Advice / help sought

[Russell1961]

Hi All, Sorry if this subject has been asked before but I can't find in in the search.
I have not ridden a bike for about 35 yrs and last week got a Trek hybrid bike.
I have been out a few times and noticed I'm wobbling like a total beginner, is this normal and if so I assume it will go away the more I practice?
I also would like advice on gear, being a hybrid at the moment i'm riding it in jeans with no problems. I want some proper gear for winter, like long leg tights or bib tights what's better?
I also want a highly visible waterproof / windproof Jacket and some overtrousers, what brand is best and not to expenseve to start off with?

Russell

 

[Garry A]

If you have a Decathlon shop near then their B'twin brand are good value.

 

[puffinbilly]

Seeing as you've already got the bike - I presume it's all the clothing and accessories that you're after.

Aldi do some excellent gear and have a sale that's specifically orientated towards winter at the end of September you'll get tights or bibs - depends on your personal preference. If you need gear before this, Wiggle is a good place to start for cheap gear - their DHB range is good and inexpensive. As @Garry A above writes - Decathlon is good for cheap decent gear - however their nearest store to you is probably Manchester.

You'll pick up some decent gear - I presume the high viz jacket or jersey is your first priority - you'll find some decent bargains the major retailers Wiggle, Chain Reaction, Planet X, Decathlon at this time.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-11006-cycling-jackets
Another good one for say lights - if you need these for winter or now
Planet X are selling the excellent Smart 25 for £5.99
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/LISML25F/smart-lunar-25-lux-front-light
along with their excellent Phaart rear lights
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/LIPHBPDRL/phaart-bleep-dual-05-watt-led-rear-light
and DXtreme sell this excellent rear light for £3.80
http://www.dx.com/p/bike-bicycle-3-...illight-black-red-2-x-aaa-337694#.VbVFvaRViko

One last point - Halfords are doing their 3 for 2 on accessories so you could pick some cheap gear there till this coming weekend. I can thoroughly recommend their rechargeable light set for £16 but use other brackets to secure the lights.

 

[Russell1961]

If you have a Decathlon shop near then their B'twin brand are good value.

Sadly my nearest Decathlon shop is Manchester or Warrington so adding my cost of fuel to get there it makes the gear expensive and I'd like to see / try on clothes at the shop.
As for lights etc I will have a look at the links @puffinbilly sent.
Thanks for the help so far.

 

[vickster]

I use an Altura night vision in the winter, an older model but it's certainly waterproof and very visible. They come up quite big so bear that in mind. Leisure lakes have it reduced and a store in Lancaster (which seems to be linked to Evans)

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/18313/altura-night-vision-waterproof-jacket

The best base layers IMO for winter are made of merino

Mountain warehouse which are all over, have some cycling gear as well as merino

Tights wise, running tights or altura winter cruisers are versatile over padded shorts. Give you a double layer over the thighs, which is certainly the about the first part of me to get cold

A number of retailers offer free delivery and free returns, including wiggle and chain reaction cycles

 

[MichaelW2]

Set the saddle and bars for a comfortable position, elbows flexed, shoulders relaxed.
Select a lowish gear so you are pedalling freely (60-80 rpm), not grinding along at 30revs/minute
Don't use a Vulcan Death Grip on the bars.


For winter riding I mostly use generic hiking gear (Go-outdoors own label).
Sometimes I use Ron Hills (tracksters or bikesters).
Windproof tops are really useful, ones with no waterproof membrane. They are more breathable than waterproofs, which you can save for the rain.
Montaine make decent wp trousers: DT Atomic.