Cycling for Noobs

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MudMeanderer Apr 2020 2:29pm, 30 Apr 2020 1,884 posts	0 MudMeanderer Rich, they often go for narrow saddles as they're more comfortable in an aggressive position. Wider and softer models can lead to more rubbing and so chafing. The more forward position can also mean less weight on the saddle, compared to a more upright position most casual riders will employ.
Groundhog Apr 2020 3:05pm, 30 Apr 2020 795 posts	0 Groundhog Fetch, you should be fine with spd type clips on shoes without the spd pedals as the tread is deep and the clip is set within that. The big advantage is using more rigid shoes that allow much more power transfer to the pedals than squishy trainers. If you do go for spd pedals it's worth setting them up to be easy to clip out of - twist your ankle out sideways and it works best if you have no load on the pedal. Try it on the bike while leaning against a wall to see how easy it is to unclip.
Gooner May 2020 12:27am, 1 May 2020 15,195 posts	0 Gooner Helpful thread thus far as I'm planning on getting back on the old hybrid (or maybe getting a new one) to commute. Doubt I'd ever go clipless but the idea of stiffer shoes to ride makes sense.
richmac May 2020 8:05am, 1 May 2020 13,958 posts	0 richmac One of my points about saddles, the set up is that a poor set up puts extra pressure 'down there' and it's not all to do with the saddle. For instance because I know pretty much my set up I can walk into a gym and adjust the watt bike that has a random saddle blast away for an hour with out Ill effect.
Totriornottotri May 2020 8:42am, 1 May 2020 282 posts	0 Totriornottotri I have a confession. I started cycling regularly again back in Jan so I'd be ready for what I call my cycling holiday and my wife calls visiting family in Andalucia. I struggled initially with bruising on sit bones! This is a saddle that I've had for 9 years so other than being used I should be used to the shape (no problems before). So since then I've used a decathlon version of wiggle.co.uk from when I first got a road bike in 2008.
1step2far May 2020 8:45am, 1 May 2020 5,103 posts	0 1step2far I've got a pair of stiff soled O'neil MTB shoes and have left the plate in that covers where the cleat would go. So it looks like a normal trainer underneath. (I'm not sure this is making any sense) I can then remove the plate and install a cleat if I ever desire to set up clipping on to my Brompton. The stiffness does make a difference even when not clipped.
richmac May 2020 9:39am, 1 May 2020 13,959 posts	0 richmac That's cool 1 step. Clipping in on a Brompton would be pretty hardcore though! On my orro I use mtb pedals with a flat side. The shoes I use on that have fully recessed cleats so I just and a little Roy castle as I walk.
1step2far May 2020 10:54am, 1 May 2020 5,104 posts	0 1step2far Haha it would but people do!
fetcheveryone May 2020 11:30am, 1 May 2020 23,932 posts	0 fetcheveryone Ride 2 this morning First five miles was with my stepson, and there was a bit of stopping as we checked up on each other. Then, after he headed for home, I did a bit of getting lost (trying to find a cut-through that I'd only vaguely looked at on the map); followed by an attempt to improve my time on a Fetch Mile. All told, another 13.5 miles in an hour. I've ordered my first accessory - it's a water bottle holder One thing I've found useful when going round corners is to drop down a gear or two, so that I can glide round the corner, then be in the right place to put the effort in when I'm back on a straight bit again. I'm planning my next outing for Sunday morning (if it's dry) - going out to tackle this loop again: fetcheveryone.com/t-11543039 It's got two nice lumps in it - over the Greensands Ridge and back.
Dvorak May 2020 12:24pm, 1 May 2020 19,637 posts	0 Dvorak Nice bike, looks like it means business Couple of nice 4-5% climbs there. Do you have a track pump? If not ... best bike related bit of kit I ever bought. Relatedly, do you have asymmetrical tyre pressures? Eg front tyre at about 10-20% less than rear tyre? (And both at a bit below "recommended" pressure). Theory is to balance pressure related to weight distribution on the bike (more weight on the back tyre).