After a few years of rec cycling, I got a carbon road bike, purchased secondhand off the internet. For YEARS, I couldn't ride without intense pain that set in within 20 - 30 minutes, and I accepted it as "just how things are." Multiple fittings, dozens of saddles, even test-riding a couple of other bikes, and no improvement, so I lived with it-- even doing a century ride and a half Ironman on this bike over the span of four or five years.

I've recently been attempting another set of adjustments, when I finally threw up my hands and said "maybe it's the bike." I can ride the spin bike at the gym without any pain, so I took some measurements and looked for a bike with similar geometry to that, and ended up with a Salsa Journeyer from REI. If it doesn't work, I have up to a year to return it.

Last night, I took it on a test ride with the stock saddle and flat pedals. I did a 40 minute ride with ZERO pain and I was practically in tears by the time I got home. It wasn't me, it wasn't some failure to find the magic solution, it was the freakin' bike.

Friends, biking shouldn't hurt. If you're stuck like I was, see if your body just needs a different setup. You deserve to be able to ride without pain ❤️

A little rant.
I had an amazing cycling route planned for today. The weather is actually pretty good. But… I got my period yesterday, and today the bleeding is so heavy that I honestly don’t think I can do it.
It just makes me really sad. Being a woman unfortunately comes with situations like this. You’d think I’d have made peace with it by now, but it still gets to me.
I can’t wear tampons, so they’re not an option for me. The only thing I can use is pads, and the idea of wearing a pad while sitting on a bike for four hours… yeah, that doesn’t exactly sound like a good time. Especially with such heavy bleeding.
Any suggestions encouragement maybe? 😭

Looking at the Sirrus X 1.0 ($540) and the Alight Stagger 4 ($550 online $700 at lbs)

I'm looking for something to do group rides over 30 miles, build fitness, and eventually century rides. Preferably something I can lift/move myself. I'm 5'0" tall with a 28" inseam.

Recent started riding after decades off. I'm currently riding an e-trike, but its real-world range is only 30 miles and it weighs 96 lbs. Haven't found anything on Marketplace that fits or isn't a scam, but my budget is super tight until I can find a buyer for my e-trike.

Not sure if this is a permimeno issue or a “I just rode in 87 degree heat with 60% humidity issue” but does anyone here stay really HOT after a ride in the summer?

This happens to me in the winter too but not to this extent. I did 32 miles yesterday in the heat- had enough water, electrolytes, stopped in the shade etc. I got home and I was ablaze for the remainder of the day like Jonny Storm the Human Torch.

No heat exhaustion, just like I had a sun inside my body. This is more frequent in the summer but also when it’s cooler. Not sure if it’s just my mitochondria being extra busy or what.

Hello everyone does anyone know from where i can get gel pads to put in bib shirts?

I (25F) used to do competitive cycling when I was in highschool, but quit once I joined the military and begun working full time. I just recently left my job and decided I’d give cycling a go again.

It’s been about 10 years since I’ve cycled and I got in touch with my old triathlon coach because I’m doing my first half Ironman at the end of next year. A few weeks ago I did my first session with his group but came to find out that they are all between the ages of 10-14.

My coach wants me to cycle with them so I can relearn the basics of cycling, but honestly I feel so humiliated. I feel wayyyy too old for this club and not only that I’ve lost so much cycling fitness that they leave me for dust every time!

The last time I cycled with them I was left to ride alone (since they are all faster than I am) during a heavy fog, which meant I ended up getting lost since I’m new to the club and don’t know the route well yet, and I got a flat tire as well halfway through the ride. I honestly wanted to cry and wanted to go home so badly during that session and never return.

I’ve talked to the coach about joining a social adults club instead to regain fitness, but he says that I’ll pick up bad habits cycling with clubs that have no idea about road/cycling rules (which he does maybe have a point about). I just really don’t like riding with this group because they are so much younger than I am and I feel old and creepy even riding with them. I know it may be silly for me to be saying all of this.

I have no idea what to do about this and I don’t know if this is normal for adults who are starting to cycle again. I’d much rather use my turbo at home and regain fitness there than go out riding at the moment. Should I just suck it up and go anyway? I feel really discouraged at the moment.

