Cycling - a chat about all things bike.

Dominique · 07-06-2011, 04:19 AM

My thought for the morning, as soon I will be getting on my bicycle to go to work......why did we, for all those years, ride on that silly wedge thing they called a seat? I think I did alot of standing. CRAZY! Be comfortable.

If this wide seat concept starts to catch on, I will once again have a quick release on my seat post and start taking my seat with me,,,,lol

imperfect_cupcake · 07-06-2011, 11:59 AM

ugh. Not a fan of quick release anything. I'd rather lock my tires to the bike with small U locks (london necessity or they would be gone when you got back to your bike whether they were quick release or not!). But I can't ever get the quick release tight enough to not slowly push the bar into my bike as I sit on it. Probably because of my fat arse. So it's a super tight bolt. Best thing to do in london (but outside london I never had a problem with people stealing my seats) was to put a few pieces of duct tape across a new seat to make it look like it's been torn and repaired with tape. Cover seat with plastic bag and tie handles (like a cheap rain hat) when not on it. It means people have to a) remove the crappy plastic bag (and generally people with money don't cover their seats with plastic bags) and b) seat is obviously damaged due to duct tape over it.

only way I managed to not get my seat stolen. But it did work!

07-06-2011, 01:38 PM

I loved cycling in Oxford honeybarbara. Although I did only do it for a fortnight whilst on the oddest visit to a person I've ever had but that's a whole other story.

It tickled me to cycle past where Roger Bannister ran the first 4 minute mile.

My wheels are quick release but I've bound the levers to the forks with multiple zip ties until I can afford locking skewers. I carry a plastic back between the rails of my saddle for such wet weather service as you mention honeybarbarbara.

Yellow band, I can't cycle with a wide saddle, they're uncomfortable for my for skinny arse and apparently quite narrow sit bones. I'm hoping that the new (rather much more) narrow saddle will do the trick.

Meeep! I think I did a few too many miles last week and should have built up a little more gently to the 25 miler. My arthritic hips and knees have rebelled so have just been doing some more gentle 5's and a 10 tonight but it was at the limit of what my sore joints could cope with. Live and learn, live and learn.

Happy pedaling

Dominique · 07-06-2011, 04:34 PM

Well, let me say....a wide seat is different things to different people.

The seats my *chubby* friends have on their bikes, I couldn't use.

I have no ass at all. And I can not ride on that wedge. But I found a seat that is a seat, it's bigger than the wedge (and any gel seat i've ever had....)just like anything, one must shop around.

07-06-2011, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow band

Well, let me say....a wide seat is different things to different people.

The seats my *chubby* friends have on their bikes, I couldn't use.

I have no ass at all. And I can not ride on that wedge. But I found a seat that is a seat, it's bigger than the wedge (and any gel seat i've ever had....)just like anything, one must shop around.

To be fair, I can't ride the racing 'wedges' either. It's saddle issues that are causing me all sorts of problems at the moment. I'm just hoping that my new saddle turns up in the next day or so then I can give it a go. I've lowered my (riser) handlebars tonight and definitely need to go get a shorter stem with a somewhat longer reach. I think half my saddle problems are because I'm a lot more upright than I'm used to being. My bikes for years have all been a bit too big and therefore I'm used to be being relatively stretched out instead of right on my arse. I prefer the sportier stretched outness so a new stem is gonna happen in the next month.

07-06-2011, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow band

Well, let me say....a wide seat is different things to different people.

The seats my *chubby* friends have on their bikes, I couldn't use.

I have no ass at all. And I can not ride on that wedge. But I found a seat that is a seat, it's bigger than the wedge (and any gel seat i've ever had....)just like anything, one must shop around.

To be fair, I can't ride the racing 'wedges' either. It's saddle issues that are causing me all sorts of problems at the moment. I'm just hoping that my new saddle (and cycle shorts) turns up in the next day or so then I can give it a go. I've lowered my (riser) handlebars tonight and definitely need to go get a shorter stem with a somewhat longer reach. I think half my saddle problems are because I'm a lot more upright than I'm used to being. My bikes for nigh on 30 years have all been a bit too big and therefore I'm used to be being relatively stretched out instead of right on my arse. I prefer the sportier stretched outness so a new stem is gonna happen in the next month.

Andrew, Jr. · 07-07-2011, 07:21 PM

I have to start exercising more. I love to ride my bike, but unfortunately I was forced to sell it several years ago. I had a Schwin. It was such a wonderful bike. I am a big guy, and biking is hard on my knees, and hips. This bike was perfect for me. It hit me just right. It was actually a boys size bike since I am short 5'4". So now, I am in the market searching for a bike to ride around the neighborhood, and on bike trails. Any suggestions?

TickledPink · 07-07-2011, 07:56 PM

We are watching Le Tour de France as I type! I love cycling and found it to be quite addictive (thanks, Papa)! It can also be VERY expensive!

I love to ride. There's nothing like it. I HATE hills. They are quite a challenge to me but I am gonna' keep trying cos Tennessee is full of them!

