Getting back into cycling

[Ethan Lee]

Hi there lads/lases

I used to do cycling back when I was 14 but dropped it in year 10 ready for the GCSEs, but never returned to it. Now it is the final year of my A-Levels, ready to get off to uni but would like to get back into cycling once again, joining clubs and improving fitness and the likes.

Back when I was 14 I had a road bike, the gear, almost everything you would expect a "passionate" biker to have (but not expensive stuff). But since then of course I have grown, and everything has become to small. Now all I have is a basic mountain bike which was brought 2 years ago and hasn't been used for a year.
So the chain needs derusting (or replacing), the front tires inner tube needs replacing, etc etc.

Now I want to get back into it (as the title suggests) and I was thinking, "How do I do this?" I mean. I don't want to buy a new road bike and the equipment if I don't know if I want to continue it, if I start cycling again.
Do you guys think that I should, buy a new pair of trainers, maybe some clothes I can cycle in (particularly in the winters as I want to start in January 2014), and just go for some rides, see if I want to continue and take up the activity, AND THEN buy the road bike after a few months and join a club etc?

Thanks lads./lases,
Ethan.

 

[MikeW-71]

Sort out the MTB and just go out for some rides. If you are only riding on roads, consider fitting some slick tyres to it, which will be better, and see how you get on. Then if you are enjoying it again, you can think about a road bike. It's how I got cycling, I had a hybrid that I'd bought years ago that sat almost unused, so I got out on that and a few months later I'd bought my first road bike.

 

[midliferider]

You are so young, you have not cycled for for just 3-4 years. So in my book, it is just a matter of start riding again.
Just make sure your bike is road worthy, meaning it is safe to ride, getting in to bike and just ride.

 

[MikeW-71]

Indeed, try getting back on a bike after nearly 20 years away. You aren't half wobbly at first

 

[Biker Joe]

I agree with all that has been said already.
Sort your present bike out and see how it goes. Do a few small trips out, take it easy and see from there.
Good luck.

 

[Kies]

And the advantage of doing the old bike up, will be you could take it to university.

 

[biggs682]

get old mtb mobile and safe , try it and see how you get on .

then think about a road bike once you are convinced its the way to go

 

[Ethan Lee]

Thanks guys. Some great tips from all of you!
I believe I will do what you have said, and take few trips out and see if I want to continue it again. I am hopefully going out with my father on a few trips next year, but shall see.
The bike should be road worthy next year, fixing front tire, chain etc.
Just need to buy some new clothes (nothing like lycra just yet).

Thanks guys,
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Ethan.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Another vote for doing up the existing bike and seeing how you get on.

I also second the idea of fitting some road oriented tyres which will make the bike easier to ride and a bit faster. Personally I like Continental TourRide which is hard wearing, available relatively cheaply and works well on road but also has enough tread for a bit of light off roading too if you want. (Loads of other choice out there though).

As you're starting in the winter I'd also recommend mudguards if your bike will take them. No point in putting yourself off by getting wet and cold.

 

[Ethan Lee]

Another vote for doing up the existing bike and seeing how you get on.

I also second the idea of fitting some road oriented tyres which will make the bike easier to ride and a bit faster. Personally I like Continental TourRide which is hard wearing, available relatively cheaply and works well on road but also has enough tread for a bit of light off roading too if you want. (Loads of other choice out there though).

As you're starting in the winter I'd also recommend mudguards if your bike will take them. No point in putting yourself off by getting wet and cold.

Nice one.
Thanks for the suggestions Phil.
I believe when 2014 comes along and I am back at college I will get my bike sorted out, I might take it to my local bike shop or Halfords to get it checked out after I have repaired to to be sure.
I might fit some road tyres onto my mountain bike, luckily it relatively light (not at light as a road bike of course).

Really can't wait to get it sorted out. Going to take advantage of the sales and get myself some new cycling clothes (new base layers, thermals, jackets, etc) for the winter.

Hope to hear more suggestions, more the merrier.

Thanks,
Ethan.

 

[Ethan Lee]

Oh yeah, one other thing.
Like Phil said above I am starting in winter so yeah I'll put some mud guards on.

What clothing should I buy?
I don't want to go all out and buy everything. I could use my gym T-Shirt for base layer, I know I'll need to buy a jacket and gloves. Will I need to buy some cycling shorts/bids etc. or just wear a type of normal clothing?

If you could answer that, that would be great.

Ethan.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I won't claim to be an expert on clothing but reckon running and walking gear will do the same job as cycle specific stuff if you already have it and often costs less if it's something you need to buy. I reckon the gym t-shirt will be fine for a base layer and I'd suggest microfleeces layered over this (I use up to 3 at a time in really cold weather).

Cycle shorts will be good in summer (many people on here find padded ones beneficial). Walking or running shorts would be okay if you can make do without the padding but at this time of year you want to keep your knees warm to ensure you don't pull the muscles, so trousers of some sort and possibly a thermal under layer.

Jackets are a tricky one as any that are waterproof enough to keep the rain out will likely keep the sweat in unless you can afford to spend loads. Keeping the wind out and the warmth in is probably more important than waterproofing.

Since crashing and taking the skin off my palms a few years back I wear gloves all year round: Full finger for when it's really cold and fingerless the rest of the time. The very cheap ones will do the job, but if you spend a bit more you'll get some that breath better which is more comfortable in summer.

 

[welsh dragon]

HI. Welcome from Powys

 

[MikeW-71]

You can get away with a lot of more normal clothing to begin with. T-shirt with a thin fleece on top followed by a windproof layer would be good in current cold weather. Some fleecy tights are excellent too.

Pop round to your local Aldi. They recently had some new cycling kit on sale and whats left may be being discounted soon. Look for the compression base layers, pro cycling shirt (windproof front) and their jackets are great. The pro cycling tights/bib tights are nice and warm and though the pad is pretty useless for a road bike, on MTB size tyres it's fine. If you feel self-conscious in them, pop some baggy shorts on top. And a buff to keep your head warm.

I use their stuff for commuting mostly, but also winter leisure rides too. Should get you going for not a lot.

 

[Linford]

Check out your local aldi for clothing as said. Don't drink from a water bottle if you have been riding through farm yards muudy lanes where animals are driven. Make sure your tyres have enough air in them and get yourself some lights from poundland if money is tight. I'm into my second year with my poundland rear and is still going strong. I use my lights day and night.