Taking up cycling again!

Mr Benevolent

Well, it's been 14 years since my last ride to school on a crappy heavy mountain bike. I'm now 32 and obese, not a good combination. I've started doing some upper body strength exercises recently and would like to back this up with some moderate cardio, and cycling is the lowest impact useful exercise I can think of, i.e, I can cycle to the shops as well as burn calories. My eventual aim is to be able to cycle to work (an 11 mile round trip), but that's a while off.

Anyway, I'm buying a secondhand Carrera Crossfire today and am wondering what I'd need to bring it up to spec, i.e, a comfy saddle, lights, helmet etc? What brands would you all recommend? Should I buy gloves etc (I won't be wearing cycling clothes). In summary, any general tips on getting back up to speed, techniques, tools etc would be very welcome.

07Lapierre

Padded cycling bib shorts (Santini are good).....youll need them. Everything else is optional. Just get out on your bike as often as you can.

awec

+1 for the padded shorts.

I'm guessing you say you won't be wearing cycling gear because you think that it's all the skin tight stuff? In which case, I'd say get a pair of the mountain bike style padded shorts which actually just look like a normal pair of shorts with an inner padded area (sort of like the netting in swimming shorts).

Get a helmet too. Lights are not optional if you plan on cycling at night. Gloves are optional but they help a lot I find. Lights, gloves and helmets are all cheap.

kincsem

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com

You will spend hours browsing for stuff and spending money. Sorry about that.

Mr Benevolent

awec wrote: »

+1 for the padded shorts.

I'm guessing you say you won't be wearing cycling gear because you think that it's all the skin tight stuff? In which case, I'd say get a pair of the mountain bike style padded shorts which actually just look like a normal pair of shorts with an inner padded area (sort of like the netting in swimming shorts).

Get a helmet too. Lights are not optional if you plan on cycling at night. Gloves are optional but they help a lot I find. Lights, gloves and helmets are all cheap.

Helmet, lights and gloves are on the list. I've looked at shorts just now, but very few say that they're padded. Any recommendations?

awec

Confab wrote: »

Helmet, lights and gloves are on the list. I've looked at shorts just now, but very few say that they're padded. Any recommendations?

Call into your local bike shop and try the stuff on to ensure you get the correct fit.

You can also ask them about the padded mtb shorts.

Jawgap

Don't worry about speed - that will come.

Set yourself some goals and try to increase the distance each time you cycle.

Spin, don't grind - in other words pick an easy gear and spin your legs rather than a high gear and grind. Spinning a high cadence feels a bit weird at first, but it's easier on your knees and better for cardio fitness.

Apart from a helmet you really don't much else - padded shorts and gloves will make things more comfy which will encourage you to go out more. A decent waterproof jacket is generally a good investment. Worry about lights at the end of August.

Maybe get a cheap bike computer just so you can see how far you cycle.

Consider picking a charity or organised leisure cycle to do at some point in the next few months - then pay to enter it - it'll give you something in the medium term to aim for.

Good luck!

dave_o_brien

Shorts, lights and getting the bike fit. After that, you'll begin to realise why you need literally everything else. Enjoy!

t'bear

If you have a smartphone there are a number of apps which can track you, create a log of your activity and help you determine your improvements. I use Endomondo as I have a Windows phone, but Strava app seems to be the preferred one for cyclists as it allows you to track segments.

Also, gloves are important, my comfort increased considerably. Ensure the bike is fitted correctly otherwise your will end up in pain or not enjoy the cycle. Once you get all the things setup, then you can focus on getting the legs and lungs fit!

Most of all enjoy it, I am getting to the point of missing my time on the bike after a few days absence.

smacl

Having pushed the bike home one too many times in the past, I'd always carry a mini-pump, spare tube, and some patches. Wouldn't go changing saddles until you find the one you're on a pain in the ass. This shouldn't really happen until you're going out for more than an hour at a time. Given the weather of late, a bottle cage and bottle are a cheap but handy upgrade, and a bag of jelly babies for a last ditch energy boost if you've gone too far.

Bigus

Helmet is no 1 priority, you prob never used one in the past, and padded shorts, you can wear them under trousers too so as to avoid the "look"

endacl

I suspect the 11 mile round trip may not be as far away as you suspect. Enjoy.

endacl

Bigus wrote: »

Helmet is no 1 priority, you prob never used one in the past, and padded shorts, you can wear them under trousers too so as to avoid the "look"

Helmet under trousers?!? Now, that would certainly be a radical 'look'....

t'bear

endacl wrote: »

I suspect the 11 mile round trip may not be as far away as you suspect. Enjoy.

+1. You will surprise yourself

Mr Benevolent

Thanks for the advice so far. Got the bike yesterday evening, and for a secondhand bike it certainly looks brand new. Tyres were a bit soft but even with that handicap it's a revelation to ride compared to what I remember. I may well bring it in for a service, but overall it's a brilliant machine. Next step is a helmet, shorts, gloves and comprehensive insurance.

Helmet is no 1 priority, you prob never used one in the past

I always used one. Saved me injury on at least one occasion.

Jawgap

See about borrowing a track pump and get the tyres up to the correct pressure (and keep them there) - it's not only easier to cycle, it'll save you getting punctures.

