Starting Out

tferino

Hi all,

just got my first bike in about 25 years, need to do some exercise and running wasn't agreeing with me.

Got a second hand Dawes Giro 400, been out a few times in basic running shorts, T shirts and trainers etc - looking for advice as to what are the other basics I should be looking to get? A helmet and shorts are my first thoughts - anything else?

One other thing - the pedals are toe clips/straps - can these be converted to the cleats (sorry if terminology is wrong) or would I need to completely replace? Or am I getting a bit far ahead of myself and just use them as is fr now?

thefonz78

Yes I would start with shorts and Helmet. Along with a gloves, water bottle, puncture kit and pump. Then a computer and pedals and shoes. For clipless you will need new pedals and special shoes. I have just started so i am no expert.

16mm

If you just need to do some exercise then just get what you need to be comfy.
For me, for rides under an hour and a half, I wouldn't need anything special.

For longer rides shorts would be good. If you're still riding in a few months and want to ride through winter too, then mudguards would be number one, and you can invest in some cycling specific kit, but I'd just get what you need so you can ride regularly in comfort, and spend your cash on smaller sized normal clothes:-)

tferino

Thanks for that fonz.

Sorry for daft question but what's the purpose of the gloves - to stop your hands blistering?

Also, what's the story with pumps - I've used one of the compact mini ones but then I see there's also the floor pumps too. Are you able to get the correct/maximum tyre pressure with the mini pumps?

Thanks again.

Hals1967

For the gloves - see this post !
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12710001

tferino

Thanks also 16mm - sounds like I've not really got any excuses and just need to get on with it!

tferino

Thanks Hals - having read that I think I'll get meself some gloves!

nmcgann

tferino wrote:

Thanks for that fonz.

Sorry for daft question but what's the purpose of the gloves - to stop your hands blistering?

Also, what's the story with pumps - I've used one of the compact mini ones but then I see there's also the floor pumps too. Are you able to get the correct/maximum tyre pressure with the mini pumps?

Thanks again.

Almost certainly not, but it will get you through the ride and home where you can blow the tyre up properly with a track pump.

night_porter

Most good cycling clothing is based around its ability to wick away sweat from the body causing it to evaporate keeping the rider dry and comfortable.

A good pair of cycling shorts will have a chamois pad to draw moisture away from your undercarriage to prevent chafing from the saddle. Your running shorts will probably wick moisture but not be as effective because the pad won't be there because runners do not sit to exercise.

Close fit cycling jerseys with short or long sleeves will do the same and also be cut to fit properly when in the riding position. Good jerseys will also have rear pockets to store essential riding kit. Normal cotton tee shirts will hold the sweat close to the skin making you feel uncomfortable and probably cold.

Depending on the type of trainers you are using they will probably have a softer sole to reduce impact when running. Because there is no impact when cycling it is better to have harder soled shoes to increase power transfer to the pedals. Clipless shoe systems require special hardsoled shoes (with attached cleats) to join to the special pedals forming a bond similar to putting your feet into the straps but without the need to tighten the straps all the time. There are different systems but in general SPD or SPD-SL are the two main types but are not interchangeable.

All of the above will improve the cycling experience you are currently having but are not essential equipment. Helmets are essential for protecting your noggin should you fall off. The more expensive ones will be lighter and have more ventilation to reduce overheating when riding. It is quite normal for your head to feel cooler with a helmet on while cycling than just a bare head.

Accessories like multi-tools, repair kits, water carriers (backpack or bottle), spare tubes food, energy bars/gel etc. are not essential but can be helpful in saving a long walk home in an emergency. What you carry will be dependant on where you are riding and whether you expect to need them. An example would be although I carry a water bottle on my commute I never drink from it, it is there in case I fall off and need to wash road rash or something similar.

Hope this helps, get what you need when you need it and enjoy your cycling!

tferino

Thanks for all the replies guys.

Looks like a nice weekend weather wise so hopefully I'll find the time to get out on the back roads of Perthshire this weekend. Cheers.

The_Beast

Yeah just wear whatever to start with and get some miles under your belt and the fitness up. I think I would have looked stupid wearing fancy gear and being as unfit as I was 3 months ago.

I've just used my spd-sl's for the first time today, roads were quiet which helped but the clips didn't seem too bad getting used to them.