Show us your.......newbie progress! [4 Sep 2012 - 4 Oct 2014]

[Nigelnaturist]

109%? I'm sure I could google it but I thought I'd ask what's that about then?

Both measurements, are a percentage of the inside leg, for example 33"x109% =36" measured from the centre of the pedal (I think) the other 88.3% 33x88.3% = 29" measured from the centre of the BB, both to the top of the saddle.
I did this the other week and found I need to lower the saddle, by quite a bit, in the end I opted for about 2 1/2" lower, and then this week a little more, as I was still bouncing above 95rpm, and its worked, so the heel method in my case was to high. Come to think about it, I was doing low 15mph avg end of May, since the new bars and lowering it a little more (I think it could come down touch, still a little bounce) I am doing 16+mph.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I used the heel method and it has worked wonders for me and post ride fatigue. Im sure its dangerous not being able to reach the floor at all without coming off your saddle, I would say that's a sure sign your saddle is too high.

It usually means your saddle is lower.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Quick question guys, if you don't have a fancy expensive Garmin how do you figure out where you going? Currently I plan it out on Map My Ride or similar and then write it down on paper. Only got lost once so far!

Depending where your ride you get to know the roads, but it does take time. Besides it difficult to stay lost for long on roads in the U.K. and as humans we have the ability to communicate with others, though I am probably the worst at this one.

 

[Nomadski]

It usually means your saddle is lower.

Lower?

 

[Mo1959]

Lower?

Confused me too. Lol. I like my saddle as high as possible without my hips starting to rock. Maybe my bike is too big but I can't reach the ground even with my toes. Can't say it bothers me though. It becomes automatic just to slide forwards when I come to a halt.

As I have decided to take the weekend off partly for recovery and partly because the weather is to be horrible I thought I would really go for a maximum effort this morning. Worked really hard and was in the drops 90% of the time. The Garmin was hovering around 17mph which amazed me so I was mildly disappointed when I downloaded the ride and it corrected it to 16.9mph

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I'd be very happy with 16.9 but yes 17.0 would've been more satisfying. Bit of a way for me to go though untill I am as quick as you.

I couldn't manage 90% in the drops - well done to you.

 

[Mo1959]

I'd be very happy with 16.9 but yes 17.0 would've been more satisfying. Bit of a way for me to go though untill I am as quick as you.

I couldn't manage 90% in the drops - well done to you.

Thanks

It was strictly a one off. Couldn't ride like that very often. Normal service will be resumed next week when I will probably be back around the 14mph mark. It's good just to really push yourself occasionally and see what you can do.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Both measurements, are a percentage of the inside leg, for example 33"x109% =36" measured from the centre of the pedal (I think) the other 88.3% 33x88.3% = 29" measured from the centre of the BB, both to the top of the saddle.
I did this the other week and found I need to lower the saddle, by quite a bit, in the end I opted for about 2 1/2" lower, and then this week a little more, as I was still bouncing above 95rpm, and its worked, so the heel method in my case was to high. Come to think about it, I was doing low 15mph avg end of June, since the new bars and lowering it a little more (I think it could come down touch, still a little bounce) I am doing 16+mph.

That seems a lot of difference ie over 2.5" if I have read you right.

Whether I do heel, 88.3 or 109 the saddle is pretty much in the same position give or take a tad.

I am now sitting here thinking about your shin, thigh and foot length - sounds *loody pervy tbh.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Off for some Weetabix now and a contemplation of how my day will unscroll - very grey and drizzly here in Kendal.

Have good rides all.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Well I set the saddle to the heel height ages ago, then came across this in thread here, off the top of my head the saddle height was about 79cm the 88.3% and the 109 put it closer to 74cm, I lowered it 4cm and then when i did the bars I lowered it a little more 5mm or so, and there are the results.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@Mo1959 I dont think so, like me you have improved unless you stop altogether there is no going back as such, part of the reason some rides have a lower avg are the climbs you do, even then you are getting good speeds.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Hi all.
I bought my Btwin Triban 3 at the weekend. It's been many years (20 years) since I've done any meaningful cycling so I'm taking a bit of getting used to the gears on the new bike.
Had my first proper ride the other day, 14 miles in and around hilly Halifax, 900ft elev gain according to strava.
My aim is to commute 2 or 3 times a week to work, which is about 6.5 miles away. I tried the route tonight, there and back. It took me about 90 mins altogether, about 13 miles with an elev gain of 1100ft.
Feeling pretty chuffed that I can actually do it. Now I just need to get some practice miles in before I brave the commute for real.

That 13 miles will soon creep up, best two words for a cyclist "Extended Commute"

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Thanks

It was strictly a one off. Couldn't ride like that very often. Normal service will be resumed next week when I will probably be back around the 14mph mark. It's good just to really push yourself occasionally and see what you can do.

This what I have been trying to do Mo, some shorter more intense, it seems to be helping. Though I think I would need new shifters to be on the drops 90% of the time.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Quick question guys, if you don't have a fancy expensive Garmin how do you figure out where you going? Currently I plan it out on Map My Ride or similar and then write it down on paper. Only got lost once so far!

I use ridewithgps or memorymap to create my routes.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

^^^ for route planning
also @Mo1959, you asked about the saddle on the ride today, I went out last night to try a ride with just a pair of lycra leggings on the thinnest I could find, did the 8 miles last night no problem.