Things to think about as a brand new cyclist?

[OriginalFDM]

Brand new cyclist here - as an adult at least. Went out for my first ride today, 11 miles, and loved every second of it, was a bit nerve racking being on the road in anything but 4 wheels and an eye opener to what it’s like on the other side of the windscreen, as it were!

Any general tips for new road cyclists that might get overlooked?

Also, right now literally all I have is a bike and helmet. What other essentials do I need to get PDQ in preparation for going further afield? I’m thinking things like a saddle bag so I can take things like spare tube, phone etc out with me. Water bottle and holder etc.

Having ‘transitioned’ from running all I have clothing wise is running gear, it did the job but it was very apparent that I’m gonna need some padded shorts(!) and maybe a couple of tops that are a bit tighter so they don’t flap about so much at higher speeds. My running shoes seem perfectly fine on the bike, for the summer at least.

Any pointers much appreciated!

[Pachydermus]

OriginalFDM said:

a saddle bag so I can take things like spare tube, phone etc out with me.

that's what cycling jerseys are for.


and yes, a water bottle + bracket is essential for longer rides.

[Pit Pony]

You don't need padded shorts. You'll get used to the pain in your arse.

My take on this is that I ride an old cheap mountain bike, and try to avoid using any road if possible. Tracks and trails and back streets.

[sociopath]

Seriously think about proper cycling shoes. They have much stiffer soles so more of your effort is transferred into the bike.

[anonymous-user]

OriginalFDM said:

Brand new cyclist here - as an adult at least. Went out for my first ride today, 11 miles, and loved every second of it, was a bit nerve racking being on the road in anything but 4 wheels and an eye opener to what it’s like on the other side of the windscreen, as it were!

Any general tips for new road cyclists that might get overlooked?

Also, right now literally all I have is a bike and helmet. What other essentials do I need to get PDQ in preparation for going further afield? I’m thinking things like a saddle bag so I can take things like spare tube, phone etc out with me. Water bottle and holder etc.

Having ‘transitioned’ from running all I have clothing wise is running gear, it did the job but it was very apparent that I’m gonna need some padded shorts(!) and maybe a couple of tops that are a bit tighter so they don’t flap about so much at higher speeds. My running shoes seem perfectly fine on the bike, for the summer at least.

Any pointers much appreciated!

Easy stuff: padded shorts, bottle, bottle holder, somewhere to carry a phone, a £20 note and and CC.

Then: wraparound sunnies (flies in your eyes not good), padded mitts (gravel in your palms likewise), spare inner tube, tyre levers, CO2 canister x2, micro adaptor.

Then: clip in pedals and shoes, and ice pack for your wrist/elbow/collar bone when you have your first clip less moment.

Then: a second bike, some deep section wheels, maybe another bike, various upgrades that you hope will give you speed more easily than losing weight it working on fitness, all delivered to work and kept out of view of the critical eyes of your SO.

Other: everyone else on the road is trying to avoid hitting you, not trying to hit you, despite how it feels; develop your sixth sense: hesitant drivers are often that way because they’re not sure which turning to take and you can be sure they are more focussed on road names that you; you’re safest when your speed differential to the surrounding traffic is as close to zero as you can get it; red lights are there to be observed and so use them to practise your world-crushing Chris Hoy kilo pullaways; don’t ride through puddles because you don’t know what’s under the surface of the water; a bit of courtesy and gratitude to other road users goes a long way; anticipation is key.

There’s probably other stuff but that should get you going.

[OriginalFDM]

Thanks all. Great advice.

What’s a good brand/source of shorts/jerseys that don’t cost the earth?

[funinhounslow]

There is a wealth of good information here. Solid advice on just about every cycling issue...

https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/community/how-to

This article in particular would be a good one to start off with

https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/community/how-to/roa...

[sociopath]

OriginalFDM said:

Thanks all. Great advice.

What’s a good brand/source of shorts/jerseys that don’t cost the earth?

Decathlon gear is good to start with and not over priced.

I tend to buy what I like the look of, there's not really any bad stuff anymore, as long as you don't buy the cheapest of cheap on ebay

[AdamIndy]

I was in a similar position to you a couple of weeks ago. From recommendation on here I bought some Altura padded shorts and they made a monumental difference to comfort. I wear these under normal shorts as I ride a mountain bike. They’re on sale at the moment too! Delivery was very quick.

https://www.altura.co.uk/products/detail/AL30CA2/c...

[moonigan]

Treat everything you see as if its trying to kill you (Dogs, People, Cars, Bikes, Potholes, Debris on the road) and by that I mean assume every one and everything will do something unpredictable. I was told this when I was doing my motorbike training 30+ years ago and its the best advice I have been given.

[timbob]

OriginalFDM said:

Thanks all. Great advice.

What’s a good brand/source of shorts/jerseys that don’t cost the earth?

