Biking: beginner tips?

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BBK357
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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by BBK357 » Fri Aug 07, 2020 10:41 am

Joeprez wrote:Tons on videos on youtube regarding this, but most important thing is to feel comfortable. Some basic stuff (good seat height and comfortable reach to the handlebars):

Image

and:

If you're getting knee pain on the back or side of the knee, your saddle may be too high. If you're getting pain on the front of the knee, your saddle may be too low.

More info here:

https://www.bicycling.com/skills-tips/a ... ike-fit-0/

Ok just catching up-

Thanks joe. I’ll get on my bike tomorrow and check my measurements.

When I first started I was sitting pretty low, didn’t realize how high I needed to be.


I’m going to contact a shop soon about getting my bike adjusted to my size.


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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by BBK357 » Fri Aug 07, 2020 10:46 am

jeckyll wrote:I ride between 2 and 3,000 km every year, and at the beginning of the season my ass hurts. The truth is, you don't break the bike seat in as much as it breaks you in.

My suggestion is to get some padded shorts / underwear and slowly work on increasing time on the bike.

The bike you have is very upright, which will naturally put more weight on your ass and less on your hands, so good for the wrist but you have to carry the weight somewhere. :)

Good luck! :)
KM?? What’s that in American miles??
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Thanks, I’m really liking this hobby.

I canceled my gun membership a few months ago. I’ve had a gym membership since I was 17. Felt weird but I’m liking this more and was tired of making myself lift the same weight every time.


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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by JBZ » Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:07 am

I really think the best thing you can do is go to a good bike shop and get properly fitted. That's what I did when I purchased my bike, and it's really worked out well for me. I like riding, but I just can't get into all of the equipment or technical jargon - I'm definitely a "hey, I peddle it and it goes" kind of rider.

My bike is a Trek, and their OEM seats seem to get consistently rated poorly, but I've never had trouble with mine after the initial break in period. I start to feel a little numb if I ride for much longer than an hour, but I imagine that would change if I tried to stretch myself out.
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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by BBK357 » Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:09 am

toxicavenger wrote:padded shorts, good seat, and a good bit fitting are the key. that woman's seat on that bike is going to be unforgiving as it get's. you need a seat made for men (yes they do make them). WTB, Bontrager and Ritchey make some of the best seats for the price.

I’ll post a better pic is the seat that is on it.

It has a split down the middle. My neighbor that runs with my wife called it a “ball breather”.

So it is a men’s seat- I’ll have to find more info on it


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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by BBK357 » Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:11 am

CGSshorty wrote:I like Ergon seats. I just put one of these on my new Surly:

https://ergonbike.shop/products/ergon-smc-sport-gel-men

Image
What surly do you have ?

My brother has a an Ogre that he bought like 5 years ago and only road it like 50 miles.

He said he would sell it to me and a hitch bike rack for $850

Is that a good deal?

But I feel like the trek is good enough for me...


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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by BBK357 » Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:11 am

amckiwi wrote:The spot that is sore is called your notcha

As its notcha balls and its notcha bum
Taint. Gooch.


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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by jeckyll » Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:26 am

BBK357 wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 10:46 am
jeckyll wrote:I ride between 2 and 3,000 km every year, and at the beginning of the season my ass hurts. The truth is, you don't break the bike seat in as much as it breaks you in.

My suggestion is to get some padded shorts / underwear and slowly work on increasing time on the bike.

The bike you have is very upright, which will naturally put more weight on your ass and less on your hands, so good for the wrist but you have to carry the weight somewhere. :)

Good luck! :)
KM?? What’s that in American miles??
Image


Thanks, I’m really liking this hobby.

I canceled my gun membership a few months ago. I’ve had a gym membership since I was 17. Felt weird but I’m liking this more and was tired of making myself lift the same weight every time.


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Plenty in miles ;)

Glad you're having fun. Just being able to jump on the bike and go somewhere (without need to pack stuff etc) is nice.

Hope you get the initial pains sorted out!
We all have the same enemy. The enemy is the tyranny of the dull mind. - - Tom Robbins

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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by Joeprez » Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:31 am

Biking is great as an exercise but I also have so much fun when doing it. It takes me back to when I was 12 or 13 and the whole summer was spent on my BMX riding with friends. I don't think you need to spend money on having the bike fitted to you, read a couple of articles and watch a youtube video and you should be good. Most places around here that offer bike fitment services are geared to tri athletes and the like.

Edit:

Regarding the gun membership comment, if I don't start visiting the range again, I will have to sell some of them. I haven't shot a gun in about a year.But I still want to buy more :raised:
Last edited by Joeprez on Fri Aug 07, 2020 1:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by Selym » Fri Aug 07, 2020 12:04 pm

JBZ wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:07 am
I start to feel a little numb if I ride for much longer than an hour
Try tilting the seat forward slightly. That worked for me. :thumbsup:

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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by justsellbrgs » Fri Aug 07, 2020 12:39 pm

That rig is set up so you are upright and the weight is on your ass. A road, MTB, or gravel bike is gonna have you leaning over more but taking weight off your ass.

