New to cycling - any tips?

[HM1984]

hello there! I managed to get a bike (2nd hand no idea if its a fancy one as it was a freebie) but I took it out for a ride today and really enjoyed it. It has been something I've wanted to do for a long time so I want to stick at it along with running, so i was wondering if anyone had any helpful tips to ease me into a routine.

I did 3 miles today, up and downhill, felt fine until the last hill to get me home and then j felt it in my legs! I am still in pain but that good "yeh it hurts like hell but I've worked my arse off" pain! I know it gets easier with time but not sure if I overdid it pushing myself, I mean 3 miles isn't that far really! And it was stop start maybe 3 times within that.

Anyway yes any tips warmly welcomed!

Also my butt hurts from the seat - any recommendations on more comfortable seats?

You'll get used to your bum hurting! You can buy padded shorts that stop it happening, but probably not worth it for very short rides.

As for tips; just enjoy it! Wear gloves as your hands will get cold quickly. And don't forget to charge your lights up regularly.

@fellrunner85 lights?!? Didnt even think of that! Do you use a bumbag to carry your phone and stuff? Didnt want to look like an idiot on my first ride so left it at home! Lol.

I've got a phone clip that attaches to my handlebar for my smartphone. It's useful when I want to use the map on a ride I haven't done before. Always wear a helmet.
If you are doing a big ride carry a spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers with you and learn how to change an inner tube. It can get you out of jail if you get a puncture miles from home.

Re sore butt get a gel seat cover they help. I got a cycling gilet with a few pockets for phone cash keys protein bar etc.
Enjoy your cycling great way to exercise and great to be out in the fresh air.

You mentioned your legs hurt, may I ask how high your saddle is? Ideally from an efficiency point of view, your leg would be straight (or close) once each time you turn the pedals. If your leg is still bent at this point, it'll probably start hurting (at least mine would) - if this is the case, can you raise your saddle and still feel safe when you stop?

Please wear a helmet - I support a family where one member has a life changing brain injury (he no longer recognises his wife) after being knocked off his bike. He wasn't wearing a helmet.

These are all really helpful tips. Thank you.

Admittedly I've not worn a helmet as I'm yet to purchase one. I asked for help in halfords yesterdah and they said they couldn't due to social distancing so not sure whether to buy a medium or large helmet. I hope to get one tomorrow though, we have a cycle shop about 5 mins away so hopefully they will be a bit more helpful. Definitely wouldn't want any head injuries off the back of stupidness, so won't be riding it again until I have one.

My leg is straight when I'm peddling but I kind of hop off the bike as I am 5"2, maybe I do need to bring down the seat. It feels quite sore down there today too, ive just put it down to first cycle though.

I'm really looking forward to getting out on it again, with a helmet of course! Some really good suggestions and tips, I really appreciate the kind words and encouragement :) thank you!

OP, are you going to be cycling for fun, exercise or just to get around? Or all of the above of course! I cycle everywhere - to work, to the pub, shopping, etc etc - and I just love it. It brings me so much joy I can barely imagine life without it.

As for tips I’d say research bike routes to and from places you need to go regularly - having a route that isn’t too busy (and is preferably mostly bike-lanes) will make you want to keep it up. Fitting it into everyday life rather than seeing it as a weekend sport is a game-changer. Also, get a decent D Lock! No matter how cheap your bike is. I was gutted when my lovely old Raleigh Twenty was stolen on a night out.

I also recommend getting either a basket or panniers, and mud guards for if it’s wet. Nothing will stop you then!

Check if your local council offer cycle confidence sessions. The do in Devon and I'm pretty sure all do. You can get a free 2 hour session with a qualified cycling instructor, they coach anyone from adult non cyclists wanting to learn to those who want help finding a good commute route on roads through a city. DH is an instructor so I know much about it :) You just need to find adult cycle training on the council website and there should be a link to register and a cycle instructor will contact you.

Life in Devon (generally) sounds amazing , would love to be near the coast (nearest to me is Southend 2 hour drive!). Will defo look to see if our council offer it. I have wanted to do it for ages for exercise purposes, I dont work so no need to commute but imagine once I build confidence I'll use it to travel to town on nicer days instead of taking the car. I really liked how I felt, just the fresh air and peace!!! It was lovely. I anticipate using it to take the kids out on their bikes, basically encouragement to keep them active and interested and mummy also being the same with them. A nice family activity. My husband can run until he gets a bike lol.

I think it already has mud guards, not sure. I am really clueless! It has silver panels over the front and back wheels which my kids bikes don't have. I should really learn a bit more about this!

We came across a bike route on our ride yday but it was closed for some reason, but im sure there are lots around. I'll have to do some research!

Figure out how to do basic maintenance, sort out a puncture, replace tyres etc 👍👍

Hi OP, I am a daily cyclist and swear by changing the bike seat for a ‘woman friendly’ one (ie soft with a nice big dip on the middle to stop that uncomfortable rubbing). You can get women friendly bike seats at all cycle stores or online eg Amazon.

@shivermetimbers77 oooh will take a look, did 6 miles today (slowly increasing) and my lady bits are hurting again!!!! Was thinking a gel pad over the seat may help but I may just change the seat as suggested!

Look for British cycling rides for beginner they are free and local

Your bum gets used to a saddle but padded shirts can help if it’s a thin rd bike type saddle

Make sure your saddle is the right height, leg slightly bent & only slightly when pedal at bottom of revolution,

Tyres pumped up and checked regularly

Glasses are my go to safety advice to protect eyes, but I’m a strong believer you need to be able to choose & cycling isn’t a dangerous sport