Starting out - too much?

[Rancid]

well done with keeping it up.
well worth the effort.

 

[Graham1426]

A BIG well done for your perserverence, the lighter warmer days are coming then you will really begin to enjoy your commute...happy safe riding

 

[lb81]

Hi mate, glad your getting on better. Just wanted to say that a 14 mile commute is not to bad IMO. I ride a 17 - 18 mile each way commute on my MTB and its pretty hard but very rewarding.

If your sticking to the MTB and as your suspension fork has no lock out, have you considered getting a rigid fork? it would make a huge difference to the effort required and make your bike a lot lighter (I would guess around 3lbs looking at the pic of the bike you have). All you need to do is make sure you get the correct length of fork to suit your bike! I can help with getting the correct length if its something you consider...

Anyway, well done for the perseverance and keep on enjoying it!!

 

[Chr15]

Hi lb81, and thanks for your kind offer in respect of the replacement fork. I've decided, for the moment, to persevere with the MTB as it is now for another few weeks and to buy a road bike for commuting. With Spring around the corner, I'll be cycling with my daughters around the local cycle paths so will keep my MTB for that. The Triban 3 seems to be highly recommended on this board for commuting, so that is probably what I'll go with (or alternatively a Carrera).

 

[lb81]

No worries Chr15, the Triban 3 does look like a good bet. The larger diameter wheels will make a big difference as well I should think...! So long as you enjoy riding it that is all that really matters!

 

[Croydonian]

Well done.

I too am a returner to commuting and am currently doing day-on day-off rotation for a 13.5 mile commute into London. Having done it (albeit slightly less distance) for a couple of years some ten years ago, I knew it was possible; but it still takes a good deal of getting used to.

Keep up the good work!


.

 

[rollinstok]

Hi, I decided to start cycling again recently. I,m 53 and because of illness had not done any serious cycling for about 7 years. At the moment I would be dreading a commute like that, especially with your current bike. Please dont be put off though.. I know through experience that if you stick at it, you,ll come good. Even without changing anything on your bike, you will notice by next week that your commute time is improving and you wont feel as tired. Tyres, as mentioned by several others, should be changed asap to make things a lot easier. If budget allows, some rigid forks would be the next big improvement. Good luck.

 

[User16625]

When you do get round to riding the route everyday, invest in a proper road bike. I have both a mountain bike and a road bike and there is one hell of a difference. If your gonna go running then you would use proper running shoes rather than wellies or boots.

 

[biggs682]

well done a road bike should make it easier for you

 

[Chr15]

I thought it would be fun to re-visit this thread 11 months later. I've continued cycling every day, and on the odd day I've had to leave the bike at home (like yesterday, because of snow) I've really missed the morning ride/exercise.

Other than getting away from the expensive and inefficient public transport system, there have been other benefits - in January my waist was 38" and it's now 30" (!) and I've also found that I am able to handle the stresses of the working day much better.

Thanks to everyone on here who gave me such fantastic advice and encouragement when I started out!!

 

[ColinJ]

That's the kind of thread resurrection we really like round here - well done, and keep it up!

 

[DooDah]

Did you buy a road bike and if so which one.....we are all dying to know. Well done BTW.

 

[Chr15]

Did you buy a road bike and if so which one.....we are all dying to know. Well done BTW.

I didn't, actually - I'm still riding the Saracen and have become so comfortable with it I just stopped looking at road bikes. That said, I've saved so much cash this year cycling instead of using the trains I might splash out on a road bike in the Christmas/New Year sales!!

 

[DooDah]

Nice one. I used to commute on a Specialized mountain bike with front suspension and found it hard at first, but stuck with it, changed the tyres and was able to do 22 miles a day no problem. The years have gone by and just got back into cycling and decided to buy my first road bike (40th birthday - mid life crisis maybe). What a difference it makes to speed, efficiency and comfort. Still use the MTB in bad weather or on trails for fun though. Well done again.

 

[BrumJim]

IOther than getting away from the expensive and inefficient public transport system, there have been other benefits - in January my waist was 38" and it's now 30" (!)

Impressive!! Bought lots of new clothes?