Some dumb questions after my first bike ride

[voodoochilli]

I went out in my Lycra form the first time today. Thought I might feel a but of a twat, but I just slipped thru then wind like a slippery and quire comfortable eel. Of course, my 3 kids and wife just laughed till they were nearly sick.

Awesome. I hope to experience the same thing one day.

 

[LarryDuff]

I went out in my Lycra form the first time today. Thought I might feel a but of a twat, but I just slipped thru then wind like a slippery and quire comfortable eel. Of course, my 3 kids and wife just laughed till they were nearly sick.

Mine have been laughing at me for years. Ignore them.

 

[fatCyclist]

Awesome. I hope to experience the same thing one day.

When I picked up my Triban I bought the middle-range padded shorts from Decath (£19.99). I wear them under trackies and they're very comfy.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I changed my saddle for a Charge Spoon - good value and a lot more comfortable.

I have these saddles on all my bikes, and each one of them cost me a tenner from folk on 'ere flogging them in the classified section!

 

[voodoochilli]

When I picked up my Triban I bought the middle-range padded shorts from Decath (£19.99). I wear them under trackies and they're very comfy.

Ordered the cheaper ones to see how I get on with them. Cheers!

 

[voodoochilli]

I have these saddles on all my bikes, and each one of them cost me a tenner from folk on 'ere flogging them in the classified section!

Going to check these out now.

 

[BrianEvesham]

I like the T3 saddle and it second nature with the pedals now. I think it's down to what you are used to in the end.
Sorry I'm not much use am I ?

 

[voodoochilli]

I like the T3 saddle and it second nature with the pedals now. I think it's down to what you are used to in the end.
Sorry I'm not much use am I ?

Maybe with some shorts it will be better. I'm getting used to it as it is.

 

[voodoochilli]

Another dumb question: what is the use of that tiny lever near the brakes? Seems to be like a car hand break - locks the brakes (a bit)? Is this right? Also, should it be locked or unlocked?

 

[themosquitoking]

Another dumb question: what is the use of that tiny lever near the brakes? Seems to be like a car hand break - locks the brakes (a bit)? Is this right? Also, should it be locked or unlocked?

Is it maybe a quick release for the brakes to get your wheels off fully pumped up?

 

[BrianEvesham]

Another dumb question: what is the use of that tiny lever near the brakes? Seems to be like a car hand break - locks the brakes (a bit)? Is this right? Also, should it be locked or unlocked?

Yeah it's so you can whip the wheel out quick by lifting the brakes off a bit.

 

[billy1561]

Another dumb question: what is the use of that tiny lever near the brakes? Seems to be like a car hand break - locks the brakes (a bit)? Is this right? Also, should it be locked or unlocked?

When pushed down it pushes the brake pads nearer to the rim so they actually reach and stop the bike when you pull the brake lever. In this position it's almost impossible to remove the wheel. the lever in the up position then opens the brakes to facilitate wheel removal.

 

[voodoochilli]

So shoild it be locked down all tbe time? The wheel would be locked? I think maybe they need tweaking...I know the gears do. Tricky for me, but fun to learn.

 

[billy1561]

So shoild it be locked down all tbe time? The wheel would be locked? I think maybe they need tweaking...I know the gears do. Tricky for me, but fun to learn.

No, when locked down the pads will or should be very close to the rim. If they touch then check the wheel is sitting correct in the dropouts by loosening and then tightening the quick release skewer. If they are still tight then back off the 'lock' until the wheel spins freely.

 

[voodoochilli]

Ok just to confirm - the quick release lever shouldn't be disengaged all the time then? When my bike arrived the lever was pressed down and the brakes were tight but the wheels were rubbing on the brakes so I pulled the levers and they don't rub anymore. Was this wrong?

P.s sorry for repetition of ignorance...