Pedal constantly?
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I do much of my riding, up to 100 miles, on a fixed gear, where, whenever the bike is moving, you are pedaling. You can choose to pedal hard or soft, fast or slow, but unless you come to a complete stop, you are always pedaling.
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Don't ask me how I know this...
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#53
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I live in the south if we stop pedaling we coast to a stop. I stop pedaling when approaching an intersection or if I just need a break for a second but basically if you want to go forward you need to pedal and most of us cyclist want to go as far and as fast as we can so there's that.
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I live in the south if we stop pedaling we coast to a stop. I stop pedaling when approaching an intersection or if I just need a break for a second but basically if you want to go forward you need to pedal and most of us cyclist want to go as far and as fast as we can so there's that.
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I have been getting back in shape and losing weight. I go to the gym most days and ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes. Today I rode for 45 minutes. I pedal constantly on the stationary bike.
Do riders never stop pedaling when riding on the street for 15-20 or more miles?
I just turned 65 and really need to get fit. I wasn’t wasted after 45 minutes but that was only the equivalent of 10 miles.
Do riders never stop pedaling when riding on the street for 15-20 or more miles?
I just turned 65 and really need to get fit. I wasn’t wasted after 45 minutes but that was only the equivalent of 10 miles.
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The biggest difference when riding on the road is the large and dynamic variation in pedal resistance with changes in gradient, wind conditions and gearing. Unless you are riding on a smart trainer or using an interval program, the stationary bike will probably be providing constant resistance during your 30-45 min workouts. It would be like riding on a road with no change of gradient and constant wind conditions. I find such conditions mind-numbingly boring, pedalling constantly at the same force and cadence. When riding on the road, pedal force is far more dynamic and there are moments when you can coast or soft pedal (pedalling without force) for a brief recovery. I find this variation in effort makes long rides far more bearable and interesting. Don't be afraid to coast whenever it feels natural. As you gain strength and fitness you will naturally coast less anyway, especially on flatter terrain or when climbing. On rolling terrain it is quite normal to coast or soft pedal more often.
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Personally, I'm always pedaling except when I get to the point going down hill it's faster to stop pedaling and tuck.
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I only worry about continuous pedaling for indoor trainer sessions, or fast group rides with drafting. I don't do the latter anymore, so it's not an issue.
Outdoors, I don't worry about whether I'm pedaling or coasting. Some friends mostly ride fixed gear bikes now and pedal continuously. But I never learned to like fixies. I like my gears, and the ability to spin up a climb in an easy gear, or stand to stomp the pedals in top gear.
Outdoors, I don't worry about whether I'm pedaling or coasting. Some friends mostly ride fixed gear bikes now and pedal continuously. But I never learned to like fixies. I like my gears, and the ability to spin up a climb in an easy gear, or stand to stomp the pedals in top gear.
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I am not expecting a direct comparison between the stationary bike and riding on the road. On the stationary I usually start on about 60 rpm and about 60 watts on level/ gear 4 which shows about 13 mph. About halfway when my legs are warned up i am doing about 70rpm and 14mph.
The main point is I am pedaling without stopping ir slowing down for 45 minutes.
Should I start going for an hour?
I want my legs in decent shape by the tome I drop enough weight to start putting miles on my bike. I read something about the weight limit on ny Roubaix and the big concern being the CF seat post. I’m not far away from a safe weight.
The main point is I am pedaling without stopping ir slowing down for 45 minutes.
Should I start going for an hour?
I want my legs in decent shape by the tome I drop enough weight to start putting miles on my bike. I read something about the weight limit on ny Roubaix and the big concern being the CF seat post. I’m not far away from a safe weight.
I think it's a shame to waste the use and the riding time of a fine bike like a Roubaix. Have you heard of any actual failures of this type on a Spec Roubaix of your size and model year? The bikes actually have some bad road cred in actual use!
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What are the numbers? What is the bike's weight limit, and that of the seatpost? How much do you have to drop to feel comfortable? Do you know the technique of lifting your butt off the saddle as thebike goes over a bump?
