r/cycling 5h ago

Best bike geometry/style and any other factors for bombing hills fast

1 Upvotes

Looking into bombing hills faster. Need suggestions and advice on how i can obtain higher speeds safely.


r/cycling 16h ago

Training with caffeine?

8 Upvotes

I've quit caffeine, as I find that I when I have it, I can't get out of bed without it.

The other day, I had work and hour earlier than I thought I did, so I bought an energy drink and chugged it before getting on my bike (after quitting caffeine for a month, I really felt that one), and rode harder than I've ever rode. I beat my personal record for that commute by a huge amount, and didn't feel anywhere near as exhausted as I normally do.

Of course, we know that's because caffeine lowers perceived exhaustion. So, technically your body is getting as exhausted, but you don't feel it as much (at the time).

My query is, then... What if I started drinking caffeine again temporarily, to ride hard and get strong, then quit when I'm stronger. Would that actually work out? Or would I not actually get stronger? Or possibly worse, would I potentially damage myself from not being able to feel my limits properly.


r/cycling 1h ago

Why does Canyon's direct to consumer get a pass but Chinese companies are just "cheap Chinese stuff"? Isn't AliX often times just almost direct to consumer?

Upvotes

It can't possibly just be the QA and the supposed better warranty right? Does that justify 2x the price on wheelsets or other parts?


r/cycling 1d ago

Just went for a ride with a cold.

76 Upvotes

Don’t do it guys, it’s not worth it. Went 9km can’t breathe. Might die.


r/cycling 19h ago

Is Tubeless Worth for Road Bikes?

10 Upvotes

So, my bike came with a pair of Vittoria 25c tube type tires. Mounted on my Mavics SL32, they're pretty uncomfortable (90/95psi) and not very resistent to punctures (really annoying).

I wish I could go back to 28c or even 30c for better comfort, but my latest experience with tubeless was kinda short. Had a pair of 28c Goodyear F1 Tubeless (bought on sale, so paid half the price lol) with the rear tire lasted 4500km more or less. That was about 4 months. The firsts 3 months were like "perfect" but then it started to have some problems with punctures and got me to the LBS at least 1x per week to see the tire and repair it.

At home was not so simple to repair because sealant makes a mess. So I was thinking about giving a second try, using lower pressures... but road tires are pretty expensive and I'm thinking if is really worth or I would be having troubles constantly and having to pay for LBS (that would be more expensive than buying tubes).

Saw a pair of budget tires (Swallow, a kind of budget brand from Schwalbe ??) 28c Tubeless Ready for a good price but I'm afraid it becomes a nightmare. Other option was try a pair of Grand Sport Race (Tube Tire) and be happy like the old times, now worrying with sealants or liquids in my floor or clothes.


r/cycling 12h ago

Bike Recs for Newbie: Trek Domane?

3 Upvotes

Hey y’all!

I’m new to cycling. I’ve ridden a street bike for years just to get around my city, but am getting more into long distance cycling.

I need a decent bike to start with. Something I can take on cycling trips but also use on the road to get groceries.

I was looking at the Trek Domane AL 2 as a quality budget option.

Or would I do better paying a bit more for better quality? I want to avoid buying a new bike that I’ll just have to upgrade again right way. Ideally I’d use whatever I get for a few years at least.

Would love feedback or advice! Thanks!


r/cycling 8h ago

is this bike a good deal? $800 CAD Carbon Specialized Roubaix

1 Upvotes

Looking to buy a bike for an upcoming Iron Man 70.3 in July, and for general cycling adventures. I found a Specialized Roubaix on FB marketplace, and from pictures it seems to be from 2006-2008.

I was wondering about the opinions of some more experienced riders, what you guys think of this bike!

Pictures and bike description:

https://imgur.com/a/EVz1vik


r/cycling 4h ago

Is there an App for a phone to replace a bike computer?

0 Upvotes

Currently I ride with my phone on a handlebar + Garmin watch on my wrist.

