Show us your.......newbie progress! [4 Sep 2012 - 4 Oct 2014]

[ceejayh]

Thanks, I'm thinking long term investment as the touring shoes will still be used in the wet on the hybrid.

Fair point.

I had to buy everything from scratch because I've only just got into road biking so I set myself budgets for everything I needed but I wanted to spend a little more on those items which make contact with the bike. So for me, £75 on shoes was a little treat to myself, and I love them. Same with the mitts I bought, I was going to get some cheapo ones but decided to spend a little more and got some decent Specialized ones.

I fear I am getting the cycling bug though, so God help my bank balance in the future .

 

[ceejayh]

Theres some beautiful weather to ride in, during the Autumn/Winter, yes its cold, but its not always miserable, and not always cold. I did 42 miles on Sunday evening, in the wind and some rain, thoroughly enjoyed it though. I haven't been out much this week due to an eye infection, I got 25 miles done on Tuesday evening, again a good chunk in the dark (though more street lights I think, than Sunday).

As a season, Autumn is probably favourite, mainly because I like saying the word 'autumnal' .

I love seeing the changing colours in the trees and getting out in the countryside, whether it's walking with Mrs ceejayh or on my bike.

I'm feeling all autumnal now.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@ceejayh doomed
@Mo1959 the thing is Mo you dont have to go out in the rain, but its good knowing if it is bad you can do it, and that takes time and experience to find out it isn't as bad as you at first think it is, BUT you do need to have the right gear to some degree, you have to be warm, dry helps but it isn't so important, besides you only really get soaked when it is really pouring, well thats what I have found, legs get wet, but the last few rides in the rain (one quite heavy for a short time) my upper body was dry and warm, feet remained dry with overshoes, (though I have been soaked wearing the same overshoes, in a really prolong rain fall). Being visible is so important, if in heavy traffic a Hi-Viz Gillit or shirt/Jacket, not so busy a good reflective jacket/shirt. LIGHTS cant stress this enough I see so many idiots with no lights dark clothing, no wonder car drivers have a right to moan about cyclists (good and bad in both camps).
Once riding and working you should create enough body heat to stay warm, hands and feet need better protection however, even is a little wet if you working hard enough you will stay warm. Commuting is a different ball game, i dont have much experiance with it, but multiple base layers will keep you warm, last winter most of the time I had a thermal vest two ski base layers and a longsleeved cycling shirt, and I was warm enough, even down to -1 or 2 ( I tend to bail if it much colder than that due to ice, though it has been know for me to be out).

 

[Nigelnaturist]

As a season, Autumn is probably favourite, mainly because I like saying the word 'autumnal' .

I love seeing the changing colours in the trees and getting out in the countryside, whether it's walking with Mrs ceejayh or on my bike.

I'm feeling all autumnal now.

Wait till your in your autumn years you may feel a little different.

 

[Nomadski]

Went out yesterday, 1st ride since last wednesday, and done 28 miles. For the first time I didn't enjoy a single minute of it. Not sure if I'm just a fair weather cyclist or not!!!
I was frozen when i got home, the wind was a nightmare.
Sods law dictates though that today, when I can't get out, is a beautiful day.

I'll perhaps perservere for a week or 2 but any more rides like that and I'll jack it in til the spring I think

I think for cold weather its even more important than summer in getting the right gear to wear. Being frozen on the bike is never going to make it enjoyable, its all about wearing the right kit so once you've ridden a couple of miles your body temperature reaches a nice comfy level.

Personally I would recommend as a great starting point two things, a really good quality base layer and a buff. My base layer is this one - http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q...eck_long_sleeve_base_layer___one_size___white. Really top notch quality, keeps body heat in, keeps the sweat and rain away from your skin. 1st step to feeling toasty.

A buff (if you didn't already know) is a magic piece of cloth which does umpteen things, can wear it round your neck, as a full face balaclava, a bandana, over just your chin and ears....you can wear it all year round too as it keeps sweat away from you in summer, and keeps your head warm during winter. Step 2 to feeling toasty.

Beyond that its the usual assortment of long sleeves and legs, right gloves (full fingered when its HOW COLD?!?) and if its slightly damp some sealskinz socks always help. In fact thermal cycling socks are pretty much the 3rd step to feeling toasty.

Keep your feet and head warm, get a good quality base layer for your chest, some gloves for the fingers, and it really shouldn't matter what the weather throws at you. Once you have ridden a couple of miles, you may even feel like shedding some kit!

Don't give up, you will be missing out on some sunny winter rides.

 

[Stonechat]

I think for cold weather its even more important than summer in getting the right gear to wear. Being frozen on the bike is never going to make it enjoyable, its all about wearing the right kit so once you've ridden a couple of miles your body temperature reaches a nice comfy level.

Personally I would recommend as a great starting point two things, a really good quality base layer and a buff. My base layer is this one - http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q...eck_long_sleeve_base_layer___one_size___white. Really top notch quality, keeps body heat in, keeps the sweat and rain away from your skin. 1st step to feeling toasty.

