First 'Proper' Ride on a Road Bike
Discussion
A couple of weeks ago I treated myself to a road bike.
Previously I have been used to riding a no suspension MTB, comfortably covering 25-30 miles on a ride with plenty of hills.
I am wanting to train up to do either the WOTR or C2C later in the year, and I am gearing up to do training runs in preparation for this.
Now the question......
Since I understand the roadie will be a good bit more efficient, what is a fair run to consider as a first real training run on the road bike. I'm sort of thinking of setting off early on Sunday am and heading out towards Skipton (26 miles away I'm just south of Bradford). Would this be too much for a first real run? And if I did find it too much would I just be able to jump on a train, or do you have to pre-book?
Previously I have been used to riding a no suspension MTB, comfortably covering 25-30 miles on a ride with plenty of hills.
I am wanting to train up to do either the WOTR or C2C later in the year, and I am gearing up to do training runs in preparation for this.
Now the question......
Since I understand the roadie will be a good bit more efficient, what is a fair run to consider as a first real training run on the road bike. I'm sort of thinking of setting off early on Sunday am and heading out towards Skipton (26 miles away I'm just south of Bradford). Would this be too much for a first real run? And if I did find it too much would I just be able to jump on a train, or do you have to pre-book?
If you're riding 25-30m on a MTB, 25m on a road bike will be over before you know it: 1 h 15 to 1 h 20 should be doable without going balls out.
Your fit on the frame may be the limiting factor, if anything is going to be. How have you decided on the saddle height, for example? Also bear in mind that your hands will likely be lower and further forward than you're used to; so you'll have to hold you chin up a bit more. That can often mean an achy neck and/or a headache across the forehead. That's something you adapt to though, and the aches go away.
Your fit on the frame may be the limiting factor, if anything is going to be. How have you decided on the saddle height, for example? Also bear in mind that your hands will likely be lower and further forward than you're used to; so you'll have to hold you chin up a bit more. That can often mean an achy neck and/or a headache across the forehead. That's something you adapt to though, and the aches go away.
It all depends what you mean by off road. Its not mega rough off road, but on bumpy uneven canal towpaths coupled with a few steep hill road sections to get to/from canal.
Bike is a new one, bought from LBS and seat adjusted by man in shop as he recommended it.
I used to ride a road bike maybe 25 years ago, so will get back into it pretty quickly I hope. But back then most I did was a couple or three miles commute tbh.
Oh and MTB is fully kitted for touring, I have in the past done a circuit around North Yorkshire with full camping load including going up Green How Hill out of Pately bridge. Covered about 40 - 50 miles per day on that run.
Bike is a new one, bought from LBS and seat adjusted by man in shop as he recommended it.
I used to ride a road bike maybe 25 years ago, so will get back into it pretty quickly I hope. But back then most I did was a couple or three miles commute tbh.
Oh and MTB is fully kitted for touring, I have in the past done a circuit around North Yorkshire with full camping load including going up Green How Hill out of Pately bridge. Covered about 40 - 50 miles per day on that run.
Gizmoish said:
daz3210 said:
Oh and MTB is fully kitted for touring, I have in the past done a circuit around North Yorkshire with full camping load including going up Green How Hill out of Pately bridge. Covered about 40 - 50 miles per day on that run.
In which case, stop mincing and start riding. 
But I guess the only thing to do is set off and see how far I get.
daz3210 said:
What I failed to add is this was like 10 years ago though.
But I guess the only thing to do is set off and see how far I get.
But I guess the only thing to do is set off and see how far I get.
A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step. Ride to Skipton, there's a station every few miles (I used to know the area well). Then have lunch. Then ride the long way home.
Gizmoish said:
A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step. Ride to Skipton, there's a station every few miles (I used to know the area well). Then have lunch. Then ride the long way home.
HOw do you go about getting a bike on the train? is it just a case of pay for your ticket and hop on with said bike, or is there some protocol you have to follow?
daz3210 said:
I was hoping I may be home for lunch
HOw do you go about getting a bike on the train? is it just a case of pay for your ticket and hop on with said bike, or is there some protocol you have to follow?
