How old are the newbies to road cycling?

pda

I'm 26; used to ride all through my youth upto around 18 and then I slowly switched to motorbikes. My background is mainly bmx and mountain biking (rigid jump bikes) so I'm pretty excited to be returning to biking with road cycling. I've not quite sealed the deal on it, but my first bike back will be a Bianchi Pista Sei Giorni so it's definitely going to be a new experience for me.

joshbortz

And what are your reasons for picking the sport up: Ive loved mtb since i was a kid (7), its a good way to stay in shape, and i find an amazing way to socialize and meet new people

Also what cylcling / exercise / fitness history do you have: I am a above average fit person, its not that i need cycling to stay in shape, its more that i enjoy it.

Finally what bike have you bought / now use: My first bike was a Giant Roam XR1 Hybrid, turned out to be the wrong bike for the bunch ride i was doing. Just bought a Trek Madone 5.9 2013, i am 14 years old, so say what you like, but i love cycling so much

Dregsi76

Age 36, took up cycling as work did cycle to work scheme which meant I had 1000 to play with. Went for a cube peloton pro, looked nice and have been told by many it's a nice bike with good components (tiagra) happy do far and getting fitter too

twitchor

Hello.

Well been riding mountain/Hybrid bikes for the last 10 years, mainly a fair weather cyclist.....

but for the last 6 months been riding more and more...
So have just brought my first road bike at a young 43..

Being delivered tomorrow

feemackenzie

Evening, I'm 40 and have been dabbling in cycling all my life. Road cycling as a teen, then MTB until recent. Now knees are hurting when running so back to the back; have treated myself to a Felt z95 (2013 spec). Very pleased with the "stealth bomber" matt black finish

And what are your reasons for picking the sport up?
Fittness and enjoyment. easy to do as can go from your front door.

Also what cylcling / exercise / fitness history do you have?
i used to mountain bike. and still swim, kayak, walk.

Finally what bike have you bought / now use?
I have a Felt z95 (2013 spec), and already my 8 years has said he wants to save for a road bike!

Ray of Hope

Hi Everyone,

I'm 48 and I bought a road bike last summer. I have been a diabetic for the last 15 years so I've taken up the cycling in order to get a bit fitter and to help with my health. I bought a Trex Madonne 5.2. A number of my friends have taken up cycling over the last few years. I haven't gone out with them yet as I want to build up some fitness first. They would leave me for dead at the moment but i'll be ready for them soon, I hope.

My doctor told me that I'm A MAMIL = Middle Aged Man In Lycra.

Regards,

Ray.

ianbz

I'm 48 on Friday! I used to time trial years ago and had a frame built by barons from Stow, just outside Lincoln. I got a MTB on the cycle to work scheme which I've used only off road. Started a 9 mile commute to work last March on the road bike and have thoroughly enjoyed it, the frame is now in for respray and I've been commuting on the MTB for a couple of weeks. I've just bought a Bianchi 928 Carbon from local dealer and planning on doing some sportives this year.

Shakey Bear

I am 46, and a complete 'newb' to cycling. I am embracing some lifestyle changes that i think is my 'mid-life crisis. I even joined a gym for the first time back in August!
I can't ever remember feeling so good, both physically and mentally.
Encouraged by some road bike nuts at work, and several months of serious research, i made a visit to a local independent, who built me a bike around a Tifosi frame. I just need to build some confidence, and road miles now.

duffydotcom

I'm 23 and a natural bodybuilder.
I've always enjoyed cycling but I've only had mountain bikes. I've just ordered my first road bike (specialised allez) and it doesn't come till the start of February! Cannot wait. This is the perfect replacement for mundane static cardio in the gym as well as general commuting and I'm wanting to to the C2C with a friend this year too.

skinnydog1973

Hi Im 39 just got my first bike today Bianchi campagnlo 928 wanted one for a while to try and get fit just have to wait for the snow to go away first

gratziani

hi 41 years old last Feb when i took up road cycling

And what are your reasons for picking the sport up?
to maintain some fitness now i am middle aged , major point being less impact on the body

Also what cylcling / exercise / fitness history do you have?
used to play football from school until 4 years ago , cricket etc , have biked all me life , mostly on mountain bikes, also play some golf

Finally what bike have you bought / now use?
Allez Sport Compact on the ride to work scheme

SpainSte

Hi all,

Started cycling again just before Christmas, I'm 34.

