Newbie, millions of questions :D

[Jim_Noir]

Hi folks

Sorry if these questions have been asked loads before, I did search honest

Ok. Not been on a bike since a kid, but have decided to start going to work by bike. It's a 7 mile trip, all pretty flat. Now I don't want to spend loads, yet, on a bike as I don't want to then scrap the idea a month down the road. A work mate has one of these on sale http://www.nationalcycles.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=39013 for £50... are these ok bikes?

Gears, last bike I was on was fixed gears... any tips on how to get used to these? if it matters I am quite fit (run 10k a day and do Mauy Thai)

Clothing: I can't get shorts to fit, I have a 26" wasit. The sport shop said to get womans or kids! Is there anywhere that do mens small sizes?

 

[saty]

Hi Jim,

I would say that bike is fine while you make up your mind if you want to take it on full time. I first got a cheap mountain bike for my 1st commute, cost me £140, i ended up using it for 2 years, still got it in the garage I recently got a hybrid at a cost of £300 and it runs like a dream..

Good luck mate

 

[alecstilleyedye]

should be a nice comfy ride. some slick tyres will make it a bit more sprightly on the roads, and make the bike easier to ride too.

 

[jay clock]

It will be fine for 2-3 mths (assuming it runs ok) but I would not recommend knobbly tyres and suspension for commuting over the longer term

14 miles a day will test you at first in terms of bum on saddle etc, so do not be put off. Try and rig up a rear rack so you avoid a sweaty and cumbersome backpack. Pump the tyres up to the max shown on the side

With regards the gears, simply use the smallest front chain ring on steep uphills, the middle chain ring most of the time (gentle inclines and on the flat) and the biggest one going downhills. Avoid having the chain going from small front to small back, and large front to large back as that causes lots of wear. Change gear often so that the pedal cadence is fast (about 80-100rpm). You should be spinning rather than grinding.

Re clothes, are you anywhere near a Decathlon?

Best of luck and keep us posted!

 

[MacB]

With regards the gears, simply use the smallest front chain ring on steep uphills, the middle chain ring most of the time (gentle inclines and on the flat) and the biggest one going downhills. Avoid having the chain going from small front to small back, and large front to large back as that causes lots of wear. Change gear often so that the pedal cadence is fast (about 80-100rpm). You should be spinning rather than grinding.

alternatively you can forget the big chain ring and coast going downhill to give yourself a breather. It will have the added benefit of being easier to stop/slow down when required

 

[Arch]

Hi!

Gears. Find one about the middle that suits you - middle ring at the front, middle ish at the back, but might be higher or lower depending on your strength - you want to spin your legs round smootely, rather than heave on the pedals. Stay in that one mostly, change down for up hill or into the wind, or up for downhill/tailwind. In ordinary terrain, you'll probably use 3 or 4 gears most of the time. On the middle ring, you might find you only ever need to change the rear gears most of the time. If you do need to go down further, I tend to go down to 2nd and middle, then 2nd and little ring, leaving me the very bottom one in reserve, but everyone has their own prefernce and the best way to find it is to go out and play.

As those are derailleurs, you need to be pedalling while you change (that sounds basic, but if you haven't used them before... And I've seen plenty of people change gear when stationary, and then graunch off with the chain and sprockets weeping in pain)

Try and remember to change down as you approach a stop, like traffic lights or a give way, so that you aren't pulling away in a high gear - bad for the knees. I know that my pulling away gear is ideally one below my normal riding gear. You'll find what suits you.

Look and think ahead, especially up hills. Change down in good time and keep your legs spinning, rather than ride to the limit of each gear, and then be applying too much pressure when you change down.

Apologies if any of this is too basic, BTW.

 

[Tynan]

get the seat to the right height, so your leg is stright with your heel on the centre of the pedal, it might feel high up at first but it makes a massive difference to your comfort and efficancy, move the seat forwards/backwards so your knee is over the front of the pedal when it's at it's most forward point, as said, pump the tyres up as hard as you;re allowed to.

those things make the biggest difference to riding quicker and easier

assuming the wheels rotate freely

and stick with it for the first few weeks and it'll get so much better

 

[Randochap]

That's only three questions.

 

[Jim_Noir]

Hi folks

Thanks for the advice.

Anything I should look out for when I test ride it? If I get it, my first trip to work will be Friday morn (about 630) nd I'm ooo looking foward to it.

Jay Clcok, no Decathlon in Sotland... shame as their stuff is a good price.. I suppose I could just wear my winter running tights on the bike... shoes, what shoes are the best to get as I assume my running shoes will me a nightmare on the peddels!

 

[HLaB]

In the long run I don't think the bike will be great but in the short term picking it up at a reasonable price it'll do the job and the main thing enjoy.

For quite a good price LIDL are doing cycling shoes on Thursday, you'll probably want to leave the cover on the soles at the moment but later you could consider clipless but even without you'll benefit from the slightly stiffer sole and the strap to keep the laces out of the chain.

 

[Cking]

If you are going "all weather" I have two words for you. Mud guards, the best fourteen quid I've spent on the bike.
I'll also agree with the rack and pannier advice and recomend Aldi cycling gear.

Rgds Cking

 

[HelenD123]

For quite a good price LIDL are doing cycling shoes on Thursday, you'll probably want to leave the cover on the soles at the moment but later you could consider clipless but even without you'll benefit from the slightly stiffer sole and the strap to keep the laces out of the chain.

I have these, but actually find my walking shoes grip better. The Lidl shoes don't grip that well if you're not using them clipped in.

 

[jay clock]

I would second the Lidl shoes, but the sale starts at 8am Thurs and they go fast. They are virtually identical to my Specialized Taho touring shoes and a third of the price