finally got new bike

[terry_gardener]

i have finally got my new bike today Raleigh urban 2 15", first time i have ridden a hybrid or bike with thin wheels on it, nice ride only did 2.8 miles (according to bikehike) and it nearly killed me, need to get fitness up.

i ordered a light set and mudguards to go with the bike which was fitted for pickup. when i got home noticed that the rear reflector wasn't attached just the rear light. is this allowed. does the rear light have 2 purposes rear light and rear reflector.

 

[Arch]

Welcome terry!

It's hard to say without seeing the actual light - yours may well have some element of reflector in it. Is it a battery set, or dynamo? If you prefer to have a reflector too, they can be got fairly cheaply I think - and it's a good idea to have some cheap backup lighting too, red LED lights can be got in poundshops for.. well, a pound.

As for the fitness, that will come, don't worry. Ride as often as you can, even if only a short ride, and you'll find it all gets easier. If you haven't ridden for a while, it takes a bit of time for the body to get used to a new set of movements. (Assuming 'nearly killed me' just means 'I was very tired'. If as you progress, you find you have any specific aches and pains, ask on here - little adjustments to the fit of the bike can make all the difference.)

The main thing is - enjoy yourself! By the summer you'll be flying along!

 

[Chrisc]

I returned to cycling last August. Two miles was murder for me too at that time! Thought I'd made a big mistake and would never regain the use of my legs!
Keep at it, short rides often as you can and before you know it you'll be able to go for miles and miles!

 

[terry_gardener]

please see link for the bike light set.
http://www.cyclelife.com/Product.aspx?pc=2&pt=119&pg=2349

i have tried to connect the reflector myself but there is no where for it to go the loop for the frame is just to big.

 

[terry_gardener]

yes i did mean i was tired.

i have not used a bike for over 8 yrs and i am very unfit so i will do little at a time.

i have found pages regarding the reflector situation and i will be going to the cycle shop tomorrow to get it sorted hopefully.

http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4072
and
http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4071

on these pages states that ALL new bikes sold must have reflectors and a bell, and the lighting regulations state that when using a bike at night you need front light, rear light and rear reflector and pedal reflectors.

 

[Arch]

Cool, a bike shop should have a range of clamps to fit your reflector to any bit of tubing or rack etc...

The fitness will come, we promise....

 

[terry_gardener]

i have setup a spreadsheet to keep track of how many miles i am doing, so i can keep track of my progress.

 

[Rob3rt]

Wouldnt worry too much about regulations just make yourself adequitely visible for your own safety. You can pick up a reflector really cheaply though, or go back and ask them for one, since they should have given you one,

 

[kewb]

cheap way to get a reflector (although they are only about a quid ) is to salvage one from a disgarded bike even kids bikes have them and its a universal fitting usually a angled strip of mild steel with a single screw is all it is ,
bin day or local tip might provide quite a few reflectors .

 

[Arch]

i have setup a spreadsheet to keep track of how many miles i am doing, so i can keep track of my progress.

That's a good idea, it motivates you well. You can even start doing charts and stuff...

I would say, if you find you're always doing more and it's fine, that's good, but don't worry if you have the occasional day when you don't make your target - we all have days when the legs just dont want to turn, and pushing yourself too much can make you not want to cycle... Any distance is good, if you enjoy it.

 

[terry_gardener]

thank you all for the advice

i went into the bike shop and got the reflector fitted.

 

[Willo]

I can really relate to Arch's wise words. Motivation etc. is a personal thing, but I turned to cycling after a running injury (achilles) caused by me pushing for miles/time once too often when I was having an off day. I got myself a road bike and, while I'm loosely monitoring mileage etc., I'm really enjoying the fact that in just an hour or two I can go on a real journey, enjoying the surroundings etc. while keeping fit. Hopefully, by the time spring comes I'll be up to speed and will get a computer to give myself some more structure. But at the moment, just getting out is great for me and a lovely counter to my obsessional clock watching whilst running or in the gym.

Just enjoy your new bike and the fitness will follow.

 

[terry_gardener]

i haven't done a proper bike ride at the moment, just went to and from the bike shop. I have however used different routes.

i have enjoyed the cycle rides, except don't like the soreness from the saddle but i always get it for first couple of weeks of cycling until i get use to the saddle.

this is the first time i have ridden a hybrid and the handling is different to MTB's i have had in the past, the turning is much easier and less resistance so i have over steered a couple of times...