About to start cycling, need help/advise

mmace

Hi, I'm new here and new to cycling (so new I haven't started yet!)
My work is about to move to 6.5 miles away from my home (it's currently walking distance) and I figured it would be better for me and cheaper to cycle there. I'm quite fit so I can handle the distance (not much for most of you!) and I will go out on a weekend to get used to it first!

The questions I have are:
What bike should I get?
I'm wanting to get to and from work as quick as I can but I'm also wanting a bike that's easy to maintain and ride (comfortable). I don't have a lot of money, about £200 and that needs to include accessories and I will be buying from www.halfords.com (I have credit there).
Can you recommend anything I may have forgotten too apart from: lights, helmet, trip computer, repair kit (?), lock chain.

Another question is, what sort of speeds or time should I be looking at?
luckily the majority of the journey is flat and it's all on tarmacked road but there's quite a few traffic lights on the way but also cycle lanes nearly all the way there. I know it varies from person to person, but I literally have no idea what sort of speeds people go at on a road. My brother thinks 9mph but I thought it would be faster than that?

I'm wanting to do this to lose a few pounds but also need speed as I have a young son who I want to be at home for as soon as I can get there!

Also, what do people wear?
Don't fancy the skin tight lycra stuff and don't want ot look stupid when not on the bike!

Also, to anyone in the UK, are bus lanes also cycle lanes or just for buses?


any help/advise anyone can give would be very much appreciated

karl j

Wotcha

What bikes do you like the look of ? Go and have a look at a local bike shop as well as Halfords (there are also plenty of "'What bike..." threads on here to look at for ideas)

Include a spare tube in the repair kit, its easier to replace than repair one in the dark when it's raining

The speed or time is up to you. you don't have to go blasting along if you don't want to, maybe do it a couple of times over a weekend first and see what's comfortable for you.

If you don't fancy lycra then don't wear it,

The bus lanes around here are often for cycles too (and taxi's), but i don't think that can be generalised across the country. There should be/ might be a signpost or road markings indicating who can use it

sem69

Welcome to the wonderful world of cycling!

Try out a few bikes and think about how you will use it (on/off road etc).
For commuting you'll want a hybrid or a road bike, a hybrid would be fine for a short commute, and good for a bit of off road riding, but a road bike will be lighter and quicker.
6.5 miles is a great distance to start with, and with it getting warmer and lighter this is a great time of year to start. You might not even need lights now depending on when you ride, though good to have in case you work late.
Get a helmet, repair kit and a decent lock to start with. And maybe a waterproof jacket. And just wear whatever you like – just make sure it's comfortable and easily visible.
Once you get into it you can get more gear – there's loads of good websites such as wiggle with everything you need, and reviews of gear.
I just wear baggy shorts and t shirts with a waterprrof jacket. But I'm just starting to get prper gear (shoes, baselayers etc) as the nore you ride the more you'll find these benefitial.
Don't worry about speed just enjoy the ride, once you get more used to it you can start trying to go quicker!
Enjoy!

MichaelW

Carrera Subway bikes are quite good enough for your commute and within budget (are you buying through a tax-free scheme?). The Subway 8 is a highly regarded commuter with low maintenance hub gears but is in a higher price band.
Fit full-length bolt-on mudguards (not the short or clip-on style) and you can ride on wet roads without getting dirty, wet or cold.
A rear luggage rack can be used to strap a small backpack or fit some pannier bags which can carry a surprisingly heavy load of shopping. Most commuters only use one of them.
One really valuable upgrade is tyres with kevlar puncture protection such as Schwalbe Marathon. These will prevent about 90% of flats. The best, such as Schwalbe Marathon PLUS will stop even more .
Roadside flat repair is usually to swap inner tubes so carry a suitable spare and practice changing at home.
Your commuting speed will be about 10-12mph, faster if you are athletic. The best improvement in quickness comes from redcing the time spend riding slowly rather than pushing your max speed. Smart riding and knowing your route readdly help.
Plan a sensible route and learn about cyclecraft: the art of riding in traffic.

delcol

hi and welcome.

i only been cycling for almost 2 years i do 6 mile each way, i work nights so not much traffic to worry about,.
when i started it took me over 25 mins each way when strted to get fitter the minutes started to fall off and the pounds, i dropped a stone in the first week (im only 10 stone now was 10 and half went to 9and a half) i would agree with the above comment deffo go for a road bike or a hybrid somthing with 700c size wheels.

its easier if your commute is all paved i started on my hardtail mtb but the chunky tires even road slick i fitted were causeing to much drag, i then got my scott road bike i now do my 6 mile commute in less than 20 minutes..

i dont wear lycra just track suit pants or shorts when hot a base layer top with a vis waterproof cycle jaket and a jersey when cold. gloves are a must (for winter commutes) then like mentioned a basic multi tool spare tube small pump tyre levers.
a helmet is a must and maybe some kind of eye protection esp in summer with all the flys.. and a water bottle fluids are vital i use a camel bak bladder in my rucksak

defo try a few bikes a differtent ppl have differant tastes also maybe worth looking on line when you do find a bike theres some good discounts around all 3 of my bikes have been purchased online with some excellent discounts...

as for how long it will take you depends on various factors id say as a benchmark 30 mins average speed to will vairy but again at a guess bench mark 14 -16 mph.....

i love my cycle commute to work its a good way of de stressing esp on the way home

mmace

thanks for the comments guys, just got time for a quick reply and will be back on later

I have a card which gives me credit at Halfords (I am currently skint), I just found out today that it's more than I thought, it's now in the region of £400, could someone recommend me some kit from the site?

thanks again

BentMikey

You might like to get some free or subsidised cycle training from your local council, and buy Cyclecraft by John Franklin. I'm sure you're already an experienced road user, but there's a lot that is different when cycling, and opposite to what many drivers believe.

