Well, time for another update. I was off today and all that was on my agenda was to tackle the same run , the second day and not give up. First day did get a bit better toward the end. But it was still a poor experience, it's a struggle to cycle this on flat ground, even on a gentle descent peddling was still taking it out of me.
Just for reference, I'm 25, no health problems thankfully, quite thin, generally quite fit... though haven't exercised intensely for a while. However, that being said, in 2015 I cycled again after YEARS of not doing so, same in 2016 / 17 / 19 - and we're talking this same 8 mile cycle around the two bridges, same hills, same flats... It took only once or twice to get back up to being able to do them in virtually no stops - taking it easy, but having the energy to do a little burst of speed here and there, which took a hit on my breath, but not a stopping matter. That's the only reason, whilst it's perfectly valid to assume it's me being out of shape, that it might also be the bike?
Ashamed to say it, but it's on Gumtree now... I know these bikes are some peoples only choice, but I think if I can figure out a way to transport a full size on in I should go with it as the compromises might not be worth it given my experience so far. A Brompton might be a little better, but it's too much money to gamble with and would be even harder to shift on. I am planning to buy a nicer bike through the cycle to work scheme, this was a bit of a lesson really.
If any of you are in Northern Ireland and are interested in buying message me privately (mods please remove if this line not allowed)
