New to the sport.

[mjr]

.... a helmet as I don't fancy scrambling my brain anymore than it is already.

Sounds like it already is, if you think a helmet's much protection against scrambling aka concussion. See https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-cyclechat-helmet-debate-thread.187059/ https://www.facebook.com/no.helmet.law

 

[Dogtrousers]

@Stevec047 I did warn you about not mentioning headgear! Don't say I didn't.

Keywords to avoid, for a quiet life: Race, helmet, sportive, sport, underpants, gel, hi-vis. Avoid these and you'll be fine.

For example, do not say things like: "I was going to a sportive race, I had a one spare gel in my helmet and one in my hi-vis underpants. I do enjoy this sport.".

 

[jonny jeez]

Hi after many years away from the saddle and becoming a self confessed couch potato I have taken the plunge and purchased a second hand Carrear road bike from eBay which I hope will get me into cycling more than just to the local shop and back.

I will be honest I have a basic knowledge and understanding of bikes but I have so much to learn. The idea is to start off slow then start to commute the 10 miles to work each day with rides out at the weekend but I haven't really got a clue about best practices, general maintenence and the right equipment needed and have found that the local bikes shops are all about the sale and not so much about the sport.

That's partly the reason I joined this forum. I live just outside Chelmsford essex so if anyone is willing to let a newbie tag along for a ride and teach me the ropes I would greatly appreciate any advise.

Steve

Nice one, welcome.

take it easy and work up to that commute and before you know it you'll be talking of your first Century and trying to work oput how to afford all the extra bikes!!. Good to have you on board.

Plenty of riders out your way I'm sure a few will be along soon.

Oh and cycling *is* a sport...if you choose to treat it as one. I do but just as often use it as a way to poodle about and smell the roses.

 

[slowmotion]

Welcome. My only advice would be to take it gently to begin with. You don't want to start out associating being on the bike with a whole heap of suffering. You won't continue if you do. Just bimble about and enjoy the scenery or ride to a pub. If you get to enjoy yourself, you'll do it more......

....and more.....and then you really are on the way.

 

[Gravity Aided]

 

[Fab Foodie]

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?

^^^^ This really. Spinning is not cycling.

 

[Tin Pot]

Yeah, it's really terrible being in a room full of women at a spin class.

Not.

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

Yeah, it's really terrible being in a room full of women at a spin class.

Not.

I like to position myself directly opposite an attractive female, so we can share those intimate moments of bonding as we look up at the same time and stare knowingly into each others eyes in recognition of the pain we're both enduring!

 

[Stevec047]

I think I will pass on the spinning classes no body needs to see 18 stone guy sweating like it's going out of fashion.

 

[Stevec047]

@Stevec047 I did warn you about not mentioning headgear! Don't say I didn't.

Keywords to avoid, for a quiet life: Race, helmet, sportive, sport, underpants, gel, hi-vis. Avoid these and you'll be fine.

For example, do not say things like: "I was going to a sportive race, I had a one spare gel in my helmet and one in my hi-vis underpants. I do enjoy this sport.".

Whoops I well and truly dropped a clanger here then. apologies to anyone who took offence I am still learning.

 

[jonny jeez]

Whoops I well and truly dropped a clanger here then. apologies to anyone who took offence I am still learning.

Ignore all that, say whatever you want, we are just winding you up.

Oh... except the "P" word, never mention the "P" word...not on here, not in conversation and especially not when you are riding in the back woods, 50 miles from anywhere without a spare tube, or repair kit.

J

 

[Stevec047]

Welcome. My only advice would be to take it gently to begin with. You don't want to start out associating being on the bike with a whole heap of suffering. You won't continue if you do. Just bimble about and enjoy the scenery or ride to a pub. If you get to enjoy yourself, you'll do it more......

....and more.....and then you really are on the way.

Thanks.

Well here is a little update. Drove to Coventry today to pick my bike up that I won through eBay. Was a little worried that it wasn't as per the description as have been caught out before but was pleasantly surprised that it was as the description.

Having got it back home after purchasing a few essentials such as lights and some gloves (yes I forgot padded shorts) I unloaded said bike from the boot of the car and set about giving it the once over.

Best thing was the guy I bought from is the same height as me so no adjustment needed to the saddle and the bars were perfectly angled for my slightly larger frame.

So off I go just a short ride out of the village and loop back round around 5 or 6 miles not 100% sure as haven't got a bracket for the phone yet.

