Getting into cycling is like don't a degree in particle physics

[morebiggins_lesswiggins]

Not like I've done a degree in particle physics mind but I think I'd understand it more. I tried getting into cycling a few years back but never really got into it. Was a spur of the moment thing really and I was a bit naive cos I didn't really lion into what bike to buy and ended up with a heavy front suspension mountain bike! Needless to say it went straight in the shed and I never really used it.

Then a few months ago I then my ACL playing football and got the bike out last month to help with many recuperation and I've got the bug, despite the aches and pains.

At first I was just riding to the local park but now I've started going on the roads. I thought I was doing ok, a 5 mile circuit averaging 14 mph. Then I go on forums like this and realise that is pretty rubbish.
Is it because I have the wrong type of bike or do I just need to get fitter? I thought I was in ok shape but maybe I'm not.

Then theres the different types of pedal and handlebars and saddle and brakes and gears and......you get the point.

Wanna get into it know but I'm lost in a world I don't understand at the minute.

Ah well I'll learn it somehow, by hook or by crook.

:confused:

 

[Rural halfwit]

sounds like you've come to the right place...welcome there is a ealth of good people on here ready to help.
I think the first thing is has the bike been set up for you properly,is it the right size as that is one of the main factors.

 

[MrJamie]

At first I was just riding to the local park but now I've started going on the roads. I thought I was doing ok, a 5 mile circuit averaging 14 mph. Then I go on forums like this and realise that is pretty rubbish.
Is it because I have the wrong type of bike or do I just need to get fitter? I thought I was in ok shape but maybe I'm not.

I think thats a really good speed for a relative newbie on a mountain bike. Don't read too much into quoted speeds though, theres way too many factors that affect your average speed and plenty on here ride around in the 7-12mph kinda speed enjoying the scenery and their cycling and others are into competitive racing and go crazy fast

You havent told us the make/model of your bike to comment and it can make a difference, but moreso your fitness, hills, traffic lights etc etc. Its possible you could change the tyres to make it easier on yourself, but with winter approaching im not sure id bother

And Welcome!

 

[HovR]

Front suspensioned mountain bikes were never designed to go fast on the road - You'd definitely see a speed increase with a change of bike, and cycling will become more enjoyable (that was my experience).

If you're on a budget, you could fit slick tires to your bike, which will decrease the rolling resistance and make things a little bit easier.

If you're in to road/path riding, then the best option by far if the funds allow would be to buy a hybrid or road style bicycle. As a cheap and cheerful option, the Carrera Subway Limited Edition is a good choice, priced normally around £200 from Halfords. Alternatively if you want to jump straight in to road bikes the Triban 3 from Decathlon is a really nice starter bike for £300.

There are many other decent bikes around that I'm sure others will recommend. The key things to look for are a rigid frame (no suspension) and slick tires.

Even more important though, just enjoy your riding! Don't worry how fast others are going - The more you ride, the more you'll improve. Easy as that.

 

[vickster]

Nothing wrong with 5 miles at an average of 14mph, especially in traffic, with any sort of hill

Keep at it - might find slick tyres on the MTB make it better - if not looking for a new bike. With the knee injury, be very sure it is all set up right.

What sort of riding do you want to do - the first determiner with any bike choice

 

[RhythMick]

14 mph on the cycling equivalent of a tractor is going some actually.

Everyone seems to think they need suspension when they head out to buy a first bike. Actually I think you only need suspension if you really are taking on rocky paths. If you're anything like me, you need something that can do a decent job on the road but also cope with the odd trail in the middle of your commute. Hybrid or Cyclocross depending on whether you like flat bars or drops. Suggest you head to an LBS and try a few of each.

 

[morebiggins_lesswiggins]

I think thats a really good speed for a relative newbie on a mountain bike. Don't read too much into quoted speeds though, theres way too many factors that affect your average speed and plenty on here ride around in the 7-12mph kinda speed enjoying the scenery and their cycling and others are into competitive racing and go crazy fast

You havent told us the make/model of your bike to comment and it can make a difference, but moreso your fitness, hills, traffic lights etc etc. Its possible you could change the tyres to make it easier on yourself, but with winter approaching im not sure id bother

And Welcome!

Bike atm is an iron horse maverick 1.0. Dunno if that's any good in the biking world or not but I know it's bloody heavy. Route I have done has a few inclines that I would say are average. I would say I'm ok fitness wise. Not really done much the past few months though due to my ACL injury.

 

[cycling4rowing]

Hello. I haven't got as far as buying a bike yet and I am already confused! Looking forward to getting into it too.