And keep in mind seat height --- fully extend leg on pedal downstroke and then bend that knee slightly -- that's how high your seat should be (roughly)...

if you want a low price seat to try -- find a CHARGE SPOON.... $25-30. simple seat I have on my MTB.

Bikes are tough to find NEW right now -- due to covid. if you are doing the paved trails, paths, etc a hybrid or gravel bike is ideal...$1000 puts you on a Salsa Journeyman......comes in drop or flatbar...

-- are you riding SIMON KENTON?....
"Go forth, my progeny, grab the world by the balls, squeeze hard and shake vigorously." J. Koch (aka "Swedefreak")

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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by justsellbrgs » Fri Aug 07, 2020 12:40 pm

Joeprez wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:31 am
Biking is great as an exercise but I also have so much fun when doing it. It takes me back to when I was 12 or 13 and the whole summer was spent on my BMX riding with friends. I don't think you need to spend money on having the bike fitted to you, read a couple of articles and watch a youtube video and you should be good. Most places around here that offer bike fitment services are geared to tri athletes and the like.
Imagine how much more fun it would be if you rode with your chamois under your shorts! :geek:
"Go forth, my progeny, grab the world by the balls, squeeze hard and shake vigorously." J. Koch (aka "Swedefreak")

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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by justsellbrgs » Fri Aug 07, 2020 12:46 pm

BBK357 wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:11 am
CGSshorty wrote:I like Ergon seats. I just put one of these on my new Surly:

https://ergonbike.shop/products/ergon-smc-sport-gel-men

Image
What surly do you have ?

My brother has a an Ogre that he bought like 5 years ago and only road it like 50 miles.

He said he would sell it to me and a hitch bike rack for $850

Is that a good deal?

But I feel like the trek is good enough for me...


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yes, buy that Ogre if it is your size.....tell that low life you wanna ride it for a few days to test it --- ..great steel frame -- but has to be the right size.... check Surly site for sizing. should be 26" wheels... might have come with a sweep bar.... great bikes
"Go forth, my progeny, grab the world by the balls, squeeze hard and shake vigorously." J. Koch (aka "Swedefreak")

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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by Joeprez » Fri Aug 07, 2020 1:07 pm

justsellbrgs wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 12:40 pm
Joeprez wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:31 am
Biking is great as an exercise but I also have so much fun when doing it. It takes me back to when I was 12 or 13 and the whole summer was spent on my BMX riding with friends. I don't think you need to spend money on having the bike fitted to you, read a couple of articles and watch a youtube video and you should be good. Most places around here that offer bike fitment services are geared to tri athletes and the like.
Imagine how much more fun it would be if you rode with your chamois under your shorts! :geek:
Not as fun, but more comfortable for sure :rock:
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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by CGSshorty » Fri Aug 07, 2020 1:49 pm

justsellbrgs wrote:
BBK357 wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:11 am
CGSshorty wrote:I like Ergon seats. I just put one of these on my new Surly:

https://ergonbike.shop/products/ergon-smc-sport-gel-men

Image
What surly do you have ?

My brother has a an Ogre that he bought like 5 years ago and only road it like 50 miles.

He said he would sell it to me and a hitch bike rack for $850

Is that a good deal?

But I feel like the trek is good enough for me...


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yes, buy that Ogre if it is your size.....tell that low life you wanna ride it for a few days to test it --- ..great steel frame -- but has to be the right size.... check Surly site for sizing. should be 26" wheels... might have come with a sweep bar.... great bikes
This. That is a great bike if it fits you.

I have a Karate Monkey:
Image
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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by BBK357 » Fri Aug 07, 2020 6:59 pm

JBZ wrote:I really think the best thing you can do is go to a good bike shop and get properly fitted. That's what I did when I purchased my bike, and it's really worked out well for me. I like riding, but I just can't get into all of the equipment or technical jargon - I'm definitely a "hey, I peddle it and it goes" kind of rider.

My bike is a Trek, and their OEM seats seem to get consistently rated poorly, but I've never had trouble with mine after the initial break in period. I start to feel a little numb if I ride for much longer than an hour, but I imagine that would change if I tried to stretch myself out.

Yes, I by no means want to become an expert at this. I just want to ride and have fun.


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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by BBK357 » Fri Aug 07, 2020 7:00 pm

Selym wrote:
JBZ wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:07 am
I start to feel a little numb if I ride for much longer than an hour
Try tilting the seat forward slightly. That worked for me. :thumbsup:
I had no clue I could tilt my seat forward. I’ll have to try this out.


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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by BBK357 » Fri Aug 07, 2020 7:06 pm

justsellbrgs wrote:That rig is set up so you are upright and the weight is on your ass. A road, MTB, or gravel bike is gonna have you leaning over more but taking weight off your ass.

