What's everyone's favorite chamyes? While we're at it, do you use chamyes cream? If so, what flavor?

8/25/2011 12:29:03 AM

It's chamois.

8/25/2011 12:33:51 AM

I use Assos Chamois creme. Good stuff, saved my ass during my foray into endurance events. Haven't tried too many others.

8/25/2011 8:15:48 AM

I got a rectus femoris fatigue strain that's slow to heal. Any advice on helping it along the way and preventing this injury from reoccurring?

FWIW the strain was only felt the day after. I didn't feel any pain during the ride, but the strain showed up a little more than 24 hours afterward and hurt enough to affect my walking stride. So far I've just laid completely off any lower body exorcize and I've been icing my quad on the affected side. I suppose that's all there is to do.

Also worth note, I rested a few days then took a recovery ride and another normal ride after the injury. I was still in some pain before the rides but no pain during. Then the pain came back just like before, about 24 hours later. Now I'm just laying off completely.

[Edited on August 25, 2011 at 8:41 AM. Reason : -]

8/25/2011 8:39:45 AM

I can't believe no one is watching the Pro Cycling Challenge.

It's like the Tour de France, except here in the states. Crowds have been epic and the racing has been challenging with all the USA cyclists at the top. Another incredible day as the Vail Classic Time Trial record was broken by two cyclists.

8/25/2011 6:21:13 PM

^awesome! I'd love to watch it but I don't have cable

I heard about the race and it's exciting that the event is so big! Wish I was in Colorado to check it out. My uncle lives in Steamboat Springs so I totally have the hookup

8/25/2011 6:41:21 PM

This may be a really silly question but what are the benefits of wearing a cycling jersey versus just an athletic shirt from say Target? Also, cycling shorts...is it all just about the butt cushion? I am commuting 70 miles a week to work and want to make sure that I am not missing out on some great advantage by simply wearing workout clothes that I bought for $10.

8/25/2011 6:50:42 PM

stay off of my damn road if you can't obey simple traffic laws. some fucker was riding in the CENTER of the lane with a line of cars behind him this morning and we get to a red light... THE FUCKER IGNORES THE RED LIGHT AND PROCEEDS THROUGH (and in the process backs up a whole new batch of cars.)

this seems like typical bike behavior to me.

8/25/2011 6:52:33 PM

Those people make the rest of us look bad. Much like idiots on motorcycles. I just shake my head. I'm just trying to get to work without being run over, not make a statement.

8/25/2011 7:01:46 PM

Quote :

"Also, cycling shorts...is it all just about the butt cushion?"

It's also for chaffing in the area where the seat makes contact with your inner thigh/crotch area. If your 70 miles is spread out over an entire week this may not be an issue for you.

8/25/2011 7:12:09 PM

jerseys usually have pockets on the back for snacks and zip down the front so you can catch a breeze. But other than that there's not much difference. I like shorts for the butt cushion, also since they're tighter they don't rub against your leg as much. But if you're happy with your comfort there's no reason to change.

I wear normal shorts and shirt for my commute (about 5 miles each way) and use the bike clothes for longer rides where it makes more of a difference. But I wear bike gloves on all rides for comfort, and safety if you wipe out your hands won't get scraped up.

8/25/2011 7:13:27 PM

Bike gloves are certainly something I wear all the time. I agree that they make the ride way more comfortable. Thank you for the insight on the other biking clothes. I am watching every penny I can for my thru-hike but if there were some kind of magic to cycling clothes for my commute then I may have looked into them.

8/25/2011 7:26:44 PM

The chamois in bike shorts is actually less for cushion and more for wicking away moisture to reduce chafing and funk on long rides. If your saddle is comfortable enough for your commute, then your ride is not really long enough to where bike shorts are a big deal.

If you would be interested in cheap gear, check http://www.bonktown.com's rotating sales; they have good deals on quality shorts and jerseys all the time.

8/25/2011 7:36:33 PM

I'll look into that. Thank you!

8/25/2011 7:37:37 PM

oh yeah, jerseys also have elastic around the sleeves and bottom to keep them from flapping around. but like the other features it's not essential on a shorter/slower ride

8/25/2011 7:39:27 PM

I figured that it was streamline issue. I just see so many weekend warriors sporting jerseys and bike shorts that I figured I would ask if I had simply missed the memo.

8/25/2011 7:42:52 PM

When you get fancy, jerseys also have stuff like UV protection, silver threading for anti-microbial properties, and other technical fabrics that help breathe well when you're on the bike, in addition to the aerodynamic tightness. But you can get that stuff on any athletic gear when you get fancy stuff.

