Finally bought a bike

[Danny91]

I have finally purchased a Trek 7.1 FX 2011 and will be picking it up a week from today!!

I have bought the Cyclecraft book and plan on reading that in this week so that I am well informed on how to ride safely. I have also bought a Specialized Helmet and a pair of riding shorts.

I am going to be using this for leisurely riding so do not see a purpose in purchasing a lock, however feel free to talk me round this if this is a bad idea.

Other than getting out there and riding, is there anything you guys can recommend for me as a complete beginner? I am very excited to start riding and my aim is to train myself up to be confident and fit enough to complete a big ride for charity.

Can anyone recommended a website that has good route planners for around the Merseyside/Lancashire areas?

Thanks!

 

[Scrappy]

Good on ya for deciding to start riding, I have just done the same.

To get back into it I started going to a country park in the morning when it’s quiet and having a mess about to get used to it. I did that for 3 days and for the last couple of days I just chose a 3.5 mile route around where I live which is around quiet country lanes.

 

[potsy]

Same bike I started with just over 3 years ago, enjoy.
If the bike will be out of sight (popping into a shop, cafe) etc then I would definitely get a lock, even if it's only a cheap one to slow down any attempted theft whilst your backs turned.

I'd suggest just getting out there and building up your mileage for now, don't do too much too soon though, don't want to be put off before you get going.

 

[I like Skol]

I would definitely get a lock, even if it's only a cheap one to slow down any attempted theft whilst your backs turned.

x2 I would definitely suggest getting a lock. It doesn't have to weigh a ton or be as strong as Fort Knox but you need something to use should you want to stop off and pop into a shop/cafe/toilet/pub/chip shop etc.....

Enquire with your house insurance provider about cover for the bike away from the home, many insurers provide cover as standard for bikes up to a certain level of cost, so it may not add anything to your premium, but they will insist on it being locked when in public. My insurer has covered my more valuable bikes as listed items but does not have any stipulations about the lock used, it could have come out of a Christmas cracker as far as they are concerned

 

[Danny91]

Yes that's a good point, might use it to pop to the shops etc.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products...-d-lock-with-4-foot-kryptoflex-cable-ec035396

Does that look any good? Or is it a bit of an over kill for if it was just being left for a few minutes - I have heard those D locks can be a bit heavy to carry around.

 

[rollinstok]

Have you got all the other basics ?
Pump, puncture kit and multi-tool are bare minimum. I would always take a lock as well just in case, I have one of those retractable cable locks that are small and light and ok for casual rides. They are no use if leaving the bike to go anywhere but for a quick shop visit or cafe stop where bike can be seen through the window they are better than nothing.

 

[defy-one]

D locks are heavy , but also the best types of lock. I only take mine with me when I'm going to the shops. Sometimes think a basic cable lock would suffice when popping into the shops for a few minutes, and it would stay on the bike at all times

 

[sabian92]

Yes that's a good point, might use it to pop to the shops etc.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products...-d-lock-with-4-foot-kryptoflex-cable-ec035396

Does that look any good? Or is it a bit of an over kill for if it was just being left for a few minutes - I have heard those D locks can be a bit heavy to carry around.

I cart a D-lock around with me everywhere. I wouldn't trust a little crappy cable lock against bolt cutters - you might as well not bother locking it up.

My lock is a kilo - I'd rather carry it around than have my bike nicked. Especially if it's new, it'll look more nickable as well.

I've got a kryptonite kryptolok series 2 - about 25 quid and definitely worth it. You can spend more, or less but I will bet you my bottom dollar anything less than a d-lock is a waste of money.

 

[defy-one]

^^^ good point about shiny new bikes being very attractive to thieving scum!!

Get the D Lock mate

 

[Pauluk]

I use D-locks at home, locking the bike frames to a concrete post in case anyone breaks into where the bikes are kept. If I need a lock when I'm out I use a fairly thick but light weight cable lock. This locks the bike frame and the quick release wheels and seat!

 

[vickster]

You can attach D Locks to the frame so no major hardship. I had a decent cable lock, bike nicked in broad daylight on a busy street - gone within 15 minutes. Don't risk it...in anywhere even slightly urban (e.g. Liverpool)!

You'll presumably be insuring the bike, check whether there are any stipulations before buying the lock

 

[subaqua]

You can attach D Locks to the frame so no major hardship. I had a decent cable lock, bike nicked in broad daylight on a busy street - gone within 15 minutes. Don't risk it...in anywhere even slightly urban (e.g. Liverpool)!

You'll presumably be insuring the bike, check whether there are any stipulations before buying the lock

butterworth spengler require sold secure silver over £500 bronze below £500 and gold above £1000 as a minimum. just renewed our insurance including at home ( excluding 00.00 to 07.00) but that is covered on home insurance

 

[Danny91]

I'll have to check whether the bike is covered on my parents home insurance first of all then before I purchase a lock.

What do you guys think of national cycle paths? I have heard some can be a bit troublesome for actually using bikes - are there any good websites that show you the path each one takes?

 

[Danny91]

I am covered on house insurance however there is a £200 excess and the bike is not worth much more itself. Would you guys recommend getting specialised bicycle insurance instead or just spend that extra money on a better lock and hope for the best?

Another question: bicycle maintenence.
I know I need to get some chain lube but which one shall I get and how often do I lube the chain?

 

[Recycler]

You're in Liverpool. Doesn't that mean you need a lock when you're on the bike yet alone when you're in the shops?

Route planner? Somebody posted a link to this site yesterday. http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/ It looks quite good .