And keep in mind seat height --- fully extend leg on pedal downstroke and then bend that knee slightly -- that's how high your seat should be (roughly)...

if you want a low price seat to try -- find a CHARGE SPOON.... $25-30. simple seat I have on my MTB.

Bikes are tough to find NEW right now -- due to covid. if you are doing the paved trails, paths, etc a hybrid or gravel bike is ideal...$1000 puts you on a Salsa Journeyman......comes in drop or flatbar...

-- are you riding SIMON KENTON?....
Ok- so my bike is more upright than MTB, road and gravel... so what kind of bike do I have?
What kind of bike is a Surly Ogre?

I won’t be buying a new bike.
My options are
A: keep the trek and enjoy it
Or
B: keep the trek and buy my brothers ogre and bike rack package/

Currently shoving it in the back of my 4Runner to drive about 5 miles to the trail.
I was planning on buying a hitch rack. I see about $200 on Amazon.
So if I was gonna spend $200 on rack, that means I’m getting ogre for $650.


Yes- Simon Kenton I think it’s called. I start at the urbana depot and I ride south towards springfield. All paved and well taken care of.


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Biking: beginner tips?

Post by CGSshorty » Fri Aug 07, 2020 7:24 pm

justsellbrgs wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 12:46 pm
BBK357 wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:11 am
CGSshorty wrote:I like Ergon seats. I just put one of these on my new Surly:

https://ergonbike.shop/products/ergon-smc-sport-gel-men

Image
What surly do you have ?

My brother has a an Ogre that he bought like 5 years ago and only road it like 50 miles.

He said he would sell it to me and a hitch bike rack for $850

Is that a good deal?

But I feel like the trek is good enough for me...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

yes, buy that Ogre if it is your size.....tell that low life you wanna ride it for a few days to test it --- ..great steel frame -- but has to be the right size.... check Surly site for sizing. should be 26" wheels... might have come with a sweep bar.... great bikes
Were old Ogres ever 26”? I thought they were all 29”.
"It's such a fine line between stupid, and clever."
David St. Hubbins

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Biking: beginner tips?

Post by BBK357 » Fri Aug 07, 2020 8:11 pm

CGSshorty wrote:
justsellbrgs wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 12:46 pm
BBK357 wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:11 am
CGSshorty wrote:I like Ergon seats. I just put one of these on my new Surly:

https://ergonbike.shop/products/ergon-smc-sport-gel-men

Image
What surly do you have ?

My brother has a an Ogre that he bought like 5 years ago and only road it like 50 miles.

He said he would sell it to me and a hitch bike rack for $850

Is that a good deal?

But I feel like the trek is good enough for me...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

yes, buy that Ogre if it is your size.....tell that low life you wanna ride it for a few days to test it --- ..great steel frame -- but has to be the right size.... check Surly site for sizing. should be 26" wheels... might have come with a sweep bar.... great bikes
Were old Ogres ever 26”? I thought they were all 29”.
I just asked what size it is- he said his is 20”

I don’t know want that computes to.
I’m 5”10


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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by hoppyjr » Fri Aug 07, 2020 8:53 pm

Pro tip: use a clothespin to put a playing card in your spokes. It makes a cool sound.

This is the bike I wanted back in ‘73, but we couldn’t afford it. Made by Yamaha.

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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by gonzomantis » Fri Aug 07, 2020 9:03 pm

Don't listen to Hoppy. The cool bike to have is the Schwinn swing bike.

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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by toxicavenger » Fri Aug 07, 2020 9:41 pm

BBK357 wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:09 am
It has a split down the middle. My neighbor that runs with my wife called it a “ball breather”.
the split is to air out the vag. :mrgreen:

i think that type of bike is called a "comfort" bike. slang for vag bike :gayumbrella:

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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by hoppyjr » Fri Aug 07, 2020 9:44 pm

gonzomantis wrote:Don't listen to Hoppy. The cool bike to have is the Schwinn swing bike.

Image
Schwinn was also out of our price range.

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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by toxicavenger » Fri Aug 07, 2020 9:52 pm

hoppyjr wrote:
Fri Aug 07, 2020 8:53 pm
Pro tip: use a clothespin to put a playing card in your spokes. It makes a cool sound.

This is the bike I wanted back in ‘73, but we couldn’t afford it. Made by Yamaha.

Image
we had one close to that but it had coil springs on the front. it was a mofo to ride.

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Re: Biking: beginner tips?

Post by CGSshorty » Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:00 pm

Ben, 26” or 29” is the wheel size. I believe all Ogres are 29”. The frame size is 20”, which is the seat tube length. That’s a size large Ogre frame. At 5’10”, you’re right between sizes. You could probably ride a medium or large happily, depending on your inseam and arm length. I’m just over 6’ and ride a L Karate Monkey.
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