Cyclepaths might not be all that you think they are. You may find that as you gain more experience you will stop using them and will move towards using the roads.
http://www.londonskaters.com/cycling/sa ... -lanes.htm

mmace

mmace wrote:

I have a card which gives me credit at Halfords (I am currently skint), I just found out today that it's more than I thought, it's now in the region of £400, could someone recommend me some kit from the site?

anyone help with the above?

also, is it a good idea to listen to music with earphones?
I'm not too sure about this as I wouldn't be able to hear the traffic but it will help the time pass quicker and if I play faster music then I tend to go faster (when in the gym anyway!)

karl j

wotcha, no i wouldn't suggest headphones as a good idea. because they block out traffic noise.

BentMikey

Per CTUK, if you start looking more when you put headphones on, then you're not looking enough, particularly behind yourself. Their view is that the only important sense is sight, not hearing, though this differs slightly from John Franklin.

Myself, I like the very occasional time I get a bit more information from listening to car engine noises and how the driver behind me is behaving, but it's not essential. My music setup is such that I can still hear vehicles and other noises quite easily, so I don't really see the problem with music, unless you make it too loud or wear headphones that block out the rest of the world.

SmellTheGlove

Ref music
I have used headphones in the past but the quality of sound that actually gets through to your brain tends to be low because of all the other noise around you - wind, traffic etc.

As for the idea that "sight is the only sense that matters" (see above) - can anyone recommend riding with a completely numb anything, getting no road or environmental feedback? Someone's 'avin' a tin barf...

simon_e

Commuting by bike is brilliant.

I'd agree with delcol on trying different bikes. A flat-bar hybrid or commuter might suit you unless you're certain you want a drop-handlebar racer. The Carrera Subway models seem good for the money but don't buy the first bike you see. Mudguards are essential for wet weather - soggy a*se and feet aren't much fun and are avoidable.

I have been commuting for nearly 2 years wearing M&S shorts in the summer and Altura Cruiser tights (similar to Ron Hill Tracksters) the rest of the time, with cheap thermal longjohns underneath when it's really cold. I'd recommend some cheap wicking t-shirts, a mate really likes his Endura Cairn. Don't wear cotton tops or t-shirts. Long-sleeve merino wool base layer is very comfy in cooler weather. Jacket is either an old pertex top or waterproof jacket. Shop around for clothing - prices, sizing and cut all vary widely. I value my dhb glasses, they keep dust, rain and insects out of my eyes. I have some fingerless mitts with gel padding in the palm, when it gets cold I switch to some cheap winter gloves from Aldi.

I don't need any food or drink during my 6 mile ride, just porridge for breakfast and plenty of water during the day. I find riding makes me more hungry so I take raisins to snack on, keeps me off the naughty food.

Pump, tyre levers and puncture kit/spare inner tube. Practice changing tyres and tubes before you go anywhere, it's fiddly but not difficult. Also a couple of allen keys and a small Philips screwdriver in case anything starts rattling.

Try to find out if there's a local club, group or branch of the CTC that does group rides or training, they should be able to offer advice.

andrewc3142

Couple of random points:

- Go for a road bike to avoid wishing later that you had
- Not all will agree, but save money on a helmet. I realise they are a fashion thing in the UK, particularly London, but really only that
- For luggage, check out the Carradice SQR bags (the Slim takes A4)
- Always pack a tube, levers and a pump. For the couple of quid they cost it really isn't worth repairing punctures
- To start with on the flat you'll probably be looking at about 10-12 mph through traffic, but soon progressing to 16-18 mph. An average of 20 mph is a good target.
- Unless you're lucky in your area, avoid anything labelled as a "cycle lane" since it will probably be defined by glass, cracks, pot-holes and having to give way to side roads every few yards
- If your budget is limited it may be worth checking out what's available second-hand. You may well get a very decent bike for your money that way

daniel_b

Hiya,

6.5 miles sounds like about the perfect distance to me.

I would go the hybrid route, especially for that money, and then later on you can get a roadie, and keep the hyrid for the commute.

I have a Subway One: http://i3.pinkbike.com/photo/1481/pbpic1481516.jpg which is an 05 model, but I bought it last year 2nd and for the princely sum of £80 - it was 2 years old, but had never ben used, still had tags on, and it came with the rack as well. £20 worth of SKS mudguards, and for £100, I've had an awesome commuter, that has served me really really well for 9 months.

