First ride.....how far?

[Profpointy]

If you can run 6 or 7 miles, I'd not worry unduly about how far you can cycle - a bloody long way probably !
How hilly the route is, particularly if your bike doesn't have low gears, is far more significant, but I'd still be astonished if you can't do 50 miles pretty easily - probably a lot more

Regarding the shorts thing - whilst cycle shorts are "a good thing" and I wear them myself even for the short ride to work, I cycled quite happily for decades before I bought a pair, regularly 30 miles, occasionally 70, so they are certainly not essential. Mind you, I did have a comfy saddle - which for me is a Brooks. That said, cycle shorts are good, but just adding a bit of perspective.

 

[Garry A]

Remember to post a bike photo

 

[mjr]

hi and welcome Steve,firstly you need a pair of good quality cycling shorts (DHB),

First line of first reply and already someone's trying to get the new cyclist into a particular brand of spandex nappy... I swear, this site begins to look more and more like a fetish paradise(!) How about just making them aware it's an option and letting them make their own decision whether they'd rather pad all their pants or their one saddle?

When I go for a run I already know beforehand how far I'm going to do on that session, but I haven't got a clue about what starting distance I should be looking at on a bike? If I can comfortably run 6,7, or 8 miles should I say double that on a bike?

No, probably not. Ideally, start off with a few "shakedown" rides of up to 3 miles, ideally on quiet roads or tracks where you can get the hang of any quirks of the particular bike. I still do that because there always seems to be something I want to adjust or examine with the bike on a stand in the workshed. Once they're going easy, I suspect you will increase it in steps to 20-25 miles fairly quickly, based on your running. Aim for fun targets. http://cycle.travel may have suggestions for your town, or the map will suggest loops from anywhere.

 

[toddmeister]

Halfords rang me to arrange collection of my bike. I ordered it late last night with the intention on picking it up after work today, not unreasonable given my irser confirmation said it would be built by 4pm today.

Anyway they said the earliest they could do it was for a Sunday collection!! My intention was to go out early Sunday morning. Managed to get them to commit to having it ready for Saturday but still pretty gutted not to be getting it tonight

 

[mjr]

Halfords rang me to arrange collection of my bike. I ordered it late last night with the intention on picking it up after work today, not unreasonable given my irser confirmation said it would be built by 4pm today.

And that's the problem with them: some stores seem to be great with bikes and others... well... check the brakes work and nothing clunks before you ride! The nickname "half-odds" wasn't picked up by them being consistently good I wish your first lesson about cycling was a better one!

 

[toddmeister]

I don't mind waiting a few days if that was made clear. My issue with them now is that they're using the quick "click and collect" as a selling tool for their product, so that service shouldn't be on their website unless they can fulfil it.

The guy I spoke to was pleasant enough but made it clear that because of their current "extra 20%" discount offer they are exceptionally busy (I called another store to try and get one quicker but same situation). So I'm now concerned the build will be rushed just to get bikes out the door

 

[mjr]

My issue with them now is that they're using the quick "click and collect" as a selling tool for their product, so that service shouldn't be on their website unless they can fulfil it.

I agree. That's been untrustworthy for over a year now and has pretty much stopped me buying from them at all, as it's a pain trying to figure out if they have stock or how likely it is to arrive at the claimed time.

 

[Profpointy]

I don't mind waiting a few days if that was made clear. My issue with them now is that they're using the quick "click and collect" as a selling tool for their product, so that service shouldn't be on their website unless they can fulfil it.

The guy I spoke to was pleasant enough but made it clear that because of their current "extra 20%" discount offer they are exceptionally busy (I called another store to try and get one quicker but same situation). So I'm now concerned the build will be rushed just to get bikes out the door

As you're probably aware, Halfords in general do have a patchy reputation for bike work, so I'd certainly advise giving it a good check over, and carrying more than the usual number of tools till you're happy with it, though that's prudent whoever's fettled it. That said, gears and brakes do need adjustment, especially after new installs, so it's not unreasonable to have to fettle them yourself anyway, so the important thing is that they've not completely messed up anything.

Some Halfords are good apparently, just like any other chain, but it is by all accounts pot luck.

 

[EnPassant]

Did the same a couple of years back, minus the ability to run anywhere at all (I still can't run, walk sure, ride a distance now? Yup that too, but run? Forget it).

For me there were two obstacles to any distance on returning to cycling after far too many years, one expected the other not. 1. Fitness 2. Rear End.
The first should not be an issue for you. It's slightly different muscle groups I'm led to believe, but the cardio vascular is the same so you'll be fine. The second however caught me right out and is the one you should keep an eye on (not literally obviously, that would probably end up with an injury :P). A couple of miles did for my poor posterior on the first trip out, but it does get better with time, whether that is some hidden bottom fitness that's undocumented anywhere or simply getting used to it I couldn't say, but whichever, you do get better at it and it hurts less with time. Good luck.

 

[GlenBen]

My halfords are really good, never had a problem with quality. Some great staff in there just working with unreachable targets and a terrible system.

 

[toddmeister]

Just had another call to say my bike is ready to collect so at least they've sorted it a day earlier

 

[Goggs]

Did the same a couple of years back, minus the ability to run anywhere at all (I still can't run, walk sure, ride a distance now? Yup that too, but run? Forget it).

For me there were two obstacles to any distance on returning to cycling after far too many years, one expected the other not. 1. Fitness 2. Rear End.
The first should not be an issue for you. It's slightly different muscle groups I'm led to believe, but the cardio vascular is the same so you'll be fine. The second however caught me right out and is the one you should keep an eye on (not literally obviously, that would probably end up with an injury :P). A couple of miles did for my poor posterior on the first trip out, but it does get better with time, whether that is some hidden bottom fitness that's undocumented anywhere or simply getting used to it I couldn't say, but whichever, you do get better at it and it hurts less with time. Good luck.

Same here. I knew I was unfit so totally expected it to be difficult but I wasn't expecting quite so much pain in the rear. I ran out of energy at just about the same time as my bum gave up, lol. Handily though, it happened in the next village, outside a pub. The cycle home was.. interesting. It does get easier though and quite quickly too.

 

[Banjo]

Get a set of hex keys and go over the bike making sure nothing is loose and about to fall off.
Take the keys on your rides so you can adjust the seat height and angle to suit yourself.
Google on bike fit for info on how to set up the bike to suit you'

Enjoy.

PS I bought a set off :Tenn: bib shorts recently they have been great for the price.http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Tenn-Bib-Cycling-Shorts-with-Moulded-Pad-SS15_72073.htm

 

[MichaelW2]

Ride by time not distance.
Start quite short and make your first week or so about getting used to being on the bike, riding safely, learning bike control and roadcraft. After a week or 2 of regular riding you can start to apply your fitness to riding and to use riding to enhance your fitness.
Note that clip-in cycling shoes are really better suited to people with good bike control who can ride very slowly without coming off and can do a track stand. Consider using plain platform pedals to start.

 

[toddmeister]

Thanks Michael

I've ordered a Carrera Zelos which I believe comes with clip pedals (not clip-in)