$hi**ing f@ck! Help!!!
Discussion
Ok, some background: I used to ride road bikes when I was in my teens, even entered a couple of amateur road races. Always had a smart Raleigh racing bike. Until I learnt to drive. And here we are now, 25 years later, my brother-in-law decides as a Christmas present to enter himself, his brother, me and his other brother-in-law into the London to Brighton ride in June. He is quite a fit guy, as is his brother. Our other b.i.l is also in the advantage having been in the RAF and keeping himself in shape. You can see where this is going.....
I'm so out of shape it's embarrassing, and yet, I am excited by this prospect. So, great ones of PH, I need some advice. First of all, I need a new bike. Currently, an old Carrera Town bike resides in my garage gathering dust. This will be fine for getting started in training, but I need a new road bike. My budget is going to be set at £500 as I can't justify anymore. My first thought is of a B'Twin Triban 500 SE. I've also loose at Ribbles. This is now to kick-start me back into cycling, but I'm not going to be spending fortunes, so nothing irrelevant for me. Any suggestions as to what to look for?
Also, training. A man in his forties who hasn't been on a bike in 25 years, eats well, and drinks his fair share of decent Rioja each week, should start where? Gyms are no good to me, so should I invest in a turbo trainer for the old Carrera?
Help........
I'm so out of shape it's embarrassing, and yet, I am excited by this prospect. So, great ones of PH, I need some advice. First of all, I need a new bike. Currently, an old Carrera Town bike resides in my garage gathering dust. This will be fine for getting started in training, but I need a new road bike. My budget is going to be set at £500 as I can't justify anymore. My first thought is of a B'Twin Triban 500 SE. I've also loose at Ribbles. This is now to kick-start me back into cycling, but I'm not going to be spending fortunes, so nothing irrelevant for me. Any suggestions as to what to look for?
Also, training. A man in his forties who hasn't been on a bike in 25 years, eats well, and drinks his fair share of decent Rioja each week, should start where? Gyms are no good to me, so should I invest in a turbo trainer for the old Carrera?
Help........
You sound remarkably like me 20 years ago. Raced as a kid, gave it up at uni and then restarted at around 45 - sounds familiar ?
Like you I turned to my old road bike but quickly realised technology had moved on so the first new one I bought was a Ribble. They are not the best bikes around and no doubt there are some better deals but as a bang/buck ratio they were and still are among the best deals. Over 20yrs I've moved to CF frames, sprints, etc but my latest winter bike is, you guessed, another Ribble. One of their Al framed cheapies which works fine and done over 3k so far this year alone.
Turbo trainers are good to prevent you losing fitness over winter but they do need dedication. If you could put up with one (loud music directly in your ears helps) then even the cheap ones will boost your fitness quickly. BUT - it is very easy to fool yourself with one, they must be hard work . Buying one and then twiddling away for 15 minutes won't cut it, you're usually breathless with a pool of sweat on the floor to get a real benefit.
My advice would be to go for a road bike first and if the weather prevents you riding, then investigate the turbo options.
Like you I turned to my old road bike but quickly realised technology had moved on so the first new one I bought was a Ribble. They are not the best bikes around and no doubt there are some better deals but as a bang/buck ratio they were and still are among the best deals. Over 20yrs I've moved to CF frames, sprints, etc but my latest winter bike is, you guessed, another Ribble. One of their Al framed cheapies which works fine and done over 3k so far this year alone.
Turbo trainers are good to prevent you losing fitness over winter but they do need dedication. If you could put up with one (loud music directly in your ears helps) then even the cheap ones will boost your fitness quickly. BUT - it is very easy to fool yourself with one, they must be hard work . Buying one and then twiddling away for 15 minutes won't cut it, you're usually breathless with a pool of sweat on the floor to get a real benefit.
My advice would be to go for a road bike first and if the weather prevents you riding, then investigate the turbo options.
First, don't panic! 60 miles is not that far and you will be able to get fit enough to do it by June.
Second, don't expect to keep up with the others. Get them to go at your pace (unless they make the mistake of not getting out on a bike and think that just being fit will do. I have seen people make that mistake)
You could take a look at second hand bikes, especially this time of year, as people will be getting new ones for Christmas, and last years stock in sales. £500 should get a good bike.
