Hi

[Mad Doug Biker]

Cycling by its very nature for taking you places, will mean that there is usually a bit of crossover between things. Most people realise this and don't limit themselves to one topic on here, or even type of cycling.

If you are wanting to learn about things then this is the place to be, there is nothing official or formal about this forum, there are no places where you can and cannot be, most people are friendly enough and will try to help you out, maybe even point you in the right direction to go so that as many people as possible who can answer a question you have can answer you, and don't think any question is too stupid to ask either, we all started at one point or another!

For Topics to read, well, obviously there are the Mountain Bike threads, but there are also things like the Beginners threads, the General Cycling threads and others such as the Bike, kits and accessory section (it has a similar name to that anyway). Just read and reply to what you want, nobody will stop you! Either that, or there is the general sillyness of the Cafe, but beware, its a bit like the Twilight Zone that place - once you enter, you cannot leave! Seriously though, we are a friendly lot on the whole.

I am getting hints (either rightly or wrongly) that you are in America? If so, just remember that most of us are in a completely different timezone (its 01.39 here), so there might be a delay in getting a response on here, depending on when you post.

 

[ILcylcling98]

Ya r u in the uk

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Yes, Scotland (for my sins). This forum is great, and I'm sure there will be more U.S.centric forums out there too.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Just take a look about, see what you think, although bear in mind that we are getting spammed by people trying to sell Kitchens at the moment (I kid you not), and they usually post during the night here!

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Of course, there isn't a specific 'Road Cycling' section on here, rather its split into the type of road cycling you do, but Cyclocross might be a better bet as it tends to be bikes called 'Hybrids' i.e. they can be used on or off road.

I personally don't fit into a particular category, so I just read what interests me on here.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

ILcycling98.

I see from some of your other posts that you are just getting into this cycling lark, so I'll offer what I hope will be some useful advice:

You say that you mostly ride on the road, so a change of tyres to more road oriented ones would make the bike roll faster and easier. As an example, I currently use Continental TourRide on my cheap mountain bike as they work well on the road but still have enough tread to work off road too. The size from the linked list that would fit your bike is 47-559 (also known as 26x1.75). (Other similar tyres are available)

In the picture you posted of your bike the saddle looks quite low. It is very common for beginners to have the saddle too low which makes the bike very hard work to ride. Try raising it a bit and see how you get on.
As you get used to it you'll probably find you can raise it further still. When you get near the ideal height you'll most likely find you can only just touch the ground when on tiptoe.

Finally, just get out, enjoy a ride often and go a bit further whenever you are able. Fitness and speed will improve without you really realising.

 

[ILcylcling98]

Thanks for this advice I really appreciate it