46
votes
Accepted
How difficult would it be to maintain 17.5 Mph for an hour?
The short answer is: not that difficult. The long answer requires some explanation.
The equations of motion for a rider on a bicycle are well-understood if not always well-known. The power needed to ...
- 13.6k
42
votes
Pedaling at different gear ratios on flat terrain: what's the point?
First, different people have different optimum cadence. So that's one thing that explains different cadence between different cyclists.
Second, to travel at any given speed requires a certain amount ...
- 8,783
37
votes
Accepted
Is cycling behind a truck a bad practice?
It is really dangerous to follow a large vehicle closely. It is possible behind a directeur sportif in a passenger car which is smaller: you can see through it, and the driver is a cyclist who knows ...
- 11.7k
29
votes
Is it possible to do 50 km distance without any previous training?
A fit person can do 50km without too much difficulty, though they'll probably be sore from the effort if they don't cycle much, just because cycling uses different muscles to, say, running. It wouldn'...
- 16.8k
26
votes
Is it normal to stop so much because of thighs burning?
More than likely it is normal and frankly your legs probably aren't used to it. 17 miles is a long way for a beginner so I would pat yourself on the back for that.
You may also benefit from a proper ...
- 9,051
24
votes
How to slow yourself down (for playing nice with others)
Focussing on the "training harder" aspect of your question:
A simple way for training hard while keeping your speed comparatively low would be to increase your cadence.
The easiest approach: Try ...
- 527
24
votes
Accepted
Why would I use a trainer instead of riding outside?
If your goal is to train, the trainer is a good complement to riding outside:
control of the training: the companion apps are usually proposing modes/exercices that can be difficult to replicate on ...
- 6,755
21
votes
Adding pedals & training wheels to this balance bike?
You could probably add training wheels, but not a crank. There simply isn't anywhere on the frame for cranks to go. Also, adding training wheels to a balance bike is kind of defeating the purpose of ...
- 2,795
19
votes
How to slow yourself down (for playing nice with others)
If you want to play nice, this ride is going to be quite gentle and sociable for you. That means it could be a good fit for a recovery ride. Read up on recovery riding, but you should find it’s ...
- 12k
19
votes
Why would I use a trainer instead of riding outside?
While normal bikes are great for the places they can take you, trainers do benefit from the fact that you don't go anywhere.
I have small children that are far too young to leave home alone. I can go ...
- 11.7k
18
votes
Is it normal to stop so much because of thighs burning?
In addition to the answer by @Nate, I also commend you for putting in 17 miles after a 24 miles ride. Don't beat yourself up over struggling a little.
Be sure you allow plenty of recovery time. You ...
- 40k
18
votes
Accepted
Training for 150 km race in 2 months practicality and plan
The OP needs to cover 150km on flat surface within 12 hours. It's the average speed of 12.5 km/h.
Even if we are more realistic and allow for one hour break every 2h15', we end up with four stages of ...
- 4,201
18
votes
How much hydration is enough hydration during long rides?
When I first started doing longer distance rides, the rule-of-thumb I was told was "drink a bottle every hour."
Obviously, that's a very rough figure, and it's going to depend on a lot of ...
- 3,937
17
votes
How many miles should I ride each day to prepare for a 66 mile ride in 6 days time?
Honestly? 6 days is a bit late to do anything significant. You should probably do ~5-15 mile rides for the next 4 days, and have at most a short 2 mile ride on day 5, and then you've got your event.
...
- 99.1k
17
votes
Adding pedals & training wheels to this balance bike?
No, not possible.
If you want to go the other way, buy a 12 inch bike and then remove the chain/pedals/bottom bracket/bearings and degrease it. Store the parts so they don't rust. Optionally put ...
- 99.1k
16
votes
Training weights
Unless you are riding big hills, weight makes surprisingly little difference. Even on hills, you may be surprised how little effect it has.
You want to increase rolling resistance so you slow down ...
- 40k
16
votes
How do I prepare to ride 60 miles (100 km) a day for 8 days?
Preparation
One thing to consider is how hilly the ride is compared to what you're used to. If that average pace includes a lot of climbing, it's fairly quick, but if that's a flat pace it's gentle.
...
- 46.2k
14
votes
Is it possible to do 50 km distance without any previous training?
It's probably not a great idea. Start with a shorter route and see how you do. Pick a flat route without hills. Make sure you have a bail out and a way to get home (public transport, a friend, Uber ...
- 74.3k
14
votes
How can I keep improving after my first 30km ride?
You've got off to a great start, well done. Several answers tell you how to improve quickly, and they're not wrong. But you'll see plenty of improvement just by riding often, occasionally pushing ...
- 46.2k
13
votes
Accepted
How long does it take to be ready for a multi day ride as a newbie?
Riding 50 miles (80km) in a day is a fairly modest goal. Doing it three days in a row is only slightly more ambitious. As a fit (as you will be when you do it) person to ride 80km, you could expect to ...
- 17k
13
votes
Accepted
Training involved to ride 175 miles (281 km) in a day
I'm in the do it this year camp.
In comments you say you can currently ride probably a painful 60 (miles).
In general, a conservative plan is to extend your ride distances by 10% per week. But it's ...
- 17k
13
votes
How much hydration is enough hydration during long rides?
Good luck on your brevet attempt!
200km, or 124 miles, is a long ride. For reference, on the road, average riders might complete a century ride (160km/100mi) in 5-7 hours, maybe less if one is with a ...
- 19.3k
13
votes
Is it normal to feel like I can't breathe while trying to ride at a challenging pace?
I think you should always check with a doctor if you have concerns about your health. While you probably can get advice on your health from this forum, this is not the best place to seek specific ...
- 2,482
13
votes
Accepted
How to convert calories to watts on Strava rides?
Turning my comment into an answer:
Watts in a bicycling context are usually measured (or estimated) as mechanical power at the wheel (or crank). Calories burned are the (estimated) total input energy. ...
- 19.7k
12
votes
When using the front brake, should I always move my weight to the back or is just bracing with arms is sufficient?
What is the fastest possible way for you to stop?
For me, it's pulling hard on the front brake, with my rear end well behind the seat. Ideally my rear wheel will be a couple inches off the ground the ...
- 5,590
12
votes
Accepted
Should a competitive cyclist be concerned with CO2 tolerance?
At this time, this sounds like unvalidated pseudo-science.
I wouldn't take the article that you cite at face value. The website is primarily an advertisement for the author's private practice. The ...
- 10.9k
12
votes
Should a competitive cyclist be concerned with CO2 tolerance?
Unless you specialize in cycling events where you hold your breath the entire race, I am beyond skeptical of some of the claims in that article.
Much of the claims about CO2 in breath control are true,...
- 11.7k
11
votes
Is it possible to do 50 km distance without any previous training?
To answer your questions -
"Is it possible to do 50 km distance without any previous training? -
Yes, it is possible, assuming by no previous training you mean
cycling training. If a person has ...
- 16.3k
10
votes
Training for long distance rides (> 200km)
While gym and spinning are good complementary activities to cycling, I would recommend that you also look at adding an element of riding on a real bike (like the dark knight said in his comment).
For ...
- 417
10
votes
Can you use bicycle boulevards for effective interval training?
In principle yes, but keep in mind that, while you will be using public places you will be likely meet other cyclists who are not there to train and will act, to your eyes, just like moving obstacles: ...
- 6,569
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