Made the jump..

PaulieB85

So finally got round to buying a road bike (just waiting on delivery due to factory delays) and got myself a giant defy 1 (2014). Should pick this up on Monday after work now and im really looking forward to it (now live in the city and less muddy tracks to play on) being in Edinburgh there's a nice cycle path network also till I get used to the roads again.

Just bought some 105 pedals as they were a bargain and came with cleats for £35 new so can get the most out of it

Few questions though as I really known zero about road bikes ;

What Is the worst surface I can go across (will I get away with going over gravel?)
Is there anything special I need to know before I go cane myself on an adventure?
Are the standard tyres fine for all weather conditions?
Will I need anything other than a new pump and inners?

I'm sure I had more questions

Mickyg88

First off, try not to go on gravel, high chance of punctures.
Tyres should be ok for starters, wear them out then maybe upgrade.
Pump, inner tubes and tyre levers should get you going.

Assume you have bib shorts, top etc

doug5_10

East Lothian is great biking country. Plenty of flat, plenty of lumpy stuff and the A1 to take all the traffic away!

PaulieB85

Mickyg88 wrote:

First off, try not to go on gravel, high chance of punctures.
Tyres should be ok for starters, wear them out then maybe upgrade.
Pump, inner tubes and tyre levers should get you going.

Assume you have bib shorts, top etc

Ah doh! Some nice cycle trails but parts go a bit gravely then go back to tarmac.

Alas i was going to go for the baggy cycling shorts option (mainly as i have them for mountain biking)

Was going to get a cycling jersey in the next week or two. I do have normal cycle shorts but not a big short.

PaulieB85

doug5_10 wrote:

East Lothian is great biking country. Plenty of flat, plenty of lumpy stuff and the A1 to take all the traffic away!

I'm in Edinburgh City center. But was tempted to do the lanark road out towards Carluke /Biggar as it looks fun

Chamac

Take care on the A702 its the main ratrun from Edinburgh to the M74.

doug5_10

PaulieB85 wrote:

Mickyg88 wrote:

First off, try not to go on gravel, high chance of punctures.
Tyres should be ok for starters, wear them out then maybe upgrade.
Pump, inner tubes and tyre levers should get you going.

Assume you have bib shorts, top etc

Ah doh! Some nice cycle trails but parts go a bit gravely then go back to tarmac.

Alas i was going to go for the baggy cycling shorts option (mainly as i have them for mountain biking)

Was going to get a cycling jersey in the next week or two. I do have normal cycle shorts but not a big short.

Base essentials would be bidons + cages, helmet, bib shorts (invest wisely, the best purchase you can make) and basic tool kit/spares. Then a jersey and shoes/clipless pedals which you are already thinking about.

lc1981

If you've got tyres with a decent level of puncture protection, I wouldn't worry too much about gravel. Just be careful it's not too deep though, as that can cause havoc with your front wheel!

popularname

empted to do the lanark road out towards Carluke /Biggar as it looks fun

It *is* fun - it's a great road. You climb until Tarbrax and then roll on to Carluke. It may be worth turning and coming back the same way rather than go onto the A702...

cattytown

Baggies will be OK for a little while - bottles/tools will take precedence in the short term, but bibs are better - the big thing is the riding position is lower on a road bike, so no waist band improves comfort.

Paul.

unixnerd

I'm in Edinburgh City center. But was tempted to do the lanark road out towards Carluke /Biggar as it looks fun

I live in Aviemore but I've driven that road and been wanting to cycle it for years! Drove from Carluke to Edinburgh on the A70 and was so wishing I was on my bike.

ct8282

Bibs bibs bibs bibs bibs bibs bibs. Get some. You won't regret it. Some Dhb pro aeron for £52 from Wiggle will be the best bang for your buck and you will wonder how you made do without them.

PaulieB85

Awesome cheers guys. Il look into getting some bibs come payday. Wife is already trying to kill me over my bank balance for what I've described as a cheap hobby )

dugliss

Those aeron pros are £67.49 now