Cycling Thread

[Hack&Lube]

Bikes also lose momentum and the rider sometimes has to step off and place a foot down at a stop. This causes the bike to have a very slow start once it needs to get going again which impedes the flow of traffic or can be a safety problem.

This is probably my bias because my seat is too high for my feet to touch the ground so it makes me very unstable when I reach a stop, especially when clipped in and then frantically trying to clip back into my pedal when I try to get going again after a stop sign.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

Bikes also lose momentum and the rider sometimes has to step off and place a foot down at a stop. This causes the bike to have a very slow start once it needs to get going again which impedes the flow of traffic or can be a safety problem.

This is probably my bias because my seat is too high for my feet to touch the ground so it makes me very unstable when I reach a stop, especially when clipped in and then frantically trying to clip back into my pedal when I try to get going again after a stop sign.

As a pretty avid cyclist I can say that that kind of reasoning (that you do not have the cycling skills/confidence to properly/safely obey all of the signs) should never be used in an argument about why rules can/should apply differently to cyclists than motorists. I'm not trying to be a dick, but if you can't confidently come to a stable stop, and then clp back into your pedals in a timely manner, then you either need a differnt bike that fits you, or you need a lot more practice.

Think about it. What would you say if someone on a motorbike said "I'm not very good at stopping so I'm gonna roll through the stop sign"?
Or if someone driving said "I'm not really good at getting started when driving a stick, so I'm gonna roll through a stop sign".

There definitely seems to be some merit to being able to roll through, but "I'm not comfortable stopping and getting started again" is the kind of argument that makes motorists hate cyclists.

[Northendzone]

H&L - I think you need to look at how your rig is set up.

When starting from a dead stop with clipless pedals, you can get going again by placing your heel on the pedal and getting some momentum.

you might also consider loosing up the pedal one one side of your bike to make clipping in/out easier - if you are comutting downtonw, the right makes sense as you can then rest it on a curb if availible.

Shorter crank arms may help you alter your set up.

I think the Idaho stop makes sense from the perspective on not losing all of your momentum - my guess is that this rule would ultinmately make motorist hate cyclists more....

[macker]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

H&L - I think you need to look at how your rig is set up.

When starting from a dead stop with clipless pedals, you can get going again by placing your heel on the pedal and getting some momentum.

you might also consider loosing up the pedal one one side of your bike to make clipping in/out easier - if you are comutting downtonw, the right makes sense as you can then rest it on a curb if availible.

Shorter crank arms may help you alter your set up.

I think the Idaho stop makes sense from the perspective on not losing all of your momentum - my guess is that this rule would ultinmately make motorist hate cyclists more....

Ride through an intersection actually speeds things up for them. They seem more irritated when you get off your bike and walk it in a crosswalk and they have to sit there twitching waiting for you. Most people can't stand losing their momentum and being forced to wait even if it is kids crossing Everyone's in one massive hurry to get places important.

[Khel]

Hi All,

Figured this was a good place for this, I'm part of the One Aim team, which is one of the larger teams in the Alberta Ride to Conquer Cancer.

On Saturday, May 23 from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM we are putting on the 2nd CanSuffer to Conquer Cancer at SouthCentre Mall, where 3 of our riders will attempt to complete 10 of the Sufferfest (www.thesufferfest.com) indoor cycling videos back to back. The whole event is to raise money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

As part of the event we have 20 spin bikes, and are looking for people of all sorts (don't need to be a cyclist!) to join us as we raise money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. If you have a bike and trainer, you can also bring that too, as we have 10 spots per session for those! All it takes is $25 donation and an hour of your time!

It's going to be a great event, we did it last year and had alot of fun, and it's awesome watching the riders on the stage as they ride for what is essentially 11 hours.

I know we have some RTCC riders on here, so thought I'd throw it out on here. You get to have some fun, meet other riders, workout (ride as hard as you want) and help us raise some money. It's also a great way to kick off your training!

Please please please sign up for a session at www.cansuffer.com, we want to fill the 300 spots for this event, and can't do it without help! Again $25 for a session that's an hour or less!

Happy cycling all!

PS - I'm one of the 3 people attempting to complete all 10, my names Mike and I hope to see you there!

