Brand new, zero experience, beginner

I did do a search for beginner so apologies if I missed something blindingly obvious and happy to be pointed in the right direction.

Today I'm picking up my first ever racer. I've never had one before, even as a teenager. My current bike is a lovely big Trek Allant hybrid which is very pretty and bulky and upright.

I'm now taking up "cycling", it will be with a view to taking part in some duathlons/triathlons etc. I have been using that on a turbo trainer since Christmas, but will replace it with my new bike today.

Aside from the bike (which is very nice and I'm very excited), what are the bare essentials that I need to buy and to carry with me when I'm out cycling?

I am very lucky that I've been supplied with all the clothing and shoes and cleats by someone big into the sport. I have a helmet, but it's pretty, rather than functional (which may be fine, I'm not sure). The likes of a pump/lights etc - are there ones that I should be getting, rather than just the cheapest for example? Anything that I might not thing of as a beginner?

Would be very grateful for any beginner tips at all

Thanks for your help!

jon1981

Hi,

do you intend on using the bike for commuting? If not, you might want some quick release mud guards and lights.

A decent trackpump for getting up to 100-120 PSI ( highly important with road tyres as low pressure skinny tyres == punctures)
A decent handpump when on the road (http://www.wiggle.com/lezyne-pressure-drive-mini-abs-pump-medium/)
A saddle bag with 2 spare tubes, levers and a multitool
Get a decent bikefit if you intend on doing lots of long distance cycles or start to feel twinges (plenty of recommendations on here) ... actually see how you get on first then decide.
A decent bike computer to track progress

smacl

Possibly something you know already, but if not and you're planning on any long solo spins, learn how to change a tyre now in the comfort of your own home rather than waiting for the first puncture. Starting out, I'd also tend to pick up tyres with a reasonable level of puncture protection (e.g. Durano plus). At least one bottle cage and bottle is essential, and this time of year lights are a good idea.

You say you've got clothes, but maybe give us an idea what exactly, as you really need the right gear going out in the winter. As a cold blooded type, I tend to wear base layer top and bottom, long legs, winter jersey, jacket, hat under helmet, overshoes, and winter gloves. I'd also always carry some food even though I rarely use it, along with phone and some cash.

OldBean

It's easy to be tempted by a cheap pump and lights, but they're the kind of things that when you actually need them, you don't want to end up frustrated with what you've bought on the side of the road. Definitely get a decent track pump for before going out, and as mentioned, learn the basics of changing tubes and how your chainset works, so if you need to fix it on a spin, you're not caught out.

A few websites worth checking out for basic repairs or information are www.parktool.com and www.sheldonbrown.com, along with the GCN network on Youtube.

If someone's giving you a supply of clothes, shoes and pedals, they probably have a good idea of bike fit, I'd have them pop you up on the turbo and make sure you're looking right. Get a few pairs of decent bibshorts/leggings for different seasons. I wouldn't recommend non-bib versions tbh.

If you've a smartphone, download Strava to get started, and eventually you can look into bike computers.

At the moment, I'd definitely recommend getting a decent base layer and gloves.

jon1981

By the way, you can't mention a new bike and not tell us what it is!

jon1981

smacl wrote: »

Possibly something you know already, but if not and you're planning on any long solo spins, learn how to change a tyre now in the comfort of your own home rather than waiting for the first puncture.

This is the solution for some people I know who get punctures ( and it's not to lookup "how to change a tyre" video on youtube)

BremoreDave

Deleted User wrote: »

I'm now taking up "cycling", it will be with a view to taking part in some duathlons/triathlons etc.

I didn't see it mentioned in any of the posts but one of the best things you can do is to join a club.The amount of experience you gain is invaluable and it will really help to develop your own fitness and skill.

I'll be using it for commuting, but it's a very short commute (<10k). Still though there'll be definitely lights needed for that

I haven't actually received the gear that I'm getting yet, he's calling out to me when I have the bike to give me lessons in not falling off with cycling shoes! However, he says he has winter training top and bottoms, shorts, shoes, and pedals. So I'll definitely be needing gloves. I tend to get warm quickly when running, will it be very different on the bike? i.e. should I expect to need under armour? My current bike only really gets used in fine weather and I could be wearing a pretty dress or anything :P

That's something I actually will have to learn - the basics of dealing with a puncture.

I have Strava for running, but never actually use it. I just use Garmin connect.

The bikefit thing - I was fitted for it in the shop. Is that OK or should I be getting a - I dunno - specialist - to look at it?

