File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Hey /fit/, recently I invested in a bike for a bit of cardio training. I've been out for a couple of 30 mile rides and averaged a shitty 11-12 mph. Terrain was kinda offroady and the bike is shit and old but I never get even close to the sort of out-of-breathness I would get from running - it feels I'm being let down by the strength in my legs. Last time I was at a gym (a while ago) I was able to leg press as high as the machine would go. Whats going on here?
>> CRUISE CONTROL BRAH !jMsopuxJCE
HOW MUCH CAN YOU SQUAT BRAH

MACHINES ARE FUCKING USELESS
>> Anonymous
You don't use the 'cycling muscles' for anything else in your life, so if you haven't cycled for a while of course your legs will ache. They'll improve as you go.
>> Anonymous
>>356531
Is the bike pictured? What cadence are you riding at? Do you have clipless shoes and pedals?
>> Anonymous
Pedal harder... if you are not out of breath, you are not pushing the limit...
How many gears do you have?
Get out onto a straight road and go like hell... My personal montitored best was 32 mph, though downhill biking through forests probably went faster though (damned near killed myself - missed a pine tree by the grace of the Almighty!)
>> Anonymous
>>356549
Err, you kind of have to clarify what harder means. He may think that's just brute strength pedaling, which most people are accustomed to.
Op Here's some tips to more efficiently ride a bike:
Get in a gear that will give you a cadence(rpm) of 60+. You should never drop below that magical number. Anything lower and you're just tiring out your muscles.
You should always be at a speed where you're having trouble speaking. Not balls to the wall where you are having trouble seeing straight, and not easy enough where you could be having a conversation with your buddy.
Get cycling shoes and pedals. It makes all the difference. It converts your pedal stroke from 180 degrees of pushing down, to a full circular movement consisting of both pushing and pulling. It's odd to describe the feeling when you first try it.
>> Anonymous
>>356546
No, not the bike pictured, its a cheap 2nd hand Ridgeback. My shoes aren't attached to the pedals in any way. 24 gears on the bike.

>>356549
I don't have any way of measuring speed, maybe I'll try and pick up a cheap cycle computer off ebay. I've always been good at sprinting (running, rowing etc.), its more the endurance that seems to be getting me on the bike though. Also I'm living in London so finding decent routes where I can actually go fast is kinda tricky.

>>356545
Thats encouraging, so do you reckon the problem would go away the more I cycle?
>> Anonymous
Everyone always recommends toeclips but I pedal with the flat of my foot. Having toeclips would just be an annoyance.
>> Anonymous
>>356561
Read my previous post if you already haven't.
>>356557
I would invest in shoes and pedals before a computer any day. Speed doesn't matter in the long run, considering I could go to the top of a hill and say, yeah I clocked in at 52 mph, I'm pretty much pro. It's about endurance.
>> Anonymous
>>356554
I have a hunch that you're thinking in kph
>> Anonymous
>>356568
What difference do the shoes make? I can understand having clips on the pedals so you are attached to them, but surely a shoe is a shoe?
>> Anonymous
>>356572
The shoes are rigid, and provide very little flex, which minimizes power loss. The placement of the cleat also facilitates the most efficient pedal stroke possible. The shoes allow you to not only be able to push down, to pedal, but also to pull up. Making, like I said before, a full circular range of power. Also, seat position has a bit to do with power. You should be seated high enough to have a slight bend in your knee at the very lowest position in your pedal stroke.
>> Anonymous
>>356538

lol yea, never ever ever ever ever ever do squatz on your cycling days, NEVAR
>> Anonymous
>>356581
How do the shoes fit into the pedals? They clip in? Are there any pedals which you can clip your shoes into without having to buy cycling shoes?
>> Anonymous
>>356615
There is a little cleat in the bottom. You push the front part in, then push the rear of your foot down to engage the rear. It's pretty simple, very easy once you get a hang of it. You don't need to buy the traditional cycling shoe, there are a ton of variations that look like sneakers, and even sandals that allow you to have the cleat at the bottom.
>> Anonymous
>>356554
On a 18 speed MTB :) Racing bike is a damn sight faster but never had a cycle computer.

>>356561
I moved to Paris - if you are on 2 wheels, you do not exist...
The cycle computer is good as it allow you to pace yourself and set/break personal records.

>> 356557
Another tip: when cycling, especially uphill, do not use brute force, pushing and forcing the pedals round, but concentrate on making nice circles: push down, round and follow through up - the pedal stroke must be fluid and sweet, rather than a brute force stamp. You will exercise your leg muscles more due to the concious follow-through, and it will take your mind off going uphill until it becomes second nature and will help you leave others behind who do not use the technique as you won't knacker yourself out as fast on an uphill slog - and you will go uphill faster too :)
>> Anonymous
eh.
I lollerblade.
gets my heart going, and gets my whole body moving.

in b4 faggot.