Training? Get out and ride and cut down on the drink. If you races you know what your doing, but start small, say 10 miles, twice a week and work up. Don't make the mistake many people do and try and do what you used to do from the get go. You may not be fast, but you will be able to do 60 miles without too much of an issue, and not end up hating it, as you might if you get a turbo.
Second, don't expect to keep up with the others. Get them to go at your pace (unless they make the mistake of not getting out on a bike and think that just being fit will do. I have seen people make that mistake)
You could take a look at second hand bikes, especially this time of year, as people will be getting new ones for Christmas, and last years stock in sales. £500 should get a good bike.
Training? Get out and ride and cut down on the drink. If you races you know what your doing, but start small, say 10 miles, twice a week and work up. Don't make the mistake many people do and try and do what you used to do from the get go. You may not be fast, but you will be able to do 60 miles without too much of an issue, and not end up hating it, as you might if you get a turbo.
Ah, the wonders of PH! I knew I could rely on you guys, thanks! Good advice on the turbo trainer, which I will heed. I'd looked at the B'Twin, Ribble and the Specialized Allez and I think these will be my favoured ones going forward. My only other consideration was a Cyclocross variant like my b.i.l who has booked this little endeavour. The keep fit regime is needed anyway, and as my o/h said this morning, this is just the incentive I needed. I'm really looking forward to it, if I'm honest.
Any other advice is much appreciated, and thanks for the tips so far. Countdown begins......
Any other advice is much appreciated, and thanks for the tips so far. Countdown begins......
It's a great time of the year for bike shopping, loads of good deals on last years bikes. My local bike shop still offer 0% on reduced bikes which, if you can find a shop that'll do it, will take the sting out of buying.
I got back into cycling around two years ago to try and retain some fitness after leaving the army after a 24 year career. I love cycling now, although getting out for rides in the depth of January and February can be
a challenge due to the weather.
Good luck from a mid-forties, very slightly overweight cyclist.
I got back into cycling around two years ago to try and retain some fitness after leaving the army after a 24 year career. I love cycling now, although getting out for rides in the depth of January and February can be
a challenge due to the weather.
Good luck from a mid-forties, very slightly overweight cyclist.
I used to do a lot of MTB'ing up until about 13yrs ago, this year in my mid 40's & prompted by a thread on here I bought a CF road bike from Argos (yep!) for £400.
Of course, I thought that within a few eeks I'd be banging 40-50ml rides out no problem, could do that on a MTB in my twenties after all - WRONG!
Stick with it, enjoy it & it will happen. My main mistake is to ride alone, I'm not very sociable & the idea of riding in a group isn't very appealing, though in reality it's exactly what I need.
Be prepared to get the bug & start spending (lot's of) money that you don't really need to...!
Of course, I thought that within a few eeks I'd be banging 40-50ml rides out no problem, could do that on a MTB in my twenties after all - WRONG!
Stick with it, enjoy it & it will happen. My main mistake is to ride alone, I'm not very sociable & the idea of riding in a group isn't very appealing, though in reality it's exactly what I need.
Be prepared to get the bug & start spending (lot's of) money that you don't really need to...!
You sound like me last year. I used to race mtbs all over the country in my teens. Then came work & family. Forward 20 odd years & I'm desperately unfit & 4 stone overweight. In August 2013 my blood pressure was high so I decided to lose weight. Got back on the bike & watched my calories (cut out a lot of sugar & crap plus eating late at night). I rode before breakfast, very gently to burn fat, then started increasing my rides from there - I dropped 50lbs. In June I got a gold time in the 67 mile Dartmoor Classic (6600ft of climbing) - anyway, my point is you can do this, you just need to get started & be consistent (& sensible).
So grateful for the responses chaps. It's gathering momentum, and a couple of cousins are now joining us to make it a big family event, so all very exciting. Fitness regime will be adhered to by watching the diet, and cutting back on the vino, and then getting my arise onto a bike!
Really looking forward to shopping for a new steed!
Really looking forward to shopping for a new steed!
I always say this to people in your position, don't rule out secondhand. I just sold my old Olmo on Ebay for £160, sad to see it go but it wasn't getting ridden. 
There are bargains to be had out there! I bought my son an Allez because I know if he doesn't like it I will be able to sell it on again pretty easily. It's a nice bike, as are most of the entry level offerings from the big makers.
