Leg Length Discrepancy On The Bike | Ask GCN Anything About Cycling

Ask GCN is back and this week Si and Emma are on hand to answer your cycling questions. In this edition, we address leg length discrepancies, training with riders of differing abilities, heart rate fitness testing and lots more!
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Also this week, we answer questions around training for the hills when you live in a flat area, how you should position your body in a tailwind, how to fuel a long bike ride and what pedals to use on your road bike.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

If you've got a question for the guys, submit them using #torqueback 👇

[@racsofan4157]

#torqueback when did you start shaving your legs?

[@pedroandrade2398]

there are still maker of Kits and jersyes that use merino wool. its more eco-friendly and just as fresh

[@geordieandrew3763]

#torqueback 👇 how to practice for time trials

[@edmarkey4057]

#GCNCC !

[@trextrap2140]

#torqueback I found a old mountain bike made it 1994. I'm fixing it and repainting it. Should I reuse the old parts or just get new parts.

[@edmarkey4057]

Si talking about "old age"... You're 34, dude! I have ties older than you...

[@unstablefakepresident8558]

He's "old" now. Haha

[@cecilebodington5268]

Be careful and have your leg length discrepancy evaluated by a doctor or physical therapist. Some apparent leg length discrepancies may just be due to sacroiliac joint misalignment or muscular imbalance and can be corrected with the appropriate treatment. A true leg length discrepancy is diagnosed by taking an X-ray of both legs and measuring the length of the bones of both legs to compare.

[@evomene4518]

Very well said. I also had so called functional discrepancy and i felt i had muscle imbalance in hips which was i suppose induced by riding so much and yet on a too narrow saddle for me which caused me sitting more with one side on the saddle... So bike fitter adjusted cleat on that apparently 'longer' leg so that its shifted from the normal position to compensate or even iout that discrepancy. Unfortunately it was very wrong and the result was huge in a bad way ofc. It even even be wrong if the discrepancy is really there, actually. So guys be careful and ne aware od your adjustments on cleats mostly and dont hesitate to change adjustments against fitters adjustment

[@galenkehler]

Emma: I have about 1 inch leg length discrepancy. Bike fit guy in video: you have about 4-5 mm difference Dear GCN: Please get Emma a wallet card for metric conversions 😁

[@bendobson5348]

As others have said leg length discrepancy is very rarely to do with bone length, it is normally a misaligned pelvis due to an impact or muscle weakness/tightness. I was given a shim in my right shoe which ended up giving me knee issues because my misaligned hips has sorted themselves out over time and the shim created a new discrepancy. See a physio or chiropractor, before a bike fit.

[@chrissarafin5602]

Still miss Matt, but Emma and the other new presenters are really great.

[@gcn]

Cheers Chris!

[@charliesilverwood3608]

Cheers guys, really enjoying your stuff. Do you reckon you could cover para cycling a bit, I think it would be quite interesting particularly for those of us that are disabled. Either way keep your videos up.

[@gcn]

Cheers Charlie, great idea, thanks for the suggestion.

[@stuartdryer1352]

Emma, after your bike fit did you feel better on your bike? Was it really noticeable?

[@johnsenior478]

Have a leg length discrepancy as a result of not great treatment after car accident. GP informed me my body would adjust and not to worry- we’re talking 2cm here. Initially no problem running or biking ( was doing triathlons). Then 5 years of running injury. Nuffield clinic sorted out- laughed at this difference being insignificant and have built up running and everyday shoes. Never been an issue on bike but I have about 4mm of shim under shoe plate. ( Am 60 now so if I was younger and aiming at elite then I’d be more worried about the 5/10% discrepancy in power my legs produce). For most people .5 or less is relatively normal and not sure how much good a bike fit would be. A good way of assessing whether you actually have a significant leg length issue is to stand in front of a mirror- draw a black dot in the same place on each hip and then place the foot of the leg in question on the pages of a phone directory until your hips are level. The thickness you are standing on will be the discrepancy. BTW - I rate bike fit, particularly if you have a recurring problem but when you’re talking about putting one shim half a mill thick under a shoe plate then you need to be1. A pro, 2, Well off 3. Have a tendency to think people selling you something are in fact a charity who’s only aim is to serve you.

