One of my worst rides ever.

[Hip Priest]

I had the same thing yesterday. Couldn't be bothered to ride, but promised myself I'd head out. I just couldn't get comfortable on the winter bike. Legs aching, feet & ankles aching. Massive headwind. Labouring up climbs. Managed almost 40 miles, then got a puncture, and then I punctured my spare tube putting it on.

"There will always be days like this, but the good days far outnumber them" I pondered philosophically as I waited for the train.

Top tip: Always ensure your toolbag is well stocked. Never assume that your small children haven't removed all your patches.

 

[Goonerobes]

It was the same for me too yesterday. Having spent all morning looking forward to getting out once I was out it was all bl**dy hard work & every hill felt like a mountain. Ended up doing 36 miles in the slowest time since I bought the bike 4 months ago!!

Must have been something in the air?!!

 

[Hip Priest]

It was the same for me too yesterday. Having spent all morning looking forward to getting out once I was out it was all bl**dy hard work & every hill felt like a mountain. Ended up doing 36 miles in the slowest time since I bought the bike 4 months ago!!

Must have been something in the air?!!

Just spoke to mate who said the same about his ride. Un jour sans all round.

Did anyone have a good ride yesterday?!

 

[vernon]

Did anyone have a good ride yesterday?!

I got on my high horse....

 

[Chris-H]

Cheers everyone for the positive comments and I am now fully reassured that it wasn't just me or the bike As for crank lengths that is so strange as when I was riding it felt as though my knees were going to rub my ears which since the bike fits I've not experienced, however on raising the seat an inch I found my legs were functioning somewhere close ish to normal again, it really was instant, i'll stick with the saddle height for now as that's where it feels comfortable and see how I get on.

 

[Chris-H]

strange how some bikes are like that

The pug is the only bike I have experienced that with

 

[Maverick Goose]

Luck wished from me

 

[Chris-H]

Luck wished from me

Cheers mate.......11.40 and i'm still not out yet though

 

[swee'pea99]

, i'll stick with the saddle height for now as that's where it feels comfortable and see how I get on.

You probably know this, but just in case...

For correct saddle height, keep raising saddle until sitting level, with your heel (wearing your usual riding shoes) on the pedal at its lowest point, your leg is completely straight...then lower the saddle about 1cm, so that when you get back on, with your heel on the pedal etc, your leg is just slightly bent at the knee.

 

[ianrauk]

Chris,
get yourself a minipump to take along with the C02. Either carry in your jersey pocket or attached to the frame by the bottle holder.

 

[Chris-H]

Chris,
get yourself a minipump to take along with the C02. Either carry in your jersey pocket or attached to the frame by the bottle holder.

Errrm ...........I've got 2 mini pumps but forgot to take one

We all have bad days like that. My bet is that next time you go out on the bike you'll have a flier and all will be right again. Good luck

Cheers mate i'm sure your right, I was supposed to be getting out today but too many chores at home(well the sheds) to take care of first

 

[Hip Priest]

Well, today's ride was as good as yesterday's was bad! A gentle-ish 30 miles in the lanes on a crisp sunny day. Perfect.

 

[ayceejay]

New bike + new shoes + bad weather + puncture = the experience you had.
Frame size, stem length, h'bar width and crank length come as one piece in a stock bike and if this is different from your other bike the saddle height will also be different. I think it is a good idea to change only one thing at a time as this will point more clearly to what is wrong, of course you don't have this option with the weather. For me yesterday was lovely - still and sunny and not too cold (4 C) today it is grey with 80 kmh wind predicted so it is turbo trainer for me.

 

[Chris-H]

Well just got in from a local ride and what more can I say.......................a total transformation, one of my best ever average speeds over 20 miles, 17.6 mph, the least amount of foot pain I've experienced over 3 years of cycling, I have problems with foot pain, a bloody comfy ride and just such an enjoyable ride, and what did I change totake things so different?????? I took a mini pump and didn't wear overshoes, even the weather was very similar, my second ride now on a specialized and my opinion has completely changed, nice bike. I did encounter a front wheel slip twice on fast cornering but put that down to possibly over inflated tyres and the fact they are new with only 50 or so miles on them, oh and more road buzz than I've experienced but again putting that down to tyres.

 

[biggs682]

The pug is the only bike I have experienced that with

good reason to keep it then for sure