are forums ka poot?

jroden · Nov 11, 2010

wonder why this forum has dwindled down so much? I think forums are really worthwhile and have not figured out how to replicate the topic specific nature with something like social networking. I like being able to ask a question and get an answer from people with expertise or offer one if I happen to know something.
 
Seems like overnight this group is just a handful of people posting about how the exercised that day, which is about like watching paint dry for me. I liked when people broke their bikes and asked how to fix them. I guess tri types are more inclined to have an "off season" perhaps? I look forward to an off season in the nursing home.
 
I guess that's progress...

em73 · Nov 11, 2010

we need an "ask JR" advice column. <img alt="smile.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies//smile.gif">
 
I'll start:
 
Dear JR:
 
I haven't been on my bike in a year due to injury, and I am going for a bike fit in a month to make sure that my existing fit wasn't part of the problem. How much do I have to ride between now and my bike fit so that I remember what my bike is supposed to feel like?
 
Signed,
 
Slightly Less Broken in MA

Thor · Nov 11, 2010

JR: I'm gonna go out and break my bike tonight, just so that I have tons of good fix-it questions! <img alt="smile.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies//smile.gif">
 
You're right. The forum's activity has been down. I know that for me, my time here has dwindled due to work. Been slammed busy, so much that I don't even have time after work. So I get on when I can, which isn't nearly as often as before.
 
By the way, nice calf in the picture on some other thread. Keep up the good work on your side.

jroden · Nov 11, 2010

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by em73 <a href="/forum/thread/71082/are-forums-ka-poot#post_1961492"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a> we need an "ask JR" advice column. <img alt="smile.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies//smile.gif">
 
I'll start:
 
Dear JR:
 
I haven't been on my bike in a year due to injury, and I am going for a bike fit in a month to make sure that my existing fit wasn't part of the problem. How much do I have to ride between now and my bike fit so that I remember what my bike is supposed to feel like?
 
Signed,
 
Slightly Less Broken in MA
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</div>
 
what is your injury? Your bike needs to be set up so it fits both your body dimensions and your ability to rotate your trunk and tolerance for having to drop your shoulders and look up the road. 
 
Most people start from a road position and get comfortable then take those dimensions and move them to the TT / Tri bike, cross bike, etc. If you are trying to get a tri bike to fit w/o a background as a road cyclist, having someone help with position is a good idea, as you don't have a basis and trying to get close by buying new stems gets expensive.
 
Assuming your bike was OK to start with, generally you can move the seat up or down a little and add or remove spacers from under the stem yourself to fiddle with how the bike fits. You want the seat low enough so your hips don't rock.
 
I'd fiddle with things a little on your own and see if you can get a good fit. Have someone snap some pictures on the trainer from the side and post them here so people can take a loot.
 
There is nothing magic about "a fit" it's just another made up bike shop thing, sort of like people feeling they need a coach to do recreational sports.

em73 · Nov 11, 2010

JR, I tore the labrum in both of my hips. I'm not 100% sure that a TT bike will ever be the right geometry for me, and quite frankly, I don't care. I was just fine passing people on TT bikes with my road bike before I got hurt. CS has seen me on my bike and it's a decently good fit, it's just a question of whether there's something about how my hips move on the bike that will cause future hip problems. My PT (who is also a triathlete) thinks this is the safest way to get my back on the bike - his thought is that you control for all of the factors you can control for.
 
Aside of lubing things, anything I need to do to ride a bike (inside, not outside) that's been sitting for a year?

niemsco · Nov 11, 2010

We need more of these:
 
<a href="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/thread/62023/the-power-thread-2010">http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/thread/62023/the-power-thread-2010</a>
 
I was looking at this the other day and all the previous threads to 08, which are linked in the above thread, and there is so much knowledge in there on how to get faster on the bike over the winter, regardless if you have power or not. It takes awhile to go through but people like yourself have posted some great workouts people should be doing over the winter.

jroden · Nov 11, 2010

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by em73 <a href="/forum/thread/71082/are-forums-ka-poot#post_1961523"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a> JR, I tore the labrum in both of my hips. I'm not 100% sure that a TT bike will ever be the right geometry for me, and quite frankly, I don't care. I was just fine passing people on TT bikes with my road bike before I got hurt. CS has seen me on my bike and it's a decently good fit, it's just a question of whether there's something about how my hips move on the bike that will cause future hip problems. My PT (who is also a triathlete) thinks this is the safest way to get my back on the bike - his thought is that you control for all of the factors you can control for.
 
Aside of lubing things, anything I need to do to ride a bike (inside, not outside) that's been sitting for a year? 
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there are three variables that impact the angle of your hips, saddle fore-aft on the rails, saddle height and drop/distance to the handlebars. I'd also suggest that a poor peal stroke and gear selection may also be causal, and perhaps cleat placement.
 
so, quiet non-rocking hips, 90 rpms or higher, and legs in close to the the top tube throughout pedal stroke. Use a mirror to check the front and side and continue to use the mirror when you train indoors, it gives you feedback on how you sit on the bike.
 
I don't know anything about you, but if you carry some weight, be aware that it can make the knees splay outward at the top of the pedal stroke and cause hip issues if the bar drop is too much, if you are skinny never mind.
 
Just pump up the tires and ride the bike, it doesn't need anything special.

jroden · Nov 11, 2010

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by niemsco <a href="/forum/thread/71082/are-forums-ka-poot#post_1961525"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a> We need more of these:
 
<a href="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/thread/62023/the-power-thread-2010">http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/thread/62023/the-power-thread-2010</a>
 
I was looking at this the other day and all the previous threads to 08, which are linked in the above thread, and there is so much knowledge in there on how to get faster on the bike over the winter, regardless if you have power or not. It takes awhile to go through but people like yourself have posted some great workouts people should be doing over the winter. 
</div>
</div>
 
i have been outside for the most part, too soon for the indoors riding. We have been training under the lights every tuesday, not sure if you can see this video it was from last week
 
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1579807047982#!/video/video.php?v=1549648254031" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1579807047982#!/video/video.php?v=1549648254031</a>
 
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=1579807047982" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=1579807047982</a>

niemsco · Nov 11, 2010

I can't see it. Around here, lots of the computrainer classes started Nov 1st. I'm going 1 day a week right now. Haven't really gotten my cycling going yet, I'm doing a lot of running now. But I'd like to start in December on checking my baseline and trying to up the power. 

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by jroden <a href="/forum/thread/71082/are-forums-ka-poot#post_1961529"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a> 
i have been outside for the most part, too soon for the indoors riding. We have been training under the lights every tuesday, not sure if you can see this video it was from last week
 
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1579807047982#!/video/video.php?v=1549648254031" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1579807047982#!/video/video.php?v=1549648254031</a>
 
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=1579807047982" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=1579807047982</a>
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jroden · Nov 11, 2010

i have taken the last couple weeks off running, the cyclocross is so balistic it leaves me pretty beat up from stepping off the bike and running in those stiff shoes, I miss doing my weekly couple runs. I have 4 more races then the season is a wrap, just in time to get the skis going. I ended up being more involved with promotion and officiating than I intended this year, but it's been positive albeit aggravating sometimes.
 
I have a powertap again for this winter, so I'm curious how my numbers are looking. I did a lot more MTB riding this year, especially on the single speed which seems to have helped my bike handling skills a lot.
 
I will be able to hopefully qualify for the world masters championships as a 50 year old next year, they are in KY in feb, which is waaaaaay after I hang the bike up, but just competing once in my life would be an honor if I'm fit or not

niemsco · Nov 11, 2010

That sounds great. I have my 10+ year old Rocky Mountain MTB staring at me in the basement. I want to replace the chain and get a new stem, new pedals (as I gave them to my wife) and do some riding soon as possible. My goal at least until next year is just do unstructured stuff on the bike (except the 1 CT class) and ride hard. I've been burned out from years of trying to structure stuff too early. I'll post my MTB soon, it looks pretty cool actually. I think I paid $1500 bucks for it back in 99. I thought that was a fortune back then, and it still is!

Stitcher · Nov 11, 2010

I've shelved commuting twice a week until I can get a decent head light. We've had runners struck and killed here recently:
 
<a href="http://www2.oanow.com/news/2010/nov/05/loachapoka-high-school-teacher-identified-second-p-ar-1056878/" target="_blank">http://www2.oanow.com/news/2010/nov/05/loachapoka-high-school-teacher-identified-second-p-ar-1056878/</a>
 
<a href="http://www2.oanow.com/news/2010/nov/05/12/au-dean-dies-car-crash-ar-1056207/" target="_blank">http://www2.oanow.com/news/2010/nov/05/12/au-dean-dies-car-crash-ar-1056207/</a>
 
Those two articles are about the same event.
 
And, cars here don't do so well with cyclists who can't be seen.
 
So, Off to the LBS to get a light from the dudes who take care of me there. 
 
Meanwhile, I'm focusing on getting my run legs back.

jroden · Nov 11, 2010

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Stitcher <a href="/forum/thread/71082/are-forums-ka-poot#post_1961543"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a> I've shelved commuting twice a week until I can get a decent head light. We've had runners struck and killed here recently:
 
<a href="http://www2.oanow.com/news/2010/nov/05/loachapoka-high-school-teacher-identified-second-p-ar-1056878/" target="_blank">http://www2.oanow.com/news/2010/nov/05/loachapoka-high-school-teacher-identified-second-p-ar-1056878/</a>
 
<a href="http://www2.oanow.com/news/2010/nov/05/12/au-dean-dies-car-crash-ar-1056207/" target="_blank">http://www2.oanow.com/news/2010/nov/05/12/au-dean-dies-car-crash-ar-1056207/</a>
 
Those two articles are about the same event.
 
And, cars here don't do so well with cyclists who can't be seen.
 
So, Off to the LBS to get a light from the dudes who take care of me there. 
 
Meanwhile, I'm focusing on getting my run legs back. 
 
