Discussion Board

I have no problems unclipping and no problems remembering to do so. My falls have all been from the unexpected, due to lack of experience. I wasn't able to manuever out of a rut and didn't know what to do, I had to make an unexpected hairpin turn and couldn't do it (the guy at the bike shop told me to get into the habit of always unclipping my left foot first because that is usually the side the traffic is on), one fall resulted when I couldn't unclip fast enough due to a car crossing my path (this one was my fault, it was at a stop sign where there is usually no traffic. So I expected, as usual, to see no traffic, and was prepared for no traffic, so instead of stopping, I just slowed down a bit, should have stopped). All due to inexperience!

Hi Hamster!

I'm just getting back on the boards, I have a bike and want to start putting in more miles on it. It is a Trek, hybrid since riding a road bike made my back ache. Your posts are great!

I've read about how great clip-on shoes are, and why they help so much. Are they only used for road bikes?

Hi Goal,

Unfortunately falls happen. Earlier this week I went over when I got caught in a wheel rut that I couldn’t see when riding home at night. One other recent fall was when I had to come to a stop before crossing a road, rather than unclip I decided that I’d be super-cool and remain clipped-in and grab hold of a pole. Well I missed the pole and over I go.

Perhaps the best fall I’ve personally seen was when I was doing the Brisbane to Gold Coast Challenge last year. Up ahead of me there was a group of 3 riders, two guys on the outside and a girl in the middle all happily chatting away. They were all clad in lycra and appeared to be on really nice bikes. I’m just cruising along 20 meters back and as they came up to a set of lights they all unclip except one of the guys, he tumbles onto the girl who then tumbles onto the other guy, all of this appearing to happen in slow-motion. The final result was a tangle of bicycles and various rider appendages poking out at strange angles. Only effect was a few minor bruises, some minor scratches and massive embarrassment .

The road authorities here seem to love painting lines, symbols and speed limits onto the road surface on wet days these are massively slippery and trying to turn while riding over them is almost guaranteed to cause a tumble.

It’s really only a matter of practice and accepting that falls happen.

Hi LtL

I can understand why a road bike would cause backache as you are riding in a more prone position. A hybrid having a more upright sitting position moves more of your weight onto the saddle and thus it doesn’t have to be supported by your back and stomach muscles.

If you’re using plain pedals (often also called platform pedals) you can only apply force to them during the downward stroke and in fact not even the entire down stroke. In effect you can only drive the pedals for about 1/3 of their entire revolution. With clips, as your foot is attached to the pedal you can drive down and then pull up thereby applying force through the full rotation.

Pedal threads are virtually all the same and so you can fit to your bike whatever type of pedal you choose. On the mountain bike I use for commuting I use plain BMX style pedals. The reason is that I can wear cheap runners so I can walk about normally and when they get wet it doesn’t really matter. The disadvantage is that I loose the ability to pull-up on the pedal.

There are a number of different types of clips, the SPD type (commonly used on mountain bikes) has a recessed cleat which allows you to walk about normally.

Your local bike shop (LBS) should be able to show and explain the different types available.

Hamster - love the avatar!

Thanks for the advice about pedals, I will go to my LBS (great place, we've bought all our bikes there!) and ask about the different types of clips. I'm a little nervous about the learning curve, but it sounds like I'll be happy once I'm comfortable with them.

Your comment about the muscles involved in riding a road bike makes sense.. made me wonder - if I worked at strengthening my back and core muscles (which admittedly need some improvement!) maybe I could be able to ride a road bike? I'm getting back into regular exercise, and that would be a great incentive!

This is a question that I'm not qualified to answer. However strong core muscles are good for a number of reasons so yes strengthening exercises would be of general benefit.

On my daily commute to the railway station Hamster trundles along at a sedate 22 to 25 kph (approx 15 mph) and regularly I'm passed by older couples on road bikes. Riding ability is all about training and fitness and not one of age. Unless there is some medical problem then there is no reason why you won't be able to ride a roadie again.

There is one type of pain that we haven't discussed here. Perhaps because we are all just being polite but pain in that part of our anatomy that contacts the saddle is unfortunately real.

The reasons are obvious, saddles are small and inflexible alloy bike frames means that every minor surface irregularity is transmitted upwards through the saddle to the small area of flesh that is also bearing much of our weight.

Possible solutions include:
1. Simply standing up on the pedals for a few seconds to allow the blood flow to return;
2. Wearing cycling nicks which have padding in the necessary places;
3. Changing the saddle to something less rider unfriendly;
4. Changing the seat-post possibly from metal to carbon.

If this is a significant problem than have a chat with the guys at your LBS who will be able to offer specific advice.

If you want to impress them remember that your bike has a saddle (not a seat) but the saddle clamps onto a seat-post. Please don't ask me why it's just how it is.

Cleaning Your Bike

A bicycle can last a very long time, depending upon how it is treated and how much it is used.

There is nothing particularly complex about washing the frame. However a common mistake is to use a high-pressure jet of water. This is a bad idea because water can be forced into the bearings (head-set, bottom bracket and wheel hubs) this will greatly reduce their life. Instead just use a gentle stream of water out of your garden hose. Use very limited amounts of water around the front of the bike as the head tube contains bearings that are easily got wet which will reduce their life.

