Beginner - until when?

[BearPear]

Is being a "beginner" a time thing, or more of a state of mind?

I returned to cycling last year - when I say "returned" I was never more than a kid with a bike in my youth, never a serious cyclist. I haven't done a huge amount of miles, but have thoroughly enjoyed it. I would still consider myself a beginner though, because of lack of mileage and better skills (I pester hubby to tinker with my trusty Trek).

At some point can I move on from my beginner status, or will I be compelled to forever limit my posts to this section of the forum?!

 

[ianrauk]

It's a state of mind. Only you know you are a beginner. That's if you want to call yourself a beginner. No one on here or in the real world knows if you are are a beginner or not. Unless you tell them of course.

 

[Moodyman]

I stopped being a beginner when I started to do my own general maintenance. Still rely on the LBS for more complicated stuff though.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

pondering your gear ratios is probably a watershed moment.

 

[mcshroom]

I think it's a bit more of a feel for the post than whether the user is a beginner or not. If you feel it's a basic general davice question then it probably belongs in here whether you're a newbie or seasoned poster. Likewise if your talking about an issue involving riding to work/shops etc. it's a "commuting" topic, if it's about going on a tour it's one for "Touring & Expedition" and if its just a general chat then it goes in the Cafe.

At least that's how I've been going about it, maybe I'm wrong

 

[BearPear]

I feel comfy as a beginner, but look forward to being more experienced. I am watching the cycling on TV and am in awe of their stamina and ability, I know that I will never be that standard, or anywhere near.

As for gear ratios, I do find myself checking out the rings on other people's bikes and considering my granny-ring loving hill climbs!

I think that the acid test may be losing my loathing of hill climbing and fear of hill descending!

 

[fergal penge]

Is being a "beginner" a time thing, or more of a state of mind?

I returned to cycling last year - when I say "returned" I was never more than a kid with a bike in my youth, never a serious cyclist. I haven't done a huge amount of miles, but have thoroughly enjoyed it. I would still consider myself a beginner though, because of lack of mileage and better skills (I pester hubby to tinker with my trusty Trek).

At some point can I move on from my beginner status, or will I be compelled to forever limit my posts to this section of the forum?!

Being a beginner is the start of enjoying a great hobby that is cycling.Seriousness hmmm, safety certainly after that it's enjoyment and FUN regardless miles travelled. Welcome back

 

[Davidc]

There are very few who lose their loathing of hill ascending!

Now losing the fear of hill descending - that's more like it.

At the moment I seem to have temporarily re-acquired a fear of hill descending, but that's more to do with the present outbreak of deep pot holes than the gradients.

Just keep cycling - you'll soon stop being a beginner and find that you've got fitter as well.

 

[tyred]

When you start finding excuses to get more bikes.

 

[BearPear]

When you start finding excuses to get more bikes.

There are 5 bikes in our garage as it is - I can barely squeeze my tiny car in at all! The bikes are;
(1) My original bike which, after I failed to ram it into granny gear on it's first outing in years lies untouched since the purchase of...
(2) My precious Trek hybrid
(3) My brother-in-law's road bike circa 1992 which hubby tried out before purchasing...
(4) A Trek road bike
(5) hubby's beloved MTB (cheap entry level but he rides it everywhere).

This hobby is evolving and expanding! I have to say that I am considering a road bike of my own - but the downhill speed on those skinny tyres is a little scary!

 

[Rob3rt]

When you start finding excuses to get more bikes.

Hmm I own 4 bikes (if you include the mountain bike from my teens hung in my parents garage which is still very much ridable, and the BMX under my desk at work ) so by this rule, I'm not a beginner. Woohoo, progress by default

 

[Andy in Sig]

You probably cease to be a beginner when you offer your first bit of advice on here.

 

[Banjo]

You probably cease to be a beginner when you offer your first bit of advice on here.

I consider myself very much a beginner but dont mind offering advice if it will help someone else avoid a similar cock up to one I have allready made.

I noticed that the forum title has changed recently to beginners and riding so i guess that includes all of us one way or another.

 

[on the road]

You stop being a beginner when you stop wobbling all over the place

 

[Rob3rt]

I consider myself very much a beginner but dont mind offering advice if it will help someone else avoid a similar cock up to one I have allready made.

I noticed that the forum title has changed recently to beginners and riding so i guess that includes all of us one way or another.

Same here, Ive been riding bikes all my life (for fun as a child and as a teen, then to commute during uni), but never actually thought about it as a hobby etc until a few months ago, so never paid attention to the bike i was riding, equipment used, training or how I rode until now. I feel its always good to redistribute any advice given to you when you are a newby. Atleast then its all compiled in one place for someone rather than them have to dig around looking for it.