Cycling Thread 2

[mogg]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

Glad you liked that NFB short!

It’s like a short Edmonton version of Murder of Couriers (Vancouver):

https://www.kanopy.com/video/259031

[mogg]

Originally Posted by ken0042

The Canal path was also very clear. However just south of 61st ave (just before the drywall recycling plant) they are doing some stormwater infrastructure work and have a 50 metre section closed. The detour takes you onto very soft grass. Not terrible on my winter bike which is a mountain bike, but I would walk my road bike for that section.

I always wonder what I’m doing to my lungs riding past that place. You can taste the particulate. Can’t be good for you.

[redflamesfan08]

Has anyone taken the detour shown here this year?
This is completely ridiculous, on with 311 now but I don't expect any actual resolution in a timely fashion, not sure what other options there might be.


https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/w...e-mar-2025.png


Obviously ignoring it is on the table, but that leaves the inevitable one time when there actually is construction and being forced into a very lengthy detour that would absolutely make me late.

[ken0042]

I've pushed through the "closure" each time- even though it isn't actually closed. I think the worst case is I would have to walk my bike a bit and then head to the lights at Ogden and 42nd.

It has been a while since I took that part of the canal path that is north of 50th ave, however that was always the worst of the canal pathway.

[mogg]

lol “detour” they call it. They finally repaved some of the canal path north of 50th, but did a s**t third-rate job of it. Lumpy like cottage cheese.

[RichieRich]

Still hearing at least 1-2 bike commuters rocking their winter studded tires each weekday day. I mean it is Calgary I suppose and possibly needed again…

[ken0042]

I know of at least one of my friends who brought out their summer bike and then suddenly remembered it needed service before it could be used. So he is back on his winter bike for this week.

[Kybosh]

Might just be my neighbourhood (Bridgeland/Renfrew/Crescent Heights area) but drivers this year are noticeably more aggressive and dangerous so far. There is a ton of construction everywhere and it's funneling drivers onto roads they aren't typically on, so my theory is it's making everyone more irritated. I even got hit by a car a couple weeks ago and sprained my hand (do not recommend).

[Bigtime]

I don't care if they are still rocking studs or not, riding bikes is good.

I'll only judge you for strobing the front white light.

[troutman]

I wish it was less windy.

[cral12]

For mtn bikers:

"West Fraser Cochrane Open House #2 – May 14th 2025

To our valued supporters:

Your voice matters now more than ever.

We’d like to ask you to attend the second West Fraser Cochrane Open House to voice your opinion, ask the pressing questions and help protect the world-class trails of West Bragg Creek and Moose Mountain.

The Alberta Government recently launched the Community Hazardous Fuel Reduction (CHFR) program—a wildfire risk reduction initiative under the Alberta Wildfire strategy.

The focus? A 5km buffer zone around Bragg Creek...

What does that mean for us?

The details are vague, but here’s what we do know: ��

In Kananaskis and near communities, “fuel reduction” usually means clear-cutting.

Nearly all mature forest in the northern West Bragg area is already scheduled to be logged between 2031–2040.

Put it together, and it’s highly likely we’ll see even more massive clearcuts in the northern West Bragg trail network—soon.

This is a huge concern. If the 2026 harvest and the future-sequenced blocks are clear-cut, we’ll lose almost all natural, forested trails east of Moose Mountain Road.

We can still make a difference—but only if we show up.

There’s an Open House with West Fraser Cochrane (the logging company) and a Government representative in attendance:"

https://growkananaskis.com/important...may-14th-2025/

[photon]

Looking for a bike but don't want to spend a lot until I know I'll use it..

The guy at the store suggested the Trek Verve, Norco Scene or Elektra Townie since I'm looking for road/pathway causal level.

Even on Facebook those are a lot of $$, if I knew I was using it a lot I don't mind but are there any other things that would be similar that I could try for the summer and decide? Just don't know what to look for since there's a bazillion different models and I don't know which ones would be appropriate for my use.

[Johnny199r]

Anyone have any suggestions for fixing lower back pain biking? It's not my core, I have an extremely strong core. After about 20 kms, my lower back hurts, no matter what bike I'm on, cleats or flat pedals.

I will try a bike fit, but I think it might be a me problem because it happens whether its mountain bikes or road bikes...

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by photon

Looking for a bike but don't want to spend a lot until I know I'll use it..

The guy at the store suggested the Trek Verve, Norco Scene or Elektra Townie since I'm looking for road/pathway causal level.

Even on Facebook those are a lot of $$, if I knew I was using it a lot I don't mind but are there any other things that would be similar that I could try for the summer and decide? Just don't know what to look for since there's a bazillion different models and I don't know which ones would be appropriate for my use.

It's worth getting a decent brand new or used. If you buy junk, you will hate it. If you buy good and don't like it, you can at least sell it. The loss on a good bike will be less than the unsellable junk bike.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by photon

Even on Facebook those are a lot of $$, if I knew I was using it a lot I don't mind but are there any other things that would be similar that I could try for the summer and decide?

When I started biking a few years ago I had a buddy who races competitively help me with my shopping. The bike I ended up getting was above my budget, but was a previous model year so a good deal. ($700 bike on sale for $550. Today that bike would sell for well over $1000 new.)

I was leaning towards getting a $200 bike from Sportchek to see how I liked it. He helped me rationalize it this way:

If I buy the $550 bike and don't get into riding, I could easily sell it the next year for $400. However if I bought the $200 Sportchek bike, selling that one used would only get me $50-100 on the used market. So the dollar amount I would be risking is about the same. However by getting the better bike there was also a much better chance that I was going to enjoy it; and would stick with it.

And of course 8 years later I'm still cycling- and still on that same bike.

[Fuzz]

Having assembled many many low quality bikes, I'm confident in saying nothing will make you want to ride less than a bike with poor brakes that shifts horribly and metal that flexes all over.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by Johnny199r

Anyone have any suggestions for fixing lower back pain biking? It's not my core, I have an extremely strong core. After about 20 kms, my lower back hurts, no matter what bike I'm on, cleats or flat pedals.

I will try a bike fit, but I think it might be a me problem because it happens whether its mountain bikes or road bikes...

Definitely a proper bike fit.

[marsplasticeraser]

I second what everybody else says, buy a good bike. It's an investment that holds value.

There are some great bikes on facebook marketplace, but I would start watching. Pick a few good brands and start watching pricing and how fast they sell on Marketplace to get a feel. Also, prices seem (to me) to go down once the spring rush is done. I got a great trek last year for $450 that was completely serviced and over $1500 new.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by Johnny199r

Anyone have any suggestions for fixing lower back pain biking? It's not my core, I have an extremely strong core. After about 20 kms, my lower back hurts, no matter what bike I'm on, cleats or flat pedals.

I will try a bike fit, but I think it might be a me problem because it happens whether its mountain bikes or road bikes...

I have to bike with my back straight up for trips that long.

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by Johnny199r

Anyone have any suggestions for fixing lower back pain biking? It's not my core, I have an extremely strong core. After about 20 kms, my lower back hurts, no matter what bike I'm on, cleats or flat pedals.

I will try a bike fit, but I think it might be a me problem because it happens whether its mountain bikes or road bikes...

I'm not a physio, but I find that lower back pain is often an issue with glutes, hips, and hamstrings. Cycling is also in a single plane, so often hips get crappy (effects magnified if you also sit a lot for work and general life). How much do you strength train outside of cycling?