KelOnWheels
Forum Replies Created
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@Arlingtonrider 22675 wrote:
Is there an easy way to look up the grades of various hills? Or do you have to ride it with a GPS based computer to find out?
I cheated – there’s a Strava route for the hill
@MCL1981 21711 wrote:
A 10% grade a monstrous hill.
Well I feel a bit better now that I see the Martha Custis hill is an 8.3% grade
I looked up the gearing on my bike (fortunately Bikepedia goes back to prehistoric times so I didn’t have to count) and I’ve got a 7-speed 13/30 with 28/38/48.
One day I’m gonna make it up that hill without stopping! (also preferably without my chain falling off when I try to drop into the granny gear
)So just for fun I used the uber-scientific method of taking 3 wobbly measurements I took myself and plugging them into the online Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator (aka the Zinn fit calculator) and wouldn’t you know it, you people that actually ride bikes all the time know what the heck you’re talking about!
(I know you’re shocked.
)Road bike TT: 52. 54 once I magically become 20 years younger and go pro. (My birthday is coming up, it could totally happen!)
Mountain bike TT: 54. 56 once I decide to land on rocks with my head for fun.
It’s just like a real fitting with an actual bike!
Right?
Right guys?
Guys?
Welcome!
I am a new l’il commuter myself – I come from the opposite direction so I’m not much help, but the nice forum folks have answered all the questions I’ve come up with so I’m sure they can help you out
What’s the route you’re taking now?
I realized today that unlike running, which I only really like doing with a group, I enjoy cycling ALL BY MYSELF
@rcannon100 22523 wrote:
Back position (seat position) is important – improper position can lead to bikers back. Sitting too upright, which can feel more comfortable, can have deleterious effects. Good bike posture arches the back forward. See one guys description of proper posture.
I definitely need to work on my back muscles! I can tell I’m getting stronger every ride though
I had planned to do some more test riding today, but after an enormous brunch and a couple of adult beverages somehow I didn’t get around to it
on the other hand, I did ride all the way home from DC (bike + Metro on the way in)@elcee 22514 wrote:
I just saw this useful article:
http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2012/06/drop-bar-hand-positions-introduction.html
Oh awesome! That’s super helpful
@DaveK 22507 wrote:
Please take this with all the credit due an anonymous person on the interwebs, but I can’t possibly imagine a 5’7″ woman fitting a 56cm or 57cm frame. It has to be too big. I’m 5’9″ and ride a 54cm, but I could ride a 52cm with a longer stem. Maybe you have very long legs? Even so, an ETT of 55cm is positively huge for someone of your height. Check other shops for a second opinion, see if they put you on trainer and look at your fit. I can’t imagine you fit those frames quite right.
That’s why I post, so you guys can tell me this stuff!
I’m 5’7″ and change, PBH is 32.25″. felt pretty comfy on the WSD 56 and 57cm bikes and like Graeme Obree on the Vaya (or maybe Rocky the Flying Squirrel).
Yup, I definitely don’t want to spend money on a bike that doesn’t fit!
It was good to get on a few different bikes today and feel what “too long” and “probably good” felt like. I was a little surprised that the shop had no WSD steel road/touring/hybrid type bikes (think they might have had some cruisers). So perhaps they are not the shop for me, and that is OK.Today was my first time riding drop bars ever. My hands had no clue where they wanted to be!
I did notice what a chore it is to make my bike go compared to the new ones I rode!
YES I AM!
I love it! (Well, except for That Hill.) I can confidently say that unlike on my bike commute, I have never found myself joyfully grinning while riding the Metro. I look forward to building up to the point where I can do the 20-mile round trip every day.
I also have started using my bike to get around the city on the weekends now – I often drive in with my bike and park somewhere and and then bike around to do fun things with friends as it’s much easier and faster. I biked to the grocery store this week.
I am getting healthier and saving money! (Which will all be spent on a new bike.) I’ve met nice new people!
Only problem is that I caught a bad cold and haven’t been able to ride to work for the last two weeks
