Where To Start?
Discussion
Apologies in advance for the probable-sounding numptyness of this post.
I'm looking at getting into cycling, and not really sure where to begin.
I used to ride 35-odd years ago, but I'd honestly ignore that and assume I'm starting out as a newbie.
I think what I want to do is just go out for weekend rides.
I'm lucky to have Windsor Great Park on my doorstep so in terms of quiet riding routes it's ideal; especially to help build up confidence on the bike, on the road, etc. There's also Swinley Forest close by; but I've no interest in any mountain biking, dirt track riding, or anything suchlike.
What I'm really struggling with is what kind of bike to get; a road bike, hybrid, or adventure.
I don't think I'd use the bike for any other reason other than weekend riding. I'd also want to join a local club and go on weekend social rides and jaunts. I've no interest in any form of competitive riding or racing.
The bike would not be used for any other reason, in that I'd not have an opportunity or reason to use it otherwise.
I've googled and googled over and over and just get more confused about where to start, reading tons of articles, etc.
I'm guessing a road bike is where I'm at. But just wanted to sanity check it with the seasoned veterans here; in case I'm simply missing something blatantly obvious.
I know and fully appreciate that kit, insurance, etc, is critically more important (in particular shorts); so all of that is a given (and won't be skimped on). It's just where to start.
Each and every [sensible] response will be very much appreciated
I'm looking at getting into cycling, and not really sure where to begin.
I used to ride 35-odd years ago, but I'd honestly ignore that and assume I'm starting out as a newbie.
I think what I want to do is just go out for weekend rides.
I'm lucky to have Windsor Great Park on my doorstep so in terms of quiet riding routes it's ideal; especially to help build up confidence on the bike, on the road, etc. There's also Swinley Forest close by; but I've no interest in any mountain biking, dirt track riding, or anything suchlike.
What I'm really struggling with is what kind of bike to get; a road bike, hybrid, or adventure.
I don't think I'd use the bike for any other reason other than weekend riding. I'd also want to join a local club and go on weekend social rides and jaunts. I've no interest in any form of competitive riding or racing.
The bike would not be used for any other reason, in that I'd not have an opportunity or reason to use it otherwise.
I've googled and googled over and over and just get more confused about where to start, reading tons of articles, etc.
I'm guessing a road bike is where I'm at. But just wanted to sanity check it with the seasoned veterans here; in case I'm simply missing something blatantly obvious.
I know and fully appreciate that kit, insurance, etc, is critically more important (in particular shorts); so all of that is a given (and won't be skimped on). It's just where to start.
Each and every [sensible] response will be very much appreciated
Sounds like a road bike would suit your needs. Depending on budget I would suggest either second-hand or an entry-level bike from one of the many many manufacturers.
Suggested spec:
- Relaxed/endurance frame (avoid ‘race’ setup unless you know you can be comfortable in that position)
- Shimano 105 groupset (compact 50/34 chainrings with a 11-28 tooth cassette
- 25mm or 28mm tyres
If you’ve not already used it I would suggest tracking your rides with Strava - it can help with motivation and is a great way to track your progress and brings an element of competition to keep things interesting on your rides. You will need a GPS bike computer, which is another minefield in itself. If you want to skip to the conclusion, just get a Wahoo Bolt.
Suggested spec:
- Relaxed/endurance frame (avoid ‘race’ setup unless you know you can be comfortable in that position)
- Shimano 105 groupset (compact 50/34 chainrings with a 11-28 tooth cassette
- 25mm or 28mm tyres
If you’ve not already used it I would suggest tracking your rides with Strava - it can help with motivation and is a great way to track your progress and brings an element of competition to keep things interesting on your rides. You will need a GPS bike computer, which is another minefield in itself. If you want to skip to the conclusion, just get a Wahoo Bolt.
Mid range Giant Defy will do everything you need and also be good enough to not make you think you need upgrade once you’ve got yourself settled.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/defy-advanced-2-...
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/defy-advanced-2-...
Budget?
Giant as mentioned above are good value bikesfortunately these days mfrs recognise not everyone can/wants to ride like a pro,lower gears are great,50/34 crankset,bit at front,x11/32 cassette,bit on rear wheel,always better to spin rather than too low cadence,obviously something that fits will encourage you to ride more,is three a local bike shop ?
Giant as mentioned above are good value bikesfortunately these days mfrs recognise not everyone can/wants to ride like a pro,lower gears are great,50/34 crankset,bit at front,x11/32 cassette,bit on rear wheel,always better to spin rather than too low cadence,obviously something that fits will encourage you to ride more,is three a local bike shop ?
