Long Torso, Short Legs.

[kelleil]

Yippee!! We are getting more and more Amira lovers.

My Amira climbs well....just need to work on this engine here.

I just finished a 34 mile hilly marathon climb in Irvine with a bad rear derailleur (because I tipped twice and smooshed it...so I was getting a little bit of resistance on my chains after falling). And I still finished at 14mph after derailling twice and having nice fellow cyclists helped me. But, at the first 8 miles (prior to tipping), I was passing a ton of people and probably could have finished the 34 mile bikeathon at least at 17mph. Oh well. At least I didn't crash.

If possible, I would try out a few different brands (ie. Speedplay or Frogs, etc.) of clipless pedals. I already have the SPD pedals at loosest tension and still wasn't able to unclip my second foot fast enough when I was tired out. Granted, I am extremely clumsy, so tipping is no surprise to me (I think I am on the 15th time of tipping after 2.5months of the clipless pedals). The bad part about tipping today was that my poor bike chain/rear derailleur was rubbing all the way to the finish line.

Are you ok??

The more I hear the less enthused I am with the spd!

[TigerMom]

Thanks for caring! I just have a few light bruises (no bruised ego because all my friends know how clumsy I am). I was more upset that I temporarily damaged my rear derailleur for the last 26 miles out of 34 to the finish line. I had wanted to know how fast I could actually go an a somewhat difficult hilly course as it was only my second bike marathon (I did one the day before but it was flat and I took it easy just to see what 31 miles was like). My LBS said that when the rear derailleur gets smooshed inward, they have to use a special device to pull it outward...so nothing that I can fix myself if it happens again.

I think today I am going to practice riding up to my front lawn with grass on both sides of me and practice falling and seeing how fast I can unclip. I can unclip fine if I am relaxed, but not if I am about to fall over (which sadly happens a lot because I am clumsy). Until I am able to unclip fast during a "slow" fall, I am staying away from roads and roads with thin bike lanes.

As for your right leg refusing to unclip, I would practice with sneakers on (pretending to unclip the right leg) to build muscle memory and practice unclipping with both the right leg in the 6:00 position and the 12:00 position. Then practice with your clipless shoes.

By the way Kelleil, we would all love to see a picture of your new bike and exactly which bike you bought when you have a chance. We love seeing beautiful new bikes on this website.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle