Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: Sports drinks

« on: August 26, 2018, 09:29:44 am »

Water will do just fine if you ate a good meal a few hours before the ride. If you go with a not so good meal in your system you may want to take a sports drink and maybe a banana as well.

2

Gear Talk / Re: Lightweight, tough bike lock

« on: August 06, 2018, 10:38:34 am »

One wise guy said that all bikes and locks should weigh 50 pounds to be safe. The lighter and more expensive the bike the heavier and more robust the locks

3

General Discussion / Re: Road bike vs. Cyclo-cross bike

« on: August 01, 2018, 11:22:17 am »

I bought a Marin Cortina cross bike 1.5 years ago and am very happy with it. I use it for commuting, traveling around the city and the occasional road training ride. My route takes me on a gravel road sometimes and the bigger tires are a big plus. last summer I had 23mm road tires on for a while and it was a little faster and a little rougher. Our roads here in Edmonton are 50% in poor condition and to me a cross bike makes sense.

I also take it in a bit of single-track and gravel MUT. I have enough clearance for fenders in the summer and studded tires in the winter. I say that a cross bike is much more versatile and it's the ticket unless you want be be a hardcore roadie.

4

General Discussion / Re: Pedals Recommendation

« on: July 09, 2018, 08:35:15 am »

Another thing you can do if you don't want to invest in new pedals and shoes is reach down a grab the strap on your toe clips and pull it tight around your feet. This will secure your feet in your pedal preventing movement and also allow you to pull up on the clips. When you come to a stop you have to reach down and release the strap to remove your foot but over time it will become second nature.

I usually ride with clipless pedals but recently I bought a pair of Sylvan touring pedals with clips and straps and I find that it is a very comfortable and secure system. I wear stiff bike shoes but I reinserted the little removable sole piece. I like the system so much I am considering using the toe clip pedals on my next tour.