new bike

[Ari 1]

Hi all newbie here just brought a new bike a genesis volant to use year round evenings and weekends.
i`m 51 and totally unfit have i made a good choice? be gentle please.

 

[coffeejo]

If you like it, ride it, grin and bear it til "unfit" becomes "fitter" and then give yourself a pat on the back.

Welcome to the forum, btw.

 

[Ganymede]

coffeejo is absolutely right! My main bike is a bog standard hybrid from Evans - not cool, not light, not beautiful, but I hack around on it pretty well, it's solid and I've got a lot fitter!

Welcome and good luck from someone who is about to turn 51!

 

[welsh dragon]

Hi. Welcome to the forum. We all have to start somewhere. Just enjoy rhe ride.

 

[Ari 1]

Thanks coffeejo .is it worth getting a computer for bike to measure distance speed etc.so i can measure my progress.

 

[coffeejo]

I did but it's not essential. Pump, spare inner tube and puncture repair kit etc (and knowing how to use them) are far more valuable. (Apologies if this is a sucking eggs scenario.)

 

[raleighnut]

51s not old, just feels that way in the mornings

 

[Cycleops]

It is still going to be tough whether you are riding your Volant, a Chris Froome replica in carbon or a mail order cheapie from Asda. The good news is it will only get better! Just take things easy at first and you'll be fine.

 

[PaddyMcc]

Thanks coffeejo .is it worth getting a computer for bike to measure distance speed etc.so i can measure my progress.

I started earlier this year at 52 yo and used the Cyclemeter app on my IPhone to track progress. I found it really motivating to watch my average speed and distances increase and my weight decrease (I used the bathroom scales for my weight). I have lost 8kg and my average speed has gone from 15 kph to 25 kph. Last month I did a 100 mile charity ride, once upon a time (January) I thought 5 miles was a long way! Stick at it, fitness, speed and distance will come. Well done on making a start.

 

[Cycleops]

51s not old, just feels that way in the mornings

You will know you are getting old because when you bend down to pick something up will ask yourself, what else can I do whilst I'm down here?

 

[davdandy]

I`m 51 next month so i know how you feel Ari 1.By the way, to the forums.

Like you i was unfit,but always been slim,i got a bike and rode.The first few times hurts and you probably don't go very far but before long the miles will clock up and it does get easier.But as like everything,you get out what you put in so keep riding and most of all,the important piece................enjoy it.

 

[winjim]

You will know you are getting old because when you bend down to pick something up will ask yourself, what else can I do whilst I'm down here?

I recall somebody saying they had a fall*, and took it as an opportunity to clean the skirting boards.

Back on topic, the Volant is a nice bike, although if it wasn't, it's a bit late now!
Which version did you get?

*When you're young you fall over, when you're old you "have a fall"

 

[Squid lips]

Hi 45 old here just bought a carrera virtuoso upgraded tyres to gator skins and pedals next ( please don't laugh )
Last road bike I had was a raliegh record sprint in the 80s

 

[flyingfish]

I started a few months ago on a Claude Butler hybrid at 52. Best decision I have made for years. I am sure you will thisI so too. Just get out there & enjoy.
Oh btw I have found a cheap cycle computer has increased my enjoyment. It's great to know how far & fast you've been
Pete

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@Ari 1 I have logged all my rides, first with a basic cycle computer and then with a phone app and finally with a dedicated gps unit, my first ride was 8.5 mile @ 9mph, these days 40 to 50 miles @15-16mph a pretty easy ride (terrain dependent) I find it interesting to look back.