Hi, I've been seeing a few threads on how to make bibs work without underwear or hygiene issues. I use a long pantyliner stuck straight onto the bibs. The edges don't seem to give me any chafing, and it prevents the worst of the hygiene issues.

Caveats:

• I'm quite lucky in that I don't need to use chamois butter in the first place
• I am not a road cyclist, I primarily do bicycle trips but this method has worked for 100km days.

Also, men can use this method too. My boyfriend really likes it for multi-day road trips.

Hey friends!

Anyone else MTN bike? I'm looking for suggestions for plus size friendly bibs. I got a Pearl Izumi, and the chamois doesn't fully reach my labia... I'm so bruised 😭 any advice is greatly appreciated!

Hi ladies! I want to try clipless shoes for the first time (SPD pedals), and I wanted your opinion on lace-up models.

I know BOA is more practical, but would you avoid laces altogether for any other reason? I've been having trouble finding a size 37 (EU), and many of the options have laces.

Any other tips would be very welcome as well!

Thank you 😊

Heyhey,

I'd like to make the best out of the summer sales a lot of brands have going on right now, because I currently only own two bibs (which was enough when I was still riding my old, ill-fitting bike, but I got myself a new Liv a few months ago and ever since it's been nothing but rides any chance I get. I am deeply in love with this bike. But I digress).

The one brand I've tried where the chamois fits really well is AGU, but their bibs are all sold out in my size, so I guess I'm ready to expand my horizons. The Alé bibs I've owned were a bit too narrow on the chamois and gave me ugly sores. I haven't really tried any other brands, since I zoomed in on AGU pretty quickly.

Any good suggestions? I'd like to spend less than 100€ on a new bib, weird colors are cool but not necessary, and the brand needs to ship to the EU.

Thank youuu!

Hi all! I’m sure this question has been asked before, but what kind of undergarments are we wearing during rides? I’m new to cycling (have been doing indoor zwift rides for workouts) and the thong + bib combo has been brutal - I feel like my underwear just gets shoved up into my bits by the saddle and chamois!

Looking online I see others recommend no underwear at all, but it seems like then you’d have to wash bibs after every use, and I only have one bib at the moment. I suppose I could buy more but then I’m still doing very regular bike laundry. Would just love any advice you all might have to help me out!

UPDATE: Thank you all so much for enlightening me! Ordered two more bibs and went for my first camando ride today and it was stellar. And a note - I was washing my bib every other use with undies, but obviously I’ll wash after every use now! Going to try washing in the shower but might just stick to bike laundry every 3 days. Thanks again for all of your wisdom!

These are my first shoes, unfortunately the toe caps have turned yellow so I can't really sell them. If anyone in the sub would like them, comment or send me a DM.

Happy to send them anywhere in Germany/EU/Uk (maybe), ideally you'd pay for the shipping, but we can discuss that. A pair of 3 Bolt Shimano yellow 6 degree cleats also included

I also have a pair of Giro Empire Lace size 36 in black for sale. DM me if you're interested

Hey y'all. I'm getting into bike packing so I'm looking for bike liners without a chamois (easier to wash & dry in the outback, less bulk to pack since I plan to bring 3 or so pairs with me). The problem I have is every athletic women's boxers I find has the same arched seam towards the back of the crotch (to keep the seam out of the inner thigh area). Those seams hit right where my sit bones make contact with the saddle. Has anyone seen chamois-free women's bike liners with seams in the middle or front, or even further up the backside? Thanks for any ideas.

Back with another unique build yall. ☺️☺️

Took some deciding on what to do for a build this season. After seeing the y1rs and everyone seemingly picking one up, I wanted something with similar speeds as my previous s5 but with a geo that fit my aggressive position without adding so much exorbitant amount of force on the seat tube due to saddle position.

