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Getting more serious about cycling

48,045 Views | 394 Replies | Last: 1 mo ago by TurboVelo
RangerRick9211
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hbc07 said:

I'd probably look into exercises to strength your posterior chain before spending 200-300 on a bike fit
I'd also just ride more. If you do something strenuous only a few times, it will hurt. The more you do it, the more adaptation you have.

Riding has been great in the NW. Off the trainer and hunting passes before they open to cars:
FlowCtlr
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RangerRick9211 said:

hbc07 said:

I'd probably look into exercises to strength your posterior chain before spending 200-300 on a bike fit
I'd also just ride more. If you do something strenuous only a few times, it will hurt. The more you do it, the more adaptation you have.

Riding has been great in the NW. Off the trainer and hunting passes before they open to cars:



I am so jealous of that riding! Looks awesome!

Regarding the bike fit, I was able to solve my back pain by referencing Francis Cade's and Road Cycling Academy YouTube videos. Biggest issue was my seat was too high and my cleats were too far forward, which seems to a common issue with a lot of people's fits apparently.
FIDO95
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I was pretty bike fit. I had done Tour of Boerne in June and was riding all summer to do the Conquer the Coast ride. My back just started gradually acting up so I decided to skip it and I just haven't been able to get past it. I suspect I'm doing something ergonomically wrong but can't figure it out!? Hence the thought to get a fitting.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
FIDO95
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Thanks for the suggestion on those videos. I'll check them out.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
RangerRick9211
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FIDO95 said:

I was pretty bike fit. I had done Tour of Boerne in June and was riding all summer to do the Conquer the Coast ride. My back just started gradually acting up so I decided to skip it and I just haven't been able to get past it. I suspect I'm doing something ergonomically wrong but can't figure it out!? Hence the thought to get a fitting.


Go for it! I have a PT/fitter that I visit often for new bikes and set-up tweaks. It's well worth the money.

My gremlins are always aero and knees. Back is something I lift to prevent and just get used to some uncomfortableness after hour 5. Good luck!
RangerRick9211
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FlowCtlr said:

RangerRick9211 said:

hbc07 said:

I'd probably look into exercises to strength your posterior chain before spending 200-300 on a bike fit
I'd also just ride more. If you do something strenuous only a few times, it will hurt. The more you do it, the more adaptation you have.

Riding has been great in the NW. Off the trainer and hunting passes before they open to cars:



I am so jealous of that riding! Looks awesome!

Regarding the bike fit, I was able to solve my back pain by referencing Francis Cade's and Road Cycling Academy YouTube videos. Biggest issue was my seat was too high and my cleats were too far forward, which seems to a common issue with a lot of people's fits apparently.


After a life in Houston, I can't binge the PNW climbs enough.

How was Dubai riding?
FlowCtlr
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The Al Qudra track in Dubai was pretty cool. Couple months ago I did a 80 mi solo tour through Bahrain which I enjoyed even more. A lot of sand and mostly flat roads, but it was cool to pass by some of the oil production and see the undeveloped part of the island.
RangerRick9211
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FlowCtlr said:

The Al Qudra track in Dubai was pretty cool. Couple months ago I did a 80 mi solo tour through Bahrain which I enjoyed even more. A lot of sand and mostly flat roads, but it was cool to pass by some of the oil production and see the undeveloped part of the island.
Hah, when I was in Dubai for work I had to make a day trip to the ASRY yard in Bahrain. It was the same week in 2019 as Iran was lobbing missiles over Bahrain into Saudi. Kudos to you for a long ride on those roads. No thank you - I took enough taxis in Bahrain to trust no-one on those roads.
Ragoo
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What is your power meter set up?

I currently only ride on a smart trainer. But I am considering getting rollers and an actual power meter set up.

Appreciate some thoughts and suggestion.
FlowCtlr
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Ragoo said:

What is your power meter set up?

I currently only ride on a smart trainer. But I am considering getting rollers and an actual power meter set up.

Appreciate some thoughts and suggestion.


I use the Favero Assioma pedal power meter. It is awesome and not overly priced either.
Ragoo
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FlowCtlr said:

Ragoo said:

What is your power meter set up?

I currently only ride on a smart trainer. But I am considering getting rollers and an actual power meter set up.

Appreciate some thoughts and suggestion.


I use the Favero Assioma pedal power meter. It is awesome and not overly priced either.
what about computer?
FlowCtlr
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Ragoo said:

FlowCtlr said:

Ragoo said:

What is your power meter set up?

I currently only ride on a smart trainer. But I am considering getting rollers and an actual power meter set up.

Appreciate some thoughts and suggestion.


I use the Favero Assioma pedal power meter. It is awesome and not overly priced either.
what about computer?


