Brand New to Cycling!

[new to this]

Hi Everyone,

I have just become a member of cycle chat in advance of getting my first bike (since I was about 15 anyway).

I have bought a Specialized Secteur and intend to use the bike for Sunday morning and summer evening cycles (I am not sure how many miles I'd typically ride as yet though).

I havej ust completed my first marathon (London on 17th April) and am thinking maybe a triathlon would be my next challenge - I have quite a few questions of the more experienced members please:-

- Is this a good choice of bike for a beginner?
- Will I need to modify it from it's standard spec (e.g. - Pedals that fit specific shoes? - sorry do not know the technical description)
- any common faults or niggles with this bike I need to be aware of?
- Could I use for a triathlon?
- As a complete beginner (albeit with a good level of fitness, but no cycling experience) what sort of mileage and pace should I be aiming for on my early rides?
- I live in Sheffield which is very hilly but fantastic as it is right on the doorstep of the Peak district - any "out and back" rides you could suggets would be gratefully received.

I am really looking forward to getting out on my bike and taking in the scenery while keeping fit and generally having a great time!

thanks

 

[ramses]

Can't advise on the bike I'm afraid, but welcome, and good luck with the cycling.

I'm sure someone will pop up soon and be able to comment on your bike.

Enjoy the cycling!

 

[accountantpete]

Hi and

The Secteur is indeed a good place to start from a general cycling perspective although not so hot if you want to get competitive.

The shops usually put some rubbish tyres and pedals on these bikes so that is your starter - suggest a decent set of tyres (Michelin Pro Race 3 for me at around £40 a pair).

Ideally you want to get some clipless pedals and shoes - there are lots on the market but personally I'd suggest Shimano 105 pedals and avoid Shimano shoes as they are a funny fit.

Then ideally I'd look at joining a club and get them to show you how to pedal properly.

Mileage wise - start at any distance you like and then gradually increase it as you become more confident - suggest a quick 10miler to start with. You will probably be doing 12-15 mph initially but this will increase as you leg muscles develop.

Good luck

 

[potsy]

There are lots of very happy Secteur owners on here, me included.
Upgrades I have done are -
Wheels
Brakes
Pedals
Tyres
Saddle

You get the idea


Hope you enjoy the bike and keep us updated on your progress.

Sounds like you are relatively fit so that should transfer to cycling even if it uses very different muscles to running.
Things like pedals are personal preference, some like to be connected to the bike with clipless ones where you 'clip in' to the pedals and have to twist your foot to dis-engage, can be tricky for a beginner but I like them.

 

[david k]

welcome

 

[Cletus Van Damme]

I have a Sectuer Sport, I think it's a great bike. The first upgrade I have done is replace the standard brake pads with Clarks CPS240 as the standard ones fitted to my bike were an utter joke, how a bike can be sold that will not safely stop is beyond me. I also put Shimano spd pedals on it. Other than that I love it, the standard tyres seem fine to me as I have never had a puncture yet and I am not that bothered about going down to 23mm width for comfort reasons. I also find the standard saddle fine. The wheels, well the rear one in my case does not seem the best. It went out of true in no time and one of the spokes was really loose. I tightened it and true'd the wheel myself but how long it will last I do not know. The wheels are probably my next upgrade as the Alexrims do not seem to be the best. It's a great bike though, but I just use mine for leisure and commuting.

 

[the_mikey]

Welcome to CycleChat! I can't make any useful comments on the bike, only that it's probably better than mine!

 

[ACS]

 

[KingstonBiker]

There are lots of very happy Secteur owners on here, me included.
Upgrades I have done are -
Wheels
Brakes
Pedals
Tyres
Saddle

You get the idea


Hope you enjoy the bike and keep us updated on your progress.

Sounds like you are relatively fit so that should transfer to cycling even if it uses very different muscles to running.
Things like pedals are personal preference, some like to be connected to the bike with clipless ones where you 'clip in' to the pedals and have to twist your foot to dis-engage, can be tricky for a beginner but I like them.

