Easy Riding

Riding techniques that improve performance

Cycling is not as technical as swimming, just ride the damn bike I say. Although the main concern with your riding is to make sure that you are comfortable. For example if your back gets sore, your probably reaching to far forward. Solution: shorter headstem or move seat forward. If your legs tire easily, then you are probably pushing too hard gears. Try spinning at 90 - 100 RPM. If your bum gets sore, too bad, you’ll get used to it.

These are just a few of the minor problems that could occur while riding your bike. Such adjustments which I have found to make the biggest difference to a cyclist’s performance is the cleat position under your shoe, the height and forward position of your seat, your crank length, the seat and top tube length and finally the stem length.

Consult a bike specialist if you wish to be sure that you are riding in the most econmical position and ask them about other bike upgrades which could also improve performance. Most bike specialist around charge around $30 -$40 (Australian). Otherwise if you feel confident with the mechanics of your own bike, you could check out a site on the web set up by Quintana Roo, that tells you exactly how to set up your bike. You will be amazed with the difference that a few alterations on your bike can do to your performance on the road.

Other useful sites:

Aluminium bike manufacturer Cannondale have a page set up with all their bikes avaliable.
American carbon fibre wheel producers Spinergy and Zipp Speed Weaponary have a site each with some interesting information.
Italian company Vittoria have their latest tyres to show the world.
Jim Martin has his own thoughts on the Aerodynamics of Cycling.

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