New to cycling, first impressions

[bellevueace]

Well its been three weeks since i scrapped the car and decided to give cycling a go. As im a regular at the gym my fitness level isnt bad so thought that would help, ive found cycling on the roads far more strenuous than gym machines as theres far more inclines to navigate. Im now finding i can cycle some of these hills without as many gear changes so i must be making some sort of improvement. Initially i was cycling 6 miles a day some days this went up to 9 miles. At the start of this week i did 14 miles and felt fine though the legs did feel a bit achy the next morning, not great distances by any means but at least its going in the right direction. Ive suprised myself by how much im enjoyin it but its summertime and the weathers fine, what its going to be like in the winter when its dark, cold, and wet i dont know and must admit im not looking forward to that, some cyclists have said they prefer it cooler and dont mind the rain as its refreshing, hmmm? The one thing ive not enjoyed during this warm spell is when wearing my rucksack becoming all sweaty and clammy, but i suppose that cant be helped. Overall even though its only been a few weeks ive felt better, more energy and certainly more awake when arriving at work. I want to keep working on my distances with the aim at the moment of a 20 mile ride. Im going to be riding the skyride sunday for the first time and at the moment think cycling is something i am going to be able to get into properly.
Plus Points
Increased exercise
more energy
Economical
Relaxing
Fun

Minus Points
Feeling sweaty/clammy
Rain
Steep inclines
Wind

I think the plus outweigh the minus so heres hoping the enthusiasm grows

 

[Matthames]

There is a way around the sweaty back syndrome and that is to use either panniers or a saddle bag. It makes all the difference

 

[briantrumpet]

Minus Points
Feeling sweaty/clammy
Rain
Steep inclines
Wind

I think the plus outweigh the minus so heres hoping the enthusiasm grows.

Feeling sweaty/clammy - means you're working - so it's a plus point. I''d rather carry a rucksack and put up with it if I have to carry stuff ... even better if you don't have to carry much, use a proper cycling jersey and put necessaries in the pockets.
Rain. Pah - get some decent waterproofs, and you'll be laughing at all those mugs in their steamed-up cars breathing in their own stale breath.
Steep inclines - they are your friends... the more you spend time with them, the more you'll like them and the fitter you'll get.
Wind. A two-timing so-and-so. One minute helping you fly home, the next minute blowing in your face. But when it does do that, it's helping you get fitter. (But that's the one bit I'm less keen on, I'll admit.)

Keep going - especially through the winter ... it means you'll be so fit ready for the Summer, ready to eat up those miles. And, most of all, have fun doing it.

 

[ianrauk]

+1 for the rack and pannier. Get that rucksack off your back..

 

[snorri]

t but its summertime and the weathers fine, what its going to be like in the winter when its dark, cold, and wet i dont know and must admit im not looking forward to that,

I think you will surprise yourself, with the right clothing it's amazing what cyclists can cope with.

 

[Sittingduck]

Plus Points
Increased exercise
more energy
Economical
Relaxing
Fun

Hehehe, mwahahhahaha.....
You will learn soon enough, just how economical cycling is

Give it 3 months until you talk yourself into needing a new bike/s and GPS systems, etc

 

[bellevueace]

Yes i can see how some of the minus points can been also seen as plus points, as for the rain ive invested in a waterproof breathable jacket and am looking into getting some leggings at the weekend, as for panniers etc cant see how i could fit them on my cheapo cycle as it dosent appear suitable, certainly something to consider when and if i progress to a better quality cycle.Know what you mean sittingduck but surely cant be as dear as a car with the cost of insurance, mot, petrol, servicing etc?

 

[apollo179]

+1 for the rack.
Big improvement for v little cost.
£15.99 Ventura Alloy Rack.


http://www.amazon.co...12619861&sr=8-1
Universal fit on most bikes.
Ive got one and it beats lugging stuff about needlessly on your back.

 

[Sittingduck]

You can attach a rack if the bike doesn't have braze-ons for the rack to bolt to, by using p-clips. These wrap around the seatstays and the bolt slots through the holes, providing something secure to bolt the rack to. +1 for a pannier on the commutes, would never go back to a backpack!

Oh, and you will see about cost soon enough

 

[bellevueace]

Many thanks for that worth looking into.

 

[byegad]

Congratulations on your decision. However, beware! Cycling is addictive and once hooked you may never be free of it.

There's some good advice above. I certainly prefer to let the bike do the carrying.

The right clothing really does make a difference. A wicking T shirt and a good, and sorry often expensive, breathable waterproof jacket will allow you to ride a long way without getting that boiled in the bag feeling.

Once bought, the right gear lasts a long time and, with the money you don't spend on petrol, you'll be able to replace them whenever they do wear out.

 

[Simba]

I would rather have a rucksack on my back than spoil the look of my bike, yes I am vain.

 

[the snail]

you don't have to carry much, use a proper cycling jersey and put necessaries in the pockets.

That's ok for soft stuff, but anything hard could injure you if you come off. Someone in my club ended up having surgery to his back from falling off with a mobile in his jersey pocket.

 

[HLaB]

That's ok for soft stuff, but anything hard could injure you if you come off. Someone in my club ended up having surgery to his back from falling off with a mobile in his jersey pocket.

I carry my mobile in my pockets, I couldn't imagine mine doing any damage but the keys and multi tool always go in the saddle bag, I could easily imagine them doing damage