WelshFatBoy
Reged: 10/11/2008
Posts: 10
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Hello Everyone,
I'm brand new here so please treat me gently.
I'm about 25% of the way through a concerted effort to lose the blubber I've accumulated over about 20 years of sitting on my backside. I'm interested in trying cycling as an additional form of exercise to the walking and jogging I do at the moment because I've never seen a fat bloke amongst the groups of cyclists you see out and about on the weekend. It's more for me to add some variety to the range of physical exercise that I do than anything else though.
I bought a new bike quite a few years ago and its hardly been used so it's in reasonable nick. The name on the frame of the bike is Dawes Oxygen. It's like a mountain bike without suspension i.e. non-drop handlebars, Shimano derailleur gears with three cogs on the front, breaks where each block has an independent lever directly connected to the cable. Even though this might be an old fashioned bike, I reckon it will be fine for me to see if I like cycling and make it part of my regular routine.
Now to what I need help with:
1. The tyres are perished and need replacing. The existing ones are knobbly tyres with size markings of 26 x 2.10. I'm not fit enough to ride on mountains so I think knobbly tyres would just make it harder work on the road or canal tow paths that I plan to ride on. What tyres would you recommend I fit?
2. I need some new lights. What should I buy?
3. The pedals are just bog standard i.e. no toe clips. Is there any point in me getting some toe clips? Is it worth considering these special shoes and pedals or am I better off leaving that for if I get really interested in it and get a better bike?
4. If my experience with most other forms of exercise is anything to go by, I run the real risk of getting injured by trying to do too much too soon. I don't want to spoil my opportunity to get something new into my life. What sort of injuries do I need to be wary of?
5. Is there somewhere on the web that would give me a complete beginners schedule of workouts (for want of a better word)?
6. If there is one thing you could recommend that would enhance my chances of enjoying cycling, what would it be?
Many thanks,
WFB
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thatwomanagain
Reged: 30/07/2006
Posts: 2335
Loc: Hugh Porter country...
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Quote:
6. If there is one thing you could recommend that would enhance my chances of enjoying cycling, what would it be?
Many thanks,
WFB
A nice new lightweight bike!!  I had loads of false starts with cycling, mainly by buying cheap, heavy or second-hand bikes. It just wasn't fun. Then I inherited my Dad's Condor annd it was a completely different experience. Wish I'd invested in something far, far sooner.
So, if you can afford it, I think you ought to treat yourself. And then of course you'll feel morally obliged to keep it up, having parted with all that cash!!
And the guys on the forum will enjoy hours of winter fun handing out their advice on what and what not to buy!! Triple vs Compact, Campag vs Shimano,carbon vs alu, tubs vs clinchers, and so on, and so forth... 
So, you see, you'll be performing a valuable public service by buying yourself that new bike too!!
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If you want something done, ask a busy penguin...
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wuverley
Reged: 16/05/2008
Posts: 4046
Loc: Man of Kent
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6. Move smewhere warmer and drier, Italy perhaps or Australia.
Just joking. You have asked a lot of questions there.
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Invicta
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 3653
Loc: Sticks ,Scotlandshire
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Hello and welcome to the forum, quite a few question so I will try and answer what I can.
Tyres...you can get 26"slick road tyres, the narrowest are around 1.5" Just ask for 26"x1.5" slicks or check google or ebay, they make a rigid mtb a nice machine on road, I used one before I got a winter bike and it was pretty good!!
Someone else can answer about lights, I only have some to be seen, not really to see!!
A set of step in pedals like Shimano SPd and shoes are a good investment, they really help with your cycling action plus bring your hamstrings into use..more muscle being worked the better, If you get a better bike in the future the pedals can go on it..no loss!
On flat bar bikes I would always advise getting "Ergon" grips, yes they are £20 but save your hands, good mitts also help.You should suffer less injury cycling than running since it's a non impact activity, make sure your seat is set quite high so your legs are just off straight at the bottom of the crank rotation, this saves knee injury, if you use step in pedals DON'T be tempted to pull up on the pedals, that muscle will be weak and you could cause injury or just really bad cramp, build slowly. Look for a few loop roads you can use for cycling, it's always nicer not to retrace your steps, start with 4-8 miles and slowly build up, To start with you won't need training programmes, just get out and enjoy the freedom and clear headspace!
