Any Newish Cyclists?

[CyclingShark]

I just got a bike. Been out it once, my arms are a bit wobbly!

Wondering if anyone else has recently started cycling?

I am on strava (all one ride at the moment)

Me! I bought a bike the other week and been out quite a few times. But I’ve been using a route I used to run (it’s very flat). I need to get used to going out in the rain but it’s harder to get motivated. My husband also bought a bike - he’s only been out once with me. He really doesn’t like the rain!

@VanillaSpiceCandle

I waited for the rain to stop before i went out today! Hopefully tomorrow morning it will be dry.

Are you enjoying it? I'd like to go a bit further tomorrow morning if I can (I was very wobbly this afternoon!)

New cyclist here too! Padded shorts are essential for me :)

@CyclingShark yes I’m surprised at how much I like it. I can’t run any more so it’s a good alternative and nice to be able to get out of the house. I want to push myself to go out more often.

@ameliameerkat I can’t bring myself to buy padded shorts but my bum is killing me. I might have to rethink!

More experienced cyclist. Get padded shorts it’s ‘saving the NHS’. DHB are reasonably priced but similar quality to much more expensive ones

And welcome all. Cycling is fab and isn’t just for men as many on mn seem to think

Get a decent female fit gel saddle or a gel saddle over if you don't want the shorts

Padded shorts are amazing, you won't regret it!

You can always get padded baggies or baggy shorts to go on top if the tight Lycra look doesn't float your boat

Not a new cyclist but welcome to cycling. Happy to answer any questions. (I road & mountain bike)

Also a regular cyclist - padded shorts are better than gel saddle covers. Just remember to get the real benefit of them you need to go commando underneath the shorts.
Loving seeing so many people out on bikes at the moment especially family groups.

Oh thanks for the advice on padded shorts, I have some MTB shorts, can I just get a liner to go under them?

I didn't get out today as it was raining and i am still nervous about my wobbling and braking speeds! Tomorrow the weather looks great though.

Thanks for all the advice

I started 3 weeks ago, am trying to get out twice a week. Finding it very hard going, haven't done any exercise in 5 years since I first became pregnant. Still quite wobbly too, but am improving. There are so many hills where I live, but am getting better at these too.

Will definitely be getting some padded shorts, need to find some t shirts too.

Me and DP both bought new bikes (he is a keen road cyclist) but his has arrived and mine hasn't, so I'm going to join this thread ready for when it eventually turns up!
I've not cycled properly in about 10 years so I'm a bit nervous! Even though I've only got a hybrid DP is going to come out with me as a warm up then carry on properly once I've had enough

And I've got my padded shorts at the ready!

Thanks @Teateaandmoretea for the advice on shorts. I don’t really want to spend much at all - and being a little vain I’ve taken this up to reduce the size of my bum so padded shorts aren’t going to be very flattering!

I’ve just been wearing bog standard gym leggings so will have a look into shorts.

I’m also really wobbly, not ridden a bike since primary school but I’m pleasantly surprised at how quickly I’ve improved. And I’m less scared being overtaken by cars. I still can’t quite indicate properly so need to improve on that.

I wear padded shorts under baggy shorts AND have a padded saddle cover PLUS my bike’s an ebike. It’s like sitting in an armchair sometimes! After a while I still have to stand up on the bike. 🙄

Vanilla You do know padded shorts only have a padded seat area, they aren't like a fat suit.

I have a hybrid.

Am considering upgrading to a road bike because they seem much whizzier....although I tend to crap myself when freewheeling anyway so maybe not!

Me but all indoors - have put my hybrid bike on a smart trainer and using Zwift (and Strava). I used to cycle outside pre-DC and that fell by the wayside. I've been stuck indoors for 3 months and am piling on the weight, so enough is enough!

@Paperdolly too much padding is bad apparently - better to get a saddle with a cutout bit to ease pressure on lady bits (apparently, I am just reading up on all this)

I've had my bike for years (I bought it because I liked the colour and the curves) but have only just started using it regularly. Mainly because my boyfriend does a lot of cycling (oh no, hope I haven't outed myself by mentioning what our hobby is)

I bought some padded shorts from decathlon that can be worn under other shorts, so I do that. My arse still aches after, but not as bad.

I definitely need to do more exercise, I'm the heaviest I've ever been.

I started cycling back in November.
Padded shorts/padded leggings are a must. I also recommend upgrading the tyres on your bike if they're just cheapies cause you'll save yourself so many puncture repairs if you stick something like Gatorskins on them from the get go. I'd also recommend getting a good seat. What looks big and comfy isn't necessarily the best choice. I opted for the slim and cut away ISM PM 2.0 saddle and I can't stress how much better it is for your undercarriage!

I'm newish to cycling. I was a runner that got injured and still can't really run. I'm married to a very keen cyclist. I have road bike and a mtb now! Mtb mainly to be able to go off road with the kids.

Get a decent saddle. Some bike shops have cushions that you sit on and show wear your sit bones are and then can get the right saddle. Generic saddles on mid range bikes are awful.

Also padded shorts, Dhb are good. If its possible some bike shops do a bike fit service where they will adjust your bike properly to your size, length of arms, legs etc.

Oh and do not wear knickers with padded shorts. They are meant for going commando otherwise you get chaffing.