Decathlon, as mentioned is good. I also like Wiggle’s own brand DHB kit. They’ve moved a bit upmarket with their higher end brands, but you can still get the basics at a decent price.

Prendas is also a good shout for good value “own brand” kit - especially for the accessories - I have a lot of their socks, overshoes, base layers and gloves for example.

[Master Bean]

Don't fall off.

[Some Gump]

Get your saddle bag asap and put what you need in it to self sudfficient:
Tube
Repair patches
Levers
Muktitool inc. Chain tool
"Quick link" chain fixer
Pump (lezyne road drive is good, goes on bottle cage)

Now, You have near zero anxiety on getting home from wherever you go.

Something that runs strava - smartphone or garmin.
Strava

Now, the big one. Ride assertively. The tyre track on the road? That is your spot. Don't squeeze yourself too hard left, you need that 3/4m for when the ahole in an suv / transit appears. There are only 2 or 3 a year, but being able to move away when they pass too close is essential.

Comfort? Decsthlon for base layers, wiggle dhb aeron bibs if they are on offer, funkier bibs if not, "famous" cycling brand bibs if you have more money than me. I have 1 pair of Gore shorts, they're a tiny teeny bit better than my dhb / funkier ones, and they cost 3 times more. Jerseys with 3 pockets >>> 1 pocket style, and don't waste money on a proper waterproof, you'll be soaking anyway with sweat. Softshell ftw jacket wise.

All just my 2p, other opinions are available

[gangzoom]

Some Gump said:

Now, the big one. Ride assertively.

Best advice, if you ride like you are scared of everything you will end up too close to a kerb, not been able to dodge pot hole etc.

Be aware of what's around you, learn to look behind without swerving into the middle of the lane.

HGV and buses are two things to be weary off. They are often slow to acclerate so you could be tempted to undertake - don't. In city traffic they are also great to draft behind - be very very careful when doing this. And always always give way to them, slow down if you hear one behind you do they can overtake easier.

Otherwise enjoy your new hobby, it's a fantastic way to keep fit, get connected to your favourite roads, and though I said be careful of bus chasing, it actually gives me a massive adrenaline rush - cruising along at 30mph with not much effort, but your hands have to hover on the brakes ready for an emergency stop, and always trying to look past the bus to avoid end up as road kill if it does stop all of a sudden!!!

[technodup]

Stay as far in the middle of the road as possible. Well away from car doors. They open unexpectedly.
On the same point be looking inside parked cars for people.
And again, when at junctions get eye contact with the absolute fuds who will turn into your path.
Use your ears. They can tell you if there's a car coming from a side street or behind you before your eyes can see.
Be ready with some choice insults for the pricks who cut you up.

There's an infamous PH post about 'dominating the stairs'. The better you can dominate the road the safer you'll be.

[funinhounslow]

gangzoom said:

Some Gump said:

Now, the big one. Ride assertively.

Best advice, if you ride like you are scared of everything you will end up too close to a kerb

technodup said:

Stay as far in the middle of the road as possible.

Yes a theme developing here and I agree riding in the centre of your lane when appropriate ("taking the lane") is key. I think the link I posted above puts it well...

cyclescheme said:

By riding further out from the edge of the road, you force following traffic to overtake you properly instead of squeezing past dangerously close. Are you inconveniencing anyone? Only those drivers who would not have overtaken you safely in the first place.

Your safety is paramount, so you should not feel pressured not to take the lane. If a driver pips his horn at you, relax in the knowledge that he has seen you.

And agreed be careful at junctions...

technodup said:

And again, when at junctions get eye contact with the absolute fuds who will turn into your path.

This is good advice but I would bear in mind it is possible for a driver to "see through" a cyclist and just not register their presence.

One last thing - get a pair of cheap LED lights and have them on always - even on the brightest summer's day - they really do increase your visibility significantly. (But get a "proper" set of lights for winter...)

Edited by funinhounslow on Friday 8th May 07:56

[technodup]

funinhounslow said:

technodup said:

And again, when at junctions get eye contact with the absolute fuds who will turn into your path.

This is good advice but I would bear in mind it is possible for a driver to "see through" a cyclist and just not register their presence.

If they're day dreaming yes, that's what the eye contact is about. You then KNOW they've seen you, rather than merely hope or assume. They don't tend to keep coming once you've locked eyes. Obviously if you're not getting it/they're looking another way/concentrating on their phone you take appropriate diversionary action.

And I say that as someone who normally dislikes direct eye contact. It's absolutely essential on the roads.

[superlightr]

not seen it mentioned but a good fitting MIPS helmet.

[Get Karter]

Best advice:

Learn to change an inner tube in the comfort of your own home before venturing further than walking distance from your house.

[OriginalFDM]

Thanks all, brilliant stuff. Did 20 miles today and I must admit before I turned around to head home I thought...I really must get, and know how to replace, an inner tube! 10 mile walk back with the bike wouldn’t have been my idea of fun!!