Had the usual bikes as a kid and started to get back into it again in 2008 (bought myself a Trek on the C2W scheme) and then lost my job so moved to Spain. Currently living in Andalucia and recently bought a Focus Cayo Evo 5.0 from a LBS, great deal at only 1200 EUR.

gethinceri

Hey! My first post.
I bought a MTB from Halfords 6 months ago, BIG error, it was made of cheese. Hard work to ride and didn't get me far enough. I've followed road cycling since my early twenties, now I'm 45, so always wanted to give the road a go. As a kid I was always cycling everywhere so of course I thought I'd have no trouble in getting back into it. Bought a second hand Trek 1.1 before Xmas as a gift for myself and rode it for the first time just before new year, mind blowing! Now, OK, it's not the greatest of bikes perhaps but it has been exactly the tool I needed. I can't believe the weight, the speed I can reach, the response of gears and brakes; but I can believe that I spent the last 30 Years smoking!

ldg0511

Age 42
Fitness wise not great already had two operations on my spine got to have a 3rd .

Got surgeons advise before starting of course

Cheap bike from Decathlon but upgraded wheels,brakes,sadle and pedals ,going for a carbon bike in the summer keep this one for winter been doing it since about May last year love it .

SoSimple

Hi to everyone on my first post.
Age 49 and decided to give road cycling a go instead of sitting on a stationary spin bike!

Purchased a Giant Defy through cycle to work and already starting to get the bug. Luckily I've got a neighbour who's a keen cyclist and we've been out a few times.

Just committed to ride London to Paris for charity in June as I need something to aim at and can't wait to get back out once this snow clears!

boydie11

Hi folks, new member here!

I was thirty when I started road cycling again, having had a go at it when I was mid teens.
After having a baby and struggling to fit in gym time I got a bike to commute the 18 miles a day to work and back. Rode for a year then had to have a knee operation which has set me back a gair bit but once the snow is away im back on it and raring to go! If you see me about in East Lothian, wave!
Currently riding a Carrera TDF Ltd Edition, not everyones cup of tea however finances dictate. When i get another good year on it I will upgrade but couldnt spend ££££'s if I only stuck to it for 3 months or so....

pkngster

How old? 36

And what are your reasons for picking the sport up? Get fit and binning of the car to ride to work and save money

Also what cylcling / exercise / fitness history do you have? None a part from when I was a kid with mates

Finally what bike have you bought / now use? Btwin triban 3

GRicha

Hi guys!!!

I'm 26

And what are your reasons for picking the sport up? - Triathlete who's swimming is beyond shocking!!!

Also what cylcling / exercise / fitness history do you have? - fitness instructor, running background

Finally what bike have you bought / now use? - just about too buy a Scott Foil 30 2012 model! It's the look!!

shatter

Hi All,

I was 31 when I bought my 1st road Bike a Wilier Lavaredo last summer and have until the really bad weather been getting out at least once a week for a couple of hours. Since Christmas been on my new Elite Turbo and aim to do a couple of hours a week.

I have had an MTB for a few years and it's only when a friend bought a road bike and we went out together just how much quicker he was able to go with the same or less effort. I still use it but only when I am out with my wife and have the 2 yr old in the seat at the back.

Previously I had done a lot of weight lifting and hadn't done any kind of cardio for a about 5 years (when I just did normal gym sessions i.e. some weights and some running or rowing) and I cannot believe how quickly I have lost the weight.

philwint

I was 46 when I bought my road bike early last year.

I've been a reasonably active mountain biker for years, and have competed in lots of 24 hour endurance events/races. ridden all the trail centers and a couple of disappear-into-the-hills-with-my-bike-and-a-tent in the Lakes trips.