We have a room full of bikes! I love to go in there and just feel their energy......ahhhhhh

My favorite is the one Papa bought for me: a Trek Lexa C. Her name is Cheetah and she is a sweet ride! I had the pleasure of riding her in my first-ever triathlon in May. WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Great thread! Thanks!

Diavolo · 07-07-2011, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incubus

To be fair, I can't ride the racing 'wedges' either. It's saddle issues that are causing me all sorts of problems at the moment. I'm just hoping that my new saddle (and cycle shorts) turns up in the next day or so then I can give it a go. I've lowered my (riser) handlebars tonight and definitely need to go get a shorter stem with a somewhat longer reach. I think half my saddle problems are because I'm a lot more upright than I'm used to being. My bikes for nigh on 30 years have all been a bit too big and therefore I'm used to be being relatively stretched out instead of right on my arse. I prefer the sportier stretched outness so a new stem is gonna happen in the next month.

One of the big problems on the AIDS ride is saddle sores. It stopped me at 61 miles one day. Later in the ride one of the other riders suggested I have the seat "fitted". Apparently they have you sit on a gel mold thing that allows them to see the width of your sit bones and fit your seat according to that measurement. It made sense to me. As soon as I have a few extra bucks in my pocket I'm going to have it done.

imperfect_cupcake · 07-08-2011, 01:03 AM

Incubus, I'm the opposite. when I cycle in amsterdam (where my in laws are and we visit 3-4 times a year. they always give us their guest bikes so we can get around) I'm *always* impressed with how much easier it is on my body, those dutch bikes. I'm used to hunched over, pressure on my wrists, light weight quasi mountain bikes (city bikes). I do see people with dutch bikes in the UK and yeah, they look nice, yeah, they are Huuuuuge (for the tall and well built nordics), but they are impractical for any place that has a slight hill.

But jesus those things are comfortable for me. built like you could drive it into a wall several times, wheel locks, massive wheel base, completely covered to protect good clothing, high off the ground and wide seats for my ass and completely upright. I get no swollen bursitis pains, no saddle chafing, no sore wrists.

I *can* cycle to work, but I can't take the saddle sores (even with a moderately wide seat) and the aching wrists. So I have to work up to it.

I do love cycling in Oxford in many ways - cycling through all of the universities in the morning is lovely. All the side streets and many bikes... when it's sunny the gold gleaming of the sandstone buildings... but the thing I do not like is the people who drive in from the surrounding villages to work and back and their inability to drive *with* bikes. In London that was a good thing - people didn't crowd you. I was near suicidal on my bike and very gladitorial - I often zipped between double deckers, darted in and out of traffic and got very aggressive with people who didn't give me space.

here... even though it has a MASSIVE demographic of bike users, people seem to turn stupid about what a fucking bike lane is. it seems to mean, "pull into it when you want to turn that way or if you have a new car or are very intimidated about traffic getting too close to you."

I used to have an air horn on my bike - I may return to this for those cars.

Best thing about biking in Oxford - cycling home along the river, on the gravel pathways, after a couple of pints at the gay bar. Totally dark. In places can't see a thing. I find this amusing and slightly thrilling. I remember cycling on the gulf islands at night when visiting friends and camping - the same thrill of cycling in the complete dark...

07-06-2011, 04:19 AM	#1
Dominique Member How Do You Identify?: Female/Lesbian/half the athlete I used to be Preferred Pronoun?: she/her Relationship Status: Dates Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: So proud to be a Pittsburgher Posts: 1,484 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,645 Thanked 3,730 Times in 1,166 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	My thought for the morning, as soon I will be getting on my bicycle to go to work......why did we, for all those years, ride on that silly wedge thing they called a seat? I think I did alot of standing. CRAZY! Be comfortable. If this wide seat concept starts to catch on, I will once again have a quick release on my seat post and start taking my seat with me,,,,lol __________________ As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be??

07-06-2011, 04:34 PM	#4
Dominique Member How Do You Identify?: Female/Lesbian/half the athlete I used to be Preferred Pronoun?: she/her Relationship Status: Dates Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: So proud to be a Pittsburgher Posts: 1,484 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,645 Thanked 3,730 Times in 1,166 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	Well, let me say....a wide seat is different things to different people. The seats my chubby friends have on their bikes, I couldn't use. I have no ass at all. And I can not ride on that wedge. But I found a seat that is a seat, it's bigger than the wedge (and any gel seat i've ever had....)just like anything, one must shop around. __________________ As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be??

07-07-2011, 07:56 PM	#8
TickledPink Member How Do You Identify?: Queer Girly Femme Preferred Pronoun?: Miss Pink Relationship Status: Shacked UP Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The Holt-Mason Chateau Decherd/I'm a NashVegas Girl! Posts: 1,041 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 586 Thanked 1,996 Times in 606 Posts Rep Power: 9218477	We are watching Le Tour de France as I type! I love cycling and found it to be quite addictive (thanks, Papa)! It can also be VERY expensive! I love to ride. There's nothing like it. I HATE hills. They are quite a challenge to me but I am gonna' keep trying cos Tennessee is full of them! We have a room full of bikes! I love to go in there and just feel their energy......ahhhhhh My favorite is the one Papa bought for me: a Trek Lexa C. Her name is Cheetah and she is a sweet ride! I had the pleasure of riding her in my first-ever triathlon in May. WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Great thread! Thanks! __________________ It's your book to write. Make it worth reading.