The added benefit for cycling that's specific to jerseys is the cut; quality jerseys are designed for being worn while bent over a bike, so they'll be a little longer in the back so your back and crack aren't exposed to sunburn on long rides, and they'll be cut to avoid having excess folds hanging off the front when you're hunched over.

8/25/2011 7:52:46 PM

Quote :

"^awesome! I'd love to watch it but I don't have cable "

the whole race is broadcast live on:
http://shacktracker.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/

8/25/2011 8:31:50 PM

I'm volunteering at the Louisville Ironman Triathlon this weekend in Kentucky. I'll be a bike escort for one of the pro athletes during the marathon at the end. 26 flat miles in 86 degree weather for 3-3.5 hours, doesn't get much more perfect than that! I'll post pictures upon my return.

8/25/2011 10:47:16 PM

Re: cycling spandex

I'm like the other commuters/roadies here, I wear normal clothes when I commute, and save the kit for long training rides. First, the kit's expensive ( I just spent $90 for a custom pro-fit jersey). Also, the whole thing minus shoes has to get washed after sweating in it. Plus, I don't like carrying a full set of clothes to change into for a 3-5 mile ride.

I also don't like to show up at NC Central standing out more than I already do, and looking like an even bigger dork to my classmates. I can't imagine the reactions I'd get if I wore the full spandex with my commuter bike.

That being said, I do concede to gear like reflective leg bands, gloves and a helmet for safety and comfort.

8/25/2011 11:48:32 PM

I think spandex is retarded unless you race. I really don't see any benefit over regular cycling shorts. If you're riding spandex, you might as well shave your legs as well. I know I'm in the minority on this, but that's ok.

My shorts are similar to this:
http://www.rei.com/product/809765/novara-metro-gel-double-bike-shorts-mens

They have padding and at the same time spare everyone from the trauma of spandex. I love cycling jerseys though, they are a huge help in carrying gels, cycling jacket, etc. and the half/full zip to open when hot.

8/26/2011 1:05:22 AM

^I tend to wear baggier MTB shorts, with built in spandex, when I ride. I get double the amount of cat calls when I wear my tri shorts or normal cycling shorts, and it gets old really fast. I do like the compression of spandex a bit, it does seem to help with muscle soreness in the quads the next day. And, these shorts have pockets to put things in.

+5 on cycling jerseys. No one wants to get sunburned or have material flapping around. I stuff a few Luna bars, my hand pump, cell phone, keys, maybe even an extra water bottle in there if I need it. <3

8/26/2011 4:08:55 PM

WHO USES A HAND PUMP SERIOUSLY!?!?!?????

8/26/2011 5:42:34 PM

I carry one around to help put a little air in the new tube when I'm replacing it, but ya, no way it's going to put 110psi in that thing

8/26/2011 6:35:45 PM

I have a frame pump that I can get to 90 psi (plenty to get home on). I don't carry it on my frame though. I throw it in my back pocket.

I went through a few week stretch where I was getting flats everytime I rode just about. I quickly learned how expensive CO2 cartridges and new tubes could get. Now I carry my frame pump in my jersey and a new tube and patch kit in a bag under my saddle.

8/26/2011 9:15:30 PM

Who uses a hand pump? Someone who's got more than a single bike to think of when buying supplies, and needs to accommodate both Presta and Schrader valves. I've got one from Lezyne's that turns into a mini foot pump with a hose attachment and threads onto the Presta valve, best one I've ever used for high pressure.

I don't really know anyone who carries CO2 cartridges, and I don't know how to use them.
I'm pretty sure my spending 5 minutes changing a flat in a tri or in a charity ride isn't going to destroy my chances of finishing. Not exactly an elite racer here.

8/27/2011 9:49:59 AM

come on people, it was a joke based on the previous discussion of hand pump carriers.

8/27/2011 11:51:01 AM

Didn't you know, people who wear spandex, go on long 'training rides' and count their mileage have no sense of humor. Duh.

I must have missed the hand pump carrier discussion. This is what I get for getting on TWW before my first cup of coffee in the morning.

8/27/2011 12:25:22 PM

must have missed that discussion earlier.