[@camilosandoval5607]

MATT

[@daniogroove]

I hear Simon was Brompton bike racing? I hope there'll be a video!

[@gcn]

Stay tuned...

[@santiagoarenas9912]

GCN have just given up on the Rapid Fire Round

[@ianstewart2584]

Emma, you said that you used to use shims to compensate for your shorter leg. What changed? Did you adjust your bike differently? I use a shim in one shoe, so I’m curious. -thanks, Ian

[@oeylille]

Thanks. Now I feel better about using mtb shoes and pedals on my road bike. Been doing that for 15 years.

[@karlstrugnell1001]

Dim With you shouldnt feel better about that Thats worse than tt bars on a road bike

[@oeylille]

Yes, I know. But even worse would be tt bars on a mountainbike :) I tend to break rules everywhere, I even wear lycra on the trail.

[@slimelord314]

I do too don't worry. Just ride fast and no one will see you for long enough to say anything (;

[@KenGoddard1723]

I've got Crank Brothers Mallets and aerobars on my groad bike (AND discs!)

[@oeylille]

You mad man! I love it :)

[@icequeen4136]

#askgcnything Garmin Connect has that useful tool on measuring the progress based on the heart rate/heart rate zones and speed, aerobic and anaerobic training effect. it may not give you specific FTP, but still fairly easy tells you whether you did improve or maintaining your fitness level. What's your take on this?

[@tussk.]

Whats the best way to deal with the sort of w**ker that looks at your bike before they decide if they'll talk to you? I have my own preferred method, but the law takes a dim view of that sort of behaviour....

[@slimelord314]

tusskmusic not exactly you the same but, when I wave at someone and they don't wave back (usually the middle-aged guy in full race kit with the best equipment) I whisper "proooo" as they ride by haha

[@manfredadams3252]

I ride a $1500 bike in jeans and sneakers with a smile on my face. I blame GCN for giving everyone the impression you need to dress in a sperm costume and ride a $9000 bike to have any fun.

[@slimelord314]

Manfred Adams I get your point but I wouldn't blame GCN. Dan Lloyd has mentioned this in the past and others have too. I think the more vain people just use the show as an excuse to be even more vain. Which is also fine!

[@manfredadams3252]

When I see an episode with Emma wearing flip-flops riding a Schwinn beach cruiser down at the Jersey shore I'll agree with you.

[@slimelord314]

Manfred Adams I think I get your point haha. But if we want to be accepted for riding "dressed down" we also have to accept people that ride dressed up. One shouldn't have to dress down to prove their humility as a cyclist. Emma is pro af. And if you follow her on social media she actually did ride a tiny bike in street clothes recently!

[@grandad1982]

Matt :(

[@workingguy6666]

1:00 - what the stronger locals do around here (thousands of road cyclists down here) to ride with friends is the start their rides earlier, getting in 20 to 40 miles before ending up (with good timing) at the meeting place to ride with their slower friends.

[@edwardjednacz1641]

My tail wind rule - when I feel the wind in my face it’s time to get aero

[@quentinbennett151]

I always like to watch the videos from end to end, but some of the videos mentioned along the way sound interesting, and by the time I get to the end, I've forgotten about them and/or can't be bothered to go back and find them in the content. Is it possible to include links to mentioned videos in the text, along with other the other links and blurb. Thanks

[@gcn]

Thanks Quentin for the suggestion, we will see what we can do 👍

[@doublevgreen]

what to buy first ? powermeter or head unit or di2 ?

[@Zwiesel66]

You need a head unit to use a powermeter - since a couple of month I use a powermeter and I love it. It is so useful to get an imagination of your own performance capacity - you always know in which zone you ride so you can choose your pace very well. A di2 is an expensive luxury, IMHO there are definitely other more useful things where you can invest your money e.g. wheels.

