"more padding does not mean more comfort"... I agree. After some time, that soft, thick padding gets compressed and becomes hard. Whereas a stiffer, denser, thinner padding stays compliant over the whole ride.
Well, take the cushy smp trk. Too much padding and if you're really putting some watts down you can bounce like a jackhammer because of it. Hence I use the selle snp avant. The lite 209 is too narrow
As someone with an injury to right arm that is causing paralysis, more padding is definitely more comfort. The uninjured left side of my body does not give a fuck about gloves, padding, etc. but my injured right side of body always hurts bad even under good conditions but a good glove and seat at least helps.
I started double-taping the tops of my bars when I hurt my wrist a long time ago, and I liked it so much I've kept doing it. Its looks big and odd when it's first put on, but it quickly compresses enough not to look out of place, but is still much softer than one layer
Hey Reginald, good topic . Two years back I purchased a leather riveted saddle and found it to be the most comfortable in my over 50 yrs of riding. As far as I’m concerned to each their own. I find it better looking than a Brooks Pro saddle. Looking forward to your next video and the lovely ride I’ve planned for tomorrow. All the best!
I find standing up for roots/big dips, going slower over wooden bridges, and just getting used to it works well for me. If my rear end is sore and I want to ride I just take the ole mtb out. I have used the cane creek eesilk+ and it's kind of like going from 23mm to 28mm tires in my experience, a little better then 28's for big impacts too. I like the way the smaller tires "sing" while riding fast so I stick with them.
Haha, I feel myself more comfortable around cars (I'm apologist for vehicular cycling) than on the bike lane surrounded by mono-wheelers, scooterists, throttle e-bikers and pedestrians.
Another great video Reginald. We ride because we love it, always better to be comfortable, nothing worse than being beaten up by your bike on a ride. I rode a hilly time trial once on an aluminium bike and rode at 9 bar when I was 60kgs on rough chiltern tarmac-never rode at that pressure on that bike again!
I think you also can feel better on your bike just by just riding it more often (two or three 2h moderate speed rides a week for 2 or 3 weeks) let your body adapt to the position. the more you ride the better you feel. Shoes sole helped me a lot too, if your not compfy in your shoes you can develop pain somewhere esle because your body try to compensate by putting strenght and tension on an other part of your body
First trick is being wise or lucky enough to avoid frame brands/builders with proprietary components locked in like Trek style seatposts, or integrated handlebar/stems. I don't need their so claimed aero gains. I just need a traditional style build with a round seatpost, swappable stems, handlebars etc so I can upgrade the components as I go along, and, if a new seatpost/stem/handlebar product is released to market, there's a high probability I can just swap it out rather than have to sell my bike.
I've tried suspension forks, and they work but are heavy. I've recently tried a Redshift suspension stem, and its a revelation. It takes out the worst of the road irregularities without changing the feel ot the bike. As for shorts, I have a very comfortable pair from Lidl and wear them with the padded underwear from the same source. Excellent as well as cheap.
@@reginaldscot165 gives about 20mm travel and uses elastomer springs so it has a bit of damping too. It comes with 4 interchangeable springs to tune for rider weight.
+1 for the Redshift stuff. It works beautifully and does not add much weight to the bike. Also the eesilk seatpost with the small elastomer is very very nice one. Both do not substantially alter the characteristics of the bike, yet provide comfort like you'd be riding 45-50 mm tires. No full suspension MTB with narrow slicks on it will have that small-bump filtering performance ...
I suppose our perceptions can be relative based on where we live and ride. When I watch your ride videos, I find myself wishing there were as few cars on the road when I ride. Sorry to hear you've been hit by cars. I've been hit by cars too. The first thought that goes through my head..."My bike!" Typical cyclist I am.
Well last time I was in a serious RTA my thought was “where did that car come fro” and “that’s a lot of blood.” The UK was worse for cars than here, but the dangers are just different. 😳 Safe riding my friend! 🙏🏻🙂
I have a few bikes that I ride regularly and none is smoother than the Bianchi TSX steel frame. I built this bike using that frame in 1993. It has Chorus 8 speed with Shamal HPW wheels on Continental GP 5000, these days. It's not the lightest bike I've got but if I could only keep one, it would be the Bianchi. The sort of bike you can ride all day, almost without fatigue, it is that smooth. Some great advice in this video, Reginald. Maybe another thing to add would some regular stretching/yoga off the bike as this definitely helps me to maintain a good riding position.
That’s a good point, I’ve never been one for stretching but that’s actually something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Sounds like a nice bike. Safe riding! 🙂👍🏻
Even though you exhibit some very strange views on the effects of being hit by cars and that you include awkward references to drugs, I do agree with your most logical views on technologies and riding in general. Great videos.
By "immune to cars" perhaps you meant psychologically desensitized to the notion of being struck by a car. Your body is completely vulnerable to any motor vehicle that hits you. Stay safe out there people
Great topic, i'm a newbie (pandemic) cyclist. Picked up aluminium gravel bike (local brand, Polygon Bend R2) with 650B tyres 3 yrs ago, and decided to try chromoly bike (Marin Nicasio) and modify it to larger tyres (from 30mm to 32mm). Have to agree with you by choosing the material wisely. I dont mind riding slower with more comfortable bike.
