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Bibs or shorts?

09.03.2008 by Ray Niekamp // 9 Comments

From time to time, I have alluded to problems I have with my posterior region. Sometimes, my butt just plain gets sore when I ride. I’ve dealt with the problem by spending some real money and getting high quality biking shorts. And on Father’s Day, Mrs. Noob Pat gave me a pair of bibs.

Chatter on Bike Forums gives the nod to the bibs. People generally think they fit better and are overall more comfortable than regular shorts.

That’s not true for me.

My shorts and bibs are both by Pearl Izumi. Both have the same generous Race 3D chamois. But given the choice, I’ll pick the shorts over the bibs.

I still get the sore butt occasionally, but not as much as before. I get it with both the shorts and the bibs, so neither gets the nod for greater bottom comfort.

The mesh top and straps of the bibs do seem to add an extra layer to my clothing, and in the Texas summer heat, that can add to my riding discomfort (despite what I said about them in that earlier post). I’m not crazy about the way the straps feel over my shoulders. The bibs are supposed to have a slimming quality to them, but I’m not seeing it (Lose weight, fat boy!). And answering the call of nature while wearing bibs can be a real production. Better find a public john somewhere, because a lot of your kit will be undone in order to tend to business.

Anyway, I know I’m something of a maverick here, but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. When it’s time to get a new pair of bottoms, they’ll be shorts — not bibs.

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Categories // Accessories Tags // bibs, bike shorts, sore butt

CO2 cartridges or a pump?

07.29.2008 by Ray Niekamp // 39 Comments

I’m probably flirting with danger here, but it’s been awhile since I’ve flatted.

Even so, I try to be ready if it should happen. My seat bag has a spare tube, a patch kit, and what I would most likely use in the event of a flat — a CO2 inflator and several CO2 cartridges.

The CO2 is convenient, but it’s not a panacea. When I have flatted in the past, I’ve found it’s not easy to get the right amount of air into the tire. I’ve resorted to a series of short bursts on the inflator trigger, and try to determine by feeling the tire whether it’s got enough pressure. When I first started using it, at a time when flats were much more frequent, I sometimes wasted a cartridge and needed two to fill the tire. And sometimes, I only managed to inflate the tire enough to make it home.

Another concern is the cost. The cartridges run about $3.50 each, so if one or two are wasted by fumbling around, the tire repair is suddenly costly. I usually carry four in my seat bag, so I can give one or two to another biker who might be flatted with no air.

Then there’s the environmental issue. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Do I really need to contribute to the Earth’s problems?

What’s the alternative? A pump. The choice is between a frame-mounted pump and a mini-pump that can mount to a frame or even fit in your jersey pocket.

A Zefal frame-mounted pump.
A Zefal frame-mounted pump.

A Blackburn mini pump.
A Blackburn mini pump. It's actually less than one-half the length of the Zefal.

The issue with the pumps is also one of convenience, and efficiency, too. I’ve had occasion to use a mini-pump, and I’m not crazy about them. They have trouble supplying enough air pressure, especially to a road tire that may take over 125 psi. But I like the convenience of the CO2 inflator, and I’m not sure if another gizmo fastened to my bike frame would be worth the bother.

For now, I’ll continue to go with the cartridges and inflator. I’ve had enough experience with them that I’m confident I won’t waste them in future situations. And for every day that I go without a flat, cost becomes less of an issue. But I’d sure like to hear your opinion. Inflator or pump?

(Since this post last July, I’ve resolved the issue to my satisfaction.  Here’s what I decided.)

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Categories // Accessories, Equipment Tags // Accessories, C02, cartridges, Equipment, pumps

Little change = big difference

07.18.2008 by Ray Niekamp // Leave a Comment

After my complaint about numb toes the other day, I got several pieces of advice from readers. One suggested the problem was simply the position of my cleat — that if I moved it back a tidge, it might resolve things.

So last night, I finally got off my duff and did it. I moved the left cleat back just a little bit — less than the 1/4 inch suggested. I figured that I’d take a cue from bike fitters, who move saddles around just a little bit at a time.

Today I went out for a ride of a bit over an hour. Covered 16.6 miles at an average speed of 16.3 mph. The route included hills and long flat stretches.

Ta da! The foot felt great. I had wondered if moving the left cleat to a slightly different position than the right one would cause some discomfort, but it didn’t. In fact, I never noticed the difference.

The acid test will come over the weekend. I’ll be riding both Saturday and Sunday, and we’ll see if more time in the saddle than usual will affect the little toe. But for now, I’m one happy pedaler. Thanks, Jeff!

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Categories // Accessories Tags // numb, shoes, toes

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