[@johnsmythe9449]

My friday is complete, I got to see Emma -- oh, was Si there too? just kidding.

[@jesse-dg8yx]

About people having different strengths just make the better rider go in the wrong gear so it's more difficult for them and it's equal.

[@ComicalFlask]

Changing gear affects cadence, not power.

[@bigring6424]

What nick said. It will give a chance to train strength, which could help sprints or short steep climbs, but it won't help sustained speed. It doesn't even help sprints optimally because you aren't stressing your anaerobic system. It will also de-train your cadence if it's all you do. You can buy resistance units though.

[@chadbartlett4868]

Always learn something from GCN!

[@gcn]

Awesome!

[@rasmuswi]

#torqueback about that bikepacking trip in Morocco. You were riding a pair of rather pricey bikes, in a country that while not exactly poor, is a bit less wealthy than most European countries. How concerned were you about the safety of the bikes? After all, stealing carbon bikes is popular even in the wealthiest of countries.

[@beverleygibson1394]

I thought that too. You would really need to have a good lock too, which would be heavy.

[@johnnydoe66]

I believe Si and Emma beat Matt's time for the longest quick fire round.

[@edmarkey4057]

John Day I don't get why they do a "quick fire" round...and take the longest questions!

[@dl4209]

Question about hydration #torqueback. I live in Florida and I sweat, A LOT! If I don't drink at least 830 ml/hour (often more) I am left dehydrated and spend the rest of the day drinking fiendishly trying to rehydrate. My fellow cycling friends drink far less than me on longer rides. I use a mix of electrolyte tabs and carbs I'm not a big person either. Am I doing something wrong or do I just need more liquid than the average rider? cheers!

[@sjpconnor]

Definitely want to hear about heart rate variability.

[@pblnlpalu]

Still in love with Emma😚

[@BejayBae]

Good day doc is leg length discrepancy disqualify you in military?

[@srenhornum5004]

The latest Apple Watch tracks Heart Rate Variability for those interested.

[@arvenzllanto5545]

Can we have a new presenter race??

[@gcn]

Great idea!

[@rononyourleftretired5144]

How would I send a comment to Emma without making it public?

[@ArsenalEgg]

#torqueback If i were to do intervals on my mountain bike on the road would it have the same effect if I were to do it on my road bike?

[@casasjt]

The weaker rider gets the electric assist bike .. problem solved 😇

[@arvenzllanto5545]

#tourqeback. How do I go pro ?? what do I need and where to start??

[@edmarkey4057]

Arvenz LLanto The first thing you should do is read "Domestique," the book written by Charly Wegelius about life as a pro cyclist. That's where to start.

[@marceduardbelalo4785]

#torqueback #askgcnything can i use the indoor trainor skewer in longrides?

[@BuexxTM]

Rose bikes often have both options for brakes, as they sell the same frame with both rim and disc brakes.

[@willczero7302]

Think Willier has a bike that works with both rim and disc brake.

[@calumoconnor5689]

If you are to young to consume energy gels or bars on a bike ride what can you eat?

[@Keyboardbeatz]

A long leg is a pain in the arse for cycling. oh nvm we are talking about legs

[@unstablefakepresident8558]

Most times it's not a LLD, one hip is higher than the other making one leg appear longer than the other.

[@samweis9166]

#torqueback hey guys, i have a gravel bike, is it posible to change the tires on my wheel to road tires without any problems? or do i need a new wheel aswell?

[@muzza0079]

#torqueback Which is faster? Turning a bigger gear at lower wattage or spinning a lower gear at higher wattage? Is there and inflection point which one is better than the other? Maybe some science required on this one.

Nice trip!

[@kamaldeepsingh4346]

#torqueback #bikepacking - SI what do you do about your bike bag when you travel abroad or take flights . When you did Morocco who managed bike bags. I want to cycle from diff start and end points and take flights

[@keriezy]

MTB pedals and shoes because I am a commuter. I did swap for some smaller pedals with less surface area recently and I miss the flatter/wider pedal but appreciate the newer ones are half the weight.