Steel gravel bike! Great choice! My Gravel bike is also steel but it has canti brakes as it’s an old 80s touring frame I modified. They make wonderful “do it all” bikes.🙂
Good advice on bike comfort. I agree with you that ride comfort is the upmost thing. I used to be worried about bike weight but not anymore. And I bought all my saddles from marketplace so you wouldn’t be spending on something that you not sure if suits you after hitting 50km or more. And so far I found smp saddle seems to agree with my bottom and even though it looks a bit off like an eagle. Keep up with your honest content and really appreciate it!
After 44 years of riding many different road bikes and tyre systems I have come to the universal conclusion that TUBULAR tyres are objectively best for every reason for every rider. I would say anyone advocating otherwise does not have a good appreciation of their relative costs and benefits. In my experience there is nothing better for comfort, grip or any other criteria.
Oh, and as I am with tubulars 😉, you are definitely 100% correct about quality handmade steel/alloy and titanium frames being superior than carbon. There can be no doubt about the points you have made in their favour.
I bought a supension seat post thinking it would be a good thing. I worked out that I think I was too light for it a 70 something kgs. I swapped it out for a carbon one that is lightweight and feels good on my lynsky. I have gel inserts on my handle bars under the bar tape, and I like them and have black cork tape over the top.
With regard to saddles and also for newebie cyclists. Saddles are a very personal choice and can take some time to find the perfect one for you. Sometimes you get lucky, like me and I found one after my first try: Selle SMP. However, it is also important for total newbies to cycling, that the first three months of , say daily, cycling, the body goes through a big adjustment period. I had to do a lot of little adjustments to my bike fit in that time. I did this with the aid of a lot of youtube videos. I changed my saddle, and then also pedals. I tried the most popular shimano PDs, and also played around with the cleats of different range of freedom they offer. They all caused me knee pain. I tried Speedplay pedals and they did the trick. Six months of experimenting, and it's all just perfect. Getting comfy bike fit does need a lot of work and it is best not to adjust too many variables all at once. Each adjustment needs testing out. Maybe one ride is enough, sometimes more. It takes time.
Coming from a hybrid bike with front suspension to a gravel bike, one thing I can say is I don't really notice the lack of suspension. I only notice it when there is a nasty bump in the road. So I'm just experimenting with tire pressure and working or reading the road and setting up ahead of time to be ready. Use the legs.
Excellent video with a good layout of comfort options, some I had not considered. Let me also add, I do have suspension seatposts (2 bikes) and a suspension headtube (Specialized variety on a carbon gravel frame). I really like the suspension seatposts but they are significantly heavier than regular posts, so you get penalized if you are counting grams. But I find them very comfortable and acceptable since I don't ride for winning / time. The headtube flex device I hardly notice. Frankly I think its still a carbon buzz fest. So I'm not sold on them completely.
@@reginaldscot165 I suspect you are lighter than me given your regimen. That said, I have the spring(s) adjusted stiffer to minimize the flex. It's really good. Default was horrible and bottomed out for me. But to each his / her own.
I would say if you don’t notice your handlebars and saddle then you have it spot on 👍 I use Bontrager VR-CF Aero bars, Lizard Skins 2.5mm tape and a Fizik Aliante saddle and don’t think about them during a ride.
On aluminium frames, I think they are a good thing if you pick the right builders. Recently, they have changed a lot, and they can be manipulated more than before and might be a good choice for many riders over many carbon frames that fail, being more robust. I had a giant aluminium frame and hated it so much, but I always loved my classic aluminium guericiotti, which is the same as an Allen frame. It feels better than steel and very smooth because it absorbed road vibration so well on the not so smooth roads. I prefer to buy italian designed frames as to me they just feel right with good geometry. I have a riden trek, ceturion, and giant some others, and it's thanks, but no thanks. The more bikes you try, the more you will be in cycling utopia, and it is not all about buying the most expensive bikes. The aluminium bikes just might be underrated.
Finally seeing a bit more of Brunei besides busy highways... ;P Thanks for the insights and would love to see more - also would love to see some gravel roads there. :) The living standard according to the houses and cars seems to be quite high there... Else, as usual a nice video and helpful content. Keep up! :) PS: Really would be curious about the comfort of the available Ti-Forks
You can't build an immunity to being hit by a car. What you can do, however, is build up a higher degree of awareness of what you need to look for to stay out of accidents. That's not an immunity.