Cyclemeter app on my phone coupled with the Apple Watch for HR data. The app integrates with the power meter and Apple watch so all the data is there in the same ride file. I've never had any connectivity issues.
hbc07
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Ragoo said:

What is your power meter set up?

I currently only ride on a smart trainer. But I am considering getting rollers and an actual power meter set up.

Appreciate some thoughts and suggestion.
PM: Favero Assioma Duos
Computer: Wahoo Elmnt Bolt
hbc07
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Well, I got my bike back finally yesterday but too late for my race this weekend. Did a group ride instead today. Towards the end of the ride a guy got out of the saddle on a hill and shifted and his chain dropped. He swerved into me and took me out.

Hit just right to essentially cause my femur to blast through my pelvis. Pelvis broken in 5 spots. Surgery tomorrow. 4-6 month recovery window. Season over before it really even got started.
Ragoo
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Sucks man
RangerRick9211
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That sucks, dude.

On the Emonda? Any frame damage?
aggiespartan
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RangerRick9211 said:

That sucks, dude.

On the Emonda? Any frame damage?
He just got wheeled back for surgery. I don't think there's any damage on the bike other than needing to straighten some things out on the handlebars. Frame looks ok. The guys at the scene took it apart so I could fit it in my car, and I don't know how to put the wheels back on, but everything on the frame looks straight. I haven't looked at it super close yet though. There's been kind of a lot going on.
aggiespartan
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Also for anyone that doesn't have a roadID or similar, get one. It's the only reason hbc's friends were able to get in touch with me right away.
FIDO95
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I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully everything went well with the surgery. Sounds like you were in good shape before the surgery so that generally bodes well for a speedier and better recovery. Thoughts and prayers to you to get back on the saddle soon.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
hbc07
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In rehab now. Painkillers on the reg. Wanted to discuss something on the financial side though. This year when I signed up for my USAC racing license, I for no specific reason decided to "splurge" for the Race+ package which includes a supplemental accidental insurance despite never thinking I would actually use any of the insurance.

This accident is 100% going to max out my deductible and out of pocket given the surgery, 3 week hospital stay, and various medical equipment I'll need to obtain But the supplemental insurance covers up to $25k out of pocket per incident whether racing, communing, group ride, etc.




I have not found very many reviews of how people's claim processes went (other than one guy who's reimbursement took a while and got slightly less than he thought he should). My initial gut feeling is that the extra $40 or whatever it is now on top of the racing license is totally worth it. Even if I run into some problems and they reimburse only $24k instead of $25k, still worth it.

Still a little bit of time until the bills start rolling in and I have to go through the claims process for the supplemental insurance, but once that happens, I intend on posting updates here on the process just so people know.
FIDO95
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hbc07 said:

In rehab now. Painkillers on the reg. Wanted to discuss something on the financial side though. This year when I signed up for my USAC racing license, I for no specific reason decided to "splurge" for the Race+ package which includes a supplemental accidental insurance despite never thinking I would actually use any of the insurance.

This accident is 100% going to max out my deductible and out of pocket given the surgery, 3 week hospital stay, and various medical equipment I'll need to obtain But the supplemental insurance covers up to $25k out of pocket per incident whether racing, communing, group ride, etc.




I have not found very many reviews of how people's claim processes went (other than one guy who's reimbursement took a while and got slightly less than he thought he should). My initial gut feeling is that the extra $40 or whatever it is now on top of the racing license is totally worth it. Even if I run into some problems and they reimburse only $24k instead of $25k, still worth it.

Still a little bit of time until the bills start rolling in and I have to go through the claims process for the supplemental insurance, but once that happens, I intend on posting updates here on the process just so people know.
Keep fighting for the coverage that you are owed. A lot of the insurance companies create a lot of hurdles and headaches to make people quit trying and/or try to use fine print to deny your claim.

Something to try to look into: Make sure the doctors include something like "riding in a group bicycle ride" in the HPI (history of present illness) and/or in the discharge summary. If they just put "riding bicycle" it may exclude you from the "covered activities" listed in your post. In order to get coverage, you are likely going to need some kind of wording like that in the medical record to get it covered. It is difficult because that information is not as important to the doctor providing care but may be critical in making your claim. As such, that historical fact may get left out.

Additionally, coding is very complicated. Try to keep track what codes are being used for your services by looking at the EOBs (Explanation of benefits) you receive from your insurance. You may ask the supplement accident insurance specifically what ICD 10 codes are covered and not covered. Examples:

2023 ICD-10-CM Codes V10*: Pedal cycle rider injured in collision with pedestrian or animal (icd10data.com)

There are many more that may pertain to your particular case. Some of those codes may covered and others may not. It is very difficult trying to figure that out as insurance companies are not very transparent. Good luck.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
Kool
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All the best to you, hbc07. Praying for your speedy and successful recovery.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
BCOBQ98
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Sucks to hear, get better!

