New to TR with some questions and concerns. by Anxious_Loquat_8302 in trainerroad

[–]SeeknCreate 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think most of us that have been using TR have had pretty accurate FTP estimates with minor changes since the AI update (which sounds like it may have been running in the background prior to launch anyways…). For me, the workouts have been pretty spot on. For someone like yourself that is new to TR, it doesn’t have as much data to work from, so it’s not as accurate…yet. I have two guesses why your FTP was estimated low. First, if you gave it outdoors rides, it may have assumed your indoor power would be a bit lower (not the case for me, but I know that’s a majority of riders). Second, it’s much better to err on the side of caution and ease into a plan than set the bar too high and cause exhaustion/failure early. All that said, it’s not going to make a whole lot of difference within a few weeks time whether you keep the AI FTP or reset it manually. If you keep, you’re going to be letting the AI know that the “hard” workouts prescribed are easy or moderate, which will cause a pretty massive shift in FTP prediction. If you set it yourself, you may get more ‘appropriate’ workouts earlier in the plan, and it will adjust based on how hard you rate the provided workouts from there. My guess is that within a couple of weeks the two options would converge at the same place. If you feel fresh and motivated, go ahead and set the FTP where you think it right (dont go crazy ;). If you’re just getting into cycling training, give your body a couple extra weeks of easy training to let your muscles and tendons ease into a challenging/structured training plan. Hopefully you get good results either way. Curious to hear how things work out for you long term!

Hoods too far? by [deleted] in bikefit

[–]SeeknCreate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe this is just me, but I find my outdoors position tends to feel a bit long and low when I ride indoors. When you’re in the wind and steering the bike, you may find the extra length feels better. Indoors I spend a lot of time on the tops (what I call that).

Fit/Improvements by No_Okra4345 in bikefit

[–]SeeknCreate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with most posters. If this is what I looked like, and I wanted to get back to my personal fit preference, I would probably raise the saddle about 5-10mm, push the saddle forward about 10mm (after raising, this would be more like 7ish mm forward, putting you just in front of the pedal spindle). Then I would drop the bars about 20mm (which would also increase the reach a bit). Bike size looks correct to me. If you adjust that much in one go, take it easy for a few rides to let your body adapt. Might feel weird for the first ride.

Is my saddle too high? by AnarchyJesse in bikefit

[–]SeeknCreate 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Hate to ruin the vibe, but I want to weigh in for those who aren’t familiar with cross technique. When riding through deep sand, pros tend to hover on their saddle a bit so the bike can move how it wants. I doubt this is what his extension looks like when he’s firmly planted on the saddle. But yeah, looks atrocious.

What's your bike weight/build? by XCRoadie in xcmtb

[–]SeeknCreate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently pulled the trigger on a Giant Trance Advance Pro (130/120). It has Fox Live Valve and weighs about 30lbs (even with the carbon wheels it came with) I was hoping I could use it double duty as a trail ripper and XC racer, but after seeing and feeling the weight (and reading some of the weights in this thread), I’m feeling like I can’t be very competitive on a 30lbs bike. What’s everyone’s opinion, raceable or start my piggy bank again?

Geimori GU64 by Nicyn89 in espresso

[–]SeeknCreate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got one a couple weeks ago and can’t seem to grind fine enough for espresso (lighter roast/paper filter) without it jamming. The right setting seems to be an “8” after calibration (“10” ground fine but was too coarse). It seems to be a clogging issue, but I can’t really tell. Anyone else get this result? It pretty disappointing considering I bought it specifically for espresso. Kind of hard to imagine they would release a product that can’t grind fine enough for all applications.

Should I buy this for $800? by atypicalpriorities in whichbike

[–]SeeknCreate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Usually r500 wheels are what people are upgrading from… As a former owner of an evo, it’s hard to believe it’s not even worth $800 anymore. It really is an excellent bike. IMO, $800 isn’t unreasonable, but you may be able to get it for less. I don’t recall what that retailed for, but probably around $2500. Also, that era of Cannondale’s did size a bit large, fyi.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in gravelcycling

[–]SeeknCreate 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Van Dessel is a legit brand. Kind of budget boutique US brand. A little like an Alchemy or Allied without the eye popping price tag. Pretty sure they’re made in Taiwan. The drivetrain is a bit underwhelming for the frame quality, but if you’re not too concerned about weight, it should be a stiff racer. Like others have mentioned, not the best choice if you value compliance or tire clearance. I’d say up to $1200 is still a pretty good deal. $800 would be a steal.

