help in making a decision

[trayc]

I just bought a road bike. It is an older model so it has the straps and not the clips. I need a new saddle and some bike shoes becasue after only 3 rides, it hurts to walk due to being sore in two places. So, which do you think would be the best to buy first? I can only buy 1 this month and the other next month. I am going on a ride Saturday of 35 miles, so any help would be appreciated.

Tracey

[MightyMitre]

Personally I'd get a new saddle first as an uncomfortable saddle is miserable and can even cause damage to those soft girly parts if it's very bad. While it's important to get some good pedals you can still ride if they're not perfect. Could you beg, borrow or steal a pair of regular flatties off someone for a few weeks to tide you over.

Just my 2p worth.
Mighty ( sensitive saddle) Mitre.

[spazzdog]

OK MM - always remember, american english vs across the pond english :D

Here "flatties" are grrls like me - no boobies.

spazz

[MightyMitre]

OK MM - always remember, american english vs across the pond english :D

Here "flatties" are grrls like me - no boobies.

spazz

ROLF !! :D I love our language!

By flatties I meant flat pedals, no toeclip or cleets - just regular pedals. Actually flatties is a bit of an mtb word, but I'm a roadie who likes to speak many languages. :p

[nuthatch]

I vote new saddle, too. How about flatties with over the toe mini-clips (no straps - kind of analogous to a strapless bra for your flatties, spazz :p ) They cost about 5 bucks and you can use them with your sneaks or with bike shoes until you go clipless (if you do). I liked them just fine and they give you some pulling strength.

[AutumnBreez]

Oh that would not even be up for debate, I have already went through it and now have a Terry trigel Butterfly and wow...no more sore girly bits for me. History.

SADDLE!

[CorsairMac]

In case you were wondering - go for the saddle. If you hinney is hurting, it ain't gonna matter whats on your feet! :eek: Didn't you say the older bike has toe cages on it?......if you can use those -they should do ya fine until you can get clipless!!

So...........what type of bike did ya get?? (I can't Believe you left that part out! ;) )


Corsair "rides a newly-bought vintage Peugeot" Mac

[trayc]

I got a cannondale 500. It is purple and blue and so pretty.

[CorsairMac]

I got a cannondale 500. It is purple and blue and so pretty.
sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeettttttttttttttt!! let us know how the ride went!

[spazzdog]

I was talking off line to trayc and she'd mentioned her feet hurt her after a short time on the bike.

i assumed she was wearing sneaks and recommended a more rigid shoe. Even a lite hiker is more rigid than sneaks. I forgot about the strapless :D toe clips. (An aside here: if I tried to wear a strapless bra, it would become a cumberbun in seconds)

I agree totally that tush comfort needs to be a priority. After that, could she buy a "walkable" cycling shoe and use the strapless clips. She could omit installation of the cleat until she was ready for clip-ins.

Opinions??

[CorsairMac]

don't see why not. Specialized makes a MTB shoe that's about $50 give or take that is very comfortable as a walking shoe. I Think the cleats actually come with the pedals so she wouldn't have cleats to deal with until she buys her pedals. But either way - just don't install the cleats until she has the pedals.

[trayc]

Ok, I am a virgin on bike terms. What is a strapless toe clip? Spazz, ROFL when I read about the cumberbund!!!

[nuthatch]

Sound sexy, don't they?

[trayc]

Would my LBS have those? HECK, I was little disappointed in the picture, they are not as sexy as they sound!!! LOL

[spazzdog]

Here's what they look like... I think they also come in plastic. You can use them with or without straps.

Strapping in allows that "pull up" action (when pedaling) to be a bit more effective. But it's not necessary if you're just getting started. A rigid shoe will help with the foot owies.

spazz

[CorsairMac]

Here's what they look like... I think they also come in plastic. You can use them with or without straps.

Strapping in allows that "pull up" action (when pedaling) to be a bit more effective. But it's not necessary if you're just getting started. A rigid shoe will help with the foot owies.

spazz

yo spazz - where did you get the pix??...a cycling museum?? :p

[SadieKate]

yo spazz - where did you get the pix??...a cycling museum?? :p

Spazz, did you sneak into our garage last night?

[trayc]

Thanks for the pictures!!! The pedals I have now have the staps and a big metal piece sticking up that makes my feet go numb. I will see if my bike store has some of thse pedals. I was riding Wed. and came across a "live" snake. It scared me to death and made so nervous because I was strapped in. I hope I can get use to being strapped in.