I got hit from the rear about a year ago by a fellow cyclist on a group ride. We were turning left and a car tried to get around so fellow cyclist crashed into me. Bike was ok except for some bent spikes. I never actually went completely down. He was worse both bike and person.

This leads me to wonder how bike accidents are handled. Is it everyone for themselves or should the person causing the accident be held responsible?
hbc07
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As a lawyer, I've been questioning that a lot myself.

Thanks for the well wishes everyone. Rehab is going. I made it 100ft with the walker and only one leg today. Took 25 minutes and a rest break in the middle, but still made it.

Swelling hasn't receded at all. Blood count is low. But mobility of injured leg is slowly growing.
FIDO95
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Has anyone had the experience of going from 28mm tires to 30mm?

I went to have a fitting done recently and they noted a crack my carbon frame near the rear derailleur. They gave me some guidance but recommended riding my current bike with caution. So now I'm looking a new bike and trying to decide between a Canyon Endurace (30mm) vs Canyon Ultimate (28mm). I've seen recent recommendations for moving to 30mm if you are doing more long, slow type rides as opposed to racing. I do enjoy the long, low stress rides more. The Endurace is obviously designed for that kind of riding but 30mm tires just seem like mountain bike tires to me!?

It would seem the wider tires would add comfort at the cost of a few watts. 3-5 is what I'm seeing with very little under 20m/hr where aerodynamics is less of an issue. Since I'm more of a causal rider, the argument for 30mm tires is that I'm more likely to notice the comfort than the watts. Any thoughts?
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
P.U.T.U
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I got hit 3 times by cars, 2 times the side mirrors got me and the other time someone rear ended me but didn't go down on any of them (thank you mountain biking days). In 4 months 3 of my friends got hit and had to go to the hospital. Next 2 years of my triathlon days were all spent on the trainer except for races. After that I quit, was talking with one of my friends that got hit and we realized every single person that we rode with got hit at one time or another.

It just wasn't worth it anymore, we both had kids since we started and moved on to different hobbies. With most people playing on their smart phones now there is no way I would ride on the streets. Interesting enough I know about 30 people that got hit by cars but no one died, the only person I know that died from a bike wreck was during a race and just fell the wrong way about 10 years ago. She was an Aggie and a freaking great person.

Hope you have a quick recovery.
htxag09
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I stuck to houston hike and bike trails because of this. Yes, they have their own issues, but I can control my own destiny more so. I can slow down for oblivious dog walkers, etc. And if I do go down, I won't be competing with a several thousand pound vehicle.....

Eventually, got annoyed even with that. Since no active tri's or races on the books, I'm 100% on the Peloton.

Sucks......I think cycling is one of the more fun activities out there, and obviously great for your health....wish more of the general public would get into it, increase health of our public and create more awareness....
P.U.T.U
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There are a few states, one I think Idaho, that have long bike only trails and that would be awesome. When I was doing triathlons we would go up to Frisco and ride to Oklahoma up 205 and maybe saw 5 cars on an 80-100 mile ride. Roads were pretty good as well, it was fun as heck having a strong as heck headwind and going 53mph riding down a bridge on the aerobars.

Now that part of 205 is 4 lanes and has a lot of traffic. Even in bike groups I saw some people get hit (some were the bikers fault).
TurboVelo
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FIDO95 said:

Has anyone had the experience of going from 28mm tires to 30mm?

I went to have a fitting done recently and they noted a crack my carbon frame near the rear derailleur. They gave me some guidance but recommended riding my current bike with caution. So now I'm looking a new bike and trying to decide between a Canyon Endurace (30mm) vs Canyon Ultimate (28mm). I've seen recent recommendations for moving to 30mm if you are doing more long, slow type rides as opposed to racing. I do enjoy the long, low stress rides more. The Endurace is obviously designed for that kind of riding but 30mm tires just seem like mountain bike tires to me!?

It would seem the wider tires would add comfort at the cost of a few watts. 3-5 is what I'm seeing with very little under 20m/hr where aerodynamics is less of an issue. Since I'm more of a causal rider, the argument for 30mm tires is that I'm more likely to notice the comfort than the watts. Any thoughts?
I race road on 25's, but my gravel bike has 40's (slicks). In looking at similar solo rides, the speed difference is pretty consistently 1.5mph. While it's probably not linear, we can extrapolate out that 1mm = 0.1mph, so 0.2mph.

It should be noted that these similar rides are on pretty smooth roads. On rougher roads like chip/seal, there would be less speed difference as the wider tires would roll over imperfections better. You might not have a speed difference, and you'd gain some comfort. On longer rides & events, you might even be stronger at the end because of reduced fatigue.

So, I'd go with the 30's for a bike you're not racing if everything else is equal.
FIDO95
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Great advice. Thank you.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
hbc07
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As I'm toiling down the long and slow road of recovery, I'm trying to look forward to next year, or potentially the year after and take a trip to potentially the Pyrenees or the Dolomites, or maybe even a training camp style trip to Mallorca.