I'm another happy Secteur owner (2010 model). So far I've changed the pedals (SPDs day 1). My wheels were upgraded for free by my LBS to Shimano RS10s after my freewheel broke.

I expect to upgrade the brakes at some time as the tektro ones are not the best at stopping. Potsy which brakes did you upgrade to?

 

[HLaB]

Welcome ntt, I've never had one so I can't say 100% but from reviews the Secteur is a great beginners bike. You don't need to upgrade anything but you might want to. I'd suggest starting with the tyres and clipless (oxymoron the actually have a clip) pedals, spds or the like and down the line upgrading the wheels. You may also want to upgrade other parts down the line but they won't get you much performance wise but may feel good :-) I believe the Secteur is a bit more of a comfort bike (great for all day riding) but you may eventually want something that's slightly and has a tighter geometry but that may be a good excuse for n+1, enjoy

 

[potsy]

I'm another happy Secteur owner (2010 model). So far I've changed the pedals (SPDs day 1). My wheels were upgraded for free by my LBS to Shimano RS10s after my freewheel broke.

I expect to upgrade the brakes at some time as the tektro ones are not the best at stopping. Potsy which brakes did you upgrade to?

I went for the 105's but have changed the standard pads for the Koolstop Salmons, you could just try changing pads 1st as that will give you better braking straight away.
I too have the RS10's, rear one lasted just over 5000 miles before the freehub broke, replaced it like for like as I needed a wheel in a hurry and the lbs had one ready to go.

 

[KingstonBiker]

I went for the 105's but have changed the standard pads for the Koolstop Salmons, you could just try changing pads 1st as that will give you better braking straight away.
I too have the RS10's, rear one lasted just over 5000 miles before the freehub broke, replaced it like for like as I needed a wheel in a hurry and the lbs had one ready to go.

Thanks. I have the Koolstop Salmons on the rear and they've definitely helped. Have been thinking about changing to 105 brakes at some point.

 

[potsy]

Thanks. I have the Koolstop Salmons on the rear and they've definitely helped. Have been thinking about changing to 105 brakes at some point.

Why not put the Koolstop on the front where it can be more effective? I hardly ever use my rear brake, the pad on there would last for years if I hadn't done some seriously hilly rides this year

My dilemma now is whether to keep the Secteur as a do it all bike, or lighten it as much as I can and use it as a weekend /leisure bike, I would then get a CX type bike for all weather commuting.
Or buy a shiny new weekend bike and carry on using the Secteur as a commuter?

 

[cyberknight]

Why not put the Koolstop on the front where it can be more effective? I hardly ever use my rear brake, the pad on there would last for years if I hadn't done some seriously hilly rides this year

My dilemma now is whether to keep the Secteur as a do it all bike, or lighten it as much as I can and use it as a weekend /leisure bike, I would then get a CX type bike for all weather commuting.
Or buy a shiny new weekend bike and carry on using the Secteur as a commuter?

Both !

Have a cx for winter and a nice bike for the weekend muhahah !

I have a similar dilemma as i will be making my virtuosso the commuter when i finally decide what to get on C2W and will be selling my TDF which was the commuter.

 

[DTD]

Welcome. Don't be surprised if you end up giving up running and just cycle ;-)

I'd suggest not upgrading anything until you've rode around a bit and worn bits out – that way you'll have a better idea of what you want and need.

For the first few weeks, I think your main aim should be to get used to riding in modern traffic on a bike and finding routes which are good for cycling, perhaps do this before going clipless? If you're already fit, I'm sure you'll soon be doing longer rides, though cycling uses some muscles other activities don't. Also worth remembering however far you go, you've got to double it and get back.

Pair of padded shorts, gloves and a track pump would be high on my list of essential first purchases.
Perhaps a cheapo cycle computer if you're competitive and want to record mileage and speed etc.

Best of luck.