right height (I used the avg of the 3 measuring systems out there), properly horizontal, and back/forth adjusted nicely, supremely comfortable in the padded shorts with bib tights over.
Of course, make sure your frame is the right size to start with. Halfords sold me a frame WAY too small last time I bought from there.
Lots of good calls on stuff you need above. I will add, for this fine chilly weather, skull cap, woolie boolie socks and neoprene overshoes. Don't forget yer Chinese knock off lights either
Bought all my stuff in store at Evans - they have a good selection, plenty of stock, and seemingly knowledgeable staff.
I have a Triban 3 (from Decathlon Sheffied) and i haven't changed anything...yet.
The wheels are RIDICULOUSLY heavy, if you are planning on racking up 30 miles a day i would seriously consider swapping them for something lighter. I haven't used mine much yet (few hundred miles since October), when the summer comes around and it gets used more, the wheels are getting changed.
I don't mind the seat, but again when i start using it more i may very well swap the seat for something a bit more comfortable.
Clothes wise, I would actually recommend Halfords, but check online for discounts and order to collect rather than buy from store as it is often cheaper, otherwise decathlon have some good stuff at reasonable prices.
Enjoy the riding and good luck!
The wheels are RIDICULOUSLY heavy, if you are planning on racking up 30 miles a day i would seriously consider swapping them for something lighter. I haven't used mine much yet (few hundred miles since October), when the summer comes around and it gets used more, the wheels are getting changed.
I don't mind the seat, but again when i start using it more i may very well swap the seat for something a bit more comfortable.
Clothes wise, I would actually recommend Halfords, but check online for discounts and order to collect rather than buy from store as it is often cheaper, otherwise decathlon have some good stuff at reasonable prices.
Enjoy the riding and good luck!
Edited by big_boz on Tuesday 15th January 12:56
richardxjr said:
Of course, make sure your frame is the right size to start with. Halfords sold me a frame WAY too small last time I bought from there.
True, but do bear in mind that a small road bike frame can (more often than not) be compensated for my a longer stem and raising the saddle. One that is too large will always have you stretching too far to the drops.Just as an example, look at Tommy Voeckler here:
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