a few questions from a newb

jameverywhere

Hello there! every time I google anything related to cycling in Ireland, this board comes up, so I figured I would join up so I can ask my questions directly, like.

I'm planning on taking my Rothar ladies' hybrid on the wicklow 100/200 in June. (aiming for 200, but will be realistic about my abilities as the date approaches.)

I've been cycling for serious for only a month or so. Longest day trip was about 40 km, with a few hours of hiking in the middle, and the last 20 km directly into a strong wind. I try to get out in the saddle, work schedule permitting, every two or three days for two hours or so.

I know a road bike is better for long journeys on roads but I like the versatility of the hybrid, esp. for my work commute (5 km each way per day thru the Dublin city centre).

anyway, I want to get my bike fitted with a skinny saddle so that my hips don't sway when I pedal, and I also want toe clips. I want to go into a bike shop with friendly, helpful staff who will help me pick a good saddle that's not too pricey (I'm not getting a road bike at this juncture 'cause I can't afford it), and help me put it on the bike with the toe clips in a good riding position for long hauls. What is the best bike shop in the Dublin area for this?

closer to the date of the event I'll put skinnier wheels on the bike as well.

altho', I know nothing about bicycle maintenance or anything. soon enough I plan to take like one of those classes that rothar offers or something.

I'm only now fit for the first time in my life and I love it. I was a sickly child and a sickly teenager and a sickly college student. Finally I got diagnosed with coeliac and am healing from my sickliness. I started out walking for two or three hours a day, every day, around the city and to work etc. Then I graduated to the bicycle and I can't get enough. I joined leisurecycling.ie recently too! Starting to buy kit and stuff! next stop: lycra.

thanks for your responses!

mp31

jameverywhere wrote: »

Hello there!

Welcome.. I'm a noob myself to cycling and to this forum and have to say folks here have been very welcoming and helpful (as well as v.funny at times).

jameverywhere wrote: »

...anyway, I want to get my bike fitted with a skinny saddle so that my hips don't sway when I pedal, and I also want toe clips. I want to go into a bike shop with friendly, helpful staff who will help me pick a good saddle that's not too pricey (I'm not getting a road bike at this juncture 'cause I can't afford it), and help me put it on the bike with the toe clips in a good riding position for long hauls. What is the best bike shop in the Dublin area for this?

Hmm.. I would have thought saddle height is the key to preventing hip sway not it's skinnyness ... but then I'm no expert. I'm sure there are others who can tell you more about this.
I often go into Cycleways in Parnell St in the city centre and found them very helpful so maybe give them a shout. (I have no association with them BTW)

jameverywhere wrote: »

closer to the date of the event I'll put skinnier wheels on the bike as well.

Maybe put them on sooner rather than later to get used to them before you do the event.

Tonyandthewhale

I've heard a lot of good things about the service from Bee cycles on the south circular road although I haven't called in there myself yet. The proprieter is a regular on here though and seems to know what he's talking about.
I also like cyclebike just off capel street, the staff in there have always been pretty helpful any time I popped in.
As regards changing the saddle, as mp31 said, if you're swaying the saddle you have now might be set too high. Although an exceptionnally wide saddle at the correct height could probably cause this too. Either way, you are better off with a narrower saddle for the long haul since it won't chafe as much.
Toe clips are also a good idea for longer rides but to be honest they're not going to make a massive difference, you're probably better off with a set of clipless pedals (shimano spd, look keo etc), cleats and cycling shoes as these will make a noticable difference to how much power you can put down and how securely attached you'll be to the bike.

And as regards the skinnier wheels, do you just thinner tyres or whole new wheels? Because you may not be able fit road bike wheels to a hybrid since most hybrids use mountain bike hubs with 135mm spacing. You should be able to fit quite small tyres on hybrid wheels though, probably down at least as thin as 28mm although it depends on the width of the rim.

HivemindXX

mp31 wrote: »

Hmm.. I would have thought saddle height is the key to preventing hip sway not it's skinnyness ... but then I'm no expert.

I'd agree with this. Saddle too high maybe. There's a ton of advice on how to adjust saddle height on this forum. One metric is that your leg should be almost, but not totally, straight at the bottom of the stroke.

I have a hybrid and I do plenty of 100k-ish cycles with little problem. I don't know about saddle width but I certainly prefer a firmer saddle than the spongy ones that come on a lot of hybrids. A side benefit of this is that when they get wet you dry them off by wiping them with your glove, you don't need to spend the next 50k sitting on a damp sponge.

I don't think there's a lot of benefit from using skinnier tyres. You get the majority of the benefit from changing from knobbly MTB tyres to slick road tyres without having to reduce the width much. If you haven't already done so I'd change to slick or semi-slick tyres as soon as possible and not worry too much about how wide they are.

I like Cycle Superstore in Tallaght (great selection), Penny Farthing on Camden Street, Cyclebike off Capel Street and Duff Cycles in Santry. Most proper bike shops will give you pretty good advice though.

smacl

jameverywhere wrote: »

I'm planning on taking my Rothar ladies' hybrid on the wicklow 100/200 in June. (aiming for 200, but will be realistic about my abilities as the date approaches.)

