A general start

[Barrus]

As most other persons here I myself am quite a fan of professional cycling. Although previously I mainly watched the tour, the giro some of the classics and occasionaly the vuelta since last year I'm starting to follow it more and watch everything I'm able to watch. This interest has led me to consider ryding myself. Now I'm not planning to truly race, but more recreational and, well to get to a better overall condition, which at the moment is quite poor.
The problem I have however is a time and money constraint due to the fact that I'm still trying to finish my studies. I hope to get a few hundred euros back from taxes and I'm planning to invest that in a good bike and some other equipment. I want a good overall road-bike, which is beginner-friendly. And I would like to get some tips from you all on good bikes, what equipment I need further and good tips concerned with training, the building up of a biking condition and those kind of things.

I thank you all for at least reading this and in advance for any tips and advice you can spare

 

[elapid]

This will probably be moved to the Bikes & Gear section. But in the meantime, welcome and hope you enjoy cycling as much as the rest of us.

Check out the Bikes & Gear section because you'll find answers to some of the questions you are asking.

Here are some threads on bike choices:
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=6941
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=6745
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=6502

You'll find answers to your training questions in the Form & Fitness section
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=6387
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=6838
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=6976
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=4841

All the best.

 

[rodzer]

Hello dude...I am very newbie to this forum... I have gone through this site, its quite interesting.. but i am not exactly getting what you have posted. Can you elaborate it a little bit for me??? Thank you..

 

[Barrus]

First thanks for the great assortiment of links, Elapid

Hello dude...I am very newbie to this forum... I have gone through this site, its quite interesting.. but i am not exactly getting what you have posted. Can you elaborate it a little bit for me??? Thank you..

What I'm trying to get across (perhaps a bit incoherently, but I’m mostly acting like that ) is that I would like to start riding a road racing bike and improve my general condition. But due to a lack of time and money, mainly the latter, I’ve been unable to do so thus far. Now I’m hoping to get in some, not too much, money and want to buy a bike and other necessary equipment. But through my lack of knowledge I’m asking for some advice on what type of bike and other equipment will prove best. The same is for the condition question. It’s mainly that I’m starting of and want to know what will be best to invest in at the start.


Also another question which just popped into my mind, do any of you have some general tips for maintaining the equipment and the bike.

 

[MitchelClarke]

It is a quite informative forum for cycling news as well as the cycling events.To support the cycling game this forum is playing a vital role.

 

[KimmieA]

I'm also a newb. This forum is really helpful if you look around. If you expect to just be given the answers, you might be dissatisfied. There's something to be said about earning your knowledge.
---
Dental Insurance

 

[fatandfast]

A few important things to be aware of are price points for bicycles. There are different tiers to be aware of but for simplicity this is a super simple outline. Shimano makes 4 price point levels for road components,depending on your seriousness/budget you should be aware of what you get for your money(Tiagra,105,Ultegra, DA) each one has it's gives and takes. Read about them and if you are really tight on cash buy used. You can get a bike equipped w 105 and decent wheels that will allow you to train and race on the same equipment. Also the bike will last long enough for your skills to outgrow your equipment. The other end of the market may be more tricky. If you make an investment in a expensive bike the normal in-the-saddle knowledge process will continue and you may find that you don't have the bike that you really need or want. The difference in fall off price is harsh at the top end. A bike costing 3000 new will sell for half to 60% after just a few months of use. The cheaper bikes fall off about the same rate so you have to decide where you want to enter the market.My personal opinion is that 105/alum frame and decent wheels is a good place to start. Good shorts,shoes and a helmet are also needed. 1 piece of fashion advice...buy bibs. Cycling jerseys are very expensive and as you start out you may not see the reason to invest in a bunch of clothing. Bibs and a t-shirt works. Shorts and regular t-shirt reveal a huge plumbers crack when riding with your hands on the handlebars. Be aware of body drainage.If you divide your body into sections look at it this way, everything from your thighs down drains toward your shoes. Everything from your head to your thighs drains to well... your shorts. Keep yourself and your clothes clean.Don't wear cycling clothes for 2 days of use. This is not like a stinky football or basketball outfit. The way you know your cycling clothes are not clean or clean enough is you get a big crotch knot(boil) that will make riding torture.Ride alone until you have the basics. Starting/stopping,getting a drink of water while going in a straight line and returning the bottle to the cage w/o taking your eyes off the road. be careful choosing a helmet and eye wear the wrong selection of 1 or the other can create a blind spot. Helmet is visibility and ventilation. Good luck.

 

[Michielveedeebee]

I'd recommend an alubike with carbon front and optionally rearfork. Also shimano 105 with something like aksiumwheels(mavic) if it's just for training Which I think is what you'll need it for. Specialized Allez are good bang for bucks
Als je meer info over kleding en je uitrusting wil, kan je me gerust PM'n in het Nederlands