Some noob questions

Khannie

So since the train bridge collapsed I've cycled into work twice (a 32K trip each way). I'd never really covered any distance on a bike before but I'm really enjoying it so far. I borrowed my brother in laws road bike which is a pretty decent piece of kit, certainly the best bike I've ever been on by a stretch.

Anyway, some questions:

1) My left index finger is going numb from holding the grips where the brakes are. Is that normal enough? Kinda freaking me out a bit
2) Are aerobars, aerobars? I found some on ebay for 30 euro odd and I'm considering getting them. I'm not concerned with the weight.
3) Should I bother with aerobars? Mostly I think I'd be using them from Skerries as far as Collins avenue
4) What would you wear when it's peeing rain?
5) Are cycling shorts a must?

07Lapierre

Fingers going numb? No not normal, most likely due to the fact that you've borrowed a bike which is set up for someone else.Do you wear cycling gloves?

Aerobars? Wouldn't recommend them for commuting. Only use them for time trials.

Cycling shorts are an "investment". Get your self a good pair. Get your first pair from your Local bike shop (Richies in Swords). I don't like ordering cloths off the internet. Like to "try before i buy".:cool:

crashoveroid

Khannie wrote: »

So since the train bridge collapsed I've cycled into work twice (Skerries -> St. James' Gate, a 32K trip each way). I'd never really covered any distance on a bike before but I'm really enjoying it so far. I borrowed my brother in laws road bike which is a pretty decent piece of kit, certainly the best bike I've ever been on by a stretch.

Anyway, some questions:

1) My left index finger is going numb from holding the grips where the brakes are. Is that normal enough? Kinda freaking me out a bit
This normally happens when you putting pressure on a nerve just check your set up.

2) Are aerobars, aerobars? I found some on ebay for 30 euro odd and I'm considering getting them. I'm not concerned with the weight.
only if you want to ask yourself do you really need them
3) Should I bother with aerobars? Mostly I think I'd be using them from Skerries as far as Collins avenue
Thats up to you i would say no
4) What would you wear when it's peeing rain?
make sure you have a rain cape and you can get mudguards if you want but i don't bother getting wet does not bother me just make sure your wrapped up.
5) Are cycling shorts a must?

For me they are i dont like having sore Nuts and once you start using them you will find they are a good investment.

midonogh

I am in much the same position. Commuting from Skerries to Harcourt St once or twice a week.

I would not get aero bars as I do not like to be too far away from the brakes while commuting in traffic. I would strongly recommend getting proper cycling clothing and would recomend bib shorts.

My concern is what to do when the mornings and evenings start getting dark. I am leaving at 7.10am and getting home for about 7-7.30pm. I have invested in some good lights and a hump backpack cover but am more than a little worried about a regular commute in the dark. Both being seen and seeing the potholes in the road.

PS. Mental note - do not buy shorts from Ritches incase 07lapierre has been in them before.

Beasty

midonogh wrote: »

I am in much the same position. Commuting from Skerries to Harcourt St once or twice a week.

My concern is what to do when the mornings and evenings start getting dark. I am leaving at 7.10am and getting home for about 7-7.30pm. I have invested in some good lights and a hump backpack cover but am more than a little worried about a regular commute in the dark. Both being seen and seeing the potholes in the road.

I commute from just outside Skerries 2-3 times a week, and did so all last winter. So long as you have good lights (something that can be seen from a distance behind and in particular some that illuminate the potholes in front of you:)) it is fine - I never had any problems. I'm already using the lights in the morning, and needed them on Monday evening when I was late home.

There are not many large vehicles on the road between Skerries and Lusk because of the bridge at Skerries, and this is where most of the unlit road is. It is fully lit from Blakes Cross, and there is intermittent street lighting before then - the roads are wide enough for vehicles to pass safely (and there is not much coming against the commuting traffic)

07Lapierre

midonogh wrote: »

I am in much the same position. Commuting from Skerries to Harcourt St once or twice a week.

I would not get aero bars as I do not like to be too far away from the brakes while commuting in traffic. I would strongly recommend getting proper cycling clothing and would recomend bib shorts.

My concern is what to do when the mornings and evenings start getting dark. I am leaving at 7.10am and getting home for about 7-7.30pm. I have invested in some good lights and a hump backpack cover but am more than a little worried about a regular commute in the dark. Both being seen and seeing the potholes in the road.

PS. Mental note - do not buy shorts from Ritches incase 07lapierre has been in them before.

Don't worry guys..I've yet to try on a pair of shorts and not buy them!

I too would be concerned about commuting along this road in the winter. I find traffic intolerant during the day, never mind at night!..If you do decide to commute during the winter, my advise would be to "invest" in a good set of lights and a hi-visibility vest. Ride "Defensively" and always assume that nobody can see you. Also Aerobars would certainly be a bad idea if cycling in the dark. In fact, lets face it, you'll never use them (constantly reaching for the brakes,stopping at traffic lights etc), so all your doing is adding more weight to your bike.

Nova_era

Aerobars can be pretty decent if you're going straight for ages on one of those awfully boring big roads, and I doubt the issue of extra weight is something on the minds of a commuter cyclist. They are however an extra cost, and one which definetly is'nt essential.

Blowfish

Khannie wrote: »

So since the train bridge collapsed I've cycled into work twice (Skerries -> St. James' Gate, a 32K trip each way). I'd never really covered any distance on a bike before but I'm really enjoying it so far. I borrowed my brother in laws road bike which is a pretty decent piece of kit, certainly the best bike I've ever been on by a stretch.

Anyway, some questions:

1) My left index finger is going numb from holding the grips where the brakes are. Is that normal enough? Kinda freaking me out a bit

That can happen from gripping too tightly. If you wear gloves, you'll have more grip, hence wont need to grab as tightly. Have a read of the article here (not terribly 'shiny' site, but the content is spot on - well worth reading most if not all of it).

2) Are aerobars, aerobars? I found some on ebay for 30 euro odd and I'm considering getting them. I'm not concerned with the weight.
3) Should I bother with aerobars? Mostly I think I'd be using them from Skerries as far as Collins avenue

I wouldn't bother. You've far less manoeuvrability when using aerobars. If you want speed, stick to the drop bars as you'll still have manoeuvrability and access to your brakes.

4) What would you wear when it's peeing rain?

Get yourself some waterproof overshoes as shoes/runners will hold water, but other than that, just get wet and bring a spare set of clothes with you

5) Are cycling shorts a must?

Depends. I've done trips of 100k without cycling shorts, but that was on a mtb. It's doable certainly, but your backside will thank you if you get proper shorts.

Khannie

Thanks for all the replies. I'm not wearing gloves so I might get some of them. Will invest in the shorts as the only ill effects I'm feeling are around the nether regions. (though I didn't sleep great last night, I think that was partly down to the long cycle and partly down to running a calorie deficit at the moment).

I'll give the aerobars a miss for now. There are a few stretches I think they'd be useful on (swords road, old airport road as far as santry, etc.) but I wouldn't be arsed using them once I'd hit Collins avenue.