Newbie looking for some advice

Renegade Master said:

Hi everyone,

I have just joined the forum after having bought a new MTB (Specialized Hardrock Sport). I haven't had a bike for over 15 years, in fact the last bike I was on was a Raleigh Chopper, which will give you some idea on how long it's been. I basically bought the MTB for fitness, I have recently given up smoking and thought I better do something to clear the old lungs out.

I have a couple of questions that I am sure more experienced riders will be able to help with. The first is the distance I should be expecting to do at first. Although I was a smoker I was reasonable fit, not really overweight. I have been on the bike a few times but can only manage about 3 miles each trip before my leg muscles are burning and wobbly, andI have to stop. Am I exepecting too much as a new rider as I thought I would be able to go much longer distances?

My other question is gears. I have 24 on the bike but I am only using 8 (the middle sprocket on the pedals and the 8 at the back). Should I be using more, and if so when and where. I really have no idea.

Sorry for the long post, and thanks in advance for your replies.

Welcome back to the world of bikes, RM.

My advice would be: Take it steady. Enjoy the ride. Get off road. Do it often.
You'll soon find that the miles are clocking up without you realising it, your fitness is improving, and you're having a load of fun into the bargain.

As for the gears, well, you should use the other chainrings to avoid excessive wear caused by bending the chain (i.e. try to keep the chain in a straight line), and also to get you up and down the hills (you'll find a hill soon that will force you into the little ring on the way up, and frighten the life out of you when you stick it in the big ring going down!!). :eek:
However, many people (and I include myself in this) just use the middle ring most of (or all of) the time - hence the expression "Middle Ring Kings" 😄

Cool, thanks for the advice wheelist

Regarding your legs - make sure you drink plenty of water before you ride, during and after. My legs kill me if I'm even the slightest bit dehydrated.

Give it a couple of weeks and you'll be riding as far as you like.

I too gave up smoking & bought a bike. Mainly because my trousers started bursting! You are likely to gain weight without snouts.
Nearly two years on and I don't miss the [censored] but I do miss riding. I really only have the time to ride to the railway station but with infrequent train times and flexible working I can't always do that but I'm working on it.
My unscientific advice is to just keep cycling and you will get fitter. I bought a cycle computer and have kept a track of my times cycling to and from the station. Its a great incentive to push harder and you do see the benefits that way.
I'm still trying to break the 20 minute barrier but it is attainable.