Newbie Question

mrwhimwham

Hi all, got a new bike there Saturday which I could only call a hybrid cross between a mountain bike and a racer.

I was just wondering what is a good distance to start off cycling? As in enough that I'm getting a good workout but not so far as to find myself stranded somehwere!

I'd be reasonably fit and do a 5 mile run every second day, but when it comes to cycling I wouldn't know what is a good distance to start off!

Thanks in advance

Praetorian Saighdiuir

I see some variables here. If you cycle for speed, then starting out, maybe cycle as fast as you can for 3 miles and return.

Or distance, maybe cycle for an hour at a steady pace then turn around and return.

See how you feel after both of these, then you could gauge it all yourself.

Although, i am a noob so listening to me might not be a good idea.

Bandara

I'm relatively new to the bike also but am well used to the running, I've found that for me roughly multiplying your run distance by four or five helps me get my bike equivalent.

So a decent pace 20km-25km cycle for me is the same workout as a decent pace 5km run

A bit odd I know but it works for me !

mrwhimwham

I was going for distance more so than speed, but that's actually a good idea!

Never thought of just multiplying my run distance...might just start with a 10k cycle and see how I get on.

Hopefully it's not as monotonous as running around pitch/track!

woodseb

mrwhimwham wrote: »

I was going for distance more so than speed, but that's actually a good idea!

Never thought of just multiplying my run distance...might just start with a 10k cycle and see how I get on.

Hopefully it's not as monotonous as running around pitch/track!

starting off with the type of bike you have you'd maybe look to average 20-25km/h - 10k will only take you half and hour so maybe look to do a 20k route which should be no problem if you can run 5k

rp

its not the distance you should worry about if you are new to cycling, its your ass: work up to the distance over a couple of weeks, would be my advice.

thesimpsons

definitely get your backside in shape first then build up the miles. rather than cycle for an hour and turn round and come back, log onto mapmyride or similiar site and plan out a 10km route for yourself, see how that feels. once you comfortable plan some longer routes with bit of an escape loop in case you feeling tired. build it up slowly I found works best.

mrwhimwham

Thanks for all the responses.

Did a 10k cycle there today. The cycling part was no problem, but I can see myself taking a while to getting used to the pain in the backside from the saddle.

Far more enjoyable than running IMO.