For Beginners - What is the single most helpful advice or change made?

[simongt]

Don't believe all the goodness that is supposed to eminate from your LBS, they are not all full of goodness.

You are so right - ! Norwich is awash with cycle shops, but there are only two I trust - and Halford's ain't one of them - !

 

[adamangler]

Choose a bike that you like the look of, too many people worry too much about a few grams here or there, aero vs sportive frame, well non of this really matters, the main thing that matters is how it looks unless your competing and want the edge. Look good first the rest will follow

 

[mjr]

You are so right - ! Norwich is awash with cycle shops, but there are only two I trust - and Halford's ain't one of them - !

Bike Works and Freemans? Is University Cycles still going? Do NBRC have a shop yet?

 

[simongt]

Specialised in Connaught Road & Freeman's. And if I'm in the mood of a ride as well, then Madgett's of Diss; the LBS par excellence. Okay, not strictly an LBS to Norwich, but with their standards of knowledge and service, a mere detail - !
'Fraid I've never come across Bike Works or University Cycles mjray, so can't comment.

 

[slowmotion]

Look around you at the sights, sounds and people that you ride past, whether it's in a city or the country. Just enjoy travelling under your own steam. Grunting, grimacing, and clock watching are not compulsory.

 

[2IT]

Choose a bike that you like the look of, too many people worry too much about a few grams here or there, aero vs sportive frame, well non of this really matters, the main thing that matters is how it looks unless your competing and want the edge. Look good first the rest will follow

True. Also as you sit on the bike, do you like the way it looks underneath you. There could be rides where it's head down and hard work. A good looking top tube and paint job help.

 

[Yazzoo]

You're more capable than you think you are, you can get up that hill or do that long distance - not necessarily at record breaking speed but usually the mind goes before the body. If you roar off at 100% you'll not likely last the distance, use your brain and plan ahead and you'll make it.

 

[SWSteve]

Above have probably said these:

Get a track pump, and keep the tyres at the 'right' pressure for you - this will help to keep you moving and also reduce likelihood of punctures

Think of the curb/edge of the road as a wall, and you shouldn't be able to touch this when riding. You'll keep out of the gutter and all the rubbish that is in it. I'm surprised about the number of drivers near where I live that keep moaning about punctures, yet I haven't had one when driving or cycling - and neither has my partner.

 

[kernowpaul]

The best piece of advice I was given was 'just get out and ride the rest will follow', the only thing that wise person forgot to mention was those people that are following me ended up passing!! But hey I still love being out on the bike.

Track pumps are the best thing ever as well.

 

[MattDB]

Think before buying cheap brake pads...

 

[Hicky]

If you don't enjoy it then stop....(unless it pays the bills).

 

[Nibor]

Ride your own hill it doesn't matter if others are faster.

 

[swee'pea99]

One's no good. Four essentials:

• Saddle height. Pedal at bottom, heel on, your leg should be just off-straight at the knee.
• Tyre pressure. Hard. Harder than you'd think.
• Gear lower, pedal faster
• Anticipate, anticipate, anticipate

 

[Thursday guy]

I'm going to go with a less obvious one. Learning to mount and dismount while the bike is moving. It makes the transition from walking to riding so much smoother, means I don't have to stop completely.

 

[Apollonius]

I'm going to go with a less obvious one. Learning to mount and dismount while the bike is moving. It makes the transition from walking to riding so much smoother, means I don't have to stop completely.

I would prefer the skill of "hovering". I guess I picked this up as a youngster riding fixed, but it is so much safer and more effective riding if, approaching a junction say, you approach very very slowly in the final metres to full vision, and, still clipped in, decide then to go or stop. If go, it is easy to speed across as full power is immediately available, and a pedal cycle will accelerate with remarkable speed. If stop is needed, unclip and put a foot down, preferably the left as you are tipping towards the safer kerb side and avoiding a possibly oily chain ring.