I am planning a double century next spring and am starting to think about staying in the saddle that long. Looking for tips on how to make my bike and gear more forgiving for that long. I was thinking of wearing two layers of short, a tri short under my cycling shorts. Bad idea?
How about the hands. ANy ideas for more padding there? I’m going to add some of that nice thick bar tape.
Any other tips other than HTFU which is already in process?
I dont know about two pairs of shorts, but that fizik bar gel would probably be nice, maybe even two layers of tape. One thing I have been working on, which lots of ultra cyclists have suggested is some solid strength training, not a lot,but some, Im hitting the gym twice a week for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
The only pertinent question regarding a double century is: Why, you fool?!
Take this for what it’s worth, but I think two pairs of shorts is a really bad idea. Get one pair of really comfortable shorts, and if you don’t think that’s enough, maybe try one of those neoprene saddle covers or something. Two pairs of shorts seems like asking for a lot of trouble where you don’t want it.
Tire width and pressure? Wider and lower would be better, I’d guess.
**Why, you fool?! **
Because it’s there, of course!
forget trying to make your bike + gear more forgiving. HTFU! 
i’ve done lots of double centuries on pretty much the same bike i race tris on. with aerobars + drops to offer various hand positions and a well-fitting saddle it works for both, on up through 600km events. but you really need to get your taint hardened up, your positioning perfect, and your capability to handle boredom polished. the last 25-50 of a double can be really difficult mentally (depending on the terrain). the last 5 are always (for me) ecstatic, however.
Double century as in ride to SC, swim around the pier then ride back home?
I am planning a double century next spring<<
Which one?
Here’s my advice…Don’t do it. That is stupid and egocentric!
So far this summer I’ve done 178 and 202.
Good bib shorts are helpful; I ride in Champion Systems (or something like that) because they’re the nicest shorts I can get for $50 (team issue).
I use bar gel under the tape, but I don’t wear gloves.
Make sure your shoes still fit after your feet start to swell.
Shove an extra bottle in your jersey, just in case. I’ve run out on a long ride and it isn’t fun.
Here’s my setup, 160ish into 178 this June:
Pretty standard road gear.
Really, it’s a matter of HTFU. After the first hundred you’re tired no matter what.
After that, it’s just a matter of getting back on the bike and turning the pedals. HTFU.
Ha! Need the free wine incentive package.
Davis
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vitus is on to something with the tires. Wider tires make for more effective shock absorption, because there is more “travel” in the “suspension” and on a 200 mile ride, it matters. I did the Tucson Desert Double several years in a row, and one of the things I remember is the importance of changing positions - especially hand positions - often. The first year I did the ride, I got in a few fast pacelines and held on to the drops, trying to stay with the group. It was a week before I could use my left hand, due to compression/inflammation of the nerve.
I rode 210 last weekend and had a complete cycling kit change in the middle. The reapplicaiton of Chamois Butter and other assorted lubes seemed to help. All in all, 200 isn’t so bad. It’s when you get closer to 300 that your butt really starts to hurt.
Adam
Ah well, I"ll be off to Brasil about then. Bummer!
If you train properly you shouldn’t have to do anything drastically different during your double than you would any other ride. One thing that I do often in a long ride, however, is stand up on the pedals every now and then to loosen up the back and neck (assuming you’re riding aero). Eat and pace properly and you will have a blast!
Is there such a thing as pads that go on your hoods? Seems like I have seen something like that but I can’t find it.
I did 280 miles a couple of weekends ago and I got one of these…
Also, the Assos F1 mille 360 is on my list too, - testimonies regarding the comfort level of those bib shorts make them worth a try to me. I’m doing the 508 in a couple of months so I need all of the love. I’ve had the saddle below now for a few months and it is incredibly comfy and rendered soreness a non issue.
Except for the cutout, that has a real old school look about it!
It is amazing, and one can adjust the tension. (It’s very heavy, but on a long ride, one cares more about one’s butt).
Once I stop riding, - even for 5 minutes, - and get off the bike; it feels incredibly cushty after getting going again. IMO, - that is critical in preventing lingering soreness that makes riding really painful after a short break. After 280+ miles ridden straight, with no stops longer than 1/2 hour, - I wasn’t sore at all.
Davis is a double course made for a TT bike if there ever was one. the last 70 miles of the thing are downhill - if you’re comfortable in the aerobars and have a good position you can hold some insane speeds coming down cache creek canyon.
Essentially all I did was wear good bibs (Bergamo) and carry a little bottle of chamois butter to apply ever 40-50 miles. that and do a couple of longer rides beforehand.
Have fun.
J