Cycling comes with some rules - and there are several that just make sense. We all like to live by a set of rules to some degree. Admit it, they make life easier to understand and digest.
There are a ton of rules to all aspects of cycling. I'll be exploring more of them as time goes by, but here are some every rider, regardless of fitness level and age, should pay attention to:
1. 10% Weight.
Lose 10% of your body weight, and you will gain an increase of 10% in average speed.
2. Spinning weight
When looking at the makeup of your bike, remember this, and you'll be far ahead. There are two types of components on a bike - Those that "run" and those that spin. The distinction should be obvious. However - spinning components are the wheels and the crankset. Running components are everything else.
If you want to decrease the weight of your bike, focus on the spinning components. Decreasing weight there will produce the effect of a 4x increase of running weight.
3. Determining fit.
There are several rules here, and we recommend deferring to professional fit guides. However, these can be expensive, so the following rules will get you close to determining if a bike is too big or too small for you:
a. Stand over.
Straddling the top bar of a frame with your feet flat on the ground should allow you to pick the bike up 1 - 2" off the ground before it becomes uncomfortable. (You'll know when that is as the top bar hits you in your privates).
b. Outstretched leg.
When sitting on the seat with the arch of your foot on the center of the pedal, your leg should be outstretched - straight. This ensures your knee won't lock as you ride with the ball of your foot on the pedal center (as riding with cleated a shoe guarantees)
c. Disappearing front hub.
Every rider has a favorite riding position on the handlebars. Generally, this is your "go to"place and where you may find yourself most times. When you're there, look down at your front hub. Can't see it because the handlebars block your view? Congratulations! The bike you're on generally fits you well. (You knew were comfortable there for a reason.)
There are several other rules in each of these categories. Check back as we explore more.
