I'm fit but don't ride - what bike
Discussion
So I'm 48, had 18 months of intense fitness campaign.
Currently 5'10 about 72kg and 10% bf.
I run (35-40km a week),I do gym work outs and also have an indoor rower so fitness is pretty good.
Looking to get a bike, but have no idea where to start.
Not even sure whether it should be road or off road!!! Really want a different exercise to break the monotony of running /rowing.
Budget about £500.
just a few pointers would be good prior to a bike shop visit.
Currently 5'10 about 72kg and 10% bf.
I run (35-40km a week),I do gym work outs and also have an indoor rower so fitness is pretty good.
Looking to get a bike, but have no idea where to start.
Not even sure whether it should be road or off road!!! Really want a different exercise to break the monotony of running /rowing.
Budget about £500.
just a few pointers would be good prior to a bike shop visit.
You need to establish what surface you intend to ride on..Off road will be a MTB full suspension or Hardtail with nobbly tires.
Road cycling either a hybrid..which will be no use off road apart from cycle paths..or a full on race bike (both of these have Slicks).
Personally I think you'll get more enjoyment from the road cycling..I'm 42 and use a hybrid and a race bike.
only you can decide what surfaces are best for you and what the roads are like locally.
Road cycling either a hybrid..which will be no use off road apart from cycle paths..or a full on race bike (both of these have Slicks).
Personally I think you'll get more enjoyment from the road cycling..I'm 42 and use a hybrid and a race bike.
only you can decide what surfaces are best for you and what the roads are like locally.
This article might give you some ideas if you are looking for a road bike: http://road.cc/content/news/72001-best-entry-level...
The triban 5 is excellent value for money (as are the 3 and 7).
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-blac...
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-blac...
if it's your first foray into cycling, i would suggest a hybrid. look at a boardman from halfords or a second hand one such as a trek 7.5fx. aluminium frame, carbon forks an decent running gear is what you should be buying ideally. if you decide that cycling is something you want to dedicate more time to, upgrade and get a decent road bike for about £1500 - £2K. it is worth spending the extra money because it does make a difference. mtb stuff can come later, it sounds from your sporty-ish background you will be more of a mileage muncher type rider. you should be able to sell the hybrid on again for little / no loss.
If I were getting a bike to break up a boring fitness regime, it'd be a mountain bike. No offense to roadies, I just think mountain biking is more exciting and offers a more balanced workout than road.
Check what trail centres or bridleways are around you - that may help decide whether to go mtb or road. MTB offers a fitness regime more akin to a HIIT session, roadie more steady state stuff. MTB is in my experience more open to fatties, not that it matters with your numbers.
Last thing to consider is both disciplines have specific skillsets to develop, but road is less demanding in that regard, if you are only going to get out once a fortnight you might do better with a road bike as there are less skills needed to be practiced.
Check what trail centres or bridleways are around you - that may help decide whether to go mtb or road. MTB offers a fitness regime more akin to a HIIT session, roadie more steady state stuff. MTB is in my experience more open to fatties, not that it matters with your numbers.
Last thing to consider is both disciplines have specific skillsets to develop, but road is less demanding in that regard, if you are only going to get out once a fortnight you might do better with a road bike as there are less skills needed to be practiced.
horses for courses, i love the fact that the mtb takes me into forests and away from civilisation, you can hunt out bridlepaths, rupps etc just by looking at a map and uncover some great routes, it sharpens up perception and will test a different skillset compared to road riding, negotiating rough terrain and avoiding danger etc. The downside is when you get back home knackered only to find you rode 40kms...
On the flipside, I also love the fact that I can get on the roadie and do 100kms in a few hours which is a good sense of achievement. You are limited to roads though, and with roads come cars and traffic...
In short, you need two bikes.
On the flipside, I also love the fact that I can get on the roadie and do 100kms in a few hours which is a good sense of achievement. You are limited to roads though, and with roads come cars and traffic...
In short, you need two bikes.
pablo said:
horses for courses, i love the fact that the mtb takes me into forests and away from civilisation, you can hunt out bridlepaths, rupps etc just by looking at a map and uncover some great routes, it sharpens up perception and will test a different skillset compared to road riding, negotiating rough terrain and avoiding danger etc. The downside is when you get back home knackered only to find you rode 40kms...
On the flipside, I also love the fact that I can get on the roadie and do 100kms in a few hours which is a good sense of achievement. You are limited to roads though, and with roads come cars and traffic...
In short, you need two bikes AT THE MOMENT...
Edited for you, Sir!On the flipside, I also love the fact that I can get on the roadie and do 100kms in a few hours which is a good sense of achievement. You are limited to roads though, and with roads come cars and traffic...
In short, you need two bikes AT THE MOMENT...
Rob_T said:
if it's your first foray into cycling, i would suggest a hybrid. look at a boardman from halfords or a second hand one such as a trek 7.5fx. aluminium frame, carbon forks an decent running gear is what you should be buying ideally. if you decide that cycling is something you want to dedicate more time to, upgrade and get a decent road bike for about £1500 - £2K. it is worth spending the extra money because it does make a difference. mtb stuff can come later, it sounds from your sporty-ish background you will be more of a mileage muncher type rider. you should be able to sell the hybrid on again for little / no loss.
I disagree, so many people buy a hybrid and then immediately want to buy a road bike. Why not buy a similarly priced road bike which can then be used as your winter bike if you want, later, to upgrade?Disco You said:
Rob_T said:
if it's your first foray into cycling, i would suggest a hybrid. look at a boardman from halfords or a second hand one such as a trek 7.5fx. aluminium frame, carbon forks an decent running gear is what you should be buying ideally. if you decide that cycling is something you want to dedicate more time to, upgrade and get a decent road bike for about £1500 - £2K. it is worth spending the extra money because it does make a difference. mtb stuff can come later, it sounds from your sporty-ish background you will be more of a mileage muncher type rider. you should be able to sell the hybrid on again for little / no loss.
I disagree, so many people buy a hybrid and then immediately want to buy a road bike. Why not buy a similarly priced road bike which can then be used as your winter bike if you want, later, to upgrade?Any other pearls of wisdom much appreciated!
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