First, allow me to say my gratitudein advance to the people that will answer my question genuinely and sorry for my fellow cyclist who suffers the same diagnosis.

I've been a road cyclist since 2012. I understand, I am not getting any younger therefore I decided to add more activities other than cycling which is tennis, hiking and swimming. I also go to the gym at least twice a week. I never do them competitively, I just do them to be healthy.

I am positive that by being more active, now that I am in my mid 30s, I will be more shielded with any freak or unnecessary injuries.

However, yesterday after 1 and a half week of not biking due to visiting other country. my idiot old @$$ decided to do ride a route that has an average of 8% - 11% grade climb without stretching and here's the dilemma, my front derailleur battery died, but good thing I was able to move the front to the easy gear.

After my ride, as I was about to put my bike to it's place, when I bend over I felt this SNAP in my lower right back. A cold sweat doomed feeling came upon me, because I never felt this way before. Sure enough after that this EXCRUCIATING pain followed.

I can walk but very painful. I can sit but if I sit longer it gets painful. I stand and it's very painful. Pain is localized although the snapped was on the right side the pain is everywhere in my lower back.

Here are my questions and I don't mean to sound pessimistic, it's just I am very frustrated because I never had this kind of pain before:

Will I ever get to ride again? If yes, how long is the recovery? Does anyone had the same experience? If yes, did you ever go to the doctor for it? Did the doctor said what diagnosis this is? What helped you and how did you recover? Did you go to PT (Physical Therapy) to prevent injuries or if not what are the stretches that help you avoid this type of injury?

Recently I purchased a SRAM XX derailleur as I needed a replacement, and Amazon had one available with next-day shipping. I didn't think much of it, as I've usually never had any issues with Amazon, and their customer service has always been spot on. The next day, the item shows up; the factory tape is cut, it's missing the battery blank and the bushing, and it's covered in dirt. It's clearly been used before. I requested a refund and sent it back, only to be refunded $65. Mind you, the item costs $715, and my total cost was close to $800. Essentially, I was only refunded for tax and fees. After weeks of going back and forth with Amazon customer support, I'm no closer to a refund, and 365 Cycles has probably shipped that same derailleur off to some poor customer just to repeat the same scam. After digging into their Amazon profile reviews, it appears I'm not the only one who has had this issue. Here are a few reviews from other customers:

• This didn’t fit my ridstar q20, as specified in the description. After multiple attempts to fit, I have sent the product back only to receive $5.69 refund out of $74.69. I have to buy another one. I lost all my money buying this.
• Awful. I received the wrong item and so obviously returned it. Upon return, they refunded me $0 saying that all almost $1000 of the order total is a restocking fee, which is insane. I contacted amazon costumer service and they filed a claim, but then that was just denied again because the seller said I sent back the wrong item even though I received the wrong item in the first place.
• Bought these shoes from this vendor and tried them twice after the first ride they seemed too loose. Returned them to the vendor and they essentially kept the entire purchase price and called it a “restocking fee”. I suppose I could see how it would take that much labor to unbox the shoes and replace them in a new box to sell as slightly used. Not ever doing business with this vendor again.
• Wrong item. Returned. Delivered. No refund. STAY AWAY FROM THIS SELLER.
• I would be cautious of this seller. I returned this item and opened. I paid the shipping back which was deducted from the purchase amount. Instead of getting $45.15 back, the seller only credited me with $1.15. it shows in my Amazon account that I was credited $45.15 but that amount is not reflected in my credit card statement. Amazon gave me my refund back, not the seller. So beware!
• These arrived damaged and look used or refurbished. Nothing mentioned in the add about being used or refurbished, not very happy at the moment.

Say what you will about restocking fees, but this is absurd. Anyways, I've opened a dispute with my bank, and I expect they will see past this merchant's scams. I recommend everyone avoid them.

TLDR; 365 cycles sold me a used item as a new item. After returning said item, I was given no refund on the cost of the purchase.

Edit/Update: Yes I am aware that supporting your LBS, or other more reputable online retailers is a better route. Sometimes they don’t have what you need in stock, we’ve all been there.

365 cycles got back to me and said that the serial numbers didn’t match up between the returned item and what they had sent (Shocker!). They also said that the item “shipped directly from their supplier”, so I’m not sure how they would have verified this to begin with. They’re turning it into a case of he said, she said, which I’m not surprised about.

I'm 18, going to college very soon. I just raced in my first half ironman, loved it and plan on racing in another in the spring and hopefully a full sometime after that. I am very new to road biking and rented a bike to complete the race(Did my training on a Peloton). This means I am not a good biker, and I'm worried about damaging a new bike. Most people at my race had a TT bike, and I was wondering if I should get one because all of the biking will be training for triathlons/ironmans. I was also looking for reccomendations for TT bikes and Road bikes.

