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| 44 mile morning rides on the hardtail |
Finding what works - Bike Fit / Setup
There has been a lot said about bike fit and setup. I've personally wrestled with the different setup and fits over the many years. A lot of rec riders settle for saddle (seat) height, but there's a lot more to consider. Basically everybody has their own unique body geometry and as such, well it's not as easy as it sounds. The road bike has been running the same drivetrain for the past 15 years. 50/34 front rings, with an 11/28 rear cassette. The crankarms have been the same 172.5 mm the entire time. I've had a couple professional bike fit attempts over the years - with limited, if any success. The front stem has been shortened and raised over time, with several variations of saddle positions. A few months ago I noticed a picture someone had taken of me grinding solo up Snake River Canyon. I had always thought my pedal stroke to be good - but that proved wildly incorrect. The picture screamed the reason I have broken saddle rails on other setups. Basically I was pushing back from the top pedal position into the saddle with tremendous force. Heel down to make matters worse. This also explains the chronic frontal knee pain I would have after climbing Monte - or anything else for that matter. Without going into the weeds, I'm trying a shorter crankarm setup - going down to 170 mm. Also, I've adjusted the cleats on my shoes to put the driving force farther back. I'm sure there will be other minor adjustments, but for now its time to get the road bike in service - next week.
Don't buy a Bucklos Chain
The hardtail has been getting a ton of time and miles. That bike is pretty low maintenance - for a mountain bike. Still, regular service is a must. Regular chain/lube and cleaning makes it run much better. Chains, rings and cassettes wear out - not mention tires and bearings. Having replaced a lot of chains over the years, I've always ran either Shimmano or Sram high-end components. I took a chance on a plated BUCKLOS chain - from Amazon. Major mistake. I put maybe 400 mile on it before it started to bind up. It's kind of the problem with 12 speed chains having thinner side-plates, in that they can bend a lot easier. I've never had that problem with a Shimmano or Sram chain - yet. This is also the argument for still running 2X front ring groups, versus a 1X chain ring. Regardless of that debate - steer clear of the Bucklos chains.
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| Another month or so and this will be approaching a "mud hole". |
Stalling....
It has been a struggle, as usual this year. The Huntsman campaign is not moving at all, not to mention the event training has not really taken off. The next 30 days are critical and a more concerted effort will be required. The path toward success narrows with every passing day. Options become limited as the key days approach. Work commitments are also taking their time, but not insurmountable. It's just time to get serious - about everything. If this were an undergrad class, I think the professor would give this a gratuitous B-, mostly for just attendance and handing in the work. Certainly not mastering the material.
Ride HARD!
