Training help

entrenous

Hi,

Been a commuting cyclist for about 8 years now. Clock up about 15/20 mils per day anything up to 50 when I am visiting clients.

About 3 years back I treated my self to a fairly decent road bike (Kinesis Racelight) and have a fair few rides under my belt, 20/30/40/50 and just recently a few 70 milers.

The trouble is. I am a complete novice. I can clean down my bike and change an inner tube. Just bought myself the Garmin 800 which is great for my job but I want to get involved more. Use the cadence sensor, know what all the stats mean. I love stats and trying to beat them. I am picking up a few leg injuries which I suspect is down to bad riding habits.

Anyone know of any personal cycling trainers that could help with understanding how the bike works, riding style, set up cadence, understand that, set programmes for turbo trainers and general bike stuff.

Like I say. I am a novice but want to change that and take it to the next level, I am not that fast but I like a challenge. do I need a trainer, over the top? thoughts / comments appreciated?

Cheers

EN

BeaconRuth

It sounds to me as though you need to start mixing and making friends with some other cyclists. Have you thought about joining a cycling club? You'll be easily fit enough to keep up with a clubrun as long as you don't try and stay with a fast racing group; the vast majority of clubruns are at a social pace that would be no problem for you. The kinds of things you want to know are usually discovered as part of a conversation while you're riding with clubmates, or over beans on toast at a cafe.

Most experienced cyclists don't become experienced cyclists by paying someone to give them advice - and I say that as someone who coaches for a living!

Ruth

Herbsman

entrenous wrote:

I am picking up a few leg injuries which I suspect is down to bad riding habits.

Worrying. Have you had your bike set up properly?

entrenous

Thanks Ruth. I had thought of that. was just worried I would not be able to keep up. Been looking around and found a local club in East London that do a sunday ride where 'no one gets dropped' could be a starting point.

@Herbsman, again this is what I was thinking but I have no idea. I may have to get down the shop and get fitted.

I love cycling and just get out and cycle, unfortunatley I am a little 'all the gear with no Idea right now........'

Thanks for your help.

bahzob

I'd strongly recommend getting a good bike fit, especially if you are picking up injuries. (one of the many good things about cycling is that you shouldn't get hurt unless you fall off...)

It's probably the best value investment you can make. If you have a choice try to use someone who looks at you while you are actually cycling on an indoor trainer.

As per Ruth try to find a local club, you should get plenty of general bike advice there.