The road bike was an impulse buy - I was in Halfords getting some lube and saw a ridiculously priced road bike - less than the cost of the forks on my MTB lol

So i thought what the hell and bought it.

Amazingly I just fell in love with the whole road thing. The seemingly effortless way the miles and hours just disappear. I've ridden to places i would never have dreamed of before; 60 mile loops with crashing headwind return legs; Hills that just go up and up (then down and down); in sunshine and rain... it's just brilliant.

I still love the MTB and the muddy stuff, but there is room in my heart for the tarmac too.

Now looking to dump* the Halfords BSO (which weighs almost the same as my full sus Orange 5!) and get a popper road bike I'm aiming to head south and do London - Brighton, Dunwich Dynamo, and some sportives in the summer.

*well I could never dump it as we've done over 1000 miles together. I'll stick some non-cast iron wheels, a triple chainset, and some mud guards for a winter trainer

btiratsoo

Hello All

I'm 30, been road riding on and off for the last 2 years. Tail end of 2012 I got into it heavily and love it. Always had an MTB and a lot of BMX when I was younger. Road riding started out as physio for BMX/ snowboard injuries and now it has become and obsession.

Used to smoke, used to drink, since riding road this has massively decreased. Don't get me wrong, love a night in the pub every now and then but much prefer getting up and getting out on my bike. I work at sea on 28 day rotations so get 28 days at work then 28 days at home. Its splendid for the bike time but gets a bit lonely on your own!

Oh yeah and I have a Cannondale Supersix. Bloody love it.

If anyone else from the southampton/ winchester area wants to hook up for weekday rides let me know!

stephenlinden

I bought a hybrid (well bike shaped object) a few years ago to get fit after realising my knee would never stand up to running (injury that never got better). This was after a 10+ year break from cycling.

Decided I really wanted a road bike (again - did a lot in my 20s) so I treated myself to one, after many weeks of negotiations with my wife :roll: So at the grand age of 45 I started road cycling again. Of course my wife didn't know that extra shorts, clothes etc. would be required.

Lance9109

Brand new member to Bike Radar! First post!

I am 43 and starting on road bikes for the first time since teenage years and paper rounds!

Have dabbled in MTB before (Felt Q220) but just when I really get going I then have a relapse largely due to work commitments. Don't really do any cardio vascular training (sporadic at best) although I'm active and slim-ish through playing regular golf and hectic work-life.

Brother in Law is triathlon training. I am needing to lose a little weight (stone/stone and a half) so was convinced/willing to train, firstly for me, secondly to become a worthwhile cycling training partner for him.

Just bought a Bianchi Nirone 7, Campag Veloce. Just loved it when saw it and first tried one out. Have to say my purchase was mostly about looks, Italian heritage and brand although don't believe it's a bad entry level bike in terms of quality and components? Currently getting my fitness up on a turbo trainer whilst the weather is too icy - doing 4 or 5 half hour full pelts per week.

Looking forward to catching the bug and chatting on here.

moserism

27

Started commuting 3 years ago, got the bug.
One summer of strapping a tent to the back of the bike.
Two years of lightweight touring around the countryside.
Beginner Track cycling after the Olympics.
One winter training session with a local club. One big lesson learnt...
Winter spent in Spin classes.
Looking forward to seeing if i can keep up with the weekend riders now and maybe finally try some road events!

renevat

Hi all
Got interested in cycling when I did a project for French CSE (1996)about Tommy Simpson.

It was quite a few years before I bought a bike, second hand Peugeot, so I could take part in duathlons and a 'tri a triathlon' :oops:

Packed in due to exercise induced migraines :? but Brad, Cav and co convinced me I should get back on a bike so last August for my 57th I bought myself a Triban 3 from Decathlon, great bike and great service.

Got a bit of road riding in before the winter set in but now mainly turbo-ing in my garage and weekly with local cycling club. Not done any club runs yet as they all discus speeds that I can't match yet. :?

