Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with bicycle and fitness

If only it were as simple as changing the oil

EatTheWeak — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:41:38 -0800

I could use some help loosening up for my return to cycling. After a very long interval away from bicycles, I am returning to two-wheeled transport for both fitness and commuting. I was hoping some veteran Mefite cyclists might recommend a few stretches for the hips, legs and lower back. I'm feeling a lot of tension through these areas, and am hoping to learn some stretches ideal for loosening these regions up.

europe bike trek questions

pamccf — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 09:18:59 -0800

We're planning on biking across Europe. We're planning on doing it a year from now. What are we forgetting? What did you encounter in a similar trip that we might be unprepared for? Any general advice? The executive summary: We are two, living in the US. We currently bike to work (5-10 miles daily). We also make a longer trip (10+ miles) at least once a week, sometimes twice. Currently, this is a bit of a stretch. We are attempting to increase that upper limit gradually to where we can comfortably do 50 miles in a day by the time we leave. (We think we have time to do this without much strain.) We are experienced in hostel-travelling in Europe (moving inter-city by car, rail, and bus). (We have French, German and Russian.)

Our planned route goes from Amsterdam to Istanbul in a rough L-shape, the hinge being Warsaw. (Some details are fuzzy here - can you help?) Our bikes are these (should we ditch them?); we have no panniers yet, but we're looking at these (are there better?).

We are not bringing tents or camping gear. Should we worry about finding places to stay? We don't have maps of our route. Should we plan on getting these in-country? In Amsterdam?

We might take the plane. Have you turned your bike into a folding bike/have you gone for an extended ride with a foldie? We might take a boat. Have you taken a freighter cruise/are there other ocean alternatives?

Bonus question: We are planning to stay in Istanbul for an indeterminate time. Should we plan on being able to get around town by bike? Something tells me no. Can you tell me yes?

Recomendations for good indoor bike trainers?

40 Watt — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 15:40:15 -0800

I want to purchase a bike trainer so I can ride indoors during the winter months. What sorts of things should I look for? What's the difference between a magnetic and fluid trainer? Are there certain brands that are better-built than others? Do I need one that has a remote control cable to switch resistance, or is that unecessary? I want to go into the shop well-informed so as not to get sold something I don't want or need. Any recommendations?

SeatSlip

daver — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 11:14:48 -0800

When riding my bike, why do I tend to slip forward on the saddle? What can I do about it? I find my butt is most comfortable when perched up on my 'sitz' bones at the back of the saddle. However, I find that as I ride I typically slip forward on to the 'nose' of the saddle rather than sticking back at the rear.

I'm riding a specialized 'split' saddle. It's set to a comfortable horizontal angle (almost level). I've recently switched from a too-small frame to a correct sized one, but the problem's persisted. My saddle height seems right or very close to it. My bars are set a bit low (below saddle height), and ride more 'forward' than upright. Also, the bike is fixed gear, so their ain't no coasting (not sure if that matters or not).

I've read quite a few bike fitting articles, none that I've found addressed this particular issue. You advice is appreciated!

What kind of bike should I get for city riding?

Slimemonster — Sat, 28 Feb 2004 10:26:58 -0800

I'm in the market for a new (or used) bicycle because it would be insanely practical for both fitness and transportation, but I havent really had one since i was 11, so I don't know what I'm looking for. I'm looking to mostly ride it on city streets and sidewalks (in Seattle: lots of hills) , but i don't know what other bells and whistles i should be looking for or avoiding. Can anyone point me in the right direction?