a complete beginner

[Arch]

Welcome marjk!

Plenty of good advice so far - especially the bit about using low gears - if you are prone to arthritis you won't want to put excess strian on your knees. Aim to spin your feet round at a comfortable speed, not grind...

Remember that there will be other things to get apart from the bike - so budget for a good lock (preferably a D-lock, not a flimsy cable), and if the household doesn't have them already, a pump, repair kit, a few basic tools. Lights, if you are ever likely to be out in the dusk or dark (worth having anyway, in case you get caught out, or it comes over really dark suddenly, like it did here yesterday afternoon before a deluge!) Special clothes and so on aren't really necessary unless/until you get really into it (and you will!). But a pair of padded cycling mitts can be good to ease any pressure on the wrists - although on a nice upright bike, that shouldn't be a problem.

Otherwise, enjoy!

(from a tubbyish lass just turned 40)

 

[marjk]

Hello All once more,
To update you on my progress.
Thanks for the encouragement, all jesting aside, my husband uses forums all the time for help and advice and just to chat about all kinds of things and up until now I took the mick something ruthless. BUT you've proved me wrong and I feel truly humbled by your prompt and helpful responses.
Corvette Chic, another over 50 fat lass helped me realise that cycling is not just the preserve of the young and (already fit). By the way I live in St Helens.
Randochap recommended a fabulous brand of bike, the Biria which looked exactly like the bike I needed, with an extremely low step-through, but unfortunately further research revealed them to be only available on the wrong side of the pond for me.
I have since visited a number of local shops, tried a number of different bikes but finally settled for a Ridgeback Motion from Evans Cycles at the Chill Factor in Trafford, Manchester. They were polite and very helpful, never once making me feel uncomfortable about my age, size or wobbliness on the bikes I tried.
It's being delivered on either Wed or Thurs and can't wait. This afternoon was so warm and sunny ...... perfect to take a bike out so I was a bit frustrated.
I know it will take a little while and lots of perseverence to build up my ability and confidence but I'm spurred on by many supportive people, not least yourselves.
Thanks.
marjk

 

[andyfromotley]

good choice, enjoy.

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

Excellent news Marjk. Here's hoping the weather's still good when your new purchase arrives.

I think you might surprise yourself by how quickly you make progress. For what it's worth, I found that "little and often" in the early days worked best for me.

 

[marjk]

Hi
Had phone call today to say bike being delivered tomorrow. At least we're in for some lovely warm sunny weather for my first endeavours. Can't wait :-)

 

[4F]

Nice one Marjk and welcome to the forum

 

[marjk]

Well!!
They delivered the wrong bike!
Turns out the wrong code was used by the chap who placed the order in the shop.
Gutted.
Waited for a solution and they couldn't sort me out until mon.
All this gorgeous weather going to waste bike-wise.
By Sat couldn't wait any longer so we drove up to the shop with the wrong bike and they changed it. was a push getting bike into car but we managed.
Started as soon as we got home (actually as soon as I could steal it back from my son who was over from Lincoln for the weekend).
As I thought, very shaky but a source of amusement for all the neighbours.
Will stick at it until I have the confidence to get out there.
Having a ball.

 

[scots_lass]

Well done Marjk! I am on the wrong side of 50 as well and just started cycling a few months ago! I really enjoy it so make the most of the weather and get out there. It helps if you can cycle on cycle paths/tow paths at first as they are less scary than the roads. I normally get out 3 times a week. The first time I went out I did 5 miles and thought I was going to die. Now I can cycle 20 miles and still feel ok! Keep posting!

 

[marjk]

Hi All
Reporting on my progress:
Today I did about 3 miles, which is a celebration in itself for me. Combination of cycle paths alongside main roads then paths though some local woodland. Only had to get off and push for a little bit on way home when that fabulous bit of fast downhill was reversed! Still am slowly getting to grips with gears etc
Felt fantastic as it has been the longest and most adventurous trip out yet. It's odd to realise that you're not making your way back to the car in order to get home like you do after a lovely walk out in the woods.
I still feel the compulsion to warn people to "move over, I'm still learning !" and today dismounted to get past a toddler on a narrow path with trees and shrubs one side and a river the other, otherwise the choice could have been in for a swim or flatten a toddler ! Bless him, when we were on our way back he waved to me and his Dad asked if we'd made it to the pub so I'm obviously not getting the hang of riding in a straight line quite yet. But my husband tells me I AM improving (albeit slowly).

 

[Randochap]

What a great adventure! Glad you're enjoying yourself. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[rh100]

Well done marjk, I'm glad your still enjoying it so much, 3 mile will soon turn into 6 and so on. Hills are great fun to go down, but as you say you have to pay it back on the way home get off and walk as often as you like, when you get the hang of the gears, you could stop and rest, then see if you can get a little bit further on up and rest again etc when you get your breath back, just don't overdo it. I know what you mean about getting off to go around obstacles, as me and mrs RH are now using a combination of cycle paths, pavements and roads, there is plenty of dismounting to get through the crossings etc. I keep meaning to get a bell to warn the peds, but we manage Keep it up.

 

[flossieteacake]

Have you had much luck? I was thinking of getting my first bike at the grand age of 46 to lose weight and commute....

 

[Paulus]

am a fat lass, getting on a bit, and haven't cycled for decades so will need to learn all over again and build up competence as well as confidence!
My first hurdle is to buy a nyc asian escort comfortable hybrid bike. It can't have a cross bar as I have an arthritic hip which is well controlled by drugs but limits the lift of my leg. (I know, I sound more ready for the knackers nyc asian escorts yard than for nyc escort beginning cycling).
I am 5' 7" tall and so far have ascertained that I need a medium frame, 17-19" ish. With a budget of around £250 - £300 as my husband doesn't see the sense in spending a fortune for it to sit in nyc escorts the garage (he of little faith!).
Help....

Troll alert! Troll alert. troll alert

 

[Paulus]

Ah, I take it the Mods have moved in and removed that particular post.

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

Excellent start marjk. Little and often is good, and make sure you keep enjoying it. It does get easier over time, even the hills!!