tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post8915139536403401493..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Bicycle Fit, Comfort, and the Ever-Changing YouVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-42425261726865678532017-01-03T03:29:23.141-05:002017-01-03T03:29:23.141-05:00Jake - yeah! Horizontal top tubes forever!
Jake - yeah! Horizontal top tubes forever!<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16403404432975893648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-82928456438976954082016-01-10T17:47:29.532-05:002016-01-10T17:47:29.532-05:00V,
Great post! I am really enjoying going over so...V,<br /><br />Great post! I am really enjoying going over some of your old threads! Comfort is a always a relative term. As some folks just have no tolerance for any pain. "Spindizzy" is spot on on this subject! I really enjoy the comments as you have some great readers. Me, I have been riding my bicycle since I was seven. I never really stopped. Also, I am amazed at the breadth of your topics, and your writing style fits my reading style! <br /><br />Thanks!<br />The OldcyclistAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-44739344002055663872015-06-05T07:59:02.765-04:002015-06-05T07:59:02.765-04:00"I'm old-skool enough that I still hew to..."I'm old-skool enough that I still hew to the 'Fistful of seatpost' rule of bike fit, and a stem that puts the handlebars in a position to obscure the front hub.... fit was a LOT less critical with quill pedals and toe clips than with clipless and cleats, since you can move your feet around a little."<br /><br />That is indeed old-skool: making the rider adopt a position that suits the bike. <br />The nu-skool approach is to adapt the bike to fit the rider. ;)Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-91091313434188487292015-05-20T21:26:15.230-04:002015-05-20T21:26:15.230-04:00The problem of what causes the pain is intricate. ...The problem of what causes the pain is intricate. I am 66 years old and started serious riding at the age of 25. I used to be able to make 40 miles in 1:50. Now I would be happy to endure 40 miles. I own five bikes: two Raleigh Sports ('72 and '78), a mid-90s mountain bike that belonged to one of the kids, a Long Haul Trucker I take out on the road and a ca. 1970 Ron Kitching time trial frame set up as a town bike with 40 year old and contemporary parts. I have five Brooks saddles from 1973 to 2014. None of them is particularly comfortable, but the 40 year old one is better than the others. All I can say is, as you age, you have to adapt and accept different challenges to what you may have posited at a younger age. I have at my disposal the exact same saddle I rode over 100 miles with no discomfort 40 years ago which I can now endure for two hours at most. It's called getting old. I cherish every moment and thank you for letting me tell my tale. PJTPJTramdackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141606753538047938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-61855224101169902452015-04-17T18:51:22.500-04:002015-04-17T18:51:22.500-04:00Hi Spin (and Mark too)
I'm quite confident yo...Hi Spin (and Mark too)<br /><br />I'm quite confident your wife can ride.<br /><br />Adjusting the saddle up and down has only second order effects on knee stress. Fore-aft adjustments are what's needed. The rule of thumb has always been pain at the front of the knee means the seat is too forward, pain at the back of the knee means the seat is too far back. I already know the pain is at the front of the knee. The only way to get back of knee pain is to go do a long fast club ride on a DL-1. (Now how would I know that?). Before continuing with diagnostics this is a good time to point out that pedalling out of the saddle and especially pedalling out of the saddle and climbing puts the knee very far forward and most anyone can damage their knees that way.<br /><br />A DL-1 or a DL-1L is your diagnostic tool. If no DL-1 is available many older Schwinns had very lax saddle angles. What you are looking for is a bike with lots and lots and lots of saddle setback. Forget exact measurements for now. Big setback by eyeball. Try riding with huge setback, with the primary cause of knee pain eliminated, and see how your wife does. The chances are this will work and all that's left is discovering how much of lots and lots is really necessary.<br /><br />If riding with buckets of setback does not do it then it will be harder but still possible. The one thing you say that's a bit unusual is that the pain comes on quick. Cyclist knee trauma is most often an overuse (longterm abuse) issue. It is possible your wife has a medical condition called Bad Knees. She can still ride. Simply apply no pedal force for the arc of the pedal stroke where the pain arises. Same principle as you can't get cyclists' palsy (ulnar nerve trauma) while riding a unicycle. Some examples:<br /><br />One of my favorite demonstrations is pedalling along one-legged on a fixie with flat pedals. Then I take my foot entirely off the pedal from one o'clock to five o'clock. And accelerate.<br />Once I seriously blew out both knees climbing Mt. Washington in 42x28. When it's that hard there's a tendency to forget everything you know about pedalling and form and revert to the stupid basics of standing on the pedals and lunging. That's what I did. It was hard to stand afterwards and impossible to walk much. Driving a car was too exciting. So I rode the bike everywhere. Always thinking about lifting the pedals. And exerting no force from 2 o'clock to 4 o'clock. Where it hurt. I rode the bike every day and healed.<br /><br />There's an intertoobs meme that says it's not really possible to lift the pedal because psoas muscle. Let me tell you that back when Torchy Peden could break steel track cranks at will he was doing that on the upstroke. You are never going to have the long lean calves of a Bobet or a Coppi except by refraining from pedal pressure. Generations of riders were taught to abhor pedal pressure. I'm one of them. <br /><br />I've spent just enough time on instrumented pedals to know that what you think you're doing is not the same as what the dials and gauges say is really happening. I think I'm lifting the pedal and the numbers say it's more like I'm dragging the pedal back from 5 o'clock to 9 o'clock. Fine. No load on the knee for that pull. If anything that pull spreads the knee. <br /><br />The name of the game is Chess On Wheels. Now go show your wife you're smarter than some dumb bike.<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-10677701752045557992015-04-15T14:28:30.520-04:002015-04-15T14:28:30.520-04:00Hey Ms. Velouria and Folks!
