Velo: Reddit for competitive cyclists

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/vienna_city_skater on 2023-09-24 11:35:23.

I'd like to get a power meter for my secondary race bike (a tandem), therefore it should be relatively affordable. Crank meters aren't an option unfortunately (exotic tandem crank arm) so I'm left with the pedal power meters. I've read that the Assioma Shi pedals theoretically can be used one-sided if you get the left-sided pedal (that's basically how the Assioma UNO works).

Should I be worried about the different Q-factor between left and right pedal?

In theory, if I get the Assioma Shi DUO version, I could mount the right pedal on the other crank (for the stoker) and get power readings for both riders, is this correct ? Does anyone know if I could get individual power readings for left and right pedal on Garmin devices?

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/Beneficial_Cook1603 on 2023-09-24 13:25:54.

Started feeling discomfort in my achillies at the end of a very long hard training ride on Friday. Went out for an easy spin on Saturday evening and noticed more discomfort, minor pain, cut the ride short and came home after an hour. Went out this morning at an easy pace and started feeling pain about 20 minutes in - came straight home.

I have had similar issues years ago in my knee and it band, but have had good bike fit and have been pain free now for a few years. I’ve never had an issue with my Achilles. But have seriously ramped up intensity over the past month. And- I’ve also seriously ramped up volume overall this year.

Goal race is exactly two weeks away. And I was planning to taper starting now. I am in the best fitness of my life. How can I salvage my race?

I am going to try to get a specialist physio appointment asap but looking for any shared experiences out there!

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/Gadvoid on 2023-09-22 19:20:53.

Renewing a race license, my collegiate club went defunct so the price for a license has effectively doubled for me. $110 to race in an area where there's a high chance there won't be enough people in my field to even garner upgrade points.

Anyone got a discount code?

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/c_mos_ on 2023-09-23 21:13:04.

I just moved to New England and simply cannot wrap my head around the geography, so spent a few hours making this rather than trying to click through all the NE events and understand where they were. My cross season is saved because now I can see where events are. Hope it helps you too!

EDIT: similar to bike racing, I’m exceedingly mediocre at reddit. I thought I shared a link as part of the post itself... but now it is here in the post.

Open to requests for other functionality, I basically did the bare minimum for what I need. Or, make a PR yourself if you’re techy… . Cheers!

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/kinboyatuwo on 2023-09-23 16:33:40.

Alright. Looking for some hive mind reviews of my options for Gravel worlds in 2 weeks. The course has some climbs but nothing crazy. 1800m in 170 km. Looks about 60% gravel 10% other and rest pave.

Options are ENVE SES 5.6 or Easton EA 90 xd. Both will be on challenge gravel grinder 33 tubeless.

Split on the aero carbon or my regular alloy gravel wheels.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/DougalisGod on 2023-09-23 00:37:36.

I keep getting these ads on FB and Instagram from brands saying that applications are open for their factory racing team.

It seems a lot like when you buy a motorcycle, everyone wants to join a club so they can have a cool jacket.

Is there really any benefit to these things or are they just kinda cringy clubs.

People no longer earn their way on with results? The bike equivalent of joining the Harley Owners Group to fly their patch?

Color me cynical.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/nycarch1 on 2023-09-22 16:43:26.

I feel like every bottle I have leaks. Most are Purist. I end up having sugar water all over my bike and hands because the nipple won’t close down all the way. Anyone have recommendations for bottles that are light and don’t leak?

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/itsdankreddit on 2023-09-22 04:26:26.

You'll probably have a laugh as I'm half Singaporean, half Irish - and a bad Irishman at that. I've always struggled with being cold on the bike and I'm not even talking cold temps, you'll find me with a base layer on at 18 degrees and arm warmers on plus a Gilet any lower than that.

My mind is blown when I rock up to some rides and it's 10 to 12 degrees C - and people are basically in summer kit. Has anyone actively tried to improve their toleration to temperatures that they perceive to be cold and did it work?

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/arsenalastronaut on 2023-09-21 04:11:29.

I've posted about this on here before, so apologize if you're seeing some recycled content.

I'm a Cat 4 racer - pretty recreational. I'm under 30 and don't have aches/pains in other parts of my life, and do other sports.

