| Any Cyclists? on 20:44 - May 11 with 7081 views | colinallcars |
Be careful - cycling with your mouth open is a major cause of dental problems.
Seriously I've had a Specialised Sirrus Sport for many years, not too expensive and very reliable and seemingly hard wearing. |  | |  |
| Any Cyclists? on 20:59 - May 11 with 7053 views | 2Thomas2Bowles |
In all honesty, I've never liked cycling
I think that secret R is a Cyclist. |  |
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| Any Cyclists? on 21:01 - May 11 with 7063 views | BazzaInTheLoft |
A saddle is recommended, or not if that’s your thing. |  | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 21:02 - May 11 with 7061 views | Hayesender |
Bought my first bike in over 30 years on Saturday. Something made by Stan Boardman for £550.
Rode it to work today, and my legs were like jelly when I got off. Good fun though and definatly something I could get used to |  |
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| Any Cyclists? on 21:06 - May 11 with 7037 views | 2Thomas2Bowles |
| Any Cyclists? on 21:01 - May 11 by BazzaInTheLoft |
A saddle is recommended, or not if that’s your thing. |
That saddle looks eye-watering
May want to invest in a gel saddle. | |
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| Any Cyclists? on 21:28 - May 11 with 7014 views | hovehoop |
Yep it’s my favourite sport since stopping footy. I try and get out 2 to 3 times a week for 2 or more hours.
You’ve done well spec wise. Shimano 105 is a solid reliable groupset and you have something called compact gearing which should help you spin up any gradient.
Maybe check out Strava and find some local routes and once you’ve got some fitness maybe find others or possibly a club to cycle with. Riding with others is probably the best way to improve and test your fitness and they will also teach you handling and some basic rules.
Worthwhile getting some good kit. Padded shorts, non baggy tops, waterproof jacket, helmet, mits and glasses. Put on a couple of bottle cages and never ride without a drink, spare tube and pump or co2 rapid inflator. Daytime rear light not a bad idea either as it helps get noticed and being seen thro tree tunnels.
New road bikes don’t normally come with pedals. While you’re finding your legs it’s probably best to start with a cheap pair of flat pedals. Then when you’re ready progress to cleated pedals and shoes. I use Look Keo pedals but there are several others. Loosen the pedal springs off and practice clipping in and out at home propped against a wall. The fun bit is ensuring your weight is on the side u unclip from. Otherwise u can unclip one side and fall the other!
Maybe start little and often at short 10 mile stints, try and find good high cadence and get rapid on your gear shifts and most of all enjoy. Mix up your routes too. |  | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 21:29 - May 11 with 7012 views | HantsR |
I like my bike and it's been very pleasant going out cycling during lockdown, albeit alone as most friends my age seem to have dodgy knees, hips etc. About 10 years ago, LFW folk were very generous sponsoring me on the London to Brighton cycle ride - 54 miles in all. I thought I did very well, especially showing the many youngstes (I was 62) how to cycle up Ditchling Beacon without stopping! Trick is to get in the lowest gear possible as soon as it gets steep and don't wear yourself out too quickly. Make sure tyres are well pumped up and derailleur gear changes adjusted properly (I spent a couple of hours on this last week). Otherwise, I mostly use it for going to the pub quiz (and back?) |  | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 21:46 - May 11 with 6986 views | Newhopphoops |
That's a nice looking bike Brian - enjoy it! |  | | |
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| Any Cyclists? on 21:55 - May 11 with 6973 views | BrianMcCarthy |
Thanks, folks. Some great tips there!
First proper spin tomorrow. Looking forward to it. |  |
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| Any Cyclists? on 22:24 - May 11 with 6936 views | stevec |
Enjoy your bike Brian.
One piece of advice, resist investing in Lycra, it’s scientifically proven to turn a man into a complete arsehole. |  | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 22:31 - May 11 with 6916 views | 2Thomas2Bowles |
| Any Cyclists? on 22:24 - May 11 by stevec |
Enjoy your bike Brian.
One piece of advice, resist investing in Lycra, it’s scientifically proven to turn a man into a complete arsehole. |
but legwarmers are ok...... ain't they  | |
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| Any Cyclists? on 22:35 - May 11 with 6920 views | kensalriser |
If you're planning on leaving it unattended and would like it to be there when you get back, get a decent lock. |  |
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| Any Cyclists? on 23:44 - May 11 with 6867 views | Boston |
| Any Cyclists? on 22:31 - May 11 by 2Thomas2Bowles |
but legwarmers are ok...... ain't they |
Nah, if you want to get noticed a rolled up sock pushed down the front of yer pants is usually a crowd puller. | |
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| Any Cyclists? on 00:13 - May 12 with 6845 views | TacticalR |
Don't wear lycra. It upsets loftboy. |  |
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| Any Cyclists? on 00:56 - May 12 with 6830 views | LythamR |
| Any Cyclists? on 00:13 - May 12 by TacticalR |
Don't wear lycra. It upsets loftboy. |
my suggestion would be to investigate and invest in some chamois cream |  | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 02:35 - May 12 with 6811 views | timcocking |
Just don't wear those bloody skin tight shorts please.