my Colnago steel frame back then was comfortable, yes - until you get to descents; it often scared me a lot because it was so soft and at speeds between 60 and 75 kph out of a sudden the handelbar started fluttering like crazy. Believe me, that doesn’t feel nice! It’s the reverse side of comfy soft steel frames (at least if you are tall and have to ride large frames - 60cm in my case). The safe feeling on my newer aluminum and carbon bikes is also sort of comfort
I’m only on a 55cm bikes and I don’t often hit 76kph that’s for sure! I hit 60+ on my steel bike today, but it was solid as a rock… having said that it’s a modern steel frame and they have come a long way in tube technology. 🙂👍🏻
Best road riding I had was back 4 years ago with a certain global event,there was very little traffic.I haven't tried a Brooks saddle in all my years of riding but am told if you wear them in to your shape they fit great after a time.I will try some 3D printed saddles when I can.Reg you could try a steel fork,will add some weight though. My Bianchi came with one(500g) but flexed a bit so I replaced with carbon. I have 3 90s bikes with 1'' steerers so can interchange them. Best advice for comfort is get some decent knicks ,the cheap ones can bunch up or have seams in awkward places.Use chamois cream or vaseline for longer rides.
Great comment, I have a steel fork on my other steel bike and it’s great, but yes heavy. I’m also interested to test a 3D saddle, I’ve had them in the shop but never tried one yet. 🙂
I've tried aluminium frame hybrid with suspension fork,to be honest,rigid steel frame and fork feels more comfortable even without suspension,and a steel seatpost if out enough gives suspension in itself
I've got a made to measure steel frame, and had a bike fit, but my arse aches after less than an hour. I'm assuming i need a new saddle, or saddle tilt?
@@reginaldscot165 trying new saddles can be very expensive... Is there one saddle that you find most people like? I'd like a centre relief channel, I'm pretty flexible, 66kg. Ideally I'll get one second hand and ride for a while. If no good I'll sell it on again.
I would say wrong saddle. There are videos on the subject, and I went from an expensive italian saddle to a specialised brand that supported my sit bones better. Check your sit bone width first, and you will know your stating point.
Gravel bikes are basically a 90s MTB with drop bars… and personally I’d rather have a 90s MTB. 😂 I have a steel MTB that I put drops on and made to my do/all bike. I call it a gravel bike… 🙂👍🏻
Well it was probably the most expensive thing to try, so it was clever to try everything else first. 😉 Yes they do have a lot more flex than aluminium. 👍🏻🙂
@@reginaldscot165 Definitely the way to go,a plethora evidence now supports them. I use a Redshift pro suspension seatpost on the gravel bike as well,it’s transformative. Give the Redshift stem (or a Vecnum) a go.
Are carbon/ti seat posts ok in steel frames? I went for aluminum seat post/stem/bar. Much cheaper and almost as light as carbon. Had never considered the comfort penalty.
Carbon is a problem in anything. Titanium on steel shouldn’t be a problem but with both you should add something like grip paste for carbon and grease for metal. If the Ti post gets stuck (unlikely) boiling water will get it out. 👍🏻🙂
@@reginaldscot165After I watched this video, I found a spanner on the side of the road. Guess what? It was a 21 /24mm open ended Snap-On one. Karma for all those tools that I lent to people over the years and never got back!
Riding crouched down like a pro is really impossible on a public road. In a race they can put their head down to ease pressure on the neck. When you need to constantly keep you eyes up and your head turning it's not healthy.
have you seen all those aero road bikes with over-extended seat posts? so many consumers trying to emulate the pros; how could the ride be comfortable if your rear-end is sky high and you're bent over? if you also see these consumers' respective video reels, their pedal strokes are not optimum: straight legs; toes pointed straight down at the bottom stroke to compensate for the far reach ...
Tubeless isn't worth it on narrow road tires most which come with decent puncture protection. My currently bike is a Surly Midnight Special running 40c Pirelli semi slicks. Without a tubeless setup I would be getting flats all the time. Wider gravel/mtb tires don't have much in the way of puncture protection otherwise they'd be quite heavy. Conti 4-Seasons are a damned good tire and I ran them on my old road bike and not once did I ever puncture.
"25mm tires, yay!" Isn't this video supposed to be about ways to improve comfort? 30mm tires @50psi will make more difference than frame material or tube shape and no, they won't roll slower. You make many good points but your bias against fat tires is not doing people looking to improve their comfort on the road any favors.
Well, I’m yet to do my test on if that is true about fatter tyres being slower. (Need to get in shape first 😂) but I’d definitely disagree about the frame. I normally ride 23mm tyres without any issues at all and my bike feels way more comfortable than my friends carbon bikes on 28s! If you hit a bump in the road that vibration still travels through the frame and components to get to you, (no matter what tyres you use.) So the frame makes a big difference. I have another old steel bike that I’ve run with 23s and all the way up to 37mm so I have plenty of anecdotal data on this. 😁👍🏻
Your notion that wider tyres = more comfort is flawed. You should specify exactly which tyres. You can have comfortable 23 mm tyres and "wooden"/"dead" 42 mm tyres (poking at you, Schwalbe Marathon).
