newbie to road bikes

Don't wory about speed just go out and enjoy the bike and build up your ride time. I have a Raleigh Airlite I use as a training bike and it works fine; as bits wear out you can put better spec kit on. Advice, get a basic tool kit to enable you to repair a puncture (spare tube is a good idea) and a small saddle bag. Cycling shorts make the longer distance rides more comfortable and a cycling shirt with pockets in the back is handy.

kami wrote:

hi all iv jus joined the forum i have just got a raleigh airlite 200 i am goin to be riding to work every other day and doin 3 training rides per week
i went out tonite to see how i got on and i managed 8miles in 35mins average speed of 14mph not sure if thats any good
any advice for a beginner would be helpful
thanks scott

That will soon come down..V.good time IMO don't try too hard though....keep a log in a diary or on your PC.

You want to note:-

Max spd
Distance
Time
Av Spd
Road/weather conditions

Also if you make a brief description of your route that'll be ideal.

I do this with my commute rides and I'm starting to do it with my longer rides and one thing I've noticed since I started commuting on my road bike is the times are at least 2mins quicker, Av spd is up on most of my routes by about 3 - 5 mph (a big jump IMO) the only problem is all of my routes are touching 5 miles so they're only short so I tend to "go for it" and set myself a certain goal ie riding home in one gear, keep my cadence above a certain value, keep my speed constant that sort of thing! can't comment on my longer rides but I managed 10 miles in under 40 mins the other day.

Clean and lubricate regularly.

The bike or the shorts?