I have had some on/off neck issues since I started cycling 4 ish years ago. If I ride too much, I end up with a 6/10 neck persistent neck pain right in the middle of my neck. It's only agitated by cycling, and it goes away after a few days.

It's just a bummer. It really affects my ability to log miles. I had a killer neck pain all weekend after bike commuting last thursday and friday.

I'm not even convinced it's a bike fit problem - my (commuter/cyclocross) bike isn't even very aggressive, has a full set of spacers, etc.

Likely, I have a significant muscle weakness or technique issue, that I can hopefully fix.

What's the best way to proceed? I do have fairly good health benefits that should cover some portion of the physio part.

I could get a bike fit again. I have heard of some better bike fitters. I think the key might be going to someone that actually understands it, and rides themselves.

When I first got a bike fit, I thought it was a fairly big waste. It felt like one massive upselling process. Stuff like saying that Bont shoes will solve my neck pain (I'm half kidding, but I feel that bike fits can be like that).

I could also go to a chiropractor or physio. Again, I'd go to someone this time that lives and understands cycling.

I went to a physio clinic about this once, and she was basically convinced that my office chair needed ergonomic adjustment (which I didn't think was the issue).

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/tylerwal on 2023-09-22 03:01:33.

I know this isn't the typical post here, but if this is allowed then this would mean the world to me and his family.

I'm not sure if anyone here attended the Championship that took place Sunday in Maryland. At mile 33, a truck ended up hitting 2 riders in the front group as they were crossing an intersection. I arrived in the same group but it was so stretched out that I did not see the actual event, so I can't comment on the specifics.

It was one of the worst scenes I've seen personally, I haven't stopped thinking about it since. It took what seemed like ages for emergency personnel to arrive (~30 minutes), both riders ended up being airlifted to shock trauma and my understanding is that both are stable now.

I'm really creating this post as the family is asking for well wishes and/or help. I had never seen Matthew before he was lying on the ground in front of me, but from posts from his family and friends, he sounds like an outstanding person.

Here is the Caring Bridge site: And the gofundme:

I've donated $200 already and will match Redditor donations up to another $300 if you post it here and let me know.

I haven't seen any info on the other rider so I'm sorry to leave that information out, please post it if you like and he is requesting help.

Total - $350

Thank you u/Dramatic_Spell7623 u/belhill1985 u/funkiestj

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/I_Dont_Like_Relish on 2023-09-21 16:05:45.

I’ve been cycling now for the last three years and it wasn’t really until early summer this year where I really dived into it. And it wasn’t until this past Sunday doing a cycling leg in a tri did I really see the noob-gains in my fitness, which I can comfortably say is the highest it has been. Now with the winter approaching, I would like to maintain fitness for next year as I would like to do more tris (either full ones or just the cycling leg again) and there’s a local crit series (TOAD, as I’m sure most of you are familiar with) I’d like to try as either a novice or cat 5 and see what happens.

I am thinking on trying out cx this fall and seeing what happens there. But as winter rolls in, what’s the more idealized way of maintaining fitness? Is it just getting large amounts of aerobic volume in to build aerobic fitness and worry about building power later (I.e. long z1/z2 stuff)? Or is it still better to do a periodized plan several times through the winter?

I realize for my skillset I am probably overthinking this but some point in the right direction would be neat

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/Xienleng on 2023-09-21 16:53:09.

Posting to remind myself what day I decided to take my cycling much less seriously. Started around 15, I guess. At 18, went sub 1 hour for 40 km on a road bike during the ITT State Champs, was happy with that suffering. My fastest speed 88.3 kph only about 6 years ago, and Strava has only about 100,000 km of my riding because I'm old af. I knew nine people who died on their bike, quit crit racing after four weeks of broken bones and, more importantly, shattered carbon. Stopped riding in a group a few years ago after a massive boulder flew through my group and almost hit me - time to lessen the odds of crashing. Haven't crashed in forever, decades. Won a few races. Won a stage race. Finished DFL enough times. Tried to race with the pros, and got embarrassed. Did ride across a few countries (USA included, TransAm trail) when I got older. I'd rate my career a B-. Not worthy of a reddit post, but I don't care. lol

What happened today? Well, a few years ago I started wearing prescription glasses for my riding (had laser surgery maybe 20 years ago) and I simply don't trust myself anymore. 50 kph into a few easy corners today had me really questioning my vision. This wasn't the first time. I simply know deep down I can't do what I love to do anymore. Fast, sweeping descents. I spent decades loving it. I was never great, which is why I never stopped. A corner at 70 kph is life-changing. lol. Now I'm probably scared at 55 on the same corner. I know, really know, that if I think I can get back to the "old me" I will crash. Crash hard. I just know.