Now that I’ve restored my cycling mojo and I’m very consistent with riding outside and in the garage on my trainer I have found myself using chamois cream/butter for EVERY SINGLE RIDE!. Obviously this increases my on bike comfort on the longer rides but equally important my off bike comfort has been noticeable improved. With regard to Bib shorts I wear XXL size bibs but I am only 170cms tall. Yeah a big lad in the wrong areas. I recently shortened the straps by a few inches and this has stopped the bunching up. Not a pretty modification but neither am I when wearing Lycra!.
@@reginaldscot165 I'm just saying that your bike would be much more comfortable with wider tires and comfort is what your video is all about. As far as speed no need for testing, it's already been thoroughly done.
Gotta disagree about clipless pedals. For me it's lovely cycling in regular trainers. Also I love to get off the bike sometimes and explore hiking trails etc. I tried clipless and felt like my shoe feeling like the actual pedal wasn't a good feeling. I like being able to move my feet around on flats. Also I think they are dangerous, you lose the front wheel and you are likely gonna get injured. With flats there is a good chance you can get yr foot down to save yr self.
Not everyone is the same. 🙂 Personally I find having my foot on a fixed stable position really helps. But it’s important people find what works for them. 👍🏻🙂
I have used Conti. 4 seasons and had 3 punctures within 4 weeks [admittedly middle of winter with sh*t on the roads] - changed to Schwalbe Pro Ones and they are amazing !! btw Gatorskins are one of the worst tyres out there.
I don’t mind Gatorskin, I certainly don’t experience anything that indicates to me why they get so much hate? I have gone years without any flats on the 4 seasons. But a lot of it is to do with luck. Some stuff you hit will go through anything! 🤷🏻♂️😂
You didn't mention the angle of the saddle; a man's saddle should be horizontal or a few millimetres higher at the front. A saddle which slopes up towards the back is generally uncomfortable.
Would that not be included under the category of “bike fit?” 😁 I actually have my saddle pointed down 3 degrees and for my aggressive fit that works well. Most of my customers are flat or 1-2 degrees down. I almost never find that point up works for people? But I know some riders (not fitted by me) that do point it up. 🙂👍🏻
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
Ride your bike to avoid chores.
- a Greek philosopher
He must have been very wise. 😉👍🏻
"more padding does not mean more comfort"... I agree. After some time, that soft, thick padding gets compressed and becomes hard. Whereas a stiffer, denser, thinner padding stays compliant over the whole ride.
I also feel that the thick padded saddle sort of move around a lot and give you soreness and hot spots for some reason. 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for the comment!
Well said
Well, take the cushy smp trk. Too much padding and if you're really putting some watts down you can bounce like a jackhammer because of it. Hence I use the selle snp avant. The lite 209 is too narrow
As someone with an injury to right arm that is causing paralysis, more padding is definitely more comfort. The uninjured left side of my body does not give a fuck about gloves, padding, etc. but my injured right side of body always hurts bad even under good conditions but a good glove and seat at least helps.
I started double-taping the tops of my bars when I hurt my wrist a long time ago, and I liked it so much I've kept doing it. Its looks big and odd when it's first put on, but it quickly compresses enough not to look out of place, but is still much softer than one layer
It makes sense 👍🏻🙂
Hey Reginald, good topic .
Two years back I purchased a leather riveted saddle and found it to be the most comfortable in my over 50 yrs of riding.
As far as I’m concerned to each their own.
I find it better looking than a Brooks Pro saddle.
Looking forward to your next video and the lovely ride
I’ve planned for tomorrow.
All the best!
My farther had a leather Brooks saddle, they have a lot of fans that’s for sure. Great tip!
All the best and thanks! 😁👍🏻
Brooks pro saddle is very comfy. Place in a bucket of water for a while then put on you bike and ride it til it dries. Now you have a modeled saddle.
@@josephpennella3396I got an indian fake brooks saddle and it’s the best!
I find standing up for roots/big dips, going slower over wooden bridges, and just getting used to it works well for me. If my rear end is sore and I want to ride I just take the ole mtb out.
I have used the cane creek eesilk+ and it's kind of like going from 23mm to 28mm tires in my experience, a little better then 28's for big impacts too. I like the way the smaller tires "sing" while riding fast so I stick with them.
Good comment, thanks! 🙂👍🏻
Haha, I feel myself more comfortable around cars (I'm apologist for vehicular cycling) than on the bike lane surrounded by mono-wheelers, scooterists, throttle e-bikers and pedestrians.
That’s true, when it’s car free Sunday in the city people cycle crazy! 😂
Me too. Cars are generally much more predictable.
Another great video Reginald. We ride because we love it, always better to be comfortable, nothing worse than being beaten up by your bike on a ride. I rode a hilly time trial once on an aluminium bike and rode at 9 bar when I was 60kgs on rough chiltern tarmac-never rode at that pressure on that bike again!
