Hi everyone! "New" to biking and this forum...some questions

[Saluki]

I actually live in Texas. The part of the state where I live has had temps in the mid to upper 90's for the past few days. Today it's supposed to top out at 96ºF, but by the time I ride it's going to be 93ºF or so.



Funny you mention that. I noticed that yesterday. But since the route I'm riding is short, I've tried to ride it every day.

Ah Texas. Good music and Eric Johnson country

 

[Cyclist33]

Lots of great advice.

Let's talk about the bike.

What did you get, what size, what type of bike is it, how tall are you, what height have you got the saddle at?

Depending on the type of bike it's quite common if youre less experienced to have the saddle several inches lower than optimum. I'm 180 cm tall and my saddles are about 103 cm off the ground. It is MUCH harder work pedalling if I lower them to 93 cm. Okay, I'd probably get a better workout but I believe you go cycling more if it's enjoyable and that brings more benefit.

 

[Doobiesis]

Don't feel because you have higher gears you need to always be in a high gear pushing your legs. Look up cycling cadence on Google as it gives you more of a cardio workout, and then build the muscle once you're at the right weight.

Good luck and don't forget Strava

 

[Spoked Wheels]

I quickly read the thread and I missed several posts too so I'm in danger of repeating information.
@Citius was spot on I think in his advice. Find a gear that feels comfortable to ride. Cadence is important, pushing an easier gear but faster would help you ride longer distances.

I think that eating BETTER food rather than eating LESS food is what makes the difference when loosing weight. Eliminate bad foods and increase good foods. The internet is full of information on what good foods to eat and what not to eat. Whenever I follow this advice I loose weight.... the trick is to make a habit of it for life and that is not easy for me. Exercise to complement your new diet and you will see results accordingly.

Saddle hight, maybe (not sure) you get a "better work out" for your leg muscles with the saddle in a lower position than it should be but you will also get knee pain. Saddle needs to be at the right high for you.

The body gets used to a routine very quickly and then it is less efficient burning calories. So try to change the routine frequently. Again, not easy for me but I try to do different routes that require different times on the bike and level of effort.

Good luck.

 

[Monte1076]

Lots of great advice.

Let's talk about the bike.

What did you get, what size, what type of bike is it, how tall are you, what height have you got the saddle at?

Depending on the type of bike it's quite common if youre less experienced to have the saddle several inches lower than optimum. I'm 180 cm tall and my saddles are about 103 cm off the ground. It is MUCH harder work pedalling if I lower them to 93 cm. Okay, I'd probably get a better workout but I believe you go cycling more if it's enjoyable and that brings more benefit.

It's an inexpensive "starter" bike. It's a 26" (66.04 cm) Hyper Summit. I know, I know...I've heard those aren't good, but I don't feel like I need/want to buy a $500+ bike right now.

But the important thing is I'm riding it.

I'm 5'9" (approx 175.25 cm) tall, and I haven't measured how high off the ground the saddle is.

 

[Monte1076]

Don't feel because you have higher gears you need to always be in a high gear pushing your legs. Look up cycling cadence on Google as it gives you more of a cardio workout, and then build the muscle once you're at the right weight.

Good luck and don't forget Strava

I'll definitely look that up! Thanks!

Right now, I usually start my ride on the middle chainring, and gear 4, although at one point yesterday (I rode a slightly different route) I had to shift all the way down to the inner chainring, and gear 2 (second biggest). Though at one point, too, I had to shift up to biggest chainring and gear 6 (going down a hill).

 

[Citius]

I'll definitely look that up! Thanks!

Right now, I usually start my ride on the middle chainring, and gear 4, although at one point yesterday (I rode a slightly different route) I had to shift all the way down to the inner chainring, and gear 2 (second biggest). Though at one point, too, I had to shift up to biggest chainring and gear 6 (going down a hill).

Gears are there to be used whenever necessary. Otherwise, we'd all be on single speed

 

[RichardB]

I am in a similar position. I started riding again last year, after many years away from bikes (the kind you have to pedal). I am 61, in a sedentary job, and didn't do much exercise. I aimed to get back to commuting to work, but with a hilly 27 mile round trip it wasn't really feasible. I got an electric bike as a half-way house, and now I commute on it every other day (I work nights, so that is an hour's ride four days a week). I have a new road bike and I aim to move towards using that in the longer term. At the same time as the commuting, I put myself on a healthy diet (as far as possible, no sugar or processed food, and trying to stick to a fairly generous 1500 kcal a day), and in three months I have lost over two stone (18 kg, 39 lb) and feel better than I have for years.

Build the miles slowly, use the gears to spin rather than heave the pedals, and enjoy it. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

 

[Sim2003]

Great job getting started . As you learn your local roads and best times to cycle out, you will only gain more confidence and want to do more. Also don't get disheartened if you don't lose any weight straight away.

Watch some of Cyclegaz silly cyclists videos via youtube I find these brill.