r/cycling

Everyone talks about the freedom, the fitness, and the mental clarity but nobody really talks about the mental side when you can’t ride. Injury, bad weather, or just a busy week can mess with your rhythm more than expected. Once cycling becomes part of your routine, not riding actually feels strange. Has anyone else felt off when they miss a few days?

(Apologies for the wall of text, it was a lot)

Left later than I wanted to because of Easter activities which resulted in the whole ride feeling rushed.

Got a flat 30 miles in and realized I didn’t grab my repair kit and being Easter Sunday all the bike shops in the area were closed.

Tied off the puncture hoping for a quick fix but couldn’t get any air in it with my hand pump (that I did grab for some reason and will replace after this experience) so as a last resort I walked into…. Goodwill(!) hoping they would have a pump.

They didn’t.

But a woman overheard me asking for a pump and told me she was a triathlete and will help me out as soon as she finishes her shopping.

So she finishes up, drives away, and 10 minute later returns with a pump and a box of tubes.

WHAT A LEGEND.

I replace the tied-off tube with a new one AND IT PUNCTURES TOO 🤬

Second attempt but this time I cut and layer a few pieces of the old tube between the new one and the hole in the tire where the original puncture was.

It worked!

She sends me off with water and a few snacks and I’m on my way. (I mean seriously, how amazing is this person?)

The tire held up without an issue for the remainder of the ride but I forget to fill up water so I’m completely dry with 10 miles to go and no gas station in sight.

So at this point I’m flying. I’m done. I just want to go home.

+30mph

Then… a pinecone.

I run over that thing and lose traction.

Front wheel jackknives and I go flying over the handlebars with all my gear exploding off of me like Sonic The Hedgehog’s rings.

Panic sets in.

I immediately call the wife letting her know I crashed and send her my location in case the adrenaline wears off and I’m really hurt.

While waiting, a couple stops to check on me and they give me a bottle of water. The plastic bottle was half full and the water was hot but it was the best taste water I’ve ever had.

They probably won’t read this, but in case they do, thank you both for stopping. I haven’t felt fear like this in a long time and our conversation really calmed me down.

Wife comes with the kids in the back.

They are still little so I hope seeing my arm covered in blood didn’t messed them up somehow.

We get home.

I go upstairs to shower off and realize my shoulder/collarbone is cooked.

Shower and go to urgent care where they took X-rays. Luckily nothing is broken but my Ironman training is on pause for the foreseeable future.

Anyway, thank you for making it this far.

It was a crazy day.

I’m full of pain killers and I’m looking at a long night once they wear off but my humanity is restored.

Note to self: slow down, don’t rush.

​Hi everyone,

​I need advice on dealing with Bikeinn (Tradeinn). They sent my Hammerhead Karoo ($365.88) to the wrong country and now refuse to acknowledge the error.

​The Issue:

​My Address: Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan (Zip: 150000).

​Current Location: Yaroslavl, Russia (Zip: 150000).

​The shipping system apparently confused the identical zip codes and ignored the country.

​The Proof:

I even received an SMS from Russian Post on my Kazakhstan phone number, stating that my package is being processed in Yaroslavl, Russia.

​The Support Failure:

I’ve contacted support multiple times. They keep sending automated "How to track your package" tutorials and telling me to "just wait." They completely ignore the fact that the package is in a different country under sanctions, and it will never reach me.

​Has anyone dealt with this "identical zip code" error before? Is there any way to reach a human at Tradeinn, or should I just go straight to a chargeback?

​Order #66959912. Avoid this shop if you live in a city with a common zip code!

Going downhill at ~40mph in an area I'm not overly familiar with, I can see some debris and branches near the bottom on the shoulder, and a car coming close behind on radar. I wait for the car to pass to take the lane in order to avoid the debris but the old dude pulls up alongside and starts talking to me. WTF? I obviously can't hear a thing he's saying and he's looking over at me so the car starts drifting toward the shoulder.

Best I could do in the moment as I had adrenaline going while trying to do the calculus on the debris and the car right next to me was yell "Get away from me!". Dude smashed the gas and takes off, I take the lane and get down safely. This all took maybe 4-5s, of course.

Streetlight at the bottom of the hill so obviously I catch up to the guy at the next intersection and as I come up alongside he starts flailing his wooden cane out the passenger window screaming at me about he "was trying to fucking pay me a compliment." Another WTF moment....I stopped and told him he nearly caused me to crash and that he was creating a dangerous situation but he was far past the point of listening. More screaming and profanity from the inside and more cane waggling.

I said a couple unkind things about the lack of branches on his family tree, maybe I shouldn't have but I certainly didn't start this shit, and took off but what in the hell was all that even about?

He obviously didn't understand the situation he was creating but I'm so tired of people like this.

Teslas should be banned from roads of general public use.

Despite investing in good bike lights - i have 2 on the rear one of which is 300 lm, despite hi vis jacket - today on a road outside of city, a short segment maybe 1-2 miles where pavement is perfect - a tesla model Y passed me on speed i’d say 200-250 km/hr. I have never seen anyone drive so fast in my entire life as today’s moron.

