First outing

[Donna]

Hi All,

First post on here, though I have been reading for weeks. Just treat myself to a Carrera Subway 1 2009, I know that Halfords get awful reviews but I liked the bike.

Went on my first "proper ride" (without the kids) last night, cycled 14.5 miles!!! inclines just KILL me. I havent exercised for 20 years! but am VERY enthusiatic about getting out on bike. I intend to get out as much as possible work, kids allowing!

I am going to try and commute to work as much as possible over the school holidays its 16 mile round trip. Much to the amusement of my hubby, ive bought pannier bag, pump, repair kit, water bottle, so hopefully i have got everything. He howled when i mentioned buying cycling shorts jacket!! just wait until im super fit!

 

[I am Spartacus]

You're hooked already!
Let him howl.................

 

[ianrauk]

Hello™ User3143
And welcome to the site...

One of my bikes is a Subway 1, have had it a few years now, done a lot of mileage and has never let me down.

A few things that may help you on your way.
1: Get a very good lock (two are better). Subway bikes are thieve magnets.
2: Change the tyres for something less chunky, it will make your riding much easier
3: Take to your LBS (Local Bike Shop) for a service. Do not trust Halfords to do this.
4: Happy cycling..

 

[Donna]

I know very little about bikes, but the tyres are not chunky? (as in mountain bike tyres?) they are more smooth like a racing bike tyre. Havent got a lock though, didnt think i'd need one just going out with the kids, for a ride, or to work. Love it though, cant wait to get out again!

 

[Donna]

Yeah, ive got a good LBS but he didnt sell hybrids, intend to take to him. How often should i get it serviced???

By the way, absolutely love the trigger gears they are fab!!

 

[ianrauk]

Take the bike in a month after first buying as the cables may have streched. Then anything between 6 months to yearly intervals dependent on how much you use the bike.

In regards to a lock. If you plan to leave the bike anywhere even for seconds then lock it up.

In regards to the tyres, sorry, I meant thinner tyres rather then chunky. If I remember rightly the tyres on the Subway are 26x2.00, you could easy change to 26x1.25 to make it easier going. But if youa re happy with the ones that are on there then fair enough.

 

[Donna]

ooohhh i see, sorry im a complete novice

thanks for the advice

 

[Arch]

Plus one on the lock. Never leave it unlocked. Better to spend a bit and carry the weight, than lose a beloved bike.

Anyway, well done, and welcome. You'll get better on the hills, honest you will, it's all in the practice - especially if you get out regularly.

The main thing about tyres is to keep them pumped up well - soft tyres are like riding through glue, and you run the risk of pinch punctures. Does your pump have a gauge on it? The max pressure for the tyre will be embossed on it. If you don't have a guage, just make sure they always feel firm when you pinch them.

If hubby is howling about the jacket, just wait until you want padded shorts, computer, spd shoes and pedals... Also, you know the formula for the perfect number of bikes to own? N + 1, where N is the number you have now...

 

[Rhys_Po]

Top #2

If your office has cycle bays nearby, buy a heavyweight (e.g. New York Kryptonite) lock.

Don't worry about the weight, just leave it fixed to the cycle stand when you leave. NOBODY steals locks

 

[fossyant]

PS Servicing - just keep on top of the oiling of the chain, and removing crap off the rear sprockets and front chain rings (the spikey things the chain goes round on) - keep that lot clean, and the chain oiled with proper bike chain oil, you'll be laughing.

Your bike will be a thief target at work, unless you can lock it away.

 

[NormanD]

Congrats and welcome Donna

Do a search online on cycle maintenance; you could save yourself a few quid once you understand the bike parts more

I'd recommend the small coffee van that parks each day next to the dome beside the millenium bridge as a good pit stop... first class coffee and friendly service.

There are some great cycle paths up and down the Tyne which are ideal for extending your distance on above all you’ve caught the bug, there’s no cure but enjoyment

Norm

 

[purplepolly]

Much to the amusement of my hubby, ive bought pannier bag, pump, repair kit, water bottle, so hopefully i have got everything.

I would also add:-

spare inner tube and a spanner- it's usually quicker to take the wheel off and replace the inner tube than to find and mend a puncture, and the old inner tube can always be mended later in the comfort of your home.

a pair of thin latex gloves or hand wipes - so you don't get covered in oil as well as having a puncture

a set of allen keys - always useful for when something is loose

 

[Donna]

hi guys, thanks for all the advice. I have already got a computer, got to see how far i have went ha ha

I most certainly will NOT be leaving my bike outside at work, I want it in my office just next to my desk . No seriously wont have to leave outside, my employers dont know it yet but i will be keeping it in our warehouse.

 

[Donna]

how sad am I? already bought spare inner tubes (got 3), cycle kit from halfords, spanner, tyre things, alyn keys and screwdriver, though i dont know what they are for, maybe to tighten my screw thats loose ha ha

oh and ive bought some cycle gloves, just cheapies from asda but they do the trick

 

[nigelnorris]

Nice, 14.5 miles is a good ride for me after a couple of years commuting, or at least that's what I aim for most times I go out.

The bad news is you'll need those inner tubes. The good news is the satisfaction you get from fitting them quickly once you're used to it.

Get a lock! Several! My first bike I lost when I leaned it up against a shop doorway, got off it, walked into the shop about three feet, heard a clunk, and it was gone. The kid must have seen me get off, jumped straight on the bike and he was off. The bike was never out of eyesight.