[JLXP]

(Original post by lonelykatana)
Comando Comando comando!
I get terribly itchy if a cycle with anything under shorts

I've never tried it before, and i'm cycling six days so what do you wear shorts/wash them/wear them again + repeat? I really have to limit the clothing i am taking away with me thus can't be taking Cycling shorts for each day

[lonelykatana]

(Original post by KingGoonIan)
Thank you so much, that is actually really helpful

I have just switched from a mountain-like bike to a racing bike like you did. I was really used to being able to signal without stopping but now I feel I have to come to a stop. I have gears on either side and you seem to change them by turning the brakes inwards. My bike looks like this:

Attachment 160028
It is a specialized allez 2012 16.

It has been getting a bit easier but not enough for me to feel confident enough to use it to travel long-distances on busy roads (which is what I am used to doing). I am not sure if I need to change my seating though because the back of my calf muscles start to feel very strained when I pedal vigorously, maybe it is because I am not holding onto the bottom handles? Going back to signalling I feel like I have to do a lot more in order to prepare to signal because I am in such a low and tight posture now.

Have some rep, I wish I could give you more. No worries about being basic, it is what I need at the moment. Great to hear you are looking to move onto time trials and racing, good luck!

Hey, sorry I took so long to reply!
I was pretty much the same when I started, I couldn't believe how different road bikes were
Got an Allez? Brilliant first road bike, I almost got a second hand Allez elite with carbon fiber wheels the other day. Had to stop my self, really didn't have the money for it
As far as I understand it, the allez elite is the same frame as your allez (and a great frame it is). If I had the chance again I'd probably go for one of them as a first road bike.

For the rear gears (right hand shifter?) its push the button for a tougher gear and push the brake inwards for an easier gear right.
And for the front gears its button for shifting up to higher gears and brake leaver to go down to the smaller chain rings, is that right?
I have shifters that work the same way, its funny how you just completely forget how they work when your not on the bike


You'll get used to it, just keep at it. I had a tough time when I started cycling, I got hit by a car which ruined my back wheel and ripped my chain to bits. I seriously thought about selling the bike and giving up - I'm so glad I didn't!
I was unlucky though haha
Just stick with it, it will reward you in the long run
For what its worth I still have crap days. I went out for a ride yesterday and just was not in the mood. Lost traction in the rear wheel, fell off and landed in a puddle - had a sulk and went home after about 10 miles

Hows the signalling going now?
Do you feel like your getting better?


Do you live somewhere close to the country? If your not comfy doing long rides on busy roads then perhaps getting out on less busy roads is an idea? It will be a chance to build confidence while enjoying your self! I'm sure you'll get it though, you seem pretty keen to get out there riding

The pain could very well be the seating position, but I'm not sure. I'm pants at figuring out whats causing pain while cycling, even on my self
Might be worth experimenting with your seating position, saddle angle and so on. Out of interest when you say vigorously do you mean spinning your legs quickly or putting lots of pressure on your legs to move the pedals in a high gear (if that makes sense )
I personally prefer moving my legs around quickly to move quickly (high cadence) as trying to put a lot of power down on a tough gear really hurts my knees and calf, but its a personal preference.
Other than that, I've never really had calf pain so don't know what to suggest. Sorry




Maybe one of the other guys on here can help with that?
(bald and underline so they read it )

[Né Stig]

(Original post by JLXP)
Folks, is there any specific underwear to go with cycling shorts, or do you just go commando?

Surely you must know the answer to this if you're on your 3rd European tour?
But in all respect, it really then depends how padded your lycra shorts are; I have different padding for different events.

But in most events, it's commando.

[lonelykatana]

(Original post by JLXP)
I've never tried it before, and i'm cycling six days so what do you wear shorts/wash them/wear them again + repeat? I really have to limit the clothing i am taking away with me thus can't be taking Cycling shorts for each day

Where you going to be cycling for six days? Lucky lucky lucky!

Depends what I'm doing I guess. I'll happily wear my shorts for 2 days without giving them a wash, but I don't really sweat that much to be fair so they don't get to grubby or smelly

I'd personally take two sets of shorts.
Wear one for 2 days and try to wash the other set on the first day so they have as long as possible to dry while your riding or something.

[JLXP]

(Original post by Né Stig)
Surely you must know the answer to this if you're on your 3rd European tour?
But in all respect, it really then depends how padded your lycra shorts are; I have different padding for different events.

But in most events, it's commando.

I've always worn underwear, and i've always put up with any chaffing/uncomfortableness.

(Original post by lonelykatana)
Where you going to be cycling for six days? Lucky lucky lucky!

Depends what I'm doing I guess. I'll happily wear my shorts for 2 days without giving them a wash, but I don't really sweat that much to be fair so they don't get to grubby or smelly

I'd personally take two sets of shorts.
Wear one for 2 days and try to wash the other set on the first day so they have as long as possible to dry while your riding or something.

I'm cycling from Cologne to Lake Konstanz, should be amazing
I'll give commando a go tomorrow and see how i feel, i perhaps should have asked the question earlier and i would have bought more pairs.

Thanks for the advice!

[Né Stig]

(Original post by lonelykatana)
Other than that, I've never really had calf pain so don't know what to suggest. Sorry


Maybe one of the other guys on here can help with that?
(bald and underline so they read it )

Not sure about the 'bald' bit

But make sure you stretch properly. I'd also advised standing still and tip-toeing and holding every tip-toe for a few seconds. Do this every few days and your calf muscle will be able to deal with the strain of any pressure. Calf muscles can take many many months to develop properly.