Sure, I'll keep riding around and having fun. Maybe some sprints for fun, but I'm done.

40 years. It was my life for a long time. My reflexes seem ok, power is still acceptable (last week averaged 37 km for 10 minutes (remember, I'm old) , but that doesn't matter if I can't trust my tires on a road steeper than 6 percent.

I know this might sound like it's all about me and who really cares, but maybe there is one guy reading this in the same boat. Maybe you handled it way better than I will. My eyes will only get worse. Anyhow, don't cry for me, it's time to do more running races (my first running race was in 1985) and hopefully I can do that until I can't walk.

getting old is really interesting. Curious if any old folks struggled with the same problem.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/ghostofwinter88 on 2023-09-21 16:29:03.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/Geomambaman on 2023-09-21 15:38:30.

My sustained 45 minute climbing power is around 340 watts (4.7 w/kg). However, I can barely hold 310 watts on flats for the same amount of time, which is a whopping 30 watts of difference (plus RPE is higher on flats, dunno but that might be psychological in nature, I don't monitor my HR). I understand you engage slightly different muscles during these two efforts, but still, I believe I'm severely undertrained/have bad technique at doing flat efforts. Same goes for shorter efforts, I can do 415 w for 8 mins all out on 8.5% incline, but only 400 for 6 mins on flat road. What are some cycling workouts/intervals to improve my power on the flats? Should I do my VO2max and threshold intervals at flats instead on climbs or are there any other options?

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/Strict-Trust-4974 on 2023-09-21 15:13:12.

I've had a trainer road subscription for a year.

It's been good but I'm wondering if there are free options for controlling a smart trainer during a ride.

I dont really need a training plan. Just a way to set up a work out and then have the trainer follow those power targets.

I've used the saris app but it tends to drop out and there's no way to preset power target I have to adjust on the fly.

Thanks for any suggestions.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/raptors902 on 2023-09-21 03:28:49.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/Intelligent-Ebb5680 on 2023-09-18 13:09:15.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/vsportsguy on 2023-09-20 19:34:59.

It's not that bad, but it is the biggest limiting factor on a long ride. I get it on both feet. As I'm getting into base season this year it's something I would like to address. I have flat, narrow feet, and I use an iceburg insole with a big metatarsal button. I've tried a number of insoles and I like this one the best by far. My feet naturally supinate when they are dangling off of a table.

Any suggestions for shoes/solutions? I currently have S-Phyre 902. I currently run a 1 degree wedge under my cleats to raise the inside of the shoe and naturally let my foot supinate a bit more. Should I stack another wedge under there? I also tried a wedge in the shoe, but I found it to be too extreme and uncomfortable.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/Accomplished-Tea1794 on 2023-09-20 16:32:24.

I’m planning on seeing a therapist or sports psychologist for this because I feel this is more than pre race nerves.

I used to race crits a while back but a lot of life stuff happened so I completely stopped. Since then I picked up the bike but didn’t want to do road racing anymore so thought I would try cyclocross.

I just get extremely anxious when racing. I’m doing my first season of cyclocross for the first time because everyone said it’s chill, inclusive etc. which is true but I still can’t shake feelings of being scared shitless when I race but also beating myself up about not being competitive.

I’m not sure if it’s just because crashing is so apparent in CX and even though it’s softer crashes they still hurt and I’m a very risk averse person. My bike handling is also terrible.

But it’s not just that, I just get so in my head that I should do well to prove to people when I’m reality no one really cares how good or bad I do. ESPECIALLY in CX. I tried to frame every race so far as making it a learning experience and not worry about placing but it still creeps back up and psyches me out.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/kosmonaut_hurlant_ on 2023-09-20 15:41:50.

