Bike tips from a Dutch guy :-) Experiencing numbness or pain on the bike is not normal. It is often caused by a poor bike fit. Try to get that sorted before it spoils your riding. Often you don't need a new saddle, handlebar, short, don't fall into the trap of buying new stuff. Try to find the most comfortable position with the bike you have.
Great video Tony, glad you are having fun on your new "steed". Just some tips to share as you get started from my experience putting many hours in on my triathlon bike years ago - 1. WRT the sunglasses, when I was cycling, they saved my eyes dozens of times from bugs, bees, flying debris. In fact on cloudy/rainy days, I wore clear/amber glasses to protect my eyes, I never rode my bike without some sort of eye protection. 2. When you can/COVID allows, can't recommend enough getting to a bike shop that understands fitting a triathlon bike. While there, have a look at getting some cycling shoes and clipless pedals, you will be able to get so much more power transferred to the pedals that way. 3. I had to really work hard on keeping my lower back and core strong when cycling. This prevented me putting too much weight on my hands/handlebars as I was able to use my core and lower back to keep my body in the correct position. This alleviated a lot of pain in my hands/arms/shoulders. 4. As you get more time in the saddle, you will get more confident, just like many other sports and will be able to get more comfy and confident in the aero position. 5. Especially after you get the cycling shoes (which are not easy to walk in), make sure you have some sort of repair kit that includes a spare tube/tire, some way to pump up the tire if you need to repair a flat and some basic tools to tighten anything that might come loose. These are just some basic ideas that come to mind for now, excited for you as you grow as a cyclist! RELENTLESS. Cheers, Scott
CONGRATS on your progress! I took up road cycling about a year ago and LOVE it. You will become obsessed as some point on your journey but that is a good thing. I agree with others about getting a bike fit to help with some of the issues you have.. but also look up GCN (Global Cycling Network) on here because they have a ton of free advice to help you get stronger and to feel more confident on the bike.
Tony, Nice bike!! This may or may have not come up yet for your cycling attire. I know from my own personal experience as I started off just like you not feeling comfortable wearing shorts that made me feel like I had a diaper on 😆. You’ll quickly get over it when you have a true cycling kit and you’ll be amazed on how comfortable you feel. You also quickly forget about what you look like as your able to fully enjoy your ride. I believe I noticed someone else mentioning a bike fit. This is super important as well as this will help with your overall comfort. The numbness you’re getting can be greatly reduced with a proper fit. Over time once you build your bike handling skills you’ll probably want to looking into some cycling shoes. This can help with your pedal efficiency when you’re able to pull up while spinning. Oh yeah, I also find that having friends on Strava is nice for some motivation as well. I use my Strava to record all my Rides, Runs, Swims, ect to review my data and compare later. It’s also fun on a competitive side too when you have segments that you’re trying to go after. “Lights.. both front and rear at all times even during the day” “Safety beacon and ICE contact info” “Ride in groups if possible or stick to bike paths/trails” Strava is a good source for finding cycling clubs in your area to ride with. Another idea is joining ride groups from your local bike shops. Both of these will help you with learning more about your bike as everyone in the cycling community is very friendly. Check out Adobovelo cycling club. There a really great cycling club that’s all over California, AZ and NV. I’m a member of the Las Vegas Chapter and this group is awesome. facebook.com/groups/187206758125570/?ref=share Enjoy the sport and keep up the awesome progress and new lifestyle. Voodu Ranger
To help with the hands work on core and squeeze your butt while you ride. Planks every night strengthens and help you not put pressure on hands to hold yourself up.
Beutiful Bike, Just making some Suggestions, and feedback as you suggested. . 1) For your Thumbs Get a BIKE Fit. 2) TT Bikes, are more for Aero which will be less comfortable. 3) Invest in SPD Pedals/ Cleats and Shoes. 4) Get Strava and Track your friends and Buddies.
Bike tips from a Dutch guy :-) Experiencing numbness or pain on the bike is not normal. It is often caused by a poor bike fit. Try to get that sorted before it spoils your riding. Often you don't need a new saddle, handlebar, short, don't fall into the trap of buying new stuff. Try to find the most comfortable position with the bike you have.
I will do that thank you!!
Great video Tony, glad you are having fun on your new "steed". Just some tips to share as you get started from my experience putting many hours in on my triathlon bike years ago -
1. WRT the sunglasses, when I was cycling, they saved my eyes dozens of times from bugs, bees, flying debris. In fact on cloudy/rainy days, I wore clear/amber glasses to protect my eyes, I never rode my bike without some sort of eye protection.
