SpandexSpeeder

I finally caved and got a Cannondale Synapse Tiagra from my LBS to replace my GMC Denali. I also got a set of Shimano PS-M324 clip-less pedals and Giro Rumble VR shoes (the mountain bike style is intentional..).

When I am clipped in, is there any danger standing on the pedals and not sitting on the saddle? I started to go numb on my first long ride so I stood up to coast downhill for a bit but it felt like my left pedal was “squishy” as if my foot might pop out at any second. The cleat is tight and the pedal is not loose so I am not sure if my foot should be able to move or not.

As far as going numb goes, I ended up ordering a few pairs of the padded spandex (link below). I can’t tell if I am supposed to wear these with the blue pad on the outside and look like a baboon and if I am supposed to wear shorts on top or not.
(Add a . between www, Amazon, com since I can’t post URLs)
amazon com/dp/B00O0F3BIO

My last questions is, when I am on the large front gear and small back gear, I hear a grinding noise from the chain on the right pedal downward stroke. I am pretty sure this is not normal and the shop I bought it from said it could be the trim or me bending the frame. I rode again and it’s definitely not the trim and I don’t think I’m strong enough to the point where I am bending things. Any ideas of what would fix it?

Thanks!

cb400bill

The blue padding goes on the inside. Always.

Paul Barnard

Sometimes I really miss Ryan F. He was so much more talented than the new crop we have.

DOS

Regarding the pedal feeling squishy, those pedals have adjustable spring tension. Look a hex bolt on the back of the pedal and turn clockwise to increase the tension. Increasing tension should make you feel more secure, but be cautious about increasing tension until you are more confident in your use of clipless pedals because it will make it harder to clip in and out. Beyond tension, make sure you aren't inadvertently turning your foot during your pedal stroke as that will cause you to clip out.

Regarding numbness, padding (on the inside) isn’t really the solution, it means you are carrying weight on soft tissue rather than the bones of your rear end. That could be a saddle position issue or a more general bike fit issue. Tell you LBS you are having the issue and have them adjust your fit. Lowering the saddle slightly and tilting the nose up just a little are two easy fixes you could try. A wider saddle might also help.

On grinding noise, not sure what that means. Is the chain hitting the cage? If so, and you are not in trim position, try increasing cable tension.

hsuehhwa

re. "numb"

1. move the cleats backward a bit
2. try bigger road cleats and more stiff road shoes.

seau grateau

Clipped in standing: it's fine.
Numbness: bike fit.
Grinding: chain is rubbing the derailleur cage.

SpandexSpeeder

Thanks for the replies!

I took it back to the LBS and they raised the seat up about an inch and adjusted the derailleur. It rides perfect now, no numbness, no pain, and no chain grinding. The chamois pads also make a huge difference in comfort. I also found out the cleats are supposed to move 5 degrees which explains why they felt squishy.

indyfabz

Amen! With his user name and riding 3,000 miles on GMC Denali you would think he would have a pair of shorts before now and know wear them properly. Dead giveaway.

shelbyfv

Yep, a step too far. I don't think I've had any piece of clothing that wasn't obvious inside/outside.

indyfabz

Especially when you consider how he described how he was able to replace the bottom bracket on the Denali.

SpandexSpeeder

What’s wrong with how I replaced the bottom bracket? It’s a $200 Walmart bike not an Italian sports car.

And with the shorts. The Amazon ad shows them with the pad on the outside and I thought that was how they were supposed to go. I used the Denali for transportation to school and back so I wore jeans and not spandex.

What’s wrong with not knowing and asking?

jlaw

On the inside?

....now I know why those people in the bagel shop were staring....

MAK

I went to the Amazon address provided and the OP was looking at padded mountain bike liner shorts made with the padding on the outside. They are meant to be worn under other shorts.

shelbyfv

Even better

jlaw

ok - did not know this. I just pictured myself walking around with my shorts inside out!

MoAlpha

I wear my shorts with the pad on the inside until it gets dirty. Then I reverse them.

SpandexSpeeder

I have another question, seriously. Does anyone carry a second set of shoes on long distance rides just in case? I was planning on doing 100 miles pretty soon here and realized cycling shoes are not exactly the easiest or most comfortable to walk in. I was thinking about getting a pair of those ugly toe shoes to keep on me when riding since they are fairly small and lightweight.

caloso

The shoes you have look pretty walkable. They're sold as commuting/touring shoes, which assumes a bit of walking to the office from the bike rack or around the campsite.

jlaw

Most MTB-style shoes (having a recessed cleat) are fairly easy to walk in without skittering all over the place as can be the case with road-style shoes. Go to your LBS, try, and buy accordingly.

SpandexSpeeder

I already have a pair but they are not good for walking any decent distance

Trakhak

Stiff mountain bike shoes can work surprisingly well for walking. Many hiking boots are equally stiff.

SpandexSpeeder

I ended up buying a pair of those minimalist running shoes to keep in my backpack when riding since they are light weight. I don’t want to walk 10-15 miles with my stiff mountain bike shoes if something happens.

Anyways, I am gradually building up to my first 100 mile ride. I found eating a grotesque amount for breakfast, using plenty of chamois cream to prevent hotdog chaffing, and putting lots of snacks in the snack bag under the saddle is key. I made it up to 60 miles yesterday but had to turn back when storms rolled in. I peddled faster home for fear of thunder strike! I also learned to use sunscreen because now I have a sun tan outline of my helmet..