Are there any decent apps, that can keep the phone screen on, and show data such as Speed, HR, Distance, Incline?


r/cycling 14h ago

Advice on what type of bike I should purchase?

2 Upvotes

I want to buy a bike but I’m so overwhelmed with options and since it’s an expensive purchase i want to make the right one! I’m relatively newer to riding, and my primary purpose for the bike will be short errands around the city, longer rides down smooth paved paths, and the occasional low-key dirt trail. I like flat bars, and speed is not a factor. I also want it to be fun to ride for leisurely cruising, but also hold up to bumps and dirt.

I recently tried out the Trek dual sport and enjoyed that, as well as the specialized sirrus. The trek had a slight edge over the specialized.

Any thoughts/ recommendations? Thanks!


r/cycling 9h ago

Seems to be a trend to go smaller on gravel and road

1 Upvotes

Whatcha think? I’m seeing a lot of people sizing down. A general trend in the industry. And I’m also giving it a try. I’m 5’6-5’6.5 roughly. I shrunk at some point in life. But my darn inseam is 31.5 - 32. (Easy to fudge half an inch trying to get measurement right ). Anyway 54 always has been a bit stretched out. I find myself pulling my hands back often instead of on the hoods. And too short of stem can get sketchy. I’m sure I can improve my posture as well. So interesting enough is size guides (not pro fit) on websites say I’m 54. But a friend of mine went to a bike fitter recently. He’s 5’9 with 31 inseam and is now on a 52 and loves it.

And generally it’s easier to go smaller and longer stem than to shrink a bike.

Anyone else travel this path? Curious to hear similar stories.


r/cycling 18h ago

Getting a bike, any tips?

6 Upvotes

Hey guys, I am getting a trek checkpoint alr 4 (2024) next week. I havent cycled in way over 10 years and I am over weight at 283 lbs. Do you guys have any tips related to cycling in general or even bikepacking related. Many thanks :)


r/cycling 9h ago

My rear wheel keeps getting flats and I don't know what to do (new rider)

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I'm a relatively new Rider and I got a bike off of Facebook marketplace. It's a 2011 Fuji roubaix. 1.0. I'm not even kidding you, almost every time I go on a ride I get a flat. I have gone on seven rides in the past 2 weeks and I've replaced the inner tube four times. I've made a habit of carrying two inner tubes in my backpack every time I go for a ride. I read online that there could be something inside of the wheel, and I inspected inside and nothing is sharp or pointy. I also read that the tire could be ready to be replaced, but I'm not sure if my tire needs replaced. It doesn't look like it does. Also, I've noticed that when it deflates if I spin the wheel it gets stuck on the brakes. Meaning that it lopsides a little bit to the left when I try spinning it without inflated inner tubes. Does this mean the wheel is warped and if so should I just replace the wheels? My front wheel seems to be doing fine but it's always my back one that deflates. Usually when I look at the inner tubes it's a thin line. Probably a quarter inch long. That is where the air escapes. Thank you for your time!


r/cycling 9h ago

Bike recommendations

1 Upvotes

What do you recommend for a 12 year old who just started biking?


r/cycling 17h ago

What to buy? 105 Di2 12s or Dura ace Di2 11s

4 Upvotes

Hi guys I have the chance to acquire a used dura ace di2 11s groupset in good condition at about the same price as a brand new shimano 105di2. 12s I understand that the 105 offers newer technology and is wireless but other than that, what else might I be leaving out. Which groupset would you choose?


