Can anyone advise me on starting cycling?

[SkinnyVanillaLatte]

I would love to start cycling - purely from the practical point of view of being a non-driver and being able to get places quicker and cheaper (although any health benefits will be an additional extra).

I could ride a bike,to a basic level, as a child,but not sure now as it's been so long.I am in a quite rural location- so I'm thinking a mountain bike (and racers look way too scary for me!)

I have very very limited finances to get a bike so I would need to go 2nd hand.I would like something that I could have a basket and/or panniers with,so I can get a bit of shopping.

I need to know basics such as what I need initially to start up and how I know what wheel size to go for etc.

As an absolute novice though,ANY useful advice would be welcome!

I'd opt for a hybrid as I assume you'll be using it on roads?

Go to a bike shop and test ride a few, see what style and size bike you like best and that works for you. Act like you're a serious buyer and get as much advice and info from the shop assistant (usually bike geeks and v knowledgable).

Once you've got your second-hand bike (take someone who knows about bikes with you so you don't get ripped off, take it to another bike shop for a service, and most importantly get the best locks you can afford

HTH

By bike shop I mean an independent. Do not go to Halfords under any cicumstances

hell,thanks for the reply!

Yes,I would be using it on roads.There is plenty of scope to off road around here,and I suppose it's possible I could progress to that for fun in the future,but at the moment I'm happy to stick with roads (unless it'd be easier/safer to go cross country?)

I wouldn't go to halfords either! Most important piece of kit is your helmet, always wear it, even for a few minute ride. Don't buy a second hand helmet and if you ever fall off, get it checked at a shop to make sure it's safe to keep using.

If you haven't been on a bike for a while, get some practice in before you start using panniers as they can take some getting use to.

Have fun!!

Bestest,that's a good idea - they're not to know I won't actually be buying new.

I wouldn't go to Halfords either independent bike shops usually give the best advice, when we were shopping for DD's triathlon bike we went to several before buying and were given lots of good advice. A hybrid will give you the best of both worlds and you'll be able to use it to go cross country provided you're not planning on descending any mountains on it just yet :o.

Keep an eye out on Bumblebee Auctions, it's where the police forces auction off all the lost/stolen bikes they have. You can often get yourself a real bargain on there.

what sort of budget are you thinking of? unless there's a good 2nd hand place near you it might be wise to get a cheaper end new bike from a local independent shop as they'll set it up for you so it fits properly and is safe and probably offer a free service after six months etc. if you are not familiar or comfortable with bikes or bike mechanics that would be invaluable i think.

this bike from my local shop for example would be ideal: www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-trailfinder-12?bct=browse%2fbicycles%2fcommuter-hybrid-bikes

it is quite a bit of money but i think they do interest free finance deals and my same brand, same price bracket bike has been going for about seven years now with barely any maintenance at all (actually maybe none since the free six month service ) and i ride every day.

shit, forgot the linky bit, sorry: link

maybe,I have no idea of the costings tbh. As cheap as possible - I obviously need it to be safe,suitable and in good working condition,but,I don't care what it looks like,prettiness- wise!

It does seem,from what hell has advised,that a hybrid would be my best bet.

coffee I hadn't even thought of a helmet! And thanks for the tip with the panniers.

maybe,looking at that link I'm pleasantly surprised at cost.

I think I'll still be going second hand,but it's encouraging to know that not all new bike prices are off the scale.

The thing is that I wouldn't want to pay too much to begin with (not just that I can't) in case it doesn't work out for me.

I'm thinking now I'd need lights,helmet,basket/panniers,lock,gloves (?),waterproofs (what do people use?),and hi viz.

Anything else?

i hardly use my lights from now till october as i commute about 8am and 6pm so you can probably wait for a bit before buying them.

get a helmet on day one. and a lock.

basket/panniers are a personal choice, i have a really super cheap pannier bag from argos for shopping but more often just use my rucksack for work stuff.

i wear a normal waterproof jacket, i have waterproof trousers but in summer i more often just wear easy to dry trackies and get wet then change into dry trousers.. waterproof trousers are very warm.

i have gloves because i also mountain bike, but they're not entirely necessary in summer, just wear an old pair you already have if you feel the need.

buying second hand, is there anybody you can take with you who is more familiar with bikes? i'm worried you won't know enough to get one that fits properly, won't know if the tyres have enough tread, won't know if the break blocks are worn or be comfortable testing the gears out..

maybe,I really wouldn't know those things,you're right.I will probably have to involve DH anyhow,and he knows a bit.So at least from the functional point of view I shouldn't be completely done over.Other than that I'm trying not to involve him as I know he's not over keen on me cycling on country lanes,so this is really my baby!

I already have a good quality goretex jacket as I'm a keen walker,so hopefully that'll suffice as waterproofs and I hadn't actually thought of using my rucksack,at least initially! All probably seem obvious to someone who bikes a lot,but it's helpful info to me ,so thanks!

Hi viz, gloves, cycling clothing, lights are you near an Aldi or Lidl? We get loads of cycling extras from them.

I can get someone to look out in Aldi and Lidl for me - specially since they're also recommended on here for cheap running gear.

rubyrubyruby thanks,I shall look for that! I've had a browse in the library and ordered a couple of books to look at,but didn't see that one so I'll look it up!

I'm struggling with NSI. National ? Instructor????? Close?

A-ha!!

I shall definitely take your expert advice then.Thanks!

If you haven't been on the roads in donkey's years, it might be a good investment to have some training. I think some councils still offer it, or sustrans would be a good place to start. I had an hour with Outspoken cycle training in my early days of towing a trailer, and even though I am quite an experienced and confident cyclist, I got some good tips.