Any thoughts on helmets?

So top of the list should be:

Gloves
Hand pump
Track Pump
Spare Tyres
Gloves
Lights
Water bottle/cage
Multitool (so want one of these anyway, got so excited over it in the shop :rolleyes:)

This is the bike I'm getting. Cube Axial WLS GTC PRO. It's very pretty

BremoreDave

BremoreDave wrote: »

I didn't see it mentioned in any of the posts but one of the best things you can do is to join a club.The amount of experience you gain is invaluable and it will really help to develop your own fitness and skill.

Thinking of joining Wicklow Tri Club, I've been told they're great for beginners.

jon1981

Deleted User wrote: »

Cube Axial WLS GTC PRO. It's very pretty

Very nice, decent parts too, should last you a long time before upgrading. See how the bikefit from the shop goes, if you find after awhile you're sore or not getting the performance you expect then see a specialist.

If that list is an ordered list in priority, I'd put track pump at the top, water bottle, tubes and handpump all in the "must have" category. (assuming you have no access to one).

when running , all your limbs are moving and I think you generally warm up all over. Cycling I find, the hands, feet and arms get pretty cold because they are static. I'm still using shorts and my legs are not cold, though I have overshoes, if you're feet and hands are cold you will feel miserable and cold all over.


Damn cycling, the bike purchase is just the tip of the iceberg!

eeeee

Hmmm spare tubes, a mini pump (for when you're out and about), a track pump for home (I have a bbb one I got for €25 years ago and its perfect) and a few Allen keys and you should be grand to start anyway (I still don't have a whole lot more :eek: ).
Re clothes, there's fcuk all women's gear in shops, Mikes bikes in dun Laoghaire have a small but decent selection. Almost all my cycling clothes I got online as there's such a poor selection, and when there is some It's usually baggy and not that great.
With the helmet, if you're doing tt's and the like in duathalons and tirathalons you'll probably want something vaguely aero. If you're happy in the one you have stick with it until you need to change.

Enjoy!

Carawaystick

Someone said spare tyres, I think they meant spare tubes...

jon1981

Carawaystick wrote: »

Someone said spare tyres, I think they meant spare tubes...

That was me, good spot, and corrected

Beasty

Deleted User wrote: »

I have a helmet, but it's pretty, rather than functional (which may be fine, I'm not sure).

Just on this (and not turning this into a discussion about helmets - we have a Helmet Megathread for that) - provided it fits properly, is undamaged and satisfies the relevant safety standards (and all helmets sold here should) it is functional

Just to add, on the whole idea of a "newbie" thread, we did toy with the idea a year or two ago, and I started drafting some stuff up. I gave up after a few pages as there was so much, and everyone has a different perspective on what they need advice on. Hence we have no problem with anyone starting threads asking about some of the basics - there are plenty around here who can (and regularly do) help out

Darkglasses

Deleted User wrote: »

Any thoughts on helmets?

If you're going to wear one, I do think it's worth spending a few bob making sure the one you have is comfortable. That includes ventilation and weight as well as being the right fit for your head. There isn't really any other major differences between them, apart from almost imperceptible differences in aerodynamics.

I'd say have a few spins with the one you have and see how it goes. No need to buy everything at once! Sales and bargain alerts are a big thing in cycling, so no harm in waiting to see what turns up in the bargain alerts thread here.

Nice bike!

eeeee

Saddles! I have never been comfy on women's saddles, although everyone is different, you might be fine but It's worth asking the shop to throw a women's specific one on. Have a read of this:
http://totalwomenscycling.com/fitness/cobb-saddles-ask-innie-outie-62577/


I have successfully done skirt and dress on both my road and track bikes. It can be easily done

daragh_

Deleted User wrote: »

Thinking of joining Wicklow Tri Club, I've been told they're great for beginners.

Far too much running and splashing about. It will only get in the way of your cycling.

If you are in North Wicklow try Bray Wheelers.

Welcome to Cycling. Say goodbye to all your money

Tigerandahalf

One of the hardest things going from running to cycling is how much more you need to do before you actually get out on the road.

Running is easy. You put on your runners and out the door you go. When you have time pressures it is great.

The bike has to be pumped, oiled and cleaned regularly. You then go a mile down the road and the chain starts to rub.
So you need to get to know your bike and get grease on your hands. Ideally you will have a covered area to work on your bike. It is so important to get to know how to fix punctures and adjust your gears. You will need to buy tools and have the time to muck around with the bike. As others have said this will save you hassle out on the road.

jon1981

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

It is so important to get to know how to fix punctures and adjust your gears. You will need to buy tools and have the time to muck around with the bike. As others have said this will save you hassle out on the road.