[@somersetfan1]

#torqueback, as someone who does both, what would be your rules on passing horses on the road. This: facebook.com/jennimortimer/videos/10160461100750635/?t=0 is NOT ok. Edit to add: turns out it was Windsor triathlon!!!

[@lincon_s6416]

#torqueback what type of food should i be eating to stay in shape, i know some of it depends on what I'm willing to do but what greens or proteins do you recommend, would artificial protein be better that milk or meat, by artificial i mean like protein powder, or protein bars.

[@dinomaskot90]

#torqueback #climbing Hi, There are a lot of climbs where I live (Serbia) and I was wondering... How much does the tire pressure/width/weight matter when climbing compared to descending? Roads here are not bad, but not that good either. Thank you.

[@greggenna]

#torqueback since all of the presenters have numerous road bikes, some with disc brakes and some with rim, how do you decide what to ride on a given day? Also, how hard is it to go between bikes with rim and disc brakes, considering the difference in braking feel?

[@RyonBeachner]

Greg Genna Id bet it’s whichever one isn’t still in the bike box from their last trip. 😂

[@bansheemaczero1715]

Ryon Beachner Or the one that was cleaned the tidiest by gcn's new domestiques. ^^

[@drakeyy93]

I’m relatively new to cycling (FTP of about 190w).. Recently joined the gym to try to increase my general fitness and power:weight, is there anything I could be focusing on? Is leg weight training beneficial? Or should I just get out on my bike? #TorqueBack

[@autumnautist]

About the tail wind question. Its very improbable that you could could use your body as a sail. Because wend riding you are making displacing air. So if your 40km/h your making at least that kind of wind. You would need that the tail wind would a suficient pressure on your back so thst would be greater than the wind your creating. Go aero always.

[@karlomatic1110]

I have question about pedals and cleats. I've recently experienced a problem with my look KEO easy pedals. When I clip in and start to pedal, I notice that my cleat feels loose on the pedal, like I can feel it sliding around. So is there a fix to stop it from sliding around? #torqueback

[@jrm250]

#torqueback I have found a local cycling club that offers daily group rides. The slowest paced group they offer on most days is 16-18 mph average. I currently average about 14 mph and want to know if I would be able to ride with the faster group since I would be drafting most of the time. I live in NW Ohio and the only hills are highway overpasses.

[@simeonjones9291]

Hi I’m an Osteopath with 20 years experience and lifelong cyclist. If you have an apparent leg length difference you need to see an experienced Osteopath who can treat the problem, before you see a bike fitter, you need to fix rather most important machine first. Leg length discrepancies can be caused by pelvic torsions, or back stiffness. Bike fit must be biometrically appropriate!

[@bigring6424]

tail wind sail lol. For a reasonably fit rider you'd have been to going pretty insanely fast for rolling resistance alone to sap your full power capability. If the wind is going that fast, you'd probably be struggling to not fall off the bike. Of course if you just want to take a break instead of riding faster, then why not.

[@RichardKendrick]

You should never sit up and act as a sail for a tailwind. Tailwinds are evidence that you are riding too slow. Aero tuck and spin those cranks until you are fighting a headwind! If you find that you cannot spin the cranks fast enough, you should immediately pull over and swap on a larger chainring. It's for precisely this reason that I keep a 60t lashed to my saddle rails with an old toe strap.

[@GregSweet]

#torqueback How does one get oily road spatter out of hi-viz (florescent) kit? I have a few jerseys that are fine for on the bike but make me look a real mess anytime I am off the bike. No fenders and I commute year-round so there's stains on both the front and back.

[@jonathangroom5401]

#torqueback 👇: What is your best way to clean off thick brake pad residue on carbon rims. I'm "breaking-in" a new set of ENVE wheels and I've noticed the brake surface has spots where thick residue from the brake pads has accumulated, rending a terrible jittery braking experience. I've read using acetone? rough part of a scrub brush? hard eraser? fine sand paper? could do the job... Not feeling very keen with the idea of scratching the surface, what are your recommendations?

