Another newbie who has absolutely no knowledge about cycling

another_newbie

Hi,

I am completely new to the cycling scene. I am so bored of the gym and have been contemplating investing in a bike for sometime. I want to cycle as part of a commute (currently drive but will probably get the train half way and then cycle approx 4 miles until I'm fitter!) and I want to cycle to help tone up and lose weight. I eventually (by summer months) want to be able to cycle the whole way to work (11 miles).

I have ordered two to try at the weekend - quite simple and relatively cheap mountain bikes, but I have to start somewhere! I didn't want to spend a massive amount until I know more! I am not sure that a mountain bike is the right type for me either - but I wasn't sure and wanted something that I felt secure on too (lack of confidence here!)

What I would like to know is where do I start?! There is lots of terminology used that I haven't got a clue about. Apart from lights/helmet etc, what are the basic kit requirements - so I can get started? Where is the best place to get information about the right pedals, tyres, brakes etc.? I am quite happy to invest in books and/or magazines - I want to make a real go of this.

Any advice/help/assistance welcome - I know absolutely nothing so please help !

Thank you!

akcc05

don't waste money on books, you can ask questions on this forum, people are nice here and will help. you can also go on http://www.wiggle.co.uk, they have a nice menu of different components so you can learn the names and find out what is available (e.g. different types of pedals). you can then ask on here which ones are good or better suited to your use. also try and take your bike apart and reassemble it to learn how it all fit together, just make sure you can put it together again.

supersonic

Park Tools websit is very good for maintenance.

Also have been a few threads here recently about kit, a good search (use the forum search link, not the one on the main toolbar) for loads of links and advice.

As for your bike, a hybrid or road bike may be better, but an MTB more versatile. You are doing the right thing by trying them out.

What budget do you have?

Twisterboy

welcome to the forum buddy,

I think you have made the right choice of looking at cheaper mountain bikes mate, I've just started riding a bike again for the first time in about 20 years (25 years old) and my girlfriend purchased a mountain bike for me which cost £17!!! of ebay, the bike has been given a look over my by friend and he has advised that the bike is about a year old and hardly been used and the boys dad wanted a quick sale, so one's lose is my gain as I'm so pleased with it.

I've had a couple of falls one just me being smart went over the handle bars and near enough into a farmers field.

I think your best to get the cheap bike and build on it from there, start off easy in regards to fitness and do say 5 miles at a time, then 10 miles and so on.

I'm currently doing about 12 miles every sunday morning on the bike at present.

The forum is full of wonderful knowledge and I'm learning something new every day.

This time next year I think I will have a new bike!!

Enjoy the forum and best of all enjoy your bike.

david

gazvenn

you say you go to the gym but you've given no indication as to your age or fitness level. also the type of terrain you're covering on your commute. is it an easy 11 miles, nice flat road or a few hills etc?. if its nice and flat then i'd suggest trying the route out at a weekend maybe and see how you fare with it.

another_newbie

Thank you everyone for your tips so far!

Got a budget of around £250 - didn't want to spend much more than that until I know what I'm doing!

I am 30, fitness levels not great - the kind where I could walk or swim for a good hour without problem. I have done a few x-biking and spinning classes, although admittedly, not since Christmas!

Commute to work is mainly road but I can take a short cut across the common. A couple of hills of the not-so-steep-but-quite-long variety. Good idea about trying the route first... a bit embarrassed that I didn't think of trying it at the weekend!

Thank you xx

supertwisted

You should be able to pick up a reasonable beginners hardtail MTB for that. Look for discounted 2008 bikes as you will generally be getting a higher spec for your cash.
If you're going to be doing a lot of riding on road, you may want to get some tyres more suited to the road. Budget around £20 each for these.

If you can walk or swim comfortably for an hour, I don't think you'll have any trouble with your commute. You'll cover 11 miles within an hour at a fairly comfortable pace I imagine.

You seem to have all the right ideas, which is to try bikes for size before you buy and you have a regime to ease yourself in gently.

mellex

Don't be concerned by the fact that your new to this cycling lark. Asking questions and building confidence is a good thing, after all, he who thinks he knows it all, is often the first one over the handlebars.

If your commute to work looks like it is going to see you riding on busy roads in rush hour traffic, I would recommend that you give yourself time to become comfortable on your new bike and if possible, learn the route at the weekend when it is sure to be quieter.

Good luck and if you stick with it, you'll be racing to work instead of sitting in traffic.

supersonic

I think I would seriously consider a hybrid type bike - it will be better on the roads, and still be good enough for gentle forays off road ie woodland paths and fireroads. The hybrid or even a flat bar road bike will have slightly larger wheels, and would be lighter (more geared for the road).

What local shops do you have close by?

Something like this is worth a look:

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/109910.html


That would be 7 pounds or so lighter than an equivalnet MTB. You can get hybrids more 'MTB' like with sus forks if need be.

llamafarmer

I think supersonic is dead right about a hybrid being your best option at the moment. It sounds like your off road riding will be limited to well trodden paths, so an MTB is probably unnecessary.

If you want to start venturing into the woods and riding singletrack with roots and rocks and mud (it's the way forward ) then start looking at mountain bikes.

In terms of kit, look for breathable stuff where possible. I good windproof top is a good investment and most of all, get some padded shorts for the sort of distances you're talking about!

jadamson

welcome about half a year ago i knew absolutely nothing! :? but as time has gone by and ive encountered problems with my bike etc etc and wanting upgrades and reading MBUK i think ive got a very good general knowledge. Trust me you will be fine after a while. if it was me ide by a mountain bike because as well as being able to commute ide also be able to take it down the trails at the weekends for fun. maybe get some slicker tires for commuting?

you will pick up the terminology within time if your not sure what a word means google's your friend some of the videos on bikeradar are good on tips etc and also have a look on - http://bicycletutor.com/

anyway above all good luck! 8)

another_newbie

Thank you everyone - I am so glad I joined now as everyone has been great.

You're right about my off-roading being relatively limited at the moment - I have been wondering if a MTB is the best option for me and worrying that it's not! (I know it's not really anything to worry about!)

I like the bike supersonic suggested - thanks. I am wondering if this would be a better type for me. I really do want to try before I buy - is it a risky move buying online?

I am going to try the MTBs on Saturday anyway, and maybe talk to the people in the shop about other options too. See what they come up with!

supersonic

Yep, trying them out is the best way!

Budget MTBs are veratlile, but a lot heavier than a road type machine.

another_newbie

I'm definitely going to ask - I think you're right.

llamafarmer

If you intend to get into riding some trails, then an mtb will do you ok on the road as well, I often ride my hardtail a couple of miles into town, but the nobbly tires and extra weight are going to make you work harder than necessary when you're on the tarmac.

Definitely try and get to a couple of local shops and take a few for a spin because it will let you know how each type of bike feels.

I'd say once you get your bike, look into getting a few tools and learn to do some basic maintenance like changing tyres/inner tubes (you're bound to have to do this half way to work one cold, wet morning), oiling the chain and adjusting brakes and gears. There's loads of great guides and videos online and the best way to learn about how your bike works is to get your hands dirty.

Have fun!

another_newbie

Thanks llamafarmer- that's a very good idea. Don't mind getting my hands dirty at all!

How/where can I find out about trails?

another_newbie

What's best... MTb with slicker tyres or flatbar hybrid? Can a hybrid cope with a bit of gentle trailing?

supersonic

Fr the road, at this price, a hybrid.

A hybrid is fine on gentle trails and paths. As before, you get more than one flavour of hybrid, some more MTB like, some leaning more towards road bikes.

Whatever you do, don't get one of these old granny town and country things, they are awful!

another_newbie

That's what I'm afraid of!! Not a chance! Thanks x

rhext

Another vote for the hybrid. Most of them are specifically designed for commuting so they'll be lighter, have more 'road-friendly' setup (esp tyres), and useful extras (like mud-guards and rack mounts).

You can commute on an MTB, and if you're interested in off-road stuff at the weekends, then that might swing the recommendation away from a hybrid....but commuting 11 miles each way on MTB tyres is very hard work. Once you've put road tyres on your MTB, however, there's not a lot to choose between the two.

As for gear, if you've got synthetic 'outdoor' wear already, I'd recommend using that for your four-mile commute just to see how it goes - perhaps with a high-vis tabard. Avoid cotton/jeans, and bear in mind that you'll get warm but not warm enough to go in a t-shirt in the middle of winter. If you dress right, you'll probably be a bit uncomfortable for the first mile, but after that you should actually feel nice and warm. If you're still cold after the first couple of miles you're not wearing enough. As you move up to your 11-mile commute, you should consider 'proper' cycling clothing as it will be much more comfortable. As a guide, for me...

If the temperature is above about 10 degrees c, I'll wear shorts and a baselayer, long-sleeve if it's more towards the 10 degree end.

Between about 0 and 10 degrees, I'll wear full-length leggings, a baselayer and a mid-layer.

Below about 0 degrees, full-length winter leggings, a baselayer, mid-layer and a soft-shell. If it's raining hard I'll use a gore-tex jacket instead of the soft-shell. Don't forget gloves and something to keep your ears warm. Also visibility is important, so don't go around in shades of grey!

another_newbie

Thank you for that rhext - very useful to know all that!

Do you have any idea where I can find out about trails in my area, or even groups of mountain bikers? The more I read, the more I love the sound of it all!

Really torn on the bike front!

rhext

If you're really interested in trails, I'd change my recommendation to MTB....

How to find them though.....

....well, the obvious thing is to buy a book. You'll probably find that there are some appropriate to where you live and using one is a good way of getting your bearings. If you live in England, an OS map is also useful: you can ride on Bridleways and green lanes (even those now closed to motor vehicles - think they're called Permissive Byways). You can't ride on footpaths (although I think Scotland is more flexible). There's a pretty big routes database on the bikeradar home page, and you can also use sites like MapMyRide, to find routes used by other people.

As far as local groups are concerned, I have no idea as I'm not a member of one. You could put up a post here and ask, or you could google your home town....

paulfitz

My local council (Wirral) prints a massive, OS type map, which has ALL the cycle routes in the area highlighted in its diferent colours. I'd try your local council and you might just be surprised (considering my local council isnt great)

llamafarmer

Do you have a local mtb club? A bit of support and guidance from friendly locals is always useful. Get googling

another_newbie

Thanks again for your help and ideas.

I have bought a mountain bike - I have been out a few times, covering between 4 and 6 miles each time and it seems to be getting easier already!

I have been using my time wisely today (snow day = no work!) and looking up some trails to try.

I have heard that I can get from my home to work without any roads at all, and apparently it's quite a short route too so I am glad I bought the mtb now! A brilliant way to start the day I think - cycling to work in that way! Just got to suss the route now!