Go to Local Bike Shop and see what they say about sizing.
A road bike sounds most suitable, but you do need something with 'endurance' type geometry. It will be more comfortable and stable to get you used to riding to start with.
Bib shorts (or longs) are waaaaaaay better than ornery shorts. You do not need to spend a fortune on big name stuff. Better to get multiple items of lower price stuff than one expensive. I'm happy with Velo Champion as a budget brand.
Most cycling clothing is sized for racing snakes. If you're not thin, then go up a size (or two!)
You do not need underwear with cycling shorts/longs.
A road bike sounds most suitable, but you do need something with 'endurance' type geometry. It will be more comfortable and stable to get you used to riding to start with.
Bib shorts (or longs) are waaaaaaay better than ornery shorts. You do not need to spend a fortune on big name stuff. Better to get multiple items of lower price stuff than one expensive. I'm happy with Velo Champion as a budget brand.
Most cycling clothing is sized for racing snakes. If you're not thin, then go up a size (or two!)
You do not need underwear with cycling shorts/longs.
nammynake said:
Sounds like a road bike would suit your needs. Depending on budget I would suggest either second-hand or an entry-level bike from one of the many many manufacturers.
Suggested spec:
- Relaxed/endurance frame (avoid ‘race’ setup unless you know you can be comfortable in that position)
- Shimano 105 groupset (compact 50/34 chainrings with a 11-28 tooth cassette
- 25mm or 28mm tyres
If you’ve not already used it I would suggest tracking your rides with Strava - it can help with motivation and is a great way to track your progress and brings an element of competition to keep things interesting on your rides. You will need a GPS bike computer, which is another minefield in itself. If you want to skip to the conclusion, just get a Wahoo Bolt.
What nammynake says! Although, you can use your phone for Strava. Some people will say a dedicated bike computer isn't necessary as a phone can do it all, but there are cheaper options than the Bolt mentioned above. Suggested spec:
- Relaxed/endurance frame (avoid ‘race’ setup unless you know you can be comfortable in that position)
- Shimano 105 groupset (compact 50/34 chainrings with a 11-28 tooth cassette
- 25mm or 28mm tyres
If you’ve not already used it I would suggest tracking your rides with Strava - it can help with motivation and is a great way to track your progress and brings an element of competition to keep things interesting on your rides. You will need a GPS bike computer, which is another minefield in itself. If you want to skip to the conclusion, just get a Wahoo Bolt.
I would look on ebay for a Specialised Allez/Giant Defy/Trek Domane. These are all endurance bikes with some design ideas to minimise bumps and vibrations from the road. You can see them on Ebay and more often than not they have been bought new, full price by someone thinking they want to get into road riding, and then finding out that it isn't for them. Note all these bikes come in various flavours with various levels of wheels and groupsets attached, I think a Trek Domane new starts at £600 and can go up to £6k! If you get something like this on Ebay and you also realise it isn't for you, you'll be able to sell it easily and won't lose much money.
I'd say get 28 mm tyres as a minimum. Adventure or gravel bikes can go up to 40mm+, which all helps stability and comfort, never mind grip.
Evans are a good retailer if you decide to go new. They have the best demo service of any shop; they stock a wide range of manufacturers and can get specific models in for test rides. A lot of local smaller shops only sell one or two brands, and will only let you out on a £2.5k model. It's understandable from the shop's point of view, but a 2.5k Domane will feel a lot different to one under a grand.
First think about what you want to do.
I used to commute on a cycle 35 years ago (5 miles on a Raleigh Hercules 3 sp) and am getting back into it. Bought a rigid mountain bike 15 years ago that has hardly been used and restarted last year on that getting up to 10k rides. Upgraded the MTB to road tyres and then last Xmas to a Giant Rapid (road bike with straight bars) and doing 20k rides now. Just starting to think about a carbon frame road bike with drops - maybe next year (n+1 coming into effect). The Rapid is faster but doesn't like rough surfaces.
I live on the edge of Cannock Chase (1/4 mile from "follow the dog") and the office is in the hills just south of Halesowen. I discovered that I do not like being on loose gravel when the bike doesn't go where you point it so I stick to the roads.
May be worth getting something second hand to see if road or gravel suits you first. Roads have better surfaces but also have cars.
As above make sure it has a good spread of gears - the Rapid is a triple chainring which is good for the climbs around the office but most road/gravel bikes are double.