Sounds bone shaking! 😅 Yes indeed, ride for the love of riding! Thank you so much, I really appreciate the support. 🙏🏻🙂
I think you also can feel better on your bike just by just riding it more often (two or three 2h moderate speed rides a week for 2 or 3 weeks) let your body adapt to the position. the more you ride the better you feel. Shoes sole helped me a lot too, if your not compfy in your shoes you can develop pain somewhere esle because your body try to compensate by putting strenght and tension on an other part of your body
That’s very true, the more you ride the better you feel. 😇👍🏻
First trick is being wise or lucky enough to avoid frame brands/builders with proprietary components locked in like Trek style seatposts, or integrated handlebar/stems. I don't need their so claimed aero gains. I just need a traditional style build with a round seatpost, swappable stems, handlebars etc so I can upgrade the components as I go along, and, if a new seatpost/stem/handlebar product is released to market, there's a high probability I can just swap it out rather than have to sell my bike.
Agreed! 👍🏻
I've tried suspension forks, and they work but are heavy. I've recently tried a Redshift suspension stem, and its a revelation. It takes out the worst of the road irregularities without changing the feel ot the bike.
As for shorts, I have a very comfortable pair from Lidl and wear them with the padded underwear from the same source. Excellent as well as cheap.
Cool! Nice to hear about stuff I’ve never tried. 🙂👍🏻
@@reginaldscot165 gives about 20mm travel and uses elastomer springs so it has a bit of damping too. It comes with 4 interchangeable springs to tune for rider weight.
+1 for the Redshift stuff. It works beautifully and does not add much weight to the bike. Also the eesilk seatpost with the small elastomer is very very nice one. Both do not substantially alter the characteristics of the bike, yet provide comfort like you'd be riding 45-50 mm tires. No full suspension MTB with narrow slicks on it will have that small-bump filtering performance ...
I suppose our perceptions can be relative based on where we live and ride. When I watch your ride videos, I find myself wishing there were as few cars on the road when I ride. Sorry to hear you've been hit by cars.
I've been hit by cars too. The first thought that goes through my head..."My bike!" Typical cyclist I am.
Well last time I was in a serious RTA my thought was “where did that car come fro” and “that’s a lot of blood.”
The UK was worse for cars than here, but the dangers are just different. 😳
Safe riding my friend! 🙏🏻🙂
I have a few bikes that I ride regularly and none is smoother than the Bianchi TSX steel frame. I built this bike using that frame in 1993. It has Chorus 8 speed with Shamal HPW wheels on Continental GP 5000, these days. It's not the lightest bike I've got but if I could only keep one, it would be the Bianchi. The sort of bike you can ride all day, almost without fatigue, it is that smooth.
Some great advice in this video, Reginald.
Maybe another thing to add would some regular stretching/yoga off the bike as this definitely helps me to maintain a good riding position.
That’s a good point, I’ve never been one for stretching but that’s actually something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Sounds like a nice bike. Safe riding! 🙂👍🏻
Even though you exhibit some very strange views on the effects of being hit by cars and that you include awkward references to drugs, I do agree with your most logical views on technologies and riding in general.
Great videos.
That’s good, the bits you didn’t understand are a result of my “sense of humour” and are not supposed to be taken seriously. 🙂
I always appreciate someone willing to clear obstacles off the road. 🥹👊🏼👍🏼
Thank you! Safe travels! ❤️
Reg, what is the max tire size on your steel bike here? 32” could mash through that mud. Or not. 🫠😱🥶
By "immune to cars" perhaps you meant psychologically desensitized to the notion of being struck by a car. Your body is completely vulnerable to any motor vehicle that hits you. Stay safe out there people
With time you will understand when I’m being sarcastic and satirical. 😆
Great topic, i'm a newbie (pandemic) cyclist. Picked up aluminium gravel bike (local brand, Polygon Bend R2) with 650B tyres 3 yrs ago, and decided to try chromoly bike (Marin Nicasio) and modify it to larger tyres (from 30mm to 32mm). Have to agree with you by choosing the material wisely. I dont mind riding slower with more comfortable bike.
Steel gravel bike! Great choice! My Gravel bike is also steel but it has canti brakes as it’s an old 80s touring frame I modified. They make wonderful “do it all” bikes.🙂
Good advice on bike comfort. I agree with you that ride comfort is the upmost thing. I used to be worried about bike weight but not anymore. And I bought all my saddles from marketplace so you wouldn’t be spending on something that you not sure if suits you after hitting 50km or more. And so far I found smp saddle seems to agree with my bottom and even though it looks a bit off like an eagle. Keep up with your honest content and really appreciate it!
Thank you kindly and good job finding the right saddle! 🙂👍🏻
After 44 years of riding many different road bikes and tyre systems I have come to the universal conclusion that TUBULAR tyres are objectively best for every reason for every rider. I would say anyone advocating otherwise does not have a good appreciation of their relative costs and benefits. In my experience there is nothing better for comfort, grip or any other criteria.
Interesting, thank you for letting us know about your experience on tyres. 🙂👍🏻
Safe riding. 🙏🏻
Oh, and as I am with tubulars 😉, you are definitely 100% correct about quality handmade steel/alloy and titanium frames being superior than carbon. There can be no doubt about the points you have made in their favour.