The most important part of your bike to keep clean is the chain and gears. The chain on my school bike was covered with a thick layer of oil that was mixed with dust turning it into highly abrasive grease. This is obviously very bad as it vastly accelerates wear and also makes repairing a rear puncture particularly unpleasant.

What Hamster does is spray the chain with a cheap pressure can of degreaser bought from a discount store. Simply lightly spray the degreaser over the chain and on the gears and allow this to soak in. Remember that the drips will kill grass and stain concrete. After it has been allowed to soak in gently wash it off with your garden hose. Then repeat if necessary. An old toothbrush or specialist brush from your LBS may help. The final result should be a nice clean chain that when rubbed through your fingers leaves no more than a light grey smear.

Using bicycle chain lubricant bought from your LBS lightly dribble it along the chain and turning the cranks move the chain over all the gears both front and back to ensure that the lubricant is evenly spread. The final step is to hold a clean piece of cloth around the chain and turning the cranks backwards wipe the excess lubricant off the chain. When you are finished the chain should feel slightly oily and your fingers should come away clean.

If I’m riding through puddles and on wet roads a weekly clean is a good idea, but under dry conditions this can be extended out to every 2 weeks or more depending upon the conditions.

Remember, bicycles are like dogs, they need to be kept clean and regularly exercised.

Thanks Hamster for the info on bike maintanance. My LBS offers get to know your bike classes, which covers this topic, but alas, I haven't yet been able to make it. Yeah! My speed is finally moving up. Most of my rides I can now keep between 13-14 MPH for the majority of the ride. I am finally making progress on my own, but would still like to ride with a group.

Hi Goal,

Riding at a steady 13 – 14 mph is no mean achievement. On my daily commute between home and the railway station that is about the same speed as I’m doing. So congratulations .

With cleaning your bike it is much easier if you can get it suspended somehow. You could buy a work stand but many people just hang their bike by the saddle from their clothes line or rig up some ropes from a convenient tree or whatever works. If all else fails a husband could be rather useful in this regard .

Simple Pleasures

I do a daily 15 km commute each morning to the railway station and then the return in the evenings. This morning there was a truly magnificent sunrise, the exact shade of pink is not one I have seen before. It was beautiful with Moreton Island in the distance and the sun rising through some low grey clouds.

Doing the same ride at the same time might seem boring but not being in a smoke producing cage you get to actually interact with the people around you. Let me introduce you to some of the people I interact with.

Blue Helmet Guy – I always give him a nod and he gives me a nod back and raises his left hand slightly;

Woman in Black – We always nodded and smiled to each other. I haven’t seen her for awhile and hope that she’s ok.

Asian Runner Guy – very serious no nonsense runner with excellent form;

Surfer Dude – I’ve seen him on a couple of evenings standing on this huge skateboard propelling himself along with a long pole. I’ve remarked that it looks like fun and he’s agreed.

Old Guy and Daughter – They are always walking away from me on a shared pathway so I sound my bell giving them plenty of warning, the daughter grabs her dad’s arm and brings him to one side. I thank them and we exchange good mornings.

Our interactions might be limited and carried out while we are each engaged on our individual journeys however how many car drivers even recognize their fellow commuters let alone exchange pleasantries? A bicycle can open a whole new world of simple pleasures.

Life is full of simple pleasures, just be aware of them! A nod here, a smile there (we have no idea how that simple smile or acknowledgement of someone can affect them). I too have those that I come in contact with, whether I'm doing my long rides or my interval training. I probably meet a dozen people out for their morning walks, and most are very friendly and will make eye contact and say good morning. Then you have the runners who will gasp out a greeting if they have the breath. The cyclists usually just casually nod or barely raise one hand in greeting. Most of the time the elite cyclists that fly by me don't have the time of day to show a little recognition (I guess Im not in their league). Just that one little smile can put a whole new perspective on my day! So here's to you all

I hated the clipless pedals personally and went back to regular pedals. With my weird foot problems, my feet fare best in rigid mountain biking shoes that I got over a decade ago. Eventually I may decide to get toe clips just to get a little more benefit from the entire stroke, but since I'm not racing, it's not that important to me. I'm riding now to get in shape but ultimately the bike is a vehicle for me - used for getting places and hauling home goods.

#5. TITS - no, this comment is not for female riders only. T.I.T.S. stands for Time In The Saddle. Simply said, it takes time to build up the ability to ride for longer periods of time without getting a numb butt. Implement Hamster's suggestions above and keep gradually extending the time riding.

Note, there can also be problems with other numb body parts in that region. This can be serious for men and actually physically detrimental. It can also be very uncomfortable for women. Both should consider looking into the saddles with a gap in the middle to remove the pressure on that area. And if you do not find a saddle that works for you, keep looking! (I'm extremely particular and was lucky that my DH worked in a bike shop when I was trying to find a saddle that worked.)

All this talk about cycling has gotten my off my butt. I haven't ridden my bike in months. Yesterday I got it out, blew up the tires and road about 10 miles in about 40 minutes. It was a great workout and my legs and butt are feeling it today, but I can't wait to ride again! I will bring my bike to work tomorrow and ride another 10 miles at lunch.

Michael