-
Any suggestions for me? I have massive legs anyway, I always have really not really for any particular reason just do.
I am currently running 52-18 ss but planning to change to fixed, I like the ratio but not sure what fixed would be like on the legs.Generally I think it makes sense to use a slightly lower gear freewheel than fixed.
As you have the option of stopping pedalling down steep hills.
I ran 52:19 (on 27" wheel) which is about the same as yours and I loved that ratio.
If you like 52:18 freewheel I would not go any lower than that for fixed. Would suggest you stuck to the same or slightly higher, but 52:17 is too much of a jump.
-
ive just started riding fixed on a otp fuji to get fitter, it has 48/15 ratio. Mild uphills burn my legs bad, should i drop to 48/18 for a bit? my legs are quite chunky because i used to train for bmx a lot, so fast bursts for short amount of time, bloody useless for anything else though.
-
i want stronger legs so i can be faster uphill, ive got some mental hills around here that make my rides tough.
Melon, I would say lower your gearing and start riding the hills, that will make you faster automatically, and build the muscles you need to do it correctly. I'm sure your already doing that though.
BringMeMyFix, posted this up in another thread aeons ago, its all about climbing technnique
Thought I'd pass on some advice, seeing as I went from being rubbish at climbing to quite good, mostly by training on a fixed :)
SEATED- slide back in the saddle.
- slowish cadence (60ish) is fine.
- grip tops of bars lightly, with elbows relaxed.
- 'stretch the crank' ie. pedal right through push part of stroke, dropping heel a bit at full extension.
- if you get the urge to accelerate, slide forward on the saddle, and concentrate on lifting knees up towards chest.
STANDING - use hoods if you've got them, otherwise nearest equivalent.
- stand tall, trying to bring hips forward a bit, and shoulders back - you're trying to get as much bodyweight as possible over the cranks.
- try switching position a bit to rest muscle groups ie. sometimes move body side-to-side, sometimes do the same with the bike.
BOTH - try counting strokes, alternating 5 or 10 on each side.
- pick short term landmarks as goals eg. gates, road markings, other riders; rather than viewing climb as one long obstacle.
- don't look too far up the road; focus about 20m ahead cos it makes the gradient look shallower.
- concentrate on breathing OUT in a strong and controlled manner; breathing in takes care of itself.
- carry some controlled speed into the base of the climb rather than panicking and giving up before you've started.
- synchronize your hands & feet; as you come over the deadspot (top) of your pedal stroke, apply a little bit of pressure that you should feel simultaneously in the right foot/right hand or left foot/left hand.
- think of each climb as a fun challenge; it's basically a chance to get a bit high.
- (don't take any notice of flash idiots that zoom off whenever the road goes up - they have masochistic issues).
- slide back in the saddle.
-
Generally I think it makes sense to use a slightly lower gear freewheel than fixed.
As you have the option of stopping pedalling down steep hills.
I ran 52:19 (on 27" wheel) which is about the same as yours and I loved that ratio.
If you like 52:18 freewheel I would not go any lower than that for fixed. Would suggest you stuck to the same or slightly higher, but 52:17 is too much of a jump.
Well im actually running that ratio on 27's. But I will stick to what I like(for now anyway).
Any suggestions for a (cheapish) rear fixed hub to replace my current one. The make is Suzue, they are high flange (7cm across). I would give spoke length but I have no idea what it is(I didnt build the wheels) and have no idea how to work it out.
Cheers. -
It would actually be the week after this ride that any muscle repair would occur. It's not the ride, but the recovery that builds muscle. Just thought I'd throw that in there. :)
lol, true story.
Muscle bulk is bad right ? why carry that weight around ? small, hard, well vascularised muscle is the best muscle.
The vascularisation however takes more than a big gear, and develops slower than muscle itself. Takes hours of training and many miles at one time, repeatedly, month after month.
Thats the edge Tour de france winners have, vascularisation, because of their epically intense training.
Thats what a my mate Mike told me who did 100+ mile training rides very often and marathons across the world. -
You'll never forget how to pedal fast if you learn that in the first instance, However if you spend too much time on big gears then you'll struggle to apply the power quick enough when you get up to "race" cadence(145rpm+).
cmac?
Is this a tribute, or are we getting some cycling royalty joining the proceedings?
What next - skinny jeans and asymmetric haircuts in the GB development squad?
Oh hang on, Wiggins has obviously been getting his hair cut in Shoreditch for some time.
-
Dont think I'll EVER find skinny jeans that will fit me! and I have a asymmetric head which I cover up with a symmetrical hair cut.
A few more winter miles, and a bit less time in the gym, and anything is possible...
-
haha!
if that's you Craig, then
a, Hi, how you doing?, and
b, you have better things to do than dick around on here, get training!a)Is that you Casper? I'm good thanks, training hard for the Manchester round of the World cup.
b) I've got an attic full of stuff(keirin and more) that I'd rather flog to people that will appreciate it. Plus I'm under pressure to make some space for the impending baby!!
DFP
hippy
blind_dan
chi11i
brett
deleted
badtmy
cornelius_blackfoot
Stein
dimi3
Dylan
andyp
BringMeMyFix
cmac
rpm
Ant-
Post a reply
About
Gearing and muscle development
Posted by
@melon
Any suggestions for me? I have massive legs anyway, I always have really not really for any particular reason just do.
I am currently running 52-18 ss but planning to change to fixed, I like the ratio but not sure what fixed would be like on the legs.