bigboy
Reged: 07/07/2008
Posts: 4
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I am new to the forum. I would like to get into cycling.
Having recently moved out to the country (North Shropshire)from the city I have been watching cyclists ride past my front door.
My problem is that I am 6ft 4" tall and overweight. I smoke and would like to kick that habit as well as loose some weight. Any advise for a gentle start is would be greatfully recieved.
I have about £1000 for a bike have been doing some research on bikes. What a minefield!!!
I have found a site that recommends a Focus Cayo for about the right money. Any views on this.
In my past I did a lot of BMX and I really enjoyed my cycling but work, family commitments ect meant that I stopped.
Are there also any sysling clubs in my area that would accept beginners who are unfit?
Thanks for your help. Clinton
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Sly
Reged: 07/02/2008
Posts: 732
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Welcome to the forum, Clinton.
Whereabouts in N Shrops are you?
I'm sure that one of the "bigger boys" on the forum will be along soon to offer some advice, but whatever you choose, you're in a nice part of the country and you'll love it. A Grand will get you a nice machine, as well.
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bigboy
Reged: 07/07/2008
Posts: 4
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I am in a village called Hodnet between Telford and Mkt Drayton. Thanks for the response
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slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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Welcome to the forum, and I hope to many years of enjoying cycling.
The Focus bikes always get good reviews. They seem to be very good value for money. Personally, I would recommend you get an aluminium framed bike (possible with carbon rear stays) with a good groupset (Shimano 105/Campag Veloce, or above). If this is going to be your only bike, and you intend to ride all year round, consider one that has clearance for mudguards.
Your local bike shop should be able to recommend the right bike, and advise you on fit. Since you are new to cycling I would suggest you speak to them, rather than buying over the net, simply because unless you know exactly that the geometry of the bike will suit you, it is very easy to buy the wrong size/geometry bike, and then try to fit your body to the bike, rather than the other way around. This will lead to injury.
As far as clubs go, the British Cycling website has a clubfinder, which will filter by region. Each club listed will have the secretary's contact details. Give them a ring and discuss your situation. You'll find out how welcoming they are that way, and you'll stand the best chance of joining the right club.
Good luck.
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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Sly
Reged: 07/02/2008
Posts: 732
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Quote:
I am in a village called Hodnet between Telford and Mkt Drayton. Thanks for the response
Oh yeah. I occasionally head down to Ellesmere, and when I ride Chester - Birmingham I tend to go down via Wrenbury / Mkt Drayton / Woodseaves, etc... lovely cycling round there. You're a bit in the middle of those, but I'm sure the countryside is similar all over that area. I barely see a car between Mkt Drayton and Cannock!
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massi
Reged: 03/06/2008
Posts: 73
Loc: somerset UK
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welcome bigboy. You sure are taking on a lot at once .Good luck anyway. I'm only a mere 6 foot but weigh 17stone + and find it very hard to lose weight .
Bike-wise I would only say that whatever bike you buy don't accept anything less than Shimano 105 or Campagnolo Veloche equipment to go with it.
Further down the range than this is likely to be significantly heavier and less long lasting.
There are lots of very reasonable bikes around for £500 to £700 you don't need to spend £1000 on your first bike. Don't forget to allow for pedals,cycle shoes, jerseys, shorts,winter longs,waterproof jacket etc it all adds up.
I'd get hold of a few old copies of cycling weekly and check out some of the previous bike reviews .
Issue may 29th reviews three £1000 bikes Focus Culebro GT GTR 1 and Trek 1.9
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telford_roadie
Reged: 16/02/2008
Posts: 9
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Quote:
I am in a village called Hodnet between Telford and Mkt Drayton. Thanks for the response
I would say your closest club is north shropshire wheelers, if you google them you can find the website, but location wise its pretty good round here for cycling especially if you get out into the Shropshire Hills, Long Mynd & Clee Hills can be a challenge though!
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Andrew_C
Reged: 30/06/2008
Posts: 10
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If you have £1000 to spend then you could end up with a lovely bike. I would echo the comments on here about the Shimano 105 groupset and the aluminium frame. I have just bought a Bianchi with a 105 groupset and an aluminium frame for £775 and am really pleased with it so I am sure if you are sensible and shop around you will get a fantastic bike.
