bike riding vs. running

[Anonymous]

I'm more of a runner, but I signed up for a 36 mile bike ride (not race) a few months back. For a variety of reasons, I haven't gotten much mileage in on the bike. I'm hoping that my running will pull me through. So here's the question: If I can run 9 miles at a time without falling apart, does that fitness translate (roughly) to 36 miles on a bike?

[Anonymous]

I think they are different muscles..but that doesn't mean you can't do it. Biking has more breaks due to the down hills..

[Anonymous]

Your fitness level will be fine. Its you points of contact that will get to you. Ass on seat, feet on pedals, neck and shoulders. You should be able to knock that out in 2 hours if you are on a decent road bike.

[Anonymous]

if you can do 9mi running, you'll be able to do 36 road miles on a bike without problem.

[Anonymous]

stay in the midle of the pack and you can ride for a 100 with little effort.

[Anonymous]

It's the saddle that will get you more than anything else. Make sure you have biking shorts that protect you in the right spots and are comfortable.

[Anonymous]

I would also use Bodyglide or some similar products on the sensitive bits that hit the saddle. We went biking for a couple of hours a few weeks ago and I felt it where I was sitting on the saddle. Fitness shouldn't be an issue but your legs will be tired. You stress different leg muscles on a bike.

[Anonymous]

as others have mentioned your ass is going to be sore for a week, regardless of bike short padding, but you should be able to do it.

[Anonymous]

Agree with others that it won't be fitness that gets you.

And for 36 you should be fine, but if you want some extra protection I've found that doubling up padding helps me.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the responses. Regarding padding: I don't have any bike shorts. Any suggestions for alternatives, or should I bite the bullet and buy some?

[Anonymous]

Buy some shorts ....also is your bike fitted?

[Anonymous]

36 miles is nothing. You will be fine.

[Anonymous]

I have no idea what 36 miles is on a bike but I remember being in the best running shape of my life, averaging 8-10 miles 5 days a week, and I got on a bike for a leisurely ride and thought I was going to die! Totally different set of muscles. I did get my biking legs after a day or so though.

[Anonymous]

I know you're trying to save by not buying shorts, but if you're not a regular rider and then suddenly ride 36 miles with no padding, you are going to be very very sorry the next day.

[Anonymous]

Experienced triathlete here. I agree that the saddle is your biggest issue. When is the ride? If you can get yourself slowly conditioned between now and then that would be best. Does your gym have spin bikes? That should work. If not, try to get in as much time on a bike between now and then as possible.

I do recommend bike shorts (Bike Nashbar is a good source for less expensive options). The padding will help a little but it won't make it painless. Body glide will work for chafing but even better is chamois cream. It is awful to put on (you squeeze a generous amount into your shorts and it feels gross when you pull them up) but it will work much, much better than glide.

For your training rides and the day off, you will probably be more comfortable overall if you sit back on your sit bones rather than lean forward. It is somewhat counterintuitive but I think you will have fewer issues this way and much less chafing.