HELP!IM A NOOB WHO NEEDS ADVICE!

As well as the reasons given

As well as the reasons given by Sergius not to bother with a bike fit (at least for now), is the fact that you’re still in your teens and growing – the fit you get today may be all wrong for you within a couple of months.

Plenty of youtube videos show various techniques to get the basic saddle height adjustment (e.g. leg straight with heel on pedal at bottom dead centre). Also working out if you have the right saddle size (search for how to measure sit bones).

As for relieving your backache, are you trying to ride “in the drops” most of the time?  It may be the most aero and looks “pro”, but puts the most strain on your back.  Perhaps try riding a bit more with your hands resting on top of the brake levers – its a more relaxed position.   You can build up the amount of time spent down low as your back gets used to it – build up your ride time gradually and maybe add some stretching exercises.     

NoobRoadie101 wrote:

Hmm,okay,so get the essentials and I’m gonna get a bike fit because it hurts my back:/ Any suggestions for when I get 150-200 pounds?Ps.I was looking at some clubs and I’m considering it:)

It might fly in the face of what is advised as a standard around here, but if you are very new to road biking then I wouldn’t get a bike fit for a good while, if at all.

*Everyone* who gets on a road bike for the first time is going to get some back soreness when compared to the upright position of a MTB or similar bike – it’s a brand new position for your body placing it under stresses it is not accustomed too.

My opinion:

– Do a bunch of research on bike fitting, there is LOADS on the web and it really wouldn’t hurt you to understand what you are changing and why.

– Do some research on core strengthing exercises (hint: not sit-ups!) and start doing these 3-4 times a week for 20-30 minutes.

– Start doing regular stretching routines (again see internet)

– Don’t go for a stretched out racy position on day one, you can lower stems etc as you get more flexible.

A bike fitting will cost you lots of money, not least for any parts they recommend swapping out as they don’t fit you right now.  

My personal experience was that I had some knee problems I caused by moving my saddle around slightly to fit a new saddle bag.  I spent over £450 on a bike fitting for my old bike to try and alleviate this, the new shoes that fit better than my old ones, a new stem and narrower bars.  Made precisely no difference to my knee issues, so I spent a load of time doing research and making lots of micro-adjustments to my cleats until the pain went away.

Your bike fit changes with your fitness and flexibility, when I compare my best bike with my old bike, the new bike is bigger/longer, with a longer stem and wider/deeper bars – consequently I get much lower on the best bike and go faster – yet I happily ride both without any problems as the saddle/cleat positions are the same across both – which is the main thing.

By all means have a bike fit if you’ve been riding for at least 6 months and don’t have the time to work out what is right for you personally – but getting a road bike and a bike fit on day one is a waste of money IMO.

Firstly, welcome.

Firstly, welcome.

I would echo AKH and Leviathan that your first buy should be some bib shorts. As a ‘noob’ and/or a 14 year old you may feel a little body conscious in them at first, but you can always throw a pair of lightweight running shorts over them for modesty.

Try wiggle’s dhb brand, for instance: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-bib-shorts/

or if you want to make your cash go further I can recommend these – not bad at all for 20 quid:

http://www.buyabike.co.uk/clothing-shoes/lower-body/bib-shorts/bibs-mens/club-roost-4d-pad-vision-cycling-bib-shorts-mens-black/

Some have suggested Aldi, and for any other kit on a budget they are OK, but personally I would stay clear of their shorts and tights – their sizing and pad positioning is a little odd. That said, they normally have a cycle clothing event near easter, so keep a look out – their socks, mitts and softshell jackets are decent for the price IMO.

You should invest in a small pump and/or CO2 tyre inflator, a multitool, tyre levers, spare inner tube and a means of carrying them – either a pouch you shove in the back pocket of your jersey or a saddle bag – they will get you out of most problems.  

Tools and spares are not much good if you don’t know how to use them though, now you may have been riding/fixing other styles of bike for years so all this is old news, but if not then its worth finding a basic bike maintenance course (check your council website), or ask a friendly local cyclist (check with your parents first) or the local independent bike shop if they will show you how.  Failing that, there’s always Youtube – but practice yourself before going out on a 30 mile run and getting stranded

Joining a club is another way of getting advice, and practical help if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Quote:

Ebay is a great place to find cheap used but quality items. Or try Aldi if you are on a budget. A pair of padded shorts or bibshorts and some mitts (its warm enough now I think) are much more important than your shoes/cleats. Looking ‘Pro’ is cool but you have years to get the more expensive things and shoes aren’t cheap. Get riding is the first priority.

Shorts, gloves, helmet.

Hand pump, spare innertubes, tyre irons.

Waterbottle and cage.

Some kind of light waterproof jacket.

…maybe some other things I’m missing.

Free tracking app on your smart phone (because you are 14 I am assuming you already have this grafted to you.)

Finally my personal tip off of that eBay; search for ‘Bolle Bandido.’ They are cheap shades/clear visor. Probably not UV rated but simple and disposable. I wear a pair of clear ones all year round to keep dust, bugs and pollen out of my eyes.