8/27/2011 12:45:27 PM

Quote :

"I'm volunteering at the Louisville Ironman Triathlon this weekend in Kentucky. I'll be a bike escort for one of the pro athletes during the marathon at the end. 26 flat miles in 86 degree weather for 3-3.5 hours, doesn't get much more perfect than that! I'll post pictures upon my return."

awesome! one of my co-workers is doing that race! I invited him to play underwater hockey on Friday and he said he can't because he's doing an Ironman Triathlon this weekend. I was like, "Ohhhh yeah, I was gonna do one of those too "

8/27/2011 1:23:53 PM

^I was at the finish line when one guy from Chapel Hill and another from Raleigh finished, at about 12h30m. Wonder if that was your co-worker? Anyway, I was one of ten lead bike escorts, with my particular position being "4th place female." I escorted Stephanie Jones (3rd overall finish) and Terra Castro (5th finish). My day was brought to a rather embarrassing end when my left pedal/crank arm just unscrewed and fell off mid-race, around mile 12. Ironman staff couldn't find a bike tech, so I was done. I'll go back next year and try to do better.

8/29/2011 8:11:18 PM

Alright, got too many bikes....letting go of the cleanest one in the stable

Cannondale R5000 (handmade in USA)

-56cm
-Black- IMMACULATE condition
-Dura-Ace (9spd) groupo
-Cannondale SI crankset (lighter/stiffer than DA!)
-Mavic Ksyrium SL wheelset
-Thomson seatpost
-ITM stem
-3T bar
-Bontrager RaceXLite tires

-Has brand new neon green tape, but I will gladly replace with new color of your choice
-Saddle is nothing special, I had to take mine off....sentimental reasons. I am more than happy to work out a solution that gets you on a new saddle of your choice.

This has been a just-in-case, backup bike for a number of years and is just taking up room.

As the bike is pictured it is 16lbs flat.

Here's the kicker for yall.....if it sells to a TWWer, I am willing to also give a 30% discount on ANY parts you want. Additionally, I will build a custom set of wheels (for this or anything else you have) for the cost of parts, for free.

Looking for $1750. Or, Ill consider a trade for the following:

-1999-2003 GMC, Chevy, Ford 1/2-ton truck (extended cab, 4x4)
-New(-ish) desktop PC that is capable of running and has Solidworks/Autodesk/some other entry-level CAD program
-Hot air balloon
-front row concert tickets to either: Jay-Z, Kings of Leon, or the original lineup of Van Halen
-(2) steel blue color Great Dane puppies
-or just make an offer

See pics here: http://photobucket.com/buy_this_get_free_service

[Edited on August 30, 2011 at 5:28 PM. Reason : ]

[Edited on August 30, 2011 at 5:28 PM. Reason : ]

8/30/2011 5:27:31 PM

anyone doing the tour de moore monday? I signed up for the 50 miler. Really nice area to ride in.

9/2/2011 3:32:58 PM

Is this a race or a ride?

I did the "Tour de Moore" road race earlier this year. There were about 80 riders in the 4/5 race. We did 46 miles in just over two hours. The roads and course were nice, and the police/SAG escort was pretty good too.

9/3/2011 8:45:16 PM

this is just a charity ride

9/4/2011 7:43:37 AM

Got in my first car/bike accident this morning. Was going straight through an intersection about 20 minutes into our ride on a green light and some old man coming the opposite direction takes a left on an unprotected green right into my brother and me. We were going about 15mph after seeing him and slamming on the brakes and luckily the guy heard us screaming at him fast enough to slow down into the turn. Still ended up hitting my bike and my brothers back wheel. Sent me to the ground, but I got lucky with just some road rash and a nasty bruise on my elbow.

The guy tried pull away at first, but I ran after him screaming his license plate number until he pulled over. Then he tried to argue that it was our fault and that he had the green to turn. I would have just gotten his insurance until he tried to pull that shit, but then we decided to call the police to make sure we didn't get screwed with getting our bikes paid for. Police ended up siting him for an improper turn.

Finally got a chance to look over my bike and it's amazingly in pretty good condition. Some scratches and scuffs on my handlebars, shifters and front fork. My front wheel spokes are all wonky. I hope that I can get the insurance company to return the bike to the perfect condition it was in before the crash. Anyone every done an insurance claim on a bike?

9/8/2011 10:20:22 AM

Glad you are ok, that sucks though for you and your brother. Accidents happen, it's sad that some people can't see cyclists in an obvious situation like you guys were in, then try to shift blame to the cyclists and unwilling to stop, etc... it's a shame people are so intolerant towards cyclists just because we are on a bike doesn't make us any less vulnerable than a pedestrian. If one operates a motor vehicle, they should understand the law and what they are getting into. Vehicles can be considered deadly weapons.

