Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Best roadie tips and tricks

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Best roadie tips and tricks

Old 11-28-06, 02:28 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
BikeCoachDave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: London, Kentucky
Posts: 23

Bikes: Giant TCR Zero, Redline 29er SS, Giant Anthem 1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Best roadie tips and tricks

I love this subject, so I'll post mine and look forward to yours.

Its a simple one, but keeping a canister of baby wipes at work or in the car are the perfect thing for cleaning up after a training ride or race.
I discovered these during a 12-hour team race. I would hit the portajohn with my package of babywipes after each lap, strip down to the shoes, and clean up. Great for removing the sweat and salt.
Now I can drive home from a ride or a race without that nasty feeling of needing an immediate shower.
So, whatcha got?
BikeCoachDave is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 02:32 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Coyote2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,393
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Hammer Gel.
Coyote2 is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 02:38 PM
  #3  
It's ALL base...
 
DScott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 6,716
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Carry a flat kit and learn how to change a tire.

Oh, and weight the outside pedal on a turn.
DScott is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 02:40 PM
  #4  
draw line at carbon forks
 
goodall's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Posts: 471

Bikes: Cannondale CAAD6 w/ 105, Fuji Track Pro, Windsor Cliff 4900

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Plastic bags over your socks in cool weather.
goodall is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 02:54 PM
  #5  
Style-challenged
 
platypus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 918

Bikes: Colnago C-50 Extreme Power, Bianchi Pista, Somec single-speed

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
during rainy mucky rides, I keep my cellphone and wallet in a ziploc bag to keep em dry.
platypus is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 02:56 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,879
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 104 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 5 Posts
Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
johnny99 is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 02:57 PM
  #7  
Infamous Member
 
chipcom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360

Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Never launch a snot rocket into a crosswind. Strong tailwinds can also be a problem if you are riding too slow - the 'package' can end up in front of you...then all over you!

Snot rocket wisdom - my contribution to the roadie forums.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
chipcom is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 02:57 PM
  #8  
Carpe Diem
 
bdcheung's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149

Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I always keep my cell/wallet in a snack-sized plastic bag to prevent backsweat from contaminating them.
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
bdcheung is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 02:58 PM
  #9  
Call me The Breeze
 
I_bRAD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Cooper Ontario
Posts: 3,702

Bikes: 2004 Litespeed Siena, 1996 Litespeed Obed, 1992 Miele (unknown model), 1982 Meile Uno LS.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times in 4 Posts
I keep my wallet at home. You guys going riding, or shopping?
I_bRAD is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 02:59 PM
  #10  
The Truth
 
Ih8lucky13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Miami
Posts: 2,289

Bikes: Felt f4c, Felt RXC, Guerciotti Khaybar,Guerciotti EM-2, Cervelo P-3.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Never get the decaf latte.
Ih8lucky13 is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 03:00 PM
  #11  
Used to be a climber..
 
GuitarWizard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 6,849

Bikes: 2016 Ridley Fenix SL, 2020 Trek Emonda ALR (rim brake)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Don't give people the middle finger in "urban" areas.
GuitarWizard is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 03:00 PM
  #12  
Announcer
 
EventServices's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Detroit's North Side.
Posts: 5,108

Bikes: More than I need, really.

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times in 13 Posts
1. You're always capable of more than you're willing to give.

2. Voices carry while riding in a group.
Those people on the sidewalk can hear every word you're saying about them.
EventServices is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 03:44 PM
  #13  
EdZ
Clinically Insane
 
EdZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 765
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Fast Orange or simmilar hand cleaner works wonders for cleaning the braking surfaces on wheels. Just make sure to wipe it off thoroughly to get the pummice out.
EdZ is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 03:51 PM
  #14  
half man - half sheep
 
Doggus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Big Mineral arm - Lake Texoma (Pottsboro, Tx)
Posts: 2,469
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Aim for the squirrel, you'll miss him every time.
Doggus is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 03:53 PM
  #15  
Carpe Diem
 
bdcheung's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149

Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Dogs are people, too.
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
bdcheung is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 04:01 PM
  #16  
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: under bridge in cardboard box
Posts: 5,402
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Liked 501 Times in 397 Posts
when its 30 something degrees and pouring rain or sleeting, wear a pair of socks then plastic grocery bags from grocery store and then another pair of socks, your feet will be nice and warm for hours
pedex is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 04:03 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Rotten Bastard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 277
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3 Times in 1 Post
Get one of those little vinyl license holder things that hunters and people who go fly fishing use, and stick a piece of paper with your blood type in big bold letters showing through (or a Red Cross blood donor card if you have one). You can also put your license and medical insurance card in it.
Rotten Bastard is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 04:10 PM
  #18  
mashtropical
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: miami
Posts: 165
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
quick release skewers can also be tire levers.
endeverleverone is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 04:17 PM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
Learn to bunnyhop, ride no-handed, and trackstand. These are bike handling skills, not just showing off.
caloso is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 04:18 PM
  #20  
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: under bridge in cardboard box
Posts: 5,402
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Liked 501 Times in 397 Posts
Originally Posted by caloso
Learn to bunnyhop, ride no-handed, and trackstand. These are bike handling skills, not just showing off.
valuable tools to have on one's toolbox too
pedex is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 04:21 PM
  #21  
.
 
botto's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 40,375
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 27 Times in 12 Posts
it really doesn't matter if it's shimano or campagnolo.
botto is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 04:28 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
geraldatwork's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Long Island, New York
Posts: 767

Bikes: 2005 Windsor Kennet, 1982 Raleigh Super Course

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
If you have a flatbed scanner this works. I scan my drivers licence. I leave the reverse side blank and write an emergency phone number. I cut out the scan to the size of a licence and cover it in plastic and just keep it in my saddle bag.
geraldatwork is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 04:30 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
garysol1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Traverse City Michigan
Posts: 10,244
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 78 Post(s)
Liked 17 Times in 11 Posts
Carry 2 tubes if possible and at least 2 Co2's or a pump.
__________________
BMC Roadmachine
Kona Jake the Snake
garysol1 is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 04:35 PM
  #24  
Spinnin' and grinnin'
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 37
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Ditto on the sandwich bag. I do it all the time to stop my wallet smelling like me.

Skittles, the candy ...
SvenDah is offline  
Old 11-28-06, 04:36 PM
  #25  
elitist jerk
 
daytonian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Blow - hio
Posts: 4,187

Bikes: CAAD9

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Save those old toothbrushes. They are great for cleaning rims and drivetrains.
daytonian is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.