I bought a supension seat post thinking it would be a good thing. I worked out that I think I was too light for it a 70 something kgs. I swapped it out for a carbon one that is lightweight and feels good on my lynsky. I have gel inserts on my handle bars under the bar tape, and I like them and have black cork tape over the top.
Sounds good to me. 🙂
With regard to saddles and also for newebie cyclists. Saddles are a very personal choice and can take some time to find the perfect one for you. Sometimes you get lucky, like me and I found one after my first try: Selle SMP. However, it is also important for total newbies to cycling, that the first three months of , say daily, cycling, the body goes through a big adjustment period. I had to do a lot of little adjustments to my bike fit in that time. I did this with the aid of a lot of youtube videos. I changed my saddle, and then also pedals. I tried the most popular shimano PDs, and also played around with the cleats of different range of freedom they offer. They all caused me knee pain. I tried Speedplay pedals and they did the trick. Six months of experimenting, and it's all just perfect. Getting comfy bike fit does need a lot of work and it is best not to adjust too many variables all at once. Each adjustment needs testing out. Maybe one ride is enough, sometimes more. It takes time.
Good advice 👍🏻
I enjoy these videos. Nice to see my home country while listening to you.
Yes it is a nice home country. 🙂👍🏻
Coming from a hybrid bike with front suspension to a gravel bike, one thing I can say is I don't really notice the lack of suspension. I only notice it when there is a nasty bump in the road. So I'm just experimenting with tire pressure and working or reading the road and setting up ahead of time to be ready. Use the legs.
Cool 😎
Excellent video with a good layout of comfort options, some I had not considered. Let me also add, I do have suspension seatposts (2 bikes) and a suspension headtube (Specialized variety on a carbon gravel frame). I really like the suspension seatposts but they are significantly heavier than regular posts, so you get penalized if you are counting grams. But I find them very comfortable and acceptable since I don't ride for winning / time. The headtube flex device I hardly notice. Frankly I think its still a carbon buzz fest. So I'm not sold on them completely.
I find them a little too flexible for my liking, but for recreational rides they are probably great. 🙂👍🏻
@@reginaldscot165 I suspect you are lighter than me given your regimen. That said, I have the spring(s) adjusted stiffer to minimize the flex. It's really good. Default was horrible and bottomed out for me. But to each his / her own.
Agreed w lots of points & subscribed after the part about tubeless not for you. Facts 💯
I have a video all about tubeless and why i wouldn’t bother. Thank you! 🙏🏻😁
I would say if you don’t notice your handlebars and saddle then you have it spot on 👍 I use Bontrager VR-CF Aero bars, Lizard Skins 2.5mm tape and a Fizik Aliante saddle and don’t think about them during a ride.
Yes that’s a great way to explain it. When you find the right kit you forget about it being there and just enjoy the ride. 😎👍🏻
On aluminium frames, I think they are a good thing if you pick the right builders. Recently, they have changed a lot, and they can be manipulated more than before and might be a good choice for many riders over many carbon frames that fail, being more robust. I had a giant aluminium frame and hated it so much, but I always loved my classic aluminium guericiotti, which is the same as an Allen frame. It feels better than steel and very smooth because it absorbed road vibration so well on the not so smooth roads.
I prefer to buy italian designed frames as to me they just feel right with good geometry. I have a riden trek, ceturion, and giant some others, and it's thanks, but no thanks.
The more bikes you try, the more you will be in cycling utopia, and it is not all about buying the most expensive bikes.
The aluminium bikes just might be underrated.
I like aluminium bikes, nothing against them.
Finally seeing a bit more of Brunei besides busy highways... ;P Thanks for the insights and would love to see more - also would love to see some gravel roads there. :)
The living standard according to the houses and cars seems to be quite high there...
Else, as usual a nice video and helpful content. Keep up! :)
PS: Really would be curious about the comfort of the available Ti-Forks
Me too! I have no personal experience on Ti forks. I will do my best to get a bit further out. Maybe I will take my gravel bike out? 🙂
I love my ergon seatpost.
Cool 👍🏻🙂
You can't build an immunity to being hit by a car. What you can do, however, is build up a higher degree of awareness of what you need to look for to stay out of accidents. That's not an immunity.
Yes but that would take a level of intelligence I probably don’t possess. 😜
my Colnago steel frame back then was comfortable, yes - until you get to descents; it often scared me a lot because it was so soft and at speeds between 60 and 75 kph out of a sudden the handelbar started fluttering like crazy. Believe me, that doesn’t feel nice! It’s the reverse side of comfy soft steel frames (at least if you are tall and have to ride large frames - 60cm in my case). The safe feeling on my newer aluminum and carbon bikes is also sort of comfort
I’m only on a 55cm bikes and I don’t often hit 76kph that’s for sure! I hit 60+ on my steel bike today, but it was solid as a rock… having said that it’s a modern steel frame and they have come a long way in tube technology. 🙂👍🏻
Best road riding I had was back 4 years ago with a certain global event,there was very little traffic.I haven't tried a Brooks saddle in all my years of riding but am told if you wear them in to your shape they fit great after a time.I will try some 3D printed saddles when I can.Reg you could try a steel fork,will add some weight though. My Bianchi came with one(500g) but flexed a bit so I replaced with carbon. I have 3 90s bikes with 1'' steerers so can interchange them. Best advice for comfort is get some decent knicks ,the cheap ones can bunch up or have seams in awkward places.Use chamois cream or vaseline for longer rides.
