Tips/critique for a new rider

Tips/critique for a new rider

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WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
Hi all. Thought I'd start a thread as there are a few tips/answers I'm seeking with my riding and I'll also use this as a place to chronicle my rides for my own motivation/progress and to seek some friendly critique!

I bought a road bike a few years ago, went out a couple of times, never really took to it, and it has been in the garage since. However, with wanting to lose a bit of weight and improve fitness I thought I'd give it another go and, to my surprise, I'm actually quite enjoying it! Have quite a few nice routes around me which helps.

So, I have some questions if anyone is able to chip in with some advice:
- I notice in the bike photo thread a lot of you have your seat quite a bit higher than the handlebars. Is this an "advanced" thing or should I be doing this? For reference I am 5'11" and riding a bike with a 54cm frame. I can just about tiptoe when on the seat - should I be able to?
- Linked to the above, when I am pedalling, when my foot is in the lowest position my knee is still a bit bent - should my leg be pretty much straight?
- Is a 54cm frame about right for me? I am certain I would have researched before buying but looking now I think it may be a bit small? I bought second-hand as I didn't know if I would take to it (I didn't!) so perhaps I compromised a bit due to lack of choice...
- Should I stand up out of the saddle more often? On a hill I rarely stand up for the extra push, I go down the gears and stay seated. Is this the right thing to do as a beginner? In my head I think stood up = mountain biking.
- I use all my back gears (9 or so I think) but not my front one. It is on the larger cog and I've never been able to get it to change to the smaller one. This doesn't seem to affect me but of course I don't know what I'm missing here...
- Ummm, how do I stop my a**e from hurting so much? First few rides I suffered with my hands and a**e. I have bought better gloves (problem fixed) and better shorts (problem better but still far from ideal). The far and away limiting factor for my riding is my a**e! I actually look at fresh tarmac with as much joy as a downhill section! Is this normal? I've ordered a gel seat cover but think this might compromise my pedalling...

Think that will do for now. Apologies for the lack of correct language but I'm sure you all get my drift.

I'll post some photos/screenshots. Please feel free to comment with constructive criticism!

WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all

WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
Ride 1:

WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
Ride 2:

WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
Ride 3:

WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
Ride 4:

Mark83

1,157 posts

200 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
Saddle to handlebar height difference is linked to your flexibility. Lower is more aero but pointless if you're uncomfortable or causing discomfort. A strong core keeps the weight off your hands.

For your height, 54cm sounds on the extreme end of sizing but all bikes are different.

Your bum gets used to it and it stops hurting. Try and find a saddle that works for you. I bought and sold on eBay until I found one I liked. Buy the most expensive pair of bib shorts you can afford. Try some chamois cream too.

Standing vs seated cycling is personal. Long climb in the Alps I'd be seated with the odd bit of standing to mix positions up to reduce fatigue. If it's a short steep kick, I'll stand up and dish out some watts to power over it.

You're not far from me, so I know those roads. If you can get up Pulloxhill from the A6 and Hexton Hill in the big ring, chapeau.

Edited by Mark83 on Sunday 8th May 18:59

WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
Thanks Mark.

I can go down Pulloxhill! I stay lightly on the brakes though. Couldn't bear the thought of going up it any time soon! Haven't ventured out Hexton/Pirton way though knowing the roads I bet there are some nice rides to be had.

When you say 54cm is on the extreme end I take it you mean the extreme small end?

I'll have a look into saddles. Are they universal fitment?

Cheers.

defblade

7,399 posts

212 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
WhisperingWasp said:
WhisperingWasp said:
- I notice in the bike photo thread a lot of you have your seat quite a bit higher than the handlebars. Is this an "advanced" thing or should I be doing this? For reference I am 5'11" and riding a bike with a 54cm frame. I can just about tiptoe when on the seat - should I be able to?
- Linked to the above, when I am pedalling, when my foot is in the lowest position my knee is still a bit bent - should my leg be pretty much straight?
A good starting point for saddle height is to put the ball of your foot across the pedal axle (where it should be when riding, generally), with the pedal at the bottom of it's stroke, your knee should be slightly bent. Then if you drop your heel downwards, your knee should lock. But it's only a starting point - have a play.

- Should I stand up out of the saddle more often? On a hill I rarely stand up for the extra push, I go down the gears and stay seated. Is this the right thing to do as a beginner? In my head I think stood up = mountain biking.
I like to spin up hills, I rarely get out of the saddle except for the very shortest steep bumps. Probably ought to do it a bit more, really... ...but then I'm not particularly worried about my average speed. It's up to you!

