Newbie in agony

[Eviljeem]

Afternoon all,

I finally decided to hand in my season ticket at work and join up to the cycle to work scheme. Got myself a Boardman Road Comp on order and looking forward to the ride.

It's a 20 mile round trip, and whilst I am not as fit as I used to be I am sure I will condition myself back into it. Anyway, last week I took my mates bike out for a spin to make sure I was not going to kill myself, and after the 20miles (hilly London) My palms are rear end were killing me.

The hands stopped hurting 1 day after but the rear was sore for 3 days. I have bought myself some gloves and padded shorts, and got the bike set-up by a friend of mine to the right height for me.

Just wanted to know if anyone here had any hints and tips to stop this from happening.

Cheers.

 

[PaulSB]

You should be fine after a few rides. If you haven't been on a bike for a while things are bound to hurt a bit but having said that make sure your set-up is right. As you complain about hands and backside I wonder if you have. You shouldn't be leaning on or putting pressure on your hands, if you're supporting yourself this way the set-up is wrong. For your backside try to get a set-up which allows you to sit on your "sitting bones". I don't know the correct name but you can feel them in your cheeks! If your weight is on these bones you'll minimise the pressure and soreness.

After that just put in some miles and it will get better! Promise.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I've confessed elsewhere to resorting to bubblewrap on my saddle when I started cycling again

 

[colinr]

3 days sounds pretty bad, I'd guess you had too much weight on your hands. Did you adjust the saddle to suit you? Gloves have definitely helped my hands, but I think they've also toughened up a bit over time too.

 

[Haitch]

If you have options to change your hand position, use them. If the bike has straight bars, fit some bar ends so that you can change you hand position. More expensively, fit drop, clip-on aero or butterfly bars.


Oh and use cycling gloves, if you're not already, so that the padding is in the right place.

 

[Sittingduck]

I screwed up my quads after just 8.5 miles shortly after starting cycling... honked up a hill and didn't stretch after I got home. Couple of days later and I couldn't walk for about 3 days!

Incidently.... where abouts in London?

 

[amnesia]

Firstly congratulations on choosing a great bike... I got the Boardman Road Comp on the C2W scheme this year too, and cannot fault it. Well, apart from the appalling pedals and toe clips (get some clipless on there ).

The saddle is quite hard at first, but put the miles in and you will soon get used to it. I initially changed my route to work due to poor roads causing @rse vibration and sore bits, but I have gotten through that now and don't think any more of it.

Mitts with gel pads between thumb and forefinger will also help ease pressure when on the 'hoods'. It might be worth getting booked in to an LBS (local bike shop) though to check you have saddle position / height etc spot on. Half an inch can make all the difference (or so my wife says !).

Most important thing... think of all the petrol you're saving, and how much fitter you will be in a couple of weeks / months time.

Have fun !!

Daniel.

 

[Eviljeem]

I screwed up my quads after just 8.5 miles shortly after starting cycling... honked up a hill and didn't stretch after I got home. Couple of days later and I couldn't walk for about 3 days!

Incidently.... where abouts in London?

Crystal Palace, and cycling into work at London Bridge.

Looking forward to my new bike being delivered.

 

[Eviljeem]

Well the ride in to work'll be OK, but you've got some fairly daunting hills on the way back - take it steady at first

I tried it a few times already on my old bike. Quick on the way there, and so slow on the way back. Had to walk the last hill.

I hope the better bike helps a little, though mostly I need to get fit.

 

[ianrauk]

Hi Eviljeem and wlecome to the site.
The more you commute the easier it becomes, just takes a little time, work and effort.
You have already got yourself a very hood bike so you are halfway there. Keep it up and you will find your commute becoming more easier and more of a joy.

Watch out for djtheglove from this parish, he's from your neck of the woods and cycles into London everyday.

 

[Sittingduck]

Ahhh, Crystal palace - might have known! That area embarrassed me in a CC ride back in January, forcing me to stop for breath at least twice

 

[Eviljeem]

Thanks, for the advice.

Whilst I am thinking about it, is there any essential kit I need that I have not thought of.

I have:

Lights
Helmet
Bright Jacket
Padded shorts
Gloves
Lock
Puntcure Repair
Pump

Cheers in advance.

 

[Jane Smart]

Hi and welcome along to the forum, you will find it very informative and friendly

I remember just a few weeks ago, when I started cycling, day one was fine, got on my bike on day two and WOW I was in agony, I almost did not go on that ride, but I rode through it, so to speak. It was my bones that were sore. Took a few days to ease off. Now I ride every day, there is no pain at all. Grin and bear it, it will go away.

 

[Eviljeem]

I am getting Shimano PD-A530, so I can switch between clips and normal trainers when I feel like it.

Any good?

 

[ianrauk]

Yes they are very good at what they do. Had a pair myself when I first went clipless
However I can guarantee that once you go clipless you will not want to go back