Scottr110592
New Member
- Location
- Boston Lincolnshire
Hi, I'm new to the forum, this year I've just started biking with a friend. We both are looking to improve our fitness but for different reasons. He's trying to lose weight. I'm trying to gain a bit of weight and muscle. The idea being that he would go bike riding a few times a week. I would do weight training stuff a few times a week then join him on a Saturday for a bike ride for a light leisurely cardio workout. Maybe a weekday evening aswell in the summer when it's lighter and warmer.
We both thought id be the one who would find biking easier as when we have done running in the past I was happy jogging along at a pace he was pushing. Which would have suit our goals perfectly. But cycling is the complete opposite. I struggle and he's fine. Might be down to me having longer strides when running and lighter, or the fact he will naturally have stronger leg muscles then me or bike quality etc. I'm using my dad's squeaky old mountain bike for now which isn't the best.
So bit of background and goals out of the way. On to where I need some help. I went into my local bike shop looking to buy a new bike around £500 or under. I realised I was riding a bike completely wrong. I had the saddle so my feet were comfortabley flat on the ground. After showing me where to sit properly me and my friend went out for a ride on my old bike. Apart from feeling a little unsafe not being able to touch the ground properly when I stop. I found the new position allowed me to go further easier. Say around 20-30% better distance to time. However going to bed around 9-10 hours later. I was getting an uncomfortable Lower and upper back pain. I have an arched back mainly from being a couch and video game lover as a teenager. Which I'm assuming is down to me leaning over in my new riding position. Which is my problem. I can either ride a bike properly and put strain on my back. Or incorrectly.
Which Is where I need help.
I've read on here people getting a few aches in the beginning of riding properly so could it just be down to that? Is there a position I could use riding to help the back but still be correct for riding? Or when I buy my bike is there a certain type that could help my issues? Handle bar types, suspension types etc but still get good speed. I think I want a hybrid bike as 90% of my cycling is done on rough tarmac single track back roads.
Sorry for the essay but thanks for reading and any help I would greatly appreciate.
Scott
We both thought id be the one who would find biking easier as when we have done running in the past I was happy jogging along at a pace he was pushing. Which would have suit our goals perfectly. But cycling is the complete opposite. I struggle and he's fine. Might be down to me having longer strides when running and lighter, or the fact he will naturally have stronger leg muscles then me or bike quality etc. I'm using my dad's squeaky old mountain bike for now which isn't the best.
So bit of background and goals out of the way. On to where I need some help. I went into my local bike shop looking to buy a new bike around £500 or under. I realised I was riding a bike completely wrong. I had the saddle so my feet were comfortabley flat on the ground. After showing me where to sit properly me and my friend went out for a ride on my old bike. Apart from feeling a little unsafe not being able to touch the ground properly when I stop. I found the new position allowed me to go further easier. Say around 20-30% better distance to time. However going to bed around 9-10 hours later. I was getting an uncomfortable Lower and upper back pain. I have an arched back mainly from being a couch and video game lover as a teenager. Which I'm assuming is down to me leaning over in my new riding position. Which is my problem. I can either ride a bike properly and put strain on my back. Or incorrectly.
Which Is where I need help.
I've read on here people getting a few aches in the beginning of riding properly so could it just be down to that? Is there a position I could use riding to help the back but still be correct for riding? Or when I buy my bike is there a certain type that could help my issues? Handle bar types, suspension types etc but still get good speed. I think I want a hybrid bike as 90% of my cycling is done on rough tarmac single track back roads.
Sorry for the essay but thanks for reading and any help I would greatly appreciate.
Scott