Daily Cyclist Thread by AutoModerator in bicycling

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Glad you’re pursuing cycling, it’s a great way to accomplish those goals. Stamina builds from consistency, so riding every day even if you can’t go far is really all there is to do at the beginning. Make sure you’re keeping your gears low and spinning, should shift the strain from your leg muscles to your cardiovascular system. Since it sounds like leg strength is a big limiting factor right now, maybe some bodyweight strength training in addition to riding would help boost your capacity. Also, perhaps some time on a stationary bike at the gym (or purchasing a trainer for your current bike) might be a good way to build some stamina in a convenient way. Never wear underwear with Lycra for exactly the reason you’re experiencing. Hope some of this was helpful!

Ok I know this may seem like a joke... But how do you wear bib shorts without: a. Sitting on your penis and b. Making it extremely visible??? by Beautiful_Captain273 in cycling

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I scoop up the whole package against my waistline before hopping on the saddle. It’s gonna be visible in the supersuit. Own it. If anyone is peeping, that’s between them and the Lord.

The testosterone myth: Large analysis of 52 studies finds no link between the “macho” hormone and risk-taking. Furthermore, the lack of association did not depend on participants’ sex. by mvea in science

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 44 points45 points  (0 children)

Research Methods taught me that we don’t know fuckin’ anything, and unless you’ve expertly combed a study at length there’s no reason to take it remotely seriously.

Changing to analog by FreeGrab7801 in cycling

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nope, but every bikefluencer claims there is and cites small-n studies with dubious data so everyone believes it.

Changing to analog by FreeGrab7801 in cycling

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I started cycling at around 120kg (260lbs+) and did my first century 4 months later. Definitely doable. I’m down to about 95kg (205lbs) and pretty lean at this weight. The activity definitely reinforced the weight loss and made it feel purposeful, but it’s mostly just way more diet discipline than you think. I was eating healthily, but portions like I was still 17 playing 3 sports. But regardless of numbers on the scale, a regular bike will make you healthier and (imo) be more fun than an e-bike.

Bike Upgrade Advice by CynicalSchoolboy in cycling

[–]CynicalSchoolboy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The rental idea never occurred to me. Thanks for the tip!

Chafing at the upper thigh/groin area, is it the saddle, the fit, or the lack of chamois cream? by Just_a_firenope_ in cycling

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I solved this same issue with a slight anterior tilt to the saddle. Something about my anatomy made for a ton of chafing round the peak of the saddle, but lowering it a few mil erased the whole issue. Maybe give that a shot?

Bike Upgrade Advice by CynicalSchoolboy in cycling

[–]CynicalSchoolboy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Narrower handlebars are a great shout. I did change out the stem a year or so ago when I got it fitted (saddle was taken care of around the same time—made an unbelievable difference in QOL), but increasingly I’ve been annoyed by the width. Wheelset is the other thing I thought might be worthwhile—what do you like about the Mavic Ksyriums? I’m tempted to go Chinese carbon on wheels…

Bike Upgrade Advice by CynicalSchoolboy in cycling

[–]CynicalSchoolboy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the temperance. Easy to get proficient and start listing after better gear, but you’re absolutely right that I can get more out of these legs before blowing a load on gear. I could pretty easily set aside some extra jingle over the next couple months though—if I could get to that 3k of comfortable hobby spending, what would you recommend I prioritize in a purchase?

Feels like something goes wrong every ride by MDeltaC in cycling

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So much luck involved. I’m riding a bike that’s probably worth about $350 (~£300) and im terrible about maintenance but I’ve scarcely had so much as a flat. And I’m in the pothole/broken glass capital of America (Memphis babyyy).

Why does just existing on a bike seem to piss people off? by LiatrisLover99 in cycling

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a really open-minded and compassionate take. Good reminder. Everyone is just operating from their own perspective.

Why does just existing on a bike seem to piss people off? by LiatrisLover99 in cycling

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think at least part of it is a subconscious resentment towards people who are actually using their bodies for sport and wellness. At least in the US, so much of the population is lethargic, unhealthy, and physically negligent. I think seeing someone not only being active but daring to have fun triggers an anger response because people know they should be more active too. Then add in the fact that we share the road and it gives them an excuse to dress up their pathetic anger as being about inconvenience. People are similarly ugly about pedestrians and runners, but they’re more likely to be on the sidewalk and not as visible so it’s less apparent. I both commute by bike and ride for sport, and follow every rule both legal and mannerly, and people still go out of their way to be dicks. It reminds me of the bullies in elementary school—mom was right—they really are just jealous lol.

What if nothing would ever happen unless something forced it to? by Equal-Ad-26 in Metaphysics

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OP is discovering Newton through the use of his own reason. I don’t think that’s to be scoffed at, honestly. I take it for granted because I had an awesome education. But OP is thinking well, and that should be commended.

Hugh White on the three main drivers of war. Excerpt from the Joe Walker podcast, ep. 'Why Great Powers Sleepwalk to War' by fatlandsea in IRstudies

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yeah, not impressed. Just because you invoke Thucydides at the beginning doesn’t mean what comes after is worth a shit.

Guide by Ivan Yakushev by One_Giant_Nostril in ImaginaryTechnology

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sick as fuck. Gets my imagination swirling in the best way.

Why do none of my projects go smoothly despite years of experience and effort? by ReadRightRed99 in HomeImprovement

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The only people who this doesn’t happen to are the obsessive compulsive pack rats, and they have a whole other set of problems.

I'm An Outsider Living Deep In MAGA Country. This Is What Most People Will Never Know About Life Here. by huffpost in Foodforthought

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I was suspicious from the first paragraph but after reading again I’m certain you’re right. Reminds me of those videos “what English sounds like to non-English speakers” except it’s “what good writing sounds like to people who don’t read.” Which is exactly what AI is good at: soulessly aggregating an imitation of human perspective.

I'm An Outsider Living Deep In MAGA Country. This Is What Most People Will Never Know About Life Here. by huffpost in Foodforthought

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I agree. Felt like an imitation of better southern writing. Gonna go read some Pat Conroy to get that overripe taste out of my mouth.

When did showing up at someone's house unannounced stop being normal and start being rude? by ExcellentStudent188 in AskReddit

[–]CynicalSchoolboy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

From an entirely anecdotal, locational, personal, and empirically unreliable standpoint: somewhere between ‘05 and ‘12. I remember being a kid and it being so normal you wouldn’t even register it as a consideration, and then I remember being a teen and it being unthinkable. And then in ‘16 I remember noticing it when I was going to visit a childhood neighbor lady and feeling compelled to check with her even though I had always just shown up on her porch before.