Cycling..What is it you wish you knew when you started

jaffa30

As the title says, what is it about cycling you wish you knew when you started out..

I will get the ball rolling with how addictive it is.

Wester

It makes me feel high when i have been feeling low

Browntoa

if you are not pencil thin then Lycra shorts are a no-no

if you are pencil thin then don't buy them 2 sizes too small

thelawnet

lycra shorts are often see-through from behind.

bike components cost much more from the shop than if you buy them up-front as part of your bike.

a usable bike lock weighs as much as a small bike

Humphrey10

thelawnet wrote: »

a usable bike lock weighs as much as a small bike

They are so heavy! I just got a bike (and lock), and when I left the shop I loaded up the bag on the bike with the extras (inc lock) I had bought, and the bike felt much much heavier!
What's the point of bikes being made lighter, if you have to carry around a heavy lock?

Anyway, on topic: how to turn round corners. I fell off twice trying to go round corners when I rode it for the first time, hopefully I will be more successful today...

cinderfella

To always carry a spare inner tube & levers plus pump.
If that is too much or you puncture in the nite, pay out the extra for slime filled inner tubes.
Also keep an eye on who is behind you - you don't want to be overtaken by an 80 year old granny with a bag of shopping on her handlebars. Especially if you have paid out £100 for a lycra outfit.:rotfl:

southern84

Echo Westers comments - puts you in a good mood at worst of times. Wish i'd started it sooner, only regret.

gkerr4

good clipless pedals are awesome and make a massive difference to your riding.

liz545

If you have to carry stuff, panniers are a much better bet than a rucksack.

Changing down into a lower gear when you stop will mean you can get started more easily without wobbling all over the road.

Doing exercise that works your core (Pilates or just a sit-up/ab routine) will stop cycling-related backache, make the whole thing a lot easier, and means you won't 'nod' as you go along.

Merino baselayers are worth every penny.

Buying cheap gear means buying twice.

Cycling is not a moneysaving activity (see above), but it is amazing!

armyknife

I'd say not a great deal, as part of the fun of cycling in learning stuff, finding your own way, literally and metaphorically.

That's not to say it isn't good to find out things from chatting with other bike users.

GT60

For hills use cadence
Aldi is a very good source for bike gear their compression tops and shorts are very good, just watch the crowds when they have the offers on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiQGFX_RlW4