Cycling UK Forum

Mike_GMT80 wrote:Also, why has this automatically been posted on the footer of my first post??

“I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my wobbly bog brush using hovercraft full of eels“

Several people seem to have this. Is it the default string for a Signature... can you edit it in your profile?

Jonathan

Mike_GMT80 wrote:Also, why has this automatically been posted on the footer of my first post??

“I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my wobbly bog brush using hovercraft full of eels“

Cheers
Mike

The stupid phone does it, click on the pen icon to edit it out

Compare seat tube lengths on m/f models, ladies bikes do not come in big sizes

Jdsk wrote:

Mike_GMT80 wrote:As for crank length, I’m new to cycling so have no basis for determining what suits me. I note M men’s version has a crank length of 172.5cm, versus 170cm for the women’s equivalent model. How will I feel this difference when riding. How will I know if the longer crank will suit me.

There's enormous debate about crank lengths.

Do you have the opportunity to sit on this before you buy it?

Jonathan

Unfortunately not...there is a massive shortage of bikes (hence why I’m considering a women’s model), so finding anything actually in store is impossible.

Really best not to buy a bike without test riding

Cyril Haearn wrote:

Mike_GMT80 wrote:Also, why has this automatically been posted on the footer of my first post??

“I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my wobbly bog brush using hovercraft full of eels“

Cheers
Mike

The stupid phone does it, click on the pen icon to edit it out

Compare seat tube lengths on m/f models, ladies bikes do not come in big sizes

Seat tube lengths are the same

Cyril Haearn wrote:Really best not to buy a bike without test riding

I agree, but in this climate not much choice unless I want to wait until late October (if buying via Evans) and who knows when for decathlon. I’ve phoned a few independents that accept my cycle scheme voucher and they have said nothing in until next year. I’ve been riding my bros bike for the last month (Kona) and it’s been fine. Yes a new bike will be different but I can just get used to it. I won’t know much different. Just need to determine if getting a women’s version of a bike is a really bad idea. So far I’m leaning towards getting it.

Mike_GMT80 wrote:Also, why has this automatically been posted on the footer of my first post??

“I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my wobbly bog brush using hovercraft full of eels“

Cheers
Mike

Everyone hates the Tapatalk spam . . . .
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=111811

Mike_GMT80 wrote:Also, why has this automatically been posted on the footer of my first post??

“I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my wobbly bog brush using hovercraft full of eels“

Cheers
Mike

AFAIK, That's to replace the automatic footer posted by some devices - don't ask me why, but I think if you ceck the forum rules, there's a suggestion you should remove it, so that's a prompt to do so. (PS Graham has dealt with that.)

I think you would be better served by getting dimensions from vendors, rather than speculation.

Crank length is important, because if it's wrong, you can eventually damage your knees. There's a formula somewhere on here from CJ explaining the calculation to work out the ideal for the individual rider. Having said that, most off-the-peg bikes do one size fits all.

Longer cranks = more leverage but a larger circle for the pedalling feet.
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PS I've looked back and found some threads about the importance of crank length, but not the formula I thought I remembered. This is linked by gaz in one thread and it's still good stuff

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/cranks.html

thirdcrank wrote:

Mike_GMT80 wrote:Also, why has this automatically been posted on the footer of my first post??

“I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my wobbly bog brush using hovercraft full of eels“

Cheers
Mike

Crank length is important, because if it's wrong, you can eventually damage your knees. There's a formula somewhere on here from CJ explaining the calculation to work out the ideal for the individual rider. Having said that, most off-the-peg bikes do one size fits all.

Longer cranks = more leverage but a larger circle for the pedalling feet.

Totally understand and in an ideal world would consider this. But To put this into perspective (and despite the fact hardly any bikes at my price range are available) I’m just using the bike for recreational use, a few bike rides a week and the odd commute, Not exactly the Tour de France where crank length, etc would have a material impact. I’m geeky about technical details, but am going for an off the peg bike so just have to go with what it comes with.