2. When you can/COVID allows, can't recommend enough getting to a bike shop that understands fitting a triathlon bike. While there, have a look at getting some cycling shoes and clipless pedals, you will be able to get so much more power transferred to the pedals that way.
3. I had to really work hard on keeping my lower back and core strong when cycling. This prevented me putting too much weight on my hands/handlebars as I was able to use my core and lower back to keep my body in the correct position. This alleviated a lot of pain in my hands/arms/shoulders.
4. As you get more time in the saddle, you will get more confident, just like many other sports and will be able to get more comfy and confident in the aero position.
5. Especially after you get the cycling shoes (which are not easy to walk in), make sure you have some sort of repair kit that includes a spare tube/tire, some way to pump up the tire if you need to repair a flat and some basic tools to tighten anything that might come loose.
These are just some basic ideas that come to mind for now, excited for you as you grow as a cyclist! RELENTLESS.
Cheers, Scott
Such great practical advice, thank you!!!
CONGRATS on your progress! I took up road cycling about a year ago and LOVE it. You will become obsessed as some point on your journey but that is a good thing. I agree with others about getting a bike fit to help with some of the issues you have.. but also look up GCN (Global Cycling Network) on here because they have a ton of free advice to help you get stronger and to feel more confident on the bike.
Put some painters tape on the bottom of the frame to protect the paint.
Tony,
Nice bike!!
This may or may have not come up yet for your cycling attire. I know from my own personal experience as I started off just like you not feeling comfortable wearing shorts that made me feel like I had a diaper on 😆.
You’ll quickly get over it when you have a true cycling kit and you’ll be amazed on how comfortable you feel. You also quickly forget about what you look like as your able to fully enjoy your ride.
I believe I noticed someone else mentioning a bike fit. This is super important as well as this will help with your overall comfort. The numbness you’re getting can be greatly reduced with a proper fit. Over time once you build your bike handling skills you’ll probably want to looking into some cycling shoes. This can help with your pedal efficiency when you’re able to pull up while spinning.
Oh yeah, I also find that having friends on Strava is nice for some motivation as well. I use my Strava to record all my Rides, Runs, Swims, ect to review my data and compare later. It’s also fun on a competitive side too when you have segments that you’re trying to go after.
“Lights.. both front and rear at all times even during the day”
“Safety beacon and ICE contact info”
“Ride in groups if possible or stick to bike paths/trails” Strava is a good source for finding cycling clubs in your area to ride with. Another idea is joining ride groups from your local bike shops. Both of these will help you with learning more about your bike as everyone in the cycling community is very friendly.
Check out Adobovelo cycling club. There a really great cycling club that’s all over California, AZ and NV. I’m a member of the Las Vegas Chapter and this group is awesome.
facebook.com/groups/187206758125570/?ref=share
Enjoy the sport and keep up the awesome progress and new lifestyle.
Voodu Ranger
I expected a bird on a bike🤣. Kidding! You have been doing so well dude. Well done on your progress.
Love the humility! Motivated for my bike sesh tonight 😤
Have fun!
To help with the hands work on core and squeeze your butt while you ride. Planks every night strengthens and help you not put pressure on hands to hold yourself up.
Ohhhhh ya my core isnt engaged almost at all. Thank you!!
This was a great watch man! I’m also shopping for my first bike so def learned a few things.
Glad I could help!
Beutiful Bike, Just making some Suggestions, and feedback as you suggested. . 1) For your Thumbs Get a BIKE Fit. 2) TT Bikes, are more for Aero which will be less comfortable. 3) Invest in SPD Pedals/ Cleats and Shoes. 4) Get Strava and Track your friends and Buddies.
Ride in Australia in September-October the magpies attack you (swoop) when you ride past their nests ;)
hahaha ya its intense
@@FocusFightFinish sure is :)
Iam a keen cyclest and losing weight through it on gloves I would suggest gel gloves
Ok ya I need to get on that gel pad game!
Amazing brother
Thank you so much!
‘Yep, just got punched by a burd’ 😂
hahaha so crazy
I am doing a virtual triathlon in June! Nice bike! What camera are you using?
Thank you! For the bike stuff I am using the gopro hero 9, for everything else I use the sony a73
Damn thats a sick bike!
Thanks!