Dopey old lady turned right in front of me without looking two days ago, sent me off my (motor)bike. I've broken a couple of toes and am missing a literal pound of flesh, bandaged up all over. Pretty bloody miserable (no it bloody isn't funny!).
They said they could operate to reset my toe, or just muller it back in. I said that'll do. Fcuk me sideways that was a level of pain i hope not to encounter too often. I'm good with pain, but i'll feel that till my dying day. I have to go back daily to the hospital to clean and redress the wounds...man that's also really, really nasty pain. Really, really nasty.
Be careful, only takes one idiot and there are plenty. My tip would be try not to be wearing flip flops if you crash, it hasn't helped. [Post edited 12 May 2020 4:11]
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| Any Cyclists? on 04:08 - May 12 with 6802 views | PlanetHonneywood |
First off, you’ve done the right thing by buying basic to see how it goes before scaling up.
After I stopped running I bought an old bike and got into cycling while living in Cambodia. Unfortunately, a mate nearly died after a horrific collision admittedly on his motorbike, but it spooked me. I have only biked a couple of times in last 10 years, but I’m determined to get going again soon. Tips:
1. Bring a puncture repair kit. You can also buy micro sized pumps and if you use a camalbak you can often get the pump and even an inner tube in them;
2. Wear visible clothing and get a good crash hat and shades;
3. Water bottle or a camalbak bag. I’d bring both;
4. Do exercises to strengthen neck and back before starting out;
5. Buy Vaseline and err, vazz where you are going to need it!
6. Get the bike regularly serviced; and
7. Start off slow to allow you to get into it.
Finally, there are a lot of idiots on bikes who are the authors of their own misfortunes. There are however, more idiots in vehicles who author misfortunes for many cyclists. Don’t be an idiot, and keep your eyes out for idiots...and stray animals!! |  |
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| Any Cyclists? on 04:53 - May 12 with 6785 views | dolcelatte |
| Any Cyclists? on 04:08 - May 12 by PlanetHonneywood |
First off, you’ve done the right thing by buying basic to see how it goes before scaling up.
After I stopped running I bought an old bike and got into cycling while living in Cambodia. Unfortunately, a mate nearly died after a horrific collision admittedly on his motorbike, but it spooked me. I have only biked a couple of times in last 10 years, but I’m determined to get going again soon. Tips:
1. Bring a puncture repair kit. You can also buy micro sized pumps and if you use a camalbak you can often get the pump and even an inner tube in them;
2. Wear visible clothing and get a good crash hat and shades;
3. Water bottle or a camalbak bag. I’d bring both;
4. Do exercises to strengthen neck and back before starting out;
5. Buy Vaseline and err, vazz where you are going to need it!
6. Get the bike regularly serviced; and
7. Start off slow to allow you to get into it.
Finally, there are a lot of idiots on bikes who are the authors of their own misfortunes. There are however, more idiots in vehicles who author misfortunes for many cyclists. Don’t be an idiot, and keep your eyes out for idiots...and stray animals!! |
Warning - it is very addictive. You will see your fitness improve quickly and weight loss can be rapid if you cycle regularly.
I'm now up to 6 bikes, gravel bike my current fave (kinda like a dropped handlebar bike that can go offroad as well). Go tubeless eventually but for now practise changing inner tubes.
I've done Manchester to London in a day, Paris Roubaix twice and a little thing called the L'Etape du Tour 3 times. See you on a sportive this time next year!! |  |
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| Any Cyclists? on 06:08 - May 12 with 6765 views | dubaistu |
Falling off your bike which you will do wearing cleats is a right of passage, embrace the moment.
Two sets of lights - to see or be seen. Go for the later and buy the biggest set of bike illuminares you can afford.
Buy the best helmet you can afford, don't scrimp and save on that. Something like a Kask Mojito or above
Drink regulalry, if you only drink when you're feeling thirsty it might be too late.