I am also a large guy - I am 6ft 3 and weigh about 15 stone and I cannot stress enough about trying the bike before you buy! I have long legs compared to my body and there are very few bikes that I feel comfortable on. I always struggle to get a frame that has a tall enough seat tube without having a long top tube meaning I am stretching too much for the handlebars.
Go down to the bike store, look at the bikes, take measurements of the frame and make sure you get a decent test ride (once round the block is not enough!). Also, don't be pressured into buying, the worst thing you can do is have a salesman convince you to buy the wrong bike. Not only will you be disappointed with your choice but the chance of injury is greatly increased.
Happy shopping!
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Sly
Reged: 07/02/2008
Posts: 732
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I'd be tempted by that focus cayo 2008 at under a grand now. Reviews seem really good, but I don't know if you can try them out - do they only come from Wiggle?
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Andrew_C
Reged: 30/06/2008
Posts: 10
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Quote:
I'd be tempted by that focus cayo 2008 at under a grand now. Reviews seem really good, but I don't know if you can try them out - do they only come from Wiggle?
I believe that only Wiggle have the right to sell Focus bikes in the UK. Am not 100% sure so I am sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
Wiggle's great but not being able to try out a bike means that I won't be parting with my cash!
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 3653
Loc: Sticks ,Scotlandshire
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Wiggle have a 7 day test ride option. www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/testride
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I now accept PAYPAL!!!!
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Andrew_C
Reged: 30/06/2008
Posts: 10
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Well you learn something new everyday! That's a really good service and something they needed to provide in my opinion.
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bigoldsideofham
Reged: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2288
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Focus has a 16 stone weight limit on the guarantee for your info! I asked and ended up with Cr1's for that reason!
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bigboy
Reged: 07/07/2008
Posts: 4
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I bought the bike. I got a Trek 1.5 and all the kit to go along with it.I am happy with the bike it is more capable than I am ever likely to be. Given up the ciggies for a week now and I have entered the Bikeradar Ride at Donnington park on May 30th.
I have opted for the 100k ride I just need to get fit enough in 16 weeks to finish the ride
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colnagodram
Reged: 06/04/2008
Posts: 769
Loc: Langholm, Dumfriesshire. 10 mi...
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Best of luck giving in the fags  !I know it aint easy!! 
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slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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Best of luck. I've been off them for about 9 weeks now.
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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alz_7
Reged: 20/12/2007
Posts: 138
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Good luck with getting out on the bike.
I know this isn't really advice but I was of the bike for a few years, and since I picked the bike back up I cant seem to put it down.  Great fun, and healthy.
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wuverley
Reged: 16/05/2008
Posts: 4043
Loc: Man of Kent
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16 weeks will be long enough if you want to keep getting out on your new bike. I expect it will be a challenge, but that's the point, surely. Have fun.
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Invicta
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hubbub
Reged: 22/10/2007
Posts: 813
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Giving up smoking and losing weight don't go together 
After 30-odd years of chainsmoking a pipe full of thin twist I packed up in 2006. It took the strongest patches AND nicotine gum. The weight stayed stable until I came off the patches, about 3 months after giving up. Then I put on 2 stone in a couple of months. Even doing 120 hilly miles per week over the winter and more in summer it's taken 2 1/2 years for the lard to start dropping off again. I've lost a stone since last August and it's still falling but I need to lose another 2 before I'll call myself fit again.
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Scottie
Reged: 26/02/2009
Posts: 11
Loc: Hollywood, England
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hi,
I started cycling about 12mths ago after many yrs off the bike(mountainbikes) and then got myself a cheapy off ebay and went from there. i've lost 4st over the 12 mths riding to work and back and general club runs....i went from a £165 carrera after about 500miles to a specialized s-works(again second hand)and another 800miles and then finally got fitted and sized correctly to a specialized tarmac comp 2008...got it £500 off RRP as it was right at the time of the 09 bikes being released and was a real bargain....do your shopping around and read plenty of forums etc about all the bikes as theres plenty to choose from....honestly u'll love it...i'm addicted....good luck..
Also i was on 20 fags aday too....and have just packed up 3wks ago....amazing difference in fitness have just gotta watch my weight again now.
Regards
scott
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