Loving it!!!!

Dan_Giant
Dan_Giant Posts: 72
edited August 2010 in Road beginners
Just wanted to tell you all how much im loving my bike!

Had it just over a week now, its a Giant Defy 4. I've got myself some padded shorts and clipless pedals and shoes so nicely set up for a beginner. Oh and spare tube, tools etc.

Going to be using it for commuting come November to do an 18mile each way commute.

Started off nice and easy with 5mile rides in 20 mins for a few days. Managed to do a nice comfortable 11miles in 44 mins today, and enjoyed every single mile.

Think i've really got the bug, and cant wait till my legs are strong enough to do my first 50miler!

Any tips and tricks to help my training?

Sorry for the slightly boring/enthusiastic post but think my girlfriend is bored of hearing about my bike now haha.

Dan

Comments

  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    its very addictive. road bikes are very good these days.just settle into regular riding and it will sort its self out.nothing better than a quiet road on a sunny day. :D
  • bilirubin
    bilirubin Posts: 225
    Good to see another roadie becoming addicted, great choice of bike as well Dan because I ride a Giant Defy 2.

    As for the training just keep putting the miles in.
  • Suffolkwheels
    Suffolkwheels Posts: 167
    Ello mate

    I'm also a newb, as delighted as a kid in sweet shop with my new hobby!

    One tip I'd give ya is make sure your bike is set up correctly for you. I started out with lots of 10-25 mile rides. I had a bit of lower back ache and was a bit uncomfortable in the seat. I just assumed this was normal. I then went for a 50 miler and screwed my knees quite badly. It seems this was mainly due to a poor bike set up which I'm now trying to sort out.

    Other than that, have a blast; its serrrrrrrriously addictive!!
    Giant Rapid 3
  • brucebanner
    brucebanner Posts: 256
    Dan_Giant wrote:
    Just wanted to tell you all how much im loving my bike!

    Had it just over a week now, its a Giant Defy 4. I've got myself some padded shorts and clipless pedals and shoes so nicely set up for a beginner.
    ...
    Dan

    Getting clipless pedals was the best thing I did, IMHO.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    The best thing I did was have kids.

    You bought that Canyon yet? ;)
  • Dan_Giant
    Dan_Giant Posts: 72
    Well the bike is pretty well set up for me, as i bought it from a really good LBS, so i got measured up for the right frame size then the seat height adjusted. Havent had any aches or pains yet other than the expected muscle ache from riding.


    What sort of wet weather gear would you recommend? At the moment i dont plan on going out in the rain, but when it comes to the commute in November im going to need some.

    Dan
  • Suffolkwheels
    Suffolkwheels Posts: 167
    Ello fella

    Good to hear all is good with your set up. Unfortunately my LBS didn't take enough time to set me up properly.

    Clothing wise, this milkshake brings all the girls to the yard and they're like, its better than yours:

    thomas_poncho_small.jpg
    Giant Rapid 3
  • ForumNewbie
    ForumNewbie Posts: 1,664
    Hi there, I admire your enthusiasm but an 18 mile each way commute is a lot to ask, especially starting in November when cold and frost and there is grit on the roads. I've just recently started doing a similar length commute 1 or 2 days a week on a hybrid, but due to weather and lack of daylight come November, I doubt I'll still be doing it by then.

    You would definitely need mudguards in November - presumably you can fit them on Giant Defy bikes? You will also need lights in November. All that grit and grime will take it out on your components on your shiny new road bike.

    Good luck if you do start that commute in November, but why not start with the odd day commuting say next month when there is still good daylight hours and a bit of sunshine and see how it goes?
  • Pretre
    Pretre Posts: 355
    ForumNewbie wrote:
    Hi there, I admire your enthusiasm but an 18 mile each way commute is a lot to ask, especially starting in November when cold and frost and there is grit on the roads. I've just recently started doing a similar length commute 1 or 2 days a week on a hybrid, but due to weather and lack of daylight come November, I doubt I'll still be doing it by then.

    You would definitely need mudguards in November - presumably you can fit them on Giant Defy bikes? You will also need lights in November. All that grit and grime will take it out on your components on your shiny new road bike.

    Good luck if you do start that commute in November, but why not start with the odd day commuting say next month when there is still good daylight hours and a bit of sunshine and see how it goes?

    +1 - commuting in the winter needs to be eased into gently, as the above states. You'll need thermal clothing, rain gear, mudguards, lights & a head covering of some kind as cold air & cycling at speed = seriously cold head, ears & face - Buffs are fantastic.

    Keep up the good work - best training is just to keep on enjoying it - the fitness will follow & then you can extend the rides & also do them faster. :D

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