[spazzdog]

Hey... they still sell these things! I've seen 'em with my own 4 eyes :cool:

And uh, trayc darlin'... loosen the derned straps! You ain't racing (yet) :D

spazz

[CorsairMac]

Thanks for the pictures!!! The pedals I have now have the staps and a big metal piece sticking up that makes my feet go numb. I will see if my bike store has some of thse pedals. I was riding Wed. and came across a "live" snake. It scared me to death and made so nervous because I was strapped in. I hope I can get use to being strapped in.


have you tried riding without the straps?? Not sure what you mean by 'big metal thing sticking up" but you don't really need straps or clips or clipless to ride. Just another thought.

[trayc]

Not sure what you mean by 'big metal thing sticking up" but you don't really need straps or clips or clipless to ride. Just another thought.
ON the pedal it has a v-shaped piece of metal is raised up and then the rest of the pedal is flat.

[SadieKate]

ON the pedal it has a v-shaped piece of metal is raised up and then the rest of the pedal is flat.Is it on the leading lower edge of the pedal? Platform pedals will commonly have a little tab that you use to flip the pedal upright to get the cage on top. The cage would be on the top of the pedal and the tab is on the leading lower edge, not the side you would put your foot on. Does this match up to what you have?

[SadieKate]

Pedals at Harris Cyclery (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/pedals.html)

Scroll down and look at the pedals on this page. Are those pointed tabs what you're describing?

[trayc]

No, not really. Hmmm let me see if I can do a better job of describing them;
and sorry I don't know bike terms yet. On the front part of the pedal where your toes sit, it has a raised part. It looks like if you had a shoe with an inverted part on it, that that part would slide in under the raised part of the pedal. Does that even make sense??

[spazzdog]

Me thinks our trayc is strapping into the wrong side of the pedal???

Or could it be she has some form of clipins?

If not clipins then sticky up piece goes on the oppsite side of the sole of your foot... the underneath side of the pedal.

Nothin' oughta be pokin' ya grrlfriend!

spazz

[SadieKate]

tracyc, can you see a brand name or model name or anything on the pedal? Do you think it is original equipment on the bike? If so, what bike do you have? Maybe we can find a picture of this thing.

[spazzdog]

can you take a picture and upload it?

spazz

[SadieKate]

Another thought, old shoes meant to be used with platform pedals would also have a "cleat" that sat over a ridge on the pedal, but I would never have described this ridge as a "V". Between the ridge and the cage, you were locked in through any event. Thank the bike gods they invented clipless pedals!

[spazzdog]

yeah... i owned a pair of those in the 70's. the bar (cleat) had a straight depression in it that sat over the front edge of a normal pedal, then you tightened up the straps and pedaled away.

i remember thinking they were soooo cool!

spazz

[trayc]

I am at work right now so I can't take a picture of it. Of course, I am not supposed to be on the computer talking to you guys either, shhhhh don't tell anyone. I just called my LBS and he said that they have a pedal that is flat where my foot goes and then the straps. I think he is talking about the pedals like Spazz showed. Got to gripe for just a minute about the dude at the LBS. You know it is hard enough to be over forty, starting a new sport without some young dude sounding like it is a pain to deal with someone of my age and gender!!

[trayc]

[QUOTE=SadieKate]Another thought, old shoes meant to be used with platform pedals would also have a "cleat" that sat over a ridge on the pedal, but I would never have described this ridge as a "V".

I think what you are describing is what I have. This bike is old from late 90's so maybe it has the type of pedal you are talking about.

[spazzdog]

trayc... if you have a dig camera and the means to get it on your pc, send me a photo at home (with your "end of week" training data... yeah, i'm keeping track :D ).

I'll do some research on my own and with the grrls here. Maybe we can solve this mystery.

spazz

[SadieKate]

I think what you are describing is what I have. This bike is old from late 90's so maybe it has the type of pedal you are talking about.Thanks, I was thinking bikes in the 80s :D . I'd better go get another box of Loreal.

Post a pic if you can.

[trayc]

[QUOTE=SadieKate]Thanks, I was thinking bikes in the 80s :D . I'd better go get another box of Loreal.


I gave up on the Loreal and just doing the gray thing. You know when I get a chance to put a picture of my pedals online you guys will probably thing I am such a dork. They are probably pedals that every biker knows but me!!!! :( Got to say this though, I have never had more fun in my life than learning to ride a bike all over again!!!!

[spazzdog]

Good! That's the important part! fun, fun, fun, fun,




FUN!

