Newbie

eoin2nc

Hi Guys, got myself a Trek 1.1 a month ago and am loving it so far, but just have a few questions.

1. I notice now that it has come with these clipless pedals, http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3759. Would the fact they are mountain bike pedals make a difference?

2. Im over 1000km in, and the saddle is still a pain in the ass! Should I be looking to get a new one?

3. After long spins, but arms, right arm especially, kinda gets locked into a straight position. It kinda difficult to bend it at first to do something like grab my water bottle, there is a bit of pain running from the bottom of elbow towards my hand. Is this something I will just have to get used to?


Many thanks

Coronal

eoin2nc wrote: »

Hi Guys, got myself a Trek 1.1 a month ago and am loving it so far, but just have a few questions.

Welcome

eoin2nc wrote: »

1. I notice now that it has come with these clipless pedals, http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3759. Would the fact they are mountain bike pedals make a difference?

Nah, just make sure you get mountainbike shoes to go with them. Using MTB shoes and pedals will make walking and such easier at a slight loss of power transfer. I still prefer using MTB pedals.

eoin2nc wrote: »

2. Im over 1000km in, and the saddle is still a pain in the ass! Should I be looking to get a new one?

There are a few things to think about here: are you using cycling shorts? These have a pad in them that makes things a lot nicer. I won't recommend any saddles in any case, it's a very personal thing; I've had people shudder in fear of my saddle (Specialized Toupe, very thin and narrow), but I find it really nice. Ask in your LBS if you can test a few for a while before committing to buying anything. Shorts first, however!

eoin2nc wrote: »

3. After long spins, but arms, right arm especially, kinda gets locked into a straight position. It kinda difficult to bend it at first to do something like grab my water bottle, there is a bit of pain running from the bottom of elbow towards my hand. Is this something I will just have to get used to?

Also a couple of things here: make sure you bend your arms when cycling. If you feel you have to keep them straight you may not be in the right position on the bike and putting too much weight on your hands. It's hard to say what exactly the problem is without seeing you on the bike. Do you know anybody who could help set you up properly? If not, a site like this might help getting an idea of what your saddle position and such should be.
Second thing is cycling gloves; they take a lot of the buzz out and reduce nerve tingling, which is always good.

Hope that helps!

Jawgap

The pains in arse and arm suggest you may need to tweak your fit - as @Coronal says, have a read up and make any changes you think might be necessary - but do it incrementally. If your calculations show you need to, for example move the saddle up or down by 2cm, don't do it one go - do it in 3/4 stages over a few rides.

You might also get some one to photograph you on the bike in side profile just to see what your posture is like.

Good luck and enjoy.

eoin2nc

Cheers lads, ill get measuring!

rich.d.berry

These shoes would fit those pedals but look like and perform like road shoes. They're a touring shoe which allows you to walk quite normally in them.

CillianL

Sounds like you have a lack of flexibility in the elbow joint, though I'm not a physio or osteopath so don't take it as a given. By the way don't be surprised if you get tired arms after long spins as you still need your upper body and core to provide stability during the ride