The Velotard Thread.

[SSB]

Aldi usually have all the "Muc-Off" products in stock when they have a cycling promotion.

 

[Wombat del combate]

Getting closer to my 50k/30kph (average) target: did 55/29 yesterday. I need to cycle more though as my lower back gives up after 45-50k and affects how much effort I can put in.

 

[machin05]

Getting closer to my 50k/30kph (average) target: did 55/29 yesterday. I need to cycle more though as my lower back gives up after 45-50k and affects how much effort I can put in.

Does it not just depend on the route and gradients?

 

[Wombat del combate]

This was flat and I was smashing a big gear going for some PBs (haven't Strava-d it yet so don't know if I achieved anything), so I reckon I spent 40-50% of the time in the drops going hard. The ride prior was hillier and I didn't have the discomfort, so I think it's a link between effort/over-exertion and body position.

 

[Johnny75]

This was flat and I was smashing a big gear going for some PBs (haven't Strava-d it yet so don't know if I achieved anything), so I reckon I spent 40-50% of the time in the drops going hard. The ride prior was hillier and I didn't have the discomfort, so I think it's a link between effort/over-exertion and body position.

This is probably a daft question but did you stretch your hamstrings our properly before your ride?

 

[Wombat del combate]

Yup. Hold a stretch on each leg for a full minute, plus recently some work on loosening the sciatic nerve. Although it's an ongoing thing as I see an osteopath regularly: I have a hip which drops, tight hamstrings and thoracic outlet syndrome which might be connected to the former.

 

[Johnny75]

Yup. Hold a stretch on each leg for a full minute, plus recently some work on loosening the sciatic nerve. Although it's an ongoing thing as I see an osteopath regularly: I have a hip which drops, tight hamstrings and thoracic outlet syndrome which might be connected to the former.

That was my first thought, especially when you are in a riding position (fnarr). At the risk of going full 'matron' have you had a proper sports massage on your legs and back.

 

[Wombat del combate]

Not full sports, no, although I do have a full-body massage once a month which often spends a bit of time on my legs.

 

[lemonjelly]

Thanks for the recommendations stoo.

another question, how bad are road bikes in ice/snow. always had a mountain bike before, so managed when the temps dropped. Did have 1 occasion last winter where the bike went from under me.
debating whether i need to plan for possibly walking to work tomorrow...

 

[PuntsWolf]

I’m come off my mountain bike plenty of times in the snow/Ice back in the day delivering papers. If ever I’m on my road bike out in the rain I’m very cautious, certainly wouldn’t take a corner quickly. You’re on slicks at the end of the day

 

[Wombat del combate]

Dropping your tyre pressures might help a bit, Lemon, other than that I'd say it's much the same as driving: No sudden movements or acceleration/deceleration.

 

[SLA]

Personally I leave the road bike at home on potentially icy days. I've come off a couple of times, once quite nastily. It's just not worth the risk.

Mountain bike in the snow, fat tyres at low pressure - now that's lots of fun.

 

[lemonjelly]

Thanks everyone.
Took wombats advice. Handy that currently there isn't ice, just snow. Set off 15 mins earlier than usual, and took it very slowly.
I might keep em peeled on ebay or summat for a cheap mountain bike for inclement weather.

 

[lemonjelly]

Made the mistake of trying to cycle in this morning. Fook!
Went 200yards, approach to an island, bike just went. Luckily, landed on my back, and my rucksack/lunch absorbed the blow. (My lunch was flat when I ate it just :icon_lol: )
Really bad decision. There was a bus next to me, fortunately stationary.
Anticipate I'll be walking to work next week...

In other news, the new lights are really good.

 

[SLA]

Made the mistake of trying to cycle in this morning. Fook!
Went 200yards, approach to an island, bike just went. Luckily, landed on my back, and my rucksack/lunch absorbed the blow. (My lunch was flat when I ate it just :icon_lol: )
Really bad decision. There was a bus next to me, fortunately stationary.
Anticipate I'll be walking to work next week...

In other news, the new lights are really good.

Glad you're OK LJ.

 

[machin05]

Ouch, sounds nasty mate. Glad you didn't cause more damage to yourself.

On a selfish note, I'm really hoping the weather thaws out by next week so that I can finally clock in my 3,000th mile of the year....

 

[lemonjelly]

Pride hurts more than anything fellas. I have learned to inspect the outside world, rather than just "go for it" in future.
Definitely lucky though.
Appreciate the thoughts/comments.

 

[lemonjelly]

Oh, and my helmet works cracking! However, I now am going to need to change it. Any recommendations?
I also went to get the bike serviced this am. Looks like I need a new chain and cassette. Can get both done at work for £49. Thinking I might just get it done there if that isn't a rip off.

 

[machin05]

What bike you got mate?

 

[Johnny75]

Can you get the same model helmet?