Noob questions - probably the first of many!

Hey all I have lots of questions so hope someone can help - I am rather new to this stuff so any help appreciated

Big different between SPD and non spd pedals? They look like a good idea but think falling off or putting foot down to steady oneself may lead to problems

Is the wearing of bibs recommended..... i see lots of reviews that say bibs are good but I cant see why!

How effective is the reversing of the directionality of the rear tyre to 'spade' and increase grip rather than get a deeper tread tyre (against rolling resistance).

I see many people on full suss bikes on the tracks rather that hard tails..... is there much advantage to full suss in the woburn sands area?

Does tyre pressure really affect ride? I think I ride with my tyre pressure on the hard side - curious what others think/use

OK that should do me for a while (sorry if they are basic)


Marko

Hello Mate

Lots of questions, but here we go. I'm sure others will add the benefit of their experience too..

SPD Pedals - Very odd at first, but believe me, you get used to them and unclipping becomes second nature. Just set your cleats as loose as possible at first. To be honest, I would probably be more uncomfortable riding around Woburn on flat pedals now, as the SPD's do help you to stay sure footed on the bike.

Bibs - Depends if you are a messy eater If you mean gilet/vest then they are great for in-between days when it's too chilly for just a jersey, but too warm for a jacket. I have a couple and they are really great. They pack small too so it's easy to stash one in your bag / pocket.

Reversing Tyres - My only experience of this was when using a part worn Panaracer Fire XC. I turned it round and the grip was phenomenal, just like new again.

Full Suss - I have one and I'm a 100 percent fan. I often find myself free-wheeling along the trails when someone in front is on a hardtail and pedalling. I think it's fair to say that the suspension soaks up the bumps and negates the forces that would otherwise be causing the bike to slow slightly. Also, what's wrong with making your ride as comfortable as possible. I have numerous back issues and wouldn't be without it.

Tyre Pressure - Yes, it is definitely better to run them a bit softer around the woods. By doing so, they don't slip around as much on roots etc. as the tyre moulds around the object easier. Also, up some of the hills, you will notice the increase in grip as the lower pressure lets more tread be in contact with the ground. I'd discovered all of this by experience. As for tarmac / redways, you'll find me running them at about 60psi to get them to roll better, but I always let a bit of air out when I arrive at the woods.

Kurt

Just starting out I would stick with flats once you get more comfortable but once you start getting quicker just riding with flat pedals and normal shoes your feet can get bounced off the pedals.
Its much easier going up hill with SPD's too as you can pull as well as push on the pedals.
If your planning to change to SPD's let us all know as everyone has SPD "moments" woburn is an idea place as its mostly soft when if you fall. Once you get used to them its as quick to put a foot down as with normal pedals

I assume by bib you mean bib shorts/longs with the straps that go over the shoulders like wrestlers wear? Im a fan of them in the winter as it keeps the small of your back warm. Keeps all the padding in the right place too and stops your shorts from falling down.


Ive never reversed tyres but I guess it should work. I always go for something as grippy as possible on the front. A bit of movement at the back can be good fun but a front wheel washing out is no fun

Tyre pressures are something that can really change your riding ask Kurt says more for tarmac less for off road. You won't notice tyre pressures much at Woburn as the trails are mostly quite soft but riding on rocks with too high a pressure you can end up "pinging" off everything. I think tyre pressure makes more difference than suspension setup

Hardtail or full Suss? huge can of worms Im lucky enough to have two bikes So Im sitting on the fence .
Mostly ride a hardtail at Woburn like the zippy fast acceleration but for Wales and other rocky places its full suss all the way. If I had to pick one bike it would be the full suss but I spend a lot of time in Wales

Thanks chaps most helpful .... like with most things my confidence often outweighs my ability - but will seriously consider the change to spds (will also save the pedal bite marks on my shins). If you see someone falling off in a comical fashion you know I have changed!!

HAD to comment on SPD's
I changed to SPD's about a year ago but it was very comical and I almost gave up
I went out one day with Cyclone and fell off 11 times (once in a muddy patch, which was very very wet and cold- and i seem to remember Darren sitting on his bike at the edge of the muddy patch sniggering) but had no real big bruises (I saved that for falling off on a kerb near Kingston)
I even managed to fall over in front of everyone when they stopped on a hill (I think on purpose for the entertainment value)
Just unclip a foot before you need to stop and keep persevering with them.
If nothing else you'll provide the entertainment for the morning!!!!

and i seem to remember Darren sitting on his bike at the edge of the muddy patch sniggering

Pinky, just to clarify if that is my good self you're referring to i'd be very surprised as normally I like to treat everyone like they have treated me since I joined the club.

Which is polite,patient,helpful and encouraging.Certainly no elitist as I fall off just as much as the next person!.

I remember back to when I first got my SPuD's.

I stopped to talk to a friend and his son, forgot to unclip and fell over. His boy looked stunned. He couldn't beleive an adult had just fallen off his bike in front of him

It was so funny. I'm sure we all have our SPuD moments

[quote="Darren"]

Pinky, just to clarify if that is my good self you're referring to i'd be very surprised as normally I like to treat everyone like they have treated me since I joined the club.

Darren, it wasn't your good self but Not so Speedy Daz. It was very amusing I must say.

Hi Marko,
Don't be worried about falling off in front of everyone, some of us do it regularly. I've been off the bike for 3 1/2 months after a stupid, silly, pathetic accident. And I can't wait to get back out with the club to probably get another injury. (I wonder if I would be safer road riding???)

Phew! thats a relief Martin, I thought I was going to lose my reputation with the ladies for being a gentlemen then!

That did sound like I was dissing every one in the club but I wasn't honest- just trying to say I made an utter fool of myself (Martin wud say I do that every day) and it didn't matter!



Any way Martins claim to using SPD's when you shudn't however is - doing a wheely outside Morrisons and falling bacwards on his ar...e.
I couldn't see for laughing

hey - new question - would like to practice jumping and drop offs - can anyone suggest where i can find some small jumps and drop offs to practice and gain some of that precious confidence - thanks

Have a mosey around at the bottom of the jump area at Woburn. You can find some of the stuff you are looking for there.

Kurt