Hi and the plan...

[dexter101]

Hi Guys,

just wanted to find somewhere to say hello, tell someone my plans and then have somewhere to keep track of my progress as well as any feedback from people who know more than me!

I'm 26 years old and have just decided to get back on my bike. its been around 10 years since I rode a bike and having only ever ridden MTB, I want to start commuting to work. I really wanted to try a road bike and I have purchased a second hand (only ridden once or twice) Viking road bike, I know they are cheap and have some terrible reviews but for the money there is no risk on my part and when (not if!) I get more competent I will look to buy a proper entry level bike.

My commute is around 13 miles in total and will be country roads around North Essex with a few hills (Essex hills, not Yorkshire hills) with a final mile through town.

I used to ride all the time when I was growing up, when I was 7 the family went on a cycling holiday around Denmark which was great and really enjoyed it, just checked some of the legs we did and it looks like roughly 50km per day. Through my teens I used to do some cross country races and trips with Boys Brigade to Dartmoor etc although illness when 16 meant I stopped doing sport.

Going to Uni put a stop to any cycling as two bikes were stolen in a short space of time, the second time without insurance. I am pretty unfit now a days and on the larger side, so looking to lose a bit of weight as well as improve my general fitness.

I am picking the bike up tomorrow evening so if all is well Im planning wednesday or Thursday as my first commute.

Any tips on commuting or riding on country roads would be appreciated, im assuming if I leave and hour and a bit a 13 mile commute shouldnt be too much to ask?

Thanks

 

[flyingfish]

Hi & welcome Dexter, I am a newbie myself but of I was you I would give the bike a couple of run outs in the evening this week to allow yourself time to soft any probs. Commute starting next www. best of luck.whatever you decide & just keep pedalling. Or DOES get easier (they tell me)
Pete

 

[dexter101]

Thanks Pete, I was thinking it might be worth a test ride just before the added pressure of getting to work and maybe get the rear end muscles used to riding again
Im using the next month as my test as firstly its dryer and warmer but also with school holidays the roads are so much quieter.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Dexter, welcome aboard.

If you can, you should go do the commute before you have to do it for real, that way you won't be worried about the timing

 

[w00hoo_kent]

Definitely test ride first, for you and the bike. There may be set up niggles you need to fix and it'll give you a better idea of what you can achieve.

Country lanes, ride to give yourself good vision around the corners, have an idea where you'll go if a car suddenly appears. Watch for foliage and loose surfaces, especially round corners. Don't ride beyond your sight lines. Don't ride in the verge/gutter, it's more dangerous for you, a nice way to collect punctures and you have every right to be further out.

I prefer lanes at least a car and a half wide over really narrow ones.

 

[dexter101]

Thanks guys, I will give it a few days to get everything set up before I attempt the commute just to be on the safe side.

Thanks for the guides W00hoo, the roads are wide which is good, more than enough room for 2 cars wide although the verges are very poor so will ride in a safe and comfortable manner.

Any tips on riding a road bike for the first time, I am a bit nervous about it as my only experience of skinny wheels was a Moulton which I rode once and hated!

 

[vickster]

Get a copy of cyclecraft by john franklin which explains how to ride in different situations, rules of the road etc

Enjoy

 

[Cycleops]

If I were you I would get the bike checked over by your local bike shop (LBS on here). That way you will at least be assured it will stop and go as it should. Also equip yourself with a pump, a puncture repair outfit, spare inner tube, tyre levers and two pumps (one for the bike and a Track Pump for home).

If you haven't ridden a bike for some time you will find it tough at first and your arse will likely hurt like hell, but give it time and things will get easier. Good luck.

 

[raleighnut]

I'd give yourself a bit longer on the first commute so set off earlier you can always have a cuppa at work but racing to get there is a heck of a lot more tiring until you're used to cycling.
BTW when commuting by cycle I normally allow 10-15 minutes extra in case of a visit by the p.......e fairy that normally gives me time for a coffee and a fag plus I detest lateness (especially when I'm a Foreman/Chargehand)

 

[dexter101]

cheers guys, yeah, I don't need to be at work till 9 so was going to leave at half 7 the first day just to see how it goes.

talking of p.....e's how different is it to change a road inner tube to a mountain bike inner tube? im more thinking should anything happen while im out and I will definitely practise but tips would be good.

I am fairly good at sorting out mountain bikes and still work on them now and again if a friend needs help

 

[Cycleops]

talking of p.....e's how different is it to change a road inner tube to a mountain bike inner tube?

Exactly the same.

 

[dexter101]

Thats good to hear, im going to have a practise at home just so im confident (and to check the condition of the inners etc) but glad it should be ok.

 

[BAtoo]

.

talking of p.....e's how different is it to change a road inner tube to a mountain bike inner tube? im more thinking should anything happen while im out and I will definitely practise but tips would be good.
/QUOTE]

Why not practice taking a tyre off and put it back on to give yourself confidence.
In my experiance road wheels are a bit harder to change than wider tyres. There's plenty of you tube clips to watch and many discussions on here to read.
My top tips for getting the tube back on is to ensure the start of the second side is pushed down into the center of the rim well and not be sitting up on the ridge.
Also I start at the valve and finish away from it - contrary to much advice that exists but it works for me and I never need to use levers to get the tyre back on.

 

[vickster]

Make sure you have a good quality frame mounted pump that isn't too small

 

[Torvi]

Hi buddy, im newbie too it's good to see that it's not only me who is starting here, i dunno if others wrote it but the most important thing in cycling is:

enjoying the ride.

hope i helped and have a nice day