[nuthatch]

The pic I posted are called "mini toe clips" at Nashbar - that's where I got mine so I don't know about LBS but they could proabably order them. They cannot be used with straps; just the end of your toe wedges into them. They're okay. Definitely better than nothing and easy as pie to get out of but not nearly the pulling force of a clipless pedal/cleat combination.

[CorsairMac]

I am at work right now so I can't take a picture of it. Of course, I am not supposed to be on the computer talking to you guys either, shhhhh don't tell anyone. I just called my LBS and he said that they have a pedal that is flat where my foot goes and then the straps. I think he is talking about the pedals like Spazz showed. Got to gripe for just a minute about the dude at the LBS. You know it is hard enough to be over forty, starting a new sport without some young dude sounding like it is a pain to deal with someone of my age and gender!!


So am I - but my boss doesn't really care what I do as long as I "look" busy and chatting with ya'll here - sure does make me look busy!! ;) As for your pedals - I'm with Spazz and SK on this, good call Sadie. I had forgotten about those old locking pedal/strap combos!.....I think I even used them without the straps!
and Tracyc - find someone else at your LBS that treats you better! I know what you mean - I got one that tries to impress me with his great knowledge and ability every time I go there and a young kid that takes very good care of me! It's gotten to the point, I'll call and see whos working today before I take my bike in! LOL

[trayc]

Ladies thanks so much for all the info. I will let you know how the ride goes. I am going to get those pedals at my LBS and see how those work. As far as looking busy, I teach middle school so actually finding time to get on is few and far between but they were working on a test today. Have a good weekend and catch ya'll later

Tracey

[SadieKate]

Now, these look really comfy!

[spazzdog]

Yowza!!

Did you find those in that book, "101 uses for a dead cat"


tee-hee-hee-heee AArf!! spazzdog :D

[CorsairMac]

Now, these look really comfy!

I want those with the cat chainring!.......then maybe do a calico paint job, some whiskers off the handlebar stems, some Trashy Cat cycling clothes...........I'd be quite the cats meow! ;) :rolleyes:

[nuthatch]

I want those with the cat chainring!.......then maybe do a calico paint job, some whiskers off the handlebar stems, some Trashy Cat cycling clothes...........I'd be quite the cats meow! ;) :rolleyes:

You'd have to be some sort of cycling superheroine, then. Going around your neighborhood, telling little kids to get out their bikes/helmets and ride!!! Rescuing cats from danger!!! You'd have to put ears on your helmet.....

[snowtulip]

Wow, what is that cat thing, I'm just waking up but that thing scared me to death - wide awake now!!!! :eek:

trayc - I had a period where I was only tandem mtb riding and had clipless on those pedals, but when I bought a single mtb bike I didn't have the cash for another pair of pedals, so I used the cage pedals that came with my bike but cut the straps off. It looked similar to the original photo posted. What I liked abou that is it still allowed me to pull, but also let me take my foot out sideways (which you will need to get used to when you go clipless).

Good Luck!!

[Trek420]

nuthatch "You'd have to be some sort of cycling superheroine, then. Going around your neighborhood, telling little kids to get out their bikes/helmets and ride!!! Rescuing cats from danger!!! You'd have to put ears on your helmet....."

needs to be a tail and a cape involved with that costume. still dying to know where sadie found those toeclips....nashbar clearance bin?

[trayc]

Wow, those cat things are scary!!! Bought some new pedals, they seem to be so much better. They have a larger platform for my feet. I put them on my bike about 10 minutes before going on my 35 mile ride. It was kind of scary getting used to them. Did I say it was fun learning to ride a bike again?!? Just a bit of sarcasm there. The ride was on Saturday, the weather was overcast, thunderstorms threatening and winds about 20mph with gusts up to 35mph. Yep, the wind was right in my face coming back. All in all it was a good ride. A little sore on Sunday but not too bad. I felt good about the first 25 miles, the last 10 were really, really hard. But, as soon as I finished the ride, the feeling of accomplishment was well worth the wind and the pain. Yep, I will do it all over again!!!

[spazzdog]

Good job Tracey!

spazz

[trayc]

[QUOTE=spazzdog]Good job Tracey!

Thanks spazzdog. It felt really, really good to finish. I almost quit about 3/4 of the way through as I was hurting riding into the wind and I was getting the shakes as I was hungry. But, I felt like I had won the Tour De France when I crossed the finish line.

[SadieKate]

Great going! Good job!

For inquiring minds, the cat pedal came from Speedplay's very cool pedal history web pages: pedal museum (http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.history)

[trayc]

Just went to the pedal museum and you are right SadieKate that is a cool site.

