The subtle differences of choosing an ensemble

Awareness of product choice in today’s market place for manufacturers is very much being able to match the expectations of the end user. The motor vehicle market is a great example of this by making car’s appeal to the age, life style and perception of the status that the choice of make and model does in setting the individual apart from others. Cycling components or as to referred in the world of cycling the “ensemble” which is normally the cranks set, chain rings, rear cluster, chain, the gear changers/brake handles and hoods, and front and rear derailer, front and rear brake assemblies along with hubs are a point of passion for the more discerning cyclist selection of brand name. Selection of rims can be another individual choice of likes and dislikes or purely based on budget. There are three main players in road cycling for making a selection of choice of ensemble and there is as much debate at the coffee stop over what is best as to who may have ridden the best on the day.

Comfort first with handlebar fitting

Part of achieving the perfect fit for the individual’s comfort and best performance is the selection of the handle bars that suit your shoulder size.

The rule is to measure your width from the knobby points on the front of the shoulder and add 2cm if centre to centre and 4 cm if measuring to the external width of the bars.

A lot of bikes come in small, medium and large frame sizes and handlebar selection would be a rough rule of thumb in fitting the potential size of the intended rider.

Additional measurements of height or rise and depth or drop can all be taken into account as an adjustment to make it more comfortable.

The right seat height makes for powerful pedalling

Power to the pedals: you’ll be most efficient if your seat is the right height and your knees and balls of your feet are in line. Photo: Allison Hanger.

Cycling is all about bio-mechanics. The “bio” part is you. The “mechanical” is how efficiently your muscle power is transferred to your bike.

Efficiency depends on where your legs are in relation to the pedals. And the nicest part about bio-mechanics is that the most efficient set-up is generally the most comfortable.

The most critical part is your saddle because that determines your relationship to the pedals. So you need to check the height, fore and aft position and make sure it’s level.

One of the most common problems you see among recreational cyclists is saddles set too low. It’s possibly because they fear not being able to reach the ground quickly. Trouble is it doesn’t allow the powerful muscles in your thighs to extend far enough so they can’t work efficiently.

Taking in the sights by bike

Nothing beats the satisfaction of looking at your map at the end of the day and knowing you got from there to here under your own steam.

Cycle touring is a very special way to get around. You see more of the landscape, you’re on intimate terms with the geography, and you get to know the locals better. Pull up outside any general store or bakery and someone will stop and ask where you’ve come from and check out your gear.

Stiff soles make for happy feet

Feet are marvellous pieces of bio-engineering when you’re walking. They don’t work so well when they’re operating on a small surface like a bicycle pedal. Since your feet are the power connection between you and the bike, you need to treat them well.

On a bike there’s no heel-toe action as there is when you walk. All your pedalling power is displaced into the pedal through the ball of your foot, which is not natural.

Strap in well for a safe ride

Next time you turn on the television to check how the Tour de France is going, take a look at the way professional riders wear their helmets. It might not be something you usually notice, but it’s worth the exercise. Then try yours on and see if it sits the same way.

If it’s to do its job properly, your helmet must fit properly. Notice how the pro riders wear their helmets square, with the rim on their forehead just above their eyebrows. If your helmet is tilted towards the back of your head it will not protect you properly. It should be firm enough that you can’t move it easily forwards, backwards or sideways. Some helmets come with extra foam to help make them fit more snugly.

The one by one plan to sort bike troubles

Your training plan for the big ride in a couple of months is going really well, but some small things are starting to niggle.

You’re probably spending more time in the saddle than you have before. Things that aren’t quite right with your gear or nutrition might start telling. Now’s the time to sort them out. The important thing is to handle them one at a time and in small increments.

Comfort is all about change

One of the secrets to surviving long rides is shifting your riding position regularly so you don’t get stiff and sore. Even shortish rides are more enjoyable if you can change your posture. It all relates to on where you put your hands.

There are basically two kinds of handlebars: drop and straight. Most road and touring bikes feature drop bars. They probably give you the biggest range of hand positions.

Chronic pain is not a normal part of cycling

It’s not unusual to feel a bit of muscular soreness if you’ve done some hard work on the bike. Chronic pain is not normal though. You need to systematically eliminate a number of things in order fix it.

If you’re experiencing joint pain in hips, knees or ankles, something “mechanical” is wrong.

The right bike gives your kids the best riding start

Look in any toy store or department store this time of year and you’ll know bicycles feature highly on Christmas shopping lists. The same consideration applies when buying children’s bikes as shopping for adults – safety.

It’s important the bike is the right size for the child. You can’t buy something bigger for the child to “grow into”. Just as with an adult, if the bike is too big, it’s uncomfortable to ride and difficult to handle. A child should be able to get on the bike unassisted, otherwise they’ll have trouble getting off. And falling off isn’t attractive!