[lonelykatana]

(Original post by Né Stig)
Not sure about the 'bald' bit

I can't believe I still get confused between bald and bold, can I just edit it out and pretend it never happened

[lonelykatana]

(Original post by JLXP)
I've always worn underwear, and i've always put up with any chaffing/uncomfortableness.



I'm cycling from Cologne to Lake Konstanz, should be amazing
I'll give commando a go tomorrow and see how i feel, i perhaps should have asked the question earlier and i would have bought more pairs.

Thanks for the advice!

I'd love to do something like that, so jealous
Have fun with your commando experience tomorrow
Oh, and have a great trip too

[KrishanC93]

Hello guys!

Just wanted some advice on a cycle computer!

So far I've found these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cateye-Strad...1261383&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cateye-Micro...1262758&sr=1-1


Does anyone have experiences with these? good or bad? And also any other reccomendations would be much appreciated!


P.s. Apologies for breaking up the thread

[KingGoonIan]

(Original post by lonelykatana)
x

Hey, thanks again for a brilliant reply

I have gotten really used to my new bike now and I cycled 50miles ish the other day into London and back. I do live near some decent parks, notably Richmond park (pictured) which has some big hills - some hills are so high you can look down onto parts of London:



So basically just been riding around Richmond park and am planning to go there tomoro with a friend but unfortunately the weather doesn't look promising. Signalling has gotten easier and I have definitely mastered the gears. Now I want to get a speedometer, lights and maybe a bell (though I doubt I'd use it). Gonna have to start saving up

[dhr90]

Do the riders in the TdF have MP3 players or radios? Or have they just taped up ears from the wind? Watched the last 60km today, surprisingly entertaining, wouldn't mind having a go on a road bike some day.

Still prefer mountain bikes though

[Roobsa]

(Original post by dhr90)
Do the riders in the TdF have MP3 players or radios? Or have they just taped up ears from the wind? Watched the last 60km today, surprisingly entertaining, wouldn't mind having a go on a road bike some day.

Still prefer mountain bikes though

Radios. Ryder Hesjedal apparently plugged in an mp3 during yesterdays stage though.

[Né Stig]

(Original post by KrishanC93)
Hello guys!

Just wanted some advice on a cycle computer!

So far I've found these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cateye-Strad...1261383&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cateye-Micro...1262758&sr=1-1


Does anyone have experiences with these? good or bad? And also any other reccomendations would be much appreciated!


P.s. Apologies for breaking up the thread

Go for the first option. I use the Cateye Wiresless Strada when I'm not using my Garmin. I previously had a Sigma Sport BS1106 - in fact, I have a brand new one never used after it was replaced. My Sigma broke down a few days prior to a Sportif and they couldn't get it back to me on time, so it was use the Garmin or purchase another - I got the Cateye Wireless.

First impression was that is is a very small display; however, it's very accurate and never ever had a problem in just under a year now (as I have never bothered to take my Sigma as a result). I have a white one as it goes neatly on my white bike of course

But seriously, the magnetic track is very small compared to others and does not get in the way at all. I do recommend.

[Né Stig]

(Original post by dhr90)
Do the riders in the TdF have MP3 players or radios? Or have they just taped up ears from the wind? Watched the last 60km today, surprisingly entertaining, wouldn't mind having a go on a road bike some day.

Still prefer mountain bikes though

If it isn't one of the 3 Grand Tours - then any wires to their ears would be MP3's! It's not allowed in other Tours. But the TdF all have radio's. It wouldn't surprise me to find Cavensih listening to Yeah Yeah Yeah's Climb Higher track to help motivate him get his fat arse up one of them high mountains.

Sagan just romped it today. Very very impressive ride.

[dhr90]

(Original post by Roobsa)
Radios. Ryder Hesjedal apparently plugged in an mp3 during yesterdays stage though.

Interesting. Is it 2 way, ie drivers can speak to team? I wondered how riders were getting messages to drop back and help team mates back into the group...

[Roobsa]

(Original post by dhr90)
Interesting. Is it 2 way, ie drivers can speak to team? I wondered how riders were getting messages to drop back and help team mates back into the group...

Yeah it's 2 way. The push to talk button/mic is clipped on around the chest area so if you see someone looking down with a hand on their chest, they're either having a heart attack or talking to their team car.

[KrishanC93]

(Original post by Né Stig)
Go for the first option. I use the Cateye Wiresless Strada when I'm not using my Garmin. I previously had a Sigma Sport BS1106 - in fact, I have a brand new one never used after it was replaced. My Sigma broke down a few days prior to a Sportif and they couldn't get it back to me on time, so it was use the Garmin or purchase another - I got the Cateye Wireless.

First impression was that is is a very small display; however, it's very accurate and never ever had a problem in just under a year now (as I have never bothered to take my Sigma as a result). I have a white one as it goes neatly on my white bike of course

But seriously, the magnetic track is very small compared to others and does not get in the way at all. I do recommend.

Thanks for the advice! Will order when my wages comes through :P

[Irishguy2K10]

I think my body has picked the perfect week to become ill. I have seen all the stages so far. The rider with the best form in my opinion would have to Michael Morkov of saxo-tinkoff bank, hes been in the split group for all the stages so far, would have loved for him to get a stage win today.

[dhr90]

(Original post by Roobsa)
Yeah it's 2 way. The push to talk button/mic is clipped on around the chest area so if you see someone looking down with a hand on their chest, they're either having a heart attack or talking to their team car.

Surprised there are enough frequencies around for them plus all the cameras other radios etc in use.

[jj193]

I bet greipel loathes cavendish