[@kacy750]

#torqueback: i've got a cyclocross bike currently, that i ride as a road/adventure bike as they were not making gravel/adventure bikes @ the time of purchase. my issue is, i tend to get sore riding during long rides( 35-50 mile rides over 1.5 hours on the bike). the soreness is usually in my neck/shoulder area and i notice it more when i ride on my aero bars. i do plan to change from an aluminum frame to carbon once i have the opportunity (n=1),but until then i'm doing what i can to make this bike more comfortable ex carbon seat post, wider tires etc. what do you all think of the Lauf front fork? from what i see, it's designed to help decrease the annoying high frequency road buzz that fatigues us and the only info i can find comes from the manufactures(they may be a little bias). any words of wisdom or have any of the presenters @ gcn ever used the Lauf front fork? thx for the info....if you respond!

[@leepownall3287]

#torqueback I'd like some advice on warming up before crits, gran fondos and time trials. I always struggle with knowing how long to warm up for and how intense to make it. I am certain that I am making mistakes here. For example I ride the 160km Lake Taupo ride in NZ and have been told I should have warmed up better after getting dropped about 20km into the ride. Does it make that much difference over a big difference when you would warm up naturally? Anyway Warm up, would be a good video depending on distance and profile of the rie!??

[@fredwittleder7963]

#torqueback I am looking into getting a new helmet and researching the aero road helmet. I have seen many reviews, but many helmets are left out, like the Giant Pursuit and Catlike Cloud 352. I know fit is different for everyone, but was wondering if you could do comparison to a number of helmets between your crew and give feedback on what each person likes and doesn't like. I am not big on finding out which one is faster, because they will all be faster than the one that I have now. I want to know which one feels like it has the best ventilation, looks better on the head, weight and any other categories you think would be pertinent. Love the show! Thanks.

[@julen2380]

Brilliant round of Ask GCN Anything. Cheers!

[@Vii_DT]

For frames with both disc AND rim brake compatibility, check out Wilier Triestina Cento 10 NDR

[@geordieandrew3763]

Yolo i like donkey

[@jeffbrunton3291]

Leg length looked fine, but one sock was shorter....

[@SkeetSystem]

DA MAN SAY "Vigorously and with power" LMAAAAAAAAAAAAAO

[@jameskendrick740]

Si ups his game when Emma is co presenting. You guys rock! What is the maximum weight of a person that a road bike can take? #torqueback Keep up the awesome work GCN!!

[@RyonBeachner]

I was on a ride last night with a guy who was absolutely massive, not fat, but very tall and muscular. I’d bet he was 250+ lbs. I’d expect the load capacity of a given from would increase for larger sizes as they’re meant for larger riders. Don’t let weight hold you back from getting on a bike, it’ll only become less as you ride it! 😉

[@gcn]

Thanks James

[@virtualmartijn]

James Kendrick check the ratings of the manufacturer and for security take the total weight (incl. rider, bike weight, bottles etc.) even when the manufacturer specifies it as “load”. Happened with my Scott bike where the standard (Syncros) wheels turned out to be the weak link and not handle the specified weight.

[@Chrissummerill]

Please do a video on heart rate variability. Please! Just started getting into it. Make it happen Dr. Pooley!

[@robinseibel7540]

I've got two FTP test questions: 1. For an FTP test is a flying start or standing start best? 2. Then to find/calculate FTP do you use average power or normalized power? #torqueback

[@Jb_outdooradventures]

My trek 2018 Marlin 7 is making a tic tic sound like something grinding but it does it every few seconds and it's driving me nuts help please#torqueback

[@brandonpaul06]

Thanks..may be the answer to the strain behind my knee

[@rovidelarosa]

Hi GCN!