Cheers
Mike

If the size is about right you can adjust saddle and pedals to get comfortable

Some people spend a lot of time and trouble adjusting their position, this might matter on long rides, if one wants to be as fast/efficient as possible. Indeed a small change can make a big difference
Not so relevant for short trips to work

In your situation I should go for a ladies model

Cyril Haearn wrote:If the size is about right you can adjust saddle and pedals to get comfortable

Some people spend a lot of time and trouble adjusting their position, this might matter on long rides, if one wants to be as fast/efficient as possible. Indeed a small change can make a big difference
Not so relevant for short trips to work

In your situation I should go for a ladies model

I’ve been doing regular 20mile rides, not sure if that is long compared to what you guys do.

Thanks for everyone’s input. I’m going to get the women’s model, to my mind and for what I will use it for nothing fundamentally significantly different.

Will provide and update once it’s received to let you know how I get on.

thirdcrank wrote:===============================================================================

PS I've looked back and found some threads about the importance of crank length, but not the formula I thought I remembered. This is linked by gaz in one thread and it's still good stuff

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/cranks.html

Had a quick flick through and he says the below:

“I think people really obsess too much about crank length.“

And then pretty much says whatever the crank length we will just get used it it!

Mike_GMT80 wrote:

thirdcrank wrote:===============================================================================

PS I've looked back and found some threads about the importance of crank length, but not the formula I thought I remembered. This is linked by gaz in one thread and it's still good stuff

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/cranks.html

Had a quick flick through and he says the below:

“I think people really obsess too much about crank length.“

And then pretty much says whatever the crank length we will just get used it it!

He also points out that too long a crank can cause knee damage before seemingly forgetting he wrote that and coming out with the statement you quote. He then rambles on about small people climbing stairs seemingly oblivious to that fact that nobody climbs stairs for hours at a time so potential overuse injuries probably aren't going to manifest themselves. You can get away with all sorts of maladjustments on a bike if only do 5 minutes here and 5 minutes there. It's on longer rides that problems manifest themselves.

PaulaT wrote:

Mike_GMT80 wrote:

thirdcrank wrote:===============================================================================

PS I've looked back and found some threads about the importance of crank length, but not the formula I thought I remembered. This is linked by gaz in one thread and it's still good stuff

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/cranks.html

Had a quick flick through and he says the below:

“I think people really obsess too much about crank length.“

And then pretty much says whatever the crank length we will just get used it it!

He also points out that too long a crank can cause knee damage before seemingly forgetting he wrote that and coming out with the statement you quote. He then rambles on about small people climbing stairs seemingly oblivious to that fact that nobody climbs stairs for hours at a time so potential overuse injuries probably aren't going to manifest themselves. You can get away with all sorts of maladjustments on a bike if only do 5 minutes here and 5 minutes there. It's on longer rides that problems manifest themselves.

I agree to a certain extent but given that I reckon 95% of bikes sold (especially at the price point I am looking at) are to people who don’t even know what a crank is I don’t think it’s a massive issue. According to stava I’ve done about 330 miles in a month on my bro’s old bike which has been dumped in my garage for the last 7 years. Don’t have a clue of frame size, crank, etc. Just dusted it off and started riding...Been totally fine. Now it may be that I’m been lucky and his bike is perfect for me, but it may also be that given I’m not doing 4 hour time trails the less than optimum sizing isn’t and issue. I’m definitely all about detail, just in this instance don’t think it’ll impact much for my intended use.

Mike
We sell Trek bikes. A couple came in and bought his and hers Marlin mtbs at £500 each. They asked us what the difference was. In all honesty we couldn't go into detail because we had never compared them before. When the bikes arrived for assembly we checked them thoroughly before customer collection. We were surprised to find the two bikes were identical except for the saddle. The ladies version had a wider saddle. Also, there was no XS size sold in the men's version.