Great comment, I have a steel fork on my other steel bike and it’s great, but yes heavy. I’m also interested to test a 3D saddle, I’ve had them in the shop but never tried one yet. 🙂
@@reginaldscot165 OZ cycle did a test recently of one about AU$90/NZ$100
I've tried aluminium frame hybrid with suspension fork,to be honest,rigid steel frame and fork feels more comfortable even without suspension,and a steel seatpost if out enough gives suspension in itself
Yes it’s surprising isn’t it! 😁
brill vid great clips amazing what haps when you go out run
Thank you! ❤️🙏🏻😍
Very nice place to be ridng
Thank you, I tried to find somewhere quite. 😁
I've got a made to measure steel frame, and had a bike fit, but my arse aches after less than an hour. I'm assuming i need a new saddle, or saddle tilt?
Good assumption. But it depends on the kind of pain as to the problem. Time to try new shorts or some saddles. 🙂👍🏻
you just need to ride more until the saddle fit 😂
@@tfa8 😬 after 5 years of 5 days a week I was hoping either the saddle or my arse would've been broken in by now 🤣
@@reginaldscot165 trying new saddles can be very expensive... Is there one saddle that you find most people like? I'd like a centre relief channel, I'm pretty flexible, 66kg. Ideally I'll get one second hand and ride for a while. If no good I'll sell it on again.
I would say wrong saddle. There are videos on the subject, and I went from an expensive italian saddle to a specialised brand that supported my sit bones better. Check your sit bone width first, and you will know your stating point.
What do you think about so called gravel bikes? Also,can 90's hybrid bike be converted to a road bike for travel?
Gravel bikes are basically a 90s MTB with drop bars… and personally I’d rather have a 90s MTB. 😂
I have a steel MTB that I put drops on and made to my do/all bike. I call it a gravel bike… 🙂👍🏻
After trying everything to alleviate sore hands. The last thing that I tried that actually stopped it was a set of carbon bars.
Well it was probably the most expensive thing to try, so it was clever to try everything else first. 😉 Yes they do have a lot more flex than aluminium. 👍🏻🙂
Redshift suspension stem and 32mm + tyres…the best road upgrades possible.
32mm? For “road?” Gravel bike needed. 😁👍🏻
@@reginaldscot165
Definitely the way to go,a plethora evidence now supports them.
I use a Redshift pro suspension seatpost on the gravel bike as well,it’s transformative.
Give the Redshift stem (or a Vecnum) a go.
32 for road.....??
28 mm GP5000 is a bit narrower than the GP4000S2. You get a bit more clearance.
Noted with thanks 😊
Yes... tubeless is just silly imo... and a horribly messy faff.
Good, then we are agreed. 😉
Are carbon/ti seat posts ok in steel frames?
I went for aluminum seat post/stem/bar. Much cheaper and almost as light as carbon. Had never considered the comfort penalty.
Carbon is a problem in anything. Titanium on steel shouldn’t be a problem but with both you should add something like grip paste for carbon and grease for metal. If the Ti post gets stuck (unlikely) boiling water will get it out. 👍🏻🙂
Isn´t carbon supposed to be more comfortable than aluminium because it´s supposed to be better at dampening vibrations?
Yes, it’s slightly better than aluminium for comfort. But it obviously depends on the frame type.
@@reginaldscot165After I watched this video, I found a spanner on the side of the road. Guess what? It was a 21 /24mm open ended Snap-On one. Karma for all those tools that I lent to people over the years and never got back!
Riding crouched down like a pro is really impossible on a public road. In a race they can put their head down to ease pressure on the neck. When you need to constantly keep you eyes up and your head turning it's not healthy.
That’s actually a really good point that I didn’t consider. Thank you! 🙂👍🏻
It's very good exercise and helps with staying flexible.
have you seen all those aero road bikes with over-extended seat posts? so many consumers trying to emulate the pros; how could the ride be comfortable if your rear-end is sky high and you're bent over? if you also see these consumers' respective video reels, their pedal strokes are not optimum: straight legs; toes pointed straight down at the bottom stroke to compensate for the far reach ...
What a disaster.
Where are you? Looks like south east asia, brunei?
It is 🇧🇳👍🏻
Tubeless isn't worth it on narrow road tires most which come with decent puncture protection. My currently bike is a Surly Midnight Special running 40c Pirelli semi slicks. Without a tubeless setup I would be getting flats all the time. Wider gravel/mtb tires don't have much in the way of puncture protection otherwise they'd be quite heavy. Conti 4-Seasons are a damned good tire and I ran them on my old road bike and not once did I ever puncture.