I used to commute on a cycle 35 years ago (5 miles on a Raleigh Hercules 3 sp) and am getting back into it. Bought a rigid mountain bike 15 years ago that has hardly been used and restarted last year on that getting up to 10k rides. Upgraded the MTB to road tyres and then last Xmas to a Giant Rapid (road bike with straight bars) and doing 20k rides now. Just starting to think about a carbon frame road bike with drops - maybe next year (n+1 coming into effect). The Rapid is faster but doesn't like rough surfaces.
I live on the edge of Cannock Chase (1/4 mile from "follow the dog") and the office is in the hills just south of Halesowen. I discovered that I do not like being on loose gravel when the bike doesn't go where you point it so I stick to the roads.
May be worth getting something second hand to see if road or gravel suits you first. Roads have better surfaces but also have cars.
As above make sure it has a good spread of gears - the Rapid is a triple chainring which is good for the climbs around the office but most road/gravel bikes are double.
OP - not dissimilar to you aat the beginning of the year.
A cheap Halford MTB got the ball rolling, but for the last 6 months I have been happy on a Decathlon 920 Riverside Hybrid.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/riverside-920-hybrid-b...
Covers a lot of bases for me. Pick it up for a ride to the shops, or out with the kids. Comfy for an old man versus learning how to get down on to a road bike stance.
True - I struggle to keep with my pal on his drop bars road bike, but we enjoy 30mile rides out.
A cheap Halford MTB got the ball rolling, but for the last 6 months I have been happy on a Decathlon 920 Riverside Hybrid.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/riverside-920-hybrid-b...
Covers a lot of bases for me. Pick it up for a ride to the shops, or out with the kids. Comfy for an old man versus learning how to get down on to a road bike stance.
True - I struggle to keep with my pal on his drop bars road bike, but we enjoy 30mile rides out.
Thank you all for your inputs and comments.
It's all been really helpful and useful guidance
Picking up on some of the questions above, I have a bike shop almost a stones throw from where I live. I popped in there a while ago. And not knowing much, he could have easily sold me a £3k bike which would have been totally unsuitable. The guy was not interested in engaging with me at all. It was a week-day afternoon and I was the only customer. I tried to start a conversation with him but it was like talking to a brick wall. I even asked about local bike clubs and he told me to google it. So I just walked out. Ironically I've heard they're closing down (not sure if it's true or not). But if it is, I'm not surprised. I've recounted that same experience to local friends and neighbours and it seems to be a common experience!
Anyhow, that all said, I'm really lucky in that I've found an awesome Aladdins Cave - Sams Bike Shop in Moss End (Bracknell). Everyone raves about him and I've been over a few times and asked him the same question. He's been really good and patient but bottom line I need to figure out exactly what I want to do. Once I've got an idea then he'll have something to suit. He has a huge range of 2nd-hand bikes - mostly Specialized and damn good prices too! Sams been like chalk and cheese compared to the place across the road from me!
In terms of budget, etc, with my sensible hat on I'd only buy a decent 2nd hand bike to start with. So if the bug really bites hard, then I can upgrade components or a new bike (or both)
And thanks for the tips on the tracking app/GPS. I've read through that minefield already
I'll update as I go. But thank you all so very very much. It really is much appreciated
Off-topic @ TCX ..... nice to find another Bernie Torme (RIP) fan
It's all been really helpful and useful guidance
Picking up on some of the questions above, I have a bike shop almost a stones throw from where I live. I popped in there a while ago. And not knowing much, he could have easily sold me a £3k bike which would have been totally unsuitable. The guy was not interested in engaging with me at all. It was a week-day afternoon and I was the only customer. I tried to start a conversation with him but it was like talking to a brick wall. I even asked about local bike clubs and he told me to google it. So I just walked out. Ironically I've heard they're closing down (not sure if it's true or not). But if it is, I'm not surprised. I've recounted that same experience to local friends and neighbours and it seems to be a common experience!
Anyhow, that all said, I'm really lucky in that I've found an awesome Aladdins Cave - Sams Bike Shop in Moss End (Bracknell). Everyone raves about him and I've been over a few times and asked him the same question. He's been really good and patient but bottom line I need to figure out exactly what I want to do. Once I've got an idea then he'll have something to suit. He has a huge range of 2nd-hand bikes - mostly Specialized and damn good prices too! Sams been like chalk and cheese compared to the place across the road from me!
In terms of budget, etc, with my sensible hat on I'd only buy a decent 2nd hand bike to start with. So if the bug really bites hard, then I can upgrade components or a new bike (or both)
And thanks for the tips on the tracking app/GPS. I've read through that minefield already
I'll update as I go. But thank you all so very very much. It really is much appreciated
Off-topic @ TCX ..... nice to find another Bernie Torme (RIP) fan
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