Been away as my work p...Hey Ms. Velouria and Folks!<br />Been away as my work pc has you listed as FORBIDDEN! <br />Started riding to work again regularly now from a hiatus from December. I thought shoveling would keep me in shape but, not when you eat garbage as I have! So, after applying 25 Wintery pounds, I am back at it. <br /><br />Getting reacquainted with the saddle is a misleading understatement!! But that's it. I hope my poor little old Olmo can keep it together until I slim down.<br /><br />I have a lot of reading to catch up on. I hope allz well by you!<br /><br />vsk / Sunny NYCAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-42910978366598105862015-04-15T13:47:34.137-04:002015-04-15T13:47:34.137-04:00When I was working as a bike mechanic in Minneapol...When I was working as a bike mechanic in Minneapolis a few years ago, I used to get asked about fit. I'm old-skool enough that I still hew to the 'Fistful of seatpost' rule of bike fit, and a stem that puts the handlebars in a position to obscure the front hub. For an average person, that's in the ballpark, and they tweak it from there. I found as well that fit was a LOT less critical with quill pedals and toe clips than with clipless and cleats, since you can move your feet around a little.<br /><br />But insofar as specifics-- when asked about saddles, or bars, or brifters-- that kind of fit is so personal and specific that I really hesitated to recommend anything to anyone. I'd tell them what worked *for me* but also that it almost certainly wouldn't work *for them.*<br />Roadhorknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-24422789729768975232015-04-15T08:44:29.699-04:002015-04-15T08:44:29.699-04:00If saddle height is that much of an issue, has she...If saddle height is that much of an issue, has she ever considered a recumbent? The knees might not like it though, as there's no getting out of the saddle for a bit of assistance. But gearing is usually low. I can vouch for the recumbent position being very comfortable.Alhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01527156042483888331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-8289741258709610552015-04-15T05:14:14.318-04:002015-04-15T05:14:14.318-04:00Carbon +Campagnolo, I think, from a few years ago....Carbon +Campagnolo, I think, from a few years ago. I have only ridden a carbon Ribble once, and it felt all right - better than (the equally popular here) Giant at any rate, at a lower price. The UK actually has a pretty good selection of comparatively well-priced modern roadbikes; at least half a dozen brands here that I'd never heard of in the US. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74376933355608678572015-04-14T17:42:42.671-04:002015-04-14T17:42:42.671-04:00I went to their site- they do indeed ship to the U...I went to their site- they do indeed ship to the US and Canada. Some very nice looking bikes ( I'm looking at you, steel audax model), and an awful lot of nice component choices available. <br />Did he go carbon, Ti, Steel, AL?Corey Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15381826721030941179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-14876148907334620452015-04-14T17:13:53.844-04:002015-04-14T17:13:53.844-04:00I'm going to that show on Saturday,,,see you t...I'm going to that show on Saturday,,,see you there !!!!!!!!!!!!JohnHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15445339065031335646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-42512022680004124132015-04-14T13:25:58.437-04:002015-04-14T13:25:58.437-04:00Speaking of comfort and saddles, just found this…....Speaking of comfort and saddles, just found this….A place that seems to be doing it right! <br />http://www.bikerumor.com/2015/04/14/shop-profile-and-interview-gladys-bikes-and-leah-benson/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-65169700029319213102015-04-14T09:39:40.078-04:002015-04-14T09:39:40.078-04:00Unfortunately no. But I might be at the Dublin Cyc...Unfortunately no. But I might be at the Dublin Cycle Show, held on the same weekend. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-36704218962635592432015-04-14T09:37:38.644-04:002015-04-14T09:37:38.644-04:00" some mild hallucinations"
