Cycling for fitness
Cycling for fitness
Hi, I'm new to the forum and haven't cycled since I was a teenager, and then only as a means of getting from a to b.
I have bought a bike to improve my fitness and build my core strength to try and help the issues I have with my back.
The bike is a hybrid, flat bar road bike.
I've done 24 miles! Bought some Lycra tights and a high vis jacket. Last ride was 12 miles, averaged 12mph (it's a start) and I'm looking forward to my next ride.
I did a little research and my intention was to get a few miles under my belt, then book in for a professional fitting session. At the same was going to consider upgrading from flat pedals to 'clip-less'?
Is this a good way forward, or given my age (55 Omg!) and back (4 prolapsed discs), should I be seeking advice first?
I have bought a bike to improve my fitness and build my core strength to try and help the issues I have with my back.
The bike is a hybrid, flat bar road bike.
I've done 24 miles! Bought some Lycra tights and a high vis jacket. Last ride was 12 miles, averaged 12mph (it's a start) and I'm looking forward to my next ride.
I did a little research and my intention was to get a few miles under my belt, then book in for a professional fitting session. At the same was going to consider upgrading from flat pedals to 'clip-less'?
Is this a good way forward, or given my age (55 Omg!) and back (4 prolapsed discs), should I be seeking advice first?
Re: Cycling for fitness
12 miles in an hour is pretty respectable.
For bike fit, have a look here..http://wheel-easy.org.uk/uploads/documents/Bike%20Set%20Up%202017a.pdf
I'm much older than you, and I wouldn't swap my SPDs for anything. (MTB type)
For bike fit, have a look here..http://wheel-easy.org.uk/uploads/documents/Bike%20Set%20Up%202017a.pdf
I'm much older than you, and I wouldn't swap my SPDs for anything. (MTB type)
Bike fitting D.I.Y. .....http://wheel-easy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/bike-set-up-2017a.pdf
Tracks in the Dales etc...http://www.flickr.com/photos/52358536@N06/collections/
Tracks in the Dales etc...http://www.flickr.com/photos/52358536@N06/collections/
Re: Cycling for fitness
I can't advise on getting advice but my thoughts, as I started cycling again a few years ago: Enjoy it. Don't turn it into a "task" and start "I must do it today" when you really don't feel like it. Go where you enjoy at a speed that you enjoy for as far as you enjoy. i.e. don't really thrash it because you feel you must as you must get fitter (you can get fitter and enjoy it).
I found I got fitter gradually and my distances increased slowly over time "of their own accord" (i.e. I didn't really notice it happening). When I 1st started I wondered if one day I'd be able to cycle into town and back to do my shopping (10 miles each way); then sometime later without too much "pushing it" I was happily doing 30 mile rides without a break (and getting longer).
What I did was to find a local circular route close to my house of a few miles, so I'd go on my "ride" and when I was almost home I'd decide if I would then do the extra little local circular loop i.e. if I still had energy, time, warmth (at this time of year), motivation then I'd add a few miles, if not I'd go straight home having done a good ride anyway.
Don't worry about speeds and distances others post or talk about. A lot will depend on where you are and the type of bike/tyres you have, etc. So somebody cycling in flat countryside on a sunny, calm day will undoubtedly go faster and further than somebody crossing the highland passes into a driving sleet storm with gale force headwinds.
I keep a log of distances, times, where I went, weather, etc. (and I actually also keep a gps track I record on my phone). All you need is a cycle computer (I found wired ones best - quite cheap). I'm probably a bit OCD(minimally)/anal/male/whatever in that but I use a spreadsheet, one row per ride and it allows you to see "gosh, 6 months ago I was doing ... and now I'm doing ..."). But I do like seeing my annual mileage creep up each year and see how I'm doing against an average of 10 miles per day - all of which is pretty irrelevant because the main thing is that I enjoy going out on my bike.
It's about what you do NOT what others do.
Some people enjoy riding in a group, others prefer riding alone. I kept thinking about joining a group but every time I was going to go I realised I prefer riding alone, going where I want at the speed I want swerving to avoid potholes without having to worry about the cyclist alongside or behind (but definitely watching for other traffic). But it's a personal preference no "best way", each to their own.