- I use all my back gears (9 or so I think) but not my front one. It is on the larger cog and I've never been able to get it to change to the smaller one. This doesn't seem to affect me but of course I don't know what I'm missing here...
That spinning up hills I mentioned is going to be a lot harder if you're only using the big ring. (And if that's the case, and given that other people have said some of the roads would be quite impressive in the big ring, you may be in danger here of pushing too hard through your knees to make it work... can lead to damage in the longer term).
Here's a vid about sorting front derailleurs.

- Ummm, how do I stop my a**e from hurting so much? First few rides I suffered with my hands and a**e. I have bought better gloves (problem fixed) and better shorts (problem better but still far from ideal). The far and away limiting factor for my riding is my a**e! I actually look at fresh tarmac with as much joy as a downhill section! Is this normal? I've ordered a gel seat cover but think this might compromise my pedalling...

As others have said, time/miles will help you get used to it. You can also spend forever looking for the "right" saddle if you want to try that game - I got quite lucky by finding one on the 3rd go that suits me! However, looking at your photo, your bike is pointing downwards, yet your saddle looks fairly level, which means it's probably a bit nose-up. Most people prefer to ride a little nose-down.. but not so much that you slip forward and have to brace against your hands. Again, not set in stone, but have a play. You'll find this can shift the pressure areas about quite a lot. Gel seat covers feel good to start with, but 10 minutes down the road, the wrong places are now taking the pressure, so I'd say only for very casual riding.
Gloves kinda mask too much weight going onto your hands - first get your saddle position sorted properly, then if you find you still need gloves, you might want to consider a shorter stem - it looks like your current stem is already as high up the steerer as it will go, so no room to raise it to reduce pressure. If the frame is only just small enough for you, it may well have a stem that's a little too long as it will (well, should) have been aimed at the middle of the size range.

Oh, and all those times and distances look pretty respectable for a noob, so just keep tweaking and riding, it'll all come togethersmile

frisbee

4,958 posts

109 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
54cm is fine. I'm 5'10", my road bike is a 56cm and my gravel bike is a 55cm. Bar drop will also depend on the bike, a race bike will have a larger bar drop, endurance and touring bikes may have none.

It takes a while for your sit bones to get used to cycling, padded cycling shorts and the right saddle help but ultimately it takes a while before your sit bones aren't tender for a few days after. Don't bother with a gel cover.

When you are starting out, ride more often and keep the rides shorter.

WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
defblade said:
WhisperingWasp said:
WhisperingWasp said:
- I notice in the bike photo thread a lot of you have your seat quite a bit higher than the handlebars. Is this an "advanced" thing or should I be doing this? For reference I am 5'11" and riding a bike with a 54cm frame. I can just about tiptoe when on the seat - should I be able to?
- Linked to the above, when I am pedalling, when my foot is in the lowest position my knee is still a bit bent - should my leg be pretty much straight?
A good starting point for saddle height is to put the ball of your foot across the pedal axle (where it should be when riding, generally), with the pedal at the bottom of it's stroke, your knee should be slightly bent. Then if you drop your heel downwards, your knee should lock. But it's only a starting point - have a play.

- Should I stand up out of the saddle more often? On a hill I rarely stand up for the extra push, I go down the gears and stay seated. Is this the right thing to do as a beginner? In my head I think stood up = mountain biking.
I like to spin up hills, I rarely get out of the saddle except for the very shortest steep bumps. Probably ought to do it a bit more, really... ...but then I'm not particularly worried about my average speed. It's up to you!

- I use all my back gears (9 or so I think) but not my front one. It is on the larger cog and I've never been able to get it to change to the smaller one. This doesn't seem to affect me but of course I don't know what I'm missing here...
That spinning up hills I mentioned is going to be a lot harder if you're only using the big ring. (And if that's the case, and given that other people have said some of the roads would be quite impressive in the big ring, you may be in danger here of pushing too hard through your knees to make it work... can lead to damage in the longer term).
Here's a vid about sorting front derailleurs.

- Ummm, how do I stop my a**e from hurting so much? First few rides I suffered with my hands and a**e. I have bought better gloves (problem fixed) and better shorts (problem better but still far from ideal). The far and away limiting factor for my riding is my a**e! I actually look at fresh tarmac with as much joy as a downhill section! Is this normal? I've ordered a gel seat cover but think this might compromise my pedalling...

As others have said, time/miles will help you get used to it. You can also spend forever looking for the "right" saddle if you want to try that game - I got quite lucky by finding one on the 3rd go that suits me! However, looking at your photo, your bike is pointing downwards, yet your saddle looks fairly level, which means it's probably a bit nose-up. Most people prefer to ride a little nose-down.. but not so much that you slip forward and have to brace against your hands. Again, not set in stone, but have a play. You'll find this can shift the pressure areas about quite a lot. Gel seat covers feel good to start with, but 10 minutes down the road, the wrong places are now taking the pressure, so I'd say only for very casual riding.
Gloves kinda mask too much weight going onto your hands - first get your saddle position sorted properly, then if you find you still need gloves, you might want to consider a shorter stem - it looks like your current stem is already as high up the steerer as it will go, so no room to raise it to reduce pressure. If the frame is only just small enough for you, it may well have a stem that's a little too long as it will (well, should) have been aimed at the middle of the size range.

