Many cyclists don’t realize that there are only three points where a rider actually has “Contact” with the bicycle. A cyclist’s three contact points are the grips, pedals, and saddle. At Bend Velo we believe that a rider should pay extra attention to these three components because they are the places you, the rider, actually touch the bike. Our thought is, don’t skimp or neglect the importance of these three items.
Grips, and for that matter handlebars are where you touch, steer, and feel your bike with your hands. While not being a very expensive part of a bike, grips can give a rider immediate satisfaction, and they should feel amazing. There are plenty of styles of grips out there, from cork, ergo, foam, lock-on etc. Be sure to match your grip type with your riding style. Mountain bike grips might be good for single track, but may not be ideal for long tours. The bottom line is buy a good quality grip that feels good every time you get on your bike. Spend a bit more and you will be rewarded each and every ride.
Pedals, whether you ride flats or clip-in, high quality pedals are a key component to a smooth and efficient bicycle. If you buy a bike and it comes with pedals, chances are they are a cheap China made pedal, that in our minds is just a placeholder until the new owner upgrades to their pedal of choice. Sealed bearings are a good start in determining what makes a good pedal. It’s really a case of you get what you pay for. The decision of flats or clip-in pedals is really up to the rider and their type of riding, it’s really a topic that warrants its own blog post, so check back here for more. Again, as with all the contact points, spend a bit more and get a high quality pedal, it will pay dividends in the long run.
Saddle, saving the best for last, let me start by saying saddles are a very personal choice and what may be good for one rider may not work for another. I would like to note that some riders claim they don’t like a saddle but it turns out that something else is off such as position on the bike or harsh ride due to frame material or tire size and/or pressure. There are quite a few factors that can influence saddle comfort and these should all be considered before deciding on a saddle. One thing we have found is less is more. A bit counter intuitive is the longer your rides the less padding and cushion your saddle will have. And remember, your butt gets in shape as you get in shape. Another consideration is how much you’re sitting and how much you’re standing, if at all. If you’re able, it’s a good idea to try a saddle for at least an hour long ride, and seek the help of a qualified person to help with height, tilt and position on the bike. Another suggestion for more comfort are some of the new suspension seat posts that have come a long way in the past 5 years.
In closing, remember, the three contact points are most important to enjoying your bike to its, and your full potential. Here at Bend Velo, we love talking contact points and are eager to get you moving in the right direction on these choices.