I think it's a shame to waste the use and the riding time of a fine bike like a Roubaix. Have you heard of any actual failures of this type on a Spec Roubaix of your size and model year? The bikes actually have some bad road cred in actual use!
I think it's a shame to waste the use and the riding time of a fine bike like a Roubaix. Have you heard of any actual failures of this type on a Spec Roubaix of your size and model year? The bikes actually have some bad road cred in actual use!
#64
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That's great, but parts of your bike is likely to last longer if you ride 'light'. Your body is likely to be more comfortable, too.
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I will do what I can. I do stand on the pedals and flex my legs on abrupt bumps like the transition between an asphalt street and a concrete valley. There are 3 on my local circuit through town.
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Thanks everyone. I was just curious if I should be pedaling nonstop on the longer rides. Right now pedaling 45 minutes is tough enough. I can’t imagine doing that for twice as long or more.
Of course when I was young I couldn’t imagine running a mile either. I need to do it once so I will know I can.
Of course when I was young I couldn’t imagine running a mile either. I need to do it once so I will know I can.
My 2018 Roubaix is propped in front of me as I type and is ready to ride in a bit over 3 hours to begin my 11th Anniversary 100 mile ride for a friend hit by a semi and killed as he a 2 others began their last week of riding from Prudhoe Bay to Key West. It also is the 1 year Anniversary of my being hit by a WILD HOG for the 2nd time.
As for your continued riding adventures, make sure they remain fun and keep on improving your riding form so you become more efficient.
Smooth and safe miles for you and ENJOY!!!
p.s. - as I ride I will be listening to
KPLX 99.5 The Wolf FM live
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Great reading you dropped the weight. Standing and flexing legs is good for over bumps BUT it's also great to exercise muscles not used when seated.
My 2018 Roubaix is propped in front of me as I type and is ready to ride in a bit over 3 hours to begin my 11th Anniversary 100 mile ride for a friend hit by a semi and killed as he a 2 others began their last week of riding from Prudhoe Bay to Key West. It also is the 1 year Anniversary of my being hit by a WILD HOG for the 2nd time.
As for your continued riding adventures, make sure they remain fun and keep on improving your riding form so you become more efficient.
Smooth and safe miles for you and ENJOY!!!
p.s. - as I ride I will be listening to
My 2018 Roubaix is propped in front of me as I type and is ready to ride in a bit over 3 hours to begin my 11th Anniversary 100 mile ride for a friend hit by a semi and killed as he a 2 others began their last week of riding from Prudhoe Bay to Key West. It also is the 1 year Anniversary of my being hit by a WILD HOG for the 2nd time.
As for your continued riding adventures, make sure they remain fun and keep on improving your riding form so you become more efficient.
Smooth and safe miles for you and ENJOY!!!
p.s. - as I ride I will be listening to
KPLX 99.5 The Wolf FM live
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r.e. bold - live in SW FL. Just completed 55.55 miles of the 100 miles I ride for friend hit and killed by semi 11 years ago.
added 45.54 miles on 2nd ride so got my 100 Mile Memorial Ride for Pete.
Last edited by OldTryGuy; 07-26-23 at 12:42 PM.
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#71
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I have been getting back in shape and losing weight. I go to the gym most days and ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes. Today I rode for 45 minutes. I pedal constantly on the stationary bike.
Do riders never stop pedaling when riding on the street for 15-20 or more miles?
I just turned 65 and really need to get fit. I wasn’t wasted after 45 minutes but that was only the equivalent of 10 miles.
Do riders never stop pedaling when riding on the street for 15-20 or more miles?
I just turned 65 and really need to get fit. I wasn’t wasted after 45 minutes but that was only the equivalent of 10 miles.
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I'm planning on doing a 12-hour ride Friday night, and I'll probably be pedaling nearly the entire time I'm on the bike, which hopefully will be 100 miles or more.
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