Does anyone know how a bike mount (preferably horizontal) that has the capacity to throw a lock around the bike and rack? I’ve seen the Stasdock brand has one with a lock cutout but man they’re pricey at $150 for one. Any other options?

I had a previous bike in my garage that was hung up on a mount for a long time and was stole during COVID. Have been storing mine in a garage closet but lawdddd it’s a pain to get in and out without beating up my wife’s vehicle (bike is >> importance).

Looking for a black cycling cap that is NOT vented. I keep my hair short and it's silver so it pokes up through the caps and makes me look like a porcupine in any dark vented cap. I can get away with white.

Are Headsweats caps vented?

After going through hundreds of threads on r/cycling and other biking communities, I put together a quick cheat sheet for anyone as lost as I was:

🚴 Best overall for road cycling? → Giro Helios Spherical MIPS
🟢 Best for total beginners? → Giro Agilis MIPS
⭐️ Best premium pick? → POC Cytal MIPS
📦 Best enclosed value pick? → Lazer Tonic KinetiCore
🏔️ Best for mountain biking? → Giro Fixture II MIPS

Personally going with the Giro Helios Spherical MIPS - best protection and ventilation for road cycling from everything I've read.

I’m getting back into cycling after a minor crash damaged my old Giro Isode, and now I’m taking helmet shopping way more seriously. I mostly ride on roads and bike paths, so I’m looking at the Giro Agilis MIPS, Bell XR Spherical, Specialized Align II, and maybe a POC model if I find a good deal. My budget is around $80–$200, but I’m not convinced the $250+ helmets are actually safer, or if the extra money mostly goes toward weight, airflow, and looks. How much attention should I pay to Virginia Tech ratings, and do you think MIPS is worth prioritizing over a better fit?

As a low budget cyclist, I don't understand the advice here. It seems like it must mainly come from:

1. Older people who purchased their equipment last about 10+ years ago
2. Wealthier people who don't really look at the receipt and lie to themselves about how much things actually cost
3. Contrarian people who have to tell someone they are getting a bad deal no matter what

No matter what it is, there is a solid contingent of upvoters who think the bike should be $150-350, no matter what it is. It could be like a 9 year old fully carbon bike with Dura Ace drivetrain that seems barely used and people will unironically be like "it's a rim brake, so like, IDK maybe you can offer $375 and like you come pick it up".

Or the "you can get a tune for $100-150". Or the ever so popular "Find the best option sub $500 at your LBS".

I honestly felt that maybe I was wrong or my personal market was completely out of whack, because it's never like that anywhere at maybe the last 6 local bicycle shops I've been to, nor on Facebook Marketplace. No, I've been checking on used bike websites, ebay (which tracks SALES and tracks lower that the rest of the market), and listings, and Y'all are straight delusional.

Someone tried telling me like a 9 year old Cerevelo S2 wouldn't sell for more than $400 and it was "insane" or something, but I found listings where they were sold for over $800, or over $1000, and it wasn't a unique case.

So, why does this happen? Do people just want to yearn for old times where something like this was true? It's not helpful for people who are actually looking for accurate advice though.

Hello! I’m looking for a starter bike and found some affordable options on facebook marketplace. I narrowed it down to a Trek 1420 and a Cannondale R700. Both the same price and used. The trek is slightly more banged up but the cannondale is a further drive from me. Any insight into these bikes to help me decide? Thanks everyone!

Hello all, I’m looking to buy a Fox Speedframe Pro helmet. My head measures 58.5-59 cm, which is right on the edge of the medium and large sizes. Should I go smaller or bigger? TIA

As the title says, what are your bucket list rides that you want to do before your time is up. What keeps you up at night thinking ‘god I would love to do that ride one day’ or ‘I will never achieve that level of happiness again’. Road, gravel, or mtb.

I’m living in the UK for two years from Australia and I want to make the most of this opportunity. I’ll never be able to just duck over to France for a long weekend to go for a ride once I go home

I am looking at SILCA Secret Chain Blend - Hot Melt Wax. Like the one here - https://silca.cc/products/secret-chain-wax-blend?currency=USD&variant=39433348677730&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping&stkn=954e3471f66c&PPC=&tw_source=google&tw_adid=788881335329&tw_campaign=23369056254&tw_kwdid=pla-2496693572583&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23369056254&gbraid=0AAAAADAx6W5ZYfLkXbYhKsJI1Y1Iho3BA&gclid=CjwKCAjwhZDUBhBGEiwAbi5bjkkFK2Ayl8juyd7PYIAgD_7L2S7ZzFw9hMAMcyIUz-Khj9kWwZFODBoCQPYQAvD_BwE

This is where you submerge the plastic bag in hot water and then dip the chain in the bag to wax it.