[@gcn]

Hi Rovi

[@allthingsTechrelated]

It’s is possible to go from rim brakes to disc brakes. I’ve done it but it was tricky: well I’ve done the back wheel but changed the front fork to disc brake fork. Also upgraded the wheels from 26’ to 700c.

[@tombrooks5933]

i had a leg length discrepancy and it turned out my pelvis was tilted. an adjustment by my excellent chiropractor eliminated the problem.

[@ltrtg13]

I usually mountain bike pedals on my road bike. When I use my Look Keo pedals I turn into Matt Stephens especially when riding in a group. I could use my Crank Brothers Candy pedals with the Crank Brothers 3 bollt cleats. I have used these in the past on my carbon sole Shimano road shoes.

[@nicholea5135]

Like the Emma and Sia combo! And I really like having Emma as part of the team to represent us women folk on bikes.Cheers!

[@lanzji1345]

About the first question: one might think giving a handicap to the stronger rider to compensate. I'm specifically thinking about an inline trailer (Yak, or something like this), and changing the load to fine tune. Thoughts?

[@drummerzip]

Do you guys have a video coming that will review the results of Emma's bike fit? I'm super curious how she is getting on as she said she never had a formal fit previously. Just a thought.

[@icequeen4136]

#askgcnything Nutrition question: glucose and fructose combo. Does it really work as 2 energy channels for the double power results? Is it backed up by science? If so, give some practical examples on the sources of those, please. Thanks

[@paulcollier7138]

I have had pain on my left side from cycling from years. have recently had a bike fit and an osteopath consultation, I now have shims on my left cleat and a twisted pelvis which is due to an impingement in my left hip. suggest a proper bike fit, osteopath and MRI scan!

[@tommytsunami5773]

In regards to the person when the question regarding leg discrepancy. I have the same issue around a cm. If you would like to know how I've gotten on leave a way for me to contact you.

[@mikesavage8793]

I use MTB shoes and pedals, double sided pedals on my trike and SPD-Flats on my bike. I haven't found a pair of road shoes that don't make my feet go numb and they're a complete pain to walk in. Road shoes and pedals do feel a bit more stable, specially out of the saddle. (Not a problem on the trike)

[@stuartdryer1352]

Resting HR will drop as fitness increases as well as HR variability. Also in Training Peaks you can look at heart rate speed decoupling and how that occurs with ride durations. Temperature and heat index are confounding factors. There is a strong physiological cost to thermoregulation in hot humid conditions.

[@ChrisCapoccia]

@monkeynkl (short leg): normally between the pedals and the saddle, the ankle, knee and hip take up the variation without a problem. if you have a short leg plus your ankle doesn't work right, then you might really start to see an issue, but normally people don't even notice.

[@boycaoimhin]

I'm very new to road cycling (new bike last month) and I'm planning on a 300k cycle this time next year, over two days hopefully. What kind of distances do I need to concentrate on in training? Is strength work really important? Should I drive over the route to plan what roads to use, where to stop etc? Lots of questions 😂#askgcnything#torqueback

[@darrellwhitford7084]

I use a couple pairs of Marino wool riding shorts in winter here in Australia as it gets really cold around here on the 21st June at 6am for about 2 hours. 😂

[@jamesoshea7908]

Out of the saddle sprinting in an 'air bubble' with the *vroom of the wheels is the best feeling ever

[@GuanajuatoUK]

On leg length discrepancy, are you familiar with the Herdwick Sheep from the Lake District? There are two distinct genetic populations. One has the left leg shorter than the right, the other had the right shorter than the left. It allows then to stand and walk straight on the steep slopes, but not cause excessive erosion due to all walking the same direction around the contours.