+1
Not knowing how to index your gears for example could cost you 5 mins or a missed training session and a trip to the bike shop. You shouldn't see any problems on a new bike for quite a while but it's worthwhile building up your knowledge rather than waiting for that emergency event to happen.

Tigerandahalf

jon1981 wrote: »

+1
Not knowing how to index your gears for example could cost you 5 mins or a missed training session and a trip to the bike shop. You shouldn't see any problems on a new bike for quite a while but it's worthwhile building up your knowledge rather than waiting for that emergency event to happen.

True. If you are the type of person who likes to play around with things and work them out the mechanics of the bike will appeal.
On the otherhand if you have painted long nails you might have some headaches. A box of latex gloves are very handy. Always carry a pair or two on the bike. Makes things easier.

Do be careful starting out. With feet tied in using cleats coming off the bike could be nasty. Going downhill at speed you need to be careful.

Joining a cycling/tri club has probably more benefits as some put on workshops on changing punctures and mechanical issues plus they may have turbo sessions.

Your wallet will be lighter!

eeeee

jon1981 wrote: »

+1
Not knowing how to index your gears for example could cost you 5 mins or a missed training session and a trip to the bike shop. You shouldn't see any problems on a new bike for quite a while but it's worthwhile building up your knowledge rather than waiting for that emergency event to happen.

I wouldn't put indexing your gears anywhere near the top of a list of things you need starting out - I actually wouldn't even put it on the list! Something to know down the line, definitely, but gears don't go radically out of line very often and it's a ten minute job for a bike mechanic who knows what they're doing. In ten+ years of commuting and the last few racing I have never missed a ride or training session due to badly indexed gears. *touches wood*!

Pumps, know to to fix a puncture (practice in the comfort and heat of your house, doing it for the first time in the pissing rain in the dark wouldn't be much fun!).

Bray Wheelers are lovely, and all the Wicklow Tri people I have met are lovely too. I've actually only met women from Wicklow Tri on the bike!

And I also find long nails handy for fiddly jobs

jon1981

gadetra wrote: »

I wouldn't put indexing your gears anywhere near the top of a list of things you need starting out - I actually wouldn't even put it on the list! Something to know down the line, definitely, but gears don't go radically out of line very often and it's a ten minute job for a bike mechanic who knows what they're doing. In ten+ years of commuting and the last few racing I have never missed a ride or training session due to badly indexed gears. *touches wood*!

Yeah, I was searching for advice beyond what I and others had already given.

crosstownk

As others have stated, knowing how to change a tube is important. Try it a few times at home so you don't have to go on that learning curve at the side of the road in the rain.

Decent clothing that keeps you warm and dry is a big player when it comes to enjoyment vs. suffering. Gloves, overshoes, etc.

Lots of stuff will be trial and error until you find what suits you. What works for me may not be the best thing for you.

Basic maintenance like cleaning the bike after a wet/dirty spin is helpful and can prolong the life of components - nothing technical just wipe and clean stuff. Plenty of stuff on Youtube from Global Cycling Network and the likes.

Most importantly, have fun!

endacl

Find a local club that does beginner/leisure spins. A few months of that and you'll have picked up an internet's worth of useful knowledge. Also, you'll have picked up a bunch of training mates who'll be only too happy to head out in the rain for a spin, thus guilting you to head out too. Think of them as an external conscience.

Also, if you're in Wicklow, and you haven't already, a night out in Frank Duff's is a must. Like drinking pints in a shrine to Irish cycling history.

Daroxtar

Is it too soon to suggest a power meter and a coach?

crosstownk

Daroxtar wrote: »

Is it too soon to suggest a power meter and a coach?

Maybe leave that until tomorrow.

Ah lads ye're gas.

Went to get bike. It took an hour to collect and get my deposit back. An hour.

You'd think that in an hour I'd have had half the shop bought but instead I bought nothing. They tried to charge me €360 extra for the bike :rolleyes:

Dude who sorted it all for me was sound though (also very hot [important info]).

I did try on neoprene gloves and asked if they had them in a medium but they did not. So I'll buy stuff online mostly I think

Running already has me broke ffs

Beasty

Yeah but you've nothing to show for your spending in running.....

Beasty

Beasty wrote: »

Yeah but you've nothing to show for your spending in running.....

I have pretty runners and medals and tshirts from races and and and...

:P

crosstownk

Deleted User wrote: »

I have pretty runners and medals and tshirts from races and and and...

:P

But now you have a bike.


A bike.

Much hotter than the dude in the shop.

07Lapierre

Padded shorts! Can't believe they haven't been suggested yet! Good quality cycling bib shorts are a must!

Some would say I don't need any more padding.

Though not to my face of course.

I *think* I'll be getting those in my swag bag.

07Lapierre

I'm sure you know this already, but I'll say it anyway... You do not wear underwear with padded cycling bib shorts.

jon1981

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I *think* I'll be getting those in my swag bag.

I presume ladies specific? That padding is specific to our anatomical differences

Darkglasses

Deleted User wrote: »

Some would say I don't need any more padding.

Though not to my face of course.

I *think* I'll be getting those in my swag bag.

I assumed they were in the swagbag! They're one thing that it's 100% worth spending a little extra on. Vital to have the right size pair. In case it isn't obvious the first time around - you don't wear anything under them. Also (my friend was caught out with this, seriously), padding goes on the inside! Female-specific ones do exist, no idea how big a difference they make.

Cookie_Monster

single most important thing for cycling IMO is a decent pair of shades/ eye-wear, even better are ones you can swap lenses out on so can use clear / yellow for the middle of winter.

The amount of wind / rain & ice / dirt / insects / misc that gets in your face while flying down a hill is deeply unpleasant without them, plus you're obviously cooler when wearing shades.

Yeh underwear really isn't my thing anyway so I'll, eh, fit right in?

It's actually been made quite clear to me by anyone who I mentioned my new bike to (many, many people) that I'd need bibbed padded shorts.

I'm in south Dublin, rather than Wicklow, but I think Wicklow is my closest Tri club. I will be keeping up the running and swimming so that might be my best bet - sorry if I'm letting ye down

crosstownk

Deleted User wrote: »

I will be keeping up the running and swimming so that might be my best bet - sorry if I'm letting ye down

Rule 42

Bigus

When the evenings get brighter ,from South Dublin , a run out to enniskerry and back is a good route to aspire to, and then do this regularly, before you take on the mountains, you don't have to go all the way to enniskerry at the beginning. Motorists are well aware of cyclists on this route.

Beasty

Deleted User wrote: »

I have pretty runners and medals and tshirts from races and and and...

:P

Sweaty shoes, excess weight and baggy tops - exactly the sort of stuff the Europhiles around here will frown upon......:pac:

eeeee

Oh A lot of your money will be going to these places: chainreactoincycles.com (Next day delivery to Dublin every time I've used it! Irish company), wiggle.co.uk (the best place for women's cycling clothing. Women specific Bib shorts are a must. They do the biggest range and it's not all super pricey) and swimcyclerun.com (Irish company, also next day delivery).

Bib shorts are the most comfortable thing I have ever worn :eek: They look like a big nappy but oh my the comfort…the first time I put a pair on, I didn't want to take them off

cython

gadetra wrote: »

Oh A lot of your money will be going to these places: chainreactoincycles.com (Next day delivery to Dublin every time I've used it! Irish company), wiggle.co.uk (the best place for women's cycling clothing. Women specific Bib shorts are a must. They do the biggest range and it's not all super pricey) and swimcyclerun.com (Irish company, also next day delivery).

Don't forget Marrey Bikes (also Irish), and Evans Cycles

gadetra wrote: »

Bib shorts are the most comfortable thing I have ever worn :eek: They look like a big nappy but oh my the comfort…the first time I put a pair on, I didn't want to take them off

The one thing I would say RE bibs in this context is that they seem to polarise ladies in particular, as most sets mean stripping down to the straps for toilet breaks, which some aren't comfortable with in cold conditions, etc., but then some see the comfort benefit as outweighing that. For the OP it may be worth bearing in mind there are some pairs that try to alleviate this, e.g DHB halterneck, or clip type systems. I'd definitely suggest the OP try them in any case, but if the straps become a hassle, then maybe look at alternative implementations like those linked

Taxuser1

Winter Beginner

Gloves, overshoes, thermal top, bibbed tights over bibbed shorts, chamois cream for lubrication, hi-viz wind-breaker, mudguards, spare tube, pump, tools, saddle bag, energy bar, bank card, mobile, clear lens glasses, 700 x 25 tyres, bottle (2), cleated cycling shoes, clip in pedals

Small tiny gear spins spinning

Join club.

