Total clueless beginner

[Tots88]

I really want to take up cycling. The only thing is I don't know where to start.

I need to get a bike and all the gear but don't know what I need.

What is a good bike to start with? I don't want to get something cheap and crap that I will want to change within a week but don't want to spend a bomb.

What gear do I need?

Where is a good reputable place to get stuff from that is reasonably priced? Online shop or a proper shop is fine.

As you can tell I don't have a clue. It's something I have been thinking about taking up for a while but have been daunted by what I should get and put it off. So I thought a forum would be the best place to start.

 

[RWright]

A lot depends on where you will be riding. On road? Off road? a little of both? No matter what you start with, if you enjoy it and get into it, you will probably want what you don't have. A lot of people start with a hybrid that will work on the road and some light off road. You will probably want to start with a bike, a few tools, some inner tubes, a saddle bag of some sort, a floor pump, a mini pump or CO2 inflator and padded shorts.

If you enjoy riding, all the above is the tip of the iceberg.

 

[welsh dragon]

Welcome to the forum. . I can't help you regarding what bike, but someone will be along soon who can help you. Before much more knowledgeable people arrive, you should have some answers ready. What do you want to use the bike for. Where will you be riding it. What road or path conditions will you be riding it on, how far will you be riding. What experience do you have. How long has it been since you last rode a bike, do you have any idea of what kind of bike you would like and lastly, what is your budget. Good luck

 

[Tots88]

I want to get a road bike. Will probably ride long distances. I haven't rode a bike since my bmx when I was a kid. My brother has a road bike which I'm gonna use to start with as he has barely used it. Gonna go out and buy stuff tomorrow so need to know what I need.

When I eventually get a bike I was gonna budget about £300 - £400

 

[Supersuperleeds]

If you tell us where you are, people may be able to recommend a local bike shop, also your budget will help

 

[Tots88]

And I'm in norwich

 

[Tots88]

@toeknee cheers for the message. Unfortunately I am quite tall at 6'3" but thanks anyway

 

[raleighnut]

 

[vickster]

Welcome

£300-400 is entry level for a new roadbike, You'll get a bit more second hand although with the popularity of riding, there are fewer second hand bargains as there's more competition to buy

Cycle to work scheme if you have one can help you get a more expensive bike for the same outlay. Otherwise, stretching the budget and using interest free credit

If £300-400 really is the limit, look at Decathlon's triban offerings, plenty of owners on here can advise on sizing etc

In terms of 'stuff', at this point...

Helmet if you have decided to wear one, that's up to you - buy in a shop, try on, get the one that fits best - £30-70 realistically (can of course spend more)
Mitts - will aid comfort on the bike and protect your hands if you are unlucky enough to have an off - £10-30
Padded lycra shorts (can wear under something baggier if you prefer) - Probably £30-70 for a good pair (I'd avoid Muddyfox from Sportsdirect like the plague), any decent bike shop will have something reasonable (altura, endura decent starter brands or DHB from Wiggle online)
Glasses - something to keep the bugs and sun out of your eyes
Bottle cage and bottle - you'll want liquids at all times in the summer
Some sort of wicking cycling jersey / sports top - cycling jersey better shape for being on a bike and pockets for stuff
Saddle bag for kit
Tools - inner tubes, tyre levers, multi-tool
Frame mounted pump for on the bike and a decent track pump for home

Lights - if riding in low light

Those are probably the immediate needs

What pedals does your brother's bike have?

Happy shopping

 

[biggs682]

@Tots88 i agree re @vickster comments re 2nd hand and i can offer you this

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/for-sale-large-sized-charge-juicer.159396/

got loads more pics , if interested pm me

 

[nappadang]

Welcome

£300-400 is entry level for a new roadbike, You'll get a bit more second hand although with the popularity of riding, there are fewer second hand bargains as there's more competition to buy

Cycle to work scheme if you have one can help you get a more expensive bike for the same outlay. Otherwise, stretching the budget and using interest free credit

If £300-400 really is the limit, look at Decathlon's triban offerings, plenty of owners on here can advise on sizing etc

In terms of 'stuff', at this point...

Helmet if you have decided to wear one, that's up to you - buy in a shop, try on, get the one that fits best - £30-70 realistically (can of course spend more)
Mitts - will aid comfort on the bike and protect your hands if you are unlucky enough to have an off - £10-30
Padded lycra shorts (can wear under something baggier if you prefer) - Probably £30-70 for a good pair (I'd avoid Muddyfox from Sportsdirect like the plague), any decent bike shop will have something reasonable (altura, endura decent starter brands or DHB from Wiggle online)
Glasses - something to keep the bugs and sun out of your eyes
Bottle cage and bottle - you'll want liquids at all times in the summer
Some sort of wicking cycling jersey / sports top - cycling jersey better shape for being on a bike and pockets for stuff
Saddle bag for kit
Tools - inner tubes, tyre levers, multi-tool
Frame mounted pump for on the bike and a decent track pump for home

Lights - if riding in low light

Those are probably the immediate needs

What pedals does your brother's bike have?

Happy shopping

This ^^ is about as good a reply as you're likely to get, IMHO.

 

[donnyjnk]

you can spend spend spend as my wife keeps saying but chill it down abit. start with spare tubes a pump bottle cage. you can ride in trainers shorts and a tshirt but once the mileage goes up your arse will start to get a bit tender. welcome to cycling

 

[sreten]

Hi,

New I'd be looking at one of the Triban offerings, they get great reviews.

FWIW I'd never ride a road bike without a helmet, and the cheapest ones
are just as effective as the more expensive. More expensive may be a little
lighter and more comfortable, but they all perform basically to the CPSC
(US) standard at the budget end, and FWIW the higher end european
helmets can be build lighter and thinner to a less stringent euro standard.

rgds, sreten.

I get along fine with one of these :
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3335772.htm
It has a click wheel for perfect fit, and at half price a no brainer.
I'll repeat, its as safe as the huge majority of other helmets.
(If its the right size range, and adjusted to fit correctly).

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@sreten I got a similar one from Aldi last year but with a mesh cover on the front and a rear light ( you can never have enough lights)