Cycling?

iamkelskels
iamkelskels Posts: 81
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
I am starting to train for my university's annual bike race (Indiana University's Little 500, for anyone who is from midwest US) using a bike I am borrowing for the summer from my sorority, and I am so NOT used to the cycling bike, nor do I know exactly how you should fit on them, I guess is the term? Long story short, it was SO uncomfortable!
Cycling bikes are clearly not the same as regular bikes, so does anyone cycle slash know how you are supposed to fit the bike to yourself? For example, how high up the seat should be? Are there certain guidelines for bike sizes? Any other random advice? :)


I was supposed to do a half hour today at my max effort for a speed workout, but I was so crazy uncomfortable and in pain that I cut it to 20 minutes-- plus, I have not ridden a bike in SO long, that I thought it would be okay if I took it slow to get used to it again.

Replies

  • slcobb001
    slcobb001 Posts: 39 Member
    I just did 45 miles today. First don't try to fit it yourself. Go to a local bike shop, have them check the bike and they should fit it to you then. Most will do a quick look and fit for free. After that go and buy a nice 6 panel bike short. It really will make a difference. Then you just have to do the seat time! You will be sore but it should go away within a short time. Good luck and happy cycling!
  • dragonbug300
    dragonbug300 Posts: 760 Member
    Outdoor or indoor?
    (Not an expert, but I've taken a few spin classes)
    When you lift your leg so that your thigh is parallel to the ground, that's about how high the seat should be. You should be able to sit on the seat and have your straightest leg be slightly bent. The higher the handles, the easier it is on your back.

    Again, I've taken a few spin classes, but only because I had to. I still walk away feeling like I've been violated by the seat. TMI? I know I'm not alone in this.
    I know one woman who bought her own seat-cover for the cycling bike.
  • Edestiny7
    Edestiny7 Posts: 730 Member
    Your knee should be slightly bent when at the lowest part of the pedal, when balanced on your seat. Your knee should not go higher than your parallel thigh when at the top of the pedal. You could look online for bike sizing advice too.
  • clhiter
    clhiter Posts: 74
    yea sizing depends on bike type as well. road bike, triathlon bike, mountain bike. Edestiny is right on with peddle stroke, but if you want to lean over some it is different as well.
  • Aesop101
    Aesop101 Posts: 758 Member
    Ever see the movie breaking away? That was about the little 500 hundred.
  • iamkelskels
    iamkelskels Posts: 81
    The bike is strictly for stationary work-outs, and is in a trainer stand, so it's raised slightly off the ground. The seat is parallel to the handlebars, and I can't touch the ground when sitting on the seat, but I couldn't do that even when it isn't mounted to the trainer. I tried biking while sitting straight up, but it literally was impossible, I had to hold onto the handle bars and it makes me lean pretty far forward. I think I definitely will invest in some cushioned bike shorts because man oh man, did it hurt! I feel like I may end up with some butt calluses or something ;)
  • iamkelskels
    iamkelskels Posts: 81
    Ever see the movie breaking away? That was about the little 500 hundred.

    Yep! I go to IU and want to race in the women's race next year (hopefully!). I'm training for my sorority's team, and trying to pretend like those crashes and all the scary stuff doesn't actually happen lol.
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