Tony Wright said:What I'd like to know is anything to be aware of when first starting
(body related), suggestions for sensible clothing (I'd be arrested for
wearing some of things I've seen people wearing while cyling), anything
else to be aware off.
Take it easy, don't overcook it - you'll end up not enjoying it.
Little and often. If you can use the bike for little errands around
town, it'll get easier and easier for the 'intentional' rides. I'm a
lardarse and I wear a wicking t-shirt on anything that'll bring up a
sweat (ie, looking at hills), which is my absolute number one clothing
requirement. Longer rides I'll wear cycling shorts for comfort in the
nethers (no nasty seams to slice their way into my [censored], like jeans
have). Otherwise, I wear normal clothes on top for my trundling.
Quoted message said:Also how do people now carry all the bits I used to carry in a saddle
bag (spare tube/repair kit, small tool kit, towel and glucose tablets
and now I imagine mobile phone)?
Saddle bag. :-) Or, frame bag, or seat bag (onto the seat post rather
than the saddle), or bar bags, or pannier (rack needed). Probably the
least hassle option is a seat bag with a quick release - it'll fit most
of the above, depending on the size of your towel.
R.