Starting off, have a few questions

fishtastico

I've had a road bike for a few years now, mainly using it to commute into town and sometimes from there to Leopardstown, but that's about it. I'm interested in getting more involved in cycling, but I've got a few questions.

(I've read the FAQ, but I'm sorry if these have been posted a million times already)

First, what sort of routes around Dublin would be best to start off with for someone who's pretty casual with cycling? How long should I expect a decent outing to take?

If I'm going to be doing long treks, I'm assuming the trackie bottoms aren't going to cut it, so should I invest in lycra for the trips, or is there an intermediate?

Finally, I don't notice many road cycling enthusiasts with backpacks. Should I avoid wearing one?

I'd appreciate any feedback. Looking for a good way to up the fitness and I really enjoy cycling.

feck sake lads

no idea on dublin routes but basicall get out of it onto quiet country roads,
yeah you need good quality cycling gear bib shorts are best good padding arm and leg warmers good cycling jersey and jacket sun glasses keeps all the c..p out of your eyes.good shoes padded gloves.
avoid backpacks .
don't be shy to ask questions thats what this place is for honest.
enjoy your cycling and be careful.

fishtastico

On the subject, I probably (definitely) need to get my bike serviced. I haven't had it checked once in the 5 years that I've had it. Anyone know if Bolton Cycles is decent, and what it's likely to cost after that long? I'd imagine there'll be plenty in need of replacing...

dave_o_brien

fishtastico wrote: »

I've had a road bike for a few years now, mainly using it to commute into town and sometimes from there to Leopardstown, but that's about it. I'm interested in getting more involved in cycling, but I've got a few questions.

(I've read the FAQ, but I'm sorry if these have been posted a million times already)

First, what sort of routes around Dublin would be best to start off with for someone who's pretty casual with cycling? How long should I expect a decent outing to take?

If I'm going to be doing long treks, I'm assuming the trackie bottoms aren't going to cut it, so should I invest in lycra for the trips, or is there an intermediate?

Finally, I don't notice many road cycling enthusiasts with backpacks. Should I avoid wearing one?

I'd appreciate any feedback. Looking for a good way to up the fitness and I really enjoy cycling.

Where are you based? Basically, north Co. Dublin has decent routes (Howth, Skerries, even the airport), and south Co. Dublin/Wicklow has great routes (mountains, generally). A decent spin will take you out of the city, often out of the county too.

To start off with, Howth Hill on the north side, and from Dundrum to Kilternan to Enniskerry on the south side would be routes that are enjoyable, and manageable.

Lycra shorts would be best. Bib-shorts worn commando are what most people (myself included) swear by for distance spins. For those of a modest disposition, mountain bike shorts have a baggy outer. Any flat-stitched pair of shorts over padded shorts will help (take note of the flat-stitched part; sitting on a seam for too long will cause a lot of pain!).

A backpack? What for? Backpacks make your back sweaty and uncomfortable. Most cycling jerseys have pockets, put stuff in there. Also bags that attach to various parts of your bike (saddle, top tube, front triangle, handlebars) are available, they don't cause extra sweating either.

More than anything, enjoy yourself! Distance cycling can be one of the most sociable of fitness pursuits, so get a few mates to join you, or join a club and find newer, better friends with the same interest!

fishtastico

Thanks! I'm living in Drumcondra at the moment, so I'll give Howth a go to start off, I think. I think I'll do a bit of solo cycling to gauge my ability before I involve other people though.

Where's the best place to buy the shorts/jersey for a beginner (a poor beginner)?

dave_o_brien

fishtastico wrote: »

On the subject, I probably (definitely) need to get my bike serviced. I haven't had it checked once in the 5 years that I've had it. Anyone know if Bolton Cycles is decent, and what it's likely to cost after that long? I'd imagine there'll be plenty in need of replacing...

The guy who runs the place seems sound; he offered a mate a tube when he had punctured on a Sunday and the shop was closed. I don't know what the place is like for services though.

For shorts and jerseys and the like, try Cycle Superstore, Wheelworx, Build-a-Bike or Cycleways, or online retailers like Chain Reaction Cycles and Wiggle.

Don't worry about involving other people, in fact the sooner you go out with others, the better your bike handling will be.

fishtastico

dave_o_brien wrote: »

The guy who runs the place seems sound; he offered a mate a tube when he had punctured on a Sunday and the shop was closed. I don't know what the place is like for services though.

For shorts and jerseys and the like, try Cycle Superstore, Wheelworx, Build-a-Bike or Cycleways, or online retailers like Chain Reaction Cycles and Wiggle.

Don't worry about involving other people, in fact the sooner you go out with others, the better your bike handling will be.

Cheers, I'll be bringing the bike down for a service tomorrow so. Any recommendations for groups that I could get involved in? Don't have many friends that even own a bike.

dave_o_brien

There are tonnes of clubs around Dublin, if you use the search forum tool, you'll find various threads about where they're based, what their focus is, what peoples impression of them are. Also use this forum to keep up to date with the sportives that happen frequently (basically big challenge rides, like the marathon for non-competitive cyclists). Cycling Irelands website will list all of them, and have contact information for all the clubs nationally.

fishtastico

Right, I've joined cycling Ireland. Now to decide whether to try to join the local club or the college one...

colm_gti

fishtastico wrote: »

Right, I've joined cycling Ireland. Now to decide whether to try to join the local club or the college one...

Where are you in college?

fishtastico

colm_gti wrote: »

Where are you in college?

TCD. But as a postgrad, so without the optimism or summer holidays

dave_o_brien

Trinity CC seem to be pretty active, and they seem to be decent lads. The ones I know mostly seem to race with other clubs as well as Trinity.

fishtastico

dave_o_brien wrote: »

Trinity CC seem to be pretty active, and they seem to be decent lads. The ones I know mostly seem to race with other clubs as well as Trinity.

Thanks, I'll give them a shout

colm_gti

fishtastico wrote: »

TCD. But as a postgrad, so without the optimism or summer holidays

Similar story here, but that's going a wee bit OT

Where are you living? Would give a better idea as to what clubs are local to you...

fishtastico

colm_gti wrote: »

Similar story here, but that's going a wee bit OT

Where are you living? Would give a better idea as to what clubs are local to you...

Hah, I'm living out in Drumcondra at the moment

nomdeboardie

fishtastico wrote: »

TCD. But as a postgrad, so without the optimism or summer holidays

:pac: