Cycling questions

[Jarid in Cedar]

A few questions for you more experienced riders.

First, I was starting to get saddle sore from longer rides so I gave in and bought some padded cycling shorts(lyrca). I wore them tonight with underwear underneath and the chaffing that I got made me wish for saddle sore. So question one is: Is this something that I will get used to or do I need to go commando underneath the shorts.

Second, I have been riding my middle sprocket and shifting all the way through the other 8 gears depending on uphill/downhill, etc. Where I typically ride has a ton of short ups and downs. I felt that I was shifting through the whole cycle within 1 minute. tonight I parked the rear gear in the middle and alternated between the middle and large front gear. I felt a little more power and speed and didn't get as fatigued. So the question is: What is the better way to ride this terrain and what is easier on my equipment to make it last longer?

TIA.

[Jeff Lebowski]

What kind of shorts are you wearing? I use nike or under armor compression shorts that go about 1/2-2/3 down my thigh and I have never had a problem.

[ERCougar]

A few questions for you more experienced riders.

First, I was starting to get saddle sore from longer rides so I gave in and bought some padded cycling shorts(lyrca). I wore them tonight with underwear underneath and the chaffing that I got made me wish for saddle sore. So question one is: Is this something that I will get used to or do I need to go commando underneath the shorts.

Second, I have been riding my middle sprocket and shifting all the way through the other 8 gears depending on uphill/downhill, etc. Where I typically ride has a ton of short ups and downs. I felt that I was shifting through the whole cycle within 1 minute. tonight I parked the rear gear in the middle and alternated between the middle and large front gear. I felt a little more power and speed and didn't get as fatigued. So the question is: What is the better way to ride this terrain and what is easier on my equipment to make it last longer?

TIA.

Yes, you go commando.

Where are you riding? Have you been on to the Red Mountain loop yet? We're lucky to have it so close.

[ERCougar]

What kind of shorts are you wearing? I use nike or under armor compression shorts that go about 1/2-2/3 down my thigh and I have never had a problem.

You don't go commando? Really?

[il Padrino Ute]

What kind of shorts are you wearing? I use nike or under armor compression shorts that go about 1/2-2/3 down my thigh and I have never had a problem.

I'm guessing that based on JIC's personality here, he wears some corduroy OP shorts.

[SteelBlue]

Commando, no question.

[creekster]

commando.

gear changes are hard to say. Generally I try to keep my cadence in the range i like (85-95 rpm) but that can vary for various reasons. Higher cadence = endurance and less knee stress, generally, IMO. just dont cross chain.

[Jarid in Cedar]

What kind of shorts are you wearing? I use nike or under armor compression shorts that go about 1/2-2/3 down my thigh and I have never had a problem.

Specialized compression shorts.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Yes, you go commando.

Where are you riding? Have you been on to the Red Mountain loop yet? We're lucky to have it so close.

I have been progressively inching closer to Hamilton Fort on the old frontage road. I want to hit about 25 miles before I take on the loop.

[Jarid in Cedar]

commando.

gear changes are hard to say. Generally I try to keep my cadence in the range i like (85-95 rpm) but that can vary for various reasons. Higher cadence = endurance and less knee stress, generally, IMO. just dont cross chain.

I learned about cross chain on this forum so I have been careful to avoid that. This is a great place to learn btw. I appreciate the knowledge that you can soak up without even trying.

[ERCougar]

I have been progressively inching closer to Hamilton Fort on the old frontage road. I want to hit about 25 miles before I take on the loop.

I think we must be talking about different loops. You should be able to do this well before making 25 miles. From your house, it's about 2-3 road miles to the trailhead, and then about a 3 mile trail loop. It's a good workout with some tricky sections--a great way to get better on your mtn bike. Here's a link:
http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/redmtn.htm

I'll ride it with you whenever you want. It's my favorite quick-access trail around here.

[bluegoose]

I agree about the shorts. Commando all the way.

As to the gearing question. I think either way you are okay. You'll find it is easier on you to do most of your shifting with the rear cassette. Thats what its made for. Its a much smoother transition going up or down a gear or two at a time on the rear cassette than up and down from the middle to the big ring.

But, if you are more comfortable shifting with the chainrings, then I say go for it. I've done some mountain bike rides when I've wanted a good resistance workout when i gone back and forth from sitting in the middle ring to standing while in the big ring.

A rear cassette is generally a lot cheaper to replace than a triple chainring, as well.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I agree about the shorts. Commando all the way.

As to the gearing question. I think either way you are okay. You'll find it is easier on you to do most of your shifting with the rear cassette. Thats what its made for. Its a much smoother transition going up or down a gear or two at a time on the rear cassette than up and down from the middle to the big ring.

But, if you are more comfortable shifting with the chainrings, then I say go for it. I've done some mountain bike rides when I've wanted a good resistance workout when i gone back and forth from sitting in the middle ring to standing while in the big ring.

A rear cassette is generally a lot cheaper to replace than a triple chainring, as well.

I don't know that I was more comfortable, but I felt stronger on the flats and on gentle inclines. I appreciate the advice on the gear. I don't want to abuse my bike.

I think I will try spending more time on the large chainring and see if that is where the difference was felt.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I think we must be talking about different loops. You should be able to do this well before making 25 miles. From your house, it's about 2-3 road miles to the trailhead, and then about a 3 mile trail loop. It's a good workout with some tricky sections--a great way to get better on your mtn bike. Here's a link:
http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/redmtn.htm

I'll ride it with you whenever you want. It's my favorite quick-access trail around here.

I will take you up on this when I feel I can keep up Based on how I have felt since starting, that hopefully will be sooner than later.

[ERCougar]

I will take you up on this when I feel I can keep up Based on how I have felt since starting, that hopefully will be sooner than later.

Either way, but don't worry about keeping up. This route has some beautiful views and I have no problem enjoying them. Plus, I use it as a recovery from runs so I don't really like pushing it anyway.