Any advise/tips for a beginner?

GT_TDI_150

Guys,

I've my bike (Scott Speedster S55) on order ready to go once the cyclescheme vouchers get issued through work(end of this month).

I used to cycle everywhere when I lived in Belgium but that has been 15years ago.

I'm hoping to do 20-25km 3times a week to start off.

I've ordered a Helmet, Foot Pump, Hand Pump, Saddle Bag, Repair Kit, Spare Tube, Bottle Holder, Bottle, LEDs, Speedo,...

I'm looking for any little tips or wisdom people might be willing to part with.

Thanks

Idleater

I'd recommend starting off simply and working up to more difficult. i.e. don't bite off more than you can chew in an attempt to get better quickly.

I don't know whether you want advice on how to train, how to change your diet to get more from cycling, how to achieve a goal...

Too many variables, but there is a lot of information for all questions here.

GT_TDI_150

Idleater wrote: »

I'd recommend starting off simply and working up to more difficult. i.e. don't bite off more than you can chew in an attempt to get better quickly.

I don't know whether you want advice on how to train, how to change your diet to get more from cycling, how to achieve a goal...

Too many variables, but there is a lot of information for all questions here.

I'm already loosing weight, lost 30lbs, probabyl need to loose another 20/25. I want to 'get fit', I was running but ankle took a pounding:(,

I'd like to take part in some of the (charity) 100k, 200k cycles in the future.

but I suppose my main aim for now is to get to a level where I can comfortable do 50-60k(distance from our house to either of our home places) 1/2/3times a week

Idleater

Fair play so far! Keep cycling regularly and increase effort in one area each time. E.g. faster over same distance, longer distance, more difficult route etc.
As soon as you can I'd recommend joining a local club as the spins will be more controlled and regular I guess.

ashleey

Everyone seems to miss this one:

Enjoy it.

tassajara

Set a couple of goals for yourself, even some small goals like getting up a climb in under a certain time. It definitely helps with building up the fitness. I cycle the same route into work everyday and the small goal of getting up a hill quicker each day has helped with my fitness so much.

If something starts hurting, don't ignore it. My knees will never forgive me for ignoring pain in them when I was 17 and had just taken up mountain biking.

Enjoy it, there is no better feeling than the buzz from being on the bike.

GT_TDI_150

tassajara wrote: »

If something starts hurting, don't ignore it.

Learned that the hard way with my ankle:rolleyes:

happytramp

Hmmmmm, If I could go back in time to when I first got my bike I would certainly buy something like this.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_522915_langId_-1_categoryId_212639

It's amazing how much you end up spending on tools/bits and pieces to maintain/upgrade your bike. Over time I've probably spent four times as much as this on individual tools. Even though I'd never intended doing any mechanical stuff myself, I found it's actually not that hard with the massive amount of instructional videos on youtube and info on web forums.