New to cycling

magicmushroom

Hi all

So I've tried various ways to keep fit over the years - swimming, yoga, running - none of it has really grabbed me though and I get bored.

Was recently in Westport and we hired bikes to do the Greenway - my first time on a bike in years but it was amazing!
So I've decided to see if I'd enjoy it as a hobby - I've found a second hand bike online (no point spending big bucks yet in case it ends up in the shed), I can always upgrade later if I want to.

My first thoughts were to join the local cycling club but I'm a bit embarrassed to as I'm quite unfit and would struggle to keep up, especially if there were hills...so I'll try and go out a bit by myself first until I gain confidence.

I want to plan a route locally, what kind of distance in KM would a new cyclist be looking at? Like, 5k would have been the kind of distance I'd plan for a walk or job but cycling that would only take minutes I'd imagine!

Any tips for a complete (and unfit) newbie?

07Lapierre

Only you know what you are capable of, so my suggestion is find a route staring and finishing at your house which is about 20k. Then see how many laps you can do. by doing this, your never far from home in the event of a mechanical problem. select a route that's fairly flat to start with. Once you gain in confidence and fitness extend your route. Bring a bottle of water, money and a mobile phone.

Some clubs run beginner spins, why not try those?

Shameful plug for our spins! ....

http://swordscc.com/beginner-and-intermediate-spins/

magicmushroom

07Lapierre wrote: »

Only you know what you are capable of, so my suggestion is find a route staring and finishing at your house which is about 20k. Then see how many laps you can do. by doing this, your never far from home in the event of a mechanical problem. select a route that's fairly flat to start with. Once you gain in confidence and fitness extend your route. Bring a bottle of water, money and a mobile phone.

Some clubs run beginner spins, why not try those?

Shameful plug for our spins! ....

http://swordscc.com/beginner-and-intermediate-spins/

Thanks, the beginner spins are a great idea, I must check one out locally (you're a bit far away I'm afraid!)

Silly question I imagine but when you have to bring a pump etc - erm, do I wear a backpack or something??

brocbrocach

Don't try to push a hard gear - if you feel like you're pushing with your knees just drop down a gear or two.
Spinning with an easier gear might lose you a small bit of speed but in the long run its better for your cycling. Also helps more with fitness.

07Lapierre

magicmushroom wrote: »

Thanks, the beginner spins are a great idea, I must check one out locally (you're a bit far away I'm afraid!)

Silly question I imagine but when you have to bring a pump etc - erm, do I wear a backpack or something??

No backpack..just a small pump: (and a spare tube)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/s?q=pocket+pump

jon1981

What type of bike did you get OP? Road bike or hybrid?

TychoCaine

magicmushroom wrote: »

I want to plan a route locally, what kind of distance in KM would a new cyclist be looking at? Like, 5k would have been the kind of distance I'd plan for a walk or job but cycling that would only take minutes I'd imagine!

The rule of thumb is cycling at a modest pace takes 1/4 the energy that running does over a given distance, so if you're used to jogging 5km, then start with a 20km ride and build up from there.

magicmushroom

jon1981 wrote: »

What type of bike did you get OP? Road bike or hybrid?

It's just a very basic, run of the mill road bike.
I was going to go down to Halfords or similar and spend some money but I'm worried it could end up in the shed!

So I've bought a cheap one to start me, just to see how I go and then I can upgrade later - might like into the Bike to Work scheme.

Really looking forward to getting out tomorrow, I'm going to plan a 20k route tonight and go out in the morning - hope this poxy weather clears up for me!

Kevincavan83

magicmushroom wrote: »

It's just a very basic, run of the mill road bike.
I was going to go down to Halfords or similar and spend some money but I'm worried it could end up in the shed!

So I've bought a cheap one to start me, just to see how I go and then I can upgrade later - might like into the Bike to Work scheme.

Hey OP

If you've bought just a cheap n cheerful bike chances are its gonna weigh half a ton compared to the likes of a road bike.
Even the width of tyres and type of tyre are all going to have a effect on your efficiency and ability to go further distances. So if your looking at getting a new one be sure to get the right bike for you and your goals
Get out and enjoy the bike

T.w.a.T.

I start in similar way, fairly new to biking myself, just bought a bike week ago. I start with small local spins 15km, in a day or two start doing 26km, and now I'm trying to increase the distance to 35km, still need a lot of work, but I'm getting there.

Maid try the local cycling club in Swords.

magicmushroom

Kevincavan83 wrote: »

Hey OP

If you've bought just a cheap n cheerful bike chances are its gonna weigh half a ton compared to the likes of a road bike.
Even the width of tyres and type of tyre are all going to have a effect on your efficiency and ability to go further distances. So if your looking at getting a new one be sure to get the right bike for you and your goals
Get out and enjoy the bike

Oh that's a good point, I never really thought about weight of the bike!
Sure I'll see how I go and can upgrade when I need to.
Thanks for the advice, seems obvious but it never crossed my mind!

Qualitymark

There are some nice-looking routes in Fingal and Meath in Hugh Halpin's Leisure Cycling Near Dublin http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0717140059?keywords=leisure%20cycling%20around%20dublin&qid=1442218432&ref_=sr_1_fkmr1_1&sr=8-1-fkmr1

It's particularly nice to ride with (uncompetitive) others because you can chat, and you stop for a drum-up - a cup of tea and a sandwich - somewhere scenic or beside a river…

magicmushroom

Qualitymark wrote: »

There are some nice-looking routes in Fingal and Meath in Hugh Halpin's Leisure Cycling Near Dublin http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0717140059?keywords=leisure%20cycling%20around%20dublin&qid=1442218432&ref_=sr_1_fkmr1_1&sr=8-1-fkmr1

It's particularly nice to ride with (uncompetitive) others because you can chat, and you stop for a drum-up - a cup of tea and a sandwich - somewhere scenic or beside a river…

Thanks Qualitymark, I'll take a look.
That's exactly what I want to do, just go for nice leisurely cycles with other people - I probably should have started at the beginning of the summer but oh well, it's better late than never!