Newbie help please

joelsim

Hi, I'm a bit green on cycling having only covered about 200 miles in the last 10 years probably.

However, I rode to work on Monday as there was a tube strike, and really enjoyed it. The journey is from Stoke Newington to Fulham. Because I was a bit nervous about London traffic I took the scenic route along the Regents Canal to Islington, then cut down through Aldwych to Waterloo Bridge and then all the way along the river to Fulham. Took an hour and 20 to do the 11 1/2 miles.

But it gave me more confidence and I also cycled in on Friday. 50 minutes on a more direct route of about 10 miles. Anyway I was really chuffed that I did it.

I now want to cycle in 2 to 3 times a week in the short-term to get more used to it and to build up a level of fitness before a house move next month.

I'll be moving to Cobham (Surrey) and want to start cycling at least part of the way.

I have a second-hand Trek 7.2fx 2006 model which is in good nick and rides very well.

However, I was hoping you could help me out with a few things please.

1) I need a new seat as mine is a bit ropey with a chunk missing. I believe it's a Bontrager Sport. What would you suggest?

2) If I cycle from Cobham to Fulham, does anyone have a good route (in the car it's the A3 all the way which doesn't appeal on a bike)

3) Is my bike up to the longer commute?

4) Would I be better thinking about only doing part of the journey on my bike ie maybe getting the train to Wimbledon then cycling from there? Is this allowed at peak times?

Thanks for any help.

Joel

The Rookie

Welcome to the club!

A Saddle is a very personal thing, what feels right for one person, may not feel right for the next, what feels comfortable for a 10 minute test ride, may make you hurt after 10 miles and vice-versa

Planet-X have some decent saddles on offer right now, or try a local bike shop and see if they will let you try-out some, many have a bin where saddles removed from new bikes (so the buyer can get the saddle they want) are sold off for £10-20 each.

The Trek, kept in reasonable order, should do judt fine, time to start learning how to maintain it yourself (that is what the workshop forum is for!)

I've no idea of best routes for you, so will leave it to the locals.

Simon

joelsim

Thanks very much for your reply Simon, I shall take a look at my local bike shops. Do you have any idea of the sort of seat I should be looking for initially? A similar seat to what I have or one which is a bit more low profile?

asprilla

I cycle from Walton to White City so i cover a lot of your route.

I''d suggest going up Portsmouth Road to Esher (although thechnically a quick road it's very busy in the morning which slows it down and it's very wide). Keep following the road up to Kingston and then wiggle though to Richmond Park (I go Skerne Road - Lower Kings Road - Kings Road - Park). Then make your way though the Park to Roehampton Gate and Priory Lane and from there to Putney Bridge.

This is the main cycle route from West Surrey to London so there are plenty of other cyclists around to offer help and keep you out of trouble should it be required.

If you want to knock some miles off then you could drive to Kingston or I know one chap who parks at Sandown Park (racecourse) in a morning.

SW trains don't allow bikes on their trains on routes though Surbiton / Wimbledon / Clapham J during peak times.

You are looking at about 16.5 miles. If you can do 11 then you can do the 16.5 although to start with you might want to cycle in and then train home and vice versa until you are comfortable with the distance. Don't worry about the time and you'll probably find that get quicker very soon.

joelsim

Excellent, thanks. Funnily enough I was thinking that very route, and it's likely my boy will be going to a nursery at Sandown Park so that could work out well.

asprilla

It's a good nursery as well, was our second option. Good luck!

The Rookie

What sort of saddle - one that you are comfortable with!

Eventually you'll want a nice thin minimal padding one, it provides less intereferance when peddling, it will make the muscles over your 'sit bones' ache after a ride for a few days, but once they harden up, its by far the best option, big comfy ones are the ones that give the traditional 'saddle sores' on the inside of your leg from chafing for those who remember that charge from Corry in the advert 'that bike almost feels part of me' 'that'll be the saddle'.