</div>
</div>
 
this is a great headlight:
 
<a href="http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_41&products_id=180&zenid=g46kon08oo9q0daokn06g9o6t0" target="_blank">http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_41&products_id=180&zenid=g46kon08oo9q0daokn06g9o6t0</a>
 
for a tail light i have been using a nightrider cherry bomb, but they also have a magicshine taillight on the site above. It's brighter than most $500 lights for $80. I also have a 1400 unit i mount on the bars, it's perhaps better for commuting as it's more flood than spot.
 
it's funny you mention being scared i was at a party a couple weeks ago and i spoke to a number of friends who have stopped commuting because of being hit or having near misses. A friend just got hit 2 days ago and broke his thumb in fact. I see a lot more distracted driving and very aggressive driving during the commute hours, I avoid training during these times of day or I'm extra careful with a mirror and flashing light. The sunglare this time of year is also bad, you have to plan your routes so the setting sun isn't in the approaching driver's eyes.
 
It's nice to train in the woods this time of year

donskiman · Nov 11, 2010

JR, go check out the forums on Beginnertriathlete.com. Someone almost always needs some bike help.

jroden · Nov 11, 2010

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Donskiman <a href="/forum/thread/71082/are-forums-ka-poot#post_1961558"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a> JR, go check out the forums on Beginnertriathlete.com. Someone almost always needs some bike help.
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 some of that stuff gets a little too breathless for me to stomach, I always liked this group as it was kind of a nice balance

MBannon · Nov 11, 2010

I'll try to post a "critique my bike fit" thread soon, been meaning to do that.

Stitcher · Nov 11, 2010

Luckily, the route isn't that long, and for MOST of the way there are clear bike lanes at least to help divide me from the traffic.
 
Quite frankly, I'm also a bit concerned about drains and potholes that *I* can't see in the dark. 
I wear a blinky vest.
I have blinky lights on my spokes (nite ize)
I have a blinky light behind my seat
I wear reflective shoe covers, too.
 
I'm a flippin' Christmas tree!
But, you can see me.
 
And, the busiest part of the ride home has a separate multipurpose path that I can use that's completely separate from the road. Since I'm not using these rides as "training" the multipurpose path works just great. Besides, it makes the last half mile almost exclusively DOWN hill as opposed to across the grade, so it's a nice coast down to the house. <img alt="wink.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies//wink.gif">
<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by jroden <a href="/forum/thread/71082/are-forums-ka-poot#post_1961547"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a> 

 
this is a great headlight:
 
<a href="http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_41&products_id=180&zenid=g46kon08oo9q0daokn06g9o6t0" target="_blank">http://www.geomangear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_41&products_id=180&zenid=g46kon08oo9q0daokn06g9o6t0</a>
 
for a tail light i have been using a nightrider cherry bomb, but they also have a magicshine taillight on the site above. It's brighter than most $500 lights for $80. I also have a 1400 unit i mount on the bars, it's perhaps better for commuting as it's more flood than spot.
 
it's funny you mention being scared i was at a party a couple weeks ago and i spoke to a number of friends who have stopped commuting because of being hit or having near misses. A friend just got hit 2 days ago and broke his thumb in fact. I see a lot more distracted driving and very aggressive driving during the commute hours, I avoid training during these times of day or I'm extra careful with a mirror and flashing light. The sunglare this time of year is also bad, you have to plan your routes so the setting sun isn't in the approaching driver's eyes.
 
It's nice to train in the woods this time of year
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</div>

regiolanthe · Nov 11, 2010

My brifters have been making a grinding sound lately (left one - shifts between small/big ring mostly). They're new enough that they shouldn't have any mechanical issues - any other possiblities?
 
I've squirted lube under the brake hoods - it seems to make it go away temporarily, but it has come back.
 
Can the cold effect shifting (storing the bike in a cold garage)??
 
Reg.

cak73 · Nov 11, 2010

There is a cable under my right bar end shifter that is poking out. It seems to be fraying. Is this just the end of the cable poking out or is the fraying indicative that some part of the cable that shouldn't be fraying is. I haven't taken it out for fear that the cable will fray through while I'm out and I won't be able to shift the chain across the cassette. Also, it pokes my finger and sometimes draws a bit of blood. The bike is a Cervelo P2-SL and the cables are all run internally, so it's sort of a pain to change them (or so I've heard from the folks at the LBS).

Swimmerbee · Nov 11, 2010

I need waterproof/saltwater proof lighting and refelctors! As with many folks here work is more demanding than in previous years so I've shifted a morning paddleboard workout to what is now dark. I usually go with a few others and we've been using glowsticks but thats rahter expesive and wasteful and not all that bringht. So we are on the bay looking for lights that will be seen by small boats and eachother. We are alternating a prone position on the boards and on our knees. I htink some type of reflective vest that we could clip a few water proof lights on the back of would be good. So far i'm only finding velcro type fasteners on vests and velcro plus saltwater and sand aren't friends. We shoudl also attach something to our boards. I currently have a water proof flashlight tied to my paddling vest that I can turn on to warn others and the glow stick and that's it. So any suggestions?

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