One of my worst rides ever.

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

Chris-H

Über Member
Location
Bedford
I was really up for taking the spesh allez on its maiden voyage today, until I woke up with no enthusiasm, didn't help that it was grey cold and downright miserable outside after full sunshine yesterday. My legs wouldn't work and after a couple of miles I stopped to check the brakes wasn't binding, it really was that bad. Puncture fairy visited, twice, my c02 canister leaked on the second leaving me 7 miles from home out in the sticks with a flat tyre and no pump, then a fellow cyclist to the rescue with a pump, decided that was enough and headed home, it just felt like I was constantly riding up hill. Decided to stop and raise my seat an inch which made a hell of a difference, however I had set the seat at the optimum height for me as advised by 2 pro bike fitters over the last 2 years and by which I always adhere to so was a bit puzzled, got home and realised the crank arms are 175 and all my other bikes are and have been 170 and 172.5, can the extra length really make that much difference? So after my first ever ride on a Specialized I blood hated the thing by the time I got home. Not giving up yet on it, i'm going to chuck it on the turbo trainer when it arrives Monday and get it set up and try again. Wish me luck.
 

Kies

Guest
Keep tweaking. I felt the same about the Defy when i first got it. Now? Love it!
As far as bad rides - they come along once in a blue moon - accept them and remember the other 99% will be beautiful
 
OP
OP
Chris-H

Chris-H

Über Member
Location
Bedford
Keep tweaking. I felt the same about the Defy when i first got it. Now? Love it!
As far as bad rides - they come along once in a blue moon - accept them and remember the other 99% will be beautiful
It didn't help that I have new shoes so was also having to stop and play with the cleats too.
 

Kies

Guest
Mtb's and hybrids are easier to ride - road bikes are wild stallions that have to be mastered and tamed. Even then they will throw you off, just to remind the rider how wild they can be ;-)
 
OP
OP
Chris-H

Chris-H

Über Member
Location
Bedford
At least it can only get better...
 

gbb

Squire
Location
Peterborough
We've all been there Chris, your body just wasnt up for it, not at its best. I always found if youre a tad under the weather or run down but don't realise it, cycling very quickly lets you know you're not 100%.
 

vernon

Harder than Ronnie Pickering
Location
Meanwood, Leeds
Yup, that's the only rule you need. I think:unsure::scratch:

Anyway, wrt cranks (of the pedal variety) I have different lengths and never notice the difference.

I have used 1 170mm crank on one side and a 175mm on the other, not deliberately I add, and didn't notice the difference.
 
Top Bottom