Just Bought A Bike - Absolute Newbie

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Sharpy

Active Member
I would recommend going to a local bike shop for your pedals and in trade for your purchase ask them if they can size you up correctly on your bike otherwise you might get put if cycling straight away! If your sizing isn't correct you're probably not going to have many joyous memories on your bike :smile:
 
OP
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Dingershsg

Dingershsg

New Member
Wow so many kind replies, there seems to be a lot of loony bike riders out there :hyper: Really good advice. Once I collect the bike I shall go down to the local shop and see what they say. Ill let you know when I get set up and go for my first ride. By the way, how far should I go? I am used to running 4-6 Miles???
 

Spinney

Bimbleur extraordinaire
Location
Back up north
It won't be your aerobic fitness that limits you, more likely to be aches and pains from different muscles, sitting on a saddle, etc.
Often recommended for beginners is to work out a kind of figure 8 route, with home in the middle - so you do a loop (maybe 5 miles) and if it's going well you do the other loop. If not, you're close to home.
If bits do hurt, don't push on too far through the pain - better to fiddle with the bike fit until it IS comfy.
But enjoy!!
 

Widge

Baldy Go
Wow so many kind replies, there seems to be a lot of loony bike riders out there :hyper: Really good advice. Once I collect the bike I shall go down to the local shop and see what they say. Ill let you know when I get set up and go for my first ride. By the way, how far should I go? I am used to running 4-6 Miles???
A-ha! Your lovely LBS will probably load you up with clipless pedals, embarrassing tights, and mind-boglingly expensive helmets if they've got any sense!!:biggrin:

Get what you need as and when..........? A decent helmet (All the major manufactors have a basic one that that passes all the tests-I like my 16 quid 'Giro' skyline) and as people say...there is no shame in riding flat pedals until you are at one with the bike.

On the other hand - let's SPEND!:crazy:

Good luck and enjoy!

w
 

Shortmember

Bickerton Cyclocross Racing Team groupie
If you decide to fit new pedals yourself, be advised that pedal threads are different on the left and right pedals: the right side pedal has a right-hand thread (removes counterclockwise, installs clockwise); the left side pedal has a left-hand thread (removes clockwise, installs counterclockwise)
 

rovers1875

Guru
Location
Accrington
Initially keep it simple, get some basic flat pedals, lights are essential for winter, a puncture kit, spare inner tube, and a pump. To start with use normal clothes eg running / walking kit / trainers etc. If you then find you actually enjoy cycling you can start buying more cycle specific stuff (and then get a second job, to pay for everything you did not realise was essential). Welcome to cycling.
 

PBB

Veteran
Location
Cardiff
Good luck. As others have said, your wallet can end up taking a pounding, but man-maths can rescue the situation if you can persuade yourself that all costs can be offset against petrol saved if you had done the same journey in a car!

If that fails then all I can say is - get out while you still can:blush:
 
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