Cycling UK Forum

Interesting, I've never thought much about the timing, I've always tried to get both sets of cranks in time with each other. Maybe that's why I can't feel my stoker peddling ............. more likely she isn't of course

I don't ride my mountain bike much these days but when I do I get quite uncomfortable with dead hands, pins and needles and neck ache. No alternative hand positions.

Just wondered if anyone has done it on here? Several problems of course - rapidfire shifters, V brakes etc so it might not be particularly economical.

Do your LBS keep chain on a roll? Or can you only purchase prepacked chains? I've noticed my timing chain has two changeable links in it where it's been made up of two chains.

Still far quicker than me

Could be a tad narrow?

Brucey wrote:wider bars = less aerodynamic.

They used to say that you couldn't breathe well with narrow bars. I never agreed. If it were true, no-one would climb on the tops. Or ride like this;



The knees hitting elbows thing might be an issue for some people, but most people have their elbows outside of the knees, provided they are set up right on the bike (i.e. without the knees sticking out sideways, set no further apart than the pedals).

When all is said and done, it is personal taste. I don't think it makes a massive difference to the steering BTW; not within the usual range, anyway. Needing room to fit a bar bag is as good a reason as any to choose a given width.

cheers

There's no way I can ride like that at my age If i got down that low i'd probably bulge a disc and stay like it.
I don't think bar width makes a massive difference to wind resistance to mere mortals. I've been playing with a set of midge bars on the tandem. They feel most odd at first with the hoods splayed out but they give me the option of using a higher stem angle which can give a much higher riding position on the flats and very much wider hand positions on the drops. What I have noticed is the stability of the bike is much much better whilst my stoker is applying her make up or whatever she does to upset the handling of the bike. I'm going to try another set on the Roubaix (don't care if it looks odd) all I'm interested in is comfort at the end of the day.

I dangled my legs in boiling water and ended up in A&E!

probably right.

Do you think they would work on my Specialized Roubaix?

Bought a set of these One On One Midge Bars a couple of days ago for the Tandem 'cos they are stupidly cheap at the moment. It gets a bit unstable when the Mrs applies her make up or whatever she does when there's a bad bend coming up or lose gravel or whatever. The plan is to add a bit of width and stability through the captains bars.

Anyone on here use them? It would seem that mountain bikers love them but I can't find a lot of info for roadies. They feel strange but not had time to get out and ride with them yet.

She cycles about three times a week on her single speed and does 14 miles or so on a bumpy tow path occasionally doubling the distance to 28 miles so two and a half hours without discomfort. The Tandem has the same model saddle but causes some discomfort pretty quickly. Having showed her these replies we are thinking it could be down to poorly fitting Aldi bib tights because the discomfort is apparently chafing and more to one side. She doesn't normally wear them when on her own because generally the temperature is higher when she goes out than our early Sunday morning starts.

Thanks, couple of good replies there. Shouldn't have had my tea on one of them

Posterior doesn't seem to be a problem, I think it's the nose of the saddle - tilt it down and she slides forward and complains of wrist ache. Tilt it up and it becomes uncomfortable. I can't see the angle she rides at 'cos I'm the captain. Maybe I'll get a charge Ladle for her to try or borrow a test saddle from the spesh shop.

I was hoping for more replies from Ladies to be honest. I ride on a Specialized Romin and an Evo Pro and forget I'm on them. Wouldn't suit the wife though .
So really I'm after more specific makes and models that most serious females use. She has a suspension seat post by the way.

My wife would like a more comfy saddle! She has a Specialized Riva (I think) on her Specialized Centrum single speed. I'm sure I purchased an identical saddle for our tandem.
However, she complains of the tandem saddle, possibly due to longer rides, possibly a different cycling position or even the fact that she is peddling harder.
So ladies, what do you recommend?
Difficult to explain but the discomfort is somewhere us men wouldn't get it (if you get my drift).

I would class it as great
Probably could lock up the back wheel whereas I couldn't even stop before. today was a bit greasy to test it fully but downhill at speeds of 40mph+ stopping wasn't a problem.
The difference was amazing to be honest.