ADVICE NEEDED FOR NEW CYCLIST

muddy123

hi just decided to take up cycling due to being very unfit , i have been offered a bike its a muddyfox alu lazer in very good condition and its cheap , i have not got a clue about bikes so is this any good ???. im 24 years old and i am 15 stone how far would you sugest i cycle on a daily basis .
any advice would be very helpful cheers

dave_hill

Couldn't comment in detail on the bike, but to be honest given Muddy Fox's rep over the last few years I'd give it a wide berth (which is a shame really 'cos they used to be pretty good back in the day).

Anyhoo, as to how far you need to be riding, it's dependent upon a number of things.

First off, can you give us a clue as to -

Why you've decided to start riding - is it to get fit? Loose some weight? Something different to do? Or a combination of all three?

What is your current situation fitness wise? You can be 24 and 15 stone and still be quite fit (if you're built like a brick outhouse and lift weights all day!!)

If you can go into a bit more detail we can offer advice accordingly!

batch78

Depends how cheap, cheap is. At least your not looking at any 'bargain' full sussers! If it fits and is cheap enough then its a start but you'll probably want to upgrade reasonably quickly once you catch the bug!!! As to daily distances thats entirely personal and as dave says variable depending on a number of things daylight being the biggest problem at the minute!

muddy123

the reason i want to take up cycling is to improve my fitness and its a new challenge,as to my build im 6ft2 and have quite a big build just need to slim down slightly and get my fitness levels back up .the bikes only costing £50 and its like new so it will do me to start, i have probably got time to go cycling 3 to 4 times a week , there are a few nice places to go near me to so im looking forward to it,

Barrie_G

I'd probably just start with something like 5-10 miles until you get used to being on a bike, you don't want to be too far from home and your butt starts to hurt from being unused to being on a bike saddle.

Then you can increase it as your endurance and fitness improve.

muddy123

thanks for the advice guys , did 11 miles today in the pooring rain i really need to get some siutable clothing but not sure what i need , bike seems very good at the moment to .

OllyUK

muddy123 wrote:

thanks for the advice guys , did 11 miles today in the pooring rain i really need to get some siutable clothing but not sure what i need , bike seems very good at the moment to .

As for basic clothing Id recomend, a wicking base layer, a jersey, a lightweight waterproof jacket and some padded shorts/ undershorts.

jimmyp1873

dont worry about getting soaked your skin is waterproof