Merlin cycles are doing their own entry level bikes now, but you would probably want to get along to the shop to see one yourself.
As others have said, L2B from nothing now will be doable if you put the miles in. I'd look for a bike with a compact chainset (one with a 50/34 at the front and 28 tooth cassette). Ditchling is a toughie, especially as it is less than 10 miles from the end. The descent the other side is awesome though!
Aim to leave Clapham as early as you can, 6 am is good. The sheer number of participants means it gets clogged after that time, and it isn't a lot of fun shuffling along behind thousands of others for the first 10 miles.
Learn to ride with others around you; understand if your front wheel overlaps the back wheel of the guy ahead of you and you touch, it is very hard not to come off. But learn that the closer to it you get, the easier it is for you!
Take a spare inner tube, tyre levers and pump on every ride. Punctures are a PITA but are inevitable and quite easy to fix if you have the kit. Patches, a multi-tool and a quick link are recommended too.
Do some long rides before the event. You can train and do the distance by riding say up to 40 miles before hand, but if you know you can do 60+ miles it will be more fun. You will also learn about what to eat and drink and when, how your shorts feel after 4-5 hours, also your hands feet neck and back.
There are bargains to be had out there! I bought my son an Allez because I know if he doesn't like it I will be able to sell it on again pretty easily. It's a nice bike, as are most of the entry level offerings from the big makers.
Merlin cycles are doing their own entry level bikes now, but you would probably want to get along to the shop to see one yourself.
As others have said, L2B from nothing now will be doable if you put the miles in. I'd look for a bike with a compact chainset (one with a 50/34 at the front and 28 tooth cassette). Ditchling is a toughie, especially as it is less than 10 miles from the end. The descent the other side is awesome though!
Aim to leave Clapham as early as you can, 6 am is good. The sheer number of participants means it gets clogged after that time, and it isn't a lot of fun shuffling along behind thousands of others for the first 10 miles.
Learn to ride with others around you; understand if your front wheel overlaps the back wheel of the guy ahead of you and you touch, it is very hard not to come off. But learn that the closer to it you get, the easier it is for you!
Take a spare inner tube, tyre levers and pump on every ride. Punctures are a PITA but are inevitable and quite easy to fix if you have the kit. Patches, a multi-tool and a quick link are recommended too.
Do some long rides before the event. You can train and do the distance by riding say up to 40 miles before hand, but if you know you can do 60+ miles it will be more fun. You will also learn about what to eat and drink and when, how your shorts feel after 4-5 hours, also your hands feet neck and back.
Check out Halfords. Loads of money off the Boardman road bikes + Turbo trainers.
I think they had road bikes for about £400
And have Elite Turbo trainers for £50.
I've just bought my first Road bike and went for a Planet X pro Carbon for £800 that was 20% off. Figured I was better off spending the money now than costing myself money trying to upgrade later.
Takes a bit of getting used to after only ever riding Mountain Bikes. Will see how I get on when I race in the summer.....eek.
I think they had road bikes for about £400
And have Elite Turbo trainers for £50.
I've just bought my first Road bike and went for a Planet X pro Carbon for £800 that was 20% off. Figured I was better off spending the money now than costing myself money trying to upgrade later.
Takes a bit of getting used to after only ever riding Mountain Bikes. Will see how I get on when I race in the summer.....eek.
As others have said, you'll be fine with a bit of training, enjoy the day, it's not a race.
WRT a bike, if you have someone who knows what to look for, and you are looking for a normal size, then Gumtree and eBay could prove fruitful.
If not, I'd be looking to the BTwin stuff from Decathlon. Or getting very lucky on a Boardman.
Keep the thread updated with your progress. It never gets easier, you just go faster.
WRT a bike, if you have someone who knows what to look for, and you are looking for a normal size, then Gumtree and eBay could prove fruitful.
If not, I'd be looking to the BTwin stuff from Decathlon. Or getting very lucky on a Boardman.
Keep the thread updated with your progress. It never gets easier, you just go faster.
25% off all Boardman bikes at Halfords now...
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/b...
My nephew got the above as his first road bike and it's not bad at all. For £337 you can't go wrong.
Good luck btw
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/b...
