absolute beginner

[thunderlips76]

hi guys,

so I've been thinking about starting cycling for a long time ( about 4 years ), I'd really like to change my current lifestyle and include cycling for fitness and as a hobby. I'm 38 years old and probably slightly over weight although I wouldn't consider myself unfit ( I run 3k three times a week and play football once a week). problem is I haven't been a bike for 20 years.......and never rode a bike on the road with gears. Any advice how to get started?

 

[Sharky]

Don't hesitate anymore- just do it.

Go to a few bike shops and ask lots of questions. I think Planet X have a shop in Barnsley and you should get lots of advice from them.

Then when you have a bike - join a club. You'll learn loads riding with others.

Good luck,
Keith

 

[Ganymede]

Hi thunderlips and welcome. If you already run and play footie then you will be fine on a bike in terms of fitness. However if you've never ridden with gears on the road I would get some practise in and also perhaps try a Bikeability course (google for local ones). You should also get a copy of Cyclecraft which will help you a lot with the rules of the road and how to be a confident road user.

There is lots of advice on this forum too - try the Search function at the top to see what you can find.

Good luck - you will have fun!

 

[thunderlips76]

yeah thanks for the advice, my local council do a scheme where you can lend a bike (and safety gear) for a month. they don't lend out road bikes however, more like touring bikes with flat handle bars. But i guess its a start.

 

[Dave 123]

Go on, just do it!
I won't lie, it probably will hurt at first. But give it a few weeks and you'll be loving it.
Yes, lycra is the best option.....!

 

[paul04]

If you can, ask friends if they have a old bike, borrow that, go out on a nice quiet sunday morning, and have a little ride around, and get the hang of it.

Good luck with it

 

[Berties]

Sounds like I was a few years ago,but was doing more running on the road,
Your backside will burn you will be scalped by all ,but now I ride 300 miles a week at good speed ,your cycling journey won't take long to improve,always take advice and weigh up what you want to achieve,I started mountain bike then a flat bar racer,then bang into carbon ,clothing improves with every piece you own,just ask questions on here at the local bike shop etc

 

[DannyCFC]

Get on a bike and ride - it will hurt but trust me, you'll feel great. When me and the brains of the outfit started cycling again at the end of March we struggled to do 3 miles and we now do 40 on crappy Halfords bikes.

My top tips are get the seat at the right height, which will be higher than you expect, get padded shorts and gloves, find some hills and just try to get up them regularly and keep turning the pedals in an easy gear when it gets hard.

You sound like you're fairly fit so it should be easier for you than it was for us!

 

[bpsmith]

I hadn't ridden a bike for 15 years before this year. Wasn't even doing any fitness at all. Soon got into it and addicted now!

Don't hesitate, it's amazing. Your butt will hurt at first, as already said, but soon passes. Just buy some tidy shorts.

 

[welsh dragon]

It was decades for me. Do it now. Your bum is gonna hurt, and your lungs will feel like they are bursting out of your ribcage, and you will feel like a complete failure, but persevere. You'll love it in the end. Good luck

 

[Globalti]

It's a bit corny and someone has set his bike up wrong but have a look at this little video, which I've posted elsewhere. It gives you an idea of the joy of riding a nice fast road bike. This could be you quite soon!

http://vimeo.com/originals/ownyourtomorrow/93491988

This is pretty inspirational as well!

http://cyclingtips.com.au/2013/10/roadtripping-norway/ (scroll down for the video)

 

[thunderlips76]

Thanks for the help guys, I'm currently pressuring a couple of my mates into starting cycling ( they seem up for it ). I'm not bothered about pain as I know from the running you have to start small at first, running is just getting boring ( same old routes same old scenery) and it high impact. It's cycling or golf.......I hate golf.

 

[Ganymede]

Thanks for the help guys, I'm currently pressuring a couple of my mates into starting cycling ( they seem up for it ). I'm not bothered about pain as I know from the running you have to start small at first, running is just getting boring ( same old routes same old scenery) and it high impact. It's cycling or golf.......I hate golf.

Cycling is so much better for the knees.

 

[thunderlips76]

I've basically got a year to go from a beginner to been able to do 90 miles over two days. Planning a two day trip, Barnsley to York, stop over and then on to Scarborough. One of the mates is already talking about " Support cars".

 

[Markymark]

I've basically got a year to go from a beginner to been able to do 90 miles over two days. Planning a two day trip, Barnsley to York, stop over and then on to Scarborough. One of the mates is already talking about " Support cars".

Easily done. Best advice is don't see getting on the bike as a big deal. Use it as often as you can, popping to the shops, seeing a friend, the odd commute. Let it become second nature even if it's only a mile. You'll soon be going the long way for the pint of milk!
These miles will quickly add up. Read the advice here re food/water on the bike and in a year you could most likely knock out the 90 in one day.