First ride advice?

[Blowfish]

My specialized allez elite that I have on order should arrive this week and I was after some advice on how far I should go on my first outing? Will be first time on a bike in years and also first time ever using clip in riding shoes!
Also clothing wise I have padded cycling shorts,fingerless gloves, base layer and a wind deflector jacket - would this be enough clothing to keep me warm this time of year as I am quite a cold person?

And finally anyone got any routes they can recommend in Hemel Hempstead area?

 

[Primal Scream]

If it is your first time on a bike in years and your first time using clipless I would respectfully suggest you dont ride on a road with other motorised traffic, try a canal path if you can, the Lee Valley starting at Waltham Abbey would be a good start.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[vickster]

Practice clipping in and out at home - lean against a wall - get them to show you what to do at the shop too - and how to change gear etc (the Elite has Tiagra presumably?) Or maybe forego the clipless shoes and stick to trainers? I'd be more worried about staying upright and not being squashed if not been out for ages

I reckon you'll need full finger gloves - my fingers were cold in mine today - also way to cold for me in shorts at the mo (tights only). If it's like today, in what you are proposing, I'd be frozen. However double figures are forecast so you may be ok

I would think 10-15 miles will be ample - depends how fit you are? Hour or so

Enjoy and don't fall off

 

[Holy Warrior]

I'd stay well clear of a canal! Don't wanna be falling into that. Quiet roads if you have any, or wide if not.

I remember my first ride was about 15 miles in about an hour and I was decently fit. That should be a decent marker and make sure you take it steady. However sweaty or pukey you become, however cold it is or howver much you fall off or nearly fall off - remember that it will get better. My first ride of this year last week was not very far at a slow speed with new cliplesses. I nearly fell off at least 5 times, my legs hurt, I got a puncture and it was cold. But i know that there will be more enjoyment!

 

[Blowfish]

Thanks guys, did not realise the clip pedals would be so hard to get used to!

Guess I should invest in some full length trouser and gloves then!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Thanks guys, did not realise the clip pedals would be so hard to get used to!

Guess I should invest in some full length trouser and gloves then!

and a woolly hat, and thick socks and a helmet

 

[vickster]

I'd say so if you feel the cold!

The altura winter cruisers are good, cheaper than padded tights and can be worn easily over shorts and removed if too hot They are baggyish which may or may not be good for you

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/winter-cruisers-trousers-ec019973?query=winter cruiser

I use these gloves if above about 5 deg http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/bg-ridge-glove-ec018188?query=specialized xc gloves

or these on special http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/xc-lite-glove-ec018192?query=specialized xc gloves

If only a light shell jacket, you may want a LS jersey too! http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gore-bike-wear/contest-thermo-jersey-ec020035

Hope you've got another £100 to spend

The clipless pedals are fine if you are used to riding but I would say best get used to the bike, traffic etc first

Good point on the helmet too *ducks for cover*

 

[vickster]

This is a nice site for route ideas http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Hertfordshire-Routes-81.html

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I'd stay well clear of a canal! Don't wanna be falling into that. Quiet roads if you have any, or wide if not.

I remember my first ride was about 15 miles in about an hour and I was decently fit. That should be a decent marker and make sure you take it steady. However sweaty or pukey you become, however cold it is or howver much you fall off or nearly fall off - remember that it will get better. My first ride of this year last week was not very far at a slow speed with new cliplesses. I nearly fell off at least 5 times, my legs hurt, I got a puncture and it was cold. But i know that there will be more enjoyment!

From what I remember of that part of the Lee Valley canal it's got a good long stretch of flat wide path (by the reservoirs?) so it's not a fally-inny bit and it was pretty quiet. Probably pretty good for getting used to clipping in and out without pressure. It is a packed gravel surface, though, so you won't be breaking any speed records and you'll have to clean up your chain afterwards.

EDIT: Oh, and before you lash out on winter clothing, have a good look at the weather forecast - I'm sure the weather man said it could get above 15 degrees in about a week...