Oh, and all those times and distances look pretty respectable for a noob, so just keep tweaking and riding, it'll all come togethersmile
Thank you for all that info.

- I'll do that thing with the pedals, sounds straightforward.
- What does it mean to "spin" up hills?
- That video is very informative, I'll definitely have a play about one evening this week as the chain is definitely rubbing in some gears too. Didn't realise I started in "hard" mode with my gearing wink
- Thanks for the comment on the saddle position; didn't realise it was adjustable in that way so will have a play with that too.
- Not 100% followed the advice around the "stem" but I'll have a read again and get my head around it.

Cheers.

WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
frisbee said:
54cm is fine. I'm 5'10", my road bike is a 56cm and my gravel bike is a 55cm. Bar drop will also depend on the bike, a race bike will have a larger bar drop, endurance and touring bikes may have none.

It takes a while for your sit bones to get used to cycling, padded cycling shorts and the right saddle help but ultimately it takes a while before your sit bones aren't tender for a few days after. Don't bother with a gel cover.

When you are starting out, ride more often and keep the rides shorter.
Thanks. I'll have a play with the set up of my bike (didn't realise they were so adjustable). Good to hear I'll get used to it. It certainly was better today, despite my longest ride, but I put that down to the new shorts.

snotrag

14,446 posts

210 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
Spin = high cadence, low gear, feet going fast.


Spinning up a hill = Honda S2000.


Grinding up a hill = Diesel Truck.


hehe

defblade

7,399 posts

212 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
WhisperingWasp said:
- Not 100% followed the advice around the "stem" but I'll have a read again and get my head around it.
The stem is the bit that holds the handle bars onto the bike ... you can get longer and shorter ones, and so your bars get nearer or further away.
They also come at different angles, which moves the bars up and down, too, but don't go there yet wink

sam.rog

723 posts

77 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
Gcn is a good pace to start. Watch a few of their videos on bike fit and setup.
Parktools videos are also a good way of learning about bicycle maintenance.

Mark83

1,157 posts

200 months

Sunday 8th May 2022
quotequote all
WhisperingWasp said:
Thanks Mark.

I can go down Pulloxhill! I stay lightly on the brakes though. Couldn't bear the thought of going up it any time soon! Haven't ventured out Hexton/Pirton way though knowing the roads I bet there are some nice rides to be had.

When you say 54cm is on the extreme end I take it you mean the extreme small end?

I'll have a look into saddles. Are they universal fitment?

Cheers.
54cm is fine but probably be a 56cm speaking generically. All frames are different. You can vary stem length and angle to make it fit better. Maybe invest in a bike fit?

Saddles are definitely not universal. It can be challenging to find the perfect fit. I like a Fizik Antares, out of their three main types, then you have different widths and materials.

I know your ride one loop very well, I got the local legend this week smile


z4RRSchris

11,221 posts

178 months

Monday 9th May 2022
quotequote all
its prob a bit small but don't worry about it, just get out and ride, bang a long stem on it if you need a bit more space.

youll buy a new bike once you have the bug anyway. N+1.


WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Monday 9th May 2022
quotequote all
snotrag said:
Spin = high cadence, low gear, feet going fast.


Spinning up a hill = Honda S2000.


Grinding up a hill = Diesel Truck.


hehe
Gotcha! I can confirm I am a "spinner"! Standing up burns my legs!

WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Monday 9th May 2022
quotequote all
defblade said:
The stem is the bit that holds the handle bars onto the bike ... you can get longer and shorter ones, and so your bars get nearer or further away.
They also come at different angles, which moves the bars up and down, too, but don't go there yet wink
Understood now. The horizontal bit that is in line with the bike. Not the vertical bit that runs to the forks (which is what I was thinking it was). Thank you.

WhisperingWasp

Original Poster:

1,450 posts

136 months

Monday 9th May 2022
quotequote all
Mark83 said:
54cm is fine but probably be a 56cm speaking generically. All frames are different. You can vary stem length and angle to make it fit better. Maybe invest in a bike fit?

Saddles are definitely not universal. It can be challenging to find the perfect fit. I like a Fizik Antares, out of their three main types, then you have different widths and materials.

I know your ride one loop very well, I got the local legend this week smile

It's a nice route around there isn't it. I'll have to knock you off your perch wink