Hello

[oldestswinger]

having just returned to cycling following a 30 year gap, I'm looking forward to scrolling through cyclechat and finding any tips to help me on my merry way. I've bought a Carrera crossfire 3 hybrid, after the assistant at my local well known cycling shop advised me it would be ideal for my daily commute to work. If anyone reads this thread I would appreciate it if you would help me with the following queries. What is the correct tyre pressures for the road? What mudguards are the best to buy for this particular bike? And is there any security tips for leaving it outside a busy hospital were I work especially at night (although there are official bike parking areas). Last but not least, I am struggling with the 21 gears (my last bike had 5) so what are the best gears to use for flat, up hill, down hill etc.

Thank you in advance

Oldestswinger

 

[andyfraser]

Tyre pressures are usually printed on the side wall of the tyre. It'll be something like "Max 6.5 bar (95 psi) Min 4.5 bar (65 psi)". Get a decent track pump with a pressure gauge if you don't have one. I find using the psi figures easiest.

The best gear to use is the one you feel most comfortable riding in. The only rule is don't cross chain (big front chain ring to big rear sprocket and small front chain ring to small rear sprocket) as that can cause excessive chain wear. If you find pedalling is getting too hard change down. If your pedalling too quickly change up. My hybrid has 3 chain rings at the front and 9 sprockets on the cassette at the back. I use the rear gears mostly and change chain ring depending on terrain. Flat and slight incline is middle ring. Downhill is big ring and harder uphill is small ring (rare here). Just play around and find what works for you.

 

[oldestswinger]

Tyre pressures are usually printed on the side wall of the tyre. It'll be something like "Max 6.5 bar (95 psi) Min 4.5 bar (65 psi)". Get a decent track pump with a pressure gauge if you don't have one. I find using the psi figures easiest.

The best gear to use is the one you feel most comfortable riding in. The only rule is don't cross chain (big front chain ring to big rear sprocket and small front chain ring to small rear sprocket) as that can cause excessive chain wear. If you find pedalling is getting too hard change down. If your pedalling too quickly change up. My hybrid has 3 chain rings at the front and 9 sprockets on the cassette at the back. I use the rear gears mostly and change chain ring depending on terrain. Flat and slight incline is middle ring. Downhill is big ring and harder uphill is small ring (rare here). Just play around and find what works for you.

Thanks very much Andy, your advice is much appreciated. Just going out on the bike now to put it into practice