Hello for beginners from the Bonny land

[chloebear]

Hi just found this site. I don't think I am that good at cycling, I rode a bike when I was young but to no real aim and gave it up in favour of smoking for some years. I recently climbed on a bike at 38 and decided it was time, now the cigarettes were a thing of the past, and a very generous older brother had handed down a specialised rock hopper to return to my first love. I am a dad of a 3 year old and have found myself with a passenger along for the journey. The reason I write is to say, anyone thinking of jumping on a bike should do so. I have, and my daughter and I love nothing more than showing the fraternity of idiots, who buy thousand pound bikes just who the daddy is. I don't think Chris Hoy will lose any sleep about us just yet but there is nothing more satisfying than getting out there and going for it. I hope I do not cause offence to people who buy these expensive bikes, if you want to waste your cash, or have the money to do so, jolly good luck to you, I'm pleased for you BUT why spend all that money???? Don't be put off by gleaming steel as it passes you. It is not what you have but what you do with it that counts. An anecdote for you, we decided one day to head out, yes both of us, and join in with a Saturday town cycling team. You could see the look on the faces of those around us........"We use racing machines, he has an old beaten up mountain bike, we are well dressed with £80 shirts, he has his old running shoes on and a baby on board and a home made rain mac over her to keep the cold out, this guy is an idiot. We'll soon lose him." Anyway, long story short, we kept up with them and actually I found them to be a little slow at times. We paced their 18-22 mph no sweat. When we came to a more hilly section, I have to admit that they did leave us behind, not surprising really, and we quietly bowed out. We went home, tail between our legs, and vowed never to show our faces again. However, some weeks later just out of boredom I found myself in a cycle shop and ended up talking to the guy who runs/owns the place. I regaled my tale and he pointed out that he had been one of those people from the Saturday morning cycle team and that he remembered me joining them that day and that everyone had been impressed with our sterling effort given the bike I was on and the fact I was carrying around a spare body. I was flattered that they had thought so highly of our effort that day. My point here then is, if you have all the gear, don't look down on anyone else on a lesser steed THEY MAY SHOW YOU UP, and if you only have a £100 machine from the Halford's Apollo range, don't look longingly at the sparkly bikes of others, IF YOU PEDDLE FAST ENOUGH YOU WILL GO FASTER THAN THEM. Just for the record, WE cycle on an old railway track every day for at least 20 miles (gentle climb one way wind in your face the other), and my average is always around 18.5-19.2 mph. We tear pass everybody and have never been overtaken. If I can do it SO CAN YOU. Enjoy your cycling days

 

[redcard]

I would maybe suggest its better to leave the 3 year old at home if you're going out acting like a boyracer who has a massive chip on his shoulder.

 

[biggs682]

as long as you are enjoying it , keep up the riding

 

[dandare]

Another who has obviously been overlooked by the Olympic selection committee. Averaging nearly 20 mph on a railway track on a mountain bike carrying a 3 year old as well.

 

[chloebear]

Another who has obviously been overlooked by the Olympic selection committee. Averaging nearly 20 mph on a railway track on a mountain bike carrying a 3 year old as well.

Dandare, if only mate hehehe. That was not the point, the point was to inspire people to go out on their bikes. I am not unique or special and I certainly do not belong in the olympic team. I do NOT have a chip on my shoulder but I was talking to a guy the other day who was selling his bike because he was made to feel like he was the poor relation because he only had an old bike. I feel like people judge us, my little one and I also, and do not like people who make others feel like they should not get on a bike just because they cannot afford a 7k track racer. CYCLING IS FOR EVERYONE and I do not understand why people buy expensive machines unless they are the next Greg Lamond. If a person just wants to go out for FUN then any old banger (like mine) will do, or if you are Mr Lamond or an aspiring team mate, then you should be able to show an old git with his three year old up. xxxxxx. And to make a person feel like they want to stop cycling because they do not conform to the financial outlay required for modern cycling is just down right rude. You don't need to buy expensive items to go fast just the will to do it. I have a new fixed gear (which was only £400 as I am relatively poor), and can certainly ride like the wind on my own and maintain a constant over 24 mph, my only problem is that I can only use it once or twice a week. When you are a dad you can't just leave the three year old at home, unless you want to stay there too. I love her being there anyhow, it gives me more to achieve. As to the railway track, I am sorry if I misinformed the reader, it is a cycle path which was an old railway line. cemented over etc etc. Much safer to ride on than the road.