Why do headwinds suck so much to ride in even with much lower power than say doing a climb, or hard flat effort in calm conditions?

I can ride a climb at 250-300w, come down, hit a flat with a strong headwind and doing 150-200w into the wind feels like death...like my legs are encased in concrete.

What gives? I'm pretty sure I have higher HR in a headwind at the same watts as in a climb or flat.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/Elegant-Number1207 on 2023-09-19 20:53:16.

I found a really good article on how Inigo San Millan thinks about zone 2 training. That is if you want a summary of all the hours he's been on podcasts sharing his thoughts.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/SirHustlerEsq on 2023-09-19 20:50:18.

I've been training quite diligently, 15-20 hours per week for almost 2 years. My FTP has increased about 80w, I'm way way way faster by every measure, and yet my motivation is fleeting. I really enjoyed racing CX, enjoyed being competitive as a cat-4 and now dipping my toe into cat-3 racing, but CX is dying and it seems that all that's left is gravel. There is hardly any racing in "gravel", just shame for finishing hours behind the pros and no real feel for "racing" going on; I don't want a finisher medal, I want to race someone. I guess I sort of feel dumb about it, I'm doing all this work and I'm sort of an embarrassment.

There is no good riding here unless you fight cars for flat land so "riding for fun" is not really a thing.

Is this the natural progression, am I done?

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/the_xela on 2023-09-19 04:06:02.

I recently got a road bike (Tarmac SL6 Sport) with which I intend to ride competitively (at least perform well in fondos). The question is, what season is best to get a professionnal bike fit? Should I do it now for the trainer all winter? Or wait until April right before the start of the next season? Does it even matter?

The pros to now is I can train all winter in that position and parts are on sale (new saddle, narrow bars, efc.) but I know the fit can change especially over winter when the riding indoor is different. What are your thoughts?

Edit for a little info: I’ve been riding for 3 years, but only taking it seriously for 1, I had an old school Bianchi road (down tube shifters) originally and a Norco cyclecross bike for gravel until now. This is my first carbon road bike with agressive geometry. I have also never had a fit on any bike.

Edit 2: thanks for the info! Consensus is to do it now so I am trying to fit it in my schedule! A few common questions and to continue the convo, I am not in pain riding it now, other than the stock saddle (so I’d like a saddle/sit bone fit). Also, as I said below, the fit should be fully covered by insurance as the fitter is a physio as well.

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/westonthered on 2023-09-19 02:31:02.

And by on your wheel, I mean ON YOUR WHEEL, like you’re their lead out for a stage win in a Grand Tour event. This has happened 3 times in the last few months while just out for my morning ride, and always when I’m chillin in zone 2. I don’t mind someone slotting in a few wheels behind me and getting a little tow, but every time these guys just silently got right on my wheel without saying a word. Example: this morning out doing a Z2 ride, cruising along at like 200w, I see this guy way up ahead of me and I’m slowly gaining on him. A few minutes later I come up behind him, call out “on your left” no response, no acknowledgment that he heard me. Ok, I speed up a little, pass him quickly and safely, I say “good morning “ no response. I keep my pace a little higher to get away from him and he jumps right on my wheel. So I up my pace a bit more, now I’m doing 300w, and he’s right on my wheel. I don’t know this person, never seen them before and I have no idea what his bike handling skills are, so I’d rather keep my distance. Now I’m doing like 400w and he’s still right behind me (I didn’t want to slow down and let him pass because my desired pace was clearly faster than his since I came up on him). Finally dropped him doing like 450w, which was not the plan this morning. I just don’t get it, if I pass someone and they ask if they can get on my wheel, I always say yes, but this silently riding too close, almost overlapping wheels is just bizarre. Anyone else deal with this?

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The original was posted on /r/velo by /u/Jonny_Kebab on 2023-09-18 23:57:28.

As I use a lactate measuring device every now and then during my intervals I get a good idea as to what my ftp is. But what I don’t understand is that I reach the same blood lactate (and RPE) when I’m doing 260w on flats as 315w on inclines.

Now I know it’s common with some discrepancies, but not this much? Does anyone know potential reasons for this and what I can do to even it out? (other than riding more on flats I guess)

For what it’s worth I’m primarily a runner, but I use my bike frequently in training (1-4 rides per week).