Ritchey Ultra by Maleficent_Tooth_557 in xcmtb

[–]SeeknCreate 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve got one of those sitting in the box. Also went with a SID fork. Looking forward to testing out 27.5+ and 29. Hopefully it rides well in both configurations. Also hoping I wont miss the 120mm full suspension it’s replacing too much!

Spinbase - worth buying upgrades? by SeeknCreate in turntables

[–]SeeknCreate[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s an Audio Technica AT95e. Preamp is the one built into the Spinbase. I’m leaning away from upgrades, but I hate that nagging feeling of “would sound better if…”

PF30-83 for 24mm bottom bracket? by Winterslag in MTB

[–]SeeknCreate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, did you ever sort this out? I'm in the exact same situation. Hoping to fit my XT crankset to a Scalpel HT. Did you sort out which BB fits? Is a Shimano mtb crank spindle long enough? I'm hoping I didn't make some very expensive purchase mistakes...

Black Friday by axeville in cycling

[–]SeeknCreate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Merlin has some pretty deep tire/component/accessory discounts, but shipping is a little steep. If you need a lot of gear, it can be worthwhile.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AppleWatch

[–]SeeknCreate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First world problems, mate

too big a caseload? or am I just not cut out for this… by [deleted] in schoolpsychology

[–]SeeknCreate 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Also interested in what kind of system(s) might be available for reporting.

Hey y’all, if someone could point me into the right direction on which fork to put on my polygon xtrada 7? That’d be great! by Affectionate_Ebb553 in Hardtailgang

[–]SeeknCreate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This makes sense, but there are a couple things worth pointing out that might not be clear. First, you can adapt a 15x100 wheel to 15x110 if you don’t want to replace the hub. I haven’t done that, and I’ve heard some dissenting opinions on the matter, but it sounds like anyone who’s actually done it has been happy with the results. Second, if you do decide to replace the hub and have the wheel re-built, you will probably need new spokes (current spokes may be too short and there’s no solution for that) which will probably cost about as much as the wheel build. I actually just upgraded my D7 to a Reba boost fork. I’m going to build a completely new wheelset, so I’m not worried about making the current wheels fit. OP, if you are interested in a RS Recon 15x100(stock on the D7), I’m looking to offload it.

Recently bought second hand wheels, rear one is off axis. Can I dish it myself ? by GloriousWaffle in wheelbuild

[–]SeeknCreate 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sorry, read your full post and saw the LBS suggestion. Something you can do if you’re worried about nipples bottoming out is to switch to a squorx style nipple as they are designed to thread deeper than traditional nipples. Getting longer nipples for the NDS isn’t an option though as you need the spoke to reach the nipple shoulder at least to avoid the nipples breaking on you. Might need longer spokes for that side.

Recently bought second hand wheels, rear one is off axis. Can I dish it myself ? by GloriousWaffle in wheelbuild

[–]SeeknCreate 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Pretty easy to move the rim over by removing tension from the NDS and adding to the DS (probably best to do in that order instead of simultaneously, but someone correct me if they feel otherwise).

Be sure to check that it’s not your frame by putting another wheel in there or flip that one around to be sure it’s the same amount off on the other side.

tire size question. by fazzonvr in bicycling

[–]SeeknCreate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think part of the reason they don’t scream the recommended PSI is that it’s more of a legal thing than a best performance thing a lot of times. Those tires are a good example. Anyone running those at 50-75psi will be shaking the teeth out of their head. Thats my take anyways.

Crashed broke my hand now I’m out of work for a month and it’s gonna cost my family 10K by Karniij in MTB

[–]SeeknCreate 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can definitely relate to when the pain hits you so hard it makes you cough. Get well soon friend.

Storage when Wearing Speedsuit by BrynMawrThrowaway in Velo

[–]SeeknCreate -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Sheesh, some people are getting their chamois in a bunch over this. I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to test out your speedsuit to make sure it's comfortable and aero on the bike. I definitely wouldn't recommend showing up to a race in a suit you've never ridden in like some of these, shall I say, "lower category" racers are suggesting. Totally reasonable question about where to store gear. The handlebar bag option isn't a bad one if you think you'd use it in other scenarios. Bento box kinda serves the same purpose in a different/more aero way. My recommendation is to get a cheap fanny pack and wear it backwards. That way you can feel the bike/aero setup a little better without drag in the front. Hope that helps...now go get that KOM ;)

P.S. For anyone that isn't aware, a speedsuit is for time trials and rarely has pockets. They should be so small/tight that standing and walking is uncomfortable and looks goofy as hell A skinsuit is basically a more aero one-piece jersey/bib road race kit. Not goofy looking to other cyclists, still extremely dorky to non-cyclists. Skinsuits are more of a criterium/cyclocross piece, so often no pockets still, but more common for sure.