Looking to start up cycling.

[adz120]

Basically, I'm 17 and I'm really interested in starting road/track cycling, I've wanted to do it all my life but never got round to giving it a go but I've always loved it. So I'd like to know what I'd need to start up etc and how I could get into velodrome cycling.

I was also wondering if this bike is any good http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Barracuda-Blackfin-2012-Alloy-Road-Bike-700-x-28c-Road-Tyres-55cm-/170905391292?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item27cac150bc#ht_1578wt_1397
or if you can recommend any other bike at around a similar price that is good quality. Thanks alot

 

[MD FACG FACP]

Not sure about bikes in the U.K. I assume that's where you are. In the states I would buy a used bike before that one. I've seen lots of decent bikes for $500.

Once you get the bike ride it a few thousand miles. If you like it find a club in your area, to find a club ask at a shop.

Enjoy.

 

[Kiara is a rational girl]

Basically, I'm 17

Pics.

and I'm really interested in starting road/track cycling, I've wanted to do it all my life but never got round to giving it a go but I've always loved it.

Okay.

So I'd like to know what I'd need to start up etc and

A fixie if you want to ride track, and a road bike is recommended even if that's all you want to do. You'll also 'need' some basic tools, a helmet, clothing and shoes.

how I could get into velodrome cycling.

Through a door or a gate is the usual way. Ha. Serious advice, steps in order: find a velodrome, find a club that uses it, join the club and get a license.

I was also wondering if this bike is any good http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Barracuda-Blackfin-2012-Alloy-Road-Bike-700-x-28c-Road-Tyres-55cm-/170905391292?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item27cac150bc#ht_1578wt_1397
or if you can recommend any other bike at around a similar price that is good quality. Thanks alot

Bike is shiit. There's a better one in a garage somewhere. Take it and spend your money on clothes and shoes.

Consequent to the sensible deployment of all advice here contained, supreme and celestial victory may reasonably be expected. Your elevation to wheeled status, the apotheosis of a minor being, ant, whatever and etcetera.

 

[LauraLyn]

Basically, I'm 17 and I'm really interested in starting road/track cycling, I've wanted to do it all my life but never got round to giving it a go but I've always loved it. So I'd like to know what I'd need to start up etc and how I could get into velodrome cycling.

I was also wondering if this bike is any good http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Barracuda-Blackfin-2012-Alloy-Road-Bike-700-x-28c-Road-Tyres-55cm-/170905391292?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item27cac150bc#ht_1578wt_1397
or if you can recommend any other bike at around a similar price that is good quality. Thanks alot

Figure out your budget. Go to a good local bike shop - avoid the chains. Go to one that works with serious riders. Get fitted on a bike, and buy something in your price range. Don't expect that will be the bike you will ride for the rest of your life if you stick with cycling. You will always want a better bike, better gear. Most important is to start with a bike that fits you right. That is hard to do on Internet, especially if you have no experience.

Buy a good helmet. Wear your helmet. Wear the chinstrap on your helmet.

Once again, wear your helmet. Wear it always. (I don't know where you are in the UK, but there are roads there that scare the heck out of me, and even more so the drivers on those roads.)

Ride the bike. Ride your bike everywhere you go. Ride miles and miles and miles. Keep riding. Ride more.

After a year of riding, come back and ask what a newbie should do to learn to ride a bike.

Mostly, enjoy.

 

[adz120]

Thanks for all the help! I'll head on down to my local cycle shop and see what happens from there!

 

[Afrank]

When you find a good Bike shop, whose employees you get along with well you should see if they have a team/club. A lot of shops have teams that can answer any questions you have and teach you about cycling and riding. I myself learned a lot from the local bike shops when I was just starting out. Also you should check for group rides in your area, you can learn a lot in them.

 

[reginagold]

Practice riding around corners, practice riding straight while looking quickly over your shoulder, practice shifting smoothly while riding uphill, and yes, always where a helmet. Being able to ride striaight, turn, and go uphill without wavering much is a necessary skill to gain entry into even small group rides. Folks on those rides will help you to everything else you need to learn.

 

[LongSprint]

Serious advice, steps in order: find a velodrome, find a club that uses it, join the club and get a license.

Before you join the club, get a bike, etc. check if your local velodrome has "come and try" days where you can borrow a bike and get some coaching. Then you'll know whether you might like track without outlaying for the bike and club fees first.

 

[bandaddy1]

Over the past few months I have noticed a massive increase in the amount of people taking up road cycling which obviously is a good thing. Most of these people seem to have dived straight in to the top end of the market and kitted themselves out in the most expensive gear available. My suggestion is, with the help of someone who knows about the sport, to buy a bike within your budget for now to get used to road cycling and within a couple of months there will be hundreds of these shiny new bikes on e-bay at good prices because these people will have realised that you actually get wet and cold in the winter and it's a lot easier to sit by the telly with a cup of tea and a cake. If you go about things the right way it will be one of the most enjoyable things you will ever do.

 

[adz120]

Thanks everyone!
My uncle gave me one of his old Road Bikes for know as he's a keen cyclist, so it's a good quality bike and I'm loving it so far! Hard work at first getting used to it, a lot different to riding bikes I'm used to (Mountain, bmx)
Thanks for the help and advice!

 

[ChrisRider]

Its important not to spend too much on the best gear when you first start out, as you dont need it. The most important thing is commitment and training. Get out there and rack up the mileage. Any lightweight aluminium road bike will do the job. Shimano Sora groupset is probably the best to start on, as it gives you all the features of a higher end groupset, but at the lowest cost.