Some quick newbie questions

mcskiver

Hi, i'm looking to dive into road biking, having done bits of MTB and a lot of running over the years. My aim is to take part in a triathlon next year, and a little go at some road bike racing potentially too.

I'm looking for a bike, and there's a Trek 1.5 Triple in St Albans that looks like a good buy - can anyone recommend this or otherwise?

Also, given the time of year I expect i'll only be able to get out on the bike on Sunday mornings over the winter due to weather / lack of daylight. What do road bikers do over the winter - use a turbo trainer / cross train?

And finally....what kind of other equipment is key? I know I need pedals, shoes, and a helmet. Other than that i'm hoping running tights and jackets will see me through at least a few months. Do I need anything else?

Sorry for the random questions, but having a crack at road biking can be quite expensive to get started...

Bronzie

mcskiver wrote:

Also, given the time of year I expect i'll only be able to get out on the bike on Sunday mornings over the winter due to weather / lack of daylight. What do road bikers do over the winter - use a turbo trainer / cross train?

Depends whether you can stomach riding the turbo or not - it can get very boring very quickly unless you have a definite plan rather than just getting on it and pedalling.

Many ride through the winter with lights etc but again, it's not to everyone's taste.

Cross training is also an option (especially early winter), but to become better at cyling you need to cycle. Running fitness will crossover to an extent, but it's not a total solution.

mcskiver wrote:

And finally....what kind of other equipment is key? I know I need pedals, shoes, and a helmet. Other than that i'm hoping running tights and jackets will see me through at least a few months. Do I need anything else?

In no particular order
- Decent pair of shorts to keep the saddle sores at bay (can wear your running tights over these)
- Windproof gloves
- overshoes to keep your feet warm
- decent pump, tyre levers and a couple of spare tubes to sort out your punctures
- a bike computer to log your rides and watch your fitness improve

hopper1

+1 for Bronzie's comments.
Regarding the bike, do you need a triple?
Consider your area, and the type of riding you'll be doing.
You mention Triathlons and possible road racing, so I doubt you'd be needing a triple chainset.
Talk to the guys in the shop, regarding your requirements, they should be in a position to give good advice.

chuckcork

Warm hat for under the helmet when your ears start to freeze and your head gets too cold; balaclava or similar for when your face starts to freeze.

Running tights will sort of do it, but I use Pearl Izumi Amfib tights, quite warm and reasonably waterproof, ridden in rain/sleet over a period of 2 hours and been OK. Unlike with running when cycling you will be out for longer, 3 hours a reasonable spin, so your clothing has to be good enough to allow it.

Ditto for jackets, cycle specific ones can have the pockets for food etc and a longer back to ensure you don't get a cold spot gap at the lower back area.

mcskiver

Thanks for the replies so far.

With regards to the triple chainset, I have no idea - the LBS say "yeah it's a great first time road bike" etc, no reference to the chainset! I wouldn't imagine it's a big issue either way, or is it? Living in St Albans it's generally pretty flat!

So how do others manage to fit in mid-week training during the short days (commuting isn't generally an option for me - i'm freelance and my workplace often changes, and is often in London so I have to take the train).

Thanks for the suggestions in other areas, especially kit. I know I need the specialist kit, but given that my wife is 3 months pregnant, there may be other financial pressures in the short term (short term - who am I kidding??).

BigG67

Don't buy too much at the start, keep it simple and stick to what you NEED - pedals, shoes, pair of shorts and helmet will do to start, along with your running tights and jackets. Plus a mini-tool and inner-tubes to keep the bike going.

But keep some budget aside and then buy a bit at a time as you feel you need things (might even be in the 1st 2 weeks) - e.g.my hands hardly ever get cold even when its 0 deg, so I wear and old pair of fleece gloves over my cycling mitts and stick them in my pocket after 5 mins. My riding buddies struggle with numb fingers and have all singing all dancing thermal gloves with padding. I can't ride without glasses - as my eyes stream - one of the "boys" never wears them....etc etc

You'll quickly pick up what you want/need to be comfortable....and Wiggle will become your best friend

BigG67

On the triple/compact debate, I regret getting a triple to start as I'm born lazy and developed the habit of dropping to the small ring as soon as I hit any hill of note.

This has held me back and now I've a compact set on my good bike I'm having to learn to actually put some real effort into climbing - rather than spinning away and creeping up a hill.

However, you may well be better disciplined than me...... :oops:

Bronzie

mcskiver wrote:

So how do others manage to fit in mid-week training during the short days (commuting isn't generally an option for me - i'm freelance and my workplace often changes, and is often in London so I have to take the train).

Have a look at this thread:
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12594860

For me, keeping motivated to do anything at all is the major hurdle at this time of year. I ride to work a couple of times a week (only 6 miles but I do extra miles on the way home), do 1 or 2 turbo sessions or go for a run or a swim, plus one long ride at the weekend.

Also consider spinning classes or similar if it gets you exercising rather than doing nothing.

keef66

I got some decent lights and ride in the evenings after the rush hour traffic's calmed down. I try to avoid heavy rain, gale force winds and ice / salt though.

Also try to swim a couple of times a week at lunch time.

shawnrohrbach

I agree with hopper 1. You will want to get rid of that triple at some point when youi become more concious of the weight of your bike. As for biking in the winter, I used to use indoor turbo and read, but then i just gave in and moved to San Diego. "Sunshine on my shoulders..." or some crap like that.