Above are my thoughts and what I did and is not advice. Everybody's aims, health, abilities, etc. are different
Ian
I found I got fitter gradually and my distances increased slowly over time "of their own accord" (i.e. I didn't really notice it happening). When I 1st started I wondered if one day I'd be able to cycle into town and back to do my shopping (10 miles each way); then sometime later without too much "pushing it" I was happily doing 30 mile rides without a break (and getting longer).
What I did was to find a local circular route close to my house of a few miles, so I'd go on my "ride" and when I was almost home I'd decide if I would then do the extra little local circular loop i.e. if I still had energy, time, warmth (at this time of year), motivation then I'd add a few miles, if not I'd go straight home having done a good ride anyway.
Don't worry about speeds and distances others post or talk about. A lot will depend on where you are and the type of bike/tyres you have, etc. So somebody cycling in flat countryside on a sunny, calm day will undoubtedly go faster and further than somebody crossing the highland passes into a driving sleet storm with gale force headwinds.
I keep a log of distances, times, where I went, weather, etc. (and I actually also keep a gps track I record on my phone). All you need is a cycle computer (I found wired ones best - quite cheap). I'm probably a bit OCD(minimally)/anal/male/whatever in that but I use a spreadsheet, one row per ride and it allows you to see "gosh, 6 months ago I was doing ... and now I'm doing ..."). But I do like seeing my annual mileage creep up each year and see how I'm doing against an average of 10 miles per day - all of which is pretty irrelevant because the main thing is that I enjoy going out on my bike.
It's about what you do NOT what others do.
Some people enjoy riding in a group, others prefer riding alone. I kept thinking about joining a group but every time I was going to go I realised I prefer riding alone, going where I want at the speed I want swerving to avoid potholes without having to worry about the cyclist alongside or behind (but definitely watching for other traffic). But it's a personal preference no "best way", each to their own.
Above are my thoughts and what I did and is not advice. Everybody's aims, health, abilities, etc. are different
Ian
Cycling for fitness
Thanks for the replies.
I'm happy cycling solo for now, at my own speed, using Strava to track my progress.
The link provides some useful info, I have set the seat height and set back, pretty much to the methods described.
Looking forward to getting some more miles under my belt.
I'm happy cycling solo for now, at my own speed, using Strava to track my progress.
The link provides some useful info, I have set the seat height and set back, pretty much to the methods described.
Looking forward to getting some more miles under my belt.
Re: Cycling for fitness
Hey Jeremy!
How has it been going? I'm interested on receiving feedback from your extra miles
How has it been going? I'm interested on receiving feedback from your extra miles
Re: Cycling for fitness
I was also wondering if maybe you need some more materials?
I'm selling some of my stuff because no need them anymore.
Let me know in case you are interested
I'm selling some of my stuff because no need them anymore.
Let me know in case you are interested
Re: Cycling for fitness
Materials?
Cycling going well thanks, perhaps not the best time of year for cycling, but getting a few miles under my belt each week.
Cycling going well thanks, perhaps not the best time of year for cycling, but getting a few miles under my belt each week.
Re: Cycling for fitness
Sorry my english is not always perfect, I meant Shoes, helmet,...
All my stuff are still in France at the moment and I put everything on a website that sell cheap news products (https://www.pas-cher.fr/chaussure-velo-route - as mine are almost new)
But I can definitively take them next time I'm going in France and bring them back in here if you are interested.
For the cycling, indeed it's not the best season BUT it's going to be better every weeks now Just a little bit of patience and you'll have the pleasure to ride under the sun (Then you will miss the rain
All my stuff are still in France at the moment and I put everything on a website that sell cheap news products (https://www.pas-cher.fr/chaussure-velo-route - as mine are almost new)
But I can definitively take them next time I'm going in France and bring them back in here if you are interested.
For the cycling, indeed it's not the best season BUT it's going to be better every weeks now Just a little bit of patience and you'll have the pleasure to ride under the sun (Then you will miss the rain
Re: Cycling for fitness
JeremyB wrote:Is this a good way forward, or given my age (55 Omg!) and back (4 prolapsed discs), should I be seeking advice first?
