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- Thread starter Satan
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If at all possible if you can borrow a bike just for a short while to see how you enjoy it before you commit to purchasing something shiny. Other than that just consider safety aspects, lighting clothing etc. and get out and enjoy. If you are considering commuting there are plenty of free guides to look at that will give advice on coping with traffic etc.
threebikesmcginty
Corn Fed Hick...
- Location
- ...on the slake
Get the right size/fit, get the right type of bike for what you want to do, don't buy the cheapest bike you can find, try and get something of reasonable quality from a trusted manufacturer as it should last much longer and be more reliable, it doesn't have to be expensive. If you've got an LBS nearby go and have a chat with them, they should be able to advise you.
Remember cycling is fun, if you don't enjoy it you're probably doing something basic wrong or you're just a nutter.
Oh yeah, great name!
Remember cycling is fun, if you don't enjoy it you're probably doing something basic wrong or you're just a nutter.
Oh yeah, great name!
Ganymede
Veteran
- Location
- Rural Kent
Welcome to the forum - I'd say just go and get a bike and start riding it, but if you are very unfit or overweight you might want to check with your doctor or look at some of the threads on here about people who've started from being very unfit. If you're fit or fit-ish, but not confident on the bike, try Bikeability courses and read Cycle Craft.
You can just go into a bike shop and ask them to sell you a bike - set a budget and don't go high-end until you've properly caught the bug! You don't say where you are but if you ask on here for recommendations of good bike shops near you. Halfords, for example, can have great deals at this time of year but some branches are awful and some are good.
If you commute, do you want to take your bike on the train? Maybe consider a folding bike, thought they can be pricey. Give us a bit more idea of what you have in mind!
Ganymede
Veteran
- Location
- Rural Kent
btw, LBS = Local Bike Shop.
threebikesmcginty
Corn Fed Hick...
- Location
- ...on the slake
Specialeyes
Guru
- Location
- Essex
Welcome @Satan (add that to the List of Phrases You Don't Usually Hear!)
Here are some questions to answer your question:
And +1 to @threebikemcginty's post above.
Here are some questions to answer your question:
- What sort of cycling do you intend to do? Unless you're intent on some serious offroading, avoid suspension at all costs, both front and rear. It's energy- and fun-sapping.
- Is there anyone you could borrow a bike from or who you could take along if looking at second hand bikes? Gumtree can be an excellent place to start, with the usual caveats about try-before-you-buy and try to ensure it's not nicked.
- Where are you based? Again, this feeds somewhat into the choice of style of bike.
And +1 to @threebikemcginty's post above.
- Location
- Somewhere wet & hilly in NW England.
Are you capable of doing something week in week out whatever the weather?
If not, do something else.
If not, do something else.
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
Look into cycle fit, and learn what size bicycle you need, as @threebikesmcginty has stated. You might also consider a used bicycle. It may be that whatever bicycle you wind up getting, you'll have a few problems. It's no place some of us haven't been before.
Ganymede
Veteran
- Location
- Rural Kent
Or be a fairweather cyclist. Nothing wrong with that - cycle when you want, use it for trips to the shops, the pub, friends. Cycling is a utility as well as a sport.
It is true that if you want to be a sports cyclist in top condition you should probably do it week in week out in storm and tempest, but if you just want to ride a bike, just ride a bike. I do between 20 and 40 miles a week, nearly all of it in order to get somewhere, much of it on journeys of 3.5 miles each way, barely any of it in the rain. Healthier than I've ever been, and using a lot less petrol.
threebikesmcginty
Corn Fed Hick...
- Location
- ...on the slake
He's only cycling for a hobby/keeping fit, it doesn't have to be a slog what ever the weather otherwise don't bother.
Anyway don't be discouraging towards Satan otherwise it could be a life of eternal damnation for you!
G3CWI
Veteran
- Location
- Macclesfield
Nonsense.
jefmcg
Guru
Well, if he's cycling to keep fit, he's going to have to do it in bad weather occasionally, or find another exercise to supplement with over winter.
But I agree, there a plenty of people who shed their bikes over winter and still enjoy cycling. Those people who commute regularly in the warmer months, but aren't seen in February.
Maybe reading real stories will give you a better indication http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/show-us-your-newbie-progress.110413/
Joshua Plumtree
Approaching perfection from a distance.
Haven't heard back from Satan? Some poor soul must be in for it! 
