Newbie from London

[acekicker77]

Hi new to cycling, in fact bought a bike but haven't risen it yet. Soon! Looking forward to it. What's the one piece of advice you'd give a newbie cyclist?

 

[Sittingduck]

Get that saddle up! Oh, and keep the tyres pumped up to max rated psi. Oh, and drop a cpl of gears and spin at a decent tempo (cadence), don't mash big gears.

Realise that's 3 but I am in a generous mood

 

[swee'pea99]

Get that saddle up! Oh, and keep the tyres pumped up to max rated psi. Oh, and drop a cpl of gears and spin at a decent tempo (cadence), don't mash big gears.

Realise that's 3 but I am in a generous mood

All good, but I'd say first among equals - 'spin don't grind'. Ie, low gear, fast revolutions.

 

[ianrauk]

keep out of the gutters riding secondary with a good primary position when needed (pinch points/at the head of junctions etc)
Signal clearly any turns or maneuvers
Ride with confidence

 

[Dayvo]

Wise words from wise old men!

And wear a helmet (or not), stop at red lights, get comfortable clothing, learn some basic repair skills and enjoy yourself!

And welcome to the forum, BTW!

 

[slowmotion]

Don't go up the inside of large vehicles stopped at traffic lights.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Darn! That last one was what I wanted to say. What's left? I know: watch out for dogs - and their owners. Even the most docile can freak out at the sight of a cyclist. Had an accident like that once - a beautiful labrador escaped the grip of its owner and ran out into the busy of the main road to bark at me. Trouble is, he chose to stop right in front of my wheel - and I was travelling at close on 30 mph at the time. I hit him in the rib cage, went flying through the air and landed on my face. Ouch!
The dog was fine by the way!

 

[slowmotion]

Watch out for any vehicle with Addison Lee written on it, and develop a healthy fear of construction industry lorries.

 

[Tyler.Pearce]

Honestly, If you've done nothing wrong when cycling and a car says you have, don't take no shoot from them... Trust me

 

[Aperitif]

Watch out for any vehicle with Addison Lee written on it, and develop a healthy fear of construction industry lorries.

Many a truer word spoken in jest, Martin.

Addison Lee drivers are too busy watching and reading their satnavs to pay any attention to driving on the highways of London. They can throw a left hook quicker than Joe Frasier or Mike Tyson, with equally devastating results to you. Your commute is a journey - not a race. good luck, and, if you think 'it' is going to pull out - 'it' probably is!

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Just remember: cycling is safe!

 

[arallsopp]

Look where you're going.

...and then enjoy getting there.

 

[slowmotion]

..... and, if you think 'it' is isn't going to pull out - 'it' probably is!

FTFY

 

[Alan Whicker]

Regular shoulder checks. Motorised two-wheelers call them 'lifesavers' with good reason.

Never assume that a driver has seen you - even if they make eye contact.

Get good lights, and use them in daylight if it's overcast.

Decide what to do with all the money you'll save.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

A little mirror. I've been cycling for 25 years without, and I've just starting using one. Brill! Wonder how I ever managed before - I feel much safer.