MAMIL Comfortable Rides?

Evening all,
Looking for a more comfortable ride for longer distances. I have a 3 year old Allez which is ok, but my back get's pretty stiff on longer rides (I do core work in the gym which does help). I'm 46 and not getting any younger, but keen to bike some longer distances, up to 100 miles by the end of this summer.
Was considering upgrading the groupset on the Allez, but latest thoughts are to but some mud guards on it for a winter shorter distance ride and get something new and shiny.
I'm test riding the Trek Domane 4.5 on Monday (budget prob £1500)
What other bikes should I put on the shortlist?
Cheers,
Greg
Looking for a more comfortable ride for longer distances. I have a 3 year old Allez which is ok, but my back get's pretty stiff on longer rides (I do core work in the gym which does help). I'm 46 and not getting any younger, but keen to bike some longer distances, up to 100 miles by the end of this summer.
Was considering upgrading the groupset on the Allez, but latest thoughts are to but some mud guards on it for a winter shorter distance ride and get something new and shiny.
I'm test riding the Trek Domane 4.5 on Monday (budget prob £1500)
What other bikes should I put on the shortlist?
Cheers,
Greg
0
Posts
Just switched to Schwalbe Ultremo 700 x 23c, running 120psi
Serious riding only 7/8 years.
weigh 79kg currently, could I run my 23s at 100psi??
Yes but you run a greater risk of a pinch flat. It's certainly worth a try, just be sure to bring spare tubes.
Maybe I'll try 110psi tomorrow then, hoping to do a 54 miler.....
Easily. In fact I'd say for your weight you should be trying 90psi front and rear, something like that, you could go as low as 80 with no problems.
100psi is still too high for comfort, try it, then knock it down to 90psi, you'll see, well you should be able to tell the road surface buzz starts to disappear.
120psi for 79kgs isn't just 'high', it's ridiculous.
As you (probably) put more weight over the rear wheel than the front. the pressures should be higher in the rear...for a performance road bike a 45:55 split is usually about right, although you can check it with scales (and an excellent sense of balance).
This calculator is based on an assumption that a 15% tire compression under load is 'ideal' - whilst this is debatable, it is a useful starting point. I have used the results and have a more comfortable ride, and haven't (yet) pinch flatted.
http://www.dorkypantsr.us/bike-tire-pre ... lator.html
As for back pain. I'm no spring chicken either and I can suffer from lower back pain if I'm not careful. The cause of mine on the bike is gripping the bars too tight when climbing which makes me pull on the bars placing strain on my lower back. I'm now careful to keep my fingers loose when the road starts to point upwards and always try to feel positive pressure on the palms of my hands. This stops my lower back pain.
I then play football on a Sunday and censored it all up again.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.
The retul looks pricey but compared to a new bike its a no brainer!
I'd certainly go down the proper fitting route. Go somewhere that will assess your current bike to gauge just how far out you are with fitment. They can then advise you of the correct frame size and geometry for you. Sometimes what we think is best isn't. For instance I could never ride in the drops for long finding it too uncomfortable. Naturally I assumed the bars needed raising. Wrong. A proper fitting session with Bike Dynamics saw the bars lowered and the seat raised and pushed back. I can now ride on the drops for long periods without discomfort.
http://www.michelinbicycletire.com/mich ... ssure.view
But nobody has remembered Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1
Just had a new frame built up, have managed to emulate the bike ft measurements from the Roubaix and have now done two rides on the new steed in sublime comfort. I also now run 25mm tyres @ 90 psi which even makes my alu Tifosi CK7 feel plush on rubbish road surfaces. Get some....