Well did it my first commute

[Pikeman]

Rode to and from work yesterday for the very first time yesterday. To be honest it was pretty hard work but that's due to my lack of fitness!! It's only 5.5 miles each way. What I noticed was that early on hills no problem but due to lack of fitness my stamina soon depleted!!
Legs ache a bit but ok. Doing it again today
Saddle is really not comfortable

Let's hope my fitness improves soon !!

Should I do it every day to start with or do 2 days then ave a rest day?

 

[Reece]

Nice one for getting out there and doing it. The first is always the hardest imo.

You will get fitter if you keep at it. You. Oils take a rest day but you could also use the weekend for rest if you don't plan on riding the.

 

[craven2354]

Are you using padded shorts?

 

[Pikeman]

No not using padded shorts, foolishly thought a £500 bike would have a saddle you can use!! How long before it feels easier lol?

 

[craven2354]

I highly recommend padded shorts just wear them under some shorts never gets easier just get used to it

 

[craven2354]

Ooo and what bike are you what using?

 

[Reece]

I'd second the padded shorts. I have bib shorts. If you don't want everyone to see just wear then under other clothes.

 

[G2EWS]

Well done for starting, best thing I ever done.

My first few days I just took it really easy on the grounds that I did not want to look a fool resting by the side of the road!

Padded shorts are a must and a friend told me recently that when you are new to it, two pairs is a good idea!

The 'seat' pain eases off and gets better if you set the bike up properly.

Regards

Chris

 

[vickster]

Stock saddles are pretty poor however much you spend and no one saddle suits all backsides. Yours may just need toughening up or get the padded shorts, no shame in it (just don't go for red)!

 

[trampyjoe]

Well done for starting. The tough part is carrying on, especially with a painful backside (which does get better).
My commute is just under 5 miles and the first couple of months I was doing it (only had to do it two days a week) were blooming hard. Took the summer off from commuting (student life!) and cycling but then near to the end of the summer fixed my bike up and got back into it. Did my first commute of this academic year last week and it was the easiest thing I've done. This week I'm going to be extending my route a few miles (and probably adding more each week).

 

[SquareDaff]

Well done with the commute. Would avoid doing it daily to start off with. Start at twice a week, then build up to 3 times, 4 and so on when you feel comfortable. If you've just started go and get some cheap padded shorts from wither SportsWorld or Lidl/Aldi. They'll make a huge difference and are relatively cheap. You can upgrade to more expensive stuff later.

 

[Spasspecker]

Nice one on the commute. When I first started way back in June the first week or so was hard work but all I can say is stick with it and before you know it you will be taking the long route to work just to spend a bit more time in the saddle.

+1 on all the padded shorts comments though, they really do help.

 

[helston90]

Good effort on starting- give it a few weeks and you'll wonder why you've not done it before.
Padded shorts def help you get used to it- combined with time in the saddle you'll be fine. Aldi have a cycle event starting tomorow (27th) if they have got any in (think it's mainly winter stuff but should have something to help ya!)

 

[hoski]

I used to suffer chafing and a sore behind after rides over 4 miles wearing normal clothes. I bought padded shorts which helped a lot but I've now found that I can ride without the padded shorts for around 10 miles without suffering. I'm not entirely sure the relevance of that.

A note of caution with padded shorts - I have some super cheap ones that don't quite fit properly. I get some seriously painful chafing from wearing them, I replaced with the cheapest dhb ones from wiggle and now I have a pain free backside.

I guess my point is - a) you'll get more used to it over time and b) padded shorts definitely help if they fit

 

[Minotier]

Well done.