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At 51 I'm thinking of taking up cycling, fresh air and exercise being the obvious benefits. Any top tips from anyone please?
Bulletproof cycling shorts may be recommended by some.
Buy a bike.
Depending on your budget and type of bike it'll slso be worth looking through gumtree and eBay. There's plenty of people selling refurbished bikes in and around Cardiff at decent prices and if you decide it's not for you you won't lose too much money selling it on.
It can be quite daunting taking to the roads so try the taff trail - it's lovely and stress free.
One last thing - buy some decent shorts.
I am a little bit younger than you & bought a bike a little while ago & must say that I love it. I decided to invest in a decent bike so bought a Boardman hybrid & I am really pleased that I did as it is such an easy bike to ride. I was a little nervous cycling on roads at first but am ok now, although I do prefer off road trails.
Some good advice on here about shorts as I didn't at first & found the experience quite painful! In addition I would buy a decent helmet as this can prove invaluable if you come off.
If you work does your employer do a bike for work scheme? I know a few people who have bought a bike in this way as it is more cost effective.
[QUOTE=Mrs Steve R;4738805]Are shorts important for women too? or is it a man thing?
Depends on how long you like to ride. A decent lube is also important.
I'm a few years younger than you but a long-term cyclist - until recently. Cycling can trigger type 3 Prostatitis/Pelvic Floor Dysfunction/Chronic Pelvic Pain Disorder.
Google these terms and be careful with your body, it's the only one you will ever have.
Some good tips on here, not sure about buying a second hand bike unless its one that has been bought and not really used. I have 4 bikes now, two off road one hybrid (also a boardman, halfords finest) and one road bike. Started with a budget bike and the spend has got progressively higher. I have bikes that look like brand new but have done 5,000 miles, they do wear out and repairs can be expensive.
Off road is more fun , possibly harder and probably safer as you dont have to worry about the traffic killing you . You will need a mountain bike for off road , there are lots of different types but I would spend maybe 3 or 4 hundred pounds on a middle of the road decent make.
Road cycling , you need a road bike (no shit sherlock) half decent bike around £1000
Half way house is a hybrid which would let you do a bit of road and enjoy the many cycle paths in South Wales. Taff Trail is a brilliant way of spending a sunny afternoon. Probably best place to start, no cars just people with dogs and kids to manoeuvre round.
Get a cycle helmet, padded shorts put a gel seat on your saddle for extra protection.
Take your time dont try to kill yourself knocking up miles
Get the map your ride app and you can monitor the miles you covered and the difficulty in the miles.
I started cycling round your age( a few years ago) . I am about two stone lighter now, have done cycling holidays in the far east , doing Mallorca with my partner in June . Possibly as fit as I have ever been.
My advice, don't over think it. You don't need to Lycra up, wear a helmet (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/heal...n-surgeon.html), spend a fortune on accessorising your latest hobby. Just buy a reasonable bike jump on and enjoy.
Always and i mean Always Strava your ride, post is on every social media site you use
Strava is so yesterday, love.
Its "map my ride" now.
Wanna be "friends" on facebook Matt, I am keeping everyone up to date on my training for the upcoming Harlech to Cardiff ride for Cardiff City Football Development. I know you would love it , how far I have travelled the average speed , the climbs , where I went fastest. Sounds great, doesnt it ?
I havent seen you name pop up on the sponsorship form yet, possibly an oversight?
get you leaving strava behind, you with the times treadsetter you i hear all the old skool bikers still use Strava
on a serious note, i was going to do it when you posted about some ball, but i got sidetracked, my dog has had a op ( the vet said it was a today or she wouldnt make it to the next evening ) on her leg and i am keeping a eye on her all the time, so not 100% concentrated on online stuff at the mo, and bloody knackered as sleeping on the sofa to keep a eye on her, I will get on it now