Bicycling After 25 Year of not Riding

[coachrick]

Ordered a new set of pedals Friday and got them in today. Was hard to find platforms that take toe clips and reflectors (work requirement).

Used a bottom bracket from the company before and it was super smooth, and so are these! Forgot to add, these are going on a bike I havnt even purchased yet, will be out hitting north Texas LBS’s until I find what I’m wanting.

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Just a suggestion....Do NOT let those gripper-studs drag up or down your shin(s)...they can even do damage to your calf(calves) if they come in contact.
Don't ask me how I know!

 

[coachrick]

Did you hear about the bike racer-turned-salesman who set all sorts of sales quota speed records in his territory???
Turns out he was also a fast peddler !!!

 

[TxStetson]

Did you hear about the bike racer-turned-salesman who set all sorts of sales quota speed records in his territory???
Turns out he was also a fast peddler !!!

<groan>

 

[tsugsr]

Just a suggestion....Do NOT let those gripper-studs drag up or down your shin(s)...they can even do damage to your calf(calves) if they come in contact.
Don't ask me how I know!

Ohh yea they can! Back when I was a kid, before platform pedals, I put metal pedals on my MTB that were sharp as hell, cut my shins all up.


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[cycleguy2300]

I am finally getting back into the habit of riding. Night riding on trails is a blast.

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[tsugsr]

Paved trails or MTB trails? Either would be fun, but MTB would be crazy fun!


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[SQLGeek]

I looked over the mountain bike trails in the area and there are a surprising number. They aren't super challenging from what I understand but look like they will be a good place to get started.

I've been doing research on types of bikes and trying to figure out what I might like. I have no idea yet.

 

[cycleguy2300]

Paved trails or MTB trails? Either would be fun, but MTB would be crazy fun!


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It was about 75%dirt, 25% paved. Lots of fun

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[cycleguy2300]

I looked over the mountain bike trails in the area and there are a surprising number. They aren't super challenging from what I understand but look like they will be a good place to get started.

I've been doing research on types of bikes and trying to figure out what I might like. I have no idea yet.

No, they are not too technical, but everything gets technical if you go fast enough (especially at night!).

The Southie Trails are great because they can be fast. If youre new you wont be in over your head, if you're experienced, you can fly.

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[SQLGeek]

Are the Southie trails in Austin? I wasn't specific but I was talking about in my part of Fort Bend county.

In my research I've come across both gravel and mountain bikes. Which makes more sense for wanting to ride a variety of terrain with the occasional road ride around the neighborhood or paved bike path?

 

[cycleguy2300]

Are the Southie trails in Austin? I wasn't specific but I was talking about in my part of Fort Bend county.

In my research I've come across both gravel and mountain bikes. Which makes more sense for wanting to ride a variety of terrain with the occasional road ride around the neighborhood or paved bike path?

Ah, sorry. Yes, the Southie trails are a unofficial designation for the mtb trails in South Austin.

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[tsugsr]

It’s still in the car, so photos later, but I pulled the trigger on a Specialized Chisel Comp in black....man this thing is sweeet! Cannot wait to take it out!


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[SQLGeek]

So a local shop offers a custom bike fitting that is something like $150. Is this worth the money?

 

[cycleguy2300]

So a local shop offers a custom bike fitting that is something like $150. Is this worth the money?

Depends....

I would do some internet digging and look for photos of how you should fit on a bicycle.

Namely:

Seat height (no rocking your hips, but you want 95% of your leg extension)

Some get would up over "knee-over-pedal" but I have never really cared. But sitting on your seat with a pedal forward (parallel to the ground) your knee should be *close* to over the axle of the pedal. Slide your seat forward or back to adjust

Back angle/ shape (straight back, no hunching. If hunched, get a longer stem.

Arm angle (generally about 90° to the body)

I will glance at my posture as I ride vy a glass store front here and there. Or drag the bike inside and lean against a wall to see how you fit.

If you ride enough you will find what is comfortable, but just like fighting, don't fall in love with your position, you may get used to a bad position and the correct one may feel bad at first, but trust your buddies eyes and the mirror.

If you have the $150, it might not be a bad investment to get you a lot closer and more comfortable. As you ride you will tweak it.

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[SQLGeek]

Thank you. I may go ahead and do it. Need to do some shopping around.

 

[toddnjoyce]

So a local shop offers a custom bike fitting that is something like $150. Is this worth the money?

Pretty much what @cycleguy2300 said, with a twist. If budget is driving your purchase, just get on the bike and see if it feels comfortable. If you can pedal in all gears and breathe comfortably, that’s probably a 95+% solution for most cyclists. For me, comfort in pedaling is all about hip-knee-ankle relationship and whether I can easily pop out of the saddle and feel stable.

Some shops will ask “what size are you?”; since frame geometry and sizing differs, I just tell them I don’t know, I ride what’s comfortable for me.

If you’re dropping serious money ($4k - $15k+ range) the shop will be fitting you anyways and you won’t see the cost.

 

[cycleguy2300]

Pretty much what @cycleguy2300 said, with a twist. If budget is driving your purchase, just get on the bike and see if it feels comfortable. If you can pedal in all gears and breathe comfortably, that’s probably a 95+% solution for most cyclists. For me, comfort in pedaling is all about hip-knee-ankle relationship and whether I can easily pop out of the saddle and feel stable.

Some shops will ask “what size are you?”; since frame geometry and sizing differs, I just tell them I don’t know, I ride what’s comfortable for me.

If you’re dropping serious money ($4k - $15k+ range) the shop will be fitting you anyways and you won’t see the cost.

Seriously, get in front of a mirror and see how you look once it feels good. Compare it to the "ideal"

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[toddnjoyce]

Seriously, get in front of a mirror and see how you look once it feels good. Compare it to the "ideal"

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I’m pretty close on all my bikes, but I’ve been a reformed roadie/tri guy for 30 years or so now.

My only regret is not getting a Pegoretti when I lived in Italy.

ETA: if I was going to pay for a fit, I’d probably find somewhere that had a retül system.

 

[cycleguy2300]

I’m pretty close on all my bikes, but I’ve been a reformed roadie/tri guy for 30 years or so now.

My only regret is not getting a Pegoretti when I lived in Italy.

ETA: if I was going to pay for a fit, I’d probably find somewhere that had a retül system.

Retul is legit and worth the price.

A bike shop guy kinda eyeballing your fit isn't worth 150 imo.

Ymmv

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[tsugsr]

It’s still in the car, so photos later, but I pulled the trigger on a Specialized Chisel Comp in black....man this thing is sweeet! Cannot wait to take it out!


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Had to find a wall to lean it in, no kickstand yet lol. But man this thing flies! Typical 29er ease of getting up to/maintaining speed mixed with a smooth, well tuned drivetrain make it a joy to ride. (If you couldn’t tell, this is my first true bike shop level bike)


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