Looking forward to my first sportive (45 miles) in March and hoping to take part in one each month

Just love being on the bike. Cheers Brad

corriebee1

Hey folks

I'm 33. Have played quite high level sport for most of my life. Youth international volleyball and Premier 3 rugby in Scotland. Since settling down into a "proper" job, I've been unable to maintain my involvement in decent level team sport. I play a bit of 5 a side football nowadays but needed something to keep me fit and that I can pursue in my own time. I also commute 35 miles into Cambridge each day, and would like to start cycling the last 10 Doing 20 miles a day commute should get me fit again soon enough!

Bought a FELT Z6 in December. Hoping to join up with a local cycling club once I can be assured of not embarassing myself. I can Strava being very helpful as I still have a fair amount of competitive spirit.

welshgramps

I'm 42 and started commuting when I bought myself a hybrid for my 39th birthday. Did a couple of thousand miles on that commuting back and forth work most days and a couple of accidents later I had to replace it for my current bikewhich I bought for my 41st b'day. In 17 months of having the bike, I have had 10 weeks off the bike and still clocked up over 6500 miles. I cycle to and from work most days saving myself £850/year train fare. Every now and then I do a ride and I started by cycling 110 miles for charity from Treorchy to Haverfordwest in 7 hours. Then I did the Forest of Dean 2012 ride, 90 miles in 7hours 30 mins (2 x 15 mins breaks). Already booked to ride the Exmouth ride in September (90miles I think) and will be booking the New Forest 100 two weeks later in October. Hopefully I'll bedoing these rides on my planned new bike, Felt F6 2013 to be purchased early September.
Miserable weather at moment, snow clears up for the rain, thisI can put up with but not the wind pushing me sideways into passing traffic, will have to wait for a couple of days before getting back on my bike, 350miles approx. done this year so far.

Jas1066

Hi first time poster on this forum, I turned 46 in October 2012, took up cycling again in Feb 2012 after 30+ years, reason for this, bravado really. Myself and a couple of friends were out playing golf and, don't ask me how, the conversation somehow got round to the London - Brighton bike ride, anyway it was sugested that we take part so obviously not wanting to look like a wimp in front of my friends I agreed. So that was the rebirth of my cycling, anyway it transpired that my mate who suggested entering bottled it and did not take part but myself my other mate who was there and a few others I roped in from work took part, really enjoyed the day and comfortably completed the 55 miles, I also subsequently took part in The Palace to Palace ride last October and this year with a gentle bit of persuasion I along with a mate are taking part in the London Revolution ride in May, a 2 day 186 mile ride around London also due to the ribbing we gave my mate who bottled the London - Brighton last year he has entered this year's so I will be doing that again along with a few other newbies I have encouraged, my cycling social circle increases!!
For me the biggest bonus has been, other than the fact that I really enjoy cycling again, my increase in general fitness which has meant my main sporting passion, golf, has steadily improved since the beginning of last year due to the fact that I am not knackered by the 14th hole.....
All my cycling these days is done on a 2012 Giant Roam 1

gubber12345

age 43

started tail end of last summer when i bought a cheap road bike off a workmate who's also into cycling.

got well hooked and 2 months later broke the bank and splashed out and bought a full carbon forme edge road bike.

used to do a lot of rinning and playing football but thats all come to an end now as all the guys that used to play the football are like me got to old and slow lol

trying now to lose a bit off weight,about a stone an a half to heavy.

on the trainer now 3 times a week waiting for this weather to clear off and hoping to lose a bit of that weight,but no matter what i do it wont go "the B*****d" lol....please mind my french lol

in all fairness tho i do feel a lot better for the trainer just wondering how it'l all fair out when i hit the roads for real.....gotta be a big difference i think.

Mitchymitchell

Age 35

Always had mountain bikes and BMX. Moved to Adelaide recently with loads of roads available on my doorstep. Seems like a great way of getting rid of the young dad gut I seem to have developed recently!

Still deciding on metal or alloy....