Keep your leg revolutions (cadence) high, spinning the pedals rather than grinding a stiff gear.Much better for fat loss and the knee joints.
My recommendation...good cycling shorts that you can wear under leggings this time of year or on their own in the summer! A saddle bag with a spare tube, repair kit, tyre levers and multitool plus the knowledge of how to use everything. Sunglasses and a bottle and cage on the bike.oh and mudguards.make sure you drink plenty! Well that's a start for you, good luck and if you have any questions feel free to ask! Oh ignore Smokin Joe if he says you need Campag gears.!!! 
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I now accept PAYPAL!!!!
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tonybv9
Reged: 08/10/2007
Posts: 751
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Welcome to the forum. That's a lot of questions. The first thing I would ask is how much you realistically have to spend. Cycling is a sport that can absorb as much money as you care to throw at it.
I get the impression that you are trying it out, so perhaps don't want to spend too much.
New tyres x 2 and inner tubes x 3 to start. Something like: http://www.thebicycledoctor.net/panaracer-hi-road-26-x-15-1169-p.asp. Also a good pump, capable of getting 70PSI in them, as you say you are a big lad, plus a puncture repair kit.
As for lights, it depends if you need to be seen by traffic, or if you really need to see where you are going on unlit routes. A couple of rear red LED types, plus perhaps this front light:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?V...4137943ff0d16c7
Wait until budget permits cycle shoes and pedals, a decent jacket will be a better investment at this time of year.
Stick with it.
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Walk a mile in my shoes...and you will wear the bloody cleats out.
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drawkrb
Reged: 16/01/2008
Posts: 189
Loc: chesterfield,derbyshire
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agree with every thing bfergie says i would recomend same pedals shamano m520spd plus shamano mp66 dx shoes these are very good for walking in as cleat is recessed also have a full flap to keep feet dry, pedals and shoes can be had for £57.45 post free from merlin http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/
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WelshFatBoy
Reged: 10/11/2008
Posts: 10
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Thanks thatwomanagain,
I'm sure your point is very well made and as public spirited as I am, I'm not prepared to shell out on some fancy new bike unless I can prove to myself that I will use it.
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WelshFatBoy
Reged: 10/11/2008
Posts: 10
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Thanks for your comprehensive reply bfergie. Looks like you gave me some great tips there. I'm particularly grateful for the saddle height advice.
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WelshFatBoy
Reged: 10/11/2008
Posts: 10
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Hi tonybv9,
More excellent advice. You have it spot on, I do just want to try things out at the moment so I want to limit what I spend. I am a bit of a gadget freak so I must be wary of what seems to me like a new world of toys!
Is there a hand pump that can put 70PSI in a tyre or are you referring to some sort of foot pump intended primarily for a car?
Cheers
WFB
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 3653
Loc: Sticks ,Scotlandshire
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Hand pump...one that fits on the bike frame or under the bottle cage. By all means use a foot pump or track pump at home to save effort. For your tubes you need one that fits Schrader valves, racing bikes use presta valves. Check Wiggle, ribble, chainreactioncycles etc for what you need
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I now accept PAYPAL!!!!
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WelshFatBoy
Reged: 10/11/2008
Posts: 10
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Thanks to you too drawkrb. It hadn't occurred to me that I would have the option to take the pedals with me if I upgraded the bike like bfergie suggested.
This might sound like a really stupid question but are you able to describe the difference between riding with these special types of shoes and pedals and without?
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 3653
Loc: Sticks ,Scotlandshire
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Compared to flat pedals using clipless(spd type) pedals gives a feeling of security, when spinning fast you wont have the risk of feet slipping, same in the wet, working out the saddle to you have faith that you can put all your power on the pedal stroke, Eventually your pedalling style changes since you pull slightly on the upstroke which give a more fluid and powerful movement to your cycling action..If it look and feels efficient on a bike...it probably is!! Once you use clipless pedals, you will not go back and feel very unsecure if you borrow a bike without them!!
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I now accept PAYPAL!!!!
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drawkrb
Reged: 16/01/2008
Posts: 189
Loc: chesterfield,derbyshire
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just enjoy your ridding with out to much expense if you love it you can by a better bike latter.
