Originally Posted by indyfabz

Try gravel riding on a FG or SS bike.

Originally Posted by IGH_Only

Also, I should add that I don't think it's a bike fit issue as I have tinkered with the handlebars and seat post and a few other things quite a bit and none it was uncomfortable, but just a constant search for the most comfortable position.

Originally Posted by wolfchild

That's exactly what I did yesterday...63 miles of gravel on my singlespeed gravel bike with 42x18 gear ratio.

Originally Posted by CargoDane

But you don't have much experience with setting up a bike, so what feels comfortable while adjusting things willy-nilly doesn't really mean much. Most people who haven't really ridden before put their saddle way, way too low, because they want to be able to flat-foot it at stops, for example.

You talk about your elbows hurting so much you had to stop riding your bike. That is most certainly a fitment issue. You are not an experienced rider, what may feel comfortable at first is rarely the best when you have to apply power. For instance, many people buy a bike with a "comfortable" seat - some even with springs and gel at the top, wide as a sofa and whatnot. Such a saddle is not comfortable for miles on end - especially not if you need to go uphill (i.e. put some power down).


As for uphills over overpasses, it takes a while to build up the muscles, so give that some time. I'm more concerned about your elbows.

Originally Posted by phughes

You may simply be lacking a reason to ride. Sometimes riding for the sake of riding is tedious, depending on the person. A number of years ago I decided to do my shopping on the bike, telling myself I would buy a new bike if I stuck with it. I was riding an old Ross Mt. Rainier I bought new in 1984. It was still in great shape. I ended up loving that bike, and rode it for over a year before finally buying a touring bike, a Long Haul Trucker. I still have the Ross, and keep it in good shape. It was easier to ride since I had a reason to ride, not just ride to ride. I started going everywhere on the bike. I met my friends at a local pub. I got to the point where I looked for reasons to go out on the bike, the store, Lowes, beer store, wine store, whatever. I was usually out every day. Had I just gone for a ride, I wouldn't have done it, nor would I have enjoyed it as much. People in town came to expect to see me on the bike.

If I were you, I would shorten my rides for a while. Go out and just enjoy it, and if you aren't, don't ride so far that day. It isn't worth it.

Originally Posted by mstateglfr

I cant imagine participating in a hobby I dont enjoy.

Nobody here knows when you will start to enjoy your hobby.

Originally Posted by rsbob

you obviously never learned to snow ski or snowboard. The first few times are painful, frustrating, cold (because you are constantly falling) and at times frightening (being out of control). Even after enduring all the above, eventually, it clicks, you learn the right clothing and gear and it becomes great fun. He knows the goal will be enjoyable, he just has to go through the growing pains. Cut the guy some slack.

Originally Posted by CargoDane

I think now is about the time where you post a couple of pictures of you on your bike: one with the pedals at 3 and 9, and one with the pedals at 12 and 6. At least people here could help a little since you refuse to get a pro fit the bike to you.

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Originally Posted by IGH_Only

I'm not sure why you keep belaboring on this issue. Even if you're 100% correct, it's a tangential problem that isn't the core issue at hand. I'm not "not enjoying" because I have some elbow soreness. And on that point, the pain never manifests on the rides EXCEPT when I'm going over bumps and things like that, which is why I'm inclined to believe that a better fit is not going to solve that issue. It's a shock to the joints during the rides that's causing it. Now, I may very well not be ergonomically correct, but once again, not really the point as it relates to my current predicament.

Originally Posted by mstateglfr

I learned to snowboard- my first lesson was for my 6th grade birthday. I fell over and over again, but had a blast.
again, I cant imagine participating in a hobby i don't enjoy. Even if I'm not good at it, I can still enjoy it.

Originally Posted by IGH_Only

So I have been riding 8-10 miles for almost 3 weeks now, almost every day. I will be going to every other day primarily due to elbow pain issues, as well as thigh soreness. But I digress. In all honesty, there is nothing I enjoy all that much about it. I want to quit the first couple of miles almost every single time. Somehow, I've manage to always complete the predetermined route, usually with a bit of tiredness.

I thought I'd enjoy the scenery of streets and trails I've never seen before. Nope. I thought I enjoy getting out a lot more having been shuttered in during the pandemic. Not so much. And I genuinely hate with a passion every overpass and underpass that I have to go through. But even having said all that, I have a strong compulsion to keep going every single time and especially before the ride begins. I've never cut off a ride earlier than I planned. I feel forced to ride before the journey begins so it's certainly not a lack of motivation problem. Which is a bit unusual because knowing myself I could have easily given up for good after the first few days/a week.

I don't have any plans to quit any time soon. I'm not sure if I do it for the fitness. I think definitely to some extent. I don't think I do it just to play with the shiny new toy. So I guess all that is background for should I expect to get to a place where I like it more? Would a much better bike make it more enjoyable? I currently ride a 3 speed entry level bike. I think enjoy it for the most part but don't have a comparative basis.

Originally Posted by rsbob

You think your reality should be everyone’s reality. Human nature doesn’t work that way. Empathy and understanding work far better than the opposite in human relationships.