So, I just completed my first (new bike,) ride..

[AndyMack]

Having just bought my first bike in 33! years after being bitten by the cycling bug on holiday and pottering about the estate I decided to accompany my wife on her maiden cycle commute to work. 3.8 miles consisting of a mile or two through backroads and a bit of main roads....and I loved it.
I don't mind admitting it was a bit scary at first however once the confidence kicked in I was off. Getting used to the gears was slightly tricky at first but considering the last bike I had only had three it was a whole new world.
Observations,
1. I need gloves, the handles of the bike slightly hurt, but that might be because I was gripping a bit tight?
2. I don't remember bike saddles being as (how shall I say,) uncomfy on the posterior.
3. Some sort of handlebar holder for my phone that I can see will be better than one earhone connected giving me directions.
4. I need to learn how to deal with a puncture, I hadn't thought about that until I was on the road!
5. I possibly need more on a ride than a credit card and a £20 note.
And finally...
6. There are also 3.8 miles to cycle on the refurn journey as only one of us is going to work :-)

Just under 8 miles done and back in the house by 8/45, I'm claiming this day as seized.

:-)

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Well done. You know it makes sense (Rodney).

 

[biggs682]

@AndyMack another well done and glad you survived < how did the other half fair ?

Saddles & gloves are a personal thing for sure and you might find the saddle gets more comfy the more you ride on it

Good quality tyres checked often and kept inflated can help other than that a repair kit and a good pump

 

[vickster]

What's the bike?
If flatbar go for ergo grips, specialized ones good
If drop bars, there's plenty of choice in more padded bartape

Enjoy your new bike

 

[AndyMack]

@AndyMack another well done and glad you survived < how did the other half fair ?

Saddles & gloves are a personal thing for sure and you might find the saddle gets more comfy the more you ride on it

Good quality tyres checked often and kept inflated can help other than that a repair kit and a good pump

Ellie loved it, I'll find out later if she had any issues as she went straight into work so we didn't have time for a chat. I got a thumbs up so I'm assuming all is good.

 

[AndyMack]

What's the bike?
If flatbar go for ergo grips, specialized ones good
If drop bars, there's plenty of choice in more padded bartape

Enjoy your new bike

Mine is a Boardman Sport DRC/3XB, I picked it up second hand from Gumtree for £270. It's brand new unused condition and the guy had the receipt for it. He bought it for himself but used it once and it's been sat in his shed 5 months. He had put lights and a rear mudguard on it too. I googled it before buying it and it seemed a fair price and a good entry level Hybrid.
Until last week I had no idea what a hybrid bike was, now I sound as if I know what I'm talking about...
I don't. ;-)

 

[biggs682]

Mine is a Boardman Sport DRC/3XB, I picked it up second hand from Gumtree for £270. It's brand new unused condition and the guy had the receipt for it. He bought it for himself but used it once and it's been sat in his shed 5 months. He had put lights and a rear mudguard on it too. I googled it before buying it and it seemed a fair price and a good entry level Hybrid.
Until last week I had no idea what a hybrid bike was, now I sound as if I know what I'm talking about...
I don't. ;-)

Glad you had the common sense to buy that as you can get some good lightly used 2nd hand machines for a big saving , so enjoy it

What does the other half ride ?

 

[AndyMack]

Glad you had the common sense to buy that as you can get some good lightly used 2nd hand machines for a big saving , so enjoy it

What does the other half ride ?

Ellie got some sort of Trek? Bike. I can give the full details when she gets home. Again second hand although hers came from a dealer. We went second hand as we were told we'd get more for our money components wise.At first we were going to go brand new from Halfords or Decathalon but were put off the idea by reading forums like this.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Welcome, well done. Perhaps we'll be reading your ride reports on here in the future now the bugs bitten

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/your-ride-today.173254/page-973

 

[AndyMack]

Welcome, well done. Perhaps we'll be reading your ride reports on here in the future now the bugs bitten

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/your-ride-today.173254/page-973

I just had a quick look at that thread Dave and I found a couple of routes close to me in Glasgow.
It looks like inspiration is never far off on here. Baby steps for me, but I'm already planning a trip to a cycle friendly coffee shop in Glasgow tomorrow

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I just had a quick look at that thread Dave and I found a couple of routes close to me in Glasgow.
It looks like inspiration is never far off on here. Baby steps for me, but I'm already planning a trip to a cycle friendly coffee shop in Glasgow tomorrow

Everybody has to take that first step, and the baby steps that follow, after those steps it's up to you where the journey takes you.

 

[Leaway2]

now I sound as if I know what I'm talking about...
I don't. ;-)

You will fit right in on this forum

Enjoy the ride.

 

[Dave 123]

@AndyMack

Whilst your legs are recovering get yourself to YouTube and search out a few 'how to fix a puncture ' and 'how to change a tube' videos. Also, carry a decent* bike pump, tyre levers and a spare inner tube


*some are more decent than others!

 

[welsh dragon]

Well done to both you and your wife. It can only get better.

 

[AndyMack]

Glad you had the common sense to buy that as you can get some good lightly used 2nd hand machines for a big saving , so enjoy it

What does the other half ride ?

Ellie's bike is a Trek 8.5 DS?