Trek Fuel EX

In search of a comfortable saddle

Published on by Chris

I’ve been using the Bontrager saddle that came with my bike for 4,000km without any problems.  Now, I get numb and looking for a new saddle.  After searching online for causes and solutions to this problem I decided to just try some saddles out. 

The current test saddle on my Trek is a Fizik Gobi M3, 13 cm.  After three rides I can say it is much better than my old one, no numbness, but it is HARD.  We all know that I must adapt to it.  The Fizik is much narrower which means its more comfortable to pedal.  Having said that, I felt some pain behind the knee and moved the saddle closer to the handlebars.

Other things that have crossed my mind are bibs.  Do they ever wear out?

Other saddles that have caught my attention are Selle Italia and SQ Labs.  Selle Italia is very popular and I might be able to test one out before buying.  SQ labs, on the other hand, I’ve only seen online.   However, they seem to be the answer to the numbness.  They have a very interesting design might work.

Anyway, I will see how the Fizik fits after a few more rides.

The Fizi Gobi M3
The old saddle

Week four: good weather, long rides, and resistance training

Published on by Chris

After all, this was a good week.  The weather was good, especially the end.  I managed to train for 10 hours which is my target.  Furthermore, Friday’s weather was amazing.  It was like a spring day, I could not get off my bike,  I rode for 3 hours and 27 minutes.

We both know that we should supplement out cycling training with resistance exercise.  So, I started working out because my upper body felt weak on the bike.  My triceps and upper body got tired so I started the following bodyweight routine.

Pull-ups 3 sets: 7, 7, and 6 reps
Ring dips 3 sets:  2,3 and 4 reps
Barbell deadlifts  3 sets: 11, 12, and 11 reps
Rings pushups 3 sets: 10, 9, and 7 reps
Hanging keen raises 2 sets:  10 and 10 reps

The rides mantra was:  While uphill look ahead all the way to the top.  Descending:  look ahead and heavy feet light hands.

 

 

  • Too much rain and wind for this tree
  • up
  • Cycling all the way up

Third ride in a row

Published on by Chris

Yesterday, was the third ride in a row.  However, toward the end of the bike ride, I was starving and craving chocolate chip cookies with milk.  Even though I had some almonds with me they were not enough.  This means I must rebuild my fitness level again.  If the weather keeps up and lets me train, I’ll be fine in a few weeks.

Riding was a bit better with the saddle angle nose increase.  Nevertheless, I will investigate buying a new Fabric saddle.

Because of the muddy trails, I must wash the bike, especially for the drive train and suspension.  

Today’s short ride

Published on by Chris

After all, I managed to squeeze in a short ride today about one hour and forty minutes.  The way I see it If you cannot ride as long as you want to, ride more intensely.  So, today’s spin was a Fartlek ride which is more intense compared to a long low heart rate one.

Another thing that was running around my mind was the tire pressure dilemma. Low-pressure for more traction or high pressure for more rolling efficiency. As you’ve seen everything is a compromise.

 

Things to do before the next ride:

  • Adjust saddle angle more nose up
  • Lube chain
  • Write down current bike setup
  • Try to sit a bit further back in the saddle
  • outside x palace
  • ride back home

MTB Meteora race photos

Published on by Chris

Here are some photos from my first race. I’m wearing a black shirt with a blue helmet. More shots of this event can be found here.

At the starting line right before the countdown
  • Racing action shot
  • Trying to keep up

Podium shot, the largest team at the race