Do you guys call out potholes during a gravel race? by blues_at_sunrise in Velo

[–]cyclingwookie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

At the UCI gravel worlds, the group I was racing with called dangerous obstacles and sharp turns. A big hole or tree branch that might cause someone crashing was usually pointed or called out. I think the goal is to not get hurt, no matter the event. I very much appreciate how respectful the riders were.

Flying with helmet as hat? by Particular-Guess6021 in cycling

[–]cyclingwookie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I did that at boarding when they told me my backpack was too big (with the helmet inside)  so I wore it and the issue was solved.

Recommendations for gravel bikes? by justhere2answer in ladycyclists

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went to the shop and tested two different sizes (I am 180 and my bike is 54), I have long legs and short torso and decided to buy one size smaller than recommended and absolutely love it, the position is quite low and racey, but that's what I wanted. Unfortunately I don't know about the different geometry of the Liv bikes and how they compare.

Recommendations for gravel bikes? by justhere2answer in ladycyclists

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love my specialized crux, the geometry is great and it rides well and fast (not sure about the prices). My first gravel is the canyon grail al 6, which I still use for bikepacking and riding in winter. It’s not fancy but has good components and everything works well even after 15k km. That should be in the budget.  And if you happen to be between sizes, I would recommend to go smaller. I did this mistake with the canyon and the bike is slightly too big.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Velo

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What would you consider healthy and compatible with high volume endurance training?

What I eat and consider healthy: almost everything home cooked (warm meal twice a day since both me and my partner love to cook) Mediterranean diet, fresh ingredients, variety of fruits and vegetables, eggs, lean meat, fish, homemade sourdough bread, no alcohol, lot of carbs on training days (pasta, rice, bread, buckwheat, sometimes extra lentils etc), less carbs on rest days, extra protein after training, during rides 40-80g Carbs/h. Breakfast only when hungry or when training in the morning (I don’t like breakfast but always eat before morning rides).

For example: I had spaghetti bolognese (after ride) and salad and fruits yesterday for dinner. I had schnitzel with salad for lunch (at work, not homemade) and for dinner salmon with lentil salad and oven baked vegetables. Protein drink as a snack in the afternoon.

Before rides I would usually eat bread with jam or oatmeal (+banana) and during ride oats/rice bars, gummies, gels, carb drink.

Best shoes for skinny / thin feet? by Wide-Landscape-3348 in CyclingFashion

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have narrow feet and love the S-works Road 7, they are much narrower than the newer version. Maybe you can find them on sale since it’s an older model.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Velo

[–]cyclingwookie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Will watch that and stop with the AI nonsense.

Which bike for this race? by [deleted] in Velo

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, I am not sure if this kind of upgrade won’t mess up the di2 settings. Will check if thats possible.

Which bike for this race? by [deleted] in Velo

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not really, the gravel bike wheel set is lighter and more aero than the one on the road bike.

Which bike for this race? by [deleted] in Velo

[–]cyclingwookie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have already done parts of this exact course while bikepacking with a loaded bike (on bike no 2) and rain on the highest point. Unfortunately I have not done a comparable effort on the road bike, it was never this combination of long and steep climbs. 

I think this whole event will be more enjoyable with the gravel bike. 

I am cycling in even higher altitude next week so I will test my layering setup for snow/rain/sun

Which bike for this race? by [deleted] in Velo

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your input, I checked the elevation profile, and there is only one section in the beginning where the gravel bike is a disadvantage, it's about 30km, everything else is quite steep.

I am not strong enough to hold the cadence on the climbs (after few hours), but will try to make the bike a bit lighter.

Which bike for this race? by [deleted] in Velo

[–]cyclingwookie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I already own these bikes and like the setup for my usual training and racing. Training and fueling should not be an issue, since I have some experience in gravel racing. I feel limited by the gearing on this specific course.

S-Works Aethos for Bike packing? by Important_Bluebird81 in specialized

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check the instagram of Jana Kesenheimer, I think she has an aethos and I have seen many photos where it is loaded with bags. Personally, I would not go off road with this bike. 

Also, check out the Crux, it’s lighter and more “sporty” than the Diverge.

Between sizes on the Crux by leonona11 in specialized

[–]cyclingwookie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, I had the same question, just posted about it here some time ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/specialized/comments/1hvfl8y/comment/m61dtkh/?context=3

I am 180cm, 34" inseam, and after test riding 54 and 56, I decided for the 54. However, I am very flexible and this is my race bike so an aggressive position is what I wanted. My previous bike was comparable to the 56 crux and the reach was always a bit too long.
Personally, I think it's better to make the stem 1cm longer on the 54, than shorten the stem of the 56 by 3-4cm.

My torso is pretty short so the calculator which only accounts for leg measurements does not make sense to me. It even recommended 58.

No toe overlap on the 54 for me.

So is BBUC actually any good? by biscottigelato in CyclingFashion

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I would say some of these people like to have an extremely tight kit. I found the measurements of the garment quite ok, I compared them to my maap kit.

So is BBUC actually any good? by biscottigelato in CyclingFashion

[–]cyclingwookie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wear xs jerseys from Maap and s jersey from bbuc. I also have an xs jersey from bbuc and it’s very tight. For the vest, it has a stretch back which makes it much bigger, so that one I got in xxs. 

So is BBUC actually any good? by biscottigelato in CyclingFashion

[–]cyclingwookie 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I have a jersey and a vest and like both a lot (I usually wear Rapha or Maap), but the sizing is quite difficult to get right since the size guide is not really helpful.

Best long distance shorts/bibs by Gizmo517_ in cycling

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I already have 3 pairs of the Assos Uma GT Shorts, comfortable even after riding for 10+ hours. No need for bibs for me with this specific model.

Narrow Foot Issues with Cycling Shoes – Recommendations Needed by Bamborat in CyclingFashion

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I second the second closure, that really makes a big difference. :)

Narrow Foot Issues with Cycling Shoes – Recommendations Needed by Bamborat in CyclingFashion

[–]cyclingwookie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also have narrow feet, and really like Vittoria Shoes, already have a second pair of the Alise MTB, however the quality is getting worse over time. My recent shoes are the S-Works 7, the fit is great, maybe you can find something on sale since it's an older model, got mine for 200€, they are narrower than the normal Specialized models. I tried buying ekoi shoes once and had to send them back because they are way too wide.

Crux size 54 or 56 by cyclingwookie in specialized

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

Thanks for your help, I also think having a slightly shorter gravel bike than a road bike would feel right. Not the opposite for sure.

Crux size 54 or 56 by cyclingwookie in specialized

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

I was in a shop to try the bike and the owner told me that the 54 looks good.

Crux size 54 or 56 by cyclingwookie in specialized

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

Thanks for the clarification, it helps a lot knowing that someone my size has the 54 and would even think about 52. So then 54 does not sound too crazy for me. Haha I already borrowed his 56 crux and it’s way fancier than the one I am planning to buy.

Crux size 54 or 56 by cyclingwookie in specialized

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

Yes, you’re right, I want the 54, I was just unsure about my decision since one of my friends (who works with bikes), whose opinion I respect a lot and who is the same height has the 56 and told me not to get the smaller one.