That’s my belief and experience also! 🙂👍🏻
"25mm tires, yay!" Isn't this video supposed to be about ways to improve comfort? 30mm tires @50psi will make more difference than frame material or tube shape and no, they won't roll slower. You make many good points but your bias against fat tires is not doing people looking to improve their comfort on the road any favors.
Well, I’m yet to do my test on if that is true about fatter tyres being slower. (Need to get in shape first 😂) but I’d definitely disagree about the frame. I normally ride 23mm tyres without any issues at all and my bike feels way more comfortable than my friends carbon bikes on 28s! If you hit a bump in the road that vibration still travels through the frame and components to get to you, (no matter what tyres you use.) So the frame makes a big difference. I have another old steel bike that I’ve run with 23s and all the way up to 37mm so I have plenty of anecdotal data on this. 😁👍🏻
Your notion that wider tyres = more comfort is flawed. You should specify exactly which tyres. You can have comfortable 23 mm tyres and "wooden"/"dead" 42 mm tyres (poking at you, Schwalbe Marathon).
Now that I’ve restored my cycling mojo and I’m very consistent with riding outside and in the garage on my trainer I have found myself using chamois cream/butter for EVERY SINGLE RIDE!. Obviously this increases my on bike comfort on the longer rides but equally important my off bike comfort has been noticeable improved. With regard to Bib shorts I wear XXL size bibs but I am only 170cms tall. Yeah a big lad in the wrong areas. I recently shortened the straps by a few inches and this has stopped the bunching up. Not a pretty modification but neither am I when wearing Lycra!.
@@tweed0929 I meant the same tires at different widths of course, e.g. Conti GP5000 25mm vs Conti GP5000 30mm. The 30mm will be more comfy for sure.
@@reginaldscot165 I'm just saying that your bike would be much more comfortable with wider tires and comfort is what your video is all about. As far as speed no need for testing, it's already been thoroughly done.
Where are you - Australia ?
Brunei 🇧🇳 🙂
Gotta disagree about clipless pedals. For me it's lovely cycling in regular trainers. Also I love to get off the bike sometimes and explore hiking trails etc. I tried clipless and felt like my shoe feeling like the actual pedal wasn't a good feeling. I like being able to move my feet around on flats. Also I think they are dangerous, you lose the front wheel and you are likely gonna get injured. With flats there is a good chance you can get yr foot down to save yr self.
Not everyone is the same. 🙂 Personally I find having my foot on a fixed stable position really helps. But it’s important people find what works for them. 👍🏻🙂
@1:41 look at the scribbling on that road sign... Reginald can you read that???
You might not believe this but that’s a Muslim prayer wishing drivers a safe journey. 😁
@@reginaldscot165 Sorry for calling it scribbling! But that's what it looks like 🤣
23:26 - whoever designed that grid must hate cyclists 😆
what about helmet?
Pick one that fits and is light. I have a video on this subject. 👍🏻🙂
@4:50 70km without stops?
Yes. Normally I drink about 750ml per 40km so with 2 bottles that should be possible. But you can go to 950ml bottles if needed l. 🙂👍🏻
I think you're tolerant but not resistant to cars, they'll still kill you.
The last thing I am is “tolerant.” 😄
The muddy area is the best argument FOR disc brakes. Get real.
Learn to to read the title of the video. “Road Bike.” 😜
I'm trying to apply the drug analogy to the penny farthing rider i see in chichester. Crystal meth?!
Ha ha Gin and tonic! 😂
I have used Conti. 4 seasons and had 3 punctures within 4 weeks [admittedly middle of winter with sh*t on the roads] - changed to Schwalbe Pro Ones and they are amazing !!
btw Gatorskins are one of the worst tyres out there.
I don’t mind Gatorskin, I certainly don’t experience anything that indicates to me why they get so much hate?
I have gone years without any flats on the 4 seasons. But a lot of it is to do with luck. Some stuff you hit will go through anything! 🤷🏻♂️😂
Why are Gatorskins bad? I ran the Hardshell ones for ages - they are just fine. I descended at 50mph+ with zero issues on a weekly basis...
I used a gatorskin for 3000 miles before it died from exposed carcass. Not a single puncture.
@@Silidons91 I have personally never had them on my bikes but from all the feedback I get they are trash.
I got the conti ultrasport III and they are really good no puncture after 1000 + km and still looking fresh
You didn't mention the angle of the saddle; a man's saddle should be horizontal or a few millimetres higher at the front. A saddle which slopes up towards the back is generally uncomfortable.
Would that not be included under the category of “bike fit?” 😁
I actually have my saddle pointed down 3 degrees and for my aggressive fit that works well. Most of my customers are flat or 1-2 degrees down. I almost never find that point up works for people? But I know some riders (not fitted by me) that do point it up. 🙂👍🏻
Immune to being struck by a car?
I think so… seems logical to me. 🤷🏻♂️
✔️ out the Lauf carbon fiber leaf spring forks. 🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼🫡
👍🏻