Some dumb questions after my first bike ride

[voodoochilli]

OK, yesterday I went out on my brand new Triban 3 and loved it. It was everything I hoped it would be, and instead of cycling down the road and back somehow I cycled off for 6 miles. Despite feeling a little sore, I think I'm going to head out again today, but there are a couple of questions I have, that are probably rather dumb to those in the know.

1. I didn't get on with the clip pedals at all, every time I stopped (mostly to adjust the seat) I struggled to put my feet back in and almost came off the bike twice. I'm going to remove them today. Am I missing something about these clips? With them on it's like all of the power has to come from the very front of my toes, it's not about pushing down any more, but forwards? On my last bike the clips were big adjustable metal things that you could get your whole feet into, not just your toes. (By the way, not interested in clipless pedals just yet)

2. As others have said, the seat isn't great on the Triban. I need something cheap and soft, any recommendations? (my definition of cheap is less than 30 quid)

3. Someone said I should get some spare inner tubes. These wheels are size 700s whatever that means (what does this mean!? Is it the capacity or something?). Can someone point out a link so I can buy some for my bike as I think there may be different types and sizes that are "700" whatever that means.

4. Need some bicycle clips. People use these, right?

 

[Mo1959]

1. Most on here like clipless pedals but I am one of the minority that prefers flat or platform pedals. Whatever you want to call them. You can get them with little pins that give a good grip with a pair of rubber soled shoes. DMR V8 or V12 for example just to give you something to look at.
2. Most cyclists starting out automatically think that softer saddles will be better but they actually start to cause more problems the longer you ride. The squishy bits end up causing pressure whereas a hard saddle may feel more uncomfortable initially but actually gives better support the longer you ride so it may be worth persevering till you harden up.
3. I can't see the size of tyres on Decathlon's site but I am presuming they will be either 700x23 or 700x25. If you look for spare tubes that covers that range. They usually come with a size range that will fit, for example 700x 20 to 28.
4. I dare say some people still use clips but you will be much comfier and more streamlined with tighter fitting, padded tights or padded shorts under something like Tracksters.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

1) Yes, those ''get you home from the shop'' toeclip things do keep you pedalling on your toes rather than the ball of the foot. I haven't tried them but some people use powergrips - they might suit you.
2) Probably best to try persevering with the saddle for a while to see how you settle in.
3) 700x23c is the size you need. Most tubes will have a range for the second measurement so as long as 23 is within that range, you'll be fine. 700 is the tyre diameter.
4) Tights, bicycle clips, trousers rolled up or tucked into socks - whatever keeps the cloth off the sharp greasy bits! Watch out for loose shoelaces too - they can get caught.

 

[snorri]

Make sure the new tube you buy has the same type of valve as your original tube. Presta or Schrader

 

[simmi]

Not sure if these pedals are of interest to you, they are flat on one side and are clipless on the other.
My lad is just starting out road cycling so is using the flat side for now and when he feels more confident will try the clipless side.
They also give you the option of just using the flat side when only nipping out for a short ride, say to the shops or something.

 

[vickster]

I have some metal trouser clips like these http://www.pedal-pedal.co.uk/push-reflective-trouser-clips.html which I never use, happy to post them next week if you'd like them

I use double sided pedals on my road bike - they are never the right way round when I set off which is pretty frustrating when trying to get going in traffic - if you intend to go clipless soon, then they are ok, but if not, I'd just get standard flat pedals

 

[voodoochilli]

I have some metal trouser clips like these http://www.pedal-pedal.co.uk/push-reflective-trouser-clips.html which I never use, happy to post them next week if you'd like them

I use double sided pedals on my road bike - they are never the right way round when I set off which is pretty frustrating when trying to get going in traffic - if you intend to go clipless soon, then they are ok, but if not, I'd just get standard flat pedals

That would be awesome! Thanks!

 

[LarryDuff]

I changed my saddle for a Charge Spoon - good value and a lot more comfortable.

 

[vickster]

That would be awesome! Thanks!

PM me your address, I'll stick em in an envelope

 

[Cubist]

Treat your perineum to a pair of padded shorts or undershorts before you change saddles. Decathlon kit is good value entry level stuff.

 

[voodoochilli]

Treat your perineum to a pair of padded shorts or undershorts before you change saddles. Decathlon kit is good value entry level stuff.

I've been given a £6 voucher to use with Decathlon, but I can't actually see any padded shorts on the website to buy

 

[cyberknight]

I've been given a £6 voucher to use with Decathlon, but I can't actually see any padded shorts on the website to buy

You can get their basic shorts for £7 and they are ok for "shorter" rides but the 5 rated stuff is brilliant value for money and i have done sportives and long club runs in them and still been comfy.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/cycle-shorts-3-red-id_8165882.html
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/cycling-shorts-5-flat-id_8165635.html

 

[voodoochilli]

Thanks, I'll check the out.

 

[sheffgirl]

I used to wear tracksuit bottoms for cycling and I always meant to get some bicycle clips, but I never did. I resorted to using a hair elastic around my right ankle, and on one occasion a tie wrap I 'borrowed' from from work A few months ago I got some cycling tights, so that negates the need for the clips. I had considered buying some of the fluorescent reflective snap around strips I saw in Halfords for the purpose though, which I figured would also be good for visibility in the dark too.

 

[stu9000]

I went out in my Lycra form the first time today. Thought I might feel a but of a twat, but I just slipped thru then wind like a slippery and quire comfortable eel. Of course, my 3 kids and wife just laughed till they were nearly sick.