Various beginner questions

Formosa

Hi, am getting into this cycling lark but am fairly clueless regarding many aspects of it, so will throw out a few questions. I have a reasonable fitness base from running (which I have given up for the moment) but have only cycled at most 15 miles at one go.

1. Are there organised races which cater for all levels, much like the myriad of runs out there? I have the impression that it is much more specialised and competitive?

2. I have a Claud Butler Cape Wrath D27 (with thin wheels), do people particpate in events on mountain bikes like these or is it all racing bikes only?

3. I see cycling clubs ( www.marblecitycyclers.com ) gave weekly organised spins, again same question as 2 above applies.

4. What about shoes, I wear runners at the moment, are cycling shoes advantageous and should they be the ones that clip into the pedals?

5. Do you bring out puncture repair items on a long spin, and if so where do you carry them?

6. What is best gears tactic on climbing, at the moment I start on a higher gear, out of the saddle, burn out about half way up and fly down through the gears...are there hard and fast rules here?

That's all for now, any help greatly appreciated.

Captain Havoc

Hi Formosa, I'm with Marble City as are a couple more here. Our Monday evening spins cater for people exactly like yourself. Alternatively I'm always up for midweek spins when I'm off.

keenan110

Formosa wrote: »

5. Do you bring out puncture repair items on a long spin, and if so where do you carry them?

Yeah, always have these on a spin, carry a spare tube(or two) along with tyre leavers and a small multi-tool in a saddle bag. And a mini pump in your jersey pocket or on your bike!

Nietzschean

Formosa wrote: »

1. Are there organised races which cater for all levels, much like the myriad of runs out there? I have the impression that it is much more specialised and competitive?

Race's generally i guess are possibly more of a competitive item because they are done in close proximity, they arn't suitable for people who are not used to group riding. You also need to be able to maintain a minimum level of sustained effort for the group to not get left behind which would be less fun(due to drafting in road racing you'll end up very far behind very quickly on most courses if you fall off the back). Generally a few months of group spins would be at least advisable before attempting any race, generally club races would cater better to beginners too.

2. I have a Claud Butler Cape Wrath D27 (with thin wheels), do people particpate in events on mountain bikes like these or is it all racing bikes only?

There is a difference between races and sportif's in cycling. In ireland sportif's are mass participation events which are not races, most people will start with these, over varying distances/terrain. Everyone in a race will have a road bike(for both practical purposes and it is a requirement). Sportif's generally have no such requirement and you often see people on hybrids/mountain bikes on some of these.

3. I see cycling clubs ( www.marblecitycyclers.com ) gave weekly organised spins, again same question as 2 above applies.

Cycling clubs vary, but all will have beginner spins bar a few specialised in racing. The club i'm in (Orwell Wheelers) require a road bike for all club organised spins.

4. What about shoes, I wear runners at the moment, are cycling shoes advantageous and should they be the ones that clip into the pedals?

You should be going for clipless pedals + shoes, oddly enough these are the ones which clip into the pedals. In the event of a crash you will fall out of them though and not be stuck with your bike. It means you can pull up on strokes, and not have to worry about your foot falling off while cycling.

5. Do you bring out puncture repair items on a long spin, and if so where do you carry them?

Yes, for any spin its advisable to not leave home without some stuff. Saddle bag carrys everything except my pump for normal sportif's/spins and races i'll loose the bag in favour of a few items in jersey pocket.
(most people do not bring repair stuff so much as a spare tube or two and a pump/leavers to change the tubes, can worry about fixing them at home when your warm/dry)

6. What is best gears tactic on climbing, at the moment I start on a higher gear, out of the saddle, burn out about half way up and fly down through the gears...are there hard and fast rules here?

Not really, but if you want to climb for any long period you'll want to be doing it sitting down. Generally aim to maintain above 90 rpm at all times, if the mountain gradually increases in gradient you can go through them slowly, but its just a case of trying to keep your heart rate reasonable and not cause too much strain on your knee's. If that means going to your easiest gear and going slowly from the outset then so be it, you will pass out most people by the top who take your existing method to climbing

Formosa

Thanks all for the replies. Very informative and helpful.