New Best - but could do better

[Peteaud]

Went out today and did 18.7 miles which fir me is a personal best.

Total ascent was 1223 ft, again a personal best.

But i am having to use the granny ring alot, nothing wrong with this (its a triple bike) but i feel as if i am not getting any better in the stamina dept.

Is it just a case of keeping at it?

Would bar ends help (its a flat bar bike)?

 

[Globalti]

You've just got to keep riding and riding, eventually you'll see muscle begin to bulk up your legs and a ride that seemed hard last year will seem like a doddle. I went over to road riding 3 years ago after 23 years of mountain biking and in those three years I've got stronger and stronger, year by year.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Well done!

Using the granny ring is no bad thing: it's better to keep your cadence up than grind away in too high a gear and climbing in the saddle will strengthen your core.

Bar ends are meant for climbing, so if you are doing a lot of hills then "yes" they would help.

And "yes", it's just a case of keeping at it.

 

[Peteaud]

Well done!

Using the granny ring is no bad thing: it's better to keep your cadence up than grind away in too high a gear and climbing in the saddle will strengthen your core.

Bar ends are meant for climbing, so if you are doing a lot of hills then "yes" they would help.

And "yes", it's just a case of keeping at it.

any recomendations for grips with bar end, or will any do?

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Sorry, not my thing.

I suppose, ideally, you'd want to get your hands around some to check for comfort, so a trip to your preferred bike shop is on the cards!

 

[HLaB]

Well done Pete, just keep at it, it doesn't matter what gear you are doing it in as long as you are doing and enjoying it. I've never had bar ends but I guess its a case of just getting your hands on them and see what suits you best.