Summer Beginner

Take off the overshoes and thermal top, possibly bibbed tights.

Join club

07Lapierre

Taxuser1 wrote: »

Winter Beginner

Gloves, overshoes, thermal top, bibbed tights over bibbed shorts, chamois cream for lubrication, hi-viz LIGHTS, wind-breaker, mudguards, spare tube, pump, tools, saddle bag, energy bar, bank card, mobile, clear lens glasses, 700 x 25 tyres, bottle (2), cleated cycling shoes, clip in pedals

Small tiny gear spins spinning

Join club.

Summer Beginner

Take off the overshoes and thermal top, possibly bibbed tights.

Join club

FYP

Taxuser1

maybe just add lights :-)

Qualitymark

jon1981 wrote: »

Not knowing how to index your gears for example could cost you 5 mins or a missed training session and a trip to the bike shop.

How do you index your gears (if you have them)?

Taxuser1 wrote: »

chamois cream for lubrication,

Lubrication of what? (Genuine question.)

Whoopsie, in relation to the puncture-mending, I suspect that you're the sort who will be expertly whipping tyre and tube off and back on; however, there are now, I'm told, a modern version of solid tyres, filled with spongy stuff and goo that oozes out to mend any punctures. Word on how nice they are to ride on varies; some love them, others diss the ride quality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfHmpT94V7U

In relation to gloves (and other stuff) watch out for bargains. I have a lovely warm toasty pair of Sealskinz gloves, which I got on Amazon as a special for £6.33. They're now over €50.

OldBean

Qualitymark wrote: »

Lubrication of what? (Genuine question.)

Delicates.

Whoopsie, in relation to the puncture-mending, I suspect that you're the sort who will be expertly whipping tyre and tube off and back on; however, there are now, I'm told, a modern version of solid tyres, filled with spongy stuff and goo that oozes out to mend any punctures. Word on how nice they are to ride on varies; some love them, others diss the ride quality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfHmpT94V7U

I think there's an overwhelming amount of info there already before starting a tube/tubeless/solid tyre debate..! OP has to get on the road first

cython

Qualitymark wrote: »

How do you index your gears (if you have them)?

While I haven't watched the specific videos below, GCN videos on such mechanical issues are generally a pretty good starting point

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbk5RcH0bbQ

Qualitymark wrote: »

Lubrication of what? (Genuine question.)

For want of a better term, your undercarriage and/or the pad in your shorts - while the pad in itself helps with comfort, you can still get friction between this and your body, and chamois cream reduces this friction be means of lubricating between the two. It's not so much that you're going to slide around in your shorts, but it's enough to alleviate friction.

daragh_

endacl wrote: »

Find a local club that does beginner/leisure spins. A few months of that and you'll have picked up an internet's worth of useful knowledge. Also, you'll have picked up a bunch of training mates who'll be only too happy to head out in the rain for a spin, thus guilting you to head out too. Think of them as an external conscience.

Also, if you're in Wicklow, and you haven't already, a night out in Frank Duff's is a must. Like drinking pints in a shrine to Irish cycling history.

+1 on this. Shrine indeed and the Second Best Pub in Bray. Maybe don't wear your Lycra on a Saturday Night.

Taxuser1

Qualitymark wrote: »

How do you index your gears (if you have them)?



Lubrication of what? (Genuine question.)

Whoopsie, in relation to the puncture-mending, I suspect that you're the sort who will be expertly whipping tyre and tube off and back on; however, there are now, I'm told, a modern version of solid tyres, filled with spongy stuff and goo that oozes out to mend any punctures. Word on how nice they are to ride on varies; some love them, others diss the ride quality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfHmpT94V7U

In relation to gloves (and other stuff) watch out for bargains. I have a lovely warm toasty pair of Sealskinz gloves, which I got on Amazon as a special for £6.33. They're now over €50.

this is a life moment we're going to share together; you'll think back to this day when telling your grandchildren how you were introduced to the stuff that makes your bottom so baby soft. Like Fairy does. Only it's Assos

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/assos-chamois-cream-140ml/

Tell your grandkids that that wise man was from Cork.

Cookie_Monster

Taxuser1 wrote: »

chamois cream for lubrication,

in nearly 29,000km I've never remotely felt a need or desire for this...
Not something I would remotely place near a list of requirements unless you actually develop discomfort. I'll happily admit "I don't get it".