This is the official "Let's Get Old Git In Shape For The Tour de France" thread

This is great fun! Another 8 mile ride in the lovely sunshine before work started. But I need some tips.

#1 and this is CRITICAL - how do you avoid crushing your bollocks on this tiny saddle? I mean ... OUCH! Like all men obviously I believe I am phenomenally well endowed etc etc but I just can't seem to get them out of the way. I've never had this on any commuter bike. Yes I have proper lycra cycling shorts and yea I am wearing them. I dress to the left if that makes any difference. My only solution so far is very very carefully find a comfy spot and then NOT MOVE. So rising out of the saddle for a hill is a big no-no. Help!

#2 the steering feels very different because my hands are significantly further forward than on any bike I've ever owned (the hoods are almost level with the front hub). Does one just get used to this? Turning is a bit cumbersome right now

#3 it's got whizzy hydraulic disc brakes ... but they only feel *really* powerful if I get off the hoods and down on the drops, pulling right at the end of the lever. Odd.

#4 if a cotton t-shirt isn't the right base layer, what is?

Wish I'd done this years ago ... but then I didn't have the time before. Or didn't make the time. Silver lining I guess.

Thanks for all the encouragement!

Posted By: Old Git, Mar 23, 16:22:48