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tonybv9
Reged: 08/10/2007
Posts: 751
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Quote:
This might sound like a really stupid question but are you able to describe the difference between riding with these special types of shoes and pedals and without?
Basically, you are fixed to the pedals. When you get out of the saddle to put in a bit more effort, there is no risk of your feet slipping off. Pedalling energy is not wasted. Cycling shoes tend to have stiffer soles, which again mean pedalling is more efficient.
I would make it your first upgrade, if and when you decide to progress with your cycling.
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Walk a mile in my shoes...and you will wear the bloody cleats out.
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wuverley
Reged: 16/05/2008
Posts: 4046
Loc: Man of Kent
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No thanks for my suggestion, oh well. 
I agree with tonybv, bfergie and drawkrb, and thatwomanagain, if you can afford it.
Definitely get some slick mountain bike tyres, if you can afford it get some SPD style pedals and shoes, and the light that tonybv mentioned is being used by me and at least one other forum member, to our satisfaction. For £40 it seems to be the best available and is adequate for use on familiar unlit roads at up to 30mph. Its not as bright as some other models, but you have to pay big money for real improvements, £80+.
If you get the bug, like all of us, then you will want to buy a new, lighter, faster feeling(you still have to turn the pedals), bike, very soon.
Give it a go, riding a bike is good stuff
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Invicta
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WelshFatBoy
Reged: 10/11/2008
Posts: 10
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Hi wuverly,
I did appreciate the joke and didn't mean to ignore you. I just ran out of time to write any more replies last night. Thank you for the excellent suggestion but unfortunately I don't have the flexibility in my life to permit emigration .
I just replaced the tyres with slicks. Bloke in the shop strongly recommended the 1.75s so I went with them. Just been out for my first ride. Slick tyres are much easier than the knobblies!
30 mins, 5 miles and I am well and truly knackered. A few hills that seemed like gentle little inclines in the car had me down to the lowest gear, crawling along whilst puffing and blowing like mad! Roads that I thought were flat in the car are just not! I did enjoy it though and I think I will find cycling a useful extra alternative to the walking and jogging.
Feel it in my knees though. I reckon I can't have the saddle height adjusted correctly. Will follow bfergie's advice on that one. I think longer distance along a flat canal tow path might be an idea next time
The SPD style pedals and shoes will be my first upgrade if I do get the bug. Having suffered from RSI in the past, those Ergon grips that bfergie recommended also seem attractive.
I'm surprised by how much the lights cost. I realise that you are helping by recommending something that actually works instead of the equivalent of a candle but still ... My main concern at the moment is to be seen so I think a couple of those cheaper flashing LED jobs might be more appropriate for me at this stage. I will only be riding on lit streets at night for now anyway.
Thanks again to everyone who was kind enough to spare their time to offer me some advice. Much appreciated.
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Bluebeard
Reged: 27/03/2008
Posts: 528
Loc: Brixton innit
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Great to hear you are now out and about, WFB.
I remember my first trip after years of neglect was murder. Trip two was a bit better. Be wary of trips three through ten - at least one of them it will seem like things have got much much worse, and you'll feel like jacking it in as a small child on a bike with stabilisers appears to go up a hill faster than you descend it. We all have those days, and they are demoralising, but keep with it, and soon you'll be speeding past local buses in no time!
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You can take a bike to water but you cannot make it drink
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340driver
Reged: 12/06/2008
Posts: 156
Loc: Stratford-upon-Avon
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Hi WelshFat Boy.If you've found yourself struggling around your local hills and are new to cycling I would suggest your first bike would be better with a triple chainset which would certainly give you a lot more confidence when running out of steam on the hills.It certainly worked for me!!
(I'll just put my tin hat on before the replies to this post come in!!)
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daveno7
Reged: 04/03/2007
Posts: 651
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you will learn to swear,sweat and begin to appricaite a pint when you get off your bike...5 miles will become 6 and then more ...you might feel defeated at times but that will pass...
enjoy the upgrades,be they wheels,tyres and get a good helmet
daveno7
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drawkrb
Reged: 16/01/2008
Posts: 189
Loc: chesterfield,derbyshire
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he has a triple already did you find it hard to keep your foot position on the pedals if so you will find it a lot easier if you had spds and shoes this could be why your knees hurt.
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