Novice

[Jayjay11]

Hi all, I'm a complete novice to cycling. I considering to purchase a Broadman Hyriad Team 2011. What are your opinions on this brand and an suggestions??

I'm overweight and I've been on a diet for about 6wks. I've lost a stone so far, but I needed a challenge so I thought why not cycling. I do 3hrs of spinning a week with other cardio and toning classes.

I work extreme shifts and the furthest I travel for work is 11miles. I fully intend to cycle to work but I just don't know how to start. I'm not sure if 3hrs of spinning weekly has prepared me for an 11mile trip.

What are your suggestions/advice for me??

Please help.

 

[jugglingphil]

Boardman have a very good reputation, and hybrids are designed for commuting.

You could do a test ride to work at the weekend (I know it seems wrong), that way if you need to stop or turn around, no big deal. You'll also find out how long it could take.

Otherwise, build up gradually, have rest days.

 

[supercooper]

Hi and to C/C , That is a very nice bike but unless you are going to do it seriously but if it just for work and the odd ride on a weekend then you can get very good bikes for less but that is up to you . When you first start don't worry about speed that will come naturally , On your first attempt give yourself a good hour or hour and half then that way if you tire then you can rest and times will soon come down before you know it . Don't have anything to eat just before you ride I would make sure you eat about 2 hours before you ride . I work nights and I travel 17 miles each way and that takes me about 45 to 50 mins but I have been riding for 20 years and competitively 17 years ago but before you know it you will be wizzing along . Remember there is only one pace on a bike and that is your pace , I hope this has been helpful and good luck

 

[coffeejo]

Practice rides are a great idea - not only will you get an idea of how long it will take you to get there, but also how much time you need to recover before starting work.

The joy of getting somewhere under your own steam more than makes up for the initial struggle.

 

[VamP]

Also consider where the bike will be kept at work. If it's likely to become a theft target, you might want to go for a cheaper bike, to a) make it less appealing to a thief, and b) reduce your loss when the inevitable happens.

I commute on my road bike, but that comes into the office with me.

 

[lulubel]

I agree on the practice ride. I did this when I first started commuting, and soon realised my idea that I could leave an hour before my shift started wasn't going to leave me any time to get changed because it took me an hour just to get there! (I was averaging 40 minutes after a few months.)

It also might be worth considering what kind of riding you're going to be doing (if you haven't done this already) and whether a hybrid is the right bike for you. My 10 mile each way commute was mostly open road, and I started out with a hybrid, but quickly moved on to a road bike which was quicker and easier. Of course, it could turn out that the hybrid is still your best option.

And, as has already been said, don't try to go straight from no cycling to cycling every day. You'll wear yourself out that way. Ease yourself into it gradually by cycling a couple of days a week at first and building up to every day.

 

[BrumJim]

Sounds like a great way to loose weight, as recommended by the Amazing Shrinking Gaz (gb155 on here)

Just as long as you build up gradually and don't loose motivation by tiring yourself out in the first week.

 

[cyberknight]

+1 to al of the posts here.

When i started commuting i did a test run to see how long it would take me , luckily for us we have a (now) secure bike shed.
3 hours spinning a week is good going and will certainly help you with your "real" cycling , your general fitness will be good but it is not the same as the real world with hills, traffic and weather .

The Boardman is a very nice bike, i am just about to get a road version of their bikes , i started out on a hybrid and gradually moved over to road bikes as i find for longer distances the speed and the ability to have more than 1 hand position essential .Drop bars are great for getting low down when battling against the wind or screaming down a hill .

If you are serious about commuting budget for some mudgaurds and a rack as it is bound to rain at soem point and a rack+ panniers keeps the weight lower down and stops fatigue on your back as well as stopping sweaty back syndrome.
Another consideration is lights as at some point you are going to need them especially if like me you work night shifts , consider whether you need lights for roads with street lights or lights to see where you are going .

What sort of clothing do you have ? i would suggest at least 2 tops + 2 pairs of padded shorts for a wash and wear, you really do need padded shorts to make it comfortable.I would also carry a light coat as you might get cold or sometimes just a bit of protection if it rains, i use lightweight"windproofs" rather than a proper rain coat as i just boil in the bag otherwise.

Good luck with your commuting and make sure you enjoy it !!!

 

[Jayjay11]

Thank you all so much for your advice.