Makes no sense ro me

[Primal Scream]

I have been to the gym tonight and run 7km in 51 minutes and I know if I had the time I could have completed 15 as I have done before yet after 10 miles on a bike I am shagged.

I realise I am using different muscles but it beats the hell out of me why I cannot do a decent distance on a bike.

 

[jackm]

I'm the other way round, can cycle for hours but couldn't run to catch a bus!! Guess it's all to do with muscle groups or something

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I'm like jackm, hell, I even find walking hard work (and mind-numbingly slow), particularly after a couple of days riding! But perhaps you're trying to run before you can walk. On the bike, if you see what I mean....

What sort of speed are you aiming for on the bike?

 

[rollinstok]

We're doing a Way of the roses soon and I'm worried sick about keeping up to a pace that the others will be happy with.
My son is fit but only recently started cycling, his mate is a marathon runner and occasional bike rider, my mate is an ex pro footballer who cycles in the gym but hardly ever outdoors.
Hope my "realworld" experience of cycling pulls me through. If these theories are correct I may stand a chance. Fingers crossed.

 

[Camrider]

Could just be a matter of pacing. I'm pretty ancient but can average 21kph for several hours without knackering myself, but if I pushed that average speed up by more than a couple ok k's I would tire very quickly.

 

[Camrider]

We're doing a Way of the roses soon and I'm worried sick about keeping up to a pace that the others will be happy with.

Riding with a group really means riding at a pace the weakest member is happy with. You are doing a lovely route I doubt very much if the ride will be spoiled for the stronger rider(s) if they are cycling well within their capabilities. Speed should be far less important than good companionship, and riding in a wonderful landscape.

 

[rollinstok]

Riding with a group really means riding at a pace the weakest member is happy with. You are doing a lovely route I doubt very much if the ride will be spoiled for the stronger rider(s) if they are cycling well within their capabilities. Speed should be far less important than good companionship, and riding in a wonderful landscape.

Thanks for the reassurance camrider. I'll be happy plodding along at 13/14mph on cyclepaths and a little faster on good roads, and can keep this up for long periods.
My mate and my sons mate are the dark horses that may have to be tamed a little !!

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Ride your bike more

 

[Alien8]

I have been to the gym tonight and run 7km in 51 minutes and I know if I had the time I could have completed 15 as I have done before yet after 10 miles on a bike I am shagged.

I realise I am using different muscles but it beats the hell out of me why I cannot do a decent distance on a bike.

How long does it take you to ride 10miles PS? How much riding do you do? No disrespect to you but running 7km in 51mins (in a gym environment) is a bit of a plodding pace (as you know yourself as you say you could easily double the distance). As above, ride your bike more. You should be able to find a level of effort that means you can keep going. If you want to go longer and faster then you'll have to put more effort in.

 

[tyred]

Some things to look at with your bike. Are you riding knobbly off-road tyres on the road? It's much easier to ride on slick road tyres.

Is your saddle at the correct height? Having it too low makes cycling much more difficult and potentially painful. You leg should be just about straight with your heel on the pedal when you are sitting on the bike with the pedal at it's lowest point. It's way off, only adjust by about half an inch at a time.

Are you mashing big gears in a hilly area? It's easier to go further when spinning a low gear.

Does your bike have suspension? It's better not to have it on the road.

Check both your wheels spin freely.

 

[Pauluk]

Perhaps you could try a cadence sensor/meter (pedal rpm). Each of us has an ideal cadence. What may be right for one person is not necessarily correct for another. Its a bit like finding your natural rhythm when you are running or hill walking. I've found experimenting with different cadence worth while and it also helps with gear changes.

 

[Recycler]

A few years ago I was regularly going to a Gym, then I went on a 5 mile bike ride. The following day I woke up with stiff legs....and I mean really stiff.... to the point of injury. I couldn't go to the gym for a week.

It's all down to the use of different muscles.
Ride your bike more.

 

[cyberknight]

A few years ago I was regularly going to a Gym, then I went on a 5 mile bike ride. The following day I woke up with stiff legs....and I mean really stiff.... to the point of injury. I couldn't go to the gym for a week.

It's all down to the use of different muscles.
Ride your bike more.

+1
When i occasionally run i can do the and distance i used to do when i ran regualry but the next day my legs are toast.

 

[BrumJim]

Muscle strength. Running takes stamina, cycling takes strength.

Get out on your bike. Lots, and with lots of hills.