New to the sport.

[DRM]

Just get out and ride, do this as much as you can even if it's sunday morning only, at first your legs will feel like jelly and ache, but persevere and you will find that you will be going further and further, then you can see what interests you, it could be road orientated or off road with mtb or cyclocross, might even be both, I would recommend some full length mudguards and led lights for your carrera for this time of year, along with a saddle bag so you can carry a puncture repair kit, spare tube, tyre levers, multi tool and spare batteries for the lights, online outlets such as Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle and Planet X are the places to get these things.
In the main though just enjoy the ride.

 

[Stevec047]

Bridge and darts are a sport. Cycling isn't!

With winter around the corner maybe try a spin class at your local gym/sports centre. There are people on here (me) who love it, and people on here who detest it... one things for sure, by spring you'll be a lot fitter with a tough pair of lungs, legs and an arse of steel!

The thought of a spinning class brings on a cold sweat I have seen what happens and I think it would be a good few months of riding before I am ready for something like that.

 

[Stevec047]

"The idea is to start off slow then start to commute the 10 miles to work each day with rides out at the weekend"
Transportation, esp through most of the winter, requires a different mindset to athletic or sport riding.
First, equip your machine for practicality, which means a capacity for winter tyres (28mm), + full length mudguards. If you need to transport stuff, a rear luggage rack option is useful. Once you have a bike with suitable eyelets and clearance, you are not obligated to use them, but if you do want them, it is so much easier and neater .
Removing all the winter/commuting stuff is hassle, so many riders have a winter/commuter bike and a summer/race/event bike.
Consider your budget. What do you currently spend annually on transportation within a 10 mile radius? Now work out your spend over 5 years.
How much would you spend on alt means of getting fit? Swimming/gym, over 5 years.
Once you crunch the numbers, you will understand the value of a bike.

A race club will teach you about riding peleton-style, but more important is to learn roadcraft. The more experienced, less competitive, and slower paced riders of the Cyclist Tourist Club will probably be a good place to learn.

Thanks for the useful information. I have never really been in a position to fork out on a monthly gym membership and from previous experience when I have been a member I get bored with the same routine in the same place. I have always had a passion for cycling so fingers crossed this could be the way to go.

Your totally right about weighing up the figures and straight away I can see that owning a bike is a great investmentand benefit to the bank balance.

I have made the decision to keep the cost at a minimum for the time being and then as I get more and more into it start to upgrade parts and accessories until the point where I feel I am ready to step up the game with a new higher spec bike to suit whatever choices o make.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Welcome to the forum.

Now you have your bike, get used to it first. Wait for the bike to explain to you what upgrades you need.

I expect your first upgrade may well be different tyres (especially with winter on its way) and there will be a zillion people on here with different suggestions for tyres just itching to give you advice.

To keep the costs down cycling specific clothing is pretty unimportant (IMO others may differ), especially in winter - when you will want to be wearing layers. A pair of padded undershorts could be a boon. When you do longer rides a cycling jacket or jersey with a pocket at the back is very handy for carrying a banana and/or piece of cake.

Tools wise, it depends what you already have. A set of allen keys, some tyre levers, a couple of spare inner tubes, a puncture kit and a little saddlebag to keep them in.

You may need some lights at this time of year. There's an insane variety of choice. Batteries, USB rechargable, mains rechargeable, expensive, cheap ... the list goes on.

You may or may not want to buy a helmet. Be very careful when mentioning this on here as it can be a contentious subject.

You've probably noticed that people on here can be a bit prickly here about cycling being called a sport, aside from competitive racing. So even if you are an uber-competitive type - pretend that you aren't: affect a nonchalant, utilitarian attitude.

 

[Dave 123]

The thought of a spinning class brings on a cold sweat I have seen what happens and I think it would be a good few months of riding before I am ready for something like that.

You'll be fine, it's only sweating a bit!

 

[Simontm]

Welcome to the madhouse!
With winter on the way, you may want better tyres (many suggestions on here) to prevent punctures with the rubbish coming up on the roads with the rain. If you're mainly urban, I doubt you'll need specific winter/ice tyres as the council should be maintaining the major routes. I have had the same tyres on my bike since last November when I bought it.
Layer-up for the winter and if you're doing 20 miles a day return commute, I would get some padded shorts if wearing trousers or get some cycling kit - check out your local Aldi, see if it has any of its stuff left from its event. Good, cheap entry stuff.
You will need lights unless you work between 8.00 and 16:00 during Winter and visibility can be poor. If urban, just pick up some pound shop, be seen lights, to start off with or again Aldi or check out online, you can pick up a decent city battery operated set for under a tenner.
Helmet's up to you. I personally do.
Above all, enjoy. I started off doing the odd 5 mile round trip, then started commuting 26 miles a day and now think a 30 mile ride at the weekend is popping out!

 

[Globalti]

Don't go to a spinning class! I tried it once and hated it. Why would I want to suffer all the negative aspects of cycling:

- Sweat, pain and a nasty squidgy sweaty saddle?

- While being shouted at by some muppet who plays loud, crap music at me?

- When I could be out in the fresh air, enjoying the scenery, loving the feel of the bike and the thrill of the ride, stopping when I want and gassing with my cycling buddy?

 

[Stevec047]

Welcome to the forum.