Bigus

Confab wrote: »

Thanks for the advice so far. Got the bike yesterday evening, and for a secondhand bike it certainly looks brand new. Tyres were a bit soft but even with that handicap it's a revelation to ride compared to what I remember. I may well bring it in for a service, but overall it's a brilliant machine. Next step is a helmet, shorts, gloves and comprehensive insurance.



I always used one. Saved me injury on at least one occasion.

What'll they do at a service that you can't do yourself ?adjust the brakes and clean the chain and oil a few bits ? Or am I missing something :eek:

Bigus

endacl wrote: »

Helmet under trousers?!? Now, that would certainly be a radical 'look'....

It goes well with the ring of black pudding. Strategically placed of course

petethedrummer

A BIG LOCK if you're cycling to the shop. Not a wire one, or handcuffs or the daft looking thing with angles.

One like this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19330

endacl

Bigus wrote: »

endacl wrote: »

Helmet under trousers?!? Now, that would certainly be a radical 'look'....

It goes well with the ring of black pudding. Strategically placed of course

Of course. That pudding would not give the appropriate impression if inadvertently stuffed down the back of lycra shorts...

Mr Benevolent

petethedrummer wrote: »

A BIG LOCK if you're cycling to the shop. Not a wire one, or handcuffs or the daft looking thing with angles.

One like this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19330

Do people normally remove the front wheel when parked at a shop? Or just leave it as is?

awec

Confab wrote: »

Do people normally remove the front wheel when parked at a shop? Or just leave it as is?

The skewers on my wheels are quick release but they can only be released when the bike is upside down, so if I lock it correctly they aren't getting them off easily.

Lumen

awec wrote: »

The skewers on my wheels are quick release but they can only be released when the bike is upside down

awec

Lumen wrote: »

Yep! They only open when the bike is upside down. If the bike is the right way up you can tug and tug but they'll not budge. Turn it upside down and they open effortlessly.

How they work is beyond me!

endacl

Confab wrote: »

Do people normally remove the front wheel when parked at a shop? Or just leave it as is?

Everything there is to know about locking your steed. Hal Ruzal. Legend....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owhPCeYNQ3Q

cdaly_

Bigus wrote: »

What'll they do at a service that you can't do yourself ?adjust the brakes and clean the chain and oil a few bits ? Or am I missing something :eek:

The right bike mechanic will spot the nasty problem that the OP may have missed when buying the bike and save his ass...

Bigus

endacl wrote: »

Of course. That pudding would not give the appropriate impression if inadvertently stuffed down the back of lycra shorts...

That's why I was careful to say "Strategically placed" but you gave me a laugh. However you'd want to be eating some amount of fibre to give that impression in Lycra .

Anyway op confab set your ambitions higher on how far you can go even in the early stages , but maybe avoid the hills and go for longer distances on flat ground. Psychologically it's better to say I did a good amount of Km's than a great workout over hills. Tackle the hills later. Enjoy and the Alfa might go longer now it's getting a rest !;)

Bigus

Confab wrote: »

Do people normally remove the front wheel when parked at a shop? Or just leave it as is?

Depends on how long you're going to be and where you shop

Mr Benevolent

Bigus wrote: »

Enjoy and the Alfa might go longer now it's getting a rest !;)

The Alfa is no longer in my stable, hence the reason for the bike! The front bike tube blew yesterday when up at 70psi, taking the tyre with it.

Anyone any suggestion on increasing daytime visbility outside the usual highviz vest/lights?

Bigus

I think two new tubes and tyres would be good investment , visibility is less of an issue now than a few years ago because of bike lanes and road markings, just don't go wearing head phones.

Dermot Illogical

Lumen wrote: »

Something like this probably.. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zefal-Lock-Security-Wheel-Skewer/dp/B001CR6PPE

Mycroft H

awec wrote: »

Confab wrote: »

Do people normally remove the front wheel when parked at a shop? Or just leave it as is?

The skewers on my wheels are quick release but they can only be released when the bike is upside down, so if I lock it correctly they aren't getting them off easily.

Are you loosening the QR skewer loose enough so you can get over the tabs at the end of the dropout?

Mr Benevolent

Bigus wrote: »

I think two new tubes and tyres would be good investment , visibility is less of an issue now than a few years ago because of bike lanes and road markings, just don't go wearing head phones.

Yeah, getting two new Conti 700c X 32C's tomorrow, the ones on the bike are 38C's so there might be a bit better performance too. No headphones for me, just want to concentrate on where I'm going.

Anyone know how to lock out the suspension on a 2011 Carrera Crossfire? Felt like I was riding on a flat tyre, not very comfy. Didn't get a manual with it unfortunately.

endacl

Confab wrote: »

The Alfa is no longer in my stable, hence the reason for the bike! The front bike tube blew yesterday when up at 70psi, taking the tyre with it.

Anyone any suggestion on increasing daytime visbility outside the usual highviz vest/lights?

Daytime? Not really. Hi-viz is a debatable safety feature here as well search a few threads.

For night time though, and I'm sure you've noticed it yourself as a driver, side visibility is generally neglected. Reflective stickers and spoke reflectors (not the silly plastic ones that come with the bike) are great in this regard.

If somebody explains how to embed a photo I'll give you a look at 'Disco Bike'....

awec

RT66 wrote: »

Something like this probably.. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zefal-Lock-Security-Wheel-Skewer/dp/B001CR6PPE

That's the exact ones I have.

BX 19 wrote: »

Are you loosening the QR skewer loose enough so you can get over the tabs at the end of the dropout?

Huh? :pac: