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Getting into cycling
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09-06-2008 10:42pm#1
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This is very much a 'how long is a piece of string' type question.... in general for budget, I'd say think about how much you'd be happy spending on a bike, and at the very least double it for a starting point!
If you're already reasonably fit, I'd say you could get into shape to do 100k in a couple months, but then it really depends on what 100k you want to do (if it's flat or bumpy). One way you could try if you can get to Dublin on a Sat morning is joining in on our spins -it's a nice relaxed pace, and you could get 50k or so in and see how you feel.
As for types of bike -people use all kinds, it's really what you prefer. Ken rides a flat bar hybrid (although he's now converted it to drops), as does Dub_skav, and RtD rides a mountain bike with skinny tyres, and all of them completed the W200 ahead of me on a road bike after starting at much the same time
I would say (and I'm no expert), that in general a flat bar hybrid will be most comfortable to get started, as you are sitting more upright thus putting less strain on your back -indeed I know guys who regularly cycle vast distances who do them all on flat barred bikes (isn't Connor, who's going round the world doing it on one?).
Really it's a case of use what you're comfortable with, and if you're unsure to begin with, I'd say look at getting a decent hybrid, and take it from there. You can do like Ken and convert to drops if you want, and then maybe move to a road bike, or just enjoy cycling without caring what you're on!
To put figures on it, for a decent hybrid I'd suggest in the region of 600 - 800euro, and easily another 200 on other kit. You'd be best off getting a good pair of bib shorts, a cycling specific jersey, base layer, gloves, shoes, pedals, good lock if commuting, helmet, possibly a pair of glasses, multi-tool, it all adds up in the end really!0 -
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Personally I like to keep all my bikes, but if you want to sell yours, go for it. A bike shop probably won't be interested in trading.
I probably feel the same, but I only recently bought the hybrid and the gf will probably veto another bike lol although, prob not worth selling as its a hybrid at the lower end of the price range (an 07 specialized globe)Injury? What kind of commute do you have?! I've been commuting on a road bike for years.
lol - thought the 2nd part was a bit ott.. just never been on different types of bike etc, dunno how comfortable/ etc!TinyExplosions wrote: »This is very much a 'how long is a piece of string' type question.... in general for budget, I'd say think about how much you'd be happy spending on a bike, and at the very least double it for a starting point!
If you're already reasonably fit, I'd say you could get into shape to do 100k in a couple months, but then it really depends on what 100k you want to do (if it's flat or bumpy). One way you could try if you can get to Dublin on a Sat morning is joining in on our spins -it's a nice relaxed pace, and you could get 50k or so in and see how you feel.
As for types of bike -people use all kinds, it's really what you prefer. Ken rides a flat bar hybrid (although he's now converted it to drops), as does Dub_skav, and RtD rides a mountain bike with skinny tyres, and all of them completed the W200 ahead of me on a road bike after starting at much the same time
I would say (and I'm no expert), that in general a flat bar hybrid will be most comfortable to get started, as you are sitting more upright thus putting less strain on your back -indeed I know guys who regularly cycle vast distances who do them all on flat barred bikes (isn't Connor, who's going round the world doing it on one?).
Really it's a case of use what you're comfortable with, and if you're unsure to begin with, I'd say look at getting a decent hybrid, and take it from there. You can do like Ken and convert to drops if you want, and then maybe move to a road bike, or just enjoy cycling without caring what you're on!
To put figures on it, for a decent hybrid I'd suggest in the region of 600 - 800euro, and easily another 200 on other kit. You'd be best off getting a good pair of bib shorts, a cycling specific jersey, base layer, gloves, shoes, pedals, good lock if commuting, helmet, possibly a pair of glasses, multi-tool, it all adds up in the end really!
thanks for a long answer to a piece of string q! I was just looking for a jumping off point on what to look for hence the vagueness (sorry!), I just seen the op post and tagged on without having looked into it..
would you say its worth converting my globe in the way you suggest, or is it a crappy bike to be starting with (when I bought it I was on a real tight budget and at the time it seemed to represent good value based on my little knowledge). I wont be getting too serious into it, I just wanna get into something to keep me fit and it seems enjoyable (esp if this weather lasts!)
what else can I do, i.e. would it be worth changing wheels/tyres/drive or would I prob not notice much difference..
compared to other people commuting I think I get up to good speeds with whats on the bike aready
EDIT- sorry I meant to ask, do hybrids generally come with flat bars, or is flat bar lower than standard hybrid bars, but higher than drop bar..
i.e. I am aware of terms flat bar and drop bar, but what other types are there...
can you tell I'm at the pre-novice level lol!0 -
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