First impressions well I think I am hooked didn't over do it but sat here typing this I can definitely feel that I have done some excersise.

There are a few little things that need some attention on the bike such as the mismatched front brake pads??? The brake cable to the front is frayed and the brackets have alot of movement in them? Is this normal or should I grab an allen key a tighten them up a little?

Ran all through the gears and changes are smooth and spot on no need to hit the shifter again to change.

My only slight concern is the rear wheel looks as if it has a crack running through it? It seems to run pretty true and doesnt catch the brakes so I will keep an eye on it and check it over tommorrow in better light.

Cleaned it all down as it was a little grubby and used some chain lube I was given through a company we have supplied some merchandise for.

Oh and the one thing on the top of my list to purchase is padded shorts my current atire of standard shorts just won't cut it for anything more than a short commute the suffering has already kicked in. I thought I would ris it just to test the bike out.

 

[jonny jeez]

Thanks.

Well here is a little update. Drove to Coventry today to pick my bike up that I won through eBay. Was a little worried that it wasn't as per the description as have been caught out before but was pleasantly surprised that it was as the description.

Having got it back home after purchasing a few essentials such as lights and some gloves (yes I forgot padded shorts) I unloaded said bike from the boot of the car and set about giving it the once over.

Best thing was the guy I bought from is the same height as me so no adjustment needed to the saddle and the bars were perfectly angled for my slightly larger frame.

So off I go just a short ride out of the village and loop back round around 5 or 6 miles not 100% sure as haven't got a bracket for the phone yet.

First impressions well I think I am hooked didn't over do it but sat here typing this I can definitely feel that I have done some excersise.

There are a few little things that need some attention on the bike such as the mismatched front brake pads??? The brake cable to the front is frayed and the brackets have alot of movement in them? Is this normal or should I grab an allen key a tighten them up a little?

Ran all through the gears and changes are smooth and spot on no need to hit the shifter again to change.

My only slight concern is the rear wheel looks as if it has a crack running through it? It seems to run pretty true and doesnt catch the brakes so I will keep an eye on it and check it over tommorrow in better light.

Cleaned it all down as it was a little grubby and used some chain lube I was given through a company we have supplied some merchandise for.

Oh and the one thing on the top of my list to purchase is padded shorts my current atire of standard shorts just won't cut it for anything more than a short commute the suffering has already kicked in. I thought I would ris it just to test the bike out.

Can you post a picture of the "crack" on the rim and we can help, it should have a Seam or joint in it so this could just be that

also play on the brake callipers sounds like they just need tightening. As they close, do they close "Evenly" or does one side come over more than the other?, when yu then release the brake lever, do they open up evenly on either side, or does one pad kind of stay where it is?
J

 

[Stevec047]

Can you post a picture of the "crack" on the rim and we can help, it should have a Seam or joint in it so this could just be that

also play on the brake callipers sounds like they just need tightening. As they close, do they close "Evenly" or does one side come over more than the other?, when yu then release the brake lever, do they open up evenly on either side, or does one pad kind of stay where it is?
J

I will get a picture uploaded tommorrow. You may be right about the seam the only thing that makes me thing it has a crack is there is a little bit of damage to the rim whether it is down to transporting the wheels off the bike or a hit against a kerb I am not sure.

Silly question but as a 18 stone guy what sort of weight do these wheels take on normal country roads before they fail ignoring hitting potholes kerbs etc I just want to set my mind at rest?

 

[jonny jeez]

I will get a picture uploaded tommorrow. You may be right about the seam the only thing that makes me thing it has a crack is there is a little bit of damage to the rim whether it is down to transporting the wheels off the bike or a hit against a kerb I am not sure.

Silly question but as a 18 stone guy what sort of weight do these wheels take on normal country roads before they fail ignoring hitting potholes kerbs etc I just want to set my mind at rest?

Its not a silly question, trust me. There are recommended limits that manufacturers publish. Most bikes like yours are pretty robust, so I wouldn't worry too much. However, if your wheels complain...start to rattle or click as you ride then you may want to consider either having a decent rebuild of the wheels with better spokes designed to take a higher tension,(I think that's what my local bike shop told me) or replace them in time for something recommended to take more weight

My weight goes up and down between 15-17 stone myself and at my heaviest I never had a catastrophic wheel failure. I did get a crack on a rim and then a creak so decided to swap them out for a tougher rim (mqvic open pro). I've since gone to a deep rim carbon wheelset...but that is just for vanity, although I did choose a set that took heavier riders.