Cycling technique
2 watchers
Jun 2012
9:06am, 6 Jun 2012
120 posts
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Action Jen (formerly known as DPM)
Ok, I have entered my first notice - next Sunday and I am primarily doing it for lots of fun. I haven't been training specifically for it, it was a last minute decision, but I have just been out to do a brick session. My bike times are REALLY slow - like 19mins for a 5K cycle, admittedly that is on a bit of a hilly course in rush hour traffic, but still -SLOW. Aside from pedalling my legs quicker are there any really obvious techniques that I am doing/not doing? I haven't really cycled for speed before - I have excellent road awareness/skills (used to commute through London on my bike), but I am sure that I could be doing things better. Any tips welcome, but remember you are talking to a complete newbie - eg is high gear really easy and low really hard? Or is it based on the numbers. Is there a site which gives me everything I need to know? Admittedly I do have a crappy hybrid from decathlon, but I suspect I could be put on a £2K bike and I still wouldn't go much faster until I have some techniques. thanks |
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Jun 2012
9:10am, 6 Jun 2012
121 posts
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Action Jen (formerly known as DPM)
sorry - that is novice triathlon, not notice.
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Jun 2012
10:12am, 6 Jun 2012
47,745 posts
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Gobi
Spin the pedals as it will be better on your legs. Do not grind away. The key to better cycling initially is just lots of cycling |
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Jun 2012
10:19am, 6 Jun 2012
124 posts
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Action Jen (formerly known as DPM)
Thanks Gobi - my husband told me I should be in a much harder gear than I am (He does not cycle, but still thinks he should give advice), I was under the impression that you should be aiming for quick pedalling, rather than slow hard pedalling. I will start heading out on my bike more, I really enjoy it! |
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Jun 2012
10:23am, 6 Jun 2012
47,746 posts
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Gobi
He is wrong :¬) Good luck |
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Jun 2012
10:26am, 6 Jun 2012
126 posts
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Action Jen (formerly known as DPM)
I shall tell him immediatley!
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Jun 2012
10:39am, 6 Jun 2012
47,747 posts
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Gobi
Excellent just tell him a coach said so :¬)
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Jun 2012
10:43am, 6 Jun 2012
First-time poster!!
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southcoastclaret
Most new/occasional cyclists have a low cadence (number of pedal revolutions per minute). Everyone will have their own optimum, but somewhere about 80-90 would be a rough target (at first this may feel weird & tiring, but it becomes more natural & is more efficient). Just ride in a lower gear so you can maintain a bit faster leg turnover & gradually increase it. The lower the gear the easier it is to pedal (the closer to the middle of the bike). A good tip when you get to a hill and need to change down on the front is to also go up one on the back so you don't suddenly lose all your speed. The following may be helpful: beginnertriathlete.com |
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Jun 2012
10:44am, 6 Jun 2012
129 posts
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Action Jen (formerly known as DPM)
ooh, I just looked at your profile, I read your blog! Your picture on fetch makes sense now I hope R's operation has happened and gone well. |
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Jun 2012
11:27am, 6 Jun 2012
47,748 posts
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Gobi
Nice one SCC and welcome. An ideal investment will be a basic bike computer with cadence, as a triathlete I would consider trying to get spinning in the 90s. No worries Jen, Rach will be having her op NEXT Tuesday as they are bringing in a wrist specialist. |
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