got my cycle scheme bike yesterday

gadgets

Here's my cycles scheme procurement process:
-our company announced the cyclescheme program on July 14
-going to multiple bike stores, going through so many bike catalogs
-reading all possible mtb bike magazines available for July and August
-deciding to go with the Orange G3
-getting a quote on July 23 and submitting the voucher reqest on the same day
-getting approval and the hire agreement on July 24
-received the voucher on Aug 6
-picked up the bike on Aug 7 from Cycle Surgery in Brum (kudos to Saul)
-rode for a short while to check my fitness level (off the charts - on the wrong side :oops: )

Bought the following to replace the stock parts and Cycle Surgery installed these:
- replaced the tyres with Specialized Nimbus Armadillo
- replaced the flat pedals with Shimano M424 MTB SPD
- replaced the quick release seat post with a black Hope seat clamp (bolt)
- SKS Shockboard front mudguards
- SKS X-Tra Dry snap on rear mudguard

When I got home, I did the following:
-took out the rear reflector and replaced it with a Cateye rear lights which I already had
-took out the front reflector and tried to install a Cateye front lights but the clamp was too small for the handle bar
-instlalled the bike mounts for the Garmin 705 and the cadence sensor

When I rode it this morning, it felt great with the slick tyres on, very much smoother. My fitness level though was so bad :oops: . I only rode for 15 minutes but I need to go buy some padded stuff to go under the baggy shorts (the baggy shorts did not have a liner). I also did not use the spd shoes, did not want to display the falling tree dismount technique

I will do another quick ride tonight and then a slightly longer ride tomorrow morning.

gadgets

with too much police activity, lots of teenagers cycling around and whatever else that's causing the police activity.... I wimped out from riding tonight

gadgets

just got back riding around, recorded 5.8 miles and unrecorded about the same (kept on forgetting to push the start button :roll: ). it was a struggle at times but I figure I need to keep at it to build up my fitness level.

I tried the route that I will use to commute to work but only did a half of the way before going elsewhere. I have been told it will be 10 to 11 miles each way. how did you prepare for you first ride? just bite the bullet and went for it or build up the fitness level before doing the full journey?

Have to really sort out the padding out today (feels bruised :oops: ) and also get a water bottle.

whyamihere

Where abouts in Brum are you, and where do you work? Is there the opportunity to ride to a train station, get a train some of the way and then ride the rest?

fletch8928

Depending on what sort of job you have i would just jump on and give yourself plenty of time to get to work. Once your fit i would say it should take you around 45 mins, thats not going as fast as you can just a nice steady pace.

I often take a long route home for some extra miles and it works out that its 8.5 miles in 33-35 mins. That is with 2.35 knobblies on and after 12 hrs of usualy hard graft in a hot factory. 33mins after a dayshift and 35 after a nightshift

And yes get some padding

Aguila

gadgets wrote:

just got back riding around, recorded 5.8 miles and unrecorded about the same (kept on forgetting to push the start button :roll: ). it was a struggle at times but I figure I need to keep at it to build up my fitness level.

I tried the route that I will use to commute to work but only did a half of the way before going elsewhere. I have been told it will be 10 to 11 miles each way. how did you prepare for you first ride? just bite the bullet and went for it or build up the fitness level before doing the full journey?

Have to really sort out the padding out today (feels bruised :oops: ) and also get a water bottle.

I commute much the same distance as you. to begin with I rode in 2 or 3 times per week and took my time with 2 decent rest stops on the way. My first trip took 1hr and 5 mins. That was 18 months ago, I now never stop and it takes me about 35mins, record just under 30. Oh and I've lost a stone and a half in weight and feel amazing, i get so grumpy if I have to drive now.

So, Start gradually and dont be too hard on yourself, it gets easier gradually and is well worth the effort.

gadgets

whyamihere wrote:

Where abouts in Brum are you, and where do you work? Is there the opportunity to ride to a train station, get a train some of the way and then ride the rest?

i am at the city centre and work at blythe valley in Solihull, so it will be Stratford Road most of the way.

whyamihere

You have a decent bail out option of getting the train from New Street to Yardley Wood then, and then riding the rest of the way, obviously to extend the ride you can get off at an earlier station, or do the short ride in the morning and ride the whole way in the evening.

Kieran_Burns

I started by catching the train in and cycling home for my 14 mile commute, then I started to cycle both ways and built up the number of days doing that...

You may also find that the water bottle becomes unnecessary and you just need to remember to hydrate properly before leaving.

Wallace1492

I just bite th bullet lasy august when work moved to a new building with showers - very necessary!! Now I love it. Did cycle a fair bit before, but milage has gone through the roof now. It iss 7.5 miles each way, and do it on a MTB with slicks, but want a tricross now for better speed and doing more road on way home. Homeward I usually do 15 miles, but have done as much as 42 on a fine night.

Water bottle will not be required on commutes of 10 miles, but if you do more on way home you may want it.

Definately padded shorts and i would recomend a helmet too.
Take it easy at first, and build up your traffic awareness, then it becomes fun racing busses and cars in traffic, and of course playing the SCR game.... get some scalps, get lycra, be dazzled by the variety of lights and do it all winter.

And of course keep posing on here - just found this site last month and it is super, have had lods of good tips, and there are plenty of people out there just like you and me!!

Welcome to Commuter World!!

gadgets

Thank you all for your responses. I got the padded shorts yesterday and it definitely help with the short ride tonight (30 minutes, just around 3 miles with one slight hill which is part of the route I will take to work).

I will bite the bullet next Tuesday and ride to work. I will do more riding to chip away with the fitness level and getting used to the spd (tonight was the first time I rode with it and thankfully there were no incidents)

Also getting used to the bike computer but have not really fiddled with it yet

Kieran_Burns

Wallace1492 wrote:

...
And of course keep posing on here - just found this site last month and it is super, have had lods of good tips, and there are plenty of people out there just like you and me!!

Welcome to Commuter World!!

Freudian slip? Or just telling the truth?

dirk_van_gently

gadgets wrote:

just got back riding around, recorded 5.8 miles and unrecorded about the same (kept on forgetting to push the start button :roll: ).

There is an Autopause Restart feature on the Garmin, press button once at start of ride and once at end.

Simples

Headhuunter

Dirk Van Gently wrote:

gadgets wrote:

just got back riding around, recorded 5.8 miles and unrecorded about the same (kept on forgetting to push the start button :roll: ).

There is an Autopause Restart feature on the Garmin, press button once at start of ride and once at end.

Simples

I'm sorry, you're just trying to help but GOD I hate that advert......

dirk_van_gently

Headhuunter wrote:

GOD I hate that advert......

:-) it's irritating and funny all at the same time. Bloody clever bit of marketing though.

cyberknight

Welcome to the forums ,do not compare yourself to others with your fitness except the people still in cars..........you can now look down on them