The Bicycling Thread

[wildbears]

PGAD and Prostate Enlargement

Why does the saddle you were using in your 30's cause nerve compression and vessel congestion now that you are older?

One reason might be that prostate enlargement also enlarges the perineum resulting in less separation between the contained nerves and vessels and the surface of that old saddle.

If so, a saddle with a wide cutout or a nose-less saddle may solve the issue.

[wildbears]

Good to hear.

How much do you ride using the drops? How much lower than the saddle height are the handlebars?

Sitting more upright with a shorter saddle setback might keep that area further from the saddle surface. Less upper body/pelvis lean, requires less saddle tilt to achieve the same amount of separation.

On the other hand, with a really slammed bike and using the drops, the opposite occurs.

[955i]

Bears, none of my bikes are "slammed." I ride in the hoods mostly. The drops are used against Oklahoma headwinds, downhills, and the occassional burst of "speed" (using the term generously).

[wildbears]

"I ride in the hoods mostly. The drops are used against Oklahoma headwinds, downhills, and the occasional burst of "speed" (using the term generously)."

Good technique! Cranking or putting more torque to the pedals results in less peroneal pressure as it lifts you up from the saddle.

[wildbears]

[955i]

There's a story here somewhere.

[wildbears]

[wildbears]

June 3, World Cycling Day

[wildbears]

Did my part. Strongest ride of the year. Like being on an e-bike.

[955i]

Nice Colorado photo. Thanks for doing your part!

[wildbears]

Orange Creamsicle Recovery Drink

Ingredients:
3/4 skim milk
1/4 orange flavored Gatorade (Regular or Zero)

Protein, carbs, electrolytes, calcium, and vitamin D.

Drink ice cold.

Use powdered Gatorade.

[Susan]

[wildbears]

That would add another dimension to handling unruly fans during the Tour de France.....

[wildbears]

Heels Up Or Down

There is differing advice about whether your heels should be up or down when climbing and out of the saddle.

Maybe heels up, toes down, when going quickly but the reverse when cranking under heavy load and going slowly.

What Say You???

[955i]

I like it when HER heels are up, but when I cycle, I don't really notice my heel position. I've got a very bad left ankle that limits standing out of the saddle. So, on climbs I sit most of the time. I've tried various positions and techniques. The one I fall back on is to do what a friend suggested years ag0 - "Sit back in the saddle, and pedal with your legs out in front as if you were a kid on a "Big Wheel" trike."

[wildbears]

I've always done that when in the saddle...works for me.

"Sit back in the saddle, and pedal with your legs out in front as if you were a kid on a "Big Wheel" trike."

[wildbears]

This position promotes more leg extension which is where there is more power with heavy cranking. Not a technique for "spinning".

[wildbears]

[955i]

A joke written by an experienced cyclist, for sure! LOL

[wildbears]

Standing On The Pedals When Climbing

If the bike is rocked side to side, your knees don't hit bar-end mirrors on drop handlebars.

[wildbears]

The Bounce

Seems like when everything is dialed in your legs bounce when pedaling. That is they have a spring-like action and sensation that's felt when the feet are coming around and back up.

Could be that this represents optimal output for endurance riding....

It requires the correct combination of gearing, speed, and cadence.

In the sweet spot, your legs will feel like you are riding an E-Bike.

Note that the bounce is biomechanical and not physiologic, cardiovascular or a mental rider's-high. As energy and power levels decrease, it requires a combination of easier gearing and lower speed.

Also, it is best sensed when on a stationary bike with easy pedaling.

[955i]

When in the “sweet spot,� it seems you could ride all day at that pace. It turns out that this is delusional. Still, it boosts your spirit and gets you down the road quite a ways until reality steps in. When I get going good in he “sweet spot,� I tell myself “Don’t get cocky!�

[wildbears]

Good points. I have a tendency to start a group ride or race too strong and then end up bonking. It's like a horse race where the initial leaders get dropped in the end.

Also my current approach to the rider's-high on a solo-ride is to slow down and/or turn around and head back. For me it's a good indicator of the half way mark at that pace.

[wildbears]

Proper Technique for Climbing When Out of the Saddle

1. Torso leaned forward with the head in front of the front wheel axle.

2. Toes down, heels up, unless going slowly up a steep hill and "cranking", then the reverse.

3. Tip the bike from side to side, matching your cadence, and bend the inside elbow inwards.

4. Hands on the hoods unless "cranking" and then on the drops.

[955i]

Scot and Bears, it seems that pros use a variety of technigues. Some are violent rockers, others seem to just power on up the steepest hills without much excess motion.

[wildbears]

"it seems that pros use a variety of techniques."

Good point. Maybe related to the type of power input, cranking versus spinning, in the saddle and out. Also perhaps switching back and forth to give muscle groups a rest. I do that. I'll watch some race videos for steep, slow climbs and finish line sprints. Always wanting to learn. Thanks.

[wildbears]

Pros put power into the pedals starting at the 3:00 to 3:30 o'clock position of pedal rotation while mere mortals start at 4:00 o'clock.

[wildbears]

Then there's Bicycle Jousting....

[Pete_Tallahassee]

Looks like that will give your heart a quick jolt.

[955i]

Heck, just riding those bikes without jousting would be challenging enough!

[wildbears]

Unstoppable...

[955i]

Damn!

[wildbears]

This thing actually works....https://es.pinterest.com/pin/6614730698478990/


USE LINK ABOVE FOR VIDEO.

[955i]

Took me more than an instant to figure this one out. Pretty cool.

[wildbears]

Pearl Izumi Men's Summit Gloves Review

I have used these for about 3 weeks. There is no padding, gel or otherwise. The yellow bands across the fingertips are supposed to allow use of a touch screen but don't work well for that purpose and started coming off early on. Otherwise light weight, comfortable, and provide sun protection except for the wrist. My long sleeve jerseys end up leaving about an inch of the wrist uncovered.

$35 at REI.