Cycling Miscellany

[creekster]

http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/?u...paign=national

A World Naked Bike Ride is planned for June 7 and 14th. NSFW (little tiny pictures). Looks like a good way to ruin a saddle and hurt some tender areas.

If I am touring I bring along a plastic bag to cover my brooks saddle if it rains. It would also be useful for that ride.

[RC Vikings]

If I am touring I bring along a plastic bag to cover my brooks saddle if it rains. It would also be useful for that ride.

I love that you still have a Brooks saddle. I have an old Guerciotti frame sitting in my garage that I've been thinking of making into a single speed and I may have to go with a Brooks.

[creekster]

I love that you still have a Brooks saddle. I have an old Guerciotti frame sitting in my garage that I've been thinking of making into a single speed and I may have to go with a Brooks.

Its my favorite saddle. I will post a photo sometime. It is well worn but fits like a glove. Well, not like a glove, but it fits perfectly.

I think a brooks would look very nice on your frame. Get the brown one with copper rivets (if it fit the frame scheme). A sweet saddle.

[Moliere]

Less than 48 hours of winning the US National TT, Taylor Phinney wins a compound leg fracture in the road race.

On another note, I had no idea that Max Testa of Salt Lake's TOSH Center is the chief medical officer for BMC. Respect!

Pic of Phinney right after the crash. It's a wonder he only had a compound fracture given the speeds he was descending at as well as the terrain.

[Dwight Schr-ute]

Pic of Phinney right after the crash. It's a wonder he only had a compound fracture given the speeds he was descending at as well as the terrain.

Saddest detail is that the crash was caused my a race official on a moto. Phinney is just too good of a descender.

[creekster]

Saddest detail is that the crash was caused my a race official on a moto. Phinney is just too good of a descender.

The reports i read said that the moto was weaving or was wobbly or something and so phinney and the guy on his wheel split. the toher guy went to the inside and was stopped but supported by the mountain while phinney went over or into the railing. No one was sure what the moto's problem was.

[Green Monstah]

My first ride was yesterday, and I have a few questions:

1. Does the tingling in the toes ever go away, or is that something I just have to get used to?

2. Any suggestions for a comfortable saddle?

[Moliere]

My first ride was yesterday, and I have a few questions:

1. Does the tingling in the toes ever go away, or is that something I just have to get used to?

2. Any suggestions for a comfortable saddle?

Did you mean to post this in the bike forum?

[creekster]

My first ride was yesterday, and I have a few questions:

1. Does the tingling in the toes ever go away, or is that something I just have to get used to?

2. Any suggestions for a comfortable saddle?

Ignoring Moliere's juvenile retort (it's like, as a Texan, he's trying to compensate for something), I would answer as follows;

1. Yes, it should go away. Make sure your shoes aren't too tight and that you have your feet placed properly on the pedals (especially if you are using clipless pedals).

2. Saddle preference is very individual. My suggestion is go to a store that will let you switch them out as you try them. It can take a while to get used to it, however, even if it fits well. For me, for example, I still prefer an old fashioned Brooks, but even experienced (read old) guys like RC Viking think that is a quaint but not contemporary, choice.

[Dwight Schr-ute]

Ignoring Moliere's juvenile retort (it's like, as a Texan, he's trying to compensate for something), I would answer as follows;

1. Yes, it should go away. Make sure your shoes aren't too tight and that you have your feet placed properly on the pedals (especially if you are using clipless pedals).

2. Saddle preference is very individual. My suggestion is go to a store that will let you switch them out as you try them. It can take a while to get used to it, however, even if it fits well. For me, for example, I still prefer an old fashioned Brooks, but even experienced (read old) guys like RC Viking think that is a quaint but not contemporary, choice.

A little bit more to add. I think foot comfort is one of the trickiest parts of cycling. If you can manage to find foot Zen, don't ever change anything.

Different types of pedals and shoes can also make a difference. Sometimes the tingling is the result of the pressure point on the bottom of your foot for an extended period. I ride SpeedPlay for my knees, but the trade off is that they have the smallest contact point, concentrating the nerve pressure. To compensate for that, you need a stiffer shoe to disperse that energy across the whole foot. Of course the more stiff the shoe, the higher the cost. But aside from wheels, the frame, components, helmet, and an awesome pair of shorts, good shoes are probably the most important part of cycling.

[creekster]

A little bit more to add. I think foot comfort is one of the trickiest parts of cycling. If you can manage to find foot Zen, don't ever change anything.

Different types of pedals and shoes can also make a difference. Sometimes the tingling is the result of the pressure point on the bottom of your foot for an extended period. I ride SpeedPlay for my knees, but the trade off is that they have the smallest contact point, concentrating the nerve pressure. To compensate for that, you need a stiffer shoe to disperse that energy across the whole foot. Of course the more stiff the shoe, the higher the cost. But aside from wheels, the frame, components, helmet, and an awesome pair of shorts, good shoes are probably the most important part of cycling.

I actually prefer Dwight's response to mine. I also use speedplays for the same reason. I have some very stiff Sidis that never give me hot spots.

[Dwight Schr-ute]

I actually prefer Dwight's response to mine. I also use speedplays for the same reason. I have some very stiff Sidis that never give me hot spots.

It's like we're the same person.

[chrisrenrut]

My first ride was yesterday, and I have a few questions:

1. Does the tingling in the toes ever go away, or is that something I just have to get used to?

2. Any suggestions for a comfortable saddle?

Don't make any saddle changes until you have ridden a few times. Your first ride in any new saddle is going to cause soreness in your, um, undercarriage. The second ride will hurt more, and then it should start to get better after that.

As you start to build up a tolerance, you'll have a better idea of what you want in a saddle. You probably won't want one with lot of padding. A firm saddle that fits your anatomy is usually best.

[RC Vikings]

My first ride was yesterday, and I have a few questions:

1. Does the tingling in the toes ever go away, or is that something I just have to get used to?

2. Any suggestions for a comfortable saddle?

1. European shoes seem to be narrower and that could be a problem. Sidis are very nice and I like my Diadoras but if you have a wide foot they may not work. For pedals I prefer a larger base so I have Looks.

2. I'm on a Fizik saddle and it's the most comfortable I've ever had but if you don't mind the extra weight, an extended breaking in period or the threat of them getting ruined by the rain then I would go along with Creek, buy the Brooks.

[PaloAltoCougar]

For optimal saddle comfort, one can get sized by a Specialized dealer who has a gizmo that measures where your pelvic bones sit over the saddle. The missus had complained about post-ride soreness even long after she became a regular cyclist, but thanks to proper fitting, she now rides with a Specialized Oura saddle and she loves it; discomfort gone.