u/Objective_Branch_655

Hi everyone,

I could use some advice. I’ve had a really bad problem with muscle cramps during cycling. I’ve been doing sports on and off for most of my life, and I got into cycling about two years ago. I’m not doing huge mileage, probably around 2,000–3,000 km per year, mainly because I don’t have much free time.

This year I started training more seriously, including indoor trainer sessions and intervals, and my performance has improved quite a bit. I’m 78 kg and currently around 228 W FTP.

The problem is that I still get severe cramps quite often, especially on harder or longer rides. I’ve recently started adding salt to my water, and that seems to have helped, but I’m still worried because I have my first proper amateur race this weekend and I’m getting a bit nervous about it.

Do you have any life hacks or practical tips that helped you with cramps? What could be causing them in my case? Is it mainly electrolytes and hydration, or could it be fatigue, pacing, lack of conditioning, nutrition, etc.?

I’d really appreciate any advice, especially things I can realistically do before and during my first race.

Hi everyone,

I recently switched from a 2023 Giant TCR M to a Wilier Rapida M and I’m trying to transfer my previous bike fit as accurately as possible.

Retul bikefit
My previous fit measurements on the TCR were:
• Saddle height: 770 mm
• Saddle setback: 72 mm behind BB
• Saddle tilt: -2°
• Direct saddle-to-handlebar reach: 552 mm
• Horizontal saddle-to-handlebar reach: 543 mm
• Handlebar drop: 95 mm
• Grip width: 366 mm
• BB → handlebar center: 470 mm horizontal / 631 mm vertical
• Saddle tip → grips: 659 mm
• BB → grips: 587 mm
• Grip angle: 27°

The TCR had 172.5 mm cranks, and I later used a 90 mm stem.

TCR M geometry:
• Stack: 545 mm
• Reach: 388 mm
• Seat tube angle: 73.5°
• Head tube angle: 73°

Wilier Rapida M geometry:
• Stack: 556 mm
• Reach: 384.5 mm
• Seat tube angle: 74°
• Head tube angle: 72°
• Cranks: 170 mm
• Integrated cockpit: 100 mm

On the Rapida, I have only adjusted the saddle height and setback so far. I haven’t changed the cockpit, spacers or handlebar position.

I have now set the Rapida to the same 72 mm setback as my previous TCR fit.

After a 4-hour ride on the Rapida, I noticed that I was using my legs differently compared with the TCR. I had significantly more muscle soreness in different areas of my thighs than I normally get after a similar ride on the TCR. I also noticed soreness around my upper traps, which wasn’t common for me on the TCR.

More importantly, I also experienced some knee pain below the kneecap during/after the ride, which I didn’t normally have on the TCR.

I understand that a different frame and riding position can change muscle recruitment and that some adaptation is probably normal. However, because the muscle soreness is noticeably different and I also developed knee pain, I’m wondering whether this could indicate that something in my position needs to be adjusted.

My main questions are:
Given the different seat tube angle, is matching the 72 mm setback from the TCR actually the correct way to transfer the saddle position to the Rapida, or should the saddle position be different to reproduce the same effective pedaling position?

How should I account for the 170 mm cranks on the Rapida compared with the 172.5 mm cranks used during the previous fit?

Which of the fit measurements above should I prioritize when transferring my position to the Rapida, particularly for the cockpit?

Is this kind of change in muscle recruitment and soreness normal when switching to a different bike, or would the knee pain make you suspect that something in the fit needs adjustment?

I’m not trying to make the Rapida handle exactly like the TCR. I mainly want to make sure my riding position is correctly transferred.

Thanks

I’ve been riding a 2023 Giant TCR for about 1.5 years. I originally had a 100 mm stem, but after a professional bike fit on the TCR, I switched to a 90 mm stem because I felt too stretched out. Over time, I got used to the position. After 5–6 hours my neck would start to hurt, but apart from that, I had no major issues. Sometimes I felt slightly stretched out, but the feeling usually went away.

I was already thinking about upgrading my bike because I wanted something newer with carbon wheels and electronic shifting. I was considering bikes like the Canyon Ultimate or the new Canyon Endurace CF SLX, but then I got a very good offer for a Wilier, so I decided to go for it.

I initially went for the Rapida because I saw it as a good hybrid between a race bike and a more endurance-oriented bike. I didn’t seriously consider the Filante at first, but after buying the Rapida, I started wondering if the Filante might have been a better choice for me.

When I tried the Filante in the shop, the additional reach/drop felt quite aggressive, so I wasn’t sure if it would suit me.

Now that I’ve ridden the Rapida, I’m slightly questioning my decision. I haven’t had a professional bike fit on the Rapida yet, I only set it up myself based on my previous TCR bike fit. Also, I have only spent around 2 hours on the Rapida so far, so maybe my first impression is too quick and I just need more time to adapt.

The position feels very different compared to the TCR. I feel like I’m sitting much more upright, and because I was used to a more stretched-out position on the TCR, the Rapida almost feels a bit short to me. Especially on descents, the TCR felt much more lively, compact and responsive. The Rapida feels more relaxed and less “race bike” in comparison.

I know I can’t really change the decision now, so my question is mainly: is this something I’ll likely get used to with more time on the bike? Or is the difference between the Rapida and Filante significant enough that I should have gone for the Filante?

I only ride around 3,000 km/year due to having a small child. Most of my riding is with friends, and I only do one race per year. However, I really enjoy fast, responsive bikes and I do structured trainer sessions and intervals. I’d appreciate opinions from anyone who has experience with these bikes or a similar transition.

What do you think about my current training plan?

I have about five to six weeks until my race, which is 100 km with 1,700 m of elevation gain. I’m not aiming for a top result, but I also don’t want to be underprepared. I weigh 78 kg, and my FTP is 228 W by 20minutes test (icu intervals shows 240)

My current weekly plan is:
Monday: Full body strength training.
Tuesday: VO₂ max intervals on the indoor trainer.
Wednesday: Rest day.
Thursday: Threshold workout on the indoor trainer.
Friday: Light full body gym session with lower overall intensity.
Saturday: Outdoor ride with friends, usually at least 60 km and around 1,000 m of elevation gain.
Sunday: Another outdoor ride with friends,

Do you think this is a good training plan for my goal? Is there anything you would change?

Ahojte chcel by som ist na dovolenku na tyzden s 11 mesacnym babatkom. Idealne allinclusive ale moze byt aj klasika s ranajkami. Zobudil som sa neskoro ze riesim to az teraz pre nejake ine dovody a taktiez iba v auguste mozem. Ako najlepsie najst hotel co nebude ultra drahy. Budget tak maximalne do 3k pre mna priatelku a babatko.

Do buducna ako dopredu si bookujete taketo dovolenky niekedy mam mentalny blok tak dopredu ze co ked aa nieco stane 😁
Dakujem