07-06-2011, 11:59 AM	#2
imperfect_cupcake Senior Member How Do You Identify?: feminine dolly dyke Preferred Pronoun?: Your Grace Relationship Status: I put my own care first Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: In a gauze of mystery Posts: 1,776 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,426 Thanked 9,712 Times in 1,611 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	ugh. Not a fan of quick release anything. I'd rather lock my tires to the bike with small U locks (london necessity or they would be gone when you got back to your bike whether they were quick release or not!). But I can't ever get the quick release tight enough to not slowly push the bar into my bike as I sit on it. Probably because of my fat arse. So it's a super tight bolt. Best thing to do in london (but outside london I never had a problem with people stealing my seats) was to put a few pieces of duct tape across a new seat to make it look like it's been torn and repaired with tape. Cover seat with plastic bag and tie handles (like a cheap rain hat) when not on it. It means people have to a) remove the crappy plastic bag (and generally people with money don't cover their seats with plastic bags) and b) seat is obviously damaged due to duct tape over it. only way I managed to not get my seat stolen. But it did work!

07-06-2011, 01:38 PM	#3
Daktari Guest Tournaments Won: 1 Posts: n/a My Photo Gallery	I loved cycling in Oxford honeybarbara. Although I did only do it for a fortnight whilst on the oddest visit to a person I've ever had but that's a whole other story. It tickled me to cycle past where Roger Bannister ran the first 4 minute mile. My wheels are quick release but I've bound the levers to the forks with multiple zip ties until I can afford locking skewers. I carry a plastic back between the rails of my saddle for such wet weather service as you mention honeybarbarbara. Yellow band, I can't cycle with a wide saddle, they're uncomfortable for my for skinny arse and apparently quite narrow sit bones. I'm hoping that the new (rather much more) narrow saddle will do the trick. Meeep! I think I did a few too many miles last week and should have built up a little more gently to the 25 miler. My arthritic hips and knees have rebelled so have just been doing some more gentle 5's and a 10 tonight but it was at the limit of what my sore joints could cope with. Live and learn, live and learn. Happy pedaling

07-07-2011, 07:21 PM	#7
Andrew, Jr. Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Me Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Unavailable Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Over the Rainbow in a House Posts: 5,072 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 16,004 Thanked 5,249 Times in 2,216 Posts Rep Power: 0	I have to start exercising more. I love to ride my bike, but unfortunately I was forced to sell it several years ago. I had a Schwin. It was such a wonderful bike. I am a big guy, and biking is hard on my knees, and hips. This bike was perfect for me. It hit me just right. It was actually a boys size bike since I am short 5'4". So now, I am in the market searching for a bike to ride around the neighborhood, and on bike trails. Any suggestions?

07-08-2011, 01:03 AM	#10
imperfect_cupcake Senior Member How Do You Identify?: feminine dolly dyke Preferred Pronoun?: Your Grace Relationship Status: I put my own care first Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: In a gauze of mystery Posts: 1,776 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,426 Thanked 9,712 Times in 1,611 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Incubus, I'm the opposite. when I cycle in amsterdam (where my in laws are and we visit 3-4 times a year. they always give us their guest bikes so we can get around) I'm always impressed with how much easier it is on my body, those dutch bikes. I'm used to hunched over, pressure on my wrists, light weight quasi mountain bikes (city bikes). I do see people with dutch bikes in the UK and yeah, they look nice, yeah, they are Huuuuuge (for the tall and well built nordics), but they are impractical for any place that has a slight hill. But jesus those things are comfortable for me. built like you could drive it into a wall several times, wheel locks, massive wheel base, completely covered to protect good clothing, high off the ground and wide seats for my ass and completely upright. I get no swollen bursitis pains, no saddle chafing, no sore wrists. I can cycle to work, but I can't take the saddle sores (even with a moderately wide seat) and the aching wrists. So I have to work up to it. I do love cycling in Oxford in many ways - cycling through all of the universities in the morning is lovely. All the side streets and many bikes... when it's sunny the gold gleaming of the sandstone buildings... but the thing I do not like is the people who drive in from the surrounding villages to work and back and their inability to drive with bikes. In London that was a good thing - people didn't crowd you. I was near suicidal on my bike and very gladitorial - I often zipped between double deckers, darted in and out of traffic and got very aggressive with people who didn't give me space. here... even though it has a MASSIVE demographic of bike users, people seem to turn stupid about what a fucking bike lane is. it seems to mean, "pull into it when you want to turn that way or if you have a new car or are very intimidated about traffic getting too close to you." I used to have an air horn on my bike - I may return to this for those cars. Best thing about biking in Oxford - cycling home along the river, on the gravel pathways, after a couple of pints at the gay bar. Totally dark. In places can't see a thing. I find this amusing and slightly thrilling. I remember cycling on the gulf islands at night when visiting friends and camping - the same thrill of cycling in the complete dark...