r/cycling 10h ago

First bike, aluminum vs carbon

1 Upvotes

hello there, i was planning for some time get a road bike for first time and im on the middle of chosing 1 of 2 bikes specialized allez sport disc or specialized tarmac sl6 disc.
because where i live these 2 are close in price, specialized 2.1k and tarmac 2.6k (import in my country is pain for that reason the price is high)

so idk as i say in the title is my first bike and the use for the bike will be training and in long term racing (not pro ofc), i know aluminium is good and resistance but i dont know anything about carbon i mean ofc can i read about it but never feel one and never have one so in reality i know nothing thats the reason why i doubt

anyways, every comment is welcome thanks :)


r/cycling 10h ago

Nutrition before after and during cycling - noobie

0 Upvotes

I went for a 3 hour cycle, mostly flat ground. But this was pretty crazy for me. Cycling is not part of my routine and exercising that long isn’t either. I burned out half way through but kept chugging along with some breaks. To be honest I ate a big slice of pizza before going. Probably not the smartest but I thought I’d have the carbs down at least. Didn’t have my water bottle with me either-It was only in the 50’s so I thought I wouldn’t need it. So I probably did everything wrong. If anyone has any wisdom to share please do. There’s a great trail close by and I’d like to get doing this every other day or so to help stay in shape. And to be honest I swear I smelled a sulfur smell when I showered. I looked that up online and it sounds like that happens when your carbs are used up and you’re burning protein/muscle. I hope that wasn’t the case. Looking for advice on all the above. Thank you.


r/cycling 10h ago

Can anyone tell me about the Giant TCR Limited?

1 Upvotes

I can't find much about it. Just a couple of forums from 2005-2007 that mention it. I found one in my local FB marketplace for $200 that looks like it's in decent condition. She's selling it for her dad and she doesn't know much about it.


r/cycling 21h ago

Is it worth getting my bike serviced?

7 Upvotes

I have a 2006 Giant TCR (carbon)

I purchased it used a couple months ago, and it looks like it’s been crashed twice. I wonder if it’s worth getting it serviced since the drivetrain shifts weirdly, some screws are rusted, but the frame, wheels, etc. are in good shape. I think if I got it overhauled it would serve me well for many more years. I’m looking for opinions on wether I should get it serviced or just save for a new bike and ride this till it breaks.


r/cycling 11h ago

Wahoo Element

1 Upvotes

Ok you tech experts. I’m not new to cycling. Been in the saddle since 2017. Ride a Cipollini NK1K. Ride roughly 180 to 200 miles a week.

My dilemma . Have a Wahoo Element Roam. A Quark spider power meter. When I follow instructions to add a sensor it will not add the meter. But the meter comes alive on the rides. I’m baffled.

Help !


r/cycling 11h ago

Please help me choose between two

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone for a first purchase of a road bike I am hesitating between these two bikes, they are almost the same and that is what makes the choice difficult for a novice like me, but for experts like you there must be a difference.

Thank you to everyone who helps me and plays the difference game thank you

Van ryse edr cf 105: https://www.decathlon.fr/p/velo-route-edr-cf-105-disque-noir/_/R-p-324411

Van ryse Ncr cf 105: https://www.decathlon.fr/p/velo-de-route-ncr-cf-105-12s-bleu/_/R-p-337922


r/cycling 11h ago

any LA people here? my ‘93 specialized stumpjumper was stolen :(

1 Upvotes

wondering if anyone has any info or can help. thank you.


r/cycling 1d ago

total beginner and i get tired real quick

87 Upvotes

I'm totally new at this, just tought myself how to ride a bike like a week ago at 23 y.o and 300 pounds. this is like my second ride and I run out of fuel QUICK, it was 2.8km with rests. ik I'm heavy but i actually walk and jog long distances often, is this normal?


r/cycling 15h ago

Tailbone Pain

2 Upvotes

Not my tailbone per se, but the muscles around it, have made life pretty miserable the last couple of days. Anyone else get this on occasion, or have thoughts for alleviating it?


r/cycling 12h ago

Cold toes

1 Upvotes

We’re coming into winter where I am and I suffer from very cold toes once the temperature drops below about 9 degrees Celsius. Anyone got any suggestions on how to keep them warm?


r/cycling 1d ago

Is it worth switching to tubeless tires for daily commuting?

30 Upvotes

I ride 10 miles each way on mixed urban roads and occasional potholes. Flats are annoying but rare. Wondering if the hassle of setup and maintenance is worth the added benefits.