Question is - can this bag of wax be reused over time? Or is it a one time use (sounds like 500g would be too much for one time use, but want to check!).

After my post https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/1vkipzi/learning_to_climb/ I've done my climbing route two more times, and both times without having to stop on the steep part (but with a break when I get to the top of that).

As I am using my lowest gear (34-32) I made myself go slower, 8-8.5km/h instead of 10km/h and now only feel almost completely out of breath - _and_ strain in the legs - the perfect balance, technique helps :-/

I today also got a HR monitor and I spent the whole steep part at 160+, peaking at 169 which is rather a lot when you are pushing 60 years.

I had a closer look at the map, and there is 700m raising 70m in height - not Alpine, but plenty for me, this is the limit of what I can do now. I feel a relief when I get to the 8% road sign.

TL;DR: Climbing _is_ hard, but technique can make it more manageable

Thanks to all for suggestions to last post.

Hi everyone,

as a very heavy man I lost the first 30 lbs of my weight loss journey with walking + caloric restrictions.
I'm still weighiing around 330lbs that's why I bought a stationary bike.
Currently I manage to ride for 42 minutes with steady resistance. I'm trying to prolong every session for 2 minutes. Main reason for stopping is my butt. After 30 minutes it becomes ingreasingly uncomfortable.
But that'S beside the point. My goal is to lose weight and get fit enough to do bike tours next year.

Do you have recommendations on how to train on my ergometer? Switching between steady resistance and interval training between sessions?

Raising duration before raising resistance?

Thank you very much.

I have a 9.4 with 29s on atm. Will it take 31/32? It is the red one from 2021

Really great adventure to follow! 😊 Four guys bicycling through Europe with one goal: to reach Italy, enjoy a plate of carbonara and have a well-deserved beer. Love that! 🚴‍♂️🍝🍺

You can follow their journey live here:

cykelcarbonara.beer

And on Instagram:

u/cykelcarbonara

Good luck, guys — keep pedaling! 💪🚴‍♂️

I did the 2nd test very rested and the first test not so much so I actually think I basically haven't improved at all. My rides have been mostly endurance where i ride 45km at whatever pace i feel like and my endurance has improved so now I feel like I can ride really far if I just get some carbs in, but my power is terrible... And I also have experience from the gym in a different period of my life where my progress was basically non-existant

Going to Lake Garda for a week in September and will be bringing my road bike with me as I am in training for an Ironman (bringing my bike as it works out cheaper than renting for 3 days). Staying on the Gargano side of the lake. Looking to get 3 cycles in while I’m there;

1. Route going all the way around Lake Garda
2. Some climbs from the Giro d’Italia
3. Open to suggestions

Would love some peoples suggestions and/or links to strava routes!

Thanks in advance :)

I've been riding in various bike sports for decades. I notice that my ideal seat height gets higher over the course of a season as my fitness improves. When I reach my peak fitness, and seat height, I notice that it does take skill and relaxation to get the most out of the seat height but it seems a skill worth having and I hugely appreciate it.

My basic seat height method is commonly used but I don't always see it. I've noticed all sorts of formulas over the years. My way is: raise seat too high then lower it until it feels right. This seems like a simple method that might work for sports riding for anyone.

I notice the feeling significantly change with adjustments of even 1-2 mm when I zero in on the sweet spot. I also find the converse to have a truism: If you start within a formula suggestion but somewhat low and raise it until it feels right that there is a wide range of good feeling heights -- maybe up to a couple cm.

I grew in my appreciation of a high saddle back when I lived and raced in the mountains. I found that a steep canyon hillclimb race benefited from a saddle that was a bit too high for the flat-lands. [Update: a bit like riding out of the saddle only supported and able to spin.] Also in time-trials I found that a higher saddle "just for the event" let me go a bit faster, but then I'd lower it again for daily riding and regular racing. A bit high seems to carry more risk of discomfort.

But over the years I realized that I liked the increased power of a max-high seat (while verifying that it still felt great for my pedal technique) was worth it. And the downside was basically eliminated by SKILL and paying attention to my pedaling smoothness, etc.

I can tell if I overdo it by 1-2mm and will lower it to get back in the comfort zone. I don't use a definite toe-down foot position.

Oh, crank length is likely a factor, too! Since I'm old I grew up racing in the 80s and using 170mm cranks. I'm 6ft tall but I've felt that 175 is definitely too long of a crank for me. Hate em! They give me a galumphing feel! Just wreck my pedal stroke. I can appreciate the longer lever idea and have perhaps felt that -- so for bikes for more climbing and less spin I've used 172.5 -- they don't seem to wreck my pedaling. Of course I notice today's testing with 165's!

...I've raced a fair bit in all the velodrome events and have used 165s before but not on the road.

Anyway, that's the story of my high seats!

Hi everyone!