I was very upset because I realized no matter what you wear, your helmet, your lights - there will be a moron ready to hit you at speed over 200 km/hr on a rural road.

Recent deadly accident in my city when a pedestrian was hit by a car? Sure it was a tesla. A 16 y old flew 20 meters from a hit by a moron that was racing in his tesla.

Hey everybody 👋

I’m looking at buying a power meter. I probably don’t really require one but when I ride outside it’d be nice to know how many watts I’m doing, like you do on zwift.

I’m currently rocking shimano 105 DI2, Garmin head unit and looking at installing a power meter. I’m not too bothered about dual sided but it would be a bonus.

Let me know what you recommend and thank you!

I know this question is stupid and I know I am gonna get clowned at but I am a 15yo inexperienced cyclist and I never really planned to wear a tight cycling jersey but I bought bib shorts that fit perfectly on me, Unfortunately I couldn't find a cycling jersey in a physical store so I went online and ordered an XS cycling jersey. This was probably my problem because when It arrived I realized it was too big for me, it just felt like a normal shirt kind of. It has alot of flaps.

I'm not into performance and more into sightseeing and exploring but obviously aero will help in having more fun and looking more serious in the road, but the real reason I wanted a cycling jersey was so I could put my foods and phone in the back pocket. Shorts couldn't do this because it has the risk of falling so I bought a cycling jersey for this but now I look stupid wearing tight bib shorts with a baggy cycling jersey. Will I still get the same amount of respect on the road?

watching flanders and wondering what on earth they might be doing it to recover quickly? or is it just a routine for them ? experts need your views...

Hi all, as the title says. I hate energy bars, but also most shop bought snacks are full of cr&p.

I would like some simple recipes. No vegan requirements, although I avoid lactose.

TIA

Hi! Just started cycling, I'm finally getting used to the seat, but my struggle right now is my back pain. I just did a 12 mile flat road bike ride and man, my back killing me! When I'm riding, I often have to set up right and stretch a little bit to, I don't even know how you describe it, but I just feel more relaxed when I sit up right. I'm hearing that it might be my posture or the my bike size is too small? Probably going to take it to my shop to find out, but wanted to hear some other feedback as well. Thx!

Help guys

I want s-works evade 3 or met manta but you can offer any good helmet

Hey everyone,

I’m currently hesitating between two wheelsets and I’d really appreciate some honest feedback from people who’ve actually ridden similar setups.

I have: • Scope R4 Disc (2022–2023) with Sapim CX-Sprint spokes • Fulcrum Racing Zero Competizione with CULT ceramic bearings

Both are in excellent condition.

From what I understand: • The Fulcrum are known for being super stiff, reactive, and very “fun” to ride • The Scope are more modern: carbon, aero (45mm), and probably faster overall

For context: • Rider weight: ~94 kg • Bike: Tarmac SL7 • Riding style: mix of flats, rolling terrain, occasional climbs

I like responsive wheels, but I also care about overall speed and efficiency.

👉 My dilemma: Should I keep the Fulcrum for their legendary ride feel, or switch to the Scope for better all-around performance?

Curious to hear real-world experiences, not just specs.

Thanks!

There’s not much to this post but I’ve been cycling for 40-50 miles each weekend for a day for a couple of months now. Usually I’d be dead afterwards and tired for days.

This time I am feeling fine the day after like I did nothing!

Hi, I’m just getting back into training after a bit of a break- using trainer road as I really enjoy the varied workouts and platform and it’s affordable.

I currently train at the gym in the evenings twice a week focusing on single leg work or squats / deadlifts and I have trained for a while. I’m only doing body weight for upper body now

I’m 5ft 10 and weigh about 85 kilos

I hear strength training is really good for cyclists- just wondering if it would be better to drop to once a week and just do some more zone 2 instead? I mostly want to be fast but also retain a bit of athletic muscle to look alright

Looking for child bike seat recommendations. Shotgun bike seat and Thule bike seats are something I can’t afford.

Is there a budget friendly bike seat that you love ? Preferably under 100 or 120$?

I got this bike off FB marketplace and I can't tighten the fork screw enough to take the play out of the front forks.

I believe I missing something in the headset assembly but the frame have been painted over and I have no idea where to find a full headset assembly.

Measurements I have on the frame

int/ext of the top = 42.56mm/50.48mm

int/ext of the bottom = 44.76mn/50.30mm

I was coached and has background in weightlifting. I did high volume training for 7months then went down to 10+hours a week due to bad weather and work. This year I am doing 18+ hours a week and reach a personal best of 235watts. Is my progress promising? Will I be able to hit 5watts per kg?

Any recommendations for bibs? I use some Garneau cycling shorts and I start to feel uncomfortable around mile 40ish.

Thank you!

Currently riding a TCR in size L, completely slammed with a 110mm stem. Just sat on a mate’s 56 S-Works SL8 and another mate’s M/L TCR, both had about 25mm spacers but I’d estimate 100mm stem. Both had plenty of seatpost. Both these guys are shorter than me - I’d say 5’10” the S-Works guy and 6’ the TCR. Both these bikes ‘felt’ like a good fit. Just wish needing whether others have similar experience of a slightly smaller frameset?