1st if you use flat padals, will you feet fall into a natural postion.
on a spd set up , if done correctly you feet are in the same position, will this happen naturally with flats.
2nd i am suffering with a very sore ar5e at the moment.
i am having to stand up to ride more that usual.
i get more sore if i use padded shorts.
help, cos it is bad...
q1 - yes
q1 - sort of - when i use flats my feet are in a different position to with spds. this might be because my spd shoes are BG specialized ones which push my feet out a bit. The other thing though is that if i step on the flats in the wrong position, my feet then dont move at all on the pedal until i lift off and put them down again. not a major problem but noticeable.
q2 - get some of this [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/DZ_Nuts_Chamois_Cream/5360038450/ ]this[/url] or [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Assos_Chamois_Cream/5360031286/ ]this[/url] and dont be afraid to use it. it feels odd to start with but really does help.
Hi Ton, I don't exactly agree with rolf's answer 'cause feet can move around on the flat pedals... easy to correct if you know the pedals but I've never ridden with spds in 35yrs of biking so have no idea what they're like.
as for the sore ar$e and padded shorts I sometimes get the same so only used padded in the depths of winter as during warmer weather the pad prevents my skin from breathing enough which leads to problems. I've recently come across Helly Hansen base layer boxer pants which I wear under shorts, seems to be working ok at the moment. available from wiggle.
Kev
Q1..tried going back to flats last year and suffered with really sore calf muscles? Also found when pedalling that my foot on the upward cycle lifted off the pedal, occasionaly ending up scuffing calf on pedal. Another problem occured on the odd time I did "jump" or leave the ground was that I ended up with both feet off the pedals. Poor technique probably but gave up and went back to what I know and like.
btw..like keva I too have over 30yrs biking behind me.
I am sticking with spd for now.
Q2... When you say sore bum do you mean a rash, bruising,chaffing?
For rash & chaffing pinch some of grandchilds bum cream, I use sudocream or it could be poorly fitting shorts?
How old is your seat and is it really the best for your large frame? Only buy what suits not the latest, lightest fashion accesory.
I have managed to bend many a seat rail which does`nt half cause some pain
Take it you have had your prostrate checked?
i have gone back to flats on one of my bikes. I found it a bit odd to start with, but am now finding that i can ride differently, and with shimano sticky shoes and crank bros 50:50s i still (apart from trying to jump) feel like i am clipped in. I had a few of those odd moments with feet lifting off but am getting used to it again.
trekster, i think it might be bruising mate.
rode on sunday on a route with lots of slabs and cobbles.
and i was wishing i was on the susser within 2 hrs of starting.
what is a good wide strong saddle.
been using a spoon and a spesh bg.