newbie

Okay - first off I apologise if this has been discussed ad-nauseam - I *did* do a quick search on the forum and couldn't see any matches, but just post a link if you know of one. Background ---------- - Serious commuter for 3 yrs now on a fairly hefty hybrid - 25 mile round trip per day with a 900 ft climb on the way home - Buying first *real* road bike on CycleScheme in April Objective --------- - A "manageable" first Sportive - Reasonable distance (<100 miles-ish) from Glasgow - Any preparation tips Thx in advance

Hi, just registered today. I've just bought myself a new road bike (carbon, SRAM Apex) with a view to spending more if I'm still interested/hooked in 12 months time.

So, can someone suggest a good book or other tutorial on improving bike fitness? I'm only currently getting out once or twice a week, plus a fair amount of core conditioning to build up my flaky lower back.

I've been a commuting cyclist for ages, but have only more recently had a 'proper' road bike. It's setup for cleats (Look Keo, bog-standard Evans issue).

I've found it really hard getting used to them and feeling confident about getting my foot in and, more importantly, out (particularly as I'm in heavy commuting traffic). As a result, I'm conscious I'm getting really tense in the leg, and making it worse. The end result is that I've abandoned them for the time being.

Have just started comuting to work on my 16yr old MTB, does the job well, but is really starting to show it's age (2nd coat of hammerite applied over the w/e!).

Luckily workplace has just entered cyclesheme, so am in the market for a new road bike. As I have the MTB for weekend field blasts, there's no need for anything ridiculously tough, but Cardiff's streets are pretty close to off road in places!