Cycling Thread

[Bigtime]

Pants were for the chill this morning. Saxx, pants, padded shorts.

I've got a couple of MEC gift cards to burn, do they have a decent selection of the padded apparel?

[Fuzz]

They have Sugoi which are awesome. I keep those for real riding. I did get a pair of their branded ones I use for commuting. Not quite as firm padding but good for the distance and a better price. Just make sure they have real padding, not just a thin layer of foam. I can't tell looking at the website, but I think these are the ones I got:

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5040-4...Transit-Shorts

[habernac]

I've got about 10 pairs of decent shorts. The good ones last quite awhile. If you don't like the look of spandex, get a pair of shell shorts to go over them. Your ass will thank you. I can't ride without them anymore.

[Fuzz]

Ya, in the summer it is nice to have a few pairs. I usually go through 3 or 4 a week.

[GGG]

Why are padded shorts better than a padded seat?

[KTrain]

Originally Posted by GGG

Why are padded shorts better than a padded seat?

From my understanding...

Padding in the shorts makes sure the padding is where it's supposed to be. When you shift in your seat the padding stays. Padded shorts with a firm seat is better for longer rides because it's more consistent padding in the right spots for you.

Padded seats will disperse your weight evenly over the saddle, but that's typically not how you want the padding distributed. If it's a really padded seat, I've found the seat padding pushes between the legs as well to add more friction.

Doing a saddle/seat fitting at your local bike shop might be a good option if you're not sure. They'll let you try a few different seats to see which is right for you.

[habernac]

Ktrain explains it perfectly.

[JohnnyO]

I bought a bunch of team jersey bib sets and basic padded shorts/underwear from Aliexpress. Dirt cheap and decent quality. Takes about 30days to get them.

On long rides the bib shorts setup is awesome. (until you have to pee then it is a bit of effort)

[Mass_nerder]

Originally Posted by JohnnyB

I wouldn't focus on going with a cheap fixie. Think rather of value for money. One of the best things about fixies is you can make all your key components higher end for relatively low cost as compared to more complicated bikes with more parts. Also, if it's your regular commuter, that adds up to a lot of time on that bike which you would be better off enjoying the experience of. You're more likely to stick to commuting if you enjoy the riding experience.

I already commute, but on a terrible sport check special, and stick to it despite the bike. Anything commuter focused will probably be better.
If you are into fixies though, perhaps you could recommend some better manufacturers?

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by Mass_nerder

I already commute, but on a terrible sport check special, and stick to it despite the bike. Anything commuter focused will probably be better.
If you are into fixies though, perhaps you could recommend some better manufacturers?

Unfortunately I can't really name any good manufacturers for finished fixies from experience. I had my fixie put together in Shanghai using a locally made frame and parts that I ordered separately online. In terms of critical components, my front brake is a shimano 105 and then I have dura-ace track hubs, a sugino 75 crank set and a brooks cambium saddle. Smooth like butter and is both tough and comfy to be on all day. I don't think you need to spend so much, but it is worth having an adequate front brake and then spending a little more money on hubs, crank set and maybe also saddle depending on how far your commute is or just how much time you want in the saddle.

[Baron von Kriterium]

Originally Posted by Mass_nerder

If you are into fixies though, perhaps you could recommend some better manufacturers?

Well, you don't need a specific manufacturer of fixed gear bikes. The hipsters just convert any geared bike they come across. If you want a track bike, then Dolan and Look, but you would need to do something about the gearing unless you like pushing big gears.

This may interest you: I have a single speed All City Nature Boy that I'm looking to sell. It has a flip-flop hub for fixed gear riding. I installed a White Industries crankset (38T) but otherwise it is stock. The rear cog is 16T and I have a couple of extra taller gears. I run Scwalbe CX tires. All City builds elegant bikes. Here is a pic (not mine, but same color, etc):



It is ideal for commuting; there are bosses for attaching fenders and racks and the frame will accept 38mm tires.

The frame is 58 cm, so you need to be at least 6' tall.

[Mass_nerder]

Looks kind a nice bike. I need a 56 frame though.

[habernac]

Took the roadie in today. A full 6 minutes faster!

[Baron von Kriterium]

Originally Posted by Mass_nerder

Looks kind a nice bike. I need a 56 frame though.

The story of my life: I can't sell my bikes because they are too big for most people. I might have to just part it out...sell the frame on ebay.

[Bigtime]

Heads up the north Bow river Zoo area path is closing today until at least April 30th for riverbank work:

http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Doc...osures/zoo.pdf

[habernac]

Crap, I hate that detour. Maybe they'll pave it again as well, it's pretty bad in some spots.

[Bigtime]

In the morning I'll actually go off that way and take St. George's drive before rejoining Nose creek around Telus Spark. Southbound the lights around Memorial are more of a pain and really break up the flow of the ride.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

I hate to give advice on the fixies...it's kind of like telling someone the best place to go buy drugs...

This is a Canadian company, I don't know much about them, but I was giving some serious thought to their fat bikes earlier this year.
Also, they all have flip flop hubs, so you don't need to ride it as a fixie.

They've got a sale on now, some good looking bikes for $400.

https://moosebicycle.com/

[Fuzz]

I dunno, when I see rim brakes setup like this....gotta question the rest of it.

[Northendzone]

^ it has been so long since I closely studied rim brakes, what is the issue with the setup above?