Maybe. If you seek advice from a fitter, I'd look for one who's experienced in dealing with cyclists with back problems - maybe whatever physiotherapist you've seen will know some, or if you say your county on here, maybe someone will know one.
I wouldn't go your way forwards - I like rubber block flat pedals (probably wouldn't go back to clips if you paid me) and ordinary-looking clothes (I do avoid seams on the seat!) and consider high-vis to be camouflage here on country lanes among yellow crops - but do whatever you think will make you happiest.
Psamathe wrote:So somebody cycling in flat countryside on a sunny, calm day will undoubtedly go faster and further than somebody crossing the highland passes into a driving sleet storm with gale force headwinds.
There speaks someone who doesn't ride often in flat countryside on sunny, calm days where you fry as you ride along due to the lack of shade and the heat coming back up off the road as well as down from the sun, so most people have to slow down to try to balance the heat produced by effort with the cooling effect of movement.
Psamathe wrote:...swerving to avoid potholes without having to worry about the cyclist alongside or behind...
Just on that small point: not all groups ride tight formations (and I'd no longer trust most that try!) But if you don't think some company is worth compromising on speed and route, then that's a fair enough reason not to join a group IMO. I guess I won't see you at the Chapelfield bandstand at 6 tonight for the campaign ride, then
MJR, mostly pedalling 3-speed roadsters. KL+West Norfolk BUG incl social easy rides http://www.klwnbug.co.uk
All the above is CC-By-SA and no other implied copyright license to Cycle magazine.
All the above is CC-By-SA and no other implied copyright license to Cycle magazine.
Re: Cycling for fitness
mjr wrote:Maybe. If you seek advice from a fitter, I'd look for one who's experienced in dealing with cyclists with back problems - maybe whatever physiotherapist you've seen will know some, or if you say your county on here, maybe someone will know one.
I wouldn't go your way forwards - I like rubber block flat pedals (probably wouldn't go back to clips if you paid me) and ordinary-looking clothes (I do avoid seams on the seat!) and consider high-vis to be camouflage here on country lanes among yellow crops - but do whatever you think will make you happiest.
Stamford, Lincs, if I head East, you could not get flatter, other points of the compass the landscape undulates a bit.
Unless there are any alternative recommendations, I was going to book a fitting at Rutland cycling in the not too distant future.
Re: Cycling for fitness
20 miles today, still averaging 12mph.
Only one stop to sort out the pad in my tights that does it's best to become a cod piece after about 8 miles.
Only one stop to sort out the pad in my tights that does it's best to become a cod piece after about 8 miles.
Re: Cycling for fitness
JeremyB wrote:20 miles today, still averaging 12mph.
Only one stop to sort out the pad in my tights that does it's best to become a cod piece after about 8 miles.
I don't wear padded shorts now but I don't recall them moving forward. Are they too big?
Whatever I am, wherever I am, this is me. This is my life
https://stcleve.wordpress.com/category/lejog/
E2E info
https://stcleve.wordpress.com/category/lejog/
E2E info
Re: Cycling for fitness
JeremyB wrote:Stamford, Lincs, if I head East, you could not get flatter, other points of the compass the landscape undulates a bit.
Greetings from Setchey, pretty much the start of the next serious undulation east of you, maybe sixty miles.
MJR, mostly pedalling 3-speed roadsters. KL+West Norfolk BUG incl social easy rides http://www.klwnbug.co.uk
All the above is CC-By-SA and no other implied copyright license to Cycle magazine.
All the above is CC-By-SA and no other implied copyright license to Cycle magazine.
Re: Cycling for fitness
Paulatic wrote:JeremyB wrote:20 miles today, still averaging 12mph.
Only one stop to sort out the pad in my tights that does it's best to become a cod piece after about 8 miles.
I don't wear padded shorts now but I don't recall them moving forward. Are they too big?
Lycra tights, fit is snug, perhaps I put them on back to front, although maybe not as the zips run down my calf.
Re: Cycling for fitness
mjr wrote:JeremyB wrote:Stamford, Lincs, if I head East, you could not get flatter, other points of the compass the landscape undulates a bit.
Greetings from Setchey, pretty much the start of the next serious undulation east of you, maybe sixty miles.
Ah, the other side of the flatlands, heading your way in a week or two, although not on 2 wheels.