Good for you, I did the W100 as my first long cycle last year and just about managed the 200 this year, also on my hybrid on both occasions.

I want to get my bike fitted with a skinny saddle so that my hips don't sway when I pedal, and I also want toe clips.

If you go through the many saddle threads here, you'll realise saddle choice is a personal thing. I've become a huge fan of Brooks saddles as are some others here, but as many again prefer other makes. Unfortunately, the only way to find out is trial and error. Also heard good things about the Charge Spoon as a low cost comfy saddle.

Nothing much to add other than what Tonyandthewhale has already said, I'd be more tempted to get SPD pedals and shoes than clips, and I changed the tyres on my hybrid from 37mm marathons to lighter / slicker 32mm marathon plus. Still a long way off a road bike wheel, but still a big improvement. For long days like the W100/200 puncture resistance is a godsend.

I joined leisurecycling.ie recently too! Starting to buy kit and stuff!

Been following them on facebook and thinking of joining up for some of the training spins. Nice to know there's others on hybrids. Might see you out there in the new year.

jameverywhere

actually, the saddle is probably too low--I cannot comfortably pedal with the balls of my feet, I have to use the arches or heels, otherwise my knees are bent too much.

the saddle may be too wide. I'll take the rothar out for longer rides and see if it's saddle hight or width giving me troubles.

also, how much are good shoes with clips and the relevant pedals? and is it really much of a difference between that and toe clips, since for both you can exert upward force? I guess I don't get the physics behind why one would be far superior to another.

also, pretty sure i have semi-slick tyres already.

alexanderomahon

Have you loined a club yet? If you're aiming for the wicklow100/200 then have a look at lesirecycling.ie or their facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/294743640542249/

Group is new and aimed at getting people out cycling, especailly sportives.

jameverywhere

haha I joined them a few days ago. thanks tho.

braintoxic

jameverywhere wrote: »

haha I joined them a few days ago. thanks tho.

I know realise how little i know about all this

alexanderomahon

To find out a bit about maintaining your bike and such try a begginers bike maintainence course with rothar. The course includes the following

BIKE MAINTENANCE CLASSES (4 HOURS)Students are encouraged to bring their own bicycle to work on in the maintenance classes.

Our Beginner level maintenance class will involve:

Learning the names and functions of parts on different types of bicycles.
Basic maintenance - what to clean, what to lubricate
Punctures - removal, repair and wheel alignment
Pre-ride safety check - brakes, tyre pressure and bolt connections
Minor brake and gear adjustments - tighten brakes and stop those squeaks and clicks
Comfort adjustments - adjusting saddle and handlebar height and alignment to suit you

Duration: 4 hours
Cost: 40 Euro

http://www.rothar.ie/booking.htm

did the course myself a few weeks back and found it excellent. Very hands on so wear old clothes as you will get oily. Also workshop can be cold so wrap up.

cyclopath2001

jameverywhere wrote: »

actually, the saddle is probably too low--I cannot comfortably pedal with the balls of my feet, I have to use the arches or heels, otherwise my knees are bent too much.

Quick way to get a good saddle height is to sit on it and ensure that with you leg fully extended, your heel only just reaches the pedal. Check that the saddle is level and centered on its bracket.

Firmness and ventilation are good saddle attributes to avoid chafing. Ladies may need a slightly wider saddle than men, so check if there are any lady specific ones.

jameverywhere wrote: »

also, how much are good shoes with clips and the relevant pedals? and is it really much of a difference between that and toe clips, since for both you can exert upward force? I guess I don't get the physics behind why one would be far superior to another.

Best go for double sided Shimano SPD pedals and matching shoes with recessed cleats, so that you can walk in them. These engage more easily than toe clips. Practically all leisure cyclists use these. Rough guide would be 40 euro for the pedals and 80 upwards for the shoes depending on sophistication. If the shop offers to fit the pedals, take them up on it as removing pedals can take a lot of strength and a good tool.

cdaly_

jameverywhere wrote: »

also, how much are good shoes with clips and the relevant pedals? and is it really much of a difference between that and toe clips, since for both you can exert upward force?

With the clipless (SPD) pedals and shoes, you get a shoe with a stiffer sole which spreads the pressure across your whole foot. It is typically easier to clip in and out on the clipless pedals than with toe clips. Either style will take getting used to for the city commute but it becomes second nature pretty quickly.

jameverywhere

alexanderomahon wrote: »

did the course myself a few weeks back and found it excellent. Very hands on so wear old clothes as you will get oily. Also workshop can be cold so wrap up.

I live literally down the street from Rothar, so I was planning on doing this class sometime soon. Did you do it by yourself or were you with a group of folks?

I can't decide if I want to swap my heavy hybrid for a lighter hybrid or touring bike. I wasn't thinking ahead when I bought it for my work commute. I will talk to the rothar people today after work and see what they have to say to me about bikes and equipment.

definitely looking into clipless pedals & shoes.