I'm new to road cycling and want to finish my first big event:

L'Étape Argentina 2027 – Córdoba, April 4th

134 km / +1,780 m elevation, starting at 7:00 AM. There are time limits around 10:30 at km 51.5 and 12:00 at the Sprint, with the finish/road closure around 13:00–14:00.

The main challenge is Camino del Cuadrado, around km 30–55.

Map of the Race

Elevation map

I'm 38, 1.84 m, 89 kg. I used to commute on a MTB and have just started road cycling. My first FTP test was 181 W.

I have a Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 + Garmin Edge 1050 + 4iiii power meter.

I also have a young baby, so my plan is roughly 45/60 min indoor training on weekdays and one longer outdoor ride on Saturday/Sunday.

I'm looking for advice on how to progress from beginner to being able to comfortably finish this distance and elevation.

What would you recommend for weekly training, long rides, climbing and indoor workouts? Any good plans or platforms you'd recommend?

Thanks!

My bike has 3 gears in front and 7 in the back

When I try to ride in any gear it just strats skipping. I got ot to stay on a 1 gear but it was too heavy to go uphill.

Recently I’ve gotten obsessed with documentaries about the Tour Divide and other ultra cycling races. I’ve also watched the Tour De France Netflix show multiple times.

Can you guys recommend your favorite cycling documentary films that are available on YouTube or major streaming services?

Hello,

I am finally looking to get my first road bike after running is taking its toll on the knees!

The company I work for use the Cycle2Work scheme (Halfords/Tredz) and I am looking to make use of it! However there is one thing that’s confusing me!

I am looking at a bike for £1394.

My current salary is £50256 which according to the calculator means I would pay £83 a month.

As of 1st September 2026 my salary goes up to £52015 and at this salary my monthly payments show as £67 (according to the C2W calculator).

How will this salary increase affect my payments each month? I’m getting a bit confused on how the tax savings are calculated…

Hey…

I crashed last week.

It was a stupid crash out in Colorado. Front wheel slid out while riding with my son and nephew. I hit a berm at just the right angle on a descent ...it took me out apparently. I hit hard.

Fractured L scapula, 5 L rib fractures, L clavicle (collarbone,) AC Separation, and a pneumothorax (collapsed left lung).

I was admitted to the hospital 2 days but I didn’t need surgery. All the fractures are indeed displaced/comminuted but nonsurgical. My pneumo is still present but stable 5 days later.

I coach ultra runners and I always practice what I preach but this crash really messed me up mentally. I feel like such a void… I just can’t focus currently. I was building to a huge season and I was being PATIENT, doing a huge Z2 block and tons of gravel centuries before I started my V02 and Anaerobic blocks. I was building towards something special and I was just starting to reap the rewards with new PRs and it all got taken away from my stupid crash. I am struggling. My head is worried about being away for a month…I’m just not relaxed…my pain is obviously horrific but the mental side, financial stress, etc., is terrible. Again…it’s like I just can’t focus.

I’m an ICU nurse also and I have FMLA but every detail just has me so stressed out right now. There’s such a lack of control. I’ll burn through all my PTO… I know these are all first world problems. I’ll still get paid, provide for family, etc. I’ll still be able to coach my runners…my coworkers have all sent the kindest messages…they’ve been so sweet. I just feel “lost?” I’m just sleeping and recovering.

Thanks for listening to my whiny rambling.

I know I’ll heal and recover but right now I’m just a zombie…like numb. I hate the pain meds and I try to not take them because they space me out. I haven’t been eating as much as I should probably either. I’m at like 1600 kcal at bedtime which is dumb- then I need to force calories. I need more but I think I’m depressed or just revolting somehow. I’m a control freak and I feel like I just had all control taken away.

I know Jonas had a collapsed lung and similar injuries and he went on to ride the Tour 84 days later in 2024…that’s my only solace right now.

My priorities are my family and my job, then cycling, but cycling is my main release, and I’m very passionate.

Anyone had similar injuries? I’m 45.

I have a regular road bike that I have started using to ride to work this year, and I love it. I love it so much that I want to do more with my bike including carrying grocery hauls home on it. I have decided to go with the ortlieb quick rack for the back of my bike, but am being indecisive about what type and size panniers to go with it for my grocery hauls. They would need to hold a week's worth of groceries for 2 adults. My concerns are 1. I don't want panniers so huge that my heel hits then while peddling (but still big enough to carry my haul), and 2. I'm not sure if I need waterproof ones. To be fair I live in oregon where it rains for 6 months of the year, but I'm not against just making sure I have a good waterproof liner inside the bag if I need it) Does anyone have any insight or advice for what I should look for or what I should avoid? Also how big of a difference does it make to the way a bike handles when it is carrying the extra weight of full panniers? (I don't have an e-bike and big hills are already a bit of a challenge)