There's some economical websites out there for accessories chainreactioncyles and wiggle two reliable ones I've used. |  | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 08:08 - May 12 with 6714 views | Konk |
Good man, Brian. I started cycling again 7 years ago, and one of my big regrets is that it took me so long to take up again. I've just come back from a quick 10 mile ride around the harbour and city centre, and on a day like today when the sun's shining and it's not too windy...it's a wonderful way to start the day.
Nice time of the year to start cycling again - the rain and wind is fine as long as you have the right gear for it (well, headwinds are always a pain in the ars e), but it's just a treat to be out on your bike in the sunshine.
I started riding again when living in zone 3, so pretty congested. To get my confidence up, I went out riding with mates who are massively into their cycling. Took some great advice from them on positioning, gears etc. I also signed up for a bike ability lesson (with my local borough) and that was helpful too in terms of positioning/safety.
I had a look at quieter routes until I'd got my confidence up, and several years on, if there was a gyratory/roundabout or stretch of road that I didn't fancy, I'd take an extra couple of minutes and cycle a slightly different way.
I went from loathing my commute to it becoming the best part of the day, and I find myself getting out on my bike at 05:30-06:00am at the weekends where possible, to enjoy the quiet roads. It's just a fantastic feeling of freedom getting out on your bike.
For all the people that knock cycling gear - when you play 5-a-side football, do you turn up in work shoes, jeans and a coat? No, because clothing has been developed to either improve performance or make the participant more comfortable. If you're out on a bike for any length of time, it's nice to have something padded around your a rse, and it's nice to wear a jersey that stops you getting excessively sweaty. It's not essential, expecially if you're just pottering about in town, but I've ridden with/without proper cycling gear and the latter is infinitely more comfortable.
Agree about lights and locks - you generally get what you pay for, and I think both are something you should spend a few bob on. I wear a helmet because weighing up the evidence, it seems like the sensible thing to do, and again, I spent a few bob on mine. Part of my logic, also, was that if I spent a bit of money on my bike/gear, I'd be too embarrassed to pack it up after a few weeks!
I found road.cc quite helpful for developing a greater understanding re handling techniques/mechanics, so it might be worth having a look at that.
I'm a bit wary out on country roads on my own, but love going out with friends. No racing against the clock and just take things at your own pace, and it's a lovely sense of a achievement when you set off early in the morning and a few hours later, you're sat in a beer garden in Lewes/Oxford or somewhere. I'm sure you'll absolutely love it as others have said, the weight just drops off. Happy riding. |  |
| Fulham FC: It's the taking part that counts |
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| Any Cyclists? on 08:25 - May 12 with 6686 views | MickS_ |
| Any Cyclists? on 23:44 - May 11 by Boston |
Nah, if you want to get noticed a rolled up sock pushed down the front of yer pants is usually a crowd puller. |
Not the back though, Boston. |  | | |
| Any Cyclists? on 08:28 - May 12 with 6682 views | BrianMcCarthy |
| Any Cyclists? on 22:35 - May 11 by kensalriser |
If you're planning on leaving it unattended and would like it to be there when you get back, get a decent lock. |
I bought a bike years ago when working in Dublin. Loved it for the first week. Used to ride it every evening and chain it up every night. Well, I used to chain up the front wheel every night.
I have a spare wheel now. | |
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| Any Cyclists? on 08:31 - May 12 with 6676 views | BrianMcCarthy |
Thanks again for all the tips, folks.
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| Any Cyclists? on 08:31 - May 12 with 6676 views | Konk |
| Any Cyclists? on 08:28 - May 12 by BrianMcCarthy |
I bought a bike years ago when working in Dublin. Loved it for the first week. Used to ride it every evening and chain it up every night. Well, I used to chain up the front wheel every night.
I have a spare wheel now. |
I have three locks! One for the frame and back wheel, one for the front wheel and one for my seat! Basically, you just have to make your bike more difficult to nick than the other bikes its alongside. Sounds silly, but it's worth looking at videos of how to lock your bike up properly. | |
| Fulham FC: It's the taking part that counts |
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| Any Cyclists? on 08:36 - May 12 with 6660 views | BrianMcCarthy |
| Any Cyclists? on 08:31 - May 12 by Konk |
I have three locks! One for the frame and back wheel, one for the front wheel and one for my seat! Basically, you just have to make your bike more difficult to nick than the other bikes its alongside. Sounds silly, but it's worth looking at videos of how to lock your bike up properly. |
I will.
I can still picture the carnage around that bike rack. Bits of broken locks everywhere, all bikes gone. They obviously needed a consaw. Then, in my space, a wheel, with a lock on it. Pristine.
I can picture the tea leafs, sweating over their work, then getting to the end, seeing my setup and thinking "that's nice of him. Nice man."
What a fuggin' idiot, bless me. | |
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