Ha Ha!! I got one :) now what do i do?

[blueschill]

Hey guys i just bought an apollo cx10 for 60 pounds, it is like new.
I was after a starter bike to train on and rehabilitate from cancer so i bid and won it on ebay.
my aim is to do the london nightrider next year, so will save up for a lot lighter and better bike but for now this should be enough to get me started.

Question is now what do i do? what equipment and accesories do i need now and what should i look for purchasing at a later date?

I am a very excited bear, i cannot wait to get on the road with it, altough i probably wont get far at first lol

cheers guys.

 

[raindog]

Question is now what do i do?

ride it

 

[biggs682]

have fun , as to what to do with bike just keep it mobile and roadworthy and as you progress , start looking at either making it lighter and more comfy or swal it for something that is lighter and comfy

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

^^^ What they said plus get yourself a good puncture repair kit, a pump and learn how to use them (if you don't already know of course). It just makes rides stress free if you know a puncture is a minor inconvenience rather than a major disaster.

Lights are the only other accessory I'd consider essential at this stage and then only if you are likely to ride at night or in poor weather.

Happy cycling.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Carry something to lock your bike, so if you need to you can chain it, jump on a bus/train, retrieve it later - important if you are commuting to work!

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Carry something to lock your bike, so if you need to you can chain it, jump on a bus/train, retrieve it later - important if you are commuting to work!

Good point. Note to self: what is the one accessory you have ALWAYS bought at the same time as a new bike??

 

[Pauluk]

^^^ What they said plus get yourself a good puncture repair kit, a pump and learn how to use them (if you don't already know of course). It just makes rides stress free if you know a puncture is a minor inconvenience rather than a major disaster.

+1

I'd carry a spare tube as well in case there are occasions when you don't want to repair a tube on the road side.

A set of allen keys would be useful for maintenance. Some GTX85 lubricant, chain lube.

 

[Peteaud]

Nothing wrong with any bike to get you started.

Get a puncture kit and if you dont know how to mend one learn.

Most of all - enjoy it

 

[RhythMick]

+1

I'd carry a spare tube as well in case there are occasions when you don't want to repair a tube on the road side.

A set of allen keys would be useful for maintenance. Some GTX85 lubricant, chain lube.

+1 for the spare tube. Long rides I carry two, because finding that frigging hole at the side of the road I always find nigh on impossible.



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[RhythMick]

Use an online mapping tool that shows OpenCycleMap. Find some decent looking cycle routes. Get your mileage up. Last September 5 miles nearly killed me. I'm 49, overweight, unfit and asthmatic. Or I was.

9 months saw a gradual build up of miles. I now routinely ride 30 to 50, do Sportives of 60 to 70 and in August I'm doing the 215 mile TPT, over 4 days.

Just about getting the mileage up and enjoying it I think.


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[Pauluk]

The best advice I had from this forum was not just the technical information/advice but the advice regarding safer riding on the road. Look in to the commuting section/forum if you are going to be new to road cycling.

 

[sheddy]

read up on setting your saddle height and getting comfy before you go too far

 

[Browser]

+1 to all of the above, with the addition of I don't know what it's got fitted at present in the way of tyres, but save up for a decent pair of tyres (Schwalbe are good) with puncture protection built-in, they roll nicely as you can pump them up to a higher pressure than many cheap brands, and they will tolerate a lot more Foreign Object Damage before letting the 'tube be holed. Oh, when you buy a pump make sure it's got a pressure gauge so you know how much wind your tyres/tubes contain. I can recommend the Topeak Road Morph G, excellent piece of kit and you can buy parts for it too. Please don't be tempted by a cheapo, buy once buy well

 

[Andy_R]

+1 to all of the above, with the addition of I don't know what it's got fitted at present in the way of tyres, but save up for a decent pair of tyres (Schwalbe are good) with puncture protection built-in, they roll nicely as you can pump them up to a higher pressure than many cheap brands, and they will tolerate a lot more Foreign Object Damage before letting the 'tube be holed. Oh, when you buy a pump make sure it's got a pressure gauge so you know how much wind your tyres/tubes contain. I can recommend the Topeak Road Morph G, excellent piece of kit and you can buy parts for it too. Please don't be tempted by a cheapo, buy once buy well

TBH, I've always carried cheapo pumps on the bike cos I keep on loosing them, and have a good quality track pump at home (Joe Blow 2). But that's just me

 

[brandon]

My only advice is just jump up on the saddle and start! its quite easy. go at a slow pace if you find it hard only gaining on distance slowly or if you find it easy then challenge yourself by riding further and faster. a starting bike is fine the only requirement is to make sure it is mechanically ok, so tires pumped everything tightened properly etc. after this you will start getting the "bike bug" as people call it you will feel more and more that you want to go on rides and challenge yourself and even try to beat you own records when out riding. a cool gadget which i think you will benefit from is a bike computer to show you your speed, distance average speed and more, this is really good and will make you have competitions with yourself more often to try and beat you max speed etc, here are some below.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WIRELESS-...itoring_MJ&hash=item35b3d36707#ht_2233wt_1397 - £6.85

http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/300712943657?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=pla -£58.48

as you can see they range in price, these are 2 wireless ones , i advise that you get a wireless one as wired ones are untidy and ugly, if you don't like either of these then have a look yourself, in my opinion you need one as it is really good and gives you a good opportunity to learn how fast you go and the distance you achieve.