My first proper ride

[amnesia]

Seeing as it was a lovely evening I thought I would go for a quick ride to blow the cobwebs out and start to learn about my new bike.

I intended to only do a few miles, but got carried away and ended up doing almost 14 miles along some lovely smooth A roads around Wimborne and Ferndown. Saw loads of rabbits and new-born lambs in the fields.

I wish I had started earlier now... the sun was just about dipping below the hedgerows at 7:30 and I was about 3 miles from home so had to head back before it got too dark. I reckon I could have done another 10 miles easily, and this is only my first proper ride since I collected my bike a couple of weeks ago. Maybe I'm not as unfit as I thought, but then it was only 14 miles...

Can't wait for tomorrow night now, but will leave a bit earlier.
Also can't wait for my SPDs to turn up - still trying to decide on shoes though... MTB or road shoes ?


Oh yeah... Is it normal for knees to ache for the first 15 minutes or so ? Until I have warmed up they burn somewhat... goes away after a while though, so I don't think it's saddle height ?



Daniel.

 

[just4fun]

i cant help with your knee but i just wanted to say nice one on getting out on the bike and enjoying yourself.

 

[Shaun]

Oh yeah... Is it normal for knees to ache for the first 15 minutes or so ? Until I have warmed up they burn somewhat... goes away after a while though, so I don't think it's saddle height ?

Daniel.

I'm not sure that's usual - are you pushing quite hard straight from the get-go?

Maybe try warming up a little for the first couple of miles; use a low gear and do lots of spinning with low resistance to start with. Don't worry about any sort of speed, just relax and get your legs and lungs warmed up a bit, then up the pace once you're settled in.

Cheers,
Shaun

 

[colinr]

I had some knee issues with the saddle too low, but my knees are quite injury prone so that might have been coincidence.

 

[Maz]

Also can't wait for my SPDs to turn up - still trying to decide on shoes though... MTB or road shoes ?

If you need to do a fair bit of walking in your shoes (as I do), go for MTB type shoes with recessed cleats.

 

[palinurus]

I'd start with MTB shoes, you'll get most of the benefits of clipless with the convenience of being able to walk easily when off the bike and easier clipping in at junctions and stuff.

I reckon you'll know when it's time to get some road style shoes.

 

[Nadeen]

Hi
I am glad you enjoyed your first outing. It sounded lovely

My first outing is next Tuesday with a bike club, im not ready to go out on my own yet

Happy cycling B)

Oh do I need ot wear special shoes????
I was just going to put my trainers on or my baseball boots

 

[amnesia]

I'd start with MTB shoes, you'll get most of the benefits of clipless with the convenience of being able to walk easily when off the bike and easier clipping in at junctions and stuff.

I reckon you'll know when it's time to get some road style shoes.

I stopped by my LBS this evening to see what shoes they had in stock. As luck would have it they had a pair of 2008 Northwave Kameleon shoes for half RRP as it was their last pair, and in my size !!

They even match my bike - black and white with yellow trim

I am a happy bunny... just waiting for my pedals to arrive now


As for the knees - I think I just need to warm up a little more slowly. Hopefully the pedals will turn up tomorrow so I can go for a quick blatt

 

[fossyant]

Cool shoes........... I like - BTW Northwave stuff is very good.

 

[palinurus]

Bargain!