On yer bike..Jules

[Wild-Woman]

It is my intention to purchase and bike in the early spring for several reasons.
1-to get fit
2-to save money
3-to get greener and do my bit for the planet
4-to demonstrate my committment to becoming a more greener thinking and doing person, rather than just teaching it to children and adults.

For members that are already cyclists, how do I do this safely? I'm thinking of starting on a Friday and building up weekly, so that I'm out of the car seat, more than I'm in it.
I don't want to do myself some damage by jumping in the deep end. Any good warm up exercises etc.
Also...what's a good bike to buy? Budget circa £200

Jules.

[Fourwings]

You should get a reasonably good bike for that sort of price Jules.

I enjoy riding my mountain bike and go out for a ride from time to time with one of my sons although I can never keep up with him as he is 20 times fitter than I am. I used to ride it to work but gave that up after a nasty spill which resulted in a badly dislocated thumb, two hairline fractures in my wrist and 14 stitches, but dont let that put you off as it was caused by me going far too fast round a bend in the road

I guess the trick is to build up slowly and not to try and do too much too quickly, try and match your increasing fitness by increasing the distance you cycle.

Get a good quality helmet and also some reflective gear to ensure you are highly visible to other road users.

Above all else enjoy it, its a great way to see the countryside and enjoy our glorious British weather

[davewalker]

Lovely to read your intentions,and why.

A few tips for safety.
Wear distinctive, bright, clothes.Red or White super visible.
buy a good quality helmet and make sure it is comfortable.
Fit a small rear veiw mirror. Lots of people po-poo this,but they have saved our lives twice!

I will only say about bikes,buy a bike magazine and look 2nd hand.For approx £200you will be able to get a much better bike in the long run.I would look for a comfortable road bike to start.

Work out a three mile circuit initially, and time yourself round, as you build up the muscles,you get faster.then increase the distance.Three miles doesn't sound far, but it is if you get tired and have to push the bike home.

Hope this starts to help

cheers davew

[eeyore]

you ought to speak to boddie jules - he used to be marketting director for a sadlle company and what he dont know about bikes aint worth knowing

[Susie]

I'd be inclined to pick up a cheap second hand one first and see how your good intentions go .. if you get into it and find it is practical for you then invest in a quality bike - but that is just the skinflint in me. lol.

[nightshade]

Pick up a cheap second hand bike is good advice,I gave up after my second new bike was stolen, despite the expensive locks and being registered and having postcode tattoos neither were ever seen again
the police just shrugged

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by nightshade

Pick up a cheap second hand bike is good advice,I gave up after my second new bike was stolen, despite the expensive locks and being registered and having postcode tattoos neither were ever seen again
the police just shrugged

Blimey.They must have been determined Nightshade.

Thanks for all advice from everyone. I'm taking this all on board.
I expect my posterior will be sore for a while-but I'm hoping to knock 20 years off of it...know what I mean

[Garden Carpet]

Jules, great idea.. get a good saddle if you go for the second hand bike. oh... and remember... the bloke that designed the anatomical saddle knew nothing about female anatomy

[Wild-Woman]

As my husband has just pointed out,this goes past our back door in the summer. Might have to tag along!

Tour de France 2007 Route

[Oscar2006]

Originally Posted by Garden Carpet

Jules, great idea.. get a good saddle if you go for the second hand bike. oh... and remember... the bloke that designed the anatomical saddle knew nothing about female anatomy

I bet Boddie knows all about this though!

My only claim to fame with bikes is that I helped to manufacture the semi-automatic welding machines that assisted in the production of the BMX bike frames!
So I don't ride often enough to be able to comment!