Complete and absolute beginner!

brianrcarney

Hi I am an absolute beginner when it comes to cycling, i am just wondering where do i start!! I wanna get fit and enjoy cycling so its a natural progression that i would marry the two! So do i put the mtb in the car and head the mountains pull it out and just start cycling or do i go around flat roads and stuff first!? I havent a clue so any help at all is much appreciated

Or if there is already a thread started for the novice cyclist and you can point me in the right direction that be great!

Any help is would be great

Thanks
Brian

biomed32

for me it was just a case of hittin the roads and increasing the speed and kilometers every week. i suggest a bike computer that records speed and distance as you can keep track of your improvements etc

brianrcarney

thanks biomed, good thinking - just googling now and looking around for one to get!

GearoidP

Hi Brian,

As you're based in Wexford & Dublin, I'd definitely start by buying the OSI "Holiday Series" Map of Ireland East http://www.osi.ie/en/starticle/holiday-series.aspx

They cost around 8 euros. The scale is detailed enough that every single cyclable road in Leinster is on it. I live in North Dublin and use it all the time to pick out nice quiet back roads (marked in yellow on the map) to cycle in North Co. Dublin. Just beyond Dublin Airport (from St Margarets) there are plent of nice flat(ish) routes out to Garristown, Ballyboughal etc.

Other than that, cycling around Phoenix park is not a bad place to start!

Gearoid.

brianrcarney

Thanks GearoidP!! Great idea!! Will definitely be getting that map!!

adamshred

First of all buy a track pump ( a cheap one will do) just to make sure your tyres are well pumped up as tyres with low pressure will feel sluggish and will discourage you from cycling ( or maybe its just me) and just try to cycle as much as is physically possible! Throw some earphones in your ears (on a low volume of course) get your favourite songs playing and just hit the road.

You may find it hard to stay motivated during the winter season with the short days, but trust me once you get out on the road and get going you'll enjoy it.

As you continue to cycle all around you will find that longer distances will become less and less daunting.

Make sure to keep cool while cycling, as you will find it harder to cycle if you are overheated by clothes which are too warm. Moisture wicking clothes and spandex type tops are good for keeping cool but not freezing.

It may take some time to become comfortable with cycling, but give it a chance. Make sure your saddle is adjusted to the proper height, as a saddle which is too low will affect your knees and also dramatically decrease your efficiency. A comfortable saddle is also surprisingly motivating because an uncomfortable saddle can be completely awful on long journeys. I bought myself a brooks saddle and I no longer dread long distance cycles because i know my saddle is comfortable.

Anyway hope some of this stuff helps its just my own opinion. Others may have better solutions which suit you better!

biomed32

brianrcarney wrote: »

thanks biomed, good thinking - just googling now and looking around for one to get!

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=26193

i use this cycle computer got it in stagg cycles in lucan for 25 euro fitted and all. and yes i realise you can get it on crc much cheaper but i have neither pay pal or a credit card, im all but a poor student:D

GearoidP

Hi Brian,

With the winter approaching, you might want to buy a really decent front "power light" for your bike. It means you can go cycling safely and enjoyably in the fast approaching winter months!

I've just started a thread on it
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055712950

Gearoid.