That will totally depend on the type of train and the train company.HOw do you go about getting a bike on the train? is it just a case of pay for your ticket and hop on with said bike, or is there some protocol you have to follow?
On my local short distance trains, so long as you're not in peak commuter time into/out of London, then you just turn up with your bike, buy a ticket like normal and get on. Things like Intercity services which don't generally have as much open space not taken up by seats might be a different matter.
Just phone one of the stations in question and ask them.
daz3210 said:
Where does the bike normally go then? In the ordinary carriage, or is there usually a special area? We are probably talking local 'metro' type services I guess.
Again, it will vary train by train, but our local ones have two sets of doors per carriage. Inside one set, there are a pair of folding seats each side of the train. One side has fixing straps for wheelchairs, whilst the other has two slots in an upright frame to take bike tyres, and velcro straps to wrap round your frame to keep them in place.You wouldn't be thanked for using them on a packed train, but otherwise it's nice and convenient.
2 seconds on Google:
http://www.northernrail.org/northern/passengerscha...
Cyclists may take a bicycle on any train operated by Northern where space permits. Most trains can only accommodate, at most, two bicycles. There will be no extra charge for bringing your bicycle on a Northern train.
Bicycle spaces cannot be reserved on any Northern train. Space is allocated on a first come, first served basis and is subject to space being available. Only one accompanied bicycle per person will be allowed, in the interests of other customers.
http://www.northernrail.org/northern/passengerscha...
Cyclists may take a bicycle on any train operated by Northern where space permits. Most trains can only accommodate, at most, two bicycles. There will be no extra charge for bringing your bicycle on a Northern train.
Bicycle spaces cannot be reserved on any Northern train. Space is allocated on a first come, first served basis and is subject to space being available. Only one accompanied bicycle per person will be allowed, in the interests of other customers.
Gizmoish said:
2 seconds on Google:
http://www.northernrail.org/northern/passengerscha...
Cyclists may take a bicycle on any train operated by Northern where space permits. Most trains can only accommodate, at most, two bicycles. There will be no extra charge for bringing your bicycle on a Northern train.
Bicycle spaces cannot be reserved on any Northern train. Space is allocated on a first come, first served basis and is subject to space being available. Only one accompanied bicycle per person will be allowed, in the interests of other customers.
Yeah I read that earlier, but how in reality do you get the bike on was what I was not clear onhttp://www.northernrail.org/northern/passengerscha...
Cyclists may take a bicycle on any train operated by Northern where space permits. Most trains can only accommodate, at most, two bicycles. There will be no extra charge for bringing your bicycle on a Northern train.
Bicycle spaces cannot be reserved on any Northern train. Space is allocated on a first come, first served basis and is subject to space being available. Only one accompanied bicycle per person will be allowed, in the interests of other customers.
Gizmoish said:
daz3210 said:
Yeah I read that earlier, but how in reality do you get the bike on was what I was not clear on
Next to one of the door sets on the train will be a cycle sticker. Go in that one. Talk to the conductor bloke when he ambles along.OK.
I met with one of the Personal Trainers last night at the gym, and hopefully he is going to sort me some kind of training plan.
He also mentioned diet (obvious I know) and suggested that I should be trying to get lean. I have heard mentioned in the past that protein shakes after a workout can help, but I have never actually bothered to look any further. Google springs up lots of different options, with a similar number of differing prices.
So, when doing long distance rides what is the best options to consider? I have read elsewhere that maybe you should look at protein shakes, and electrolyte drinks, and also consider 'gel' food.
What should I really be looking at?
I met with one of the Personal Trainers last night at the gym, and hopefully he is going to sort me some kind of training plan.
He also mentioned diet (obvious I know) and suggested that I should be trying to get lean. I have heard mentioned in the past that protein shakes after a workout can help, but I have never actually bothered to look any further. Google springs up lots of different options, with a similar number of differing prices.
So, when doing long distance rides what is the best options to consider? I have read elsewhere that maybe you should look at protein shakes, and electrolyte drinks, and also consider 'gel' food.
What should I really be looking at?
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