[@michalmalicki9613]

#torqueback Hi, I just did Stelvio from Prato side followed by a second climb of the pass from Bormio. The second climb was horrible with cramps and general feeling of exhaustion. While I think my nutrition was okay during the ride I feel that there must be some kind of training I can do to improve endurance for rides like this one. Could you suggest something? I live in the flats of the Netherlands... thanks! Michal

[@H457ur]

I wear wool in the winter (bib tights, knickers, baselayers, and jerseys.) I can attest to the durability of wool in a crash (it does surprisingly well compared to Lycra) *BUT* you do get what Americans call "rug burn" caused by wool against skin, and that's no fun either. I'm guessing it's cleaner than road rash (i.e., your wool jersey abrading your skin may be more sanitary than a road abrading your skin), but I've had it bad enough that the entire outer layer of skin is chewed away.

[@cormacstapleton9295]

#torqueback I have a question about clipless pedals. My road bike (entry level) came with toe clips and straps which I think are great. I leave the straps quite loose so I can get my feet in and out of them easily. I mostly use my bike for commuting and getting around town so the toe clips and straps are good because I can use any shoe. I also do some weekend rides of 1 or 2 hours. Am I missing out hugely on performance and enjoyment by using trainers and toe clips? Should I get a hybrid pedal that is flat on one side and clip on the other or just a road/mtb pedal and swap them on and off the bike? Sorry for the long question. Love the videos.

[@thomas_bogaard]

Hello GCN, I have two questions, so you can use it in the quick fire round :) The first one is about cleats my Time cleats wear out too quickly for my taste. Apparently the old RXS cleat seems to last long, but you can't buy the pedals anymore. How are other systems holding up, can Emma comment on speedplay? Do those last? And the second one, I started shaving my legs any easy solution in keeping them smooth other than shaving twice a week? Thank you very much and keep the nice videos coming! #torqueback

[@АлександърАлексиев-у3д]

#torqueback sometimes when i am training or ride in competition i have for few minutes awful pain in the liver and this cauase too much on the race. How can i prevent this pain?

[@bikermansl3]

Hey I have a great ask GCN, Do pro riders have any tricks on getting good sleep during stage races? Like how to solve restless legs to hotel rooms?? #torqueback

[@MrDJAlpha]

Preston Yardley try compression socks ?

[@somersetfan1]

Super show, have a good weekend!

[@MrTrafficSafety]

How much more Watts is riding on Gravel?! I ride a 10km of gravel, canal paths and rough roads on my commute and Strava seems to reads my avg watts a bit low #askgcn #ask #askgcnything

[@MrTrafficSafety]

#torqueback

[@dannybest3981]

#torqueback after recent events regards a horse being hit by cyclist can we have the correct way to pass a horse maybe get someone from horse community involved. It wasn't in cycling proficiency when I did it many moons ago

[@nataliehodges23]

As a cyclist with a daughter who rides. The issue is basically spooking the horse. So slow down, and shout to the rider about 10-20 metres away something like "Bike Back" or "Bike Coming" this alerts the rider and the horse is more use to verbal commands than a bell or just the whoosh of the cycle silently coming out of nowhere.

[@slimelord314]

#askgcnything #torqueback I don't have a power meter (yet!!) and I find heart rate is not responsive enough. Usually I just pace myself with speed. What are the disadvantages of this, if any?

[@slimelord314]

The Guru thanks! Yeah I'm currently a cat 5 and do crits only so I just try to hang on as long as I can, don't really use data in the race. Correct I do use it for training, but yeah I want to save up and get a very good power meter, it's one of those where I don't want to sell myself short on (:

[@slimelord314]

The Guru thanks a lot! Yeah I have the cash for a decent power meter but as you even mentioned, I don't think me or my bike deserve it yet haha. It will probably be on my next bike, which I'm looking at the $2000 range. Thanks for the tips! I definitely am focusing on my overall fitness right now. I have a decent amount of muscle but also fat that is just dead weight

[@edmarkey4057]

Friends have asked my why I don't have a power meter...and my answer always is: "What would I do differently if I had one?" I don't race, ride for fitness (physical and mental) and just want to enjoy being on the bike. Perceived level of effort - Zone 1, 2, 3, 4 - and average speed suit me just fine.

[@slimelord314]

Ed Markey thanks for the comment!! I also have a pretty good idea of my suffering 😂 or "power zones" as they call them