Now you have your bike, get used to it first. Wait for the bike to explain to you what upgrades you need.

I expect your first upgrade may well be different tyres (especially with winter on its way) and there will be a zillion people on here with different suggestions for tyres just itching to give you advice.

To keep the costs down cycling specific clothing is pretty unimportant (IMO others may differ), especially in winter - when you will want to be wearing layers. A pair of padded undershorts could be a boon. When you do longer rides a cycling jacket or jersey with a pocket at the back is very handy for carrying a banana and/or piece of cake.

Tools wise, it depends what you already have. A set of allen keys, some tyre levers, a couple of spare inner tubes, a puncture kit and a little saddlebag to keep them in.

You may need some lights at this time of year. There's an insane variety of choice. Batteries, USB rechargable, mains rechargeable, expensive, cheap ... the list goes on.

You may or may not want to buy a helmet. Be very careful when mentioning this on here as it can be a contentious subject.

You've probably noticed that people on here can be a bit prickly here about cycling being called a sport, aside from competitive racing. So even if you are an uber-competitive type - pretend that you aren't: affect a nonchalant, utilitarian attitude.

Thanks for your helpful advice.

I will definitely be getting some lights I live just a little outside of the town in the country mainly main roads to and from work but unlit so this is one of the first purchases alongside a helmet as I don't fancy scrambling my brain anymore than it is already.

 

[Stevec047]

You'll be fine, it's only sweating a bit!

Yeah but it's the sweating that worries me I think I could loose 90% of my body mass in sweat which considering how much of your body is made up of water is a worry

 

[Stevec047]

Thanks for your helpful advice.

I will definitely be getting some lights I live just a little outside of the town in the country mainly main roads to and from work but unlit so this is one of the first purchases alongside a helmet as I don't fancy scrambling my brain anymore than it is already.

I have to agree it dosent really a peak to me currently. Once my fitness level improves then I might think about it subject to finances.

 

[Stevec047]

Welcome to the madhouse!
With winter on the way, you may want better tyres (many suggestions on here) to prevent punctures with the rubbish coming up on the roads with the rain. If you're mainly urban, I doubt you'll need specific winter/ice tyres as the council should be maintaining the major routes. I have had the same tyres on my bike since last November when I bought it.
Layer-up for the winter and if you're doing 20 miles a day return commute, I would get some padded shorts if wearing trousers or get some cycling kit - check out your local Aldi, see if it has any of its stuff left from its event. Good, cheap entry stuff.
You will need lights unless you work between 8.00 and 16:00 during Winter and visibility can be poor. If urban, just pick up some pound shop, be seen lights, to start off with or again Aldi or check out online, you can pick up a decent city battery operated set for under a tenner.
Helmet's up to you. I personally do.
Above all, enjoy. I started off doing the odd 5 mile round trip, then started commuting 26 miles a day and now think a 30 mile ride at the weekend is popping out!

Yeah I was told Aldi have there bike event on this week so will be popping by at the weekend for some padded shorts gloves and the basic tools.

Light wise as I have mentioned I live in the countryside so I will probably invest in a decent front light that is more than just to be seen and one that allows me to see where I am going. Rechargable versions intrested me more as I can plug it into my pc at work and know I have a full charge for going home and then vice versa.

I have no idea what tyres the bike has currently, picking it up Saturday so will have a better idea of what needs looking at first. I have been told it has a new chain and is ready to ride which is a bonus. From looking at the pictures it has had replacement no oe tyres fitted so fingers crossed.

Thanks for the helpful post. This is the first forum I have been on where people seem to welcome newcomers with open arms as opposed to looking down at them. That's the reason why I wanted to take up cycling as a "hobby" (well noted ref sport my mistake)☺

Here's to catching the bug and becoming hooked.

 

[Stevec047]

Don't go to a spinning class! I tried it once and hated it. Why would I want to suffer all the negative aspects of cycling:

- Sweat, pain and a nasty squidgy sweaty saddle?

- While being shouted at by some muppet who plays loud, crap music at me?

- When I could be out in the fresh air, enjoying the scenery, loving the feel of the bike and the thrill of the ride, stopping when I want and gassing with my cycling buddy?

Here here. I dobt do being bossed around and your right fresh air and seeing new and exciting places sounds so much more plesent. Anyway if I want to increase my fitness I will just chuck it in a higher gear and find a decent hill to ride up a few times

 

[HelsBells Cambs]

Bridge and darts are a sport. Cycling isn't!

With winter around the corner maybe try a spin class at your local gym/sports centre. There are people on here (me) who love it, and people on here who detest it... one things for sure, by spring you'll be a lot fitter with a tough pair of lungs, legs and an arse of steel!

Erm, I've a complaint.....my arse of steel hasn't arrived!!!!

 

[HelsBells Cambs]

Welcome to the forum! I'm still a fairly newbie and everyone on here is great.
Best pointers I can give:
1. Work to your own goals not anyone elses
2. A decent LBS (local bike shop) won't rip you off and will provide lots of info
3. I've recently taken a basic maintenance course and it's made me much more confident about my bike.
4. Windproof is the way to go for clothing.
5. Enjoy :-)

 

[Dave 123]

Erm, I've a complaint.....my arse of steel hasn't arrived!!!!

That was person specific....
And now I will shut up.