Any cyclists around?

[Mmmhmmokdear]

I posed this in Exercise but I think it's pretty dead in there, so reposting for advice...

I'm not a beginner as such, but I've not properly been on a bike for a few years, so I have nothing, not even a bike.

I want to start cycling - to work and to accompany my DC and DH on family bike rides.

What kind of bike do I need? What other kit would be useful? I'm a runner, so could I wear my running gear to cycle in or do you need something specialist?

Any other tips? I know nothing!

Thank you!

You cannot compromise non head protection, pink is a good idea! Don't wear hoods that might block your view when looking round.

Also ....
I tired
Evans. They didn't help me at all. I ended up spending a full day!!! In a local independent bike shop and they couldn't have been more help. Try a decent little indie shop if you have one. They were so knowledgeable. My commute is fast because I have the right bike and I wanted fast.

I'd probably ride more if I had a hybrid as I'd go off road a bit more.

Gosh I am now inspired to get back to it! I haven't ridden to work in a couple of years 😳. I'm changing hours soon so more doable! I actually loved how fit I got doing a daily commute.

I started cycling 3 years ago. I bought a Specialized hybrid bike in a sale for about £500. I ride to work in good weather (13 miles each way cross country) and do longer rides (40 milers) at weekends. I'm saving up to buy a road/racing bike.

The hybrid is great for commuting. I have a rack and Ortlieb panniers.

Dp is a proper expert. He cycles daily- his commute is 25 miles and he rides over 100 miles a day recreationally around once a week. He also does massive charity rides. I wish I had his dedication but I'm a bit of a scardy cat in traffic. Have to say tho his riding keeps him in absolutely tip top condition physically. I think cycling is a fabulous way to stay fit . (Digs our bike pump ready for Monday morning!).

I do my 6 mile commute on a Bobbin Brownie. It is a classic sit up and beg geometry - It makes me more visible and I look human and therefore I am given more room by drivers in the city centre. It is under geared for hills.

For my other riding I use a Trek gravel bike - It means I can ride off road and on road. Bike luggage made by Alpkit ( you just tell them what bike you have & they make bespoke bike frame bags). I have cow horn bars on it, but you can have traditional drops or straights. To give a range of hand/ body positions I have STI leavers so I can ride the hoods or dropped

Get a comfy pair of shorts. Do not use anything with a seam in the crotch area - my running shorts have an egg gusset which cause eye watering pain on the bike because of flap chaffe. The saddle is really key in this one as well - On the SU& B I have a wide saddle on the Gravel bike a narrow racing saddle. Everyone's arse and riding position are different so it is a case of trial and error. When you get one that you like guard it with your life & take shares out in the company.

Don't underestimate what your kids are capable of - my Ds rode the coast to coast and back in under a week when he was 7 on his own bike. I haven't done that.

Can someone who chosen an expensive frame, hydraulic brakes and expensive gears combo, explain why and what you chose each for?

All I've read about hydraulic brakes is you have better brakibg power, but honestly that's never been even slightly as a issue, so what's the point? Same for frame and gears?

I commute to work by bike and just wear normal clothes (it's 8 miles). I don't think you need lycra or padding for short distances. I don't really sweat as the weather's too cold! Even in the summer it's pretty chilly in the mornings. And that's with a lot of hills.

I've got a mountain bike as I do go off road too but have road tyres on it.
I bike five miles to work, five back.
I bike on a busy dual carriageway so have a long hi vis coat with hi vis wet pants for rainy days. And a helmet.
Best tip is decent lights if it will be dark when you bike.

Learn to lock your bike properly. There are good videos on YT. Get Kryptonite D locks, two if you can afford this, using both at the same time.

Specialized hybrids are the best! They are also the most sought after by bike thieves. So know how to protect your bike. Register it!

www.bikeregister.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqMeC6e3l4AIVar7tCh39CAa1EAAYASAAEgK-G_D_BwE