A buff (if you didn't already know) is a magic piece of cloth which does umpteen things, can wear it round your neck, as a full face balaclava, a bandana, over just your chin and ears....you can wear it all year round too as it keeps sweat away from you in summer, and keeps your head warm during winter. Step 2 to feeling toasty.

Beyond that its the usual assortment of long sleeves and legs, right gloves (full fingered when its HOW COLD?!?) and if its slightly damp some sealskinz socks always help. In fact thermal cycling socks are pretty much the 3rd step to feeling toasty.

Keep your feet and head warm, get a good quality base layer for your chest, some gloves for the fingers, and it really shouldn't matter what the weather throws at you. Once you have ridden a couple of miles, you may even feel like shedding some kit!

Don't give up, you will be missing out on some sunny winter rides.

That's helpful, never know what to wear
My not riding is now mostly due to family circs (Dad in Hosp)
Keep trying to make a small window

Spent some time this morning on the phone trying to sort some things out
Maybe tomorrow?

(Edit my base layer is the Aldi Merino one)

 

[Goonerobes]

Great words of wisdom as always @Nomadski, I thought I was kitted up for winter but I've never heard of a buff? Will need to start saving again!

Todays little 38 mile sortie to test the new shoes was most enjoyable in the autumn sunshine & the stiffer soles certainly made for a different feel to the ride & I somehow felt more attached to the bike if that makes sense?

One question however is should I raise my seat as I am effectively about 1cm taller in these shoes than I was with the recessed cleats so any advise would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.strava.com/activities/89602004

 

[Nomadski]

Great words of wisdom as always @Nomadski, I thought I was kitted up for winter but I've never heard of a buff? Will need to start saving again!

Todays little 38 mile sortie to test the new shoes was most enjoyable in the autumn sunshine & the stiffer soles certainly made for a different feel to the ride & I somehow felt more attached to the bike if that makes sense?

One question however is should I raise my seat as I am effectively about 1cm taller in these shoes than I was with the recessed cleats so any advise would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.strava.com/activities/89602004

Oh you dont need to save, they only cost around £10.

The magical and all seeing all powerful buff (aka a cyclists greatest friend)


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewVEK-AElDY

 

[Goonerobes]

Oh you dont need to save, they only cost around £10.

The magical and all seeing all powerful buff (aka a cyclists greatest friend)


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewVEK-AElDY

Nice one thanks, now then what should I get a buff or a polar buff , decisions decisions.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Nothing to say, just wanted to see if my sig had updated

 

[Nomadski]

Well as @themosquitoking suggested today was going to have "good weather" I went out with him and his mate Mike on a merry jaunt to Box Hill. Of course it was absolutely lashing down with rain thru great portions of the ride, which means Ill be turning my bike upside down to empty the bottom bracket of water tomorrow! We did get good spells of sunny weather too so not all bad, had a few tea breaks along the way which probably suited my knee, and went for a PB attempt up Box Hill, which I managed to get, beating my previous time by a minute and 20 odd seconds, so well happy.

Post Box Hill tea celebrations also consisted of me and @themosquitoking laughing at Mike's bike as it seemed to have invented a new shape for a wheel...

Hurricane Wherethehelldidyoucomefrom hit us on the way back and midway the wheelbutnotreallyawheel gave in and we heard a nice BANG! as Mikes tyre completely blew apart. So a quick half mile walk to the local garage for Mike to be rescued ensued before we carried on to the journeys end (with another cuppa for good measure at @themosquitoking's).

Got a few new PB's along the way, and also tried out my C02 inflator for the first time since I got it nearly a year ago (it was awesome!)

Best of all pushed the knee quite a bit and it felt fine so onwards and upwards.

http://app.strava.com/activities/89613079

Oh, and happy birthday to @themosquitoking

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Nothing to say, just wanted to see if my sig had updated

Yea well done.

 

[morrisman]

Fab night for riding, really warm for the time of year and bright moonlight. Did the 16 mile round trip to morris dance practice on the bike 16 miles with 800ft of climb finishing at midnight - not bad considering I had my button accordion in my pannier

 

[Mo1959]

Glad I got a quick spin this morning as tomorrow looks horrendous
Central, Tayside and Fife
Forecast Summary

• Saturday
  Wet and windy for much of the day with prolonged spells of rain, occasionally heavy especially across Tayside and Fife with surface water and spray. Cold in the strong winds.

Still wasn't feeling brilliant but glad I got out even although it was only 19 miles.

 

[stevey]

Well my shoes arrived this morning http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-xc30-spd-mountain-bike-shoes/ coupled with these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-m520-pedals/

So attached my cleats and after having at least 20 min indoor clipping in/out braved outside......
All went ok had them on the loosest setting so wasn't to bad done a few stop/starts, very pleased will brave the open road later...

Shoes are very comfortable took note on sizing up from normal shoe size, Glad i did.