 

[chloebear]

I would maybe suggest its better to leave the 3 year old at home if you're going out acting like a boyracer who has a massive chip on his shoulder.

Dandare, if only mate hehehe. That was not the point, the point was to inspire people to go out on their bikes. I am not unique or special and I certainly do not belong in the olympic team. I do NOT have a chip on my shoulder but I was talking to a guy the other day who was selling his bike because he was made to feel like he was the poor relation because he only had an old bike. I feel like people judge us, my little one and I also, and do not like people who make others feel like they should not get on a bike just because they cannot afford a 7k track racer. CYCLING IS FOR EVERYONE and I do not understand why people buy expensive machines unless they are the next Greg Lamond. If a person just wants to go out for FUN then any old banger (like mine) will do, or if you are Mr Lamond or an aspiring team mate, then you should be able to show an old git with his three year old up. xxxxxx. And to make a person feel like they want to stop cycling because they do not conform to the financial outlay required for modern cycling is just down right rude. You don't need to buy expensive items to go fast just the will to do it. I have a new fixed gear (which was only £400 as I am relatively poor), and can certainly ride like the wind on my own and maintain a constant over 24 mph, my only problem is that I can only use it once or twice a week. When you are a dad you can't just leave the three year old at home, unless you want to stay there too. I love her being there anyhow, it gives me more to achieve. As to the railway track, I am sorry if I misinformed the reader, it is a cycle path which was an old railway line. cemented over etc etc. Much safer to ride on than the road.

 

[redcard]

Fixed gear? Only £400?

Your whole attitude is rather bizarre.

 

[musa]

lol mate if you knew....your theory makes sense it applies to everything jobs cars house....thats the making of man...im sure youll agree

but best believe once youve caught the bug your view changes (well for me it certainly did)

 

[dandare]

I can honestly say in over 50 years now I have never been made to feel inferior because of my humble bikes. That is like saying why buy a new TV if you want one because an old black and white shows the same programme. Why buy a automatic washing machine when a dolly tub and mangle will clean clothes as well. Riding like the wind at 24 mph on fixed. What inch gear is it and what rpm are you pedaling at. Mmmmmm I suspect a bit of spamming.

 

[Brandane]

I have a new fixed gear (which was only £400 as I am relatively poor), and can certainly ride like the wind on my own and maintain a constant over 24 mph

Have you checked the wheel circumference setting on your speedo?

BTW; why have you gone and spent £400 on a new fixie if you can take on the world on your brothers old Rock-Hopper? Seems like you have become a bike snob already! Anyway thanks for the warning of fast moving traffic on the disused railway line. Paisley/Kilmacolm area by any chance?

 

[redcard]

Have you checked the wheel circumference setting on your speedo?

BTW; why have you gone and spent £400 on a new fixie if you can take on the world on your brothers old Rock-Hopper? Seems like you have become a bike snob already! Anyway thanks for the warning of fast moving traffic on the disused railway line. Paisley/Kilmacolm area by any chance?

I thought we had some thunder and lightening in the area earlier. Obviously not, it was just this guy and child blasting all over the place!

 

[raindog]

I don't understand what the OP's on about. Since I've been a member on here I've always been amazed at the warm welcome, encouragement and advice given out to everyone regardless of what kind of bike they ride. Perhaps he/she got the wrong forum by mistake?

 

[Pat "5mph"]

to cChat, Chloebear: I tell you a wee secret my average speed is 5 mph, I covet this £ 800 bike, the guy that makes it says it's ideal for a relaxed ride ....

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Wow - what a post
Started with a bit of working class snobbery then totally contradicted with ranting about the cheap rockhopper and riding abilities then splashes out on a fixie.
Methinks hasn't read the hundreds of beginners posts and the help, support, advice, understanding, empathy, encouragement etc that as been afforded to beginners of all abilies on the forum.
If you can afford a better, lighter, faster bike and want it, then go for it.
If you can't afford it, then don't until you can.
if you can't ride a 60 miler averaging 18+ mph (like I can't), then so what?

Simples

 

[Brandane]

to cChat, Chloebear: I tell you a wee secret my average speed is 5 mph, I covet this £ 800 bike, the guy that makes it says it's ideal for a relaxed ride ....

Have YOU checked the wheel circumference setting on your speedo? Probably find that in actual fact you are faster than Trollebear .