Fixed Gear Cycling

[FatTony]

Not sure if it was yourself or not who also rides a fixie?

I've been riding the Langster now for about 6 months and commute 25 miles a day on fairly flat ground (no downhills). To cut to the chase, my legs are f*cked, and feeling tired all the time.

On the geared bike I didn't feel bad at all, but I'm thinking I may be a wimp and need to make it a little easier. I'm not tired as in exhausted, but I'm pretty tired from a Tuesday onwards.

What ratio are you running, the Langster as standard is 42 and 16 which is what I'm running, and anything above a slope takes 100% effort.

[Neil Young]

Not sure if it was yourself or not who also rides a fixie?

I've been riding the Langster now for about 6 months and commute 25 miles a day on fairly flat ground (no downhills). To cut to the chase, my legs are f*cked, and feeling tired all the time.

On the geared bike I didn't feel bad at all, but I'm thinking I may be a wimp and need to make it a little easier. I'm not tired as in exhausted, but I'm pretty tired from a Tuesday onwards.

What ratio are you running, the Langster as standard is 42 and 16 which is what I'm running, and anything above a slope takes 100% effort.

Sorry, mate, it wasn't me. I ride a geared hybrid. I also ride quite slowly as I am pretty new to all this cycling lark.

Have you thought about diet and exercise issues? Stretches afterwards, etc.

Anyway, GordonGecko and some others, including you probably, know a lot more than I do.

[FatTony]

Can I change the title to "Not Neil Young" then???

OK no worries.

I'm thinking of the diet and may pep myself up with some protein supplements, though I hear good things about creatine. I eat like a horse though, and all good stuff so I think I'm getting enough protein (there's only so much the body can absorb)

Anyway, mods, can someone edit the post to Fixed Gear Cycling Question.

Cheers

[kendoddsdadsdogsdead]

Have you considered that your current riding position may be detrimental to the action of your legs as you are pedalling? I did a lot of cycle ergometer and dynamometer work back at uni and can tell you that the firing patterns of your thigh muscles go to pot when you haven't got a freewheel and the correct posture. Changing the ratio might be a solution but I would seriously look at the length of your cranks and your saddle height.

[FatTony]

Have you considered that your current riding position may be detrimental to the action of your legs as you are pedalling? I did a lot of cycle ergometer and dynamometer work back at uni and can tell you that the firing patterns of your thigh muscles go to pot when you haven't got a freewheel and the correct posture. Changing the ratio might be a solution but I would seriously look at the length of your cranks and your saddle height.

The height is spot on (in accordance to recommended setups, my leg is almost completely straight when the pedal is at its lowest point).

I'm thinking that it cleat positon and saddle position (forward and backward) might be the next thing to experiment with, other than that I'll use drugs.

[Neil Young]

Can I change the title to "Not Neil Young" then???

OK no worries.

I'm thinking of the diet and may pep myself up with some protein supplements, though I hear good things about creatine. I eat like a horse though, and all good stuff so I think I'm getting enough protein (there's only so much the body can absorb)

Anyway, mods, can someone edit the post to Fixed Gear Cycling Question.

Cheers

I think you're right that there's only so much protein the body can absorb.

I was reading yesterday that most cyclists, except the pros, will get enough protein in a regular diet. Protein helps mend micro muscle tears caused by exercise but it sounds like that's not the issue.

[kendoddsdadsdogsdead]

The height is spot on (in accordance to recommended setups, my leg is almost completely straight when the pedal is at its lowest point).

I'm thinking that it cleat positon and saddle position (forward and backward) might be the next thing to experiment with, other than that I'll use drugs.

Sounds to me like your leg may be too long on the extension. I do a lot of mountain bike riding and find that my saddle height should give me about 90% extension. Have you checked the position of your knees as you are cycling? One thing I learnt from spinning classes (****e I admit but quite useful) is to check that my knees are in a healthy position.

I think you're right that there's only so much protein the body can absorb.

I was reading yesterday that most cyclists, except the pros, will get enough protein in a regular diet. Protein helps mend micro muscle tears caused by exercise but it sounds like that's not the issue.

You are correct, the absorption and assimilation of dietary protein is nowhere near the levels the industry would like to make people believe.

If you get a chance to order this at the library I would highly recommend it mate. Bit complex but these two are the gods of exercise physiology.

http://www.exrx.net/Store/HK/TextbookWorkPhysiology.html

[FatTony]

I think you're right that there's only so much protein the body can absorb.

I was reading yesterday that most cyclists, except the pros, will get enough protein in a regular diet. Protein helps mend micro muscle tears caused by exercise but it sounds like that's not the issue.

Yep, its right about the protein. If you have a fairly balanced diet you will be taking in enough protein, in fact most people eat more than twice the required amount on a daily basis.

Fuel on the other hand is where we struggle, and in particular complex carbohydrates. I still don't really have an idea of how many carbs I need for my level of daily exercise, and I really can't be arsed to get the calulator out before I start cooking or go food shopping.

However, this week I have started eating porridge before I leave the house in the morning. Its a slow distributing form of energy which should have help. Only time will tell I suppose. Its also a great preventative against heart disease.

Creatine, again is apparently good for the heart, but it also aids muscle growth and therefore strength, so I'll be ordering some this week and let everyone know of any benefits.

[FatTony]

Sounds to me like your leg may be too long on the extension. I do a lot of mountain bike riding and find that my saddle height should give me about 90% extension. Have you checked the position of your knees as you are cycling? One thing I learnt from spinning classes (****e I admit but quite useful) is to check that my knees are in a healthy position.

http://www.exrx.net/Store/HK/Textboo...hysiology.html

I've been mountain biking on the weekends as well as commuting, so it may be that I'm causing the damage due to the setup of my MB. I'm sure the road bike is fine.

[kendoddsdadsdogsdead]

I've been mountain biking on the weekends as well as commuting, so it may be that I'm causing the damage due to the setup of my MB. I'm sure the road bike is fine.

**** it, I'm off out for a ride.

[FatTony]

**** it, I'm off out for a ride.

I'm off on my ride home in an hour.... cold, wet clothes to put back on, oh the joys.

[thesilverfoxlfc]

Buy a car you get there faster and safer

[Neil Young]

Buy a car you get there fatter and selfisher

[WILF]

I have done quite a bit of fixed riding/racing , a few general rules.

As DeaddogKen said, don't extend your leg too much. Fixed riders traditionally use shorter cranks.

Riding position/ pedalling action is much more important on fixed. Go out for a ride with a friend and get them to look at your position/action from different angles. Look at where you are/aren't symetrical. Knee position is very important.

If you feel you are tense when spinning fast, try to relax your lower back and shoulder muscles.

If you use your legs a lot to brake this may be causing some of the pain as it is a very different muscle action (do you use 2 brakes?)

Try getting out of the saddle for short periods, even on the flat.

Get a pretty Thai masseuse to come over every night and rub warm oil into your tired muscles , repeat until satisfied

I hope some of this helps

[thesilverfoxlfc]

You forgot to add Happier and alive