My neck often hurts when riding a racing bike--how can I fix it?
On your bike you've always got your head bent forward, which narrows your nerve root endings. If this only happens on your bike, then it's probably due to the seat position. The frame should be shorter and steeper so that the handlebars are higher to relieve stress on the back and neck. You can also relieve pain by switching your grip position while riding.
Is there an ideal pedalling technique?
Watch Lance Amstrong--his cadence is as fast as a sewing machine. Training with a high pedalling rate like Lance has the advantage of tiring your muscles less quickly, so you ca ride longer. Count 15 seconds for every complete pedal rotation and multiply that by four. The result should be between 75-90 and will give you the cadence per minute.
How much should a good bike cost?
A mid-ranged road bike, like the Giant TCR, costs around P55,000. Bikes at this price range have good, rigid aluminium or carbon fiber frames and high-quality components. Generally, the more expensive the bike, is the lighter it will be.
Should I bike alone or in a group?
It's more enjoyable to bike in a group, so long as you're the same-level cyclist. Otherwise, you're better biking alone because you're more likely to lose interest if you are always at the back of the pack. Choose your pace that allows you to talk during the ride.
photo courtesy of KOOBI
Height: Measure your inner leg while standing, with your shoes off and multiply that by 0.885. That will give you the distance between the middle of the bottom bracket and top of the seat.
Position: The top surface of the saddle has to be horizontal or it will pinch at the crotch while you ride. It's best to check this with a level.
Handlebar stem length: This is important for steering and comfortable sitting. Mountain bikers should look for handlebar stems of 100 milimeters and less, while racers are better off with models longer than 120 milimeters.
Handlebar width: A narrow handlebar can disrupt your breathing, so find one that is at least the same width as your shoulders.
Position: The top surface of the saddle has to be horizontal or it will pinch at the crotch while you ride. It's best to check this with a level.
Handlebar stem length: This is important for steering and comfortable sitting. Mountain bikers should look for handlebar stems of 100 milimeters and less, while racers are better off with models longer than 120 milimeters.
Handlebar width: A narrow handlebar can disrupt your breathing, so find one that is at least the same width as your shoulders.
What size of frame should I choose?
photo courtesy of Rbikes.com
The most important measurement for your frame is the length of the top tube. On road bikes, the top tube length is usually the same as the seat tube length. To find the right measurement, multiply your inseam (measured standing barefoot) by 0.66. The result is the height of the frame in centimeters. Racing bikes are a little different. They have a sloping top tube and come in sizes like small, medium, large, or extra large. As frame measurement may vary among different manufacturers, it's a god idea try several bikes on for size at the store. Or better yet, go for a professional bike-fitting at these bike shops: Life Cycle (call 584-2442), All Terra (call 871-8529), or Bike Town Cyclery (call 387-2173). Each fitting session can determine the best-sized road, time trial and mountain bike for you.