My nephew got the above as his first road bike and it's not bad at all. For £337 you can't go wrong.
Good luck btw
Brilliant guys, thank you. Just been out this morning to 3 local bike places, including a Halfords. There they had a Carrera TDF Ltd reduced from £679 to £269. 14 speed Shimano gear set, carbon front forks and lightweight aluminium frame. Seemed like a great deal, but are they any good? My local bike shop has just slammed me for suggesting I wanted a road bike for less than £500!
Having a good look on eBay too at what I can get for my money. I think I know my frame size (51cm - I'm a short-arse!) so I just need to find one in good order.
Having a good look on eBay too at what I can get for my money. I think I know my frame size (51cm - I'm a short-arse!) so I just need to find one in good order.
MrB. said:
My local bike shop has just slammed me for suggesting I wanted a road bike for less than £500!
I wouldn't bother going back. They should take the time to listen to your requirements, and find you something. Good service would see you going back regularly for spares, clothing, upgrades, and eventually something shinier and lighter in the future.They should nurture your interest, not just try and sell you something more expensive.
Sometimes it depends which guy you encounter at the shop. They often have one that's a bit of a t
t and seems to be a sales prevention mechanism. I've bought a few bikes from the same shop, but there's one guy that's too much of a knob for me to buy off.
I'm no expert on the cheaper bikes, but I bought a Boardman CX Team for about £500 earlier in the year. With the BC discount, vouchers and the extra 10% for the Bank Holiday it was a good deal. You'd probably want to replace the tyres for mainly road use.
t and seems to be a sales prevention mechanism. I've bought a few bikes from the same shop, but there's one guy that's too much of a knob for me to buy off.I'm no expert on the cheaper bikes, but I bought a Boardman CX Team for about £500 earlier in the year. With the BC discount, vouchers and the extra 10% for the Bank Holiday it was a good deal. You'd probably want to replace the tyres for mainly road use.
MrB. said:
My local bike shop has just slammed me for suggesting I wanted a road bike for less than £500!
and no doubt they'll be wondering why they don't get your custom. As has already been posted, some LBC's do tend to attract the "you get nowt for under a couple of grand" types which is a real shame because they are the best placed to know the market and encourage newbies.So, the local Halfords. Sometimes they also get bad PR but I've been impressed with ours and the wife's last bike came from there. We were quite impressed with the service from the folks there and I couldn't have built the same bike cheaper myself. So yes, I'd take their sales offers seriously. I wouldn't go too cheap, on your budget you're probably in Al frame territory but carbon forks are a big plus for comfort.
I'm not trying to be a smart-ass here, but are you sure on your frame size ? 51cm is on the small side, I'm only 5'8" but ride 54cm frames and couldn't see me fitting anything smaller.
It's not so much the seat tube but the top tube length - roughly the distance between the seat pin & h/bar stem measured horizontally. If that's too small you can correct it a bit with a longer h/bar stem but you'll feel cramped. Road bikes typically have similar seat & top tube dimensions, for example mine is 54cm frame, 55cm effective top tube length. You're more stretched out compared with a mountain or hybrid bike frame.
b2hbm said:
I'm not trying to be a smart-ass here, but are you sure on your frame size ? 51cm is on the small side, I'm only 5'8" but ride 54cm frames and couldn't see me fitting anything smaller.
It's not so much the seat tube but the top tube length - roughly the distance between the seat pin & h/bar stem measured horizontally. If that's too small you can correct it a bit with a longer h/bar stem but you'll feel cramped. Road bikes typically have similar seat & top tube dimensions, for example mine is 54cm frame, 55cm effective top tube length. You're more stretched out compared with a mountain or hybrid bike frame.
This is why I love PH. Thanks for all this guys, really. I was going on the sizing chart on Decathalon's website. I am 5'7 (approx) and my inside leg is 29" so I presumed it's a medium frame/51cm I'd need. It's not so much the seat tube but the top tube length - roughly the distance between the seat pin & h/bar stem measured horizontally. If that's too small you can correct it a bit with a longer h/bar stem but you'll feel cramped. Road bikes typically have similar seat & top tube dimensions, for example mine is 54cm frame, 55cm effective top tube length. You're more stretched out compared with a mountain or hybrid bike frame.
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