Should it be this hard?

[Psychic]

So, first post for me, and some advice sorely needed.

I've recently purchased an 18-speed hybrid bike (this one), and have started cycling. I have a sedentary job, and haven't really exercised much over the years (I'm 44), but wouldn't have really classed myself as really unfit, although am currently a stone overweight (currently 14 stone).

And, whilst I didn't expect to be flying up and down hills from the start, I did expect it to be a little easier than I seem to be facing!

I worked out a 6.5 mile 'round the block' style route (using MapMyRide), picking something reasonable flat, and set out.

On the flat bits, I guess, was reasonably OK, although I'm at a slow cadence (around 60?) in gear 6. Higher gear or cadence and it wears me down fast.

Then I got to the first 'hill'. Now, when I say hill, what I really mean is slope. About a mile at just over 1%! This hurt my legs, mainly the muscles/tendons around the knees. I had to drop to about 3rd, but managed to get to the top, although it wasn't easy. Then second 'hill', not long after, was about 700 yards as 1.5%, and, whilst I did make it to the top, I almost collapsed and had to rest for a few minutes, and my legs/knees were burning. I was down to 1st gear, with a cadence of about 15-20 by the time I hit the top.

I've done this same route five times now, and it is the same every time. Overall, the timer says I'm averaging about 8.5mph over the entire route, although that is with stops and not going too fast down the 'hills' (too scared/wobbly at the moment)

As far as I can tell (from many online posts/guides), the saddle is the right height, handlebars OK, leg position fine when peddling. It would seem though, that my cadence is REALLY low, and I when compare to many 'beginners' posts I've read, I'm feeling almost disabled!

Should even these short, tiny slopes hurt so much?
Should I really be suffering with such a low cadence?

I've read, many times, that it will 'get easier', but I'm concerned that something else might be 'wrong' that is causing my initial limitations.

Anyone have any ideas? Is this "normal"?

 

[ELPTX51]

Did you have the bike professionally fit to you? It makes a huge difference in knees, ankles, hips etc if you do. The angles of your joints (for lack of a better term) could be working against you to cause pain.

 

[PpPete]

Do the wheels spin freely if you lift the bike off the ground?
how about the pedals ?
sounds to me like something is dragging somewhere.

When you talk about gear "numbers" I take it this on the right hand shifter (for the rear derailleur) ?
What about the front (left) one ? Are you stuck on the biggest of the chainrings (cogs by the pedals) ?

 

[Thomk]

Sounds like me 15 months ago. Same age, same weight, pretty much the same experience at first. What I didn't know was that it gets better, but very very slowly. You have to put lots of miles in and go through a fair bit of pain and discomfort over a number of months and probably years. It took you 44 years to get slothful and it will take a year or two to yank yourself out of it. But the rewards are waiting for you. I was knackered after a couple of miles on my first ride and did a 100 mile sportive last Sunday, it just took about 5000 miles in-between to get there.

 

[MattHB]

Sounds like me too a year ago. I'd not ridden for 25 years and my 7 mile route was painfully slow and quite demoralising.

Keep it will come together in the end, and probably faster than youd imagine.

 

[Pauluk]

If everything is running smoothly on the bike and the brakes aren't binding and you think the bike is set up reasonably well then it could be that you are just not used to the exercise yet.

Five times on the same 6.5 mile route isn't that much by way of getting you fitter after no exercise for so long, so you may just need more practice.When you are up to going a bit further the same 6.5 mile route won't be so bad.

By all means check the bike and your fit but I would say stick at it

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I'd suggest dropping down a couple of gears, even on the flat, so that you feel (at first) like you're pedalling just that little bit too fast for comfort. It sounds like you're wearing yourself out grinding and then have no power left for the hills. Time yourself and compare with your present figures. It might help.

 

[Psychic]

No, the bike wasn't professionally fit, although I did read up a fair bit on sizes etc before getting it.
The wheels both spin freely, as do the pedals, so I doubt anything is rubbing.

And for the gear numbers, I actually meant x/18. I'm on the smallest front ring, so I'm on the lowest 6 gears the bike has, and the lowest gear can just get me to the top of a 1.5% 700 metre slope, at what feels like slower than walking pace with the slow cadence.

 

[MrJamie]

After youve checked the bike and the fit, try riding the exact same route in 2 or 3 days and you should notice some slight improvement (depending on weather).

Ive always taken the approach of pushing myself quite hard when trying to get fit, but being very careful not to try and ride through joint pain that doesnt feel good. Try riding 1 gear easier and spinning a little more on the inclines, even if it means going a little slower.

Edit: I meant what deptfordmarmoset said

 

[trampyjoe]

and the lowest gear can just get me to the top of a 1.5% 700 metre slope, at what feels like slower than walking pace with the slow cadence.

Nothing wrong with that. There is a hill slight incline I climb nearly every time out and the first 20ish times I did it I thought I was going to die before getting to the top and that was in the lowest gear.

It does get easier.

 

[ELPTX51]

When I had my bike fit the tech had me ride it set up "close" to where he thought I would need it. He had me ride for 20 minutes or so set up in a trainer and tell him where the noticible aches were. Once i did that he did all kinds of measuring and adjusting and had me do the same trainer ride time. The difference was AMAZING! I was forever sold on the difference a quality bike and a good fitting session makes.
As for the conditioning, that will come in time. Dont get discouraged when you hit plateaus. Ride for the pleasure of riding and the conditioning will happen all on its own!

 

[guitarpete247]

Keep at it, it should get easier. Do as deptfordmarmoset suggests to get your cadence up, it might help. Try not to grind (slow cadence) up hill, this will hurt your knees.

 

[oldfatfool]

16 months ago (age 43 and weighing over 17 stone) I struggled to cycle home from work Approx 1.2 miles at 3% ave. I would have classed myself as fit ( I am a postman).

So to answer you question, for a sedentary person unused to exercise, yes it is normal, yes you will get fitter, yes you will get quicker, yes the pain will get less, yes it will get easier, BUT you do have to stick at it, keep pushing yourself and watch your diet.

Oh if you need any inspiration since starting cycling I have dropped to 13 stone and since climbed Mont Ventoux and the Tourmalet (amongst others).

 

[Bobario]

You sound like a typical beginner Psychic. I'm surprised you never said your arse is aching too.
I'd concentrate on enjoying the rides more than killing yourself trying to get fitter in the fastest time. Spin a lower gear as someone above suggested. The more you get out the easier it gets.

 

[Peteaud]

As others have said, sounds like me.

The "hill" i struggled with is not a hill, now i dont even think about it.

6 months time you will not be bothered by this "hill"