If someone hits you again like that, then tries to pull that crap, I'd make sure to take the ambulance to the E.R... even if you don't think anything is wrong, get an x-ray and make sure it's on record. My wife thought she was ok and ended up finding out later she had fractured ribs. Thankfully I made her go to the E.R. even though she didn't want to at first.

[Edited on September 8, 2011 at 1:35 PM. Reason : .]

9/8/2011 1:33:48 PM

^^Man I'm sorry to hear about that. Good luck getting your ride in working order again. Is there such thing as providing you with a loaner bike while you get your repaired?

9/8/2011 2:12:22 PM

haha... i dunno about a loaner bike. I do have an extra wheelset, so as long as the shifters still work, I should be good to go to keep riding until they replace/fix my stuff. I called his insurance today and they seemed like they were gonna take care of me, but knowing insurance companies I am just waiting for them to try to dick me over.

They were trying to get me to say I was fine physically and I refused. I don't really have any intention of making this a medical issue unless my elbow gets worse, but I will damn sure hang that over their heads if they try to mess around with restoring my stuff.

9/8/2011 5:01:07 PM

Yea, you never know, pain can show up as far as 24-48 hours after getting hit. I wouldn't put any statements of health on record until after a couple days.

9/8/2011 6:40:38 PM

Selling a 56cm Specialized bike, its too big for me I've come to realize after struggling with it for , oh, 300 miles over 3 years Still never let me down. I'm wanting to get more serious and need to get fitted properly for a bike.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/2597251936.html

9/13/2011 6:50:21 PM

That'd be a great starter bike for somebody.

9/13/2011 6:53:04 PM

It was for me. Now its time to get fitted and ride more.

9/13/2011 7:23:16 PM

Quote :

"I should be good to go to keep riding until they replace/fix my stuff. I called his insurance today and they seemed like they were gonna take care of me, but knowing insurance companies I am just waiting for them to try to dick me over. "

what insurance does he have?

honestly, bike accidents where the driver is at fault insurance companies bend over backwards to accommodate because they don't want you to sue.

insurance company was the same way with me when a lady slammed into me about 2 and a half years ago.

9/13/2011 8:21:32 PM

bike sold

9/14/2011 9:00:59 PM

^^ GMAC and it looks like they are playing nice. Supposedly they are sending out a check tomorrow. I basically wrote up a bill with retail prices for every part that had a scratch or any damage from the wreck. Ended up being more than I paid for the bike originally so I will do ok on the deal. The only thing I will replace likely is the wheelset as the rest is just cosmetic damage that I can live with.

Elbow and neck healed up fine, but now every time I ride, I get a little skiddish around traffic and intersections.

My brother is making out bigtime because he had some old 8 spd Dura Ace components with some damage and they are gonna replace it with a brand new 10 speed Dura Ace groupo (have to change it all so it is all compatible).

[Edited on September 14, 2011 at 10:22 PM. Reason : d]

9/14/2011 10:20:05 PM

^Bike accidents suck. Glad you're ok. I would totally try to upgrade my components if I had the opportunity in a lawsuit, especially if I got hit on my road bike or Surly. (they've got Ultegra and Tiagra, respectively).

After a series of mishaps (bent dropouts, bent forks, screwed up-beyond-hope BB threads) I finally got a hold of a friend's Motobecane frame to build up my cross bike. This will be the 4th frame I've started work on. Finished the 700c wheelset and BB, and now am going to start on the headset since I've secured a compatible fork. I'm going to stick drop bars on it, with a single-speed setup, with old-school long reach brake calipers. Original Motobecane cranks and Look pedals, may need to re-tap the threads for those.

9/15/2011 1:10:31 PM

Well, if you end up competing in any events in the nc cyclocross series (i highly encourage it, it's a blast), you may see me there. I will be riding for the Hawley's bicycle shop team racing singlespeed on my mountain bike and in the cat 4 race on my Felt cross bike.

[Edited on September 15, 2011 at 5:23 PM. Reason : d]

9/15/2011 5:18:16 PM

I will have on a "Turtle Rescue Squad" jersey in the women's Cat 5, which I'm sure will be combined with the 3 and 4 due to small fields. Gotta help them turtles cross the road, you know!

9/15/2011 5:52:43 PM

can anyone recommend a good light for the back of my bike? since the days are shorter my evening ride is starting to get pretty dark. I have a red blinking light but it's not as bright as I would like. There are people I ride with who have much brighter lights (forgot to ask about it this week, and I want to order one before the next ride)

thanks!

9/18/2011 8:45:28 PM