Tips/critique for a new rider

[Rick101]

Good thread. Starting the cycling journey (again) myself. Not had leg over in a while but done a 15m, 25m, 33m and hoping for a 40m tomorrow.
Most I've ever done previous was 62m (100km) but that was several years ago.

I've been hitting various websites and the YT. Lots of info out there these days. Had bike serviced and lots more I want to spend on but first thing purchased was some of that funny arse cream. Should help with the soreness.

[jm8403]

Fantastic looking bike. I upgraded massively from a 500 quid commute bike to a 4k bike now (with wheels), it was risky, but it was worth it. It's a joy roy to ride and I've done thousands of miles on it now. Keep us updated!

[jm8403]

Rick101 said:

Good thread. Starting the cycling journey (again) myself. Not had leg over in a while but done a 15m, 25m, 33m and hoping for a 40m tomorrow.
Most I've ever done previous was 62m (100km) but that was several years ago.

I've been hitting various websites and the YT. Lots of info out there these days. Had bike serviced and lots more I want to spend on but first thing purchased was some of that funny arse cream. Should help with the soreness.

I have never used it. A few ride and a decent bib and the pain goes. Positioning is a massive part of it, so get a bike fit.

[anonymous-user]

WhisperingWasp said:

Oh no is that a cycling faux pas?!

You encouraged me to take some “proper” ones!:

there we go, all aligned. It really is a nice looking bike.

[WhisperingWasp]

Locoduck said:

The back ache could be due to riding position, if the bike geometry is more race oriented then this may take some adaptation, there is a reasonable saddle to handlebar drop there so quite an aggressive setup.

Foot ache could be the shoes, most cleat shoes have stiff soles which can cause foot ache, especially if you have a pronounced arch in your foot as it won’t be as well supported. I have special insoles in my shoes to help with this and support my foot bones, may be worth looking into if it persists.

The hole in your frame looks like a port for di2 cables or similar, probably worth bunging it to prevent water getting into your BB.

Back was much better on the second ride - and was only when stood up on the first - so I'm sure it was something to do with being clipped-in. Shoes, like you say, are hard-soled and I do have quite a high arch as it happens so insoles might be a good shout. Shoes are pretty snug as they are though so I'll give it a few more rides before I decide anything.

Thanks - didn't think there'd be a downside to plugging it so I'll order something

[WhisperingWasp]

Rick101 said:

Good thread. Starting the cycling journey (again) myself. Not had leg over in a while but done a 15m, 25m, 33m and hoping for a 40m tomorrow.
Most I've ever done previous was 62m (100km) but that was several years ago.

I've been hitting various websites and the YT. Lots of info out there these days. Had bike serviced and lots more I want to spend on but first thing purchased was some of that funny arse cream. Should help with the soreness.

Thanks. Good luck with your 40m today. My longest is ~35 miles but last year was my first year riding. Hope (expect) to do longer this year now I have better kit, more experience, etc.

There really is so much information out there and this place has been such a help too

My arse-ache is not a chafing issue - which I presume is what a cream would address? - but more of, I dunno, an "impact" one so-to-speak! If you go back to my earliest posts you'll see I mentioned it and someone said something along the lines of "your body will get used to it" which proved to be absolutely true.

Now I have a new saddle - without a hole/channel in it - I just expect my body needs to get used to it again.

[WhisperingWasp]

jm8403 said:

Fantastic looking bike. I upgraded massively from a 500 quid commute bike to a 4k bike now (with wheels), it was risky, but it was worth it. It's a joy roy to ride and I've done thousands of miles on it now. Keep us updated!

Thanks. I was looking for an upgrade since last September when I happened upon a Pinarello on Gumtree that was bargain of the century! I missed it but it gave me the taste for an upgrade. Past 6 months I missed out/procrastinated over a handful more before settling on this. In true PH style budget-creep did play a part but I am very happy with it and, ultimately, if it encourages me to go out on it it is well worth the money.

[WhisperingWasp]

sebdangerfield said:

there we go, all aligned. It really is a nice looking bike.

[WhisperingWasp]

By way of a bit of thread-crossover I thought I might mention my kit for the benefit of any other new riders.

Last year I was wearing Dare2B stuff from GoOutdoors - maybe their house brand, not sure. To be honest I didn't really know what I needed but I had:

• few pairs of padded shorts
• long-sleeved top, quite thick
• short-sleeved top, very thin
• gilet
• a thin jacket (I suppose you would call it), baggy, not tight
• finger and fingerless glove options
• my wife's old DHB sunglasses with interchangeable lenses
• then I just wore some of them narrow Puma driving-style trainers as they were narrow

Fast forward to this year and I've got all new gear (I needed to since I had a new bike naturally ). I went with DHB gear which seems to have a pretty decent rep based on the other thread. I have:

• 2x bib shorts
• bib thermal leggings
• 2x thin long-sleeved jerseys
• thermal jersey
• finger gloves
• new sunglasses that go lighter or darker depending on conditions (fit me much better)
• all Dare2B stuff relegated to storage box in the garage apart from the gilet & jacket which I still like

Obviously all of the above is personal preference. I have personally found that I don't like short-sleeved jerseys, I am much happier now in a thin long-sleeved one.

I would also add, for the benefit of anyone new, that of the above, the most important thing/improvement for me has been the bib shorts. Honestly, I cannot overstate how much better they are - looks, comfort - than normal-waisted shorts. Even if starting out I would massively encourage getting this style of shorts.

[WhisperingWasp]

Oh and finally I have these, which I think look the tits!

Now of course I chose these after much research into the best fit for me, what suits my riding style, materials used, compatibility with pedals, etc, etc…



Oh yeah, no I didn’t, I chose them as they matched my handlebars and saddle!

[WhisperingWasp]

Don’t want to spam thread with screenshots so I’ve condensed some but these were my rides in May:

[GregK2]

Could have done that update with just 1 image tbf
Strava route planner good little tool for plotting some new routes unless you just really like that loop!

[WhisperingWasp]

GregK2 said:

Could have done that update with just 1 image tbf
Strava route planner good little tool for plotting some new routes unless you just really like that loop!

Haha this is true! I suppose I see my riding as exercise rather than a hobby at the mo, hence lack of variety and just focus on burning some calories. I do need to explore more though and have a few different routes in mind!

Saying that I headed out yesterday (lovely day here) to do a different route that would have a been a 30-miler and I got a puncture a mile or so in. Missus came to my aid and I got back to my garage, replaced the inner tube but for life of me couldn't re-seat the tyre.

I got pretty adept at changing tyres last year but now I have these nice carbon wheels perhaps I am not being aggressive enough. I've also looked online and found that Contis are notorious for this. Can anyone confirm that?

[WhisperingWasp]

Took the wheel to a local independent bike shop and he got the tyre on with just his hands. How embarrassing!

[okgo]

There’s a lot of both technique and also tops and tricks.

YouTube helpful I imagine.

[WhisperingWasp]

Bit of variety this weekend. That was a killer today in this heat!

[WhisperingWasp]

okgo said:

There’s a lot of both technique and also tops and tricks.

YouTube helpful I imagine.

Agreed. Definitely more technique than strength that's for sure. Though I seem to lack both

[Mark83]

Congratulations on the new bike! Good to see you back out enjoying it. I'll give you a wave if I see you.

I've been off the bike a fair bit with the arrival of my first child in March but slowly getting back out on the road. We've started our evening rides on your loop again.

[WhisperingWasp]

That Sunday ride was a make-it-up-as-you-go one as the road looping back round to Discolicious was closed for some reason. I then couldn't bear the thought of the climb into Upper Gravenhurst so swung a right instead!

...and as I'm typing this I see you did what I didn't tonight!

I'm generally in a red jersey and white helmet if you do see me (on a black bike of course) but must admit I am trying to go out at lunchtime on a weekday if I can as, if I wait until I finish work, I find the run down the A6 not particularly enjoyable with the traffic.

Sorry, ETA... congrats on your first child

Edited by WhisperingWasp on Monday 12th June 23:12

[Mark83]

Lunchtime rides are definitely quieter than evenings. I try to get out then when I'm WFH for an hour loop. That was the plan yesterday but was waiting around for our builder, who then cancelled so went after work.