Personally I like the Charge Spoon, chro-mo rail option (lighter for only a couple of pounds more) such as here http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Charg ... 360045292/

It suites me, I like it, its not to heavy and it's comfy once your muscles have hardened up (took me 2 days cyling and weekend recovery).

Simon

joelsim

I've just taken a punt on this, couldn't resist the price given the RRP is 3 times that.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... _752wt_907

I also bought myself some oil.

Oh dear, I've got the bug.

cjcp

What Asprilla said about the route.

Good stuff on getting on the bike. Resist the temptation to hop on the train. You'll get used to the distance. Just take your time and build up your speed and fitness gradually.

hstiles

I ride from Long Ditton to Putney everday, so I start a few miles up the road from you.

My favourite route is down the portsmouth road, through kingston town centre, up past canbury gardens and then either

take the left on to the towpath all the way to richmond then through the one way system onto the sheen road and along the upper richmond road into putney

or

stay on the road, join the richmond road, straight on at the first set of lights, right at the next junction and into richmond park via ham gate, up the hill, across the road and cut through the middle of the park past penn ponds and the white lodge. Exit richmond park at roehampton gate and head up past the priory at join up with the upper richmond road at the end.

There are loads of lovely routes into town.

hstiles

If you do decide to drive part of the way, be aware that most of surbiton and kingston are permit holder only during the week and the local parking enforcement nazis are utter b*stards. You're best off parking over in my neck of the woods (Elmbridge) which is about a mile out of surbiton, which has no parking enforcement.

Your bike will serve you well. Some inexpensive, highly effective changes you can make are

Skinnier tyres
Better, more absorbent grips or bar tape
clipless pedals

I picked up a set of diadora SPD pedals for under £20 and a set of 2nd hand shimano pedals for a tenner in my local bike shop. You can get them for £20 on ebay, including cleats. They can really make a difference on longer journeys.

joelsim

Does the Ham Gate route cut out the hills in RP?

Tell me more about pedals.

joelsim

And skinnier tyres, mine look very thin.

manofsteel

Can't help with the routes I'm afraid, but can also recommend the Charge spoon saddle - I've just done the C2C in 24 hours on one and can't fault it after a couple of years use.

I'm not familiar with your bike, but you say it's comfy so you've won half the battle already!

One question - have you posted this on the wrong forum: :?

Joelsim wrote:

I also bought myself some oil.

cjcp

There'sn incline from Ham Gate to the road where you pick up the path through the middle of park. Not long though.

Pedals - M520 Shimanos and DHB mtb shoes are a good, vfm combo.

Tyres - what do you have at the moment? Check the numbering on the sidewall of the tyre.

The Rookie

Joelsim wrote:

Oh dear, I've got the bug.

and no antibioutic is available!

Simon

joelsim

Yes I think I have rubber tyres. Will check tonight tho'.

joelsim

The tyres are Bontrager Select Invert B (700x35).

The pedals say K70247 on the side but aren't branded as far as I can see.

EKE_38BPM

Welcome to the magical world of cycle commuting. Prepare to save money get fit and enjoy going to work.

Saddles: Very personal. Find one you like (great advice, huh)?
I use a Selle Italia Flight Gel Flow. Easily the most comfortable saddle I've ever had. I'd buy another one tomorrow if I was in the market for one.
Brooks saddles must be good though. People have been using them since Jesus was a little boy.

Tyres: Many on here swear by Continental Gator Skins. I'm one of those people. I use 700c x 23. Whatever tyres you choose, pump them up to their maximum stated pressure and keep them there. Check at least once a week. You get less punctures (especially pinch flats or 'snakebites') when you keep them properly inflated.

Brakes: They keep you alive. Maintain them accordingly.

Lights: Use them.

Helmets: Personal choice. I use one.

Fun: Have lots!!!

joelsim

What mudguards would you suggest for a Trek 7.2fx with standard Bontrager 700x35s?

How do I know how big my wheels are?

cjcp

No idea on mudguards.

Wheel size? See here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

joelsim

Hmmm, not sure I understand that. I'd best get down to the LBS.