My First Cycling Experience

[abo]

Is that in cm or inches?

It doesn't matter, it is still the same length whether measured in cm, in or cubic furlongs per square second

 

[calibanzwei]

It doesn't matter, it is still the same length whether measured in cm, in or cubic furlongs per square second

TYVM - I'll double check mine tonight

 

[abo]

TYVM - I'll double check mine tonight

YW, while you're messing about with the saddle you might as well make sure the set back is correct:

saddle set back

 

[NeilEB]

Ok took it on it's first outing tonight.

Only a quick ride - 20 minutes and about a mile and a half. Basically along pavements (yeah yeah I know, boo hiss, but they were empty and there's no way I'm riding on the roads around mine during rush hour).

Anyway first impressions:
Basically very good - nice and sturdy (and I'm a big lad - ok fat). Brakes are sharp, gear changes are smooth. Uphills are hard work but I'm not fit so that's to be expected.

However - saddle......ouch!! Seriously is it deliberately as uncomfortable as possible? I definitely need to get some padded shorts (and maybe a cushion whilst I'm at it). I'll probably look to get some gloves too for longer rides.

 

[abo]

Ok took it on it's first outing tonight.

Only a quick ride - 20 minutes and about a mile and a half. Basically along pavements (yeah yeah I know, boo hiss, but they were empty and there's no way I'm riding on the roads around mine during rush hour).

Anyway first impressions:
Basically very good - nice and sturdy (and I'm a big lad - ok fat). Brakes are sharp, gear changes are smooth. Uphills are hard work but I'm not fit so that's to be expected.

However - saddle......ouch!! Seriously is it deliberately as uncomfortable as possible? I definitely need to get some padded shorts (and maybe a cushion whilst I'm at it). I'll probably look to get some gloves too for longer rides.

Seriously, ride it on the road if your journey is any distance if for no other reason than it is a pain in the arse bumping up and down kerbs (literally and figuratively) every couple of minutes. You'll soon learn to mix it with the traffic; I was nervous about that at first, especially making right turns at multi-lane roundabouts or across dual-carriageways (getting into the right hand lane was daunting in traffic) but after a while you are just claming the lanes and getting it done.

Glad you like the bike, you'll soon get over the hills.

Ooh and set the saddle right, that could be part of the comfort problem

 

[NeilEB]

Ooh and set the saddle right, that could be part of the comfort problem

Everything felt fine on the bike (knees etc), just my....erm...posterior is very sore.

Seriously, if I removed the saddle and just sat on the pole it couldn't have been much more uncomfortable!

 

[adds21]

However - saddle......ouch!! Seriously is it deliberately as uncomfortable as possible? I definitely need to get some padded shorts (and maybe a cushion whilst I'm at it). I'll probably look to get some gloves too for longer rides.

Padded shorts are probably a good idea. I bought some when I started cycling, although I only used them for a month or so, after than your bum gets used to it!

 

[NeilEB]

Would something like this be ok do you think? I really can't bring myself to wear lycra.....I'd look like "the only one in the village"

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mens-Road-L...3S/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1311841567&sr=8-24

 

[abo]

Would something like this be ok do you think? I really can't bring myself to wear lycra.....I'd look like "the only one in the village"

http://www.amazon.co...1841567&sr=8-24

How about some MTB shorts?

http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Products/149/speg-terrains-baggy-mtb-cycle-shorts--coolmax-pad.aspx

 

[Simba]

I work in IT - maybe that explains a few things?

And no, I came home from work in my suit, got changed into comfy clothes before tackling the bike. I didn't know I was going to take it out for a quick spin.......

This is my new baby.

Nice bike but the the gears would be too small for me, I have 52x42x30 crankset and 26x13 8 speed cassette.

Enjoy your new ride.

 

[abo]

Or for the inner Freddie Mercury:

http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Products/178/speg-vossar-therml-bib-tights.aspx

 

[NeilEB]

Nice bike but the the gears would be too small for me, I have 52x42x30 crankset and 26x13 8 speed cassette.

Enjoy your new ride.

I genuinely have no idea what that means

 

[NeilEB]

Or for the inner Freddie Mercury:

http://www.cycle-clo...bib-tights.aspx

Erm....

No, just no

 

[constantG]

First - never consider a job in engineering.
Second - PJs Crocs PJs+ Crocs In Public - Don't apply for a job in fashion

Lightweight modern bikes feel flighty and unstable at first, but you'll soon overcome that and realise the pleasures of a fast responsive machine. Getting set-up takes a bit of time, but worth experimenting. I recommend:

http://www.peterwhit...com/fitting.htm
Could this be the birth of another cycling nutter? I do hope so

Really, Is there not a limit to smilies on this forum

 

[Angelfishsolo]

The bike looks great. Your bum will get used to he saddle I assure you. Don't be tempted to get a gel cover as they are more trouble than they are worth. Padded Lycra shorts under baggys are fine. in fact would look cool on that bike. Abo's measuring technique is valid. You could also just possition the saddle so that it is in line with your hip bone

Happy Riding (And stay off the pavements )