I woud say consider the Subway 2, but I don't think the price difference for cable disc brakes is worth it IMHO, the Subway 8 is meant to be awesome, but is right at your limit of spending, and leavs no money spare for helmet etc.

SInce buying the Carrera I have bought a lovely roadbike, which I would never take to work, and drop bar converted hybrid, which I may start to use to commute on, but the Carrera owes me nothing, so I don;t see that going anywhere.

They frequently crop up on ebay, quite often bought by people who change their minds, and then can't be bothered - check Fiday-ad as well, saw a three month old one on there (but down south) a few weeks ago, with lights, for £90.

Dan

hodsgod

I would go for a hybrid too, you can't get a decent road bike for that sort of money. Not if you consider you need to spend money on otherthings.

Mini pump
Spare inner tube
Lights
Saddle bag
Specific cliothing
Helmet
Track pump
Computer
Mud Guards!
etc
etc

You can always fit drops on a hybrid if you want to try road position later.

Try evans cycles website, they have a bike selector based on your budget etc. I am not suggesting you do or dont buy it from there, it will just give you a starting point.

My biggest advice would be don't rush, do as much research as possible in the time you have available.

Do you have Decathlon sports in your area? They do a lot of reasonable priced own brand equipment that is quite good.

mmace

thanks for all the comments guys, they are all apreciated

I HAVE to buy from halfords, I have an Edge card that gives me credit there (I have no money otherwise)

I started at the new building yesterday (driving) and the majority of the way there is a cycle lane which is surprisingly wide (A65 from Horsforth to Yorkshire Post building on Wellington Street) and there's lots of cycle traffic, about 25% with camera's on their helmets!
The cycle lanes look in good condition and there's plenty of room to move out from the drains and still be well within the lane, and about 33% of the way there it's a bus lane too (so it's really wide!).

I start a 7AM and finish at 3 PM and there's not much traffic around at that time on a morning, it's the ride home that I'm a little worried about, mainly near to work where the roads are 4 lanes going off in all directions, once I'm about half a mile from work it's much easier!

secretsam

hodsgod wrote:

I would go for a hybrid too, you can't get a decent road bike for that sort of money. Not if you consider you need to spend money on otherthings.

Mini pump
Spare inner tube
Lights
Saddle bag
Specific cliothing
Helmet
Track pump
Computer
Mud Guards!
etc
etc

You can always fit drops on a hybrid if you want to try road position later.

You could live without the track pump and mini pump - buy a decent regular pump. Lights and guards are a must. Cycle clothing - I've never bothered, I do similar miles to you, if I were travelling further however I would. Computer - ask Father Xmas. A lid (helmet) is up to you, I prefer to use one. You may want some mitts/gloves - in case you have a spill (I was always falling off when I first started). Spare tube a good investment; you might want to ask if they'll swap the tyres fitted to your bike for more puncture resistant ones when you buy it (new bikes may not come with puncture proofed tyres as they cost more).

And invest in a hi-viz vest: but don't get a bike-specific one (Altura's £20 rip off, for example) - I got a builder's one for £4 from a DIY shop.

Welcome to the club!

ac220v

You may also need some tools, at a minimum a set of (2 to 6 mm) Allen wrenches (even cheap ones would work) and plastic tyre irons, maybe small adjustable wrench.

Fancier bike-specific tools are nice to have and could save you loads of time and money in a long run, but good ones may be bit expensive if you are on a budget, and cheap supermarket ones are next to useless.

batch78

Check out the Carreras for the money you've got, Subway2, Gryphon or Valour.

Subway will be comfiest but also heaviest, Valour quickest.

Personally I'd buy gloves and a helmet at the minute then add gear as you need it.

Jane Aire

All good advice so far. Im a commuter on the A65 in Leeds too and it is fine once you get used to it. Id say if you are a bit unsure on any bits of road to begin with its fine to walk across the worst junctions (that's assuming its any better for pedestrians.)

Id also recommend LCAG the local cycling group http://www.leedscyclists.org.uk/
they have good info and a mailing list which is great for local advice. plus if you join for a couple of quid you get discount at a lot of local bike shops. yay.

BernieG

Mmace.
If you are commuting down that road can't you go down the canal tow path into Leeds - much more pleasant than the A65. I work in Leeds and know a number of people who come down the canal side from Rodley into Leeds. :?:
The A65 is very busy and cars cut across the cycle lane all the time.

Jane Aire

you can use the canal to get into town yes, its prettier but slower because its much less direct than the road (and has low bridges and steps). And while its easy to get onto the towpath in Horsforth its trickier to get off it again! depends where in the city you are going to but my office on the west side is impossible without a big detour or horrible footbridges, once you get off the towpath. If you want the station part of town its better.
Im going for the visibility technique - hopefully the more people that see bikes on the roads the more they will expect us to be there.

BernieG

Yes, you are spot on Jane Aire (great name, by the way)
Our office is opposite the train station so ideal for hopping off the tow path at Granary Wharf.Not sure how easy it is to get to the YEP building from the canal, but worth a try when the sun is shining and you're not in a hurry. On a normal day you are right the A65 is ok if you remain vigilant especially to people pulling across the cycle lane :evil: