Inroduction from a Newbie with a new bike.

Redsteveb

Hi guys, just found this site so I thought I'd introduce myself. My name's Steve, I'm 44 and living in Bristol. I've just recently got back into cycling mainly to lose a few lbs and get a little more fit.

A good friend of mine cycles quite a bit including a 12 mile daily commute, so suggested I consider buying a bike and going out with him on a few rides. I borrowed one of his old bikes for a few weeks before deciding I'd spend some of my own cash on a new bike.

I did some research and set a budget of £800 and eventually decided on a Bianchi as I was drawn to their C2C models which offered a little more comfort being designed to do longer trips. Anyway I got a good deal on a 2008 bike from Stonehenge cycles, and I must admit to being really pleased.

I've since added a Cateye computer to help measure the improvements (small) that I'm making along with a small bag under the sadle to carry my keys, mobile etc.

I would admit to still being a novice and not a good one at that but I'm definitely improving my fitness as I can now ride up hills I initially had to push the bike up! Also I can ride for much longer. My first ride lasted about 20 minutes before I had to stop. My longest ride is now at 4 hours, mainly using the cycle path out of Bristol towards Bath & beyond.

Anyway, that's me and this is my bike...



Cheers,

Steve.

blu3cat

Welcome, nice ride.

I too started cycling again to get fitter and lose a few lbs, trouble is it becomes addictive and you'll find yourself finding more and more excuses to cycle.

alfablue

Welcome Steve

Nice bike!

I live in Bath, done thousands of miles along the railway path. These days my weekend rides are often following NCN route 4 to Chepstow over the Severn Bridge, or turn left at Chepstow and head to Newport (pretty flat) or Usk (includes a 17% / 2k hill). Both good rides on quiet roads or dedicated cycle paths, some lovely countryside. There is also a good ride to Clevedon along an NCN route / Avon Cycleway.

AGNI

Hi Steve

Nice bike. I am of a similar age and recently got a Bianchi C2C in March with the same aim of getting fit and losing a few lbs. As blu3cat mentioned, as you get fitter, it does get very addicitive.

Just by looking at what you can do now compared to what you could do a month or two earlier is a great incentive. 3 weeks ago I was able to do an 82 mile trek from telford to barmouth. People who knew me thought I was nuts when I signed up for it as I am what you would call "rotund" (5'10" and 16 stone).

What I found held me back at first is the weather. Eventually I became frustrated at not being able to get out due to rain so I went and bought a good cycling jacket and now i will go out even if it is raining. The only problem of this is that I hate getting the bike in a mess which is why I am now looking for a winter bike so I can take it out in all weathers and even do a little bit of commuting.

BTW, after watching me going out on the bike, the next door neighbour also went out and bought a bianchi c2c nirone.

Steve

pickled

Wecome. And good choice!

PS: Time to lose the spoke protector...

CHRISNOIR

Welcome aboard - and it's a FACT! (that I just made up...) that only the most intellegent and sexy individuals choose Bianchi. So, well done.

ShaunL

Hi Steve

If you ever head out around the airport along the A38 give me a shout and I'll tag along.

Nice bike too, I tried a Bianchi Nirone in the shop but went for a more rugged cyclocross in the end as the roads round here aren't very friendly.

daveclow

lol wits funny that they dress bikes up with reflectors etc. when my allez turned up it had the lot! even a really crappy little bell. within the week i lost reflectors, spoke protector and bell lol.

honestly it'll look loads cooler afterwards.

Redsteveb

pickled wrote:

Wecome. And good choice!

PS: Time to lose the spoke protector...

Sorry, yes that went a day or two after I took the photo! Along with the bell and wheel & front & rear reflectors

Really appreciate the responses guys & girls. I know I've got a long way to go to get anywhere near where I'd like to be. Having said that I've just signed up to a ride with a couple of mates from Bristol to Devizes in a couple of weeks time. This will be my longest outing yet. Must admit I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Cheers chaps,
Steve

Anonymous

Nice mate, now you just have to take a photo of it pointing the right way!

Redsteveb

NapoleonD wrote:

Nice mate, now you just have to take a photo of it pointing the right way!

Hope this is better

jamestux

Seems like a lot of happy Bianchi riders in this thread, I am going to try some out at stonehenge cycles on friday morning, can't wait!

Philby

Another happy Bianchi C2C Nirone rider here from Bristol. Got mine back in March and recently did a 120 mile ride.

I avoid the Bristol - Bath cycle path unless I'm on my hack bike and actually want to ride to Bath - too many families with young kids or dogs to avoid or slow you down. I know a couple of people who have had bike:pedestrian or bike:dog interfaces.

There is some fantastic riding both north and south of Bristol - Chew Valley, Mendips, around Clevedon and Yatton for example - to explore. Get out there and enjoy!

jamlala

Nice bike!

AGNI

Redsteveb wrote:

NapoleonD wrote:

Nice mate, now you just have to take a photo of it pointing the right way!

Hope this is better

Cough **forgot to take off spoke guard** cough

haggisinlondon

Cannot find any Nirones in the Celeste colour anymore, 61cm, under £900!! Guess they are all waiting for the 2010 range.

Takis61

Mmmmmmm, Bianchi ! Drool....
Wanted one, but got a Ribble as the bang for buck was so good.
Love the colour.
Enjoy & welcome to the road cycling community !

pickled

haggisinlondon wrote:

Cannot find any Nirones in the Celeste colour anymore, 61cm, under £900!! Guess they are all waiting for the 2010 range.

from Evans

Not under 900. But surely close enough!