That only m...<i>" some mild hallucinations"</i><br /><br />That only means you're doing it right, Timothy. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-1762989787575541282015-04-13T22:01:42.800-04:002015-04-13T22:01:42.800-04:00Just wondering if you'll be at Bespoked 2015? ...Just wondering if you'll be at Bespoked 2015? Looks like some nice bikes there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-7334052251602143412015-04-13T12:22:25.720-04:002015-04-13T12:22:25.720-04:00I'm sorta searching for a saddle and was wonde...I'm sorta searching for a saddle and was wondering which might be best. There are so many choices! Anyway, I was on the Prologo site and they explained some of the differences in their models, including round, semi-round, and flat saddles. Can't say it cleared anything up, but worth looking at. I wish more bike shops had saddle libraries….most fitters do. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-12115767803281857152015-04-13T10:45:12.611-04:002015-04-13T10:45:12.611-04:00I used to get tingling down my arms after longer r...I used to get tingling down my arms after longer rides, it got worse and worse till it would be all over and accompanied by some mild hallucinations. I'd have to periodically get off the bike and lay down for a bit. When it got to the point I would end up on the shoulder sort of drifting in and out of consciousness I finally went to a Doctor. Turned out I just needed to wash out my bottles. <br /><br />I sort of miss it...<br /><br />Timothy SpinleeryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-45878422577901204242015-04-13T08:03:34.034-04:002015-04-13T08:03:34.034-04:00Price does not mean comfort - the most comfortable...Price does not mean comfort - the most comfortable bike saddle I ever had was purchased from a department store here for just a few dollars - if I was to see one like it again I would buy it immediately.spokeswomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05003029599627697118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-27601120293352464992015-04-13T05:59:12.919-04:002015-04-13T05:59:12.919-04:00Ha, I definitely notice any change in saddle hight...Ha, I definitely notice any change in saddle hight or setback position. On the other hand, I once rode home 15 miles with my handlebars rotated at a crazy angle (didn't tighten them enough after having fiddled with the bike) and only noticed the following morning. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-16080136149082563402015-04-13T05:34:00.863-04:002015-04-13T05:34:00.863-04:00Some higher end Ribble model. I don't think th...Some higher end Ribble model. I don't think they are sold in the US, but very common on the roads here. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-54777258744428663792015-04-13T05:27:20.350-04:002015-04-13T05:27:20.350-04:00Nice. Did you trim the edges of the plastic innard...Nice. Did you trim the edges of the plastic innards to crete a custom width/outline, or use it as-is?Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-45391961995311013742015-04-13T04:55:59.152-04:002015-04-13T04:55:59.152-04:00A thousand times, this!A thousand times, this!Rebecca Olds/velovoicehttp://velovoice.blogspot.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-24010097964378132912015-04-13T04:06:01.759-04:002015-04-13T04:06:01.759-04:00Brooks saddles are way to expensive. I got rid of ...Brooks saddles are way to expensive. I got rid of my butt pain by removing my racing saddle. Getting an older, wider plastic saddle. Ripping off the vinyl cover and padding. Heating the saddle up (not to much) and sitting on it. Then put the padding back on my now perfectly butt-shaped saddle, and finally covering it with leather cut from an old leather vest. Very comfy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-12008345735566070482015-04-12T22:31:55.561-04:002015-04-12T22:31:55.561-04:00I don't care what kind of bike one rides, no m...I don't care what kind of bike one rides, no matter how cool or expensive or pretty or whatever, if you're riding it for distance fit is the most important issue. What are your parameters? Flexibility, injuries, milage, use, age, all come into play. No physical activity is enjoyable if pain is a dominate or persistent experience. I think a lot of bicyclist who experience pain are reluctant to give up their image of the thing. 'You mean I can't ride this cool and aggressive machine?' Sometimes adapting to what works for you is a reality check. That said, do it. Find a good fitter or shop who is willing to go the distance to make your experience lasting. It's worth it. I've cycled for forty years and have gone through many changes. Our bodies change and so must our bikes. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-13408005500378385802015-04-12T14:45:55.374-04:002015-04-12T14:45:55.374-04:00One bike is super efficient and one bike is super ...One bike is super efficient and one bike is super utilitarian while being somewhat efficient. <br /><br />Those other bikes were vintage for a reason - refined 2015 tech is better. What a surprise.GR Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01145811568384053426noreply@blogger.com