New Bike!

[Gidget506]

Yes, UCI made a rule change for 2011 changing the maximum tire width from 35mm to 33mm. USA Cycling hasn't adopted that yet. My bike came with 32s, and when I wore those out, the 'cross guys suggested 34s which are on it now. Most amatuer racers aren't affected by the rule change, and the wider tires certainly have their use!

The race itself was fun; relatively easy course at an athletic field so it was mostly grass with embankments that they made use of, and they used the sand volleyball pit as a barrier along with some euro style barricades going up a hill, and several sections on the sidewalk.
Great course for a first timer!! The frosty on the grass made it slippery, and lots of people were going down on the turns which were always at the top or bottom of a climb (fortunately, I stayed upright!! ) My body felt fine as far as racing, but I was not prepared for the temperature. It wasn't that cold when I took the dog out before packing up to leave, and I thought I would be fine in what I took to wear. Well, the temperature dropped and the fog rolled in. I have no tolerance for the cold, and suffered miserably for it. Seriously, I could not feel my hands and had to look at them to see if I was shifting because I couldnt feel it; my lungs were on fire from breathing in that subfreezing air. I'm really surprised my legs didn't cramp and that I didn't pull something from being cold, but I guess my knickers and warming up helped with that. When my husband arrived after the race start and found me on the course, he asked "How are you doing? Because you LOOK miserable". I was miserable, but I was still having fun

Wow! I see the fog in your photo. Couldn't feel your hands? Yikers. Sounds like you hung in there and had a great race anyhow! Good job!

[Gidget506]

I was about to return the bike. The toe overlap was really debilitating. I was working through it with the shop who sold it to me. He was awesome and ready to do whatever it took to get me in the right bike - even though this one had to be ordered and had been ridden (and crashed cuz of the overlap) quite a bit as I had kept plugging away thinking I was going to get used to it. One rep suggested 20mm spacers added to the pedal. I figured what the heck. IT WORKED! Now I barely brush the tire. I can make all sorts of crazy turns!! I just rode for 2 hours in the rain! YEEHAW! I read online that the spacers are good for folks with ITB issues. I suffer with ITBS and it affects the running in my Tris - so if this works out maybe I will explore these spacers for my Madone. I'd love to get rid of this hip pain.

My hubby signed me up for Warwick on Sunday. Getting nervous! But I am so happy!

[JennK13]

One rep suggested 20mm spacers added to the pedal. I figured what the heck. IT WORKED! Now I barely brush the tire. I can make all sorts of crazy turns!! I just rode for 2 hours in the rain! YEEHAW!

Spacers on pedals??? What are those? Never heard of that....

[Gidget506]

Spacers on pedals??? What are those? Never heard of that....

They come in three sizes. I bought the smallest - 20mm. Basically, you just take off the pedal and put this steel 20mm spacer onto the crank arm and then screw the pedal to that. It is very strong. I don't feel any flex or anything. I think they were invented for folks who have different physical issues - like their heels hit bike. Or folks who have to toe out more - something that would perhaps be good for me with the ITB issue. I haven't had any knee or hip pain while riding. I'll be going out again tomorrow.

It is so awesome to be able to turn without fear. It was really getting in my head. I'm going to replace my 34's with 32's. Then I bet I won't even brush the tire!!!

[Christopher]

Thanks for the tip about the pedal spacers, gidget. I'll try and find them for my partner whose right ankle consistently hits the crank...

Far as CX goes I had a very strange race on Sunday on frozen grass and mud. Lots of falls in the corners and you had to hang on for grim death when descending. Ice patches were getting polished into something like glass with the passage of 98 riders. There was also a fearsome-looking snowy bank that was actually quite easy to ride up if you really attacked it. Great fun. I used 30mm clinchers @55 psi, file tread on front, studs back. No falls or flats - plenty of slips though. Finished 60th, well pleased with that. I got beat by a chap in running shoes riding an old bike and wearing shorts! I'll probably join a local club for neaxt season, it would be nice to compare notes with people after the race...

[Gidget506]

Thanks for the tip about the pedal spacers, gidget. I'll try and find them for my partner whose right ankle consistently hits the crank...

Far as CX goes I had a very strange race on Sunday on frozen grass and mud. Lots of falls in the corners and you had to hang on for grim death when descending. Ice patches were getting polished into something like glass with the passage of 98 riders. There was also a fearsome-looking snowy bank that was actually quite easy to ride up if you really attacked it. Great fun. I used 30mm clinchers @55 psi, file tread on front, studs back. No falls or flats - plenty of slips though. Finished 60th, well pleased with that. I got beat by a chap in running shoes riding an old bike and wearing shorts! I'll probably join a local club for neaxt season, it would be nice to compare notes with people after the race...

You can get them online. I bought them where I bought my bike and they were only 19.99. Online I see them around 40.00 I think. Don't know the difference - perhaps online they are higher quality metal (lighter?).

Your race sounds unbelievable!!! I see you are in the UK. And I think I heard on the news you all had a freakish snow event! WOW! Sounded like a nail biter for sure!! Studded rear tire! That is an event!!!

Yes, I think joining a club is the way to go. My LBS went out of business this year so there are not a lot of local contacts.