Cannondale Bicycles manual

shape for you. That’s why your dealer stocks saddles which offer a variety of shapes, padding, covering materials and prices. If the saddle on your new bike is uncomfortable, ask your dealer to suggest an alternative.

If you’re planning to spend an hour or more at a time on your bike, get a pair of cycling gloves. Their padded palms help keep your hands from getting numb from the vibration of the handlebars (the numbness, called carpal tunnel syndrome, can become quite painful if not taken care of), and they’ll provide some abrasion protection for your hands if you fall.

Cycling shorts and cycling jerseys are both performance and comfort accessories. There are two kinds of cycling shorts: the traditional skin- tight Lycra shorts and loose-fit cycling shorts. Both are designed to reduce friction and chafing. The washable pad in the crotch of the shorts both cushions and protects against chafing. Wear them without underwear to avoid the undergarment’s bunching up and chafing. Also available are undergarments designed to reduce chafing when worn with regular street clothes. The jerseys have pockets in the back, so that the things you carry don’t bang around when you ride. Many are made of special materials with properties that improve riding comfort and performance.

It’s important to drink plenty of liquids before and during exercise. A water bottle is an essential companion on a longer ride.

79