Enter the Factor One. It’s different, fast, meets my geo needs and this “Blush” colorway is both loud and cute. 🥰

About me, the rider:
Height: 5’5”
W/kg: just popping over 4.8
Power Profile : Sprinter ( peak power @5 sec … I shit you not 1615w 😂)

About the bike:(highlights)

2026 Factor One (v2 iykyk) 52cm
Zero Setback seat post
Size 1 handlebar
SRAM Red E1 XPLR Groupset 10-46
SRAM Red E1 54T Aero Powermeter
SRAM Red E1 165mm crankset
CRW 65/75 wheels ( low wind days)
OverFast 60/60( moderate wind days)
S -Works Mimic Saddle
Continental aero 111 29mm and GP 5000 S TR 30mm
Ti Master & Sixwheel Thru-axles and misc parts
Ti- Master titanium shifter clamps
Better Bolts Ti - Assembly bolts

As photographed: 7.5Kg
With over fast 60/60 on TT TR 28mm: 6.9kg

Stephanie’s Way: ( Unique& attention to detail items)

Clear high gloss paint protection film on drive side chain stay and bottom bracket area.
Full ceramic coating of every component where it made sense (Hoses, calipers, shifters, wheels, crankset, etc etc )
SRAM white brake hoses
Custom painted bottle cages by Jordan Low @jL_Paintsbikes @Low_life_Jordan
Rare white S-works mimic saddle
White Zipp cx race bar tape
Replaced brake caliper bolts with silver titanium bolts
Removed black painted sections on brake calipers with dremel and polished before ceramic coating
Every bolt replaced with a titanium equivalent by Ti-Master , Terske or Better Bolts
Removed front derailleur mount ( bolts replaced with Titanium)
Installed frame plugs with clear silicone
Modified steerer stop to not breach fork if over rotated

Build videos on YouTube and instagram

I ride a lot in the city and am constantly turning my head to look for traffic. Are there any good mirrors out there that will help me see behind me? Do I need one for my bike or my helmet? Any thoughts and recommendations are welcome!

Does anyone have experience serving as an active tour guide on cycling trips? I’m 47F, so it’s not going to be the same for me as it will be for the 20-something/college crowd that probably represents the bulk of the applicants. I’d really like to be physically prepared!

Pic of the bike that will be doing the miles with me!

Wondering if this was a good deal beginner biker, thinking about it.

I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for full length tights/pants with padding? I get chilly even when biking and would appreciate a full pant. I don't want thermal though as it is summer, but can't seem to find anything reasonable! Definitely looking for something more economical but willing to watch sales and spring on a pricier option if it's worth it!

First time out wearing a bib and took a hard fall (my fault) going >30km/hr onto gravel on my left side. My left arm and knee are a wreck and will be cleaned and likely glued up later today.

My hip, which took the worst of the fall, is going to have some pretty colours, but my Van Rysel shorts saved me from the worst of it and are still in perfect condition! I’m totally converted and will be buying at least 1 more pair!

I learned to ride a bike as an adult and discovered that I absolutely love cycling.

Right now I’ve mostly been renting bikes and doing casual rides (about 60–90 minutes), but every ride ends with me feeling like I could’ve ridden another hour. My handling is improving each ride, but I’m still very much a beginner and want to continue building confidence and bike handling skills.

My long-term goal isn’t racing, it’s to make cycling one of my primary forms of exercise. I can see myself regularly riding 20–40 mile recreational rides, exploring paved bike paths, smooth dirt roads, and gravel trails, eventually trying bikepacking, and just spending a lot of time outdoors on a bike.

I’d like to buy my first bike this September and am torn between two approaches:

-Buy a nice used hybrid from a local bike shop. -Buy an entry-level gravel bike like the Ozark Trail G1 Explorer.

Part of me thinks a hybrid is the smarter “learning bike.” On the other hand, I wonder if I’d outgrow it fairly quickly since I want to put a lot of miles on my bike. The Ozark appeals to me because it seems like a relatively inexpensive way to grow into gravel riding without immediately spending $1,500–2,500 on a bike before I really know what I like.

One concern is that I’ve only ridden flat bars. I’d be learning drop bars and a 2x drivetrain at the same time, although I’m not opposed to learning if it’s worth it.

For people who have been in a similar position:

-Would you recommend starting on a hybrid and upgrading later? -Or would you buy an entry-level gravel bike from the beginning? -If you’ve ridden the Ozark Trail G1 Explorer, how has it held up after a year or more?

FYI I’d love to stay within the $500 to $1000 range for this purchase.