Following from the post (on the last page). This is in the topic of beginnners/getting started/getting set up. I kind of figured this out on my own as I went, but I am a mechanical engineer and competent with understanding geometry, so it was easy for me. I'd like a single article (maybe it's long enough to be a series) on how to start with you and your (possibly existing) bike, and set it up yourself for a good position.
You have made a great section in the sidebar this year about bike fit and expectations. And you have a great back catalogue of similar articles, e.g. somewhere you've got an old quadratic formula for saddle-to-bar drop estimates based on historic data. But it's a bit scattered across a number of pages and maybe needs refreshing.
As a guess, the story arc would be:
Overview of what a good fit means.
Understanding/measuring your own body and bike, and explanation of the critical metrics like Pad X/Y.
A calculator to output a good Pad X/Y starting point based on basic body measurements (is the work you did still licenced to Diamondback? I think it's disappeared off their website).
Explanation of how you might have to adjust your bike to achieve those coordinates.
Example equipment list to achieve this result (generalised so it doesn't date, but based around typical preferences e.g. saddle types and bar extension shapes/adjustability).
Guidelines for "critique my fit" requests (video setup and duration as mentioned).
Second idea:
I'd love to see more DIY tech, even if it's just small/aggregated articles. 3D printed bits or personalised mods , maintenance tips for free speed (lubes/waxes) etc. DIY nutrition. Someone's story on achieving their goals, or tweaking their bike from average to better. I guess the overarching thought is about making tri accessible, not an elitist equipment war. Nice bikes are nice to look at, but it's not going to help me.
Third idea:
more alternatives to the standard tri format. Offroad (you're making a great start). Ski/run? Kayak/bike? Offroad bike OR run (your choice)? Run/Bike/Shoot with extra lap penalties like pentathlon?
Fourth:
More sub forums. Being on the wrong side of the word, I wake up and there's two pages of new posts in the tri forum. Maybe subforums for: Events (Local/International), Equipment/Tech, Training/Health/Fitness? (You could split by swim/bike/run but that might get a bit isolated. Maybe keep all sports bundled together).
That's mostly nitpicking, love the forum and the site, keep up the great work.
You have made a great section in the sidebar this year about bike fit and expectations. And you have a great back catalogue of similar articles, e.g. somewhere you've got an old quadratic formula for saddle-to-bar drop estimates based on historic data. But it's a bit scattered across a number of pages and maybe needs refreshing.
As a guess, the story arc would be:
Overview of what a good fit means.
Understanding/measuring your own body and bike, and explanation of the critical metrics like Pad X/Y.
A calculator to output a good Pad X/Y starting point based on basic body measurements (is the work you did still licenced to Diamondback? I think it's disappeared off their website).
Explanation of how you might have to adjust your bike to achieve those coordinates.
Example equipment list to achieve this result (generalised so it doesn't date, but based around typical preferences e.g. saddle types and bar extension shapes/adjustability).
Guidelines for "critique my fit" requests (video setup and duration as mentioned).
Second idea:
I'd love to see more DIY tech, even if it's just small/aggregated articles. 3D printed bits or personalised mods , maintenance tips for free speed (lubes/waxes) etc. DIY nutrition. Someone's story on achieving their goals, or tweaking their bike from average to better. I guess the overarching thought is about making tri accessible, not an elitist equipment war. Nice bikes are nice to look at, but it's not going to help me.
Third idea:
more alternatives to the standard tri format. Offroad (you're making a great start). Ski/run? Kayak/bike? Offroad bike OR run (your choice)? Run/Bike/Shoot with extra lap penalties like pentathlon?
Fourth:
More sub forums. Being on the wrong side of the word, I wake up and there's two pages of new posts in the tri forum. Maybe subforums for: Events (Local/International), Equipment/Tech, Training/Health/Fitness? (You could split by swim/bike/run but that might get a bit isolated. Maybe keep all sports bundled together).
That's mostly nitpicking, love the forum and the site, keep up the great work.