Got my new bike today :D

suzyb

Not really been out on a decent ride yet, only a short one around town but it does seem an easier ride.

I have a few questions however.

What can I use to pad out my computer handlebar and fork mounts as I no longer have the rubber pads that came with the computer.

Does wearing a baggy jacket make much of a difference. I'm rather fat so would need a big size of waterproof however that will probably end up being a bit baggy in some places.

rolf_f

What bike did you get - you'll need to post pictures or the natives will get restless!

You can get sticky backed foam pads - Wilkinsons or somewhere like that might deliver.

As for waterproofs - I wouldn't worry that much. You'll probably wear it less than you think anyway. You boil in the bag in them a bit and they don't stop you getting wet elsewhere. Unless it is cold I tend not to bother with a waterproof whatever the weather.

tgotb

Electrical tape works well for me, and should be available in a colour to match your frame (or nearly, anyway...)

suzyb

I put a little electrical tape on the handlebar mount (got plenty, my dads an electrician :P) but I need a bit more padding so I'll have a look for some foam pads tomorrow.

ride_whenever

slice of an old inner tube, lbs should be able to sort you out with that or even some of the rubber strips, we always seem to hundreds of the little things kicking around.

blu3cat

For the baggy jacket, I agree with Rolf F in that you will wear it less than you think. Only really use mine for windproofness / waterproofness in Spring / Autumn and have a thicker non "flappy" one for winter.

"Flappy" jackets will slow you down a little, but if dry is your thing, then it's probably a price worth paying. It's really not that much extra effort, and don't forget like a headwind it'll make you a stronger cyclist.

Oh and "spill the beans" on the bike?

suzyb

Finally got a piccy of the new wheels.


And I went ouf for a decent ride today and did 8.6 miles at an average speed of 8.6mph Although the headwind coming up the hill back into town no doubt slowed me down a bit. Probably wasn't that strong a headwind but it was enough to slow me down to a virtual stop. I am soooo unfit

I also discovered a few new things today.
1) A bike with non mountain bike types and a wheel that isn't bent therefore doesn't rub the brakes is actually easier to ride.
2) It's the large vehicles like 4x4s and vans that give you the least room even when there is nothing coming the other way
3) There is occasionally a kind soul who will stop and wait behind you until oncoming traffic has passed so they can give you plenty of room.

redddraggon

Are your legs really that short?

suzyb

redddraggon wrote:

Are your legs really that short?

Yeah

I'm only 5ft tall but didnt' want a womens bike so 16" was the smallest available.

redddraggon

-null- wrote:

redddraggon wrote:

Are your legs really that short?

Yeah

I'm only 5ft tall but didnt' want a womens bike so 16" was the smallest available.

Don't you find the reach too much and the bars too high?

suzyb

redddraggon wrote:

-null- wrote:

redddraggon wrote:

Are your legs really that short?

Yeah

I'm only 5ft tall but didnt' want a womens bike so 16" was the smallest available.

Don't you find the reach too much and the bars too high?

Not really. Perhaps I would noticed after riding a smaller bike but I'm used to riding a 16" and riding it doesn't cause any pain (although I may just not being cycling long enough for that).

itboffin

@null there's no way that fits you even at 5' your saddle needs at the very least be at the same height as your stem/headset your knees will be too bent causing them to stick out to the sides plus you'll never get any decent speed or be able to ride very far without discomfort, try raising your saddle 1cm each ride until you find the perfect point, trust me you'll enjoy riding so much more and your body will thank you.

but most of all get out and ride

suzyb

Tried raising my saddle today. Not sure I really noticed a difference but I think my legs were still a bit tired from yesterday's ride.

One good thing though, my bottom didn't hurt as much afterwards

itboffin

-null- wrote:

Tried raising my saddle today. Not sure I really noticed a difference but I think my legs were still a bit tired from yesterday's ride.

One good thing though, my bottom didn't hurt as much afterwards

That's good, you shouldn't notice small increases but eventually you'll find the right heigh no butt pain or ham strain plus lots more power + distance.

Remember small increments

Wallace1492

I would agree that you should get saddle up higher. With the pedal at the botton of the turn, you leg should almost, but not quite be straight. It is more comfortable, and does give you more power and better, and more comfortable posture, especially for on roads.

Great looking bike, and I am sure you will have loads of fun on it, its amazing how quickly you get speed up and fitness increases. I am now averaging 16mph on commute and that is via loads of junctions and Maryhill Road!!