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

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

spazz

[MightyMitre]

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

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

spazz

ROLF !! 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.

[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 ) 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! 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 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