Is it true you never forget how to ride a bike?

[thatisnotanoption]

I am very overweight and need to exercise. I want to do some exercise I enjoy and I think getting a bike may be a good idea.

But it has been 35 + years since I last rode a bike on the road!

I used to cycle to school every day (about 5 mikes), but that I was a long time ago. On the few occasions I have been to the gym I found using a bike the easiest form of exercise (and treadmill the worse). Although this was obviously stationary!

I don't have a bike at the moment so will need to buy one. I am in my mid 50s and very unfit so wondered about an electric bike but they are very expensive if I can't ride a bike anymore! So should I buy a relatively cheap secondhand bike first just to see if I can still ride a bike?

It is hilly where I live so I think an electric bike would be more suitable.

Anyone else started cycling again after a (very) long gap?

Any advice on what I should buy?

All tips gratefully received!

I think you never forget the balancing bit. Maybe hire a bike for a few hours, then you'll know. Loads of places hire them out to tourists.

No, my parents were definitely lying when they told me that. Funnily enough, I've got a bike for sale atm.

You won't have forgotten. You might be a bit wobbly at first but you'll soon get the hang of it again.

I'd advise you to go to an independent bike shop (they are usually better than the big chains) and get their advice on what to buy.

I have forgotten

It's not true. I did forget, but I think it's because I'm dyspraxic. If I don't repeat physical actions regularly then I forget how to do them.

I've completely forgotten. If I get another bike, I'll get one of those cool 3-wheelers like Spencer Balamory and Mrs Bowline-Hitch Jack's Boat have. #noshame

I got into triathlon a few years ago after not having ridden a bike since school- no probs just a bit wobbly. I would also recommend an independent bike shop - much more helpful and knowledgable. Also don’t worry about the hills - with the good gearing on bikes now you can do much more than you think. As others have said - why not hire a bike first. I would also recommend good quality cycling shorts or leggings.

I could ride a bike as a child but when I tried again at Center Parcs it was really difficult, so yes, I think you can forget. But, it will come back with practice, I would imagine.

I can’t see the point of an electric bike. Surely, that negates the exercise part of cycling?

Is there any reason why using the bike at the gym on a more regular basis isn’t an option?

Mixed views!!

I found the gym very boring (and expensive). Friends have offered to do bike rides with me . I was thinking an electric bike would be good because it gives varying levels of assistance. I could start with a lot of assistance (!) and then reduce it as I get fitter and more comfortable on a bike again. That's the plan anyway. I was also widowed last year and so there is no one at home to rescue me if I get stuck,

I am not sure about hiring. I would have to go to the shop and then cycle it away! I have a definite lack of confidence. I think I need to practise in the garden first. And I am worried about falling off! There is a lot of me to fall!!

SandAndSea - did you try and cycle again after a long gap? If you have a bike for sale where are you based?

It's a lie. Rode one for the first time in 20 years. Totally forgot how to do it.

You may be a bit wobbly to begin with. I agree with the other poster try renting one to start with. I dont know hiw close you are to london but you can hire a bike and use it on the cycle paths in one of the parks.

I forgot. My parents just about managed to get me riding as a nipper by yelling at me until I could wobble along. Then I tried again as an adult - nope can't do it.

I can do a tricycle, it's the balance bit I can't get with a two wheeler.

You can definitely forget (I know from experience!)

But I also know from experience that you can definitely learn again. I have very bad balance and am very unathletic but it didn't take me long to get the hang of it again. It just takes a bit of practice. I say go for it.

I am a big fan of electric bikes. I’m a cyclist, have been since I was a teenager and have never really stopped apart from pregnancy and having tiny children. I ride with a ladies club, and am coming across more and more women who have got back into sport/cycling through ebikes, which they ride for a while, build up strength,fitness and confidence then sell to buy a road bike. Go for it! I do recommend a local bike shop, but actually if you are after an ebike, there are usually loads on eBay/gumtree as people make the move.

Absolutely true - it's to do with your neural pathways and the development of motor skills. As you used to cycle to school every day those neural pathways exist and were well established, shouldn't be an issue at all.

This explains it better if you're interested:

psychneuro.wordpress.com/2016/03/03/you-never-forget-how-to-ride-a-bike-because-of-no-plasticity/

Thank you

It sounds positive. I have been given an old bike which I will get serviced so I can wobble on that in the privacy of my garden (and hopefully not fall off!).

All being well I will look to buy an ebike. Really encouraging to see the positive feedback on ebikes. I will definitely go to an independent shop.

Any recommendations for ebikes?

You might also be able to find a 'back to cycling' course. The group I being to runs ladies only courses just so you get some confidence, and then we do a Couch to 20k cycling course to build up how far you can cycle, and its all so much easier in a group

You could do a Bikeability course as a refresher? Or find a SkyRide near you.
Do not get a bike from Halfords, they are a motor vehicle retailer and know nothing about bikes.
Decathlon sell decent cheaper beginner bikes. Or a local independant.
You can often hire bikes for a trial.

As someone who hadn't ridden a bicycle for 20 years I was quite surprised that when I went to tr one out last year I was still the same wobbly scared person I had been then. An awful cyclist but I could still muster that level of incompetence.

At 61 I need to tackle the bucket list items and as cycling is one of them I have tried quite hard this year. I've gained confidence and competence but still find hills very difficult, despite a good general level of fitness. DH actually overtakes me on a nearly identical bike because he says he can't go as slow as me without falling off!

I will not be giving up and have a few ideas about technique I'll try next weekend.

I think all these practical skills deteriorate without use in the same way. I'm also returning to running and horse riding and still have a lot of learning to do with both.

Breeze organise free, quiet, women only rides and welcome beginners.

I got on one then other day for the first time in 21 years getting started took a few goes and was wobbly but didn't fall off. One thing I was unprepared for was how absolutely knackering it was. I am not very fit at all I am going to continue though just need to wait for him to stop hurting first

Maybe Nouser you should look at ebikes too!!

A couple of colleagues in work returned to cycling after decades not on a bike and they could cycle ok, but did fall off quite a bit. In the beginning weekend rides meant they would regularly come into work on Monday with various bumps, bruises and stories of their latest fall. But they rode in sensible places for there capability and it didn't take long for them to improve.

Good on you for giving it a go, I suspect you'll manage to get moving on a bike, but I would stick to cycle paths etc until you become proficient again and wear protective clothing if possible (helmet, subtle elbow pads under clothing maybe?)