wilsonianh

I currently commute on a Trek 7.2Fx and have approximately 1500 miles on it total. I commonly clean and lubricate my chains and cassette, and my derailleurs are adjusted perfectly. My commute has always been fairly easy (2 miles each way), but I've noticed that it has been becoming increasingly difficult to ride my bike. All my parts seem to be functioning. And yes, I am in-taking proper amounts of food and vitamins. What could be the problem?

Maelochs

Dude ... you're getting old.


What, nobody told you?

canklecat

May just be perception or expectations. Try a freebie GPS app to record your rides and see what the data shows over time. The free version of Cyclemeter for iOS works well and records data for one-mile segments. Over time you can compare recorded speeds with how you felt that ride and see if there's any measurable differences.

That's what I do. I don't monitor my speed in realtime. I just ride according to how I'm feeling and look at the data later. Occasionally when I'm feeling great, my actual speed doesn't reflect any improvements; while there have been some days when I wasn't feeling well but rode faster.

Regarding your commute distance, that may be too short even for a warmup. I need at least 30 minutes of riding to get warmed up. Often I'll begin with a burst of energy that quickly fades within a mile and I'll feel stiff and sluggish for the next 15-20 minutes. Usually my peak of energy and measurable speed is 30-60 minutes into a ride.

When I discovered that pattern I modified a couple of routes so I'm not needing to sprint in traffic when I'm not warmed up. I noticed one particular route where I was short of breath and my legs were burning, between the 1 and 2 mile mark on a familiar 10-20 mile route. On the return trip the same segment felt better. I just wasn't warmed up enough on the first leg of the route for the sustained sprint needed to cope with traffic and merging lanes. It was easier to take a slightly longer route with less traffic on the outbound leg.

Take some longer rides when you have time. Use a cycling app to record the ride, but don't monitor it -- wait until after the ride to check the data. Just ride according to how you feel. Just pick a comfortable pace but push a bit harder when you feel like it. Check the data later and see when your peak seems to occur. Maybe you just need more time to warm up and aren't getting it on short commutes.

Maelochs

Interesting ... I experience exactly the same thing, ... have modified a few routes to get the longer climbs in later .... I find it takes longer for my lungs (and heart) to adjust to the load after that first several minutes of energy .... I struggle a while and suddenly realize I have been riding And breathing for a while.

OP: as for the bike itself ... flip it over and spin the wheels? Could be hubs .... but I doubt it. Could be brake rub. It sounds like you take care of the bike, but it could be something as simple as something bumped a brake caliper and now it is rubbing the wheel all the time.

Or ... you're just getting old.

Machka 

Ride a longer distance on the weekend and the week day distance won't seem so bad.

OldTryGuy

Have you checked the tire pressure since you got the bike**********

jbenkert111

It's getting harder and harder to get out of bed and I keep the mattress tuned and I eat right. Go figure. I know the reason, just don't want to accept. :-)

RonH

Two miles isn't much. Ride farther to build up your muscles and endurance.

Jean3n16

time to up your speed/distance. Its hard for me to continue to ride with the social/casual/slow group because it feels like im racing my grandma... im ready to move up to intermediate!

indyfabz

If it's not already, paint your bike red and it will be faster. Also, put helium in your tires to make the bike lighter.

TimothyH

This could be an issue.

When I commuted in winter it often took 9 or 10 miles just to break a sweat.

Leebo

Air up your tires, more coffee and bacon. It will be clear after that.

OneIsAllYouNeed

The outside temperature is dropping. Air resistance and tire rolling resistance increase with decreased temperature. If your average speed is lower than it was during the summer, blame the air temperature. Figure on losing at least 1 mph per 20 degrees F.

2manybikes

Do you check your tire pressure before a ride?

NYMXer

Take the bike to your LBS for a complete service and share your concerns with them. There may be an issue with the bike and most bike could stand a little attention anyway.
If the bike checks out fine, talk with your doctor.

Phil_gretz

Changing to carbon fiber frames has been known to increase internet speed. So, you could try that...

Moe Zhoost

There are a heck of a lot of factors that could be involved: bike condition, weather, your physical condition, and even your mental condition. I have often felt that I was working harder on my commutes, but my average speed or commute times did not support this. I'd suggest, as the first step, that you develop some objective data to compare to your subjective perceptions.

Also I agree with the others who advise a longer ride. 2 miles is not even a warmup

Jean3n16

Dont forget your Super Suit!

indyfabz

Or Jimmy Hat.

Jean3n16

umm, are we talking about cycling anymore?

indyfabz

You never know what might happen out there on the road. When I toured across the country back in '99, two of us in our group hooked up with locals in towns where we stayed.

Jean3n16

Oh how wild a bicycle can make a person.

indyfabz

For S&G, many years later I Googled the name of the girl I "met." Came to find that a few years after I passed through town she was arrested and charged with possession of pot and cooking meth in the house she was living in with her son and baby daddy. The house was a few towns away from where she used to live.

1989Pre 

Check to see if your wheels or tires are rubbing against something (brakes, chainstay). Pick the front of the bike up and spin the front tire. then do the same with the back. Makes sure they spin freely. Take the chain off of the chainwheels and rest it on top of your bottom bracket. then spin the crank and see if it spins freely. You can take each wheel off and put it in a truing stand, work stand or hold the axle with your fingers and give it a spin. See if it spins freely and/or if you feel any "crunching".
If all of those seem fine, do more stretching and strengthening exercises. If you already have a stretching routine, do what Machka said.

CliffordK

2 miles is better than nothing, but hardly enough to build up a lot of strength and endurance. Ride harder, faster, longer, and for more time... at least some of the time.

Hmmm...
Winter weather is also hitting this area. It is much less fun to drag the bike out when it is pouring rain.