 

[snorri]

I would suggest you persist with the present bike for a bit, you will be getting a little fitter everyday, and this will give you time to decide just what sorts of cycling you want to do which will help you choose the right machine for you when the time comes to upgrade..
Some points to consider....
Will you want to use the bike on roads and well surfaced paths only, or on canal towpaths, forest tracks, or mountain bike trails?
Will you want to be able enter competitive, or club events with your bike?
Will you use the bike for travel to work, half-day or day tours or multi-day tours?
Be aware the term 'road bike' is commonly used to describe a type of lightweight bike which is unsuited to road conditions often encountered on many UK roads.
As others have said, don't worry about your speed and distances, just get out often and your fitness will improve.

 

[morebiggins_lesswiggins]

Nothing wrong with 5 miles at an average of 14mph, especially in traffic, with any sort of hill

Keep at it - might find slick tyres on the MTB make it better - if not looking for a new bike. With the knee injury, be very sure it is all set up right.

What sort of riding do you want to do - the first determiner with any bike choice

It seems to be set up ok as I don't have any pains (other than general aches) want to get into road cycling. Build up the mileage to see how far I can take it.

 

[MrJamie]

Bike atm is an iron horse maverick 1.0. Dunno if that's any good in the biking world or not but I know it's bloody heavy. Route I have done has a few inclines that I would say are average. I would say I'm ok fitness wise. Not really done much the past few months though due to my ACL injury.

http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Horse-Ma...5-Inch/dp/B001393NFG/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top One of those?

It looks pretty good to be fair and IMHO its not really that heavy for a mtb/hybrid. Do the suspension forks have a lockout? (Like a switch probably at the top of one of the forks that locks them in place), if not turning the preload (resistance) up, again on the top of the other fork would make things more efficient on roads and hills. God, i sound like a bike nerd, but only a year ago I was coming here for answers to the same questions

The tyres are pretty chunky, more for trails/offroad. Depending on if you ride mainly roads/cyclepaths/trails/full offroad etc you might want to change them for something a bit more free rolling at the penalty of being less grippy away from tarmac.

 

[JoeyB]

Get some slicks on it (and pump them up properly!)I have a Carrera Fury MTB and the difference with slicks is unreal!

I've done a couple of 100km rides on that bike and could do many more with it... But I too have the bug now so I'm on the lookout for a decent road bike. I got annoyed with them all overtaking me lol

 

[morebiggins_lesswiggins]

I would suggest you persist with the present bike for a bit, you will be getting a little fitter everyday, and this will give you time to decide just what sorts of cycling you want to do which will help you choose the right machine for you when the time comes to upgrade..
Some points to consider....

Be aware the term 'road bike' is commonly used to describe a type of lightweight bike which is unsuited to road conditions often encountered on many UK roads.
As others have said, don't worry about your speed and distances, just get out often and your fitness will improve.

Will you want to use the bike on roads and well surfaced paths only, or on canal towpaths, forest tracks, or mountain bike trails?

Just roads and well sufaced paths I think. Not many forests in north manchester . Theres just something about the open road with your legs as your engine!!

Will you want to be able enter competitive, or club events with your bike?

Maybe eventually. I'm pretty competitive so wont just wanna 'make the numbers up' but if I find myself doing ok then why not compete.

Will you use the bike for travel to work, half-day or day tours or multi-day tours?

Cant commute at the minute due to school run circumstances but if that changes in the future then yeah I'd commute. Its only about 8 miles so not too far.

 

[Mr wogwon]

I bought a boardman mountain bike at the start of the year , loved it but found it hard on the road even with road tyres on.

I've gone out and bought a mid range road bike from halfords and I have done 50 miles in 3 days , (struggles to do 8 on mountain bike) lol
I am now completely hooked . I'd say your average speed is good but u have to take into account the hills, on my commute , on way to work I average 16 mph for 11 miles, on way home I average 11-12 mph due to the fact it's all uphill !

Keep going and most of all enjoy it, use speed/distance as a guide not a rule ! I was told time on the saddle is more important than miles travelled if that makes sense

 

[morebiggins_lesswiggins]

http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Horse-Ma...5-Inch/dp/B001393NFG/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top One of those?

It looks pretty good to be fair and IMHO its not really that heavy for a mtb/hybrid. Do the suspension forks have a lockout? (Like a switch probably at the top of one of the forks that locks them in place), if not turning the preload (resistance) up, again on the top of the other fork would make things more efficient on roads and hills. God, i sound like a bike nerd, but only a year ago I was coming here for answers to the same questions

The tyres are pretty chunky, more for trails/offroad. Depending on if you ride mainly roads/cyclepaths/trails/full offroad etc you might want to change them for something a bit more free rolling at the penalty of being less grippy away from tarmac.

Yeah thats the one. It seems a decent bike, just not for what I bought it for. A complete impulse buy I admit. As for the lockout/preloaders, it has some nobbly bits at the top of the forks if thats what you mean. I thought they were just for show