[JMN]

Happy news: bought the Norco threshold
Bad news: I don't know how to properly shift gears

This should be a fun time. Maybe painful too. All I know is - stay away from big-big and small-small gears. I hate looking down at the bars and not seeing the gear numbers anymore like on a mountain bike.

If you see a noob on the ground. It's probably me.

[Northendzone]

^ once you become one with the bike, you will be able to ride by feel.

give this bike a proper name and sleep with it, by dawn's first light it will be yours forever........

[habernac]

Originally Posted by JMN

Happy news: bought the Norco threshold
Bad news: I don't know how to properly shift gears

This should be a fun time. Maybe painful too. All I know is - stay away from big-big and small-small gears. I hate looking down at the bars and not seeing the gear numbers anymore like on a mountain bike.

If you see a noob on the ground. It's probably me.

Take your time and you'll figure it out quickly. Try practicing on flat surfaces like a parking lot.

[Northendzone]

^ the above will also work, but it is not as much fun as my idea

[Nandric]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

^ the above will also work, but it is not as much fun as my idea

I think Cipollini probably put it in good words, as seen in my sig.

[FlamingHomer]

Got my first flat on my new road bike. (Kona Zone 2) Anyone had any experience changing tubeless tires? From what I can see in searches, it's not that routine. I have no problem taking it to my LBS if there is any chance I could cause further damage but if it's monkey work, I'm sure I can get the job done faster especially this time of year.

[bossy22]

Originally Posted by FlamingHomer

Got my first flat on my new road bike. (Kona Zone 2) Anyone had any experience changing tubeless tires? From what I can see in searches, it's not that routine. I have no problem taking it to my LBS if there is any chance I could cause further damage but if it's monkey work, I'm sure I can get the job done faster especially this time of year.

Same as a regular tire except you need to pull the valve stem out of the rim first. Then insert your tube. Make sure you check your tire for anything that may have caused the flat. Like a thorn that may puncture your tube. Also, make sure you don't lose your valve stem.

[Johnny199r]

I'm in Helena , Mt right now for a mountain biking weekend. It's a really cool town, great restaurants, cool vibe and absolutely awesome mountain biking.

[Northendzone]

Heading out to banff tomorrow morning for a ride. Going to ride tunnel mtn/Star Wars or lake minnewanka if it is raining....looking forward to it.......

[FlamingHomer]

Originally Posted by bossy22

Same as a regular tire except you need to pull the valve stem out of the rim first. Then insert your tube. Make sure you check your tire for anything that may have caused the flat. Like a thorn that may puncture your tube. Also, make sure you don't lose your valve stem.

Thanks but I don't think my tubeless tire will have a tube.

[bossy22]

Originally Posted by FlamingHomer

Thanks but I don't think my tubeless tire will have a tube.

You should be carrying a tube for this very reason. Otherwise you will end up stranded one day. I have tubeless on my mountain bikes. I use sealant in them as well. I also carry a spare tube in case I get a flat, and the sealant doesn't fill the puncture. This way I can still get home. I guess your other option is to carry an extra tire with you.

[bossy22]

Originally Posted by Johnny199r

I'm in Helena , Mt right now for a mountain biking weekend. It's a really cool town, great restaurants, cool vibe and absolutely awesome mountain biking.

I love Helena. It's my favorite place two go ride for a weekend.

[FlamingHomer]

Originally Posted by bossy22

You should be carrying a tube for this very reason. Otherwise you will end up stranded one day. I have tubeless on my mountain bikes. I use sealant in them as well. I also carry a spare tube in case I get a flat, and the sealant doesn't fill the puncture. This way I can still get home. I guess your other option is to carry an extra tire with you.

That's great advice. I will do that. What sealant do you like? Stan's seems to be highly rated and MEC carries it.

[YYC in LAX]

Is any other CPer doing the Branch Out Bike Tour in Panorama, BC in June? This will be my third one and I've always wondered if anyone else on here does it.

[bossy22]

Originally Posted by YYC in LAX

Is any other CPer doing the Branch Out Bike Tour in Panorama, BC in June? This will be my third one and I've always wondered if anyone else on here does it.

Yep. I'll be there. I was there last year as well. It's an awesome event.