[CorsairMac]

Wow, those cat things are scary!!! Bought some new pedals, they seem to be so much better. They have a larger platform for my feet. I put them on my bike about 10 minutes before going on my 35 mile ride. It was kind of scary getting used to them. Did I say it was fun learning to ride a bike again?!? Just a bit of sarcasm there. The ride was on Saturday, the weather was overcast, thunderstorms threatening and winds about 20mph with gusts up to 35mph. Yep, the wind was right in my face coming back. All in all it was a good ride. A little sore on Sunday but not too bad. I felt good about the first 25 miles, the last 10 were really, really hard. But, as soon as I finished the ride, the feeling of accomplishment was well worth the wind and the pain. Yep, I will do it all over again!!!


Job well done! shaky? hungry??....did you eat anything before you rode?..or carry anything with you?? and yeah - ain't winds and wind gusts a bear?....welcome to my world "NM the hot-air balloon capital of the world where the winds are just right to box the city"! :rolleyes: but when it's a tailwind - ya'll don't hear me complaining! LOL TGlad the new pedals worked out for you too!!!

[trayc]

[QUOTE=CorsairMac]Job well done! shaky? hungry??....did you eat anything before you rode?..or carry anything with you??

I had my regular breakfast of toast and a banana. There were 3 stops, I had a bite of an orange at the first, a half of a banana and part of a cookie at the second and nothing at the third as my heart rate was really, really high so I was afraid I would get sick. I really need to figure out what and how much to eat on these rides.

[CorsairMac]

I had my regular breakfast of toast and a banana. There were 3 stops, I had a bite of an orange at the first, a half of a banana and part of a cookie at the second and nothing at the third as my heart rate was really, really high so I was afraid I would get sick. I really need to figure out what and how much to eat on these rides.

I don't see any protein in this scenario hun. Carbs, potassium but no protein. That could be part of your problem maybe?? :(

[trayc]

I don't see any protein in this scenario hun. Carbs, potassium but no protein. That could be part of your problem maybe?? :(

That may be true. At the SAG stops all they had was fruit and cookies. Should I have maybe had some protein that morning for breakfast? I was so afraid of eating too much and getting sick that I guess I might not have eaten enough. I have to say that I was ravenous all afternoon and even into the next day.

[CorsairMac]

yeah - I notice when my blood sugar drops my heartbeat goes up, pounding would be a good word. I eat 2 scrambled eggwhites for breakfast every morning but if you're vegan you could eat legumes and get the protein you need. Actually I increased my protein recently by adding kidney beans to my breakfast routine, only 1/3 cup but the extra protein/carbs combo seems to be a big help. Also, did you eat when you got home??......protein and carbs?? we each have vastly different things we eat for breakfast when we ride -

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2270&highlight=breakfast

this might help you! I also keep Larabars or Luna bars around, they have a very nice protein/carb combo that will hold me over until I can eat or as an energy bar during a ride. Hope the link helps, and let us know what happens!

[spazzdog]

If none of that appeals... a PB&J sammich will do the trick. The baggie fits nicely in a jersey pocket :D

spazz

[SadieKate]

If none of that appeals... a PB&J sammich will do the trick. The baggie fits nicely in a jersey pocket :D

spazz

The PB&J sammich on the Top Hat was wonderful! Worked just right! I'm re-learning how to eat now that these girls have me riding up all these freakin' hills! 2-thums up for PB&J!

[snapdragen]

The PB&J sammich on the Top Hat was wonderful!

I normally love PBJ sammiches, but for some reason when I saw them at Top Hat I just wanted to cry! :confused: Of course, my brain was so fried by that time I think anything would have made me cry... :rolleyes:

[SadieKate]

I normally love PBJ sammiches, but for some reason when I saw them at Top Hat I just wanted to cry! :confused: Of course, my brain was so fried by that time I think anything would have made me cry... :rolleyes:Ah, poor Snap. I been there, done that. This time around I was so hungry I probably would have eaten anchovies. ON the other hand, I still managed not to drink the Accelerade. Who would drink something that thick, gooey and grainy? Yuck!

[aka_kim]

Who would drink something that thick, gooey and grainy? Yuck!
Me! It did have an odd consistency, but was preferable to water. It was really hard to wash out of the bottle too.

I wasn't thrilled about the PB&J either, although I normally like them. Like Petunia, I was craving cheese, and mayo. Yumm, fats!

[SadieKate]

Me! It did have an odd consistency, but was preferable to water. I'm going to be keeping my eye on you! :p