Long distance comfort tips?

[MattHB]

Anyone got any tips for long distances comfort? Did my first 30 miler today after 2+ hours I was getting mighty fidgety! not to mention fed up with the wind!

Flat bar hybrid, so no choices of hand positions. I stopped a few times for short brakes, stood when I could. I got pretty cold in the old feet department too, but I'm going to get some wind proof shoe covers to sort that out.

I can't image being able to stay in the saddle for longer, hense the asking. My fitness is coming up nicely and I'd like to further extend my distance as time goes on.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

your body will adapt and as it does so you cope better. It never really gets comfortable in the same way as sitting on a sofa!

contact points are what 'comfort' is about for me. Bars, pedals, and saddle. Inter-relationship between the three is key. Maybe some bar-ends for long runs, or ergon grips? Does the bike fit properly? Is it set up so the right proportion of weight is on hands feet and bum? Does your saddle fit your sit bones properly? Are you wearing decent kit against your skin especially below the waist? Merino keeps you warm but isn't windproof. Layers, and a windproof outer, even on your feet as you've discovered, are key. Do your shoes fit well? Are they stiff enough?

 

[MattHB]

Thanks Greg. I'm still messing with saddle position, after about 600 miles it's still not right. I have some reasonable clothing, merino base ( plus a really nice synthetic base for top half). Bike has ergo grips as stock when are lovely. I've just bought some 2nd hand shimano shoes which fit like gloves but I'm just waiting for some cleat nut plates before I venture out clipless.

I'm suspecting my saddle is maybe a bit wide. I need to do the measuring thing with tinfoil on the stairs!

Good to know ill adapt tho. My feet go numb on little toe side after a while but Im 99% sure that's cold, so I can sort that out.

If can get my feet and backside sorted I recon I'm on the way to pulling my mileage up considerably. I'm going to stick to 20s and 30s for a month just to let my body catch up, then see how it goes .

Addictive this isn't it?

 

[Chipper]

Greg's right - your body adapts with more training. I think I read something about increasing 10% per month?

There is always a low point at some point in a ride, I find, and you have to work on psychologically dealing with it. In or out? Do you need to go into your head and think about the post ride cake to cope or do you need a distraction with a chant. Personally on a group ride I hate being with other people at this point and sit on wheels and withdraw!

Keep at it - you are 1/3 on the way to a 'ton'!

 

[MattHB]

I had a real low point today.. Did the first 10, then took a left and met the cold NW headwind.. It was a killer for about 5 miles until I turned west, I felt like I had the fitness of 2 months ago when I'd only just started! To add to it it was the uphill section of the ride, hill after hill, it was very tiring!

Still, it felt bloody good to get through it and turn and then turn again for the tailwind!

 

[cyberknight]

Good padded shorts are a must , with cheap ones i am fidgeting after 30 miles but with a decent pair i am good for 70 + miles.

 

[MattHB]

Yeah im

Good padded shorts are a must , with cheap ones i am fidgeting after 30 miles but with a decent pair i am good for 70 + miles.

I'm still in sports direct cheapo padded stuff. Might have to see how the Christmas fund survives in the new year

 

[cyberknight]

I use decathlon shorts , very good value and very comfy ...

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/bib-shorts-5-plain-id_8165652.html

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/cycling-shorts-5-flat-id_8165635.html

 

[cyberknight]

As for feet assuming its the cold...
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/cyclesearch?q=overshoes&sort=price-asc

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Keep at it!

The advantage of starting at the bottom, kit & bike-wise, is that you appreciate and understand every little improvement all the more: you will be a better cyclist for it.

Beating into a cold North-Westerly is no fun, but come the Summer your guns will be hard as steel and you will reap the benefits like no-one who started on a grand of carbon and +£100 bibs ever could.

Tin foil will keep your toes toasty; filling station latex gloves stave off frostbite; and miles will put smiles on your butt.

Check this page for bike fit advice and remember to love the work.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

dare I suggest if the bum is the problem you at least consider a brooks saddle? If you have a Brook shaped derriere you may find you don't even need padded shorts...

...also some sort of Chamois creme (I apply mine directly to the skin not my clothes) slathered on your contact areas down below makes a difference.

 

[campagman]

I've just bought some 2nd hand shimano shoes which fit like gloves but I'm just waiting for some cleat nut plates before I venture out clipless.

Your feet will see a big improvement when you don't have clips and straps reducing the circulation.

 

[MattHB]

Your feet will see a big improvement when you don't have clips and straps reducing the circulation.

I've just been on flats so far. Forever fiddling with my foot position which drives me nuts. Getting annoyed if I do a shoddy gear change and jump my feet out of position, can't wait!

 

[zigzag]

if you are struggling to find comfortable position, why not pay for proper bike fit session, especially if you are planning to ride long distances? i think it would be worthwhile.

 

[MattHB]

if you are struggling to find comfortable position, why not pay for proper bike fit session, especially if you are planning to ride long distances? i think it would be worthwhile.

I'm wondering if I might have to. No idea how much they cost tho. I shall have to enquire