Anyone have any experience Trek Travel? Everything I've heard is that they're on the expensive end, but you get your money's worth out of it.

Any other recommendations for a provider?
AgLiving06
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P.U.T.U said:

I got hit 3 times by cars, 2 times the side mirrors got me and the other time someone rear ended me but didn't go down on any of them (thank you mountain biking days). In 4 months 3 of my friends got hit and had to go to the hospital. Next 2 years of my triathlon days were all spent on the trainer except for races. After that I quit, was talking with one of my friends that got hit and we realized every single person that we rode with got hit at one time or another.

It just wasn't worth it anymore, we both had kids since we started and moved on to different hobbies. With most people playing on their smart phones now there is no way I would ride on the streets. Interesting enough I know about 30 people that got hit by cars but no one died, the only person I know that died from a bike wreck was during a race and just fell the wrong way about 10 years ago. She was an Aggie and a freaking great person.

Hope you have a quick recovery.

This is why if I do buy a bike, I'll probably just go straight to a tri-bike. I have no faith in Houston drivers and riding on the rode is essentially out of the question.

Since my ultimate goal is to do triathlons, I figure Peloton + tri-bike/zwift is sufficient with some road work when preparing for an actual race.
htxag09
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I did all my speed/target workouts on a trainer and all my long Saturday rides outside. I stuck to hike and bike trails vs roads, though. I live near memorial park and easily did 100+ mile rides this way.

When we got a peloton I moved my trainer rides to that. I had spent enough time on the bike (races got canceled due to Covid so I trained for 2+ years) to feel comfortable on it and the power zone and power zone max rides were really comparable to what I was doing on the trainer.
RangerRick9211
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TxsAggieFn said:

FIDO95 said:

Has anyone had the experience of going from 28mm tires to 30mm?

I went to have a fitting done recently and they noted a crack my carbon frame near the rear derailleur. They gave me some guidance but recommended riding my current bike with caution. So now I'm looking a new bike and trying to decide between a Canyon Endurace (30mm) vs Canyon Ultimate (28mm). I've seen recent recommendations for moving to 30mm if you are doing more long, slow type rides as opposed to racing. I do enjoy the long, low stress rides more. The Endurace is obviously designed for that kind of riding but 30mm tires just seem like mountain bike tires to me!?

It would seem the wider tires would add comfort at the cost of a few watts. 3-5 is what I'm seeing with very little under 20m/hr where aerodynamics is less of an issue. Since I'm more of a causal rider, the argument for 30mm tires is that I'm more likely to notice the comfort than the watts. Any thoughts?
I race road on 25's, but my gravel bike has 40's (slicks). In looking at similar solo rides, the speed difference is pretty consistently 1.5mph. While it's probably not linear, we can extrapolate out that 1mm = 0.1mph, so 0.2mph.

It should be noted that these similar rides are on pretty smooth roads. On rougher roads like chip/seal, there would be less speed difference as the wider tires would roll over imperfections better. You might not have a speed difference, and you'd gain some comfort. On longer rides & events, you might even be stronger at the end because of reduced fatigue.

So, I'd go with the 30's for a bike you're not racing if everything else is equal.
Racing on 25s is so 10 years ago.

OP, I don't think you'll notice a difference between 28 and 30mm. Hint, if you're running 28mm tubeless you're probably already running close to 30mm. Rolling resistance and comfort overwhelmingly leans 28-30mm tubeless.

But tires should never the deciding factor between an Ultimate or Endurace. Buy for geometry - swapping tires is easy.

Quote:

In looking at similar solo rides, the speed difference is pretty consistently 1.5mph. While it's probably not linear, we can extrapolate out that 1mm = 0.1mph, so 0.2mph.
Technically, the wider your go, the lower the rolling resistance and faster the tire:


Crr in isolation is real savings in watts and is linear with speed (the faster you go, the more watts Crr consumes; the larger the savings from a lower drag coefficient tire). There will be added grams as you go larger (so at some point grams will > Crr savings in watt terms). The wheel you choose to accompany a specific tire can either make it more or less aero. After 15 mph or so, aero is the driving drag force.

https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/specials/grand-prix-5000-s-tr-comparison
wcb
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hbc07 said:

As I'm toiling down the long and slow road of recovery, I'm trying to look forward to next year, or potentially the year after and take a trip to potentially the Pyrenees or the Dolomites, or maybe even a training camp style trip to Mallorca.

Anyone have any experience Trek Travel? Everything I've heard is that they're on the expensive end, but you get your money's worth out of it.

Any other recommendations for a provider?
For my 50th birthday I'm wanting to go with a group to the Dolomites. Was planning on just putting it together myself. Trek looks pricey but top notch.
 
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