Yet another Newbie

[Dave126]

Hi
I have just bought my very first 'real bike'. Cycle 2work.
I have a trusty Felt City bike that I use daily for work, only a couple of miles. I was looking for a bike to use at weekends for a nice ride, I visit a local town 8 miles away every weekend, so I thought the 16 mile ride would be good for me.
I bought a Bordman Road race, So far I am very pleased, suprised how light and fast the bike is. My wife made me promise not to start wearing Lycra, but I have just bought Cycle shorts as the added padding is really needed. I am not sure if the saddle will shape to me or I need to shape to the saddle.
I need to do something about the peddles. It takes me a long time propped up against a wall th get me feet into the straps :-( , I have now just taken the straps off but I think I will just buy normal pedals.
I am now just waiting for some decent weather, to start enjoying my new hobby.

 

[al-fresco]

Wives always say that about lycra - don't believe it - they love it really. You won't always be so reliant on padding though - the first law of cycling is 'The more you ride the less your bum will hurt.' Welcome to the forum!

 

[paul04]

Hello

 

[Pat "5mph"]

 

[Peteaud]

 

[thegravestoneman]

how do

 

[Eribiste]

G'day Dave, welcome to the show. You have the same bike as I have, and I had the same discomfort problem that you have! The offending anatomy does improve with time, but it can be a long process. I acclimatised myself by changing the stock Boardman saddle for a Selle San Remo for about 150 miles or so, then re-fitting the 'proper' white saddle after I'd toughened up some. It feels fine now.
I couldn't get on with the toe clips, and I swapped them out for a pair of Shimano A530 pedals after the first two rides! These are 'half and half' with cleat bindings on one side and a normal flat pedal on the other. I have never ridden the bike without SPD shoes on though, and in retrospect I should have bought straight SPD pedals (SPD as opposed to SPD-SL gives you the option of a partially recessed cleat in the shoe, so you can walk in your cycles shoes a little way, a must in the pub )

 

[SRSE]

to CC

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Hi Dave &

 

[BrianEvesham]

Welcome to the forum from Evesham.
Give in to the Lycra it makes sense!

 

[Biker Joe]

Hi Dave and
I think you should at least consider clipless pedals.
As Eribiste says the Shimano A530 pedals are a good option and well worth considering.
I resisted going clipless for a long time and, when I finally made the transition, I wished I had done it earlier. I ended up with Shimano SPDs and Shimano MTB shoes which you can walk about with.
I also think you should consider getting a better saddle. Look around the forum using the search option about saddles.
I'm pleased you like your new bike and wish you many happy hours of riding.